SPORT Wednesday 27 September 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 34 Al Rayyan aim to pushush F1 losing its toughestt Halep and Duhail defence againstainst race, says Wozniacki out as the wall: Soria Lewis Hamilton Muguruza sails Qatar bag bronze in chess at Ashgabat Games

Action from the Chinthana Wasala final, but secured two out of four both teams struggle to carry on the reproduce the performance when wrestling competition The Peninsula gold medals which were on offer first ball, with Qatar leading from it really mattered. of the 2017 Ashgabat at the Chess Arena in Ashgabat early in the game and fending off In the other semi-final, Chi- Asian Indoor and atar’s Mohammed Al yesterday. a last-minute surge from Repub- nese Taipei beat Indonesia Martial Arts Games. Sayed and Husein Aziz However, despite China’s lic of Korea, including ten strikes 784-730 to also advance to the Nezad beat Iran before team success, the grand champion in a row in the eighth frame from final. going down to China in of the Ashgabat 2017 Chess com- Young Seon Cho. The results mean Republic of Qthe men’s rapid chess petition remains Quang Liem Le Qatar had only squeaked into Korea and Indonesia both take team event and settled for a of Vietnam who won the men’s the semi-final by finishing fourth bronze medals in the event. bronze medal along with hosts standard individual event in Block 2 competition on Mon- Having reached the final, Turkmenistan on the Penultimate convincingly. day, just 48 pins ahead of Qatar are assured of a medal today day of the 2017 Ashgabat Asian Today, the Al Annabi duo will Thailand. and it could be Al Annabi’s 11th Indoor and Martial Arts Games compete in the men’s blitz team “Right now I can’t believe it,” medal at the Ashgabat 2017 yesterday. event and will face off against said Jassim Mohamed Al Muraikhi, Games which concludes today. In yesterday’s semi-final, Afghanistan in the first round. the youngest member of the Qatari Al Annabi athletes have Nezad seemed to have Chinese Meanwhile, Qatar shocked hot team. “Thank God we did our job.” already impressed at the Turk- player LI Chao on the ropes with favourites South Korea 827-802 “To beat the world champions menistani capital and are Nf5, but he played imprecisely, in the men’s Team of Four semi- is tough. We just tried to control currently placed 16th among 67 losing a pawn and the resulting final yesterday and moved to into our emotions and bowl our best.” Asian nations. endgame as China moved into the the final in which they meet Chi- Republic of Korea had beaten Qatar’s medal tally of 10 is final. nese Taipei. Qatar by 332 points in the prelim- made of four gold medals, three China lost to Vietnam in the The nail-biting contest saw inary phase, but could not silver and three bronze medals. Ronaldo double sinks Dortmund

Dortmund, Germany Reuters

ristiano Ronaldo scored twice in his 150th European club match to give Real Madrid a 3-1 Cvictory at Borussia Dortmund, their first against them in Ger- many, and make it two wins out of two matches in their Champions League Group H. Ronaldo scored their sec- ond of the evening after a fine effort from Welshman Gareth Bale, who had put them ahead with a superb volley in the 18th minute. The Portuguese then proceeded to kill off the match thumping the ball past keeper Roman Buerki in the 79th. Pierre-Emerick Aubam- eyang briefly pulled one back in the 54th but the Germans, who lost to Real for the first time at home after six unbeaten matches, could not replicate last season’s two- goal comeback to draw. Real have a maximum six points from their two group matches, level with Tottenham Hotspur who beat APOEL Nicosia 3-0. Bundesliga lead- ers Dortmund are in last place without any points, after los- ing their opener at Spurs. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores the second goal against Borussia Dortmund during their UEFA Champions League match played at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, Germany yesterday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: City beat Shakhtar; Yedder hat-trick lifts Sevilla YESTERDAY’S RESULTS Tottenham Hotspur (England) beat APOEL Nicosia Manchester After a frustrating first half, in Ben Yedder scored his first two their Group F match on Tuesday as (Cyprus) 3-0 Reuters, AP which Shakhtar threatened on the goals about 10 minutes apart before the Dutch club suffered another break while City were too often halftime, and added the third by one-sided defeat in the Real Madrid (Spain) beat Borussia Dortmund (Germany) 3-1 evin De Bruyne’s perfectly- unable to find the final pass, Bel- converting a penalty late in the sec- competition. struck 48th minute goal and a gian De Bruyne broke the deadlock ond half to give Sevilla four points Dries Mertens and Jose Calle- Manchester City (England) beat Shakhtar Donetsk Klate Raheem Sterling effort with a fine right-foot shot from the after two matches. jon added goals in the second half (Ukraine) 2-0 gave Manchester City a 2-0 win over edge of the area after being well Sevilla was coming off a draw as Napoli registered their first Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champi- set-up by David Silva. at Liverpool, while Maribor drew points of the campaign after losing Napoli (Italy) beat Feyenoord (Netherlands) 3-1 ons League Group F game yesterday Substitute Sterling missed a with Spartak Moscow in Slovenia. to Shakhtar Donetsk in their open- to make it two wins out of two for Pep great chance from a low De Bru- Sevilla was in control from the ing group match. Porto (Portugal) beat Monaco (France) 3-0 Guardiola’s side. yne cross but made amends in the start at the Ramon Sanchez-Piz- Feyenoord had a chance to But City’s Argentine striker Ser- final minute when he fired home juan Stadium, creating most of the reduce the score to 2-1, and poten- Sevilla (Spain) beat Maribor (Slovenia) 3-0 gio Aguero missed a chance to equal after good work from Bernardo scoring chances and barely being tially set up an exciting finish, when the club’s all-time scoring record Silva. threatened at the other end. they were awarded a 68th minute Spartak Moscow (Russia) drew with Liverpool (England) when he had a 72nd minute penalty Meanwhile, Wissam Ben Yed- Elsewhere, Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty but Jens Toornstra’s effort 1-1 saved by Andriy Pyatov. The miss left der scored a hat trick to lead Sevilla early goal set Napoli on their way was saved by Pepe Reina. him one goal behind Eric Brooks, who to a comfortable 3-0 win over Mar- to a comfortable 3-1 Champions Sofyan Amrabat scored a con- Besiktas (Turkey) beat RB Leipzig (Germany) 2-0 scored 177 goals in all competitions. ibor in Group E. League victory over Feyenoord in solation just seconds from the end. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017

QNB STARS LEAGUE THIRD ROUND FIXTURES Sept 28 Al Markhiya vs Al Sailiya at Al Arabi Stadium Al Rayyan aim to push Duhail Sept 29 Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail at Al Sadd Stadium Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa, at Al Sadd Stadium Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Khor at Al Khor Stadium Sept 30 defence against the wall: Soria Al Arabi vs Qatar SC at Al Arabi Stadium

