SPORT Tuesday 11 September 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 27 Djokovic wins third France, Spain US Open, equals dominate FIFPro Sampras’ record World XI nominations

Qatari players in Indian football set for action during a training session in Doha. ‘phenomenal’ growth

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Indian football is set for ‘phenomenal’ growth both on and off the field and a day is not far when an Indian will be playing in one of the top leagues of the world, Delhi Dynamos’ owner Dr Anil Sharma said yesterday. Delhi Dynamos’ owner Speaking at a dinner co- Dr Anil Sharma speaks hosted by Aspire Academy at a dinner co-hosted in Qatar, Sharma said: by Aspire Academy at “Indian players are talented. Torch Hotel in Doha. Qatar look to continue With the help of foreign coaches and leading acad- emies like Aspire, in the next 5 years more than one player will play in a major foreign winning momentum league of the world. Imagine what happens to Indian RIZWAN REHMAT football at that time. The THE PENINSULA QATAR SQUAD Karim Hassan ran well as did star jump in Indian audiences striker Hassan Al Haydos at the will be absolutely Meshal Barshm (goalkeeper), Pedro Miguel, Sa- air conditioned Khalifa Interna- extraordinary.” DOHA: Qatar will be looking for lem Al Hajri, Tarek Salman, Abdul Karim Hassan, tional Stadium. The event hosted by their second successive win this Boualem Khoukhi, Hashim Ali, Hassan Al Haydos The coach will be hoping fin- Delhi Dynamos - an Indian Qatar and the Arab region. growth is projected in the week when they host Palestine in and Akram Afif (Al Sadd). Bassam Hisham Al ishing touches would be better Super League (ISL) club at The Indian-born US next five years. an international friendly today. Rawi, Sultan Al-Barik, Asim Madibo, Abdullah applied today after watching the Torch Hotel, was an citizen, former university “I know what I say The match will be played at Abdul Salam Al Ahraq, Abdulrahman Fahmi, Al- Abdul Aziz Hatem missed a opportunity for the visitors professor-turned busi- sounds unbelievable exagger- the Khalifa International Stadium moez Ali (Al Duhail), Yousuf Hassan (goalkeeper), number of chances to score in the to meet, interact and nessman, was addressing a ation, but when you look where Qatar - coached by Felix Mahdi Ali, Abdul Aziz Hatem and Ahmad Alaa, second half against China. network while forming and meeting which was attended back at the history of sports Sanchez - beat China in another Hamad Al Obeidi and Abdul Karim Salim Al Ali (Al However, a win over China creating new relationships by the Indian Ambassador to and nations, the uniqueness game three days ago. Sailiya) Mohammed Alaa (Al Rayyan) Ahmed would have boosted the overall with key stakeholders in Qatar P Kumaran, Ivan of sports in India and

The Qatar Football Associ- Fathi (Arab) Ahmed Moeen (Qatar) Mohammed morale of the side getting ready Bravo, Director General of compare it with the emerging ation (QFA) lined up a series of Bakri (goalkeeper) (Al Khor). for the region’s top national team Aspire Academy and a large technologies in the delivery friendlies for the national side as event. Today’s friendly will kick of Indian businessmen, of sports, the passion that they prep up for the 2019 Asian off at 7:00pm. besides the team members sports ignites and moving Cup campaign. historic title win in Basra, Iraq, in Palestine team has already Indian players are of the Delhi Dynamos. from one main sport of The continent’s premier March. Qatar, under coach landed in Doha and trained at The potential for growth cricket to global sports like national team event will be held Sanchez, spent a couple of weeks Aspire Academy ahead of today’s talented. With the of football in India is phe- football, the growth pro- in the UAE from January 5 to Feb- in Austria in July when the team friendly. Palestine are coming help of foreign nomenal, he added. jection makes sense. Once we ruary 1. Sanchez today will be also featured in a couple of fresh from a friendly against coaches and “About 175 million reach this tipping point, looking towards his strikers to friendlies. Kyrgyzstan. leading academies people watched the ISL last which we predict in the next exhibit goal-scoring form. Sanchez looked busy in the Qatar will play two more year. As a country of few 5 years, the sky is the limit,” Young gun Almoez Ali on game against China as the team friendly matches in October, like Aspire, in the sports which has been dom- he said. Friday scored the only goal of the welcomed back forward Boualem against Ecuador on 12th in Doha next 5 years more inated by the IPL and cricket, The Delhi Dynamos team match as Qatar beat China 1-0 Khoukhi after a lengthy absence. and Uzbekistan four days later in than one player Indian youth are gravitating is in Doha for their pre-season under lights at the Khalifa Inter- The Spaniard today is expected to Tashkent. In the 2019 Asian Cup, will play in a major towards football. In fact, I training which ends on Sep- national Stadium. The win over include defender Karim Boudiaf Qatar will be playing against believe that the opportunity tember 19. The team is set to China was Qatar’s first official coming off an injury layoff. Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North foreign league of for growth of football will be play a couple of friendly match following the team’s On Friday, winger Abdul Korea in Group E. the world: Dr Anil a phenomenon of historic matches against Qatari clubs Sharma proportions.” as they prepare for the fifth Sharma said more season of the ISL.

