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Wednesday, October 23, 2019 RUGBY Safar 24, 1441 AH England ‘not our GULF TIMES fi ercest rivals,’ says NZ coach Hansen SPORT Page 4

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Visa Presale off ers fi rst chance to buy Al Sadd leave Hilal tickets for FIFA Club World Cup

ans are one step closer place and fi nal matches. Fans shell-shocked but to the action today purchasing a single ticket for with the opening of double-header matchdays will the Visa Presale for be able to attend both games at theF FIFA Club World Cup Qa- the stadium. tar 2019 presented by Alibaba Re-entry will not be al- Cloud. lowed. Ticket holders will be As of 2pm (Doha time), able to download and print Visa cardholders can purchase tickets purchased from FIFA. miss spot in fi nal tickets to see the club cham- com/tickets at home. pions of each confederation, Visa, the Offi cial Payment Al Sadd win second leg of semis 4-2 but go down 5-6 on aggregate along with Al Sadd SC repre- Services Partner of FIFA, is the senting hosts Qatar, battle for preferred payment method Agencies the highest honour in global of the FIFA Club World Cup Doha club football. Qatar 2019. The last-minute This exclusive opportunity sales phase will begin in No- will be available at FIFA.com/ vember and will run until the audi giants Al Hilal survived a tickets until October 31 at end of the tournament. During massive scare from Qatar’s Al 13:00 CET (15:00 Doha time). that period, tickets will also be Sadd before advancing to the fi nal Tickets are aff ordably available for purchase on FIFA. Sof AFC Champions League with priced in three categories, com/tickets a 6-5 aggregate win despite crashing to a starting at QR25 for Category Matches will be played from shock 4-2 defeat in their semi-fi nal sec- 3 tickets up to QR400 for a December 11 until December ond leg encounter on Tuesday. Category 1 ticket for the 3rd- 21 at three venues in Qatar. Having won their semi-fi nal fi rst leg in Doha 4-1 earlier this month, Al Hilal were seemingly comfortable in the knowledge FOCUS that Al Sadd would be required to come up with a special eff ort to overturn the mas- sive defi cit in front of their home fans in Riyadh. French court But although Xavi’s Al Sadd scored three goals inside four minutes during a frenetic phase of the game in the fi rst half, orders organisers they fell short by one away goal, much to the relief of the packed crowd at the King Saud University Stadium. of Dakar Rally to The match even ended on a dramatic note with Al Sadd earning a free kick just outside the penalty area with a few sec- honour beIN onds to go in stoppage time. But Nam Tae-hee’s cracking eff ort was stopped by Al Hilal goalkeeper Abdulla exclusive contract al-Maiouf as Razvan Lucescu’s men ad- vanced to their third continental fi nal in- side six years, having fi nished runners up QNA ruling that ASOs termination in 2014 and 2017. Paris was seriously questionable, It was Al Hilal, however, who struck issued an interim order in fa- fi rst in a fast-paced fi rst half with Salem vour of beIN ordering ASO to al-Dawsari scoring from close in the 13th Hilal’s midfielder Andre he Nanterre Com- “continue the performance of minute to give his side a 5-1 advantage Carrillo (L) fights for the ball mercial Court in the contract in all its stipula- and further taking the match away from with Al Sadd’s midfielder Gabi France has ordered tions”. Al Sadd. during the second leg of their Amaury Sport Or- Underlining the impor- The tables were to be turned shortly Tganisation (ASO) organisers tance of the economic stakes AFC Champions League afterwards though as Akram Afi f equal- semi-finals in Riyadh yesterday. of the Dakar Rally, Tour de of the unlawful termination ised from the penalty spot in the 17th France, the Paris Marathon of the contract, the Presi- minute after he was brought down. amongst other events to spe- dent of the court also ordered Two minutes later Nam produced a cifi cally perform its fi ve year a penalty of 10,000 euro for fi ne burst of speed from the centre of the time after Yasser al-Shahrani in the Al Sebastian Giovinco and netted with a And when Nam’s last second free-kick media rights exclusive agree- every day that ASO refused to fi eld and advanced into the penalty area Hilal defence failed to tackle a long ball half-volley as Al Hilal stretched their ag- was pouched was Al Hilal goalkeeper al- ment with beIN MENA LLC. give beIN the necessary satel- before passing the ball to Afi f. leaving the goalkeeper exposed with gregate to 6-4. Maiouf, Al Hilal’s spot in the fi nal was The ruling followed ASOs lite feeds, technical and oper- The star Qatar forward relayed the ball pressure from Nam and his compatriot The second half lacked the urgency confi rmed. unlawful attempt to unilat- ational information to ensure back to Hassan al-Haydos, who in turn Jang Hyun-soo of the fi rst session with both teams fail- They face the winners of the semi-fi - erally break beINs exclusive the legitimate broadcaster set up Nam with a deft fl ick and the Ko- The stunned crowd however heaved ing to make much headway, but Boualem nal between Guangzhou Evergrande and contract and give the media can transmit all the events. rean blasted home from close. a collective sigh of relief in the 25th Khoukhi had the Saudis rattled by head- Urawa Red Diamonds, with the fi rst leg rights to Saudi Arabia. In a Perhaps not uncoinciden- Al Sadd were 3-1 up in the very next minute when the prolifi c Batefi mbi Go- ing in an Abdulaziz Ansari pass with the of the fi nal taking place in Riyadh on No- statement yesterday, beIN tally, ASO was represented minute with al-Haydos the scorer this mis latched on to a diagonal pass from match three minutes into stoppage time. vember 9. said that it had entered into by De Gaulle Fleurance & As- a multi-million euro fi ve- socies, the law fi rm that rep- year deal with ASO last year, resented Arabsat in the high granting beIN exclusive me- profi le French court case this dia rights in the Middle East & June where the President of Qatar to take on Bahrain in semis North Africa to all ASOs major the Tribunal de Grande In- events, including the Dakar stance de Paris held that Rally, the Tour de France, Arabsat, the Saudi-head- Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Nice, quartered satellite provider, La Fleche Wallonne, Liege- distributes beoutQ on its sat- Bastogne-Liege, Le Criterium ellites. du Dauphine, Paris-Tours and Despite this ruling, and the Paris Marathon from 2018 notwithstanding a 158-page to 2023. technical report commis- Earlier this year, ASO sud- sioned by FIFA and all the denly moved the venue of major bodies in world football the Dakar Rally from South establishing Arabsats com- America to Saudi Arabia from plicity in beoutQ, De Gaulle 2020 onwards. ASO then at- Fleurance & Associes said tempted to exit beINs agree- “This is a great victory for ment to license the media Arabsat who was wrongly ac- rights to a Saudi broadcaster cused. The President of the and, to that end, unilaterally Paris civil court has clearly terminated beINs fi ve-year ruled that Arabsat is not in- exclusive agreement. Re- volved in the beoutQ pirate markably, ASO also refused TV channels.” to provide beIN with the sat- Caroline Guenneteau, Head ellite feeds to its events, for of Legal of beIN SPORTS which beIN was the offi cial France said: “We are pleased Action from the Bahrain vs South Korea match in the Asian handball qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics at the Lusail Indoor Hall yesterday. South Korea won 31-30 to top and exclusive broadcast part- that the rule of law has pre- Group B and will now take on Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals tomorrow. The other semi-final will be played between Qatar and Bahrain. Qatar had topped Group A with ner. vailed and that commercial an all-win record. Picture on right shows South Korean fans cheering their team. The President of the Nan- contracts cannot be torn up terre Commercial Court, after by undue interference.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, October 23, 2019 CRICKET

