CYCLING | Page 5 TTENNIS|ENNIS Page 7 Qatar ‘Confi dent’ To Advertise here gears up Halep books Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 for UCI place in WTA Road Worlds Finals

Friday, September 30, 2016 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 28, 1437 AH Atletico hit new GULF TIMES heights in Bayern humbling SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT US aiming to snap European winning streak in Ryder Cup As players on both teams at Hazeltine mourn the death of legend Arnold Palmer, holders Europe seek an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory over their US hosts, who have dropped six of the past seven meetings and eight of the past 10

AFP love to see it continued to be played in Chaska, United States that way.” The Americans, who lead the overall rivalry 25-13 with two drawn, suff ered revamped American squad the greatest last-day collapse in Ry- that US captain Davis Love der Cup history in 2012 with Love as called the best ever assem- captain, Europe winning eight singles bled faces a Europe team that matches and halving another for a 14 Ahas dominated them for two decades 1/2-13 1/2 victory. when the 41st Ryder Cup opens today. “Certainly Medinah was a hard loss As players on both teams at Hazel- for us,” US veteran and Olympic bronze tine mourn the death of legend Ar- medallist Matt Kuchar said. “But when nold Palmer, holders Europe seek an it comes down to it, we all still feel the unprecedented fourth consecutive pain and there’s probably some left victory over their US hosts, who have over. dropped six of the past seven meetings “I know a lot of us, we’ve been on a and eight of the past 10. lot of losing teams, but sure would be “We are very determined to keep the nice to feel the joy of winning one of Ryder Cup and keep this streak going,” these Cups. I think we’re all hoping to British Open champion Henrik Sten- taste that feeling this week.” son said. Europe star Rose dismisses favoured US Open champion Dustin Johnson, and unfancied tags in favor of prepara- PGA Championship winner Jimmy tion ahead of Friday’s fi rst tee shots. Walker and fi ve-time major winner “We’ve got players who can step up Phil Mickelson, making his 11th Ryder and deliver,” Rose said. “To win this Cup appearance to match Nick Faldo’s week, you’re going to have to step up record, lead an American squad hungry and deliver. to reclaim the Cup. “I don’t look at us as six players who “We’re just tired of being told we have played the Ryder Cup and six haven’t won in a while,” said two-time rookies. I look at us as a 12-man team major winner Jordan Spieth. “We want and it’s just about going out and play- this one.” ing good golf. That’s what’s going to Swiping a page from Europe’s play- take care of business.” book, the US team assembled a com- Each team will compete in four al- mittee to manage details and focus ternate shot foursomes matches today upon Ryder Cup issues, ending last- and tomorrow mornings and four four- minute hurried pairings that often ball matches in the afternoons, sitting failed for unanticipated problems. out four players from each session. On “It’s very much like the model that Sunday, there will be 12 concluding the Europeans have done with tremen- singles matches. dous success in bringing out their best Captains will each submit their line- golf,” said Mickelson. “When you get ups, allowing no chance to guarantee together as a team and work together, specifi c matchups. But some of the you can achieve much greater success ones that could happen are quite inter- than you ever can as an individual. It’s The crowd watches as Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (R) swings from the rough during a practice round ahead of 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Course in esting. exciting to be part of the groundwork Chaska, Minnesota. Two-time major champion Jordan and the foundation of the US side try- Spieth, who collapsed on the back nine ing to do that now going forward.” Cup newcomers on the roster, includ- gered by the comments in an European But that’s not the spirit Palmer be all about good teamwork, fair play, to squander the Sunday lead at the Olympic champion Justin Rose, US ing Masters champion Danny Willett, online column, the Heckling at Hazel- would want to see at an event where good fun, camaraderie amongst both Masters, could meet Willett, the man PGA FedExCup playoff champion Rory who has already had to apologise for tine might join the Battle of Brookline, he will be honoured after his death last teams and all the fans — because that’s upon whose shoulders he placed the McIlroy and Stenson spark Europe, but insults to US fans by his brother Pete. War at the Shore and Miracle at Medi- Sunday at age 87 from heart problems. what Arnie stood for,” Rose said. “He green jacket at Augusta National in an a changing of the guard has six Ryder If enough US supporters were an- nah in Ryder Cup lore. “I hope he inspires this Ryder Cup to was such a gentleman and he would uncomfortable ceremony.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Hey Tiger, how about getting me a sandwich?’

AFP wiches to the group ahead. I said, ‘Very impor- wire victory and a 15th major title. But for the Chaska, United States tant here. If we don’t get the turkey sandwiches fi rst time as a 54-hole leader, Woods lost a ma- to these guys, they’re not going to be happy.’ All jor, shooting a 75 and falling by three shots to six of us are doing whatever we can to help out.” South Korean Yang Yong-Eun, the fi rst Asian iger Woods has endured two tough Just the notion of having Woods, one of the man to win a major crown. runner-up fi nishes in majors at Hazel- greatest players ever at his peak, bringing him This week, Woods strolled the 18th with tine, but he could be reduced even fur- a sandwich was a wild notion for the newest Walker in a more casual manner. ther, to sandwich delivery man, at the major champion, US player Jimmy Walker, who “We’ve hung out, we talked walking up the TRyder Cup here this week. won the PGA Championship in July. 18th the other day,” Walker said. “We just Woods, the 14-time major winner who is set “I hope guys are asking him to run and go talked golf. He was into the equipment and to return next month after more than a year off get stuff for them, even if they don’t want it. I what’s going on and what I was hitting and the due to a back injury, is serving as an assistant to think that’s just great,” Walker said. shots I was hitting. We were just golf nerds. We US captain Davis Love at this week’s 41st edi- Long-hitting teammate J.B. Holmes said he just kept talking about golf the whole time. tion of the US-Europe team golf showdown. thought Woods was prepared to come through “I think he’s enjoying it, I really do. He looks “We’re dividing responsibilities,” Love said in whatever way needed. like he’s having a great time. He has been hav- of himself and his assistants. “I’m in charge “Well, he’s a team player, and if that’s what ing a great time at night. I think he’s happy to and I’ve given (the assistants) their charge. Ti- needed to be done at the time, I’m sure he’d be here and happy to be a part of it.” ger was giving me a hard time a couple weeks make sure it gets done,” Holmes said. “It’s US teammate Matt Kuchar, the Rio Olym- ago. He said, ‘You’re giving me way too much great to have him out here, with all the expe- pic bronze medalist, is happy to have Woods to do.’” rience that he’s had. An icon. It’s amazing to around as well. Former world number one Woods could fi nd have him in the team room. It’s just the right “I’ve become good friends with Tiger, played himself with some unusual duties given Love’s atmosphere. It has been a lot of fun.” a number of practice rounds and enjoyed the desire to make sure his players have anything Woods birdied the last four holes but lost time where I get to pick his brain,” Kuchar said. and everything they need to help them win. by one stroke at the 2002 PGA Championship “I’ve tried to see what sort of help, advice, “We’re all having fun and just supporting at Hazeltine to unheralded compatriot Rich knowledge, he could pass on, and he’s always the team,” Love said. “If that means we run Beem. been very helpful. Always been very giving. back and get a sweater, I’ll go get a sweater. Team USA vice-captain Tiger Woods walks the 10th green during the practice round for the Ryder Seven years later, the same event was back at Here is a guy who is willing to help out if I have “My son and I just delivered turkey sand- Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club yesterday. PICTURE: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports Hazeltine and Woods was going for a wire-to- any sort of questions on anything.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, September 30, 2016 SPORT

GOLF FORMULA ONE Alonso to get 30-place penalty for Rookies could using new engine hold Ryder Cup key, says Jacklin ‘Everyone’s pontificating about this and that and going on about statistics but the bottom line is that we don’t know how these six rookies are going to perform’

Past captains Tony Jacklin, Paul McGinley, Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam of Europe pose with Ben Crenshaw, Dave Stockton, Hal Sutton and Lanny Wadkins of the United States during the 2016 Ryder Cup Captains Matches at Hazeltine National Golf Club yesterday. Reuters Honda, engine suppliers to the Sepang, Malaysia Woking-based McLaren squad, have made steady progress after a diffi cult renewal of their once- cLaren’s Fernando dominant partnership last sea- Alonso is set to son. start Sunday’s For- The upgrade they have brought mula One Malaysian to Malaysia this weekend is the MGrand Prix from the back of the latest in a spate of enhancements grid as he tries out an upgraded they have been making to the en- Honda power unit in practice to- gine over the course of the year. day. The latest change features a Rules permit a driver to use no lighter engine block and a rede- more than fi ve complete power signed exhaust aimed at boost- units and their constituent com- ing the power unit’s effi ciency, a ponents over the course of a sea- Honda spokesperson said. son. Alonso will run it during Fri- Running the upgraded power day’s opening practice session, unit will result in Alonso taking with Honda deciding whether to on new variants of fi ve of the six leave it in the car for the second components that comprise it, 90-minute session in the after- which will cost the Spaniard 30 noon. places on the 22-car Sepang grid. They will revert to their old- The double world champion specifi cation power unit for Sat- took a similarly hefty engine- urday’s qualifying and the race. related penalty in last month’s Alonso fi nished seventh in Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa- Belgium, despite having started Francorchamps circuit, where he dead last, and is targeting anoth- also exceeded his permitted allo- er points fi nish on Sunday. cation of power unit parts. “That’s the target for both “We knew these penalties cars,” he said. “Even if I start last would come,” said Alonso, who then hopefully we can recover lost some of his allocation of places quite soon.” power units to reliability issues The 35-year-old, who took his earlier in the season. fi rst pole position in Malaysia “One of the best places was and has won the race three times, Spa because of the conditions of is 11th in the drivers’ standings. our engines at that point. The Team mate Jenson Button, second best was maybe Malaysia celebrating his 300th grand prix because the weather could play a start this weekend is 19 points big factor in the race...” adrift in 15th.

