FORMULA ONE | Page 3 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Hamilton Loew looks storms to towards To Advertise here pole position Germany’s Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 in Monza young guns

Sunday, September 4, 2016 MILESTONE Dhul-Hijja 2, 1437 AH Serena leaves GULF TIMES Navratilova behind with 307th Slam win SPORT Page 2

TENNIS Brief encounters as Djoko, Nadal breeze into 4th round Nadal reached the fourth round for the first time since 2013 — the year of his last New York title — with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov, while Djokovic progressed after Youzhny retired with a hamstring injury in 32 minutes

AFP volved in more drama when she rallied New York from 1-5 down in the fi nal set to defeat Osaka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3). The 18-year-old Osaka was so trau- ovak Djokovic reached the US matised by her failure to convert her Open last 16 in just 32 min- dominance into victory that she broke utes when Mikhail Youzhny down in tears as she twice tried and retired injured before fellow failed to serve for the victory. Ntwo-time winner Rafael Nadal also “This is the greatest comeback of made the fourth round for the fi rst my career, hands down,” said Keys who time in three years. will face two-time runner-up Caroline Defending men’s champion Djoko- Wozniacki for a quarter-fi nal spot. vic was 4-2 ahead in the fi rst set when In stark contrast, German second Russian 34-year-old Youzhny called it seed and champion quits suff ering from a left hamstring closed out the night injury. session with a 6-1, 6-1 win in just 53 The outcome completed a bizarre minutes against American 17-year-old fi rst week for world number one Djok- CiCi Bellis. ovic. Kerber, who claimed her season- After labouring over four sets to leading 50th match win, next faces beat Jerzy Janowicz on Monday, he was two-time Wimbledon winner Petra handed a walkover into the third round Kvitova. when Czech opponent Jiri Vesely with- Jack Sock, the American 26th seed, drew from their second round clash reached the fourth round for the fi rst with an arm injury. time by knocking out 2014 champion “I have never had this happen be- Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in tie where fore in my Grand Slam career, getting he did not face a single break point. a walkover and the next match lasting The 23-year-old Sock, whose last just half an hour,” said Djokovic. two appearances at the US Open had The top seed next faces Britain’s ended in retirements, goes on to face world number 84 Kyle Edmund who French ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. stunned John Isner of the United States Tsonga, a two-time quarter-fi nalist, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) to make a Slam made the last 16 with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 fourth round for the fi rst time. (7/4) victory over South Africa’s Kevin Nadal reached the fourth round for Anderson. the fi rst time since 2013 — the year of Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova backed his last New York title — with a 6-1, up her shock victory over third seed 6-4, 6-2 win over Russia’s Andrey Novak Djokovic of Serbia signs autographs for fans after Mikhail Youzhny of and champion Garbine Kuznetsov. Russia retired injured on Friday. Muguruza by making the last 16 for the “Andrey is always a tough opponent, fi rst time with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Kat- he returns well and has good shots the third was key so I’m very happy.” Keys won the latest-ever fi nishing eryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine. from the baseline,” said fourth seed Djokovic’s very brief encounter had women’s match at the tournament World number 48 Sevastova, who Nadal who faces ’s Lucas Pouille been preceded on Arthur Ashe Sta- on Monday when she completed vic- briefl y retired in 2013, has matched her Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his third round match against Andrey for a quarter-fi nal slot. dium by women’s eighth seed Madison tory over compatriot Alison Riske at best run at a Slam and next faces Brit- Kuznetsov of Russia on Day Five of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King “I had a fantastic fi rst set, a little Keys pulling off an epic comeback to 1:48am. ish 13th seed who put National Center on Friday. trouble with my serve in the second but beat Japan’s . On Friday, the 21-year-old was in- out 6-2, 6-1.

GEARING UP GCC BASKETBALL UAE beat Bahrain, Qatar close in on title

FIBA A win today against Sharjah Saudi Arabia will see Qatar clinch the 15th GCC Basketball Championship and become the atar edged closer to clinch- fi rst country to qualify for the ing the 15th GCC Basket- 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, the new ball Championship follow- name of the continental FIBA ing their 59-40 win over Asia Championship QOman yesterday, their third in as many games. A win today against Saudi Arabia Hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE), will see Qatar clinch the 15th GCC meanwhile, recorded their first win Basketball Championship and be- after narrowly beating Bahrain 95- come the first country to qualify 92. for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, the new Defending champions Qatar beat name of the continental FIBA Asia hosts UAE on the opening day before Championship. winning a thrilling double-overtime After this Championship, Qatar will game against Bahrain on Wednesday. leave for Tehran to participate in the The Al Annabi never looked threat- 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge. They will ened against Oman at all and by half- play in Group C with hosts Iran and time they already had 17-point lead Iraq. Qatar coach Jose Daniel Carreno guides a training session yesterday ahead of the team’s Group A match against Uzbekistan in the final phase of qualifying for (34-17). The top fi ve teams in the FIBA Asia the 2018 World Cup in Russia on Tuesday. Qatar need to win the match to revive their chances of qualifying for the tournament after crashing to a 2-0 defeat Qatar took their feet off the pedal af- Challenge will earn an extra berth for against Iran in Tehran on Thursday. Picture on the right shows captain Hassan al-Haydos and Ali Asadallah enjoying a lighter moment during training. ter the interval but still managed to win their respective sub-zones in the 2017 by +19 points (59-40). FIBA Asia Cup. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, September 4, 2016 TENNIS

MILESTONE Serena leaves Navratilova behind with 307th victory Although a right shoulder injury had left Williams looking vulnerable since her triumph at Wimbledon, she needed just an hour to subdue Larsson, the world number 47 who had lost in the first round of her six prior US Open appearances

AFP because she played a different kind of New York game,” Williams said. “It was really good for me to have a different type of rhythm and just move the ball around. erena Williams powered to a So overall it was pretty good.” record 307th Grand Slam match Meanwhile, Hungarian Timea Babos win yesterday to reach the put a scare into Romanian fifth seed Si- fourth round of the US Open. mona Halep, surging back in the second SWilliams moved ahead of Martina set and taking a 3-1 lead in the third be- Navratilova for most match wins in the fore falling 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. majors by a woman, and tied Roger Fe- “I don’t know how I came back,” said derer’s mark for men with a 6-2, 6-1 Halep, whose unforced errors skyrock- pasting of Sweden’s Johanna Larsson. eted in the second set. “I was fighting to The American superstar, seeking a the very end for every ball.” record seventh US Open title, next fac- Having regained the break to level es Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova, the third at 3-3, Halep was unable to a 6-2, 7-5 winner over China’s Zhang convert two break points in the eighth Shuai. game. But Babos, unable to convert two “That’s pretty awesome,” Williams game points in the 10th, finally sur- said of surpassing Navratilova. “And rendered with a whimper with a double what better place to do than here where fault on match point. it all started.” Halep, who fell in the semi-finals to Williams claimed the first of her eventual champion Flavia Pennetta last 22 Grand Slam singles titles at the US year, will play Spain’s Carla Suarez Na- Open in 1999. A 23rd major triumph varro for place in the quarter-finals. of the United States serves would take her past the Open Era Suarez celebrated her 28th birthday to Johanna Larsson of Sweden during her record she now shares with Steffi Graf with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Russian third round match on Day Six of the US and closer to Margaret Court’s all-time Elena Vesnina. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National record of 24. There was no such drama for fourth Tennis Center in New York City yesterday. Although a right shoulder injury had seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who need- left Williams looking vulnerable since ed 70 minutes to defeat France’s Caro- her triumph at Wimbledon, she need- line Garcia 6-2, 6-3. ed just an hour to subdue Larsson, the Sixth seed , whose world number 47 who has never made seven Grand Slam titles include US it past the third round of a Grand slam Open crowns in 2000 and 2001, opens and had lost in the first round of her six the night session on Ashe against 26th- prior US Open appearances. seeded Laura Siegemund in the first “It was a really good match for me, meeting between the two.

SPOTLIGHT Impressive Monfi ls Nadal ready to challenge for happy to show his title aft er quickfi re victory serious side

Reuters tainly appeared re-energised since New York arriving at Flushing Meadows. The 14-time grand slam winner concedes he still feels some dis- ourth seed Rafa Nadal comfort in his wrist but it has not showed he is healthy and affected his performance on the ready to challenge for a New York hardcourts. third US Open title as he “Still (feel) something but Frolled into the last 16 at Flushing something that is not limiting my Meadows on Friday with a fist- game now,” said Nadal. “That’s the pumping 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over most important thing. Russian Andrey Kuznetsov. “I don’t know in which kind of Erasing any lingering concerns level I am. over an injured left wrist that kept “Is true that when I had to stop Reuters, New York: Seriousness “I think every collaboration I had was him out of Wimbledon, Nadal has I was playing great. I felt myself and Gael Monfils usually go together great,” the 29-year-old Frenchman made a powerful start to the year’s ready for the French. about as well as fish and chocolate. said. “It’s always diff erent, your life, final grand slam, racing into the “For me is a great news that I am However, 10 months in the company everything’s moving, everything’s fourth round without dropping a on the tour again and I am play- of Mikael Tillstrom seems to have growing. set. ing every day with less pain on the turned Monfils into a more consistent “I think I am at a time where I also un- It was vintage Nadal on a warm wrist.” performer and an impressive 6-4 6-2 derstand my sport better, understand New York evening, as the energetic Despite the one-sided scoreline, 6-4 win over Spain’s Nicolas Almagro myself better so for me, it’s for sure a Spaniard wore down his 47th- Nadal did his best to keep another put the Frenchman into the last 16 at diff erent approach.” ranked opponent with a breathless large crowd at Arthur Ashe Sta- the US Open on Friday. Monfils has been to the quarter-finals work rate and a bombardment of dium entertained on Friday closing Monfils loves to entertain and there is at the US Open twice before and stinging forehands. out the match in theatrical style, surely no more athletic player on the after missing Wimbledon this year “I am improving with that shot,” setting up the winning point with ATP Tour but there has been a steel because of illness, he is delighted to Nadal told reporters. “Everybody a between-the-legs lob that had about his performances in 2016, with be in good form at the season’s final knows that is a very important shot fans on their feet. his Swedish coach Tillstrom playing a grand slam. for me. The 30-year-old had them pivotal role. “I feel much better,” he said. “I had “When I am able to play that roaring again seconds later as he “He (Tillstrom) is a very serious guy this virus which stopped me for quite shot well, then the court opens a danced across the court in a suc- on the court, very picky with every tip a while, too much, but I feel good. I lot.” cession of fist-pumps. he gives me,” said 10th seed Monfils, am in great momentum so I am hap- Nadal, who incurred his wrist “Every victory helps for the who will next play Marcos Bahgdatis py.” Monfils produced the straightest injury at the French Open and then confidence, especially when you of Cyprus. of faces when asked if he agreed with missed Wimbledon, showed his feel that you played well,” smiled “Then he is a very fun guy outside recent comments made by Tillstrom form when he reached the semi- Nadal, who will next meet 24th- the court. Very sensible and it’s a that the Frenchman could win a finals of the singles and won the seeded Frenchman Lucas Pouille, a great mix.” For a man who has been grand slam and qualify for the ATP doubles gold medal at the Rio Ol- five-set winner over Spain’s Rob- through his share of coaches, Monfils World Tour Finals in London. ympics last month. erto Bautista Agut. conceded that his partnership with “I think I need to recover and be Two weeks later, saying he felt “I feel that today I played great Tillstrom was a case of right time, ready for the next one,” Monfils said, fatigued, Nadal lost his second tennis for a long time, for a lot of right place. with just the hint of a smile. match at Cincinnati but has cer- moments on the match.”

