| Page 3 CYCLING | Page 4 Taylor fi res Pogacar wins New Zealand to stage as T20 win over Quintana takes Sri Lanka Vuelta lead

Monday, September 2, 2019 TENNIS Muharram 3, 1441 AH Federer crushes GULF TIMES Goffi n to reach quarters SPORT Page 2 MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah eases to victory at Rally of Lebanon

atari ace driver Nasser Leg 1, and the Qatari never looked al-Attiyah clinched back after that as he secured the the 42nd edition of the win by more than 6 minutes over 2019 Rally of Leba- second-placed Rodrigue Rahi non,Q the third round of the Mid- (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX). Al- dle East Rally Championship Attiyah’s winning time was 2 (MERC), yesterday. The reigning hours 6 minutes and 19 seconds, Dakar champion emerged trium- while Rahi and his navigator phant in a Volkswagen Polo R5 George Nader fi nished in 2.13.28 alongside his French co-driver secs. Mathieu Baumel. Patrick Njeim (Mitsubishi Evo Al-Attiyah now has won the IX) picked up the fi nal podium spot MERC rallies in , Jordan and by fi nishing third overall, while Lebanon, and now holds a com- Henry Massaad (Citroen DS3 R3) fortable lead. The remaining ral- was fourth overall and fi rst in RC3 lies of the championship will be and front-wheel drive. held in Cyprus and Kuwait. Tarek Younis (Mitsubishi Evo Al-Attiyah was trailing af- IX) ended up 3rd in Group N, ter Friday’s super special stage, whilst Albert Hayaeck (Renault but an unfortunate puncture for Clio R3) and Joe Azzi (Renault leader Roger Feghali of Lebanon Clio RS) completed the top 3 in meant the latter had to withdraw RC3. Henry Kahy (Skoda FABIA from the event after Super Spe- 1.6-16V ) snatched the win in the cial stage fi ve. RC4 category, while Christopher That left Nasser al-Attiyah in Njeim (Suzuki Swift Sport) tri- a comfortable lead at the end of umphed in RC5. Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah (right) and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel celebrate after winning the 42nd edition of the 2019 Rally of Lebanon yesterday.

FOCUS Leclerc dedicates maiden F1 win to Hubert at sombre Spa Monegasque holds off champ Hamilton’s dramatic late charge by one second, latter’s Mercedes teammate Bottas third

AFP Leclerc to begin the pit-stops se- Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium quence. Clearly frustrated, Ham- ilton asked why he was not pitted earlier as he began his pursuit harles Leclerc dedicated again of the two Ferraris. his maiden Formula One On lap 27, Leclerc regained the victory at the Belgian lead when Vettel, under orders, Grand Prix yesterday to moved aside and then informed hisC late friend, Anthoine Hubert Ferrari that his tyres “won’t make on an emotional day at a sombre it to the end”. Spa-Francorchamps. “He’s going to walk all over us,” The Ferrari driver’s landmark Vettel complained, as Hamilton success came in the aftermath of closed up and then passed him at 22-year-old Frenchman Hubert’s Les Combes. death in Saturday’s tragic For- Up to second again, Hamilton mula Two race. had 11 laps to catch Leclerc who Leclerc led almost the entire led by six seconds in pursuit of race from pole to hold off Mer- his maiden triumph while Vettel cedes’ defending fi ve time world ceded another position by pitting champion Lewis Hamilton’s dra- again for softs. matic late charge by one second. A year after his last win, the “My fi rst victory in F1 and this four-time champion was fourth one is for Anthoine,” he said on as Hamilton launched an epic the team radio. “It feels good, but charge. it’s diffi cult to enjoy on a week- end like this. But thanks guys, BELGIAN GP RESULTS (top 10) you are the best — it’s a dream 1. (Ferrari) come true.” 1:23:45.710 After what he described as “a 2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) very diffi cult weekend” he added: +0.981 “I have lost a friend and I want to 3. (Mercedes) dedicate this victory to him. +12.585 “We grew up together and my 4. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) fi rst race I did it with Anthoine, +26.422 Esteban (Ocon) and Pierre (Gasly). 5. Alexander Albon (Red Bull) “I cannot enjoy my fi rst vic- +1:21.325 tory, but it will defi nitely be a 6. Sergio Perez (Racing Point) memory I will keep forever.” +1:24.448 Valtteri Bottas took third in the 7. (Toro Rosso) second Mercedes ahead of last +1:29.657 year’s winner Sebastian Vettel in 8. Nico Hulkenberg (Renault) the second Ferrari. +1:46.639 Hamilton’s strong fi nish al- 9. (Toro Rosso) most carried him to within reach +1:49.169 of a stunning late win, but the 10. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) result still enabled him to en- Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (centre) holds the winner’s trophy and gestures towards the sky in tribute to late French driver Anthoine Hubert as second-placed Mercedes driver Lewis +1:49.838 large his lead in the title race to 65 Hamilton (left) and third-placed Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas applaud on the podium for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps yesterday. (AFP) points ahead of Bottas. DRIVERS’ STANDINGS (top 3) “I gave it everything that I came home fi fth for Red Bull, af- second Racing Point. lights went out and Leclerc led on the outside of the rise to Eau softs to mediums on lap 16, re- 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) had,” said Hamilton. ter luckless British rookie Lando The race took place in a sombre from pole. Rouge. Verstappen was unhurt and joining fi fth behind Norris while 268pts “It was a really diffi cult race Norris’s McLaren had stopped atmosphere at the dramatic and Behind him, Hamilton passed climbed out as a Safety Car was Hamilton rose to second in pur- 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 203 and the Ferraris were just too fast with one lap remaining, ahead of spectacular Ardennes circuit. Vettel, who fought back to regain deployed, pulling in after lap four. suit of Leclerc. “Push now,” Fer- 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 181 on the straights. Congratulations Sergio Perez of Racing Point, Da- It was preceded by a minute’s si- second, and there was contact be- By lap 10, Leclerc was 2.4 rari told the Monegasque. to Charles for his fi rst win — he’s niil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Nico lence to honour Hubert, killed in a tween Max Verstappen, who made seconds clear of Vettel whose On lap 19, the entire crowd CONSTRUCTORS’ STANDINGS had it coming all year.” Hulkenberg of Renault. multi-car collision in the Formula a poor start, and Raikkonen. top speed on the straights was rose to give a standing ovation (top 3) Pierre Gasly came home ninth Two race 24 hours earlier. The Red Bull continued with a enough to keep him beyond in memory of Hubert, who raced 1. Mercedes 471 pts MINUTE’S SILENCE on his return to the Toro Rosso Conditions were signifi cantly damaged track-rod, briefl y, be- Hamilton’s attacks. with that number. 2. Ferrari 326 Red Bull new boy Alex Albon team and Lance Stroll 10th in the cooler than in practice as the fore lurching into the barriers Vettel pitted to switch from Two laps later, Ferrari called in 3. Red Bull 254 Gulf Times 2 Monday, September 2, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Federer crushes Goffi n to reach ‘Amazing’ Osaka quarters, Barty out

