THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 I know expectations are high, but I am absolutely ready and up for the FOOTBALL task otherwise I would not have Misbah-ul-Haq on his FIFA World Cup 2022 thrown my name in the hat for one Ashes fourth Test appointment as head qualifiers of the most challenging and England vs Australia at coach, chief selector Qatar vs Afghanistan coveted roles in Pakistan Cricket. Manchester

Wilson to Fearless Japan relish rematch Scotland in Rugby World against vengeful Springboks Cup warm-up

AFP Cup, has set a target of reaching South Africa, they were just so AFP TOKYO the quarter-finals for the first above us,” said Leitch, who GLASGOW time and the Brave Blossoms famously defied Jones by Coach Jamie Joseph insisted that limbered up by winning the refusing a late penalty kick that Glasgow back-row Ryan Wilson World Cup hosts Japan will have Pacific Nations Cup over the would have drawn that game in will captain Scotland for the no fear going into their final summer. Brighton to go for the game- first time in Friday’s World Cup warm-up against revenge- “Obviously this is a step winning try. warm-up against Georgia at seeking South Africa after up,” said the former All Black, “But human against human, Murrayfield. naming a strong team yesterday. who has left out experienced we’re quick, we have power and Scotland coach Gregor The last time the teams met, hooker Shota Horie to give him we can create confidence to play Townsend selected Wilson to hitherto tournament no-hopers time to recover from a neck against South Africa.” - wear the armband after Japan stunned the Springboks issue, replacing him with Atsushi Joseph warned that the leaving out several regulars 34-32 on the English south coast Sakate in a meaty front row also Springboks, the world’s fifth- including skipper Stuart McI- in their opening game of the 2015 including Uwe Helu and Luke ranked team who face treble- nally for their final match on World Cup -- an upset of such Thompson. chasing New Zealand in a home soil before the tour- seismic proportions a movie “It will be a physical World blockbuster World Cup Pool nament in Japan. about it has just been released. Cup,” added Joseph, whose side B opener in Yokohama on Fraser Brown, John Adamant there will be no kick things off against Russia in September 21, would come out Barclay, Greig Laidlaw, Finn sequel, Joseph’s opposite Tokyo on September 20 before firing. Russell and Stuart Hogg will number, South Africa coach further Pool A games against “We are under no illusions all be rested, but Jonny Gray Rassie Erasmus, named a full- Ireland, Samoa and Scotland. how tough it will be,” he said. “We returns from injury to make strength side for Friday’s “That’s part of the reason we are playing probably the biggest his first appearance in Scot- Japan’s national rugby team head coach Jamie Joseph taking part encounter in Kumagaya, north wanted to play South Africa. It’s lineout in world rugby and they’re land’s pre-World Cup in a press conference to announce the 31-man squad for the Rugby of Tokyo. the final page in our preparation, preparing to play the All Blacks. fixtures. The return to the starting World Cup in Tokyo. The tournament kicks off on September 20. but it’s not a must-win game -- “But Russia have a very big Townsend has made 12 line-up of Springbok captain Siya the next game (against Russia) is pack, Samoa have a strong changes to the Scotland side Kolisi after injury is the only is their strongest line-up,” Joseph forward to. I’ve faced a lot of a must-win. It’s about scrum,” added the 49-year-old, that defeated Georgia 44-10 in change to the team that drew said after countering with a questions this last week about if performance.” whose Japan side have become Tbilisi. 16-16 with the All Blacks in Wel- starting fifteen led by talismanic I think it’s a risky game before Just six players remain from a regular fixture in the world’s “We’ve been together lington six weeks ago on the way captain Michael Leitch, now the World Cup but unless we play the Japan team who toppled the top 10. since the middle of June and to capturing their first Rugby recovered from a lengthy groin the best teams, we’ll never get a Boks four years ago, while the “Ireland and Scotland are Friday night is our final Championship since 2009. problem. true measure of where we are.” visitors are virtually unrecog- also very aggressive -- we chance this year to play in “We’re elated that coach “It shows respect and it gives Joseph, who took over from nisable from the last World Cup. have to contend with that front of our supporters,” Erasmus has picked what I think our players something to look Eddie Jones after the last World “Last time we played against pressure.” Townsend said. Anti-doping Gatlin OK after hamstring scare watchdogs will