Ericsson fi t to race aft er Thai chicken accident

Reuters Wednesday. get it done this week on home turf,” he From the point of view of the US team, Sepang: Sauber’s Marcus Erics- Ericsson, who said he was Chaska, United States “Some people rise to it and some don’t said. Jacklin suggested skipper Davis Love son was left wondering why the travelling at 45 kilometres per respond quite so well so for me, someone “One thing for certain over the last 30 III should not attempt to over-analyse chicken crossed the road after hour, suff ered a heavy fall but who has been in the captain’s seat, that years is that Europe have had better team things too much from the sidelines. falling foul of one while training escaped serious injury and says he destiny of the Ryder Cup may would be somewhat of a concern.” unity than America no matter what char- “I think the Americans are so pre- in Thailand last week. he is fit to drive in Sunday’s rest on how Europe’s six rookies Interest in the competition was wan- acters have come and gone... and I think occupied with statistics and numbers,” But he says his accident will not race. perform this week, according to ing 31 years ago but that changed from that’s been a great advantage. he said. “If you use your eyeballs and see stop him taking part in Sunday’s “It looks a lot worse than it is,” Tony Jacklin, described by ESPN the moment Jacklin led Europe to victory “Egos have to be left outside the door how the guys are reacting in the team Malaysian Grand Prix. he said, his hand and elbow Tthis week as the man who saved the bien- at The Belfry in 1985. for this deal. The 12 guys, the captains room and use your senses and have a The Swede and his trainer were wrapped in bandages. nial team event in the 1980s. It was the fi rst time the United States and vice-captains need to run a steady one-on-one with everybody, you’ve got cycling in Thailand after the Sin- “This is a precaution not to get Jacklin, Europe’s most decorated cap- had been beaten for 28 years and, since ship, not panic and try and get off to a an open mind. gapore Grand Prix when they any infections or anything. But tain after winning twice and tying once then, Europe have taken a grip to such an fl ying start.” “You can talk to them and say, ‘if quite literally ran into the bird. there’s no pain.” in four Ryder Cups, says no one knows extent that they have won 10 of the last Jacklin, who triumphed at the 1969 you’re not happy, speak up now’. “We were out on the bicycle And the chicken? “The chicken how Danny Willett, Chris Wood, Rafa 15 editions. British Open and won the 1970 US Open “That’s the way I did it. I think they and came around the corner kept on running,” said Ericsson. Cabrera-Bello, Andy Sullivan, Matt Fitz- The Ryder Cup is now recognised as at Hazeltine, said Darren Clarke’s Euro- get so panicked, they go over things fi ve, and there was a big chicken, ba- “I don’t know what they feed patrick and Thomas Pieters will fare un- the greatest rivalry in golf and millions pean team would quieten down the home six or 10 times, whereas sometimes you sically, that had run out into the these chickens in Thailand but der the microscope. around the world will be riveted by the fans if they came charging out of the are best using your instinct,” explained road,” Ericsson told reporters at it was a strong one.” “Everyone’s pontifi cating about this Hazeltine thrills and spills on Friday, traps on Friday morning. Jacklin, global ambassador for Glenmo- the Sepang circuit yesterday. Ericsson is currently 21st in and that and going on about statis- Saturday and Sunday. “Already you can see the crowds are rangie, offi cial spirit of the British Open. “I was on my all-out push, lying the overall drivers’ standings, tics but the bottom line is that we don’t Twice major champion Jacklin believes ready to burst at the smallest opportuni- “Just let it happen... and at the end of down on the bike, (I) come alongside team mate Felipe know how these six rookies are going the Americans are now close to reaching ty so if we can get our noses ahead early, the day you need to do a lot of praying, around the corner and smack Nasr. Both Sauber drivers are to perform,” Jacklin, 72, told Reuters in the point of no return. that would dampen that down a bit and I promise you that, because you need a into the chicken.” yet to score a point. an interview at Hazeltine National on “It’s desperate measures if they don’t would help our cause,” he added. hotline to God.”

BOTTOMLINE Mickelson revives 2004 fl ap over Tiger fl op

AFP that have allowed us to prepare our best “That gave us no time to work to- Chaska and I believe we will play our best.” gether and prepare,” Mickelson said. “I Part of that has been to unite rivals grabbed a couple dozen of his balls and Woods and Mickelson, whose most no- tried to learn his golf ball in a four- or hil Mickelson tossed 2004 US table Cup moment in 2004 came when fi ve-hour isolated session. Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton “Lefty” hooked a crucial tee shot left “It forced me to stop my preparation under the bus Wednesday at into dense trees in an alternate shot for the tournament, to stop chipping Hazeltine the same way he did foursomes match and Woods gave him and stop putting and stop sharpen- P2014 captain Tom Watson at Glenea- a death stare for the ages. ing my game and stop learning the golf gles after the dysfunctional US side lost “It’s been fun for Tiger and I,” Mick- course. to Europe. elson said of the Cup project. “The last Mickelson added: “That put us in The 46-year-old left-hander will few weeks we’ve been talking on the a position to fail and we failed monu- make his 11th consecutive appearance phone multiple times a day. It has been mentally, absolutely.” in the men’s team golf showdown start- really exciting for us, because we’ve Mickelson remains irked 12 years ing today after he, assistant captain Ti- been on so many teams for so many later over things that were out of his ger Woods and US captain Davis Love years, to have this much input and in- control. guided a task force designed to build a volvement in the process.” “I’ve had to be accountable for that successful long-term Cup programme. Five-time major winner Mickelson decision of which I was not part of. “You play how you prepare,” Mickel- exposed a lack of input into Watson’s That’s a very frustrating thing,” Mick- son said. “When we win or play well in 2014 team and said Sutton partnered elson said. majors, it’s because we prepared prop- him and Woods on two day’s notice, Sutton told Golf Channel he paired erly and that allowed to us bring out our not realizing they used diff erent styles Woods and Mickelson 12 years ago be- best golf. of golf balls — 18-time major winner cause, “I thought it would be better for “Captain Love has been putting us in Woods with extra spin and Mickelson golf if Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson a position to succeed. He’s taken input with very little. Paired twice, they lost were friends” and they might bond by from all parties. He’s making decisions Phil Mickelson signs autographs for fans during the practice round for the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. twice. winning. Gulf Times Friday, September 30, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND-UP Warsaw to Celtic hold City in thriller, host Real behind closed doors

Atletico sink Bayern AFP Lausanne

Barcelona made to work hard in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach egia Warsaw will play their next Champions AFP League game against Real Paris Celtic’s Scott Brown (left) attempts to block a shot Madrid behind closed Ldoors, UEFA ruled yesterday, from Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling during the Champions League match at Celtic Park stadium in following crowd trouble during aheem Sterling netted at both ends as Glasgow, Scotland on Wednesday night. (AFP) their last home game. Manchester City were made to fi ght for The club was also fi ned a 3-3 draw with Celtic in a Champions 80,000 euros for the incidents League thriller on Wednesday night, which included racist behav- whileR Atletico Madrid once again did for Bayern iour and fi ghting among the Munich. While City’s perfect start to the season home fans during the Septem- was ended in Glasgow, their Premier League rivals ber 14 game in which Germany’s Arsenal eased to a 2-0 victory against Basel. Borussia Dortmund achieved Atletico had eliminated Bayern in the semi-fi - their biggest European win 6-0. nals last season and repeated the trick at the Vice- In the stands, a group of hoo- nte Calderon to make it a double for Spanish clubs ligans wearing balaclavas tried against German opposition as Barcelona downed to break into the Dortmund sec- Borussia Moenchengladbach. tor from Legia’s side, and ended On paper, the Group C clash at Celtic Park ap- up fi ghting and spraying gas at peared to be a bit of a mismatch with City looking the security guards. Legia, the to equal Tottenham Hotspur’s English record of fi rst Polish team in 20 years to 11 successive victories at the start of a campaign reach the Champions League from 1960. But instead Pep Guardiola’s men found group stage, will host Real on themselves having to come from behind three November 2 behind closed doors times to claim a point at a raucous Parkhead, with at their 28,000-seater stadium Celtic fi rst scoring in the third minute when an Erik in Warsaw. The Polish champi- Sviatchenko header went in off Moussa Dembele. ons are bottom of Group F after Fernandinho equalised only for a Kieran Tierney also losing 2-0 at Sporting Lis- cross to go in off Sterling and restore the Scottish bon. UEFA opened disciplinary champions’ lead. Sterling’s brilliantly-taken goal proceedings against the club at the other end restored parity before the half- relating to crowd disturbances, hour mark, but Dembele capitalised on an Ale- fi reworks, throwing objects, in- ksandar Kolarov error to make it 3-2 just after the suffi cient organisation and rac- break. However, Nolito got City’s third equaliser ist behaviour. and it was the English side who looked more likely to go on and win it. “I don’t know how many the RIBERY LOSES APPEAL chances they had after the third goal. We should AFTER BOOK ‘SCUM’ SLUR have won it,” said Guardiola. Former France international It is Barcelona who are top of the section after footballer Franck Ribery yester- the Spanish champions followed their 7-0 trounc- day lost an appeal against the ing of Celtic last time out with a come-from-be- author of a book in which he was hind 2-1 victory over Gladbach in Germany. Thor- described as “scum”. A Paris ap- gan Hazard slotted the Bundesliga club in front in peals court upheld the original the fi rst half but Arda Turan came off the bench to judgement from last January level after the break before Gerard Pique got the but overturned a 5,000 euro fi ne winner on 74 minutes. lead in Sofi a, but Blaise Matuidi restored parity be- front only for Davy Proepper and Luuk de Jong to Germain (FRA) 3 (Matuidi 41, Cavani 56, 60) against the 32-year-old foot- “They put in a huge eff ort in the fi rst half, but fore the interval. Edinson Cavani then grabbed two score for PSV. At London: Arsenal (ENG) 2 (Walcott 7, 26) Basel (SUI) 0 baller for abusive proceedings. overall I think we were better and it is a deserved goals in the second half, either side of a Cosmin The Dutch champions could have won the game Group B In his 2013 book ‘Racaille result,” said Pique. Five-time European champions Moti penalty miss for the Bulgarian champions, to but Proepper saw his second-half penalty saved. At Istanbul, Turkey: Besiktas (TUR) 1 (Quaresma 29) Football Club’ (Scum Football Barca, who were without the injured Lionel Messi, complete the comeback. In Group B Napoli continued their excellent Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 1 (Tsygankov 65) Club) about French football, can now look forward to a fascinating double- In Madrid, Atletico infl icted Carlo Ancelotti’s start to the season by beating Benfi ca 4-2 in Italy. At Naples, Italy: Napoli (ITA) 4 (Hamsik 20, Mertens 51, journalist Daniel Riolo exam- header with their old coach Guardiola’s City. fi rst defeat as coach of Bayern as Yannick Car- Marek Hamsik gave them a fi rst-half lead at the 58, Milik 54-pen) Benfica (POR) 2 (Goncalo Guedes 70, ined the disenchantment of the Meanwhile, Theo Walcott made the diff erence rasco’s fi rst-half strike separated the sides at the San Paolo before three goals in seven second-half Salvio 86) French public with their national as Arsenal eased to three points against Basel at Vicente Calderon in Group D. minutes, a Dries Mertens brace coming either side Group C team. Riolo accused Ribery of the Emirates Stadium. The Swiss champions have The Spaniards eliminated Bayern on away goals of an Arkadiusz Milik penalty. At Moenchengladbach, Germany: Borussia being one of the main perpetra- enjoyed excellent results in European competition in the semi-fi nals of last season’s Champions Goncalo Guedes and Eduardo Salvio got goals Moenchengladbach (GER) 1 (Hazard 34) Barcelona tors of the discontent within the against English sides in recent years but a fi rst- League and there was to be no revenge for the fi ve- back for Benfi ca, but they slumped to a fi rst defeat (ESP) 2 (Arda Turan 65, Pique 74) squad and used several deroga- half brace by Walcott ensured it was a comfortable time European champions, who would have lost by of the season. Also in Group B, Dynamo Kiev came At Glasgow, Scotland: Celtic (SCO) 3 (Dembele 3, 47, tory words to describe him . night for the Gunners. a wider margin had Antoine Griezmann not struck back to draw 1-1 with Besiktas in Istanbul, sub- Sterling 20-og) Manchester City (ENG) 3 (Fernandinho The Bayern winger sued the “We had pace, technical quality and movement. the bar with a late penalty. stitute Viktor Tsygankov cancelling out Ricardo 12, Sterling 28, Nolito 55) journalist and his publisher My only regret is we didn’t take all our chances,” Atletico have maximum points before a double- Quaresma’s opener. Group D Hugo & Cie for damages but the said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. header with Rostov, who claimed their fi rst ever At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) 1 (Carrasco 35) Bayern judge ruled in January that the They are level atop Group A alongside Paris point in the competition in a 2-2 draw with PSV RESULTS Munich (GER) 0 terms had been used “objec- Saint-Germain, who beat Ludogorets 3-1 in Bul- Eindhoven in Russia. All the goals came in the fi rst Group A At Rostov-on-Don, Russia: Rostov (RUS) 2 (Poloz 8, 37) tively” and that the lawsuit was garia. A Natanael free-kick gave Ludogorets the half, with Dmitri Poloz twice having Rostov in At Sofia: Ludogorets (BUL) 1 (Natanael 16) Paris Saint- PSV Eimdhoven (NED) 2 (Proepper 14, De Jong 45+2) “reckless”.