AFP New York thrashes tearful oger Federer advanced to the US Open quarter- fi nals for the 13th time Rin his past 15 attempts yesterday by defeating Belgian 15th seed David Goffi n 6-2, 6-2, 6-0. The 38-year-old Swiss third Gauff at US Open seed, trying to stretch his men’s Grand Slam record title total to 21, took only 79 minutes to book ‘THIS IS THE MOST FOCUSED I’VE BEEN SINCE AUSTRALIA’ a quarter-fi nal berth against the winner of a later match between AFP Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and New York Australia’s Alex de Minaur. “It was great. I thought I had a good feeling out here,” Federer efending champion said. “David didn’t have his best Naomi Osaka con- day either, he was struggling.” soled a tearful Coco Federer’s victory kept him on a Gauff after a crushing semi-fi nal collision course with DUS Open victory Saturday in a top-seeded defending champion showdown billed as “the future Novak Djokovic, who plays the of women’s tennis” while Rafael night feature match at Arthur Nadal cruised into the last 16. Ashe Stadium against three- World number one Osaka time Grand Slam winner Stan overpowered 15-year-old Gauff Wawrinka, the Swiss 23rd seed. 6-3, 6-0 in 65 minutes to keep Serbia’s Djokovic, a 16-time her title defense on track before Grand Slam champion who has sharing a warm embrace with an captured four of the past fi ve side of an hour, and 17 of the fi nal opponent overwhelmed by the Slam crowns, is 19-5 against 19 in stunningly rapid fashion. occasion in the New York spot- Wawrinka but they have not Meanwhile, China’s 18th- light. played since the Swiss defeated seeded Wang Qiang advanced to The emotional clash was fol- Djokovic in the 2016 US Open the US Open quarter-fi nals with lowed by tearful on-court inter- fi nal. a 6-2, 6-4 upset of Australian views, Osaka asking Gauff to join Also playing later is Russian second seed Ashleigh Barty, the her with the microphone as they fi fth seed Daniil Medvedev, who reigning French Open champion. met at the net. won at Cincinnati in the last Wang will face the winner of “It was kind of instinctive be- major US Open tuneup event. a later fourth-round match be- cause when I shook her hand, I Medvedev was fi ned $9,000 tween Croatian 22nd seed Petra saw that she was kind of tearing for an obscene gesture and un- Martic and US eighth seed Ser- up a little. Then it reminded me sportsmanlike conduct in a ena Williams, who is seeking a how young she was,” Osaka said. third-round victory, his third 24th career Grand Slam title to “I wanted her to have her head fi ne in three matches at Flushing match Margaret Court’s all-time high, not walk off the court sad. Meadows. record. Wang was unsure if she I want her to, like, be aware that Federer, who improved to 9-1 would watch the Williams-Mar- she’s accomplished so much and in his career rivalry with Gof- tic match, leaving that duty to she’s still so young.” fi n, is 7-0 lifetime against 78th- her coach, Thomas Drouet. Osaka said the match was one ranked Dimitrov but has never “I think that’s my coach’s of her best since winning the faced 38th-ranked De Minaur. homework,” Wang said. “I just Australian Open title. Five-time US Open cham- want to enjoy now and my coach “This is the most focused I’ve pion Federer’s Open Era Slam will tell me how to play next.” been since Australia,” Osaka said, quarter-fi nals record grew to 56 Wang’s previous coach had telling Gauff : “Sorry for playing and he matched Andre Agassi’s been Peter McNamara, who died you in this mentality.” through to the third round here Three-time champion Nadal year’s semi-fi nal. top guys you have to come up second-best US Open total of in July of prostate cancer. The prime time third-round since Anna Kournikova in 1996, returned from an extended rest “I’m trying to play a little bit with your great tennis,” said Cilic. 13 quarter-fi nals — second only Barty, who beat Wang twice clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium struggled in her fi rst match under to dispose of 170th-ranked South more aggressive and a little bit Sixth seed Alexander Zverev to 17 by Jimmy Connors — in a last year in their only prior meet- pitted 21-year-old Japanese star the lights on Ashe. Korean qualifi er Chung Hyeon less than before.” made it to the second week in dominant performance at Arthur ings, was undone by 39 unforced Osaka against the American, who “She (Osaka) did amazing and 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, having benefi ted “It’s true last year I had some New York for the fi rst time after Ashe Stadium. errors while Wang made only 14. made a fourth-round Wimble- I am going to learn a lot from this from three days off after a walko- tough matches. You never know fi ghting past Aljaz Bedene 6-7 Goffi n broke in the third game Wang, who had squandered don run on her Grand Slam de- match,” Gauff said. “She’s the ver. The Spanish second seed will what’s better or worse,” he said of (4/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). of the match and Federer re- four match points in a semi-fi nal but. number one player in the world meet 2014 champion Marin Cilic his serene progress this week. Andrey Rublev, a 2017 quar- sponded by winning the next fi ve loss last week at the WTA Bronx Serena Williams, the 23-time right now, so I know what I need for a place in the quarter-fi nals. Cilic, the 22nd seed and 2017 ter-fi nalist, beat Nick Kyrgios in games to seize the opening set in tournament, enjoyed solid sup- Grand Slam champion, called it to do to get to that level.” Osaka “I’m happy to be in the fourth Wimbledon fi nalist, took out top three entertaining sets while 13th 26 minutes, 11 of the next 13 to port at Louis Armstrong Sta- “the future of women’s tennis”, next faces Swiss 13th seed Be- round for one more time. It was US hope John Isner in four tight seed Gael Monfi ls is the highest- grab command of the aff air in- dium. while Novak Djokovic labelled linda Bencic, who was handed a a good match,” said Nadal, who sets. ranked player left in that quarter Gauff “a new superstar”. walkover when Anett Kontaveit quit with injury against Juan “I’ve played quite a few times of the draw after he outlasted But Gauff , the youngest player withdrew due to illness. Martin del Potro during last with Rafa. When you play these Denis Shapovalov in fi ve sets. Rested Nadal BOTTOMLINE wishes he hadn’t Osaka sees ‘fun’ rivalry with Gauff had a walkover AFP thing,” Nadal said. New York “For me, personally, in some AFP way, I will prefer to play the New York match. In some way is true rested and healthy that you save energy. So you Rafael Nadal rolled never know what’s the best aomi Osaka predicted she will into the US Open’s thing.” strike up an exciting rivalry fourth round on Sat- Second seed Nadal is con- with American teen sensation A urday, wishing he had been cerned about form as much as Coco Gauff as part of a chang- pushed harder as he charges rest, although he did withdraw Ning landscape at the top of women’s ten- after a 19th Grand Slam title. from a tuneup event in Cincin- nis. The 33-year-old Spaniard, nati after winning at Montreal. Defending US Open champion Osaka who won his 12th French Open “I had the first three or four outclassed the tearful 15-year-old 6-3, title in June, advanced to the months of the season very 6-0 in just over an hour Saturday to ad- last 16 by defeating 170th- hard, too many issues again, vance to the fourth round in New York. ranked South Korean qualifier and then it’s true that since But world number one Osaka, also the Chung Hyeon 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Barcelona, things have been reigning Australian Open champion, an- “I didn’t face a break point. improving,” Nadal said. ticipates the pair will wage battles on the That’s a positive thing,” Nadal “I was able to fix a little bit the court for years to come. said. “And the best thing is body and play more or less “I feel like of course we’re going to without playing great, playing with freedom of movements. play multiple times in the future. She’s a normal match, I was able to That’s given me the chance to so young. That’s defi nitely going to hap- have a very comfortable score. compete at the highest level pen,” Osaka said. That means a lot of things, posi- again. “She seems very intelligent, so I think tive ones. “So here I am to try my best there’s automatically things that she’s “Now is the moment to push, and I’m going to put my 100 going to change the next time that we to make a step forward if I want percent to try to be ready for play. to give me a chance to fight the next round.” “I’m not necessarily looking forward for the important things. That’s Big-serving Cilic next to that, but I think it will be fun for you what I’m going to try.” Next up for Nadal is a last guys to watch.” Nadal, a three-time US Open 16-clash with Croatia’s 23rd- Gauff , who made a run to the Wim- champion, said he wished he seeded Marin Cilic, the 2014 bledon fourth round last month on her had been able to play a second- US Open champion. Grand Slam debut, was seeking to be- round match against injured “The key is play well. That sim- come the youngest player to make the Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis ple,” Nadal said. “If I’m playing US Open last 16 since Russia’s Anna instead of advance by walko- well, I’m going to have hope- Kournikova in 1996. ver and rest for three days. fully my chances to return a Osaka has struggled to replicate her The injury-nagged star who couple of points and give me top form since her Melbourne triumph in was forced out of a US Open chances. January, but the Japanese star delivered a Naomi Osaka (L) of Japan comforts Coco Gauff of the US after their third round match at the US Open yesterday. semi-final last year with knee “Against big servers... chances masterclass on and off the court against pain and struggled with a are not a lot, so you need to be Gauff . The emotional clash was followed not walk off the court sad. I want her to, she is growing stronger the deeper she bold. hip injury earlier this season ready to expect a very tough by tearful on-court interviews, Osaka like, be aware that she’s accomplished so progresses at Flushing Meadows. “I’m just out here trying my best. I’m wanted more than six sets one. But I need to be focused asking a reluctant Gauff to join her with much and she’s still so young.” “The thing with me, though, is I get just going with the fl ow at this rate. I’ve under his belt by now on the with my serve, as always. I need the microphone as they met at the net. She added: “I was just thinking it better as the tournament goes on,” Osaka never defended a Grand Slam before.” New York hardcourts. to be ready to accept the chal- “It was kind of instinctive because would be nice for her to address the peo- said. “It’s not even a skill sort of thing, “I was just happy throughout this en- “You never know what’s better lenge that brings the competi- when I shook her hand, I saw that she ple that came and watched her play. They it’s just I trust myself more. tire match,” she continued. “I think I kept or worse, no? From here, the tion in days like these. was kind of tearing up a little. Then it re- were cheering for her.” Asked to assess her current level, she a very high level of focus. I honestly think main thing, I am happy to be “And I hope to be ready to play minded me how young she was,” Osaka Osaka goes on to face Swiss 13th seed replied: “I mean, the last two times I was it’s been since Australian Open fi nals where I am. I’m in the fourth my highest level, because that’s said. Belinda Bencic for a place in the quar- in the round of 16, I won it, if that an- that I was that focused and I was fi ghting round, and that’s the main what I’m going to need.” “I wanted her to have her head high, ter-fi nals, and the top seed believes swers — I don’t want to say that. That’s that hard for every point.” Gulf Times Monday, September 2, 2019 3 SPORT

FOCUS FORMULA 1 Taylor fi res New Zealand to T20 win over Sri Lanka Leclerc’s win fi tting

AFP He was fi nally trapped lbw off shan Dickwella, who made 33. Kandy, Sri Lanka debutant leg-spinner Wanindu Opener Kusal Perera made 11 tribute: Merc chief Hasaranga who returned fi gures before falling to Kiwi skipper of 2-21 from his four overs. Tim Southee and number-three AFP it,” he said. oss Taylor hit a quick- Daryl Mitchell, who made 25 batsman Avishka Fernando was Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium “I think for us it was not really fi re 48 to set up New off 19 deliveries, and Mitchell out for 10 as Sri Lanka slipped to a great track. We are lacking the Zealand’s fi ve-wicket Santner, scoring 14, then put 68 for two. speed on the straight line so if that win over Sri Lanka in on an unbeaten 31-run stand to Mendis held fi rm to complete ercedes team chief is damage limitation we have to be theR fi rst international steer the Black Caps home. his fi fth T20 fi fty and also went Toto Wolff congratu- very, very happy with it.” against Sri Lanka in Kandy yes- Malinga, who retired from past his previous best of 70 after lated Charles Leclerc Ferrari team chief Mattia Bi- terday. in 2011 and played surviving a dropped catch on 55. on his maiden vic- notto admitted he was glad that Taylor lifted the Black Caps his farewell one-day inter- Mendis was fi nally holed out Mtory yesterday and said it was the race had only been 44 laps. from a precarious 39 for three national in July, bowled Co- at deep mid-wicket off Southee, fi tting that he did so in tribute to “Lewis Hamilton was doing in their chase of 175 to complete lin Munro in the fi rst over of the who returned fi gures of 2-20 his late friend Anthoine Hubert. some very fast lap times and it the win in 19.3 overs and lead the New Zealand chase to equal Af- from his four overs of pace. The 22-year-old French racing was important somehow to keep three-match series 1-0. ridi’s record of 98 wickets. The second T20 is scheduled driver Hubert lost his life after the distance to him,” said the Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Mal- The 36-year-old then cleaned for today at the Pallekele Inter- crashing in Saturday’s Formula Italian team boss. inga became the highest wicket- up de Grandhomme, for 44, to national Stadium in Kandy. Two race at the Belgian Grand “Lucky for us, the race was taker in the shortest format after New Zealand’s Ross Taylor plays a shot as Sri Lankan wicketkeeper achieve the feat in his 74th T20 Prix. only 44 laps! I think it was im- his two scalps took his tally to 99 Kusal Perera (left) looks on during the international Twenty20 match match of his illustrious career. BRIEF SCORES: Sri Lanka 174 Leclerc claimed his fi rst win portant — the fi rst win for in 74 matches, surpassing Paki- in Kandy, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (AFP) Earlier Kusal Mendis smashed for 4 (K Mendis 79, N Dickwella and Ferrari’s fi rst of the season Charles, of course, and I am sure stan’s Shahid Afridi. 79 toff 53 balls to help Sri Lanka 33; T Southee 2-20, M Santner with a polished drive to resist a it won’t be the last.” But his eff ort was not enough to take the attack to the opposi- Shanaka at deep mid-wicket off post 174 for four. 1-22) lost to New Zealand 175 late surge by Lewis Hamilton of Binotto added that Leclerc’s as Taylor put on 79 runs for the tion bowlers. Akila Dananjaya, made the most Mendis built crucial partner- for 5 (R Taylor 48, C de Grand- Mercedes. victory exemplifi ed his mental fourth wicket with Colin de Taylor, who survived a of the reprieve to hit three fours ships including a 63-run stand homme 44; W de Silva 2-21, L Wolff said he felt the fi nal strength and the valuable contri- Grandhomme, who scored 44, dropped catch on 31 by Dasun and two sixes in his 29-ball blitz. for the third wicket with Niro- Malinga 2-23) by five wickets. result was right on a diffi cult bution of Sebastian Vettel to the weekend for the paddock and the team triumph. sport. “We’re torn because we “We said at the start of the ASHES need to look at the race, but then season that team points come a young man has lost his life and fi rst,” he said. “Charles drove that is overshadowing every- very fast the entire weekend. thing,” said Wolff . “We had to protect the posi- “We should remember him tion against Mercedes — and we — and in a way it’s good that had no choice at the time. I think Charles won the race. They were Sebastian has been very helpful Selectors’ work cut close, the two Frenchmen, so for Charles today and it’s good everything happens for a reason.” for the team spirit.” He added that if the race had Vettel said he struggled with continued for two more laps his tyres and overall pace, which Lewis Hamilton may have caught led to him pulling across to and passed Leclerc, whose tyres let Leclerc pass him midway were badly worn. through the contest. out with Labuschagne “Overtaking on the straight is “I’m happy for the team, but very diffi cult against that Ferrari, for myself I am not happy,” he form, Smith’s return but maybe two would have done said. Labuschagne, first concussion replacement in Tests, scored 213 runs in three innings