BOTTOMLINE Non-conformist Kvitova goes her own way

AFP trip from Manhattan across the East months ago when she made the quar- winners, fi ve-time champion Maria minutes working on the technical side New York River to Queens. ter-fi nals, her best run by far in New Sharapova (banned) and two-time of the game and then called it quits. “It’s funny. We were joking today York, a city which has taken its time to Australian Open winner Victoria Aza- It’s not too far removed from her that we were going to the site for the convince her of its charms. renka (pregnant) both missing from routine as a professional. utside of the Williams sis- fourth time and I played three match- “I’m not really a fan of the traffi c, New York, Kvitova fi nds herself in “I try to have a nap every day. I do a ters, Petra Kvitova is the es,” said the 26-year-old Czech. but I started to like it last year when I place to threaten Serena’s push for a little bit of shopping or just walk in the only multiple women’s “I came here on Sunday, Monday, played well and I made the quarter- record 23rd major.Her non-conformist city and do the fi tness. After lunch I Grand Slam title winner in Wednesday, Friday. Last year I did the fi nals.” approach has been fi ne-tuned over the watch a movie or something.” theO US Open and is pursuing a third and 2014, is in the second week of a same. I played fi ve matches and I spent Kvitova is some way behind Serena years, even from the days when she was Kvitova made the last 16 on Friday major on a diet of movies, napping and major for the fi rst time this year. six days here. Williams (22 Grand Slam titles) and a junior. by beating Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4 and as little practice as possible. It’s been achieved without dropping “I’m happy that I’m not a person Venus Williams (seven) when it comes When girls of a similar age were will face either second seed Angelique The big-hitting Czech, who cap- a set and by studiously avoiding as of- who has to practice every day.” It was a to the big-stage experience. practicing for four or fi ve hours a day, Kerber or CiCi Bellis for a place in the tured the Wimbledon crown in 2011 ten as possible the sometimes tortuous plan which worked well for Kvitova 12 But with fellow multiple major Kvitova and her father Jiri spent 90 quarter-fi nals on Sunday. Gulf Times Sunday, September 4, 2016 3 SPORT

FORMULA ONE BUTTON MAKING WAY FOR VANDOORNE Hamilton humbles AT MCLAREN Monza, Italy: Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne will replace Jenson Button in McLaren’s race driver line-up next year with the 2009 Formula One world champion still available if needed and un- rivals, equals records der contract for 2018, the team said yesterday. Vandoorne is to partner Spain’s double world champion Brit seizes Monza pole for third consecutive year ahead of teammate Rosberg Fernando Alonso. “Forget the word ‘retirement’,” team head Ron Dennis said of the 36-year- old Button, who won his title with Brawn GP, at the Italian Grand Prix. “That is not in the vocabu- lary, that is not what we are say- ing. Jenson is one of the team’s drivers for the next two years and if Jenson is needed to drive Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne will next year for any reason, he will partner Spain’s double world drive.” champion Fernando Alonso at Button, the most expe- McLaren next year. (AFP) rienced performer on the starting grid who made his for McLaren-Honda. Which is debut with Williams in 2000, pretty awesome,” said Button. told reporters he decided over Whether he returns is likely the August break he wanted to depend on Alonso’s desire a change. He said he started to continue with a team that negotiations with Dennis at has not won a race since 2012 last weekend’s Belgian Grand and has under-performed since Prix and agreed a two-year deal they started a new partnership that would see him step back with Honda last season. By in 2017 and possibly return the retaining Button, McLaren also following season. have insurance in case Alonso “Next year I will be an ambas- decides to quit before the end sador for this team,” explained of next season. Button. “I will work with this Vandoorne is a rising talent team in every way I can to in the sport, a GP2 title winner make it a better team for the who McLaren have invested future...I will also be doing a in and did not want to let slip lot of stuff I haven’t done for 17 through their fingers. He has years. scored a point already on a “I’ll be living on my schedule, one-off appearance in Bahrain, I’ll get up when I want, I’ll do after Alonso was injured in the what I want for a lot of the days Australian season-opener, and of the year, spend more time has been chafing at having to with my friends and family... watch from the sidelines. “It’s there are many things I want something I have been dream- to do. And in 2018 the team ing about since I was a kid,” have an option on me to race said Vandoorne.

Mercedes Lewis Hamilton (centre) is congratulated by second placed teammate Nico Rosberg after winning the pole position as third placed Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel looks on after the qualifying session for the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza yesterday. (AFP)

AFP a fi ve-time pole-sitter at the famous old 21.135 seconds was not only nearly half a of his Force India team-mate German Monza, Italy Autodromo Nazionale. “Lewis did some second faster than Rosberg, but also more Nico Hulkenberg with Mexican Esteban good laps and that was it,” said Rosberg. than 2.2 seconds quicker than the pole lap Gutierrez taking 10th for Haas on his fi rst “I had a good weekend until now — I just time he clocked last year. Hamilton and appearance in the top-ten shootout. happy Lewis Hamilton humbled wasn’t quick enough. Lewis had his best Rosberg’s front row lockout was Mer- his rivals yesterday as he joined qualifying for a long time.” cedes’ 41st and enabled them to equal the STARTING GRID two of motor racing’s legendary Hamilton has now taken three succes- record of dominance set by Red Bull pair- 1. Lewis hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 2. Nico drivers in the record books by sive Italian poles, fi ve in all to equal Ar- ing German Sebastian Vettel and Austral- Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 3. Sebastian securingA a dominant pole position for to- gentine Fangio and Brazilian Senna and ian Mark Webber in their heyday. Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 4. Kimi Raikkonen day’s Italian Grand Prix. 56 in his career as he seeks to complete a Hamilton leads Rosberg by nine points (Finland) Ferrari 5. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) The series leader and three-time de- hat-trick of Monza victories and to reg- in the title race and will start on Sun- Williams-Mercedes 6. Daniel Ricciardo (Aus- fending champion was in untouchable ister his 50th career victory in Sunday’s day as favourite to enlarge that cushion tralia) Red Bull - TAG Heuer 7. Max Verstap- form during a coruscating performance race, the last in Europe this season. because the last six Italian races, at the pen (Netherlands) Red Bull - TAG Heuer 8. in qualifying as he outpaced Mercedes “I feel very proud and honoured to high-speed Monza track, have been won Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes team-mate and title rival German Nico be up amongst people like Fangio and from pole. 9. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force India Rosberg by almost half a second. Senna,” said Hamilton. “They are such Finn Valtteri Bottas was fi fth for Wil- - Mercedes 10. Esteban Gutierrez (Mexico) Ferrari, with new updated power units, incredible drivers and I never thought in liams ahead of Australian Daniel Ric- Haas - Ferrari 11. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Wil- were also left gasping in pursuit with a mn years that my name would be men- ciardo and his Red Bull teammate Dutch liams-Mercedes 12. Fernando Alonso (Spain) four-time champion German Sebastian tioned in the same breath as them. I came teenager Max Verstappen. McLaren 13. Pascal Wehrlein (Germany) Vettel, who was third ahead of teammate with my A-game today, particularly that “That was my best lap of the week,” Manor - Mercedes 14. Jenson Button (Britain) Finn Kimi Raikkonen, admitting “those last lap and it just felt incredible. said Bottas. The under-scrutiny Verstap- McLaren 15. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro guys ahead look like they’re in a world of What this team has achieved is phe- pen, 18, who was criticised for his aggres- Rosso - Ferrari 16. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro their own”. nomenal and we are so fortunate to drive sive driving in Belgium last Sunday, said Rosso - Ferrari 17. Romain Grosjean (France) Rosberg’s face and his struggle to ex- a car like this as it was today. This is a he had enjoyed his session. “I thought Haas - Ferrari 18. Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber - plain the size of Hamilton’s advantage great track with great fans and today I was we’d be further behind Ferrari and you Ferrari 19. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber was telling evidence of the 31-year-old right in the sweet spot with the car and I never know about a race podium,” he said. - Ferrari 20. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault McLaren Honda’s Jenson button is not retiring but said he will be Briton’s supremacy as he drew alongside got an exceptional time out of it.” “We are usually stronger in the race.” 21. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Renault 22. taking a ‘break’ next year. (AFP) Juan Manuel Fangio and Ayrton Senna as Hamilton’s best lap in one minute and Mexican Sergio Perez was eighth ahead Esteban Ocon (France) Manor - Mercedes

