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HANDBALL OLYMPIC QUALIFYING FOOTBALL Tabata double as Rayyan romp past Qatar Sports Club

Qatar, who had beaten Hong Kong earlier, will take on Saudi Arabia tomorrow

Rodrigo Tabata of Al Rayyan (left) tries to get past a Qatar Sports Qatar’s Ahmed Madadi leaps Club player yesterday. to score against India during their Tokyo 2020 Olympic By Sports Reporter fortunate to not take at least one qualifier yesterday. Doha of their chances. Al Rayyan were less generous, however, and Tabata completed the scoring when he whipped a eteran Rodrigo Tabata glorious 25-yard free-kick into scored in each half as the far corner to seal a fi ne vic- Al Rayyan carried on tory for the title contenders. with their good form in Meanwhile, Karim Ansari in- Vthe QNB Stars League with a 5-0 fl icted a double blow on Al Wak- thrashing of Qatar Sports Club rah as Al Sailiya beat them 3-1. yesterday. Ansari scored in the 27th Mohamed Alaaleldin put the and 55th minutes. Meshaal al- Lions ahead in the ninth minute Shammari (69th minute) was and there was no looking back the scorer for Al Sailiya as The after that as Tabata helped them Peregrines’ points tally swelled consolidate in the 16th before to 10. It was the third victory for Franck Kom (28th and Yacinie Tunisian Sami Trabelsi’s men. Brahimi (35th) ensured a 4-0 Omar Ali scored Al Wakrah’s lead at half-time. goal in the 42nd minute as he The rout was completed when converted a penalty, awarded Tabata netted his second goal in after George Kwesi fouled Mo- the 70th minute as Al Rayyan hamed Benyettou. took their tally to 15 after seven Al Wakrah, coached by Span- matches. iard Marquez Lopez, stood on Coming into the game, Qa- seven points after crashing to By Sports Reporter Federation (IHF) President Dr Hassan tar SC would have been looking their fourth defeat. Doha Moustafa, who was in Qatar to attend to alleviate any early pressure, The fi rst half was evenly the finals of the ANOC World Beach but their high-fl ying opponents fought with invariably an equal Games – Qatar 2019, heaped praise on were hungry and quickly fi nding amount of possession on either ndia got a taste of what high class the inaugural edition saying, “Qatar did a opportunities. side. handball feels like as they crashed very good job” as hosts. Firstly, Kom saw his thunder- Ansari opened the scoring to a 10-40 defeat to hosts Qatar in Expressing his views, Dr Moustafa said, ous shot ricochet off the cross- with an angular shot after being the Asian men’s qualifiers for Tokyo “I am very happy to be here in Qatar and bar before Yacine tested the fed by Boussoufa Mbark. It was I goalkeeper from close range. The an amazing display of ball con- 2020 Olympics at the Duhail Sports Hall also very happy that the Association of yesterday. National Olympic Committees (ANOC) resulting corner drew the fi rst trol skills by the Iranian striker, Qatar, the three-time Asian champions accepted to put beach handball in the goal of the match as Mohamed who was Al Sailiya’s spearhead. and runners-up at the 2015 World Cham- debut edition of the ANOC World Beach Alaa latched onto Tabata’s cross Ansari soon attempted a simi- pionships, led 18-4 at half time and added Games. and poked home at the near post. lar shot from almost the same 22 more goals later to book their spot in “I also have to give my gratitude to the Qatar SC did not come sim- spot, but his grounder was dealt the semis organisers as well as all my gratitude ply to make up the numbers and with by the rival defence. Watched by local off icials including the and thanks to the teams, trainers and ref- had a good couple of chances Following Al Wakrah’s equal- Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary- erees; they all did a very good job. I am to equalise in quick succession. iser, Ansari’s goal in the 44th General Jassim Rashid al-Buanain, the very happy and satisfied with the results, First, Kayke Rodrigues could not minute was disallowed for off - home team came up with a spirited with the spectators, with everything at quite fi nd the target before Ab- side through VAR after he vol- display to stay on top in the preliminaries the first ANOC World Beach Games.” denasser Elkhayati hit a lovely leyed home a free-kick by Bous- of Group A. The IHF president hoped handball’s big shot which Fahd Younis did well soufa. Qatar had thrashed Hong Kong 49-14 in presence at World Beach Games will help to save and force a corner. Al Sailiya’s Serigne Mbodji their opening match last Thursday. them take the sport to Olympics. “I would They did score from the cor- had a header go inches wide in India, who lost their last match to Saudi also like to express my thanks to the IHF ner, but the goal was disallowed stoppage time. at the other end, Arabia are now left with an uphill task. Beach Handball Working Group; they did for a handball infringement. Sanchez Isaias and Ousmane Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, and Hong a very good job for us and I hope that it Al Rayyan were in a riotous Coulibaly were off -target for Al Kong make the group. will continue. mood and their lead was quick- Wakrah. Group B comprises Bahrain, South Korea, I hope the International Olympic Com- ly doubled when Tabata raced The second half started in Iran and Kuwait (who have returned to mittee can help us include beach hand- through the defence to carefully brisk fashion and Mbodji headed the the IHF fold following the lifting of ball at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris,” and emphatically steer his volley the ball wide for a second time. their 2015 suspension). said Dr Moustafa. past the hapless Jassim al-Hail. Al Sailiya steadily upped their The qualification tournament, which With all the six IHF continental cham- The pressure intensifi ed and ante and succeeded in fi nding ends on October 26, sees eight teams pions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, next up was Kom, who rose un- the target twice more. Ansari battle to grab a spot alongside Japan, North America, the Caribbean and challenged to divert Tabata’s was at it again, with Meshaal who have already qualified automatically South & Central America) participating corner into the back of the net doing all the hard work on the as hosts. at the World Beach Games in Qatar, Dr with his head. The match as a right. The top two teams of each group Moustafa felt this will help promote the contest was eff ectively fi nished Meshaal himself then found advance to the semi-finals and then final, sport further. in the 35th minute when Ahmed the mark with a chip shot after with the winner booking their ticket “This is the main thing about how we can Abdelmaqsoud released Yacine holding off Al Wakrah goalkeep- through to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic promote our sport. We are very strong into the box and the attacker er Saoud Al Khater. Games. The runner-up will qualify for the not only in Europe, but for beach hand- snuck his shot past the goal- Al Wakrah, who earned pro- IHF Olympic qualification in April. ball at these ANOC World Beach Games keeper to take an unassailable motion to the top fl ight after Qatar will now play Saudi Arabia in their we had all the continental teams taking lead into half-time. playing in the Second division next and final preliminary match tomor- part. I am sure in the future, smaller Despite the score line, Qatar for two seasons, would rue the row at 6pm. countries can do well at the beach SC had put up a good perform- defensive mistakes. Meanwhile, the International Handball games,” he said. ance and came out in the second Meanwhile, in the third match half looking to match the posi- of the day, Al Ahli drew Al Sha- tive intensity, but they were un- hania 2-2. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, October 20, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT VAR very subjective, says Watford’s City fi nd winning Sanchez Flores

Reuters something. It’s very weird, you London, United Kingdom think VAR is helping football but then it’s not.” Asked about Deulofeu’s appeal atford coach Quique for a spot-kick, he added: “It’s formula as Spurs Sanchez Flores said a penalty, I have no idea (why it he is losing his faith wasn’t given).” in VAR as a force The Spaniard also rued the fact Tottenham Hotspur narrowly avoid yet Wfor good in the game after two that his side, who remain bottom decisive decisions went against of the table, could not take all another damaging defeat while Chelsea his side in yesterday’s 1-1 draw the points after a mature display at Tottenham Hotspur, leaving against last season’s Champions and Leicester both post victories them still without a win this sea- League fi nalists. struggle son. “I think we deserved the three The visitors got off to a yingfl points because in the end we start when Abdoulaye Doucoure didn’t concede very clear chanc- scored in the sixth minute and es,” he added. they could have been awarded a “It’s diffi cult to come here and penalty when Gerard Deulofeu control the game. All we could do was tripped by Jan Vertonghen. was defend well and limit the op- Dele Alli denied Watford a fi rst ponent and that’s what we did.” win in nine games with a late strike Tottenham coach Mauricio that was initially ruled out for Pochettino said the mistake on handball then awarded after a VAR the VAR screen had nothing to do review, even though Harry Kane with his club and was a Premier appeared to push defender Chris- League issue. tian Kabasele in the build-up. He also said the way his side The moment was also shroud- managed to salvage a point might ed in confusion when the screens help steer them back on course at the Tottenham Hotspur stadi- after a rotten run, including a 7-2 um at fi rst said “No Goal”, before thrashing at the hands of Bayern correcting itself to show the goal Munich and a 3-0 loss to Bright- had been awarded. on and Hove Albion. “I was thinking VAR is some- “After Bayern our confi dence thing objective but I’m start- was on the fl oor. It was so im- ing to think it’s very subjective,” portant the way we achieved the Sanchez Flores told a news con- point in the end, we kept fi ght- ference. ing,” Pochettino said. “I think it’s a foul from Kane “I hope this is the fi rst step on Kabasele, he pushed him with we need to build our confi dence his hands. I think we are losing again.”