THIRD TEST FOCUS It’s been a India leave South Africa great start as opener, hurting with series sweep says Rohit IANS Ranchi India beat Australia’s record of 10 straight home series wins, and consolidate their place at the top ohit Sharma, who was designated as India’s opener for the three- Test series against SouthR Africa, has insisted that it has been great start for him as a top-order batsman and he doesn’t want to let it go. India completed a 3-0 white- wash over South Africa by win- ning the third and fi nal Test by an innings and 202 runs yes- terday. During the series, Rohit scored 529 runs — including two centuries and a double hundred — in the four innings he played against the Proteas and shat- tered many records. “Considering how the se- ries has gone by, I can take a lot of positives, especially how to counter that new ball. The new ball will be a threat anywhere in the world,” Rohit said after he was adjudged the Player of the Series. “It’s been a great start, so I don’t want to let it go, I realised you need to have discipline at the start of the innings. Once you are in, you can play your game. That’s what I have done. I follow a certain template that allows me to have some success,” he added. The 32-year-old further ex- pressed gratitude to the team Indian team and support staff pose with the trophy after winning the third and final Test match against South Africa at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association stadium in Ranchi yesterday. (AFP) management, including head coach Ravi Shastri and skipper AFP and Rohit Sharma (212) all hit double had performed throughout the three Virat Kohli, for providing him Ranchi SCORECARD tons against South Africa. After big matches. “Our seamers were good for with the opportunity to open in wins in the fi rst two Tests in Visakhap- 30-40 minutes but theirs were able to Test cricket. “You need support INDIA I INNINGS 497-9 DEC Total (all out, 48 overs) 133 atnam and Pune, fast bowlers Mohamed do that throughout the day. It has been from the management, coach, hahbaz Nadeem took the fi nal Shami and Umesh Yadav again battered a really tough series for us but we need captain, that has helped a lot,” (R. SHARMA 212, A. RAHANE 115; Fall of wickets: 1-5 (de Kock), 2-10 two wickets in straight balls as South Africa in Ranchi, this time taking to ensure that when we tour again, we Rohit said. G. LINDE 4-133) (Hamza), 3-18 (du Plessis), 4-22 (Bavu- India thrashed South Africa by 10 wickets between them. are better equipped. This is the tough- Shastri also heaped praise on SOUTH AFRICA I INNINGS 162 (Z. ma), 4-26 (Elgar, retired not out), 5-36 an innings and 202 runs in the “The catching has been brilliant as est place to tour, the statistics say that.” the Mumbai batsman and said: HAMZA 62; U. YADAV 3-40, thirdS Test yesterday to complete a 3-0 (Klaasen), 6-67 (Linde), 7-98 (Piedt), well. It’s great to see when you operate De Bruyn came in to the South Afri- “When you’re needed to open M. SHAMI 2-22) series rout. The day’s play lasted just 8-121 (Rabada), 9-133 (de Bruyn) in such a way,” said Kohli. “We believe can XI in place of Dean Elgar, who was the batting, the mindset has to 12 balls in a triumph emphatically ram- SOUTH AFRICA I INNINGS Bowling: Shami 10-6-10-3, Yadav 9-1- we can win anywhere in the world. Eng- hit on the helmet and concussed by a be diff erent. As an opening bats- ming home India’s feat in beating Aus- (FOLLOW-ON - OVERNIGHT 132-8) 35-2, Jadeja 13-5-36-1, Nadeem 6-1-18-2, land, Australia, South Africa — good short paced Umesh Yadav delivery on man, you can get out in the fi rst tralia’s record of 10 straight home series T. de Bruyn c Saha b Nadeem 30 Ashwin 10-3-28-1 things are going to follow,” he vowed. Monday. 10 balls. You don’t know any- wins, and consolidating their place at South Africa captain Faf du Plessi The left-hander had to retire hurt thing about the pitch.” A. Nortje not out 5 Result: India won by an innings and the top of the World Test Champion- 202 runs was left frustrated and despondent by and is now under observation. Anrich Rohit scored 212 runs in the ship. L. Ngidi c and b Nadeem 0 the defeat. He said the team had shown Nortje received a hit on the arm on the Ranchi Test on a pitch which had Series: India won the three-match For South Africa, who lost two of Extras (b5, lb1) 6 “good signs” at the start of the fi rst fi nal ball of the match after Ngidi’s shot assistance for the pacers. India the three matches by more than an in- series 3-0 Test, “but we went the other way and hit him and then went to Nadeem for a had lost three early wickets af- nings, it was one of their worst series in kept making more mistakes as the series return catch. ter opting to bat. However, Ro- decades. “It’s been a brilliant series for after they were bowled out for 162 in on the fourth day. “To be the best side went on. “You got to give credit to the India are scheduled to host Bangla- hit showed great maturity and us,” said India captain Virat Kohli as he their fi rst attempt in Ranchi. Resuming in the world, you need to be multi-di- Indian team. This is a really tough In- desh for two Tests and three Twenty20 played the ball on its merit. He hailed the performance of his batsmen on 132-8 in the second innings, Nadeem mensional. All facets of your team have dian team under Virat,” he added. “Be it internationals starting November 3. But along with India vice-captain and bowlers who made 497 for nine de- got substitute Theunis de Bruyn caught to fi re,” said Kohli. in the batting, bowling or even fi elding, the tour is under threat as the Bangla- Ajinkya Rahane batted brilliant- clared in their fi rst innings. behind for 30 and then Lungi Ngidi for The series saw Indian batsmen May- we were dominated across the series.” desh players have gone on strike over ly and helped India post 497/9 Kohli made South Africa follow on nought to dismiss the tourists for 133 ank Agarwal (215), Kohli (254 not out) Du Plessis said India’s fast bowlers payments. decl in the fi rst innings.

SPOTLIGHT DOMINANT Brexit will boost South African cricket: du Plessis Captain Kohli hails AFP Ranchi ‘multidimensional’

ritain’s Brexit will be a boon to India aft er series win ailing South Africa as they re- build, Proteas captain Faf du Reuters Plessis said yesterday after Ranchi, India hisB side’s series drubbing by India. Any tougher immigration controls after the British withdrawal from the European ndia have evolved into a Union will mean fewer South African “multidimensional” team players in the County Championship, ac- capable of winning any- cording to du Plessis. where in the world and irre- More than 60 players from countries Ispective of the nature of pitches, around the world have since 2003 taken captain Virat Kohli and coach advantage of EU residency rules so that Ravi Shastri said after the side’s they could join county teams without 3-0 series sweep against South being considered “overseas players”. But Africa yesterday. the rules of the so-called Kolpak accord Kohli and his men won the meant they could not play for their home third test in Ranchi by an in- countries. Under current plans, if Britain nings and 202 runs to complete pulls out of the EU, the Kolpak system for a whitewash that also consoli- cricketers would end by 2021. Du Plessis, dated their lead in the World Test who has himself played in England under Championship race. It was In- the system, highlighted the case of off - dia’s 11th consecutive victory in India’s captain Virat Kohli with spinner Simon Harmer who has starred a home test series and Kohli was the trophy in Ranchi. (AFP) for Essex over the past two years but has particularly pleased how his pace not appeared for South Africa since 2015. attack, despite missing Jasprit moment, we can win in England, “It’s sad for South African cricket not Bumrah, refused to let the spin- Australia, South Africa, any- to have the option of their best players,” ners hog the limelight. where and that is the belief that du Plessis told reporters after his side’s “To be the best side in the we need to carry.” innings and 202 runs defeat by India in world you need to be multidi- Shastri said the team was de- the third Test. “Simon Harmer has had mensional and all facets of your termined to succeed regardless an unbelievable season. And it would be team have to fi re and work prop- of the nature of the surface. great for South Africa to be in a position erly,” Kohli said as he singled out “Our motto was to take pitches where they could go (for tours). He’s done the pacers for special praise. out of the equation — to hell with well overseas. Let’s bring him on tour “Spin was always a strength, pitches,” the former all-rounder with us. So maybe, post-Brexit, guys will Africa will build a strong new team with left fl ummoxed by the hosts’ seam attack, in it for the bowlers, a lot in it for the bat- batting was never a problem for said. “Whether it’s Johannesburg still go and play there (in England), but the batting of Dean Elgar and Quinton de du Plessis said. India’s fast bowlers, rarely ters, so fantastic Test cricket to be played. us. Fast bowling was very good at or Melbourne or Mumbai, we you can still pick them for your country.” Kock showing promise. “It’s a rebuild- expected to make a mark on docile sur- And the Indian seam attack was tremen- certain times and then all these want to take the pitch out of the The absence of county players and ing phase, so the way forward when you faces at home, picked up 26 wickets in the dous. Right through the series, relentless young bowlers came... Batsmen equation. With the batting line- retirement of top stars such as Hashim go through real, tough times like this, is three Tests with their spin-bowling col- and they showed us how to consistently gave confi dence to the bowlers, up we have, if they post big totals Amla and fast bowler Dale Steyn have left you start identifying characters,” said du leagues accounting for 32. bowl line and length.” bowlers gave us amazing con- and then we have bowlers who du Plessis with an inexperienced side, Plessis. He praised the India’s fast bowl- That is a signifi cantly higher haul than South Africa posted 431 in their fi rst fi dence that even with 300 on can take 20 wickets — we can highlighted by the defeats in India. The ers Umesh Yadav and Mohamed Shami, the eight wickets they claimed versus innings in the opening test at Visakhap- board, we’re always in in every keep taking those World Cham- skipper said that South Africa’s domestic who took 10 wickets between them in the spinners’ 61 scalps when South Af- atnam against India, but crossed the test match,” he said. pionship points we are after.” cricket also misses the likes of Amla when the match. India captain Virat Kohli also rica toured in 2015 for a four-Test series, 200-run mark only once in their remain- Kohli, who led India to their Rohit Sharma was named they choose to play in England. “You lose highlighted their lead role. The duo bat- which the hosts won 3-0. ing fi ve innings. fi rst Test series win in Australia man-of-the-series for topping all of that experience, which would have tered the opposition with their lively pace “Obviously we spoke about this before “That’s the frustrating part of the tour earlier this year, said it was con- the run-getters’ list but Shastri helped the young guys so much,” he said. and barrage of bouncers to pack the tour- the series, the mindset coming here, spe- for us. Starting that fi rst sitting there tinuation of the same mindset. was pleased that there were other “Playing with Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, ists twice on 162 and 133 in response to cially after 2015 was, prepare yourself for were some real good signs of things po- “We certainly believe we can win heroes too. “Normally in India, AB de Villiers is the greatest learning India’s 497-9 declared. a lot of spinning tracks,” du Plessis said. tentially to come, but it went the other anywhere in the world at the mo- you have two players who hog curve that you can get.” South Africa had prepared for a spin “And it’s been the opposite, it’s actu- way,” du Plessis said. “Every Test match ment. You know, if we believe in the limelight. Here we’ve had six Du Plessis insisted though that South onslaught in India but their batsmen were ally been really good cricket wickets. A lot we played we made bit more mistakes.” ourselves, the way we are at the or seven payers,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 23, 2019 3 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT World Cup glory Bangladesh board counts for nothing now: Silverwood AFP “They are not here, obviously. London But it gives opportunity to other young talent coming through, lashes out at players gives us an opportunity to see hris Silverwood says them and them an opportunity England’s historic World to express themselves as well,” Cup triumph against he said. “One or two of them New Zealand will count are having a break but it will be Cfor nothing when the two sides business as usual from a one- clash again. England won the day point of view and with the over strike action World Cup for the fi rst time after T20s, Eoin Morgan has got a re- beating New Zealand in a dra- ally strong hold on what he wants matic Super Over at the end of an to do with the team and it is my ‘This is shocking. I can’t even imagine that our players can do something like this’ improbable fi nal at Lord’s in July. job to back him up and put those Now the limited-overs side things in place.” are off to New Zealand for a ve-fi England Test captain Root match Twenty20 tournament. has gone back to basics in a bid But there will be no time for to rediscover his best form with reminiscing about the achieve- the bat, linking up with a friend ments of Eoin Morgan’s side as from boyhood club Sheffi eld new England coach Silverwood Collegiate for informal coach- wants his team fully focused on ing sessions. Root will return to the task at hand. lead the red-ball side against the “I’m sure there will be a few Black Caps and he has been using conversations but we are here his time to tinker with his game, to focus on the series in front of having managed only one Test us,” Silverwood said. “We have century in 18 innings in 2019. moved on now. Obviously, it was “I’ve done three sessions and a fantastic game of cricket to be used the head coach at Sheffi eld involved in at any level really, it Collegiate. He’s called Josh Var- was a real delight of an experi- ley and he’s younger than me,” ence but we have got to move Root said. “From the age of 12 on. Obviously there is a diff erent or 13 we’ve thrown balls at each series in front of us now and we other, all day every day down at have got to concentrate on that.” Abbeydale. We’ve been doing a Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jos bit of work together, not much Buttler have not travelled for technical stuff but he’s been do- the series in New Zealand after a ing a lot of fl inging. I wanted to draining international summer. work on a few things so it’s been But Silverwood, who has stepped good to get back into it. I want to up from England’s backroom start the winter with a bang and staff to replace Trevor Bayliss, set a marker in terms of making wants the replacement players to big scores and leading from the show their potential. front.”