SPOTLIGHT REJUVENATED WALCOTT Atletico hit new heights in latest UNDERLINES RETURN TO FORM London: Snubbed by England for Euro 2016 and sire to improve his game had helped him turn the linked with a summer move away after 10 years corner — so much so that he was given a standing Bayern humbling, says Simeone at Arsenal, Theo Walcott’s career appeared to be ovation by the often critical Arsenal fans when he at a crossroads a couple of months ago. was substituted in the second half. AFP But the 27-year-old has enjoyed a stunning “He assessed where he stands and then recti- Madrid start to the season and was unplayable for 45 fied what he had to add to his game. That’s down minutes on Wednesday, scoring both goals in his to him, 95 % down to him,” Wenger said. “The side’s 2-0 defeat of FC Basel as Arsenal went joint best recommendation is his performances. If you tletico Madrid coach Diego Sime- top of Champions League Group A. take the best English players and you see him one hailed his side’s display as one Debate has often raged about Walcott’s best playing the way he did tonight, it’s diff icult to of the best in his hugely successful position. His repeated desire to play as a main ignore him.” fi ve-year reign in charge as Yan- striker has been undermined by a perceived lack After defeat by Liverpool on the opening day nickA Carrasco infl icted another 1-0 defeat of composure in front of goal — a charge that cost of the season Arsenal are now unbeaten in eight for Bayern Munich at the Vicente Calderon. him his England place. Against Basel he started games in all competitions and are vying with Simeone’s men also beat Bayern at home on the right with a license to roam and was lethal. Paris St Germain to top their group. With back- in April on their way to a second Champions He scored with a rare header the absent to-back matches against Ludogorets to come, he League fi nal in three years. And the Argen- Olivier Giroud would have been proud of after six knows the Gunners have a great opportunity to tine lauded Atletico’s tactical discipline as minutes and then coolly drilled home a precise try and take a stranglehold on top spot — vital to they secured an incredible 15th clean sheet right-foot shot via the post 20 minutes later. Both avoid drawing one of the favourites in the first and 14th win in 18 home Champions League goals came courtesy of Alexis Sanchez, the Chil- knockout round. games under Simeone. ean playmaker who was the fulcrum for Arsenal’s “Not many teams would like to play us, that is “I feel so proud to be the coach of this marauding attack in which Walcott was the star. for sure,” Walcott said. “We cannot get ahead of team,” said Simeone. “I liked everything “I am working hard, enjoying my football,” Wal- ourselves though, we have a lot to do and hope- today. We pressed high, took advantage of cott, who made a brief appearance for England fully the past can change.” spaces on the counter-attack and played versus Slovakia this month, said. “Things are go- Arsenal have lost at the last 16 stage for the with intensity for 90 minutes which is very ing well but this will all be forgotten about really, past six seasons. “We have so much experience diffi cult to do against one of the best teams it is all about the next day.” in the Champions League realise how important in the world. Tactically, the team interpret- His manager Arsene Wenger said Walcott’s de- that top spot is,” Walcott said. ed the game fantastically. It was one of the best performances in my time at Atletico Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco celebrates after scoring a goal in the Champions League Madrid.” Carrasco fi red home the winner against Bayer Munich in Vicente Calderon, Madrid on Wednesday night. (Reuters) Theo Walcott scored both the 10 minutes before half-time after Jan Ob- goals in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over lak had denied Thomas Muller with a stun- for Simeone’s importance in his progression and we did not,” said goalkeeper Manuel Basel in London. (Reuters) ning save early on with Bayern’s best eff ort. since joining from Real Sociedad just over Neuer. “We will have another chance to beat Atletico could even aff ord to see top scorer two years ago. “He has been very important them in Munich.” Antoine Griezmann smash a penalty off the for me because he has made me progress. I Top spot in Group D is likely to come down crossbar seven minutes from time. know I still have a lot to learn from him and I to that meeting between the sides on De- Griezmann has now missed four of six hope to continue like that,” said the French- cember 6 as both won their opening games penalties he has taken for Atletico, includ- man. “It is still frustrating to miss the pen- against FC Rostov and PSV Eindhoven. And ing crucially in defeat to Real Madrid in the alty, but it won’t be the last time I miss a Arjen Robben insists Bayern must fi nd away Champions League fi nal. However, Simeone chance” to counteract the “unpleasant” tactics used insisted the Frenchman will remain on spot- Defeat was Bayern’s fi rst since Carlo An- by Atletico. kick duty. celotti replaced Pep Guardiola in charge “That is a big game for the group phase. “He missed a penalty like (Diego) Mara- after a perfect eight wins from eight before Last season it was a semi-fi nal and you could dona, (Lionel) Messi, (Michel) Platini, Zico, the former Real coach returned to Madrid. see why,” said the Dutch winger. “They have all the best players in the world,” added However, it was a familiar story for Bayern, a very unpleasant team to play against. We Simeone. “He will keep taking them. He has as having been knocked out by Spanish sides started really well. The fi rst 15, 20 minutes incredible personality. He did 1000 things for the past three seasons in the Champions were really good. We were aggressive and tonight that keep putting him amongst the League, they failed to score on Spanish soil had chances, which you have to use in a best forwards in the world.” for the fourth consecutive trip. game like that. We have to learn from this Griezmann replied with glowing words “Atletico showed a killer instinct tonight, and keep going.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, September 30, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Barnsley sack Wenger coy over assistant coach in ‘bung’ claim

England coach links AFP seeking to sell players to the west London London club. In a separate Telegraph video, the former Dutch striker was ‘I’m completely focused on this (Arsenal) club. Nothing will change on that’ hampionship club seen requesting a “nice fi gure” Barnsley said yesterday for a role which the newspaper AFP they had sacked assist- said would involve trips to meet London ant manager Tommy the fi rm in Singapore. In a state- WrightC following the latest al- ment, the 44-year-old said he legations of corruption in Eng- had done nothing untoward. rsenal manager Arsene Wenger lish football, the second victim “I have today, through my has refused to completely rule of a newspaper sting after Sam lawyers, responded in full to the out accepting a potential of- Allardyce. accusations levelled against me fer to take charge of England at Wright was suspended by the by The Telegraph. “I was ap- theA end of the season. Wenger has been second-tier club on Wednesday proached by Mr McGarvey and linked with the England job following the after the Daily Telegraph alleged Ms Newell of The Telegraph Football Association’s decision to part he had accepted a £5,000 “bung”, purporting to be players’ agents. company with Sam Allardyce on Tuesday. or illegal payment, during a se- They off ered me a fee to make a Quizzed on possible England inter- ries of meetings with undercover speech in Singapore. I do not see est after Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions reporters posing as representa- anything unusual in being off ered League win over Basel, Wenger stopped tives of a fake Far East company. to be paid to make a speech. I did short of confi rming he would snub an They had already claimed the not make any promises in return. FA approach. Allardyce’s self-infl icted scalp of Allardyce, who left his I did not ask QPR to purchase any exit after his controversial comments “dream” job on Tuesday as Eng- of the players who were said to be to undercover reporters has left the FA land manager in disgrace, in the managed by Mr McGarvey and searching for a new boss and they have fi rst of a series of damning alle- Ms Newell and did not and would appointed England Under-21 coach Ga- gations to rock English football. not recommend the purchase of reth Southgate as interim manager to buy “A meeting between the club a player for my personal gain. I them time. and Mr Wright was held this deny any accusations of wrong- Southgate will pick the team for Eng- morning, attended by club chief doing on my part.” land’s remaining four matches this year executive Linton Brown,” said a Allardyce’s reign as Eng- and could be persuaded to remain in Barnsley statement. land manager was sensationally charge until the end of the season if there “After considering Mr brought to an abrupt close after was a chance to hire a top-class boss like Wright’s response to allegations just one game following an indis- Wenger. in today’s Daily Telegraph about creet discussion with the under- Wenger, who is this week celebrating breaching FA (Football Associa- cover Telegraph reporters. The 20 years with the Gunners, underlined his tion) rules over player transfers, 61-year-old was secretly fi lmed commitment to Arsenal, but also said his Mr Wright was dismissed. The giving advice on how to circum- future was only tied to the north London- club was unaware of such mat- vent transfer rules and mock- ers until the end of the season. Arsenal Wenger ters or involved in any wrong- ing his England predecessor Roy Asked if he was fl attered to be linked this week will doing. The club will continue Hodgson’s speech impediment. with the job, Wenger said: “Of course, but celebrate 20 years to fully investigate the issues at Allardyce, appointed England my priority has always been this club and with Arsenal. hand and will cooperate with the manager in July on a £3 million- until the end of this season I am here. I’m (Reuters) regulatory authorities as neces- a-year contract, also agreed to completely focused on this club. Nothing sary.” travel to Singapore and Hong will change on that. It (Allardyce leaving) Wednesday also saw Jimmy Kong as an ambassador for their was a huge surprise. Who could have pre- Floyd Hasselbaink, the manager fi ctitious fi rm for £400,000. The dicted that 48 hours ago? Nobody...” of former Premier League club Telegraph has also alleged that Wenger traditionally operates on a QPR, deny Telegraph allegations eight current and former Premier year-to-year basis these days and only he had requested a fee of £55,000 League managers took bribes decides whether he wants to continue as to work for the fi ctitious fi rm during player transfer deals. Arsenal’s manager late in each season. That approach gives a little hope to the FA if they make Wenger their top target and he answered with a nod and a smile when asked if he knew the words to the English national anthem. But for now the Frenchman, who years ago revealed he had once rejected an of- fer to manage England, is fully focused on maintaining Arsenal’s encouraging progress after they extended their un- beaten run to eight games. “That is not decided,” Wenger said of his long-term plans. “I said my priority was always Ar- senal football club. I have to decide how well I do until the end of the season.” this year’s European Championships in Howe said. “I think I have said in many been linked to the England job. But he France at the hands of Iceland. But he interviews that the England job is the ul- insisted he was happy at Selhurst Park. HOWE RULES OUT ENGLAND insisted he wanted to help cement south timate job. It’s all hypothetical of course “Eddie Howe said this morning it was the JOB — FOR NOW coast side Bournemouth’s place in the but I could not turn my back on this club. pinnacle for any Englishman’s career, I Meanwhile, Bournemouth boss Eddie Premier League as he followed United “I want to show loyalty to the people agree with that,” said Pardew. Howe ruled himself out yesterday of re- States coach Jurgen Klinsmann and Crys- who have employed me, the same loyalty “I’m so lucky to have this football club placing Allardyce as England manager, tal Palace manager Alan Pardew in ruling that they showed me. It sounds arrogant where it is right now, the chairman and I although he said the “ultimate job” could himself out of replacing Allardyce. but I am not interested in the (England) have a great relationship. tempt him later in his career. “They (the Football Association) job now, but you never know what will They have shown me great faith and I Howe was linked with the England haven’t come to me and my message is happen in the future.” have a team I have a good feeling about. Barnsley have sacked assistant head coach Tommy Wright after job after Roy Hodgson resigned follow- very similar. I am committed here, I love Pardew, who played alongside South- This football club at this time is where I The Daily Telegraph reported he took a £5,000 payment from ing the team’s embarrassing exit from the job and I have a lot more to do here,” gate for the south London club, has also want to be.” undercover reporters posing as football agents.

