SPORT

Wednesday 20 September 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 33 PAGE | 34 Bounedjah to Boos can make Rio FerdinandF swaps return for Bale better, footballf boots for Al Sailiya clash says Zidane boxing gloves Record-breaker Haroun wins gold for

The Peninsula especially for my races. It was too coach,” Haroun said close so I decided on atar’s super-athlete after his record run. the 400m and just Abdalelah Haroun “The time is good go as fast as I could.” Qentered the record books but it was a bit diffi- However, his when he clocked 45.68 seconds cult as this was the fellow team-mate, in the men’s final last competition of a Jamal Hairane made to win Qatar’s first gold medal long season. But I’m it to the final of the at the 2017 Asian happy with the men’s 800 metres Indoor and Martial Arts Games record,” he said. after securing the yesterday. On how winning second place at yes- The 20-year-old young the gold compares to terday’s second star’s performance erased the bronze at the IAAF semi-final at Ashga- decade-old Games record of bat Indoor Athletics 46.08 seconds, held by China’s Championships in Arena. Wang Liangyu. , Haroun said: The dream for a Saudi Arabia’s Mazen Maw- “London was good, gold medal in the tan Aiyasen secured the silver, but this is different. I 800 metres may be clocking a personal best of did not race after over for Haroun, but 46.35 seconds ahead of Kaza- London in case I got he has still got the khstan’s Mikhail Litvin who an injury. I just Abdalelah Haroun opportunity to dou- completed the podium, clock- wanted to stay fresh ble his gold in ing 46.51 seconds. for these Ashgabat when “I am so happy to have won championships.” double-gold in Ashgabat as he schedule did not give him much 800 metres and he was not Qatar competes in the men’s the gold. This is a gift for my The World 400m (outdoor) was looking to secure berth in room to prepare. ready to waste his energy 400 metres relay today. country and for the Qatar bronze medallist and the 2016 the men’s 800 metres final. Haroun had only 45 min- ahead of his pet event. “I have maybe the 4x400m Olympic Committee. I want to World indoor 400m silver However, his hopes were utes between his 400 metres “I put it in my mind but it then it’s finished. Then it is my say a big thank you to them and medallist had his eyes for dashed after the day’s final and the semi-final of the was just 45 minutes between holiday,” Haroun said. No FINA World Cup: Hosszu and for Oceania, says OCA chief Le Clos set for return Ashgabat Reuters

Fawad Hussain an exceptional FINA event here in he influential head of the Olympic The Peninsula Doha, the capital of world sports Council of Asia has dashed hopes that which had prominent record in host- Tathletes from Oceania nations, includ- hree-time Olympic and ing many world championships and ing Australia and New Zealand, might be able seven-time world cham- sport events over the past years,” he to compete in the Asian Games from 2022. pion Katinka Hosszu and added. Athletes from the two countries took South African superstar FINA started staging the first edi- part in the Asian Winter Games as “guests” Chad Le Clos are set to tion of FINA World Aquatics in Sapporo earlier this year and the Aus- Theadline the FINA/Airweave Swim- Championships Belgrade in 1973. The tralian Olympic Committee said talks were ming World Cup (25m) Doha edition event becoming one of the most impor- being held about extending the invitation to be held next month at the Hamad tant championships hosted by FINA . to the summer versions. Aquatics Complex. The first championship was Nineteen Oceania nations are repre- Top swimmers from around the organised under the name “FINA sented for the first time at the ongoing Asian world have confirmed their partici- World Cup ” at the Yoyogi Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turk- President of Qatar Swimming pation in the event, which will be Katinka Olympic pool in the Japanese menistan but OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Association (QSA) Khaleel A hosted by Qatar for the fifth consec- Hosszu capital, Tokyo in 1979 and had Al Fahad Al Sabah said the Asian Games utive year. The event will run from Jaber brought together eight teams from was already too big. October 4 to 5. across the world including United “I hope at the next Indoor Games we Doha round is the fifth of total Iron Lady’ will spice up the women’s Jaber said Doha was ready to host States of America, Canada, Sweden, will have the same experience and Oce- eighth rounds of FINA/Airweave contests and will be looking to another major swimming competi- Soviet Union, Japan (participated ania will continue with us in the Indoor Swimming World Cup Series hosted improve his tally of medals in Doha, tion successfully, saying getting the with its all official national teams) Games,” he said, adding that the Asian across the world. Moscow staged the which has been one of her favourite FINA event for the sixth consecutive also other teams representing Aus- Beach Games might also be an option for first round (August 2 to 3), Berlin venues. The Hungarian stole the year was proving Qatar’s high organ- tralia, New Zealand, Latin America Oceania athletes. organised the second round (August show in last year’s edition winning isational abilities in hosting top and Europe. “With the Asian Games we are already 6 to 7) and Eindhoven hosted the 13 medals including 9 gold and 4 sil- international events. In January 1991, the world at 15,000 athletes and officials and we can- third round (August 11 to 12). ver medals. “QSA appreciates FINA’s confi- records had been made in the short not add to that number. In the Beach Games Hong Kong is due to host the Fans in Doha will also be itching dence in Doha for selecting it for course events (25m) were officially and Indoor Games we can continue to have fourth round ( September 30 to to see Le Clos in action, who famously major competitions – FINA World approved during the FINA technical our coordination and cooperation, but for October 1) before the Doha specta- dethroned Michael Phelps in 2012 Series since 2012, as well as staging conference held in Australia’s Berth the Asian Games the number is very high cle. Beijing will organise the sixth London Olympics. The South African the 12th FINA World Swimming city. In the same year, FINA was keen and we cannot have an Olympic Village round (November 10 and 11) while will also come back to Doha with a Championships (25) in Doha in 2012,” to host World Championships in short with more than 15,000 people.” Tokyo will bring together top world lot of memories. Last year, the former he said. course (25m). Next year’s version of the quadrennial simmers to the seventh round ( Olympic champion claimed three “But the biggest challenge And from 2007, the FINA decided Asian Games, which is second in size only November 14-15). The final leg will gold medals and clinched four gold remains ahead when Doha will host to provide busy table for the event in to the Summer Olympics, takes place in be held in Singapore from Novem- medals in the 2015 edition. the 2023 FINA World Aquatics Cham- effort to attract large media cover- Indonesia with the 2022 edition scheduled ber 18 to 19. The President of Qatar Swim- pionships and FINA World Masters age and brings further international for Hangzhou, China. Australia has long Hungary’s Hosszu, known as ‘The ming Association (QSA) Khaleel A Championships. We are keen to host attention. entertained the idea of forging closer ties with Asia in the hope of exposing their ath- letes to stiffer competition. In 2006, Australia’s national soccer South Africa’s Chad body ditched Oceania to join the Asian Le Clos in action Football Confederation but previous attempts to compete at the Asian Games have failed. They had the backing of China, who want tougher competition especially for their swimmers, but not Sheikh Ahmad, who is also the president of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) representing more than 200 countries worldwide. AOC President John Coates, another influential member of the International Olympic Committee, said in Sapporo in Feb- ruary that participating in the Asian Games would be “very good” for Australia. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2017

Qatar’s star basketball player Tanguy Ngombo (right) in action in this file photo. Bounedjah to return for Al Sailiya clash The Peninsula