The Peninsula Al Rayyan’s Sebastian Soria Al Sadd eye Qatar takes l Rayyan striker Sebastain in action during Soria is expecting a tough the QNB Stars lead to get battle when his unde- League in this win against feated side take on Al file picture of Duhail in the QNB Stars 2016. Kuwait’s FIFA LeagueA match of the week for round Al Gharafa three. The Qatar international striker felt ban lifted that the Duhail defence could be The Peninsula exploited by his team heading into The Peninsula Friday’s encounter at Al Sadd l Sadd will be looking for their Stadium. third successive win when they he Qatar Football Association “I don’t want to say that their Atake on Al Gharafa in the Round (QFA) has taken the initiative defence is a weakness because they three of the QNB Stars League on Fri- Tto convince FIFA about a new have won two games in the league. day evening at Al Sadd stadium. sports law proposed by the Kuwaiti However they have many new play- Jesulado Ferreira’s Wolves have reg- government in its bid to get the ers defensively and it takes a few istered two wins this season, but they international ban on their country games to get that communication per- have hardly covered themselves in glory revoked. fect, this has been shown in the goals in their performances. It may be recalled that FIFA had they conceded against Qatar SC. We Last time out, they held out for an banned Kuwait from international will be looking to get the better of important 3-2 victory over Al Sailiya and soccer on October 15, 2015, citing them during the game” Soria said in could have easily ended 3-3 had Saili- government interference in the run- an interview with QSL online. ya’s last minute equaliser been correctly ning of the game. Soria stressed he was expecting a good side following the merger with match of the week. The Lions have ruled offside by officials. “The suspension will be lifted high quality match between the two El Jaish, and have strength all over been free flowing in attack this season, An emphatic victory would be cru- only when the Kuwait Football sides. the pitch we will have to be focused finding the back of the net on seven cial for Sadd, especially heading into the Assocation (KFA) and its members “Our next match against Duhail if we are to win.” occasions from just two games. Key to two-week break for international (the clubs) are able to carry out their will be a good match. They have a Soria is uniquely placed to give their goalscoring prowess in summer football. activities and obligations independ- his view on the newly formed Duhail signing Abdulrazak Hamdullah accord- In attack, Sadd have really found ently,” FIFA had said in a statement side, having played for three years at ing to Soria. their momentum with Algerian attacker at that time. Lekhiwya and revealed the side is “Everyone knows how good Ham- Jugurtha Hamroun catching the eye with It is reliably learnt that FIFA’s packed with top players. dullah is in the league, he had a big a goal and two assists last time out Head of Governance Nodar Akha- “I was with Lekhwiya for three injury last season but he has now against Sailiya. However a clean sheet lkatsi, who is in Doha on the First and foremost good seasons, and I know their play- recovered and back to his best. We will be the real priority for Ferreira and invitation of the QFA, held talks ers well. In midfield and attack they have built up a good relationship and will be hoping Iranian international with the Kuwaiti officials on the our target is to have great players in Nam Tae Hee, hopefully this will continue this Morteza Pouraliganji can rediscover his sidelines of Monday’s draw cere- Msakni and Karim Boudifaf. They can season.” form from last season. mony for Gulf Cup to be held in finish in the top all certainly trouble any side in the “First and foremost our target As for Al Gharafa, they have made a Qatar from December 22 to Janu- four of the league. league on their day.” is to finish in the top four of the solid start in the league registering two ary 8, 2018. “I’m looking forward to playing league. Then we will be looking at draws in their opening matches of the Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq and Yemen We have to be against Lucas Mendes we have had the title later into the season. Al season against Al Ahli and Umm Salal. have been drawn in Group A, with some real battles on the pitch in the Rayyan is a big club and we are Under the guidance of veteran tac- Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE in patient and take past when he was with El Jaish. I think always fighting for titles, but we tician Jean Fernandez, it has been made Group B. each game as it he plays similar to me, very tough and have to be patient and take each clear that youth will be given a real Kuwait will join Group B if their wanting to win everything. He is now game as it comes” noted Soria chance at the club this season and so far FIFA suspension is lifted in time. comes: Soria at a new club, but I am expecting when asked about Rayyan’s title it has worked for the Cheetahs. It is learnt that the Kuwait sports another close encounter when we ambitions this season. It certainly promises to be an inter- ministry has appreciated Qatar’s play on Friday” noted the striker Soria called for full concentration esting battle when title chasing Al Sadd efforts to get the suspension when asked about new Duhail from his Rayyan side when they take take on a youthful Al Gharafa side in the revoked. defender Mendes ahead of their on Al Duahail. spotlight match for round three. USOC chief backs Squash: Qatar’s Tamimi shocks athlete protests Marche to qualify for main draw

Park City, Utah rights salute”. Reuters “That was a seminal San Francisco moment not only for the Olym- The Peninsula thletes should feel free pic movement but the U.S. to express their political Olympic team and we recog- atar’s World No.42 Abdulla Aopinions during next nized them last year by bringing Mohd Al Tamimi caused February’s Winter Games in them to the White House,” he Qthe only major upset in the Pyeongchang despite strict said. final qualifying round of the 2017 Olympic rules barring such Several Olympic hopefuls Oracle NetSuite Open after he demonstrations, the head of the backed the protesting NFL overcame World No.23 Gregoire United States Olympic Commit- players but said on Monday Marche to reach the main draw tee (USOC) said on Monday. that it was too soon to say of the men’s PSA M100 tourna- Referring to Sunday’s pro- what they may do if they find ment in San Francisco on test by over 100 NFL players, themselves in a similar posi- Monday. who went down on one knee tion. “I respect what those The duo were meeting for during the national anthem to guys did and I do believe the first time on the PSA World protest against racial inequal- there is a lot of room for Tour, with Marche the man in ity, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun social change. As a person of form after his title triumph at the said athletes had a right to air color I do think it’s some- Open International de Squash de their opinions. thing that we need to Nantes earlier this month. “The athletes you see pro- address,” said Elana Meyers, But it was Al Tamimi who testing are protesting because an American bobsled pilot prevailed in San Francisco as the they love their country, not and two-time Winter Olym- 22-year-old from Doha rose to Qatar’s World No.42 Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi in action in this file picture. because they don’t,” he said. pic medalist. the win by an 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, “So we fully support that “But at the Olympics, the 11-6 margin to set up a main top in an all-Scottish fixture with After going 2-1 up, Naugh- will take place on the Oracle our athletes and everybody else only time you get to hear your draw meeting with last year’s Greg Lobban, while Campbell ton looked to be up against it NetSuite Challenge court on Jus- to express themselves.” national anthem is if you win a runner-up James Willstrop in Grayson beat Frenchman Lucas after taking just two points from tin Herman Plaza and will be Blackmun acknowledged gold medal. round one. Serme in straight games to book a one-sided fourth game as shown live on SQUASHTV (Rest that the situation is trickier “So it is going to come down Al Tamimi will be joined in his main draw berth. They will Landers-Murphy drew level. But of World) and Eurosport Player given the International Olym- to a game time decision.” the main draw by Colombia’s play Tarek Momen and Daryl the World No.40 prevailed in the (Europe only) between Septem- pic Committee charter, which Julia Mancuso, an alpine former World No.4 Miguel Angel Selby, respectively in the first fifth game to take it 11-5, 4-11, ber 27-30. specifically bans “demonstra- skier and four-time Olympic Rodriguez, who came through a round. 11-9, 2-11, 11-9 and she will face Results - Final Qualifying tions of political, religious or medalist, also supports the NFL nail-biting five-game encoun- The women’s final round of World No.6 Sarah-Jane Perry in Round: 2017 Men’s Oracle Net- racial propaganda” at Olympic players but said the dynamics ter with Egyptian maverick qualifying saw the matches go the main draw. Suite Open venues. are different for Olympic Mazen Hesham. to seeding as 2007 World Cham- Cornett defeated fellow [4] Campbell Grayson (NZL) “We have a little bit of a dif- athletes. Hesham, the 23-year-old pion Rachael Grinham joined Canadian Danielle Letourneau bt [6] Lucas Serme (FRA) 3-0: ferent state of play when it “When it comes to the World No.70, twice went a game Canadian trio Samantha Cornett, to earn her place in the next 11-2, 11-8, 11-6 (45m) comes to the Olympic Games.” Olympics, I like to think that it’s ahead but the experience of Hollie Naughton and Nikki Todd round, while Todd ousted [2] Miguel Angel Rodriguez Blackmun praised the a special event not just like the Rodriguez paid off as he held his in the main draw of the PSA W50 Egypt’s Nouran El Torky, who (COL) bt [8] Mazen Hesham 1968 Olympic protest by NFL or pro sports teams that nerve to come back into the event. was unable to back up her sur- (EGY) 3-2: 7-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9, American track and field ath- compete every weekend. For clash, winning it 7-11, 11-9, 6-11, Grinham dispatched Japan’s prise win over top qualifying 11-4 (70m) letes Tommie Smith and John us it’s every four years,” she 11-9, 11-4 to ensure he will take Misaki Kobayashi in three games seed Coline Aumard in the open- [5] Abdulla Al Tamimi (QAT) Carlos, who gave a black said. “I’m proud of athletes on World No.3 Mohamed to set up a first round clash with ing round of qualifying. bt [1] Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-1: power salute from the podium that stand up for what they ElShorbagy in a mouthwatering Victoria Lust, while Naughton First round action from the 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6 (49m) in Mexico City, sparking con- believe in... but I also like to first round encounter. was forced all the way to five Oracle NetSuite Open will take [3] Alan Clyne (SCO) bt [7] troversy. Smith later stated think of us all as very patriotic World No.27 Alan Clyne is games by Kiwi Amanda place at local clubs. Matches Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-1: 11-13, that the gesture was a “human athletes.” also through after coming out on Landers-Murphy. from the quarter-finals onwards 11-3, 11-5, 14-12 (71m) WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 31 World Rugby slams calls for tackling ban in schools London from the game. The article groups. “Contrary to Pollock’s AFP comes at a time when issue of opinion, the systematic pub- concussions in professional lished studies where injury has orld Rugby chiefs have rugby is become a major been properly defined and mon- slammed a controver- concern. itored, suggest the risk for Wsial study that claims But World Rugby hit back pre-teens is not unacceptably tackling and scrums should be at the claims in a strongly high compared to other popu- banned in schools. world statement that defended lar sports. Allyson Pollock and Graham their sport’s approach to safety “Of course, as with all sports Kirkwood from the Institute of issues. there is some risk of injury asso- Health at Newcastle University “World Rugby and its mem- ciated with rugby and governing argue that most injuries in youth ber unions take player safety bodies have a responsibility to rugby occur due to the collision and welfare very seriously and mitigate that risk as far as elements of the game. proactively pursue an evidence- possible. Writing in the British Medi- based approach to reduce the “That is why rugby for cal Journal (BMJ), they said that risk of injury at all levels,” a young people at schools or ministers should “put the inter- World Rugby statement read. clubs exists in different forms, ests of the child before those of “The continual claims made both contact and non-contact, corporate professional rugby by Prof Pollock are not based on and significant work has been unions”. like-for-like injury statistics and undertaken over a number of Removing collisions from her extreme and alarmist con- years to develop a structured school rugby is likely to “reduce clusions are simply not progression. and mitigate the risk of injury” supported by the data. “The responsibility for every in pupils, they said. “For example, it is well doc- sport is to manage the risk as The researchers called on umented that, for most sports, best as possible banning the RC Toulon’s French lock Swan Rebbadj (right) vies with RC Toulon’s French scrum-half the UK chief medical officers injury rates increase with age tackle supports reducing activ- Sebastien Tillous-Borde during the French Top 14 rugby union match at The Jean Bouin to advise the UK Government and yet the research quoted ity and reducing activity is Stadium in Paris, yesterday. to remove “harmful contact” mixes 9-12 with 18-20 age associated with risk.” RFU chief aims to placate stars over burnout fears