ROUND-UP Injured Ramsey forced to sit out Wales’ World Cup qualifi ers

Agencies centre-back had expressed frustration at being ROBBEN WANTS BAYERN Cardiff left out of the squad that started the 2018 quali- EXTENSION: FATHER fying campaign earlier this month with a drab Dutch winger Arjen Robben wants to prolong his 0-0 draw at Belarus and there were suggestions Bayern Munich contract beyond the end of his aron Ramsey (right) was left out of he could opt to represent Spain instead. current deal which expires at the end of this sea- Wales’ 23-man squad for their World Laporte had played for France’s youth and un- son, German football magazine Kicker reported Cup qualifi ers against Austria and der-21 teams. Deschamps, who gives Laporte his yesterday. “Arjen would like to stay but there are Georgia as the Arsenal midfi elder is chance after injuries to Samuel Umtiti and Adil two parties involved in the debate,” the 32-year- yetA to recover from an hamstring injury he sus- Rami, said it had nothing to do with the fear of old’s father and agent Hans Robben said. tained in August, manager Chris Coleman said. losing him to Spain. He explained that Bayern were monitoring Ramsey, who was initially expected to be back “He is someone that we have been follow- the player’s fi tness and form and stated he did mid-September, is likely to make his return af- ing and his time has come,” Deschamps said. “I not know if his son would accept a one-year ex- ter the international break which ends on Oct. chose from the players that were available. It can tension. Having won fi ve league titles and the 14. Wales, who top their qualifi cation group af- happen that there are players injured or unavail- 2013 Champions League since joining Bayern ter they beat Moldova 4-0 earlier this month, able, but at no time would I choose a player for Munich in 2009, injuries have been a feature of will travel to take on Austria on Oct. 6 and then reasons other than what is best for the French Robben’s career and he is just coming back from return to Cardiff City Stadium to face Georgia team.” the latest lay-off with a thigh strain. But with 78 on Oct. 9. “It’s a huge disappointment that we Deschamps recalled captain and goalkeeper goals in 143 starts with the Bavarians, the man won’t have Rambo. For 30% of our campaign Hugo Lloris, who missed the start of the season who starred at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups will now be without our best player,” Coleman, through injury, forwards Nabil Fekir and Kings- and previously helped Real Madrid and Chel- who guided the country to the Euro 2016 semi- ley Coman, defenders Bacary Sagna and Jeremy sea to league titles would attract many suitors fi nals, told reporters. “It’s disappointing he’s Mathieu, and midfi elder Yohan Cabaye. should Bayern let him go. not fi t when we expected him to be fi t. He ex- France squad: pected to be fi t sooner as well so it’s disappoint- Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (Paris SG), Hugo POGBA WANTED BY CHELSEA ing for all of us.” Lloris (Tottenham/ENG), Steve Mandanda (Crystal LAST YEAR, SAYS AGENT Palace/ENG) Manchester United midfi elder Paul Pogba was FIT-AGAIN RONALDO BACK the fi nal 20 minutes of the 2-2 Spanish league Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund/GER); Defenders: Lucas Digne (Barcelona/ESP), Laurent targeted by Jose Mourinho for Chelsea last year IN PORTUGAL SQUAD draw at Las Palmas. Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Sporting), William Car- Koscielny (Arsenal/ENG), Layvin Kurzawa (Paris but was blocked by an agreement between his Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the Portugal Key midfi elders Renato Sanches of Bayern valho (Sporting), Andre Gomes (Barcelona/ESP), SG), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao/ESP), Jeremy agent and Juventus, the Frenchman’s agent squad yesterday after recovering from a knee Munich and Andre Gomes of Barcelona, as well Danilo Pereira (FC Porto), Joao Mario (Inter Milan/ Mathieu (Barcelona/ESP), Bacary Sagna (Manches- Mino Raiola said. injury that wrecked his Euro 2016 fi nal and is as goalkeeper Anthony Lopes (Lyon), all return ITA), Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA), Renato Sanches ter City/ENG), Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Raphael Pogba, who left United for free to join Juven- expected to start in the World Cup qualifi ers after they were forced to pull out of the Switzer- (Bayern/GER) Varane (Real Madrid/ESP) tus in 2012 at the age of 18, returned to Old Traf- against Andorra and the Faroe Islands. land clash with injury. Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), An- Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace/ENG), ford in a world record 105m euro deal earlier this The European champions need the Real Ma- Euro champions Portugal host Andorra on dre Silva (FC Porto), Bernardo Silva (Monaco/FRA), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea/ENG), Blaise Matuidi (Paris summer. But Raiola said: “Paul could have left drid forward to start fi ring immediately after October 7 and travel to the Faroe Islands three Eder (Lille/FRA), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Nani SG), Dimitri Payet (West Ham/ENG), Paul Pogba (Juventus) last year because (Jose) Mourinho - they suff ered a 2-0 away defeat to Switzerland days later. (Valencia/ESP), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas/TUR) (Manchester United/ENG), Moussa Sissoko (Tot- then at Chelsea - really wanted him. But Juven- earlier this month to sit bottom of Group B af- Portugal squad: Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sport- FIRST FRENCH CALL-UP tenham/ENG) tus and I had agreement: win the league title and ter one game. Ronaldo, 31, missed the beginning ing), Anthony Lopes (Lyon/FRA), Marafona (Braga); FOR DEFENDER LAPORTE Attackers: Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich/GER), the Champions League, then he can go.” of the La Liga season after two months out but Defenders: Antunes (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Bruno French coach Didier Deschamps called up Ath- Nabil Fekir (Lyon), Kevin Gameiro (Atletico Madrid/ Juventus claimed a record-equalling fi fth scored minutes after returning to action. Alves (Cagliari/ITA), Cedric Soares (Southamp- letic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte for the ESP), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Tigres/MEX), Antoine consecutive Serie A title last season but their However, he was left fuming last weekend af- ton/ENG), Jose Fonte (Southampton/ENG), Joao fi rst time for tricky World Cup qualifi ers against Griezmann (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Anthony Martial progress in the Champions League was ended at ter Real coach Zinedine Zidane subbed him for Cancelo (Valencia/ESP), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP), Bulgaria and the Netherlands. The 22-year-old (Manchester United/ENG) the quarter-fi nals stage by Bayern Munich. Gulf Times Friday, September 30, 2016 5 SPORT

