Ferrari’s Vettel eager to take on Mercedes’ Hamilton in Singapore PAGE 17 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Coach Sanchez changes 2022 policy, to give weightage to fitness over experiencePAGE 18 BASKETBALL VS AUSTRALIA (6 PM)

FINA 2018 SWIMMING WORLD CUP

Three-time Olympic champion and a seven-time long-course world champion Hungary’s “Iron Lady’ Katinka Hosszu (left) poses for a selfie with Russian swimmer Anton Chupkov; (Right) South African star and last year’s men’s FINA World Cup champion Chad le Clos with a young Team Qatar swimmer soon after the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 Doha Leg press conference at the Torch Hotel on Wednesday. (PICS: HANSON K JOSEPH) Top swimming stars ready to set Hamad Aquatic Centre alight

in Kazan between September Doha leg of 2018 7 and 9. You can expect more records to fall by the wayside FINA Swimming at Doha’s state-of-the-art World Cup to be aquatic centre. Le Clos will look to con- held over 50m tinue his love affair with Doha where he picked six medals in- course from cluding four gold medals last year. Russian world record Sept 12 to 14 holder Vladimir Morozov and his compatriot Kirill Prigoda VINAY NAYUDU will join the South African DOHA maestro in men’s battles. American Michael Andrew, BIG action swimming returns who won four titles at the US to the Hamad Aquatic Centre Trophy to win Nationals this year and Aus- with world class stars all set to Launched in 1988, the FINA sie Mitchell Larkin will also be take to the pool in the second seen in action. leg of the 2018 FINA World Swimming World Cup gathers Among the women, be- Cup Series from Thursday. world-class swimmers in a sides Sjostrom and Hosszu, The much-awaited event series of meets organised Hungarian Zsuzsanna Jaka- each year, this time will have between August and bos, Dutch Ranomi Kromow- more thrill given that it is be- November each year. Across idjojo and China’s Yifan Yang ing held over the 50-metre nine locations, the circuit is are among the other stars who long course and over three structured in clusters (Middle to watch out for. days (September 13 to 15) East, Europe and Asia) and Doha leg will conclude unlike earlier when it was of Swimmers Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden, South African Chad Le Clos, Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu and Anton Chupkov of Russia with distributes a total of prize Cluster 1 comprising long 25-metre short course and Qatar Swimming Association President and FINA Bureau Member Khaleel al Jabir at the press conference on Wednesday. money reaching US$ 2.5 course contests, with the re- lasted two days. million. From this year, the maining two clusters of the Over 130 swimmers from and FINA’s Technical Del- new fans to this exciting sport. received treatment at the Asp- first leg in Kazan (Russia), World Cup to be competed 23 countries have descended egate Craig Hunter expressed We thank FINA and its part- etar Sports Medicine Hospital said she was excited to be winners of the overall ranking on short course. Cluster 2 in Doha and are all set to make enthusiasm and exuded confi- ners for their continued sup- which makes it very close to back in Doha again. will be awarded with a includes Eindhoven (Nether- the big dash. dence for another spectacular port, which has helped us in me. I’ve also been quite suc- “My last year’s competi- gleaming World Cup trophy lands) and Budapest (Hunga- Addressing the media edition of the Doha leg. achieving our mission. cessful in the pool here. While tion in Doha was successful, besides a top prize ry) meets while legs in Beijing ahead of the competition on Welcoming the athletes “This year’s World Cup will I am eager to excel once again, and after that I won the over- of $150,000. (China), Tokyo (Japan) and Wednesday, Olympic and and officials alike, QSA Presi- continue to build on this suc- I would say that I shall make all title. I am targeting another Singapore form Cluster 3. World Champion Le Clos and dent Al Jabir said, “The Qatar cess,” he added. two out of three,” said the good performance at this ven- Qatar, the host country for last year’s overall FINA World Swimming Association is hon- Meanwhile, FINA an- South African. ue and hoping to be faster than races,” she said. 2023 FINA World Champion- Cup winner, Russia’s Anton oured to welcome the world’s nounced that this year on- Le Clos will be in must- Kazan,” she said. Russian Chupkov said, ships, has been hosting the Chupkov – currently second best swimmers in Doha for wards, the overall winners watch contests hoping to Hosszu, the ‘Iron Lady’ “This is my first time in Qa- FINA World Cup legs success- on points among men, Swed- the FINA Swimming World shall be awarded a World Cup improve his rankings. He tri- with ten podium finishes and tar and I hope to have a good fully since 2012 and the Qatar ish woman star Sarah Sjos- Cup 2018. trophy besides a top prize of umphed in 200m fly in Kazan, five golds in Kazan can be time.” Swimming Association shall trom – current overall leader “One of our main goals $150,000. and is on 5th position in the expected to be fish for many With 978 points, Chupkov be delivering another block- – and Hungary’s ‘Iron Lady’ when we first hosted the event Le Clos said he was de- current rankings. more at the HAC pool again. emerged as the Best Performer buster event from Thursday. Katinka Hosszu along with back in 2012 was to promote lighted to be back what he Sjostrom, who broke the “I love being here and in Kazan and can be expected Each day there will be two Qatar Swimming Association swimming in Qatar and in the calls his second home. “I’ve record of Japan’s Rikako it’s been a favourite hunting to continue his top show. sessions; heats in the morn- (QSA) President and FINA Bu- region as a whole, to inspire always considered Doha as Ikee (set in 2015) in the venue. I am hopeful of giving A total of eight World Cup ings (from 10am) and finals reau Member Khaleel al Jabir new athletes and to introduce my second home and I’ve also 100m butterfly event at the a good show and win more records were set at the first leg (from 6pm) in the evenings. Qatar host Australia at Gharafa in must-win FIBA World Cup Qualifiers clash tonight

