| Page 3 FOOTBALL | Page 7 S. Africa’s Liverpool Dale Steyn sweating on launches Van Dijk fi tness mission W Cup for Chelsea tie

Saturday, September 29, 2018 RYDER CUP Moharram 19, 1440 AH Crushing foursomes GULF TIMES sweep puts Europe ahead of America SPORT Page 3 FOCUS Qatar duo win Asian beach volleyball crown Qatar players pose with their trophies and cheque yesterday. At bottom, action from the final. Dominant Qataris finish off the final in only 36 minutes

By Sports Reporter the fact they only made their debut on the line as the Iranians were quite strong. We Doha FIVB World Tour only this year. have had a brilliant past two months. Win- Salemiinjehboroun had bagged the Asian ning the Asian title and Asian Games title title last year when he teamed up with Rah- would help our morale as we take part in sian Games gold medallists Cher- man Raoufi, and they had knocked out Ti- more tournaments this season.” if Younousse and Ahmed Tijan jan and Julio Cesar do Nascimento in the grabbed another continental title last four stage. Results yesterday by clinching the Asian At the Asian Games in Palembang where Final: BeachA Volleyball crown in Satun, Thailand. the beach volleyball competitions were Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan (Qatar) In the final, they defeated the Iranian held, Younousse and Tijan had beaten Vak- beat Bahman Salemiinjehboroun and duo of Arash Vakili and Bahman Salemiin- ili and Salemiinjehboroun in the quarter- Arash Vakili (Iran) 21-18, 21-11 jehboroun in straight sets (21-18, 21-11) to finals 2-1. Bronze medal match finish unbeaten in the tournament. “We are pleased with our performance Alexandr Dyachenko and Alexey So dominant were the Qataris they fin- as this is our first Asian title,” Younousse Sidorenko (Kazakhstan) beat Sergey ished off the match in only 36 minutes – said. Bogatu and Dmitriy Yakovlev (Kazakhstan) an impressive performance considering “It was a tough match despite the score- 21-14, 21-16 (35 mts)

CRICKET India huff and puff past Bangladesh for Asian title LITON DAS’S CENTURY FOR BANGLADESH GOES IN VAIN AS INDIA CLINCH LAST-BALL THRILLER IN DUBAI

AFP Dubai SCORECARD

ndia retained the Asia Cup Bangladesh S. Dhawan c Sarkar b Islam ...... 15 with a three- win off Liton Das st Dhoni b Yadav ...... 121 A. Rayudu c Rahim b Mortaza ...... 2 the last ball against a fi ght- c Rayudu b Jadhav . D. Karthik lbw b Riyad ...... 37 ing Bangladesh who were ...... 32 M. Dhoni c Rahim b Mustafiz ...... 36 anchoredI by a maiden hundred Imarul Kayes lbw b Chahal ...... 2 K. Jadhav ...... 23 from opener Liton Das in Dubai c Bumrah b R. Jadeja c Rahim b Rubel ...... 23 yesterday. Jadhav ...... 5 B. Kumar c Rahim b Mustafiz ...... 21 India made heavy weather of a Mohamed Mithun run out ...... 2 K. Yadav not out ...... 5 modest 223-run target as Bangla- Riyad c Bumrah b Extras: (b1, lb 7, w 5) ...... 13 desh fought for every run before Yadav ...... 4 Total: (for seven wkts; 50 overs) the title holders achieved victory run out ...... 33 223 off the last ball watched by a ca- st Dhoni b Did not bat: J. Bumrah, Y. Chahal pacity 25,000 holiday crowd at Yadav ...... 7 Fall of : 1-35 (Dhawan), Dubai stadium. Nazmul Islam run out ...... 7 2-46 (Rayudu), 3-83 (Sharma), Das held the innings together not out ...... 2 4-137 (Karthik), 5-160 (Dhoni), 6-212 during his 117-ball 121 which b Bumrah ...... 0 (Jadeja), 7-214 (Kumar) featured a dozen boundaries and Extras: (lb2, w5) ...... 7 : Mehidy 4-0-27-0, Mus- two sixes but Bangladesh, who Total: (all out; 48.3 overs) 222 tafiz 10-0-38-2, Islam 10-0-56-1, Mor- were put into bat, were all out in Fall of wickets: 1-120 (Mehidy), taza 10-0-35-1 (1w), Rubel 10-2-26-2, 48.3 overs despite a solid opening 2-128 (Kayes), 3-137 (Rahim), 4-139 (1w), Riyad 6-0-33-1 (2w) stand of 120 with Mehidy Hasan. (Mithun), 5-151 (Riyad), 6-188 (Das), Note: K. Jadhav retired hurt at With their settled opening pair of 7-196 (Mortaza), 8-213 (Islam), 9-222 167-5 with a pulled muscle and and Shikhar Dha- (Sarkar); 10-222 (Rubel) returned at 212-6. wan, India were expected to run Bowling: Kumar 7-0-33-0 (1w), away with victory, like they did in Bumrah 8.3-0-39-1 (2w), Chahal Result: India won by three wickets the previous matches but Bang- 8-1-31-1(1w), Yadav 10-0-45-3, Jadeja Toss: India ladesh were not ready to give up 6-0-31-0, Jadhav 9-0-41-2(1w) Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA) without a fi ght. and Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI) Dhawan was dismissed for India Tv umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) 15 and Sharma for a 55-ball 48, R. Sharma c Islam b Rubel ...... 48 Match referee: David Boon (AUS) Medium-pacer Khaleel Ahmed holds the Asia Cup trophy as the studded with three sixes and as Indian team celebrate their victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. many boundaries. (37) and Ma- moved them both with eight runs ladesh lost in a second Asia Cup tacked India’s pace-cum spin at- Former Mushfi qur Ra- hendra Singh Dhoni (36) added still needed. fi nal after coming up just short by tack. But once Hasan was caught him, who scored 144 and 99 ear- 54 for the fourth wicket but once India then required six off the two runs in the 2012 fi nal against off Jadhav in the 21st over the in- lier in the tournament, also hold both were dismissed Bangladesh last over and one off the nalfi de- Pakistan at home. nings collapsed with Bangladesh out off Jadhav who nishedfi with looked like pulling off an upset. livery which came as a leg-bye. Earlier Bangladesh lost all their losing four more wickets by the 2-41. Rahim made just fi ve. (23) and Bhu- Kedar Jadhav fi nished with 23 wickets for 102 runs in a ma- time the score reached 151. Bangladesh’s cause was not venshwar Kumar (21) brought not out. India won the Asia Cup jor middle order collapse after a Hasan hit three boundaries helped by three run-outs while the target within India’s reach — under a format — in brisk opening stand of 120. in his 59-ball 32 while Soumya left-arm spinner Bangladesh batsman Liton Das celebrates after scoring a century through a 45-run stand for the Bangladesh in 2016. Hasan was promoted to open Sarkar made a 45-ball 33 with a returned with the best fi gures of against India in Dubai yesterday. sixth wicket but Bangladesh re- Yesterday’s result meant Bang- the innings and he and Das at- boundary and a six. 3-45. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 29, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT DENIAL Pakistan Cricket Board rejects Rixon’s allegations England reward with AFP kistan Cricket Board (PCB) for being and former foreign staff attached with Lahore late with payments and disorganised. national teams.” “They didn’t pay subsidiary staff on “It comes as a surprise to us that Mr central Test contract time. Everyone was meant to go to the Rixon made unfounded allegations,” akistan cricket authorities yes- World Cup (2019 in England), which the cricket authority said in a state- AFP terday rejected allegations of would be the sensible thing to do but ment. London unprofessionalism from their not unless they improved their act,” “The PCB strongly refutes the alle- Pformer fi elding coach Steve Rixon told Fairfax Media in Australia. gations made by Mr Rixon in his inter- Rixon, saying they were surprised by “[I told them], ‘you guys will make view, the foreign coaching staff has full urrey all-rounder Sam the ‘unfounded’ attacks. me angrier and angrier, and I don’t need backing and support of the board.” Curran has been given a Former Australian wicket-keeper it.’ In the interview Rixon said: “If they Pakistan has a number of interna- central Test contracts for Rixon was credited with lifting the Pa- want outsiders to the country doing the tional fi gures on its national coaching 2018-19 by the England kistan’s fi elding standards during his job make sure you look after them.” team — Rixon was replaced by former andS Wales Cricket Board. two-year contract with the national The PCB rejected Rixon’s claims, New Zealand spinner and Scotland Curran earned the contract team, which expired in June this year. saying it was “disappointed by the coach Grant Bradburn, and the position with an impressive impact dur- He did not seek a renewal of the con- baseless allegations” and that it “en- of coach is held by former Zim- ing the summer Tests against tract, and on Thursday blasted the Pa joyed cordial relations with all current babwean batsman Grant Flower. India, which saw him named the Player of the Series as England romped to a 4-1 victory. The 20-year-old, whose fa- ther Kevin is a former Zimba- bwe international, produced two impressive displays with the bat against India and chipped in with several wickets. Curran, who made his Surrey debut aged just 17, was recently named in England’s squad for STEYN LAUNCHES their forthcoming tour of . Selectors have also awarded Surrey’s Tom Curran, brother of Sam, an increment contract for an all-format contract with his the next 12 months, commencing county last week. October 1 2018. The 13 white-ball one-day in- MISSION W CUP Following Alastair Cook’s ternational and T20 selections decision to retire from interna- refl ect a largely settled England AFP tional cricket after the Test series line-up heading into the World Kimberley against India, there is a vacancy Cup. at the top of England’s batting ECB central contracts for order. 2018-19: eteran fast bowler Dale Steyn’s challenge But Cook’s latest opening for a place in South Africa’s 2019 Cricket partner Keaton Jennings, the Test: (Worces- World Cup squad gets under way with a Lancashire batsman, misses out tershire), James Anderson three-match one-day international series on a deal, as did Rory Burns, who (Lancashire), Jonny Bairstow V had pressed his case when scor- (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad against Zimbabwe, starting at the Diamond Oval to- morrow. ing more than 1,000 runs in the (Nottinghamshire), Jos But- Steyn, 35, has not played in one-day internationals County Championship to help tler (Lancashire), Sam Curran since October 2016. He has been plagued by injuries Surrey win a fi rst title in 16 years. (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), but is fresh from a stint with English county Hamp- Only 10 players with Test- Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes shire, taking 20 wickets in five first-class matches. “It match experience make the ECB (Durham), Chris Woakes (War- was good to go over and play there, be on the park list for 2018-19, when England wickshire) consistently,” he said. will be in action at a home World ODI/T20: Moeen Ali (Worces- His ability to stay fit is a key factor for coach Ottis Cup as well as an Ashes series. tershire), Jonny Bairstow (York- Gibson. “Once Dale is fit, to me he’s still one of the Ben Stokes is included, the shire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), best two bowlers in the country. He’s gone away and Durham player still awaiting the Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire), proven his fitness, so we’ll see how he goes in the outcome of a disciplinary com- Eoin Morgan (Middlesex), Liam next couple of games,” said Gibson. mission to conclude its fi ndings Plunkett (Surrey), Adil Rashid Steyn said he was ready to compete for his place. into a charge of bringing the (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), “Having played my last game only two weeks ago game into disrepute. (Surrey), Ben Stokes for Hampshire I feel like I’m going, I’m flying. But Yorkshire’s Adil Rashid has (Durham), (York- white-ball is a whole new challenge. I’ve been play- also been given a central Test shire), Chris Woakes (Warwick- ing red-ball in the UK.” match contract, despite not shire), Mark Wood (Durham) Gibson said the series against Zimbabwe and three playing red-ball cricket at the Incremental: Tom Curran (Sur- matches in Australia in October and November start of the year. Rashid signed rey) would be crucial for players trying to stake a claim for the World Cup in England. He said the selectors would be looking to pick a probable World Cup squad for home series against Pakistan and Sri Aussie Short goes big with Lanka early next year. “There will be less and less opportunities going record double century forward, so you have to make every opportunity you get count,” said Gibson. Sydney: Western Australia est List A score, while Indian With captain and leading batsman opener D’Arcy Short clobbered Rohit Sharma’s 264 against Hashim Amla injured, and likely first-choice players 23 sixes in a blistering 257 Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the David Miller and Quinton de Kock rested, fringe one- against Queensland to reg- benchmark in one-day inter- day batsmen such as Dean Elgar, Reeza Hendricks, ister the highest score by an nationals. Heinrich Klaasen, Khaya Zondo and uncapped Australian in one-day cricket Short’s 23 sixes, with his team Christiaan Jonker will want to cash in against mod- yesterday. tweeting that one of them est opposition. The Zimbabweans found themselves The 28-year-old left-hander shattered a window, is also a in the cricketing wilderness when they failed to raced to his second List A record in one-day cricket. advance from a World Cup qualifying tournament in hundred in just 83 balls before New Zealander Colin Munro their own country in March. moving up a gear, needing just is the only other batsman to That failure led to a purge of Zimbabwe’s entire 45 more deliveries to go from smash 23 sixes at domestic coaching staff and the sacking of Graeme Cremer 100 to 200 at the Hurstville level in a first-class innings. as captain. Cremer is unavailable because of a knee Oval. Short made his one-day injury while all-rounder Sikandar Raza was not se- By the time Matthew Kuhne- international debut against lected because of a dispute with Zimbabwe Cricket, mann had him in the England at Cardiff earlier this which has subsequently been resolved. 46th over to end the 148-ball year and has also played 10 Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams are blitz, Short had notched up the Twenty20 Internationals. back in the side after being unavailable for recent third-highest score in men’s Western Australia were even- series because of unpaid salaries. one-day cricket. tually dismissed for 387 in 47 Alistair Brown’s 268 for Sur- overs with Marcus Stoinis’ 27 rey in a 2002 match against the next highest score for the Glamorgan remains the high- team. BOTTOMLINE