Reuters London, United Kingdom

he return of premier batsman Steve Smith in Australia’s easy tour match victory over Der- Tbyshire has made life diffi cult for selectors ahead of the fourth Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (left) off ers condolences to the mother Ashes Test against England, of late French driver Anthoine Hubert before the start of the Formula chairman of selectors Trevor 3 race at Spa-Francorchamps yesterday. (AFP) Hohns has said. Smith was ruled out of the third Test due to concussion SPOTLIGHT and Hohns said the form of his replacement, Marnus La- buschagne, would be a factor in fi nalising the batting order. Hat-trick man Labuschagne, who became Test cricket’s fi rst concussion replacement when he went in Bumrah earns for Smith in the second Test, has scored 213 runs at 71 in his three innings. praise from Windies “He has been terrifi c with the opportunity he was given in Lord’s, unfortunate opportunity of course,” Hohns said of La- buschagne. “He has certainly made every post a winner, and made the most of every opportunity he has been given. “He’s a prime contender. It’s very hard for me to say just where, but he’s an option every- In this August 18, 2019, picture, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne (left) is in action against England in the second Ashes Test in London. (Reuters) where as we have seen.” Labuschange has played just Archer and Stuart Broad. number. left-handers, so we will certain- opened against Derbyshire it seven Tests but batted in fi ve Right handers Smith (126) “It has been diffi cult up top ly look at that as well.” was not an indication of their diff erent positions, and a part- and Labuschagne (71) head the for both teams,” Hohns added. Opening batting would also plans. nership with Smith could help Australian averages, while top- “The opening bowlers with be an issue with Australia’s fi rst “There’s no great pointer in provide some stability in Aus- order left handers Travis Head that new ball, and conditions wicket partnership averaging just Usman opening,” Hohns said tralia’s top order. (32.00), Usman Khawaja (20.33) that seem to have prevailed, it 10.16, with a highest stand of 13. after Khawaja scored 72 in Aus- Hohns said the dominance of and David Warner (13.16) have has been very, very diffi cult for Senior batsman Warner has tralia’s only innings against Der- the new ball bowlers had been all struggled. any player who has batted in the been the fi rst dismissed in fi ve of byshire. a telling factor so far in the se- Matthew Wade, who is play- top three. those six innings. “We know he can open, he’s Jasprit Bumrah (second from right) of India acknowledges the fans ries, which is tied at 1-1, but he ing as a specialist batsman and “We are mindful of that. We If Labuschagne comes in at done that before in Test match- after taking a hat-trick on second day of the second Test against West also recognised that Australia’s batting at number six, is averag- are also mindful that the Eng- number three, then Khawaja es, we know he’s been pretty Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday. (AFP) left-handed heavy batting line- ing 25.16 but a high score of 110 land bowlers have bowled very could be promoted, although good at number three for us as up were struggling against Jofra at Edgbaston has skewed that well to our guys, particularly our Hohns said just because he well.” Reuters and has bamboozled West Indies Kingston, Jamaica top order during the series, none more so than left-hander Darren SECOND TEST Bravo, who has fallen three times est Indies to Bumrah — twice lbw and once Jason Holder tipped bowled. his cap to Jasprit Bumrah’s performance on India extend huge lead on WI aft er opting to bat again Bumrah after the Saturday came on the back of his WIndia pace bowler bagged a hat- fi gures of 5-7 in the second in- AFP Bumrah failed to add to his presenting Roach with the op- trick on day two of the second nings of the fi rst Test in Antigua Kingston, Jamaica six-wicket tally from Satur- portunity to lift his tally of Test Test in Kingston on Saturday. last weekend, which had retired day and it was left to the other wickets to 191, one short of leg- Bumrah picked up 6-16 as fast bowling greats Andy Roberts frontline bowlers — pacers endary former West Indies fast West Indies collapsed to 87 for and Curtly Ambrose singing the aptain Virat Kohli de- Mohamed Shami and Ishant bowler Wes Hall. seven at stumps in their fi rst in- 25-year-old’s praises. clined to enforce the Sharma and spinner Ravindra He earned a leg-before verdict nings, still 329 runs in arrears of “He’s the best Indian fast follow-on despite India Jadeja — to eventually claim against Agarwal which the bats- India’s fi rst innings score. bowler I have seen,” 68-year-old taking a 299-run fi rst the last three wickets after 75 man attempted in vain to have “He bowled some magic balls Roberts, who took 202 wickets in inningsC lead over the West In- minutes’ play. overturned. today and got quite a few of our 47 Tests, told the Indian Express. dies, opting to bat their way into Shami produced a steep lifter KL Rahul and Chesteshwar batsmen with some very good “If you can swing the ball at his an unassailable position on the to remove Pujara will resume for India after balls,” said Holder, who was dis- pace, nothing like it. Such bowl- third day of the second and fi nal via a simple catch to Ajinkya Ra- lunch with the expectation that missed for 18 by Bumrah. ers thrill you. Test in Jamaica yesterday. hane at gully, while Sharma ac- Kohli will be seeking to declare “He got the ball to swing quite “India had Kapil Dev and some At lunch the tourists were 16 counted for the other overnight in the fi nal session of the day to late this evening as well. He was others, but we never thought for one with an overall lead of debutant, Jahmar Hamilton, give his pacers the opportunity diffi cult. He bowled quite a few they could produce someone as 315 despite Kemar Roach’s early Kohli holding on to the chance to repeat the devastation they inswingers to me. It (the dis- lethal as Bumrah,” he added. breakthrough for the home side. low at third slip. wreaked on Saturday. missal delivery) angled in and left Ambrose, who took 405 wick- Roach was last out in the West With last man Shannon me at the last moment, so I give ets from 98 matches as part of a Indies fi rst innings of 117 as the Gabriel at the other end, Roach BRIEF SCORES (at lunch): India him all credit for that one.” fearsome West Indies pace bat- lower order off ered a bit more opted to hit out against Jadeja 416 (H. Vihari 111, V. Kohli 76, Right-armer Bumrah, who tery of the 1990s, also off ered resistance on the third morning but could only spoon a catch to I. Sharma 57, M. Agarwal 55; J. made his Test debut against high praise. than the frontline batsmen had Mayank Agarwal at cover. Holder 5-77, R. Cornwall 3-105) South Africa early last year, gen- “The pace, aggression, the shown late on day two, when Mindful no doubt of manag- and 16-1 (K. Roach 1-5) lead erally bowls at about 140-145kph hostility, the craft. The way he Mohamed Shami (left) of India celebrates the dismissal of Rahkeem Jasprit Bumrah’s hat-trick was ing the workload on his bowl- West Indies 117 (S. Hetmyer 34, and can swing the ball both ways. outclasses the batsmen, the way Cornwall (right) of West Indies on third day of the second Test in the highlight of a demolition job ers in extremely hot conditions, J. Holder 18; J. Bumrah 6-27, M. He has taken 61 wickets at an he out-thinks them, he could Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. (AFP) by India’s fast bowlers. Kohli opted to bat a second time, Shami 2-34) by 315 runs average clip of just under 19 runs have been one of us,” he said. Gulf Times 4 Monday, September 2, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Soderberg holds nerve in play-off to win Pogacar wins European Masters