Bangladesh’s top players led by national captain Shakib Al Hasan (centre) went on strike on Monday demanding better pay and conditions. (AFP)

Reuters will go on. The India series will take place. what we regard as an important cricket try’s professional players had started a Dhaka I believe that most of the players want to country,” FICA Executive Chairman Tony strike to press for better pay and benefi ts. play. They want cricket to develop. I don’t Irish said in a statement. “It is also clear “We all know the sorry state of our fi rst, believe that they will bring the country’s to us that the players in Bangladesh don’t second and third division cricket,” Shakib angladesh’s cricket board lashed cricket into disrepute due to a small sum feel heard or respected in relation to im- said. “A lot of the times we know which out at the players who hatched of money. But we will see what happens,” portant issues that aff ect them in their team will win and which team will lose a “conspiracy” to destabilise the he said. careers and that aff ect their livelihoods.” before the match starts.” game in the country by striking, The BCB president, however, did not The players’ body is also unhappy with The strike comes amid growing criti- whileB an international federation of play- reveal plans about their next course of ac- the role played by the Cricketers’ Welfare cism of the BCB from cricketers who say ers’ associations came out in support of tion after an unoffi cial meeting in Mirpur. Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and the governing body is not sharing enough the action yesterday. “What I want to see and know fi rst is who plans to review its membership of FICA. of its growing wealth. Local cricketers The country’s top players led by na- goes to play and who doesn’t. Whether “It is of further concern that it appears want Bangladesh players and coaches to tional captain Shakib Al Hasan went they will go to camp or not. First, I have to that offi ce bearers of CWAB hold posi- be paid more in line with foreign hires. on strike on Monday demanding better know who is trying to jeopardise the India tions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” They have demanded a 50% pay hike pay and conditions, putting the side’s tour. I have to know what the real prob- Irish said. for fi rst-class players, the expansion of planned tour of India from Nov. 3 in lem is or else there will be other problems national pay contracts, increased match doubt. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a few days later.” CORRUPTION CLAIM fees in domestic games and better bene- President Nazmul Hassan said the board While their strike does put a question DEEPENS BANGLADESH fi ts for support staff . Allegations of match was open to discussions, but he criticised mark on their upcoming tour of India, CRICKET CRISIS AFTER STRIKE fi xing and corruption in Bangladesh the players and said the administrators BCCI President-elect Sourav Ganguly is Meanwhile, a former Bangladesh cricket cricket are not new, and in 2014 the entire would try to fi nd out who instigated the confi dent that the players will sort out chief said that match fi xing was wide- Bangladesh Premier League T20 contest strike. “This is shocking. I can’t even im- the issue with the board and the series spread in the country. Former Bangla- was suspended under a graft cloud. agine that our players can do something won’t be aff ected. “It is their internal desh Cricket Board (BCB) president Saber In another notorious case in 2017, au- like this,” Hassan said. “We’ll fi nd who is matter, but they will sort out, they will Hossain Chowdhury, a British-educated thorities banned a bowler for 10 years af- behind this conspiracy,” he said. come,” Ganguly said when asked if there lawyer, businessman and now mem- ter he delivered a succession of wides and As well as hefty pay increases, players was any threat to the series. ber of parliament, said corruption was no-balls to concede 92 runs to deliber- are demanding a return to a franchise- Asked if he would be speaking to the deep-rooted at the governing body, AFP ately lose a match in what his team called based model in the Bangladesh Premier BCB in his capacity as BCCI President, reported. a protest against biased umpiring. League. “If they don’t want to play, they Ganguly said it is an internal matter. “It is “@BCBtigers is only national sporting That Dhaka League Second Division won’t. What will you gain if you don’t their internal matter. I speak to the BCB, body in the world that promotes institu- game raised suspicions after a Lalmatia play? I don’t understand why you have but this doesn’t come under me,” he ex- tionalised #matchfi xing, #corruption,” bowler sent down 13 wides and three no- to stop playing for the demands,” Hassan plained. But the Federation of Interna- he said on his Twitter account, adding: balls in the fi rst over — all of which raced said. “If anyone wants to talk, the doors tional Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) “Unbelievable!!” “Flagged this issue to the boundary — costing his side 80 are open for them,” he said, adding that backed the players yesterday, commend- many times myself,” he said. runs. Lalmatia had earlier been dismissed players were not answering calls. ing them for “taking a stand together”. Shakib had raised concerns about cor- for just 88 off 14 overs before opponents Hassan said that the India tour will “It is a clear indication of the need for ruption in domestic cricket on Monday Axiom reached 92-0 off just four legal England’s cricket team coach Chris Silverwood (left) arrives at the proceed as per plan. “I hope that the camp change in the way players are treated in when announcing that most of the coun- deliveries. Christchurch airport yesterday. (AFP)

HORSE SHOW FOCUS CORRUPTION Fourth UAE Al Shaqab horses to participate QSAF announces cricketer on prestigious show in the US transitional measures suspended atar Sports Arbitration Foun- Dubai: Ashfaq Ahmed on Mon- he Breeding and Show Department of Al Shaqab, dation announced that the day became the fourth United member of Qatar Foundation, will be participating General Assembly has ap- Arab Emirates cricketer sus- in the US National Arabian & Half-Arabian Cham- proved transitional provi- pended as part of an anti-cor- pionship Horse show in Tulsa, United States. Con- sionsQ to cover the period between its ruption investigation. Ahmed Tsidered the most prestigious Arabian horse show in North incorporation and the activation. These opened the batting in their fi rst America, it is a nine-day event featuring nearly 1,800 hors- provisions aim to protect the rights of two matches at the T20 World es, competing in diff erent disciplines. Three days are devot- any party who was not able to submit Cup qualifying tournament. ed for the Arabian horse championship. his requests to the Qatar Sports Arbi- He scored four as UAE lost Al Shaqab will present four magnifi cent Arabians at the tration Tribunal during the period prior to Oman on Friday and three as prestigious show. Among the participants is Hariry Al to its activation. The General Assem- Ibrahim Khalil al-Muhannadi, president they beat Ireland on Saturday. Shaqab, a progeny of the legendary Marwan Al Shaqab, out bly’s resolution included a transitional of Qatar Sports Arbitration Foundation. He was not in the team on Mon- of White Silk. The 2010 stallion will compete in the Riding provision extending the time limits day as UAE beat Hong Kong by Class on October 25, proudly displaying the native costume. stipulated in the Arbitration Rules and Arbitration Foundation, said that the eight wickets. “Further to the Kashef Al Shaqab, a 2017 bay colt, also sired by Marwan Regulations, where the last day for the resolution adopted by the General As- ongoing investigations led by Al Shaqab, out of Psyrella, will be on show on today, October submission of any request for arbitra- sembly aims to address the period be- the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, 23. Zayne Al Shaqab, a 2017 fi lly, will be in the showring on tion will be November 15, 2019. tween the QSAF incorporation and its Emirates Cricket Board has to- October 25. Moaid Al Shaqab, a 2015 stallion, is also among In accordance with this resolution, activation and to ensure that disputed day provisionally suspended the contenders. all requests for arbitration prior to the parties rights are not lost. Al-Muhan- Ashfaq Ahmed with immediate The majestic Arabians of Al Shaqab have been enjoying QSAT’s activation will be registered un- nadi added that these transitional pro- eff ect,” the UAE Cricket Board success at various international shows held across Europe til November 15, 2019, after which no re- visions will apply on disputes prior to said. They added that “no formal and the US this year. Despite a busy show season, they have quests for arbitration will be accepted. QSAT’s activation during which parties charges have been laid against continued to win awards and notable positions at the shows Furthermore, the time limit for fi ling did not have the opportunity to bring the player, and the Board will in which they’ve participated. True to his lineage, Hariry the grounds for appeal shall commence their claims before QSAF. wait for the conclusion of pro- Al Shaqab holds several titles, including: World Champion from the date in which the request for Al-Mohannadi announced that the ceedings before making any Stallion – World Arabian Championships, France in 2015. arbitration is submitted for the transi- General Secretariat of Qatar Sports Ar- further comment.” Captain Mo- He was crowned US National Champion, twice; Scottsdale tional provisions’ duration. bitration Tribunal has registered the hamed Naveed, Shaiman Anwar Champion, twice; and Las Vegas Champion and Qatar Na- Hariry Al Shaqab, the 2010 stallion, will compete in the In his statement, Ibrahim Khalil al- fi rst request for arbitration and referred and Qadeer Ahmed were charged tional Champion. Riding Class on October 25, displaying the native costume. Muhannadi, president of Qatar Sports it to the competent division. with corruption by ICC. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, October 23, 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP

FOCUS SELECTION Wales call up winger Lane to replace England ‘not our injured Navidi