Manchester City’s David Silva (right) scores the team’s second goal during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace in London yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP keeper Wayne Hennessey pre- in the sixth minute, Abdoulaye Leicester held a minute’s si- forward Bernard and a late sec- London, United Kingdom vented a rout. Doucoure fi nishing superbly lence before kick-off to remem- ond from substitute Gylfi Sig- Guardiola praised his make- from Daryl Janmaat’s assist. ber their late owner Vichai Sri- urdsson gave Everton the three shift defence but demanded But Dele Alli grabbed a late vaddhanaprabha, who was killed points in a match in which they anchester City eased more of a killer touch from his leveller for Spurs with his fi rst in a helicopter crash at the sta- had 19 shots. doubts over their side, who had 21 shots. goal since January. There was dium last October. Liverpool travel to Old Traf- ability to sustain a “Unfortunately, we could not major confusion as it appeared Chris Wood put Burnley in ford today, chasing a record- Premier League ti- convert the chances we had but as if VAR had ruled out the ef- front but Leicester’s in-form equalling 18th consecutive Mtle challenge by beating Crystal it was an important three points fort, but it was allowed to stand. forward Jamie Vardy headed an Premier League win while Man- Palace comfortably yesterday after the international break,” he “We made it diffi cult for our- equaliser just before half-time chester United are just one point but Tottenham face another in- told Sky Sports. selves,” said Alli. “We controlled and Tielemans completed the above the relegation zone. quisition after narrowly avoid- “Hopefully we can start from the game and bossed possession. turnaround with just over 15 Arsenal face Sheffi eld United ing defeat to bottom club Wat- here and continue our good per- It was my fi rst start and great to minutes to go. tomorrow. ford. formance. Their ‘keeper made a be back in the team but overall a Matt Targett scored a goal Pep Guardiola’s men travelled lot of saves but hopefully we can disappointing result. deep into injury time as Aston RESULTS to London eight points behind be more clinical.” “We know we have a world- Villa came back from 1-0 down „Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 45+2, runaway leaders Liverpool after Earlier, Spurs boss Mauricio class team so it’s about show- to beat 10-man Brighton 2-1. Targett 90+4) Brighton 1 (Web- two defeats in four league games Pochettino saw his side labour ing what we can do when things Southampton took the lead ster 21) but bossed possession and rarely to a 1-1 draw at home to Wat- don’t go our way. It’s important against Wolves at Molineux, „Bournemouth 0 Norwich 0 looked troubled. ford, following a 3-0 thrashing we turn it around. We know how courtesy of a Danny Ings goal, „Chelsea 1 (Alonso 73) New- Earlier, Tottenham came at Brighton and a humiliating good we are, we just have to start but were pegged back by a Raul castle 0 within minutes of another dam- 7-2 defeat at home to Bayern showing it on the pitch.” Jimenez penalty while Bourne- „Crystal Palace 0 Manchester aging defeat while Chelsea and Munich. mouth drew 0-0 at home to City 2 (Jesus 39, D. Silva 41) Leicester both won to underline Spurs, who reached the CHELSEA, LEICESTER WIN Norwich. „Everton 2 (Bernard 17, Sig- Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores (right) speaks to the their top-four credentials. Champions League fi nal in June, Chelsea’s Marcus Alonso broke In the early kick-off yester- urdsson 90+2) West Ham 0 assistant referee during the Premier League match against Tottenham City beat in-form Palace have now won just three of their the deadlock for Frank Lampard’s day, Everton climbed out of the „Leicester 2 (Vardy 45, Tiele- Hotspur in London, England, yesterday. (Reuters) 2-0 with fi rst-half goals from opening 12 games in all compe- side at Stamford Bridge against relegation zone with a well-de- mans 74) Burnley 1 (Wood 26) Gabriel Jesus and David Silva titions and appear unable to fi nd Newcastle for a 1-0 win while served 2-0 victory against West „Tottenham 1 (Alli 86) Watford but a combination of some way- their spark. Youri Tielemans sealed a 2-1 vic- Ham that eased the pressure on 1 (Doucoure 6) ward fi nishing and an inspired Pochettino’s men got off to an tory for Leicester over Burnley at Marco Silva. „Wolves 1 (Jimenez 61-pen) FA Cup clash abandoned due to performance from Palace goal- awful start as they fell behind the King Power Stadium. A fi rst-half goal from Brazil Southampton 1 (Ings 53) alleged racist behaviour of fans

SERIE A Reuters “Then my number six — Rowe London, United Kingdom — got called names. He got racially abused and there was no way I could let him Milik-inspired Napoli return to form with Verona win n English FA Cup fourth continue. qualifying round match “The FA Cup’s not worth that Agencies ingly harmless free-kick fi nd the Abetween Haringey much to us. We are never Rome, Italy far post to stun keeper Thomas Borough and Yeovil Town was going to win it. Good luck to Strakosha fi ve minutes later. abandoned yesterday due to Yeovil Town if we get pun- Captain Alejandro Gomez was the alleged racist abuse suf- ished and thrown out, all be it, wo goals from Arkadiusz ruthless when he stormed in the fered by Haringey’s players. I don’t care.” Milik helped Napoli re- box to make it 3-0 on 37 minutes. The match was stopped in Yeovil Town manager Darren turn to winning ways in But the Rome hosts were back into the 64th minute with Yeovil Sarll told the BBC that his club Serie A with a 2-0 home the game after the hour, with Im- leading 1-0 following a Rhys would off er full support to Tvictory over Hellas Verona yes- mobile rising after being fl oored Murphy penalty after some Haringey. terday. to convert a 69th-minute pen- fans abused and spat at Cam- “The players and I decided The Poland international had alty and Joaquin Correa slamming eroonian goalkeeper Douglas we would support (them) not scored this season going into home an angled drive. Pajetat at Coles Park, the BBC and make a stand together... the game, but struck in either Immobile was again fl oored reported. I want Haringey and our half to end his drought. and converted three minutes Haringey boss Tom Loizou led football club to know we don’t Napoli’s form stuttered before into stoppage time. the hosts off the field shortly condone anything of that the international break as they “We had a wrong approach after the goal was scored nature,” Sarll said. were held to two consecutive to the fi rst half,” Immobile said. and the match was eventu- “I’d do anything to win but goalless draws, against Torino in “We should always play as we ally abandoned around 35 there are certain levels and Serie A and Genk in the Cham- did in the second. I don’t know minutes later. lines I’d never go over. There pions League. how we can do it, but we have to. “Game has been abandoned was no way I’d support racial But a comfortable victory “We were silent at the break. following racial abuse. Hor- discrimination.” at the Stadio San Paolo helped We looked into each other’s eyes, rendous afternoon,” Haringey The incident comes days after Carlo Ancelotti’s side close the we knew we had to lift our heads said on Twitter. England’s black players were gap on third-placed Atalanta to and were aware that we had been Haringey manager Loizou subjected to racist abuse just one point after they were lousy. The late penalty was very said another of his players, during a Euro 2020 qualifier held to a draw by Lazio. diffi cult to take but I knew that Coby Rowe, was also targeted. against Bulgaria in Sofia on Napoli are fourth on 16 points, we deserved the draw after our “It’s very distressing. The Monday. one behind Atalanta and four Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik (centre) collides with a defender after he scored his second goal past Verona’s great second half.” abuse a few of my players got Bulgaria boss Krasimir ahead of fi fth-placed Roma, Italian goalkeeper Marco Silvestri (right) during the Serie A in Naples, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) was disgusting,” Loizou told Balakov and football union who face Sampdoria today. RESULTS BBC Radio 5 live. “They got president Borislav Mihaylov Earlier yesterday, Atalanta’s from three down with a stop- failed to draw level with leaders proved a valid replacement for „Lazio 3 (Immobile 69-pen, a penalty and as they were both resigned in the wake of Luis Muriel and Lazio captain page-time penalty. Juventus on 19, who host Bolo- his injured compatriot Duvan 90+2-pen, Correa 70) Atalanta 3 lining up to take it, my goal- the match while police in the Ciro Immobile struck twice in Immobile tops the scorers gna in a late game. Lazio have 12 Zapata, striking on 23 minutes (Muriel 23, 28, Gomez 37) keeper got spat at and had a country have already made a thrilling 3-3 Serie A draw that table on nine goals while third- points from eight games. from inside the box. „Napoli 2 (Milik 37, 67) Hellas bottle thrown at him. several arrests. saw the Rome hosts bounce back place Atalanta, now on 17 points, Colombia striker Muriel He then watched his seem- Verona 0 Gulf Times Sunday, October 20, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Di Maria, Mbappe guide PSG past nine-man Nice

AFP Kimpembe and Abdou Diallo in the dismissal of Wylan Cyprien took charge for the fi rst time. Nice, France the opening minutes at the Al- and Christophe Herelle in a mat- The 55-year-old’s appoint- lianz Riviera but PSG soon made ter of minutes. ment was greeted with anger by the breakthrough. Cyprien was shown a sec- Lyon supporters because of his ngel Di Maria grabbed Di Maria raced on to a fi rst- ond yellow card for dissent with three-year stint at bitter rivals two goals while Kylian time pass from fellow Argentine Herelle sent off following a VAR Marseille. He was roundly booed Mbappe struck on his Mauro Icardi before calmly guid- review for a petulant slap on Le- at the Groupama Stadium ahead return from injury as ing beyond Benitez in the Nice andro Paredes. of kick-off . ParisA Saint-Germain won 4-1 goal on 15 minutes. Tuchel threw on Mbappe, re- Garcia’s day did not get any at Nice on Friday to surge fi ve Only Mbappe has been in- stricted to just two substitute better, as his side wasted a string points clear at the top of Ligue 1. volved in more goals in France appearances since August, for of excellent chances against PSG lost Neymar and the in- this year than Di Maria, who duly the fi nal eight minutes and PSG dogged Dijon. fl uential Idrissa Gueye to in- doubled his tally six minutes later made the most of their two-man Lyon, who sacked Brazilian jury over the international break with a sublime lob from an unfa- advantage. Sylvinho, in his fi rst job as a head while Mbappe and Edinson Cav- vourable angle. Mbappe drove low under Be- coach, after only 11 matches ear- ani were only fi t enough to make Marquinhos replaced PSG nitez to claim his fi rst goal since lier this month, have failed to win the bench for the trip to the Cote captain Thiago Silva at half-time August 11 and then laid on an in eight league games. d’Azur. and headed against the crossbar assist for Icardi to tap home in The draw left Lyon, who have “At the start of a run of six very at a corner, but a mistake from stoppage time. not fi nished outside the top fi ve intensive matches, it’s always the Brazilian presented Nice a Second-placed Nantes were since 1998, languishing 14th in good to start with a win,” said lifeline on 67 minutes. scheduled to head to bottom side the table after 10 matches, just PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. An ill-advised attempt at Metz later yesterday. one point above the relegation “We had a good fi rst half, I was chesting down a cross allowed zone. happy. We had chances to control Kasper Dolberg to tee up Ignatius LYON LABOUR TO DIJON The seven-time French title- the match but at the start of the Ganago to blast home via the un- DRAW winners, who were widely tipped second half, we forgot to close it derside of the bar. Lyon stuttered to a 0-0 draw to be Paris Saint-Germain’s clos- out.” Any chance Patrick Vieira’s against fellow Ligue 1 strugglers est challengers this season, are A spectacular triple save by side had of salvaging a result ef- Dijon yesterday as already-em- 14 points adrift of the defending Paris Saint-Germain’s Angel Di Maria (right) scores their first goal during the French Ligue 1 match against Walter Benitez kept out Presnel fectively evaporated though with battled new coach Rudi Garcia champions. Nice in Nice, France, on Friday. (Reuters)

LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA Tight at the top as Dortmund edge Griezmann, Messi, Gladbach; Augsburg hold Bayern

DPA But Niko Kovac’s side squan- Berlin, Germany dered opportunities to in- Suarez on target for crease their lead and were pun- ished when substitute Alfred arco Reus scored the Finnbogason tapped in as the winner as Borus- game went into stoppage time. sia Dormund de- Bayern could now be without feated Borussia Niklas Suele for a long period MMoenchengladbach 1-0 to move after the central defender limped within a point of the top of the off early with a knee injury. Barca; Atletico held Bundesliga yesterday. “From what I have heard a Despite the defeat cruciate ligament is damaged,” Atletico loses ground after a late Parejo free-kick cancels out first half Costa penalty Moenchengladbach stay top on Kovac said. “Now we have to see goal diff erence over unbeaten to what extent other areas in the AFP Wolfsburg, with both on 16 knee have been aff ected.” Madrid, Spain points, one ahead of Bayern Mu- Kovac, who again left Thomas nich, Dortmund and RB Leipzig. Mueller on the bench, with the Only two points separate the midfi elder replacing Philippe arcelona’s ‘MSG’ strike top nine and the leadership could Coutinho in the 80th minute, force is fi nally clicked change hands today if Schalke said his team had full control of into gear as Lionel Mes- win at Hoff enheim. the game but did not take their si, Luis Suarez and An- Bayern conceded a stoppage chances. toineB Griezmann all scored in a time goal in a 2-2 draw at Augs- “If you can’t do that then at ruthless 3-0 victory over Eibar burg, while Leipzig and Wolfs- least you shouldn’t concede a yesterday. burg fi nished 1-1. second goal,” he said. Griezmann’s place in the Dortmund got back to win- “Two shots (from Augsburg) newly-formed attacking tri- ning ways after three straight 2-2 on goal, two goals — that annoys dent has not been secure but the draws, thanks to a 58th-minute me. We did not reward ourselves Frenchman opened the scoring goal from Reus. The Germany for our eff orts and the good game at Ipurua before teeing up Messi forward fi nished from a pass by we played is now for nought. and then playing the crucial pass Thorgan Hazard, who in the fi rst What’s worse is the injury to for Suarez to make it three. half had a goal disallowed against Niklas Suele.” “There will be good and bad his former club following a video In Leipzig, the home side went days but we are getting to know review. ahead against Wolfsburg when each other and bit by bit we will England international Jadon Timo Werner rounded keeper do even better,” said Griezmann. Sancho was dropped from the Pavao Pervan in the 54th minute, An authoritative Barca dis- Dortmund squad for discipli- but Wout Weghorst scored from play thrust them to the top of La nary reasons after he reportedly close range for the visitors with Liga, for a few hours at least be- returned late to the club from in- eight minutes remaining. fore Real Madrid play Real Mal- ternational duty. Freiburg missed a chance of lorca. They moved three points In Augsburg, Robert Lewand- going top on 17 points when they clear of Atletico, who drew 1-1 at owski continued his goalscoring slid to a 2-0 defeat at promoted home to Valencia. streak with his 12th of the Bun- Union Berlin, who ended a four- The victory also dismissed desliga season in eight matches game losing series. suggestions their players might but Bayern had to settle for a Werder Bremen and Hertha be aff ected by Friday’s postpone- Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann (centre) celebrates with teammates Luis Suarez (right) and Frenkie De Jong after scoring during the La Liga point. Berlin fi nished 1-1, while Fortu- ment of next Saturday’s Clasico match against Eibar in Eibar, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) Augsburg had shocked Bay- na Dusseldorf were 1-0 winners due to protests in Catalonia. ern with a goal after 27 seconds over Mainz, who had Edimilson Violence in Barcelona and than the Argentinian’s familiar pearance of the season. Umtiti, Marko Dmitrovic. Suarez’s ef- half penalty and in a frantic fi nal when Marco Richter volleyed in, Fernandes sent off after a second disruptions at El Prat airport solo brilliance, that will have who has been out with a foot in- fort was ruled out for off side. 10 minutes, Joao Felix limped but Lewandowski levelled with a booking just before half-time. meant Ernesto Valverde’s side been most pleasing for Valverde. jury, replaced the banned Gerard Barca made it two just before off with all three of Diego Sime- glancing header from Serge Gna- On Friday, Eintracht Frankfurt embarked on a 589-kilometre “Great players always under- Pique. the hour as Frenkie de Jong’s in- one’s substitutes already used. bry’s cross in the 14th minute. defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. bus trip to the Basque County on stand each other,” Valverde said. The only blot on the result cisive ball was collected by Sua- Parejo struck in the 82nd Lewandowski has equalled a Friday. “With time and matches they was an injury to Sergi Roberto, rez. As he lost control, Griez- minute and Valencia’s Lee Kang- league record by Pierre-Emerick RESULTS All the while, discussions con- will understand each other even who hurt his left knee and was mann took over, fl icking left to In was sent off in injury-time. Aubameyang of scoring in the „RB Leipzig 1 (Werner 54) VfL tinued over the Clasico against more.” replaced at half-time. He will Messi, who made no mistake. Atletico confi rmed Felix suf- fi rst eight games of the season. Wolfsburg 1 (Weghorst 82) Real Madrid, which is now ex- be a doubt for the Champions The third involved all three fered a “bad twist” in his right Aubameyang, now with Arsenal, „Werder Bremen 1 (Sagent 7) pected to go ahead in December. FOUR FOR GRIEZMANN League game away at Slavia again. Griezmann’s superb re- ankle, causing concern for achieved that feat with Borussia Hertha Berlin 1 (Lukebakio 70) Perhaps chaos off the pitch Griezmann has four goals since Prague on Wednesday. verse pass set Messi clear and he Simeone ahead of Champions Dortmund in the 2015-16 season. „Fortuna Duesseldorf 1 (Hen- inspired Barca to unite on it. joining Barca from Atletico Ma- The visiting fans chanted in generously slipped the ball left League game at home to Bayer With goals now in 11 straight nings 82) Mainz 0 This was their fi fth consecu- drid last summer but a series of support of the nine Catalan lead- for Suarez who was left with an Leverkusen on Tuesday. competitive games, Lewandowski „Augsburg 2 (Richter 1, tive victory in all competitions, underwhelming showings led ers imprisoned last week for a open goal. has also equalled a club record set Finnbogason 90+1) Bayern Mu- a sequence which is swiftly to Ousmane Dembele starting failed independence bid in 2017. Atletico lost ground as they RESULTS by Carsten Jancker in 2000. nich 2 (Lewandowski 14, Gnabry erasing memories of a stumbling against Sevilla before the inter- Griezmann’s fi nish clipped were undone by a late Dani „Eibar 0 Barcelona 3 (Griez- Gnabry made it two for the 49) start to the season. national break. the inside of the post and found Parejo free-kick against Valen- mann 13, Messi 58, Suarez 66) German champions with a well- „Union Berlin 2 (Buelter 1, The resurgence has coincided There was good news too for the net after 13 minutes. cia at the Wanda Metropolitano, „Atletico Madrid 1 (Costa 36- placed left-foot shot from the Ingvartsen 84) Freiburg 0 with Messi’s return from injury Barcelona in defence, where Messi should have made it two where both sides fi nished the pen) Valencia 1 (Parejo 82) edge of the area shortly after the „Borussia Dortmund 1 (Reus 58) yet it was the fl uidity and co- Samuel Umtiti came through 90 before half-time but was de- game with 10 men. „Getafe 2 (Angel 64, 84) break. Borussia Moenchengladbach 0 hesion of the front three, rather minutes in what was his fi rst ap- nied one-on-one by goalkeeper Diego Costa scored a fi rst- Leganes 0

Celtic hit Ross County for six to move back on top

AFP Callum McGregor, an own goal from Aberdeen closed the gap on Motherwell St. Johnstone remain bottom of the Glasgow, Scotland Liam Fontaine and James Forrest blew in third to one point with a 3-0 win at Fir table without a win this season as they the Staggies away before the hour mark. Park. lost 2-0 to St. Mirren in Paisley. Elyounoussi then added a sixth 18 The hosts missed the chance to go in eltic scored four times in nine minutes from time to move Celtic a point front when James Scott missed an early RESULTS second-half minutes to move back clear of Rangers, who face Hearts at penalty and the Dons punished that „Celtic 6 (Elyounoussi 4, 72, Edouard Cahead of Rangers at the top of the Tynecastle today. mistake through Sam Cosgrove’s well- 46, McGregor 49, Fontaine 50-og, For- Scottish Premiership with a 6-0 thrash- “I was disappointed not to be more than taken opener. rest 55) Ross County 0 ing of Ross County yesterday. one up in the first half,” said Lennon. Niall McGinn and Zak Vyner then „Hamilton 1 (Cunningham 59-pen) Mohamed Elyounoussi opened the “I put a challenge out to the players at secured a first win in three games for Hibernian 1 (Mallan 22) scoring after just four minutes, but the half time and they responded with a Derek McInnnes’s men after the break. „Kilmarnock 2 (Dicker 39, McKenzie champions somehow failed to add to volley of goals. Kilmarnock moved into fifth with a 2-1 55) Livingston 1 (Miller 84) their lead before half-time despite creat- “That’s the most complete performance win over Livingston. „Motherwell 0 Aberdeen 3 (Cosgrove ing a host of chances. we’ve had since I returned here and The pressure on Hibs manager Paul 15, McGinn 53, Vyner 60) Neil Lennon’s men found their shooting close to the most complete I’ve had as Heckingbottom increased as his side blew „St Mirren 2 (Obika 37, Mullen 61) St boots at the break as Odsonne Edouard, Celtic manager.” a first-half lead to draw 1-1 at Hamilton. Johnstone 0 Dortmund’s Marco Reus (centre) celebrates his goal against Borussia Moenchengladbach in Dortmund, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, October 20, 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Australia coach slams question over All Blacks, England future aft er WC exit