AFP FedEx Cup prize win secured his Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland presence in the play-off with fi ve birdies for a 67. He birdied the 12th and 13th ebastian Soderberg sunk to get back to level and then took stage as Quintana a birdie in the fi rst hole advantage of the back to back par of a fi ve-man play-off fi ves at the 14th and 15th. featuring Rory McIlroy to A slippery right to lefter on theS European Masters for a “sur- the 17th had him within one and real” fi rst Tour title yesterday. Gagli was also at 14 under when The Swede had begun the fi nal he followed him in after an im- round at Crans-Montana four pressive run of his own. shots off the pace, but after the Overnight leader Romero takes Vuelta lead turn surged into the lead with tumbled down the leaderboard fi ve birdies in a row. as he bogeyed the fi rst, third and ‘I entered a curve quickly, because my rivals were about 30 seconds ahead, and I lost the bike’ A three-putt on the 17th fi fth and he was still three over dropped him into the play-off for his round before he made the AFP with a 14-under par total of 266 most of the back nine’s pair of Els Cortals, Andorra with four-time major champion par fi ves. McIlroy, Italian Lorenzo Gagli, An approach to tap-in range Andres Romero of Argentina and at the 17th then put him in the adej Pogacar, the young- Finn Kalle Samooja. play-off but he missed the green est rider in the Vuelta a The 28-year-old sealed his with his second as Gagli found Espana, ended a day of debut EPGA win on the fi rst trip the water on the trip back up tense twists on the steep back up the last hole, sinking a the 18th, leaving the other three Troads of the Pyrenees by taking 10-footer as McIlroy and Sa- players over their birdie putts for the ninth stage, as 2016 cham- mooja missed from close range. the dramatic fi nale. pion Nairo Quintana seized the It was the ideal way to cel- And just as in his rookie season overall race lead. ebrate his 50th European Tour 11 years ago when he lost a play- Pogacar, a 20-year-old Slov- event in the sixth play-off at off after bogeying the last McIl- enian making his Grand Tour Crans-Montana in the past seven roy was to miss out on the trophy debut, was fi rst to the summit of years. “It’s unbelievable,” he told yet again. Els Cortals d’Encamp at the end europeantour.com. Soderberg came through the of a short but demanding 99.4 “I’ve dreamt of playing on the Qualifying School in 2016 and kilometre mountain stage from European Tour, even better doing the European Challenge Tour last Andorra la Vella. it this way. I was in the lead, lost season. The UAE Emirates rider was it, went into the play-off with He sat 120th on the Race to followed 23 seconds later by Rory McIlroy among it. Dubai coming into this week af- Colombian Quintana. Another “I was more nervous in the be- ter securing a top fi ve fi nish on Slovenian, Primoz Roglic, fi n- ginning than I was towards the home soil at last week’s Scandi- ished third. back nine. Got on a good run and navian Invitation. Frenchman Nicolas Edet the ball kept going in. Just play- “I proved to myself that I can started the day in the lead but ing with Rory, so many people play out here,” said the Swede. struggled on the big mountains. around, playing with a guy like “I didn’t really know that I was Quintana, who rides for Mo- that adds heat to it right away.” ready to win, I had a terrible start vistar, is six seconds ahead of McIlroy was two over for his to the season and I felt like I was Roglic of Jumbo-Visma. round after 10 holes, but the just trying to make my way into Another Colombian, Miguel Northern Irishman, fresh from the top 110 and keep my card for Angel Lopez of Astana, is third, last weekend’s PGA Tour’s Tour next year. It’s just a surreal way to 17 seconds off the lead. Championship and $15 million do it.” Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, also of Movistar, is fourth, Team Movistar rider Colombia’s Nairo Quintana in leader’s red jersey celebrates on the podium after the ninth stage of the 2019 La Vuelta another three seconds back. cycling tour of Spain in Els Cortals yesterday. (AFP) Pogacar has climbed to fi fth, but is 1min 42sec off fi rst place. onds and was chasing the rid- because my rivals were about an angry gesture, he slowed “Today was tricky stage, lots of “There’s still a long way to ers ahead in the hope of a stage 30 seconds ahead, and I lost down until Quintana had caught technical problems, a hail storm. go,” said Quintana after the victory when a ferocious storm the bike,” Lopez said after the up and helped pull the Colom- Today was incredible.” stage looking ahead to Tuesday’s struck. race. bian to the fi nish and away from The fi nal kilometres were time trial. As torrential rain turned to He struggled home ninth in the other contenders, including good for Slovenians. “The important thing is to hail, the feed from the TV cam- the stage, more than a minute team-mate Valverde. While Pogacar was pulling get ahead of Roglic. He still has eras on the route cut out. behind the winner. That gave Pogacar a chance away, Roglic, who had appeared an advantage knowing the time When they came back on, As the race approached the and he seized it. “I was looking spent with 15 kilometres to go, trial to come”, he added. and the Movistar pair of Quin- fi nish, another Movistar rider, at this stage since the start,” he was charging through the fi eld For a while it looked as if tana and Alejandro Valverde had Marc Soler, was alone in the told broadcaster Eurosport after for a solid third place. Lopez would take a big lead. caught up. lead. the fi nish. Today is a rest day and the He burst away from the group Lopez had blood on his elbow, He reacted with fury when, “When I saw the weather, I racing resumes with a 36.2km of favourites with 19km to go. He suggesting a fall in the wet. with 3.5km to go, the team or- was happy that it would rain time trial from Jurancon to Pau had built a gap of some 40 sec- “I entered a curve quickly, dered the Spaniard to wait. With because that is good for me. in France tomorrow.

Stuyven pips Colbrelli for Tour of Germany victory

AFP Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida). stages. ry, exactly 10 years after win- their legs a month before the Erfurt, Germany Stuyven went into the Colbrelli won two sprints ning a junior world champion world championships on an 159.5km stage between Ei- but his 10-second bonus yes- title. undemanding course. The senach and Erfurt wearing the terday was not enough to over- The tour, relaunched in 2018 organisers marked the 30th elgian Jasper Stuyven, race leader’s red jersey and beat haul Stuyven who held onto after a decade of interrup- anniversary of the fall of the riding for the Trek- Colbrelli by just three seconds the lead he had taken the day tion, allowed some of the big Berlin Wall by choosing a route Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg poses with his trophy after winning Segafredo team, won in the overall standings. before as part of the only suc- names from the Tour de France that repeatedly crossed the the PGA European Masters in Crans-Montana yesterday. (AFP) the Tour of Germany The sprinters had domi- cessful breakaway of the race. peloton, Julian Alaphilippe, former Iron Curtain, the old yesterdayB after a fi nal stage nated the four-day race with The 27-year-old Belgian Geraint Thomas, Richie Porte border between East and West won in a sprint by Italian Sonny group fi nishes in three of the took his fi rst stage-race victo- and Vincenzo Nibali, to stretch Germany. GOLF Unheralded Noh seizes FOCUS LPGA Portland lead

AFP the end of the round, to get the Los Angeles pace correct,” added Green, who Qatar Airways in partnership had back-to-back birdies at the fourth and fi fth but three bogeys the rest of the way — including S teenager Yealimi Noh at 18. “But the pins, I didn’t fi nd fi red eight birdies in too diffi cult,” Green added. “You with Education City Golf Club an eight-under par 64 could easily be on the wrong side on Saturday to take a of the pin, but I think just with it 2000 as a form of appreciation Uthree-shot lead over Hannah becoming a bit fi rmer and a little atar Airways’ award- to its loyal passengers, off ering Green after three rounds of the bit of wind made a huge diff er- winning Frequent them the opportunity to earn LPGA Portland Classic. ence today.” Flyer programme, Qmiles when travelling on Qa- Noh, who made the fi eld South Korea’s Kim Sei-young Privilege Club, is tar Airways, oneworld® airlines, through Monday qualifying, also seemed to feel it, following partneringQ with Education City or any of the airlines’ partners. posted the low round of the day up her 11-under 61 of Friday with Golf Club (ECGC) and off ering Qmiles has since served as an- at Columbia Edgewater Country a 73 that left her eight off the its valued members opportu- other convenient means of pay- Club in Oregon for a 19-under pace. Canadian Brooke Hend- nity to earn Qmiles through golf ment at the award-winning Qa- par total of 197. “I was hoping for erson and American Brittany membership packages and day tar Duty Free outlets, located in a good week, but to be in con- Altomare shared third on 202. passes for lessons. both the departure and arrival tention, I’m really excited,” said Henderson carded a 67 while Al- This will incentivise existing halls of Hamad International Noh, who turned professional in tomare signed for a 68. golfers in the local market and Airport, and at Oryx Galleria in January at age 17. Henderson is the last Monday encourage those members keen . “Yesterday, too, I was just like, qualifi er to win an LPGA tourna- to take up the sport of golf to EC Golf Club is a landmark I couldn’t really sleep. I was ex- ment, a victory that came at the join and earn Qmiles. Privilege project for Qatar and world of cited to come out and try to move 2015 Portland Classic. club members also gain a bo- Education City Golf Club General Manager Michael Braidwood (L) with Qatar Airways Vice President golf, off ering a revolutionary on moving day.” She recalled being “just ter- nus of 10,000 Qmiles through CRM and Loyalty Jake Miller. and holistic approach to grow- She roared past Australia’s rifi ed” as she set out in the fi - the referral programme for both ing this game. It comprises a Green, who held a fi ve-shot over- nal round with a fi ve-shot lead member and referred friend to CRM and Loyalty Jake Miller undoubtedly earn a world-class to experience our golf course at range of short game formats, night lead after rounds of 64 and that she was determined not to enjoy golfi ng together at ECGC. said: “We are very excited to re- reputation, worthy of a stopo- Education City. We are dedi- a learning and practice facil- 63 but fi nished the day with a squander. But Henderson added, The partnership includes cor- ward our Privilege Club mem- ver in and of themselves. Privi- cated to providing our custom- ity housed, a TrackMan range, one-over 73 that left her on 200. “It’s the opportunity of a life- porate membership’s packages bers, with accumulating Qmiles lege Club is proud to partner our ers with an enhanced golfi ng an 18-hole championship golf “The greens were a lot quick- time, and you can make it easier that will obtain 40,000 Qmiles through our partnership with miles with sport to encourage experience and the partnership course, a 6-hole championship er, I think a lot quicker than the on yourself if you can go out and upon registering. Privilege Club the new Education City Golf our customers to get out and en- with Privilege Club members is course with 7 teeing ground practice green and maybe that play one round well, as opposed members and companies will get Club. I’ve loved golf since I was joy all that Doha has to off er.” of added value to our customer options per hole for quick and threw a few people off ,” said to going to Q-School. If you can to enjoy an opportunity to form 12 years old and I am awestruck Education City Golf Club base. Privilege Club members multi-generational golf and a Green, winner of the Women’s capitalize, it changes your whole a new recreational activity in the by these stunning courses and General Manager Michael can choose from signing up the fl ood lit 9-hole par-3 course all PGA Championship this year for life.” That’s not lost on Noh, who sports sector, with a new expe- practice facilities right here in Braidwood said: “Education ECGC experience for member- designed by two-time major her fi rst LPGA title. with a win would gain member- rience at the state of the art golf Doha. As golfers, both experi- City Golf Club is pleased to ship packages or one day pass winner Jose Maria Olazabal. EC “It certainly surprised me once ship to the LPGA tour which she course while earning Qmiles. enced and new, discover Edu- partner with Privilege Club to for lessons.” Golf Club has an array of facili- I got out there, and I still found could take up immediately or de- Qatar Airways Vice President cation City, these facilities will encourage locals and residents Privilege Club launched in ties for customers to learn golf. it really diffi cult, even towards fer to the 2020 season. Gulf Times Monday, September 2, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Patriots cut Hoyer; Stidham No. 2 Twins set season behind Brady

