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Friday, September 13, 2019 TENNIS Muharram 14, 1441 AH Former world GULF TIMES number 1 Clijsters announces return SPORT Page 7

CRICKET ATHLETICS Steeplechaser Chepkoech off to Buttler strikes Doha with maiden victory in Kenya

AFP The South African athlete had Nairobi hoped to defend her 2017 world back with 64 aft er championship title in Doha starting on Sept. 27, but was orld 3,000m stee- forced to withdraw with no ver- plechase record dict yet delivered in her appeal holder Beatrice to the Swiss Federal Tribunal Chepkoech secured against testosterone regulations Wa berth at the world champion- imposed on her. ships in Doha with her fi rst ever Semenya is appealing the England collapse victory in the event on home soil Court of Arbitration for Sport’s at the Kenyan trials yesterday. (CAS) ruling that supported The 28-year-old, who only regulations introduced by the made the transition to steeple- sport’s governing body, the In- chase three years ago, has won ternational Association of Ath- fi ve Diamond League races this letics Federations (IAAF). season and successfully defend- These say that XY chromo- ed her world best title in Zurich some athletes with diff erences on August 29. in sexual development (DSDs) Chepkoech clocked a modest can race in distances from 400m 9:45:15 at the trials in Nairobi, to a mile only if they take medi- ahead of 2015 world champion cation to reach a reduced testo- Hyvin Kiyeng (9:45.20) and Cel- sterone level. liphine Chespol in 9:45.25. Semenya has refused to be The trio, who will try in Doha bound by these restrictions, to wrest the world title from placing a cloud over her future in American defending champion athletics. Athletics South Africa Emma Coburn, crossed the line (ASA) confi rmed yesterday that together in a show of unity. Semenya would not be in Doha But for Chepkoech, the vic- to receive the medal personally tory held a personal signifi cance during an IAAF ceremony, but — it was her fi rst 3000m stee- that a representative would col- plechase win in her native Kenya lect it on her behalf. since switching from road racing Sunette Viljoen, who has been to the steeplechase in 2016. elevated from bronze to sil- “It’s given me a great feeling, ver in the javelin from the 2011 winning my fi rst race in Kenya,” championships will take part in she said. At the last world cham- the ceremony. Russian athlete pionships in London in 2017, an Mariya Abakumova, the origi- inexperienced Chepkoech fi n- nal gold medallist, was also later ished fourth, missing a medal. disqualifi ed for doping viola- But since then she has domi- tions. nated the fi eld. In July, at a Dia- “Congratulations to our ath- mond League meet in Califor- letes for their achievements nia, Chepkoech fi nished well and for being honoured as clean ahead of the chasing pack with athletes,” ASA president Aleck 8min 55.58 sec — the fi fth fastest Skhosana said in a media state- time in history. ment. Meanhwile, Olympic 800 me- “We are happy that the IAAF tres champion Caster Semenya now off ers a chance to the right- will be offi cially awarded her ful winners a podium celebration gold medal from the 2011 world in front of a capacity stadium athletics championships at this which the cheats denied them at year’s edition in Doha, but she the original competition.” will not be there to receive it. ASA say they will conduct a Semenya was elevated to the formal hand-over to Semenya at gold medal position two years a later date. ago when Russian athlete Mari- Semenya now has two Olym- ya Savinova, who sped past her pic, three world championship on the fi nal straight, was later and one Commonwealth Games disqualifi ed for doping viola- gold medal in the 800m. tions. England’s Jos Buttler in action against Australia on the first day of the fifth Test at The Oval in London yesterday.

escapes, comprehensively bowled for 57 AFP THE OVAL SCORECARD London by Cummins shortly after tea. Root has reached fi fty 61 times in Tests England 1st innings (Woakes), 8-226 (Archer) but has gone on to reach three fi gures on os Buttler saved England’s blush- R. Burns c Marsh b Hazlewood ...... 47 Bowling: Cummins 22.5-5-73-2 (1nb), just 16 occasions. es yesterday, counter-attacking J. Denley c Smith b Cummins ...... 14 Hazlewood 21-7-76-2, Siddle 17-1-61-0 By contrast, Australia’s former cap- against Australia to lift his side to J. Root b Cummins ...... 57 (1nb), Marsh 16.1-4-35-4, Lyon 4-0-12-0, tain Steve Smith, who has dominated the 271-8 after they collapsed on the B. Stokes c Lyon b Marsh ...... 20 Labuschagne 1-0-5-0 Ashes with his bat, has reached fi fty 52 openingJ day of the fi fth Ashes Test. times and made 26 hundreds — a far bet- J. Bairstow lbw b Marsh ...... 22 World Cup winners England, desperate J. Buttler not out ...... 64 Australia: David Warner, Marcus Harris, ter conversion rate. to level the series at 2-2, have struggled to S. Curran c Smith b Marsh ...... 15 Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mat- Root was dropped on 24 by Peter Sid- fi nd consistency and contributed to their C. Woakes lbw b Marsh ...... 2 thew Wade, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine dle on the boundary. Then wicketkeeper own downfall at the Oval, slipping from J. Archer c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 9 (capt, wkt), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Paine failed to cling on to a one-handed 170-3 to 226-8. J. Leach not out ...... 10 Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon chance in front of David Warner at fi rst But Buttler, who struggled early on, Extras (nb2, b3, lb6) ...... 11 slip. Both drops were off Cummins. dipped into his white-ball playbook, Total (8 wkts, 82 overs) ...... 271 Toss: Australia Shortly after lunch, with the ground smashing paceman Josh Hazlewood for To bat: S. Broad Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Kumar now bathed in sunshine, the skipper had successive sixes as Jack Leach dug in at Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Denley), 2-103 Dharmasena (SRI) yet another reprieve when a diving Smith the other end. (Burns), 3-130 (Stokes), 4-170 (Root), TV umpire: Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI) failed to hold on to a sharp chance at sec- Buttler ended the day 64 not out, while 5-176 (Bairstow), 6-199 (Curran), 7-205 Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND) ond slip off Siddle. Leach was unbeaten on 10 but England Root drove Hazlewood square of the will need to add runs today on what looks wicket to bring up 7,000 Test runs in his like a good pitch for batting. 158th innings but he eventually ran out of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to start with. “I’ve found batting tough ing here and wanting to win the series lives. claimed four wickets on his return to the all summer in this series so it was nice in 3-1. Jonny Bairstow followed shortly after- side. Pat Cummins and Hazlewood were the end to take the shackles off and try to “It probably wasn’t refl ected in our wards, lbw to Marsh for 22. again impressive for the tourists. have some fun.” fi rst session but you drop catches some- Bairstow’s dismissal brought all- “If you bowl well, there’s wickets Australia are seeking their fi rst Ashes times. It could have been better but we’d rounder Sam Curran to the wicket and there, but if you bat well and apply your- series win in England for 18 years and defi nitely take eight for 270 on that.” he hooked Cummins for six but he was self there’s runs there,” Buttler told Sky Marsh said the tourists were pleased with Australia captain Tim Paine won the dismissed for just 15, caught by Smith at Sports. “We’ll hopefully try to get a few their day’s work despite England’s late toss and put the home side in under grey second slip off a reckless drive. more in the morning.” fl ourish. skies. Joe Root then enjoyed astonishing Earlier, opener Rory Burns (47) and Ben Speaking about his own innings, But- “It (the score) could have been even good fortune as England reached 170-3. Stokes (20) were guilty of throwing their Beatrice Chepkoech (R) heads to the finish line past Hyvin Kiyeng tler, who reached his 50 off 60 balls, in- less than that if we’d held our catches The skipper was dropped three times wickets away with careless shots as Eng- during the women 3000m steeplechase final at the Kenyan World cluding three sixes, said: “It was tough early on,” he said. “We spoke about com- but failed to make the most of his lucky land’s top order struggled again. Championships Trials in Nairobi yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, September 13, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester United’s Maguire ready for Eriksen is happy to Leicester reunion