Qatar will stage dazzling FIG Worlds, says Al Hitmi

THE PENINSULA versions because it will witness Ali Al Hitmi On requests from partici- the participation of 85 countries pating countries to set up camps DOHA: Looking to host a memo- with an unprecedented number in Doha ahead of the event,” he rable event, the Organising of athletes but we are ready for said: “Yes, we have already Committee for the 48th FIG The tournament is this challenge and to reach the received requests from some World Artistic Gymnastics very different from success level we look forward countries such as China and Championships Qatar 2018 is the previous versions to,” he added. Brazil, and other countries, putting its best foot forward to because it will witness Al Hitmi was confident that seeking acclimatise and to adapt host the competition to be staged Qatar will be ready for the event to the time difference. We have in Doha from October 25 to the participation of that will see participation of the agreed for their early arrivals November 3 at Aspire Dome. 85 countries with largest number of competitors. and we have confirmed our Ali Al Hitmi, the Executive an unprecedented “We have a strategy that readiness to receive them.” On Director of the Organising Com- number of athletes suits this large number of par- the aspirations of the Qatari mittee and Tournament Manager ticipants and we are convinced champions who will be keen to in an extensive briefing revealed but we are ready for that whoever will participate rub shoulders with world stars details of the preparations this challenge and and whoever will see this tour- under Aspire Dome,” Al Hitmi underway, which also confirms to reach the success nament over two weeks will find said: “Our goal is to see that one that the committee’s aims to level we look forward tremendous national capabil- of our players makes it to the deliver a dazzling event. ities.” He also hoped that the finals. That will be an On the challenge and read- to: Ali Al Hitmi mega event will benefit Qatar ‘in achievement because the tour- iness of hosting the 48th World the time of crisis’. nament will witness the Artistic Gymnastics Champion- edition is an honourable dem- “Attention of all participating “The indicators also confirm Al Hitmi said the organisers presence of top gymnasts of the ships Qatar 2018, Al Hitmi said: onstration that confirms that countries from all over the world that the presence will be strong will not struggle to accom- world. Our gymnasts will be par- “The organisation of the world Qatar is not only aiming to will be towards Qatar, at a time not only from Asian countries, modate athletes due to a large ticipating both in the boys’ championship is certainly a chal- achieve excellence but is keen when we are subjected to an but also from Arab countries as number of participation. (Ahmad Al-Diani and Ahmed lenge for all of us, whether it is to dazzle the world through unjust blockade, and false news the tournament is held for the “We do not find that difficult Nabil) and girls’ competitions the Organising Committee, the exceptional hosting at all levels. is being spread that Qatar suffers first time in the Middle East, and because of the excellent infra- (Kiki Jana). There will be a prep- Olympic Committee or the Min- “The tournament is very dif- but we respond to those lies,” he we are expecting a special structure in Qatar, especially at aration camp for them and we istry of Culture and Sports. This ferent from the previous said. audience.” Aspire,” he said. wish them all the success.” 26 SPORT TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2018 Cook bows out in fairytale fashion AFP third-wicket stand of 259 with his over 3,500 runs more than the next successor as captain Joe Root, holds Englishmen on the all-time list, his England’s Alastair LONDON: Alastair Cook could not a clutch of England records -- most mentor Graham Gooch. Cook leaves the have scripted a sweeter end to his England Test appearances (161), most Cook, who will continue to play pitch at the end long and illustrious Test career -- runs (12,472) and most centuries (33). for Essex and is about to become a of play during going out on a high with a memorable Following a disappointing year, father for the third time, caught the the fifth Test 147 as a smitten Oval crowd bade Cook’s late flurry has left him with an eye in 2005 when he scored a double match against farewell. impressive career average of 45.35. hundred for his county side against India at the Cook, who scored 71 in the first In a match that has turned into a Australia. He was also a key factor in Oval in London, innings of the fifth Test against India, long farewell for the Essex opener, England’s 2010/11 Ashes triumph, yesterday. was eventually dismissed about 40 peppered with standing ovations, the their only series win in Australia in minutes before tea yesterday as crowd got what they desperately the past three decades, with a England took an iron grip on the wanted shortly before lunch when mammoth 766 runs. match. The Indian players applauded Cook reached three figures in bizarre Cook became England’s full-time as he made his way back to the fashion. captain in 2012 and led his country in dressing room for the final time and The batsman, on 96, scored a a record 59 matches. the crowd once again rose to their feet single and then celebrated as Jasprit An accumulator rather than a in honour of the record-breaking Bumrah’s throw flashed across the dashing stroke-player, he led from former skipper. ground and over the boundary rope the front in superb fashion when Cook acknowledged the pro- for four overthrows. scoring three hundreds to inspire longed applause, turning one last time As cheers rung around the London England to a rare series win in India, to soak up the atmosphere before dis- ground, Cook, wreathed in smiles, in 2012, as well as skippering the side appearing from sight. removed his helmet and raised his to home Ashes series victories in 2013 The opener, who shared a arms, hugging Root. and 2015. But his team also suffered He had to work hard for his runs a chastening 5-0 series whitewash in MOST CENTURIES IN TEST CRICKET on Sunday evening but looked more Australia in 2013/14 and the fall-out List of scorers of most centuries in Test cricket fluent in the morning sunshine on from the effective sacking of star 51_Sachin Tendulkar, India (200 Tests) Monday and his hundred contained batsman Kevin Pietersen that fol- 45_Jacques Kallis, South Africa (166) eight boundaries. lowed. Although he was far from 41_Ricky Ponting, Australia (168) For good measure, he leapfrogged alone in making the decision, it was 38_Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka (134) Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara to fifth Cook who was the public face of a 36_Rahul Dravid, India (164) on the all-time list of Test run-scorers, move that left him in the firing line 34_Sunil Gavaskar, India (125) becoming the most prolific left- during a 2014 home season that 34_Brian Lara, West Indies (131) hander in history. started with a shock series defeat by 34_Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka (149) The crowd has been on its feet Sri Lanka. Now national selector Ed 34_Younis Khan, Pakistan (118) multiple times during the match, Smith is keen for England to make 33_x-Alastair Cook, England (161) aware they are witnessing the final use of Cook’s knowledge and expe- 32_Steve Waugh, Australia (168) chapter of Cook’s storied England rience after his retirement. 30_Matthew Hayden, Australia (103) career. And England assistant coach Paul

