SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 05 I am very happy about what I’m doing. I’m going to keep Rafael Nadal says working hard to try to produce ahead of his US Open TENNIS FORMULA ONE chances. Sunday is one. It’s final against Daniil US Open, men’s singles Italian Grand Prix at just one more chance, that’s Medvedev. final: Medvedev vs Nadal Monza Eni Circuit, Italy ACTION

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Vlade Divac gives his speech during the 2019 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Czech Republic, keep rolling at World Cup

AP BEIJING

The Czech Republic defeated Brazil 93-71 yesterday to keep itself in the hunt for a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals with an easy win the previously Divac inducted into unbeaten South Americans. Tomas Satoransky scored 20 points, added nine assists and had Basketball Hall of Fame seven rebounds for the Czechs (3-1), who will play Greece AFP speech on Friday was his tomorrow. Ondrej Balvin scored LOS ANGELES former Yugoslav 15 and Patrik Auda added 14 for teammate Toni Kukoc, a the winners. Vlade Divac, who won Croatian. “It was another great victory Olympic basketball silver “The people of the for us,” Satoransky said, with the with Yugoslavia and later are like a dysfunc- team playing to its identity by with Serbia, lauded the tional family. We may fight “playing fast, running, sharing the game’s ability to bridge and argue, but in the end ball and fighting on defense.” divides as he was inducted we are family,” said Divac, Coach Ronen Ginzburg said into the Basketball Hall of who spent eight years with “it’s an amazing time for us, for Fame on Friday. the Lakers and played six Czech Republic basketball. It’s a Drafted into the NBA in with the Sacramento Kings great win.” Australia’s Patty Mills dribbles the ball during the Basketball World Cup Group L second round game 1989 by the Los Angeles -- where he is now general Vitor Benite scored 12 for against Dominican Republic in Nanjing, yesterday. Lakers, Divac became one manager. Brazil (3-1), which will face the US of the first European “To me basketball was tomorrow in the second-round players to have an impact always about love.” finale for both teams. Leandro each scored 11 for Brazil. In 16 points and Victor Liz added 14. top player for the Spanish team, in the league. Divac was part of a Barbosa and Marcelinho Huertas Nanjing, Australia, which had Australia join Japan as the two scoring 16 points. Mentored by Kareem 2019 Hall of Fame class already clinched a place in next qualified teams for Tokyo. Japan is In addition, Rick Rubio pro- Abdul-Jabbar and Magic inducted in Springfield, Czech Republic defeat year’s Olympics by being the top in as the host nation. Six more teams duced 15 points, while Rudy Fern- Johnson, he quickly Massachusets, that also Brazil 93-71 to stay in team in the World Cup out of for the 12-team Olympic field will andez helped his team five points, adapted to the NBA and included Sidney Moncrief, the hunt for a spot in the Oceania, took away the be decided from the World Cup. five assist and five rebounds. was the first player born Paul Westphal, Jack Sikma, World Cup quarter-finals. Dominican Republic’s chances of Meanwhile, on Friday, Spain Danilo Gallinari scored 15 and trained outside the Bobby Jones, Al Attles, Bill reaching the quarter-finals. punched their ticket to the points for Italy. The Oklahoma United States to play more Fitch and Teresa Australia join Japan as Australia (4-0) was led by quarter-final, beating Italy 67-60 City Power forward also made five than 1,000 games in the Weatherspoon. Patty Mills of the San Antonio in the second round of the 2019 rebounds. league. Chuck Cooper and Carl the two qualified teams Spurs with 19 points and nine FIBA Basketball World Cup. Fenerbahce Beko player Luigi Among those he Braun were inducted for Tokyo. Japan is in as assists. Chris Goulding added 15 In the match played in Wuhan Datome produced 12 points thanked in his induction posthumously. the host nation. with 13 from Jock Landale. Eloy city, Denver Nuggets forward against Spain but Italy couldn’t Vargas led the Dominicans with Juancho Hernangomez was the avoid the loss in Wuhan. Brown returns Russia’s Medvedev happy to prove to Raiders, eyes doubters wrong with US Open run season opener AP ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA AFP Daniil Medvedev of Russia hits a return to Grigor Dimitrow of Bulgaria during their US NEW YORK Star receiver Antonio Brown returned to the Open semi-final on Friday. Oakland Raiders on Friday after a one-day Daniil Medvedev has enjoyed silencing absence and is set to play the season opener those who questioned his fiery tem- I will not say that I’m after apologising following a run-in with perament and wrote him off during his a kind person or a general manager Mike Mayock that had put teenage years after a sizzling hardcourt him in jeopardy of being suspended. season that has left him on the cusp of good person. I can only “I’m excited to be out here today,” Brown US Open glory. say I’m a really calm 23-year-old -- a said in a brief statement after practice. The Russian secured a place in his person in life. I actually mellow figure off the “I want to apologise to my team-mates, first Grand Slam final on Friday with a have no idea why the court -- wants his the organisation. Enough talk now. I’m 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Grigor Dim- racquet to do the talking excited to be out here with my team-mates itrov, setting Medvedev up with an demons go out when in future. and grateful for all the fans and I’m excited instant shot at revenge for last month’s I play tennis: Daniil “I lost a lot of matches in to be a part of the Raiders and see you guys Montreal loss to Rafael Nadal. Medvedev my career when I was getting crazy. soon.” However, his path to today’s cham- You never know when you lose a match Brown addressed the team earlier in a pionship match in New York has been he doing on the tennis court?’ I’ve just because you lost it or because you meeting, a day after being sent home from a rocky ride -- embraced at first by improved big-time. Hopefully I will get crazy and lost some concentration. the facility after a confrontation Wednesday Medvedev but one he is now keen to improve even more.” The glacial rela- You can never be sure about it,” he said. at practice with Mayock. forget as he tries to shed his image as tions with the Flushing Meadows “I was sitting after these matches, Brown had posted a letter earlier the wacky villain. faithful appears to be thawing, the I was like, ‘I don’t want to lose these Wednesday from Mayock detailing nearly Booed by fans after an obscene frosty reception that greeted his matches because I get crazy or because $54,000 in fines for missing a practice and gesture in the third round, Medvedev quarter-final entrance against Stan I lose some concentration because of walkthrough. Brown was also fined for the taunted them in response by saying he Wawrinka replaced by more generous the fans, because of the referees, some- dust-up with Mayock, a person familiar with thrived on their jeers for the energy to applause ahead of his clash with thing that happens during the match.’ the punishment said on condition of ano- win. He later apologised and admitted Dimitrov. “I want to lose matches because I nymity because it wasn’t announced. ESPN it has been a long road to clean up his While 18-time Grand Slam was a worst tennis player on the court first reported the fine. act. champion Nadal figures to attract con- than my opponent. If I manage to do it “We had a team meeting where Antonio “There were many who would say, siderable support from the 24,000 fans every time, that’s going to be great.” addressed the team,” quarterback Derek Carr coaches or something, at the age of 16 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the final, Meanwhile, Grigor Dimitrov sought said. or 14, I could get engaged during the Medvedev doesn’t expects the boos to to focus on the positives of an encour- “We were up there with him, a couple of match because I thought they clapped return. aging fortnight in New York after his captains. We communicated back and forth on a double-fault or something. I would “I would be surprised, but I would US Open run ended in a semi-final loss when that was done we were all excited to scream at them. They would scream at have to take the energy and go again to Medvedev. move forward.” me,” Medvedev recalled of his younger with this energy. As I say, I’m not proud The world number 78 from Bul- ESPN had reported that the Raiders were years. of what I did. I’m working to never do garia fell short in his effort to become planning to suspend Brown over the incident. “Many of these people would say, it again,” said Medvedev, described as the lowest-ranked player to reach a Teams have the right under the collective ‘Okay, the guy is completely crazy, he’s a misunderstood genius by his coach. Grand Slam final since Marat Safin at bargaining agreement to suspend players up never be a good tennis player.’ “I will not say that I’m a kind person the 2004 Australian Open, losing 7-6 to four games for conduct detrimental to the Which is maybe happened to some or a good person. I can only say I’m a (7/5), 6-4, 6-3 to fifth seed Medvedev. team. of the tennis players. I’m glad I proved really calm person in life. I actually have “It was a good match overall. I think A suspension would also void the more them wrong. no idea why the demons go out when it was just a few points here and there. than $29m in guarantees over the next two “Talk about reactions, they were I play tennis.” Medvedev was hit with Yeah, three sets to love, but, I mean, seasons contained in Brown’s contract with totally different. Some wanted to just a $9,000 fine for his antics in the third- the score for me doesn’t justify the the Raiders. help me get better. Some, as I say, said, round win over Feliciano Lopez, his match itself. I think it was a good level,” Coach Jon Gruden said the plan is for ‘OK, who is this crazy guy and what is third fine in as many matches, but the Dimitrov said. Brown to play tomorrow night at home against Denver. 06 SPORT SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2019