AFP he was part of a defence that Manchester performed poorly in a 5-3 win over Kosovo. Whatever his shortcomings in remain with Spurs, arry Maguire faces his some areas, Maguire has, at least, old club Leicester for made an impression on his new the fi rst time this week- team-mates every bit as strong end with the Manches- as the one he left at Leicester. Hter United defender looking up “It’s been seamless,” said United the Premier League table at his reserve keeper Lee Grant. high-fl ying former employers. “Harry has defi nitely slotted When Maguire made his world- straight in, in terms of the social insists Pochettino record £80mn ($97mn) move to side and in terms of his mentality Old Traff ord this summer, it was and attitude, which has been fi rst widely seen as a step-up for the class. The most important thing, 26-year-old, the opportunity to though, is his quality and he was ‘He was always happy. He never said he wasn’t happy here’ prove himself on a larger stage. able to show that against Chel- But as Brendan Rodgers brings sea. We could all see he is quite AFP the Foxes to Old Traff ord, he does at home in front of the Old Traf- London so with Leicester fi ve places and ford crowd and quite at home as a three points above United in Manchester United player.” the early-season league table. With Jamie Vardy, ably sup- auricio Pochettino insists Transport for Greater Manches- ported by in-form James Maddi- Christian Eriksen is happy to ter, who have become known in son, having been one of the stars stay with Tottenham after the the city for their witty electron- of Leicester’s early-season fl our- Denmark midfi elder failed to ic message boards warning of ish, the battle between the cur- Mget a move during the transfer window. forthcoming events, even joined rent and former Leicester team Eriksen admitted last season that he was in the debate billing the fi xture as mates promises to be one of the interested in a new challenge, sparking a “Race for 6th!” this week. highlights of the game. talk of a potential move to Real Madrid, But, with Leicester currently Maddison has a chance to Barcelona or Manchester United. sitting in third and supporters make a good impression on one Tottenham boss Pochettino conceded daring to dream of the unforget- of his potential future suitors several times he was unsure where Erik- table 2015-16 campaign when this weekend. The playmaker is sen’s future lay and the Argentine opted their club ended the season as reportedly being monitored by to leave his playmaker out of the starting champions, Maguire could be United as they ponder making line-up twice in the early weeks of the forgiven for looking slightly en- a move for the emerging young season. viously at the team mates he left England midfi elder. But when the European transfer win- behind. The form of top four contend- dow closed recently, Eriksen remained Leicester’s unbeaten start to ers United, Chelsea, Arsenal and with Tottenham, even though he is enter- the current season has been in Tottenham has been so erratic to ing the fi nal year of his contract with the stark contrast to the stuttering date that Leicester will genuinely Premier League club. opening endured by Ole Gunnar feel capable of securing a place in Asked yesterday how Eriksen’s mood Solskjaer’s side. The opening- the Champions League next sea- was now, Pochettino told reporters: “He’s day demolition of Chelsea hint- son. At the very least, the pros- happy. He was always happy. He never ed at better times ahead for the pect of Leicester fi nishing above said he wasn’t happy here. Everyone of Norwegian at the start of his fi rst United is all too real. course has aims, goals, challenges. I told full campaign as United manager. The Foxes, under Claudio you before the Arsenal game he was in his But underwhelming draws at Ranieri, of course fi nished above right mind and that’s why I played him. Wolves and Southampton sand- United, and every other English “Always he was an important player for wiched a demoralising home de- club, in 2016 when they won the us. In our sixth season, we’ve always ap- feat to Crystal Palace and the fact title, but before that it was 1973- preciated him a lot. His qualities are there United have missed two penal- 74 when Leicester previously en- and important for the team. He’s happy ties in those games, one by Paul joyed a higher fi nish than the Old and if we believe he deserves to play then Pogba and one by Marcus Rash- Traff ord outfi t. he’s going to play. It’s not because he has ford has added to the sense of However, last season United less than one year on his contract we’re looming crisis. fi nished just three places above going to take a diff erent decision. All de- Maguire’s form has followed Leicester, suggesting the gap be- cisions are based on performance.” United’s, strong and impressive tween the two is closing — a fact Pochettino had hinted the uncertainty at fi rst but increasingly less so, Maguire may discover for him- over Eriksen and other Tottenham players culminating in his midweek per- self when he re-acquaints him- including Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen formance for England in which self with the Foxes. was part of the reason for his team’s slow start to the season. Keen to start afresh, Pochettino spent close to an hour with his squad at Tottenham’s training ground Christian Eriksen has remained with Tottenham, even though he is entering the final year of his contract at the club. yesterday discussing the objectives for the next few months and the need to get and starting winning games. That’s the “Always it’s a sad situation, I’m very dis- close-season recruit to be sidelined with back to winning games consistently. most important thing for us now.” appointed. For Giovani, the fi rst months injury after midfi elder Tanguy Ndombele “The conversation today altogether While Pochettino will be able to call here was to adapt to a new club and new missed the last two games with a thigh now is the squad we are going to have on Eriksen, he will be without Argentina football,” Pochettino said. problem while Ryan Sessegnon is yet to until January, when the rumours will ap- midfi elder Giovani Lo Celso until late “Everything he was doing in a very make his club debut due to a hamstring pear again,” he said. “It was very good to October. Lo Celso suff ered a hip problem good way. We are all so disappointed be- issue. talk today for nearly one hour and refocus on international duty against Chile and is cause now we need to wait for him. In the “We need to assess (Sessegnon) tomor- again on our objective. To be clear in our not expected to return to training for sev- same way we need to be positive, it’s not row. The same with Tanguy Ndombele minds, to think that the most important eral weeks. another way to take it, but we need to be and Kyle Walker-Peters (hamstring),” is the collective and start to put outside Lo Celso, who joined on loan from Real positive and try to provide him with good Pochettino added. “We’ve got seven individual situations, all together again Betis last month, has only made three quality training and recovery.” games in 21 days. It’s going to be tough and try to create a dynamic and be strong substitute appearances for Tottenham. The 23-year-old was Spurs’ third and we need everyone at their best.” Harry Maguire made a world-record £80mn move to United. (AFP)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Messi wanted Neymar Kane will break my England record: Rooney ayne Rooney has talk about development when tipped Harry Kane it’s good news, you also have to break his Eng- to work with players if things to return to Barcelona land goal-scoring are not quite as good. It’s been Wrecord in the next “two or three more that sort of situation, have Reuters years”. Rooney netted 53 times a chat with him and say ‘what Barcelona for England during his glittering happened fi rst of all, what was career as the former Manches- the situation that led to it. OK, ter United striker broke Bobby let’s move away from that, now ionel Messi says he want- Charlton’s previous record where do we go from here’. So I ed Neymar to return to of 49. But Rooney, currently think that’s where we’re at.” Barcelona this year as playing for American club DC Dyche declined to reveal the Brazilian would have United before a January move to whether Burnley have punished Lhelped the club take a leap for- Derby, believes England captain Drinkwater, who pleaded guilty ward, adding that his former Kane is on course to knock him to a drink-driving charge earlier teammate was looking forward to from fi rst place soon enough. this year, saying: “Just talked to rejoining the La Liga champions. The Tottenham forward him, the rest of it’s private.” Barca spent the bulk of the already has 26 England goals at close season negotiating with the age of 26 after his scoring WILLOCK SIGNS NEW Paris St Germain to bring Ney- spree in the Euro 2020 qualifi ers ARSENAL CONTRACT mar back to the Camp Nou two against Bulgaria and Kosovo. Arsenal’s promising young years after he left for a world “I never take goals for midfi elder Joe Willock signed record 222mn euros ($245mn) granted, I love scoring them. a new long-term contract, the but the Catalans failed to strike a Once I got to 35 for England, club announced. Willock has deal with the Ligue 1 champions. I could feel the record getting advanced from the Gunners’ “The truth is I would have close,” Rooney said on his pod- youth academy to become a loved him to come back to us,” cast. “I don’t think it’ll stand for mainstay in Unai Emery’s squad Barca captain Messi told Spanish 50 years like Bobby Charlton’s, Harry Kane already has 26 England goals at the age of 26 after his this season. newspaper Sport. “I understand I think Harry Kane, possibly the scoring spree in the Euro qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo. The 20-year-old made his some people were against it and Lionel Messi and Neymar (right). next two or three years will (do senior debut in September 2017 that’s normal considering every- it). He’s a fantastic goalscorer injured in an incident outside club before being sent on loan and has gone on to make 19 thing that happened and how he they could not meet PSG’s ask- Barca’s all-time top scorer also and his record for England is a nightclub. Drinkwater was to Burnley by new Blues boss more appearances for the north left us, but thinking about it on ing price for the forward, who hit said he had no plans to quit the fantastic. When I got the record pictured with facial injuries Frank Lampard. London outfi t. Willock started a sporting level, for me Neymar 105 goals in four seasons for the Catalans any time soon after it and then went back for my after allegedly being involved in But Clarets boss Dyche isn’t Arsenal’s opening three Premier is one of the best players in the Catalans. was confi rmed by the club that last game I said it would be an a drunken dispute with another willing to give up on Drinkwater League matches this season and world. “I don’t know what happened his contract contains a clause honour to go and present him footballer over a woman in the “They (footballers) are actually earned a call-up to the latest “Obviously he would have in- with the directors, I know they that allows him to decide at the like Bobby Charlton presented Manchester venue. human beings, they do have England Under-21 squad. creased our chances of getting were speaking with Neymar, he end of each season whether he me with the golden boot and I’m The former Leicester star, private lives, which sometimes “Joe has progressed a lot in the results that we all want. The told me how things were going. wants to leave for free. sure it won’t be before too long.” who won the Premier League are not private, obviously. And the last year. He is technically club would have taken a leap for- He was really looking forward to “I can say that I want to be at title with the Foxes in 2016, sometimes they get in scrapes,” strong and has shown the con- ward, in terms of sponsors, our coming back,” Messi, who has Barcelona for as long as I can and DYCHE GIVES FRESH was reportedly set upon and Dyche said fi dence to take responsibility image, our growth, but in the end been unable to play this season end my career here because this CHANCE TO DRINKWATER suff ered an ankle problem in the “He’s certainly old enough and play his game whatever the it didn’t happen.” due to a calf injury, said. “I un- is my home,” he said. “I want AFTER STREET BRAWL row that is set to rule him out and wise enough to know you occasion or opposition,” Emery Barca president Josep Maria derstand it’s diffi cult to negotiate to stay here if I can stay in good Burnley manager Sean Dyche for two weeks. Drinkwater has do whatever you can to not get told Arsenal’s website. “I’m Bartomeu said last week that with PSG and with Neymar be- shape, play well, feel important will give Danny Drinkwater a endured a miserable time since in scrapes but sometimes it looking forward to working the club did everything possible cause he’s one of the best. These and if I see we have a winning second chance after the on- his move to Chelsea, barely happens. We’ve been big over with (him) to help him develop to sign Neymar, but admitted negotiations are never easy.” project.” loan Chelsea midfi elder was playing for the west London our time here — you can’t just further and fulfi l his potential.” Gulf Times Friday, September 13, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Struggling Umm Salal take on Al Arabi, eye fi rst victory Defending champions Al Sadd won’t be in action as their match against Al Sailiya has been postponed to September 24th due to their AFC Champions League second-leg quarter-final against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in Doha on Monday