30_Shivnarine Chanderpaul, West Indies (164)

The batsman, 33, who scored a Farbrace said he would be sorely 29_Don Bradman, Australia (52) hundred on his Test debut, has scored missed both on and off the field.

Sri Lanka’s England scent victory at the Oval Chandimal REUTERS series evaporated, steadied the runs puts him behind only India’s what appeared to be a single to HIGHEST WICKET TAKERS out of ship somewhat to end the day Sachin Tendulkar, Australian take him to 97, became five, Highest Wicket-takers in Test Cricket LONDON: England closed in on on 58-3. Ricky Ponting, South Africa’s when Jasprit Bumrah’s throw to 800_Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka (133 Tests) Asia Cup victory over India on the fourth Opener KL Rahul played Jacques Kallis and India’s Rahul the non-striker’s end went for 708_Shane Warne, Australia (145) day of the fifth Test yesterday. some attractive shots to reach Dravid on the all-time list. four overthrows, taking Eng- 619_Anil Kumble, India (132) AFP Set a notional 464 for victory 46 at the close with Ajinkya Meanwhile Allister Cook was land’s all-time leading run- 563_Glenn McGrath, Australia (124) India lost their first three wickets Rahane on 10. given a standing ovation inside scorer to 101 from 210 balls. 563_x-James Anderson, England (143) for two runs with James Despite Anderson’s late the Oval and high praise from Cook’s perfect finale, which 519_Courtney Walsh, West Indies (132) COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Test Anderson removing Shikhar burst, the day belonged to Cook Britain’s Prime Minister after saw him pass Sri Lankan Kumar 434_Kapil Dev, India (131) captain Dinesh Chandimal Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara and the final overs were played scoring 147 against India in his Sangakarra as the fifth highest 433_x-Stuart Broad, England (123) was withdrawn yesterday lbw in his second over. out to a chorus of fans chanting final Test innings for England Test run-scorer of all time, 431_Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand (86) from the 16-member squad

When Stuart Broad removed the name of England’s most pro- yesterday. finally came to an end when he 430_x-Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka (92) for the Asia Cup because of