REUTERS had 100% strength in the leg and there were ZAGREB Justin Gatlin of the US not appeal no adhesions or anything,” Nehemiah added. celebrates after winning It was the second time within a week the Reigning world 100 metres champion Justin 37-year-old had slowed in a race while leading. the Men’s 100m at the Coleman decision Gatlin should be back training within the Gatlin finished fourth in the Zurich Diamond League meet week after tests were negative for a Diamond League final on Aug. 29 after in Monaco in this July 12, REUTERS possible hamstring injury, his manager said Nehemiah said he lost cadence after stumbling 2019 file picture. MIAMI yesterday. out of the blocks. The American sprinter slowed noticeably Three days later the 2004 Olympic The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said yesterday about 65 meters into a race he was leading and champion showed form, winning a 100 metres it would not appeal the decision by the US began grabbing his left hamstring before fin- race in Switzerland in 9.97 seconds. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to withdraw a ishing fourth in Zagreb on Tuesday. The Zagreb race, on a relatively cool whereabouts charge against American sprinter “He said he started to feel something evening, was Gatlin’s last before defending his Christian Coleman. grabbing, so he immediately tried to protect world title in Doha later this month. USADA had charged Coleman with three against any potential injury occurring,” Renaldo He is expected to resume training in Florida failures to properly file whereabouts infor- Nehemiah said in an email. several days after returning home, Nehemiah mation in a 12-month period, but withdrew it Tests to Gatlin’s hamstring “showed he still said. on Monday after receiving guidance from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on how to calculate the window. The AIU, which oversees integrity issues in international athletics, including doping, Doha Worlds: Athletics Village to had the right to appeal but said they would not exercise that option. “Based on the facts of the case and clear advice about the interpretation of the current serve a taste of different cuisines International Standard for Testing and Inves- tigations (ISTI) received from WADA, the AIU THE PENINSULA communities and cultures from across has decided not to appeal the USADA decision A computer-generated image of the IAFF World DOHA the world and that is the aim of the regarding Coleman,” AIU chairman David Athletics Village’s front arch. World Athletics Village. Howman said in a statement. World Athletics Village to serve a taste “It gives an added experience to Coleman had been charged because ath- of different cuisines and enter- fans of all ages attending the compe- letes are required to notify anti-doping offi- tainment from across the globe tition, celebrating diverse commu- cials where they can be reached for a certain throughout IAAF World Athletics nities through a delicious range of cui- period daily. Championships Doha 2019 sines, throughout to a variation of live If testers cannot contact the athlete at the Fan zone will honour different entertainment that people can join in designated location three times inside a cultures as athletes from more than with. 12-month period, he is considered to have 200 countries will take part in the “I encourage everybody to visit the committed an anti-doping violation and Middle East’s biggest ever sporting World Athletics Village and join in subject to a ban of up to two years. event with the fun and celebrations USADA said Coleman had whereabouts As the eyes of the sporting world alongside athletics fans from a whole failures on June 6, 2018 and January 16 and focus on Qatar, the country’s iconic host of different countries.” April 26, 2019, but under ISTI guidelines, the Khalifa International Stadium is being The World Athletics Village will first failure is backdated to the first day of the transformed into a global community, be open to welcome guests from quarter, which in Coleman’s case would have with a vibrant World Athletics Village 5.00pm daily, with entry free of been April 1, 2018. preparing to welcome spectators charge on the day to anybody with a His April 2019 failure, therefore, fell during the IAAF World Athletics ticket to the competition that evening. outside the 12-month window and was not Championships Doha 2019. Fans can buy tickets online now considered an anti-doping violation. Athletes from 213 countries will to ensure that they don’t miss out on The AIU said it would welcome changes compete in the ten-day competition any of the competition of the IAAF to the rules to ensure filing failures are no as Doha will host the Middle East’s different communities as well as an Speaking of the spectator expe- World Athletics Championships Doha longer backdated. biggest ever sporting event, with fans opportunity to meet and greet with rience, Sheikha Asma Al Thani, 2019, which runs from September 27 “We note that the ISTI is currently under able to experience cultures from athletes post competition. Director of Marketing and Commu- to October 6. The easy online process review by WADA and we would support a across the world, in the World Ath- The cultural celebration will see nications for the Local Organising begins here: https://iaafworldathlet- change in the wording to ensure that in the letics Village which is the first ever the Village divided into areas which Committee, commented: icschamps.com/doha2019/ future, filing failures are recognised when they sporting fan zone in Qatar to celebrate represent Africa, North and South “The IAAF World Athletics Cham- Spectators can share their photos occur and never backdated,” Howman added. communities across the globe. America, Europe and Asia, with areas pionships Doha 2019 is a celebration and fun from the World Athletics Coleman is set to represent the United Spectators will be treated to a decorated in themes of each country, not only for Qatar, but for sports fans Village online by following the official States in the 100 and 200 metres at the Sep- whole host of activities with per- serving different food, entertainment across the globe. It is an event which channels @IAAFDoha2019 and tember 27 to October 6 world championships formers including dance acts from and prize giveaways. gives perfect platform to unite #AimBeyond in Doha. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2019 Hosts flop at Basketball World Cup Serbia show US how it’s done, top group Yao Ming powerless as with impressive win AFP half-time against Italy in Foshan FOSHAN with the Sacramento Kings pair of Nemanja Bjelica and Bogdan Red-hot Serbia showed they -- Bogdanovic roaring to the fore. Venezuela down China not reigning two-time cham- Guard Bogdanovic totted up pions the United States -- are the a game-leading 31 points and AFP team to beat at the Basketball five steals. Bjelica, a forward, Venezuela’s players celebrate their BEIJING World Cup with a 92-77 victory had nine assists. win over China in Beijing, yesterday. over Italy yesterday to top their The United States are the Yao Ming looked on helplessly group. current Olympic and world and fans were left in tears as Gregg Popovich’s Team USA champions but they look fallible hosts China failed to progress to were pushed to the limit on in China with Popovich missing the second round of the Tuesday before finally swatting the Americans’ biggest names, Basketball World Cup with a aside 17th-ranked Turkey in forcing him to select a young, 72-59 defeat to Venezuela overtime to labour into the experimental team. yesterday. second round in China. In contrast, Serbia -- losers In a do-or-die battle to Just 24 hours later Serbia to the US in the last Olympic and reach the next stage, it was the showed the Americans how to world finals -- are a settled side South Americans who appeared do it against the Italians, ranked who know their jobs and what to relish silencing a vocal, packed 13th, in a battle for supremacy coach Sasha Djordjevic expects crowd at Wukesong Arena in in Group D with both teams of them. Beijing. having already stormed through Serbia, the tallest team at the Basketball, along with to the next stage. World Cup, racked up more than football, is the most popular In the next round Italy and 100 points in handsome vic- sport in China. But that has failed Serbia will be in a group with tories over outclassed Angola to result in a top-class team and Spain and Puerto Rico. and the Philippines in their there is no current successor to Serbia were ahead at opening two matches. trailblazer Yao. The former Houston Rockets All-Star, now 38, took over as head of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2017 and set about reforming an entrenched state development system that he says badly needs an overhaul. a daunting 33-22 at half-time. Because of the format of assured, the 54-year-old Garcia He might want to ramp up They made inroads on that the World Cup, China’s and his unheralded men are now his development plan after this deficit at the start of the third sizing up the mighty France tournament is not over demoralising showing on home quarter and late in the fourth, today with Group G supremacy soil, the Venezuela defeat giving getting within seven points, but and they will now need at stake. China a record of one victory -- the comeback fell short in front to rally themselves to The Dominicans’ tallest over the Ivory Coast -- against of the watching Yao and thou- compete in a low-key player is the 6ft 11in (210cm) two losses. sands of deflated red-shirted classification round with centre Eloy Vargas and the Even neutrals had expected spectators. Tokyo 2020 Olympic average height of their roster is them to successfully negotiate a Because of the format of the 6ft 4in, according to governing qualifying in play. weak Group A, where Venezuela World Cup, China’s tournament body FIBA statistics. joined Poland in the last 16, while is not over and they will now That makes them, along with a public of 1.4 billion was as need to rally themselves to more fancied Germany, to go the Philippines -- twice heavy expectant as ever. compete in a low-key classifi- with an opening 80-76 win over losers in China -- the shortest China, ranked 30th in the cation round with Tokyo 2020 Jordan. team of the 32 at the tournament. world, placed their hopes largely Olympic qualifying in play. “Maybe for a lot of people we The tallest are Serbia at an on the shoulders of a towering Meanwhile, Dominican are the tournament surprise,” average 6ft 9in. front court of three seven- Republic are proving that size said their husky-voiced The Dominicans will again footers: Yi Jianlian, Zhou Qi and isn’t everything after winning Argentine coach Nestor “Che” be staring upwards at their Wang Zhelin. both of their opening matches. Garcia after seeing off the opponents when they face But the hosts were never The Caribbean nation surged Germans. France (average 6ft 8in), but Serbia’s Nikola Jokic (right) goes to the really in the game against the into the second round of the “But we believe in ourselves forward Ronald Roberts says basket during the Basketball World Cup sharp-shooting Venezuelans, tournament on Tuesday with a and now we enjoy this moment. what they lose in height they Group D game against Italy, yesterday. ranked 20th, and China trailed gutsy 70-68 victory over the Their place in the next round make up for in other ways. Italian GP: Hamilton braces for boos in Monza