Reuters terbacks. The Broncos will New York have rookies Brett Rypien and Drew Lock (currently nurs- ing a thumb injury) behind he New England Pa- Joe Flacco, while the Bengals club homer record triots on Saturday will back Andy Dalton up with cut longtime backup Ryan Finley. quarterback Brian Lock was a second-round Hoyer,T NFL reporter Adam pick out of Missouri while Caplan reported. Finley was taken in the fourth The move leaves Tom Brady round out of North Carolina and rookie Jarrett Stidham as State. Rypien was undrafted the only quarterbacks on the out of Boise State. in loss to Tigers reigning Super Bowl champi- ons’ active roster. The move COWBOYS NEARING DEAL ‘That was probably the most intense four-run game I’ve ever been in in my life, including playoff s’ comes as teams must trim WITH ELLIOTT their rosters to 53 players by Talks between the Dallas Detroit 4pm ET on Saturday. Cowboys and holdout run- Reuters Hoyer, 33, spent parts of ning back Ezekiel Elliott “are fi ve seasons over two diff er- intensifying” and both sides ent stints with the Patriots. expect to fi nalise a new deal onny Rodriguez had a pair of He never started a game in this weekend, ESPN’s Adam two-run homers and drove in New England but did play in Schefter reported Saturday. fi ve runs, and the host Detroit 23 contests with the team, Elliott, 24, was the No 4 Tigers overcame a record-setting completing 32 of 51 passes for overall pick in the 2016 NFL MinnesotaR Twins power display to snap 335 yards with a touchdown Draft. He has two years re- a six-game losing streak with a 10-7 win and an interception. He has maining on his rookie contract Saturday. also spent time with Arizona, and is due to make $3.85mn Detroit tied its season high for most Cleveland, Houston, Chicago this season. runs in an inning with seven in the third. and San Francisco. Elliott has been absent Matthew Boyd (7-10) collected his fi rst In all, Hoyer has played in throughout training camp and win since July 4, allowing fi ve runs in six 65 games with 37 starts, pass- the preseason, working out on innings and striking out 11. ing for 9,902 yards with 48 his own instead in Mexico. The Twins went deep six times Satur- touchdowns and 30 intercep- Reports earlier this month day to reach 268 homers for the season, tions. But Stidham, a fourth- said Dallas had off ered Elliott surpassing the single-season mark of 267 round pick in this year’s draft a deal that would make him set by the New York Yankees a year ago. out of Auburn, had a solid pre- the second-highest paid run- Mitch Garver set the mark with a solo season. He completed 61 of 90 ning back in the league be- shot off Joe Jimenez in the ninth. Nelson passes (67.8 percent) for 731 hind Todd Gurley of the Los Cruz hit the record tying homer, a mam- yards, four touchdowns and Angeles Rams. Gurley signed moth 450-foot blast to centre off Buck an interception. Only Tampa a four-year, $57.5mn contract Farmer in the eighth. Bay’s Ryan Griffi n threw for with $45mn guaranteed last Garver led off the game with a homer. more yards this preseason. summer. Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco and CJ Cron In other quarterback news, Through three seasons, El- also homered for the Twins, who saw their NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport liott has carried the ball 868 six-game winning streak snapped. They reported that Denver is cut- times for 4,048 yards with had also won eight straight on the road. ting backup Kevin Hogan and 28 rushing touchdowns. He “That was probably the most intense Cincinnati is placing backup gained a league-leading 1,631 four-run game I’ve ever been in in my life, Jeff Driskel on injured reserve yards in his rookie year, when including the playoff s,” Tigers manager and may release him via an in- he was named an All-Pro, and Ron Gardenhire said. “It was a little more jury settlement. also led the league with 1,434 exciting that you’d like it. They don’t get As is the case in New Eng- rushing yards last year. base hits, they get home runs.” land, the moves leave the The Cowboys open the Polanco’s 20th homer, a two-run shot Broncos and Bengals with regular season September 8 rookies as their No. 2 quar- against the New York Giants. RESULTS Tigers 10-7 Twins Washington 7-0 Miami McCoy to join Chiefs: reports Rays 9-6 Indians Braves 11-5 White Sox Cardinals 3-2 Reds Cardinals 10-6 Reds Mets 6-3 Phillies Yankees 4-3 Athletics Blue Jays 6-4 Astros Brewers 2-0 Cubs Angels 10-4 Red Sox Royals 7-5 Orioles D’backs 6-5 Dodgers Rangers 3-2 Mariners Pirates 11-4 Rockies Padres 4-1 Giants

in the fi fth, set another home run record. Running back LeSean Mc- McCoy spent the past four Minnesota is the fi rst team to have eight Detroit Tigers first baseman Ronny Rodriguez reacts to hitting his second home run of the game against the Minnesota Twins during Coy will reportedly sign with seasons in Buff alo after players with 20 or more long balls. Twins the sixth inning of their MLB game at the Comerica Park in Detroit. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the Kansas City Chiefs after six with the Eagles. For his starter Martin Perez (9-6) gave up eight being released by the Buff alo career, he has 10,606 yards runs (seven earned) on nine hits in 2 2/3 STRASBURG K’S 14, LEADS Anthony Rendon, one solo blast by Juan homers. Rendon won a nine-pitch battle, Bills on Saturday. and 69 rushing touchdowns innings. NATS PAST MARLINS Soto and Kurt Suzuki’s two-run dinger. hitting three fouls and taking three balls McCoy will join Kansas City in 147 games. Garver hit his third leadoff homer of the Stephen Strasburg pitched eight score- Rendon has 31 homers this season, Soto before pouncing on a fastball and pulling on a one-year deal for $3mn The six-time Pro Bowl season when he ripped a 2-0 off ering from less innings, tied a season-high with 14 has 30 and Suzuki 15. it over the left fi eld fence. Two pitches guaranteed, according to selection led the NFL with Boyd over the left fi eld wall. strikeouts and took the National League Rendon went 2-for-3 with three runs later, left-handed hitting Soto homered multiple reports. The move a career-high 1,607 rushing The Tigers responded with an unearned lead in wins as his Washington Nationals scored, and his two RBIs gave him 109, to the opposite fi eld, connecting on a reunites him with head coach yards in 2013, one of his six run in the bottom of the inning. Reyes sin- defeated the visiting Miami Marlins 7-0 tied with three others for best in the ma- changeup that was up in the zone. Andy Reid, whom he played 1,000-yard seasons. gled, advanced on a stolen base and passed on Saturday night. jors. Soto, who went 2-for-4 with two The Nationals extended their lead to for while beginning his career The Bills brought in competi- ball, then scored on Rodriguez’s sacrifi ce Strasburg (16-5) extended his win RBIs and two runs scored, became the 3-0 in the second. Suzuki was hit by a with the Philadelphia Eagles. tion during the off season, fl y. The Twins moved back in front with streak against the Marlins to 12 games. seventh major leaguer with at least 30 pitch, went to third on Brian Dozier’s McCoy, 31, gained the fewest drafting rookie Devin Single- two out in the second on Kepler’s team- He is 21-7 in his career against the Mar- homers in his age-20 season or younger. single and scored on Strasburg’s hit. An- yards of his 10-year career in tary in the third round and leading 36th homer. lins, who haven’t beaten him since 2015. Suzuki went 1-for-3 with two runs other hit by pitch - this time to Rendon 2018, rushing for 514 yards and signing 36-year-old veteran The Tigers sent 12 batters to the plate in This year alone, Strasburg is 4-0 against scored and two RBIs. - sparked Washington’s next rally in the averaging 3.2 yards per carry. Frank Gore. the third while gaining an 8-2 lead. Rod- the Marlins. On Saturday, Strasburg al- It was Miami’s 14th consecutive road third. Rendon scored on Soto’s double, “We made a tough decision Singletary rushed for 4,287 riguez had his fi rst two-run homer in the lowed just two hits – both singles – and no loss, extending a dubious franchise record. and Suzuki’s homer gave the Nationals a today, but felt that it was the yards and 66 touchdowns game during that inning. Victor Reyes had walks. He struck out the side in the third Pablo Lopez (5-7) took the loss, allow- 6-0 lead. The Marlins made little noise right time to release LeSean in three seasons at Florida two hits during the outburst. and sixth innings, and 12 of his punchout ing six hits and six runs in three innings. all night until Lewis Brinson barked at an McCoy,” Bills general man- Atlantic, adding 51 receptions. Homers by Polanco and Cron brought victims went down swinging. He walked none and struck out one in eighth-inning strike call on a 3-2Stras- ager Brandon Beane said. “I Gore, a five-time Pro Bowl se- the Twins within three. Rodriguez made Strasburg retired the fi nal 22 batters, a what was tied for his shortest perform- burg curve that caught the top of the zone. have nothing but great things lection, rushed for 722 yards it 10-5 in the sixth with his second two- career-best feat. Strasburg also hit an RBI ance of the season. Brinson was ejected, and Rendon’s to say about LeSean and we on 156 carries last season run shot, which just cleared the right fi eld single in two at-bats. The Nationals sup- Lopez got in trouble in the fi rst inning homer in the bottom of the eighth added truly wish him the best.” with the Miami Dolphins. wall. ported Strasburg with two solo homers by as Rendon and Soto hit back-to-back to Miami’s pain.

FOCUS Miami Dolphins sending Tunsil to Texans aft er all Reuters enport. The teams previously the #Texans did not work out a over concerns of what changes in than $14mn remaining on his Los Angeles had failed to agree on a Jadeveon long-term deal with LT Laremy air pressure could have on his contract. He was considered by Clowney-Tunsil deal, and there Tunsil, but one is coming. lungs. many as a potential casualty at were reports that Miami play- Pretty safe to say, he has a lit- Despite the injuries, and the roster-cut deadline, which he Miami Dolphins re- ers “would revolt” if such a trade tle leverage.” though he was sacked an NFL- passed Saturday afternoon. portedly have come to an came to fruition. Tunsil was the anchor of an high 65 times last season, Stills has also made headlines agreement that would The Texans traded Clowney, a otherwise unproven off ensive Watson did not miss a game in with his protests, including con- send off ensive tackle Pro Bowl defensive end, to Seat- line in Miami, having allowed 2018. tinuing to take a knee during the TLaremy Tunsil to the Houston tle earlier Saturday. just one sack in 15 starts last sea- Stills, entering his seventh national anthem. Texans as part of a deal involving Drafted 13th overall out of Ole son. season in the NFL, will bring Earlier this month he open- two fi rst-round picks. Miss in 2016, Tunsil has played He now will protect the blind speed to a receiving corps head- ly criticised Dolphins owner According to NFL Network, in 44 of a possible 48 games with side of Houston quarterback De- lined by All-Pro DeAndre Hop- Stephen Ross for hosting a fun- the Dolphins are sending Tunsil, Miami, starting all of them. shaun Watson, who missed the kins, with Will Fuller coming off draiser for Donald Trump. wide receiver Kenny Stills and a He has two years and roughly second half of his rookie season a torn ACL last season. He also criticised Jay-Z after fourth-round pick to the Tex- $13.5mn remaining on his con- in 2017 with a torn ACL, then Stills has 259 catches for 4,138 the rapper entered into a part- ans in exchange for two fi rst- tract, after the Dolphins exer- suff ered a bruised lung and in- yards and 32 touchdowns in his nership with the NFL – a moved rounders, a second-round se- cised his fi fth-year option this jured ribs severe enough that the career. He had 37 grabs for 553 criticised by many as going lection, defensive back/special off season. team bussed him to Jacksonville yards and six touchdowns last against the protest movement teamer Johnson Bademosi and ESPN Network’s Ian Rapoport for a game last season rather season. started by Colin Kaepernick’s off ensive lineman Julie’n Dav- tweeted: “As part of this trade, than have him fl y with the team Stills has two years and more kneeling during the anthem. Gulf Times 6 Monday, September 2, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Crotty shows fi tness as All Hill in Wales’ World Blacks assemble for fi nal WC push