London views as the biggest challenge of his physical concerns, but also the mental AFP Twickenham reign. demands and psychological pressures “We have no game if we have no they are under. ugby Football Union chief players. Players have always been cen- “If it (strike action threat) is genuine, executive Steve Brown has tral to the RFU, but we need to bring it to then it’s a concern. We shouldn’t be in pledged to deal with the con- the fore much more now,” Brown said that situation in this country so we have cerns of stars who have raised yesterday. “The players have a voice and to find a solution for it. It’s a concern and the possibility of a strike in we need to listen to them. They are say- we can’t ignore it.“We need to listen to Rresponse to the current gruelling fixture ing what they think and what they feel what they’re saying, but what is agreed schedule. about the current environment they’re has ramifications for the whole structure England internationals Billy Vuni- playing in. We need to take heed of that. of the game as well.” pola, Ben Youngs and Joe Marler have “Listening to the players, I can see The players’ biggest concern is over talked of going on strike because top two things emerging. It’s not just the the prospect of a Premiership campaign players face an 11-month season as part that will run from September to June, of plans for the new global calendar from Players concern with summer tours being held in August, 2020. thereby creating the unpalatable Vunipola, who recently had a third The players’ biggest concern is 11-month season for internationals. major surgery in under a year, claims his over the prospect of a “It doesn’t hang together very well body could not handle the physical toll Premiership campaign that will at the moment. What we haven’t done and he would accept reduced income to run from September to June, yet and what I haven’t seen yet is an anal- play fewer games. with summer tours being held ysis of the real facts,” Brown said. The RFU is at the centre of negotia- in August, thereby creating the “Let’s understand what’s happening tions and Brown hopes an agreement will unpalatable 11-month season with the players and the loading of play- England’s Danny Care during a training session at St Edwards College, be reached by the end of the season to for internationals. ers. Let’s understand what the rest improve player welfare -- the issue he periods are and when they can occur.” Oxford, Britain, yesterday. Gasly replaces Kvyat at Toro Rosso for next races

London Reuters

rench driver Pierre Gasly will make his Formula One debut at the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend after being drafted in Fby the Toro Rosso team in place of under-performing Russian Daniil Kvyat. The Red Bull-owned team said the switch, for an unspec- ified number of races, “gives us an opportunity to make a more informed decision regarding our 2018 driver choices”. “This is not a case of goodbye for our Daniil, as he still remains part of the Red Bull Family,” the team added in a statement, although the future does not look bright for the Russian. Gasly, the 2016 GP2 champion who is currently racing in Japan’s Super Formula series, is the leading contender to replace Carlos Sainz when the Spaniard leaves Toro Rosso on loan to Renault next sea- son. Kvyat could be retained but has scored only four points in 14 races compared to Sainz’s 48, with the team locked in a tight mid- field battle. They are sixth overall, seven points behind Williams and 10 ahead of Renault. Renault had hoped to secure Sainz before the end of the season but yesterday’s move indicates the departing Jolyon Palmer will now see out 2017 in that seat. Toro Rosso, who are switching from Renault to Honda engines Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix in next year, can ill-afford to lose Sainz with six races remaining. Gasly is already under contract to Red Bull who use Toro Rosso this August 2017 file picture. as a feeder outfit for their main factory team. Japan follows imme- diately after Malaysia and is familiar territory for the 21-year-old. He may miss the US Grand Prix on October22, however, since F1 losing its toughest race: Hamilton that clashes with the final round of the Super Formula championship at Suzuka. “He (Gasly) is the next in line at Red Bull for this opportu- nity and he has shown that he deserves it,” team boss Franz Tost said. Kuala Lumpur expire after next year’s race but 2014. “It is definitely sad to Some drivers liken the race Kvyat has already been through the process, moving up to Red Reuters the Malaysian government and think this is the last race,” the to sitting in a sauna while wear- Bull Racing in 2015 and suffering a demotion last year when he Formula One said in April this Briton told a news conference ing overalls. Cockpit swapped places with Dutch teenager Max Verstappen. ormula One is losing one year’s would be the last. organised by his Mercedes temperatures approach 50 “For a variety of reasons, some of them due to technical prob- of its toughest races with Malaysian Prime Minister team’s Malaysian oil sponsor degrees Celsius and ambient lems, but others being mistakes of his own making, Daniil Kvyat has Fthe departure of Malaysia Najib Razak said then that Petronas. humidity levels of around 70 not really shown his true potential so far this year,” Tost said. from the calendar after this declining ticket sales, viewer- “It’s the most challenging percent. “This will give us the opportunity to evaluate Pierre on track dur- weekend’s grand prix, triple ship and tourism were behind for the car and the team, so they A driver loses around three ing a proper race weekend.” Gasly’s arrival means France will have world champion Lewis Hamil- the decision. The circuit has are taking away one of the litres of body fluid in sweat dur- three drivers in Sunday’s race at Sepang, the newcomer joining com- ton said yesterday. been on the calendar since 1999 toughest, if not the toughest, ing the 90 minutes of an patriots Romain Grosjean (Haas) and Esteban Ocon (Force India). The current contract at the and produced memorable races Grand Prix of the season, which average Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang Circuit had been due to including Hamilton’s win in will be hard to replace.” according to Mercedes’ data. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 33 Verratti set for Ancelotti reunion at Parc des Princes