AFP him in the summer. We’ve been Tokyo away for quite a few weeks now and he’s got some great banter as well. Sometimes you need ardiff Blues winger that after you’ve been away from fi ercest rivals’: NZ Owen Lane arrived in home for so long!” Japan yesterday as a Edwards said the team had surprise replacement for been sad to see Navidi ruled out. Cinjured number eight Josh Navidi “Josh has been one of our go- ahead of Sunday’s World Cup to players over the last two years, semi-fi nal against South Africa, through a period when we’ve the Welsh Rugby Union said. been successful,” he said. Navidi sustained a grade two “Everyone’s gutted for Josh... coach Hansen hamstring tear in the gripping he’s one of our best defensive 20-19 quarter-fi nal win over players, so someone will have to ‘I think SA will always be our biggest rival — because of the history that comes with it’ France. step up into his position.” With fi ve of the six named Centre Jonathan Davies is nurs- AFP backrowers still fi t, coach War- ing a knee injury that saw him Tokyo ren Gatland warned Monday the ruled out of the France game an replacement for Navidi would be hour before kick-off and midfi eld a back. partner Hadleigh Parkes played ll Blacks coach Steve And the WRU confi rmed in a with a shoulder contusion and a Hansen is predicting tweet that Lane was en route for bone fracture in his hand. a “mighty clash” in Japan. Davies is expected to be fi t and this weekend’s heavy- “He’s a great character, he’s available for Sunday’s semi against weightA World Cup semi-fi nal obviously a very good player the Springboks, but should one with England, but insisted they and has huge potential going centre break down, it is likely were not New Zealand’s biggest forward,” Wales defence coach winger George North would be rugby rivals. Shaun Edwards said of Lane. considered as cover given that The treble-chasing All Blacks “We were very impressed with Lane is an out-and-out winger. have won their last six meetings against England dating back to 2013 and 15 of their last 16. Eddie Jones’s side are rid- ing high after smashing Aus- tralia 40-16 in the last eight, but Hansen attempted to play down New Zealand’s rivalry with the English. “It will be a mighty clash, but I think South Africa will always be our biggest rival — because of the history that comes with it,” Hansen said yesterday following the 46-14 rout of Ireland at the weekend. “And the fact we play each other so regularly. We’ve played England once in the last (fi ve) years so it’s hard to build a ri- valry when you don’t play each other.” Hansen added: “If we could File photo of Owen Lane. (Twitter) get the Six Nations to come on board with a global season then we might able to do that. Once they do that, they’re starting Ref sorry for ‘inappropriate’ photo, to think about the game, rather than themselves — there’s a stood down for semis headline for you.” Despite New Zealand’s tradi- World Cup referee Jaco French lock in Oita on Sunday tional dominance, Hansen feels Peyper has apologised for after video replays showed that history will count for noth- an “inappropriate” photo he him smashing his elbow into ing against England in Yoko- had taken with Wales fans the face of Welsh flanker Aaron hama. New Zealand’s head coach Steve Hansen leads a training session at the Tatsuminomori Seaside Park in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) following their narrow victory Wainwright early in the second “History is history — it’s over France, World Rugby said half with France leading by about creating new history,” he the pool stage under Stuart Lan- toppling the All Blacks to bowl- games. the heat of the moment.” yesterday. nine points. said. caster. ing out Australia’s star batsman “But sometimes you’re better Both New Zealand and Eng- But the apology was not Vahaamahina’s shocking rush “You’re playing in the semi- On England’s quarter-fi nal Steve Smith. not to go there. Eddie is a smart land had their fi nal pool games quite enough as World of blood changed the course fi nal of the Rugby World Cup, thrashing of the Wallabies, Hansen, though, is too wise to man — he knows me well, I know washed out by a violent typhoon Rugby confirmed that the of the game, letting Wales hit so there will be pressure on both Hansen said: “They took all their get sucked into any mind games him.” two weeks ago, but Hansen be- South African off icial was not back to win 20-19 and book sides,” he added. opportunities. Some were given by his wily, old foe. New Zealand beat England lieves his team are coming to the considered for this weekend’s their place in the last four, “The key thing will be how to to them but you’ve still got to “That’s a really nice state- 16-15 when the teams squared boil nicely. semi-finals in Yokohama. where they will face South manage it — you crack that nut take them. They’re a good side.” ment,” he grinned, ever mindful off at Twickenham last Novem- “You don’t get performances Peyper sparked anger after Africa. “World Rugby can then you give yourself a great Jones has a reputation as some- ber and Hansen expects another like the ones we and England had posing for a photo with Wales confirm that the match off icials opportunity.” SOWING SEEDS OF DOUBT thing of a wind-up merchant. nail-biter this weekend. (in the quarter-fi nals) without fans in which he appeared selection committee did not Hansen admitted that Eng- Jones has described New Zea- “I’m sure Eddie believes that “It’s our job to put doubt into emptying the tank,” he said. to mimic the elbow that led consider Jaco Peyper for land had “come a long way” land as “the greatest team but he’s also being quite kind. their heads,” he said. “Now it’s about being smart, to Sebastien Vahaamahina’s selection this weekend,” rugby since their horror 2015 World there’s ever been in sport” in “It’s a real thing,” Hansen re- “That’s part of what rugby is getting clarity around the game quarter-final red card. union’s governing body said in Cup when they became the fi rst the build-up and the cricket- plied when asked about the ki- about — how quickly you can and dealing with the stuff on The referee dismissed the a statement. AFP tournament hosts to crash out in mad Aussie likened the task of dology that goes on before big learn and adapt on the park in Saturday really humming.”

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT England spot camera Wales on alert for Kolbe and ‘spy’ at WC training