AYENI OLUSEGUN strong perform- “We have The team scored more points DOHA ance overall, a really tough from the bench than all of despite a disap- group and their opponents in round one. THE Qatar national basketball pointing loss games especial- They have also shared the ball team will host Asian giants to Japan in the ly against Japan effectively, behind only New Australia in the Second Round third window. Big battle and Australia Zealand in assists per game in of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qatar’s most but we have Asian Qualifying. qualifiers at the Al Gharafa notable team Qatar, with six points, gotten better as Australia sit on the top five Stadium Indoor Hall at 6 pm statistic is how made the round beating we play games across all Asian qualifying for on Thursday. effective they Iraq in a winner-take-all consistently points per game, field goal per- Qatar, with six points, have been in clash in July for their which is what centage and three point shots made the round beating Iraq protecting the second win in six games. we need,” Qa- made. The team’s efficiency in in a winner-take-all clash in rim, averaging tar coach Tim defence has seen them allow July for their second win in six four blocks a Lewis said after opponents to score just 65.3 games. Australia, on the other game, which is in line with the the game against Iraq. points per game in the First hand, boast of a sea of stars best teams in Asia qualifying. After finishing third in Round of the Qualifiers, which from the NBA like Matthew Injured star Abdulrahman Saad their Asian Games group, Qa- is the second-best defensive Dellavedova and Thon Maker has been the team’s most con- tar played two friendly games record in Asian qualifying. both of the Milwaukee Bucks. sistent offensive leader, play- with New Zealand which they So in the light of these stats, The Boomers have won five ing in all of Qatar’s games and lost. Lewis had earlier in July it is undoubtedly going to be a of their six games in qualifying averaging 16.2 points per game. emphasised on the need for difficult game for Qatar who so far and they enter the Sec- In the three games he’s played, the team’s young core to play will next play the Philippines ond Round in a strong position Clinton Johnson has also been more competitive games. in Manila on September 17, but in Group F. The Australians will a potent scoring threat, averag- Australia, however, a win against Australia can set Qatar basketball team against Iraq during the First Round of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers. be looking to maintain their ing 17.7 points per game. present a different challenge. the tone in a tight Group F. Sports Thursday, September 13, 2018 17 F1: SINGAPORE SLING Vettel takes aim at Hamilton The Ferrari driver is still smarting after Mercedes man won Italy’s Monza 10 days ago

AFP SINGAPORE

SEBASTIAN Vettel is under Education First’s Canadian cyclist Michael Woods celebrates as he growing pressure to slash wins the 17th stage of the 2018 “La Vuelta” Tour of Spain cycling Lewis Hamilton’s champion- race on Wednesday. (AFP) ship lead at this weekend’s Sin- gapore Grand Prix – and erase Ferrari’s painful memories Yates holds Vuelta from last year in the process. Mercedes normally strug- gle at the steamy Marina Bay Circuit, but in 2017 Hamil- lead as Canadian ton won from fifth on a rain- soaked grid after a first-lap shunt scuppered both Ferraris Woods wins stage and the Red Bull of Max Ver- stappen. AFP the win to his recently stillborn Ferrari and Vettel are still MONTE OIZ, SPAIN son. smarting after Hamilton won “There were so many peo- at Italy’s Monza 10 days ago, BRITAIN’S Simon Yates held ple on the roadside egging me despite the Marinello team on to his overall lead in the on and my team manager was locking out the front row at Tour of Spain on Wednesday as encouraging me to do it for my their home grand prix. Canada’s Michael Woods won family,” a weeping Woods said. Vettel’s first-lap spin after the 17th stage on a foggy Basque “My wife and I lost our son contact with Hamilton ena- Country summit packed all the recently, his name was Hunter bled the Englishman to extend way up with rowdy fans. and this is for him.” his lead in the drivers’ stand- On the cloud-shrouded fi- “The whole time I was going ings to 30 points and the Ger- nal slopes, Yates lost eight sec- up the climb I was thinking of man vowed to bounce straight onds to his nearest rival, Span- him I wanted to win so bad for back in Singapore, where he ish veteran Alejandro Valverde, him and I did.” has won a record four times. whose Movistar teammate Woods was involved in an “For sure it’s a disappoint- Nairo Quintana was dropped early escape group and edged ment right now,” Vettel said on the final climbs, virtually out Dylan Teuns of BMC on the after the race. “But I am turn- ending his hopes of eventual ultra-steep final section while ing the page and focusing on victory. Sky’s David de la Cruz came Singapore – I like the place Yates’ red jersey was pro- third. and I am happy to go there.” tected all the way up the final The day’s biggest loser was Mercedes team boss Toto climb by his brother Adam and Quintana, who now sits 2min Wolff warned this week that two other Mitchelton-Scott 11sec down on Yates. Ferrari and Red Bull would teammates. The closest challenger is the have the edge on Mercedes “I’m happy with what I did 38-year-old Valverde who is 25 on the tight, twisting street today. Adam was there with me seconds back. Another Span- circuit. But with rain