AFP think about people’s feelings just Oita, Japan for a minute.” Told his position was of great interest to the Australian public, ejected Australia coach Cheika replied: “When the time set up blockbuster Michael Cheika urged comes, I’ll tell them. They don’t the media to show need to know today.” “compassion” when This result meant the Wal- ‘We wanted to play the game at askedD about his future after Eng- laby boss has presided over seven land knocked the Wallabies out straight losses to England since our pace not theirs, and we did of the World Cup with a 40-16 his former team-mate at Sydney quarter-fi nal win yesterday. club Randwick, Eddie Jones, took that in the second half’ Cheika’s contract expires at charge of the Red Rose brigade semi-fi nal the end of the year and he has after the 2015 World Cup. previously indicated he would “Exit is an exit, it doesn’t mat- not be reapplying for his job if ter if it’s a fi nal or quarter-fi nal,” they failed to win the World Cup, said Cheika. having overseen Australia’s de- “The opponent is irrelevant. feat in the 2015 fi nal by New Zea- For all the carry-on (exchanges land. between Cheika and Jones), we But asked about his position are just going out to compete... following yesterday’s emphatic it’s painful either way.” defeat in Oita, which equalled England outscored Australia England’s record 24-point mar- four tries to one, with wing Jonny gin of victory over Australia, May marking his 50th cap with a Cheika said: “I will be honest, it fi rst-half double in three min- is a cruel, cruel world nowadays utes. when you are asking that ques- Prop Kyle Sinckler crossed for tion two minutes after we’ve the fi rst time in Test rugby before been knocked out of the World Anthony Watson went over four Cup. minutes from the fi nish. “And if you fi nd it inside you, England captain Owen Farrell to fi nd a little bit of compassion was faultless from the kicking tee, for people who are hurting, to landing eight out of eight shots just ask the more relevant ques- for a match haul of 20 points.Yet tions, because I will tell you, I Australia, thanks to a converted came here with only one thought try from wing Marika Koroibete in my mind about winning here were only a point behind at 17-16 and that thought has just disap- early in the second half. peared now. The Wallabies gave away two “I know that is what the pa- intercept tries but Cheika insisted pers demand but perhaps what- that playing a tighter game was ever your news outlet is should not in Australia’s nature.

New Zealand’s hooker Dane Coles (centre) is tackled by Ireland’s wing Keith Earls (right) during their quarter-final match at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Jones’s formidable English. A penalty try doubled Ire- Jones’s men throttled the Walla- right and then left, before man Tokyo Today, Wales face France in land’s score before Beauden bies’ attempts to claw their way of the match Tom Curry drew Oita and hosts Japan, the tour- Barrett fed his brother Jordie for back into it. the fi nal defender to give the left nament’s surprise package, play their seventh and fi nal try. “We did what’s needed. We wing an easy score in the corner. he All Blacks over- the fi rst World Cup quarter-fi nal It was a night of raw emo- had the lead and obviously Aus- Henry Slade then intercepted Australia’s head coach Michael Cheika (centre) talks to his players whelmed Ireland 46-14 in their history against South tions for the three Barrett broth- tralia were throwing everything the ball on halfway and raced to- during a warm-up session before the quarter-final match against and England thumped Africa in Tokyo. ers, also including second- at us,” said Farrell. “We wanted wards the try-line before chip- England at the Oita Stadium in Oita, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) their old enemy Aus- New Zealand are going for row Scott, after they lost their to play the game at our pace not ping into space with a kick that Ttralia to set up a blockbuster their third straight title and they grandfather Ted earlier in the theirs, and we did that in the was deftly gathered by the Eng- semi-fi nal at the Rugby World brutally dismissed a misfi ring week. “It’s been an emotional second half.” land wing. Over 50mn in Japan watch hosts’ win over Scotland Cup yesterday. Ireland side who have now lost in week for my family,” Beauden With his contract up after the Three Christian Lealiifano Aaron Smith scored the fi rst the quarter-fi nals seven times. said, tearing up, as he collected World Cup, the defeat appears penalties kept Australia in touch Over 50 mn people watched World Cup has soared as Japan two of seven tries by the All Smith’s early double was fol- his man-of-the-match award. to have ended Michael Chei- at 17-9 at half-time, and they Japan’s Rugby World Cup win have progressed through the Blacks, who kept Ireland score- lowed by a score to man-of-the- “All we wanted to do was ka’s fi ve-year stint as Walla- came storming back after the over Scotland last weekend on tournament, winning every match less for 70 minutes in a one-sid- match Beauden Barrett, who ran play well for him tonight. We’re bies coach whose highlight was restart when Marika Koroibete domestic television, World Rugby in their pool, including victories ed victory at Tokyo Stadium. on to his own grubber kick, be- thinking of you up there, we love reaching the World Cup fi nal in skinned Elliot Daly to cross for said yesterday. over tier-one nations Scotland Earlier England beat Australia fore the All Blacks repulsed an you Grandad Ted.” 2015. the Wallabies. The governing body said 54.8mn and Ireland.About 26mn people 40-16, equalling their record Irish charge to turn 22-0 ahead. “I was supposed to get this But England hit back almost people tuned in for the match, tuned in to watch the opener margin of victory over their Kieran Read’s off -the-deck ‘IT’S SO DISAPPOINTING’ done for the people here and the immediately when Farrell picked which was aired on Nippon against Russia — which was then fi erce rivals, following Jonny offl oad put Codie Taylor over for Earlier in Oita, May scored the Australians. It’s so disappoint- out Sinckler with a bullet pass Television, and saw Japan reach the most watched rugby match May’s quickfi re try double in the New Zealand’s fourth try before fi rst two of England’s four tries ing,” said a disconsolate Cheika, and the prop burst through a gap the quarter-finals for the very ever in Japan — and each contest fi rst half. Matt Todd grabbed their fi fth. in three fi rst-half minutes as a former team-mate of Jones at for his fi rst international try. first time with a 28-21 victory. The has seen more people tune in It sets up a mouth-watering Robbie Henshaw fi nally the Red Roses reached their fi rst Sydney’s Randwick club. Aus- Watson’s late intercept try viewership figures were even on television to catch the action. showdown next Saturday in put Ireland on the board be- semi-fi nal since 2007. tralia looked dangerous early on completed the job for England, higher than the audience of the World Rugby were delighted Yokohama, where top-ranked fore hooker Dane Coles gave a Kyle Sinckler and Anthony but England seized the advan- who equalled their record mar- final of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, that their gamble to take the New Zealand will put their one-handed offl oad for George Watson crossed in the second tage with May’s rapid try double. gin of victory against Australia which was also held in Japan. tournament outside of the sport’s 18-match World Cup winning Bridge’s try as New Zealand half and 20 points fl owed from England stretched the Aus- — and beat them for a third time The level of interest in the traditional heartlands has paid off . streak on the line against Eddie went 41-7 ahead. Owen Farrell’s perfect kicking as tralian defence as they attacked in the World Cup quarter-fi nals.

PREVIEW High-tempo Japan hoping for Springbok deja vu AFP ment of rugby played so far at the Tokyo tournament. Wales have more strings to their The performance was widely praised and drew many admirers, bow these days, says Adams apan’s “unique” brand with former England scrum-half Wales have developed more can put teams under pressure, of high-tempo attacking Matt Dawson saying Japan were variety in their game and and if that’s keeping things rugby will face the acid test playing a “unique” brand of rug- France are in for a surprise if tight with the forwards and when it runs up against the by. “The players have really taken they go into today’s World Cup putting more boot to ball that’s blitzJ defence of a tough South over,” Joseph said of the lead-up quarter-final expecting a one- what we’ll do. “I definitely Africa side in today’s World Cup to the Boks game. dimensional approach from the think in the last four games quarter-fi nal. “It’s a really good time as a Six Nations champions, winger we’ve moved the ball quite The World Cup hosts have al- coach because when you feel a Josh Adams said yesterday. well, and have scored some ready surpassed expectations by little bit redundant you know France coach Jacques Brunel good tries, actually. It’s another topping Pool A, notching up wins there’s real belief and confi dence said on Friday that his team string to our bow.” Wales will over Six Nations giants Ireland in the team.” knew exactly what to expect go into the match with plenty and Scotland, as well as Samoa Joseph made one injury-en- from the Welsh at Oita Stadium, of confidence having won all and Russia. forced change to his starting XV, a suff ocating defensive blanket, four pool matches and beaten Now the Japanese public want Ryohei Yamanaka coming in at pressure applied at the set France in seven of their last more, and are easily reminded of full-back to replace William Tu- piece with the occasional burst eight meetings. Coach Warren the Brave Blossoms’ pool victory pou, who drops out of the 23 after of individual brilliance. Adams, Gatland said on Friday that they over the Springboks at the 2015 failing a head injury assessment. who will go into the match as had yet to put in a complete World Cup, one of the sport’s There are fi ve changes overall the tournament’s joint leading 80-minute performance in biggest ever upsets. to the Brave Blossoms side that try-scorer with five in four Japan and Adams said getting “No we won’t be drawing on lost to 41-7 to South Africa in a matches including a hat-trick all facets of their game working that at all,” was Japan coach World Cup warm-up game in against Fiji, said that assessment was part of the quest for that. Jamie Joseph’s blunt assessment September. Joseph dubbed that was possibly outdated. “We not only can grind teams when asked whether that win game a “rehearsal” and said it “Maybe in the past we’ve kept down with the pack we’ve got, four years ago, when just four of Japan’s head coach Jamie Joseph (centre) leads the captain’s run training session at the Prince Chichibu was of massive benefi t to Japan, games a little bit closer and dominate aerially with the today’s side started, was a moti- Memorial Rugby Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) a sentiment echoed by Springbok kicked a little bit more ball, kicking game, we can also move vating factor for the match at To- captain Siya Kolisi. but that’s dependent on the the ball around and use our kyo Stadium. ent players.” instilled a huge self-belief and a It is a pleasure to behold, and “It was good to play that game gameplan and how we look at threats in the backs,” he added. “In fact, I’ve been trying to Current England coach Eddie simple game plan based around Japan’s four tries in their fi nal before the World Cup, just to get the opposition,” Adams told The winners of today’s quarter- forget about it for the last four Jones was in charge of Japan at ball retention, exploiting the pool victory over Scotland came that monkey off our back,” said reporters yesterday. final will play South Africa or years. Everyone talked about it, the last World Cup before ex-All short side and explosive, running in a purple patch that represent- Kolisi, South Africa’s fi rst black “You identify areas where you Japan in the last four. Reuters but we’re a diff erent team, diff er- Black Joseph took over. He has rugby. ed the most entertaining seg- captain. Gulf Times Sunday, October 20, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NHL Ducks down Yankees strike vs Hurricanes to remain perfect Astros, stay alive at home