By Sports Reporter Doha

he QNB Stars League is back this weekend after a fortnight- long break due to international commitments. Defending championsT Al Sadd won’t be in action as their match against Al Sailiya has been postponed to September 24th due to their AFC Champions League second-leg quarter-fi nal against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in Doha on Monday. The air-conditioned Al Janoub Sta- dium and Al Sadd Stadium will once again host the matches, making it com- fortable for players and spectators alike. This weekend’s pick of the matches is Al Duhail vs Al Rayyan. Duhail are cur- rently fourth in the standings with four points and Al Rayyan eighth with two points. Today, struggling Umm Salal will look for their fi rst win of the season when they take on Al Arabi. Umm Salal, who had lost 0-1 to Al Khor, have only one point to their credit, which they earned by holding Al Rayyan in their opener. Umm Salal coach Raul Caneda said his players will have to be at their best to beat Al Arabi. “Al Arabi are always tough oppo- nents. We must make great eff orts to win against them. We must win this game. Each match is diff erent, but we know how to deal with Al Arabi. Both teams have good players,” he said. “I hope we score our fi rst victory Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and his Umm Salal counterpart Raul Caneda (right) address a press conference on the eve of their QNB Stars League match. PICTURES: Ramchand sooner rather than later. We’re go- ing step by step, we’ll do what it takes defeat of Al Ahli with a creditable 1-1 for every point,” said Hallgrimsson. coach Ruben de la Barrera said his side now on Al Khor and how to achieve our opportunity to play and also make them to register victories. It’ll be diffi cult to draw against strong contenders Al Meanwhile, Al Khor and Al Ahli will will push hard for victory against Al second victory. Al Khor had also won in ready for the games, he said. play against Al Arabi and their die-hard Duhail. Al Arabi coach Heimir Hall- open the week’s action on a confi dent Khor. “We used the break to prepare the the last round (against Umm Salal). We supporters. But it’s good to play in front grimsson said despite a draw against note as both teams are coming off vic- team well despite the absence of inter- won’t allow them to play their natural FIXTURES of many fans and I love to play before Duhail his team has much to improve. tories. Al Khor beat Umm Salal 1-0 in national players. Overall, we’re ready to game,” added Barrera. Today: Al Khor vs Al Ahli (16:55, Al a good crowd. We faced Al Rayyan at “That Duhail result indicated the their previous match to maintain their face Al Khor. We’ll push them hard for a On the other hand, Al Khor coach Janoub Stadium); Umm Salal vs Al Arabi the beginning of this season in front progress we’ve made and I hope we put unbeaten record, while Al Ahli bounced win,” he said. Omar Najhi said a friendly match played (19:05, Al Sadd Stadium) of their fans and still drew the match,” up better performances. It’s too early back from their defeat to Al Arabi with “The victory over Al Sailiya in the during the break has helped his players added Caneda. to talk about our title chances. We’re an impressive 3-0 win over Al Sailiya. last round was important. It wasn’t just stay in good shape. “We are ready to Tomorrow: Al Shahania vs Al Wakrah The new-look Al Arabi are on a high working hard and we know that we still Al Khor are fi fth in the table with four about winning, but also improving our face Al Ahli. We could rectify a number (16:55, Al Janoub Stadium); Qatar SC vs as they occupy the third position in the have areas for improvement. We’re still points and Al Ahli sixth with three performance and continuing it at the of tactical errors during the break. We Al Gharafa (19:05, Al Sadd Stadium) standings with four points. The Dream trying to build a team for the future and points. same level throughout the game. The played a friendly to give players, who On Sunday: Al Duhail vs Al Rayyan Team followed up their opening-week we’ve a lot more work to do. We’ll fi ght On the eve of the match, Al Ahli Al Sailiya match is past, and the focus is did not play in the last two rounds, the (19:05, Al Janoub Stadium).

SPOTLIGHT I’ve hardly noticed any diff erence between Real and Arsenal: Ceballos By Sid Lowe beating Barcelona to him. The move, Desequilibrio defi es easy translation: The Guardian though, has not entirely worked out. it means to unbalance a game, tip the That Ceballos believes it still can is scales, and implies some undoing of underlined by his determination to go tactics and formations, a breaking free t starts with a song. Dani Cebal- to London on loan. Under Zinedine from the strategic straightjacket. los listens back, laughs, then looks Zidane opportunities were few: in his “It’s true that at times the desire to be down a little bashfully. “Surpris- fi rst season he was on the fi eld for 16% near the ball gets the better of me and I ing,” he calls it. Arsenal fans knew of Real’s game time. can lose my position,” Ceballos says. Ihe was good, or hoped so – he had come He talked about ostracism, tell- “I have a big margin for improvement; from Real Madrid, after all – but you ing Radio Marca: “There comes a time with experience I can. Unai clearly has don’t leave there unless someone wants when you see it’s impossible: there were faith in me: he’s the one who called and you to and few expected anything quite times when [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] told me to come to Arsenal, because I’d this good, this soon. Even he didn’t. Modric were injured and he’d change have a prominent role and would like Two assists, more touches, passes and the system to put others in.” his idea of playing. dribbles than anyone and that moment He admitted that, had Zidane stayed, “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by when he turned full circle, fell and still he would have left. Instead, Zidane his work. When you have the coach’s escaped with the ball obediently by his walked out. Then, six months later, Zi- confi dence it’s much easier to perform. foot led to a supporters’ serenade. And dane walked back in. Ceballos started I want to repay that. We, footballers, a Spaniard wondering if that was really one of 11 matches after the manager’s have feelings, just like anyone else. We his name he could hear. Oh, Dani Ce- return, employing a personal coach to have our low moments and you have to ballos. “I’m very grateful,” he says. “It ensure his level did not drop. be very strong mentally. I’d be lying if I was my fi rst day and it was as if I’d been This summer Zidane made little at- said otherwise … playing in England 10 years.” tempt to persuade him to stay. One of “Knowing the coach believes in you He is back in Spain, sitting in the the midfi elder’s former coaches calls is 60% of it, knowing that if you make a sunshine in Las Rozas, the national his treatment an aberration. It must be mistake he’ll back you … It’s only been team’s HQ, taking it all in. Twenty days hard not to agree. “You have to be re- four weeks so it’s hard to say what I re- have passed since victory over Burnley, alistic,” Ceballos says. “The two good ally think yet, but from what I’ve seen during which time he got two remind- games I’ve had so far for Arsenal I never it’s the most competitive league in ers that it will not always be like that – had in two years at Madrid. I didn’t terms of quality and the physical side. at Anfi eld he could barely breathe and play a lot but it’s also true that, when I It’s the league with the highest stand- he began the north London derby on played, I didn’t play as I can. That’s re- ard, the biggest demands. I have to the bench – but he cannot help smil- lated to confi dence but you have to be adapt.” ing. Me encanta, he keeps saying, in the self-critical.” Off the pitch, too. While Reyes lived lisping Spanish of the south: I love it. On that fi rst day at the Emirates, in Cockfosters and was desperate to “I love the city, I love the Premier supporters already knew what they return to Spain, his mum accidentally League and love Arsenal,” he says. “I’m wanted: Dani to stay. If doubts were telling a radio show she would live in a just really, really happy to be part of introduced by what came next, they shack if it meant going home, Cebal- this great club. I’ve hardly noticed any are minor. Liverpool beat Arsenal and los is enjoying England. “José was a diff erence in size between Real Madrid against Tottenham Ceballos was a sub- lot more into being out the house, but and Arsenal. And the fans are very pas- stitute, raising familiar questions about I have no problem,” he says. “My ca- sionate, they love the players. It’s much balance, how to include a player such reer’s going to last maybe 15 years and, easier to adapt because they make you as him. There’s something in his style, if I’m happy on the pitch, if I’m playing, feel like you’ve been at the club for ever. the freedom, the touch of anarchy, that Arsenal’s Dani Ceballos says he loves London, his new club and the Premier League nothing else matters.” I love the way everyone’s treated me. means those will always endure. But His mum will soon join the family They’ve put a lot of faith in me.” the talent remains too great to ignore. to emulate? “We can’t compare it at the lives for scoring. He’s very important about football. I can play as a 10 or an 8, near London Colney. His girlfriend, in Faith is a recurring theme, opportu- Besides, he is adapting, he says. The moment. We’re working on some simi- for us, fundamental. [Nicolas] Pepe is but I feel the responsibility of leading, the fi nal year of her teaching degree, nity and a sense of place too. The tal- analysis of his own fl aws is striking. lar things but Jürgen Klopp arrived at very direct. And [Alexandre] Lacazette, wanting the ball in diffi cult moments, is doing English classes with him. The ent has never been lacking. Born and Liverpool, Ceballos says, was quite a Liverpool in 2015. Unai came last sea- for me, is the best player: he under- not hiding, getting the team playing. TV is tuned to English only. “In three raised, like José Antonio Reyes, in Utre- lesson. It takes him a moment to order son. Arsenal fi nished a point short of stands the game perfectly and, if he’s That’s what separates the really good months I’ll be able to have a conversa- ra, Ceballos’s parents sold churros from his thoughts. “I’ve never seen anything the Champions League and a small step 100%, he’s going to give us so much. players. It’s about saying ‘I’m here’ tion,” he says. And the lifestyle suits. a van while he played football. “A small, like what I saw at Anfi eld; I haven’t seen from winning the Europa League; his “Fitting all the players together must when the team needs you. The food, too – although he admits humble town,” he calls it. a team that plays better, that presses arrival will be positive. In a few years heat up the manager’s head,” Ceballos “I try to play happy. The way to bring there are a couple of hams going in his Growing up, he wore a goofy grin and like them, the way the fans carry them Arsenal will be in the top 10 teams glo- says, laughing. “I don’t think the míster the best out of yourself is to enjoy what suitcase home. Even the weather.” a swoosh shaved into his head, joined along. “They take the air from you. You bally, competing for everything. repeated an XI in four games, which you do. We’re a team that wants the It is easy to say in August; let us re- Sevilla at eight, was released at 13 and spend so much time defending and “We’ve got a very good, compact side keeps us alert. Against Tottenham it fell ball, so I feel comfortable. The second visit that in February. Ceballos laughs. went to Betis at 17. The day of his trial when you want to do something with and the three up front really make the to me to come from the bench and I un- half of the season is when people will “I’ve been warned about the cold. But I match, they took him off early, hav- the ball, when you want to breathe, diff erence. You can compare [Pierre- derstood my role. see my best. love football here, the way they live and ing seen enough, to hide him from Real they’re back on top of you. They’re very Emerick] Aubameyang to Cristiano “Emery knows me well and wants “I’m a player who tries to get at the breathe it. I’ve never seen anything like Madrid and Barcelona. well-drilled.” [Ronaldo] when he was at Madrid in the me to show my personality, my desire opposition and make the diff erence, it. You play away and there are at least a At 20 those two clubs returned, Real Is that something Unai Emery seeks sense that he plays close to the goal, he to learn. I’m still young. I’m passionate that off ers desequilibrio,” he adds. thousand fans supporting you. Gulf Times 4 Friday, September 13, 2019 SPORT

OPINION Smith’s batting may force the rewriting of manuals — Gilchrist

Reuters no when youngsters are learning game. Smith and Warner have been for their actions. Smith has utilised London the art of batting. “To stick to your guns when all repeatedly booed and mocked by the time away to come back men- But in his inimitable style, the the cricketing greats, coaches and the crowds in England and while tally tougher.” 30-year-old Smith has scored textbooks say you are wrong — that Warner has scored just 79 runs While Tim Paine’s side managed teve Smith’s unorthodox 671 runs in fi ve innings during the takes real courage. And now every- from eight innings during the to retain the Ashes urn with their batting technique is not Ashes at an average of 134.2 and has one is watching him bat in amaze- Ashes, Smith has seen himself victory in the fourth test in Man- something a purist will ad- climbed to the top of the Test rank- ment, and trying to learn from him. compared to Australian great Don chester, Gilchrist feels the Aus- vocate to budding players, ings for batsmen despite sitting a “The textbooks on batting tech- Bradman. tralian side was far from a settled Sbut his monstrous run-scoring year out due to a ban. nique may need to be rewritten.” “Smith’s run is extraordinary, outfi t. ability might force coaching manu- “Years ago, Smith had a lean Australian cricket was thrown considering the sort of pressure “Travis Head, Marnus La- als to be rewritten, former Australia patch with the bat, and had to step into turmoil 18 months ago when he was under,” said Gilchrist, who buschagne, Marcus Harris, Cam- cricketer Adam Gilchrist has said. away for a bit,” former wicketkeep- Smith, his vice-captain David played 96 tests for Australia. “It eron Bancroft — they are still fi nd- Twitchy at the crease, Smith er-batsman Gilchrist told report- Warner and batsman Cameron (heckling) was expected from the ing their feet in test cricket. I don’t extravagantly shuffl es across his ers in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Bancroft were banned for their England crowds. think anyone has secured their spot stumps with his bat’s backlift “He tried to change his technique, roles in a ball-tampering scandal in “Smith, David Warner and Cam- in the Australian team, apart from pointing towards gully — all a strict but later decided to stay true to his South Africa. eron Bancroft took responsibility Steve Smith,” the 47-year-old said. Unorthodox: Steve Smith