forecast Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (right) speaks with Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel after the qualifying session at the Auto- for the entire climb, he did a re- iard Enric Mas, of Quick Step, again this week, anything dromo Nazionale circuit in Monza. (AFP) ally good job,” Simon Yates said climbed to third 1min 22sec be- could happen. after surviving this major chal- hind the red jersey. “Singapore has features ried about the gap to Hamil- ciardo’s triumph at Monaco’s so it’s about time I win the to challenge for a podium.” lenge. Yates dismissed sugges- that we’ve struggled with in ton growing to 30 points with similarly twisty street circuit. damn thing.” Off the track, much at- “Today was the day I was tions that this was now a two- the past,” said Wolff. seven races remaining, and is The Austrian team have Verstappen echoed his tention will focus on Kimi most worried about, so I’m man race. “The short straights, the relishing the chance to pounce not won in hot, humid Sin- team-mate’s optimism. “I Raikkonen after Ferrari an- happy to have it over with,” he “I don’t feel that way,” he slow, tight corners and the on one of his favourite tracks. gapore since 2013, when Vet- think the whole team is look- nounced that the former world admitted. said. “There are a lot of hard bumpy surface all make the “I think we have the pace,” tel was behind the wheel, but ing forward to Singapore be- champion would be replaced The 31-year-old Woods days to come. The gaps are Marina Bay Street Circuit one the four-time world champion Ricciardo has remarkably cause we know we have a real by Monaco's Charles Leclerc, only began cycling seriously in small behind. You can never of the trickiest for us. said. “The points sound a lot, finished second in each of the chance to have a good result 20, next year. his mid-20s and came seventh count anybody out of the race.” “On paper, the track but actually it doesn’t take a past three years. there,” said the Dutchman, More than 20,000 fans at la Vuelta last year before a Two further days of climb- should favour the Ferraris, but long time to get them down.” “It’s a place where I have who turns 21 at the end of the had signed an online petition second place finish in the Liege- ing remain on Saturday and the championship fight is so Red Bull have suffered a good races and finish pretty month. urging Ferrari to stick with the Bastogne-Liege this season. Sunday, where the winner of close that predictions are al- lean season but will fancy their strong,” said Ricciardo. “I’ve “The race has been a veteran Finn, who will now Overcome with emotion, this year’s Vuelta will certainly most meaningless.” chances of picking up a second had four podiums and three strong one for us in the past join Sauber, for one more sea- Woods cried as he dedicated be decided. Vettel said he was not wor- 2018 win to follow Daniel Ric- second places in a row there, and I think we should be able son at least.

Serena ‘out of line’ but both sides share blame: King Quick read Belgian Thierry Neuville takes ‘leap REUTERS into the unknown’ in Rally Turkey NEW YORK PARIS: The World Rally Championship leaders will be battling on FORMER world number one unfamiliar terrain as the competition Billie Jean King has softened returns to Turkey after an eight year her initial stance on the con- break. “The Rally of Turkey is a leap troversy over Serena Wil- into the unknown for everyone,” said liams, who was “totally out Thierry Neuville, the championship of line” when she vehemently leader who drives for Hyundai. disputed calls by chair um- The Belgian, and his closest rivals pire Carlos Ramos during Sebastian Ogier and Ott Tanak, will bat- Saturday's U.S. Open final. tle over open roads and rocky tracks on Ramos, however, could which none of them has ever driven. have prevented the affair had Frenchman Ogier finished fourth the he communicated better and last time the Turkish rally was run in given Williams a ‘soft warn- 2010, but this edition will be based, ing’ instead of a code violation for the first time, around Marmaris at Thierry Neuville when he saw her coach Patrick the southwest corner of Turkey. It is the Mouratoglou giving signals 10th of the 13 legs is this year’s championship. “This is the first during the match, King said. completely new event for a long time and, even though I contested Williams was issued a the rally in 2010, (the) event will be completely different,” Ogier, of warning, point and then M-Sport Ford, told his team’s web site. game penalty after she ar- Teams have tried to prepare by practising on similar roads in Portugal, gued with Ramos during the Greece and the south of France, but they are still unsure of how to final, which was won 6-2 6-4 Serena Williams gestures towards chair umpire Carlos Ramos (right) during the 2018 US Open final in New York.(EPA-EFE) set up their cars and choose tyres. “We do not know much about the by Japan’s Naomi Osaka. stages, even though we’ve watched some videos,” Neuville said. “Serena was out of line. when she said in a Washing- point taken from her when prevented the incident from incident would bring about The Belgian, who, along with co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul, has extended There’s no question,” King ton Post editorial that Wil- she received a second for lat- escalating, King said. needed changes to the sport, his contract with Hyundai until the end of 2021, said “our focus is on told CNN on Tuesday. “No one liams had faced down sexism er smashing her racquet. “The point is he (aggravat- including allowing for direct completing this current season in the strongest way possible.” is saying she was a good sport. with her protests. The loss of the point ed) the situation. ‘I’m not at- communication between the The jarring terrain and temperatures over 35 celsius could shake up If they are they are crazy. She