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Linked at one point with a United’s Mkhitaryan uventus’s deadliest weapon Paulo Dybala warned “eve- Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the move to Madrid to team up with rything is going my way” as the rising Argentine star turns star of that side, but the 2012/13 Ancelotti - who left the Santiago Jhis focus to today’s Champions League clash with Greek campaign also saw young play- Bernabeu in 2015 - Verratti saw MoscowMosco But he played so poorly, and champions Olympiakos. maker Verratti become a firm a potential move to Barcelona fall AFPAFP looked so off the pace, that he was Long hailed as the heir to national teammate Lionel Messi favourite of the Paris crowd. through in the last close season. substituted at half-time. the 23-year-old is one of the leading strikers in domestic And Verratti, who was just 19 “I had a discussion with the ripsrip to Russia have tra- Mourinho rues league action across Europe bagging ten goals -- including when he arrived from Pescara in club because certain things were ditionallydit been seen as two hat-tricks -- in six Serie A games. his native Italy, himself credited either not going right or I hadn’t Tcomplicatedco assign- “At the moment everything is going my way, and we’re Ancelotti for helping him settle so understood them, and now I am Neymar fit to mentsments forfor English clubs, but absence of still at the start, I hope to continue like this,” said the player quickly among the stars at the pleased to be part of this project Henrikh MkMkhitaryanh will have lit- dubbed ‘The Jewel’ who arrived in Turin from Palermo in Qatar-owned club. which is one of the most ambi- tletle troutroubleble aacclimatisingc when The game of my life 2015. “He is like a father to me. I will tious in Europe,” Verratti, now 24, ManchesterManchester UUnitedn visit CSKA Mos- was last season’s injured Fellaini “I’m in a period of great confidence. I’ve changed men- be grateful for the rest of my life said recently. cowcow ththisis wweek.eek. tally, I want to grow and improve to go as far as possible.” for the chance he has given me,” The summer saw him split face Bayern TheThe speespeedydy attacking midfielder Europa League final. Againstgyp Olympiakos he will look to open p his tally y in the Italian international,, nick- from his long-standingg gg agent and was born in YerevanYer in January 1989 That’s because it was EuropeEurope after scoring 12 goals in eight games this season but named the ‘Little Owl’,Owl’, said said at at the the commitcommit his futurfuturee to PSGPSG.. AnAndd ParisParis whenwhen tthehe ArmArmeniane capital was still Moscow failingfailing to find the net as Juventus fell 3-0 to Messi’s BarcBarce-e- time.time. ReReuterseuters part ofof tthehe SovSovieti Union. the first European AFP lolonana in ttheirheir cucurtainrtain rraiser.aiser. TheirsTheirs was not alwaalwaysys an an eas easyy HeHe speaspeaksks fluent, accent-free trophy for me and His stylestyle ooff pplaylay hhasas cchangedhanged tthishis season witwithh coaccoachh relationship,relationship, witwithh Verratti’s eymareymar has been iincluded in Paris St Ger- Russian, thethe llegacyeg both of a mater- anchester United manager Jose Mourinho Massimiliano AllegriAllegri ggivingiving thethe livewirelivewire forwardforward freedomfreedom disciplinarydisciplinary problems driv- main’smain’s squad for ttoday’so Champions League nal ggrandmotherrandmoth from Moscow and the first one ever for says he hopes Marouane Fellaini is not to ffollowollow hhisis instinctsinstincts inin tthehe num numberber 10 10 jersey jersey worn worn b yby c lclubub ing AncelottiAncelotti mamadd atat timestimes.. Ngamegame aagainstgainst BBayernaye Munich after recov- thethe ffourour years he spent in the Rus- an Armenian Mmissed after the Belgian midfielder was ruled legendslegends sucsuchh asas MicMichelhel P Platini,latini, Ro Robertoberto Baggio Baggio an andd A lAlessan-essan- TheThe fformerormer CChelseahelsea eringering ffromrom aa ffootoot injury,injury, c coach Unai Emery said sian-speakingsian-speaking Ukrainian city of out of todays’ Champions League clash with CSKA drodro DeDell PieroPiero.. bossboss reportereportedlydly cacalledlled yesterday.yesterday. DonetskDonetsk witwithh f firstir Metalurg and then footballer: Mkhitaryan Moscow through injury. ““II llikeike tthishis systemsystem atat Juve,Juve, b becauseecause t hthee coac coachh gives gives me me Verratti an “imbecile” The Brazilian’s returnreturn fuelled speculation Shakhtar.Shakhtar. Fellaini did not travel for the Group A game in room to movemove,”,” hehe said.said. afterafter he stustupidlypidly gogott overover whwhetherether ththee BraziBrazilianl forward or Edin- ““MyMy ggrandmotherrandm is from Mos- Moscow after being caught on the back of his ankle Diminutive, ddynamicynamic anandd arme armedd wit withh a a d deadlyeadly le leftft foot, foot, himself sent off in a son Cavani would takea a penalty if the French cow. I spokespoke a a lo lot of Russian with her by Shane Long during United’s 1-0 win at Southamp- Dybala could be a prototype of a Messi clone. league game at club are awarded oneone during the Group B at hhome,”ome,” MMkhitaryankhi told the Sha- ton on Saturday. The similarities between the two ArgentinesArgentines have have been been EEvianvian in April gagameme at the Parc ddese Princes. khtakhtarr DDonetskonetsk website in 2013. United are also without midfielders Paul Pogba notednoted bbyy DDybala’sybala’s strike partner Gonzalo HiHiguainguain amon amongg 2013,2013, and he was The two players argued in the 2-0 win “It’s probablyproba thanks to my He did not return to the starting and Michael Carrick and Mourinho suggested Craig others.others. bookedbooked 33 ttimesimes over OOlympiquelympique LLyonnais nine days ago grandmother’sgrandmother’s help that I don’t have XI until early December and it was Pawson, who refereed the match at Southampton, And Dybala credits five-time world player of the year inin the league when Neymar triedtr to take a penalty anan accent ananyy m more, which is a good not until the season’s second half would have sent Long off had he had a better view MessiMessi as a source of inspirationinspiration.. alonealone in his first instead of UruguUruguayan Cavani, who eventu- thing!”thing!” that he became a first-team of the incident. “Luckily“Luckily I have the chance to plaplayy with Messi in the threethree seasoseasonsns inin allyally had his spotspot-kick parried away by the UnitedUnited tackltackle CSKA at VEB Arena fixture. “For me Craig Pawson is one of the big referee- national team,” he said ahead of the Barcelona defeat.defeat. France.France. kkeeper.eeper. inin tthehe CChampionshamp League today, His decisive Europa League dis- ing talents in England,” Mourinho told reporters at “It“It is a privileprivilegege toto havehave himhim asas aa teammateteammate andand forfor suresure Verratti’sVerratti’s “Neymar“Neymar is iin the squad to play the lookinglooking toto builbuildd on their 3-0 home plays had the triple effect of CSKA’s VEB Arena yesterday. I can llearnearn a llotot ffromrom hhim.im. ownown ininfluencefluence in gamegame tomorrow,”tomorrow Emery told a news win over BasBasele in their opening cementing his place in the team, “He had an amazing game in my opinion. He was ““HowHow hhee interprets tthehe game,game, h howow h hee sees sees t hthings,ings, h howow ParisParis ononlyly grew conference.conference. Group A ffixture.ixture charming United’s fans and helping so calm, so much in control. He had a great perform- hhee tthinks,hinks, hhowow hhee seessees tthehe movementmovement ooff h hisis teammates teammates.”.” afterafter AnAncelotticelotti left left to to Neymar,Neymar, the world’s most expensive MkhMkhitaryan,itaryan 28, scored on their the club secure a return to the ance. After, I watched it on television -- no camera TThehe pplayerlayer ffromrom CorCordobadoba isis aalsolso h honouredonoured to to b bee com com-- taketake over at ReaReall footballer,footballer, mismissed PSG’s 0-0 draw at previousprevious visit ttoo Russia in March, his Champions League. for Craig -- and he made that decision, so decision pared to greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. MadridMadrid in 20132013,, but a Montpellier onon Saturday as the team awayaway ggoaloal at FFC Rostov paving the Now he is a central figure, his made. “We are talkingtalking aaboutbout Messi anandd Cristiano wwhoho hhaveave playerplayer whose style dropped their fifirst points of the season in way fforor a 2-1 aaggregate win in the surging runs a thrilling component “Fellaini was lucky. It could be a much worse sit- incredible numbers that no other player has reached. And hhasas led to comparicompari-- LigueLigue 1. Europa LeaguLeaguee last 16. of United’s play, and with five assists uation, but in a moment where we don’t have Pogba another in Neymar who in every game shows incredible sons with Argentine wwinger Angel Di Maria also Paris Saint- ThThee fformerormer Borussia Dortmund in his first six Premier League and Carrick, Marouane becomes even more impor- things. returns to the PSG squad after Germain’s Italian playerplayer proved ssomething of a lucky games, he has already comfortably tant than he always is. nearlynearly tthreeh weeks out injured. “It’s a huge honour. It means I am working well and the midfielder Marco charm for United in the surpassed his tally of one from last “Not to be here tomorrow is a difficult situation NeymarNe and Cavani are for us. But I expect Fellaini not to be out for a long peoplepeople see sometsomethinghing in in me me t hthatat can can d developevelop in in th thee future.” future.” Verratti in action competition.competition. season. But former Juventus and Italy midfielder Marco Tardelli likelylikely to start alongside His six ggoalsoal in the tournament With Marcus Rashford, Anthony time. during the French believesbelieves DyDybalabala sti stillll h hasas to to prove prove h himselfimself on on th thee larger larger stage. stage. KylianKyli Mbappe in a 4-3-3 includedincluded oneone iinn each leg of the quar- Martial, Juan Mata and Jesse Lin- “After Crystal Palace there is the international Ligue 1 football “He’s improved a lot, but I still expect something more formationform and Emery said he ter-finalter-final aagainstgains Anderlecht and the gard also vying for a starting place, break and Belgium was the first team to qualify (for match against fromfrom him,” Tardelli told Corriere dello SportSport.. hadhad discussed the penalty sit- predatory closclose-rangee finish, early there is no shortage of competition the World Cup), so (they are) not even under pres- “There’s“There’s no ddoubtoubt hhe’se’s aa greatgreat pplayer,layer, b butut to to uationuat with the players. Montpellier at inin thethe seconsecondd half, that rubber- for the three attacking midfield sure for a special big match. So hopefully he will be be the new Messi he needs to drag the team “I spoke with each of the Stade de la stamped their 22-0 win over Ajax in berths behind striker Romelu back for us.” fforwardorward inin tthehe CChampionshampions LeagueLeague too,too, notnot themthe and they know how Mosson stadium ththee ffinalinal inin StoStockholm.c Lukaku. With Pogba, Fellaini and Carrick all missing, jjustust in the league.” thingsthin will happen,” the Span- in Montpellier, “The ggameame of my life was last But Mkhitaryan is the only Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera are Mourinho’s Higuain added: “Messi is the best, ishish coach said. southern France on season’sseason’s EuropaEurop League final,” he member of that quintet to have only fit senior central midfielders. hehe sshowshows it every dday.ay. PauPaulolo isis stistillll Saturday. said.said. started all six of United’s league young. He is 23 and has the world “That’s“That’s becbecause it was the first games to date and with Paul Pogba at hihiss ffeet.”eet. ” European trophytroph for me and the first currently injured, his creativity is oneone eeverver fforo an Armenian now even more important to man- footballer. ager Jose Mourinho. “No“No oonene ffromro Armenia had ever “He understands me and, to be UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: TODAY’S FIXTURES beenbeen abablele to rreachea that level before. honest, I understand him,” Mour- ToTli play in a European E final and to inho said last month. GROUP A GROUP C score, too, made it one of the best “In the beginning of last season, Basel vs Benfica Qarabag vs Roma games I have played.” if he understood me better, then he At St. Jakob-Park, Basel Bakı Olimpiya Stadionu, Baku Mkhitaryan had missed United’s would have started better. But, at CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea win over Southampton in the League the same time, if I understood him At Stadion CSKA Moskva, Moscow At Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid Cup final through injury and his goal- better, I would probably have scoring turn against Ajax supplied a helped him in a faster way than I GROUP B GROUP D golden end to what had initially been did. PSG vs Bayern Munich Juventus vs Olympiakos a difficult maiden campaign. “We spent our time together, Paris St Germain’s At Parc des Princes, Paris Juventus Stadium, Turin A £26m ($35.2m) signing from working together, learning (about) Anderlect vs Celtic Sporting Lisbon vs Barcelona Brazilian forward Dortmund, he made his first start in each other. At Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Brussels At José Alvallade, Lisbon Manchester United manager Neymar a high-stakes derby against Pep “I believe, with his talent, that Guardiola’s Manchester City at Old this season is going to be even Jose Mourinho Trafford in early September. better.” 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 Agassi to Stephens remain Halep and Wozniacki says Asia Djokovic’s is ‘always head coach out as Muguruza sails tough’ Belgrade Wuhan Reuters AFP Wuhan Garbine Muguruza of Spain hits a return ovak Djokovic will AFP against Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine S Open champion keep Andre Agassi as during their second round women’s Sloane Stephens said his head coach when imona Halep was she found it hard to N singles match at the WTA Wuhan Open U he returns to action after defeated 6-2, 6-1 by play in Asia and admitted she in Wuhan, China yesterday. recovering from an elbow Russia’s Daria Kasat- was a long-shot for the WTA injury which forced him to cut kina yesterday at a Finals after her unsuccessful short his season in July, Ser- tumultuous Wuhan return to action at the Wuhan bia’s former world number SOpen that has seen two thirds of Open. one said yesterday. the top seeds tumble out in the Stephens, making her first “We can confirm that first two rounds. WUHAN OPEN 2ND ROUND RESULTS appearance since she landed Agassi remains the head The world number two her maiden Grand Slam title coach while Italian Marco headed for the exit along with Garbine Muguruza (ESP x1) bt Lesya Tsurenko (UKR) 6-4, 6-4 at Flushing Meadows, said she Panichi will take over as the Dane Caroline Wozniacki, Magda Linette (POL) bt Katerina Siniakova (CZE) 6-1, 6-2 might now have a better fitness coach and Argentine ranked six, who crashed out 7-5, Monica Puig (PUR) bt Peng Shuai (CHN) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 chance of making the Elite Ulises Badio is the new 6-3 to Maria Sakkari of Greece. Jelena Ostapenko bt Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 Trophy, the second-tier sea- Karolina Pliskova (CZE x3) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 physio,” Djokovic’s press They followed fellow seeds son finale. Wang Qiang (CHN) bt Sorana Cirstea (ROM) 6-3, 6-3 office said in a statement. Johanna Konta, Sloane Stephens, The 24-year-old Ameri- Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x9) bt Julia Gorges (GER) 7-5, 7-5 “The only remaining issue Madison Keys and Petra Kvitova can went down meekly 6-2, Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x6) 6-3, 6-3 is appointing a second coach among others, who all suffered Varvara Lepchenko (USA) bt Kiki Bertens (NED) 6-4, 6-4 6-2 to China’s 55th-ranked and that will complete the surprise defeats on Monday. Elena Vesnina (RUS x16) bt Elise Mertens (BEL) 6-2, 6-4 Wang Qiang on Monday as staff accompanying Djokovic But it was not all bad news Maria Sakkari (GRE) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x4) 7-5, 6-3 Madison Keys, the US Open in 2018.” for the sport’s top players as Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x7) bt Jil Teichmann (SUI) 6-2, 6-2 runner-up, also crashed out Djokovic, who has won 12 Spaniard Garbine Muguruza, Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Christina McHale (USA) 6-1, 6-1 in the first round. grand slam titles but suffered world number one, triumphed Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) bt Lauren Davis (USA) 6-2, 6-4 “Asia is always tough for a year-long dip in form before against Ukrainian Lesia Darya Kasatkina (RUS) bt Simona Halep (ROM x2) 6-2, 6-1 me. It’s hard for me to adjust the injury forced him to retire Tsurenko, sailing into the third (to the time change),” said against Czech Tomas Berdych round with a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Stephens, who flew to China in the Wimbledon quarter- Halep begun her second- on Friday, following Mon- finals, is expected to return at round match strongly and day’s match. the Australian Open in immediately broke her oppo- “I’m not going to be too January. nent. But she was later let down second serves. The 25-year-old round of the US Open when she second-ranked player Zhang upset about this. I mean, After winning his maiden by her service game, managing Romanian was competing in her lost to Maria Sharapova. “I didn’t Shuai after a tense three-set bat- things happen. Just kind of, French Open title last year to to convert just 12 percent of her first match since the opening play for a month. It’s tough to tle. The 25-year-old Czech oh well.” complete a career slam, Djok- come back and to play matches... overpowered Zhang 6-4, 3-6, Expectations for Stephens ovic’s on-court struggles Maybe it was a mistake that I 6-4 in just over two hours, in Wuhan were as high as the meant he surrendered the top didn’t play, but I needed rest breaking an unlucky streak for heat and humidity as the spot to Briton Andy Murray after the US season,” she said the competition’s top seeds at number 14 seed stepped on before the end of the 2017 after the match. the China tournament. court to take on China’s season. “What I saw after the US Pliskova, seeded three, has Wang. That slump led him to cut Open was that my serve is too never lost a match against Zhang But despite stronger his coaching ties with Boris soft for the big players, so that’s and once again showed she had resistance by Stephens in the Becker and following a shock why I decided to work on it the measure of her Chinese second set, Wang -- spurred second-round exit at the Aus- more,” she added. opponent, who had been on a on by the home crowd in the tralian Open, he parted ways Meanwhile Wozniacki, high after winning the 15,000-capacity stadium -- with his entire training staff seeded four, was upset by Guangzhou Open last week. proved too strong for the headed by Marian Vajda. Sakkari, ranked 80 in the world, She will now face another world number 17, ousting her “Djokovic is still nursing Daria Kasatkina of who grabbed her first win over home crowd favourite, Wang in just over an hour. his elbow injury and has Russia reacts after a top 20 player. Qiang, the first-ever Chinese Afterwards, Stephens said spent several days in Belgrade winning a point The defeat came after Woz- player to reach the third round her goals had not changed for some fitness training,” the against Simona niacki, who finished as year-end at Wuhan. since her unexpected win in statement added. Halep of Romania world number one in 2010 and Elsewhere, Latvian Jelena New York earlier this month. “He is working hard to get during their second 2011, won her third Pan Pacific Ostapenko, seeded eight, tri- She said her only aim was started with tennis practice round match at the Open in Japan last week, cap- umphed over Czech player to stay fit and healthy, after a as soon as possible in order WTA Wuhan Open turing her first title of the year. Barbora Strycova 2-6, 7-5, 6-3. foot injury led to an 11-month to meet his own expectations yesterday. She had previously lost six finals. Agnieszka Radwanska, absence from the game and of making a comeback in In other matches, Karolina seeded nine, defeated German saw her plummet to 957th in Australia in 2018.” Pliskova triumphed over China’s Julia Gorges 7-5, 7-5. the world. US Olympians divided on national anthem protests