FOCUS Taylor backs Smith to captain Australia again after ban expires

SydneyFormer skipper Mark over the events of Cape Town Taylor has backed Steve Smith and have no doubt he will be a to captain Australia again after better leader next time around his incredible Ashes exploits, because of the very harsh les- Rahul axed as as support mounts for the sons he learnt.” 30-year-old to be given a second Paine was widely criticised chance. for his decision-making in the Smith was banned for 12 months third Test at Headingley that over a brazen attempt to alter Australia lost, but he bounced the ball with sandpaper under back admirably at Old Traff ord his captaincy in a Cape Town and Taylor said he should retain Test, and slapped with a further the armband for the upcoming India try Rohit as year’s suspension from any home summer series against leadership role which runs out at Pakistan and New Zealand. the end of March next year. But Smith would be waiting in While wicketkeeper Tim Paine the wings. assumed the job in Tests and “To me it’s not a matter of won praise for the way he whether he (Smith) becomes helped the side retain the Ashes captain again on April 1. It at Old Traff ord last weekend, he doesn’t have to happen that opener against SA will be 35 in December. quickly,” he said. Usman Khawaja and Travis “But I’d like to think when Paine Head have been touted as po- is finished as Test captain — Rahul has gone 12 Test innings without a 50-plus score and struggled tential future leaders, but neither whether that’s in six months’ have performed in England time or two or three years — he during the recent tour of West Indies where India won both Test matches while Pat Cummins and Josh would be a candidate to lead the Hazlewood are bowlers, who side again.” Another ex-captain, Reuters als, Rohit averages nearly 40 rarely become captains. Ian Chappell, has also backed New Delhi in Tests batting in the mid- Taylor, who helped determine Smith to again assume the role. dle order. The 32-year-old Smith’s ball-tampering penalty, “I think the problem for Australia has struggled to replicate his along with the bans handed will be there’s no one else I can limited-overs heroics in the to David Warner and Cameron see to captain that side,” he said ndia axed struggling 27 Tests he has played so far Bancroft, said he was the natural recently, while Ricky Ponting opener KL Rahul and and must reinvent himself as choice to take over. stated he “wouldn’t have any handed Rohit Sharma a an opener in the long form as “I believe Smith will captain Aus- problem with it at all”. chance to revive his stop- well. tralia again,” he said in a column “If the hierarchy at Cricket startI Test career after selecting Punjab top order batsman for the Sydney Morning Herald. Australia have an issue with him the limited-overs stalwart for Shubman Gill got his maiden “I was on the Cricket Aus- ever being captain again, they next month’s three-match se- Test call-up, while the selec- tralia board that determined would have given him a life ban, ries against South Africa. tors opted for two wicketkeep- the penalties for Smith, David wouldn’t they?” Ponting said last Rahul has gone 12 Test in- ers in Rishabh Pant and Wrid- Warner and Cameron Bancroft month. nings without a 50-plus score dhiman Saha. and struggled during the re- Spin all-rounder Ravin- cent tour of West Indies where dra Jadeja, who was preferred India won both the matches to ahead of Ravichandran Ash- SPOTLIGHT top the World Test Champion- win in both the Tests in West ship table. Indies, has been retained in Former captain Sourav Gan- the squad along with the off - guly was among those who felt spinner with left-armer Kul- Kohli honoured Rohit, who smashed a record deep Yadav as the third slow fi ve hundreds at the 50-overs bowling option. World Cup in England and fi n- Virat Kohli and his team face with stand at Arun ished as the tournament’s top South Africa in the fi rst test scorer, should partner Mayank at Visakhapatnam from Oct Agarwal at the top of the order. 2. Pune and Ranchi host the Jaitley Stadium “We want to give Rohit other two matches. Sharma an opportunity to IANS on the same evening. Kohli also open the innings in tests,” India squad: Virat Kohli (cap- New Delhi thanked his family and his child- chief selector MSK Prasad said tain), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit hood coach Rajkumar Sharma after naming the 15-member Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, for his contributions over the squad. Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma n a glittering ceremony in years. “When I left home today, Prithvi Shaw would have Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket- the national capital yester- I told my family one anecdote. been Agarwal’s automatic keeper), Wriddhiman Saha day, not only was the famous I remember getting a ticket to partner but the 19-year-old (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium watch a game in 2001 at the sta- is currently serving a doping Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Irechristened the Arun Jaitley dium and asking for autographs ban. The only player in the Kuldeep Yadav, Mohamed Dropped: KL Rahul. Stadium in honour of the late from the players. So to have a world with three double hun- Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Delhi and District Cricket Asso- pavilion in my name at the same dreds in one-day internation- Sharma, Shubman Gill ciation (DDCA) President Arun stadium today is surreal and a Jaitley, but the new players’ pa- great honour,” Kohli revealed. vilion was also named after India Speaking on the occasion, BOTTOMLINE skipper Virat Kohli. former India skipper Kapil Dev The occasion saw the Indian said: “Wonderful to have a stand team in attendance as their skip- in the name of Virat. And what- per was honoured for his contri- ever DDCA does for Arun Jaitley Shakib dislikes Tests, says Bangladesh board chief bution to the game. The DDCA is not enough given his contri- Annual Honours 2019 also saw bution.” AFP team to lose to 10 diff erent Test promising cricketers from Delhi Former India player Ajay Dhaka sides with the defeat, which fol- being honoured with memen- Jadeja said that it was a truly lowed a lacklustre World Cup toes for their performances. deserved gift for Kohli. “Virat is and 0-3 one-day whitewash by Speaking on the occasion, a special player and he deserves angladesh cricket chief Sri Lanka in July. Kohli spoke of how special the this kind of a recognition. To be Nazmul Hassan said Shakib, who shone at the evening was and how it was actively playing and getting a Shakib Al Hasan will World Cup with 606 runs and 11 double joy as the stadium was stand in his name is a great feel- remain as Test captain wickets but was skipper for the also named in honour of Jaitley ing,” he said. despiteB disliking the format and Sri Lanka tour, said his perform- expressing his reluctance to stay ances might improve if he relin- on following this week’s embar- quished the captaincy. rassing defeat to Afghanistan. “It will be best if I didn’t have Nazmul admitted the all- to lead,” Shakib told reporters rounder had shown little inter- after the Afghanistan loss. “I est or enthusiasm for the fi ve- personally believe it will be good day game — an attitude which for my game. would not have been helped by “And if I have to continue Monday’s 224-run loss to Af- leading, then obviously there is ghanistan in Chittagong. a lot to discuss about (with the “We have noticed he did board),” he said. not have much interest in Test Hassan said he spoke with (cricket). You have seen that Shakib on Tuesday after the when we were touring foreign Afghanistan loss, but that the countries, he wanted to have a player did not raise any con- break during the Tests,” Naz- cerns. “Our boys are emotion- mul told reporters in Dhaka late al. I will speak with him when Wednesday. things get calm,” he said. “Naturally he might have less Shakib will now lead Bangla- interest. But we never heard that desh in a tri-nation Twenty20 he has less interest in captaincy. you can skip,” he said. wanted to lead the side in Tests were playing only their third tournament involving Afghani- Virat Kohli (L) and India’s Minister of Home Aff airs Amit Shah press a If he is skipper, then he has to Hassan’s comments came following the chastening defeat fi ve-day game. stan and Zimbabwe starting in button to unveil the Virat Kohli stand at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in play. If you are not skipper, then after Shakib said he no longer to minnows Afghanistan, who Bangladesh became the fi rst Dhaka today. New Delhi yesterday. Gulf Times Friday, September 13, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Patriots visit Miami Dolphins as historic Villar’s historic road favourites