also did not criticise prompted Williams to call tacking your character,’ is the umpire and the fans over the field. “No one really knows what to expect,” said Ogier a the five- “She was totally out of Williams’ on-court behaviour. Ramos a “thief”, which led most important thing he could a loudspeaker and ending time world champion, who is 23 points behind Neuville. line. She knows it.” King, however, said Wil- to a third violation for ver- have said,” King told CNN. the ban on coaching during “The loose gravel will make it a challenge. We’ll be the second car King’s remarks to CNN liams was not aware she had bal abuse that resulted in the “I think everything would Grand Slam matches. on the road and there will be a lot of fast drivers benefiting from a were something of a walk been handed a first violation umpire issuing a game pen- have been different.” “Crisis creates an opportu- cleaner and faster road behind,” Ogier told his team’s web site. (AFP) back of her earlier comments and was surprised to have a alty, although he could have King said she hoped the nity to get it right,” she said. Record world champion Vogel ready for new life after crash with the rider,” a smiling Vo- things for cycling. I want to give The Dutch rider who won a record 11 gel, sitting next to her doc- something back.” world titles suffered an accident while tors, said. “Neither the Dutch The 27-year-old had previ- I am ready to take on this federation nor the rider have ously suffered serious injuries training in June which led to paralysis challenge and make the been in contact.” when she was hit by a minibus best of it. I want to get back Vogel added she was look- in 2009 while riding near her REUTERS had accepted the fact that she ing forward to an independent home, being placed in a medi- BERLIN would not walk again moments into life, not depend on a lot life and a role in her sport. cally-induced coma. However, after the accident at the Cottbus of help. “Tears will not help. It is she battled back to win Olympic WORLD and Olympic cham- Sport Centre Velodrome. Kristina Vogel what it is,” she said. “I am ready gold in the track cycling team pion Kristina Vogel, who was “I said ‘breathe, breathe, to take on this challenge and sprint at the London Games. paralysed following a training breathe’ and then I checked,” make the best of it. I want to At the Rio Olympics four crash in June, said on Wednes- she said of the collision in which She underwent back and get back into life, not depend years later she won gold in the day she was ready to tackle her part-time police officer Vogel chest surgery and earlier this on a lot of help. I must use this individual sprint despite her new life but has had no contact suffered serious spinal and month announced she had been strength I had in competitions saddle breaking at 60kph in the with the Dutch rider involved in chest injuries. paralysed. for my life. Asking ‘why me’ closing metres of the final. the collision. “Then I saw where I lay, Vogel said neither the cyclist does not bring you any further. Vogel has won 11 world Paraplegic Olympic and world sprint cycling champion Kristina Vogel In a news conference at the how I was. When my shoes were who had crashed with her, nor “For the first time I have titles -- a record she shares (left) of Germany sits in a wheelchair as she holds a press conference Berlin hospital where she has off I knew that this was it with the Dutch cycling federation time to take decisions for me, with Australian great Anna at the Berlin-Marzahn Unfallkrankenhaus accident hospital in Berlin been treated, Vogel, a record 11- the walking. I realised quickly I had been in touch with her. to be free and learn step by step Meares. She also has three on Wednesday. (AFP) time world champion, said she would not walk again.” “I have had no contact what I need to. I want to do European golds. 18 Thursday, September 13, 2018 Sports

News in brief

John Terry turns down chance to join Spartak Moscow LONDON: Former Chelsea and England star John Terry has rejected the chance to make a shock move to Russian club Spar- tak Moscow. Terry was reported to be on the verge of signing for Spartak after being flown by private jet to Rome on Friday for a medical. The 37-year-old defender was believed to have been offered a wages in the region of £3 million ($3.9 million) for a one-year deal. Spartak appeared confident of securing the high- profile signing, announcing on social media that they were prepar- ing for "a very important guest". But after weighing up the move with his family, Terry, who has two children with his wife Toni, has opted against making the switch to Moscow. "After considerable thought, I have decided to decline a contract offer from Spartak Moscow. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Spartak and wish them and their supporters well for the rest of the sea- son," Terry wrote on his official Instagram account.

Italy's Serie B to stick with 19 teams after chaotic close season MILAN: Italy's second tier Serie B will continue with the unusual number of 19 teams after appeals from a further six clubs to be included were rejected by an arbitration tribunal on Tuesday. Franco Frattini, president of the Italian Olympic Com- mittee (CONI) tribunal, told reporters CONI had voted 3-2 not to allow any additions to the championship which started two weeks ago. Serie B usually has 22 teams but three of those who should have played this season were barred for financial reasons. Bari and Cesena, both former Serie A clubs, were declared bankrupt while Avellino were refused a licence due to a lack of financial guarantees, leading to a close season of chaos in the lower reaches of Italian football. The Italian football federation (FIGC) began drawing up plans for a playoff competition to find three replacements but in August accepted a request from the Serie B league to go ahead with 19 clubs.