x-active Indian run machine Virat Kohli lific batsman. Playing in his 161st and was caught behind off India deb- an injury during a recent for a golden duck India were in With 218 runs in his 161st final Test match, Cook, and his utant Hanuma Vihari. Root was domestic tournament, the disarray. Anderson, 36, needs match Cook guaranteed he will successor as captain, Joe Root, board said. one more wicket to surpass the retire with a Test average of 45. both struck centuries before The 28-year-old batsman 563 of Australia’s Glenn McGrath And, fittingly, his final con- being dismissed in consec- had injured a finger during a and become the most successful tribution for his country with the utive deliveries as their domestic Twenty20 match fast bowler in Test history. bat was a century against India 259-run third-wicket part- and needed more time to India, looking demoralised -- the team he scored a debut nership put England in com- recover, Sri Lanka Cricket as their hopes of salvaging a con- ton against 12 years ago in plete control of the fifth Test (SLC) said in a statement. solation victory from a losing Nagpur. His total of 12,472 Test on 364-6 at tea in the second Chandimal will be innings on Day 4. replaced by wicketkeeper SCOREBOARD “Congratulations to Alastair and batsman Niroshan Dick- England (I Innings)...... 332 6-356, 7-397, 8-423 Cook on his magnificent innings wella at the six-nation Asia of 147 - a fitting end to a Cup tournament which opens India (I Innings) ...... 292 Bowling: Bumrah 23-4-61-0 (1w); Sharma 8-3-13- England’s Stuart Broad (right) remarkable career,” Theresa in the United Arab Emirates England (II Innings) 0; Shami 25-3-110-2; Jadeja 47-3-179-3; Vihari 9.3- celebrates after taking the wicket May tweeted. on Saturday, the SLC said. A Cook c Pant b Vihari ...... 147 1-37-3 (1w) of India’s captain Virat Kohli. K Jennings b Shami ...... 10 India (II Innings) “Alongside all his achieve- Sri Lanka squad: Angelo M Ali b Jadeja ...... 20 Lokesh Rahul (batting) ...... 46 ments as a player and captain - Mathews (Captain), Kusal J Root c sub (Pandya) b Vihari ...... 125 Shikhar Dhawan lbw b Anderson ...... 1 including this, his 33rd Test Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul J Bairstow b Shami ...... 18 Cheteshwar Pujara lbw b Anderson ...... 0 century - Alastair has inspired Tharanga, Niroshan Dick- B Stokes c Rahul b Jadeja ...... 37 Virat Kohli c Bairstow b Broad ...... 0 thousands of Cricket players and wella, Danushka Gunathilaka, J Buttler c Shami b Jadeja ...... 0 Ajinkya Rahane (batting) ...... 10 fans across our country. He out for 125 to the same bowler a by Mohammed Shami for 18 and Thisara Perera, Dasun S Curran c Pant b Vihari ...... 21 Extras: (1lb) ...... 1 leaves a lasting legacy to British ball earlier, having been slightly Jos Buttler was caught for a duck Shanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, A Rashid (not out) ...... 20 Total: (for 3 wkts) ...... 58 sport and I wish him all the best fortunate to complete his first off Ravindra Jadeja soon after, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Extras (B14, LB4, W2, PEN5) ...... 25 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-2. Total (8 wkts dec.) ...... 423 Bowling: James Anderson 5-2-23-2, Stuart for the future.” Test century in more than a year but England’s 404-run lead Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Did not bat: S Broad, J Anderson Broad 5-0-17-1, Moeen Ali 4-1-8-0, Sam Curran Cook received his seventh after surviving two dropped leaves it well-placed to extend Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-62, 3-321, 4-321, 5-355, 2-1-1-0, Ben Stokes 2-1-8-0. standing ovation of the day in the chances. an unassailable 3-1 lead in the Dushmantha Chameera and strangest of circumstances, as Jonny Bairstow was bowled five-match series. Lasith Malinga. Meanwhile, criminal investigators were called in FACTBOX ON ALASTAIR COOK Monday to investigate an Factbox on England opening batsman Alastair Cook who will retire from international Cricket alleged $5.5m fraud at Sri after the fifth Test against India. Lanka Cricket involving *Born Dec. 25, 1984, in Gloucester, England. money from a looming *The left-hander hit an unbeaten 104 on his Test debut against India at Nagpur in 2006, England tour, officials said. and made his one-day international debut against Sri Lanka the same year. Detectives from the police *Scored 766 runs in seven innings in the 2010-11 Ashes tour to seal England’s first series win Criminal Investigation in Australia for 24 years. Department went to the *Made 294 against India in 2011, his highest Test score, and was named the International offices of the national gov- Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test Cricketer of the Year. erning body in Colombo to *Succeeded Andrew Strauss as England ODI skipper in 2011 and as Test captain in 2012. begin a probe, a police source *Scored his 23rd century in 2012, against India, to break the record for most Test tons for said. England. Became the youngest to pass 7,000 Test runs and was named one of Wisden’s Official sources said the Cricketers of the Year. $5.5m was for television *Led England to the final of the 2013 Champions Trophy, losing to India. He lost the one-day rights for the upcoming captaincy and a place in the 2015 World Cup squad due to poor form. *Captained England England tour of Sri Lanka to a 3-0 home Ashes win in 2013, but a 5-0 whitewash Down Under led to criticism of his involving five ODI matches, captaincy. Passed Graham Gooch’s 8,900-run tally during the 2015 series against New a lone T20 and three Tests Zealand to become England’s leading run scorer in Tests. *Led England to a surprise 3-2 between October 10 and Ashes win in 2015, and was named captain of the ICC’s Test team of the year. Ended 2015 November 27. as the year’s third-highest Test run scorer with 1,364 at an average of 54.56. *In 2016, be- The board said it had came the first English batsman and 12th player from any country to score 10,000 runs in Test lodged a complaint with the matches. police over an attempt to