NB Stars League sideide Al Sadd are hopeful that last season’s leadingeading scorer Baghdad Q Bounedjah (pictured)ed) will be fit and ready for their round two matchch against Al Sailiya on Friday evening. The Algerian attackercker was a noticeable absentee in his sides shockck 2-1 opening day defeat to Al Markhiya, after pickingcking up an injury as Al Sadd defeated Al Duhailil in the Sheikh JassimJassim cup. Coaching staff will now start to pre- pare Bounedjah for the matchmatch at the Al Arabi stadium. In other news, Al Sadddd have resumed training in prepara-para- tion for their round two match against Al Sailiya.iya. Jesauldo Ferriera’s side willwill be aiming to register theireir Ngombo wants nothing first points of the seasonon against the Peregrines. but gold in Ashgabat Upbeat Umm Salal eye second win in a row The Peninsula Rayyan added: “When you com- Summer League but they didn’t pete in an open and hot offer me a guaranteed contract, The Peninsula goal scoring opportunities for atar’s 3x3 Basketball basketball court sometimes you which I already had with Al the Cheetahs. team comes into the can’t breathe. But, come on, we Rayyan,” he said. he QNB Stars League saw Umm Salal will be coming Ashgabat 2017 5th are from Qatar, not from We have showed “My club didn’t release me a weekend full of scintil- into this game on a high follow- Asian Indoor and Alaska.” and I had to come back to Doha. T lating football action and ing last weekends victory over QMartial Arts Games As winners of the 2014 FIBA our potential in “The NBA experience was the focus will now turn to Al Kharaitiyat, Mahmoud Jab- ambitious, confident but 3x3 World Cup, held in Moscow, several too short, but nice and useful. tomorrow’s opening match er’s side enjoyed an impressive humble. Qatar does have form. Rick Adelman was the coach between Al Gharafa and Umm 3-1 win and showed good The Qatar team makes their They edged the defending tournaments and and I would’ve loved to play Salal which will be played at Al attacking football. Midfielder debut in the competition today champions Serbia 18-13 in the gained big together with Kevin Love, Gharafa Stadium. Ismael Mohammed scored a against Samoa and they are con- final of that tournament with a Nikola Pekovic, Ricky Rubio The home side suffered a spectacular strike to open his sidered main contenders to go team that consisted of the leg- confidence. and Wesley Johnson, but it frustrating result last week and account last weekend, and the all the way. endary Yasseen Ismail Musa, It will not be easy didn’t happen.” had to settle for 1-1 draw attacking midfielder will be Their star player, Tanguy Mohammed Saleem and Boney Ngombo was surrounded by against Al Ahli. looking to find the back of the Ngombo, one of the most deco- Watson. to win it all, but controversy when he was Jean Fernandez’s side will net again against Gharafa. rated players to appear at Also in that team was Erfan we are strong drafted to the NBA as it was be looking to improve their per- Both sides enjoyed 2-0 vic- Ashgabat 2017 because of his Ali Saeed, who will play at Ash- believers: Tanguy claimed he had changed his formance in front of goal and tories over each other during successful career in 5x5 Basket- gabat 2017. date of birth and name to make will be looking for inspiration the 2016/2017 season, which ball and his selection at the NBA Ngombo played streetball (as Ngombo himself eligible. from last weekends goal scorer would suggest that this draft, revealed the team’s state 3x3 was known) during his “It is a nasty case,” he said. Ilyas Mohamed and hope he encounter could be a tight of mind. childhood. “For many years rumours are can continue to combine with affair. The match will kick off “We came here to reach the “I feel like coming back to circulating around me, but there Luis Jimenez and create more at 8.00pm. top. Nothing but gold,” Ngombo the old days and this is nice,” he aren’t proofs that I cheated. I said. “We have showed our said. regret because nobody gave me potential in several tournaments “Although I am a 5x5 profes- with the 57th pick of the NBA the right and the opportunity to and gained big confidence. sional player, I love to play 3x3, draft but was immediately prove that I was born in 1989 “It will not be easy to win it because it gives more freedom. traded to the Portland Trail Blaz- and not in 1984. all, but we are strong The referees are not so strict and ers, who passed him on to the “However, life goes on and believers.” allow more contacts.” Minnesota Timberwolves. I am happy to play basketball The star player who is with In 2011, Ngombo was “I was invited and went to and be now in Ashgabat to fight Qatari sport powerhouse Al selected by the Dallas Mavericks Minnesota to play in the for a gold medal.” Al Muraikhi believes age is no barrier

The Peninsula and Wu Sui Hong (HKG), who were members of the gold- assim Mohamed Al Muraikhi medal winning men’s team that is not daunted by the big year. Jnames entered in the 10-pin Chinese Taipei could also be Bowling competition at the Ash- a threat on the women’s side gabat 2017 5th Asian Indoor and after winning the Team of Four Martial Arts Games. His only at Incheon 2013. Al Arabi and Al Sailiyah players vie for the ball possession concern is how long he has to will face wait for the competition to some formidable NOC’s in its during their opening match of the 2017 QNB Stars League begin. inaugural appearance at the season at Al Arabi Stadium on Saturday. The 18-year-old displays all Games. It is an inexperienced the impatience of youth but Al team that will be looking to take Muraikhi said age means noth- advantage of having QSL: Al Arabi eye win ing in Bowling. home-lane. “It doesn’t matter whether The absence of two notable you are younger or older,” said NOC’s - Singapore, who won against strong Al Duhail Al Muraikhi, who competed as two gold and two bronze med- a 15 year old at the Asian Games als, and Japan, who took a silver The Peninsula in 2014, “It’s about how you and two bronze, at Incheon handle the pressure and your 2013 - will be a boost to the fter a disappointing result in the opening match of the nerves.” Turkmen team’s morale. QNB Stars League season, Al Arabi are looking to turn Spoken like a veteran, but New Caledonia is also mak- A things around against hosts Al Duhail this weekend. an examination of his family ing its debut at the Games with Djamel Belmadi’s side enjoyed a flying start last week with history in the sport reveals a man and a woman entered in a last minute 3-2 win against Qatar Sports Club will be looking strong ties that go back a long the Singles events. Roger Jean to build on their successful start to life in the QNB Stars League. way. Ruiz (NCL) and Malia Falakika The Red Knights task could be a challenging one as Al Arabi “My uncle (Ahmed Shaheen) Takatai (NCL), who are husband will be looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Al Saili- won the 1999 World Cup in Las and wife, are also the only two yah to kick start their 2017/2018 campaign. The Dream Team Vegas and my Dad (Hazeem Al athletes from New Caledonia will be looking for some inspiration from their new signing Muraikhi) was an Asian cham- competing at the Games. Khalfan Ibrahim who grabbed a impressive debut goal in the pion and has been the national the host nation at the Incheon competition in the Singles event One hundred and four defeat. team coach,” he said. 2013 4th Asian Indoor and Mar- will be Shaker Ali Mohammed bowlers from 18 delegations will However, Al Duhail will be hoping that Moroccan interna- Al Muraikhi’s heritage does tial Arts Games, Korea won Hussain Al Hassan (UAE), who be vying for the six bowling gold tional striker Yousef El Arabi will be able to add to his brace not make the tough competi- seven medals - one gold, three has competed in every edition medals up for grabs at Ashga- that he scored against Qatar SC last weekend. Last season’s top tion at these Games, which silver and three bronze medals. of the Asian Indoor and Martial bat 2017. goal scorer enjoys playing against Al Arabi, and grabbed a hat- begins tomorrow at the Bowl- It has won 21 medals at the Arts Games, and his experienced They will compete in Sin- trick when the sides met for the first time during the 2016/2017 ing Centre, any easier. three previous Games, the most rival Choi Bokeum (KOR). gles, Doubles and the Team of season. Hardest to beat may be the of any NOC. Also returning from Incheon Four event during the seven- The match certainly promises to be one of interest at Al Republic of Korea players. As Giving Al Muraikhi 2013 are Mak Cheuk Yin (HKG) day competition. Duhail Stadium and the kick off is set for 8.00pm. WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 Bairstow propels England to easy win