Abdul Ashes: England suffer early Qadir blows chasing 383 for win AFP Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play decision left England with an MANCHESTER Australia’s Steve in a five-Test series. The most awkward 30 minutes in which Smith plays a shot England have made in the fourth to bat. Rory and Root had during the fourth Pat Cummins took two innings to win a Test the 362/9 shared a partnership of 141 while day of the fourth in two balls, including England they posted in their series-lev- making 81 and 71 respectively in Ashes Test match for a golden elling success last time out at England’s first-innings 301. against England Tendulkar, duck, to leave Australia on the Headingley, where Ben Stokes’s But on Saturday they were at Old Trafford in brink of retaining the Ashes at stunning 135 and the both out for nought in the first Manchester, north- Lara pay Old Trafford yesterday. resistance of No 11 Jack Leach over of England’s chase. west England, England were 18-2 in their secured a remarkable one- Left-handed opener Burns, yesterday. second innings at stumps on the victory. looking to turn Cummins’s third fourth day of the fourth Test, still Earlier, Steve Smith’s ball legside, got a leading edge tributes to needing a further 365 runs the remorseless run-glut continued and was caught at short cover by last day to reach a target of 383. as he made 82 -- his lowest score Travis Head. Abdul Qadir By contrast, Australia require this series -- in Australia’s Next ball a brilliant eight wickets to seal a win that second innings 186-6 declared. that nipped away off the seam Sachin Tendulkar@ would see the holders keep the Australia captain ’s and clipped the top of off stump sachin_rt saw Root bowled by an elated Remember playing SCOREBOARD Cummins for his third nought of against Abdul Qadir, one of the series and second golden the best spinners of his Australia (I Innings) ...... 497-8 dec M Harris lbw b Broad ...... 6 duck. Cummins was on a hat- times. My heartfelt condo- England (I Innings) ...... M Labuschagne lbw b Archer ...... 11 trick, with the struggling Jason lences to his family. RIP. R Burns c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 81 S Smith c Stokes b Leach ...... 82 J Denly c Wade b Cummins ...... 4 T Head b Archer ...... 12 Roy next in but the World Cup Brian Lara@ C Overton c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 5 M Wade c Bairstow b Archer ...... 34 winner responded to the crisis BrianLara J Root lbw b Hazlewood ...... 71 T Paine (not out) ...... 23 with a solid forward defensive Australia captain Smith has now avoided following-on in reply to I made my debut against J Roy b Hazlewood ...... 22 M Starc (not out) ...... 3 shot and he got through to scored 671 runs, including three the tourists’ 497-8 declared. this world class leg spinner. B Stokes c Smith b Starc ...... 26 Extras (B5, LB2, W7, NB1) ...... 15 stumps on eight not out, with Joe hundreds, at an average of 134.2 But Smith, fidgeting across RIP #AbdulQadir J Bairstow b Starc ...... 17 Total (6 wkts dec,) ...... 186 Denly unbeaten on 10. He was on course to become the the crease in trademark fashion, Shoaib Akhtar@ J Buttler b Cummins ...... 41 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-16, 3-24, 4-44, 5-149, Earlier, Smith’s ninth suc- first batsman in Ashes history, held firm. shoaib100mph J Archer c Paine b Cummins ...... 1 6-158 cessive Ashes fifty, extending his and only the eighth in any Test, He did give a chance on 48 Legendary leg spinner S Broad b Starc ...... 5 : Broad 14-4-54-2 (1w); Archer 14-2-45- J Leach (not out) ...... 4 3 (1nb); Overton 5.5-1-22-0 (2w); Leach 9-0-58-1; own record, followed his superb to score a double hundred and when he reverse-swept Leach, Abdul Qadir sb passed away. Extras (B4, LB11, W5, NB4) ...... 24 England (II Innings) 211 in the first innings of his hundred in the same match with Stokes, anticipating the shot Just got this sad news. The Total (all out) ...... 301 R Burns c Head b Cummins ...... 0 comeback Test after he missed when he lofted left-arm spinner and moving quickly across from revival of in cricket Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-25, 3-166, 4-175 (Root), J Denly () ...... 10 the match at Headingley with a Leach with Stokes, running slip, failing to hold what would is completely credited to 5-196, 6-228, 7-243, 8-256, 9-283, 10-301 J Root b Cummins ...... 0 concussion suffered when hit by round from long-off, holding a have been a sensational catch. him. He inspired a gener- Bowling: Starc 22-7-80-3; Hazlewood 25-6-57- J Roy (batting) ...... 8 a 92mph Jofra Archer safe catch to end a 92-ball The 30-year-old Smith toyed ation of bowlers to take up 4 (1nb); Cummins 24-6-60-3 (3nb, 1w); Lyon Total (2 wkts) ...... 18 at Lord’s. innings featuring 11 fours. with England’s bowlers on a leg spin. lillahi wa inna 36-4-89-0 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0 In what is his first Test series Stuart Broad and Archer had sunny afternoon, pulling Broad elaihi rajaoon. Australia (II Innings) Bowling: Cummins 3-1-8-2; Hazlewood 2-1-2- D Warner lbw b Broad...... 