FOCUS Patience key as Australia seek Shakib undergoes to end Asian woes — Paine surgery in Dhaka AFP a hospital... infected pus had to AFP tle ways we can change,” said Jiyas from India for practice. Dhaka be taken out from my fi nger,” he Dubai Paine. “Traditionally Australian “We’ve faced a hell of a lot wrote. teams have been aggressive and spin, there’s no doubt about that “Your prayers have saved tried to take the game to the op- and Australian touring sides angladesh all-rounder me from a great danger but I ustralian captain Tim position. Over here in particular, always do. We get heaps of net said will have to do another surgery Paine yesterday said you’ve got to be really patient bowlers,” said Paine. yesterday he underwent quickly,” added the 31-year all- his team will need to and try to stay in the game for as “We can train as long as we surgery on his injured rounder. Shakib hurt his left little Ashow more patience long as you can.” like — that’s another thing we’ve Bfi nger shortly after he return- fi nger during the one-day inter- in their two-match Test se- Paine, named captain in the touched, we can be great train- ing home from the United Arab national series against Sri Lanka ries against Pakistan in a bid to wake of Smith’s ban, said disci- ers, but at the end of the day it’s Emirates, leaving his Asia Cup in January and missed the subse- better a terrible record against pline will also be the key. about how we play in a game.” mission incomplete. quent Test and Twenty20 series. Asian sides. “It’s about us being really pa- Paine admitted his players Shakib missed yesterday’s He returned to the team for the Shorn of experienced cap- tient, really disciplined. Langer were surprised that Pakistan’s fi nal against India and Bang- Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka in tain Steve Smith and dashing (Australian coach) spoke about pace spearhead Mohamed Amir ladesh’s last Super Four game March and has continued play- opener — banned leaving our egos at home, par- had been dropped from the se- against Pakistan after he aggra- ing since then. for a year in the wake of ball ticularly as a batting group and ries over his lack of form. vated a fi nger injury. He wanted to have a surgery tampering saga in South Africa being prepared to bat for a long, “A lot of the guys were (sur- Bangladesh beat Pakistan by before the Asia Cup for a com- in March — Australia will face a long time. If we can do that we prised),” said Paine. “But we’ve 37 runs to move to the fi nal of the plete recovery from the injury, trial by spin, as has happened in can have some success.” spoken about worrying about Asia Cup for the third time in the but the BCB insisted on playing the past. Besides Smith and Warner, what we can control. We know last four editions. him in the key tournament. Australia have won only one Australia will also miss the in- he’s not there but Wahab Riaz is “When I was returning home The all-rounder played the out of 17 Tests in Asia since 2007 jured pace duo of Josh Hazle- in who’s really dangerous, par- with pain in my hand, I did not team’s fi rst four matches of the as they struggled against spin in in two Tests. four-day match in Dubai from wood and Pat Cummins. ticularly in these kind of con- realise I would face such a ter- tournament. He scored 49 runs India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Australia landed in UAE a Saturday. But to counter Pakistan’s spin ditions when the ball is reverse rible situation,” Shakib wrote on and picked up seven wickets. They lost 2-0 to Pakistan week ago to acclimatise to the The fi rst Test starts in Dubai trap they have rehired former swinging. his verifi ed Facebook page. The surgery has all but ruled in the United Arab Emirates scorching weather, with tem- from October 7. The second will India bowler Sridharan Sriram “We’re just trying to focus “After coming back to home, Shakib out of next month’s home (UAE) as leg-spinner Yasir Shah peratures still hitting 40 de- be played in Abu Dhabi from Oc- as a consultant, who has brought on what we’re doing at the mo- due to immense pain and abnor- series against Zimbabwe. and left-armer Zulfi qar Babar grees Celsius (104F). They take tober 16. leg-spinner Pardeep Sahu and ment, we’ll look at Pakistan’s mal swelling of the hand, I need- Zimbabwe will arrive in Dhaka shared 26 wickets between them on Pakistan’s second string in a “We’ve just spoken about lit- left-arm wrist spinner Karapak Test team closer to next week.” ed an immediate surgery done in on October 16. Gulf Times Saturday, September 29, 2018 3 SPORT

GOLF / RYDER CUP SPOTLIGHT Cycling on the Crushing foursomes road to equality with mixed gender time trial sweep puts Europe 27-year-old Reusser said. AFP Innsbruck, Austria “I myself prefer the team time-trial, the team time- It’s the first time Europe have won all trial is my favourite event, he International and if all goes well I should four matches — having suff ered a 4-0 Cycling Union says it be in the Swiss national team reverse in the format two years ago has received a warm next year so this would be 5-3 ahead reception for plans wonderful, I’m really excited Tto hold a mixed men’s and about that.” Reuters women’s national team event “It’s just great for women’s Paris which will make its debut at cycling, so yes it moves the 2019 world champion- things forwards.” ships in Yorkshire. The competitions at the urope produced a barn- UCI president David 2019 world championships storming Ryder Cup Lappartient, British Sports in Yorkshire will open with comeback yesterday as Minister Tracey Crouch and the new event billed as the they swept the four- female cyclists have hailed team time trial mixed relay, somesE in devastating style to the move as a great step which replaces the “trade take an overnight 5-3 lead and forward. team” format which saw men leave the United States dazed The event will see a team and women race in separate and bewildered after they had of three male cyclists com- teams organised by their em- won the fourballs 3-1. plete a 14-kilometre lap with ployers such as Team Sky. It was the fi rst time Europe the women’s team setting “I cannot wait to witness had won all four foursomes off on the same circuit once this fi rst-ever team time trial matches — having suff ered a the second rider in the men’s mixed relay, which is part 4-0 reverse in the format en team has crossed the line. of the UCI’s drive to further route to defeat in Hazeltine two The fi nal time will be taken increase the attractiveness years ago — and their fi rst sweep when the second of the three of our road world champion- in either format since 1989. women riders crosses the ships and encourage gender But it was not just the points fi nish line with the overall equality,” Lappartient said at tally that will have sent Europe- quickest time winning. the Yorkshire 2019 unveiling an captain Thomas Bjorn off to “We have had good feed- event this week. dinner on a high, but the crush- back from women so far,” Frenchman Lappartient ing nature of the victories as the Lappartient told AFP at the said he had had the idea of home team dealt much better 2018 world championships in the national team relay while with the strong wind that de- Innsbruck. watching the Winter Olym- veloped through the afternoon “Not only have they pics mixed gender biathlon, a as many of the big name Ameri- (women) been put on the mix of cross-country skiing cans fell apart. same level as the men by the and rifl e shooting. None of the foursomes fact that there are three men matches reached the 17th green, and three women, but the ‘MICKEY MOUSE EVENT’ with two fi nishing on the 14th, women fi nish the race so it’s British sports minister Crouch as the Europeans bounced back them that set the time,” he said this week the new cycling superbly to give their fans plenty said. event “is going to be one of the to cheer after they had been qui- Team USA’s Phil Mickelson (second from left) shakes hands with Team Europe’s Sergio Garcia (right) after their Ryder Cup Foursomes match “I wanted the women to highlights of 2019”. etened by the morning setback at Le Golf National Course in Guyancourt, France, yesterday. (Reuters) be the ones who fi nish so “We want to encourage at Le Golf National near Paris. that in that way you have to everyone to get involved in Sergio Garcia and rookie Alex of team competition. Ice-cool focus on tomorrow.” there with them and deliver an- The US, seeking a fi rst over- watch the women to see who sports,” she said at the pres- Noren led the way by annihilat- rookie Tommy Fleetwood and Garcia fully justifi ed his wild other point for Europe.” seas win in 25 years, had the bet- wins, which is another small entation. “Events such as ing Phil Mickelson and Bryson Francesco Molinari, who had card selection but, playing his Furyk looked shellshocked ter of a topsy-turvy fourballs victory for women’s cycling,” this can inspire many people Dechambeau 5 and 4 in a battle won Europe’s solitary fourballs ninth Ryder Cup, the Spaniard too out on the course as he surveyed session, with Spieth particularly Lappartient said. to do just that.” between four men rested in the point, completed the memo- was careful not to get too carried the giant scoreboards swathed impressive when he and Thomas Not everyone agrees. morning and it could have been rable day by smashing Jordan away. “It’s historic,” he said. in blue that denoted European beat Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hat- ‘REALLY EXCITED’ Matt White, director at even more emphatic as they led Spieth and Justin Thomas 5 and “We swept the US and it leads and will have some hard ton 1-up. One competitor, Swiss the Mitchelton-Scott team by seven after nine holes. Justin 4. “It was a tough morning for hasn’t happened before so it’s thinking to do about his Satur- World number one Johnson cyclist Marlen Reusser, who where the British Yates Rose and Henrik Stenson re- me this morning and I’m sure obviously a great moment but day selections. and Fowler won 4 and 2 against came 17th in the women’s twins Simon and Adam race, sumed their highly successful it was a tough afternoon for Jim it’s just the fi rst day. We have to Mickelson, who has been McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen time-trial in Innsbruck condemned the new mixed to hammer Dustin (Furyk),” said Bjorn. “Those are make sure we stay ahead going through it all before during while Tony Finau and Brooks despite a fall, rejoiced at the event. Johnson and Rickie Fowler 3 and the emotions you go through in into Sunday.” his remarkable run of 12 Ryder Koepka came from 2-down to news. “I’m not a big fan,” 2 having been 5-up after 11. a Ryder Cup. McIlroy certainly enjoyed the Cups, said: “We’ve got to come beat Rose and Jon Rahm on the She said it was “abso- White told Cycling Weekly Ian Poulter and Rory McIlory, “There was a pretty good feel- afternoon more than the morn- out and bring our best stuff . We 18th. lutely” a step forwards for magazine. “There’s no need who was badly off form in the ing in the room over lunch, and I ing. “It was a bit of a last-minute know it’s going to be a fi ght till There was no fairytale come- women’s cycling. to introduce Mickey Mouse morning, came from 2-down felt like a pretty good vibe con- pairing but Poults and I played the end, and we’ve got a lot of back for Tiger Woods, however, “I totally agree with him events. We already had to triumph 4 and 2 over Webb sidering that was a tough morn- well together at (previous Ryder points left. as he and Patrick Reed lost 3 and (Lappartient), that is a two very good events, the Simpson and Bubba Watson as ing for us. Cups in) Medinah and at Gle- “We’ve only played eight 1 to Molinari and Fleetwood to wonderful sentiment and women’s and men’s time Poulter was yet again inspired “We’ll enjoy this afternoon neagles,” he said. points so far, and we just need to take Woods’ fourball record to a wonderful thing to say,” trials.” to new heights by the emotion for a few hours, but then we will “It was nice to get back out bring our best stuff and we will.” nine defeats from 12 games.