London Bairstow was quickly into his AFP stride, driving West Indies cap- Bangladesh’s tain Jason Holder through the onny Bairstow blasted a covers for the first of 11 fours in Rubel denied maiden one-day interna- 97 balls. tional hundred as England Together with Yorkshire entry to condemned West Indies to team-mate Joe Root he put on Ja seven-wicket defeat at Old 125 in 19 overs for the second Trafford yesterday that means wicket before England’s Test South Africa the twice former champions can captain played-on to Kesrick no longer gain direct entry to the Williams for 54. Dhaka 2019 World Cup. But Bairstow, whose previ- AFP West Indies, the 1975 and ous highest ODI score was a 1979 World Cup winners, had to match-winning 83 not out ace bowler Rubel Hos- take this five-match series 5-0 against New Zealand in Durham sain was prevented or 4-0 with a tie or no result if two years ago, carried on to a Pfrom boarding a flight they were to avoid the indignity hundred, going to three figures to South Africa with the Bang- of a qualifying competition for with a hard-run three off Nurse. ladesh tour squad after the the next edition in England in The no-result part of the airline claimed he did not two years’ time. equation that would have aided have immigration clearance, But a total of 204 for nine, in West Indies looked a possibility officials said yesterday. a series-opener reduced to 42 when, despite bright sunshine, “There is a new a provi- overs per side after a wet out- concerns over damp patches sion that the passenger needs field delayed the start by two near the pitch meant the day/ to have some sort of ‘OK to hours, never looked enough. night fixture in Manchester did Board’ clearance from his England finished on 210 for not start until 1330 GMT. ultimate destination,” Bang- three, with a mammoth 67 balls But after a breezy first- ladesh Cricket Board chief to spare. wicket stand of 45 between Chris England’s Jonny Bairstow celebrates his century during the first One-Day International (ODI) executive officer Nizamud- Bairstow, who justified his Gayle (37) and Evin Lewis (11), cricket match against the West Indies at Old Trafford, Manchester, yesterday. din Chowdhury said after retention at the top of the order, the innings fell away. Rubel, 27, was refused a was exactly 100 not out -- his Stokes took three for 43 with broke the opening stand when boarding pass at Dhaka air- first century in 28 matches at this only Holder’s 41 not out ensur- with just his third ball when SCOREBOARD port on Saturday. level. ing the tourists got past 200. Lewis pulled a long hop to Hales West Indies - 39 - 1(w-1); M Ali 2 - 0 - 5 - 1; A Rashid 9 - 0 - 31 - 2; L “We are in touch with Ben Stokes, who ended the Holder’s decision to bat first at square leg. C Gayle c Root b Woakes ...... 37 Plunkett 8 - 0 - 42 - 0(w-2); B Stokes 9 - 0 - 43 - 3(nb- Cricket South Africa and contest with a six off spinner meant big-hitting opener Gayle West Indies were soon 53 for E Lewis c Hales b Ali ...... 11 2 w-4) hopefully the matter will be Ashley Nurse, was 23 not out. was straight into the action for two when Gayle, whose 37 had S Hope c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 35 England resolved soon. He will fly to Test wicket-keeper Bairstow, his first ODI since the 2015 World come off just 27 balls including M Samuels c Buttler b Stokes ...... 17 J Bairstow (not out) ...... 100 South Africa on the first avail- J Mohammed c Hales b Rashid...... 18 A Hales c Lewis b Taylor ...... 19 who made 43 as an opener in Cup following a dispute with two fours and three sixes, skyed R Powell c Willey b Woakes ...... 23 J Root b Williams ...... 54 able flight once the matter is England’s last ODI -- an eight- Caribbean cricket chiefs. a drive off Woakes and Root, J Holder (not out) ...... 41 E Morgan c S Hope b Williams ...... 10 resolved,” he said. wicket Champions Trophy Gayle should have been out atoning for his earlier error, held A Nurse c Root b Rashid ...... 1 B Stokes (not out) ...... 23 The rest of the 14-mem- semi-final defeat by eventual for a third-ball duck when he an excellent catch over his shoul- D Bishoo b Willey ...... 5 Extras (W-4) ...... 4 ber Bangladesh squad has winners Pakistan in Cardiff in edged a drive off Chris Woakes der running back. J Taylor c Buttler b Stokes ...... 2 Total (for 3 wkts) ...... 210 already arrived in South June -- kept his place at the top only for second slip Root to drop Shai Hope and the returning K Williams (not out) ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-156, 3-175 Africa ahead of the first Test of the order instead of Jason Roy the catch. Marlon Samuels steadied the Extras (LB-3 NB-2 W-9) ...... 14 Did not bat: J Buttler, M Ali, A Rashid, C Woakes, D starting at Potchefstroom on Total (for 9 wkts) ...... 204 Willey, L Plunkett

after the Surrey opener was out Jamaica left-hander Gayle innings with a third-wicket part- Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-53, 3-103, 4-107, 5-149, Bowling: J Taylor 7 - 0 - 46 - 1(w-1); J Holder 3 - 0 - 18 September 28.