Reuters get his own rebound and slide the New York, United States puck back around the post with a backhander. That gave the Ducks a 3-0 lead. akob Silfverberg con- Anaheim struck twice in the tinued his torrid scoring fi rst period. in MLB playoff s stretch as the Anaheim Henrique opened the scoring Ducks remained unde- at 4:06, snapping a wrist shot featedJ at home this season with a from the left faceoff circle over First five Yankees batters hit four runs against Cy Young Award candidate Verlander 4-2 victory against the Carolina Mrazek’s blocker. AFP Hurricanes on Friday. Terry scored at 13:44, tipping New York, United States The 29-year-old right winger Cam Fowler’s shot from the point has four goals, three assists and into the net. a plus-10 rating in the past six Following Silverberg’s goal, J LeMahieu and Aar- games. Carter Rowney chipped a short- on Hicks homered as Adam Henrique, Troy Terry handed backhander over Mrazek New York rocked star and Carter Rowney also scored to make it 4-0, ending the goal- Houston pitcher Jus- for the Ducks, who built a 4-0 ie’s night at 5:56 of the middle tinD Verlander for four runs in the lead less than six minutes into period. fi rst inning Friday in a 4-1 win the second period. Goaltender Haula extended his point that kept the Yankees alive in the Ryan Miller made 22 saves as streak to fi ve games (four goals, Major League Baseball playoff s. Anaheim improved to 4-0-0 at one assist) at 8:47 of the second The Yankees, whose 40 World the Honda Center. with a power-play goal. Haula Series appearances have yielded Erik Haula and Haydn Fleury defl ected Teuvo Teravainen’s 27 championships — the most scored for the Hurricanes. Goalie point shot past Miller. recent in 2009 — pushed the Petr Mrazek was pulled less than Fleury scored his fi rst NHL American League Champion- six minutes into the second pe- goal to cap the scoring, beating ship Series to a game six in Hou- riod after allowing four goals on Miller with a low slap shot from ston, pulling within 3-2 in the 13 shots. James Reimer came in the top of the left faceoff cir- best-of-seven set. and blanked the Ducks the rest of cle at 12:20 of the second. The With their backs against the the way, stopping all seven shots 23-year-old defenseman, early wall, the fi rst fi ve Yankees bat- he faced. in his third season, was playing ters produced four runs against Carolina lost for the third in his 96th career game. Houston’s Cy Young Award can- time in four games following a didate Verlander. season-opening, fi ve-game win- RESULTS LeMahieu led off by lashing a ning streak. home run to right fi eld. Silfverberg scored what proved Colorado 5-4 Florida Aaron Judge then singled to be the winner 37 seconds into (OT) sharply and Gleyber Torres fol- the second period. He took a Pittsburgh 4-2 Dallas lowed with a double. cross-ice pass from Michael Del Washington 5-2 NY Rangers Verlander managed to strike Zotto at the Carolina blue line out Giancarlo Stanton, back in and broke in alone down the right Chicago 3-2 Columbus the lineup as a designated hit- wing. Silfverberg’s fi rst shot (OT) ter, but Hicks belted a three-run snuck through Mrazek’s pads Edmonton 2-1 Detroit home run off the right field foul and trickled just past the right Anaheim 4-2 Carolina pole. post, but Silfverberg was able to “I was just trying to get a pitch to hit,” said Hicks, who fell behind 0-2 in the count and New York Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu (right) is congratulated by Aaron Judge after the former hit a home run against the Houston Astros during worked his way back to 3-2. “I the first inning of game five of the 2019 ALCS playoff baseball series in Bronx, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) was in battle mode right there.” Yankees manager Aaron a wild pitch from Yankees starting ing fi ve hits with the four runs baserunner in each of his next Houston, who would also Boone called the fi rst-inning pitcher James Paxton. and nine strikeouts. fi ve frames. host game seven if necessary on outburst “just a really good All the scoring came in the “I thought he recovered great The lefthander scattered four Sunday, are seeking their second string of at-bats together fi rst inning. and did his best to continue to hits and four walks while strik- World Series title in three years. against obviously Justin, who, “It was huge to get off to that keep us in the game, because ing out nine, his 112 pitches the Hicks was delighted to be probably the best time to hope- start,” Boone added. “Espe- that was a great recovery after most by any Yankees pitcher this making the trip to Texas in a bid fully get to him is early.” cially after they scored a run in an inning that looked like it was season. to stop them. the fi rst inning. I think it really spiralling away from him,” said The Astros host game six on “I don’t want to go home,” he ‘GREAT RECOVERY’ got our crowd into it even more Astros manager AJ Hinch. “The Saturday. The quick turnaround said. “This is too fun.” The off ensive explosion roused so. And really Pax took it from two balls that they hit, unfortu- comes after weather concerns The winner of the series will the crowd at Yankee Stadium, there.” nately, went out of the ballpark.” wiped out play on Wednesday, take on the Washington Nation- who had been quieted when Hou- Verlander settled in to pitch Paxton pitched six strong in- pushing back games four and als in Major League Baseball’s ston’s George Springer scored on seven solid innings, surrender- nings, stranding at least one fi ve in New York. championship showcase.