Reuters said. “That’s why we love this Miami game. We love challenges.” One area of concern for the Patriots is the health of start- aseball has the “Polar ing right tackle Marcus Can- homer carries O’s Bear” – Pete Alonso non, who left Sunday’s game of the New York Mets against the Steelers due to a – but the NFL has the shoulder injury. As a backup “PolarB Opposites”: the New plan, the Patriots this week England Patriots and the Mi- signed off ensive tackle Mar- ami Dolphins. shall Newhouse, who has The 1-0 Patriots, who visit played in 114 NFL games, in- the AFC East rival Dolphins cluding 72 starts. Cannon’s past Dodgers 7-3 (0-1) on Sunday, have won six injury is not considered a sea- Super Bowls, including three son-ending issue, but the Pa- in the past fi ve years. triots are preparing as if they ‘It’s unbelievable. I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight’ Miami, meanwhile, hasn’t won’t have him on Sunday. won the Super Bowl since 1973 “Marcus is a good player,” and hasn’t won a playoff game Patriots off ensive co-ordina- in 19 years. This past Sunday, tor Josh McDaniels said. “It’s the Dolphins fell behind 42-3 going to be a big challenge in the second quarter to the (without him). Other guys visiting Baltimore Ravens be- have to step up and play well.” fore losing 59-10. The Ravens New England’s off ensive scored touchdowns on six of line has been in fl ux for several their seven possessions – the months. In March, starting only exception a punt Miami left tackle Trent Brown signed muff ed and gave right back – with the Oakland Raiders for embarrassing the Dolphins in record money. Backup tackle their season opener. Jared Veldheer retired in the The Dolphins are last in spring, and starting centre the NFL in everyone’s power David Andrews – one of New rankings, and an ESPN ana- England’s six captains – was lytics measure gives them a 45 ruled out for the year in Au- percent chance of getting the gust due to blood clots in his fi rst overall draft pick in 2020. lungs, moving Ted Karras into The Patriots, coming off an a starting role. impressive 33-3 domination When Cannon went of the Pittsburgh Steelers on down on Sunday, the Patri- Sunday night, are 19-point fa- ots switched left guard Joe vourites against Miami. If that Thuney to right tackle and put point spread holds, it would Jermaine Eluemunor – just ac- make Miami the largest home quired from Baltimore – at left underdog since 1987, accord- guard. Backup tackle Korey ing to Pro Football Reference. Cunningham, who was deac- Dolphins rookie head coach tivated for the Steelers game, Brian Flores knows fi rsthand could start against Miami, or how the New England ma- Newhouse could be pressed chine operates. After all, he into service immediately. was with the Patriots organi- The other big story regard- sation from 2004 to 2018 in ing the Patriots is the signing various capacities, most re- last week of highly contro- cently as linebackers coach versial wide receiver Antonio and defensive playcaller. Brown, who had a falling out “Continuity is the fi rst with the Steelers last year and thing that comes to mind,” was traded to the Raiders be- Flores said when asked why fore earning his release there the Patriots are so successful. after various issues. “They also have good players New England coach Bill Be- and good coaches.” lichick signed Brown, and it is One of those “good” play- not yet known when/if he will ers is Tom Brady, perhaps make his Patriots debut. the greatest quarterback in To add to Brown’s issues, NFL history. Flores coached he was named in a civil law- Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Villar connects on a seventh inning three run home run against Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports against Brady in practice suit on Tuesday by a female the past eight years, but he trainer who said he sexu- Reuters RESULTS in three innings. The Orioles took a 1-0 day. The second straight loss to the Padres doesn’t believe it gives him ally assaulted her three sepa- Baltimore lead in the bottom of the second inning. dropped the Cubs into a tie with Milwau- any special insight. rate times in 2017 and 2018. Orioles 7-3 Dodgers Trey Mancini led off with a double, and kee for the second National League wild- “Not a lot of people get in- Brown, through his attorney, Padres 4-0 Cubs Dwight Smith Jr. followed with a run- card position. side (Brady’s) head,” Flores has denied the allegations. onathan Villar hit a tiebreaking scoring double. After Margot’s homer in the fi fth, the three-run homer in the bottom Nationals 6-2 Twins Means and Baltimore held the lead un- Padres scored a run in the sixth on what of the seventh inning to help the Brewers 7-5 Marlins til the sixth. That’s when Austin Barnes had appeared to be a botched double steal. Baltimore Orioles to a 7-3 victory Indians 4-3 Angels doubled to start the inning, and AJ Pollock Wil Myers extended his hitting streak to 11 overJ the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers on followed with a two-run homer to centre games with a two-run single in the sev- Rangers 10-9 Rays Wednesday night. to give Los Angeles a 2-1 lead. enth. The 443-foot shot to left, off left- A’s 5-3 Astros But the Orioles answered right back in Paddack (9-7) limited the Cubs to three hander Caleb Ferguson (1-2), was the Mets 9-0 D’backs the bottom half. New pitcher Joe Kelly hits and an intentional walk while strik- 6,106th in the majors this season, setting Blue Jays 8-0 Red Sox walked Hanser Alberto to start the in- ing out seven. He departed working on a a new record. ning, and Alberto went to second on a wild string of 14 1/3 scoreless innings. Over his The Dodgers clinched the National Braves 3-1 Phillies pitch. Then, with two outs, Smith struck past three starts, Paddack is 2-0 and has League West title with a win over the Ori- Royals 8-6 White Sox again, this time driving in the tying run on allowed one run on 12 hits and three walks oles in the series opener on Tuesday. But Pirates 6-3 Giants a single to right. with 23 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings for a Villar ruined any hopes Los Angeles had After Villar broke the tie with his sev- 0.49 ERA and 0.82 WHIP. of a three-game sweep, breaking a 2-2 tie Rockies 2-1 Cardinals enth-inning blast, Pedro Severino added Reliever David Bednar threw a perfect and putting the Orioles ahead for good. Mariners 5-3 Reds a two-run shot off Baltimore native Adam inning for the Padres, and Trey Wingenter “It’s unbelievable,” said Villar, whose Mariners 4-3 Reds Kolarek in the eighth, giving the Orioles a pitched two perfect frames to complete bat was collected to be taken to the Base- 7-2 lead. the three-hit shutout. ball Hall of Fame. “I’m not going to be able 6 1/3 strong innings but again didn’t Cole Hamels (7-7) held the Padres to sleep tonight.” get much off ensive support and came PADDACK, MARGOT POWER scoreless on three hits and three walks The win ended the Orioles’ six-game away with a no-decision. He gave up two PADRES PAST CUBS through the fi rst four innings. losing streak and gave them 47 victo- runs on four hits and fi nished with six Rookie Chris Paddack pitched six shut- However, Margot rifl ed Hamels’ fi rst ries for the season, tying their 2018 total. strikeouts, often baffl ing the Dodgers in out innings, and Manuel Margot broke up pitch of the fi fth 384 feet into the left fi eld Shawn Armstrong (1-1) earned the victory his fi rst appearance against them. a scoreless game with a solo home run an seats for his 12th homer of the season and thanks to 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief on The Dodgers rotated pitchers, us- inning after robbing Nicholas Castellanos the fi rst run of the game. After retiring the his 29th birthday. ing seven overall. Ross Stripling was the of a homer as the San Diego Padres beat next batter and issuing a walk, Hamels Baltimore starter John Means threw opener and gave up one run on three hits the visiting Chicago Cubs 4-0 Wednes- was removed. Dolphins head coach Brian Flores.

FOCUS Titans look to build momentum against Colts Reuters week in Cleveland and put a fel- the backfi eld all day against whether that be in New England New York low AFC South rival two games the Browns, fi nishing with 2 ½ or Indianapolis,” Titans coach behind them right away. sacks and surpassing the 100- Mike Vrabel said of the former Tennessee was impressive sack mark for his career. Patriots’ backup. ast year’s Tennessee Ti- across the board against the The former Miami Dolphin “He was very effi cient with tans showed they could highly hyped Browns, but its was named AFC Defensive Play- the football last week. He’s got beat any team in the biggest strength was its defense. er of the Week. a strong arm, he can scramble, NFL. They rallied to After ceding a touchdown on “It was a crazy off season, but I he can move, so he’s able to run Lbeat the previous year’s Super Cleveland’s fi rst possession, it think I landed in the right place,” whatever they need him to.” Bowl champion, Philadelphia, only allowed one more for the he said. It doesn’t hurt Brissett that in overtime and then pounded game’s remainder and picked off “This organisation has wel- Marlon Mack is becoming one eventual champion New Eng- three Baker Mayfi eld passes in comed me with open arms and of the most dangerous running land in mid-November. the fourth quarter. obviously I want to do my part backs in the NFL. But Tennessee also showed Indianapolis coach Frank Re- along with the guys up front.” Mack carved up Los Angeles’ it could lose to anyone. For in- ich refers to the scheme of Titans Wake will chase Jacoby Bris- suspect run defense for 174 yards stance, it followed up beating the defensive coordinator Dean Pees sett around this week. In his fi rst on 25 carries last week, and his Eagles with a brutal road loss to as a Rolodex defense. start since the sudden retire- presence will force any defense Buff alo. That defeat helped keep “Their defense ranks high ment of Andrew Luck on Aug. to respect a play fake. it out of the AFC playoff s at sea- on the exotic scale,” Reich said. 24, Brissett hit 21 of 27 passes for Both teams fi gure to enter this son’s end despite a third straight “He’s calling something diff er- 190 yards and a pair of touch- game in good health. Wake and 9-7 mark. ent on every play. It’s like he’s di- downs in a 30-24 loss at the Los tight end Delanie Walker (non- So the task for the Titans (1- alling up the next card, the next Angeles Chargers. injury related) were held out of 0) on Sunday when they host call. And they do it well. And so While Luck was one of the practice Wednesday but fi gure the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at that’s part of their DNA; that’s elite quarterbacks in the NFL, to play, while the Colts hope to Nissan Stadium in Nashville is what they’ve been.” the feeling is that Brissett is a have defensive end Jabaal Sheard two-fold: Validate an emphatic New outside linebacker Cam- more than capable caretaker. (knee) back after he missed the season-opening 43-13 win last eron Wake found his way into “He’s played in big games, opener. Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel. Gulf Times 6 Friday, September 13, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS India’s ‘survivor’ Nagal seeks support to stay afl oat Reuters happy,” Nagal told Reuters in an India, he wanted to be a cricketer few thousand, here and there. I Mumbai interview. “I was getting a mas- but it was his teacher father who was trying to survive,” he said. sage when my coach messaged insisted Nagal swap bat and ball “Coming from India where you saying I am playing Federer. That for a racket, setting him on his don’t earn so much and I was rom wanting to quit ten- was the best thing that could’ve tennis path. spending through euros or dol- nis a decade ago to mak- happened. Two years later, in 2005, Na- lars all the time. It wasn’t easy. ing a dream Grand Slam “I felt a bit nervous while I was gal caught the eye of Mahesh But I did survive those years.” debut against Roger Fed- walking in. First few minutes Bhupathi, who won India its fi rst It was not until 2017 that Na- ererF at the US Open last month, were tough, I had never been to Grand Slam title in 1997 when he gal found some stability when Sumit Nagal calls himself a “sur- a court like that, never seen so claimed the French Open mixed the Virat Kohli Foundation, the vivor” and the Indian is hopeful many people. But when I fi n- doubles, at a trial for his acad- philanthropic organisation run his journey will become less ar- ished the match, I enjoyed it, I emy and got selected from thou- by India’s cricket captain, of- duous going forward. enjoyed being there. sands of youngsters. fered him a scholarship, while The 22-year-old earned a “It was lot of fun to play on But the programme shut down state-owned Indian Oil off ered string of new admirers at Flush- that court... against Roger. I was after two years. At the age of 12, him employment. ing Meadows when he came out happy but I wasn’t happy the Nagal returned home to Delhi Though the match against Fe- swinging in his Grand Slam main way I played, I think I could have and stopped playing for a bit. derer made him a recognisable draw debut to win the opening done better but overall I was sat- “I had thoughts of giving up. name in his homeland, Nagal set against Federer at a packed isfi ed.” I had only played fi ve days in said he has not been approached Arthur Ashe Stadium. After the match Federer pre- two months,” he said. It was a by any new sponsors. “I defi nite- Nagal ultimately went down dicted a “very solid career” for call from Bhupathi that brought ly hope (to get more support),” 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to the owner his opponent, who has never Nagal back to the game but the said Nagal, who is currently of 20 Grand Slam singles titles earned a tour-level victory, and fi nancial constraints were con- ranked 174 in the world. “Noth- but not before breaking Federer’s said Nagal’s game was tailor- on the French Open clay. “I like Nagal showed a similar stom- TENNIS PATH stant. ing has changed for me. I am still serve three times in a tie he was made for clay courts. how he plays, how much hunger ach for a fi ght against Federer, If it were not for his fi ghting “It’s been tough. I didn’t have playing tournaments I am sup- praying would be his from the The Indian agrees and revealed he brings on the court and the earning four of his 13 break point spirit, Nagal would probably a sponsor who would say ‘yes posed to play. moment he heard the Swiss had that he has long idolised his near way he fi ghts,” Nagal said. “He opportunities in the fi nal game as have never made it from New I am going to cover your whole “I will try to get my rank as been drawn against a qualifi er. namesake Rafa Nadal, who has does not want to give you any the Swiss served for the match in Delhi to New York in any case. year’s cost’. It was always some- high as possible before the Aus- “I really wanted that. I was so won 12 out of his 19 Grand Slams points, you have to work for it.” the fourth set. Like most kids growing up in one giving us, funding us for a tralian Open.”