MOTOGP SPOTLIGHT Home hope Crutchlow on Silverstone pole F1 sale to Liberty AFP Media to go ahead Silverstone, United Kingdom

n-form local favourite Cal Crutchlow next week: Report will start his home British Grand Prix on pole after topping the times in fi - Honda’s British rider Cal Reuters nal qualifying at wet Silverstone yes- Crutchlow gestures after taking Frankfurt Iterday. Fresh from claiming his maiden pole position for the British MotoGp win also in the rain at Brno in MotoGP Grand Prix at Silverstone the Czech Republic last month the Honda circuit in Northamptonshire, sale of Formula One to Liberty Media is to go ahead next rider maintained his stunning form for England, yesterday. (AFP) week, the sport’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone his third career pole. told German trade magazine auto motor und sport on the The 30-year-old, Britain’s fi rst Mo- Asidelines of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza yesterday. toGP winner since Barry Sheene 35 years The magazine said that according to Ecclestone, Liberty Media will ago, is joined on the front row by Ital- transfer the fi rst of two tranches of payment in the $8.5bn deal on ian veteran Valentino Rossi on a Yamaha Tuesday. Recent media reports had said that British broadcaster Sky as and Spain’s Maverick Vinales for Suzu- well as a consortium of Liberty Media’s sister company Liberty Global ki. Ahead of the seventh last race of the and Discovery Communications were also circling Formula One. season Marc Marquez, who took fi fth in Fiat Chrysler’s Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne earlier said the qualifying, leads the championship by 53 industry as a whole had a vested interest in stability for Formula One. points from Rossi. Marquez sat out the “I’ve had this conversation with CVC in the past, I’ve had it with last section of qualifying after a crash. Bernie. I think it’s important that we provide stability and a long-term He has for company on the second row view. I’m sure that will happen soon,” he said. fourth-fastest qualifi er Dani Pedrosa and Auto motor und sport said Ecclestone left it unclear what role he Irishman Eugene Laverty. Laverty may would play once a deal had gone through. have been on target for pole itself but also It quoted him as saying: “I will do what I have always done. What had a late spill in the diffi cult conditions. role I play is my decision.” Scot Scott Reading is on the third row on target for second but crashed out at 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) at 0.998sec, 7. Scott Redding (GBR/Ducati Pramac) 1.809, Formula One’s biggest shareholders are private equity fi rm CVC with Andrea Iannone and world cham- Copse with Rossi eventually taking sec- 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Suuki) 1.249 8. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Ducati) 2.181, 9. Jorge Capital Partners with a 35.5 % stake and US fund manager Waddell pion Jorge Lorenzo. ond, 0.998s shy of Crutchlow’s time. Second row Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) 2.422 & Reed with 20.9 %. Ecclestone holds 5.3 % of Formula One and his Crutchlow went to the top of the times 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 1.477, 5. Marc Fourth row Bambino Trust has another 8.5 %. with a lap of 2min 19.265s with seven STARTING GRID Marquez (ESP/Honda) 1.514, 6. Eugene Lav- 10. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 2.422, 11. CVC and Liberty Media declined to comment on the auto motor and minutes of qualifying still to go, and no First row erty (IRL/Ducati Aspar) 1.536 Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Suzuki) 6.020, 12. Jack sport report. Waddell & Reed was not immediately available for com- rider was able to better him. Marquez was 1. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda LCR) 2:19.265, Third row Miller (AUS/Honda Marc VDS) ment. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, September 4, 2016 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS South Africa England’s Ali commits announce racial quotas Johannesburg: Cricket South Africa (CSA) have put in place to Bangladesh tour racial quotas for the national team across all three formats of the game in an eff ort to increase “If selected, I’ll definitely go. I’m pretty happy with everything and really looking forward to it’ the number of black players in a sport still dominated by whites. AFP country at the start of this year. Eng- CSA have sought an average Cardiff , United Kingdom land, however, fi elded a team in the minimum of six Black players, of youth tournament. which two must be Black Afri- Last month International Cricket can, in matches over the season, oeen Ali has become the Council chief executive David Richard- the organisation announced yes- fi rst England player to con- son welcomed England’s decision to go terday. The move will have little fi rm unreservedly that he ahead with their tour of Bangladesh by immediate impact on the team will be available for the up- saying: “It is important to the global as those targets were reached in Mcoming tour of Bangladesh. The future game of cricket that it can be played the recent Test series win over of the tour was in the balance after an safely in as many countries as possible.” New Zealand when the side was attack on a Dhaka cafe in July killed 20 at full-strength bar the absence — mostly foreign — hostages, with the IRFAN OUT OF ENGLAND TOUR of injured captain AB de Villiers. Islamic State group claiming responsi- Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan “The Test starting XI that bility. has been ruled out of the remainder of played in the recent series But all-rounder Ali, speaking in Car- the tour of England, the Pakistan Crick- against New Zealand contained diff yesterday ahead of England’s fi fth et Board announced yesterday. six players of colour and two and fi nal one-day international against The giant 7ft 1in (2.1 metres) Irfan, Black Africans, and the ODI Pakistan in the Welsh capital today, who was himself only called into the starting XI had as many as eight said: “If selected, I’ll defi nitely go. I’m squad as an injury replacement for Mo- players of colour in their most pretty happy with everything and really hammad Hafeez on August 27, managed recent series against the West looking forward to it,” the 29-year-old just fi ve legitimate overs in Thursday’s Indies and Australia,” CSA Pres- Worcestershire off -spinner and left- fourth one-day international against ident Chris Nenzani said in a handed batsman added. “I’ve been England at Headingley before going off statement. there a few times, fi ve or six.” with cramps to the visible annoyance of “With the targets being meas- Following the Dhaka attack, the Eng- coach Mickey Arthur. ured over the full season and be- land and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sent Pakistan lost the match by four wick- ing cumulative across all three an inspection team to Bangladesh led by ets to go 4-0 down in a fi ve-match se- formats, our selectors and team long-serving security chief Reg Dicka- ries. But it might have been diff erent management will have the fl ex- son. After he reported back, the ECB had the 34-year-old Irfan, who removed ibility to deal with varying cir- said last month that the tour, which in- openers Jason Roy and Alex Hales in a cumstances. This shows very cludes three one-day international and return of two for 26 as England slumped clearly that the targets are very two Test match fi xtures in October and to 72 for four, stayed on the fi eld in what attainable and sustainable and November, would go ahead as planned. was his only match of the tour. we will maintain the world-class “My view is you’re not safe anywhere The towering left-armer, who con- standards that our players regu- these days,” said Ali. “I think you can be ceded three wides, also received two larly produce.” anywhere and still not be safe.” offi cial warnings from the umpires for South Africa are next in ac- England assistant coach Paul Far- running on the pitch. Fellow paceman tion in a one-day international brace, who was with the Sri Lanka squad Hasan Ali, set to feature in the fi fth and against Ireland on Sept. 25, be- when their bus came under armed at- fi nal ODI in Cardiff today, has taken Ir- fore meeting Australia in the fi rst tack in Lahore in 2009, has also said fan’s place in the Pakistan squad for the of fi ve 50-over matches at home he intends to travel to Bangladesh. But lone Twentyt20 international against on Sept. 30. England one-day captain Eoin Morgan, England at Manchester’s Old Traff ord CSA have already introduced who was among a group of players given on Wednesday — the last match of the quotas for the country’s do- a security briefi ng by Dickason, said tour. mestic franchise competitions Friday he had still to make up his mind. The PCB statement said: “Irfan ini- where teams must fi eld at least Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Jonny tially suff ered cramps in his hamstring six players of colour, including Bairstow told several British newspa- in that match (at Headingley) and came three black African players. pers: “I’ve not made a 100 % decision off to receive treatment. He returned However, South Africa’s but I know within my mind that I have a to play and later on complained about sports minister Fikile Mbalula lot of faith in Reggie. I’ve been on a heck cramps in his left and right calf that has been critical of what he says of a lot of tours with him, he’s known prevented him bowling further in the is the slow rate of change in the me since I was a young boy. So I’ve got match. He will return to Pakistan and country’s major sporting codes, a lot of faith in him.” will work on his fi tness in the National bar football. Ali said he had no qualms about Cricket Academy (in Lahore).” The government has been anyone taking their time over decid- Earlier, Pakistan bowling coach pushing for more black repre- ing whether or not to commit to the Azhar Mahmood, speaking to reporters sentation in the national teams tour. “It’s really tough (to decide), even in Cardiff before Irfan was ruled out of of popular sports like cricket and for myself. “Everyone’s diff erent, and the tour, said: “Defi nitely Mickey was rugby still dominated by whites has their own views on things — and unhappy (to see Irfan go off ) and as who were favoured for selection as a team, you back other other’s deci- bowling coach I was unhappy as well. during apartheid rule. sions. It’s up to the individual. There’s We had a chance to win that game (at It banned its national crick- no pressure on anyone — it’s up to that Headingley) the other day. et and rugby federations from person and how he feels.” “If we can get two (more) wickets it hosting or bidding for interna- Australia cancelled their tour of will be a diff erent ball game. Unfortu- tional tournaments for at least a Bangladesh last October for security nately, everyone gets cramp. He is a big year in April due to their failure reasons and then withdrew their side guy and his body is totally diff erent to a to increase their representation from the Under-19 World Cup in the England’s Moeen Ali (right) and Ben Stokes play football during a training session in Cardiff yesterday. (Reuters) normal human.” of black players.