AFP the 2003 World Cup fi nal to Eng- Tokyo land, was appointed to the Eng- land job shortly after the team’s Boks’ ‘blowtorch’ speed miserable fi rst-round exit on Reuters ngland’s training session home soil in 2015. Tokyo ahead of their upcoming They now face an All Blacks Rugby World Cup semi- side bidding to lift the Webb El- fi nal was covertly fi lmed lis Cup for the third time in a row, ales defence coach byE an unknown sleuth, coach Ed- and the fourth in New Zealand’s Shaun Edwards is die Jones said yesterday. history. just as concerned Most leading nations includ- The title-holders were hugely about the ‘blow- ing England keep their practice impressive in a 46-14 quarter- Wtorch’ pace of Cheslin Kolbe and secret, with strict limits on who fi nal thrashing of Ireland, while the South Africa outside backs is allowed into the ground to England reached the last four as the big men of the Springboks ensure opponents can’t spy on with an almost-as-emphatic pack ahead of Sunday’s Rugby them ahead of a game. 40-16 victory over Australia. World Cup semi-fi nal. Since “There was defi nitely someone Nevertheless, Jones insisted losing the quarter-fi nal of the in the apartment block fi lming the team was not under any pres- 2015 World Cup to South Africa, but it might have been a Japanese sure, asking the press-confer- Wales have won four straight fan,” said Jones, whose men face ence crowd to put up their hand if matches against the Springboks, reigning champions New Zea- they thought England could win. but Edwards said the Welsh land in Yokohama on Saturday. “There you go, so no one. No would have to be at their very Access to training sessions is one thinks we can win,” he said. best to make it fi ve in Yokohama typically only given to accredited Jones, the coach of the Japan on Sunday. journalists, photographers and side that enjoyed a huge upset “We’ve had a decent record Wales’ players take part in a training session at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) broadcast cameras. win over South Africa at the 2015 against them recently but it’s just But the Australian appeared World Cup, joked that “there are like it was against France, nearly kicking game. They’ve got blow and fellow rugby league convert plosive, short and defi es the fact “It’s going to be a battle royal to shrug off the suspected in- 120mn Japanese people out there all the games have been one- torch speed on the edges.” Jason Robinson. that you have to be big to play on that advantage line,” he said. fringement, saying that his team whose second team are the All score games,” he told reporters The former rugby league in- “If you want to go and watch the game of rugby.” “Because a lot of people think “don’t care” and that it “doesn’t Blacks. So there’s no pressure on in Tokyo yesterday. “We’re going ternational halfback said he had a game of rugby, you want to go After conceding 19 points in that in defence, you don’t want change anything” due to the us.” Meanwhile he was adamant to have to muscle up on the ad- high regard for South Africa and watch Cheslin Kolbe,” he the quarter-fi nal victory over to miss any tackles but it’s not modern media ecosystem. that New Zealand were in a very vantage line, they’ve obviously scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and fl y- said. France in Oita last Sunday, Ed- one of the key performance indi- “You can watch everyone’s diff erent situation. got huge men. Out wide, they’ve half Handre Pollard, but it was “We have to keep our eye on wards said he would be looking cators of whether you are going training on YouTube. There’s no “They’ve got to be thinking got incredible speed. If there Kolbe and his dancing feet who his, he’s one of the most dynam- to restrict the damage to closer to win a game. value in doing that sort of thing, about how they’re looking for were a 4x100m relay race of all stood out for him. Edwards said ic players I’ve ever seen. I was to the 13 to 15 points mark in “One of the biggest ones is absolutely zero,” Jones said. their third World Cup (in a row) the teams involved in the World that the 25-year-old winger, lucky enough to play with Jason Yokohama. Overall, though, he gainline. Did you give up the The coach even admitted that and so that brings some pres- Cup they’d be fastest. who has scored two tries in three Robinson. “I was his captain at thought the match would be gainline, did you not give up the he “used to do it” himself but sure,” said Jones. “They’re going to be well- matches in the tournament so Wigan when he fi rst came in the decided on how well each side gainline? That is the biggest in- hasn’t done so since 2001. The coach has long had a organised and they’re going to far, reminded him of England’s Wigan team. Kolbe’s a similar stopped the other from getting dicator of whether you win or Jones, who was in charge of his reputation for pre-match ‘mind have a strong defence and strong 2003 World Cup winning winger player to Jason, incredibly ex- over the gainline. lose the game in defence.” native Wallabies when they lost games’ in the build-up to a Test. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 23, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Rookie Williamson out up to 8 weeks Klay Thompson aft er knee surgery AFP fi re in the NBA preseason but un- New York, United States derwent tests on the right knee on Friday when soreness per- sisted and doctors recommended ew Orleans Pelicans surgery to fi x the problem. ‘unlikely’ to play rookie forward sensa- It’s the same knee that Wil- tion Zion Williamson liamson — who has excited NBA will be sidelined up to fans like no rookie since LeBron Ntwo months after undergoing James — famously sprained in arthroscopic surgery on his right college when his Nike shoe ex- knee on Monday just as a new ploded during a game. NBA season is about to begin. “We have a deep team,” guard The Pelicans were scheduled JJ Redick said. “We’ll hold it this season: Kerr to play in the league’s opening down as best as we can with- game at defending champion To- out him. Obviously we need him Thompson had surgery July 2 and is targeting a return after the All-Star break in Feb ronto late last night, when Wil- back. Hopefully he takes his time liamson’s debut was expected to and recovers fully.” Reuters be the main attraction. Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry New York, United States Instead, it’s being put on hold told reporters Friday that Wil- after a smashing pre-season run liamson is “not dead, guys,” and in which Williamson averaged rather is in good spirits after lay Thompson is un- 23.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 apparently suffering the injury likely to play this sea- assists a game in four appearanc- against San Antonio last Sun- son, Golden State es for New Orleans. day. Warriors head coach The Pelicans said Williamson, In the Vegas Summer League, KSteve Kerr told NBC Sports Bay the top pick in the 2019 entry Williamson played only nine Area. draft, was diagnosed with a torn minutes before he banged left Thompson will be nine meniscus and is not expected to knees in a collision and was months removed from a torn return for six to eight weeks. benched for the remainder of the left anterior cruciate ligament Williamson, 19, had been on summer league NBA games. in April, at which point the War- riors aren’t comfortable risking re-injury by playing the All-Star guard before he’s 100 percent healthy. “It’s unlikely that he’s going to play this year,” Kerr said. “So we have to understand that.” Thompson had surgery July 2 and said he is targeting a return after the NBA All-Star break in February. Kerr knows where Thompson stands having suf- fered the same injury while in college. “You have to look at it real- istically,” Kerr told NBC. “I had an ACL (tear) in college, and I missed a whole season. General- ly, an ACL for a basketball player is a full-year recovery, and if it’s a full year for Klay, that puts them out for the season. “We’ve kind of left the door open in case the rehab goes per- fectly and the doctors say he can go. But the reality is, on April 1, that’s the nine-month mark.... April versus nine months post- op for an ACL. We have to pre- pare our young guys to fi ll that role behind him, and when he gets back, whenever that is, hopefully these young guys now are developed and in the rota- tion and ready to really be con- tributors on a playoff team and we can get better.” The Warriors no doubt have considered the backlash from allowing Kevin Durant to play in the NBA Finals with a calf injury, only to see him tear his Achilles. While Durant said he takes ownership of the decision to play, current Brooklyn Nets teammate Kyrie Irving put the Los Angeles Lakers to evaluate blame on the Warriors for let- Kuzma aft er opener ting an injured star put himself in that position. Kyle Kuzma could return to the Los Angeles Lakers soon despite Durant is not expected to play In this May 26, 2018, picture, Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson (right) and Stephen Curry celebrate after a play against the Houston missing yesterday’s opener against the Clippers with a stress during the 2019-20 season. Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals in the 2018 NBA Playoff s in Oakland, United States. (AFP) reaction in his left foot. Kuzma was cleared for non-contact He said recently on Serge Iba- practice last week and is off icially day-to-day, Lakers coach Frank ka’s Bleacher Report show that that something like that ever CURRY NOT A HALL OF Jordan, a fi ve-time MVP who won, Magic Johnson, Scottie Vogel said in ruling Kuzma out for the first game of the regular he didn’t spend any time think- happened to me on the court. I FAMER YET: JORDAN won six titles with the Chicago Pippen and James Worthy were season. “Right now, we’re just talking about ramping up his activ- ing about his injury after it hap- guess it just relaxed me a bit as Michael Jordan isn’t ready to put Bulls, appeared on “Today” and the only names on that list. ity, and we’re not going to look past two days from now,” Vogel pened. I thought about it because I’m Steph Curry in the Hall of Fame. refused to walk back comments “So, Steph Curry shouldn’t be said. “We’re going to try to increase his workload and activities “I felt like my whole basket- like, ‘Man, I’ve been through Curry, a two-time NBA Most in 2013 that he would be un- off ended when he watches this,” this week, and we’ll see where we’re at.” Kuzma didn’t sound like ball life fl ashed before my eyes,” everything and this is some- Valuable Player and three-time beatable in a pickup game and Jordan was asked. he was expecting to be back this week. In comments to ESPN, Durant told Ibaka. “I thought thing else I’ve got to get over, NBA champion, has averaged off ered a list of players he felt “I hope not. He’s still a great he said he hasn’t “been doing too much” and was pleased to be about everything I did from so let me get my a** up, walk to 23.5 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 would help him be impossible to player. Not a Hall of Famer yet cleared to take jump shots. like the fi rst time I played un- the locker room and fi gure out rebounds per game with the beat. though,” Jordan said. til then. That was the fi rst time what’s next.’” Golden State Warriors. Jordan said Hakeem Olaju- “He’s not.” Pistons waive 7-time All-Star John- son: reports New season serves up international NBA smorgasbord The Detroit Pistons waived seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson, multiple media outlets reported Monday. The veteran shooting Reuters and Australian Ben Simmons late last night and there was a Canada is followed by Aus- a couple of milestones with the guard, who parlayed his time in the BIG3 league capped by an Toronto, Canada but Canada lead the way with Los Angeles derby with the Lak- tralia with nine, France eight and Atlanta Hawks Bruno Fernando MVP award into a deal with the Pistons in September, failed to 16, the NBA said yesterday. ers facing the Clippers. Croatia seven. seeking to become the first earn the final roster spot. Power forward Christian Wood is being In total there were 108 interna- The 108 foreign players are down The Dallas Mavericks are the player from Angola to play in an kept to provide frontcourt depth. Johnson, 38, was named the or the sixth consecutive tionals from 38 countries and from the record of 113 from 42 NBA’s most cosmopolitan team NBA game. Washington Wizards’ 2019 MVP of the BIG3 league, which pits former NBA players in season opening night territories sprinkled across 30 countries set at the start of the with a league high seven inter- Rui Hachimura and Memphis games of 3-on-3. Johnson played for the Triplets, which won the Frosters will feature at teams when action tipped off 2016 and 2017 seasons but the national players, followed by Grizzlies’ Yuta Watanabe will look most recent BIG3 championship under head coach Lisa Leslie. least 100 international players yesterday. The Toronto Raptors 16 Canadians represent the most the Phoenix Suns and Philadel- to become the first two Japanese Johnson last played for the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets in including the likes of Greek opened the defence of their title players from a non-US country phia 76ers with six. players to play in the NBA during the 2017-18 season. The 16-year veteran has also played for the MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo against the New Orleans Pelicans ever on opening-night rosters. Opening nights could produce the same season. Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat, while making seven All-Star Game appearances, his last in 2013-14 with the Nets.

MLS Indiana Pacers sign Sabonis to $77mn extension Fast-growing MLS awards franchise to Sacramento Domantas Sabonis signed a four-year, $77mn contract extension with the Indiana Pacers, according to multiple reports. Sabonis, who was reportedly on the trade block, becomes a part of the Reuters (USL) since 2014, will begin Led by an ownership group soccer in the California capital connection for years to come,” core along with Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner and Victor Toronto, Canada playing in 2022 in a new down- that includes billionaire Ron was evident in 2014 when the said Burkle. Oladipo. ESPN reported Sabonis can push his total earnings over town stadium as MLS’s 29th Burkle, who co-owns the NHL’s Sacramento Republic drew more With the addition of the team four years to $85mn, citing information from agent Greg Law- team. Pittsburgh Penguins, and Holly- than 20,000 fans for their inau- in Sacramento, 19 clubs have rence. The 23-year-old Sabonis was acquired along with Oladipo ajor League Soccer “Major League Soccer con- wood fi lm producer Matt Alva- gural match in the USL. now joined MLS since 2005, from Oklahoma City in 2017 in the Paul George trade. Sabonis is heading for Sacra- tinues to grow throughout rez, the new club joins the NBA’s The team went on to win the fulfi lling a vision for strategic averaged 14.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season and mento after Califor- North America and we are so Sacramento Kings as the city’s championship that year and expansion that has transformed led all NBA bench players with 27 double-doubles. He’s expected nia’s capital city was proud to welcome Sacramento major sports teams. have set USL records in many the landscape of professional to be in the starting lineup this season. Turner signed a similar Mrevealed as its latest expansion as our newest team.” said MLS The franchise will be the business metrics, including sea- soccer across North America. four-year extension last October. Brogdon joined the Pacers club on Monday. Commissioner Don Garber. fourth MLS club in California, son ticket sales and merchan- FC Cincinnati joined MLS as in free agency after helping the Milwaukee Bucks to the best The club, which will take over “For many years, soccer fans joining the LA Galaxy, LAFC and dising. the 24th team this season. Nash- record in the Eastern Conference last season. Oladipo is working the banner of the Sacramento in Sacramento have passion- San Jose Earthquakes, the latter “The relationship between ville SC and Inter Miami CF will his way back from a torn quadriceps tendon. He’s been sidelined Republic Football Club soc- ately supported Republic FC and which play just 90 miles south- Sacramento and our club al- debut in 2020 followed by Aus- since surgery in January but is shooting and slowly working into cer team that has played in the shown that the club deserves to west of Sacramento. ready is a special one, and I’m tin FC in 2021 and St. Louis and on-court activities. lower-tier United Soccer League be competing at the highest level.” Excitement for professional committed to deepening that Sacramento in 2022. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, October 23, 2019 SPORT