Park City But she also said that “when it AFP Members of the Dallas Cowboys link arms before the national anthem at the start of the NFL game against comes to the Olympics, I would like to the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday in Glendale, Arizona. think it’s a special event, not like pro S Winter Olympic athletes were sports teams that compete every as divided as the nation on weekend.” UMonday on NFL player protests And team-mate Laurenne Ross said during the US national anthem in the a protest move in a ski event wouldn’t wake of comments by Donald Trump. shock her. Remarks and tweets by Trump “Part of me would be proud of that insulted NFL players who kneeled dur- person for standing up or kneeling for ing pre-game renditions of “The their rights and using their voice,” she Star-Spangled Banner” to follow Colin said. Kaepernick’s protest move from last “Part of me would be a little bit season over racial discrimination to heartbroken that we’re being torn as African-Americans. a nation and we’re doing these actions That led to most NFL players lock- that make us seem we’re not one ing arms with each other and owners anymore.” on Sunday in protest of Trump’s free US men’s Olympic hockey coach speech put-down, more players than Tony Granato, whose team for ever electing to kneel after Trump said Pyeongchang will not include NHL players should be fired for insulting players, noted the Olympic ban on pro- the nation. tests and the disruptive nature of US Olympic Committee chief exec- protests to team focus, saying, “Any utive Scott Blackmun backed the situation like that, I don’t forsee it protests and supported athletes’ free- happening.” dom of expression. from the medal podium during the US Wagner said. Wagner, 26, is the daugh- to you. I have nothing but respect for “I’ve always stood for the national “I think the athletes you see pro- anthem at the 1968 Mexico City Olym- ter of a US Army colonel and was born that.” anthem. And I always will,” said Afri- testing are protesting because they love pics, calling it “a seminal moment not on a base in Germany, one of 10 places But also added, “I don’t think the can-American Jordan Greenway, a their country, not because they don’t,” only for the Olympic movement but she called home as a child and self- opinion of a figure skater matters that Boston University forward and likely Blackmun said. “We fully support the for the US Olympic team.” described “Army brat.” much.” US Olympic hockey player. right of our athletes and everybody else Three-time US women’s figure “To me it represents all the men Julia Mancuso whose US women’s Troy Terry, a forward for US col- to express themselves.” skating champion Ashley Wagner, a and women who have fought for the Alpine ski record haul of four Olym- lege champion Denver and likely While noting the Olympics ban all 2016 world runner-up and 2014 Olym- flag when it waves,” Wagner said of pic medals included 2006 giant slalom Olympian, won’t be following the NFL forms of demonstrations, he added, pic bronze medalist, proudly supports the US anthem. gold, also backed those who had the lead either. “You won’t see me taking “we certainly recognise the importance the song she wants to hear on medal “I also recognise not everybody has courage to take action. “One of the a knee for the national anthem or any- of athletes being able to express podiums. that experience when they are hear- proudest points of being an American thing like that,” Terry said. themselves.” “Hearing that anthem means I’ve ing the anthem. Freedom of speech is is freedom of speech and I’m really “We’ll be so worried about the Blackmun mentioned Tommie had a really great day and I have noth- one of those rights they are fighting proud of our athletes speaking up for hockey that we won’t be worried about Smith and John Carlos raising their fists ing but great things to say about it,” for. If you choose to use it, more power what they believe in,” Mancuso said. things like that.” WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 35 Van Gundy, Pistons ready for move to new arena