*Stepped down as England Test captain in February, 2017 after a 4-0 series loss in India at siphon off money, but

Fans wear aprons that display a message as England batsman Alastair Cook brought an end to his long and the end of 2016. Led England in 59 Tests, more than any of his predecessors. managed to prevent the illustrious Test career -- going out on a high with a memorable 147 as a smitten Oval crowd bade farewell. fraud. TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 27 Germany’s Schulz Giroud ends goal drought as scores winner on France defeat Netherlands debut to sink Peru REUTERS REUTERS went close in the opening 20 minutes through Marco Reus PARIS: France striker Olivier SINSHEIM, GERMANY: and Matthias Ginter. Giroud ended a run of 10 inter- Germany defender Nico Schulz It was, however, Peru who national games without a goal scored an 85th-minute goal on struck first when Luis Advincula by netting a stunning winner as his international debut to help fired in from a tight angle past the world champions claimed a his team beat Peru 2-1 in a keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen deserved 2-1 victory over the friendly on Sunday. after charging past two Netherlands in their Nations Schulz, one of five changes Germans in the box. League clash on Sunday. from the team that drew 0-0 Julian Brandt, another of The night started with a with world champions France Loew’s changes, paid him back rousing rendition of La Mar- in the Nations League on with a superb chip in the 25th seillaise as France played their Thursday, fired in the late minute to draw the hosts level. first home fixture since lifting the winner to celebrate a memo- After the break Jefferson World Cup in July, and ended rable first cap in his home Farfan and Timo Werner with a comfortable victory for stadium. missed identical chances each the hosts at the Stade de France. The Germans are looking to for Peru and Germany, The excellent Kylian Mbappe get back on the road to success shooting over the bar after set France on their way with a after crashing out of this year’s quick breaks. first-half opener, but forward World Cup in the group stage, With the pace having Ryan Babel equalised for the vis- their earliest exit from the tour- dropped considerably, Schulz itors with their only meaningful France’s forward Olivier Giroud (foreground) nament in 80 years. grabbed his chance with a shot shot on target. Giroud produced celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Germany coach Joachim from 15 metres that slipped a moment of magic with a Nations League match against Netherlands in Loew wanted to introduce more under goalkeeper Pedro Gallese superb volley 15 minutes from Saint-Denis, Paris. spark up front and his team and into the net. full time to seal the win, as France recorded a fifth suc- cessive victory over the Dutch. Olivier is often unjustly criti- Mbappe. Griezmann was incisive qualifier 13 years ago. Giroud, “The victory is the most cised. We cannot ask him to do with his passing and a superb however, ended his own barren important thing for the party to what other attackers do, but he defence-splitting ball was run of games as he muscled be really beautiful,” France is very important to the team. It perfect for fullback Lucas Her- ahead of Virgil van Dijk and coach Didier Deschamps told is when he is not there that we nandez, who could only sky his produced a superb volley from broadcaster M6 after the game. realise his value.” shot well wide. Benjamin Mendy’s cross to take “I’m very happy for Olivier. It Deschamps kept the same Cillessen then showed his international goal tally to happens that strikers have periods starting line-up that drew 0-0 impeccable timing to save at the 32, past the great Zinedine when they are less effective. with Germany on Thursday, a feet of a surging Mbappe just Zidane on France’s all-time “I said before the World Cup, sign of his desire to cap France’s before the break, avoiding the scorers list. homecoming with a victory and kind of contact that could easily “A cross for the striker, you keep the World Cup after-party have resulted in a penalty. just have to defend that. That has in full swing. After Georginio Wijnaldum nothing to do with quality, it Mbappe tested the reflexes had dragged a good opportunity should not happen,” a frustrated Giroud produced a of Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cil- wide, the Netherlands levelled Dutch coach Ronald Koeman Germany’s defender moment of magic lessen early on, before the lively on 66 minutes with their only told NOS. Nico Schulz (right) forward provided a tame finish meaningful shot on target as “We worked hard and and forward Thomas with a superb volley from Antoine Griezmann’s pass. Babel bundled the ball in off his played well. We showed that if Mueller celebrate 15 minutes from full