NFL SPOTLIGHT NY Giants Michel rushes for sticking with rookie QB Jones

Reuters rything that’s going on. Just like New York, United States all the other rookies and their 3 touchdowns as playing, they’re going to learn from the things that happen. But aniel Jones is safe as the you have to learn and you have to starting quarterback of win games, and I’m well aware the New York Giants of that. I’m totally well aware of despite three consecu- that. tiveD losses. Jones said he’s keenly aware of Coach Pat Shurmur said the his ball security issues and the Patriots rout Jets team is not considering mak- impact it can have on the team. ing a switch. The rookie guided The Giants are 2-5 this season. New England (7-0) beat the New York Jets for the eighth consecutive time the Giants to a win at Tampa Bay “I think if you have one, it’s in his fi rst NFL start, replacing too many. So, I think yeah, I’ve longtime Giants leader Eli Man- just got to do a better job of all of ning, but the sixth overall pick that,” Jones said. “I think kind of has fallen on hard times of late. the focus right now is to improve, Jones has encountered turno- is to fi x what we need to do bet- ver issues and, in particular, ter, and try to get back on track fumble problems. He lost three this week. But yeah, I’m certainly against the Arizona Cardinals confi dent in myself, I’m confi - on Sunday and has seven inter- dent in the team that we will fi x ceptions and six fumbles in fi ve it and hopefully get back on track starts. this week.” Shurmur was asked if he’s Jones has completed 61.1 ready to consider a change at the percent of his passes for 1,144 position. yards and six touchdowns. He “No,” Shurmur said. “I think has rushed for 121 yards and two Daniel is going to learn from eve- scores.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (foreground) fumbles New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (centre) dives for a touchdown against New York Jets linebacker CJ Mosley (right) during the second quarter of their NFL game the ball after a hit by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, United States, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) during the second half at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, United States, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) Reuters tive time. matching a career worst with the Nugent that made it 10-0 with when the Jets were backed up on New York, United States Phillip Dorsett II caught a four interceptions for the Jets (1- 3:49 left in the first quarter. their own 6-yard line near the touchdown pass, and the Pa- 5). Darnold also threw four picks The Patriots stretched the ad- midway point of the third quar- UPDATE triots totalled 323 yards while against the Miami Dolphins as a vantage to 17 on Brady’s 26- ter. Center Ryan Kalil’s shotgun ony Michel recorded limiting New York to 154 yards. rookie last November. yard scoring pass to Dorsett snap was high and tipped off a regular-season-ca- New England kept pace with the The shutout was the second of with nine seconds remaining in Darnold’s hands and rolled into reer-high three rushing San Francisco 49ers (6-0) as the the season for the Patriots, who the quarter. the end zone. Darnold slapped Mahomes’ return touchdowns, and the NFL’s only undefeated squads. have outscored their opponents Simon’s sack of Darnold led the ball with his left hand as NewS England defense forced Devin McCourty, Duron 223-48. to Van Noy’s fumble recovery New England’s JC Jackson ap- six turnovers as the Patriots Harmon, Stephon Gilmore and New England opened the and set up Michel’s 1-yard run to proached, and it rolled out of the Sunday would be a remained unbeaten with a re- Terrence Brooks all notched game with a dominating, 16- make it 24-0 with 9:18 left in the end zone for a safety. sounding 33-0 victory over the interceptions to increase New play, 78-yard drive that took 8 second quarter. Darnold tossed his fourth New York Jets on Monday night England’s NFL-leading count minutes, 47 seconds. Michel Darnold threw his second interception with 6:08 left in ‘stretch’: Chiefs’ Reid at East Rutherford, New Jersey. to 18. John Simon contributed a capped it off by taking a pitch interception — grabbed by the third quarter when Brooks Tom Brady completed 31 of strip-sack that led to a fumble from Brady and scampering Harmon — with 5:25 left in the picked off the pass in the end Reuters 45 passes for 249 yards and one recovery by Kyle Van Noy. around left end for a 3-yard half, and he began the third zone. New York, United States touchdown with one intercep- Sam Darnold threw for 86 scoring run. quarter by being picked off by Michel scored from 1 yard out tion as New England (7-0) beat yards on 11-of-32 passing and McCourty’s interception led Gilmore. to make it 33-0 with 12:32 re- the Jets for the eighth consecu- committed fi ve turnovers, to a 34-yard field goal by Mike The issues became worse maining in the contest. sked Monday how soon Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick NHL Mahomes could re- turnA from his dislocated right kneecap, coach Andy Reid said it would be a “stretch” to expect his star to be back for Sunday Avalanche fall to Blues as Rantanen exits night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Regarding a progress report, Reuters RESULTS New York, United States Reid said, “I don’t think you put Philadelphia 6-2 Las Vegas a timeline on this thing. You go off how he feels and what the ladimir Tarasenko Columbus 4-3 Toronto doctors say and go with it. I don’t scored a goal and set (OT) think there’s a set time, though. go” for the Packers. up two others Monday St. Louis 3-1 Colorado I know people want a time, but I While Mahomes hasn’t been night as the St. Louis Dallas 2-1 Ottawa don’t think you can do that with offi cially ruled out, Reid off ered, VBlues beat visiting Colorado 3-1, this injury. “I’d probably say it would be a handing the Avalanche their fi rst “When you’ve been around stretch for him to get there. He’s regulation loss of the season. atop the right circle and buried him long enough, you know that working hard, and from the in- The defeat could prove costly a snap shot. there’s nothing impossible with formation we have to this point, for the Avalanche. Top-line Schenn has six goals in nine this kid. He goes 100 miles an he’s doing what he can do and winger Mikko Rantanen exited games this season. He didn’t hour, and it’s important — and we’ll just see how it goes.” the game with a left leg injury score his sixth goal last season he’s smart this way — that he lis- The MRI results on Friday that in the second period, and he until his 22nd game. tens to the doctors and the train- confi rmed the injury but no oth- needed help getting back to the The Avalanche tied the game ers and he needs to work hard er signifi cant damage “turned Colorado dressing room. 1-1 with a power play of their at the same time to get himself out as good as we could possibly Brayden Schenn and David own, exploiting a brief fi ve-on- ready to go.” imagine,” said Chiefs trainer Rick Perron also scored for the Blues, three advantage. With Gabriel In Thursday night’s 30-6 vic- Burkholder, adding that Maho- who snapped a four-game losing Landeskog setting a screen in tory over the Denver Broncos, mes was at the team’s training streak. Goaltender Jordan Bin- front of the net, MacKinnon ri- Mahomes sustained the injury facility over the weekend. nington stopped 17 of 18 shots. fl ed the puck past Binnington at with the Chiefs facing a fourth- “He’s done rehabilitation,” Nathan MacKinnon scored for 12:38 of the opening period. and-1 at the Denver 5-yard line Burkholder said. “He did ex- the Avalanche, who had opened With a delayed penalty called with 10 minutes left in the sec- tensive full therapy here at the their season 7-0-1 for the best against the Avalanche fi ve min- ond quarter on a sneak to convert complex. He’s done some stuff eight-game start in franchise utes into the second period, the the fi rst down. in the athletic training room and history. Blues set up six-on-fi ve in the He remained on the ground, is progressing nicely. Every guy MacKinnon extended his sea- Colorado zone. Perron convert- and when trainers came out, they is diff erent. Every injury is dif- son-opening scoring streak to ed Tarasenko’s pass into the slot appeared to be straightening his ferent.... We’ll manage Patrick nine games (fi ve goals, seven as- to put the Blues up 2-1. right knee. Mahomes was able to accordingly, and he’s right in the sists). He became the fi fth player Tarasenko made it 3-1 with his walk off the fi eld with assistance, middle of the process.” in NHL history to start with sharp-angle goal at 15:06 of the then once he was off the eld,fi Mahomes, the 2018 NFL MVP, a point streak of at least nine St. Louis Blues’ Vladimir Tarasenko (right) celebrates after scoring against Colorado Avalanche goaltender second period. Jaden Schwartz was able to walk without assist- completed 10 of 11 passes for 76 games in consecutive seasons, Philipp Grubauer (foreground) in St. Louis, United States, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) threw the puck behind the net, ance down the tunnel toward the yards and a touchdown at Den- joining Wayne Gretzky, Charlie and it caromed out the other locker room. ver. He has completed 65.1% of Simmer, Guy LaFleur and Rod MacKinnon’s goal. He has fi ve Avalanche goaltender Philipp verting a power-play midway side to Tarasenko, whose shot Veteran Matt Moore replaced his passes for 2,180 yards, 15 TDs Gilbert. goals and seven assists this sea- Grubauer stopped 22 of 25 shots. through the fi rst period. Schenn along the goal line somehow Mahomes and, according to Reid, and one interception in seven Rantanen assisted on son. The Blues scored fi rst by con- took a pass from Vince Dunn bled through Grubauer. “We’re going to get Matt ready to games this season. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 23, 2019 7 SPORT