0 0; Lyon 1-0-5-0; Starc 1-0-3-0 since completing a 12-month reduced Australia to 44-4 before for an extravagant four in front Mark Ramprakash@ ball-tampering ban, former tea after England narrowly of mid-on. MarkRamprakash Tragic news to hear of the passing of Pakistani leg spinning great Abdul Qadir, Afghans pile misery on Bangladesh what an entertainer - RIP. Aakash Chopra@ AFP hoping against hope. “Anything can in the first over of the innings, but Zadran cricketaakash CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH happen in cricket... a team can lose from and Afghan shared 108 runs for the Abdul Qadir—The man a winning position and also can win from fourth wicket to snatch the momentum who made leg-spin fash- Ibrahim Zadran and hit a losing position,” Mehidy said. back for . ionable. Long curly hair... half-centuries while played “Our batsmen need to take the chal- Shakib trapped Ihsanullah Janat for bounce in every step of a a quick cameo after claiming five wickets lenge. Our batsmen have to contribute four in the third ball of the innings and fairly long run-up. Rest In in an innings, as Afghanistan took in order to win the match,” he said. then dismissed first innings centurion Peace. Condolences to the command in the one-off Test against Skipper took three for a golden duck in the family and loved ones. Bangladesh in Chittagong yesterday. wickets for Bangladesh, including two next ball. VVS Laxman@ The visitors -- playing only their third VVSLaxman281 Test in history -- reached 237-8 at SCOREBOARD Sad to hear about the stumps on the third day, setting a huge Afghanistan (I innings) ...... 342 Afghanistan (II innings) demise of Abdul Qadir. Was target for Bangladesh by taking an overall Bangladesh (I innings) Ihsanullah Janat lbw b Shakib ...... 4 always mesmerised by his lead of 374 runs. Shadman Islam c Zazai b Ahmadzai ...... 0 Ibrahim Zadran c Mominul b Nayeem ...... 87 unique style of bowling and lbw b Nabi ...... 17 Rahmat Shah c & b Shakib ...... 0 Debutant Zadran hit highest 87 off he was one of the best leg- b Rashid ...... 33 Hashmatullah Shahidi c Soumya b Nayeem ...... 12 208 balls for Afghanistan in the second c Asghar b Nabi ...... 52 Asghar Afghan c Shakib b Taijul ...... 50 spinners to play the game. innings while former skipper Afghan Shakib Al Hasan lbw b Rashid ...... 11 Afsar Zazai (batting) ...... 34 Heartfelt condolences to his made 50 off 108 balls, his second fifty, c Zadran b Rashid ...... 0 c Mominul b Mehidy ...... 8 family and loved ones. adding to Bangladesh’s frustration. b Rashid ...... 7 Rashid Khan b Taijul ...... 24 Harbhajan Turba- Rashid added 24 off 22 balls before Mosaddek Hossain not out ...... 48 Qais Ahmad lbw b Shakib ...... 14 nator@harbhajan_singh wicketkeeper-batsman Afsar Zazai’s b Qais ...... 11 Yamin Ahmadzai (batting) ...... 0 Shocked to hear Abdul unbeaten 34 runs extended Afghanistan’s Taijul Islam b Nabi ...... 14 Extras (b4) ...... 4 Qadir passed away.met him Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran lead. Nayeem Hasan lbw b Rashid ...... 7 Total (8 wickets) ...... 237 two years back he was full plays a shot during the third day “Our aim is to get a 400-plus lead. Extras (B4, LB1) ...... 5 To bat: Zahir Khan of energy as always..A of the one-off cricket Test match We are just 30-40 runs short, so it will Total (all out) ...... 205 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-4, 3-28, 4-136, 5-171, 6-180, 7-210, champion bowler,Great against Bangladesh at the Zohur not be easy for Bangladesh to achieve Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-38, 3-54, 4-88, 5-88, 6-104, 7-130, 8-235 human being,you will be Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in it,” Zadran said. “We feel we are 70 8-146, 9-194, 10-205 Bowling: Shakib 16-3-53-3, Mehidy 12-3-35-1, Taijul 24.4-5- missed forever..condolences Chittagong, yesterday. Bowling: Ahmadzai 10-2-21-1, Nabi 24-6-56-3, Zahir 9-1-46- 68-2, Nayeem 17-2-61-2, Mominul 10-6-13-0, Mosaddek percent hopeful of winning the game.” 0, Rashid 19.5-3-55-5, Qais 8-2-22-1 4-1-3-0 to the family.. Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan was Leclerc on Monza pole Qatar get ready for India clash after qualifying ‘mess’

AFP Pole position winner Ferrari’s Monegasque MONZA driver Charles Leclerc celebrates at the Autodromo Nazionale Circuit. Charles Leclerc secured pole for Ferrari in the Italian Grand Prix in shambolic circumstances yesterday when only two cars participated in the final quali- fying showdown laps. An unprecedented ‘cat-and- mouse’ procession as the teams crawled round the circuit, backing each other up to claim good slipstreaming positions, resulted in a farce that saw eight cars timed out by the chequered flag. “A big mess,” said Leclerc, declared that the shambolic he dedicated his win to the who took pole ahead of failure at the end of the session memory of his late friend defending five-time champion was under investigation, the Anthoine Hubert, who was killed Lewis Hamilton. teams having failed to deliver a in the previous day’s F2 race. The Monegasque and Carlos contest for the paying public. “I am happy with pole, but Qatar national team players taking part in a training session under the watchful eyes of coach Felix Sainz of McLaren were the only “Today, to see so many disappointed at the end. Sanchez at Aspire Zone yesterday as part of their preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 drivers to produce final quali- people here feels amazing,” said “Honestly, I have to be Asian Cup China qualifiers. Qatar having won their first match against Afghanistan 6-0 take on India fying runs after clocking lap- a happy Leclerc, who claimed grateful we’re on the front row in their next match on September 10 at Al Sadd Stadium. India lost their first match to Oman 2-1. times on their first runs in Q3. his maiden victory at last week’s to have a fight with the Ferraris,” The stewards immediately tragic Belgian Grand Prix where said Hamilton. SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07