REUTERS edition of the Italian Grand favourites. “We don’t expect over the weekend, team-mate STATISTICS FOR THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX MONZA Prix. the Italian Grand Prix to be an Sebastian Vettel needs to hit ITALY “It’s all straights so... it’s easy weekend,” said the the reset button. The louder the booing, the going to be a happy weekend Austrian. The German has gone a Sunday’s race will be the 90th edition of the Italian Grand Prix, with the first staged at Monza in 1922. Ferrari are more Formula One world for Ferrari, most likely,” com- “While we have had the year without winning but also celebrating their 90th anniversary. champion Lewis Hamilton mented Hamilton after fin- fastest overall package on the Monza, the scene of his first Hamilton has won at Monza five times, a record he shares with Michael Schumacher. Mercedes have also won for (pictured) is likely to be ishing second in Spa to stretch grid this season, it’s not ideal victory in 2008 with Toro the past five years. smiling after the Mercedes his championship lead over for a track where straight line Rosso, could see him become The Briton has been on pole six times at Monza, including four of the past five. driver’s annual incursion into team-mate Valtteri Bottas to speed is a key performance only the second man after Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel can become only the second driver, and first since Britain’s Stirling Moss in the 1950s, to Ferrari’s homeome territoryterritory on 65 pointspoints wwithith eighteight races differentiator.differentiator. BritishBritish greatgreat StirlingStirling MossMoss toto win at Monza with three different teams. Sunday. remaining.remaining. “However, we’ve alsoalso seeseenn winwin thetherere wiwithth ththreeree ddifferentifferent Moss won with Maserati, Vanwall and Cooper. Vettel has done so previously with Toro Rosso (2008) and Red Bull Last year,ear, thethe “We’ve“We’ve got to makemake some thatthat thethe Ferraris looklook mightymighty teams.teams. Ferrari, whowho lastlast wonwon (2011 and 2013). Italian team lockedlocked drasticdrastic improvements to our atat hhigh-speedigh-speed trackstracks on Sat-Sat- inin Monza witwithh FernandoFernando The Italian and British Grands Prix are the only ones to have been on the calendar in every year since the world out the frontnt rowrow straightstraight speed, somehow. I urdays,urdays, but don’t look quite as AAlonsolonso in 2010, hhopeope aann championship started in 1950. at Monza wwithith don’tdon’t know if that’s possible. strongstrong on SundaSundays.”ys.” upgradedupgraded power unit intro-intro- The Italian race has been staged at Monza every year except 1980 when it was at Imola. Kimi Raik-k- But ifif ananyoneyone can ddoo it, it’s our WhileWhile LecLeclerclerc is hhopingoping to duced forfor thisthis weekendweekend willwill Raikkonen’s 2018 pole lap was at an average speed of 263.587 kph, the fastest in Formula One history. konen a team.”team.” winwin againagain in hhappierappier circum-circum- deliverdeliver tthehe goods.goods. The race has been won from pole position 10 times in the last 14 years. popular Bottas, hhisis placplacee at MerMer-- stancesstances thanthan SpaSpa,, withwith thethe “There“There wiwillll bbee no room fforor Ferrari have won 18 times at Monza since the championship started, more than anyone else, but their last home pole sitter cedes nnowow secusecurere foforr nnextext death of FrFrenchench FFormulaormula Two error.error. Our homehome race is alwaysalways after the sseason,eason, agreedagreed the Ferraris racer Anthoine Hubert castingcasting important,important, but that is espe-espe- success was in 2010. sport’s fastestest wouldwould bebe thethe teamteam to beatbeat a pallpall ciallycially true tthishis time, as we araree RACE WINS lap. but alsoalso ffeltelt MMercedesercedes celebratingcelebrating 90 yyearsears of ScScu-u- Hamilton has 81 victories from 242 races and is closing the gap to Schumacher’s record 91. Vettel, third on the all- When HamiltonHamilton couldcould again upset deriaderia Ferrari,”Ferrari,” saidsaid teamteam time list, has 52. then won, equallingequalling predppredictions.ictions. boss MattiaMattia Binotto.Binotto. Vettel has not won since his victory at last season’s Belgian Grand Prix, more than a year ago. Ferrari greateat Michael ““LastLast yyearear “Racing“Racing in front ofof Ferrari have won 236 races since 1950, McLaren 182, Williams 114, Mercedes 97 and Red Bull 61. Former champi- Schumacher’sr’s recorrecordd five theythetth were quickquick oourur hhomeome ffansans isis ons McLaren and Williams have not won since 2012. Italian GP triumphs byby asas well,well, butbut alwaysalways an extra boosboostt Hamilton has won eight out of 13 races so far this season and has a 65-point lead over team mate Valtteri Bottas, delivering Mercedes’sMercedes’s fifthfifth we andand furtherfurther moti-moti- who has won twice. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has also won twice and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc once. successive win at the ‘Pista‘Pista vationvation to do well.well. POLE POSITION Magica’, someome of the locals “Apart from anany-y- Hamilton has a record 87 career poles, Vettel 56. vented theireir anger at thethe thingthing else,else, therethere is nono Four races so far this season have been won from pole -- Bottas in Azerbaijan, Hamilton in Monaco and France and podium. podiumpodium quite liklikee Leclerc in Belgium. Max Verstappen took the first pole of his Formula One career in Hungary on Aug. 3. “I welcomeome it, ifif theythey want MonzaMonza andand we thinkthink Belgium was Ferrari’s 63rd front row lockout, one behind Mercedes in the list of records. to continuee to dodo it, it justjust thetherere isis nono better PODIUM empowers me,”me,” he said then.then. managedmanaged crowdcrowd thanthan This timeme tthehe massemassedd to makemake ttheirheir thet he Hamilton has 145 career podiums. Vettel has 117. ‘tifosi’ are againgain gearinggearing up for lifelife prettprettyy difdif-- ItalIItalianian RACES LED a celebration,on, witwithh tthehe sport’s ficult,”ficult,” saisaidd tthehe FinnFinn,, one.”one.” Hamilton has now led 141 grands prix, leaving him one off Schumacher’s record. oldest and most gglamorouslamorous whowho was thirdthird llastast yearyear.. POINTS team returningrning triumphant “I“I tthinkhink tthat’shat’s whwhereere Hamilton has finished the last 25 races in the points. He holds the record of 33 successive scoring finishes. from Belgiumum afterafter CharlesCharles we gotgot booedbooed on thethe podiumpodium Verstappen’s retirement in Spa last Sunday ended a run of 21 successive top five finishes. It was his first blank Leclerc’s firstrst victory.victory. and evereverything.ything. We ttryry toto do since Hungary in July 2018. Monza, wwhosehose formerformer the same aagain.”gain.” MILESTONE royal park onon thethe outskirtsoutskirts ofof MercedesMercedes teamteam bossboss TotoToto Leclerc’s first career F1 victory in Belgium made him Ferrari’s youngest winner, at 21 years old, and the sport’s Milan is a placeplace of devotion WolffWolff hadhad nono doubt FFerrarierrari