GOLF LPGA Moore and Hahn share lead Alex dreams of maiden

AFP Boston win aft er taking lead

AFP yan Moore and James Hahn fi red Toronto, Canada six-under-par 65s to grab a one- shot lead after a low-scoring fi rst round at the Deutsche Bank Cham- arina Alex fi red an eagle on her fi nal pionshipR at TPC Boston on Friday. hole to take a one-shot lead follow- Hahn drained an eight-foot birdie putt on ing the second round of the Manulife his fi nal hole while Moore saved par on his LPGA Classic on Friday. last to inch clear of the chasing pack in the MAlex, the world number 139, upstaged a power- $8.5mn tournament, the second event in the ful fi eld with an eight-under-par 64 to move to FedExCup playoff series. Brian Stuard, Eng- 10 under for the tournament at Whistle Bear Golf land’s Paul Casey, Argentina’s Fabian Gomez Club in Cambridge, Ontario. The 2013 rookie’s and Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas were locked round left her dreaming of a maiden tour victory. in a four-way tie for third at fi ve under after Her 36-hole lead was the fi rst time she has ever carding 66s. led a tournament in three years as a professional. Australia’s Adam Scott — winner of the “I’ve been close. At that point whether you’re the inaugural Deutsche Bank crown in 2003 — last group, second-to-last, third-to-last, it’s all was amongst a bunch of 13 players tied for Ryan Moore of the United States plays a shot on the 18th hole. (AFP) kind of the same. I have a little bit of experience seventh, two strokes off the pace. Moore there, so it’ll be good,” said Alex, who got off to and Hahn opened up their slender advantage Casey and Gomez had set the early pace in Northern Ireland’s world number fi ve Rory a fl ying start with four birdies in her fi rst seven after recording bogey-free rounds with six the morning fl ights, although Stuard briefl y McIlroy and Bubba Watson are tied for 67th holes. birdies apiece on the demanding 7,207-yard went to six under before faltering with back- six shots back. Four more birdies and an eagle on the last layout. World number 43 Moore is chasing to-back bogeys before fi nishing with a birdie. But it was a miserable day for Phil Mickel- catapulted her clear of Thailand’s PK Kongkrap- his sixth PGA Tour title, just a month after World number two Dustin Johnson, number son, who ended up carding a quadruple bogey han and South Korea’s Kim Hyo-Joo, who are winning the John Deere Classic by two shots. three Jordan Spieth, Sweden’s number four at the 439-yard par four sixth hole. Mickel- one back at nine under. Kongkraphan also made The 33-year-old is 11th in the lucrative Fed- Henrik Stenson, Patrick Reed and Olympic son fi nally fi nished 10 strokes off the lead, a strong start, reeling off a trio of birdies on her Marina Alex of the USA. (AFP) ExCup standings could climb to second over- champion Justin Rose of England are all three tied for 93rd. opening three holes and three more on the back all with a victory this weekend. shots adrift. Reed is well-positioned for a LEADING SCORES nine in a blemish-free six-under-par 66. “I feel LEADING SCORES Moore admitted he was at a loss to explain charge over the weekend as he looks to build 65 — James Hahn, Ryan Moore very comfortable and very confi dent this week. 134 - Marina Alex 70-64 the unusually congested fi eld at the top of the on last week’s victory at The Barclays. De- 66 — Paul Casey (ENG), Fabian Gomez (ARG), My coach is here,” said Kongkraphan. 135 - P.K. Kongkraphan (THA) 69-66, Kim Hyo-Joo leaderboard, where only two shots separate fending Deutsche Bank champion and world Brian Stuard, Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) Kim meanwhile followed her fi rst round 68 (KOR) 68-67 19 players. “It’s hard to say why that hap- number eight Rickie Fowler is four off the 67 — Kevin Chappell, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, with another solid eff ort, a fi ve-under-par 67, 136 - Lee Mi-Hyang (KOR) 69-67 pens,” said Moore. “Usually someone will lead, tied for 38th, after carding four birdies Roberto Castro, Harris English, J.B. scrambling brilliantly to record a birdie on her fi - 137 - Jodi Ewart Shadoff (ENG) 69-68, Briana Mao kind of separate and maybe shoot an eight and a pair of bogeys. Holmes, Tony Finau, Daniel Berger, Adam Scott nal hole to stay in touch. 69-68, Hsu Wei-ling (TPE) 68-69, Caroline Masson under or nine under sometimes around this World number one Jason Day of Australia (AUS), Emiliano Grillo (ARG), Kim Si-Woo (KOR), In-form Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn is lurking (GER) 68-69 course.” is also in touch at one under after an eventful Billy Hurley III, Chad Campbell menacingly however heading into the weekend, 138 - Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 70-68, Brittany Lang Hahn meanwhile enjoyed a near fl awless day which saw his wife Ellie and children es- 68 — Jerry Kelly, Marc Leishman (AUS), Justin shooting a four-under-par 68 which left her four 67-71, Chella Choi Woon-Jung (KOR) 66-72 round, hitting every fairway in regulation for cape injury in a traffi c accident. Ellie Day was Rose (ENG), Jimmy Walker, Henrik Stenson off the lead at six under. 139 - Mika Miyazato (JPN) 70-69, Minjee Lee (AUS) the fi rst time in his professional career. The taken to hospital as a precaution but later re- (SWE), Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, Brian World number one Lydia Ko though saw her 70-69, Sydnee Michaels 70-69, Austin Ernst 70-69, 34-year-old Korean-born world number 65 leased. “Thankfully everyone is now resting Harman, Zach Johnson, Kevin Streelman, Jamie challenge falter with an erratic round that includ- Alena Sharp (CAN) 69-70, Ryu So-Yeon (KOR) 69-70, is seeking the third win of his PGA Tour ca- comfortably,” said Day, who is tied for 48th Lovemark, Jim Herman, Smylie Kaufman, Sergio ed fi ve birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey. Hur Mi-Jung (KOR) 68-71, Srisawang Nontaya (THA) reer, with the most recent victory coming at with Fiji’s Vijay Singh and 2014 Deutsche Garcia (ESP), Jordan Spieth, Vaughn Taylor, It left the New Zealand youngster tied for 44th 68-71, Dani Holmqvist (SWE) 67-72, Azahara Munoz the Wells Fargo Championship in May. Bank winner Chris Kirk among others. David Hearn (CAN), Adam Hadwin (CAN) position on two under, eight off the lead. (ESP) 67-72 Gulf Times Sunday, September 4, 2016 5 SPORT

MLB FOCUS Ortiz, Shaw team up Kaepernick protest stirs to power Red Sox online storm Reuters hawks cornerback Jeremy Lane New York and 49ers safety Eric Reid made an apparent show of soli- darity with Kaepernick by de- FL fans turned out in clining to stand for the anthem force on on ahead of their games, and some Friday to heap scorn Twitter users took exception. past Athletics 16-2 on Colin Kaeper- “Jeremy lane... just like that Nnick and two other players who dumbass 49er QB, you just refused to stand during the disrespected every veteran and ‘I don’t think we’re in position to forecast when he’s going to start again. But he feels better’ playing of the US national an- everybody that lives in the us,” them in a second week of pre- tweeted a Seahawks fan using game protests, but some fellow the handle “slinny.” By John Hickey players off ered support. Meanwhile, an online pe- The Oakland Tribune Much of the criticism was tition demanding the Na- directed at Kaepernick, the tional Football League punish 49er quarter- Kaepernick for his protest at- he Oakland A’s lost an- back who made good on his tracted over 53,000 signatures other starting pitcher to vow to carry on with his protest by Friday. an injury, then saw their against racial injustice and po- “His actions continue to bullpen battered like a lice brutality before his team’s embarrass all professional Tpinata in a 16-2 loss Friday night Thursday game against the San sports and bring reproach on to open their weekend series Diego Chargers. his team,” the petition reads. against the Boston Red Sox at the A week earlier Kaeper- The league has issued a Coliseum. nick raised the ire of many statement saying it encourages Andrew Triggs pitched the fans when he remained seated players to stand during the an- fi rst inning, giving up an un- through the traditional rendi- them but doesn’t require them earned run, then had to leave tion of “The Star-Spangled to do so, while the 49ers have because of a bad back. Zach Neal Banner” before his team’s game framed the issue in terms of the took over and gave up an un- against the Green Bay Packers. right of free expression enjoyed earned run of his own over the Many Americans saw his ges- by all Americans. course of the next three innings. ture as a sign of disrespect to Some NFL players have ral- In the fi fth and sixth innings, the fl ag. lied behind Kaepernick online. however, the Red Sox scored 10 Kaepernick is the latest pro- Russell Okung, an off ensive times to put the game well out of fessional athlete to use his ce- tackle on the Denver Broncos, reach. David Ortiz, at 40 making lebrity to call attention to the said he appreciated Kaeper- his last swing through Oakland issue of the mistreatment of nick’s eff orts to call attention before retiring, drove in three minority groups by law en- to police violence against Afri- runs with a couple of singles and forcement. Over the past two can-Americans. a sacrifi ce fl y. years, the killings of a series of “Colin Kaepernick, know Ortiz has 105 RBI with a month African-Americans in cities that we see you, man,” Okung left in the season. The RBI record across the country has triggered wrote on The Player’s Tribune, for a 40-year-old player is 108, protests and given rise to the an online forum for profes- and the last three innings Friday Black Lives Matter movement. sional athletes. “Thank you for were spent wondering if Ortiz “I am a veteran and asking all reigniting the conversation and would take Dave Winfi eld (1992) veterans & fellow Americans to the movement for change.” out of the record books before boycott NFL until Kapernick Nate Boyer, a former US the evening was over. Nope - he & all who disrespect America Army Green Beret and a long- was lifted for a pinch-hitter in are gone,” tweeted Donna Hal- snapper currently listed as a the seventh inning. labuk. free agent, posted a photo on And it wasn’t just Ortiz pun- “You think Colin Kaepernick Twitter of himself standing ishing A’s pitching. Travis Shaw Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz celebrates with third baseman Travis Shaw (L) and right fielder Mookie Betts after Ortiz and Betts realizes there is an American with Kaepernick with the cap- hit a three-run homer and two scores against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Oakland Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Flag on the back of his hel- tion, “Thanks for the invite doubles while driving in fi ve met?,” wrote Twitter user Josh brother... Good talk. Let’s just runs. Hanley Ramirez doubled, An inning later, Coulombe and they have and for us to have done. He and the A’s have some one, and Raul Alcantara, who is Massey. “Shouldn’t he play keep moving forward. This is singled and drove in three. JB Wendelken combined to allow taken as many players as we have hope he will get a chance to pitch 5-0 with a 1.18 ERA in eight starts without one to take a stand?” what America should be all It’s a tired story. Oakland’s six runs, and the game quickly from them is really a feather in again before the season is over. for the Sounds, is the other. On Thursday, Seattle Sea- about.” mound corps has served up devolved into another typical his cap,” Melvin said. Jesse Hahn is off the disabled Another injured starter, nothing but mush against the Boston blowout of Oakland. “That team was in Stockton list, but after giving up 11 hits Henderson Alvarez, is down to Red Sox all year. In three games Daniel Mengden will be ac- two years ago, in Midland last and seven earned runs in 3.2 in- go three innings Saturday for in Boston in mid-May, the Sox tivated Saturday and will start year; there is a core group of guys nings in his last rehab start, he’ll Class-A Stockton. Melvin said scored 14, 13 and 13 runs, so Fri- against the Red Sox, his fi rst big we are really excited about.” stay with Nashville and get more no decision has been made yet as day’s total was right about par. league start since July 25. Man- Sean Doolittle came off the work. to what happens after that. A’s pitching has allowed 1.67 ager Bob Melvin said Mengden disabled list before the game, “It’s been a tough year for runs per inning to the Red Sox, has pitched better than his 1-5 later than the A’s had originally him,” Melvin said. “But we still RESULTS which is a searing indictment record and 5.73 ERA with Oak- hoped, but, Doolittle said, the feel like there’s a bright future Chicago Cubs 2 San Francisco 1 of the diff erences between the land would suggest. time is right now. He clocked 93- for him here.” Atlanta 8 Philadelphia 4 playoff -bound Sox and the last “He really got our attention 94 mph on the radar gun his last Starter Sean Manaea (left Milwaukee 1 Pittsburgh 0 place A’s. The fi rst two Boston early on, and we felt like when we two times out. back strain) played catch Friday. Baltimore 8 NY Yankees 0 runs were unearned thanks to sent him down he was just a little Matt McBride, who had been “He felt better,” Melvin said. “I Cleveland 6 Miami 2 errors by Marcus Semien and bit tired,” Melvin said. up with the club earlier in the don’t think we’re in position to Cincainnati 3 St. Louis 2 Brett Eibner. That gave Red Sox “(Nashville) cut down on his season, was the fi rst player pro- forecast when he’s going to start Tampa Bay 8 Toronto 3 lefty David Price some wiggle workload, and he’s been pitching moted from Nashville with the again. But he feels better, and Washington 4 NY Mets 1 room, but the A’s reached him great ever since.” roster limit going from 25 to 40 that’s important.” Texas 10 Houston 8 for three hits and two runs to tie Triple-A manager Steve Scar- on Thursday. He’ll serve as the Melvin said “we have a couple White Sox 11 Minnestoa 4 the game at 2-all in the fourth. sone was named Pacifi c Coast third catcher. of other guys we’re going to take Detroit 7 Kanas City 6 The tie had a short shelf life. League manager of the year. The Starter Sonny Gray played a look at in the interim,” without Colorado 14 Arizona 7 Five consecutive two-out hits Sounds are 83-57 and in fi rst catch before the game, throw- naming names. Jharel Cotton, Boston 16 Oakland 2 off Neal and Daniel Coulombe place in their division. ing out to 90 feet, and said “I who threw 5.2 innings of scoreless Seattle 11 LA Angels 8 produced four runs in the fi fth. “For them to fi nish the way feel pretty good” when he was ball for Nashville on Thursday, is San Diego 4 LA Dodgrs 2