Russia strike Netherlands shock back to sink REUTERS courtesy of Tah’s unfortunate Scotland , GERMANY own goal. The Germans, missing AFP GLASGOW Netherlands scored four times We played below several injured players, including in 32 second-half minutes to Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka, secure a remarkable 4-2 our skill level and were struggling with the Dutch Scotland captain Andy comeback victory against hosts abilities. The Dutch pace down the wings and were Robertson labelled his side Germany in their Euro 2020 were the better team lucky to level with a 73rd minute “scared” after blowing an early Group C qualifier on Friday. Kroos penalty after Matthijs de lead to lose 2-1 to Russia and Goals from de Jong, and we deserved to Ligt accidentally handled. realistically end their hopes of a Jonathan Tah own goal, lose. We went ahead There is no video replay for automatic qualification for Donyell Malen and Georginio but I never had the referees in the qualifiers. Euro 2020. Wijnaldum wrapped up the win feeling that we were The visitors got revenge for John McGinn’s early opener after Serge Gnabry had given the their 3-2 loss in Amsterdam in was just reward for Scotland’s hosts an early lead and Toni in control of the March, striking through debutant bright start, but Artem Dzyuba’s Kroos had pulled them level at game: Loew Malen in the 79th after a quick equaliser five minutes before 2-2 with a controversial penalty. combination left the German half-time sapped the hosts’ The result leaves Germany defence frozen. energy and belief. on nine points from four games, going and we would get our Wijnaldum completed the Russia controlled the three behind leaders Northern chances. In the second half the victory in stoppage time and second period and could have Ireland, who they face on Germans looked more tired and ended Germany’s 14-match won by more than a solitary Monday in Belfast. The Nether- we benefited from that.” “Overall winning run in World Cup and goal when Stephen O’Donnell lands move to six points from we worked harder than Germany Euro qualifiers. turned Aleksandr Golovin’s three games and next face for this victory,” he said. “We played below our skill dangerous cross into his own bottom side Estonia. Joachim Loew’s Germany level and abilities,” Loew told net on the hour mark. It was a winning return to side, undergoing their own reporters. “The Dutch were the “We’ve only got ourselves Hamburg for Dutch coach overhaul after a disappointing better team and we deserved to to blame,” said Liverpool left- Ronald Koeman, who won in the 2018 World Cup first round lose. We went ahead but I never back Robertson. “We started Netherlands’ celebrates scoring their fourth port city against the Germans as and Nations League relegation, had the feeling that we were in well, got the goal and then it goal with during the Group C match of the Euro a player during Euro’ 88, and a got off to a good start with control of the game. was as if the goal scared us. clear mark of his team’s Gnabry scoring on the rebound “The Dutch kept pressing and 2020 qualifier against Germany at the in Hamburg, “I’ve never se improvement after they failed to in the ninth minute. then we ended up playing high Germany on Friday. en anything like that before. reach the last two major There was little to be seen in balls. That is not how we had That needs to change because tournaments. terms of attacks from the Neth- planned to play. We will now Elsewhere, Slovenia saw off perfect start to qualifying, easing if we go into a lead it should be “I told my players (at erlands but that changed after need to analyse this game and previously unbeaten Poland 2-0 past San Marino 4-0 as Michy a positive not a negative.” halftime) to stay in the game, not the break. draw our conclusions.” in Ljubljana despite a strike- Batshuayi netted twice, and Scot- After opening their cam- to give them so much space, They turned the game Belarus earned a stoppage force of Robert Lewandowski land’s hopes of progression took paign with a disastrous 3-0 control the ball better,” Koeman around within seven minutes, time 2-1 win at Estonia to claim and Krzysztof Piatek starting for a blow with a 2-1 loss at home to defeat in Kazakhstan that ulti- told reporters. first scoring through De Jong in their first points in the other the visitors. Russia despite John McGinn’s mately cost Alex McLeish his “That we should just keep the 59th and then taking the lead game in the group on Friday. Belgium maintained their 11th-minute effort. job, Scotland are playing catch up and needed a win to maintain realistic ambitions of Mexico rout US finishing in the top two posi- tions of Group I. 3-0 to maintain African great Eto’o hangs up Belgium, who visit Hampden on Monday, lead the dominance group on 15 points with Russia just three behind in second AP place, six ahead of the Scots EAST RUTHERFORD his boots for ‘new challenge’ who sit fourth behind Kazakhstan. AFP The soccer gap between Mexico PARIS ’s Samuel Eto’o (right) Scotland will now likely and the United States is far celebrates after scoring against