CYCLING GOLF McIlroy tops Koepka for PGA Tour Player Roglic in the driving of the Year honours

Reuters Toronto

ory McIlroy may not seat as Higuita takes have added to his col- lection of major titles during the 2018-19 campaign,R but the Northern Irishman did enough to be named the PGA Tour Player of the Year on Wednesday for a third time. Koepka, who last month was Vuelta stage 18 The 30-year-old Northern named PGA of America Player Irishman, who won three ti- of the Year and considered the It wasn’t my best day. Maybe we can get something back on Saturday, that looks like the last chance’ tles during the season includ- front-runner after fi nishing ing the Players Championship in the top-fi ve at each major, and Tour Championship, beat including at the PGA Champi- Brooks Koepka, Matt Kuchar onship where he picked up his and Xander Schauff ele in a fourth major title. vote by players for the Jack “Players don’t just feel that Nicklaus Award. four weeks a year is impor- “I couldn’t be more proud tant,” said McIlroy. “It’s a huge of what I achieved this year,” vote of confi dence from the McIlroy, who had 14 top-10 players that we play for more fi nishes in his 19 starts, said on than just maybe what the nar- a conference call. rative suggests. “I wanted to try to bring my “I thought maybe Brooks best every single week that I wining the PGA Champion- played, and I feel like I did that ship this year was going to be to the best of my ability.” the diff erence maker but the McIlroy, who won the award other players thought diff er- in 2012 and 2014, made 17 of ently. I am very honoured that 19 cuts while racking up three they thought enough of my victories, the fi nal one at the season to give me this award.” season-ending Tour Cham- When asked if he would pionship in Atlanta where he rather have a year like 2019 also claimed the FedExCup for or 2014 – when he won con- a $15 million payday. secutive majors at the British The four-times major Open and PGA Champion- champion’s other victory ship, sandwiched around his came in his RBC Canadian win at the WGC-Bridgestone Open debut, where he set a Invitational – McIlroy took a tournament record and won few moments before replying. by seven shots – the largest “Every year is diff erent. I’ve winning margin of the season. already had a year like 2014, But when it came to the ma- I might have a year like that jors, McIlroy fi nished tied for again,” said McIlroy. 21st at the Masters, tied for “I’m happier with where eighth at the PGA Champion- my game is now. I feel like I’m ship, tied for ninth at the US a better player now than I was Open and missed the cut at in 2014. And that gives me a lot the British Open in his native going forward.” Northern Ireland. South Korean Im Sung-jae McIlroy admitted he was was voted PGA Tour Rookie of surprised to win the award over the Year.

First-ever NBA games in India on Oct 4 and 5 National Basketball As- Tatum. “We share Reliance Team Education rider Colombia’s Sergio Higuita celebrates on the podium after winning the 18th stage of the 2019 La Vuelta yesterday. (AFP) sociation India yesterday Foundation’s belief in the announced that the first-ever transformative power of sport AFP ra, a 177km run over four moun- NBA game in the country will and its ability to capture a Madrid Van der Poel regains Tour of Britain lead tains on a cool day where Higuita be held in October in Mumbai. child’s imagination, and these was one of the early adventurers The NBA India Games 2019 historic events will inspire Mathieu van der Poel has from Matteo Trentin after out- and six seconds is not the end. who struck out. will feature the Sacramento youth across the country for olombia’s Sergio Higui- regained the overall lead in the pacing his rival by nine seconds Still it’s going to be hard to take “I took a risk and it paid off ,” Kings and Indiana Pacers years to come,” he added. In ta of the Education First Tour of Britain after the Dutch- over the 14.4km circuit. it back,” he said. said Higuita, who showed great who will play two pre-season addition to the games, the team won stage 18 of the man came sixth in the short “It’s a really close battle with resistance over the fi nal 10km games on October 4 and 5 at league and its partners will Vuelta a Espana yester- stage six individual time-trial in Matteo and I think it’s going RESULTS as Lopez and Roglic closed him the Dome, NSCI, SVP Stadium host interactive fan activities, dayC as the overall leader Primoz down. Pershore yesterday. to be a proper fight,” van der STAGE SIX in Mumbai. This will mark the Jr. NBA events, an NBA Acad- Roglic came second in another Winner of three major one day Poel said with just two stages 1. Edoardo Aff ini (ITA/MTS) With around 30km to go one first games that teams from emy India development camp assured step towards the title. races this season the 24-year- remaining. 16min 39sec, 2. Sebastian Lan- of a string of strength and mor- a North American sports for women, and NBA Cares Podium pretenders Nairo old double cyclo-cross world “It was a long time ago when I geveld (NED/EFD) at 7 secs, 3. al-sapping attacks on the fi nal league will play in India. community outreach eff orts Quintana and Tadej Pogacar champion van der Poel is the did a time trial. I’m happy with Dylan van Baarle (NED/Team In- climb saw Quintana drop off the As part of Reliance Founda- benefiting fans of all ages however lost ground after a cat bookies favourite to win the the result.” eos) s.t, 4. Luke Durbridge (AUS/ pace with Pogacar following suit tion’s Education and Sports across Mumbai. The Reliance and mouse chase over a tough men’s road race in the UCI world Van der Poel holds a six-second MTS) at 8 secs, 5. Tanel Kangert a few kilometres later. for All (ESA) initiative, the Foundation Jr. NBA program mountain stage. championships in Yorkshire in lead over Trentin at the top (NED/EFD) at 10 secs These two then joined forces NBA will invite 3,000 boys is a comprehensive youth Roglic chased Higuita across two weeks time. of the overall standings, with to limit their losses and keep and girls from more than development initiative that the fi nish line 15 seconds adrift Edoardo Aff ini won the stage another Team Ineos rider, Rus- OVERALL STANDINGS their ambitions alive. 70 participating Reliance aims to develop the game at alongside world champion Ale- in a time of 16 minutes and 40 sia’s Pavel Sivakov, a further 18 1. Mathieu van der Poel (NED/ “It wasn’t my best day,” ad- Foundation Jr. NBA schools the grassroots level and apply jandro Valverde, who climbs seconds, seven seconds ahead seconds back in third. Mitchel- COC) 21hr 50min 49sec, 2. Mat- mitted the 20-year-old Pogacar. in Mumbai to attend ‘The the core values of basketball – back to second, and Miguel An- of Sebastian Langeveld, with ton-Scott rider Trentin conceded teo Trentin (ITA/MTS) at 6 secs, “Maybe we can get something NBA India Games for Reliance teamwork, respect, determi- gel Lopez, who produced the Dylan Van Baarle of Team Ineos it is going to be diff icult to take 3. Pavel Sivakov (RUS/Team back on Saturday, that looks like Foundation ESA’ on October nation and community – to performance of the day. in third. But van der Poel, riding the title. Ineos) at 24 secs, 4. Jasper de the last chance,” he said of the 4. “We are proud to provide positively impact the lives Astana captain Lopez climbed for Corendon-Circus, took the “It’s harder and harder every Buyst (BEL/LTS) at 26 secs, 5. run through the Sierra outside young Indian boys and girls of boys and girls in India. fourth and more importantly re- overall leader’s green jersey day. I was expecting to lose a bit Nils Politt (GER/TKA) at 27 secs. Madrid. under the Reliance Founda- Since its launch in 2013, the claimed the white jersey as best The overall leader and former tion Jr. NBA programme program has reached more under-25’s rider after his relent- ski-jump champion Roglic gave with the opportunity to than 10mn youth from 10,000 less show of power had dropped looks to have the most stamina 4min 17sec and Pogacar fi fth at reclaiming more than fi ve min- a sign of growing confi dence experience the first-ever schools across 34 cities and Pogacar in their days long strug- with three days racing remain- 4min 48sec. utes after a crosswinds caused a when the usually taciturn rider NBA game in India,” said NBA has trained more than 10,000 gle for the white jersey also caus- ing.Roglic now leads Valverde by Former Vuelta and Giro win- split in the peloton. Yesterday’s picked up a few bonus seconds Deputy Commissioner and physical education instruc- ing Quintana to crack. 2min 50sec with Quintana third ner Quintana had powered back stage embarked from Colmenar on Valverde after outsprinting Chief Operating Off icer Mark tors nationwide. Of all the contenders Lopez at 3min 30sec, Lopez fourth at into contention on Wednesday Viejo towards Becerril de la Sier- him in a showy dash to the line. Gulf Times Friday, September 13, 2019 7 SPORT