FORMULA 1 Hamilton sets the pace in Russian practice

Reuters Sochi, Russia Haas retain Magnussen and Grosjean for next season ormula One champion- Reuters ship leader Lewis Ham- Sochi, Russia ilton led the way as Mer- cedes ended the fi rst day Fof Russian Grand Prix practice renchman Romain with a dominant one-two on the Grosjean and Danish timesheets while Ferrari strug- Fdriver Kevin Magnus- gled. sen will race for Haas again The Briton, 40 points clear of next season, the US-owned Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel with six Formula One team said races remaining, lapped Sochi’s yesterday. 5.8 km Olympic Park circuit with Grosjean, 32, joined on the a best time of one minute 33.385 team’s debut in 2016 with seconds on the hypersoft tyres. 25-year-old Magnussen arriv- Vettel ended up only fi fth- ing a year later. fastest, in 1:33.928, and behind “From the very beginning, we the two Red Bulls driven by Max needed experienced drivers Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. to hasten the development of His Finnish team mate Kimi our car and our team, and we Raikkonen was sixth. have two very good and ex- of incidents, most recently The German had been fastest perienced drivers in Romain in Singapore, where he was in the morning with a best time Grosjean and Kevin Magnus- handed two penalty points for of 1:34.488, also on hypersoft sen,” Haas team principal ignoring blue warning flags as tyres, with Hamilton third on the Guenther Steiner said in a Mercedes’ race leader Lewis slower softs. statement. Hamilton tried to lap him. Vettel is running out of time to “We’ve improved drastically The hold-up threatened to rein in Hamilton, who has seven Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton drives out of the garage during the second practice session for the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi yesterday. (AFP) from last year to this year, so cost Hamilton the lead, with victories to his name this season, retaining both drivers was a Red Bull’s Max Verstappen including four of the last fi ve. Sauber race seat next season, pretty easy decision.” closing in. Mercedes have won every Rus- Overnight fi re leaves Haas with a smell of burning rubber took Marcus Ericsson’s car for The pair have combined to The Frenchman now has nine sian Grand Prix since the fi rst in the opening practice while Brit- score 76 points this season points on his licence, with 12 2014, with Hamilton twice victo- An overnight fire in the garages could have a lot more damage,” to Danish driver Kevin Magnus- ish teenager Lando Norris gained with Grosjean’s fourth place triggering a mandatory one- rious and team mate Valtteri Bot- of the Haas Formula One team he said. “It looked really bad. We sen had been replaced with the experience ahead of his McLaren in Austria the team’s highest race ban, going into tomor- tas winning last year after now- at the Russian GP burned two don’t know yet why or where agreement of the governing FIA. debut next year. individual finish. row’s Russian Grand Prix. retired Nico Rosberg in 2016. sets of tyres but could have been the short-circuit came from.” “Teams are allowed to keep the Giovinazzi was 10th fastest, The Frenchman’s future had “He should be very careful Verstappen turns 21 on Sun- much more serious, principal Pirelli’s motorsport manager tyres in blankets at a maximum with 18-year-old Norris — who looked uncertain, however, but I think he knows that,” day but cannot become the fi rst Guenther Steiner said yesterday. Mario Isola said separately that temperature of sixty degrees for went off but avoided the barri- after he started the year with Steiner had said on Thursday. 20-year-old to start on pole po- “There was somewhere a the fire was caused either by the slick tyres, so usually they ers — 13th. a run of eight races without “We are on very thin ice at the sition due to a raft of engine pen- short-circuit and it went on malfunctioning tyre blankets or keep the blankets (on) during McLaren regular Stoff el Van- a point. moment with that.” alties. fire... luckily the night guards their control units. the night and they are allowed doorne, who is ceding his place to Since Austria, which ended Yesterday’s announcement The Dutch driver is one of fi ve extinguished it otherwise we He said the tyre sets allocated to do that,” added Isola. the Briton at the end of the year, that dismal run of form, he leaves potential vacancies listed with confi rmed drops to was only 16th. has featured more strongly remaining at Red Bull-owned the back of the grid, leaving the don Hartley as well as McLaren’s start to set up the win. The Finn had sat out much of the morn- Renault gave Russian F2 driver with a sixth place in Germany Toro Rosso and Williams, exact starting order uncertain. Fernando Alonso were the others was 0.199 slower than Hamilton ing with mechanics working on Artem Markelov (15th) a run in and seventh in Belgium. whose Canadian Lance Stroll Verstappen’s Australian team hit with grid penalties. in yesterday’s dry afternoon ses- his car. Carlos Sainz’s car while Cana- Grosjean has also been in- looks set to switch to Force mate Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Vettel took pole in Sochi last sion. Italian reserve Antonio Gio- dian Nicholas Latifi (17th) was in volved in more than his share India. Rosso’s Pierre Gasly and Bren- year but Bottas made a lightning Ricciardo, fourth after lunch, vinazzi, who will step up to the Sergio Perez’s Force India. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 29, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY BADMINTON Momota becomes fi rst Japanese man to Boks aim to avoid top world rankings