third youngest after Verstappen and Vettel. for Italian mmotorsportotorsport ffans,ans, wouldwould go into thethe weekend,weekend, The Monegasque is the 39th driver to win for Ferrari, and Formula One’s 108th winner. is also markingking Ferrari’s 90th thethe llastast ooff tthehe ttraditionalraditional anniversaryry aandnd the 90th EEuropeanuropean seasoseason,n, as THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 09 Ruthless Serena grabs 100th US I think the sport has come a really long way. It’s been really Open win as record title nears satisfying to see sport for women, the AFP The 27-year-old Wang had of the US returns the ball against Wang Qiang premier sport for NEW YORK not lost a set during her best of China during their Women’s Singles quarter-finals match women: Serena Slam run that included a defeat during the 2019 US Open at the USTA National Serena Williams earned her of reigning Center in New York, yesterday. 100th win at the US Open on champion Ashleigh Barty in the Tuesday with a brutal 44-minute last 16, but she was powerless to Serena demolition of Wang Qiang, firing stop a Williams onslaught at an ominous warning to rivals in Arthur Ashe Stadium. her pursuit of a record-tying 24th “When I play someone who reflects on title. is playing really well, I know I Six-time US Open champion have to either step it up or go 20 years Williams dismantled Chinese home and I wasn’t ready to go 18th seed Wang 6-1, 6-0 in a home. I had to come out here and complete mismatch that was the play really well,” said Williams, at the top quickest at this year’s tour- suffering no ill effects from the nament to set up a semi-final ankle she rolled in her previous AFP clash with Ukrainian trailblazer match. NEW YORK, Elina Svitolina. “Physically I’m feeling great. Williams brought up a More than anything I’m just Serena Williams said tennis had century of US Open wins to move having fun every time I come out “come a really long way” as she to within one of the all-time here.” moved to within a victory of a leader . Wang, trying to become just 10th US Open final on Tuesday, “It’s really unbelievable, lit- the fourth Chinese player to 20 years after winning her first erally. From when I first started reach the last four of a Slam, won Grand Slam title in New York. here, I think I was 16, I didn’t just four points in the second set Williams, who turns 38 later think I would ever get to 100. I and 15 in total. this month, charged into the last didn’t think I would still be out “It’s not easy to play against Britain’s 6-4, 6-4 “I’m very, very happy the Konta, who took out third four at Flushing Meadows with here,” Williams said. her,” Wang said. to become the first Ukrainian to way I handled the pressure.” Svi- seed and 2016 runner-up a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of China’s The 37-year-old American “The power, like, I cannot reach the US Open semi-finals, tolina watched a pair of match Karolina Pliskova in the last 16, Wang Qiang that took just 44 is seeking a 24th major title to handle it. Just too much for me.” matching her run to the last four points pass her by at 5-3 on her was denied in her bid to be the minutes. match ’s long- Williams captured her last Slam at Wimbledon in July. opponent’s serve as Konta first British woman to make the The American is hunting a standing record, and smacked title at the 2017 “It feels amazing. It was a gamely fought to stay alive, but US Open semis since Jo Durie in 24th Grand Slam singles title to 25 winners against first-time while pregnant and hasn’t won very, very tough match. We were the Ukrainian closed out victory 1983. “She played so well, to be equal Margaret Court’s all-time Slam quarter-finalist Wang, who the US Open since 2014. both striking the ball well. It was in the following game. honest. Actually, I didn’t play record and will face Ukrainian failed to hit a single one. Fifth seed Svitolina defeated quite even,” Svitolina said. Svitolina had already badly at all,” said Konta, fifth seed Elina Svitolina in the knocked out two-time former reflecting on a season in which semi-finals. champion and she reached the quarter-finals Williams collected her Golfer Tiger Woods of the 2017 runner-up Madison Keys or better at three Slams. 100th US Open win against US watches Serena Williams and is in a class of her own as the “It’s the best I have ever done Wang, leaving her one shy of of the US play against Wang only Ukrainian woman to reach so far in my career. There is a lot the mark belonging to Chris Qiang . this stage at a major. to be proud of there. There’s a Evert -- a record she could She will attempt to emulate lot to look back and smile on.” eclipse by lifting a seventh title Andrei Medvedev as just the here. second Ukrainian to play in a “I think the sport has come Grand Slam final. Medvedev lost a really long way. It’s been the men’s 1999 Roland Garros really satisfying to see sport for final in five sets to Andre Agassi. It’s really women, the premier sport for “Serena is an amazing women,” said Williams, who champion. Probably it’s going to unbelievable, literally. beat in the 1999 be really tough against her,” Svi- From when I first final in New York. tolina said. started here, I think I “It’s the best work in the Williams, the lone former world that a woman can do in Grand Slam champion remaining was 16, I didn’t think my mind. I’m a little biased in the draw, has defeated Svi- I would ever get to obviously. tolina in four of five previous 100. I didn’t think ]“I feel like we fought so meetings, although the latter I would still be out hard for so many years for so won their most recent encounter many different things. I feel like at the 2016 Rio Olympics. here: Serena we still obviously have a ways to go, but a lot of that fighting through decades has come US Open through.” Williams conceded just 15 Andreescu’s ascent astounds points, and a mere four in the shocks show second set, as she blew 18th seed Wang away to reach the depth of last four for the 13th time in 19 even her coach Bruneau US Open appearances. talent: Laver Wang conceded she had no REUTERS answer to the power supplied Bianca Andreescu of Canada waves REUTERS NEW YORK by Williams, who insisted her to the crowd after her match against NEW YORK approach remains the same as A year after losing in the first qualifying round of the Taylor Townsend of the US in the fourth she bids for a first Slam title The triumph of the underdogs US Open and on the eve of her maiden Grand Slam round of the 2019 US Open tennis since the 2017 Australian Open. at the US Open this week shows quarter-final, the view from Flushing Meadows looks tournament at USTA Billie Jean King “I don’t try to up any intim- the sport is in good health, awfully different for 19-year-old Canadian Bianca National Tennis Center. idation factor. I am who I am. according to Australian great Andreescu. I’ve always been the person that . From a 2018 year-end ranking of 178 to 15th place goes out there and roars and Defending champions today, and with Rogers Cup and Indian Wells titles screams and complains and Naomi Osaka and Novak under her belt this year, Andreescu’s rapid ascent is cries and fights,” Williams said. Djokovic both failed to make enough to give any tennis observer vertigo -- even her “I’m extremely passionate the quarter-finals after suf- coach, Sylvain Bruneau. about what I do. Most people fering shock defeats at Flushing “Her journey, I guess, from a year ago has been that love their jobs are pas- Meadows. pretty incredible. I’d like to say that we kind of had a sionate about what they do. Yet while it was the worst feeling that it was going to turn out this way but I didn’t,” That’s just me.” showing by the top seeds at the Bruneau told reporters on the eve of the 15th seed’s Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal tournament in the professional quarter-final match. could make a 33rd career Grand era, Laver -- who completed his Bruneau, who hass worked with the hard-hitting Slam semifinal and three second calendar-year Grand Andreescu since March 2018, said he always “had a lot women have a chance at their Slam 50 years ago -- said it of trust in her” amid murmurs she could be tennis’ next first. Nadal faces No. 20 Diego showed the depth of talent cur- bright star. Schwartzman in one men’s rently in the sport. “I always thought she was going to be a really good quarterfinal and No. 13 Gael “That’s just telling the world player. For me, that was a given,” he said. “But that she Monfils plays 24th-seeded that there’s a lot of great players was going to be able to get that quick of a turnaround Matteo Berrettini in the other. coming up. I think that the and from a year ago she lost qualies here first round Nadal, who has won three of his biggest news is that the com- and a year later - no.” 18 major championships at the petition now is so much better Harnessing and focusing her natural intensity has US Open will be playing in his than yesteryear,” Laver told been critical, Bruneau said the morning after her three- 40th Grand Slam quarterfinal. Reuters. set, fourth-round thriller sent American qualifier Taylor None of the women in “You’re not going to just get Townsend packing and set up a clash with Belgian 25th action are nearly that accom- to the final easily, you fight seed Elise Mertens. plished, with No. 25 Elise every match now.” Djokovic “I think it needed to be a little bit channeled and Mertens the only one who has retired in the third set of his (she got) some tips on how to use all this energy,” he been to a Grand Slam semifinal. match against Stan Wawrinka said. She plays 15th-seeded Bianca on Sunday due to a persistent “I noticed very early on that she was a born Andreescu, who aims to shoulder injury. competitor.” Andreescu, who’s had an injury-hit become the first teenager in the Osaka, who beat American year and pulled out of Cincinnati to rest her body semifinals at the U.S. Open teen Coco Gauff in an emotional for the year’s final Grand Slam, is getting more since Caroline Wozniacki was third-round match, fell to Swit- confident with added playing time, her coach said. the runner-up in 2009. No. 13 zerland’s Belinda Bencic 7-5 “I think her game was in place but she needed to Belinda Bencic and No. 23 6-4 in their fourth-round really know what she was able to do,” Bruneau said. Donna Vekic play in the other encounter on Monday. “I think she knows now.” quarterfinal. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2019