TENNIS Pumas coach Ledesma owes debt to Australia’s Cheika Tokyo: Argentina coach Ex-world number one Mario Ledesma, a member of the Pumas’ best generation of players, owes his career as a trainer to the clinical eye of his Australia counterpart Michael Cheika. Ledesma was about to return home to Ar- gentina after ending his play- Clijsters announces ing career at Clermont, not sure what he would do next but certainly not interested in coaching, when he got a phone call from Cheika ask- ing him to join him at Stade Francais where he was about to take charge as Director of surprise comeback Rugby in 2010. “He had never met me but he liked Argentines and believed, having seen me The 36-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion said she loved being a mum but missed tennis play and how I behaved on the pitch that I had what it AFP took to be a trainer,” Ledesma Paris said. “I said to him: ‘I’ve never Belgium’s Kim Clijsters has won the US thought about coaching and Open in 2005, 2009 and 2010, and the I don’t really feel like it, I want elgium’s former world number Australian Open in 2011. (Reuters) to go back to my country’. one Kim Clijsters announced “But he said, ‘Take a flight, yesterday her return to com- I’ll pay for it, and come to Par- petitive tennis in 2020, seven is, we’ll have a coff ee and talk,’ yearsB after retiring to become a stay- and my wife said, ‘Why don’t at-home mum of three children. The you go? If you’re going to take 36-year-old four-time singles Grand a decision you have to have all Slam champion said she loved being a the cards in hand,’ and when I mum but missed the adrenalin of the was on the plane I had already tennis world tour. half decided. Then when I met “These last seven years I’ve been a and talked with him I found full-time mum. And I love it, I really he was a spectacular guy and do. But I also loved being a professional I said to myself, ‘OK, let’s go, tennis player. And honestly I miss that give it a try’.” feeling,” she said on Twitter. Clijsters Ledesma said he quit when won the US Open in 2005, 2009 and Cheika was sacked by Stade 2010, and the Australian Open in 2011. Francais in 2012, impressing She initially retired in 2007 aged 23, the Australian with his loyalty. making a return two years later after “I resigned and no longer had having her fi rst child to win her sec- a job because I thought it ond US Open, then hanging up her rac- was the right thing to do, he quet again after the 2012 US Open. In had taken me there,” said the a 51-second video on social media she 46-year-old, a key player in asks: “Could I be a loving mum to three Agustin Pichot’s Pumas side kids, and the best tennis player I can who were World Cup bronze possibly be? “Let’s do this. Let’s come medal winners in 2007 after back one more time. See you in 2020.” beating hosts France. Her return was warmly welcomed This cemented a great rela- by WTA chairman Steve Simon. “Kim tionship which eventually led Clijsters ranks among the greats of the to Ledesma following Cheika game and her return to the Tour is excit- to Australia as scrum guru for ing news for the WTA family and tennis the Waratahs and later the fans around the world,” he said. Wallabies. Ledesma has the Clijsters made her WTA debut aged 15 same kind of loyalty to Ar- at Antwerp in 1999. She has 41 singles gentine rugby and just as he titles, and is the only mother to top the improved Australia’s scrum- WTA charts since computer rankings maging, he has faith in being began in 1975. Despite her lengthy time able to return the Pumas to out she still ranks third among active their former dominance in players in terms of tournament success the scrum. Argentina may be behind the Williams sisters — Serena on a run of nine test defeats with 72 titles and Venus with 49. by his recovery from career-saving hip “The last tournament was at Chal- around the court, something he is scheduled last-16 matches at the inau- going into the World Cup but As well as her singles Grand Slam ti- surgery as the former world number one lenger level which was good for me. We banking on returning over the next few gural Zhengzhou Open yesterday. De- he sees massive progress in tles she won two more in doubles at the prepares to play next month’s Shanghai had good crowds there and it was diff er- months. “Now I don’t have any limita- spite the organisers’ best eff orts to dry a relatively small but growing French Open and Wimbledon with Ai Masters. Murray is aiming to rebuild his ent. I haven’t played at that level for 14 tions on what I can’t do,” Murray added the court for play to resume, all matches core of professionals now Sugiyama in 2003. She told the WTA’s singles ranking following the operation or 15 years but I enjoyed it,” Murray said. at an event at Queen’s Club to promote a were postponed today with the quarter- playing in the southern hemi- offi cial website that her motivation to in January. The 32-year-old Scot made “I am just happy to be healthy again. daily liquid supplement developed spe- fi nals also scheduled for later in the day. sphere’s Super Rugby and come out of retirement wasn’t that she a tentative return to singles action in I would like to be playing at a higher cifi cally for the Scot. Top seed Karolina Pliskova, whose Rugby Championship. felt she still had something to prove but Cincinnati last month. He was last seen level but it was fun for me out there. Re- “I am certainly still a little bit slow match against Slovenia’s Polona Hercog The 46-year-old, who is rather for “the challenge”. on court at a Challenger event in Major- covering from matches because I don’t in terms of where I would like to get to. was suspended late on Wednesday, will going to a sixth consecutive “I have friends who would say, I want ca — his fi rst time playing at that lower have pain, the preparation is fun. Hope- I’m thinking that in the next four or fi ve kick off today’s matches with the score World Cup, four as a player to run the New York Marathon before I level for 14 years — and his next tourna- fully it keeps going that way.” months that is going to get better. Each at 6-3, 2-5 in her favour while third seed and his second as a coach, turn 50. For me, I still love to play ten- ment will be the Zhuhai Championships Murray has committed to playing for week I have felt better but performanc- Kiki Bertens faces Australia’s Ajla Tom- said each match against the nis,” she said. As a former world number later in September. four weeks in a row as the China Open es haven’t necessarily shown that, in ljanovic. top sides was part of a contin- one she can expect unlimited wildcards Although Murray lost in the third in Beijing is sandwiched in between his terms of results. But I have been feeling Jelena Ostapenko plays fourth seed uum that shows Argentina are next season. round in Majorca against the unherald- outings in Zhuhai and Shanghai before physically better.” Aryna Sabalenka while second seed on the right track. They face ed Matteo Viola, the two-time Wim- returning to Europe to compete in the Elina Svitolina plays Yulia Putintseva. England, France, the United MURRAY ENCOURAGED BY bledon champion was pleased he came European Open in Antwerp. RAIN WASHES OUT LAST-16 American Alison Riske, who knocked States and Tonga in Pool C at PROGRESS AFTER HIP SURGERY through three matches in four days While he is now able to play pain- MATCHES AT ZHENGZHOU OPEN out Angelique Kerber in the fi rst round, the World Cup in Japan. Andy Murray insists he is encouraged without any complications. free, Murray is still short of speed Rain forced the cancellation of all the takes on home favourite Zheng Saisai.

BASKETBALL WORLD CUP RUGBY US suff er second loss in as many days First round exit a frightening AFP prospect for France Dongguan, China Reuters Paris eposed champions the United States lost 94-89 to Serbia in a dead-rubber at hree-times runners-up France the Basketball World Cup head to the World Cup knowing yesterday,D a day after surrendering that defeat to Argentina in their their 13-year unbeaten run. A young opening game in Japan might lead Team USA made up of second-tier Tto them being knocked out in the pool NBA stars were defeated 89-79 in the stage for the fi rst time. ‘Les Bleus’ have quarter-fi nals by France on Wednes- been well short of their best over the past day, bringing a premature close to few years and lost in the quarter-fi nals their World Cup defence. four years ago, matching their worst per- More signifi cantly, it was the formance at a World Cup. reigning world and Olympic cham- France will also face England, Tonga pions’ fi rst defeat in a major com- and the United States in Pool C but it is France’s Charles Ollivon (left) and petition since the semi-fi nals of the their group opener against the Pumas on Emerick Setiano interact with a child at 2006 World Cup. Yesterday’s “clas- Sept. 21 that is likely to determine the fate Yamanashi Kenristu high school in sifi cation” game in Dongguan was of Jacques Brunel’s side. Defeat would Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) the fi nal that never was: the holders leave them needing a win over England against the favourites. to have any chance of advancing to the Louis Picamoles in his third World Cup. The US were down a scarcely be- quarter-fi nal stage but in their last 10 The number eight might tell tales from lievable 32-7 after the fi rst quarter meetings they have beaten the English the 2011 World Cup, when France were and headed for a big defeat, before only three times. routed 37-17 by New Zealand in the pool clawing back some of the defi cit and Khris Middleton of US (left) tries to drive past Bogdan Bogdanovic of Serbia during the Basketball World Cup Despite the emergence of young tal- phase and scraped into the playoff s before a degree of pride. Harrison Barnes classification match in Dongguan, China, yesterday. (AFP) ents such as scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, the players rebelled against coach Marc of the Sacramento Kings, the only France have been also-rans in the Six Na- Lievremont and went on to reach the fi nal. remaining member of the trium- “May god help them”. second quarter and reduced the gap the Americans would give it their tions, fi nishing fourth three times in the Losing 8-7 to the All Blacks in that fi nal phant 2016 Rio Olympic roster, said: Sasha Djordjevic dismissed the to just four points at half-time. all in their tournament closer, when last fi ve years. They were third (2017) and was a major disappointment but achiev- “There are no regrets from our group comment as motivational irony but Going into the fourth quarter, they will face the loser of the Czech fi fth (2016) the other two years. ing something similar in Japan would be in terms of what we’ve given, what said that he could see the US were still Serbia — led once more by the Sac- Republic versus Poland. With Brunel and his predecessor Guy quite an achievement for this team. we’ve sacrifi ced. The commitment shell-shocked from the France defeat ramento Kings’ Bogdan Bogdanovic “On Saturday we have that op- Noves tinkering with their halfback com- French federation President Bernard everyone has made away from their in the fi rst quarter. Gregg Popovich’s — were only three points ahead. But portunity to go out once again, play binations, trying out a total of 16 pairings Laporte, however, is confi dent in their families, their teams, their organisa- team failed to score a point during the US comeback fell narrowly short a game, represent our country,” he since 2016, Dupont is one of Les Bleus’ chances. “Even if there are three or four tions.” one barren fi ve-minute period. and they have another classifi cation said. “For some of us — potentially rare hopes for the future. The 22-year-old superior teams, France are able, on one There was no medal up for grabs A rout was on the cards for Ser- match tomorrow to decide who fi n- all of us — it could be our last time we looks to be a certain starter against Ar- game, to beat anyone,” he said of Les and the US have already qualifi ed for bia, whose tournament also came to ishes seventh and eighth. wear a USA jersey, or the beginning gentina but it is unclear whether Camille Bleus, who are ranked eighth in the world. next summer’s Tokyo Games. But a surprise quarter-fi nal end, at the Bogdanovic, who has been one of many. We will just savour that op- Lopez or Romain Ntamack will start at “This team have found enthusiasm there was added spice after Serbia’s hands of Argentina. The 70-year-old of the players of the tournament in portunity.” In today’s semi-fi nals, fl yhalf. The French squad is a good mix and a soul. The preparation has been very coach said prior to the World Cup Popovich chewed his lip and brood- China, led all scoring with 28 points. Spain play Australia and France take of seasoned players and youngsters, good. We could not be heading to Japan that if the Americans met his team, ed. But the US fought back in the Barnes had 22 points and said that on Argentina. who will benefi t from the experience of with a better mindset.”