for a golden duck in West Indies’ cashed in by driving David Wil- nership of 53 in a sedate 15 overs 6-150, 7-160, 8-187, 9-202 - 0; K Williams 6 - 0 - 50 - 2(w-1); A Nurse 8.5 - 0 - 48 - The second and final Test T20 victory in Durham on ley for two sixes in an over. as the ball often plugged in the Bowling: C Woakes 8 - 0 - 41 - 2(w-2); D Willey 6 - 0 0(w-1); D Bishoo 6 - 0 - 48 - 0 will be played in Bloemfon- Saturday. But off-spinner Moeen Ali outfield. tein staring on October 6. Rubel is now likely to miss the team’s three-day Sri Lanka name warm-up match at Benoni near Johannesburg which Coulter-Nile keeps Test dream alive begins tomorrow. new selection Chowdhury claimed Melbourne Rubel’s immigration clear- panel led by Reuters ance had nothing to do with a previous criminal allegation Labrooy dreadful run of injuries prompted Aus- against the fast bowler. tralia fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile In 2014, Rubel’s former Colombo A to consider packing in first class girlfriend and former actress Reuters cricket to become a Twenty20 gun-for-hire Naznin Akter Happy had but after a welcome return to fitness the made a rape allegation ri Lanka named a new 29-year-old is now eyeing a Test berth. against him, prompting selection committee yes- The Western Australian made an encour- police to detain him for sev- Sterday, putting former aging return in Australia’s series-opening eral days. test bowler Graeme Labrooy one-day international defeat by India in A Dhaka court in May (pictured) in charge of the Chennai, tearing through the hosts’ formi- 2015 rejected the rape case five-member panel as they dable top order to capture 3-44. against Rubel after police said seek a reversal in the team’s It was Coulter-Nile’s first taste of inter- there was no evidence against fortune. national cricket since playing the tri-series the bowler. The previous panel, led by final in the Caribbean in June, with his entire “I don’t think it is the rea- former captain Sanath Jayas- home summer wiped out by a bone stress son for him not to get the uriya, resigned en masse last injury in his lower back. Australia’s Nathan Coulter-Nile celebrates after dismissing India’s Ajinkya immigration clearance,” said month in the middle of a tour He was cut from the national contracts Rahane in the first One-Day International match in Chennai, India on Sunday. Chowdhury. white- list in April and left wondering whether his “His name is very com- wash by Australia career was over. up first-class cricket) and I ended up trying Pattinson, who are recovering for the home mon. Maybe someone else India who “There were definitely periods where I to give it another crack. “After talking to (WA Ashes series starting in November. But Coul- with the same name has some won all wondered if I was ever going to play for Aus- coach) JL (Justin Langer) and a few blokes, I ter-Nile is mindful how quickly fortunes can problem which created this three tralia again,” Coulter-Nile told Cricket think it’d just be mad to give up the dream turn, having missed out on a Boxing Day Test problem,” he said. tests, five Australia’s website (cricket.com.au). at 29.” debut in 2015 due to a dislocated shoulder. Rubel has taken 32 wick- one-day- “I was always confident I could play for Injuries have limited Coulter-Nile to 17 “I’m up near with them, but I’m not up ets from 24 Tests with one ers and WA (Western Australia) and get through a ODIs and the same number of T20 interna- with them,” he said of Australia’s first-choice five-wicket haul. the lone domestic season. tionals and frustrated his few chances to pacemen Starc, Hazlewood, Pattinson and Bangladesh will also play Twenty20 “That’s a lot easier than the rigours and break into Australia’s formidable pace bat- Pat Cummins. “But it’s the nature of cricket three one-day internationals Interna- travel of playing for Australia. But it’s yet to tery in Test cricket. that those blokes aren’t fit all the time ... and two Twenty20s during tional in Sri Lanka. be seen if I can get through an Aussie tour His chance to bowl in India has only which is why I’ve got the chance here. their month-long tour, their The debacle followed yet. come through injuries to frontline seamers “I’ve just got to be fit at the right time to first to South Africa since their first ODI series defeat by “I thought long and hard about (giving Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and James get a break, I guess.” 2008. Zimbabwe in July, which prompted Angelo Mathews to step down as captain from all formats. “The new selectors will South Africa coach Gibson faces pace problem begin their term with the selection of the Test Squad to Johannesburg have back injuries, with Philan- most crucial for me is four qual- when Bangladesh beat England mountain on the way to doing take on Pakistan in their tour AFP der hoping to return at franchise ity fast bowlers being injured. during a shared series last year. something special.” Gibson said of UAE commencing early level next week with a view to That’s a problem straight away. “They’re going to be tough,” he respected the job former next week,” Sri Lanka Cricket ew South Africa coach being available for selection for “To win Test matches you said Gibson. coach Russell Domingo had done said in a statement. Ottis Gibson was faced the second Test. need to take 20 wickets and hav- “That’s why I said, let’s get and said he was happy to be Labrooy, 53, played nine Nwith what he described as Morris and Ngidi are both in ing your best four fast bowlers everyone playing. We haven’t working with Domingo’s support tests and 44 ODIs between a “crucial” problem at the start the final stages of rehabilitation fit and ready gives you a chance played a lot of cricket since the staff during the Bangladesh tour. 1986 and 1992. Other mem- of his tenure -- injuries to four and could be considered for to do that.” Tests in England in August and “They have helped take the bers of the panel include leading fast bowlers. some of the limited overs Gibson said he had asked we need to make sure we’re up team to number one. By the end Gamini Wikramasinghe, Gibson’s first media confer- matches towards the end of the Cricket South Africa to get all the to speed.” of the Bangladesh series I should Jeryl Wouterz, Sajith Fern- ence as coach yesterday was Bangladesh tour. country’s leading players in Gibson acknowledged that be able to say to Cricket South ando and Asanka Gurusinha, preceded by team manager Steyn suffered a muscle action during the first round of winning the World Cup in 2019 Africa, these are the people I who is also the cricket man- Mohammed Moosajee giving an strain in the right shoulder which four-day franchise matches, was a major goal, following a want.” ager. Sri Lanka will leave for update on the four bowlers -- he fractured last November and which started yesterday. succession of failures by South Gibson said he had been in United Arab Emirates on Sun- Vernon Philander, Chris Morris, Moosajee said no time frame was “I don’t want to get into any Africa in global tournaments. frequent touch with South Africa day for the series against Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi -- being put on what he said would thinking that Bangladesh is an He said he would discuss captain Faf du Plessis and he Pakistan featuring two tests, who are all out of action a week be a “slow, graduated” return to easy series.” with senior players what sort of would make it a priority to talk five one-dayers and three ahead of the first Test against full bowling fitness. He cited Bangladesh’s recent legacy they wanted to leave. with all South Africa’s six fran- Twenty20 Internationals, the Bangladesh, starting in Potchef- Asked about his immediate win against Australia and said “If it is to win the 2019 World chise coaches to get their input last of which is scheduled in stroom on September 28. challenges, former West Indies he had been on the receiving end Cup and if everyone gets into on the quality and character of Lahore. Philander, Morris and Ngidi fast bowler Gibson said: “The as England’s bowling coach that mode, we’re climbing a players in the system. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 33 Setback for Bayern as Neuer out Alex right to pick Neymar and Liverpool, says until January after foot operation manager Klopp Berlin AFP Cavani spat a London AFP ayern Munich have confirmed their Germany goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer will be out until January having under- iverpool manager Jurgen gone another operation yesterday after again fracturing his left Klopp has reassured Alex B ‘war of egos’ (pic- foot. Oxlade-Chamberlain Ltured) The 31-year-old had only returned at the end of August after frac- that he has not made a turing the same foot in April. mistake in swapping the Emir- He suffered the fresh injury in training on Monday as Bayern pre- ates for Anfield despite a lack of pared for yesterday’s German league match at Schalke. game time. “The fact that Manuel Neuer has suffered a new injury means we AFP The 24-year-old left Arsenal are all very sorry for him”, said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- in a £35m ($47m, 39m euros) menigge. “The operation went optimally and that is the most important razil’s media on Monday dubbed the spat between Paris Saint- deal on transfer deadline day but thing now. Manuel will be available for us again, back at his old strength, Germain stars Neymar and Edinson Cavani over who should has so far been restricted to just in January.” Btake a penalty kick during their victory against Lyon “a war of 57 minutes in three substitute Klopp dismissed suggestions This is Neuer’s third operation on the same foot in six months after egos.” appearances, having previously Oxlade-Chamberlain’s develop- minor surgery for a toe injury in March and then again in April after Newspapers in Brazil, always hungry for Neymar news, dived started all four matches for the ment had been stunted at initially fracturing his foot. Neuer’s latest injury blow sparks concerns into the tussle in which the recently signed PSG superstar tried to Gunners and also two for the Arsenal. about Germany’s skipper nine months before the World Cup kicks off. take the ball from his Uruguayan team-mate on Sunday. Cavani kept national team. However, he hoped to bring He last played for Germany in a World Cup qualifier in October the ball but had his shot saved in what was ultimately a 2-0 win. The England international out more in a player whom he This file photo 2016. Neuer will miss Germany’s key World Cup qualifier against Paris Saint-Germain’s “Neymar and Cavani argue again,” O Dia’s headline read, refer- was set to make his first start last believes was still growing under taken on May Northern Ireland in Belfast on October 5, where a win will book the Uruguayan forward ring to another penalty incident during PSG’s 6-2 win over Toulouse night in the League Cup at Arsene Wenger’s leadership. 20, 2017 holders’ place at Russia 2018. Edinson Cavani (right) on August 20 – Neymar’s first home game with the French side after Leicester. “A new start is very often a shows Bayern With Neuer out, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, celebrates with team- transferring from Barcelona. “I thought it made complete kind of relief, that’s how it is,” he Munich’s who deputised when Germany won the Confederations Cup in July, is mates Neymar (left) and “The result allowed Neymar’s team to remain leaders but what sense for Alex to change club and added. goalkeeper set to fill in for the world champions. Kylian Mbappe after caught the attention was the poor understanding between the Bra- to come here,” said the Reds “You are in a situation with Manuel Neuer Neuer’s Bayern understudy Sven Ulreich will now take over for scoring the opening zilian and Cavani,” O Globo daily said. boss. your old club - and I don’t say walking on Munich until the winter break at the end of December. goal during their Ligue Ledio Carmona, a commentator for Sport TV, which broadcasts “He has settled in perfectly. this about Alex specifically -- and crutches as Neuer will miss Bayern’s remaining Champions League group stage 1 match against Lyon Ligue 1 games, said Neymar risks estranging himself from his new He knew at least all the England you accept it and it is difficult to he arrives for games, including their key away match at Paris Saint-Germain on Sep- at the Parc des Princes teammates if he keeps “playing selfishly.” players and a few others. make the next step. the trophy tember 27. Stadium in Paris on “I think this throws a bit of a shadow, it shows an overly individ- “He is a really nice lad so it “Arsenal changed a lot since celebration He will also miss their league and cup double-header against RB Sunday. ualistic side. If other situations like this happen the situation could is easy for him to settle into a Arsene is there. I am sure they after the Leipzig at the end of October and away Bundesliga match at current degrade,” he said. new team. He knows the didn’t always play with three at German leaders Borussia Dortmund in early November. Globoesporte.com went further, calling it a “war of egos.” situation. the back and with wing-backs first division Neuer’s Bayern and Germany team-mates quickly rallied around. “It’s clear these two players don’t get on,” the site said. “He played all the games for and so Alex played in different Bundesliga “You will come back stronger, my friend,” wrote Bayern winger Arsenal from the beginning and positions when he was there. match against Franck Ribery on Twitter, while Thomas Mueller, Jerome Boateng and now he comes here and is on the Klopp will also give first SC Freiburg, in Robert Lewandowski offered a ‘get well soon’. bench so it looks, ‘Oh, not the starts of the season to third- the southern Germany star Toni Kroos offered “you’ll be fit again soon”. best decision’, but it is long-term choice goalkeeper Danny Ward German city of Bayern confirmed Neuer underwent the operation at a clinic in thing. and midfielder Marko Grujic Tuebingen, south-west Germany, by head surgeon Ulrich Stoeckle, “We want to use him and to among a series of changes as Munich. who has inserted a plate in his foot. Stoeckle has previously treated prepare him also. It is all good he juggles four matches in 11 stars Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery and David Alaba. from this side at the moment.” days. Szczesny replaces Buffon as France 2019’s Official Emblem launched in Paris P ressure on big-spending Manchester City: Herrera