France's World Cup keeper Lloris avoids jail over drink-driving LONDON: France's World Cup-winning captain Hugo Lloris avoided jail but received a 20-month driving ban and a £50,000 Spain’s midfielder Marco Asensio (left) celebrates with Spain’s midfielder Dani Ceballos after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League A Group 4 match against Croatia at the ($65,000) fine on Wednesday for drink-driving in central Lon- Manuel Martinez Valero Stadium in Elche on Tuesday. (AFP) don. The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper had earlier called his behaviour "unacceptable" and received a lighter sentence from a judge who could have locked up the star for six months. "On 15th of July, he was the proudest man of the planet," attorney David Sonn said in reference to the day Lloris and his France team lifted the World Cup trophy in Moscow. "Forty days later, Spain thrash World Cup he was arrested in central London," said the lawer. "Today he apologises to the court." Lloris was one of the heroes of France's commanding march to their second football World Cup in 20 years. The triumph turned the 31-year-old into a national hero and confirmed his status as one of the most respected finalists Croatia 6-0 goalkeepers in the world. President George Weah makes surprise Lukaku hits brace for Belgium; Italy held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in UEFA Nations League football comeback at 51

AFP sideways passing that put paid 2020," insisted Mancini. JOHANNESBURG: Liberia president and former world footballer PARIS to their World Cup dreams. The expansion to 24 teams of the year George Weah made a surprise return to internation- Crushing the World Cup run- saw five countries make their al football on Tuesday at the age of 51 in a 2-1 friendly defeat AFTER the first two rounds of ners-up, three days after beat- European Championship de- by Nigeria. fixtures in the UEFA Nations ing England at Wembley, was but in 2016, and the advent The international match in Monrovia was organised to 're- League concluded on Tuesday a reminder that Spain are still of the Nations League will tire' the number 14 shirt worn by Weah, who was voted world, evening with Spain's stunning right up there with the best likely open the door to more European and African footballer of the year in 1995. 6-0 win over Croatia, AFP teams on the planet. newcomers for the 2020 edi- Weah, who scored a landslide victory in presidential elec- Sports takes a look at some of Just two months after tion. Finland, in League C, and tions last December, is the only African footballer to win the the key talking points from the reaching the World Cup final, League D trio Georgia, Lux- world and European awards. start of the brand new compe- Croatia were humbled in a 6-0 embourg and Macedonia took Instead of watching the match against Nigeria from the tition: thrashing in Spain, despite maximum points from their grandstand, he captained his country and showed glimpses of Many fans were still strug- starting six of the players who opening two games to under- former skills before being substituted 12 minutes from time. gling to understand the idea took on France in Moscow. pin their hopes of reaching the Weah received a standing ovation when leaving the pitch in behind the Nations League Strength in depth looks to be play-offs that will determine the capital of a west African country where football is the most as it got under way. Even the an issue, with Ivan Santini the final four qualifiers. Kos- popular sport. Teammates of Weah wore shirts with "Thank players were too, with Eng- a downgrade on the retired ovo also top their section after you King George" on them as a tribute to the legend who land defender Harry Maguire Mario Mandzukic, and the de- claiming a first competitive retired from international football 16 years ago. admitting last week: "It is fence was taken apart without win in the team's brief history confusing, but we are trying the injured Dejan Lovren and by beating the Faroe Islands to get our heads round it." But goalkeeper Danijel Subasic. 2-0 on Monday. while the process that offers Zlatko Dalic's men next face up qualifying berths for Euro a rematch of their World Cup 2020 is not entirely straight- semi-final against England, Results forward, the basic concept of needing a quick response to promotion and relegation is Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku and Iceland’s Gudlaugur Palsson vie for the quell any thoughts that they Iceland 0 Belgium 3 (Hazard easier to comprehend. It is ball during the Nations League match in Reykjavik, on Tuesday. (AFP) may have been one-tourna- 29-pen, Lukaku 31, 81) also an exciting and overdue ment wonders. Spain 6 (Niguez 24, Asensio addition to international foot- many and a 2-1 win at home Griezmann and co. are now na- Italy's performances in la- 33, Kalinic 35-og, Rodrigo 49, ball. Replacing meaningless to the Netherlands. They are tional heroes. bouring to a draw with Poland friendly matches, marred by obvious contenders to win Watching Spain's scintillat- and losing in Portugal showed Ramos 57, Isco 70) Croatia 0 endless substitutions, with the inaugural Nations League ing display in their 6-0 demoli- that the four-time World Cup Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 competitive matches between title, with a four-team final tion of Croatia on Tuesday and winners remain a shadow of (Dzeko 78) Austria 0 well-matched teams is already tournament to be played next it was impossible not to think their former selves. Roberto Finland 1 (Pukki 12) Estonia 0 proving a great move by UEFA. June, but the priority here was back to their performance Mancini is trying to revive the (Sallai 15, Didier Deschamps' deci- celebrating their World Cup against Russia at the World Azzurri after their failure to Hungary 2 sion to keep faith with the team success with their fans. The Cup, when they bowed out on qualify for this year's World Kleinheisler 42) Greece 1 that won the World Cup final scenes at the Stade de France penalties. Luis Enrique's side, Cup, but it seems the crisis (Manolas 18) in July -- with the exception of after Sunday's win over the containing a blend of old and is only deepening. Could rel- San Marino 0 