NBA Time for Heat, Bosh to tell us what’s happening

By Dave Hyde tract now. hooper,” he said) and a photo of Sun Sentinel Here’s what isn’t in doubt: him working out with Dwyane The Heat are a better team with Wade (talk about a shot across a healthy Bosh. And one of the the Heat’s bow). ere’s a novel thought admirable tenets of Riley’s stew- Bosh is a lover of books, so for Heat president ardship is the Heat never throw here’s the literary reference to Pat Riley regarding away seasons. They always try to that: The spider in Charlotte’s this delicate, confus- win and, mostly, have won. Web writing daily words above ing,H legally ambiguous, medi- With Bosh, they have play- the pig, Wilbur, like “Radiant” cally complicated and seemingly off talent. Without him, they’re and “Humble” to steer conver- passive-aggressive dance with looking to next season, which sation. That’s what Bosh is doing Chris Bosh: plays into the Machiavellian on social media. Talk! narrative except for one impor- Arison responded on Twitter Speak! tant fact: Bosh looks about as in a way that would be innocent Go ye forth unto a micro- good as anyone in free agency and friendly if not for the fact no phone, in public, and give some next summer. one in the Heat has said anything offi cial proclamation of what’s This assumes Stephen Curry conclusive at all about Bosh. He happening here. Or what will and Kevin Durant aren’t leaving wrote: “Looking good CB ... look happen here. Or what you want Golden State. Does Blake Griffi n forward to seeing in camp.” to happen subject to the legally set your franchise’s foundation? Was the Heat owner saying binding arbitration decision of a Gordon Hayward knock your Bosh was playing again _ and, mutually agreed-on doctor. socks off ? if so, why no offi cial statement Or maybe even talk about how The Heat have had months to underlining that idea? Or (my you still don’t know what might gather medical, legal, ethical, thought) was he just off ering a happen since doctors and law- moral, historical and basket- passing social-media wave of yers are involved in a fi ve-on- Pat Riley (L) and Chris Bosh ball information. They’ve had friendship? fi ve game of their own. months to consider the pros and No one knows for certain. Ditto for Bosh. He hasn’t more the Heat send oddly tan- more it looks like the Heat don’t young children whose remaining a more Machiavellian course cons, the doctors’ arguments We’re three weeks from the start talked to us since suff ering a sec- gential or contradictory smoke expect Bosh back. That takes us $77mn is guaranteed whether he for the Heat. This idea says the and legal counter-arguments, of Heat camp and the Bosh ques- ond blood clot in February. What signals in return (owner Micky down another complicated rab- dribbles again or not? reward of having Bosh on the and the fallout of what to do. tion remains the over-riding is he being told by doctors and, Arison looks forward to see- bit hole. Is that what’s at work here? court isn’t worth the risk of him It’s a sticky, messy situation question for this season. Riley also important, what is he being ing him, coach Erik Spoelstra Would they not want him back, That makes all kinds of sense. consuming a quarter of the sal- with public-relations overtones, said last spring he’d be talking in told by the Heat? doesn’t mention him ), the more as they didn’t last playoff s, for That’s what I think is involved. ary cap, potentially suff ering and there might not be a good late August or early September The longer this goes on, the fans try to parse it all and have his own life’s good? Because their And the question there is why another blood clot and derailing answer. Just this week, Bosh re- about it. more Bosh prods with another the same question: doctors have deemed the health Bosh doesn’t agree with this, a third straight season when they directed conversation by putting It’s early September. social-media statement, the Huh? The more it drags on, the risk too high for a young man with too. But you could also chart can get out from under that con- video out on social media (“I’m a Talk. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, September 4, 2016 SPORT

CYCLING GCC GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Al-Dayani sparkles as Qatar win senior crown Gesink wins Vuelta By Sports Reporter Doha

atar international Ahmed al-Dayani claimed six gold and a bronze as the hosts claimed the senior title in the 12th GCC Gymnastics Championship at the Al Khawla bint Al Azwar Indoor Hall yesterday. stage, Froome keeps QIn total, the hosts claimed seven gold and as many silver and one bronze on the fi nal day, adding to their U-17 title which they had won on the penultimate day. Al-Dayani, one of the star performers, was confi dence personi- fi ed in all the six events. It was a one-man show as he romped home with incredible performances in all-around, fl oor, rings, pommel horse, parallel bars and high bar. “The performance will boost my confi dence. It’s one of my best Quintana in sight shows in my career,” said the former ASPIRE Academy graduate, who won a bronze in vault, which was won by Saudi Arabia’s Jaafar al-Sayegh while Nasser al-Hamad of the hosts fi nished second. ‘So far it has been a tough season but now I really feel I am back’ “Qatar had an incredible tournament. It shows the sport is moving at the right direction. I thank the Qatar Gymnastics Fed- eration for the great support,” he added. AFP At the Ninth Artistic World Challenge Cup in March, the Aubisque, France 23-year-old displayed excellent skills en route to the fi nal in pom- mel horse where he accumulated 14.600 points to qualify from a star-studded line-up, which itself was a commendable eff ort. utch rider Robert Ges- “I think I’ll have to work a lot more on my confi dence and ink claimed the queen movements. I’ll try to improve,” said al-Dayani, who joined AS- 14th stage of the Tour PIRE Academy in 2006. of Spain yesterday as Qatar’s silver winners were Mahmoud al-Saadi (rings, all- ChrisD Froome held off a series around and parallel bars), Malek al-Yahri (high bar and pommel of attacks by race leader Nairo horse) and Nasser al-Hamad (vault and fl oor). Quintana. Gesink, who missed the Tour de France in July after suff ering RUGBY a head trauma and memory loss due to a heavy crash in the Tour of Switzerland, crossed the line in a time of 5hrs 43min 24secs to All Blacks assistant see off France’s Kenny Elissonde and Russian Egor Silin. Froome and Quintana fi n- Foster puts hand ished 1min 47sec further back as the Brit neutralised multiple at- tempts by the Colombian to ex- up for top job tend his 54sec lead in the general classifi cation. Reuters The big winner of the day Wellington was Britain’s Simon Yates as he fi nished over a minute ahead of Froome and Quintana in fi fth on ll Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has put his hand the stage to move up to fourth up to succeed Steve Hansen as head coach of the world overall. champions. Yates’s ORICA-BikeExchange Hansen, who coached the All Blacks to a second suc- teammate Esteban Chaves Acessive World Cup win last year, signed a contract extension last climbed to third, 2min 1sec be- month which will see him in charge through to the 2019 tourna- hind his compatriot Quintana ment in Japan. following the gruelling 195.6km But former Waikato Chiefs stalwart Foster was open about his ride from Urdax to Aubisque in designs on the top job when it eventually becomes vacant. the Pyrenees between Spain and Asked if he saw himself as an All Blacks head coach, Foster told France. local radio station Newstalk ZB: “I do from an ambition side, and I However, Alejandro Valverde, guess that’s part of the whole thought process for me. Quintana’s Movistar part- “I love what I do, I love this group and it’s just a matter of think- ner, had a day to forget as the ing out, fi rst and foremost, I want to do the best job I can with the 36-year-old slipped from third role I’ve got right now, and secondly what do I need to do to make to 19th overall after fi nishing Jumbo’s Dutch cyclist Robert Gesink celebrates on the podium after winning the 14th stage of the 71st edition of ‘La Vuelta’ Tour of Spain, a sure I can present myself and put my hand up and say I want to be nearly 11 minutes back. 195.6km route between Urdax to Aubisque, yesterday. (AFP) a head coach for the All Blacks. Three-time Vuelta winner “That’s part of the next conversation, really, to see what can I Alberto Contador also lost an- do in order do that. “Do you need to go somewhere else to do that other 20 seconds on Froome and or can you do it by staying within? That’s all part of a conversation Quintana to slip to sixth overall, Tour of Britain gives Wiggins chance to say goodbye that’s a little bit ongoing at the moment.” behind Froome’s Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins will be the star attraction as the man who beat him to gold, Italian Elia Bora-Hansgrohe at Australia’s Tour Down Foster has precedent on his side, with Hansen stepping up to Leopold Konig. the Olympic champion enjoys a prolonged Viviani, will race for Team Sky. Holland’s Under, organisers said yesterday. the head role after the 2011 World Cup after being an assistant “So far it has been a tough farewell ride in the Tour of Britain. Britain’s Olympic time trial silver medallist Tom Du- Slovakia’s Sagan, 26, a seven-time Tour coach to Graham Henry for seven years. season but now I really feel I am Wiggins won an eighth Olympic medal and moulin will race for Giant-Alpecin while three de France stage winner and 11-time Grand A formidable side under Henry, the All Blacks have only grown back,” said Gesink, whose sea- fifth gold as part of the team pursuit squad members of Australia’s silver-winning team Tour stage winner, was confirmed for the more dominant during Hansen’s tenure. son’s plans were disrupted by his in Rio last month. pursuit squad — Jack Bobridge (Trek-Sega- January 14-22 tour around Adelaide in South “There’s a strong logic to that (succession) and it’s one that’s crash in Switzerland. The 36-year-old is set to end his glittering fredo), Alex Edmondon and Michael Hepburn Australia. “The race and the fans are in store worked well for the All Blacks,” said Foster, seen as one of New “We escaped with a really big 14-year career at the Ghent Six in November, (both Orica-BikeExchange) — will also ride. for something special next year when he Zealand’s fi nest players to never earn an international cap. group. I wasn’t sure if I could do making the Tour of Britain, which begins They are just part of a strong field which tackles the climb for the second time,” race “You learn a lot about what happens within the All Blacks by this, but in the end I kept fi ght- today, his final race on home roads. Wig- should set up an intriguing battle over eight director Mike Turtur said. “He has had an being there and dealing with the pressures.” ing. I couldn’t feel my legs but at gins won the British race in 2013 and his stages which take the riders from Glasgow outstanding season to date, not just with his “But to be the head coach of the All Blacks you’ve got to be the the end it was enough.” presence among eight Rio medallists is the to London via Wales and Devon. Tour de France campaign but with victory right person and the best person should get that job, whether it’s headline act as he says an emotional good- The Tour starts with today’s stage from Glas- at the one day classics, Tour of Flanders and from inside or outside. I understand that.” Froome hard to shake bye to his adoring fans. gow to Castle Douglas, the opening 161.6km the Gent-Wevelgem.” Foster’s current contract expires in 2017 after the British and After the leaders took it easy Owain Doull, who was also in Britain’s team of a 1281.6km route which finishes on Re- Sagan rode in his first Tour Down Under Irish Lions tour. The All Blacks, who thrashed Australia in their on the marathon 213.4km 13th pursuit squad, will line up alongside him in gent Street in London on September 11. six years ago when making his WorldTour opening two matches of the Rugby Championship, host Argen- stage on Friday, fi nishing nearly the Team Wiggins squad. debut and is looking forward to returning. tina next Saturday. 35 minutes behind stage win- Mark Cavendish will be back in Team Dimen- Sagan to race in Tour Down Under “I’m excited to announce that I will race at ner Valerio Conti, the racing sion Data colours after taking silver in the World road champion Peter Sagan will start the Tour Down Under next year,” he said in was back on in a brutal stage men’s omnium on the track in Brazil while his 2017 cycling season with his new team a statement. that included three category one climbs before the fi nal special category 16.5km summit fi nish cant move of the day as he at- but found Froome impossible to pare for the rest of the stages ympics to prepare for the Vuelta, up Col d’Aubisque. tacked 40km from the fi nish with distance as he failed to gain the more comfortably before Ma- whilst Froome picked up bronze In a recurring theme of this ORICA-BikeExchange using increased advantage he has ad- drid,” said Quintana. in the time trial and fi nished 12th year’s Vuelta, Gesink was part their riders in the breakaway to mitted he needs to hold onto the Victory in the 2014 Giro in the road race in Rio. of a huge breakaway group of 41 help the stage six winner open up lead after an individual time trial d’Italia is Quintana’s only Grand Froome is trying to become riders and stayed safely out of a sizeable advantage on the red on stage 19. Tour win to date, but he tends to the fi rst man in 38 years to win reach of the general classifi ca- jersey group. “If we can get a bigger dif- perform better in the third week the Tour de France and Vuelta in tion favourites. Quintana made his fi rst attack ference (before the time trial) it of the gruelling 21-stage events. the same year. Quintana fi nished Yates made the most signifi - eight kilometres from the fi nish, would be ideal to be able to pre- Quintana also skipped the Ol- third in July’s Tour.