London in an ultimately trophyless cam- their defence of the League Cup AFP paign. Abu Dhabi-owned against Burton Albion on Juventus look for perfect 5 Manchester City spent the most Wednesday, when Sergio anchester United’s Ander of any Premier League club dur- Romero may get his first run out Herrera says “favourites” ing the summer transfer window of the season in place of the ever- SERIE A FIXTURES MManchester City face -- £215 million ($290m, 242m impressive David De Gea. intense pressure to win the Pre- euros) while United splashed out Herrera believes De Gea is Today (All times in GMT) Cologne drop mier League after their summer more than £140m. the best goalkeeper in the world Benevento vs AS Roma (1600), Atalanta vs spending spree and trophyless “Man City have spent the big- but says United need to win tro- Crotone, Cagliari vs Sassuolo, Genoa vs Chievo, demands for campaign last season. gest amount in the Premier League phies in order to ensure they Verona vs Sampdoria, Juventus vs Fiorentina, The Manchester clubs are so they are the principle contend- keep the player, who has fre- Lazio vs Napoli, AC Milan vs SPAL, Udinese vs joint top of the table with exactly ers for the title,” said Herrera. quently been linked with a move Torino replay the same record – 13 points from “We will try to be there as to Real Madrid. five games and a plus-14 goal well. We have quality as well and “Of course I can see him stay- difference. we will fight for every title. But I ing here for more years. How Berlin United won the Europa think because of the money they good is David now? We need to Milan Reuters League, League Cup and Com- have spent they are the win titles to keep him with us. AFP munity Shield in Jose Mourinho’s favourites.” That is what we did last season,” able-propping FC Cologne have first campaign at the helm but The United midfielder, who he said. olish goalkeeper Wojciech backed down from demanding finished a disappointing sixth in has struggled for time on the “Real Madrid are going to talk Szczesny will replace skip- Ta replay over a goal they claim FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and French President of French Football Association (FFF) Noel the league. pitch this season, added: “We about it every summer because per Gianluigi Buffon as was wrongly awarded to opponents Le Graet, shake hands in front of the trophy after the official start of the organisation of the 2019 FIFA City ended third in the Pre- won three titles last season and he is the best ‘keeper in the champions Juventus look to Borussia Dortmund with the help of a Women World Cup in France in Paris, yesterday. The official emblem and slogan were also launched mier League after a fine start City didn’t win anything. They are world. But we don’t think we are make it five Serie A wins out video assistant referee (VAR) in their during the event. The competition will run from June 7 to July 7, 2019. under Pep Guardiola petered out under pressure.United kick off far from Real Madrid.” Pof five against Fiorentina today. 5-0 Bundesliga defeat on Sunday. Coach Massimiliano Allegri wants Cologne were angry about the sec- to rotate with an eye on Saturday’s ond goal where they were initially Turin derby and Szczesny, who signed awarded a free kick, only for the ref- from Arsenal in the summer after two eree to change his mind and gave a Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale years on loan at Roma, will come in goal to the hosts after consulting with (foreground) celebrates for Buffon a week after Juventus’ 3-0 the VAR. after scoring their Boos can make Bale better: Zidane Champions League flop in Cologne, who have no points from third goal against Real Barcelona. their first four league games, Sociedad during their “After the game with Barcelona I announced afterwards that they would La Liga match at Aboeta Madrid Zidane on Tuesday ahead of the is completely fit, but he will need decided, together with Gigi, to play lodge a protest and ask for the match Stadium in San Sebastian AFP Spanish champions’ La Liga clash time and we will see that. “It will Szczesny in this game,” said Allegri. to be replayed but yesterday said that on Sunday. with Real Betis on Wednesday. still take more time to see the best “Szczesny is a player, a goalkeeper, “the chances of success for such a pro- eal Madrid coach Zinedine “I am not speaking just about of Gareth, but he is already doing worthy of the best seven or eight teams test are slim.” Zidane (pictured right) Gareth, but in general. It happened very well.” in Europe and he’ll be the heir to The incident happened in the 45th Rbelieves the harsh treatment to me and I think it is good because Zidane has the luxury of wel- Buffon. minute at Signal Iduna Park when meted out to Gareth Bale by his own you want to react and do better in coming back Cristiano Ronaldo for “That doesn’t mean I have more or Juventus’ Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala (centre) vies for the ball during the Serie A match against SassuoloCologne goalkeeper Timo Horn fans at the Santiago Bernabeu can the next game.” the visit of Betis after he completed less confidence. Given the congested in Reggio Emilia on Sunday. Dybala is in incredible form in the new season. dropped the ball at a corner and Dort- push the Welshman to greater Zidane has consistently pleaded a five-game domestic ban for push- fixture list we have at present, it’s mund defender Sokratis tapped it into heights. for patience with Bale, who missed ing a referee in the Spanish Super important that every member of the arrive full of confidence in Turin after performance, especially in defence, in Lazio. Simo ne Inzaghi’s Roman out- the net. The Billy Goats repeated their Bale bounced back from jeers four months of last season through Cup. squad plays their part and it’s great kick-starting their campaign with order to pick up the three points.” fit are coming off three straight wins claim yesterday that the referee blew as Real opened their Champions injury, and failed to win his place “We are happy that he is back having two goalkeepers of such qual- back-to-back wins against Verona and Fiorentina have pedigree on their after their opening-night goalless draw his whistle for a foul before the ball League campaign with a 3-0 win back in the side for the Champions and I hope it is the last time that we ity at my disposal.” Bologna. side with in-form forwards Giovanni with SPAL. crossed the line. over APOEL Nicosia last week by League final in June. don’t have him,” said Zidane. Allegri’s side have won four out of “Fiorentina have brought through Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid coach For Napoli -- who have the best “The ball only crossed the line after scoring just his second goal of the And despite a full pre-season, “Cristiano is happy because four league games so far this season some fantastic young players into their Diego Simeone, and Federico Chiesa, attack in the league with 15 goals the referee’s whistle,” said the statement. season in spectacular fashion in a Zidane believes it is still some time what he likes is to play and be with his contract with the club. to sit joint top with Napoli and Inter ranks,” said Allegri. son of former Italian international scored -- the danger should come “Therefore, he could not have turned to 3-1 victory at Real Sociedad on before Bale will hit top form again. his teammates.” “The issue of the renewal is Milan, largely thanks to the incredible “They will play without pressure striker Enrico Chiesa. from forward Ciro Immobile, born the VAR and awarded the goal.” Sunday. “I have always said we need to Zidane also repeated he is set done, but that doesn’t mean any- form of Argentine forward Paulo tomorrow night, so we need to Napoli are also on a maximum 12 in the suburbs of Naples, who has The German Football Association “It is part of a player’s career, have patience with him,” added the to become the latest member of the thing,” added Zidane, whose current Dybala, who has scored eight goals. approach the match with the right level points and are top of the table on goal netted five goals in two Serie A (DFB) did not immediately reply to the but at times it is good to note that Frenchman. Madrid side that has won back-to- deal runs out at the end of the But Fiorentina of respect and put in a solid difference, but face a big test against games. query. you are not doing things well,” said “We know how good he is if he back Champions Leagues to extend season. 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2017