Pace great Waqar becomes new bowling coach Misbah named Pakistan head coach

REUTERS Misbah will wield tremendous influence in Pakistan LAHORE cricket after also taking over as the chairman of review and analysis of the side’s performances, and that of the Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq selectors with head coaches of the six first-class team support personnel, over the was named Pakistan’s head associations sides as his fellow selectors. past three years. coach as well as the chief selector Last month, Misbah took on a three-year contract His first assignment in the new role will be the charge of a national training yesterday with pace great Waqar limited overs home series against Sri Lanka, which camp ahead of the new interna- Younis joining him as the team’s will be played from September 27 to October 9. tional season. new bowling coach. His first assignment as the Misbah and Waqar have new head coach will be the worked together in the past and up for the task otherwise I is no better person than Waqar limited overs home series against when the former was the would not have thrown my name to transform them into modern Sri Lanka, which will be played Pakistan captain and the latter in the hat for one of the most day stars,” Misbah said. from September 27 to October 9. was the head coach. challenging and coveted roles in “Both Waqar and I had a Pakistan’s first series as part “It is very humbling for me Pakistan cricket.” candid and frank discussion and of the inaugural World Test to join a select group of some of Misbah will wield tre- we discussed and agreed on a Championship will be in Aus- the very best to have coached the mendous influence in Pakistan number of things, including roles tralia, where Pakistan will play Pakistan national sides in the cricket after also taking over as and responsibilities as well as in Brisbane (November 21 to 25), past,” Misbah, who scored over the chairman of selectors with how to take things forward.” followed by a day-night Test in 10,300 international runs in 75 head coaches of the six first-class The overhaul of the Adelaide (November 29 to Tests and 162 one-dayers, said associations sides as his fellow backroom staff follows the December 3). in a statement. selectors. Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision Misbah, Pakistan’s most suc- “It is an honour and more On the 45-year-old’ recom- to not renew head coach Mickey cessful and longest serving Test than that, a massive responsi- mendation, former captain Arthur’s contract after the team’s captain, retired from interna- bility as we live and breathe Waqar returned to the coaching failure to reach the semi-finals tional cricket in 2017 after a dis- cricket. staff on a three-year contract. of this year’s World Cup. tinguished career but played for Former Pakistan captain and newly-appointed head coach “I know expectations are “We have exciting young fast During the tournament, the Peshawar Zalmi in this year’s Misbah-ul Haq speaks during a press conference in Lahore, high, but I am absolutely ready bowlers in our ranks and there PCB had promised a robust Pakistan Super League. yesterday.

Australia Smith shines under Manchester clouds greeted with REUTERS SCOREBOARD MANCHESTER Australia 1st Innings giant Stokes D. Warner c Bairstow b Broad ...... 0 Steve Smith continued his M. Harris lbw b Broad ...... 13 billboard outstanding Ashes form, striking M. Labuschagne b Overton ...... 67 an unbeaten 60 as Australia S. Smith ...... 60 REUTERS recovered from another failure T. Head not out 1 ...... 8 MANCHESTER by their openers to reach 170-3 Extras (b4, lb8) ...... 12 at the close of the rain-affected Total (3 wkts, 44 overs, 207 mins) ...170 Australia were taunted ahead To bat: M Wade, T Paine, P Cummins, M Starc, J first day of the fourth Test against Hazlewood, N Lyon of the fourth Ashes Test England at Old Trafford in Fall of : 1-1 (Warner), 2-28 (Harris), against England with a giant Manchester, yesterday. 3-144 (Labuschagne) billboard of Ben Stokes saying Rain caused a delay of over Bowling: Broad 10-2-35-2; Archer 10-0-28-0; ‘Welcome to Manchester’ two hours after lunch but plans Stokes 8-0-36-0; Leach 6-2-18-0; Overton 10- outside the team hotel to extend play to regain that lost 0-41-1 yesterday. time were abandoned after rain England: Rory Burns, , Joe Root (capt), The poster featured came in again during the break Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Jos Stokes’ celebration after he Buttler, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Stuart for tea. Broad, Jack Leach finished with an unbeaten 135 The afternoon delay did little Toss: Australia to help England level the series to disrupt Smith, though, who Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Kumar Dhar- in remarkable fashion at returning from missing the last masena (SRI) Headingley last month, recov- Test due to concussion, made his TV umpire: Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI) ering from a paltry 67 in the eighth straight Ashes Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND) first innings to win by one half-century. . The series is tied a 1-1 with Bookmakers Ladbrokes two Tests remaining and victory substitute for the second innings were the creators of the for the Australians would ensure at Lord’s and at Headingley, went cheeky poster, which is on to make his fourth straight inspired from a famous Carlos Steve Smith continues Australia’s Steve Smith hits a boundary during the opening day of fourth Ashes Test in half century. Tevez poster erected when his outstanding Manchester, yesterday. Ominously for England, English soccer side Man- Ashes form, striking Smith, who has two centuries chester City signed the an unbeaten 60 as and a 92 to his name in the Argentine striker after his two they retain the urn. Smith and made a belated decision to leave play, the world’s number one- series, looked as if he had never trophy-laden seasons at rivals Australia recover from Marnus Labuschagne put on 116 the ball but gave a thin outside ranked batsman having missed been away as he calmly dealt Manchester United. another failure by for the third wicket before the edge to Jonny Bairstow. the previous Test due to con- with Joe Root’s attack. “Ben Stokes’ final innings their openers to reach latter was bowled by a beautiful Australia found themselves cussion as a result of a He brought up his fifty, lav- at Headingley was the stuff of 170-3 at the close of from Craig Overton for at 28-2 when Broad rapped the from Jofra Archer. ishly driving Ben Stokes for four legend, so we thought it was the rain-hit first day of 67. pads of Marcus Harris and, after To the delight of the crowd, through cover but the Man- only right to honour it ahead the fourth Test against It was a much-needed stand some consideration, umpire Archer had the ball in hand and chester weather prospect of a of the fourth Test,” Jessica after England, on a high after Kumar Dharmasena raised his it took him three deliveries to third ton in this series will have O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said. England at Old Trafford. their remarkable comeback win finger and his verdict was upheld attempt another bouncer. to wait until today. “Thankfully we found a at Headingley, made a great start, by video review. But with England sensing a Travis Head was unbeaten spot just yards away from the Rain causes a delay of bringing their supporters to their Australia’s openers have chance to eat into the Aussie on 18 at the close. Australian team’s hotel to give over two hours after feet with just the fourth ball of averaged 15.14 - not since 1888 middle order before lunch, Smith Australia captain Tim Paine them a timely reminder. lunch and returns the day. have their top two contributed and Labuschagne quickly settled had won the toss and chose to “Hopefully our little sledge during the break for tea Stuart Broad claimed the less during an Ashes series. and set about upping the bat with fast bowler Mitchell will help get England over the wicket of David Warner for the The departure of Harris run-rate. Starc given his first appearance line and on the road to to force early stumps. fifth time in this series with the brought the returning Smith to Labuschagne, retained in the in the series after replacing Peter victory.” left-hander caught behind as he the crease after 38 minutes of side after replacing Smith as a Siddle. Rashid ‘excited’ ahead of Bangladesh challenge