Reuters Cup squad despite Wellington yan Crotty’s impressive return to rugby at the ‘Hopefully, he will be on track to make weekend will have given Steve Hansen plenty of reasons to be cheerful as the All Blacks as- that second game, but if he doesn’t hit semble in Hamilton today to begin the fi nal stagesR of their preparation for the World Cup. his markers, we may have to make a call’ Crotty had not played for two months after breaking leg fracture his thumb in the Super Rugby semi-fi nal but returned for Canterbury in New Zealand’s provincial champion- AFP ship on Saturday. London The midfi eld back scored two tries and set up an- other in his 40 minutes at Southland. Perhaps more importantly, though, he came through the match un- ory Hill was selected for scathed. “He made a diff erence,” Canterbury coach Joe Wales’ 31-man World Cup Maddock told the New Zealand Herald about Crotty’s squad despite suff ering performance. “From the All Blacks point of view they’ll from a leg fracture. be happy he got through 40 minutes.” CHill has not played since Febru- Crotty could make his international return on Sept ary and could be unavailable un- 7 against Tonga in both sides’ fi nal warm-up match til halfway through Wales’ pool before the World Cup, with Hansen keen on fi elding as schedule. strong a side as possible. “We’ll have to assess the progress Jack Goodhue, who sustained a hamstring injury of someone like ,” head against Australia last month, could also return in that coach said. match while Sonny Bill Williams might also be given “Hopefully, he will be on track another opportunity to get more game time. to make that second game, but if Williams has been beset by injury over the last three he doesn’t hit his markers, we may years and was sent back to provincial rugby by Hansen have to make a call.” to improve his fi tness ahead of the fi nal Bledisloe Cup The lock captained clash with Australia. After appearing in two games for Wales in two Tests against Argen- provincial side Counties Manukau, Williams then re- tina last year and Gatland has se- turned to the All Blacks set-up and played almost 70 lected him for the tournament in minutes against the Wallabies, proving he was on track Japan in the hope he can feature in for the global showpiece in Japan. the latter stages. While Hansen will be keen to give his fi rst-choice Fly-half was also side an opportunity on Saturday, one area in which he included in the squad following may look to experiment is at fl yhalf. his try-scoring performance in the He has selected just two specialists, Richie Mo’unga 22-17 warm-up defeat by Ireland in and Beauden Barrett, for the World Cup and local me- Cardiff on Saturday. dia have reported Josh Ioane could be given an oppor- Gatland’s group will be captained tunity to make his test debut against Tonga despite not by Alun , but those play- making the World Cup squad. ers who miss out include surprise Ioane is likely to have been told to stay ready in case omissions in props Rob Evans and Mo’unga or Barrett go down with a serious injury in Samson Lee. Japan, though Hansen said last week that Crotty, Jor- Jones and company learnt of die Barrett or scrumhalf TJ Perenara would play there the selection via a video produced in an emergency. After the Tonga game, the All Blacks by the Welsh Rugby Union when open their World Cup campaign in Pool B against South each player was told by a member Africa on September 21 before facing Canada, Namibia of their community club that had and Italy. been chosen. It will be Jones’ fourth World Cup, with wing and hooker featuring in the Lara crushes Ramon Alvarez in tournament for a third time. super welterweight mismatch There are call-ups for Saracens prop Rhys Carre, who made his Test Former world champion Erislandy Lara continued his debut against Ireland, and fl anker trek back toward the top of the super-welterweight James Davies. ranks on Saturday with a second-round demolition of Gatland has opted for a split of Ramon Alvarez. 13 backs and 18 forwards, which in- Cuban-born Lara gained the World Boxing Associa- cludes three centres, two fl y-halves tion’s second-tier “regular” world title in the 154-pound and fi ve props. category with a dominant display over the overweight “Selection is always the toughest and overmatched Mexican in Minneapolis, Minnesota. part of the job and that is especially Only Lara was eligible to win the vacant title after true come World Cup time,” Gat- Cory Hill will not be available until midway through the pool stage of the World Cup. Alvarez, brother of middleweight king Canelo Alvarez, land said in a statement. failed to make weight on Friday by more than four “Reducing the squad down to 31 the opportunity to represent their capable of winning the World Cup,” to go with the fi ve props, one of the WALES SQUAD: pounds. has been extremely hard especially nation at the game’s showpiece he said. big discussion points was how du- FORWARDS: , Adam Lara was in control from the start, battering Alvarez when you look at the depth we have tournament.” “You always need a little bit of rable the props were. “Rob hasn’t Beard, Rhys Carre, James Dav- into the ropes in the second round. After Alvarez created and the amount of the work Gatland applied the fi nal selec- luck. You get to the quarter-fi nals trained a lot in the lead-up to the ies, , , Tomas survived a standing count, Lara unleashed another the training squad have put in, for tion touches during a three-hour and then take it one game at a time. World Cup matches. He came in with Francis, Cory Hill, , barrage and the fight was halted at 2:03 of the second some, 14 weeks of training. meeting on Saturday, with around “I think it (squad) is good enough a shoulder injury, then he picked up Wyn Jones, , Ross round. Alvarez’s corner and the referee moved simul- “We are really happy with the half a dozen places believed to to win (the World Cup). We go there a neck injury and a few back issues, Moriarty, , Ken Owens, taneously to stop it. Lara, who improved to 26-3-3 with fi nal 31, we feel there is an excel- have been at the centre of their de- with a lot of confi dence.” so he hadn’t played a lot. , Nicky Smith, Justin 15 knockouts, gained a measure of revenge against lent blend to the squad, in terms of bate. Wales’ opening World Cup Gatland has opted for a split The tournament will be Gat- Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright the Alvarez family. He lost a controversial narrow split- talent, experience and age profi le game is against Georgia in Toyota of 13 backs and 18 forwards, but land’s farewell from a role he has Backs: , , decision to Canelo Alvarez in 2014. and we are all incredibly excited City on September 23, followed by Evans and Lee, who have 77 caps be- fi lled since 2008, during which , Aled Davies, Gareth Lara lost the WBA’s top 154-pound belt by split-decision about heading to Japan and what Australia in Tokyo six days later. tween them, miss out along with the time Wales have won four Six Davies, Jonathan Davies, Leigh to American Jarrett Hurd in April of 2018. lies ahead. “I think this is the most open likes of Jarrod Evans, , Nations titles, three Grand Slams Halfpenny, George North, Hadleigh The crown is now held by Julian Williams, who shocked “These players have performed World Cup we’ve had for a long Scott Williams and . and reached a World Cup semi- Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Owen Wat- Hurd in May. and delivered for Wales and deserve time. There are six or seven teams Gatland added: “When we decided fi nal. kin, Liam Williams, .

FOCUS Russell guides Scotland to historic win over Georgia AFP Scotland made the most of their early Tbilisi dominance as Russell showed his quality against a sluggish defensive line. His break after 14 minutes ended with sec- ly-half starred as Scot- ond-row Ben Toolis scoring. land hammered Georgia 44-10 in a The Racing 92 fl y-half then set up Hutch- Rugby World Cup warm-up Test in inson fi ve minutes later for the centre’s fi rst Tbilisi on Saturday. Test try and Scotland led 20-0 after 19 min- FRussell played a part in all but one of the utes. The home side claimed their fi rst points visitors’ fi ve tries in a fi xture which marked of proceedings with a 40-metre penalty the fi rst time a country from the top table from full-back Soso Matiashvili. of international rugby played a game in the Laidlaw then re-established the 20-point former Soviet state. lead just before the break with an simple ef- Centre Rory Hutchinson crossed twice to fort of his own. secure ’s second straight Northampton midfi elder Hutchinson, victory after losing to France a fortnight ago. starting his fi rst international, scored his Prop Kakha Asieshvili claimed his sixth try second of the game eight minutes into the in 35 Tests for the ‘Lelos’, ranked 12th in the second half. world rankings, who beat South African pro- Georgia’s crossed through substitute Ka- vincial side the Southern Kings on Tuesday. kha Asiseshvili with the prop’s fi rst touch “You want the players to play well and after 58 minutes. they did that tonight. The more players that Fly-half Tedo Abzhandadze added the ex- are training well and playing well, the harder tras but Scotland led 30-10 with a quarter of it will be for us to get it down to 31 players,” the game to play. Russell was key in the away Townsend told BBC Radio Scotland ahead of side’s fourth try. naming his fi nal World Cup squad on Tues- His neat grubber kick was collected by day. for the winger’s fourth try in “In the fi rst 20 minutes I thought we were six Tests and Russell was substituted after accurate, we chased kicks well, we cleared slotting the touchline conversion with 15 contact well and held up in our set-piece.” minutes remaining. “That got us pulled into the game and we Scotland’s fi fth try came as substitute chipped away at the scoreboard through scrum-half took a quick penalty and pressure and getting penalties,” he added. Scott Cummings crashed over from short range on the 74-minute mark. HUTCHINSON DOUBLE The two sides face each other once again The visitors raced into a 6-0 lead after 12 next Friday in their fi nal warm-up game minutes with two Laidlaw penalty goals. ahead of the start of the World Cup. Scotland’s centre Rory Hutchinson (right) is tackled during their Test against Gerogia at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, September 2, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Rennes’ perfect record ended with home defeat by Nice Lazio and Roma share Paris: Rennes lost their 100% record in Ligue 1 yesterday when visitors Nice came from behind to beat them 2-1 with a stoppage time goal by Racine Coly. The only team to win their opening three games, Rennes dominated the first points in lively derby half and went ahead after 25 minutes when Gautier Lloris turned a Jeremy Morel header into his own net. ‘Sorry’ Koulibaly hands defending champions Juventus victory in seven-goal Napoli thriller Nice levelled with a penalty in the 63rd minute, Wylan Cyprien scoring from the spot for the second game in a row after Youcef Atal was fouled by Hamari Traore. Patrick Vieira’s side then took all three points when Coly turned the ball in at the far post after a corner was headed on. The result left Paris St Germain, Rennes, Nice and Angers all level on nine points from four games with the Parisians leading on goal diff erence.

SIDELINED BOATENG SET TO LEAVE BAYERN FOR JUVENTUS Frozen-out Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng will move to Juventus before the end of the summer transfer window today, according to German media. Italian cham- pions Juve are in the hunt for an experienced defender following Giorgio Chiellini’s cruicate knee ligament injury, and Boateng report- edly begged the club to let him leave. Reports of his exit come af- ter German media noted that he wasn’t present at the tradi- tional photo shoot yesterday. The 30-year-old, dropped from the Germany set-up by Joachim Loew, was a Bayern stalwart but hasn’t played a single Bundesliga minute this season after being sidelined following the arrival of France international Benjamin Pa- vard and club-record signing Lucas Hernandez.