Van Vleuten wins world road time trial

Bergen, Norway Reuters

nnemiek van Vleuten claimed an emotional Aworld road title in the women’s individual time trial yesterday, beating fellow Dutch rider Anna van der Breggen to the gold medal. Little more than a year after a horrific accident in the Rio Olympics road race left her with three spinal frac- tures, the 34-year-old powered round the hilly 21.1km course in Bergen to win by a comfortable margin. Rio Ferdinand poses after the press conference at Bethnal Green, London, Britain, yesterday. The former England captain Rio Ferdinand said he is launching Despite rain making the a new career as a professional boxer two years after retiring from football. Right: Ferdinand gesturing during the English FA Cup quarter-final replay football course slippery, she averaged match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London in this April 1, 2013 file picture. 43.8kmh for a time of 28 min- utes 50.35 seconds. Van Der Breggen, whose road race gold in Rio was overshadowed by the injuries Rio Ferdinand swaps football sustained by her team mate who had been leading when she slammed into a deep gut- ter on a descent, was 12 seconds slower. Australian Katrin Garfoot boots for boxing gloves was third, 18.93 seconds behind. Last year’s champion London Ready to bout Amber Neben of the United AFP States could only manage Former England 11th, while Dutch rider Ellen ormer England captain captain says he is Van Dijk, who was second last Rio Ferdinand said launching a new year in Doha, was fifth. yesterday he is launch- career as a Only five riders got within ing a new career as a professional boxer a minute of van Vleuten’s professional boxer two two years after time. Fyears after retiring from football retiring from football “I can’t believe it,” a tear- as a way of channelling his as a way of ful Van Vleuten said. “To be anger. channelling his anger world champion in the TT, I The 38-year-old former never thought it would be, but Manchester United star, who quit this year I’ve started to football in May 2015, is taking make sure the sport is safe, and believe. part in online betting firm Bet- that involves very tough tests to “The downs make the ups fair’s “Defender to Contender” make sure he is capable of get- more beautiful, makes it project. ting into the ring.” really special. It was hard Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca BBBofC general secretary because it started pouring died of breast cancer shortly Robert Smith said the board had with rain and I lost some sec- before his retirement and he has not received an application from onds on the descents. I since lost his mother, also to Ferdinand for a boxer’s licence. thought the weather would cancer. “I was completely surprised. disturb my race form, but I “I’ve been through quite a We don’t have an application, so focussed on what I do.” few things in my life,” Ferdinand there’s nothing to consider,” he Van der Breggen was the told reporters in London. said. “Nor have we had any con- second of the 54 riders to start “This is a way of trying to Richie Woodhall, Rio Ferdinand (centre) and Mel Deane pose after the press conference in versation with anybody and it looked as though she channel that aggression, that Bethnal Green, London, Britain, yesterday. regarding this.” might take the gold as Van anger sometimes, into something Ferdinand’s love of boxing is Vleuten was behind on the I can be really focused on. “I’ve got the utmost respect dangers,” he added. “I don’t look perform. We’ll be arranging apparent on social media, with first two intermediate splits. “I’ve probably been search- for the boxing fraternity and I’m at this as a circus. I’m not trying that.” a picture on his Twitter profile However Van Vleuten put ing for that since I retired. I miss not saying I’m going to be a to disrespect anyone. I’m taking But boxing promoter Barry showing him draped in the WBA, together a superb final 4km that competitive edge. It’s some- world champion,” Ferdinand it seriously.” Ferdinand’s plans Hearn has accused Ferdinand of IBF and IBO heavyweight title to go fastest on the score- thing for me to focus on after the said. could yet be stymied if the Brit- being “totally naive” and feels belts of his friend Anthony board. Eighteen riders last couple of years.” “I’m saying ish board rejects any potential talk of fighting for titles should Joshua. followed her, including many He will compete at cruiser- there are loads of application for a licence. not be taken seriously. The Londoner, who won 81 of the pre-race favourites, but weight and be trained by former hurdles to get Woodhall, 49, said: “That’s Hearn told BBC Radio 5 Live: caps for England, was in attend- none of them mastered the world champion Richie over and I’m the biggest hurdle. He’ll go “It’s laughable isn’t it? He is being ance when Joshua defeated conditions. Woodhall. Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Meanwhile, Chris Froome The ex-West Ham, Leeds, Stadium in April and posed for has a chance to end his best Manchester United and QPR This is a way of trying to channel that aggression, that pictures with the 2012 Olympic ever season on yet another defender, who currently works anger sometimes, into something I can be really focused gold medallist. high when he tackles the hilly as a pundit with BT Sport and the Former Sheffield United world time-trial champion- BBC, said in a promotional video: on: Rio Ferdinand midfielder Curtis Woodhouse ships course in Bergen today. “I’ve won (football) titles but now won the British light-welter- A punishing final 3.4km I’m in it for a belt.” weight title in 2012 after climb on the 31km course But both Ferdinand and swapping football for boxing, with gradients reaching 10 Woodhall recognise the former going to meet through a 10-12 week training totally naive and is totally under- while cricketer Andrew Flintoff percent will favour specialist Manchester United centre-back them head on.” period to improve his technique, estimating boxing. But he has the won a one-off bout, of modest climbers like Froome over the is not guaranteed a professional “I’m not going then I want him to spar. choice of what he wants to do standard, against American freight-train time-trialists like licence by the British Boxing into this without “The board are going to want with his time and his life. Richard Dawson, having been four-time world champion Board of Control (BBBofC). thinking about the to see him, and actually see him “The authorities are there to mentored by Barry McGuigan. Tony Martin. Golf: Leishman eyes $10m bonus of FedEx Cup

Lake Forest claiming golf’s richest prize, the top Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Leishman And then golf got really fun. AP five seeds only have to win to cap- and Jon Rahm of Spain are the top Schauffele birdied the next two holes, ture the cup. five seeds. drove the 15th green and made a arc Leishman put the finish- The way Leishman has been For some players, they were just 30-foot eagle putt , birdied the 16th ing touches on his best year playing, it doesn’t seem out of reach. happy to be there. and then added a final birdie on the Min golf and already was look- At his side were two trophies — Xander Schauffele started the 18th for a 4-under 67 that moved him ing ahead to make it even better. one from the BMW Championship, year by missing six of 11 cuts and fin- into the top 30. With his wire-to-wire, five-shot the other from the Western Golf ishing inside the top 25 just once — he “Once you reach goals, you make victory in the BMW Championship Association, which has run this tour- tied for 24th at the Wells Fargo new ones,” he said. “And I’ve been — his first tournament after losing a nament since 1899. Championship in early May. Back making a lot of new ones.” two-shot lead on the back nine at the “I had my sights set high for the then, he was only thinking about Patrick Cantlay, another PGA TPC Boston — Leishman now is in FedEx Cup and trying to get into the keeping his card in his rookie sea- Tour rookie, had been out of golf for range to capture the FedEx Cup and top 5 and with these sitting here,” he son. He tied for fifth at the US Open. three years with a back injury he its $10 million bonus this week at East said, pausing to glance at the silver He won The Greenbrier Classic. He feared might end his career, along Lake in the Tour Championship. trophies, “if I have another good was in position to achieve a lofty goal with the emotional scars of seeing Ollie Leishman (left) and Harvey Leishman All he has to do is win. week, who knows what might — East Lake — at No. 32 in the FedEx his best friend and caddie, Chris Roth, Leishman not only won for the happen?” Cup until he began the final round struck and killed by a car as they (right), sons of Marc Leishman, play with second time this year, he has the No. So after 46 tournaments, the with 10 pars and two bogeys. walked to dinner. He picked a light the Wadley Trophy after their father won 4 seed this week for the FedEx Cup FedEx Cup comes down to one week. “I told my caddie, ‘I really don’t schedule this year to ease his way the BMW Championship golf tournament finale. While everyone in the 30-man British Open champion Jordan want the year to end, we’re having back into golf, and to cope with an at Conway Farms Golf Club on Monday. field has a mathematical chance of Spieth, PGA champion Justin so much fun,’” he said. ankle injury from so much play. WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 35 Stafford dazzles as Lions beat Giants