Sevilla’s have to come through a playoff wider than the Rio Grande that with Lionel Andres Messi during their next March, earned by winning separates the nations. Cameroon’s four-time African Spanish League match in Seville, in their group in the Nations Exactly a year before the Player of the Year Samuel Eto’o this November 29, 2008 file picture. League, to reach a first major start of qualifying for the 2022 announced his retirement on tournament in 24 years. World Cup, Mexico handed the Saturday at the age of 38, Steve Clarke was taking Americans their most one-sided declaring “I need a rest”. charge of just his third match loss in the rivalry since 2009. “The end, towards a new as Scotland boss and he was Javier Hernández scored challenge,” the former Bar- also at a loss as to why his side after US newcomer Sergiño Dest celona, Inter Milan and Chelsea failed to build on such a pos- was nutmegged in the 21st striker posted on Instagram. itive start. minute, and Érick Gutiérrez and “Thank you all, big love, “We got on top and got our- Uriel Antuna added late goals in adrenalin.” “In a few months selves in front then for some a 3-0 exhibition on Friday night. you’ll see me doing something reason I’m yet to determine we “We still play with fear new,” Eto’o, who has cam- stepped off the gear,” said against them, and that is what paigned relentlessly against Clarke. I can’t really live with,” US star racism during his playing days, “We let Russia dominate us Christian Pulisic said. later said on the margins of an and let them impose their style “That needs to change.” economic forum in DR Congo. of play on us.” Russia were Mexico took control after an “I need a rest, I’ve been president Paul Biya. He is slated for Despite an unfortunate him one of the most feared forced back with the talented event first 20 minutes. running for 19-years,” he added a major role in the Confederation knack for ruffling feathers, a centre-forwards in the world. trio of Robertson, Ryan Fraser Gutiérrez made it 2-0 in the light-heartedly in Kinshasa. of African Football where he has return of 108 league goals from He won a pair of Champions and Callum McGregor a con- 78th, a minute after entering, He stands alongside Liberia’s vowed to fight corruption to ensure just 145 matches in five stunning League titles and three La Liga stant danger down the left. when goalkeeper Zack Steffen current president George Weah funds go into infrastructure. seasons with Barcelona pays crowns before departing under Just 11 minutes in, the hosts tried to play a backpass short and Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba as The most memorable period testament to his talent. a cloud for Inter Milan after led as Fraser’s low cross was to Alfredo Morales, who a great of African sport, and cuts a of his club career includes five At his peak he enjoyed rowing with Ronaldinho leading horribly spilled by Russian allowed Héctor Herrera to poke mythical figure in his homeland hugely successful seasons with electric pace, impeccable touch to Pep Guardiola showing him goalkeeper Guilherme and the ball to Gutiérrez for an open where he is close to national Barcelona from 2004 to 2009. and instinctive shooting to make the dressing room door. McGinn gratefully slotted into 18-yard shot that resulted in his an unguarded net. first international goal. Antuna added an 82nd- minute goal on a counterattack after Hirving Lozano dribbled by Morales, who returned to the Neymar scores as Brazil draw Colombia US team for the first time since May 2016. AFP goal in the 20th minute. MIAMI The Americans, still trying Colombia were lacking top stars Brazil’s foward Neymar Jr. to rebound from their failure to James Rodriguez and Radamel celebrates after scoring reach last year’s World Cup, lost Neymar didn’t disappoint in his Falcao, but thanks to Luis against Colombia during their to Mexico by three goals for the much anticipated return on Muriel’s brace they gave Copa international friendly match at first time since a 5-0 defeat in Friday, grabbing a second-half America champions Brazil a Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup equalizer for Brazil in a 2-2 fright before Neymar rode to the Florida, on Friday. final. “You guys are going to friendly draw with Colombia on rescue and Tite’s men extended think I’m crazy, I’m happier Friday. their unbeaten run. about this game than I am about The Paris Saint-Germain star Although Neymar made a the Gold Cup final,” US coach was playing for the first time for quiet start, it was his cross from Gregg Berhalter said. club or country since suffering a corner that found a soaring “In the Gold Cup final, I felt an ankle injury in a friendly Casemiro, who nodded past like all we did was play the ball against Qatar in June, which helpless Colombian keeper long and that was our only ruled him out of the Copa David Ospina to open the solution. And now at least we America. scoring. The lead didn’t last long tried to play in the way that Since then the Brazilian star as Luis Muriel converted from we’re envisioning.” had been embroiled in a long- the spot in the 25th after taking Berhalter used just five running transfer saga that ended a high kick from Alex Sandro. starters from the Gold Cup final this week with the Brazilian Less than 10 minutes later and Mexico