NFL Road-ready Raiders hit Green Bay Jakob Silfverberg (left) of the Anaheim Ducks battles Erik Haula of the Carolina Hurricanes for a loose puck during the first period of a game to face Rodgers, battered Packers in Anaheim, United States, on Friday. (AFP) SPOTLIGHT Reuters body for making this possible.” New York, United States The Raiders won a presea- son game between the teams in Winnipeg. One of Green Bay’s We are not trading oday’s game between quarterbacks that night, DeS- the Green Bay Packers hone Kizer, is the Raiders’ No. and the visiting Oakland 3 quarterback. Green Bay’s of- Patrick Peterson, Raiders could be de- fensive star in that game, Trevor Tcided by which quarterback can Davis, is a starting receiver and make the most out of his suspect returner for the Raiders. says Cardinals GM receivers corps. Meanwhile, the Packers The Packers beat the Detroit added to their receiver corps Reuters the 2019 Scouting Combine. The Lions on Monday night with on Wednesday by signing Ryan New York, United States Cardinals later traded Rosen to star receiver Davante Adams Grant, who had four catches the Miami Dolphins for a pair of (turf toe) inactive, Geronimo in two games with the Raiders draft picks after selecting Okla- Allison (concussion and chest) before being released after the rizona Cardinals gen- homa quarterback Kyler Murray lost for most of the second half Davis trade. He might be pressed eral manager Steve with the No. 1 overall selection in and Marquez Valdes-Scantling into duty on Sunday. Had the Keim reiterated his de- the 2019 NFL Draft. (ankle and knee) at less than full Packers practised on Wednes- sire against trading star A three-time All-Pro and eight- speed after being doubled back- day, Adams, Valdes-Scantling cornerbackA Patrick Peterson on time Pro Bowl selection, Peterson ward in the fi rst half. and Allison would have been Friday. returns to the Cardinals (2-3-1) Aaron Rodgers made it work unavailable. “I don’t know why the ques- in Sunday’s road contest against anyway. Green Bay trailed 22-13 The injuries mean a bigger op- tions persist,” Keim said during a the New York Giants (2-4) after when it got the ball with 12:17 portunity for one of last week’s radio interview on 98.7 Arizona’s serving a six-game suspension for remaining in the fourth quarter. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) throws a pass while under pressure from Detroit heroes. Allen Lazard, who spent Sports. “I have addressed it mul- violating the NFL’s performance- Rodgers drove the Packers to a Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (second from right) during the game on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) most of last season on the Jack- tiple times, last week or a couple enhancing drug policy. touchdown and the game-win- sonville Jaguars’ practice squad of weeks ago — we are not trading The rumour mill heated up upon ning fi eld goal by throwing for showed no signs of any knee is- too. He leads the NFL with a 73.3 to hear about scheduling quirks. and the start of this season on Patrick Peterson. Our stance has Peterson’s return, however, with 147 of his 283 yards during those sues Monday night, will take the completion percentage. After playing at Minnesota Green Bay’s practice squad, was simply been, why trade a player ESPN’s Adam Schefter report- fi nal two possessions. fi eld for Week 7 minus his top Tight end Darren Waller, who and at Indianapolis to end Sep- summoned from the bench dur- in his prime at one of the hard- ing earlier in the week that at least Adams did say he’s getting three outside targets. was on Baltimore’s practice squad tember, they had a “home” ing the rally and provided four est positions to fi nd, for a maybe three teams had called Arizona to closer. While that won’t help “It’s always a next-man-up at this time last year, has as many game against Chicago in Eng- catches, including a 35-yard or a couple of maybes (with draft inquire about his availability. Green Bay this week, it’s a posi- mentality, so I mean it’s not go- receptions (37) as all of Oakland’s land. Following a bye last week, touchdown. picks). Last October, Peterson re- tive in Packerland. ing to change now,” Adams said. receivers combined. One of the the Raiders are back on the road “I think that’s a fair question,” “Love what Pat brings to the quested a trade and later apolo- “It’s a million times better,” “Having us three down right team’s starting receivers, Tyrell with games at Green Bay and at Packers coach Matt LaFleur said locker room, love what he brings gized for doing so. He is under Adams said of his toe injury. “I’m now is tough and it’s putting the Williams, has a foot injury and did Houston. Then they will fi nally when asked why Lazard hadn’t to the fi eld. Again, those posi- contract with the Cardinals able to do a lot more movement in team in a tough situation, but I not practice on Wednesday. He get back to Oakland for home played earlier. “He went out tions are impossible to fi nd — left through the 2020 season, when it, more range of motion. That’s mean, it’s next man up. We’ve has four of the Raiders’ six touch- games against the Lions, Los there and he performed really tackles, quarterbacks, corners. he will earn $12.05mn. the type of stuff that I need. It’s a got other guys who are extreme- down catches. Angeles Chargers and Cincin- well. Hindsight’s 20-20, but I’m There’s no doubt, in my opin- Until the suspension, the good sign for me to get back.” ly capable so they just gotta rise The Packers (5-1) are riding nati Bengals. just excited for where he could ion, he is the best in the National 29-year-old Peterson never had Adams is offi cially out Sunday to the occasion.” high atop the NFC North, due “I know you guys have your go. He’s got to now. Football League and will remain a missed a start since the Cardi- while Allison, Valdes-Scantling The Raiders, who are com- in part to a home-heavy sched- fi fth home game already. I’m “Anybody can do it one time, Cardinal.” nals drafted him in the fi rst round and tight end Jimmy Graham ing off their bye after beating ule. This will be their fi fth home jealous,” Raiders coach Jon Gru- but now you’ve got to do it each While Keim has denied inter- (fi fth overall) in 2011. In 128 (ankle) are still possible to play. the Chicago Bears in London, game in seven weeks. After Sun- den said of the Packers. “We’re and every time. That’s the ex- est in trading Peterson, it’s worth games, Peterson has registered Graham indicated he’ll be ready have gotten just 37 receptions day, they will play just one home in the middle of one of the great- pectation. I’m excited to see him noting that he held a similar 387 tackles, 23 interceptions, 76 to go, but it’s feasible Rodgers, from their entire receiver corps. game in a span of six weeks. est road trips in the history of put together back to back to back public stance in regard to former passes defensed and 12 fumble who was limited last week but Derek Carr has made it work, The Raiders (3-2) don’t want football. I’d like to thank every- and see where it goes.” fi rst-round pick Josh Rosen at recoveries. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, October 20, 2019 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING SPOTLIGHT Athletes can now approach Marquez secures 2020 focused on ‘The main target is to performance, his fi rst pole at finish in the not survival podium. Then if Reuters in last month’s athletics world Oita, Japan championships in Doha, even I feel OK, try the best preparations can fail to beat the elements, and the to fight for he news that the mara- Tokyo course had already been thon and walking events highlighted as having very little the victory’ at the Tokyo Olympics shade. Japan MotoGP are set to move to a cool- Doha organisers started the Ter climate will be welcomed by marathons and walks around the majority of athletes, who can midnight to take advantage of now focus on reaching their ab- the cooler conditions but it failed solute maximum without fear of spectacularly, with over 40 % a major medical breakdown. of competitors dropping out of The International Olympic the women’s marathon, some of Committee (IOC) has announced them in visible distress. a plan to move the 2020 Games “You see somebody down on endurance events to Sapporo on the course and it’s just, extremely the northern island Hokkaido grounding and scary, that could due to concerns about the impact be you in the next kilometre, the of heat on the scheduled Tokyo next 500 metres,” Canadian run- course. ner Lyndsay Tessier said after the Although it has still to be ap- race. proved by Tokyo 2020 offi cials, it “I’m just really grateful to have seems likely to be, meaning ath- fi nished standing up.” letes will already be starting to In last year’s Commonwealth revise their training plans. Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, It is hard enough in normal Scotsman Callum Hawkins was circumstances for athletes try- on course for the biggest win of ing to hone their training for the his career when he collapsed with longest endurance races to en- heatstroke 2km from the fi nish. sure they peak at just the right He said he had felt absolutely time. no ill-eff ects at the time — some- Yet when that already gruel- thing medical professionals are ling training has to be adapted to particularly concerned about factor in high temperatures and with elite distance athletes who humidity, the challenge is dou- train themselves to endure such bled. levels of pain and discomfort that The 50km walk is the longest they go far beyond the “red zone” event on the athletics calendar, that would bring lesser mortals with athletes pounding the pave- to a halt when their bodies are ments for over three and a half screaming for relief. hours, while everyone is aware Hawkins learned from his or- of the extremes of exertion the deal and trained for Doha in his world’s best marathoners go garden shed, with two electric through. heaters on full blast. He was Coaches and scientists have for leading again late in Doha but, many years tried to mitigate the though he faded to fi nish fourth, impact of heat, with specially- he crossed the line on his feet this designed ultra-light and “high- time. wicking” fabrics for race kit, ice Now he, and many more like caps and even ice vests used to him, particularly from cooler cool the body prior to competing. parts of the world, will be able Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Marquez of Spain celebrates his pole position at the parc ferme after the MotoGP qualifying session of the Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix at Warm weather training camps to plan their next year of training the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi, Tochigi prefecture, yesterday. have become the norm, while thinking only of how to improve more left-fi eld — and consider- such things as their oxygen take AFP closing laps. ably cheaper — methods such as up, their running economy and Motegi, Japan “I am ready to fi ght. I hope training in a sauna or over-heat- build their strength and endur- to make good fi rst laps,” the ed gym are also commonly used. ance, and no longer try to fi nd a Frenchman said about the Sun- However, as was illustrated way to “just survive”. otoGP world cham- day race. Riders in Motegi had to pion Marc Marquez navigate hostile conditions after will eye his tenth heavy rain into the afternoon, win of the season leaving the track with damp Russian boxers see doping Mafter snatching pole position in spots and with thick cloud cover Japan yesterday. for the qualifying sessions. bans doubled aft er report The Honda rider clocked 1min Sunny weather is expected 45.763sec for his fi rst pole start for Sunday’s race day on the Moscow: The doping suspen- Tokarchuk, suspended in Novem- in the premier class at Twin Ring Japanese circuit. Starting from sions of two Russian boxers ber 2017 for two years for testing Motegi, where he won in 2016 the second row will be Mav- have been doubled after Reuters positive for a banned substance, and last year, while coming sec- erick Vinales of Monster En- reported that they had fought will serve another two-year ban ond in 2017, 2014 and 2013. ergy Yamaha, Cal Crutchlow of in off icial competitions during starting in November 2019, the “Finally we did it. So happy,” LCR Honda and Jack Miller of their bans, Russia’s anti-doping agency said. Marquez said, after securing his Pramac Racing. agency RUSADA said yesterday. Athletes banned for doping are 90th career pole. They are followed by Dovizio- Reuters reported in July that forbidden from participating in He will be joined in the front so, who could seal second place boxers Islam Dashaev and Alena any capacity in competitions or row by Petronas Yamaha SRT in this year’s championship with Tokarchuk had competed in activities related to elite sport, ac- riders Franco Morbidelli and Sunday’s race, while Valentino elite tournaments despite their cording to the rules of the World Fabio Quartararo, who came in Rossi starts from the fourth row. bans, which is forbidden under Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). 0.132sec and 0.181sec later. international anti-doping rules. If an athlete is found to have Marquez, who fi nished third QUALIFYING TIMES RUSADA said at the time that it violated a doping ban, the in Friday practice, has already 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) had been unaware of the cases duration of the suspension can secured his sixth season win in 1min 45.763sec, 2. Franco and pledged to investigate. A be doubled. These lapses in the seven years after triumphing in Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) Russian boxing federation off icial enforcement of the boxers’ bans Thailand two weeks ago. at 0.132sec, 3. Fabio Quartararo who had overseen one of the suggest that Russia, which says He also fi nished second in fi ve (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) 0.181, 4. competitions also said he had no it has put its doping scandals be- of the season’s six other races, Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) knowledge that the boxer had hind it, has yet to create a culture missing the podium only once in Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy leaves the pit during the MotoGP 0.327, 5. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/ been banned. in which all dopers are sidelined. the United States after crashing fourth free practice session yesterday. Honda-LCR) 0.426, 6. Jack Miller Dashaev, who had received a Russia’s participation in the 2020 out while leading the race. (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) 0.574, 7. four-year suspension in 2017 for Tokyo Summer Olympics is at Still, the season champion his team were yet to fi nd the best cause Yamaha riders have good OK, try to fi ght for the victory,” Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) doping violations that included risk after WADA found inconsist- was keeping his guard high, with setup for their machine, saying pace, Dovizioso has a good pace. he said. Quartararo is nipping 0.647, 8. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/ refusing a doping test, has encies in Moscow’s laboratory the Yamaha duo and Andrea “tomorrow will be a tough race” We will try to do our 100%,” the at the Spaniard’s heels after Ducati) 0.664, 9. Aleix Espar- received another four-year sus- data.coaches and one doctor Dovizioso on Ducati maintain- as the weather has changed con- Spaniard said. two narrow defeats to the world garo (ESP/Aprilia) 0.795, 10. pension starting in March 2021, banned for doping were still ing pressure. stantly on Friday and Saturday. “The main target is to fi n- champion in recent races, with Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) RUSADA said. working with athletes. Marquez admitted that he and “We will see tomorrow be- ish in the podium. Then if I feel victory only decided on the 0.795.