California Lions tame Giants Reuters Rookie Agnew n a night when the returned a punt 88 New York Giants yards for a fourth- honored their 2007 quarter touchdown, Super Bowl cham- and Stafford threw pionship team at two touchdown passes Ohalftime, the current Giants once to help the Detroit again looked like chumps. Lions earn a 24-10 win Detroit rookie Jamal Agnew over New York Giants. returned a punt 88 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown, and Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes to help the down. “That can’t happen. When Lions earn a 24-10 win over New you get a big opportunity in a big York on Monday night at Met Life game like this, in that situation Stadium. when you’re down and you have Agnew’s punt return, the fifth an opportunity to go down the longest in team history, broke field and score, that can’t open the game. The touchdown happen.” gave the Lions (2-0) a 14-point Stafford, who was 12 of 17 for lead. 107 yards at the half, connected “We put this game on me,” with tight end Eric Ebron on a said Giants coach Ben McAdoo, 7-yard touchdown pass in the sec- who saw his team flop not just ond quarter. on special teams but on offense The drive was set up when by and defense as well while falling the Whitehead interception. Man- to 0-2. ning finished 22 of 32 for 239 yards “We talk about playing com- with one touchdown and one plete, complementary football, interception. Ebron was Detroit’s but by no stretch of the imagina- leading receiver, catching all five tion did we get that done tonight. of his first-half pass targets for 42 We put ourselves in a hole. We yards and a touchdown. He did not have to find a way to get better have any receptions in the second and better in a hurry.” half. Stafford finished 15 of 21 for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during their NFL football game The Lions also managed to 122 yards with no interceptions. sack Manning five times, three at MetLife Stadium on Monday. Both his touchdown passes came of which were recorded by on third-and-long plays in the defensive end Ziggy Ansah, who first half and gave his team a 17-7 a series of miscues that began opportunities to keep it closer Tahir Whitehead. The biggest the game,” Marshall said of his abused Giants left tackle Ereck halftime lead. with left guard Brett Jones being but failed to cash in. missed opportunity for the Giants drop. “I got an opportunity to Flowers. The Giants, who have now flagged for holding. In the second quarter, the came in the fourth quarter. make a big play and change the “I think anytime you end up gone eight consecutive games The Giants made up most of defense forced and then recov- Receiver Brandon Marshall, who momentum, and I lost it.” getting that kind of pressure and scoring fewer than 20 points, got the penalty yardage, getting back ered a fumble by Stafford, who had his man beat on a long pass Marshall said that he lost the getting five sacks against a very a third-quarter, 25-yard field to the 2-yard line, but on fourth was sacked and stripped of the that would have put the Giants ball momentarily in the stadium explosive offense with weapons goal by kicker Aldrick Rosas, cut- down with the offense prepared ball by defensive end Jason deep into Lions territory, lights. they have, it’s a good thing,” ting the deficit to 17-10. to go for it, quarterback Eli Man- Pierre-Paul. But on the ensuing dropped the ball. After the Giants “It was a perfect pass and I Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. New York might have had ning was flagged for a possession, the Giants gave the failed to extend that drive, beat the guy,” he said. “I knew “We were not only able to get more on that possession, but delay-of-game penalty. That led ball right back to the Lions when Agnew scored his punt-return the ball was coming but lost it in pressure consistently, but push after driving all the way to the to the field goal. Manning’s pass intended for touchdown. the light and then I picked it back the pocket, but they’re a tough Lions 1-yard line, the Giants had New York did have Evan Engram was picked off by “That was the biggest play of up and I dropped it when it came team to handle.” Consistent Red Sox down Orioles to maintain winning streak

Baltimore The Red Sox posted their lead. New York won the opener reacquired him from the Chicago AP major league-leading 14th win of a three-game series that could White Sox in July. in extra innings against three serve as a preview to the AL Elsewhere, Giancarlo Stan- ndrew Benintendi hit a losses. wild-card matchup in two ton hit his 55th homer — and his two-run single in the 11th Matt Barnes (7-3) pitched the weeks. first in nine days — while driv- inning, Mookie Betts had 10th and Carson Smith got his The Yankees trail AL East- ing in four runs to help Miami A Slovenia’s guard Goran Dragic (centre) raises the trophy four RBIs and the Boston Red first save. Miguel Castro (3-2) leading Boston by three games, beat the Mets. Batting third for Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles took the loss. and hold a five-game edge over the first time this year, Stanton up after winning the FIBA Eurobasket 2017 men’s final 10-8 on Monday night for their Red Sox second baseman the Twins for league’s top wild hit a three-run line drive into the basketball match against Serbia at Sinan Erdem Sport Arena ninth win in 12 games. Dustin Pedroia left in the fourth card with 12 to play. home run sculpture at Marlins in Istanbul on Monday. Dragic announced his retirement Xander Bogaerts homered inning after being struck in the Chapman replaced a wild Park in the fourth inning against from national duty. and scored three runs for the face by a foul ball he chopped Dellin Betances with the bases Matt Harvey (5-6). With that, the Red Sox, who maintained their off the plate. He bruised his nose loaded and one out in the eighth. MLB home run leader ended a three-game lead over the sec- and was listed as day to day. Ear- The left-hander struck out drought of 29 at-bats without Slovenia coach, ond-place Yankees in the AL lier this year at Camden Yards, three-time batting champion Joe one. East and reduced to four their Pedroia’s knee was injured on a Mauer and retired Byron Bux- Stanton’s homer total is the magic number for clinching a late slide by Manny Machado. ton on a fly, then closed for his highest since Ryan Howard hit key player retire playoff berth. In New York, Aaron Judge 19th save. 58 in 2006. Stanton added a run- Boston erased a five-run hit his 44th home run and Judge homered in the first off scoring single in Miami’s deficit with a six-run fifth inning Aroldis Chapman pitched out of Ervin Santana (15-8). David Rob- seven-run fifth. after Euro triumph and needed 10 pitchers to beat big trouble in the eighth inning ertson (9-2) retired all four The Marlins, back home after a skidding Orioles team that has as the Yankees edged Minnesota hitters he faced, improving to a trip extended by three games now lost 10 of 12. to increase their AL wild-card 5-0 since the Yankees due to Hurricane Irma, won for Ljubljana only the fourth time in the past AFP 21 games. Dan Straily (10-9) gave up ays after clinching the European title the coach and star one run in five innings and player of Slovenia’s basketball team announced their retire- struck out eight. Dment from national duty yesterday to return to the United Meanwhile, Hunter Renfroe States and the NBA. hit a three-run home run in his “I’ve accomplished what I had wished for and I think the right first game back from Triple-A thing to do is to conclude (my career in the national team) at this and Austin Hedges also con- point,” Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic, 31, told a news con- nected for the San Diego Padres, ference in Ljubljana. who beat NL wild card leader He added he was sorry he would not “be able to be with the Arizona. (Slovenian national) squad in November” for the world champi- Renfroe drove a 1-1 pitch onship qualifiers. from lefty Patrick Corbin to At Sunday’s finals against Serbia, Dragic, playing his last inter- straightaway center field with national match, led the way with 35 points as Slovenia became two outs in the first, his 11th. He the smallest country to lift the European title since Latvia in 1935. was demoted to Triple-A El Paso The team’s Serbian coach, Utah Jazz assistant coach Igor Koko- on August 18 to work on his skov, 45, also announced he would not be able to join the team hitting. for the winter qualifiers. Corbin (14-13) retired the “I have commitments at the (NBA club) Utah Jazz... We have first two batters before allowing to find the best way to continue this story. We’ll find a way to do Wil Myers’ double that bounced it. Certainly, I will help them in the future, maybe as an adviser, over the fence in left-center. The maybe I’ll spend some weeks here,” Kokoskov said. pitcher then walked Yangervis He added his roll in Slovenia’s victory had been “important Solarte before Renfroe but not the most important thing for the team.” Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) and team-mates Xander Bogaerts (2) connected. A crowd of over 20,000 gave a heroes’ welcome to the national and Brock Holt (12) celebrate after scoring on a three-run RBI double by Red Sox right fielder Hedges homered to left- team on Sunday as it returned from the Istanbul where it won the Mookie Betts (not pictured) in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at center on a 3-1 pitch with one first golden medal for the two-million nation that declared inde- Camden Yards on Monday. out in the second, his 18th. pendence in 1991. 36 SPORT WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2017