FOCUS Josoor equips sports and events industries professionals with skills in fi nance and human resources management

By Sports Reporter Practice in the Events Industry’, planning, recruitment, per- Mushtaq al-Waeli, Executive workshops and the certifi cate Doha ‘Human Resource Management formance management, budg- Director (Acting) of Josoor Insti- and diploma programmes are in the Major Events Industry’ eting, generating revenue and tute said: “With every set of new part of Josoor Institute’s long- Waisea rescues Stade Francais against Clermont and ‘Introduction to Football fi nancial planning. workshops, we have welcomed term commitment to building osoor Institute, a centre of and Sport Finances’. Delegates new delegates and returning sustainable sports and events A last-gasp Waisea Nayacalevu try rescued a 30-30 draw for excellence for the sports from various backgrounds such Over 50 delegates from delegates. These delegates have industries in Qatar and the Stade Francais as Clermont maintained their unbeaten start in a and events industries, as sports, education, branding across the Mena region registered for the new work- Middle East and North Africa high intensity rematch of the 2015 Top 14 final yesterday. inspired and developed and advertising, and banking attended the workshops, shops because they recognise (MENA) region by developing a The 26-year-old Fijian wing touched down his side’s fourth try byJ the Supreme Committee for joined the workshops and also the value they gain from our highly skilled human capital. which took place on August with Jules Plisson converting to leave Clermont with the same Delivery & Legacy (SC), saw the got an opportunity to get a feel 21-22 at the Qatar National workshops. I also want to take Josoor Institute has part- 30-30 scoreline as their season opener at La Rochelle. successful completion of three of the 18 months’ certifi cate and Convention Centre a moment to thank our faculty nered with Georgetown Univer- Clermont, runners-up in the 2015 final to Stade Francais, paid for new professional development diploma programmes. who are from some of the world’s sity, University of Liverpool and Camille Lopez’s missed conversion following a Fritz Lee try on 73 workshops and the fi fth block During the same week, Josoor In addition to the return- most renowned institutions for Leeds Beckett University for the minutes. The Parisians, beaten by Brive 28-20 last weekend after of its ongoing fl agship profes- Institute also completed the ing speakers, the fi fth block tirelessly putting in eff orts to design and delivery of its pro- a 54-20 opening win over Grenoble, showed character as they sional certifi cate and diploma fi fth block of its ongoing fl ag- also welcomed new renowned ensure that the delegates remain grammes. fought back after letting slip a 20-6 lead at the half-hour mark. programmes. ship certifi cate and diploma academicians including Kieran engaged and are able to put their Josoor Institute is already gear- “We should have made the break during the first 25 minutes,” Over 50 delegates from across programmes in ‘Major Events Maguire from University of Liv- new learnings into practice when ing up now to launch a new set of said Stade Francais coach Gonzalo Quesada. “After that we were the Mena region attended the Management’ and ‘Football and erpool, and David Bassett from they go back to their workspace. training and development pro- dominated on all levels by a great Clermont team. But we had workshops, which took place on Sports Management’ that ran Leads Beckett University. With such results we truly be- grammes that are set to run be- an enormous finish — trailing by seven points it required great August 21-22 at the Qatar Na- from 21 to 25 August. Speaking about the success lieve that we are making a valu- tween September and December. mental strength to go after the draw. It was 15 crazy guys who tional Convention Centre. The The fi fth block of the pro- of the new workshops, and the able contribution to a delegate’s The new programmes in Sep- said we should give it a shot! And maybe with a little bit more delegates explored concepts re- grammes trained delegates on progress of the certifi cate and development journey.” tember will focus on leadership control we could have got the win.” lated to ‘Advanced Professional topics such as event workforce diploma programmes thus far, The professional development and strategic management. Gulf Times Sunday, September 4, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ABSENT Star player Messi to miss Venezuela Loew looks towards game due to injury Germany’s young guns for Russia WC