AFP Cup campaign in England and the team and will try my best their last 10 Tests at home, TEAMS CHITTAGONG Wales when they lost all nine to be positive and enjoy the including one each against Bangladesh (from) matches and were dogged by game,” Rashid told reporters England and Australia. Shadman Islam, , Sou- Afghanistan’s spin prodigy several controversies. last Friday after the arrival of Bangladesh are expected mya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), faces a tough The Indian Premier his team in Chittagong. to field a spin-heavy attack challenge as he captains his League (IPL) star will become The Afghan side has been against the visitors for the Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Mith- side for the first time against the youngest ever Test captain through turmoil in recent one-off Test, but interim un, Mushfiqur Rahim, , Taijul Bangladesh in only his at the age of 20 years 350 days months. In April 2019, the Afghan coach Andy Moles said Islam, Mosaddek Hossain, Nayeem Has- war-torn country’s third Test when he steps out in the Test Afghanistan Cricket Board they have no fear. an, Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Eba- starting today. match at the Zahur Ahmed (ACB) named as “We have massive respect dat Hossain, Abu Jayed. Afghanistan obtained Test Chowdhury Stadium in Test captain, replacing Asghar for Bangladesh team. They are status in 2017. In their first Chittagong. Afghan, who led the side in a level above us. (But) we are Afghanistan (from) outing in June 2018 India He will overtake Zimba- their first two Test matches. not scared of Bangladesh,” Rashid Khan (capt), Ihsanullah Janat, thrashed them inside two days, bwe’s Tatenda Taibu, who But Rashid’s appointment Moles told reporters in Chit- Javid Ahmadi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat but in the second in March they made his debut as Test captain as Test captain after the World tagong on Monday. Shah, , Asghar Af- beat fellow newcomers Ireland just eight days older than Cup means Shah was removed Afghanistan will also play Rashid Khan ghan, Ikram Alikhil, , by seven wickets. Rashid against Sri Lanka at before he took charge of a a tri-nation tour- Qais Ahmad, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad,

Leg-spinner Rashid was Harare in 2004. match. nament from September 13 Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan Pakteen, named skipper for all three “(I am) pretty excited. It is They will be up against a with Zimbabwe and hosts , . formats after their dire World a new role to be a captain of side who have won five of Bangladesh. THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 11 AFC chief congratulates Qatar on World Cup emblem launch

QNA KUALA LUMPUR to host the 2022 World Cup by The official 2022 FIFA the highest standards of the World Cup Qatar emblem international organization, reit- flashes on an electronic The President of the Asian erating the support of the AFC to billboard at Time Square Football Confederation (AFC) and the efforts to organize the best in New York City on First Vice-President of FIFA World Cup in the history of world Tuesday. Host Qatar Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al football. unveiled the emblem Khalifa (pictured) congratulated Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim by displaying it in Qatar on revealing the official Al Khalifa expressed his satis- public spaces in Doha emblem of 2022 FIFA World Cup. faction with the increasing pace and cities around the He stressed that this occasion of work in infrastructure projects world at 20:22 local represents an important sym- and the establishment of sta- time, (19:22 CET) bolic step to accelerate the pace diums for hosting the 2022 World on Tuesday. of preparations towards the Cup. organization of the first World He pointed out that this Cup football in the Middle East. reflects the proper planning Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim adopted by the State of Qatar Al Khalifa praised the out- since presenting the bid to host standing arrangements made by the tournament. the Supreme Committee for The AFC President praised Delivery and Legacy (SC) in com- SC’s efforts and role in advancing pleting the launch of the official the preparations for the organi- emblem. to enhancing the state of passion zation of the World Cup. He He pointed out that the initi- and anticipation among pointed out that the profession- ative to display the slogan in members of the global football alism that characterizes SC’s many countries of the world in family three years before the work represents a fertile ground conjunction with its launch in start of the tournament. for completing the hosting Doha translates the global The AFC President expressed arrangements with all excellence football big event, and contribute his confidence in Qatar’s ability and competence.