CYCLING Cycling no longer the black sheep: Tour de France director Paris: With scandal after scandal rocking the world Qatar gears up for Road of sport, cycling is shedding its image as the black sheep because of its changing culture, Tour de France di- rector Christian Prudhomme believes. Long associated with systematic doping, his sport World Championships has been spared such close scrutiny during recent aff airs that have plagued football, ‘We thank all of our venues for their support and hope residents will join us in celebrating this great event’ athletics and the Interna- tional Olympic Committee. “We knew all the cheats and By Sports Reporter the liars on this earth did not Doha Global media set to zero in on UCI Worlds in Doha gather up one day to decide they would be taking up Doha: The world’s print and television media along with those cycling,” Prudhomme told ith just a week to managing social media will descend on Qatar next month when Reuters in an interview as he go, Qatar is gear- the 2016 UCI World Road Championships kick off on October 9. visited some of the stages of ing up for one of Only 10 days remain to the start of the cycling gala that will be the 2017 Tour route, which the most important cynosure of all eyes as the cyclists battle for top honours in vari- will be off icially unveiled on Wroad cycling competitions in the ous categories. October 18. world. In its fi rst-time ever ap- Qatar’s preparation is in full swing under the chairmanship of “Cycling has been cleaning pearance in the Middle East, the Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani, President of the Cycling Federation, up its act. It was not easy 2016 UCI Road World Cham- with expert helping coming from the Local Organising Committee but it has been cleaning up pionships will bring more than (LOC). According to the details released by the LOC, dozens media its act,” he said, adding that a thousand cyclists and many outlets have already registered their personnel for the October sport would never totally rid thousands of fans to Doha, and 9-16 event. itself of doping. more than 500 million televi- The number of registered media has reached 274 out of the 300 “We want sport to be per- sion viewers around the world. seats available to the print media. Around 100 journalists from fect, while society will never The UCI Road World Cham- Qatar will cover the event, off icials said yesterday. This will be be. Society is not full of pionships will be held between the third major sports event to be held in Doha since January saints or full of crooks,” said October 9 and 16 among some 2015 when the Men’s World Handball Championship was held in Prudhomme, who has been of the most iconic locations in Qatar. In October last year, Doha staged the AIBA World Boxing on the Tour job since 2006 the country, including Lusail, Championship. — the year the Operation AspireZone, Qatar Foundation, The Main Media Centre (MMC) is planned at The Pearl. The MMC Puerto blood doping scandal and The Pearl-Qatar. will house 300 journalists at any given point in time. High speed broke. The UCI Road World Cham- Internet is guaranteed to all the visiting and local journalists. He also faced huge doping pionships Doha 2016 are yet an- A large number of international photographers is also expected to controversies in 2007, 2008, other key event for Qatar’s vi- start arriving in Doha next week, the LOC said. and 2010. sion to become a global sporting A series of press conferences have been lined up at the start of the Since then, however, after destination. event and during the course of the championship. cycling became the first HE Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al- The transportation for local and international media has also been sport to implement the Thani, chairman of the UCI planned. The MMC will be off icially opened sometime next week, biological passport — an Road World Championships well before the start of the competitions on October 9. electronic record where a Doha 2016 Organising Commit- Arrangements for live television broadcast have been concluded rider’s doping test results tee, spoke about the importance to provide a service that meets the expectations of the millions of are collated and monitored of the UCI Road World Champi- viewers who will be following the championship on TV screens all — the Tour has been a much onships to Qatar and its venues. over the world. calmer aff air. And the Lance “The UCI Road World Cham- TV Direction for the event will be at a high level that meets the Armstrong scandal, in which pionships is an iconic event in equally high importance of the championship, especially that the the US rider’s seven Tour the sport of road cycling, hav- UCI puts high emphasis on TV coverage to guarantee wide reach victories were erased from ing a mass following around of the event all over the world. records after he admitted the world. We proudly host this doping, has changed the event in Qatar, the fi rst time way the issue is dealt with. it has ever been in the Middle “Until recently, cycling was East. We are inviting the people seen as a closed sport. It is of Qatar to come and enjoy the not any more. People talk,” world’s best cyclists and to sup- said Prudhomme. port our national vision of being Triple champion Chris a world-class sports city. Froome has been heav- “In about one week, there ily scrutinised, and while will be a large contingent of the to alert the public of pending occur during race days at des- rumours have been flying world’s best cyclists competing closures. ignated times found at: www. around, none has been against the backdrop of many of The page also provides use- dohacycling2016.com/traffic. proven. Qatar’s most iconic points of in- ful information such as a hot- Any updates to traffi c will also Even the debate surround- terest. We thank all of our ven- line, the dedicated hashtag for be announced on the hashtag: ing the potential abuse of ues for their gracious support all traffi c-related news, and in- #QATraffi c. Therapeutic Use Exemption and hope residents will join us formation for residents of The Qatar residents are encour- (TUE) by 2012 Tour cham- in celebrating this great event.” The UCI Road World Cham- www.dohacycling2016.com. road closures during race times. Pearl-Qatar, who will have ac- aged to utilise the hashtag to pion Bradley Wiggins did not “Measures have been taken to pionships Doha 2016 will take Being a part of the race comes The Organising Committee is cess to on-island golf cart serv- stay abreast of the latest news faze Prudhomme. cater residents of The Pearl-Qa- place over eight days, with all at no cost, and there will be a working closely with the Min- ices and water taxi shuttles. on traffi c alterations and park- “I’m happy to see that the tar, through a range of conces- roads leading to The Pearl-Qa- dedicated fan zone, including istry of Interior and Lekhwiya to The fi rst traffi c alternations ing options. climate is much less passion- sions such as privileged access tar, giving the world a glimpse for The Pearl-Qatar residents. provide the right balance of cy- will take place at The Pearl- The dedicated web page will ate than it used to be,” he to the races’ spectator viewing of Qatar’s most glamorous des- Due to the nature of the sport, clist safety and road access. Qatar from the night of Mon- also outline schedules and pick- said, adding that the public decks, fan zone at The Pearl- tination. the chosen routes will neces- Furthermore, the UCI Road day, 3rd October until the 20th up/drop-off locations for shut- perception of cycling had Qatar and dedicated residents’ Maps of the venues are avail- sitate alterations to traffi c fl ow World Championships have es- October. These will not be clo- tle buses, water taxis, and on- changed. hub at Doha Exhibition Center.” able on the offi cial website: that will result in temporary tablished a dedicated web page sures. The only closures will island golf carts.

SWIMMING Doha all set to host FINA World Cup 2016

QNA Doha

he Organising Commit- tee of the prestigious FINA airweave Swim- ming World Cup 2016 Thas intensifi ed its managerial and technical arrangements to host the prestigious event in October. The fi nest swimmers from around the world will hit the pool when the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup 2016 be- gins at the Hamad Aquatic Cen- tre in Doha on October 8. After an incredible 2015 sea- son that saw world records tum- ble across the board, Qatar will once again host the world class event. The two-day event will see newly-crowned Olympic cham- pions take to the waters in Doha, following their successes at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Swimming fans young and old alike can expect to see breath taking performances, shattered world records and intense com- petitions over the two days of swimming action. Fans are in for a special treat as FINA Swimming World Cup winners and reigning FINA Swimmers of the Year, Chad Le Clos (RSA) and Katinka Hossz (HUN) will once again compete in Doha. Le Clos battled hard in the Rio Hossz won an incredible three tion a sight to see. home gold in the 50m and 100m records and a championship home the gold medal in a stun- expected to compete as well as 2016 Olympic Games and took gold medals and one silver med- Chad Le Clos recorded amaz- butterfl y, his signature events, as record in the 2014 edition alone. ning 4x100m freestyle relay fi nal 100m breaststroke world record home two silver medals in the al as we all as set a new world ing performances at Hamad well as the 100m freestyle. Other swimming stars that in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. holder Alia Atkinson from Ja- 200m freestyle and 100m but- record and an Olympic record in Aquatic Centre in 2014 and 2015. Katinka also has a storied will head to Doha for the meet World record holder in the maica and former world record terfl y — a result he will defi nitely Rio. These Olympic champions At the FINA Swimming World history in the FINA Swimming are Australians Brittany Elmslie 200m breaststroke Rikke Mller holder Roland Schoeman from be looking to build on in Doha. are sure to make this year’s edi- Cup in August 2014, he took World Cup, and broke two world and Madeline Groves who took Pedersen from Denmark is also South Africa. Gulf Times 6 Friday, September 30, 2016 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Rome’s Olympic bid buried Teixeira’s walk-off AFP services are falling apart for Rome lack of investment. Raggi said on September 21 that her administration was ome’s ill-fated bid to against hosting the Games host the 2024 Olym- because it was too much of a pics was defi nitively fi nancial burden for the debt- buried yesterday when ridden city. “Olympic Games grand slam keeps theR city council voted in favour are a dream which at a certain of the new mayor’s request to point turn into a nightmare,” withdraw support for it. she said. Nearly two thirds of coun- The International Olympic cillors backed mayor Virginia Committee (IOC), which will Raggi’s position that the cash- elect the 2024 host city in Sep- strapped city needs to sort out tember 2017, requires bids to its own problems before it is in be supported by the national NY Yankees alive a position to host the Games. Olympic committee, the cen- Italy’s Olympic committee tral government and local au- had already accepted that the thorities. ‘That was fun, that’s as good as it gets right there’ bid was dead in the water and Late Wednesday, a bid for has said a new attempt to get the 2023 Rugby World Cup the Games was unlikely for at was withdrawn. Italian Rugby By Erik Boland least 20 years. Federation President Alfredo Newsday Raggi, a member of the pop- Gavazzi said it was because ulist Five Star Movement, had it was “strictly connected” made it clear before she was to plans to host the Olympics ark Teixeira fl ipped elected in June that she did not in Rome the following year. his bat after a dra- think the Italian capital should Rome’s withdrawal leaves Bu- matic home run in be bidding for the Olympics at dapest, Los Angeles and Paris Toronto over the a time when its creaking trans- battling for the right to host Mweekend, saying “it might be my port system and other public the 2024 summer games. fi nal home run.” The soon-to-be retiring fi rst baseman was wrong. NHL Teixeira hit a walk-off grand slam Wednesday night off Joe Kelly to send the Yankees to a 5-3 victory over the Red Sox in front Seidenberg signs of a wet and cold crowd of 35,520 at the Stadium. “That was fun, that’s as one-year, $1mn good as it gets right there,” said Teixeira. “I guess if you hit one to win deal with Islanders the World Series it might be just as much fun, but for the kind of By Arthur Staple and can only keep 23 players season we’ve had, we’ve been Newsday on the roster _ and that’s with fi ghting all year ... it shows a lot Ryan Pulock, still on his entry- about our team.” level deal, presumably grab- Many of them were Boston he Islanders bolstered bing a defense spot. It would fans who nonetheless got to cel- their defensive depth seem Snow still has some ebrate an AL East title, clinched by signing veteran maneuvering to do before ros- when the Orioles rallied to beat Dennis Seidenberg ters must be set before the sea- the Blue Jays. Tto a one-year, $1-million deal son begins on October 12. The Yankees (82-76) kept their on Wednesday. Johnny Boychuk, who was very slim playoff hopes alive. Seidenberg, 35, is currently paired frequently with Seiden- The ninth was as dramatic an in- participating in the World berg during the Bruins’ 2010- ning as the Yankees have had all Cup for Team Europe and will 11 Stanley Cup season, has season. report to the Islanders when missed the opening preseason Trailing 3-0, Brett Gardner led the tournament wraps up. He games with an upper-body off against closer Craig Kimbrel spent the last six seasons with injury, but he’s not believed to with a single, the fourth time the Bruins and has also played be in danger of missing signifi - the left fi elder reached base (two for the Flyers, Coyotes, Hur- cant time. singles, two walks). Kimbrel, er- ricanes and Panthers in a 13- Aside from Pulock, the Is- ratic much of the season, walked year NHL career. landers’ only real NHL-ready Jacoby Ellsbury and, with Gary The Islanders had been in depth on defense comes from Sanchez at the plate, threw a discussions with Seidenberg for Scott Mayfi eld, who has played wild pitch to move the runners. several weeks, as were a handful 11 NHL games, and Adam Pe- The rookie catcher, 0-for-3 of other clubs who were hop- lech, who played nine games to that point, walked to load the ing to see the veteran play in the last season. bases for designated hitter Brian World Cup before committing The Islanders returned three McCann. to a deal. The Bruins bought teenage defensemen to their McCann battled 10 pitches, out the remaining two seasons junior clubs on Wednesday: drawing a bases-loaded walk New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira hits a walk off grand slam against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at Yankee of Seidenberg’s, four-year, Parker Wotherspoon (Tri-City, that made it 3-1 and ended Kim- Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports $16-million deal on July 1. Western League), David Quen- brel’s night in favor of right- Seidenberg has averaged neville (Medicine Hat, WHL) hander Joe Kelly, brought in to season and which did nothing He struck out six. Adam Warren The right fi elder swung at a Arizona 3 Washington 0 over 20 minutes a game dur- and Mitchell Vande Sompel face Starlin Castro. The second until the ninth, held to one hit entered in a scoreless tie in the fi rst-pitch slider and chopped (6 innings) ing the World Cup, showing (Oshawa, Ontario League). baseman struck out on three until then. Bryan Mitchell, who eighth. Sandy Leon led off with one over Chase Headley’s head NY Yankees 5 Boston 3 he’s worth the small fi nancial pitches. Then Didi Gregorius missed most of the season with a routine grounder to second at third - it barely landed fair - Pittsburgh 8 Chicago Cubs 4 gamble the Islanders took. fell behind 0-and-2 before foul- a left big toe fracture before be- that Castro booted for an error. for a two-run double that made Baltimore 3 Toronto 2 General manager Garth Snow ing out. Teixeira, playing in his ing reinstated from the DL Au- Dustin Pedroia, robbed twice it 2-0. After Hanley Ramirez was Detroit 6 Cleveland 3 (5 innings) has a long history of ensur- fi nal games before retirement, gust 24, was terrifi c. He allowed on hard-hit balls earlier in the intentionally walked, Joe Girardi NY Mets 5 Miami 2 ing his Islanders teams have a fell behind 0-and-1, then sent a two hits and walked fi ve in seven game, lined one to right-center brought in lefty Tommy Layne to Atlanta 12 Philadelphia 2 seasoned veteran defenseman laser into the Yankees’ bullpen in shutout innings. The 25-year- for a ground-rule double to put face Jackie Bradley Jr. A passed Kansas City 5 Minnesota 2 on the roster in case of injuries right-center to win it. old right-hander struck out two. runners at second and third. ball charged to Sanchez soon fol- Texas 8 Milwaukee 5 and, with precious little expe- A signifi cant reason the Yan- Clay Buchholz, who came in Xander Bogaerts lined out to lowed, allowing Ortiz to score to White Sox 1 Tampa Bay 0 rience at the bottom end of his kees are still likely to miss the 8-10 with a 5.00 ERA _ but 4-0 third and the Yankees intention- make it 3-0. Cincinnati 2 St. Louis 1 defense corps, Snow made the playoff s for the third time in with a 3.09 ERA in his previous ally walked David Ortiz, 0-for-8 LA Angels 8 Oakland 6 move to add Seidenberg. four years is their off ense, which six starts - allowed one hit and to that point in the series, to load RESULTS San Diego 6 LA Dodgers 5 The Islanders now have 24 failed to perform consistently all two walks in six shutout innings. the bases for Mookie Betts. Seattle 12 Houston 4 Colorado 2 San Francisco 0 players on one-way contracts