Reuters Bengaluru

orld champion being one-match Kento Momota has become the fi rst Japanese man to top ‘Having celebrated the victory in New Wthe Badminton World Federation rankings, replacing Denmark’s Zealand, the focus quickly shifted to Viktor Axelsen at the top of the list for men’s singles. fore losing to Lee Chong Wei in plotting a victory over the Wallabies’ Rio Olympic bronze medallist the fi nal of the Malaysia Open. wonders and 2017 world champion Ax- He beat Axelsen in the fi nal of AFP for Damian de Allende. elsen slipped to third in the latest the Indonesia Open in July before Johannesburg Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira edition of the rankings, behind winning the men’s singles title wins his 105th cap as loosehead China’s Shi Yuqi. at world championships the fol- prop with Steven Kitshoff drop- Momota was suspended in lowing month in Nanjing. outh Africa want to beat ping to the bench and Sikhumbu- April 2016 for visiting an illegal Momota also won his home Ja- Australia for only the zo Notshe takes over from Warren casino and missed the Olympics pan Open earlier this month but second time in seven Whiteley at number eight. before returning to the tour at fi nished a surprise runner-up Tests today and avoid Australia coach Michael the Canadian Open in July last behind Anthony Sinisuka Gint- beingS labelled one-match won- Cheika has also made four per- year. ing at last week’s China Open, a ders after a stunning triumph sonnel changes after a 23-19 loss The explosive 24-year-old second loss to the Indonesian in a over New Zealand. to Argentina in the Gold Coast won back-to-back tournaments few weeks after his reverse at the A seesaw season for the — their fi rst home defeat by the in March and April this year be- Asian Games in Jakarta. Springboks under new coach Jo- Pumas in 35 years. han ‘Rassie’ Erasmus has brought Losing relegated the Wallabies four wins and four losses with a to a record-low seventh in the thrilling 36-34 victory in Wel- world rankings midway through Saina crashes out of Korea Open lington this month the highlight. a season in which they have won Before infl icting a rare home only two of seven Tests. Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal bowed out of the Korea Open, defeat on the world champions, Skipper and fl anker Michael losing to third seed Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in the quarter-finals the South Africans were lack- Hooper has recovered from an here yesterday. Okuhara took around one hour to beat Saina 15-21, lustre in away defeats by Argen- injury and returns to a reshuf- 21-15, 22-20. After losing the first game, Okuhara bounced back in tina and Australia. fl ed back row with Ned Hanigan style and bagged the second and third games to enter the semi- Erratic form has left them also called up and David Pocock final. Fifth seed Saina failed to match the pace of her opponent with little chance of winning switching to number eight. and got beaten in a marathon match. The Japanese shuttler will the Rugby Championship for Adam Coleman replaces Rory now face her compatriot and top seed Akane Yamaguchi today. the fi rst time as they trail the Arnold at lock and tighthead All Blacks by six points with two prop Taniela Tupou makes his rounds remaining. run-on debut with Allan Alaala- But home fi xtures against Aus- toa relegated to the bench. FOCUS tralia in Port Elizabeth, and New In this September 15, 2018, picture, South Africa’s Jesse Kriel (right) celebrates their win over New Zea- Cheika resisted media calls Zealand in Pretoria next Saturday, land during their Rugby Championship match at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. (AFP) to begin with fl y-half Bernard off er South Africa an opportunity Foley, giving versatile Kurtley to build momentum. Wallabies and lose. seven consecutive starts for the formances.” Beale a third straight start as Nadal on course for “We do not want to be “Having celebrated the vic- twice former world champions Erasmus has made four per- playmaker. known as one-match wonders,” tory in New Zealand, the focus this year has matched that of a sonnel changes — three injury Centre Reece Hodge is upbeat stressed scrum-half Faf de Klerk quickly shifted to plotting a vic- team which has ranged between enforced — from the Wellington ahead of the fi rst match between Paris return: Moya ahead of the showdown with tory over the Wallabies.” brilliance and mediocrity. starting line-up for the south- the countries in Port Elizabeth struggling Australia at Nelson De Klerk, who plays for Eng- ern hemisphere championship since 1963 when South Africa AFP Mandela Bay Stadium in the lish Premiership club Sale ‘SPOKEN A LOT ABOUT fi fth-round match. triumphed to draw a four-Test Madrid coastal city. Sharks, was recalled this season CONSISTENCY’ Cheslin Kolbe comes in on the series. “All the gloss of defeating the after being left out in the cold “We have spoken a lot about right wing for Jesse Kriel, who “They had a great win over the All Blacks in Wellington will last year by previous coach Al- consistency,” said De Klerk. “It switches to centre in place of All Blacks but their supporters, afael Nadal’s coach disappear if we deliver a medio- lister Coetzee. is not just about winning, but Lukhanyo Am and partners An- like ours, are going to demand Carlos Moya has indi- cre performance at home to the His inconsistent form in improving our individual per- dre Esterhuizen, a replacement consistency.” cated the world number one is targeting a return fromR injury next month at the Pumas star Boff elli wary of wounded All Blacks Paris Masters. Nadal has not played a match AFP an equally impressive full-back order to beat them for the first Ledesma has had a similar Hansen picked what he consid- since retiring from the US Open Buenos Aires when Joaquin Tuculet was time.” positive impact on the national ers the best available team, one semi-fi nal against Juan Martin sidelined indefinitely. Boff elli has formed a dynamic team. that shows six changes from del Potro three weeks ago, due to “But they did us no favours,” he attacking trio with wingers Victories over South Africa at that which started the 36-34 a problem in his right knee. rgentina backline star added after a training session Bautista Delguy and Ramiro home and Australia away mean defeat by South Africa. After missing Spain’s Davis Emiliano Boff elli wishes ahead of the fifth-round clash Moyano this year, but a rib they have already surpassed Wing Waisake Naholo, centre Cup semi-fi nal defeat by France, ANew Zealand had won at Estadio Jose Amalfitani, a injury rules out the latter this their previous best showing in Sonny Bill Williams, scrum- Nadal then announced his with- their last Rugby Championship venue used predominantly for weekend. the seven-year Rugby Champi- half TJ Perenara, prop Ofa drawal from tournaments in Bei- match, instead of suff ering a football. The Pumas have undergone onship. Tu’ungafasi and loose forwards jing and Shanghai. stunning home defeat by South “I wanted New Zealand to come an encouraging U-turn since “Something is happening in Shannon Frizzell and Luke But Moya, who has coached Africa. here having beaten South former national team hooker this team — you can sense it,” Whitelock have been drafted in. Nadal since 2016, believes his He believes the All Blacks will Africa because it is so seldom Mario Ledesma succeeded Dan- he noted after the win over the Centre Ryan Crotty believes player may be ready in time for from Novak Djokovic. now be even more desperate that they lose two matches in iel Hourcade as coach in the Wallabies. “There is a positive the All Blacks know where the Paris Masters, which runs Moya, however, insisted hold- for a fifth-round victory in Bue- a row.” middle of this year. fever, and it’s contagious.” they went wrong against the from October 29 to November ing onto the top spot is not on nos Aires today against South New Zealand last suff ered suc- The ultimate challenge for Springboks, who triumphed 4. After that, the ATP Finals in Nadal’s mind. American opponents they have cessive Test losses in 2011 when HORROR RUN Ledesma is a first victory over despite being outscored by six London begins on November 11. “Right now, no,” Moya added. never lost to. they were beaten 18-5 in South Hourcade exceeded expecta- New Zealand — Argentina have tries to five. “We do not have deadlines, if “A month or month and a half Apart from getting back on a Africa and 25-20 in Australia. tions by taking Argentina to drawn one Test against them “It’s really about our connec- everything goes well and every- ago, probably yes, but when you winning trail they are so famil- “To overcome the All Blacks fourth place at the 2015 World and lost 26. tions out there... feeding in thing is in order, we understand have an injury the top priority is iar with, New Zealand can seal you have to play a perfect Cup in England, but then over- New Zealand have rested skip- everything we see that is criti- that he may be fi ne for Paris- to recover from that injury.” a sixth southern hemisphere game and hope they do not,” saw a horror run of 22 losses in per and number eight Kieran cal for them (the playmakers) Bercy,” Moya told Television Es- Nadal has enjoyed a strong championship title if they pull admitted the tall 23-year-old. 28 Tests. Read and backline dynamo to make the right calls.” panola yesterday. year. The 32-year-old clinched off a bonus-point victory. “Focus is a key factor when you Having taken the Argentine Damian McKenzie has returned New Zealand scored a bonus- “If it’s not Paris, it will be Lon- his 17th Grand Slam title by win- “Congratulations to the Spring- are playing against the best Jaguares to the Super Rugby home due to a family bereave- point 46-24 victory over Argen- don and if not, then next year.” ning an 11th French Open in June, boks on their victory,” said rugby team in the world. We play-off s for the first time in ment. tina when they met in Nelson Nadal’s absence leaves his after triumphs in Monte Carlo, Boff elli, a winger converted into must strive for perfection in his maiden season in charge, World Cup-winning coach Steve this month. position at the top of the world Barcelona and Rome earlier in rankings vulnerable to a late push the year.

TENNIS Murray out, Aussie teen de Minaur chases breakthrough win

AFP better shape. Right now, I feel like as Shenzhen, China the week goes on, I’m slowing down a little bit.” Injured Wang heartbroken as Kontaveit, Sabalenka reach Wuhan fi nal ritain’s former world TEENAGE CHALLENGER number one Andy Murray Now standing in between Verdasco AFP Pliskova. end this way and I feel so had his hopes of a second and a place in tomorrow’s fi nal will Wuhan, China The 34th-ranked Wang bad for (Wang),” said the ATP Shenzhen Open title be qualifi er Yoshihito Nishioka. won the first two games Estonian, currently 27th in dashedB yesterday night as Spanish The 22-year-old Japanese player of the match to the delight the WTA rankings and aim- veteran Fernando Verdasco won their continued his fi ne run of form this ang Qiang’s of the home fans, but the ing to finish 2018 strongly. quarter-fi nal clash 6-4, 6-4. week by overpowering Britain’s dream run at the clinical Kontaveit won the “From the beginning of the Still in the process of recovering Cameron Norrie 7-6 (2), 6-2. WWuhan Open in next six in a row to take season, the goal has been from hip surgery in January, Murray Today’s other semi-fi nal will see China ended in heartbreak the first set. top 20,” she said. had this week produced some of his Australian teenager and seventh yesterday as she retired Wang was moving gin- Winning the Wuhan Open best tennis of the year at the Shen- seed Alex de Minaur face unseeded injured from her semi- gerly as the first set ended, today could help achieve zhen Longgang Sports Centre but in Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert. final with Anett Kontaveit, and appeared to hold that, with the tournament the end was simply undone by Ver- There has been a buzz around the while Aryna Sabalenka back tears as the crowd victor receiving 900 rank- dasco’s stealth. rise of the 19-year-old De Minaur as advanced to the final with cheered her every point. ing points. “When he had his opportunities, he has moved to 40th in the world an emphatic win over With just three games he played well,” said Murray. “First last month, also used his own serve But he said he would spend the across the season, while still chasing Ashleigh Barty. played in the second BARTY’S OVER set I had quite a few chances. Didn’t to good eff ect, fi ring down 11 aces for northern winter working himself a breakthrough tournament victory. Wang, China’s new great set, she signalled to the Sabalenka, one of the take them. He was very aggressive the match. back to the fi tness levels that saw Yesterday’s 6-3, 7-6 (7) win over tennis hope, had to stop umpire that she could no tournament’s most im- from the back of the court and didn’t Verdasco was able to repel the him capture nine titles in his stellar fourth seed Damir Dzumhur of Bos- with Estonia’s Kontaveit longer continue. pressive players, stands in make too many mistakes so he de- majority of the attacks mustered by 2016 campaign, including his second nia showcased why the young Aussie leading 6-2, 2-1, while the “I wanted to hold on, game Kontaveit’s way. served the second set.” Murray, ending the match having Wimbledon and his second Olympic is fast gaining a reputation as a player hard-hitting Sabalenka after game, hoping for a The Belarusian, ranked Murray was broken twice — in the staved off fi ve of the six break points gold. who loves a good scrap out on the beat Barty 7-6 (2), 6-4. miracle,” Wang said. “But 20th in the world, made ninth game of the fi rst set and the he faced. “It was another three matches court. Top-ranked in China, Wang my body did not give me a shaky start in her semi- third game of the second. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam which is positive,” said Murray. “But He should get exactly that against had already made history that miracle.” final against Australia’s Both times the winner came after title winner, is bringing his season obviously, I want to play better than the 27-year-old Herbert, a three- by becoming the first local Her exit means the first Barty, trailing the first set Verdasco had kept the pressure on at to a close with two tournaments in that. I have higher ambitions than time Grand Slam doubles title win- player to reach the Wuhan final of 2018 for the 5-3 at one stage. break point, and had then pounced to China and will now head to Beijing. losing in the quarter-fi nals. I want to ner. Open quarter-finals. Her 22-year-old Kontaveit, who But she soon found her put away his opponent’s weaker sec- The 31-year-old has seen his world try to be better in these events. Herbert dug deep himself in a 6-7 march to the last four will be looking to win her groove and came roaring ond serve. ranking drop to 311 due to the persist- “I need to spend more time on the (6), 7-6 (1), 6-4 quarter-fi nal win over included an upset of world second WTA title. back to take the set on a The 34-year-old fi fth seed, who ent hip problems that necessitated practice court and the gym so that Spain’s Albert Ramos Vinolas as the number seven Karolina “I’m so sorry that it had to tie-breaker. knocked Murray out of the US Open surgery. I’m more robust and physically in Frenchman chases a fi rst singles title. Gulf Times Saturday, September 29, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Five-star Goff Red-hot Rockies as Rams extend perfect start