Auburn Hills, Michigan on October 4. “The sight lines sis on hockey than basketball. Drummond said he’s lost damage. The big health issue AP are terrific,” coach Stan Van “I felt like us coming to a about 30 pounds and now facing the Pistons is still the con- Gundy said. new home, I felt like it would be weighs 285. dition of point guard Reggie he Detroit Pistons were “The way it is built puts peo- more welcoming, in my opin- “I’m moving faster, jumping Jackson, who had a knee prob- back at The Palace for ple closer to the court, which I ion,” Drummond said. “But higher,” Drummond said. “I’m lem before the start of last season Ttheir annual media day, so think will give us an outstand- maybe I’m looking at it at a just feeling great overall, and it’s and never got into a groove. their old venue hasn’t com- ing home-court advantage wrong angle because everything just something I’m really proud Van Gundy said Jackson pletely been forgotten. when we get those people yell- is not done yet.” of myself for really taking that can’t go through full two-a-days This season, however, is ing and screaming.” This is an important season time and really grinding this at this point. about something new. It will be interesting to for Drummond, who received a summer out.” “He can go once a day. He The Pistons will play at Lit- watch the team’s attendance, $130m, five-year contract from Drummond underwent a did play some five-on-five with tle Caesars Arena in downtown which wasn’t good during the the Pistons last year, then procedure to correct a deviated our guys at the end of last week, Detroit, the new facility they’ll final few seasons in Auburn became the subject of trade septum — a displacement of and we’re just trying to decide share with the Detroit Red Hills. The Pistons have made the speculation months later. “The bone and cartilage that divides which practice and how much Wings. It’s already hosting pre- playoffs just once in the past year I had last year was not who the two nostrils. He says his and how to bring him along,” season hockey, and the Pistons eight seasons and missed out in I was,” Drummond said. breathing has been better, and Van Gundy said. will open the regular season 2016-17 with a 37-45 record. “That’s not the player I’m that could have an impact on the “He’s in the shape of some- Stan Van Gundy there October 18 against Char- Centre Andre Drummond supposed to be. That’s not the court. Van Gundy said Drum- one who hasn’t played in six lotte. Their first home exhibition said he’s been to the new arena player I’m supposed to repre- mond sprained an ankle last months, so conditioning’s an game is also against the Hornets and felt there was more empha- sent for this city.” week but there was no major issue.”