NFL Bucks’ Parker aims to be heard off the court

By Matt Velazquez sire to become a teacher after his views. He’s heard criticism, espe- er said, noting another reason he anthem protests and the issues Milwaukee Journal Sentinel basketball career in order to help cially on social media, from peo- supports Kaepernick is because surrounding it, and Edens made nurture the next generation and ple saying he should stick to play- Kaepernick was born in Milwau- his thoughts known. guide them to a better future. ing basketball and stay out of the kee. “A guy whose consciousness “My own personal opinion is nside the Milwaukee Bucks “Black Lives Matter and po- social and political discussion. and mentality is to bring a better during the ESPYs when you had locker room, there’s no one lice brutality are issues that are That’s something he won’t do. playing fi eld for coloured people. four of the best players in the quieter than Jabari Park- important to me,” Parker wrote. “It’s defi nitely something I I can’t change the way my skin NBA stand up and talk about the er. During the off season, “But I also need to speak up for took a chance on, but I’m willing is; I have to live with that. issue I couldn’t be more proud to Ithough, the 21-year-old rising my city. Chicago’s kids need to to take that chance to stand up “I just want to support what be associated with the league,” NBA star made a conscious eff ort know that their education mat- for what’s right because I grew he supports and his message is Edens said this week. “It was a to amplify his voice in the name ters, that their lives matter be- up reading Malcolm X, reading something that was heartfelt real shining moment as far as I of social justice and racial equal- cause every day they are more Martin Luther King and I just try with police brutality and even was concerned. ity in light of the recent police- and more at risk of being victims to put myself in their light and with systematic racism. I wasn’t “What I said when I was asked involved shootings of African of gun violence.” try to put myself in their shoes saying that standing up or sitting the question was it’s not a mar- Americans in cities around the Parker also appeared as part because 30 years from now I down or whatever you do during keting issue; it’s an issue. There’s country, including Milwaukee. of a panel on ESPN discussing want to be talked about leading the national anthem is accept- a question of how you address In July, Parker tweeted about athletes, responsibility and vio- ing to help my neighbor, trying er and other notable basketball the next civil rights movement,” able, but what’s more important that and what’s the best way to not feeling safe around police of- lence, saying it was part of his to help my community because players from Chicago, includ- Parker said. is the message that he brought.” make that a position of aware- fi cers anymore and against the duty as a high-profi le athlete to honestly if I don’t stand up for ing Shawn Marion and Houston One such instance where he Protests during the national ness, and there are lots of opin- “All Lives Matter” rhetoric he speak out against illegal activity something I know nobody else Rockets guard Patrick Beverley. received blowback came when anthem have been a topic of dis- ions about that, but the issue’s believes often contradicts itself. and injustice. will,” said Parker, whom the He called that event the most he posted a photo of himself on cussion around the NBA as the a real issue. It’s something to be In August, he wrote an essay While at times he can be Bucks drafted in 2014 out of rewarding thing he did over the Instagram earlier this month new season approaches. The addressed. With the team, it can for the Players Tribune about his reticent to talk to the media in Duke with the No. 2 overall pick summer. wearing a Colin Kaepernick jer- NBA, unlike the NFL, has a pol- be addressed in the community upbringing on the south side of basketball settings, Parker said in the NBA. “That can make a lot of diff er- sey. In that post, he wrote that icy that players are to stand dur- and that’s what I’m really fo- Chicago. He detailed how crime, at Bucks media day this week “It’s part of my responsibility ence,” Parker said. “(It’s) three he had Kaepernick’s back. Parker ing the national anthem and has cused on.” gangs and gun violence were an that speaking out this summer to come back and create aware- hours away from the streets. I said that his post didn’t mean he not changed its stance. Bucks general manager John everyday part of life. Over the wasn’t a challenge. It’s some- ness and create change.” just wanted to do my role, do would follow the San Francisco Bucks owner Wes Edens is Hammond added this week that years, those issues have become thing he said he’s done at some Parker took action this sum- what I know to do and that’s to 49ers quarterback’s lead and take part of a group of owners that are he respects the NBA’s anthem worse in many areas of Chicago, level since high school and feels mer to back up his words. On play basketball and that’s what a knee during the anthem, but dealing with the players associa- protocol but also supports his with thousands of people shot strongly about continuing now August 26, he hosted Pickup I’m going to do for a long time.” that he supported the reasons tion on the upcoming collective players and the issues that aff ect and killed every year. that he has a larger platform as a for Peace at Quest MultiSport Though the decision to add behind Kaepernick’s protest. bargaining agreement discus- them individually. He said the He also wrote about instinc- professional athlete. in Chicago, an event featuring his voice to the discussion was a “What I was trying to point sions. Last week, the league team has already discussed those tively diving to the ground when “It’s been easy as me being a some Chicago AAU teams, as simple one, Parker noted he has out was I support a guy who asked that group for their opin- issues and will continue to do so he heard loud noises and his de- pro trying to create change, try- well as a pickup game with Park- received backlash for sharing his stands up for what’s right,” Park- ions on the subject of the recent and he supports that process. Gulf Times Friday, September 30, 2016 7 SPORT

FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES TENNIS ‘Confi dent’ Halep Five Overdrive books place in WTA Finals AFP Hiluxes for Rally Wuhan, China