The teenager, however, put knee from a Kenny Tete cross we really try to play football, after scoring during time to seal the win, his side in front after 13 minutes following a swift break down the then we can play. their international as France recorded a via a mistake from Dutch mid- right wing. It was the former Liv- “I think we are on the right friendly against Peru. fielder Quincy Promes. erpool forward’s first goal in a track, but we also have to fifth successive victory His header went straight to competitive international since improve some things. Teams over the Dutch. Blaise Matuidi, whose cut-back he netted on debut against such as France will punish our provided a tap-in for a grateful Romania in a World Cup mistakes mercilessly.” China appoint France, Spain dominate FIFPro Hiddink to World XI award nominations lead Olympic Guus Hiddink. REUTERS 2020 charge FULL FIFPRO WORLD XI SHORT-LIST LONDON: World champions Goalkeepers (5): Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Paris Saint-Germain/Juventus), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium/Real AFP France had eight players, one Madrid/Chelsea), David De Gea (Spain/Manchester United), Keylor Navas (Costa Rica/Real Madrid), Marc- less than former holders Spain, Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona). SHANGHAI: Highly respected in international players’ associ- Defenders (20): Jordi Alba (Spain/Barcelona), Daniel Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid), Giorgio Chiellini (Ita- Dutchman Guus Hiddink was ation FIFPro’s 55-name short- ly/Juventus), Dani Alves (Brazil/PSG), Diego Godin (Uruguay/Atletico Madrid), Mats Hummels (Germany/ named yesterday as the new list for its World XI of 2018 Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Germany/Bayern Munich) Dejan Lovren (Croatia/Liverpool), Marcelo coach of China’s under-21 award. (Brazil/Real Madrid), Yerry Mina (Colombia/Everton/Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (France/Stuttgart), football team, tasked with Ten players out of last year’s Gerard Pique (Spain/Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (Brazil/PSG), Kieran leading the country at the Tokyo World XI, including superstars 2020 Olympics. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Trippier (England/Tottenham Hotspur), Samuel Umtiti (France/Barcelona), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/ The 71-year-old joins Messi, were named on the list, Liverpool), Raphael Varane (France/Real Madrid), Sime Vrsaljko (Croatia/Inter Milan/Atletico Madrid), Kyle another well-known veteran international football. The Dutchman, whose last with Spanish giants Real Madrid Walker (England/Manchester City). coach, the Italian World Cup The 70-year-old Lippi has job was a caretaker spell at the best represented club with Midfielders (15): Sergio Busquets (Spain/Barcelona), Casemiro (Brazil/Real Madrid), Philippe Coutinho winner Marcello Lippi, in taking been in charge of the senior side Chelsea in 2015-2016, will be 11 players. (Brazil/Barcelona), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Eden Hazard (Belgium, Chelsea), Andres a major role in China’s aggressive since 2016 and has overseen paid a little less than four million World Cup semi-finalists Iniesta (Spain/Vissel Kobe/Barcelona), Isco (Spain/Real Madrid), N’Golo Kante (France/Chelsea), Nemanja push to finally become a force in marginal improvement, euros ($4.7m) a year after tax, England had three nominations Matic (Serbia/Manchester United), Luka Modric (Croatia/Real Madrid), Paul Pogba (France/Manchester although China still failed to Chinese media say. in Tottenham Hotspur pair United), Ivan Rakitic (Croatia/Barcelona), David Silva (Spain/Manchester City), Arturo Vidal (Chile/Barce- reach the World Cup in Russia Like Lippi, Hiddink comes Harry Kane and Kieran Trippier lona/Bayern Munich). and languish at 75th in the FIFA with a wealth of experience at as well as Manchester City’s Kyle Forwards (15): Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay/PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo rankings. club and international level. Walker. (Portugal/Juventus/Real Madrid), Paulo Dybala (Argentina/Juventus), Antoine Griezmann (France/Atletico In the days to come, Announcing Hiddink as the In addition to his two Egypt and Liverpool’s Madrid), Harry Kane (England/Tottenham Hotspur), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), under-21s boss, the Chinese interim stints at Chelsea, he also Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane Romelu Lukaku (Belgium/Manchester United), Mario Mandzukic (Croatia/Juventus), Sadio Mane (Senegal/ under the leadership Football Association (CFA) said: coached Real Madrid, PSV Eind- were the only two African Liverpool), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Neymar (Brazil/PSG), Mo-