MONACO SIGN AUGUSTIN AS FALCAO Lazio’s Spanish midfielder Luis Alberto (right) scores against AS Roma during the Italian Serie A match at the Olympic stadium in Rome yesterday. (AFP) HEADS TO ISTANBUL French striker Jean-Kevin Au- Agenices The Senegal international shanked giving the reigning champions what sence of captain Giorgio Chiellini, out winner after Milan had lost their opener gustin has joined Monaco on Rome in Paulo Dybala’s free-kick under no looked like an unassailable lead. with anterior cruciate ligament knee in- to Udinese last weekend. a season-long loan from RB pressure in the second minute of stop- However two goals in as many min- jury, and Sarri, who is battling pneumo- Poland forward Krzysztof Piatek, who Leipzig with an option to buy, page time to hand Juve the three points utes from Kostas Manolas and Hirving nia and was not on the bench. Ancelotti fi nished third in Serie A’s scorers chart the Ligue 1 club announced. azio and Roma drew 1-1 in a in Turin and put Maurizio Sarri’s side Lozano shortly after Ronaldo had made meanwhile was left to regret a “wasted last season with 22 goals, Lucas Paqueta Augustin, 22, came through pulsating derby yesterday at top with a maximum six points, leaving it three brought Napoli back into the opportunity” after losing in such gut- and Fabio Borini all started on the bench the youth system at Paris the Italian Serie A. Aleksandar Napoli with nothing to show for their game, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo sent the wrenching fashion. “It was not a posi- for the side who have been banned from Saint-Germain and made his Kolarov converted a penalty for Herculean eff orts. away fans wild with a close-range fi nish tive performance. The fi rst hour we this season’s Europa League for break- league debut in 2015, winning LRoma on 17 minutes and Luis Alberto “It’s an own goal that hurts me be- to set up a tense fi nal nine minutes. didn’t do well. But despite the 3-0 we ing fi nancial fair play rules. a French league champion’s levelled on 59 minutes in a hard-fought cause it came after an incredible come- But with at least point seemingly in stayed in the game, we came back,” Dimitri Bisoli missed a chance to medal in 2016 and French game at the Stadio Olimpico. The game back,” Koulibaly later said on Twitter. the bag, Koulibaly made it a nightmare said Ancelotti. “Juventus have so much equalise, sending a shot over the bar Cup and League Cup winner’s was marked by fi ve fi rst-half shots “I’m sorry but I have to — we have to end for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who fi n- character and quality, we know that with Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Don- medals in 2016 and 2017. coming off the post, three for Lazio and accept it: we are strong. We have shown ished on the wrong end of a 4-3 score- they always step up in the important narumma denying Ricardo Rodriguez’s He moved to Leipzig in July two from Roma youngster Nicolo Zani- that. We’re going to prove it.” line after winning by the same margin at moments of the season. “We wasted an defl ected shot before the break. 2017 and scored 20 goals in olo, with Lazio’s Marco Parolo shaking Koulibaly’s blunder undid all of Na- Fiorentina last weekend. opportunity today.” Piatek come on for the last half an 67 appearances for the Ger- the bar in the closing minutes. poli’s good work in fi ghting back from “It was a rollercoaster. We lost control Earlier on Saturday, Turkey midfi eld- hour in place of Andre Silva, with man club. On Saturday night, Kalidou Koulibaly the dead with less than half-an-hour of the game and got distracted, so they er Hakan Calhanoglu claimed AC Mi- Paqueta replacing Calhanoglu fi ve min- His arrival came as Monaco handed Juventus a dramatic win with a left, with goals from Danilo just 20 sec- managed to equalise, but fortunately in lan’s fi rst three points of the season after utes later. The hosts came to life in the allowed 33-year-old striker last-gasp own goal that consigned Na- onds after he came on as a substitute, the end we still won,” said Higuain, who scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over fi nal 10 minutes with Piatek missing a Radamel Falcao to travel poli to a painful 4-3 Serie A defeat af- Gonzalo Higuain — back at Juventus af- spun Koulibaly before slamming home newly-promoted Brescia. The 25-year- chance to get a second goal for Milan, to Istanbul to conclude his ter his side had battled back from three ter loan spells at AC Milan and Chelsea Juve’s superb second. old connected with a cross from Span- then setting up Paqueta who also drew transfer to Galatasaray. goals down to level the scores. — and Cristiano Ronaldo on 61 minutes The champions made light of the ab- ish winger Suso to head a 12th-minute a blank.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP BUNDESLIGA Celtic beat Rangers to draw fi rst blood Dost helps Eintracht to AFP slot home. Glasgow Rangers had started without top Duesseldorf comeback win goalscorer Alfredo Morelos, who had netted the late winner against Legia AFP alty box. Ruben Vargas equalised just six eltic landed an early blow in Warsaw that took them into the Eu- Berlin minutes later before teenage forward Josh the race for the Scottish Pre- ropa League group stage in midweek. Sargent put Bremen ahead again in the miership title as they beat With former Tottenham star Jermain 21st minute after expertly controlling a bitter rivals Rangers 2-0 Defoe up front, Rangers took almost ew signing Bas Dost made an in- long ball and hammering it home. yesterdayC in the fi rst Old Firm derby an hour to manage a shot on target in stant impact on his Bundesliga Bremen looked to be fully in the driver’s of the season. Neil Lennon’s side are a lacklustre performance that raised return yesterday, scoring just seat when Augsburg defender Stephan bidding for a historic ninth succes- doubts about their ability to de- 13 minutes into his Eintracht Lichtsteiner was sent off in the 32nd sive Scottish title and their impres- throne Celtic. NFrankfurt debut as they came from behind minute of an action-packed half follow- sive show at Ibrox was a signifi cant In a game of few clear chances, to beat Fortuna Duesseldorf 2-1. ing two yellow cards in 10 minutes, but statement of intent. Celtic stood fi rm despite losing Dost, who scored 36 goals in 85 games Vargas levelled the scores with his second Odsonne Edouard put Celtic ahead centre-back Nir Bitton to injury. with Wolfsburg from 2012-2016, came moments after halftime. in the fi rst half. The visitors control- Gerrard introduced Morelos on the back to Germany on Monday following However Osako completed his brace in led the tempo for long periods until hour in a bid to increase his side’s at- his move from Sporting Lisbon, and it the 67th minute to restore Bremen’s lead, Jonny Hayes wrapped up the points tacking threat But Celtic substitute was the substitute’s second half header and the hosts withstood a late fl urry from in stoppage-time. Rangers, hoping Hayes killed off Rangers deep into that brought Eintracht level after Rouwen Augsburg to hold on and pull themselves to mount a sustained challenge to stoppage-time as he sprinted clear to Hennings had put the away side ahead off the bottom of the table, up to 13th Celtic’s supremacy, had enjoyed an score at the second attempt. nine minutes before the break. place. encouraging start to the season with And Rangers suff ered another Eintracht looked toothless up front un- three consecutive league wins. But blow in the fi nal seconds when sub- til Dost’s introduction at half-time, with GERMAN BUNDESLIGA RESULTS on the evidence of the Hoops’ confi - stitute Jordan Jones was sent off for forward Ante Rebic left out of the squad Werder Bremen 3 (Osako 6, 67, Sargent dent display against Steven Gerrard’s a foul on Moritz Bauer. All four Old ahead of a likely move to AC Milan be- 21) Augsburg 2 (Vargas 12, 46); Eintracht men, they remain the pre-eminent Firm clashes were won by the home fore today’s transfer deadline. They then Frankfurt 2 (Dost 57, Paciencia 86) Fortuna force in Scottish football as they ex- Celtic’s Jonny Hayes (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring team last season, but Celtic ended snatched the three points with just four 1 (Hennings 36) tended their perfect start to the title against Rangers during the Scottish Premiership match in Glasgow. (Reuters) that pattern in the opening encoun- minutes left thanks to a fi ne header from defence with a fourth successive vic- ter of the new campaign. Goncalo Paciencia, who had set up Dost’s Played Saturday: Bayer Leverkusen 0 tory. It was a welcome confi dence underdogs, for whatever reason, but position but I think there’s only one opener. Hoff enheim 0 Schalke 3 (Stark 38-og, Rekik boost for Celtic after their failure to we put down a marker today. We’ve player who can hold his head up high SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Dost and Paciencia’s combination up 48-og, Kenny 85); Hertha Berlin 0 Wolfs- qualify for the Champions League come here and performed an out- and that’s Jon Flanagan. I don’t think RESULTS front will please Frankfurt coach Adi burg 1 (Brekalo 56) Paderborn 1 (Souza group stages. “I’m so proud of the standing masterclass of how to play Celtic outplayed us, they just pressed Hutter, with his side already having lost Rangers 0 Celtic 2 (Edouard 32, Hayes 12); Freiburg 1 (Czichos 40-og) Cologne 2 team. I thought it was another out- in a derby at Ibrox.” us hard and were eff ective in their Luka Jovic to Real Madrid and Sebastian 90); Played Saturday: Aberdeen 3 (Modeste 52, Skhiri 90+2); Bayern Munich standing performance. Everyone Rangers manager Gerrard was fu- game plan. We couldn’t handle their Haller to West Ham in the summer. Ear- 6 (Pavard 36, Alaba 45, Perisic 54, Coman has written us off . We’ve had a dif- rious with his team’s lack of quality direct play.” (Leigh 34, Cosgrove 37-pen, Hedges lier a double from Japan striker Yuya Os- 50) Ross County 0; Hearts 2 (Clare 20, 64, Lewandowski 78, Davies 80) Mainz fi cult couple of weeks,” said Lennon, and drive. “Our performance collec- French forward Edouard capital- ako carried Werder Bremen to their fi rst 1 (Boetius 6); Union Berlin 3 (Bulter 22, whose table toppers are three points tively and individually wasn’t good ised on a loose pass to net his fi fth Berra 58) Hamilton 2 (Oakley 50, 73); Bundesliga win of the season, his strikes Livingston 2 (Lithgow 26, Dykes 58) St 50, Andersson 75) Borussia Dortmund 1 clear of Rangers. enough to win a derby. I’m part of goal in seven derbies in the 32nd downing 10-man Augsburg 3-2 at the (Alcacer 25) “Myself, the board, the players that so I’ll take as much responsibil- minute. Rangers defender Con- Mirren 1 (Magennis 64); Motherwell 3 Weser Stadium. have all been written off so early. But ity that comes my way,” he said. nor Goldson gave the ball straight to (Seedorf 23, Donnelly 80-pen, Hylton Osako opened the scoring in just the Played Friday: Borussia Moenchenglad- we don’t believe the noise. We don’t “To win these games we have to Celtic winger Mikey Johnston, who 86) Hibernian 0; St Johnstone 0 sixth minute when he fi nished a counter bach 1 (Embolo 90) RB Leipzig 3 (Werner believe the hype. We came here as win more one-v-ones than the op- slipped the 21-year-old through to Kilmarnock 1 (O’Donnell 40) attack which began in the Bremen pen- 38, 47, 90+4)