TOKYO 2020 Tokyo Olympics to go green, help other cities strike gold Reuters “Tokyo is facing more climate risks like main stadium where the opening and clos- These include asking companies and the Penang, Malaysia hotter weather and more frequent typhoons. ing ceremonies will be held made from sus- public to cover buildings with plants, vapour By getting the public involved in meeting the tainably sourced timber, he said, and wood sprays, sprinkling water on the ground, and goal of being a zero-carbon city, we hope ef- used for some venues to be re-used in public ensuring shaded areas and cool zones in the nnovations such as roads that refl ect forts will continue even after the Games,” benches and buildings. city. heat and water-absorbing pavements she said yesterday. All medals will be made from metal ex- Timings of some events will be adjusted that will help the Olympic Games in To- Earlier this month, several matches in the tracted from recycled consumer electronics, for the heat, with innovations such as heat kyo be a carbon neutral event, could also Rugby World Cup in Japan were called off for including about 6.2mn used mobile phones. minimising pavements and a resin-based Ibe adopted by other cities looking to miti- the fi rst time in the tournament’s 32-year The Olympic torch is made from alumini- material that can refl ect infrared rays to cut gate climate risks, urban experts said. history because of Typhoon Hagibis. um waste, and the podiums from recycled road surface temperature by as much as 8C, Tools set for the 2020 Games include uni- The International Olympic Committee’s household and marine plastic waste. Fujino said. forms made from recycled plastic and cool (IOC) sustainability strategy seeks to max- Electricity for the Games will come from The IOC last week said it will move the zones for pedestrians to escape hot weather, imise the use of existing facilities, ensure renewable sources. marathon and race walking events to Sap- can become regular features in Japanese cit- new constructions benefi t local communi- The challenge is also to limit the impact of poro in the cooler northern Hokkaido island ies and elsewhere, said an offi cial at the To- ties, and limit the event’s greenhouse gas high humidity and temperatures that com- because of worries about heat in the Japa- kyo environment bureau. emissions. monly exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86F) in nese capital. “The Olympics are a big event, so it is Organisers of the Tokyo Olympic and July and August, Fujino told the Thomson “We of course want the Games to be a big a good opportunity to get our citizens in- Paralympic Games aim to off set all carbon Reuters Foundation. success, but we also want to ensure it is a volved in addressing the issues of climate emissions generated, said Junichi Fujino, an “Hotter summers are a challenge, and the zero-carbon and sustainable event, with in- change and sustainability,” deputy director environmental researcher on the city’s task- Games are in the summer. So we are taking novations that reduce heat impact that can Kumiko Sugawara said at the sidelines of a force. all measures possible to reduce the impact be adapted in Tokyo and elsewhere even af- United Nations urban forum in Penang. Few new facilities are being built, with the on athletes and visitors,” he said. ter the Games,” Fujino said.

GOLF TENNIS Zverev crashes out in So happy to see Basel fi rst round Ishikawa back in form – caddie ISHIKAWA IS CLOSE TO RETURNING INTO THE TOP 100 IN THE WORLD

Reuters Chiba

yo Ishikawa has yet to live up to the hype that greeted his emergence on the scene more than AFP in 86 minutes. aR decade ago, but a recent resur- “Normally I really enjoy it on Basel, Switzerland gence suggests it is too early to court, the tough moments, the write off a player who once car- fi ghting,” Zverev said. ried the hopes of an entire na- orld number six “But today I was completely tion on his slender frame. Alexander Zverev out of it. I may go home for a few Ishikawa, his aching back described his 7-6 days and clear my mind. I’ll try feeling better at long last, has (9/7), 6-4 loss to to do well in Paris and hopefully won twice on the Japan Tour this WTaylor Fritz as ‘fl at’ as he was make it to London.” year and is third on the money knocked out of the ATP Swiss Fritz, ranked 31st in the world list, his highest ranking since Indoors yesterday. and a winner at Eastbourne in 2010. The German’s loss to the June, saved both break points Though he has been eclipsed by 21-year-old American came against his serve. Hideki Matsuyama, now clearly barely a week after defeat in the Fabio Fognini picked up his Japan’s top player, 28-year-old Shanghai Masters fi nal to Daniil London qualifying pace with a Ishikawa remains a fan favourite Medvedev and puts his chance of 6-2, 6-4 victory over Australian in a country yearning to fi nally defending his ATP Finals title at Alexei Popyrin. produce a major champion. risk. The Italian winner reached Nobody is happier to see “I was completely fl at for the second round in 78 minutes Ishikawa back in form than his some reason,” he said. to reinforce his year-end bid. long-time on-and-off caddie “I was tired and not focused The Monte Carlo Masters Simon Clarke, who describes at all. It was a weird feeling,” he champion stands 11th in the working for the player in front added. chase for one of the remaining of an army of fans in Japan as al- Zverev won the season-end- eight ATP Finals spots. most a mystical experience. ing tournament last November, “If I qualify – fi ne. If not, then “When he plays well in Japan beating Roger Federer and Novak I can spend more time with the it is like witnessing a Biblical Djokovic back-to-back. family, that’s the most impor- event every time,” Clarke told The season points race will tant thing anyway,” he said. Reuters yesterday ahead of this be determined next week at the Moldovan Radu Albot will line week’s Zozo Championship at Paris Masters as the last two of up in the second round against Narashino Country Club. the eight spots are decided. nine-time champion Roger Fe- “Watching him rise again has “The way I played today, in derer on Wednesday after a 2-6, been wonderful. The people my current mental stage, I’m not 6-3, 6-4 comeback over Serb come for him and they adore going to beat anybody,” Zverev, Dusan Lajovic. him like a God.” ranked seventh in the world, The US’ Riley Opelka ham- Ishikawa was ranked as high said. mered 27 aces in his 7-6 (7/5), as 29th in the world nine years “I’m very disappointed but 7-6 (12/10) defeat of Chile’s ago, but had fallen precipitously it’s more about myself than the Christian Garin and will face ei- all the way to 300 by the middle result.” ther sixth seed David Goffi n or of this year. Zverev, a semi-fi nalist last Marin Cilic. Plagued by a bad back, year in Basel, fought hard to take Two-time Basel semi-fi nalist Ishikawa’s eff orts to make his File photo of Ryo Ishikawa of Japan hitting from the 12th tee during a practice round at the 2014 PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky. (AFP) the opening set into a tiebreaker, Richard Gasquet advanced past mark on the U.S.-based PGA but was overwhelmed in the sec- Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero Tour came up short. He notched to-back tournaments mid-year, lower back was going to be, but when he fi rst won on the Japan blue chip companies Casio, ond by his American opponent 6-1, 7-6 (7/4). a pair of runner-up fi nishes Ishikawa is close to returning I trained hard up until May this Tour in 2007, and he has now Callaway, Asahi beer and ANA during his 145 career starts but into the top 100 in the world, year and it’s starting to get bet- racked up 16 tour victories, among those paying him to en- lost his card in 2017. and will get a chance to test his ter,” he said on yesterday. shooting a round of 58 along the dorse their products. Now back playing full-time in game against the game’s best “I feel very good about my way. “He’s like a wizard who knows Paris reveals golden Marianne Japan, a minor league to be sure, this week in the fi rst offi cial- physical condition now and Though there have been lean the magic is in his 14 wands but logo for 2024 Olympics he nonetheless has a chance to money PGA Tour event in Japan. I can swing the way I want to times as well as good, major doesn’t always know how to get regroup for another tilt at the “I was swinging the club swing.” Ishikawa was a pre- sponsors have kept the faith the magic out of them,” said The logo for the 2024 Olympics big time. After winning back- feeling worried about how my cocious 15-year-old amateur during his ups and downs, with caddie Clarke. and Paralympics, depicting the Olympic flame within a gold medal, was unveiled in host city Paris on Monday. Koepka ‘wasn’t wrong’ says McIlroy, ‘all good’ between them The circular design with Paris 2024 in the art deco style which Rory McIlroy says things are “all for, what, five years. Rory hasn’t “Brooks and I are good. We’re of two calendar years, while declared McIlroy after the win. was in vogue in 1924 when good” with Brooks Koepka — but won a major since I’ve been on good friends. I’ve been really McIlroy’s last was the 2014 Open McIlroy was then voted US PGA Paris last hosted the Games, also the Northern Irishman doesn’t the PGA Tour. So I just don’t view happy for him to see how good Championship at Hoylake. Tour Player of the Year award incorporates the lips and outline need a reminder that he hasn’t it as a rivalry.” The comments he’s played the last couple of Among the 2019 wins, the pair by his fellow players, ahead of of Marianne, the personification Tower ‘24’ logo used for the bid won a major in five years. lit up social media and made years.” had two head-to-head, last-group Koepka. “I said a couple of things of the French Republic since the campaign. World number one Koepka made worldwide headlines, so McIlroy’s But the facts are that the pair Sunday confrontations. They won after the Tour Championship in revolution in 1789. Organisers called it “a new worldwide headlines at the CJ response was eagerly awaited. have been by some distance one each. McIlroy, 30, admitted terms of that final round, like a “It is made up of three symbols, phase” in the project where the Cup in South Korea last week When it came, it was measured. ahead of their peers in 2019, so Koepka, 29, “dusted him” over the little bit of a rivalry because he both simple and powerful,” the objective was no longer the bid after scotching the notion of a “He’s been the best player for any time they go head to head final round to win the WGC-FedEx got one over on me in Memphis,” organisers said in a statement. but the promotion of the Games burgeoning rivalry with second- a couple years, four majors. I is going have some added spice St Jude Championship. admitted McIlroy. “The gold medal, symbol themselves to the public and ranked McIlroy. don’t think he had to remind me — and like it or not, fans love a A month later, McIlroy cited a “And I sort of wanted to get him of sport. The flame, icon of potential sponsors. “What Brooks said wasn’t I hadn’t won one in a while, but rivalry. Each won three times last “rivalry mentality” to get revenge back. I think that’s good for the the Olympic and Paralympic “For the first time in the history wrong,” McIlroy told the Golf you know,” McIlroy smiled. season, Koepka retained his US over the last 18 holes at East Lake game.” The pair were due to face movement. Marianne, image of of the Games, our emblem will Channel during an exhibition “But no, I love Brooks. He’s a great PGA Championship while McIlroy to win the Tour Championship, each other at the WGC-HSBC France. be common to the Olympic match at Narashino Country guy. Obviously super competitive became only the second player the FedEx Cup and a $15 mn prize Champions in Shanghai next “These symbols reveal a face Games and Paralympic Games,” Club, venue for this week’s Zozo like we all are. I can see where after Tiger Woods to win multiple pot. week, but Koepka’s withdrawal that embodies our ambition to said organisers. Championship in Japan. he’s coming from. You know, we Fedex Cups. ‘Good for the game’ “He (Koepka) talked about trying from the CJ Cup in Jeju with a put people at the heart of the “Because we are taking on both McIlroy was responding after the were out here. We can’t control Each has four majors, though to be the dominant player in the knee injury prior on Saturday Games.” challenges with the same pas- American told AFP in an excusive anyone else. We just have to play current US PGA Champion game... and I thought: ‘He’s going morning may put that in The golden Marianne marks a sion, the same determination, interview: “I’ve been out here our own golf. Koepka’s all came in the space to have to go through me first’,” jeopardy. AFP break from the colourful Eiff el the same ambition. AFP