Luxembourg 3 Alphonse Areola replacing the Dutch, as Deschamps' young new faces, played at a frighten- egation from the top tier of the (Chanot 9, Joachim 45+1, Liberia’s President George Weah (left) in action during an inter- injured Hugo Lloris in goal -- side partied with adoring sup- ing tempo and with a more di- national friendly match between Liberia and Nigeria, in Paynes- Nations League be next? "We'll Sinani 52) paid off as France returned to porters, showed the extent to rect style that was in stark con- wait and see, but our objective ville, Liberia, on Tuesday. (EPA) action with a 0-0 draw in Ger- which Kylian Mbappe, Antoine trast with the sleep-inducing is to form a squad for Euro Spain’s anti-doping body probes Russia’s Cheryshev Adams off the mark as USA sink 10-man Mexico The Valencia winger’s father had said his on loan from Villarreal in Au- gust. He scored in Russia's 2-1 AFP for a brutal challenge on Wil son received a growth hormone injection win at Turkey in the UEFA NASHVILLE Trapp that saw the USA mid- Nations League last Friday. fielder lucky to escape serious before the World Cup Valencia's director gen- TEENAGER Tyler Adams injury. eral Mateu Alemany said on scored his first international Zaldivar's wild tackle had REUTERS against doping. "The inves- Wednesday the club was una- goal as a new-look United come just moments after sev- BARCELONA tigation is being carried out ware of the investigation, add- States side defeated 10-man eral players joined a scuffle with the co-operation of Rus- ing he believed the player's fa- Mexico 1-0 in a friendly inter- triggered by a confrontation SPAIN'S anti-doping agency sia's anti-doping agency and is ther had been misquoted. national in Nashville on Tues- between the USA's France- said on Wednesday it had in contact with the World An- "We haven't been noti- day. based defender Matt Miazga opened an investigation into ti-Doping Agency (WADA)." fied about what has been New York Red Bulls mid- and Mexican prodigy Diego Valencia and Russia winger Cheryshev, who scored published. If the player was fielder Adams burst into the Lainez. Denis Cheryshev, follow- four goals in Russia's surprise involved in an investigation penalty area to tuck away an Lainez, 18, had been Mexi- ing remarks from his father run to the World Cup quarter- then they (the agency) should Antonee Robinson cross on 71 co's best player during a domi- Dmitri in the Russian media finals, has denied ever taking a Denis Cheryshev was one of Russia’s star players at this summer’s have told the club and the minutes to settle a hardfought nant first half display which about an injection the player banned substance. World Cup. (AP) player," Alemany said. encounter at Nissan Stadium. saw El Tri carve out the most took to treat an injury. The investigation stems "We have had no commu- The 19-year-old's win- promising openings without "We can confirm we have from an interview which tournament to treat injury. ion (RFU) said at the time that nication in any form, he was ner came after tempers had being able to convert their started an investigation to Dmitri Cheryshev gave to Rus- On the eve of Russia's last- the treatment the player re- subject to controls at Villarre- flared during the second half pressure into goals. find out more information sian publication Sport Week- 16 game against Spain, Chery- ceived had been a platelet-rich al and at the World Cup. After of the latest meeting between USA forward Gyasi Zardes about the case," said a spokes- end during the World Cup, in shev said: "I have never used plasma (PRP) injection which reading everything, I think it's the two bitter North American had headed over from Weston man from the AEPSAD, the which he was quoted saying any prohibited substances and is legal and said the journal- an error in the transcription, football rivals. McKennie's cross early in the Spanish Agency for Health his son had received an injec- you don't even have to think ist had incorrectly interpreted because growth factors are Mexico's Angel Zaldivar first half but Mexico were in Protection in Sport, which tion containing "growth hor- twice about it." Dmitri Cheryshev's words. not the same as growth hor- had been shown a deserved control for long periods after- is responsible for the fight mone" in the run-up to the The Russian Football Un- Cheryshev joined Valencia mones." red card in the 66th minute wards. Sports Thursday, September 13, 2018 19

Coach Sanchez changes his selection policy with an eye on 2022 WC; Ismail eyes Copa America return Qatar team to focus on fit players than experienced ones IKOLI VICTOR “We try to make a balance , , League match in August. The in- DOHA because we have players that are and . jury ruled out the winger for the very young with lots of experience In attack, Sanchez has kept rest of the season and the hard- QATAR coach Felix Sanchez said like our captain (Hassan al Hay- faith with Al Duhail striker Al- working winger will miss Qatar’s he will only select players who dos), with over a hundred caps moez Ali and Akram Afif of Al Asian Cup campaign in the UAE can help the national team with and he’s quite young still. Sadd. Both have not disappointed in January and Al Duhail’s AFC or without experience as he con- “So players can only get expe- with an impressive goal ratio for Champions League matches. firmed a shift in focus to younger rience when they play and if they both club and country. Qatar’s Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Is- players in preparation for the FIFA don’t, they will never get experi- safest hands seem to be shift- mail said: “I am gradually getting 2022 World Cup. ence. So we look at their level of ing towards Al Gharafa’s Youssef back and I am fine with my legs Qatar are preparing for the performance and at the moment Hassan, who was impressive in now. Asian Cup 2019 in January and we are happy with what we have. both games against China and “I won’t be available for the Copa America next June. It is “We’ll continue to select the Palestine. Asian Cup but hopefully I will be noteworthy that a whopping players that will help the team Meanwhile, recuperating Is- fit for the Copa America Champi- 12/25 players that played against with or without experience as