Monday, September 2, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Sanchez names Arsenal fi ght back Qatar squad for World Cup and to salvage point Asian qualifi ers QNA games, fi nishing ahead of Oman Doha on goal diff erence. Afghanistan and Nepal came third and fourth respectively. atar coach Felix Sanchez has a great track Sanchez yesterday record with Qatar’s various na- against Spurs named a 24-mem- tional teams, starting with the ber squad for the 2022 AFC U-19 Championship victory FIFAQ World Cup and 2023 AFC in 2014, followed by a third-place Asian Cup joint qualifi ers. Qa- fi nish at the AFC U-23 Cham- Gunners maintain a two-point lead over their local rivals after four matches tar, who are in Group E, will open pionship in 2018 and fi nally the their campaign against Afghani- historic triumph with the senior AFP stan on September 5th, before team at Asia’s most prestigious London taking on India fi ve days later. tournament the 2019 AFC Asian Both matches will be played at Cup. the . rsenal fought back from two Oman and Bangladesh are the QATAR TEAM: Meshaal goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw other sides in the group. Barsham, Saad al-Sheeb, Pedro against Tottenham in a pulsat- Sanchez announced the squad Miguel, Salem al-Hajri, Tarek ing north London derby yester- after the end of the second Salman, , dayA which both sides will feel they should round matches of the QNB Stars Khoukhi Boualem, Hassan al- have won. Spurs preyed on the Gunners’ League. Qatar players began Haydos, , Abdulaziz vacant midfi eld early on as Christian their preparations last night with al-Ansari, Hashim Ali (Al Sadd), Eriksen tapped home at the end of a fl ow- some light training. Bassam al-Rawi, , ing counter-attack before Harry Kane’s While Qatar have already , , , penalty doubled the Champions League qualifi ed for the next World Cup Mohammed al-Bakri (Al Duhail), fi nalists’ lead. as hosts, topping their group Yousuf Abdurrazaq, Musab However, Arsenal were always a threat will ensure a direct spot at the going forward and, after Alexandre Laca- 2023 Asian Cup. All group win- Kheder, Ahmed Fathi (Al Arabi), zette reduced the arrears in fi rst-half ners will qualify directly for the Almahdi Ali, Ahmed Alaaeldin (Al stoppage time, were well worthy of a fi nals, alongside the four best Gharafa), (Al point after the break. Pierre-Emerick runners-up. The Spaniard, who Rayyan), Abdullah Abdulsalam Aubameyang got the equaliser 19 minutes was recently also appointed as (Al Ahli). from time and Arsenal even had the ball the coach of the Olympic side, UNDER-23 (OLYMPIC TEAM): in the net again through Sokratis Papas- replacing compatriot Albert Mohamed Ismail Abushanab, tathopoulos, only to see their celebra- Fernandez, has also named a Amro Seraj, Nasser Abdulsalam, tions cut short by the off side fl ag. 26-member squad for the two Ilyas Ahmed, Andiy Syahputra, A share of the spoils sees Tottenham’s upcoming friendlies against Abdullah Ali al-Saai, Ahmed al- long wait for an away win in the Premier Jordan. The matches are being Janehi, Salah Hassan (Al Gharafa), League dating back to January continue. played as part of the preparations Khaled Muneer, Ahmed Suhail, Arsenal maintain a two-point lead over for the AFC U-23 Championship, Mohamed Waad (Al Wakrah), which is set be held in Thailand their local rivals with seven points from Ahmed al-Sebaei, Shehab al- the opening four games to Spurs’ fi ve. in January and will serve as qual- Leythi, Khaled Mohamed (Al “When you go 2-0 up you expect to win ifi ers for the Tokyo Olympics. Duhail), Hazem Shehata, Yazan whoever you are playing. The goal before The team is set to play the half-time changed the momentum,” said fi rst friendly against Jordan on Naim, Hassan Balank (Umm Salal), Kane. “If a few fi nal balls would have been September 6th at Aspire Pitch Abdulrahman Mohamed Fahmy, better, we would have created more. It is a No. 4, before playing them again Abdulrashid Umaru (Al Ahli), shame we couldn’t kill it off . But it is the on September 9th on the same Adel Bader, Ahmed al-Menhali (Al Premier League and if you don’t kill teams ground. Sailiya), Bahaa al-Leythi, Youssef off they come back at you.” Qatar qualifi ed for the 2020 Ayman (Qatar), Hussain Bahzad Arsenal boss Unai Emery named the AFC U-23 Championship after (Al Sadd), Ibrahim Masoud (Al front three of club record signing Nico- topping their qualifying group Rayyan), Khalifa al-Malki (Al las Pepe, Aubameyang and Lacazette to- with seven points from three Arabi). gether in his starting line-up for the fi rst time, but the Gunners lacked any balance to their attacking intent as Tottenham counter-attacked with ease early on. The visitors went in front with their fi rst serious attack 10 minutes in as Son Heung-min latched onto Kane’s knock- down and freed Erik Lamela through on goal. Bernd Leno got a weak hand to Lamela’s eff ort and palmed the ball into Arsenal’s striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (centre) celebrates with teammate Matteo Guendouzi after scoring the equaliser the grateful path of the onrushing Eriksen against Tottenham Hotspur during the English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London yesterday. (AFP) to tap home. Leno redeemed himself with a stun- post at one end, while Lloris made a bril- ever, it was Spurs who passed up a host of boss Marco Silva, who handed fi rst Pre- ning save to prevent Son making it 2-0 liant save to deny Matteo Guendouzi and promising positions to snatch the winner mier League starts to summer signings in and also turned a dipping Eriksen free- Sead Kolasinac somehow skewed wide in stoppage time with Kane seeing ap- Moise Kean, Alex Iwobi and Fabian Delph, kick to safety. However, Leno was help- from point-blank range at the other. peals for another penalty waived away the latter making his fi rst appearance in less to stop Kane continuing his excellent Arsenal, though, were the side in the when he fell under pressure from Sokra- the league since January with Manches- record in the north London derby from ascendancy and got their reward with an tis. “The defender made a tired tackle. On ter City. All three made an impact with the penalty spot after a ludicrous chal- equaliser. Lacazette had been sacrifi ced halfway I think I’d get that foul,” added former Arsenal winger Iwobi scoring for lenge by Granit Xhaka to clearly chop for Dani Ceballos to bolster the midfi eld Kane.”The ref probably thinks I’m look- the second successive game. down Son inside the area. and that allowed Aubameyang to move ing for it. It is 50-50, I could get it in some Romain Saiss and Raul Jimenez, with To their credit, Arsenal raised them- into his favoured role through the middle. games.” his eighth goal in eight starts this sea- selves off the canvas to reduce the defi cit Guendouzi was the creator as his cross son, had twice drawn the visitors level. before the break. Hugo Lloris made a fi ne was expertly turned home by Aubam- RICHARLISON DOUBLE FIRES Wolves remain without a win in four save low to his right to deny Pepe his fi rst eyang for his third goal of the season. “I EVERTON PAST WOLVES league games after suff ering their first Arsenal goal, but moments later Laca- like to play as a striker but when the team Meanwhile, Richarlison bagged a brace defeat of the season. Only Bolton, bot- zette burst through before blasting past needs me on the wing I go and I try my as Everton earned a dramatic 3-2 win tom of League One with none, had scored his French international teammate from best,” said Aubameyang. over Wolves. Brazil forward Richarlison fewer goals heading into this weekend a narrow angle to give the Gunners hope. Arsenal did not settle for a point as scored the winner with 10 minutes left at than Everton. But Silva’s side ended that A wild second period raged from end- Sokratis thought he had bundled home Goodison Park to hand the Toff ees their run within 12 minutes, which provided as to-end as Son saw a shot defl ected inches the winner from Kolasinac’s cross only second win of the Premier League season. many goals as in Everton’s previous 180 wide and Kane struck the inside of the for the latter to be ruled off side. How- It was an encouraging day for Everton on the pitch. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez.

FOCUS Ooredoo Cup draw held By Sports Reporter ment and we’re always looking forward towards Doha contributing to the sport in Qatar, which is hosting many major tournaments.” The ranking of clubs in the draw was based on he (QSL) held the their fi nal standings in the 2018-19 QNB Stars draw for 2019-20 season Ooredoo Cup League. Teams were divided into two groups. at its headquarters in Al Bidda Tower Group A consists of Al Sadd, Al Shahania, Al yesterday. The draw ceremony was held Ahli, Umm Salal, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, while Tin the presence of Ahmed al-Adsani, Director of Group B is made up of Al Duhail, Al Khor, Al Competitions Department at QSL, Mohamed Sailiya, Qatar SC, Al Arabi, Al Gharafa. al-Ansari, Director of Field Marketing and Ac- The tournament’s schedule and venues will tivation at Ooredoo Qatar, and representatives be fi nalised later in co-ordination with the of First Division clubs competing in the tourna- authorities concerned. Following the draw, a ment this season. technical meeting was held under the chair- Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Al Sailiya, Al Rayyan, Al manship of Al Adsani and in the presence of the Ahli, Al Arabi, Al Shahania, Al Gharafa, Umm representative of Referees Committee Abdullah Salal, Al Khor, Qatar SC and Al Wakrah will Al Balooshi as well as representatives of com- compete in the competition. peting clubs. Al-Adsani welcomed all attendees at the The meeting discussed organisational mat- draw ceremony and highlighted that the tour- ters and the tournament’s format, which has nament would be held this season under the pa- round-robin group stage followed by knockouts tronage of Ooredoo, one of the major national from the quarter-fi nals. It stressed the need to companies. He said the QSL was proud of the meet the deadlines set on match days, told each association and appreciated Ooredoo’s role as team about the need to make main and reserve well as hoping that the common goals would be players compete in the games besides selecting achieved. jersey colours of each team’s players. Al-Ansari said: “With the draw made and knowing the exciting contests between the TEAMS teams in the group stage, we along with all Group A: Al Sadd, Al Shahania, Al Ahli, Umm sports fans in Qatar are eagerly awaiting the Salal, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah. tournament’s start to enjoy a strong and fair competition. At Ooredoo, we’re delighted to be Group B: Al Duhail, Al Khor, Al Sailiya, Qatar SC, Off icials conduct Ooredoo Cup draw at the Qatar Stars League’s headquarters in Al Bidda Tower yesterday. partnering the QSL in sponsoring this tourna- Al Arabi, Al Gharafa.