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar’s fencers win silver at GCC Women’s Games By Sports Reporter ing after Jobara and Wadha had 38-12 on Monday. Today, the Doha claimed bronze in the individual handball team will take on Oman events on Sunday. in their second match. Meanwhile, Nasra Mahmoud The ten-day Games is bringing atar’s fencing team won the bronze medal in the 10m together six GCC nations, who won a silver medal at pistol. The Qatari shooter fi n- are competing in 11 events. the 6th GCC Women’s ished third behind Bahrain’s gold Team Qatar delegation to QGames in Kuwait yes- medal winner Sarah al-Dosari the Games is chaired by Lolwa terday. The quartet of Ghareeb and runner-up Hanan Arhama al-Marri, President of Qatar Dahi Hammad, Amira Abu Jo- at the Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Women’s Sport Committee, ac- bara, Lina al-Buainain and Wad- Shooting Complex. Today, in the companied by 132 athletes, ad- ha al-Abdullah fi nished runner- skeet competition Qatar’s Fatima ministrators and technical staff up after losing to UAE in the gold al-Merikhi, Amal Rafi and Aisha members. Yesterday, al-Marri medal match. al-Ansari will be in action. met with the players and con- They had earlier beaten Bah- In basketball, Qatar defeated gratulated them for their out- rain to qualify for the fi nal. This Saudi Arabia 63-41 while Qatar standing performance in the was Qatar’s third medal in fenc- handball team eased past Kuwait various competitions.

Qatar’s shooter Nasra Mahmoud won bronze medal in the 10m pistol.

Qatar’s fencing team with Lolwa al-Marri, President of Qatar Women’s Sport Committee, and other members of the delegation after winning silver at the 6th GCC Women’s Games in Kuwait yesterday.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Morata goal gives Lampard ‘confi dent’ Atletico 1-0 win over Leverkusen Reuters SHAKHTAR HOLD his youngsters can Madrid ADVENTUROUS DINAMO TO THRILLING 2-2 DRAW Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk tletico Madrid sub- scraped a 2-2 home draw against stitute Alvaro Morata Dinamo Zagreb after the Ukrain- scored a late second ian side took the lead and then half header to give his came from behind in a pulsating pass Ajax test teamA a 1-0 victory over Bayer Group C clash. Leverkusen yesterday and send The result left both sides on them top of their Champions four points from three games, League Group D. two adrift of leaders Manchester ‘We hugely respect them as a team, but we also have confidence in ourselves’ In a game of few chances and City who were at home to Ital- many mistakes neither team ian rivals Atalanta in the evening AFP came close to breaking the dead- fi xture. Amsterdam lock before Morata scored with a Yevheniy Konoplyanka fi red powerful downward header from Shakhtar into a 16th-minute lead a Renan Lodi cross in the 78th when he took a sublime pass from rank Lampard said yesterday that minute, giving his team a major Brazilian-born midfi elder Mar- he was “aware” of the threat from boost for a top two fi nish and a los into his stride and steered the a formidable Ajax team but had spot in the knockout stages. ball past Dinamo keeper Dominik “confi dence” in his young Chel- The Spaniards, unbeaten Livakovic from a tight angle. Fsea team ahead of today’s key Champions now in three group games, are The home side’s joy was short- League clash. The new-look Blues, rein- on seven points, three ahead of lived, however, as the Croatian vigorated by an injection of youth, begin a Italy’s Juventus, who play third- champions levelled nine minutes double header with Group H leaders Ajax, placed Lokomotiv Moscow late later when Spaniard Dani Olmo today. The Dutch champions rattled three last night. The Germans, with- beat goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov to goals past both Lille and Valencia and are out a point, are in last place and a Mislav Orsic cross and tucked averaging more than three goals a game all but eliminated in the run for a the ball in at the near post. in the Dutch Eredivisie. Told jokingly by spot in the last 16. Atletico, who Orsic hit the woodwork after Dutch media that he looked scared, Lam- have now failed to score dur- a dazzling solo run from deep pard replied “that’s just my face”. ing the fi rst half in their last six inside his own half in the 49th “I respect the team because I watched Champions League matches, minute before he gave Dinamo them play last year... I’m very aware of the lacked spark and intensity in the the lead on the hour as Shakhtar new threats that they have as a team,” he fi rst half, with Leverkusen in conceded a bizarre penalty. Pya- said. “It’s not a factor of being scared of control in midfi eld. The visitors tov needlessly wrestled striker Ajax. We hugely respect them as a team, gradually started fi nding pockets Mario Gavranovic to the ground but we also have confi dence in ourselves.” of space with Kevin Volland and as a corner was swung in and Chelsea come into the match after fi ve Kerem Demirbay but they also after a quick VAR check, Orsic straight wins in all competitions, but were missing the fi nal pass. blasted the spot-kick into the Lampard says that domestic form will Lodi completed a quickfi re top corner. count for little at the Johan Cruyff Arena, move with a fi ne fi rst touch and Shakhtar got their equaliser especially given Chelsea’s long injury list. shot to test Leverkusen keeper in the 75th minute when Alan Lampard confi rmed that Ross Barkley Chelsea’s head coach Frank Lampard looks on during a press conference at the Johan Cruijff Arena stadium in Amsterdam. (AFP) Lukas Hradecky in a rare Atletico Patrick released Dodo with a and N’Golo Kante would not be fi t to play, attack in the fi rst half. The game defence-splitting pass and the while Antonio Rudiger is also still out. “Everyone says we have a transfer ban ture former injury doubt Hakim Ziyech, good form, and we’re trying to continue picked up the pace after the break second-half substitute rounded “I don’t think the fi ve wins means any- and it’s the only option I have — that’s not scorer of an astonishing goal last time at that throughout the season in every com- with the hosts becoming more Livakovic before driving the ball thing other than giving us confi dence, true,” said Lampard. “I have lots of op- Valencia. The fl amboyant Dutch champi- petition. We want to carry on going.” aggressive and Diego Costa in home past two defenders on the this will be a diffi cult challenge and we tions in the squad and I made the options ons are on the hunt for European success front of goal narrowly missing to line. Olmo missed a chance to need to be ready,” said Lampard, who has on the players I think should play. I be- after a thrilling run to the semi-fi nals last FIXTURES connect with a Kieran Trippier grab a late winner for the visitors pushed players from Chelsea’s vaunted lieve in them. But that’s not the end of the season, which captured the continent’s Group E: FC Red Bull Salzburg vs Napoli; cross. Morata did it better in the as he raced down the right fl ank academy into the fi rst team this season. story... it’s success, in the long-term, that imagination. They are possibly the big- Genk vs Liverpool 78th when he headed in Lodi’s and hit the outside of the post While Lampard said that he felt “pride” we have to aim for. We are in a place with a gest test yet for Lampard’s fl edgling team. cross for the winner. with a fi zzing low shot. at the “long-deserved recognition” for history of bringing young players through “Both teams are coming into the game Group F: Inter Milan vs Borussia Dort- the club’s youth development, he insisted and creating great teams with young play- with good form and it’s a big game in the mund; Slavia Prague vs Barcelona that a transfer ban wasn’t the main reason ers and we have a long way to go.” group. Ajax are such a big club with great Group G: RB Leipzig vs Zenit St Peters- young players such as Tammy Abraham One of those players is Tomori, who history,” said Tomori, who is confi dent burg; Benfica vs Lyon and Fikayo Tomori being pushed into the faces the unenviable task of trying to stop Chelsea are up to the task. “I don’t think Group H: Ajax vs Chelsea; Lille vs Valencia limelight. a multi-pronged Ajax attack that will fea- we can put a limit on ourselves. We’re in

LIVERPOOL DOMINATE BALLON D’OR SHORTLIST WITH SEVEN NAMES Paris: Dutch centreback Virgil van Dijk is one of seven team mate Neymar, who now plays for Paris St Germain, Barcelona — Lionel Messi; Antoine Griezmann; Frenkie de Liverpool players on the 30-man shortlist for this year’s missed out. Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min Jong; Marc-Andre ter Stegen Ballon d’Or, with the Champions League winners domi- and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made the cut, but there Real Madrid — Eden Hazard; Karim Benzema nating the nominations for France Football magazine’s was no room for their team mate Harry Kane, while Man Juventus — Cristiano Ronaldo; Matthijs de Ligt prestigious award. United’s Paul Pogba was another high-profile omission. Van Dijk’s club teammates Sadio Mane, Mohamed 30-MAN SHORTLIST Bayern Munich — Robert Lewandowski Salah, Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool — Virgil van Dijk; Roberto Firmino; Alisson; Ajax Amsterdam — Dusan Tadic; Donny van de Beek Georginio Wijnaldum and Alisson are also on the list, Georginio Wijnaldum; Trent Alexander-Arnold; Sadio along with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, Riyad Paris St Germain — Kylian Mbappe; Marquinhos Mane; Mohammed Salah Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Arsenal — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Manchester City — Bernardo Silva; Riyad Mahrez; Kevin Aguero. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Napoli — Kalidou Koulibaly Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, who have won the award 10 de Bruyne; Raheem Sterling; Sergio Aguero Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata (left) vies for the ball with Bayer Atletico Madrid — Joao Felix times between them, are included, but Messi’s former Tottenham Hotspur — Son Heung-min; Hugo Lloris Leverkusen’s Nadiem Amiri during the UEFA Champions League Group D match in Madrid yesterday. (AFP)