‘You could see that we were taking a look at the future. It was either their first game, File picture of Argentina’s Lionel Messi in action. or one of their first, and we’ll be using games like that to give the players experience’ Reuters Tuesday’s win in Mendoza, Buenos Aires where they played a man short AFP for half the match after Paulo Berlin Dybala was sent off . ionel Messi’s triumphant Argentina comeback has IMPORTANT MATCHES ith Manuel Neuer confi rmed been tempered by a groin “My groin is hurting a lot, from as his new captain, Joachim injury that has forced his before this match,” Messi told Loew plans to blood Germa- Lwithdrawal from Tuesday’s World reporters after the win. “I always ny’s next generation as part Cup qualifi er in Venezuela. want to be (in the team)... but Wof his team’s preparations to defend their Messi, who had gone back on there are also a lot of important World Cup title in Russia. his decision to quit the team fol- matches coming up (for club and Germany’s journey to the 2018 fi nals lowing their Copa America fi nal country).” starts on Sunday at Oslo’s Ullevaal Sta- defeat in June, scored the only Messi explained why he had dium in their opening qualifi er against goal in a 1-0 home win over Uru- said he was retiring from inter- . guay on Thursday that sent Ar- national football after Argenti- Since winning the 2014 World Cup in gentina to the top of the South na’s loss to Chile in New Jersey in Brazil, head coach Loew has lost fi ve ex- American group. which he missed their fi rst pen- perienced veterans, each of whom made However, the Argentina cap- alty in a shootout. more than 100 appearances for Germany. tain will not travel with the team “I didn’t deceive anyone in Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose, Per to Merida where they face Ven- that moment,” he said. “I was Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and now ezuela in another round of re- very disappointed because it was Bastian Schweinsteiger, who bowed out gional qualifi ers, coach Edgardo a hard blow and I said that be- in Wednesday’s 2-0 friendly win over Bauza said on Friday. cause that’s what I felt. Finland, have all retired from interna- “He won’t be able to play, he “But afterwards, seeing what tional football. has infl ammation and still feels this group (of players) is like, and With them went the collective experi- pain, we can’t take risks,” Bauza with the aff ection of the fans, I ence of 604 caps and 152 goals. told reporters after training at reconsidered.” But Germany’s next crop of talent is the Argentine FA headquarters It was Messi’s third defeat in a knocking at the door. outside Buenos Aires. major fi nal with Argentina in two Loew has said they will get their chance The AFA confi rmed the deci- years, including the 2014 World on the road to Russia, in forthcoming sion, announcing on its website Cup fi nal against Germany in qualifi ers and friendlies, plus next June’s (www.afa.com.ar) that it had Brazil, and fourth altogether. Confederations Cup, against the likes of been taken after tests on Messi’s Messi is now back gunning Portugal, Mexico, Chile, Australia, New groin in the morning. for a fourth World Cup appear- Zealand and hosts Russia. “He has been told to rest and ance in Russia in 2018 with Ar- Hoff enheim defender Niklas Suele won’t play against Venezuela,” it gentina heading the 10-nation made his debut against Finland while said, with media reporting that group with 14 points from seven Schalke 04’s Max Meyer and Bayer Messi would fl y directly back to his matches. Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt also started in club Barcelona at the weekend. The top four qualify for the Moenchengladbach. The decision was easier for Ar- tournament while the fi fth- All three are still only 20. gentina to take before they face placed team goes into an inter- the weakest team in the group continental playoff for another RISING STARS having bagged three points in place in the fi nals. “They did well. You could see that we were taking a look at the future,” Loew Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew (R) talks to the players during a training session at the training grounds in Duesseldorf. said following the Finland win. NEW HORIZONS “It was either their fi rst game, or one of will win,” he insisted. “A new cycle will begin now,” Germa- Of the other World Cup winners, only their fi rst, and we’ll be using games like Home qualifi ers against Czech Repub- ny’s team manager Oliver Bierhoff said Benedikt Hoewedes, Sami Khedira and that to give the players experience. lic and Northern Ireland, a friendly away Friday. “We have analysed the Euro, Sch- Neuer will be the wrong side of 30 when “That’s how I’ll most likely use the to Italy and a trip to minnows San Marino weinsteiger and Podolski have retired, so the next World Cup kicks off in June 2018. Kosovo steps on Confed Cup. will follow in October and November. this is our fi rst overhaul since the 2014 Neuer, voted the world’s best goal- “I want to increase the prospects of the Neuer said four wins from their four World Cup. keeper for the last three years, follows younger players. From now on, the door qualifi ers in 2016 are expected. “The team’s faces change regularly, but on from Lahm, who captained Germany world football stage is wide open.” Loew has an embarrassment of young we have to keep working hard, keep de- from 2010 until the World Cup win in For now, Loew will take no risks with riches waiting in the wings. veloping the team and fi ll any holes left Brazil, and Schweinsteiger, skipper from Kosovo take part in a major international the starting line-up in Oslo, but Meyer Rising stars like winger Leroy Sane, (by retirements). 2014 through to Euro 2016. competition for the fi rst time in qualifi ers for the and 21-year-old Bayern Munich defender for whom Manchester City reportedly “We have to give the next generation Having already been captain for fi ve of 2018 World Cup, but its unresolved diplomatic status Joshua Kimmich are expected to feature. paid £37 million ($48m, 43m euros), and the experience and the opportunities at Germany’s six matches at Euro 2016, when still casts a shadow A 2-0 defeat away to Poland in October ’s defensive mid- the top level.” Schweinsteiger was sidelined with a knee 2014 meant Germany lost their opening fi elder Julian Weigl are also still only 20. The world champions themselves are injury, Neuer says his role is to integrate DPA organisations such as the world Euro 2016 qualifi er. The same goes for Schalke’s attack- far from an ageing bunch. tomorrow’s stars into the national set-up. Belgrade basketball federation and, fi nally, Loew will want no repeat against Nor- ing midfi elder Meyer, who captained the Of Loew’s trusted core, Toni Kroos and “I try to speak to the young players it was accepted by FIFA in way, who lost their warm-up friendly 1-0 Germany team in Rio and scored the sen- Thomas Mueller are still only 26, while and make sure they feel welcome,” said May, opening the door to World to Belarus in Oslo on Wednesday. ior side’s opening goal against Finland. Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Neuer. “It’s worked well and they have osovo play a fi rst com- Cup qualifi cations. “We will fi eld a strong team. And we He turns 21 on September 18. Mesut Ozil are 27. confi rmed that with their performances.” petitive international The unresolved diplomatic football match when status, however, still casts a they play a World Cup shadow. Kqualifi er against Finland to- Even if Kosovo qualify, it is not BOTTOMLINE morrow, 17 years after fi ght- certain that hosts Russia, Ser- ing against Belgrade’s rule and bia’s superpower ally which has nearly nine since declaring inde- helped keep Kosovo out of the pendence from Serbia. UN, will allow the team to take Just by earning the right to part as Moscow is backing Bel- play and regardless of the out- grade’s claim of sovereignty over Will give everything to replicate come of the match and whether Kosovo and has refused to recog- or not it qualifi es for the 2018 nize it. tournament in Russia, the most- Additionally, Kosovo is still ly Albanian former province has not certain who will represent already triumphed. it in the future, as much of its Euro 2016 run: Wales’ Gunter While it remains locked out of potential talent has meanwhile The Guardian keep that together because we’re but all you’re thinking of is what the United Nations, it has broken played for other countries, such Cardiff eff ectively a really small country, you’ve been through because it’s through Serbia’s fi erce opposi- as Switzerland and, particularly, but you saw how much of a force all in such a short period. I was tion against Kosovo’s recogni- neighbouring Albania. we were at the tournament. actually quite pleased to get back tion and stepped into the arena FIFA is reportedly still mull- or Wales, there are so It’s something other countries in at the club to have something of major European and global ing request of individual play- many memorable pho- would love to have and we know to focus on.” world of sports. ers asking to switch from some tos from Euro 2016, yet people are probably looking at Gunter, who made his inter- The majority Albanians, who country to Kosovo’s fl edgling when it comes to the us and wondering how we’re national debut in 2007, seems make up 90 per cent of around national team. imageF that best captures the doing it, if they can replicate it. to have been around the Wales 2 million inhabitants, launched Kosovo state TV RTK said Fri- special relationship between It’s something we worked hard set-up forever and remains on an insurgency in 1998 for inde- day that it was about seven play- the supporters and the players, to make sure happened and it’s course to be the fi rst player to pendence of the then Serbia’s ers: Samir Ujkani, Amir Rrahm- Chris Gunter’s chin-up gesture important we keep it.” win 100 caps for his country. southern province. ani, , Milot Rashica, after the defeat against England Gunter admits that he expe- Moldova’s visit will be his 74th The rebellion escalated with Vedat Muriqi, Herolind Shala probably takes some beating. rienced quite a comedown after game for Wales and, at the age of Belgrade’s heavy-handed re- and Valon Berisha. Daniel Sturridge had just scored returning from France. The play- 27, the former Cardiff City, Tot- sponse which drew NATO to Already on Monday Finland’s a dramatic injury-time winner ers had been together for seven tenham Hotspur and Notting- intervene and end bloodshed in midfi elder Perparim Hetemaj, 29, to break Wales hearts in Lens weeks, exceeded all expectations ham Forest defender has time 1999. Serbia was ousted from decided not to play for his adopted and Gunter’s fi rst thought at the by reaching the semi-fi nals and on his side. Only Dean Saunders, Kosovo, which with the back- country in the match against the fi nal whistle was to lift the spir- returned to Wales to be greeted Craig Bellamy, Gary Speed and ing of the United States and big country he was born in. its of the ‘Red Wall’ at the other Chris Gunter of Wales during the press conference. by 200,000 people lining the Neville Southall are above him Western powers declared inde- Hatemaj is one of several the end of the stadium. streets of Cardiff and welcom- on the all-time Wales appear- pendence in 2008. top players who Kosovo is hoping Eleven weeks on and the around for a few years and never sea badges next to each other, ing them as heroes. Yet all of a ances list. Even before that, Kosovo be- to feature. Reading right-back is reliving knocked one in the top corner which is unbelievable really and sudden it was back to normality. His only motivation, however, gan creeping into international Meanwhile, it has secured that moment at Hensol Castle, I guess I’m as close to a fan as almost sums up the whole feel- The structured daily routine had is to be part of another Wales sport organizations: the table Manchester City’s 21-year old in South Wales, and explaining you’re going to get,” Gunter says, ing around the country. It feels gone, and so had the camarade- squad that creates history by tennis world organization was Sinan Bytyci, now on a one-year why their ‘Together Stronger’ smiling. we as players have helped bring rie and the adrenalin rush. qualifying for the World Cup fi - the fi rst to accept it, already in development loan to Go Ahead mentality is the envy of other “The best thing for me, from people closer together and that’s “For it to all stop was a mas- nals. Euro 2016 was the fi rst time 2003, then wrestling, softball, Eagles in the Netherlands. nations and something that when I was growing up watch- a great feeling. sive thing – you could get in Wales had reached a major tour- archery, judo and others - but Bytyci already played for Aus- Chris Coleman’s players want ing Wales to where it is now, is “And it will keep going. As your car and go anywhere you nament since 1958 and Gunter none of the heavyweights. tria’s U-21 squad. to hold on to throughout their the bond. I would go to games long as the team are trying and wanted,” Gunter says, laugh- is adamant their experience in The tide came with the pro- “I wish to thank the Austrian World Cup qualifying campaign, where there was fi ghting in the doing their best, I think it will ing while also making a serious France has strengthened the de- motion of Kosovo to the Inter- national team for the great years! which starts at home against stadium and almost factions always be there. The fans can see point about the diffi culties he sire of the players to ensure they national Olympic Committee in From now on I’ll play for my Moldova tomorrow night. within support. Now you’re see- what they give us, how much it had adjusting. “It was pretty are among the 32 nations on the December 2014. homeland Kosovo,” he wrote on “Perhaps because I’ve been ing fl ags with Cardiff and Swan- helps us, and it’s important we tough. I got away [for a break] guest list for Russia in 2018. After that, it joined the big his Facebook page.

Sunday, September 4, 2016 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Thais cry foul over referee calls in Saudi loss final whistle to ensure he will of Thailand has lodged a miss the next Group B fixture complaint with FIFA over the against Japan. refereeing during their 1-0 loss Sarach was in tears after the to Saudi Arabia in a World Cup match and claimed Fahad had qualifier on Thursday, local dived. media reported. “The penalty was not our England open The Thais were left incensed mistake. In fact, in the first half, at Riyadh’s King Fahd stadium we should have been awarded after striker Teerasil Dangda a penalty,” Thai coach Kiatisuk went down in the penalty area Senamuang said in comments following contact with goal- published by the Bangkok Post. keeper Yasser Al-Mosailem in The first round of qualifiers the 20th minute but Chinese has put the quality of Asian referee Fu Ming awarded a refereeing under the micro- Allardyce era with free kick outside the box. scope, with Japan also furious The visitors were later heart- after a number of contentious broken when Fu awarded calls in their 2-1 defeat at a spot kick to Saudi Arabia home to United Arab Emirates. in the last 10 minutes when Australia, who defeated Iraq substitute Fahad Al Muwallad at home on Thursday, lead tumbled over in an innocu- Group B on goal diff erence ous challenge by midfielder from United Arab Emirates Slovakia reunion Sarach Yooyen. and Saudi Arabia after the first Nawaf Al Abid slotted the win- round of matches. ner but the Thais’ night was The top two sides automati- ‘For me it is about going out and the players showing not just how passionate they are, further soured when Sarach cally qualify for Russia in 2018, was given a second yellow with the third-placed side but how skilful they are at international level’ card for dissent after the going into a playoff .