long mail Mohammed reassured Qa- onship in June,” he said. China and Palestine in the recent as we strike a balance,” Sanchez tari soccer fans that he was re- “The boys played well and are friendlies were a part of Qatar’s added. covering well and eyes a return improving with every match. I am squad at the AFC U23 Champion- Sanchez's statement may for Qatar’s campaign in next confident they can perform well in ship earlier this year. end the future for some of Qa- summer’s Copa America 2019 in the Asian Cup and exceed our ex- Commenting on his choice of tar’s established stars over the Brazil. The 25-year-old was at the pectations,” Ismail added. younger players after Qatar’s win years. while trusting the likes Khalifa International Stadium on Qatar and Japan were invited against Palestine, Sanchez said: of , Abdulaziz Tuesday to cheer his teammates. to the 12-nation tournament be- “We call up players to the nation- Hatem and Pedro Miguel. Nota- Ismail suffered a double frac- cause of friendly relations be- al team based on their physical bly among them may be country’s ture in his left leg during Al Du- tween South America body CON- shape and conditions to help the record goalscorer Sebastian So- Felix Sanchez, Qatar national team coach, during the friendly match against hail’s Week 1 victory over pro- MEBOL and the Asian Football team. ria, Rodrigo Tabata, Luiz Martin, Palestine at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday. moted Al Shahania in a QNB Stars Confederation. Gharafa, Umm Salal Two Qatari athletes to contest in world triathlon

It is the first time that 40km Bike, and 10km Run. gunning for victory Athletes will compete in QCTF is contesting the sprint distance on Thurs- in the worlds’ age day and the Essa in the Olym- group events pic Distance on Sunday. QCTF triathlon coordi- in fifth round nator and age-group team TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK manager, Bernard McCul- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tional Talal El Karkouri, who Al Arabi (1-5). Al Khor are struggling in DOHA lagh commented, “Nasser and DOHA had also played for The Or- It may be recalled that Al the QNB Stars League, in the Essa, as well as other athletes ange Fortress. Gharafa had pipped Umm 11th position with just a point THE Qatar Cycling and Tria- who have been unable to travel BOTH Al Gharafa and Umm In the QSL Cup first round Salal to the fifth position last after four rounds of action. thlon Federation (QCTF) has Dr Nasser al Mohannadi due to injury or other commit- Salal will be gunning for noth- played during the internation- season in the last round and Although their Week 5 sent for a first time a two- ments, were selected due to ing less than full points when al break last week, Al Gharafa thus qualified for the Qatar match against Al Sadd has member team to compete in from 20-24 all the way into their strong performances in they clash in Week 5 of the were held 1-1 by Qatar SC, Cup. been postponed due to the the age-group events of the the 70’s and 80’s and allow the previous seasons triathlon QNB Stars League. The kick- latter’s AFC Champions International Triathlon Union committed and passionate national points series. They off is scheduled at the Al Arabi League second-leg quarter- (ITU) World Championships, athletes to compete on the are the first such athletes to Stadium on Friday at 6 pm. final against ’s Esteghlal which began in the Gold Coast international stage against compete at an age-group world Al Gharafa are sixth in the on September 17, Al Khor’s city of Australia on Wednes- their peers. Unlike Elite ath- triathlon championships and standings with seven points, technical staff are keen that day and will end on Septem- letes, these are self-funded hopefully will inspire other Qa- while Umm Salal are close be- the players stay in good shape ber 16. and have to balance their in- tari’s young and old to tackle hind them on four points. as they bid to improve their Both athletes are mem- tensive training programmes up the challenge next year.” Al Gharafa started off ranking. bers of Qatar’s QTRI Tria- alongside demanding career Professor Nasser al Mo- the 2018-19 season on a los- Al Khor are looking to re- thlon Club – Prof Nasser al commitments. hannadi, QCTF Vice-Presi- ing note after suffering a 1-3 place Ulysse Ndong, whose Mohannadi and Essa al Maa- At the ITU World Cham- dent who is leading the triath- defeat to Qatar SC. But they contract with the club was deed. They are taking part in pions, Prof Nasser will be lon programme, said, “As with recovered to beat Al Sailiya recently ended by mutual the World Championships in taking part in the Sprint Dis- the great progress in our elite (2-1) and Al Ahli (4-0). In consent, and thus complete the age group competition tance Triathlon, which entails development programme, between, The Cheetahs held their quota of professional that runs parallel to the elite a 750m swim, 20km Bike and this marks a huge moment for formidable Al Sadd to a 1-1 players. and junior contests at South- finishes with 5km Run. Maa- federation. In 2019 we hope draw. port Broadwater Parklands deed will take part in the Ol- that many more athletes will Umm Salal have only one Al Gharafa are sixth in the Iraqi players rejoin Umm Salal Club end venue. Mohannadi is also ac- ympic Distance race, in the take up the chance to repre- victory (4-1 over Al Ahli) to Al Khor after break Osaguona’s contract companying the team as the 25-29 age-group. The Olym- sent their nation in multi- their credit. They succeeded standings with seven Iraqi players Rebin Solaka Umm Salal ended their delegation head. pic distance sees athletes cov- sport competitions, and carry in holding Al Rayyan to a 1-1 points, while Umm Salal and Ahmed Yasin rejoined the contract with Nigerian striker Age-group competitions er a course twice the distance the national team colours draw, but lost to Al Sailiya (1- are close behind them on Al Khor squad on Tuesday af- Christian Osaguona, who had occur in five-year age bands of the sprint; 1500m, swim with pride on global stages. 