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yu Darvish in action Prescott, Cowboys during the first inning of the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday. pull away to beat Cardinals 28-17

Glendale, Arizona field goal cut the lead to 21-17 AP with 6:35 left. Ezekiel Elliott, who gained ak Prescott threw two 8 yards in nine carries against touchdown passes and Denver and drew criticism for Dflipped head over heels not hustling after a couple of into the end zone on a 10-yard late interceptions, was bottled run for another as the Dallas up much of the game, but still Cowboys pulled away in the gained 80 yards on 22 attempts, fourth quarter to beat the Ari- 30 on one play. zona Cardinals 28-17 on He ran 8 yards for the final Monday night. Cowboys touchdown. The Cowboys (2-1), bounc- The Cardinals (1-2), in their ing back from a 42-17 home opener, got a big game pummeling in Denver, began from Fitzgerald, who caught 13 the game kneeling at midfield passes for 149 yards, in the with owner Jerry Jones in a process moving ahead of Mar- show of unity that followed vin Harrison into eighth in widespread protests across the career receiving yards. NFL of critical comments by Carson Palmer had a big President Donald Trump over first half, completed 15 of 18 for the weekend. After they 145 yards and finished 29 of 48 kneeled, they stood and walked for 325 yards and two scores. to the sideline for the anthem. He was sacked six times, a Prescott, 13 of 18 for 183 career-high three by DeMarcus yards, broke a 14-14 tie with a Lawrence. 37-yard scoring pass to Brice The Cardinals dominated MLB: Darvish delivers as Butler with 11:52 to play. the first half statistically, but Arizona, with a spectacular were deadlocked with the Cow- catch by Larry Fitzgerald for 24 boys at 7-7. Arizona had a yards on a third-and-18 play, 152-57 advantage in yards and moved downfield but the drive dominated time of possession Dodgers claim 100th win stalled. Phil Dawson’s 37-yard 19:34 to 9:41.

Los Angeles on from the last outing was pitch AP selection and some details. We had a really good talk before the f there were any lingering game with (catcher Yasmani) questions about whether Grandal. The game plan Yu Darvish is ready for the (worked). I feel really good.” play-offs, he answered Forsythe hit a three-run them on Monday night. double in the first and a solo IDarvish pitched two-hit ball homer in the third. Barnes went over seven innings and the Los deep in the fifth. Angeles Dodgers beat the San Darvish’s performance was Diego Padres 9-3 to reach 100 exactly the stuff Los Angeles is wins for the first time in 43 years. looking for when the postsea- Los Angeles acquired son starts next week. Darvish from Texas just before “I think you know at times the July 31 trade deadline to help he can be absolutely dominant,” bolster a rotation that has Padres manager Andy Green designs on a World Series title. said. He’s been up and down since “I think we saw that version arriving, but the Dodgers don’t of him tonight. I think the last Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Pedro Baez (right) gets have to wonder about his con- couple of times he’s been on the a high five from Clayton Kershaw (22) after earning a save fidence heading into the mound he’s looked that way.” postseason. against San Diego Padres in Los Angeles on Monday. Struggling reliever Pedro “That’s continued to build Baez pitched a scoreless ninth over his last few starts,” man- what we believe is it starts with 102 regular-season games in for the Dodgers. ager Dave Roberts said. starting pitching and Yu is a big 1974. Padres starter Travis Wood “We’ve talked about what it part of where we’re trying to go. “I think it’s pretty special and (4-7) allowed six runs and five takes to win a championship and For him to get that confidence, we’re all very fortunate to be a hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked I think we can certainly be much part of this,” Forsythe said. four. BASEBALL RESULTS more optimistic.” “It’s wild to think a team gets Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Logan Forsy the went 3 for to 100 wins. To do it tonight and Puig arrived late to the ballpark LA Dodgers 9 San Diego 3 3 with a home run and four RBIs contribute a little bit, it’s been a for a scheduled workout and was Seattle 7 Oakland 1 as the NL West champions lot of fun.” benched by Roberts. San Francisco 9 Arizona 2 moved 1½ games ahead of Darvish (10-12) was perfect Puig was not in the lineup on Miami 5 Colorado 4 Cleveland for the best record in through four innings and didn’t Sunday, either, after a game- Chicago Cubs 10 St. Louis 2 the majors and home-field allow a hit until Hunter Renfroe ending baserunning gaffe the Chicago White Sox 4 LA Angels 2 advantage throughout the doubled with one out in the fifth. previous day. Roberts stopped Houston 11 Texas 2 postseason. The right-hander permitted one short of saying Puig got punished NY Mets 3 Atlanta 2 Los Angeles (100-57) can run while striking out nine and Sunday, but made it clear the Toronto 6 Boston 4 secure home-field edge for the walking none. 26-year-old Cuban slugger was entire NL play-offs with a win “I think I’m in a really good being disciplined on Monday. Washington 3 Philadelphia 1 Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates after and a Washington loss. Austin position physically and men- “It’s one of those things Atlanta 9 NY Mets 2

Barnes hit a three-run homer for tally,” Darvish said through a where we all have to be account- scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the

NY Yankees 11 Kansas City 3 the Dodgers, who hadn’t reached translator. able to one another,” Roberts Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in the century mark since winning “What we wanted to work said after the game. Glendale on Monday. 36 SPORT WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 England drop Stokes after assault arrest