While al-Attiyah has sealed orld number fi ve Simona Halep downed Madison the title, preparations are Keys in the quarter-fi nals of the Wuhan Open yes- on for 2017 Dakar Rally Wterday to book her place in the elite of Morocco season-end WTA Finals for the third consecutive year. Agencies events for the next couple of seasons Big serving Keys took an early lead in Agadir, Morocco and went on to fi nish fourth overall in the fi rst set, breaking the Romanian’s the 2013 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. serve twice, but was unable to maintain The following year he fi nished third the momentum as Halep equalled and verdrive Racing begins the overall in Morocco and Egypt, sixth then took the set 6-4. countdown to its prepara- in Abu Dhabi and 27th on the Dakar, Halep — who turned 25 this week tions for the 2017 Dakar before tackling a full campaign of — dropped just two games to take the Rally by entering fi ve Toyota cross-country rallies in 2015 that net- second set and confi rm her place in OHiluxes and a powerful driver line-up ted a fi ne fourth on the Dakar, third in the eight-player season fi nale in Sin- in next week’s OiLibya Rally of Mo- Abu Dhabi, fi fth in Baja Russia, sixth gapore. rocco, the eighth and penultimate in Spain, seventh in Egypt and 17th in Only world number one Angelique round of the FIA World Cup for Cross- Morocco. This season he fi nished 13th Kerber and Serena Williams have so far Country Rallies. The event starts in at the Dakar and fi fth in Baja Poland qualifi ed for the highly lucrative tour- Agadir on Sunday, October 2 and fi n- before joining Overdrive Racing in nament, and the fi eld remains wide ishes at Erfoud on Friday, October 7. September. open for the remaining fi ve spots. Heading the impressive team line- Frenchman Ronan Chabot and his “It’s amazing to be qualifi ed again up on one of the most demanding navigator Gilles Pillot retired from the for Singapore three years in a row. It’s rounds of the cross-country calendar recent Baja Poland after an accident and a good thing. It gives me confi dence,” are three-time FIA World Cup cham- crew the fourth Toyota in North Africa. Halep told reporters after the quarter- at the top. pion and two-time Dakar winner Khalifa al-Attiyah and Belgian co-driver fi nal match. “Every Grand Slam was another Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and the two- Stéphane Prevot occupy the fi fth car In a similar style to Kerber, Halep winner, Kerber two times this year. I time Dakar-winning Spaniard Joan with support from the Qatar Motor and plays off the strength of big hitters like feel now (it) is more open. I feel that I Roma. Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). Williams and Keys, who is often cast as have (a) bigger chance,” said the Roma- Dutchman Erik van Loon joins “Obviously the regulations for the the American veteran’s successor. nian, who ended last season as world Overdrive Racing for the fi rst time to Dakar and the FIA World Cup events “She can hit very strong. She can number two but is yet to win a Slam. make his debut in a Toyota Hilux and are diff erent, but the Rally of Morocco miss some easy balls,” the Romanian Halep will meet two-time Wim- Frenchman Ronan Chabot and al-At- is a very useful exercise nonetheless said of her quarter fi nal opponent. bledon champion Petra Kvitova in the tiyah’s brother Khalifa complete the and a great opportunity for the driv- “I don’t (have) big shots, but I have semi-fi nals after she ended a strong fi ve-car challenge. ers to get more competitive kilometres speed on the court... I like to take the run by Briton Johanna Konta in straight Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and his under their belts and spend more time ball fast. So when I do that, I think I can sets. French navigator Matthieu Baumel in the Toyota Hilux,” said Overdrive play at the highest level,” she added. Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova clinched a third FIA World Cup title Racing’s CEO Jean-Marc Fortin. With Williams having taken only one squashed Agnieszka Radwanska’s hopes and a fi rst for Toyota and Overdrive “We have just fi nished four days Grand Slam title this year and slipped of qualifying for Singapore this week Racing in Poland last month. While of testing in Morocco with Nani and from her long-held number one spot when she came from a set down to set up the pressure is off the Qatari to push Nasser and that has put us in good in the rankings, Halep said earlier this a semi-fi nal meet with either Dominika for championship points on the de- Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah has won the FIA World Cup but now he heads to Mo- stead for the challenges that lie ahead. week that she feels she now has a shot Cibulkova or Barbora Strycova. manding Moroccan desert stages, the rocco with Overdrive Racing to continue Dakar preparations. Morocco is always a demanding rally. Doha driver is keen to round off his FIA Last year, we had a few cars in the top World Cup season in winning style and on his home Baja Spain Aragón in July. engined South African-built Toyota. 10 and we were competitive. This year, further develop the Toyota Hilux in A winner of the Dakar on a motorcy- Van Loon joins to drive the third we have a Marathon day and that will Berdych wins to advance in Shenzhen readiness for the Dakar in January. He cle in 2004 and in a car in 2014, Roma Toyota in Morocco alongside naviga- not be easy on the tyres and the cars. is also chasing a Moroccan hat-trick, is looking forward to the challenge of tor Wouter Rosegaar. Van Loon burst “There is strong competition from Top seed and world number 9 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic battled having won the event with Baumel in competing at the Dakar with his new on to the rallying scene in saloon-type the Peugeots and several Minis, but we Mikhail Kukushkin to prevail 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) and advance at the Shenzhen 2014 and 2015. team and senses the importance of events in 2008 and then tackled the are looking forward to the rally. I also Open yesterday. The 31-year-old Czech blasted 16 aces to overpower his Roma will be competing with the tackling as many kilometres as pos- Dakar for the fi rst time the following extend a warm welcome to Erik van Kazakh opponent in two sets and secure his quarter-final berth. Fourth-seed team for the second time, having sible in Morocco and further acclima- year. He continued to combine spe- Loon. We are happy to welcome him Bernard Tomic of Australia won a two-hour duel with American qualifier Ryan teamed up with navigator Alex Haro tising to the traits of the powerful V8- cial stage rallying with cross-country into the team at Overdrive Racing.” Harrison, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. The 23-year-old right hander hit only 10 aces to Har- rison’s 20, but held off the American’s challenge, saving three break points to book a clash with Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci in the quarter finals. It was their CRICKET UPDATE second head-to-head clash in an ATP competition, with Tomic winning their last meeting in 2012. For his part the 28-year-old Bellucci notched a two-set victory over Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano, knocking down 13 aces to the Italian’s five, to advance to the quarter finals. England’s Anderson, Wood Starc says leg Kyrgios falls in Chengdu upset ruled out of Bangladesh tour slashed to bone in Second seed and world number 15 Nick Kyrgios went down at the Chengdu Open yesterday, as South African Kevin Anderson saved two match points AFP in an upset 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-2. The 203 cm (6’8”) 30-year-old South African London grisly accident smashed 24 aces in the three-set duel, battling back from an early loss to win a place in the quarter-finals against sixth seed Viktor Troicki. Anderson AFP training accident that should has a 2-1 record in head-to-head play against the Serbian, who wore down an ngland bowlers James Anderson Sydney have been avoided,” Starc exhausted Marcos Baghdatis 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, dispatching the Cypriot to earn his and Mark Wood have been ruled out told Cricket Australia’s offi - sixth trip to the ATP World Tour quarter-finals of the season. Former Austral- of next month’s tour of Bangladesh cial website yesterday. ian Open finalist Baghdatis had fought an epic three-hour contest with Span- due to injury, the England and Wales ustralian fast bowler “We were doing high iard Pablo Carreno Busta the day before. Fifth seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas took CricketE Board confi rmed yesterday. Mitchell Starc said catching out of a ball machine two-and-a-half hours to overcome 33-year-old Yen-Hsun Lu of Taiwan, who Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test he could see all the and unfortunately I slid into took him to three sets, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-4. Lu had more aces than the Spaniard wicket-taker, has not played since the fourth tober 20, with England having two two-day way to the bone as the metal plate at the base of and a higher percentage of break points saved, but Ramos-Vinolas edged him Test loss to Pakistan in August because of a warm-up games ahead of the match. heA detailed the gruesome ex- the stumps. In the process it on the percentage of second-serve points won (53 percent). shoulder injury. The opening Test of the India tour is due to tent of his leg lacerations after took some large chunks out of Durham seamer Wood, 26, has been having begin in Rajkot on November 9. a freak training accident. my leg and needed about 30- Stan-destroyer Zverev set for Hopman Cup treatment for an ankle injury. Stand-in one-day captain Jos Buttler, Starc, 26, suff ered deep 35 stitches.” England play three one-day internation- deputising after Eoin Morgan opted out of the cuts after colliding with train- Starc — who took the Rising German star Alexander Zverev, fresh from conquering US Open cham- als and two Tests on the tour, for which they Bangladesh tour on security ground, told Sky ing equipment at a Sydney catch, despite the collision pion Stan Wawrinka, will play for Germany in the mixed-teams Hopman Cup were scheduled to leave yesterday. Sports on Thursday: “It’s a worry for the two ground earlier this month and — was cleared of any struc- in Perth in January, organisers said yesterday. The 19-year-old, ranked 24 and Nottinghamshire’s Jake Ball, originally guys, it’s immensely frustrating for them.” needed nearly three dozen tural knee damage and has dubbed by Wawrinka as the “future of tennis”, upset the Swiss world number named in just the ODI squad for Bangladesh, “Mark has been struggling with a few in- stitches to his left leg. been wearing a restrictive three to win his first AFP title at St. Petersburg last weekend. Zverev, who be- has now been given the nod to stay on for the juries and we all know what a talent he is and The left-arm pace spear- leg brace during his recovery. came the youngest player to win a professional title since Marin Cilic in 2008, second half of the tour. how vital he is to England to be on the park. It head sustained two gashes His fi rst target is to play will partner Andrea Petkovic in the German team for the January 1-7 event. Middlesex’s Steven Finn has been added to will be a big loss for us.” just below his knee and was for New South Wales in their “It’s a great event. Having Hopman Cup as the first event of the year for many the ODI squad and England’s selectors will “James Anderson is obviously the premier rushed to hospital where he opening Sheffi eld Shield players is something very good,” Zverev said. “It is perfect preparation for consider a further replacement for the Test fast bowler in English cricket.” underwent surgery to repair match against, starting on the Australian Open. You play in similar conditions, you have a great stadium squad at a later date. “Fingers crossed those two can get back on the damage. October 25 under lights at court which is very nice and playing for your country in the first event of the The fi rst Test begins in Chittagong on Oc- the park as soon as possible.” “Unfortunately, it was a Brisbane’s Gabba ground. year is something very special.” Roger Federer, who is skipping the latter part of this year with injury, has already been confirmed for the tournament, partnering fellow Swiss Belinda Bencic. BOTTOMLINE Wawrinka withdraws from Tokyo

Defending champion Stan Wawrinka dealt a blow to next week’s Japan Open as the recent US Open winner withdrew yesterday with a back injury. Former top 10 player Verdasco visits Doha Wawrinka’s pullout was the second shock to Japan’s showcase ATP event after Olympic silver medallist Juan Martin Del Potro announced last week that By Sports Reporter singles ranking was seven, he would not be playing. The absences clear the way for national tennis hero Doha participated in the train- Kei Nishikori to bid for his third home title. The world number five won the ing sessions of grassroots trophy at the Ariake Colosseum in 2011 and 2014. Wawrinka won the Tokyo players — under 8, 9 and 10 title a year ago over Frenchman Benoit Paire. The Swiss is due to play from panish tennis player years old — before moving October 9 at the Shanghai Masters, which is already missing world number Fernando Verdasco to the mini tennis courts to one Novak Djokovic due to an elbow injury. participated in the encourage the young players training sessions of to be professional stars. playersS of Qatar national He stressed that he has Kerber to start 2017 in Brisbane tennis teams in Doha on strong ties of friendship Wednesday. with the QTF offi cials under World number one and two-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber The 32-year-old made a the leadership of Nasser bin will return to the Brisbane International to launch her 2017 tour campaign, stop in Doha before heading Ghanim al-Khelaifi and Qa- tournament organisers said yesterday. The German ended the 186-week reign to ATP tournaments in To- tar ExxonMobil Open direc- of Serena Williams at the top of the WTA rankings following victory in the US kyo and Shanghai. tor Karim Alami. Open earlier this month. Kerber was runner-up to Victoria Azarenka in the last During his visit to the Qa- The Spaniard lauded Qa- Brisbane event on the way to her maiden Grand Slam win at the Australian tar Tennis Federation (QTF) tari facilities and the coun- Open in January. “For me, Brisbane kick-started the best season of my career headquarters, Verdasco was try’s commitment to invest this year,” Kerber said. “You have to play tournaments that will prepare you accompanied by QTF Na- in sport in general and ten- for the big moments, which for me, was winning the Australian Open and tional Teams Committee nis in particular. He also going on to be the number one player in the world.” Kerber will be joined in deputy head Ibrahim al- urged the Qatari players the Brisbane women’s draw by world number three and reigning French Open Khelaifi and QTF Technical to benefi t from the infra- champion Garbine Muguruza. The Brisbane International takes place from secretary Wahid Alioua. structures available in their January 1-8. Verdasco, whose highest country.