El Jaish and Lekhwiya players in action during the last season’s QFA Senior league in this file photo.

Handball: Home stars ready for action

Rizwan Rehmat El Jaish were the champions last the league this season,” Al Mulla said. teams. The squads have already been The Peninsula season when Al Qiyadah finished sec- “El Jaish and Lekhwiya have been announced. The quality sides have QHA SENIOR LEAGUE FIXTURES ond while Al Rayyan secured the merged to form Al Duhail,” he added. been preparing for the new season for October 2: he Qatar Handball Associa- third-best spot. “Al Duhail will have the best play- a while,” Al Mulla said. Al Gharafa vs Al Khor, tion (QHA) yesterday Mohammed Jaber Al Mulla, Secre- ers from these two sides and we can “Everything is ready for a good confirmed that the new sea- tary General of QHA, said the youth expect tough competition for other start and we hope clubs can work hard Al Duhail vs Qatar SC, son will kick off on October league will also commence at the same sides. It will be very exciting,” he said. to develop the Qatari handball which Al Ahli vs Al Wakra, 2 with five games scheduled time. “I think teams like Al Rayyan and has reached a global level,” Al Mulla Al Rayyan vs Al Shamal Ton the first day. Al Mulla said the men’s league will Al Gharafa will be hard to beat. said. Al Sadd vs Al Arabi. According to details released by continue until February 17, 2018, which “The Competitions Committee has “We are ready to contribute to the QHA yesterday, Al Gharafa play Al will the ninth week of action in the finalized all preparations to stage the teams’ efforts and help them remove Khor, Al Duhail take on Qatar SC, Al 2017-18 season. opening round of matches,” Al Mulla all the obstacles they face in order to YOUTH LEAGUE FIXTURES: Ahli battle Al Wakra, Al Rayyan tackle He said the national league will said. ensure the success of this season,” he Al Wakra vs Al Ahli, Al Shamal while Al Sadd have a date break from November 13 to Febru- He said the schedule has been added. Al Shamal vs Al Rayyan, with Al Arabi. ary 5 as the Qatar squad will undergo finalized so that there are no clashes Qatar, who finished runners up at Qatar SC vs Al Sadd, The first three matches will be held training for the Asian qualifiers to with QNB Stars League games at var- the World Handball Championship in Al Duhail vs Al Khor at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall while the last held in Republic of Korea in January ious venues across the country. 2015, reached the quarter-finals of the Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa two clashes will be played at Al Duhail 2018. “All in all, QHA is ready for the new same event in this year’s edition held Indoor Hall, a QHA official said. “A total of 10 teams will appear in season and so are the players and the in Paris. LLS students shine under lights at coaching masterclass

The Peninsula about his love for youth devel- opment, his role as LLS t was smiles all round for stu- Ambassador and touched on his dents at Doha College and return to Liverpool Football Club IEvolution Sports recently as commenting: they celebrated their first week “I believe the LLS Sports of hard work with an exclusive Industry programme is exactly visit from Michael Beale, the what young people need when newly appointed Foundation they are looking for a route in to Phase coach at Liverpool FC. the sports industry. Sixth Form students study- I have seen the great work of ing on the brand new ‘Sports LLS first hand in Liverpool and Industry Programme’ at Doha have spoken to staff and students College’s Al Waab Campus took across the UK and Ireland and part in a ‘Coaching Masterclass’ have really enjoyed visiting their with ‘Little League Sports’ (LLS) programme in Doha College. The Ambassador Beale, alongside staff are passionate and the stu- Evolution Sports coaches and dents are focused to achieve a students. great outcome at the end of the The Coaching Masterclass course.” provided elite insight into the The ‘Sports Industry pro- football industry. Beale displayed gramme’ is a BTEC Level three some outstanding sessions to qualification delivered at Doha spectators from the Doha teach- College by LLS and comple- Michael Beale, the newly ing and student community mented by work experience with appointed Foundation followed by an insightful Q&A. Qatar’s leading sports coaching Phase coach at Liverpool Beale had a clear message for organisation Evolution Sports. FC and Little League the students. He explained: “It’s LLS Managing Director Jor- Sports’ (LLS) Ambassador, important to understand what dan Wright said, “We have makes you happy and motivated collaborated with two outstand- Michael Beale delivers a and to follow that passion with ing organisations in Doha College Coaching Masterclass at full commitment. The work and and Evolution Sports and are Doha College. LEFT: Beale opportunities for sporting stu- excited about the opportunities poses for a photograph dents here at Doha College, with the students on the programme with students and officials LLS and Evolution Sports is a will receive. of Doha College and great foundation for a career in Our aim is to educate and Evolution Sports. sports.” encourage students to develop a Beale is one of the most strong professional network and talked about young coaches in build up important sports indus- Director of Evolution Sports said: world football right now - fol- try related work experience “We are delighted to support LLS lowing his recent role as before they go onto global ad Doha College in offering work Assistant Manager of Sao Paulo employment or university. experience in the BTEC Diploma FC in Brazil. Our first week has been a students and supporting visits Beale spent two days at Doha great success and the students like this. Evolution Sports is cel- College and spoke about his own studying with us have shown that ebrating 10 years of success in coaching journey to groups of they are prepared to work hard Qatar and is offers a range of sports students and the coaches and are passionate about sport. sports for children from 18 at Evolution Sports. His inspira- They have planned and executed months to 16 years of age.” tional career started at Chelsea an excellent event and have Those who are between the FC before moving on to Liver- already made some high profile age of 16-19 and interested in pool Football Club where he was additions to their professional this BTEC programme. “Not all pathways for students is part of opportunities for students to joining the LLS Sports Industry in post as Under 23 Manager. network.” students choose to follow a tra- our development plans. I am learn from experienced sports Programme at Doha College can Following an exciting chap- Dr Steffen Sommer Principal ditional route to their careers and delighted that this new BTEC coaches with LLS and Evolution contact the officials via emailing ter in Brazil as Assistant Manager of Doha College explained why expanding our educational pro- course has proven so popular Sports.” [email protected] as lim- of Sao Paulo FC, Beale spoke the school had chosen to offer vision and offering alternative and offers such amazing Tommy Westmoorland the ited places are available.