AFP La Liga pushes for video referee trials Trnava Spanish football off icials want RFEF inviting them to start trials with video referees the experimentation with the am Allardyce’s tenure as England similar to those taking place video referee’s assistant,” a La manager begins today when his in other countries to start as Liga statement read. side launch their bid to reach the early as next season, La Liga Video technology is currently 2018 World Cup against former confirmed yesterday. being trialled in the USA with EuroS 2016 foes Slovakia in Trnava. La Liga has requested that the federations in Australia, Ger- Allardyce, 61, was handed the role Spanish football federation many, Brazil, the Netherlands he had long coveted after (RFEF) contacts the Internation- and Portugal set to follow suit. stepped down in the immediate after- al Football Association Board, France’s 3-1 friendly win over math of England’s humiliating Euro 2016 which controls the laws of the Italy on Thursday was the elimination by Iceland. game, to organise the use of first time the system had It was England’s most dismal loss technology on a trial basis. been used in an international since a 1-0 defeat by the part-timers of The trial would be used in match. the United States at the 1950 World Cup, Copa del Rey matches and the “It was a first at this level with but Allardyce believes the experience will Spanish Super Cup. national teams. We’re moving make his young team stronger. “On August 12 La Liga sent forward. It was promising,” “For me it is about going out and the a letter to the Referees’ said FIFA president Gianni players showing not just how passionate Technical Committee of the Infantino. they are, but how skilful they are at inter- national level,” he told reporters this week. Bastian Schweinsteiger left out of Manchester “We were the youngest squad at the United’s Europa League squad Euros and I think the experience they have gained in that tournament — some Bastian Schweinsteiger has The transfer window closed been left out of Manchester with Schweinsteiger still with Key fi xtures United’s Europa League squad United, although his chances by coach Jose Mourinho, as of featuring under Mourinho (all kick-off s 1845 GMT unless stated) the midfielder continues to be appear slim, particularly after marginalised at the club. he was overlooked for the TODAY World Cup winner Schwein- 27-man Europa League squad Group C steiger signed a three-year released by UEFA yesterday. Norway vs Germany deal at United last year after United have included teenage Czech Republic vs Northern Ireland moving to Old Traff ord from defenders Timothy Fosu- England manager Sam Allardyce during training. Bayern Munich, but has failed Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe Group F to feature under Mourinho as they look to qualify from Slovakia vs England (1600 GMT) of them for the fi rst time — will give them Etienne, is injured and 18-year-old sen- lav Sestak has retired from international since the Portuguese coach Group A, which also contains Malta vs Scotland a better determination and next time sation Marcus Rashford has dropped to football and several players are injured. replaced Louis van Gaal this Feyenoord, Fenerbahce and round they will be much better.” the Under-21s after seeing his place taken Kozak has called up two uncapped summer. Zorya Luhansk. TOMORROW England would not have encountered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic at United. players in MSK Zilina winger Jakub Hol- Having made 18 league ap- They begin their campaign Group D Iceland in France had it not been for a ubek and Dukla Prague holding midfi eld- pearances last season, the away in Rotterdam on Sept. 15. Serbia vs Republic of Ireland frustrating 0-0 draw against Slovakia in ROONEY RECORD er Jakub Povazanec. 32-year-old appears to have Schweinsteiger made his final Wales vs Moldova Saint-Etienne in their fi nal group game. But Raheem Sterling, lambasted for his But the core of his starting XI is likely no future at United and has appearance for Germany in a Hodgson received a torrent of criticism performances in France, is in the form of to remain unchanged, built around Fen- been training with the reserve 2-0 friendly victory over Fin- Group G after making six changes for the match, his life at Manchester City and, like his erbahce centre-back Martin Skrtel, AC team after Mourinho con- land in Moenchengladbach on Spain vs Liechtenstein in which England failed to score despite new club-mate John Stones, is a strong Milan midfi elder Juraj Kucka and Napoli firmed that it would be “very Wednesday after announcing Israel vs Italy dominating proceedings. contender for a starting role. playmaker Marek Hamsik. diff icult” for him to play for the his retirement from interna- Several players who lined up in Eng- West Ham United midfi elder Michail “There were a lot of players in their club again. tional football in July. Group I land red at the Stade Geoff roy-Guichard Antonio, meanwhile, could win his fi rst thirties in the squad, so there is a genera- Croatia vs Turkey on June 20 have seen their statuses cap. tion problem awaiting us in the future,” Ukraine vs Iceland change signifi cantly in the two months Captain is to be used in said Kozak. and two weeks since. the number 10 role, having laboured in “Since the Euro there has not been a PUNISHMENT TUESDAY Goalkeeper Joe Hart is now on loan midfi eld at the Euro, and has vowed that lot of time for experimenting (with new Group A at Torino after being frozen out by Pep this qualifying campaign will be his last. players), because there is immediately a Sweden vs Netherlands Guardiola at Manchester City. Already his country’s record goal- big start against England.” Belarus vs France He at least got a place in Allardyce’s scorer, Rooney will earn his 116th cap at As in Euro 2016 qualifying, when they Aguero to miss fi rst squad, unlike Everton’s Ross Bar- Trnava’s Stadion Antona Malatinskeho, won 2-0 at Switzerland in their opening Group B kley and new Bournemouth loanee Jack taking him past David Beckham as Eng- game, England are beginning a qualifi ca- Switzerland vs Portugal Wilshere, both of whom were overlooked. land’s most capped outfi eld player. tion campaign with what appears to be Manchester derby Faroe Islands vs Hungary Chris Smalling, an ever-present at Slovakia coach Jan Kozak, whose side their most diffi cult fi xture. centre-back throughout the Euro, is not fell to Germany in the last 16 at the Euro, With only the top team guaranteed to Group H currently getting in Manchester United’s has also made adjustments to his squad. qualify from Group F, which also features aft er three-game ban Cyprus vs Belgium team and Daniel Sturridge has had to get Goalkeeper Jan Mucha and winger Slovenia, Lithuania, Malta and old en- Gibraltar vs Greece used to a watching brief at Liverpool. Miroslav Stoch missed the cut, the lat- emies Scotland, Allardyce can ill aff ord a AFP “On fi nding the charge proven Ryan Bertrand, the left-back in Saint- ter after falling out with Kozak, Stanis- false start. London at a hearing today (Friday 2 Sep- tember 2016), an Independent Regulatory Commission went on CONCACAF ergio Aguero will miss to reject the club’s further claim Manchester City’s derby to decrease the three-match showdown with Man- ban.” chester United after the Losing Aguero is a major blow ArgentinaS striker was given a for Guardiola as he looks to three-match ban for violent con- maintain City’s 100 percent win- duct on Friday. ning start to the season. , Panama advance to Aguero was punished retro- Aguero, who is not playing in spectively by the Football Asso- Argentina’s World Cup qualify- ciation after television cameras ing double-header against Uru- caught him elbowing West Ham guay and Venezuela due to a calf defender Winston Reid during injury, has made a superb start fi nal round of qualifying City’s victory at to the season, scoring six times Eastlands last weekend. in his fi rst four appearances, in- Reuters US edge closer to CONCACAF fi nal round Referee Andre Marriner had cluding a hat-trick in a Cham- Port-au-Prince, missed the incident and City de- pions League play-off win at Borussia Dortmund teenager with a confident finish in injury nied the charge, but the FA found Steaua Bucharest. Christian Pulisic scored twice time to make it 6-0. Aguero guilty and his suspen- Speaking about the incident osta Rica and Panama as the United States thrashed The win left the United States sion will start on September 10 following the West Ham match, secured their spots in Saint Vincent and the Gren- within touching distance of when Pep Guardiola’s side visit Guardiola said he wouldn’t com- the fi nal round of CON- adines 6-0 on Friday to edge the “Hexagonal” final round of Old Traff ord for the Manchester plain if Aguero was banned. CACAF qualifi ers for closer to a place in the final qualifiers. derby. “I didn’t see so I cannot com- Cthe 2018 World Cup on Friday Aguero will also miss City’s ment,” Guardiola said of the round of CONCACAF qualifiers Klinsmann’s men would have with victories over Haiti and Ja- for the 2018 World Cup. been assured of qualification if home league clash with Bourne- clash. maica in Group 2. A first-half flurry of goals from Trinidad & Tobago had beaten mouth on September 17 and an “Hopefully nothing happens. The pair join Group 1 winners Bobby Wood, Matt Besler Guatemala in the day’s other English Football League Cup tie If it happens, we accept and Mexico in the next round along and Jozy Altidore eff ectively Group C game. at Swansea four days later. adapt and we will try our best.” with Trinidad and Tobago from sealed a straightforward vic- However two goals from Car- “Sergio Aguero will serve a The 28-year-old has scored Group 3. Mexico ended El Salva- tory for Jurgen Klinsmann’s los Ruiz — including an 87th- three-match suspension with eight goals in his nine appear- dor’s hopes with a 3-1 win. side against the Caribbean minute equalizer — secured immediate eff ect after an FA ances against United, who like The fi rst two teams from each minnows. a 2-2 draw for Guatemala in charge of violent conduct against City have made a fl ying start to of the three groups qualify for a Rising star Pulisic added a Port of Spain against the “Soca him was found proven,” an FA the Premier League season with round robin stage. Costarican player Randall Azofeifa celebrates his goal against Haiti fourth for the USA in the 71st Warriors.” statement read. three successive victories. The top three from that ‘Hex- during their Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers. minute shortly after coming on The result means the USA need “The Manchester City forward City are top of the table, while agonal’ qualify automatically for as a second-half substitute. a point in their final group was involved in a 76th-minute United are in third place. Russia while the fourth-placed in 28 minutes when he blasted Jorge Torres Nilo handled in the Pulisic, 17, then laid on the fifth game against Trinidad in Jack- incident with West Ham United’s The Manchester derby marks side goes into a playoff with a team home from Alberto Quintero’s box and Alexander Larin dinked for another substitute, Sacha sonville, Florida on Tuesday Winston Reid on Sunday (28 Au- the renewal of one of the more from the Asian confederation. feed, before substitute Abdiel the ball into the centre of Guill- Kljestan, in the 78th minute. to be certain of progressing to gust 2016), which was not seen bitter managerial rivals of re- Costa Rica secured their place Arroyo sealed the win in injury ermo Ochoa’s goal from the pen- Pulisic completed the scoring the later rounds. by the match offi cials but caught cent years as Guardiola goes up with a 1-0 win over Haiti, Ran- time by fi nishing off a counter alty spot. on video. against Jose Mourinho. dall Azofeifa’s spectacular volley attack with a fi ne angled drive. The Mexicans, who won all “The club denied the charge United manager Mourinho after 72 minutes giving his side Panama have never reached four of their previous qualifi ers, slotted home from six yards. made no mistake from the pen- and submitted further that, if was involved in a series of spats the win in Port-au-Prince. the World Cup Finals before. stepped up a gear in the second Angel Sepulveda made it 2-1 alty spot after 73 minutes when it was to be found proven, the with Guardiola when he was at In Panama City, Gabriel In San Salvador, Mexico went half and Hector Moreno brought when he headed home a cross six the referee ruled Sepulveda had standard punishment would be Real Madrid and his rival was in Torres put the home side ahead behind after 24 minutes when them level in 52 minutes when he minutes later and Raul Jimenez been barged off the ball. clearly excessive. charge of Barcelona.