coach Tata Mar- staying at PSG -- a return to Bar- Muriel fired Colombia ahead 2-1. tinez two as many of his reg- celona finally ruled out. Roger Martinez launched the ulars returned. Berhalter Before a sell-out crowd of counter-attack and Duvan Coutinho was key to Brazil’s unbeaten run to 17 matches, a headed by Pele’s 77. Both coun- pointed to better possession 65,232 at Hard Rock Stadium, Zapata played a ball out wide to 58th-minute equalizer, finding streak that dates back to their tries will be back in action on and passing accuracy, but still home of the NFL’s Miami Dol- Muriel, who blasted past Dani Alvez from the halfway line. 2018 World Cup elimination by Wednesday, with Brazil hosting the Americans were outshot phins, Neymar delivered for Ederson. Brazil almost pulled Alvez’s cross found Neymar, who Belgium. Neymar notched his Peru in a Copa America final 10-6 and Berhalter admitted the Brazil, scoring the equalizer in level seven minutes into the was in the right place to slot a 61st international goal, put him rematch in Los Angeles and attack “kind of stalled” in the the 58th after setting up second half but Philippe side-footed shot into an empty one behind Ronaldo, who sits Colombia taking on Venezuela final third. Casemiro for the game’s opening Coutinho’s attempt went wide. net. The draw extended Brazil’s second on Brazil’s all-time list in Tampa, Florida. SPORT Sunday 8 September 2019 PAGE | 06 PAGE | 07 Italian Grand African great Prix: Leclerc on Eto’o hangs up Monza pole after his boots for qualifying ‘mess’ ‘new challenge’ Long jump legend named ambassador for Doha Worlds I can’t wait for action to begin: Powell

THE PENINSULA DOHA Lyles focused on 200m gold, World long jump record-holder and two-time world champion Mike Powell has been named an not Bolt’s record, in Qatar ambassador for the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha AFP 2019. BRUSSELS With three weeks to go to the IAAF’s premiere showcase event, In-form American sprinter set for September 27 to October Noah Lyles insisted he was 6, Powell said he can’t wait for focused solely on nailing down action to get under way at the gold in the 200m at the IAAF Qatari capital’s state-of-the-art World Athletics Championships Khalifa Stadium. in Doha, Qatar and not chasing “I’m very excited to be Usain Bolt’s elusive world attending my 11th World Cham- record. pionships: Three of those as an The 22-year-old claimed athlete and eighth as an IAAF victory in a “chaotic” 200m at Ambassador,” said Powell, whose Friday’s Diamond League final appearance at the 1991 edition in in Brussels in 19.74 seconds. Tokyo, his first at a World Cham- The win ensured him of a pionships, resulted in one of the Mike Powell second payday of $50,000 and most legendary long jump com- trophy, having won the 100m petitions of all time. title last week in Zurich. In Tokyo, Powell prevailed in Olympic Games in Mexico City. before he celebrated his 21st Lyles, however, will only a classic head-to-head brawl Powell’s record has now stood birthday, illustrating that he could race the 200m at the Sep- Noah Lyles of the US poses as against long-time rival Carl Lewis, even longer, passing the test of be the jumper to finally unseat tember 27-October 6 World he celebrates after winning the sailing 8.95m in the fifth round to time. Powell as the event’s Championships in Doha. men’s 200m race on Friday. break Bob Beamon’s vaunted He successfully defended his standard-bearer. “I’m very excited about the 8.90m world record, set nearly title two years later in Stuttgart “I’m obviously looking win,” Lyles said after the Championships. “I’m not he said. “I have three weeks of 23 years earlier at the 1968 and took bronze in 1995, his final forward to the long jump as Eche- Brussels victory, which never thinking about the world training to produce the fastest appearance at the World varria has said that he may be looked in doubt despite him record,” he insisted. time possible... and there’s no Championships. going for my record after his discovering a desperate need “If you get too caught up doubt in my mind, to come In the ensuing 28 years since impressive showing in Zurich of to go to the toilet before the chasing the world record, away with a gold medal.” he broke the world record, only 8.65m,” Powell said. race -- something that had to you’re not going to get it.” Current world and two jumpers have come within 21 “But also, the 400m hurdles, wait until he’d crossed the But in a broadside to rivals European champion Ramil centimetres of his mark: Erick both men and women, the 200m, finish line. ahead of the Doha worlds, Lyles Guliyev showed some signs of I’m very excited to Walder in 1994 and Dwight the 400m. There are so many “I’ve got the 100, now the said his aim was to better his hitting form at just the right time, be attending my 11th Phillips in 2009, when they sailed things to follow, I can’t wait!” 200m, so now it’s the World personal best. pushing Lyles over the last 50 World Championships: 8.74m. Powell joins multiple world Championships.” That is currently 19.50sec, metres right through to the line. Three of those as an But over the past 15 months, and Olympic decathlon champion Lyles added he was not set in Lausanne this summer The Turk eventually fin- Cuban sensation Juan Miguel Ashton Eaton and Brianne The- concerned by a much-touted and a time which makes him ished second in 19.86sec, one- athlete and eighth as Echevarria has electrified the isen-Eaton, the 2016 world indoor potential tilt at Bolt’s world the fourth fastest of all time hundredth of a second ahead an IAAF Ambassador: event with wind-assisted jumps pentathlon champion, as an 200m record of 19.19sec set at over the half-lap race. of Canadian star Andre de Mike Powell of 8.92m (+3.9m/s) and 8.83m ambassador for the champion- the 2009 World “That’s definitely the plan,” Grasse. (+2.1m/s), performances produced ships’ 17th edition. Pakistan’s Prime Minister remembers legendary leg US Open final: Nadal chases 19th spinner Qadir as ‘genius’ Slam crown against Medvedev