2) and Al Arabi (1-5). four points. ter doing duty for their coun- joined them ahead of the start Both sides are under the try during the international of 2018-19 season. tutelage of French coaches while Umm Salal defeated Al break. Osaguona played for since the start of this season. Arabi 1-0. Tunisian coach Adel Sell- Umm Salal for a short time, Kohli confident Christian Gourcuff re- They had mixed luck in imi’s wards resumed their but was mostly nursing an Maxwell in Test placed Turk Bulent Uygun Week 4 of the QNB Stars training after a day’s rest fol- injury. So the club decided to India can at Al Gharafa, while Laurent League with Al Gharafa having lowing their 2-1 win over Al part ways by mutual consent. compete with Banide came to Umm Salal in it easy over Al Ahli (4-0) and Sailiya in the QSL Cup’s first His replacement is to be an- whites when he place of ex-Moroccan interna- Umm Salal losing big-time to round last Sunday. nounced soon. Australia AFP learned of omission! LONDON REUTERS VIRAT Kohli is optimistic that MELBOURNE QSLM coordination meeting India can compete in challeng- ing conditions in Australia de- AUSTRALIA all-round- spite a crushing 4-1 defeat to er Glenn Maxwell said on England that compounded a Wednesday he was wearing held for Week 5 feature match disappointing away record in his whites and ‘baggy green’ Tests. cap when he got the telephone Despite the comprehensive call telling him he had missed nature of the series defeat, Koh- out on selection for the Test TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK li took positives from the tour series against Pakistan. DOHA as he looked forward to Aus- Maxwell's omission from tralia, where India have never the 15-man squad for the Australia player Glenn Maxwell THE won a Test series. two-Test series, which is be- Management (QSLM) held a "What matters to me is the ing played in the United Arab tors put that down to the lack co-ordination meeting at Al kind of attitude you play cricket Emirates, was a bitter pill to of a need to see him bat in Bidda Tower headquarters on with," the Indian captain said. swallow for the hard-hitting subcontinental conditions. Wednesday ahead of the QNB "We said at the end of the fourth 29-year-old. In the Test squad an- Stars League Week 5 match game that we won't throw in “It took a while to sink in nounced on Tuesday, he was between Al Arabi and Al Rayy- the towel and we didn't. that's for sure,” Maxwell told beaten out by a raft of un- an, scheduled for Friday. "This kind of series shows local radio station SEN on capped players, including QSLM’s Marketing, Sales you exactly the kind of charac- Wednesday. pace-bowling all-rounder and Communications Execu- ter of individuals and I see that “It may sound extremely Michael Neser, batsman Mar- tive Director Hassan Rabea al as an opportunity and not ad- funny but when I actually got nus Labuschagne and South Kuwari chaired the meeting. It versity because if you keep win- the phone call yesterday I was Australia captain Travis was attended by Head of Opera- ning all the time a lot of faults actually wearing the baggy Head, all of whom played on tions Ahmed al Sayed, Media are swept under the carpet, you green, as extraordinary as it the 'A' tour. Affairs Acting Director as well don't realise the faults you need might sound. Aaron Finch, a 31-year- as Head of Local Media Affairs Members of QSLM coordination committee discuss issues during a meeting in Doha. to work on." “I was doing a shoot for old opening batsman and Abdullah Saleh al Sulaiti, Com- When asked if he was confi- one of the sponsors and we one-day international special- munity Relations Officer Nasser O Co-operation with security dent about the four-match Test were fully in our whites and ist, was also preferred despite Mubarak al Kuwari, Stadium men and organisers series, which starts in Decem- had the baggy green on and I having never played a Test. Security representative Hassan O Opening of gates. ber, Kohli talked of the strides got the call while it was on top Coach Justin Langer told al Sulaiti, Saber Farraj from al the team has made. of my head.” reporters on Tuesday that he Arabi Club, and Omar al Azani Tickets are on sale online. "The progress has been Having played seven wanted to see Maxwell score and Abdullah al Misferi from Al They can be purchased at www. there... we need to recognise Tests over a five-year period, "more centuries" and sug- Rayyan Club. tickets.qsl.qa when the situation is in our his last against Bangladesh in gested he was not convinced A number of important Fans can buy tickets at the favour and how to solidify that Chittagong a year ago, Max- by his powers of concentra- matters were discussed at Al Arabi Club reception on fol- situation even further, and well has never been able to tion at the crease. the meeting, such as: lowing dates: make sure that the opposition nail down a spot in the team. Maxwell enjoyed a fine O Entry gates for teams, ad- Wednesday, September 12: cannot get back in to the game," However, suspensions to summer in Australia's do- ministrators, officials and 4-9pm he said. former captain Steve Smith, mestic Sheffield Shield com- fans Thursday, September 13: "More often than not David Warner and Cameron petition, averaging 50.50 for O Match tickets and their sell- 9am-12noon & 4pm to 9pm (against England), we have Bancroft for ball-tampering, Victoria but he said the coach ing dates Friday, September 14: Two given the advantage to the op- and a dreadful run of form by felt his numbers at interna- O Arrival of the two teams to hours prior to the start of the position rather than them bril- middle order batsman Peter tional level did not stack up. the stadium game liantly turning around a situa- Handscomb, had opened va- The first Test is sched- O Ensuring the presence of tion." cancies on Tim Paine's team. uled to begin on October 7 organisers from each club Prizes and gifts for fans QSLM is offering attractive priz- dullah Abdulghani & Brothers, And Kohli spoke about the He was omitted from the in Dubai with the second at the gates to control their In its bid to attract more es to fans. The draw for Toyota and other prizes, will be held at need to compete from the first recent Australia 'A' squad match in from fans spectators to the stadium, the car winner, sponsored by Ab- the half-time of the match. ball of the series.” that toured India but selec- October 16.