“The main task is to go for the hoven and Valencia, among nominees. of Hiddink and his hamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Luis Suarez (Uruguay/Barcelona). coaching team, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. others. Wales and Real forward “In the days to come, under Hiddink is perhaps best Gareth Bale, who scored twice under-21 boys will the leadership of Hiddink and known for inspiring co-hosts in the Champions League final Around 25,000 professional The World XI will be pursue their Olympic his coaching team, the under-21 South Korea to a shock semi- in May which Madrid won 3-1, footballers from 65 countries announced at The Best FIFA dreams: CFA boys will pursue their Olympic final spot at the 2002 World did not make the list of top took part in the poll to decide Football Awards in London on dreams.” Cup. players. the contenders. September 24. FINA Worlds: International, national sponsors sign up for Doha leg

THE PENINSULA consecutive year from Sep- Qatar’s leading sports competition in which top “We thank our sponsors for stop of the FINA Swimming tember 13 to 15 at Hamad broadcasters, Al Kass Sports swimmers will compete. their contribution, support and World Cup and will conclude the DOHA: Several International Aquatic Centre, where the best Channels, extend their part- Qatar National Convention added value to this magnificent first Cluster (featuring long and national sponsors have swimmers of the world will be nership with QSA as the Pre- Centre, Jouf Healthy Drinking event, which will present the course contests) of this year’s joined Qatar Swimming Asso- seen in action. senting Sponsor, and will Water, Holiday Villa Hotel & best swimmers of the world in series. The first leg was hosted ciation (QSA) offering their Omega is the Official Time- broadcast live all the pool Residence Doha, Q-Tickets, Los- Hamad Aquatic Centre,” the in Kazan, Russia. support to the FINA World Cup keeper while the Shanghai action. berger De Boer, The Look Organising Committee Tickets can be bought from event to be held in Doha this Pudong Development Bank Qatar National Bank (QNB), Company, QSports, and Zoom Chairman and QSA President Q-Tickets website, and will also weekend. (SPD Bank) Credit Card Center, the Gulf’s largest lender is the Events & Production are collab- Khaleel Al Jabir said in a be available at the Hamad QSA will organise this high- and Speedo, are the FINA Series National Sponsor of the event, orating with QSA as the National statement yesterday. Aquatic Centre during the days profile event for the seventh Sponsors. recognising the value of the Suppliers. Doha, will be the second of the competition. TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 25

I was so happy to be playing the final against this magnifi- FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Juan Martin Del Potro cent idol. Of course I’m sad to Finland vs England vs after losing US Open lose but I’m happy for Novak Estonia LIVE ON Switzerland final as well. You deserve to win. 10.45pm TUBE 11.00pm

Djokovic finds secret Djokovic wins third US Open, to success in equals Sampras’ Slams tally French Alps REUTERS AFP NEW YORK: When Novak NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic Djokovic’s year got off to a clinched his third US Open title less-than-ideal start, the on Sunday with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), Serbian set off on a five-day 6-3 triumph over Juan Martin hike in the French Alps that Del Potro, taking him level with proved transformative. Pete Sampras’ mark of 14 Grand Since his June trek with Slams. his wife up Mont Sainte-Vic- Djokovic, playing in his toire, the mountain that eighth final in New York and famously also served as an already the champion in 2011 inspiration for Paul Cezanne, and 2015, is now just three Slams the 31-year-old has added a Novak Djokovic of Serbia behind Rafael Nadal and six back pair of Grand Slam titles to his celebrates his victory over from the all-time record 20 held resume. “I remember one by Roger Federer. Juan Martin Del Potro of moment particularly when It was also the third time the Argentina after their 2018 we climbed that mountain. It 31-year-old Serb -- who missed US Open men’s singles was pretty high. We reached last year’s tournament with an final match in New York the top after three hours,” elbow injury which sent his on Sunday. inset: Djokovic Djokovic recalled after career into a mini-crisis -- com- kisses the trophy after landing the US Open title by pleted the Wimbledon-US Open winning the US Open. beating Juan Martin Del Potro double. on Sunday. “I want to say Pete, I love “We sat down and we just you, you’re my idol,” said looked at the world from that Djokovic of Sampras. perspective, just kind of “To the support of the loved breathed in the new inspi- ones, my kids, my wife, my small ration, new motivation. team of people that has been “I thought of tennis, there with me through difficult thought of the emotion that times as well,” added the Serb tennis provokes in me in a way. who underwent elbow surgery It was all positives. I just felt after the Australian Open in like I had a new breath for this January.” For world number of the last 55 majors have been sport. three Del Potro, it was a heart- won by the ‘Big Four’ of Federer, “The rest is history in breaking experience coming in Nadal, Djokovic and Andy terms of results, in terms of just his second Slam final, nine Murray. Novak Djokovic of how I felt. I just felt like a years after he was crowned US “I was so happy to be playing Serbia hits a return whole wave of energy that I Open champion before a long the final against this magnificent to Juan Martin Del was kind of thriving on from battle with wrist injuries pushed idol,” said Del Potro of his close Potro of Argentina that moment onwards.” him into depression and to the friend Djokovic. during the final After missing the second brink of retirement. “He knows that he’s one of match. half of the 2017 season “When I had my surgery I my friends on tour and he knows because of an elbow problem, could truly understand what he’s one player I want to watch Djokovic played the Aus- Juan Martin was going through win on tour. Of course I’m sad to tralian Open before having when he had surgeries that kept lose but I’m happy for Novak as surgery on the joint only for him away form the tour for two well. You deserve to win.” With the disappointing results to or three years,” added Djokovic. the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof continue until his quarter- It was Djokovic’s 15th win closed as heavy rain swept New final exit at Roland Garros. over the Del Potro and fifth in York, conditions were slow and he pocketed the set when the run of consecutive sets won to Djokovic in a marathon Something in the Alpine five at the Slams. sluggish. 29-year-old del Potro netted a 14, stretching back to the second 20-minute game which left even air clearly agreed with him, It came in a final which was After taking just two points forehand. round against Tennys Sandgren. Hollywood superstar Meryl though, and he went on to business-like rather than off Del Potro’s first three service It was only the second set Djokovic was soon 3-1 up in Streep clasping her head in triumph at Wimbledon, the thrilling, a relief for a tour- games, Djokovic, in his 23rd final dropped by the Argentine at the the second set before Del Potro astonishment. The effort took its US Open tune-up in nament still reeling from the at the majors, pounced to break tournament. carved out his first break point toll on a suddenly weary-looking Cincinnati and then in New controversial women’s final on for 5-3. For Djokovic, it was an illus- of the match to level at 3-3. Del Potro as a 95-minute set was York to grab his 14th career Saturday. The key was his success with tration of him growing into the He had three more chances claimed by Djokovic in the Grand Slam title, putting him The result also means that 50 a lung-busting 22-shot rally and championships as he took his in the eighth, all saved by tiebreak. third on the all-time list.