14 of QSL’s foreign North, South Koreas move towards stars on national duty

QNA meeting on road to Qatar 2022 DOHA

AP countries, very much the lowest-ranked team. Unlike of Malaysia president 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP ASIA After two weeks of action in the 2019-20 QNB SEOUL favourite to finish first in South Korea, the South Hamidin Mohd Amin has QUALIFIERS/ AFC ASIAN CUP Stars League (QSL), which has taken a break due Group H, every point is Asians are unlikely to requested that an armored CHINA 2023 QUALIFIERS to international commitments, as many as 14 QSL The ‘Korean Derby’ may be important for the other progress to the next stage but personnel carrier be on players joined their national teams for official or the most eagerly-awaited teams. there is still much at stake. standby. friendly matches. game in the second stage of “We know that North After the Easter Sunday Thailand hosts Vietnam Qatar vs Afghanistan These players are key to their countries’ for- Asian 2022 World Cup qual- Korea will be tough at home terrorist attacks in Colombo in the same group while Guam vs Maldives tunes, so they were called up by the technical staff. ifiers but before that October and have World Cup history that left over 250 dead, first Mongolia plays its first ever Philippines vs Syria They all will return ahead of the QSL’s Week meeting, North Korea must but we want to get a good round opponent Macau game in the second round of Chinese Taipei vs Jordan 3 fixtures, to be played on September 13 to 15. first navigate a potentially start,” said Lebanon’s refused to travel to the island World Cup qualification and Kuwait vs Nepal The Al Sailiya vs Al Sadd match has been post- tricky opening fixture against Romanian coach Liviu Cio- for the return leg of their faces Myanmar. Cambodia vs Hong Kong poned to September 24 in view of the latter’s AFC Lebanon in Pyongyang today. botariu. “In a group that also first-round qualifier in June Elsewhere, 2022 World Champions League return-leg quarter-final Forty teams are still has South Korea, every game and forfeited the tie. Sri Cup host Qatar is placed in Bahrain vs Iraq against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in Doha on Sep- active on the road to Qatar is vital.” Lanka is keen to show that Group E and kicks off against Singapore vs Yemen tember 16. but only the eight group South Korea, looking for life has returned to normal. Afghanistan. Regardless of Palestine vs Uzbekistan Algerian national team coach Djamel Belmadi, winners and four best-placed a tenth successive World Cup The biggest crowd this how the Asian champion India vs Oman who has coached Al Duhail in Qatar, called up teams progress to the next appearance, sits out the first week will likely be in Jakarta performs, it will not progress Mongolia vs Myanmar three QNB Stars League players for their friendlies stage where Asia’s four auto- round of games this week, as as Indonesia takes on rival to the next stage of World Tajikistan vs Kyrgyzstan against Benin and Ivory Coast as part of prepara- matic places in Qatar 2022 do all eight top-ranked teams Malaysia in front of what is Cup qualification. Qatar is tions for the qualifiers of 2022 FIFA World Cup are up for grabs. in Asia, and kicks off against expected to be 80,000 fans. involved as the path to the Thailand vs Vietnam and Africa Cup of Nations. With South Korea, Turkmenistan on Tuesday. Feelings between the two 2022 World Cup has been Indonesia vs Malaysia They are Baghdad Bounedjah of Al Sadd, scheduled to visit Pyongyang Also today, Turkmen- neighbors can run high. combined with qualification North Korea vs Lebanon Yacine Brahimi of Al Rayyan and Adlene Gue- on October 15 in a historic istan takes on Sri Lanka, the According to reports in for the 2023 Asian Cup which Sri Lanka vs Turkmenistan dioura of Al Gharafa. meeting between two world’s 200th and Malaysia, Football Association will take place in China. Al Duhail’s Yousef Msakni and Al Sailiya’s Bilal Saidani joined the Tunisian squad for their friendlies against Mauritania and Ivory Coast, also Germany’s head coach as part of preparations for the qualifiers of 2022 Joachim Loew (left) looks Hazard brothers ruled FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. on during a training session The Iranian trio of Morteza Mohammed of Al at the lerntor-Stadion out of Belgian qualifiers Arabi, Karim Ansari of Al Sailiya and Ramin in Hamburg, Germany, Rezaeian of Al Shahania left for their fixture yesterday. Loew’s side hosts REUTERS against Hong Kong in the 2022 FIFA World Cup the Netherlands in Hamburg BRUSSELS and 2023 Asian Cup joint qualifier. tomorrow in a Euro 2020 South Koreans Jung Woo-Young of Al Sadd Qualifying clash. Eden Hazard and his brother Thorgan will miss and Lee Jaeik of Al Rayyan were to do duty in Belgium’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against San Marino their friendly against Georgia and also in the and Scotland through injuries, the Belgian football World Cup and Asian Cup qualifier against association said. Turkmenistan. The pair reported to the team camp in Tubize on Al Duhail’s Iraqi player Muhannad Ali also Tuesday for medical checks which confirmed Eden received a call-up for their tie against Bahrain in is suffering from a muscle strain while his younger the joint qualifier for Qatar 2022 World Cup and brother has a rib injury. 2023 Asian Cup . Eden has yet to make his league debut for Real Umm Salal’s Syrian recruit Mahmoud Al Madrid since his move to Chelsea because of the Mawas joined his country’s preparations ahead injury. of their qualifier against the Philippines. No replacements have been named by coach Lebanon called up Al Khor’s Robert Alexander Roberto Martinez. Malki for their qualifier against North Korea. Belgium, who have won their opening four qual- Aron Gunnarsson of Al Arabi left for Iceland’s ifiers in Group I, play in San Marino tomorrow and Euro 2020 qualifiers against Moldova and then Scotland at Hampden Park on Monday. Albania. Aspire Academy reflects Qatar’s success in football: Afghan coach THE PENINSULA to the work done here at Aspire DOHA Academy. Qatar as a country has shown the world how a government, working Afghanistan national football team took with its people, its Football Association time off their training schedule in prep- and all other stakeholders can plan and aration for their opening match of the work hard to bring about success in double qualifiers (2022 World Cup Asia sport,” Dastgir said. Qualifiers and 2023 Asian Cup Quali- For 27-year-old Afghanistan fiers) against Qatar to visit Aspire defender, Hassan Amin who plays his Academy. club football for SV Meppen in the 3 The team comprised of coaching Liga (Germany’s 3rd division), the visit staff and players was welcomed at to Aspire was an eye opener and Aspire by Deputy Director General, Ali impressed the entire Afghan team. Salem Afifa who went on to lead a com- Amin said: “We have a young team and prehensive tour of world- renowned one still gaining experience. We look Sports Academy. Afghanistan national football team players and officials pose for a photograph during their visit to Doha’s Aspire Academy. forward to playing Qatar, the Asian Afifa gave her an insight into the champions and will give it our best. I Academy’s philosophy of nurturing have to say Aspire Academy is fantastic sporting talent and mentioned that the Anoush Dastgir, a graduate of the famed “The infrastructure, facilities and is on a higher level. Qatar are the as a youth development center. I was bulk of the Qatar football team who Johan Cruyff institute of coaching sang the program of youth development in current Asian Cup champions, and this born and grew up in Germany and used won the 2019 Asian Cup are graduates praises of the football development football run here at Aspire are very was not achieved over night but as a and been to some of the very top sports of Aspire Academy. programs run in Qatar of which Aspire good. I have been to Brazil where result of long term planning whose facilities and academies but Aspire During the tour Afghanistan coach Academy is part of. similar operations are run but Aspire foundation and background is traceable betters them all.” SPORT Thursday 5 September 2019 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 11 Sprint star AFC chief Justin Gatlin congratulates Qatar OK after on World Cup hamstring scare emblem launch In-form Qatar players delight coach Sanchez ahead of Afghanistan clash