Friday, September 13, 2019 GULF TIMES ATHLETICS

DOHA 2019 Qatar Airways and Aspire host athletics talent identifi cation activities at Oryx International School s sporting fever these opportunities to showcase it’s mostly about their own ef- spreads across the how sport can support the de- fort and determination. The country ahead of the velopment of our future genera- students were amazed when IAAF World Athletics tions and bring people together we raised the bar on the verti- ChampionshipsA Doha 2019 later from around the world.” cal jump test to show them how this month, Oryx International Sheikha Asma al-Thani, Di- high Mutaz Barshim could jump School (OIS) had the opportu- rector of Marketing and Com- at their age. Through the testing nity to participate in an athletics munications for the Local they gained an appreciation for workshop aimed at children aged Organising Committee, com- the amazing eff orts that Qatar’s 10-15 years old. mented: “Through the enthusi- very own athletes have achieved The workshop saw 75 students asm and excitement of our part- over a relatively short time.” from OIS take part in a number ners for the IAAF World Athletics Oryx International School Ex- of disciplines, competing to be Championships Doha 2019, we ecutive Principal Derek Laidlaw, crowned the winner in a one- have been able to spread that ex- said: “We are delighted to have day sporting spectacular created citement into our communities been aff orded this opportunity by Qatar Airways, Aspire Acad- with a memorable day for young by the IAAF World Athletics emy and the Local Organising sports fans to compete and learn Championships Doha 2019, Qa- Committee for the IAAF World more about the competition. tar Airways and Aspire Academy. Athletics Championships Doha “I thank our partners for help- This event will off er insight into 2019. ing to celebrate the Champion- the world of athletics, sport sci- As part of the activities, OIS ships in what is a truly historical ence and also test our students’ students took part in Aspire sporting moment for the whole sporting endurance. Oryx stu- Academy’s Talent Identifi ca- of Qatar.” dents come from more than 90 tion Program, aimed at educat- Head of ASPIRE National diff erent countries, refl ecting ing the students on some of the Talent Identifi cation Program our and Qatar Airways’ global skills and attributes required to IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 mascots with Oryx International School students. Anthony Hazeldine, said: “The diversity and how this can be be an elite athlete. Established students always enjoy being united though sport.” in 2004, Aspire has since pro- (Hammer Throw). They will also cot Falah the Falcon presented compete. ics Championships Doha 2019 tested with the same physical As a national partner, Qa- duced a number of high-per- be competing at the IAAF World students with gift bags to re- Qatar Airways Senior Vice- to the students at Oryx Inter- tests that many of the athletes tar Airways will help fl y in over formance athletes for Team Qa- Athletic Championships later member the day, and as an added President, Marketing and Cor- national School. Sport is a key competing at the IAAF World 3,500 athletes, coaches and tar such as Olympian and World this month. bonus Qatar Airways provided porate Communications, Ms pillar of the long-term vision Athletics Championships would technical offi cials for the ten- Champion Mutaz Barshim (High Qatar Airways’ Oryx Kid Club each student with tickets to the Salam al-Shawa, said: “We are of the State of Qatar, and as the have done in their youth. Prob- day event which gets underway Jump), Abubaker Haydar Abdal- Mascots Orry’ and ‘Orah’ the Championships to experience delighted to bring the excite- National Airline Partner of the ably because there is no right on September 27 at Khalifa In- la (800m) and Ashraf El-Seify Oryx and IAAF Doha 2019 Mas- seeing the world’s best athletes ment of the IAAF World Athlet- Championships, we welcome or wrong answer to these tests, ternational Stadium.

IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS SPOTLIGHT Sprint stars Elaine and Shelly-Ann to Mondotrack WS lead Jamaica team print stars Elaine mas, Javon Francis, Rusheen Thompson and Shelly- McDonald, Devaughn Baker, Ann Fraser-Pryce and Nathon Allen, Demar Murray sprint hurdler Omar Long jump: Tajay Gayle McLeodS lead the Jamaican Triple jump: Jordon Scott ready to welcome team for the IAAF World Ath- Shot put: O’Dayne Richards letics Championships Doha Discus throw: Fedrick Dacres, 2019, which will be held from Traves Smikle, Chad Wright 27 September until 6 October. Women: Fraser-Pryce, a two-time 100m: Elaine Thompson, Olympic 100m champion, has Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, collected seven world titles Briana Williams, Jonielle Smith in her storied career, includ- (reserve) world’s best to Doha ing three at 100m and one at 200m: Elaine Thompson, 200m, and will be contesting Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Schill- ‘We are proud to be part of the transformation of the stadium, which is the first in the both once again in an attempt onie Calvert-Powell, Shashalee to add to her nearly unpar- Forbes (reserve) world to be awarded a four-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System’ alleled resumé. Meanwhile, 400m: Shericka Jackson, Thompson is the reigning Ol- Anastasia Le-Roy, Stephanie- he Mondotrack WS ympic champion in the 100m Ann McPherson, Roneisha (World Series) state-of- and 200m and both will arrive McGregor (reserve) the-art track is ready to in Doha as the co-world lead- 800m: Natoya Goule welcome the world’s best ers in the 100m at 10.73. 1500m: Ashia Praught-Leer Tathletes to the IAAF World Ath- McLeod, the reigning world 100m hurdles: Danielle Wil- letics Championships Doha 2019 and Olympic champion, cur- liams, Janeek Brown, Megan at the Khalifa International Sta- rently sits fourth on the 2019 Tapper, Yanique Thompson dium from 27 September until 6 world list at 13.07. 400m hurdles: Janieve October. Russell, Rushell Clayton, Delivered to Khalifa Stadium JAMAICAN TEAM Rhonda White, Shiann Salmon in 681 rolls in January of last year, (Including Reserves) (reserve) two professional installers from Men: 4x100m relay: Elaine Thomp- Mondo, assisted by a local crew, 100m: Yohan Blake, Tyquendo son, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, installed the track, which covers Tracey, Rasheed Dwyer, Andre Briana Williams, Jonielle Smith, a surface of 8876 square metres, Ewers (reserve) Natalliah Whyte, Natasha in just 40 days. 200m: Yohan Blake, Rasheed Morrison, Schillonie Calvert- “We are proud to be part of the Dwyer, Andre Ewers, Akeen Powell, Shashalee Forbes transformation of the stadium, Bloomfield (reserve) 4x400m relay: Shericka which is the fi rst in the world to 400m: Akeen Bloomfield, De- Jackson, Anastasia Le-Roy, be awarded a four-star rating mish Gaye, Rusheen McDon- Stephanie-Ann McPherson, from the Global Sustainability ald, Nathon Allen (reserve) Roneisha McGregor, Tiff any Assessment System,” said Mau- 110m hurdles: Omar McLeod, James, Shiann Salmon, Janieve rizio Stroppiana, Managing Di- Ronald Levy, Orlando Bennett, Russell, Natoya Goule rector of MONDO S.p.A. Andrew Riley Long jump: Tisanna Hickling, “In addition to the innovative 400m hurdles: Kemar Mowatt Chanice Porter pink colour and to the traditional 4x100m relay: Yohan Blake, Triple jump: Shanieka Rick- athletic performance, our MON- Tyquendo Tracey, Rasheed etts, Kimberly Williams DOTRACK WS is GREENGUARD Dwyer, Julian Forte, Oshane Discus throw: Shadae Law- Gold certifi ed for its low VOC Bailey, Andre Ewers rence, Shanice Love emissions, which eff ectively 4x400m relay: Akeen Bloom- Shot put: Danniel Thomas- contributes to minimising the field, Demish Gaye, Terry Tho- Dodd. (IAAF) stadium’s ecological footprint. We praise Qatar’s commitment to sustainability, and we thank the A file picture of Khalifa International Stadium – the venue of IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019. IAAF, The IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 and rating, making it one of the most Mondo transformed specifi c on helping track and fi eld ath- piana added. During the IAAF the Aspire Zone Foundation for sustainable stadiums in the re- needs of athletes into new tech- letes improve their perform- Congress in Doha, Mondo will sharing with MONDO the same gion. Mondo works closely with nologies and applied them to the ance, not only because we want display the details of these track vision for a sustainable future.” professional athletes and inter- Mondotrack WS, which was used to provide the best conditions improvements and unveil its Khalifa International Stadium, national universities to identify for the 2016 Olympic Games in to perform, but we also want Mondotrack WS technologies. Stroppiana points out, focuses the ideal characteristics of track Rio de Janiero, to optimise it for to help them record their fast- Doha will mark the 12th time on sustainability as a key element surfaces used for high-level the upcoming 2020 Summer Ol- est times ever during one of that Mondo has been the supplier in its design and operation and competitions. ympic Games in Tokyo. the world’s biggest and most for the IAAF World Champion- has achieved a four-star GSAS Thanks to this collaboration, “Mondo is extremely focused exciting competitions,” Strop- ships. (IAAF)

Ethiopia selects team of 37 for World Athletics Championships

Two defending champions and a newly ers Yomif Kejelcha and Genzebe Dibaba. WOMEN crowned Diamond League champion 800m: Gudaf Tsegay, Diribe Welteji feature on Ethiopia’s team for the THE TEAM 1500m: Genzebe Dibaba, Axumawit IAAF World Athletics Championships (INCLUDING RESERVES) Embaye, Lemlem Hailu, Gudaf Tsegay Doha 2019, which will be held from 27 MEN 5000m: Hawi Feysa, Tsehay Gemechu, September until 6 October. Muktar Edris 1500m: Teddese Lemi, Samuel Tefera Letesenbet Gidey, Fantu Worku will defend his 5000m title while Almaz 5000m: Selemon Barega, Muktar Edris, 10,000m: Almaz Ayana, Tsehay Geme- Ayana will aim to retain her 10,000m Hagos Gebrhiwet, Abadi Hadis, Telahun chu, Letesenbet Gidey, Netsanet Gudeta, title. Getnet Wale, winner of the 3000m Haile Senbere Teferi steeplechase at the IAAF Diamond 10,000m: Selemon Barega, Andamlak 3000m steeplechase: Mekides Abebe, League final in Brussels, also features on Belihu, Hagos Gebrhiwet, Yomif Kejelcha Agrie Belachew, Lomi Tefera, Zerfe the team. 3000m steeplechase: Chala Beyo, Wondemagegn World leaders Samuel Tefera, Selemon Lemecha Girma, Takele Nigate, Getnet Marathon: Ruti Aga, Shure Demise, Roza Barega, Telahun Haile, Hagos Gebrhiwet Wale Dereje and Letesenbet Gidey have also been Marathon: Lelisa Desisa, Mosinet Ger- 20km race walk: Y. Beletew. (IAAF). selected, so too have world record-hold- emew, Shura Kitata, Mule Wasihun (IAAF) Long-distance runner Muktar Edris. Olympic champion Elaine Thompson.