AFP their next drive, it was Los Ange- win 7th straight les who struck back. Los Angeles This time Goff spotted a wide open Cooper Kupp to send the Rockies increase their NL West lead over the idle Los Angeles Dodgers to a full game ared Goff threw for vefi receiver into the end zone with touchdowns as the Los a 70-yard pass to make it 14-10. Angeles Rams maintained Robinson grabbed his second their unbeaten start to touchdown of the night to re- theJ season with a 38-31 victory store Minnesota’s lead at 17-14 over the Minnesota Vikings here on the next drive. Thursday. Again the Rams response was Goff produced a masterful dis- immediate, with Goff threading play at the Los Angeles Memorial a sublime pass into the arms of Coliseum as the Rams improved Kupp at the back of the end zone to 4-0, underscoring the NFC for a touchdown. West team’s status as potential Soon afterwards, Goff went Super Bowl contenders. deep to Brandin Cooks who out- The 23-year-old quarterback, sprinted the cover for a 47-yard chosen by the Rams with the touchdown to put the Rams 28- number one overall pick in the 17 ahead. 2016 draft, made 26 of 33 to fi n- A Bailey fi eld goal cut the Rams ish with 465 yards. lead to 28-20 at half-time, but The defeat saw the Vikings slip the hosts restored their 11-point to 1-2-1 in the NFC North. advantage with a Sam Ficken An entertaining game saw Goff fi eld goal in the third quarter. and Vikings counterpart Kirk The Vikings cut the Rams lead Cousins go toe-to-toe before the to three points when Cousins Rams defense took control late connected with the superb Adam on to seal victory. Thielen from 45 yards before Cousins, who threw for 423 adding a two-point conversion. yards drew fi rst blood with the The Rams halted the fi ght- opening drive of the game, pick- back when Goff again exposed ing out wide receiver Aldrick the Vikings secondary with a 31- Robinson for a 16-yard touch- yard pass over the top to Robert down pass. Woods for a touchdown. The Rams hit back on the next Bailey made it a seven-point drive however, Goff leading the game with another fi eld goal at hosts on a 12-play 75-yard drive 38-21. that culminated in Todd Gurley The Vikings had one last snaffl ing an eight-yard pass for chance with a late drive but the score. Cousins was sacked and Aaron With Minnesota restricted to Donald recovered as the Rams a 37-yard Dan Bailey fi eld goal on closed out the win.

Colorado Rockies’ Trevor Story watches his ball on a two-run home-run in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports)

Reuters coming the second Colorado head of a New York batter. League East champion Braves, champion Indians. New York player to homer in four straight who fell into a tie with the NL games this season. Nolan Are- CUBS 3, PIRATES 0 West-leading Rockies in the TWINS 9, TIGERS 3 nado did it from June 19-23. David Bote hit a two-out, two- race for the second seed in the Willians Astudillo drove in four avid Dahl, Trevor Sto- run triple and Daniel Murphy NL and home-fi eld advantage in runs, Tyler Austin knocked ry and Gerardo Parra YANKEES 12, RAYS 1 added a two-out RBI single as next week’s Division Series. in three more, and Minnesota homered, helping Miguel Andujar hit a three-run Chicago blanked visiting Pitts- Vargas (7-9) allowed just thumped Detroit in Minneapolis. the Colorado Rockies homer in the fi rst inning and Gi- burgh. three hits, struck out six and Astudillo had two hits and moveD closer to their fi rst divi- ancarlo Stanton homered twice Jon Lester (18-6) pitched six walked none in his longest start scored a run. Austin contrib- sion title with a 5-3 win over the in New York’s rout of Tampa Bay scoreless innings and combined since June 30, 2017. He went 5-1 uted a pair of doubles and scored Philadelphia Phillies on Thurs- at St. Petersburg, Fla. with three relievers for a four- with a 2.62 ERA in his fi nal eight twice as reliever Stephen Gon- day in Denver. The victory reduced the Yan- hit shutout as the fi rst-place starts following a rough begin- salves (2-2) picked up the win. The Rockies increased their kees’ magic number to one to Cubs moved a game ahead of the ning to his year. Tigers starter Francisco Liri- National League West lead over clinch the top American League idle Milwaukee Brewers in the ano (5-12) gave up four runs on the idle Los Angeles Dodgers to wild-card spot. If New York National League Central. The ROYALS 2, INDIANS 1 three hits in 2 2/3 innings. He a full game with their seventh wins one game or the Oakland Cubs’ magic number is three to Salvador Perez stroked a walk- was removed due to lower back straight win, completing a four- Athletics lose one game in the clinch the division. off single to left fi eld with two tightness. game sweep. Colorado hosts the fi nal weekend of regular-season Pirates starter Trevor Williams outs in the 10th inning as Kansas Washington Nationals for a sea- action, the Yankees will host the (14-10) gave up three runs and City edged visiting Cleveland. RANGERS 2, MARINERS 0 son-ending, three-game week- A’s on Wednesday in a single- eight hits in fi ve innings, with four Perez’s hit drove in Adalberto Rookie Ariel Jurado pitched six end series with a magic number elimination playoff game. strikeouts and three walks. He Mondesi from third base and scoreless innings as Texas won of three to win the division. Stanton hit his 36th and 37th had gone 8-2 with a 1.00 ERA in gave Kansas City its fourth con- at Seattle to snap a three-game Carlos Santana and Jose homers of the season. Yan- his previous 12 starts. secutive win. The Royals have losing streak. Bautista homered, and Jake Ari- kees starter CC Sabathia (9-7) prevailed in 14 of their past 17 Jurado (5-5) allowed only two etta (10-11) tossed six solid in- pitched fi ve scoreless innings METS 4, BRAVES 1 home games. hits and a walk while striking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (right) runs the ball during nings in his last start of the year but was ejected two innings shy Jason Vargas completed an im- Josh Donaldson went 3-for- out three. Matt Moore, Connor the game against Minnesota Vikings Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the Phillies, who lost their of a $500,000 innings bonus. pressive season-ending run, toss- 4 for Cleveland while Melky Sadzeck and Jose Leclerc com- on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) eighth in a row. He was tossed for intentionally ing seven scoreless innings as host Cabrera and Yandy Diaz each bined for three innings of one- Dahl started things in the bot- throwing at a batter, shortly af- New York held off Atlanta. recorded two hits. The loss was hit ball to close out the shutout. tom of the fi rst with his 14th ter Rays reliever Andrew Kit- The Mets took two of three just second in the past six games Leclerc worked the ninth for his SPOTLIGHT home run to center fi eld, be- tredge threw a pitch behind the in the series from the National for the American League Central 12th save.

NHL Durant says NBA Devils hope European trip paves road to success voters have ‘pure hate’ of him Reuters “It’s a great bonding experi- Toronto ence for the team to be able to be Reuters together and going through this New York shared experience for almost he New Jersey Devils two weeks,” said Weber. are eager to help expand “So we are actually very excit- evin Durant has won the National Hockey ed about the opportunity to get an NBA most valuable League’s international the long 82-game season kind of player award, but he Tprofi le and hope their upcoming launched with this condensed said his days of regular- European road trip not only bol- time of us being together. Kseason awards likely are over. sters their fanbase but provides “It helps kind of solidify and “You know they’re not gonna the foundation for a successful galvanise that locker room, so give me anything,” Durant said season. this is going to be a great launch Wednesday during an interview The Devils, whose talented for them.” with the San Francisco radio sta- European contingent includes At the very least, the games tion 95.7 The Game. Swiss standout Nico Hischier will allow the team’s European Durant said his decision to and Swedish sophomore Jesper players a rare chance to com- leave Oklahoma City and join the Bratt, will cap their preseason pete on home soil in an NHL Golden State Warriors before the Durant, who turns 30 on Satur- at Switzerland’s SC Bern on jersey and in front of family and 2016-17 season has caused award day, also was voted NBA Rookie Monday before launching their friends. voters to both overlook and dis- of the Year following the 2007- 2018-19 campaign in Sweden on Hischier, who has become a like him. 08 season. Oct. 6. role model in Switzerland for “Even if it’s on the fence, I have The NBA’s regular-season “Some teams don’t necessar- NHL hopefuls, will have the op- to be clear-cut better than every- award winners are chosen by ily want to deal with whatever portunity to lead the Devils in a body for me to even get a look,” the votes of approximately 100 logistics issues they would have Devils’ talented European contingent includes Swiss center Nico Hischier (left). (USA TODAY Sports) game about a 90-minute train Durant said during the interview. members of the media. The to deal with,” Devils President ride from Naters, where he was “I mean, it’s just pure hate for me league’s players association be- Hugh Weber, speaking to Reu- watching a lot of the Devils fam- makeup of its team, which last handful of Swedes on the team, born and raised. obviously, and no appreciation gan voting for its own awards in ters in a telephone interview, ily over the season.” season made the playoff s for is coming off a promising rookie “It’s a special game for me,” for my real skill for the game. But 2015. said about overseas games. So keen are the Devils to tap the fi rst time since reaching the campaign. Hischier said on the NHL web- I get it. I understand where we’re “You know, accolades, that “We happen to be one that into the European market that Stanley Cup Final in 2012 and Perhaps in similar fashion to site. “My grandparents are going (the Warriors) coming from. I stuff is kind of long gone for me we’ve been in front of the league they have scheduled a fran- boasts reigning NHL Most Valu- the bonding trip the team took to be there and all my aunts and understand what we have here unless it’s like Finals or some- the last fi ve years saying ‘hey, chise-record 12 afternoon home able Player Taylor Hall. to West Point, New York ahead uncles... pretty much my whole in this building that scares eve- thing like that where it’s prob- use us any way you can’. games this season, all of which Hischier, 19, is the future of of last season, the Devils are family and all my friends. There rybody.” ably pretty even,” Durant said. “This is a pretty amazing op- Weber said will be broadcast live the Devils franchise and boasts counting on Europe to provide are lots of people in the stands Golden State has won three “But regular-season awards, I portunity for us and also for at primetime in Europe. the distinction of being the a similar chance for players to who I’ll know. I even know a lot of of the past four NBA champion- mean I’m never gonna get a look our players to get out and en- For the Devils, the timing fi rst Swiss player to be drafted build personal relationships and the players we’ll play against for ships, with Durant winning the when it comes to that, especially gage with these fans that will be could not be better given the fi rst overall while Bratt, one of a chemistry. Bern, so it’s a really special game.” last two Finals MVP trophies. playing here for the Warriors.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 29, 2018 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Otamendi returns but Argentina leave out Messi