RIZWAN REHMAT Qatar’s aim will be to get the THE PENINSULA Defending Asian champions first phase of defending the AFC Asian Cup title by next Qatar coach Felix Sanchez is begin 2023 journey June - which they will if they pleased with the early-season top Group E. form of his players going into today’s joint 2022 FIFA World With their place in the Cup and 2023 Asian Cup quali- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fying match against Aghanistan. sealed, the West Asians The regular football season look more than capable in Qatar started two weeks ago of navigating past their allowing the clubs to hit the opponents in Group E. ground running in what will be a busy period of 10 months for the Afghanistan will be national side. Qatar team captain Hassan determined not to let that Al Haydos fired his 100th career happen as they embark on a goal for club Al Sadd in their last mission to seal a place in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash AFC Asian Cup China 2023. against Al Shahaniya a week ago. The squad also includes Afghanistan have never Qatar’s premier young strikers made the AFC Asian Cup Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, Finals and despite the named the Player of the Tour- awesome talent that Qatar nament at the Asian Cup earlier have, the Central Asians will this year. thrive on the challenge. Asian Cup champions host Afghanistan at Al Sadd Stadium where they take on India in a Group E clash on September 10. result. We want points. We play The other two teams in the group India after this. We will be are Bangladesh and Oman, the playing in front of our fans. We 2017 Gulf Cup winners. Qatari players take part in a practice session at the Al Sadd Stadium, yesterday, on the eve of their match against Afghanistan. want to give a good impression,” “The players did a good job he added. since they started with their “Of course there is no easy We have young players. We are mentorinmentoringg clubs. They have had good games. match. I am not sure if it is right Some of them have shown good the young players in the league.gue. WWee are to take them easy. We will fight. level,” Sanchez said during a pre- looking at the ones who can bbee oourur It is normal for people to say match conference yesterday. future. They have shown thatat national that (Afghanistan are easy team has good back-up. I thinkink tthehe AAsiansian “That’s good for us as they QATAR AFGHANISTAN target). We will plan like it is a arrive in good condition. We don’t Cup was a great achievementnt - our Saad Al Sheeb, Meshaal Barshim, Ovays Azizi, Faisal Hamid, Ahmad big match. The players are very have too much time to prepare biggest title so far. We were able ttoo Mohammd Albakri, Pedro, Salem Al Hellal Hosalnie, Milad Intezar, Hassan motivated to play well,” Sanchez for these games but they are in compete at the highest levell in AAsia.sia. ThThisis Hajdri, Tariq Salman, Abdulkarim Amin, Zelfagar Nazaty, Haroon Amiri, said. good practice. I know they are in happened six months ago. BButut we don’tdon’t Hassan, Khoukhi Bualem, Hassan Al Farzad Ataie, Hoshang Noor Ali, Sharlf “We are getting closer to good position to start the match have to live in memories. Wee havehave to Haydos, Akram Afif, Abdulaziz Al Ansari, Mukhammad, Abdul Najim, Farshod most important event in Hashim Ali, Bassam Al Rawi, Asim Noor, Omran Haydari, NoroAllah Amiri, (against Afghanistan),” he added. keep working hard. Asian Cupup win was a football (the 2022 FIFA World Madibo, Almoez Ali, Karim Boudiaf, Ali Adem Najem, Yar M Zakarkhel, Omid In a staggering run of form, very good example that playersyers ffoughtought Cup). We are going to host the Qatar played 21 internationals (12 Afif, Musab Khizar, Ahmed Fateh,Yusuf Popalzai, Abassin Alikhil, Naeem event. It is another motivation the right way. We will try to Abdulrazzaq, Almehdi Ali, Abdulaziz Rahimi, Faysal Shayesteh, Noor Husin, wins, 2 draws, 7 losses) in a little to do well. We are in the right get bigger achievements: Hatem and Abdulla Absulsalam Jabar Sharza and Zubayr Amiri over 13 months. In the same conditions. We want good per- Coach Felix Sanchez Coach: Felix Sanchez Coach: Anoush Dastgir period, rivals Afghanistan have formances and results. played just four internationals. Qatari player Asim Madibo Sanchez, however, dismissed “Football is never played on will try to keep giving our best in important to us. We are starting excited and looking to have a said yesterday: “Like the coach the thought that Afghanistan - paper. Everything happens on the our bid to emerge as the best a new season. We are going to good performance. said, tomorrow is a new start. We ranked 149 in the world - would pitch. We fully respect both team,” Sanchez said. play (for the first time) after “We will face Afghanistan want to keep the good work be an easy target. teams. No team is favourite. We “This qualifying phase is very Asian Cup (victory). We are the right way. We want a good going from last season.” US Open: ‘Baby Fed’ Dimitrov shocks Swiss maestro

REUTERS Federer looked razor sharp to start NEW YORK the match but was not able to maintain his usual high level against the gritty Grigor Dimitrov stepped out of Roger Bulgarian. Federer’s shadow yesterday to claim a The turning point came in the fourth spot in the US Open semi-finals with a set, Dimitrov fighting off five break shock 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over the points to win the set and level match at wounded Swiss. 2-2. Coming into the US Open, the 78th “I was trying to stay in that game and ranked Dimitrov, dubbed “Baby Fed” make him stay on the court as much as because of the similarities between his possible,” said Dimitrov. “After that he game and Federer’s, did not look much started slowing down. of a threat, posting just one win from “It’s a best of five sets. Anything can his last eight matches. happen.” But the Bulgarian, who had been And something unexpected did. ranked as high as number three, has Before the start of the fifth set found some form on the New York Federer called for the trainer, who, after hardcourts and claimed his first win in LEFT: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria reacts after defeating Roger a brief conversation with the 38-year- eight meetings with the 20-times Federer of Switzerland in their men’s singles quarter-final match old, escorted him off the court for a Grand Slam winner. during the 2019 US Open in New York, on Tuesday. TOP: Dimitrov medical time out to deal with a back “Even if I would have gone two sets shake hands after his shock win over Federer. problem. to love down, I wouldn’t have give up,” When play resumed Dimitrov seized assured Dimitrov. “I would still stay on his chance, breaking Federer to open the the court and just try to do as much as over another Swiss Stan Wawrinka. submissive style, Federer had looked “Just disappointed it’s over because I fifth and then a second time with the possible to make sure that whether I While not as crushing as his five-set more like the silkly smooth Swiss maestro did feel like I was actually playing really Swiss unable to mount any defence as rattle him or put him off balance. loss to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon fans have come to expect. well after a couple of rocky starts,” said the Bulgarian went on to claim the “I kept on pushing, I kept on final, is was another bitterly disappointing He was virtually flawless in his next Federer. “It’s just a missed opportunity to biggest win of his career. believing.” missed opportunity for Federer to add to two contests, dropping just nine games some extent that you’re in the lead, you can “I just needed some treatment on my Dimitrov will now face Daniil his Grand Slam haul. total in straight sets wins setting the tennis get through, you have two days off after. upper - what is it - back, neck,” said Medvedev tomorrow for a place in After a sputtering start to the US Open world buzzing about a possible Grand “It was looking good. Federer. “Just needed to try to loosen it final, the Russian advancing to the last that saw him drop the first set in his Slam Big Apple final showdown with old “But you got to take the losses. up, crack it and see if it was going to be four with a 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win opening two matches in astonishingly rival Rafa Nadal. They’re part of the game.” better.”