AFP AFP (semi-final) match I increased my ISLAMABAD NEW YORK Rafael Nadal of Spain level again. I need to hold this celebrates a point against level if I want to have chances on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Rafael Nadal looks to cap one of Matteo Berrettini of Italy Sunday. If not, is so difficult. He Khan yesterday remembered his greatest Grand Slam years during their US Open is very, very solid.” former spinner Abdul Qadir with his fourth US Open title semi-final on Friday. Medvedev leads the ATP in (pictured) as a “genius” a day when he faces Russia’s Daniil season wins and has battled after the legendary cricketer Medvedev in today’s final at through four four-set wins at the died of a heart attack. Arthur Ashe Stadium. US Open. Cricket hero-turned-poli- The 33-year-old Spanish left- “All his season is amazing,” tician Khan and Qadir had a long hander chases his 19th career Nadal said. and eventful association as Grand Slam singles title, one shy “Is the player who is in better team-mates. of Roger Federer’s all-time men’s shape on tour. I will face the Qadir, who would have record, in his 27th Slam final and player who is winning more turned 64 on September 15, was weapon in the 1983 World Cup his fifth championship match on matches of the year and the a favourite of the former captain. held in England. the New York hardcourts. player who is playing on the “Abdul Qadir was a genius, “Qadir’s bowling statistics do “Very happy for everything. highest level since a while.” one of the greatest leg spinners not do justice to his genius,” said Another final of the Grand Slam “Talking about Rafa, it’s of all time,” Khan tweeted, as Khan. and another final here in Flushing tough to find words,” Medvedev fans all over Pakistan mourned “Had he been playing cricket Meadows means a lot to me,” the atmosphere, I like the crowd. Meadows fortnight, Nadal is said. the player’s death. now with the modern DRS Nadal said. I feel a big energy when I’m facing the hottest player on tour “He’s one of the greatest “And he was also the life of system, where batsmen can be “I feel comfortable here, I like playing in Arthur Ashe Stadium. in fifth-ranked Medvedev, who champions in the history of our the dressing room entertaining given out on the front foot as Thanks to the crowd because I at 23 could become the first Slam sport. He’s just a machine, a beast the team with his wit & humour”. well, Qadir would have gotten PAST 10 US OPEN CHAMPIONS feel a big support from them all winner born in the 1990s. on the court. Qadir made his Test debut as many wickets as the great 2018: Novak Djokovic (SRB) the time. That’s important for Medvedev has produced a “The energy he’s showing is just against England in Lahore in Shane Warne”. 2017: Rafael Nadal (ESP) me.” stunning six weeks on hard- amazing. To play him in your first 1977 and went on to play 67 Legendary Australian leg- 2016: Stan Wawrinka (SUI) Nadal, who made the semi- courts: reaching the Washington Grand Slam final should be, I want Tests, taking 236 wickets with a spinner Warne -- the second- 2015: Novak Djokovic (SRB) finals at all four Slams for the first final, losing the Montreal final to to say, a funny thing. It’s not going best of 9-56 against the same highest Test wicket-taker with season since 2008, captured his Nadal in their only prior meeting, to be a funny thing, but it’s going to 2014: Marin Cilic (CRO) side in 1987. 708 (only behind Sri Lanka’s 12th French Open title in June, winning the title at Cincinnati be an amazing thing to live.” 2013: Rafael Nadal (ESP) Those figures are still the Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800) -- lost the Australian Open final to while Nadal rested and now Hearing of Medvedev’s best by a Pakistan bowler in a was also a big fan of Qadir. 2012: Andy Murray (GBR) Novak Djokovic and fell to charging into his first Grand Slam praise, Nadal responded: “Always Test innings. He played the last of his 2011: Novak Djokovic (SRB) Federer in the Wimbledon final. is beautiful to hear nice things

He also took 132 wickets in international matches in 1993 2010: Rafael Nadal (ESP) semi-finals. “Is a super tough final. I need from your colleagues. Happy for 104 one-day internationals, with before also serving as chief 2009: Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) And while he has dropped to be playing at my best,” Nadal that. Just I hope to be like this on Imran using him as an attacking selector of Pakistan. only one set in the Flushing said. “I think at the end of the Sunday (today). I will need it.”