BOXING Beterbiev stops Gvozdyk to unify two titles AFP Beterbiev, who trains in Mon- Gvozdyk had been warned by Gvozdyk by a second round stop- Philadelphia treal, Canada, improved to 15-0 Rosato after the second knock- page. with 15 knockouts and is the only down that the fi ght would be Beterbiev’s next fi ght will be a major boxing champion to have stopped if there was one more mandatory defence against an- rtur Beterbiev unifi ed knocked out all of his opponents. and when he took a knee after ab- other undefeated fi ghter, China’s boxing’s light heavy- Gvozdyk threw more punches, sorbing the right, Rosato had no Meng Fanlong. Promoter Bob weight division on Fri- but Beterbiev landed the harder choice but to stop it. Arum wants to hold that fi ght day with a 10th round and more direct shots, mixing Beterbiev was a slight under- early next year in China around stoppageA of Oleksandr Gvozdyk up his combinations by working dog for the two-belt fi ght which the time of the Chinese New Year. in title clash between two unde- the head and body in front of the marked the fi rst time that two The fi ght was the fi rst world feated boxers. crowd at The Liacouras Center in undefeated champions squared title bout since American boxer The 34-year-old Beterbiev Philadelphia. off in the light heavyweight divi- Patrick Day died on Wednesday knocked his Ukrainian opponent Beterbiev showed why he is sion. from brain injury suff ered in a down three times in the 10th be- considered one of boxing’s most Gvozdyk, who suff ered his fi rst fi ght last weekend. Day was hon- fore referee Gary Rosato stopped devastating punchers in the fi nal loss in 18 fi ghts, was coming off a oured with a 10 bell salute prior it with 11 seconds left. round. Looking the fresher of the third round knockout of Doudou to the main event. Beterbiev, who represented two, Beterbiev scored the fi rst Ngumbu. The 27-year-old super wel- Russia in the 2008 and 2012 Ol- knockdown with a fl icking left to This was the second time the terweight from New York had ympics, defended his Interna- the side of the face. He knocked pair had clashed with Beterbiev undergone emergency brain sur- tional Boxing Federation crown him down again 30 seconds later also winning when they fought as gery after being knocked out by and seized Gvozdyk’s World Box- and fi nished Gvozdyk off with an amateurs 10 years ago. Beterbiev Charles Conwell last Saturday at ing Council belt. overhand right. won that fi ght over a bloodied Chicago’s Wintrust Arena. Gulf Times Sunday, October 20, 2019 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING TENNIS Murray to take on Wawrinka in Yes Yes Yes stuns Antwerp fi nal

AFP Murray, now ranked a lowly Antwerp, Belgium 243, last reached a fi nal in Du- bai in March 2017 where he was crowned champion. ormer world number one Wawrinka earlier ended Ital- favourites in the Andy Murray reached his ian teenager Jannik Sinner’s fi ne fi rst fi nal in more than run in Belgium, the Swiss vet- two and a half years yes- eran defeating the 18-year-old ‘IT WAS VERY SURREAL. I HAD A terdayF with a three-set triumph 6-3, 6-2 to reach his 30th career over Ugo Humbert of France in fi nal. PLAN IN MY HEAD ABOUT WHAT I the European Open in Antwerp. Sinner was the youngest play- Murray, steadily rebuilding er to make the semi-fi nals of an WANTED TO DO’ his game after career-saving ATP tournament since 17-year- Everest hip surgery earlier this year, old Borna Coric in 2014. AFP triumphed 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the But he met his match in 18th- Sydney semi-fi nals. ranked Wawrinka, with the Today, the 32-year-old Briton 34-year-old taking one hour and will tackle fellow three-time 59 minutes to edge closer to a Grand Slam title winner Stan fi rst title since winning the Ge- es Yes Yes, trained Wawrinka in the fi nal. neva Open in May 2017. by Chris Waller who steered Winx on an incredible, unbeaten 33-raceY run, stunned favour- ite Santa Ana Lane to win the world’s richest turf, The Ever- est, in Sydney yesterday. With jockey Glen Boss in the saddle, the three-year- old colt collected a whopping Aus$6.05mn (US$4.13mn) for barely a one-minute sprint. On a glorious day, Santa Ana Lane was second and Trekking third in front of some 40,000 people at Royal Randwick, who put aside revelations this week detailing the shocking fate of thousands of retired racehorses. While slaughtering race- horses, as opposed to rehoming them, is not illegal in Australia, a two-year undercover probe by the Australian Broadcasting FOCUS Corp alleged the practice was far more widespread than acknowl- edged. It detailed healthy horses be- ing brutalised at one abattoir before being killed on an “in- Yes Yes Yes, ridden by jockey Glen Boss, wins the Everest 2019 horse race at the Royal Randwick race course in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. (AFP) dustrial scale”, with their meat shipped overseas for human and also trained by Waller, led ed prize money from its initial and commit for three years, then A push for a national trace- and pet consumption, sending for most of the race until Yes Yes Aus$10mn to Aus$14mn this do a deal with owners and jock- ability register has been stepped shockwaves through the indus- Yes and Santa Ana Lane pow- year. eys to secure the top horses. up in the aftermath, which try. ered past in the dying stages. Even the horse that came last, The idea for The Everest came would allow authorities to bet- The scandal cast a shadow Seven-year-old Redzel, Ten Sovereigns, walked away from Racing NSW chief execu- ter track changes in ownership, File photo of Andy Murray. (Reuters) over The Everest, but it didn’t which won the fi rst two Everests with Aus$400,000, with the tive Peter V’landys, who mod- and locations, of racehorses deter the punters who turned and was again ridden by Kerrin cash bonanza easily topping the elled it on the Pegasus World when they leave the industry. out en masse for one of the big- McEvoy, fi nished eighth. Nature pool off ered at the Melbourne Cup in the United States, run Waller said a small minority gest events on the global racing Strip came fourth. Cup, which has been run on the over 1800m. were letting down the majority calendar. “What I’m getting emotional fi rst Tuesday in November since But it has been controversial with their treatment of horses. Colsaerts seizes three-shot “I promise you, that was one about is the ride she took us on,” 1876. with Racing NSW and the Aus- “We’ve got to be accountable French Open lead hell of an experience,” said an said Waller, close to tears after Raced over 1200 metres (3/4 tralian Turf Club scheduling as to every horse that leaves our ecstatic Boss. his biggest win since the mighty mile or six furlongs), it brought it in Sydney to clash with the stable but obviously there’s gaps Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts will Colsaerts’ last victory came “It was very surreal. I had a Winx, considered perhaps the together 12 of the world’s best Caulfi eld Cup meeting in Mel- that need looking at,” he said. take a three-shot lead into at the Volvo World Match Play plan in my head about what I greatest racehorse ever, retired sprinters boasting countless ti- bourne. “And if people that are harsh the final round of the French Championship in May 2012. wanted to do and Chris was in earlier this year. tles under weight-for-age con- And while it has caught the to animals, whether they be a Open after a four-under-par He briefly saw his lead cut to my corner on how I wanted to ditions. imagination, the lead-up this racehorse or whether they be 67 yesterday, as he looks for two strokes with a bogey on ride the horse.” RICHES AT STAKE Under an innovative concept, year was marred by the scandal a hobby horse or any animal his first European Tour title in the 17th, but he birdied the Nature Strip, part-owned by Since its inception in 2017, The buyers are required to purchase surrounding the fate of retired for that matter, they need to be seven years. dangerous last hole to remain All Blacks coach Steve Hansen Everest has progressively boost- a Aus$600,000 slot in the race horses. dealt with.” The 36-year-old, who was in total control on 13-under for part of Europe’s winning the tournament. Ryder Cup team at Medinah in Coetzee remains his closest 2012, poured in five birdies to challenger on 10-under after move clear of playing partner battling to a one-under 70. Dettori’s landmark soft ens blow of Stradivarius loss on Champions Day George Coetzee of South The world number 289 made Africa. three straight birdies at the AFP Elizabeth II. must be a European record.” He came back and had a whinny, so he’s Colsaerts has not managed a start of the back nine, but Ascot, United Kingdom Star Catcher, though, will remain Stradivarius gave his all in an epic duel happy. “We will be back for the Ascot top-10 finish since February followed those with a double- fi rmly etched in his memory as the fi lly with Kew Gardens as both swapped the Gold Cup (he has won the last two).” and has slipped to 424th in bogey on the par-four 13th prevailed in a thrilling fi nish to the Fillies lead as they hit the fi nal-furlong marker. There is a tantalising prospect of a re- the world rankings. and never fully recovered, egendary jockey Frankie Dettori and Mares race, just getting the better of Just a nose separated them on the line match with Kew Gardens in next year’s “I’m a bit on a mission. I have finishing with five straight enjoyed a sweet and sour Cham- Delphinia and Sun Maiden. but it was suffi cient to bring to an end Gold Cup. “Kew Gardens is an incredible a lot to play for,” he said, after pars. pions Day at Ascot yesterday, as Her victory also managed to put the the winning streak for John Gosden’s re- horse and it was a great performance,” arriving at Le Golf National “I was hoping it would the joy of his 250th Group One smile back on Dettori’s face following doubtable stayer, dating back to when he said trainer Aidan O’Brien. sitting 114th on the season- continue but came to an Lvictory was counter-balanced by Stradi- Stradivarius’s defeat in the previous race, was third in the same race in 2017. “We were thinking about the Gold Cup long Race to Dubai standings abrupt halt on 13. Kind of the varius’s 10-race winning streak coming the Long Distance Cup. Gosden took defeat philosophically, this year and if the lads (the owners) de- and battling to keep his tour way I’ve been playing this to a shock end. “I am still a bit sour about Stradivar- saying they had been close to pulling cide to keep him in training, which I think card for next year. week,” said Coetzee. The 48-year-old Italian — who fa- ius,” he said. “From crying to smiling in Stradivarius out due to the heavy condi- there is a strong chance they will, he “It’s not like actually winning American Kurt Kitayama mously once went through the card at half an hour! tions. could well go for the Gold Cup.”Gosden, this tournament is at the was joined in third place on Ascot with seven winners in 1996 — also “She provided me with my 250th “It is Champions Day and you let the like Dettori, bore a happier face when forefront of my mind. nine-under by Wales’ Jamie suff ered the indignity of being dumped Group One. I love her! day down if you do not run Stradivarius,” he welcomed back Star Catcher half an “I still have to play shots. It got Donaldson, also a former from King of Comedy in front of the “It would have been great to have done sad Gosden. hour after Stradivarius’s heart-breaking a little bit easier at the end but Ryder Cup winner, who fired a crowd of just under 30,000, including it on Enable (in the Arc de Triomphe a “He found it too much of a slog on the defeat — sweeter too at the expense of it’s a diff icult course to play.” third-round 66. AFP the sport’s most famous patron Queen fortnight ago) but what a number... It ground but he’s run a wonderful race. O’Brien’s 25/1 shot Delphinia.