Manchester City center-back Nicolas Otamendi was recalled to the Argentina squad but as expected, Lionel Messi was left out of the group due to play arch-rivals Brazil in Saudi Arabia. Real struggles spice After Argentina’s disappointing last-16 elimination by eventual winners France from the World Cup in Russia, Messi was granted time off from national team duties for the rest of the year. He missed friendlies in the United States against Guatemala (3-0) and Co- lombia (0-0) earlier this month and will up Madrid derby watch from afar as interim-coach Lionel Scaloni’s team tackle Iraq on October 11, also in Saudi Arabia, and Brazil five days Atletico will move above Real with a win — and could even go top if Barca lose to Bilbao later in another pair of friendlies. AFP Emery tight-lipped on Madrid Ramsey’s future at Arsenal

iego Simeone described Arsenal manager Unai Emery said Atletico Madrid’s sluggish Aaron Ramsey was an important part of start to the season as a wake- the team but remained guarded about up call but it was Real Ma- a new deal for the midfielder who is out drid’sD nightmare in Seville that threw of contract at the end of the season. a whole new complexion on today’s Emery had said in July that he was city derby. eager to retain Ramsey, who has made Atletico were seven points adrift more than 200 appearances since join- of the top of La Liga after drawing to ing Arsenal in 2008, but gave little as- Eibar two weeks ago, and it was not surance ahead of Premier League clash out of the question their rivals were against fourth-placed Watford. loading up for a knock-out blow at the “For me, every player is very important Santiago Bernabeu this weekend. with their relation with the team. I con- ‘Atleti’ were staring at the possibili- sider each player an important space in ty of a double-digit defi cit which, even the squad,” Emery said. as early as October, would have been a big gap to close. “This is a wake-up call,” Simeone said at the time. “It is Bilic named manger of the best thing that can happen to us.” Saudi side Al Ittihad But after back-to-back wins Atleti- co come into Saturday’s game just two Former Croatia and West Ham United points behind Barcelona, who top the manager Slaven Bilic has signed a three- table on goal diff erence, and Real — year deal to coach Al Ittihad, the Saudi who drew away at Athletic Bilbao be- Arabian side have announced. Bilic, fore being hammered 3-0 by Sevilla on 50, returns to management after being Wednesday. “We are getting used to sacked by Premier League club West winning again,” said Atletico’s Filipe Ham last November, following a dismal Luis, while Angel Correa added: “This start to the 2017-18 campaign. is the Atletico we want.” Bilic replaces Argentine Ramon Diaz, Some had put a line through Atleti- who was sacked after two games of the co a month ago but they will move current season. above Real with a win — and could Al Ittihad have won the Saudi Pro even go top if Barca’s dip continues at League eight times but their last title home to Bilbao. What is clear is that came in 2009. neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid They are second from bottom in the were as formidable as their early form 16-team competition following three suggested, while Atleti were perhaps defeats and a draw. undersold by their lumbering out of the blocks. All three have shown they are fal- Valverde downplays lible. Real were torn apart in 39 fi rst- Umtiti injury fears half minutes at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, which might have been Ernesto Valverde is optimistic the knee marked down as a one-off were it not injury suff ered by Barcelona defender for Sevilla capitalising on the same Samuel Umtiti will not prove serious. counter-attacks Espanyol had at- Umtiti missed training yesterday ahead tempted the week before, but failed to Real Madrid were beaten soundly by Sevilla in the La Liga on Wednesday night. (AFP) of Barca’s game at home to Athletic exploit. Atleti have also been wasteful FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) Bilbao today, with the club confirming up front. Antoine Griezmann has been and in that regard, he shares the same titi against Girona and, albeit with 10 and Umtiti’s suspension means one his left knee as the problem. Today: Real Sociedad v Valencia (1100), indecisive, and Diego Costa is without ache as Barcelona, whose pursuit of men, they drew 2-2. player he cannot leave out against Reports suggest Umtiti could be out for a league goal since February. There success in Europe appears already to He left out Luis Suarez and Jordi Spurs is Gerard Pique, even if the de- Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao (1415), Eibar a period of months but Valverde has is also Griezmann’s recent spat with be disrupting their domestic rhythm. Alba against Leganes on Wednesday, fender’s error-count must be a con- v Sevilla (1630), Real Madrid v Atletico indicated the Frenchman could return Real’s Sergio Ramos to add another Many Barca fans have still not for- and they lost 2-1. “Obviously it is easy cern. Clement Lenglet is likely to re- Madrid (1845) even against Valencia on October 7. In layer of intrigue. Ramos dismissed the given Ernesto Valverde for last sea- now to talk about the rotations,” Val- place Umtiti in London and could be Tomorrow: Huesca v Girona (1000), between, Umtiti was already missing Frenchman’s suggestion he could do son’s quarter-fi nal collapse against verde said. “In the end, matches are given another run-out this weekend Villarreal v Real Valladolid (1415), Wednesday’s Champions League game little more to win the Ballon d’Or. “Ig- Roma and chief among the complaints analysed on results — but you can’t after being sent off against Girona. Levante v Alaves (1630), Real Betis v against Tottenham through suspension. norance makes you bold,” Ramos said. was his failure to rest key players. This win the league with only 11 players.” Elsewhere, Sevilla travel to Eibar today Leganes (1845) Umtiti’s absence against Bilbao and Perhaps the diff erence is Griezmann week he left out Philippe Coutin- Barca host Bilbao today, four days while Valencia, still without a win this On Monday: Celta Vigo v Getafe (1900) Spurs will likely mean Clement Lenglet is yet to win the Champions League ho, Ivan Rakitic and Samuel Um- before facing Tottenham at Wembley season, play away at Real Sociedad. partnering Gerard Pique in defence.

SERIE A LIGUE 1 Ancelotti’s Napoli test title Cavani, Neymar on same wavelength ambitions at Juventus as PSG target eighth straight win AFP AFP Milan Paris

arlo Ancelotti faces his fi rst big test of aris Saint-Germain Napoli’s title ambitions this season as he coach Thomas Tuchel heads north to his former club Juventus says he has done noth- today in a top-of-the-table clash which ing special to improve couldC allow them to pull level with the champi- theP relationship between star ons. Ancelotti’s side are three points behind Ju- forwards Neymar and Edinson ventus who have a 100% record after six games. Cavani, despite the pair playing Ancelotti — who coached Juventus from 1999 a key role in helping the French to 2001 before leaving for AC Milan where he champions enjoy their best ever made his name during a trophy-laden eight years start to a season. — took over from Maurizio Sarri at the end of last Cavani scored twice and won season. And he has been stamping his mark on a penalty that was converted the post-Sarri team with just one defeat — a 3-0 by Neymar as PSG came from loss to Sampdoria — in his fi rst campaign in Italy behind to beat Reims 4-1 on since 2009. “I chose to come to Napoli because of Wednesday, making it seven wins the passion in the city and the project of the club. honest, I’ve given myself a real headache pick- from seven games this season. We are trying to change something and it’s work- ing the line-up for Saturday, because those who Neymar’s fi rst season in Paris ing pretty well,” said Ancelotti as the club target a played (Wednesday) proved they deserve it and so following his world record trans- fi rst title since the days of Diego Maradona back did those who played at the weekend.” fer from Barcelona was brought in 1990. Tonight derby fever hits Rome with As Roma to a premature end by a foot in- Despite statistics favouring the champions, and Lazio going head-to-head at the Stadio Ol- jury. But before that there were Napoli came out on top in the Allianz Stadium last impicio with contrasting fortunes. Simone Inza- concerns the Brazilian had a April with a last-gasp Kalidou Koulibaly header ghi’s Lazio, who lost their opening two games to frosty relationship with Cavani, ensuring a 1-0 win which threw the Scudetto Juventus and Napoli, can head confi dently into with the duo notably bickering title race open. Juventus went on to win for the the game on a four-game league winning streak. over penalty-taking duties. seventh straight year. It will be the 145th meet- Roma, meanwhile, eased the pressure on un- There were no such problems Paris St Germain’s Marquinhos (centre) and Marco Verratti joke around as teammates watch during a ing between the two sides, and 73rd in Turin, with der-fi re coach Eusebio Di Francesco achieving on Wednesday, as the pair led training session in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, yesterday. (Reuters) the hosts having 44 wins, to just eight for Napoli. their fi rst three points in over a month with a PSG to another victory in the “Head-to-head clashes are always complicated,” 4-0 win against Frosinone. Inter Milan head to absence of the suspended Kylian PSG go to Nice today looking Vieira’s Nice, who have won to the season. said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. “This Cagliari today ahead of next week’s Champions Mbappe. for an eighth win out of eight in three of their last four matches, Meanwhile, Marseille go to time there will be Ancelotti who has transmitted League game at PSV Eindhoven. “I haven’t done anything spe- the league — if they do that they and can welcome back Mario Lille after beating Strasbourg 3-2 his great serenity to the team and everyone is ben- Coach Gennaro Gattuso is under pressure as cial. It is important that they ex- will match the best ever start to Balotelli after he missed the mid- in midweek thanks to Valere Ger- efi ting. Yes, they are our rivals right now.” AC Milan travel to Sassuolo chasing just their change with one another,” said a season by any French club, set week victory at Nantes. main’s stoppage-time goal. Allegri believes Cristiano Ronaldo has found second win of the season after slumping to 13th Tuchel, whose team are already by Olympique Lillois in 1936. “I know what I can get out of his place in the team, having scored three goals so after three consecutive stalemates. Sassuolo are eight points clear at the top of The good news for Tuchel is that Mario at the moment and I am FIXTURES far, and helping Paulo Dybala and Blaise Matuidi third, fi ve points behind Juve. Ligue 1. Mbappe can return having com- going to use him. He can maybe Today: Nice v Paris Saint-Germain fi nd the net against Bologna midweek. “They play in the same team pleted his three-match ban, and last an hour, or 80 minutes. The (1515GMT), Angers v Guingamp, Ancelotti has been rotating his squad ahead of don’t they? I haven’t done any- the France star will surely fea- important thing is that he is ready FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) Caen v Amiens, Lyon v Nantes, the Juventus game and next week’s Champions thing. They are grown ups and, ture ahead of next Wednesday’s to help the team,” said Vieira. Today: AS Roma v Lazio (1300GMT), Juventus v Reims v Bordeaux, Strasbourg v League clash against Liverpool with nine changes above all, they are pros. I also get Champions League meeting with Lyon, Marseille and Lille are Napoli (1600), Inter Milan v Cagliari (1830) Dijon (all 1800GMT) made for the 3-0 win midweek over Parma. But the feeling that along with Kylian Red Star Belgrade. all eight points off top spot, and he is counting on Lorenzo Insigne to continue his Tomorrow: Bologna v Udinese (1030GMT), Chievo Mbappe and Angel (Di Maria) PSG need a positive result in Lyon entertain a Nantes side Tomorrow: Rennes v Toulouse fi ne form with fi ve goals this season. “Insigne is v Torino, Fiorentina v Atalanta, Frosinone v Genoa they are a quartet who want to Europe after losing away to Liv- whose Portuguese coach Miguel (1300GMT), Montpellier v Nimes in tremendous form and I think we need to make (1300), Parma v Empoli (1600), Sassuolo v AC win trophies and improve to- erpool in their opening group Cardoso is reported to be on the (1500GMT), Lille v Marseille the most of that right now,” said Ancelotti. “To be Milan (1830) gether.” outing, but fi rst they face Patrick verge of the sack after a poor start (1900GMT) Gulf Times Saturday, September 29, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Mourinho warns Liverpool sweating Pogba no one is bigger than Man Utd