Friday, September 30, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Maolie fetches 260,000 euros at Arqana sale

By Satya Rath Djesireh) cost them 50,000 euros and was the Paris only one they successfully bid after being in- volved in the bidding of at least a dozen others. “She’s young, looks racy and has a fantastic aolie, a two-year-old fi lly from pedigree,” the Qatari stud farm’s young man- the Mandore Stud Farm in south- ager and trainer Mohannad al-Yaqout told Gulf west France, fetched the highest Times. “We believe we went by good advice bid of 260,000 euros at the Ara- and think we have got a fi lly of her class for a Mbian Purebred Auction, organised by Arqana really good price. She’s of top quality and we and Association Francaise du Arabe de Course are confi dent she will prove to be a class part (AFAC) at the Saint Cloud racecourse here yes- on the course in the days to come. We are also terday. looking at a breeding future with her.” The progeny of Mahabb and Mendra was The other big buyers of the day were the lo- bought by the UAE-based Emirates Blood cal Chantilly Bloodstock Agency who bought Stock, who were the biggest spenders of the 10 horses, eight colts and two fi llies, for a total annual auction with as many as six buys for a spend of 464,000 euros. total cost of 838,000 euros. Among the top stallions of the evening were Stelah, also from the same French stable, Munjiz, who sired as many as 11 horses sold fetched the next-best price of 200,000 euros. on the day for a total aggregate collection of Qatar’s Al Shahania Stud bought the fi lly, sired 939,000 euros, followed by Mahabb, whose by Mahabb, and out of Frasouitha. The Qatari fi ve progenies, including the top picks Maolie stud fi rm also bought Mizabelle (Munjiz-Dje- and Stelah, fetched 676,000 euros. sabelle) for the fourth highest bid of the day at With as many as 75 horses sold out of 116 on 170,000 euros for a total spend of 370,000 euros. Al Shahania Stud director Abdul Rahman al-Mansour (left), manager Alexandra Newman (right) off er yesterday, it’s the second highest turna- It was a ladies’ day out at the auction as and trainer Julian Smart (second from left) at the auction. round for the Arqana Purebred Arabian action, the top six calls were all for fi llies. While Her- after the 2007 record of 3,209,000 euros. With rmin (Munjiz-Djesabelle) and Saida De Mon- not just looking at them from the racing per- “Mizabelle too has amazing pedigree. Our aim an aggregate of 3,158,000 euros, the sale did lau (Munjiz-Salalah De Monlau) both went spective, we are also looking at the breeding today was not just to spend judiciously, but better than last year’s 2,457,000 euros. for 180,000 euros, Munowra (Munjiz-Jade prospect in the future. Stelah is a beautiful also look at how we can best exploit their po- The sale, which is held every year on the Stelah makes the rounds at Arqana Purebred Des Pins) was sold for 150,000 euros, all three horse, with a perfect pedigree, and physically tential in the future. I strongly believe we have Thursday preceding the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Arabian Sale at the Saint Cloud racecourse bought by Emirates Blood Stock, who were on very strong. We feel we have spent wisely and achieved our purpose with these buys,” New- Triomphe weekend, is the only auction in Eu- yesterday. The filly was bought for 200,000 a spending spree. hope to have a good future with her,” Newman man added. rope entirely dedicated to Purebred Arabians euros, the second highest bid at the auction, by Al Shahania manager Alexandra Newman told Gulf Times. Al Jeryan Stud were the only other Qatari fi rm and includes horses of all ages from the best Qatar’s Al Shahania Stud. PICTURES: Juhaim sounded happy with their two buys. “We are She had similar words for their other buy. to feature among the buyers. Dahab (Mahabb- French families.

CRICKET / IND VS NZ, 2ND TEST FOCUS Kohli shrugs off Pakistan, Windies launch WCup fi ght rankings pressure AFP fi ve-match series in Australia low totals of 115, 144 and 103 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates early next year but West Indies the Twenty20 series. will be hard pressed to play Eng- They have leg-spinner Yasir land and India before the cut-off Shah and two left-arm spinners ormer champions Paki- date. — Imad Wasim and Mohamed stan and the West Indies Both Pakistan and the West Nawaz plus allrounder Shoaib for N Zealand Test start a narrow two-way Indies have varied problems in Malik to launch the assault. fi ght for an automatic the 50-over game. West Indies had shown re- placeF in the 2019 Cricket World Pakistan, ranked number one cent form, having beaten South ‘Number one doesn’t matter for us because it is temporary’ Cup in a three-match one-day in Test cricket, have slumped in Africa twice and world number series starting in Sharjah today. one-day and are coming on the one Australia once in a tri-series Pakistan, the 1992 champi- back of a 4-1 bashing in England, on home grounds in June before ons, need to win the series 3-0 to a defeat which almost cost Azhar losing the fi nal to Steve Smith’s rise one place from ninth while Ali the captaincy, but he fi nally team. their opponents — champions in survived. Shockingly, they sacked their the fi rst two World Cups in 1975 successful coach Phil Simmons a and 1979 — need to avoid a clean ‘IMPORTANT STEP’ week before the start of this tour, sweep to maintain their current Ali hopes his players take the which evidently aff ected their eighth spot. confi dence of their win in the performance in the T20 series. Hosts England and the seven fi nal one-day against England at Still, captain Jason Holder put highest-ranked sides in the one- Cardiff and a 3-0 whitewash of on a brave face. “In the ODI se- day rankings on September 30 the West Indies in the preceding ries we want to improve, we had next year will qualify directly for Twenty20 series which ended on a very good last Tri series with the World Cup. Tuesday. Australia and South Africa so it The bottom four teams in the “Yes, it will be great if we take is important we keep improving,” standings will be joined by six that form into the series and that said Holder. Associate sides in a 10-team will not only help us in improv- West Indies will again be with- qualifying round in 2018 from ing our rankings but also take the out dashing opener Chris Gayle, where two teams will qualify. important step towards the 2019 who is unavailable for the tour, Both Pakistan and the West World Cup,” said Ali. and Andre Russell, missing due Indies will also play in three one- Pakistan will once again look to an anti-doping hearing. day matches in the Caribbean to exploit their opponents weak- The second match will also be in next March. ness against the spin, which saw Sharjah on Sunday followed by the Pakistan also have a tough them restrict the West Indies to third in Abu Dhabi on October 5.

India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) dives to take a catch as Rohit Sharma (second from left), Shikhar Dhawan and Gautam Gambhir (right) look on during a training session in Kolkata yesterday. The second Test between India and New Zealand starts in Kolkata today. (AFP)

AFP Kolkata NZ captain hit by bug ahead of India Test New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson Williamson’s 124-run second-wicket part- kipper Virat Kohli shrugged off pres- missed training yesterday after being hit nership with Latham in the first innings sure yesterday for India to regain the by a bug, raising concerns over his fitness was a bright spot for the visitors, who had top spot in the world rankings, say- for the second Test against India. their moments in the game. ing he’s not interested in numbers, Teammate Tom Latham said the Black Caps Luke Ronchi and Mitchell Santner also aheadS of the second Test against New Zea- were hoping the talismanic batsman would hit fighting half-centuries in the second land. be fully recovered for the first day today as innings and Latham said a little more After securing a comprehensive 197-run the tourists fight to save the series. consistency could reap dividends. victory against New Zealand in the fi rst Test, “Kane is a little bit crook (sick) today so he “Nothing really changes too much (from India could regain the number one position won’t be training. Hopefully he’ll be fine Kanpur). You have to do all the cliche if they win the second Test starting in Kolk- to go tomorrow,” Latham told reporters. things you need to do at the start of an ata today and clinch the three-match series. “There is no discomfort, he is just down with innings,” he said. “We weren’t too far But Kohli said he was not motivated by a bug. Nothing too major, he is just resting away in the first test. As Hess (coach Mike records, despite India being just one point up and getting right for tomorrow.” Hesson) has alluded to, we just need to do Pakistan won all three Twenty20 internationals they played against West Indies recently. (AFP) behind archrivals Pakistan in the Interna- New Zealand need a win at Eden Gardens things for a little bit longer. If we can do tional Cricket Council Test rankings. to square the three-match series at 1-1 after that with bat and ball it will a good chance “Number one doesn’t matter for us be- they lost the first Test in Kanpur by 197 runs. in this match.” cause it is temporary,” the skipper told re- Bangladesh recall spinner Mosharraf for Afghan ODI porters. “If you get attached to these things then you get upset you are not able to do it. Spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and duce it in future,” Kohli said AFP series, after losing a thrilling Rubel, who returned to the It’s better to observe from far on things that Ravindra Jadeja bowled India to victory on “Those things I can’t say yes or no sitting Dhaka opening match days earlier by side after a long injury lay-off , are not directly in our control.” Monday in Kanpur, but Kolkata’s iconic here. We have discussed. We have had meet- seven runs. conceded 62 runs in nine overs India toppled Australia at the top of the Eden Gardens is not expected to off er as ings about it. There are some areas (that) Mosharraf, who played the last for one wicket in the first match rankings after their recent series win against much spin. can be debated, especially ball tracking and angladesh yesterday of his three three ODIs back and was given just three overs the West Indies, only to be leapfrogged by “The surface is pretty nice, it has a lit- hawk eye.” recalled left-arm spinner in 2008, replaces pace bowler in the second one. Pakistan. India are now hopeful of returning tle bit of grass covering. It should be a good New Zealand opener Tom Latham wel- BMosharraf Hossain for Rubel Hossain for the decider Afghanistan have proved tena- to number one before Pakistan play three wicket to bat on,” said Kohli, who had a dis- comed the apparent change of stance from In- the crucial final one-day inter- on Saturday in Dhaka. cious opponents against the Tests against the Windies in October and appointing time at the crease in Kanpur. dia, saying the system reduced human errors. national against Afghanistan as “We have seen Afghanistan were more fancied Bangladesh. November. Kohli also said India would probably in- “We’ve had it in the past back home and it is they seek to clinch the series struggling to play spin bowling The Afghanistan series was Kohli was noncommittal about whether troduce the Decision Review System (DRS) a good system that tends to work. It gets rid of locked at 1-1. in the first two matches. So we’ve hastily arranged to give Bang- Gautam Gambhir would play in Kolkata af- after India’s cricket board appeared to sof- that decision that probably isn’t out or is out, Afghanistan pulled off a two- decided to include Mosharraf for ladesh some cricket ahead of ter he was spotted in the nets late yesterday, ten its opposition to the umpiring system if that major decision that is called incorrectly.” wicket victory against Bangla- the third match,” said chief selec- a more serious engagement following the veteran opener’s inclusion in some changes were introduced. “We enjoy it back home if (India started desh on Wednesday to level the tor Minhajul Abedin. against England in October. the squad after a two-year absence. “We will certainly look to probably intro- using it) that’d be great,” Latham said.