Aussie Open chief urges coaching US Open: 10 top quotes “You’re a thief. You’re attacking my character. You will never, ever be on another court of mine. You are the liar.” Serena Williams to umpire Carlos clarity after Serena row in final Ramos in the women’s final against Naomi Osaka AFP that he was coaching -- although “I’m not really a social person like that. Maybe I’ll play video games. How do it was not clear if she saw his you know I’m not into bad stuff?” Osaka jokes with reporters over her MELBOURNE: World tennis gestures -- and insisted the innocent demeanour chiefs need to clarify their practice was common. position on in-match coaching “Yes, I was coaching just like to prevent another incident after everybody else. We have to stop “To the support of the loved ones, my kids, my wife, my small team of Serena Williams’ US Open this hypocrisy,” he said. people that has been there with me through difficult times as well.” meltdown, the head of the WTA Tour chief executive Novak Djokovic after his third US Open title and 14th Slam Australian Open said yesterday. Steve Simon has also said the The 23-time Grand Slam sport should examine the rules “I hate to retire but that was not a tennis match at the end. It was just one champion was warned for on coaching, noting that his player playing, the other one staying on the other side of the court.” receiving coaching from the organisation allows on-court Rafael Nadal after retiring with a right knee injury in his semi-final players’ box during Saturday’s coaching during regular tour against Juan Martin del Potro final, triggering a row with the events if a player requests it. chair umpire in her 6-2, 6-4 loss Despite the furore, Tiley said “I was getting a monkey off my back. Felt like King Kong was on my back to Naomi Osaka. it should not overshadow the there for a while.” Jack Sock on winning his first singles match since Williams was docked a point emergence of Osaka. May for smashing a racquet and she He called her performance called umpire Carlos Ramos a “unbelievable” and forecast a “I just tried to cool down between games, used ice. I’m just thinking I’m on “thief” and a “liar”, an outburst major boon for the Australian the beach, I have a margarita in hand, life is good.” Caroline Wozniacki on for which she was sanctioned a Open, which bills itself as the the heat problems after seeing off Samantha Stosur on a sweltering game at a critical juncture in the Grand Slam of the Arthur Ashe Stadium. second set. Asia-Pacific.

Australian Open tournament “For us as the Grand Slam in US Open singles champion Naomi Osaka of Japan (left) with Serena “I had heat stroke. I was not going to die on the court, tennis is not for that.” director Craig Tiley said the Asia-Pacific, to have a player Williams of the US during their final match at the 2018 US Open coaching, which is allowed a from Japan, the first time ever a Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer after quitting his first round match. Women’s Tennis Association at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York player from Japan to win that events but not at men’s or Grand on Saturday. title in the fashion that she did, “It was two against one last time. This time, it should be more fair.” Venus Slam tournaments, remained a is particularly exciting,” he said. Williams on meeting Serena in the final of the Australian Open in 2017 grey area. reporters. “The sport needs to get “We all see how the Japanese when her sister was pregnant with daughter Olympia. “It all centred around “Are we going to have together and sort it out. Once fans flock to see Kei Nishikori. coaching... the sport has to really coaching? Are we not going to that’s sorted out, we don’t have “It’s going to have a signif- “I’ve never seen Roger sweat so much.” John Isner on the humidity even get itself sorted out on what it have coaching? What is it going the issue.” Williams’ coach icant positive impact on our affecting Roger Federer at the US Open does with coaching,” he told to look like? Patrick Mouratoglou admitted Open, on our fans.”