AFP not so signifi cant. He trained re- Manchester, United Kingdom ally well. “The team needs good players, players with personality on Van Dijk fi tness to play; he has that and he plays ose Mourinho warned tomorrow.” Paul Pogba that no player When pressed on his relation- is bigger than Manchester ship with Pogba, Mourinho ex- United, but praised the pressed frustration that televi- Frenchman’sJ attitude in training sion cameras had picked up their during another week in which training ground conversation. “It for Chelsea visit tensions escalated between the is a good relationship, player and Portuguese coach and his star manager,” he said. midfi elder. “I cannot tell you (what was Liverpool look to stretch their perfect Premier League start to seven games Mourinho stripped Pogba said). The training session was of his role as vice-captain on open, you had some cameras with AFP Tuesday and a frosty exchange some potential to get some of the London between the pair was caught words. Maybe you have to change on camera at training the next the potential if you want to know day after United crashed out everything that is said because iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp the League Cup on penalties to I’m not going to comment.” faces an anxious wait to see if Vir- Championship side Derby. And Mourinho insisted that gil van Dijk will be fi t for today’s Pogba was rested in midweek, his decision to take the vice-cap- top of the table Premier League but Mourinho was reportedly taincy away from Pogba was not Lclash at Chelsea. unhappy about an Instagram made in the heat of the moment The world’s most expensive defender video in which Pogba appeared after his outspoken reaction to has been the foundation around which laughing while watching Tues- the draw against Wolves, but af- Klopp’s men have greatly improved their day’s match at Old Traff ord. ter extensive consultation with defensive record since the giant Dutch- However, the club later clarifi ed his staff . man joined from Southampton in January that it had been uploaded during “I explained in detail to the for £75mn ($98mn). However, Van Dijk is the match, when the home side people that have to know in de- still feeling the after-eff ects of a rib injury had been leading. tail, which is the squad and es- that forced him off in a 3-0 win over his For his part, Pogba criticised pecially Paul. I always analyse former club last weekend. Mourinho’s tactics for being too a player as a player — and when “With Virgil we have to wait. He hasn’t negative in a 1-1 draw at home to a player is captain, I analyse the trained so far with the team but I can’t say Wolves on Saturday. But Mour- player from both the player and any more about that,” said Klopp yester- inho insisted Pogba will return captain perspective. day. “Virgil is a world-class player, there to the starting line-up for this “After weeks of analysing and is no doubt about that, and if you miss a weekend’s Premier League trip to exchanging opinions with my world-class player it is not cool.” West Ham. coaching staff we made the de- Liverpool are looking to stretch their “He’s a player like the others. cision Paul is just a player and perfect Premier League start to seven No player is bigger than the club not a captain. The decision was games and get revenge on Chelsea for a and, if I’m happy with his work, made, I informed the player and 2-1 League Cup defeat to Maurizio Sarri’s he plays, if I’m not happy, he the players and when I was asked men on Wednesday. doesn’t play. I’m happy with his before the match on Tuesday I However, Klopp may be reluctant to work this week, really happy. On confi rmed it and now I confi rm risk Van Dijk with a Champions League Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs- (it again) and now it is the end of trip to Napoli to come on Wednesday and day especially because today was the story.” the visit of Premier League champions Manchester City next weekend. “Before we started it was clear that a game against Chelsea at Chelsea will not be a children’s birthday or whatever, that’s pretty intense match,” added Klopp on the demands of three huge games in eight days. “Then we go to Naples which is a tough place to go and then Man City coming. It’s an interesting month, to be honest. But so far, so good and the boys are fully in it and ready to go.” Both sides made eight changes for the fi rst of two clashes in four days in mid- week, but Eden Hazard came off the bench to decide the tie with a moment of individual brilliance to score the winner. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk sustained a rib injury that forced him off in a 3-0 win over Southampton last week. (AFP) The Belgian has already scored six goals FIXTURES (1400 GMT UNLESS STATED) v Manchester United (1130 GMT), Wolves v this season and will be the key player if obviously, and he enjoys these one-on- Southampton Chelsea are to mount an unexpected title one situations or one versus two or three Today: Arsenal v Watford, Chelsea v Liver- challenge to Liverpool and City. situations, he enjoys it. I didn’t need that pool (1630 GMT), Huddersfield v Totten- Tomorrow: Cardiff v Burnley (1500 GMT) “I know exactly how good he is,” said game to know about Eden, it was already ham, Everton v Fulham, Manchester City v On Monday: Bournemouth v Crystal Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho (left) and midfielder Klopp. “Eden Hazard is a special player, clear before.” Brighton, Newcastle v Leicester, West Ham Palace (1900 GMT) Paul Pogba had a frosty exchange during a training session. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT GUARDIOLA FIRES WARNING SHOT AT MENDY Manchester: Pep Guardiola has has played just 13 games for the in Manchester has been a prob- the traff ic. Manchester is under warned Benjamin Mendy after club since joining from Monaco lem for a number of his players construction, the players arrive Sarri urges ‘genius’ Hazard the France defender turned up last year, arrived late for treat- recently. But he was clearly left late. They have to drop their late for treatment on the foot ment and training on Sunday. unimpressed by his star, whom kids at school. injury that is currently keeping Some reports have sug- he warned about his excessive “I expect him back when he’s him out of the Manchester City gested that the extrovert star social media presence earlier fit. Now he’s injured, he’s not a to become world’s best team. Mendy has been side- was up to three hours late this season, and does not know problem with physical condi- AFP lined for City’s last four games for the compulsory session when he will be fit and available tion. He’s injured and when he’s London with what has been described with City’s training staff and for selection. ok he’s coming back and when as a “bruised metatarsal”. Guardiola revealed that he has “He was injured six seven he decides to play he’s going But the left-back posted spoken to him. “The players months last season. Now he’s to play.” aurizio Sarri has images on social media late should be here and he knows injured again. Every day he’s Another injured City star, hailed Eden Haz- on last Saturday of himself at it. I spoke with him,” Guardiola having treatment. I’m not a Kevin De Bruyne, is making ard as a ‘genius’, but the Anthony Joshua boxing told reporters yesterday. physio,” Guardiola said. “He better progress from his knee the Chelsea man- bout at Wembley. And, much to Guardiola tried to lessen arrived late, that happens injury and will return to some Mager warned the Belgian star to Guardiola’s frustration, the City Mendy’s transgression by sometimes, in the last period a parts of the team’s training ses- work with even more intensity if manager admitted Mendy, who claiming that traff ic congestion lot have arrived late because of sions next week. he wants to be the world’s best player. Hazard has already scored six goals in seven Chelsea ap- pearances this season, including BOTTOMLINE Wednesday’s sublime solo strike to seal a 2-1 win at Liverpool in the League Cup third round. The 27-year-old’s fi ne form Turkey press rages over ‘stab in back’ has seen some pundits rank him alongside Barcelona great Li- onel Messi and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo. But Sarri in- aft er Germany handed Euro 2024 sists Hazard isn’t there yet be- cause he can still add another AFP It referred to the scandal that broke out Press owned by the Demiroren Group, layer to his game by training with Istanbul when Turkish-origin German player Mesut which is chaired by Yildirim Demiroren, even more desire and drive. Ozil quit national team duty in the wake of who is also the president of the Turkish “I think that he is for sure one the World Cup in a row over alleged racism Football Federation (TFF), lashed out at of the best (players in the world), urkey’s newspapers yesterday blast- in Germany’s football federation after he UEFA chief Ceferin. “He stabbed us in the but I am absolutely convinced Chelsea’s Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a stunning winner ed the decision of UEFA to award met the Turkish president. back,” said Milliyet, one of the fl agship titles that he can improve,” Sarri told against Liverpool in the League Cup on Wednesday. (Reuters) the Euro 2024 football tournament “UEFA was expected to make a stance of the Demiroren Media Group. reporters yesterday. “If he’s able to Germany over a rival Turkish bid, against racism and discrimination but did “We lost it in one night,” said Hurriyet, to improve during training may- Asked if Hazard could be voted admitted he may have to leave Tsaying it had been ‘stabbed in the back’ and the exact opposite and gave the event to also owned by Demiroren, accusing Ceferin be he will be able to use and serve the best player in the world in a Chelsea in January and go in taking particular aim at UEFA president Germany which has been under the shadow of swaying committee members on Wednes- at 100 per cent. Because I think year’s time, Sarri said: “I think search of regular fi rst-team foot- Aleksander Ceferin. of racism,” the paper said. “Nothing changes day night so that a 9-7 advantage for Turkey that we have seen only 75, 80 per so, I think so. It’s very diffi cult to ball. Cahill has hardly played this The handing of the tournament to Ger- in Europe’s head,” sighed the Turkiye daily. turned into a 4-12 loss. “It was a Germany cent of his potential. So I think compare him with other players. season, but Sarri has urged the many came as Turkish President Recep “Turkey experienced disappointment for operation from Ceferin,” said Fanatik, the that if he’s able to improve he will He’s a genius. He’s unique. He’s former England defender to bide Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the country for the fourth time. We did not lose. Europe sports daily of the Demiroren Group. be the best in the world.” a genius, technically I think he’s his time before making any deci- talks with German Chancellor Angela Mer- lost,” said Takvim. Sports daily Fotomac “After the decision, the very surprised Hazard has another chance the best. And so I want him to be sions. kel aiming to mend battered ties. The lead- described the voting as a “dirty game”. An TFF delegation showed its response to to showcase his class on the big the best in the world. “I have spoken with him but I ership in Turkey has, so far, been relatively evaluation report by Uefa, in the build up to Ceferin,” the paper added, without giving stage when Liverpool visit Stam- “More continuity from the think that there is October, No- tight-lipped over Thursday’s decision by the Euro announcement, had stated several details. ford Bridge in the Premier League physical point of view, from the vember, December, so I think UEFA, with only Sports Minister Muharrem positive active aspects to Turkey’s bid but The Demiroren family earlier this year today. Table-topping Liverpool mental point of view. Because he that he has to wait,” Sarri said. Kasapoglu emerging to say that the country also that it had risks, including the lack of an took over key titles like Hurriyet and Fana- have won all six of their league has the opportunity to improve “And then we have to wait. I re- had “lost nothing”. action plan in the area of human rights. tik from another family industrial holding, games, while unbeaten Chelsea more, and he can become the best peat, I was really very happy with But the papers were universally scathing Turkey’s disappointment also comes after the Dogan Group, in what commentators are two points behind. player in the world. It’s a very in- the performance of Cahill (at over the disappointment, the fourth time Istanbul in 2013 lost out to Tokyo on hosting saw as a further narrowing of freedom of A Chelsea victory would be a teresting challenge I think. He Liverpool on Wednesday). And that Turkey has lost out on the right to host the 2020 Olympics. Turkey is now turning expression in Turkey. Yildirim Demiroren, major statement of intent and has a lot to give, to the team, to so now Gary for me is very use- the Euro. “It’s not just. UEFA gave its sup- its attention to a bid to host the 2026 Win- a staunch supporter of Erdogan, has led the they are sure to need Hazard at his the staff . And I want everything.” ful. January is far from now, so we port to racism,” said the Yeni Safak daily, a ter Olympics in its northeastern city of Er- TFF since 2012. best to kill of Jurgen Klopp’s side. Meanwhile, Gary Cahill has will see.” strong supporter of Erdogan. zurum.