London voluntarily to Bristol today to help AFP police with their enquiries. “You will understand that we ngland all-rounder Ben Stokes cannot offer further detail at this has been arrested on suspicion stage but will provide any updates Eof causing actual bodily harm when we can.” in Bristol and dropped for today’s Strauss, in a subsequent inter- fourth one-day international against view with Sky Sports News, West Indies. confirmed Stokes and Hales The 26-year-old Durham star remained available for Ashes selec- was arrested early on Monday in the tion, saying: “The selectors have been Clifton district of the city and instructed to select the Ashes squad released under investigation -- with- based on form and fitness.” out charge -- the England and Wales ECB Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss (centre) speaks to the Stokes was arrested for obstruct- Cricket Board (ECB) announced ing police on a night out in 2011 and media as England captain Eoin Morgan (left) looks on in London yesterday. ultimately cautioned. yesterday. Both Stokes and England open- The following year saw him sent ing batsman Alex Hales, 28, who was home from an England Lions or with him on Sunday night, will miss The incident happened following Strauss, reading from an ECB A-team tour in Australia, alongside the game at The Oval. England’s 124-run win in the third statement to reporters at the Oval on team-mate Matt Coles, for repeat- A statement issued by Avon and ODI -- where Stokes made 73 -- in yesterday, said: “Ben Stokes and Alex edly flouting curfews and bans on Somerset police said: “We were southwest city Bristol on Sunday that Hales will not be available for tomor- late-night drinking, called to a disorder in Queens Road, put them 2-0 up in a five-match row’s (today’s) one-day International Stokes was also sidelined from Clifton, at around 2:35am (0135 GMT) series against West Indies. match against West Indies at The the 2014 World Twenty20 after on Monday. Today’s fixture at the Oval takes Oval. breaking his hand as a result of “A 27-year-old man was found place just hours after England are “Stokes was arrested in the early punching a dressing-room locker in to have suffered facial injuries and due to unveil their squad for the hours of Monday morning, 25 Sep- Barbados in frustration at a run of was taken to the Bristol Royal Infir- Ashes tour of Australia at the south tember, following an incident in poor form. mary for treatment. London ground. Bristol,” the former England captain In an interview with The Times “A 26-year-old man was arrested ECB England cricket director added as he continued to read out magazine published on Saturday, on suspicion of causing actual bod- Andrew Strauss, confirmed that both from the statement. Stokes was asked if his previous ily harm and has since been released Durham star Stokes -- a Test regu- “He was held overnight and experience meant he no longer drank under investigation.” lar -- and Nottinghamshire batsman released under investigation -- with- alcohol on evenings out during a The police statement also asked Hales, a fringe candidate who played out charge -- late on Monday and five-day Test match, “Yeah, why This file photo taken on June 01, 2017 shows anyone who was in the Clifton Tri- the last of his 13 Tests 11 months ago, will not join the team in London. not?,” he replied. “We’re grown men, England’s Ben Stokes reacts while bowling angle area in the early hours of will be considered for the Ashes “Hales, who was with Stokes on go out for dinner, have a few pints. during the ICC Champions trophy match against Monday “who saw any part of this squad on cricketing grounds alone Sunday night, did not train this (yes- “I’m 26, not 14. I don’t have to Bangladesh at the Oval in London. incident” to contact them. by the selectors. terday) morning and has returned drink Diet Cokes with dinner.” Cricket: Players face sending-off

Dubai AP No Misbah and Younis ent off for misbehaving in cricket? You can be Two-Test series as Pakistan look to now. The International starting tomorrow Cricket Council (ICC) - Pakistan vs Sri Shas introduced new rules and new Test era against SL Lanka and South rule changes for the centuries- old game that will come into Africa vs Abu Dhabi admitting it will be tough to effect tomorrow. One of them is Bangladesh - will AFP replace them. to give umpires the power to “Obviously, it’s not easy to send a player off for the rest of mark the akistan will step into a fill the void they left as they the match for serious introduction of a new Test era without were the backbone of our bat- misconduct. Pretired batting greats ting,” said Ahmed. “Their Players can be sent off for number of new Younis Khan and Misbah-ul- contributions were immense level four offenses, the most rules in cricket Haq when they take on Sri but now we have to move on.” serious under the ICC’s code of Lanka in the first Test in Abu Younis is not only Paki- conduct. Those offenses include Dhabi from tomorrow. stan’s highest Test runs scorer, assaulting or threatening to Playing without Younis and with 10,099, but the slips field- assault another player, an Misbah is unaccustomed terri- ing specialist also holds the umpire, the match referee or a tory for Pakistan, who haven’t national record of 139 catches spectator, or any act of violence had a Test featuring neither of in 118 Tests. on the field of play. Any act that they are caught after the ball the talismanic, prolific pair in Misbah’s calm influence as is “contrary to the spirit of the strikes a wicketkeeper’s or field- seven years. a batsman, as well as skipper, game” or “brings the game into er’s helmet. It comes as they prepare to will also be tough to replace. disrepute” can also be labelled The new rules will be in use welcome the return of full Fast-rising batsman Babar a level four offense. for the first time tomorrow in the international cricket to their Azam at four and Haris Sohail, Previously, all misconduct first Test between South Africa home country next month, who is yet to play a Test, will was dealt with by umpires and and Bangladesh, the first Test when Sri Lanka visit for a attempt to fill the void, while the match referee after the game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Twenty20 game in Lahore. Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq will with fines and bans. Less seri- and the fourth one-day interna- Together, Younis and Mis- also be expected to play a lead- ous offenses will still be dealt tional between India and bah have appeared in 193 Tests, ing role. with in this way. Australia. accumulating 15,331 runs, 44 Ali was in doubt for the first The new rules also say a Some of the important rule centuries and 15 century stands Test after suffering a knee bowler who bowls a deliberate changes are: between them, briefly lifting the injury but he has since front-foot no ball is guilty of The thickness of bats has team to the top of the Test rank- responded well to treatment, “unfair play” and isn’t allowed now been restricted. The edge ings in August last year. while Yasir Shah will lead the to bowl again for the rest of the of the bat can be no thicker than Former South African Batsman Barry Richards poses with They have dominated the spin attack in a squad with five innings. 40 millimeters (1.5 inches) and the bat he made 325 in a single day at the Adelaide Oval and batting at Pakistan’s venues in fast bowlers. The ICC has introduced new the overall depth of the bat no with the bat of David Warner of Australia during day one of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Shah, who took 24 wickets limits to the size of bats, will more than 67mm (2.6 inches). the third Test match between Australia and New Zealand at The pair made Pakistan so in Pakistan’s 2-1 series win in Sri allow the decision review sys- Restrictions on the length and Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, in this November 27, 2015 photo. invincible that they have not Lanka two years ago, will be tem to be used in Twenty20 width of bats were already in lost any of the nine series they assisted by uncapped spinners games, and changed a law so force and remain unchanged. gauge” to check if a bat is legal, are broken, he is not out. Previ- have played in UAE, with new Mohammad Asghar and Bilal that batsmen will be given out if Umpires will be given a “new bat the ICC said. ously, batsmen could be out if captain Sarfraz Ahmed Asif. The bails can now be teth- the bat was in the air — even if FACTBOX: INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL RULE CHANGE ered to the stumps, restricting in his crease. The same change how far they fly off the stumps. applies to stumpings. There are 17 changes or introductions and these are the major ones which will be ap- The ICC said this is in response A batsman is now out if he plied to all formats of the game. to injuries sustained by wicket- hits the ball and it is caught after * The restriction on the length and width of bats remain unchanged but the thickness of the edges keepers. In 2012, South Africa it strikes the helmet of a wick- cannot be more than 40mm and the overall depth can be 67 mm at the most. Umpires will be wicketkeeper Mark Boucher’s etkeeper or fielder. Previously issued with a new bat gauge, which they can use to check a bat’s legality. career was ended by a serious he couldn’t be caught off a wick- * A player can now be sent off the field for the rest of the match for any serious misconduct, such eye injury when a bail flew off etkeeper’s or fielder’s helmet. A as threatening to assault an umpire, making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with the stumps and hit him in the batsman can also be stumped or an umpire, physically assaulting a player or any other violent conduct. eye. Host countries have been run out after the ball hits a hel- * A review by a team using DRS will now not be lost in case of a decision that remains unchanged, left with the decision whether met worn by a member of the solely as the result of an “umpire’s call”. or not to use tethered bails. fielding side. If a ball bowled bounces The DRS system can now be * A batsman is no longer considered run out or stumped if running or diving towards the crease more than once before it gets to used in Twenty20 internation- with forward momentum, and has grounded the bat behind the popping crease but subse- the batsman, it will be called a als. Each team gets one review quently has lost contact with the ground at the time of the wickets being put down. no ball. It used to be a no ball if per innings. Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq (left) is greeted by team- * For boundary catches, airborne fielders making their first contact with the ball will need to have it bounced more than twice. In all formats, a team will not taken off from within the boundary, otherwise a four or six will be scored. If a batsman makes contact lose a review if the review is mate and fellow retiree Younis Khan on the fourth day’s

* A batsman can now be out caught, stumped or run out even if the ball bounces off the helmet with the ground with his bat struck down because of “umpire’s play of the final Test match against the West Indies at the worn by a fielder or wicketkeeper. beyond the crease, and it then call.” Umpire’s call refers to a mar- Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau, Dominica in this May 2017 bounces up when the wickets ginal or very close decision. file photo.