GOLF/ US PGA TOUR Morikawa leads charge of young brigade AFP ning of July and later that month won his fi rst the Norwegian after the 19-round streak ended Jeju, South Korea PGA Tour event at the Barracuda Champion- with a 74 yesterday to leave him tied 33rd at ship. four-under par. “Obviously it all happened really quickly,” “Bottom line is I just try to shoot as low as I ollin Morikawa showed why he is one of Wolff told AFP, before struggling to a six- can and try to win a golf tournament.” the leading lights of a new generation of over 78 that left him in 76th place. “Last year I Im, the fi rst Asian to be named US PGA Tour golf stars when he shot a stunning best- watched this event in Stillwater, Oklahoma at Rookie of the Year, has been a darling of the Ko- of-the-day 65 yesterday at the CJ Cup. college, on my couch. rean media at the CJ Cup, which is being played CMorikawa, Im Sung-jae, Matthew Wolff , “To be able to be playing in it against all these on his home course at Nine Bridges on Jeju Is- Viktor Hovland and Joaquin Niemann are all amazing players in a place like South Korea, I’m land. barely in their twenties but are keeping pace just kind of pinching myself.” He goes into Sunday at fi ve-under par in a with some of the game’s biggest names in Korea Chile’s Niemann is also just 20 and took his share of 26th place after a third-round 70. this week. maiden PGA Tour win at the Greenbrier last Still only 21, he had seven top-10s and was the “We feel like we belong and even though month. He is tied 18th in the elite 78-player fi eld only rookie to qualify in the 30-man fi eld for the we’ve watched all these guys play golf, it fi nally at seven-under par after a 71 yesterday. season-long FedEx Cup fi nale, the Tour Cham- feels good to play against them and get to know “There’s more people I can hang out with who pionship. them,” the 22-year-old American Morikawa are my age,” said Niemann about his life on the Im was presented with the 2019 Rookie of the told AFP after his impressive display. globetrotting Tour. Year award before play got under way this week. He closed with a bogey six in a seven-under “So makes it a lot more fun and interesting, “I went to a practice range and many people par third round liberally sprinkled with nine and also because they’re really good players.” recognised me,” he said. “It is diff erent from last birdies that took him to nine-under for the year. Now when I go to a golf course people rec- tournament and a tie for seventh place. ‘COOL TO BE PART OF HISTORY’ ognise me.” “I think the reason why we turned pro at the Norway’s Hovland, 22, has this week set a All are wildly talented, and all have a fearless- times we did is that we felt ready,” he added of PGA Tour record for most consecutive rounds in ness that come with youth. It remains to be seen the young brigade who are taking the US PGA the sixties and earlier this year broke Jack Nick- if any will go on to win majors. Tour by storm week-in, week-out. laus’s record for the lowest score by an amateur But if Morikawa’s determination is anything Morikawa was runner-up to 20-year-old US at the US Open. to go by, that could well come sooner rather than Collin Morikawa hits his tee shot on the first hole during the third round of the CJ Cup at Nine compatriot Wolff at the 3M Open at the begin- “It’s cool to kind of be a part of history,” said later for some of them. Bridges golf club in Jeju Island, South Korea, yesterday. (AFP)

Sunday, October 20, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SHEIKH JOAAN SIGNS AGREEMENTS WITH TUNISIA, CAMEROON OLYMPIC COMMITTEES

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) signed MoUs with the Tunisian and Cameroon Olympic Committees to further promote bilateral relations and consolidate sports co-operation and exchange of experiences. HE the President of the QOC, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, signed the agreements with Tunisian Olympic chief Mehrez Boussayene (L) and the President of the Cameroon Olympic Committee, Colonel Kalkaba Malboum. (QNA)

CRICKET Sharma, Rahane help India hit back aft er early wobble Sharma played it cool to fifty then soon launched an attack with a barrage of sixes to reach his sixth Test hundred

AFP paceman Anrich Nortje claimed his RANCHI SCORECARD Ranchi maiden Test wicket after he trapped India skipper Virat Kohli lbw for 12. INDIA Lungi 11-4-36-0, Nortje 16-3-50-1, Sharma, who hit twin centuries in M. Agarwal c Elgar b Rabada 10 Linde 11-1-40-0, Piedt 6-0-43-0 pener Rohit Sharma hit his his debut game as an opening batsman R. Sharma nout out 117 South Africa: F. du Plessis (capt), D. El- third century of the series to at the start of the series, then steadied C. Pujara lbw b Rabada 0 gar, Q. de Kock, Z. Hamza, T. Bavuma, lead India’s charge after they the innings along with Rahane, who V. Kohli lbw b Nortje 12 H. Klaasen (wk), G. Linde, D. Piedt, K. lost early wickets against completed his 21st Test fi fty. A. Rahane not out 83 Rabada, A. Nortje, L. Ngidi SouthO Africa on day one of the third Sharma played it cool to fi fty then Extras (b1, nb1) 2 Test yesterday. soon launched an attack with a bar- Total (3 wickets, 58 overs) 224 Toss: India Sharma, on 117, combined with rage of sixes, reaching his sixth Test To bat: R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, W. Saha, Umpires: Richard Illingworth (ENG), Ajinkya Rahane, on 83, to put on an hundred with his fourth hit over the S. Nadeem, U. Yadav, M. Shami Nigel Llong (ENG) unbeaten 185-run stand after the hosts fence amid loud applause from the Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Agarwal), 2-16 TV Umpire: Chris Gaff aney (NZL) were wobbling at 39-3 following their home crowd. (Pujara), 3-39 (Kohli) Match referee: Richie Richardson decision to bat fi rst in Ranchi. The duo from Mumbai have record- Bowling: Rabada 14-5-54-2 (nb1), (WIS) India reached 224 for three when bad ed India’s best fourth-wicket stand light stopped play in the fi nal session. against South Africa after surpassing It began to rain as well and no further the 178 between Kohli and Rahane in “Rabada is one of the better bowl- his entire bowling unit. After losing action was possible. the second match. In the morning ers in the world at the moment. Today nine coin tosses in consecutive Asian Sharma and Rahane ensured that session, India lost Mayank Agarwal, he showed why he’s rated so high,” Tests, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis India, who have already taken an un- for 10, and Cheteshwar Pujara, for Rathour said in praise of the South brought on his deputy Temba Bavuma assailable 2-0 lead in the three-match nought, to Rabada’s lively spell of pace African pace spearhead. to end the poor run. series, denied the opposition bowlers bowling and slipped to 16 for two. “As a batsman, you need to survive It was not enough and South Africa any wickets after lunch. Rabada nearly got his third when those spells, you need to get through lost its 10th fl ip on the trot in Asian “The duo batted really well. There Sharma was judged lbw by the on- those spells and Rohit did very well Tests — the third of the series. was a bit of moisture early on. Wicket India’s Rohit Sharma (R) celebrates his century (100 runs) with teammate fi eld umpire when the opener was on today again.” Kohli made a review Spinner Shahbaz Nadeem made his was doing something,” said India’s Ajinkya Rahane at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) stadium in seven. of his own — a leg-before call — but international debut for India while batting coach Vikram Rathour. Ranchi yesterday. But Sharma successfully reviewed tracking technology showed the ball wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen and “They also bowled in better areas the decision as replays clearly showed would have grazed the leg stump. left-arm orthodox George Linde but recovery was phenomenal. Both of the wicket eased a bit. We should catch Kagiso Rabada got two early scalps the batsman got an inside edge off the Nortje said getting Kohli’s prized earned their maiden Test caps for the them batted really well and post-lunch this.” in a fi ery morning spell and fellow bat before the ball hit the pads. scalp was “unbelievable” and praised Proteas.

HATHAB SERIES Big Tour honours for Mohamed al-Suwaidi By Sports Reporter Doha

ohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi made a roaring start to his Hathab Longines Tour 2019-2020 campaign, Mclaiming the Big Tour victory in the fi rst round of the 12-leg competition at Al Shaqab yesterday Riding the 7-year-old bay mare Happy Feet, al-Suwaidi indeed came back smiling with a faultless win- ning round in 72.97secs in the Table A, One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 (130/145cm) event to claim the top prize of Qatari Riyals 8,750 besides valuable points. Finishing second was Hamad Tow- aim al-Marri on Chin Van de Kranen- burg. Though he too rode fl awless, he needed 81.15secs to clear the obstacles for a prize of QR3,000. In the Open Class, Mohamed Khali- fa al-Baker excelled on Arselina to top the One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 (130/145cm) event. He clocked Omar al-Mannai, Vice-Chairman of Organising Committee Longines Hathab Tour, 39.21secs and 20.66secs both times and Ali al-Rumaihi, Member, Organising Committee, with Future Riders podium being faultless. finishers. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi on Numero Uno-T fi nished second in 35.97secs 1. Mohamed Khalifa al-Baker (Ar- 2. Abdulaziz Khalid al-Bukhari (Har- and 23.44secs respectively in the two Big Tour winner Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi does a victory lap astride Happy Feet on winning the Big Tour of the first selina); 0, 39.21secs; 0, 20.66secs; vard); 0; 64.05secs rounds. round of Hathab Longines Tour at Al Shaqab yesterday. QR3,750 3. Mohamed Jamal al-Derbesti (Hen- In the Future Riders’ Optimum 2. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Numero rico); 0; 59.47secs Time categories, 1. Saoud Abdulla (Show Jumping), Longines Hathab RESULTS 2. Hamad Towaim al-Marri (Chin Van Uno-T); 0, 35.97secs; 0, 23.44secs; al-Kubaisi on Selest (62.91secs), and Tour, awarded the Open Class winner de Kranenburg) 0, 81.15secs, QR7,000 QR3,000 Future Riders Barzan Azzam Saleh on Ilse (47.65secs) and runners-up. Big Tour 3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Dilandra) 4, 3. Alqaqa Adel Nassar (Dubaii); 0, Optimum Time | 70/85cm emerged best. The second round of Hathab Table A, One round against the clock, 73.19secs; QR5,250 36.76secs; 0, 24.81secs; QR2,250. 1. Barzan Azzam Saleh (Ilse); 0; Organising Committee Member Longines Tour 2019-20 will be held Art. 238.2.1 | 130/145cm | Prize-Money 47.65secs of the Longines Hathab Tour, Badr from November 7 to 9 at the Qatar QR35,000 Open Class Future Riders 2. Jassim Saleh al-Saegh (Joly’s Arno); al-Darwish awarded the Big Tour po- Equestrian Federation’s outdoor are- Rider Horse Faults Time Prize Table A, Two Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | Optimum Time | 85/100cm 0; 48.51secs dium fi nishers, while Ahmed Younes na. 1. Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi (Happy 115/125cm | Prize-Money QR15,000 1. Saoud Abdulla al-Kubaisi (Selest); 0; 3. Fahad bin Jassim al-Thani (Sandor); Bedoui, President of the Ground Jury Feet) 0, 72.97secs; QR8,750 Rider Horse Faults Time Prize 62.91secs 0; 47.39secs.