Saturday, September 29, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ACBS ASIAN TOUR 10 RED CHAMPIONSHIP Tirapongpaiboon loses, Bilal survives to enter semis By Sports Reporter Doha

oth the Asian 6 Red Championship fi nalists — Thailand’s Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon and Pakistan’sB Mohamed Bilal — suf- fered contrasting fates in the quarter-fi nals of the 1st ACBS Asian Tour 10 Red Championship yesterday. At the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, while 6 Red champion Tirapong- paiboon suff ered a 3-5 defeat at the hands of Hong Kong teenager Cheung Ka Wai, Bilal ground out a 5-3 win over Thailand’s Pong- sakorn Chongjairak. Tirapongpaiboon had lost only one frame in the group stages, and one more in the last 16 tie against Egypt’s Mohamed Ibra- him. However, against Cheung, who went into a 3-1 lead courtesy three 40-plus breaks including Pakistan’s Mohamed Bilal in action against Thailand’s Pongsakorn Chongjairak (not pictured) in the one for 80 points, Tirapongpai- quarter-final of the 1st ACBS Asian Tour 10 Red Championship at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka Wai in action against Thailand’s Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon. boon fell short. Federation Hall yesterday. PICTURES: Nasar TK After Cheung took a 4-2 lead, compatriot Manan Chandra in opened the game with a 58-point last-four stage of the inaugural Tirapongpaiboon fought back 61-17 to reach the semi-fi nals. time world champion Pankaj Ad- Nezhad. Yesterday, the 35-year- the Asian Team Snooker Cham- break to win the fi rst frame 92-12. tournament. with an 89-point break in the Cheung will face Bilal in the vani. O’Donoghue has only lost old picked up a 5-0 win over Chi- pionship last week, did not have However, the experienced Ad- The two semi-fi nals will be seventh frame to make it 4-3, but last-four stage. In today’s other four frames in the tournament so nese teenager Wu Yize to reach a great start to his quarter-fi nal vani steadily picked his oppor- played at 10am today at the same the comeback was short-lived semi-fi nal, Irishman Brendan far, and all of them in the last 16 the semis. match up with Darren Mor- tunities well, taking the next fi ve venue, while the fi nal is sched- as Cheung won the eighth frame O’Donoghue will face India’s 19- tie against Iran’s Ehsan Heydari Advani, runner-up along with gan. The 52-year-old Welshman consecutive games to reach the uled for 4pm.

QNB STARS LEAGUE PREVIEW Rayyan aim to Kharaitiyat stun bounce back from ‘Qatar Gharafa for fi rst win Clasico’ defeat Amin was the hero for Kharaitiyat after he struck in the 37 and 59th minutes By Sports Reporter pensate for the recent loss that By Sports Reporter from a tight angle with great composure. Doha we suff ered at the hands of Al Doha The two-goal advantage was enough Arabi. We know that Rayyan will to dominate their opponents for the rest try to make a strong comeback of the match as they held on for a crucial l Rayyan coach Rodolfo after they got beaten by Al Sadd l Kharaitiyat fi nally opened victory and their fi rst points of the sea- Arruabarrena said his in the Qatar Clasico. But we will their QNB Stars League ac- son. team is aiming to make play for a positive result,” he said. count after stunning Al Ghara- In another match last night, Umm a strong comeback af- “We have a strong squad and fa 2-0 yesterday. Kharaitiyat Salal grabbed all three points with a tight terA an inconsistent start to their we will play for victory. Ours is hadA zero points coming into the match, victory at home to Al Khor. The only goal QNB Stars league season. more of a team work and that is let alone a victory. After last night’s vic- of the game came through Mahmoud al- Rayyan, who led the standings our strength. We have worked tory, they even moved out of the bottom Mawas in the 71st minute. after Week 5 and then slipped to on our mistakes and I have great of the table after Al Khor lost to Umm It took a while for the game to get go- the fi fth position with 11 points, confi dence in my players and Salal 0-1. ing, with the fi rst real chance falling to play host to Al Shahania today their ability to come up with Abdulhadi Amin was the hero for Umm Salal’s Adil Rhaili whose fl ashed with an aim to bag three points, a special display despite the Kharaitiyat after he struck in the 37th header went marginally wide of the tar- so they can stay on course for the strength of Rayyan. Both teams and 59th minutes. get. Only minutes later, they were then title. Rayyan are coming off af- are coming from defeats, so both With captain Wesley Schneider given a helping hand as Al Khor captain ter a 5-0 thrashing by leaders Al will try to react strongly. How- watching from the sidelines, it was im- Naif al-Buraiki was given his marching Sadd in the ‘Qatar Clasico’ last ever, we will not be pushovers for perative that Gharafa pressed on without orders for a second bookable off ence. week. “For us, the importance Rayyan,” added Murcia. him to end their barren run of late. Anas Mubarak was unlucky on a cou- of this game is that it comes af- In the day’s another match, The home side nearly got off to the ple of occasions as the fi rst half fi nished ter we lost the Qatar Clasico to Al Arabi and Al Sailiya will lock perfect start with Muad just unable to goalless. Al-Mawas sparked to life in the Al Sadd. We are seeking a strong horns in what is expected to be a smother it over the line under pressure second half as he collected a high ball comeback by getting a positive contest of the equals. Both teams from Ahmed Sofyan in goal. With the over the top which was struck past the result. We need to win,” Arrua- are on 12 points and coming off game quite an open aff air, it looked like keeper, but he was unfortunate to see his barrena said. victories from their last match. Al Gharafa will be the fi rst to take advan- shot ricochet off the post. Rayyan coach, however, is not Sailiya are placed third as they tage as Vladimir Weiss pulled the strings Not long after, in an almost identi- taking eighth-placed Shahaniya have a goal diff erence of +5 as in the midfi eld. cal move, al-Mawas was able to get his for granted. “Al Shahaniya are against Al Arabi’s -1. However, a number of spurned chanc- goal as he watched the ball travel over his a strong side and we have to be Al Arabi coach Luka Bonacic es allowed the visitors to capitalise. Not head before expertly diverting a volley wary of them. They have got said his team’s aim is to stay in long before the break, Abdulhadi latched across the face of the goal and inside the some good results,” Arruabar- top four and expected a tough en- onto a through ball and his shot from the back post to give the home side the lead. rena said. counter against Sailiya. “We will near post was misread by the goalkeeper Al Khor had a golden opportunity im- “We have put behind the loss fi ght hard to stay in the top four. who let it squirm underneath his body mediately after the restart as Wagner to Al Sadd. They are the best We too have the same number for the opener. Santos saw his header into the corner team around at the moment, but of points as Al Sailiya, but they The confi dence off ered by the fi rst goal being denied by a wonderful fi nger tip the season is still long. We are are ahead on goal diff erence. All sparked a surge in energy which made save from Al Khor shot stopper Moham- working now to prove ourselves. matches are very tough,” Bonacic him a continual handful for the home med al-Bakri. It is a fact that Al Sadd and Al “This match will be very defence. Ten minutes into the second One goal was enough for the night and Duhail are the best sides so far in tough, but we will play for a half, substitute goalkeeper Abdulaziz Ali the defeat now leaves them at the foot of the league. We are keen that our positive result. I know the play- was only able to parry a poor back pass the table, with Umm Salal climbing in players are not at a disadvantage ers are motivated and have the into the path of Amin who again fi nished the opposite direction. Action during the match between Al Kharaitiyat and Al Gharafa yesterday. psychologically. We worked on ability to achieve good results in the psychological aspects of our order to be in a strong position,” players. Al Rayyan are a big team he added. FOCUS and we will not give up just be- Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi cause of one defeat. We are now too expressed similar senti- focusing on the Al Shahania ments. “A very important match match,” the Argentine added. for both teams mainly because More promotional events to unfold ahead of Shahania, who had lost to Al we are on same number of points. Arabi 0-3 in the last round, are We will try hard for a win and eighth in the table with seven thus strengthen our position. Artistic World Gymnastics Championship points. Al Shahania coach Jose We will work on our mistakes Murcia too is seeking a positive and I have great confi dence in my By Sports Reporter ternational federation. result today. players. They will bring out their Doha “This tournament witness the largest “We are trying to improve our best to collect all three points,” participation in gymnastics history and position in the table and com- said Trabelsi. this is an incentive for us to work towards he support the various sub- making it a big success,” he added. committees are receiving from Meanwhile, Rashid Odeiba, Deputy the Organising Committee of the Director for Marketing and Communica- 48th Artistic Gymnastics World tion, said that the 2018 world gymnastics TChampionship Doha 2018 underlines shall be promoted and delivered in a top Qatar’s keenness and its commitment class way. “The high level of work within towards hosting global sporting events, the various committees refl ects the clear says Mohamed Abdullah al-Meer, Vice desire to reach the highest level as the Chairman of the Financial Aff airs Com- competition approaches,” he said. mittee. “The Marketing Committee has been As the Organising Committee intensi- keen to set up many events to promote the fi es its eff orts ahead of the October 25 to championship so that the public has the November 3 championships to be held at Mohamed Abdullah al-Meer, Vice Rashid Odeiba, Deputy Director for opportunity to follow up. And we have the Aspire Dome, al-Meer spoke about Chairman, Financial Aff airs Committee Marketing and Communication. been keen to hold promotional events in the readiness and steps being taken to- for Gymnastics World Championship. the places where people get a chance to wards a great hosting of the world event. tional Gymnastics Federation (FIG) rules get acquainted with the World Gymnas- “The fi nancial support for the organi- success in general. We in the Finance and standards.” tics Championships,” he added. sation of the World Championship re- Committee work in tandem with the oth- Al-Meer said, “We are committed to On the committee’s cohesion, Rashid fl ects the keenness to launch this tour- er committees and everyone is seeking to awarding the winners as per the regula- said, “We have co-operated in our work nament in a way that confi rms Qatar’s achieve success. Our main objective is to tions of FIG and what has been agreed with the rest of the committees and we global regulatory position for major present the best picture of Qatari organi- with them by the Organising Committee thank all the committees and aspire to events,” he said. sation to the world. The fi nancial rewards including the medals and other prizes. take the organisation to the desired re- “We are also co-operating with the for winners at the World Championship Such international championships will be sults together, which refl ects the coun- rest of the committees in order to achieve will be in accordance with the Interna- private fi nancial areas defi ned by the in- try’s leadership.” Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena.