CRICKET | Page 3 FOOTBALL | Page 6 Ali spins Messi, Suarez England to show no mercy 60-run win as Barcelona over India beat Huesca

Monday, September 3, 2018 FORMULA 1 Dhul-Hijja 23, 1439 AH Hamilton wrecks GULF TIMES Ferrari’s party in Italy as Vettel spins SPORT Page 5 FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES Qatar’s Abdulla claims second straight T2 victory in Poland Qatari driver is now 16 points off the championship lead with two races to go — Morocco and Portugal

Agencies Szczecin, Poland

atar’s Adel Abdulla clinched a second suc- cessive T2 category victory on a European BajaQ round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies by win- ning the Columna Medica Baja Poland yesterday afternoon. The Nissan Patrol Y62 driver snatched the lead from arch rival Ahmed al-Shegawi on the fi rst of the longer stages on Saturday morning and gradually pulled Qatar’s Adel Abdulla drives ahead of title rival Ahmed al-Shegawi. away from his rival to secure vic- tory in the T2 category for driv- stages in the nearby Dobra mu- Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), ers of series production cross- nicipality before the ceremonial Ooredoo Qatar and Nissan Qatar. country vehicles by the margin fi nish in Szczecin yesterday. Action resumes in the FIA of 12min 06sec. The Qatari, who Abdulla extended his advan- World Cup for Cross-Country has won the T2 section in Hunga- tage by 1min 05sec in the 18.39km Rallies with the Rally of Morocco ry last month, was also rewarded of Krekowo and safely negotiated at the start of October. with an excellent eighth overall in the 10.50km of the second test the general classifi cation. in 11min 13sec to retain a com- T2 RESULTS (TOP 3) Victory for the QX Rally Team fortable T2 advantage of 14min 1. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Jean-Michel driver and his French naviga- 30sec to take into the repeat runs Polato (FRA) Nissan Patrol Y62 tor Jean-Michel Polato enabled through the two short stages. 7hrs 28min 03sec the team to reduce the gap to T2 Pole Tomasz Baranowski retired 2. Ahmed al-Shegawi (SAU)/Alexei series leader al-Shegawi from on the second stage of the loop. Kuzmich (RUS) Toyota Land 23 points to 16 points with two Abdulla did not intend to take Cruiser 7hrs 40min 09sec rounds remaining in Morocco any risks and the Qatari was happy 3. Piotr Sawicki (POL)/Jakub Mo- and Portugal. to concede 1min 07sec to his ri- liter (POL) Toyota Land Cruiser Abdulla said: “We managed Qatar’s Adel Abdulla celebrates his T2 category victory in Baja Poland for the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies yesterday. val on the re-run of Krekowo and 7hrs 54min 42sec to win the race. I had a prob- headed into the fi nal 10.50km with lem after the second of the long could try and manage the pace for their support and all the peo- ground in Drawsko Pomorskie on land’s Piotr Sawicki was a further a comfortable advantage. He guid- T2 STANDINGS (TOP 5) stages on Saturday. One of the and conserve the car. ple who support me in this race.” Saturday afternoon. 11min 18sec behind the QMMF- ed the car to the fi nish cautiously 1. Ahmed al-Shegawi (SAU) 201pts rear dampers was leaking, so it “I thank my team, co-driver Abdulla took a lead of 5min Another fastest time enabled backed driver. to record a vital win. 2. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 185pts was diffi cult on the small bumpy and my sponsors Nissan Qatar, 29sec into the second run the Qatari to extend his lead by Action concluded with a pair The Qatari’s challenge for T2 3. Yuliya K-Migunova (RUS) 42pts stages today. It was good that we Ooredoo Qatar and the Qatar through the 222.60km selective 8min 07sec to 13min 36sec at the of runs through two shorter Kre- honours this season is being sup- 4. Marat Abykayev (KAZ) 36pts had the gap yesterday, so that I Motor and Motorcycle Federation section at the military training overnight halt in Szczecin. Po- kowo and Lubieszyn off -road ported by the Qatar Motor and 5. Alexey Titov (RUS) 25pts

SPOTLIGHT 2018 edition added to Asian Games success story, QOC secretary-general

By Sports Reporter The QOC secretary-gen- powering people in Qatar to Doha eral extended his thanks to take part in sport. This is an the players of Team Qatar for important goal and vision the results they achieved in for the Qatar Olympic Com- atar Olympic the 2018 Asian Games in Ja- mittee to ensure sustain- Committee (QOC) karta, Indonesia. able sports development. We secretary-general “We aimed to have as many hope that the Asian Games Jassim bin Rash- athletes from both genders experience will motivate our idQ al-Buenain stressed that and from diff erent age groups athletes to maintain their the 18th edition of the Asian participating at the Asian performance at the high- Games added a new chap- Games,” al-Buenain said. est level at their upcoming ter in the successful history “The Qatar Olympic Com- competitions, and at the To- of the important sporting mittee is committed to in- kyo 2020 Summer Olympic event. spiring, engaging and em- Games.”

Qatar’s AVC Cup champions return

Qatar’s AVC Cup champions and off icials return to a warm welcome at Doha’s Hamad International Airport yesterday. The Qatar volleyball team won their maiden title in August before heading to the Asian Games, where they finished fourth. PICTURE: Ram Chand Gulf Times 2 Monday, September 3, 2018 ASIAN GAMES

SPOTLIGHT ACCOLADE Beef, sushi on menu as Ikee scoops MVP Mobot, Olympic AFP she fi nished with eight medals in Jakarta total — equalling the record set by North Korean shooter So Gin Man in 1982. eenage swimming sensa- Ikee captured titles in the 50m tion Rikako Ikee said she butterfl y, 100m fl y, 50m free, would celebrate with bar- 100m free, 4x100m free and the becued beef and sushi as 4x100m medley in a show-steal- dreams as Asiad Tshe was named the best athlete at ing performance in Jakarta. the Asian Games yesterday. Next up for Ikee, set to be the Ikee, 18, who grabbed a record face of the 2020 Olympics in her six gold medals in Jakarta, said home city, is an attempt at her she hoped she had put Japanese fi rst world title next year in South swimming on the map ahead of Korea. the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. “I still haven’t won a world “I’m looking forward to eating title so that’s my next goal,” she close in Jakarta some barbecued beef and sushi,” said, adding that she was already said Ikee, the fi rst woman to win back in Japan when she was told the Most Valuable Player award. she’d won MVP. After defying expectations to host a smooth Games, Indonesia now eye the Olympics “To become the fi rst Japanese “I was on the train to Disney- to win six golds... it has put Japa- land when my coach called to tell AFP nese swimming on the map,” she me it might be me and I couldn’t Jakarta added on the fi nal day of the re- stop grinning,” she said. “Hasn’t gional Olympics. quite sunk in but it’s something Ikee is the fi rst woman to win I wanted to win so to win the he 18th Asian Games six golds at a single Games, and award is a real honour.” closed in a glittering ceremony in Jakarta yesterday as hosts Indo- Tnesia dreamed of stepping up to host the Olympics in 2032. Thousands of athletes in pon- chos marched in heavy rain at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium at the close of the two-week tournament featuring 40 sports. “You did it! You made the energy of Asia come through,” Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al- Sabah, president of the Olympic Council of Asia, told the packed crowd. “Jakarta has the capability to host any such major inter- national event,” added the Ku- waiti, who performed the heart- shaped “Mobot” by placing both hands on top of his head. It added to the relaxed atmos- phere of the ceremony, which was mainly devoted to music acts from Indonesia, India and South Korea while booming fi re- works lit up the night sky. Indonesia has defi ed expecta- tions to host a smooth Games, which with 17,000 athletes and offi cials is second in size only to the Olympics. General view of the 2018 Asian Games closing ceremony at the GBK Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. (Reuters) Despite worries about ter- rorism and unfi nished venues, Joseph Schooling. most problems have been minor Premier League star Son He- — including a series of hiccups ung-min’s joyous celebration at over ticketing, for which Vice- winning football gold, a title that Olympics boss hopes Koreas will President Jusuf Kalla apologised earned him an exemption from in his ceremony speech. military service in South Korea, march together at Tokyo Riding high on the Games’ will live long in the memory. success, President Joko Widodo Tobacco and banking billion- Olympics chief Thomas Bach is to open talks with North and on Saturday announced a bid to aire Michael Bambang Hartono, South Korea about marching and competing together at the 2020 hold the 2032 Olympics, which one of Indonesia’s richest men, Tokyo Games, he said yesterday. Bach was speaking at the Asian would have seemed unthinkable was the Games’ oldest medallist Games, where the two Koreas paraded together at the open- just a few weeks ago. at 78, in the card game bridge. ing ceremony and joined forces in competition for the second The president addressed the He is 66 years older than time this year, after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The ceremony by video link from an 12-year-old Indonesian skate- International Olympic Committee chief said such gestures were emergency shelter in Lombok, boarder Bunga Nyimas, whose becoming “natural and normal”, adding that the Koreas may even where a string of earthquakes in bronze medal in the street event form a joint relay team in Tokyo, without elaborating. At the Asian recent weeks killed 555 people. made her the youngest athlete to Games, the two Koreas formed joint teams in rowing, canoeing Olympics chief Thomas Bach mount a podium. and women’s basketball, winning one gold, one silver and two has welcomed Indonesia’s bid They were part of a bumper bronze medals. but he warned that the sprawl- Games for Indonesia, whose 31 ing Southeast Asian country golds was a record for a South- AIBA to allow judging protests needed to maintain the positive east Asian country and who, energy generated by the Games. more importantly, proved the aft er boxing turmoil “I think what is important critics wrong by hosting a suc- now for Indonesia is to keep the cessful tournament. The International Boxing Association (AIBA) will introduce a right momentum of this Games,” he Although there were com- of protest against controversial judging “to ensure fair play” and said earlier yesterday. plaints over air pollution, traffi c prevent a repeat of ugly scenes that marred the Asian Games. Two “So for you now not to fall into Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah does a “Mobot” during his and a pre-Games police crack- North Korean boxing coaches were thrown out of the Asian Games a black hole the moment after speech at the closing ceremony of the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. (AFP) down that killed dozens, the Saturday after refusing to leave the ring and inciting the crowd after everybody has left.” venues were ready on time and their fighter lost gold on a split decision to a Chinese boxer. Police They will now look to make a yesterday’s mixed team triath- Games, was named the best ath- most events went off smoothly. had to move in to escort the duo from the Jakarta International Expo BUMPER GAMES FOR deafening statement by repeat- lon, placed a distant second with lete or Most Valuable Player. It came after the 2011 South- arena. They will now face disciplinary action by AIBA. And there were INDONESIA ing the feat at the 2020 Olym- 75 golds, while South Korea had The 18-year-old, who looks east Asian Games in Indonesia ugly scenes earlier in the week after an Iraqi fighter lost a close fight China topped the medals table pics in Tokyo, capital of their 49 and hosts Indonesia fi nished set to be the face of the Tokyo were plagued by corruption and and a fan jumped over barriers and tried to storm the ring encour- for the tenth Games in succes- war-time colonisers and bitter with 31. 2020 Games, stole the limelight delays — and may have put the aged by the boxer’s cornermen. “We’re going to have a protest sion, a streak stretching back to rivals Japan. Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, at the pool from China’s triple country in line to host the big- committee in place because even in the best of times there will be New Delhi 1982, with a runaway Japan, who won the Games’ who became the fi rst woman to Olympic champion Sun Yang gest tournament of all, the Ol- (controversial) decisions,” AIBA executive director Tom Virgets said. 132 golds. 465th and fi nal gold medal in win six gold medals at a single and Singaporean butterfl y hero ympics.

BOTTOMLINE Extra toes and a cattle herder as India unearths unlikely heroes

AFP once a cattle herder — it was gold the country’s Asiad campaign In a bizarre series of events, the men’s poor performance was Jakarta in the 800 metres as he outpaced was a success, barring the two it was decided that the Asian down to their bad attitude. race favourite Jinson Johnson to blips in kabaddi and hockey. Games team would have to “Our men players have become become a national hero. “It was a decent showing by square off in September against spoilt brats. They are always busy rom a twelve-toed hep- Singh, who hails from a small our squad. There were more the athletes who missed out to on social media and have no re- tathlete to a one-time village in the northern state of medals than the previous years win the right to keep their com- gard for discipline,” the hockey cattle herder, it was an Haryana, trained far away from and there are more silvers than petition bonuses. offi cial was quoted as saying by eclectic mix of athletes home for over a year, helped out bronze. And even the gold count Singh said events back home the Press Trust of India. mostlyF from rural areas that for money by his father. increased in the last few days,” likely impacted the performance Still, India towered over its saved the day for India at the Javelin-thrower Neeraj Cho- Singh told AFP. of the Asiad team. neighbours Pakistan, Afghani- Asian Games in Jakarta. pra, a farmer’s son from a rural “More importantly there was “They must have been under stan, and Nepal who could only After teams from traditional Delhi suburb, didn’t disappoint no controversy of any kind. All pressure to win here and then muster seven medals between powerhouse sports kabaddi and as he claimed victory with an the players showcased utmost go for the trials back home,” he them, while Bangladesh and Sri hockey crashed out, it was up to Indian record of 88.05 metres to discipline. There was disap- said. “So that would have played Lanka drew a blank. this group from humble origins add to his Commonwealth title. pointment in kabaddi and hock- on their mind, but nonetheless it Pakistan teenager Nargis, who to turn around the country’s for- Meanwhile Dutee Chand, who ey but these things happen in was disappointing.” goes by a single name, was the tunes. was barred from the 2014 Games sports,” he added. India’s hockey team was also fi rst woman to win a medal for Swapna Barman stood out over her hyperandrogenism, a in the fi ring line as they suff ered her country at the Asiad after with her twelve toes — six per condition that raises testosterone ‘SPOILT BRATS’ a shock loss to Malaysia in the bagging bronze in karate. foot — to clinch gold in heptath- levels, captured two silver med- India’s failure to reach the men’s semi-fi nals. Nepal got a silver in paraglid- lon, chipping in to help India als in the 100 and 200m women’s kabaddi fi nals had threatened to Their win in the bronze play- ing, but Bangladesh went home achieve a record 69 medals at the sprint. plunge their Games campaign Swapna Barman stood out with her twelve toes — six per foot — to off against arch-rivals Pakistan without a medal for the fi rst time continental games. India’s total of 15 golds, 24 silvers into crisis after Iran stunned the clinch gold in women’s heptathlon event at the Asian Games. (AFP) was barely any consolation as the in 36 years. A daughter of a rickshaw puller and 30 bronze surpassed their pre- seven-time winners in the semi- one-time hockey powerhouse “We don’t have good (enough) from the West Bengal city of Jal- vious best of 65 medals in the 2010 fi nals. tle for bronze in a sport widely The defeats were part of a wid- missed out on a chance to qualify infrastructure to produce medal- paiguri, Barman overcame seri- edition in Guangzhou, China. India had already slumped to thought to have originated in In- er scandal in India that saw a high for Tokyo 2020. winning athletes. There are not ous pain as she blazed to victory Brij Bhushan Singh — India’s their fi rst Asian Games kabaddi dia was a bitter pill to swallow. court rule the selection process India’s women settled for sil- many facilities in districts,” AK with ill-fi tting shoes. wrestling federation chief and defeat against South Korea in the The Indian women also lost for athletes as “eyewash” a day ver after losing the fi nal to Japan. Sarkar, Bangladesh’s deputy chef For jobless Manjit Singh — the team’s chef de mission — said group stages, but having to set- out to Iran in the fi nal. before the Games began. One offi cial in India claimed de mission, told AFP. Gulf Times Monday, September 3, 2018 3 SPORT

CRICKET/FOURTH TEST Ali spins England to 60-run win over India, series victory ‘The strength of character has always been a massive strength of this team. But then the skill level to back it up has been phenomenal’

AFP ‘RELENTLESS Southampton, United Kingdom But barring an innings and 159- England captain Joe Root celebrates with teammates run defeat in the second Test at aft er winning the fourth Test against India at Ageas Lord’s, they have not been out- Bowl, Southampton. (Reuters) oeen Ali bowled classed and Kohli said: “We defi - England to a series- nitely won’t throw in the towel in clinching 60-run the last game.” win in the fourth After they were dismissed for MTest against India at Southamp- 271 in their second innings, Eng- ton yesterday. land made early inroads into In- Victory, achieved with more dia’s top order. than a day to spare, left England KL Rahul was bowled for a duck an unassailable 3-1 up in the fi ve- by a Stuart Broad delivery that match series against India, the kept cruelly low. world’s number one ranked Test James Anderson, wicketless in side, ahead of Friday’s fi nale at an India fi rst innings of 273 that The Oval. featured Cheteshwar Pujara’s ex- India, set 245 to win, were dis- cellent 132 not out, then struck missed for 184 with recalled off - twice. spinner Ali taking four for 71 in 26 He had Pujara lbw for just fi ve overs on a wearing pitch, including on Sunday and his next over saw the key wicket of star batsman Vi- Shikhar Dhawan (17) well caught rat Kohli (58). in the gully by Ben Stokes to leave That gave Ali a match return of India in the dire position of 22 for nine for 134 following his fi rst- three. innings fi ve for 63. “We didn’t get the start that we Unsurprisingly Ali, who also wanted,” said Kohli. “I would have made 40 in England’s fi rst-in- to say England were relentless nings 246, was named man-of- with the ball.” the-match. Anderson’s double strike left It was another star turn at the paceman on 559 Test wickets, Hampshire’s headquarters from just four behind retired Australia Ali, who took six for 67 when Eng- great Glenn McGrath’s mark of land beat India by 266 runs in the 563, the most taken in Tests by any corresponding Test at Southamp- fast bowler. ton four years ago. India were again looking for an- “Sometimes you can play so other major innings from Kohli, much that I felt it was not a bad who had already scored two hun- thing to go back to county Crick- dreds this series and would pass et,” said Ali, playing his fi rst Test 500 runs for the campaign during of the season after being dropped Sunday’s innings. by England following a diffi cult England thought they had the tour of Australia and New Zealand. world’s number-one ranked bats- “When I was watching the guys man lbw to Ali when Kohli was on at home I knew I really missed it.” nine and 15. Meanwhile elated England But both original not out calls captain Joe Root insisted: “The were upheld on review. strength of character has always Kohli went to fi fty with just been a massive strength of this a third four in 114 balls when he team. clipped Anderson off his pads. “But then the skill level to It seemed as if England had back it up has been phenomenal. missed a huge chance when I couldn’t be more proud of the Alastair Cook dropped Kohli off group,” he added. Ali at short leg. While India captain Kohli and But the very next ball saw Kohli his deputy Ajinkya Rahane (51) get a thin glove and this time Cook were sharing a century stand for made no mistake. the fourth wicket, the tourists had The scale of India’s task was ev- hope of chasing down their stiff ident from the fact they had only target. three times before scored 200 or Scorecard But after Ali dismissed both more in the fourth innings to win a senior batsmen either side of tea, Test match outside of Asia. ENGLAND 1st Innings 246 A. Rashid c Pant b Shami 11 INDIA 2nd Innings (target: 245) Extras (lb1, w1) 2 India lost four wickets for 13 runs. And for all that England had INDIA 1st Innings 273 S. Broad c Pant b Shami 0 S. Dhawan c Stokes b Anderson 17 Total (all out, 69.4 overs) 184 Sam Curran, capping another suff ered 203-run thrashing by ENGLAND 2nd Innings (overnight: 260-8) J. Anderson not out 1 KL Rahul b Broad 0 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Rahul), 2-17 (Pujara), fi ne all-round display, ended India at Trent Bridge last week, it A. Cook c Rahul b Bumrah 12 the match by having Ravichan- was still a decade since they had Extras (b7, lb2) 9 C. Pujara lbw b Anderson 5 3-22 (Dhawan), 4-123 (Kohli), 5-127 (Pan- dran Ashwin lbw for 25, with the last lost successive home Tests A. Cook c Rahul b Bumrah 12 Total (all out, 96.1 overs) 271 V. Kohli c Cook b Ali 58 dya), 6-150 (Pant), 7-153 (Rahane), 8-154 20-year-old all-rounder, who following back-to-back defeats by K. Jennings lbw b Shami 36 Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Cook), 2-33 (Ali), A. Rahane lbw b Ali 51 (Sharma), 9-163 (Shami), 10-184 (Ashwin) made his England debut in June, South Africa in 2008. M. Ali c Rahul b Sharma 9 3-92 (Jennings), 4-92 (Bairstow), 5-122 H. Pandya c Root b Stokes 0 Bowling: Anderson 11-2-33-2; Broad 10- now having been on the winning Three balls after tea, Hardik (Root), 6-178 (Stokes), 7-233 (Buttler), 2-23-1; Ali 26-3-71-4; Stokes 12-3-34-2 (1w); side in all four of his Test appear- Pandya was caught for a duck in J. Root run out (Shami) 48 R. Pant c Cook b Ali 18 8-260 (Rashid), 9-260 (Broad), 10-271 Curran 3.4-2-1-1; Rashid 7-3-21-0; ances. the slips by Root off Stokes. J. Bairstow b Shami 0 (Curran) R. Ashwin lbw b Curran 25 This result, however, meant In- His exit sparked a cascade of B. Stokes c Rahane b Ashwin 30 I. Sharma lbw b Stokes 0 RESULT: England won by 60 runs dia had won just one of their last wickets, with Rahane’s painstak- Bowling: Ashwin 37.1-7-84-1; Bumrah 19- J. Buttler lbw b Sharma 69 MAN OF THE MATCH: Moeen Ali (ENG) nine Test series outside Asia – and ing 159-ball eff ort ending when 3-51-1; Sharma 15-4-36-2; Shami 16-0-57-4; M. Shami c Anderson b Ali 8 that against a struggling West In- he was lbw to a sharply turning Ali S. Curran run out 46 Pandya 9-0-34-0. J. Bumrah not out 0 SERIES: England lead series 3-1. dies. delivery.

CYCLING King crowned on ninth stage, Yates in red AFP to be hanging in the balance Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) La Covatilla, Spain when Dutchman Bauke Mol- at 48sec, 3. Dylan Teuns Greipel takes Tour of lema (Trek) launched an au- (BEL/BMC) 2:38, 4. Miguel dacious bid to reel him in. Angel Lopez (COL/AST) 2:40, Britain’s fi rst stage merican Ben King, Starting the climb a 5. Nairo Quintana (COL/ of the Dimension minute and a half behind MOV) same time, 6. Wilco Andre Greipel won the opening stage of the Tour of Data team, claimed King, Mollema dug deep to Kelderman (NED/SUN) s.t., 7. Britain as the German powered to the finish line in a his second stage haul himself to within 15sec Rigoberto Uran (COL/EFD) bunch sprint yesterday. winA of the Tour of Spain yes- of the 29-year-old Ameri- 2:43, 8. Ion Izagirre (ESP/ Lotto Soudal rider Greipel beat Australia’s Caleb terday after riding solo to can, who appeared to be tir- BAH) 2:46, 9. Simon Yates Ewan, riding for Mitchelton, and Fernando Gaviria of victory on stage nine. ing in the fi nal kilometres. (GBR/MIT) 2:49, 10. George QuickStep at the end of the 174.8-kilometres stage Britain’s Simon Yates But the road – in the shape Bennett (NZL/LNL) 3:02 from Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire. (Mitchelton) took over the of fl atter gradients – came Selected: 11. Alejandro Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas was 77th and leader’s red jersey from to King’s rescue, handing Valverde (ESP/MOV) 3:04, his Team Sky colleague Chris Froome, the four-time Frenchman Rudy Mo- the American respite and a 12. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) Tour de France winner competing at his national tour lard (Cofi dis) following the chance to recover before the 3:05, 16. Fabio Aru (ITA/EAU) for the first time since 2009, finished 64th. 200-kilometre race to the ski fi nal push for the fi nish. 3:20, 43. Rudy Molard (FRA/ Cardiff ’s Thomas, racing on home roads, has been resort of La Covatilla. King was in disbelief as he FDJ) 6:23. enjoying his yellow jersey success but was deter- Yates now leads Spanish crossed the line solo in tri- Overall standings mined to put on a show. veteran Alejandro Valverde umph for the second time in 1. Simon Yates (GBR/MIT) The 32-year-old attacked on the day’s final climb, (Movistar) by one second in a week. 36hr 54min 52sec, 2. Ale- but was joined by Julian Alaphilippe and QuickStep the overall standings ahead “I’ve never suff ered that jandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) teammate Bob Jungels. of Monday’s rest day. much in my entire life, I’m at 1sec, 3. Nairo Quintana Jungels forged on as his fellow escapees were reeled Nairo Quintana, also of still a little foggy in my mind, (COL/MOV) 14, 4. Emanuel in and the Luxembourg rider was caught with 1km to Movistar, fi nished among the but I’m sure it will sink in Buchmann (GER/BOR) 16, go as the sprinters’ teams found their formation. chasers to move up to third soon what an accomplish- 5. Ion Izagirre (ESP/BAH) 17, And it was Greipel, an 11-time Tour de France stage place overall at 14sec behind ment this is,” said King after Team Dimension Data’s US cyclist Benjamin King celebrates winning the ninth stage of the 73rd 6. Tony Gallopin (FRA/ALM) winner, who emerged victorious for a first stage vic- Yates. requiring several minutes to edition of ‘La Vuelta’, a 200.8km route from Talavera de la Reina to La Covatilla, yesterday. (AFP) 24, 7. Miguel Angel Lopez tory since May. Days after breaking his regain his composure. (COL/AST) 27, 8. Rigoberto “I went with 200 (metres) to go. I’m happy I could fin- Grand Tour victory duck on “To get one stage win was pulled on the leader’s jersey ing victory before collapsing Salamanca and Fermoselle Uran (COL/EFD) 32, 9. Steven ish it off . It was a long time that I didn’t win and now the race, King laid the foun- a dream come true. I made at a second Grand Tour race on stage 19, prompting an that should be decided by the Kruijswijk (NED/LNL) 43, I’m happy I could win finally again,” Greipel told ITV4. dations for his second stage winning a Grand Tour stage for the second time this sea- attack by Chris Froome that sprinters. 10. George Bennett (NZL/ “Gaviria went from really far back – he did a really win when he broke free from a major career goal, so today son. earned the Team Sky leader LNL) 48 good job. I knew it was going to be hard for Gaviria to an 11-strong leading group was really nice to show that Last June, the Englishman overall victory. RESULTS Selected: 11. Fabio Aru (ITA/ be in front and I think I timed the sprint perfectly.” around 10km before the start fi rst one wasn’t a random wore the pink jersey at the The Tour of Spain resumes Stage EAU) 1:08, 16. Thibaut Pinot Today’s second stage is a 174.9km ride from Cran- of the fi nal climb. thing.” Giro d’Italia and looked to be Tuesday with a 10th stage 1. Benjamin King (USA/ (FRA/FDJ) 2:33, 17. Benjamin brook to Barnstaple. The American’s bid looked Yates, meanwhile, has on his way to a career-defi n- held over 177km between DDT) 5hr 30min 38sec, 2. King (USA/DDT) 2:41. Gulf Times 4 Monday, September 3, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS Pillar to post: Federer ranks shot among most memorable AFP Federer in the fi rst, quipped that – runs to the quarter-fi nals at New York he should post some pictures on Wimbledon in 2014 and last- Instagram. eight in Australia in 2015. “I was trying to tell him that At Roland Garros and the US oger Federer’s shot the shot wasn’t that good,” he Open, he has never reached the heard round the US said. “No, it was almost unreal.” second week. He still has time on Open yesterday – a Federer, a 20-time Grand his side, but he knows that the jaw-dropping forehand Slam champion, said the shot clock is ticking. aroundR the post in a straight- ranked right up there with some “I wouldn’t say I’m satisfi ed sets win over Nick Kyrgios – of the most memorable of his ca- with my career. I think there is a ranks as one of his most memo- reer, in a group with his smash lot more to be done and there is a rable, the Swiss great said. off a smash by Andy Roddick at lot more to be explored,” he said. “It was defi nitely one of the Basel in 2002 and a lob fl icked “In my career, I have been more unique ones,” said Feder- over Andre Agassi on break point around for about four years now. er, who raced forward and wide in Dubai in 2005. I have barely done anything. I on a sharply angled shot from Another one for the scrap- think I can do a lot more.” Kyrgios, stretched and fl icked book: a between the legs eff ort Federer was 21 when he won a forehand around the post on against Novak Djokovic at the his fi rst Slam at Wimbledon in Arthur Ashe Stadium. US Open in 2009. “I think it 2003 and admitted he’s happy Kyrgios’s eyes widened in as- was 6-5, Love-30, it was just a to be regarded as a role model, if tonishment as the ball landed big-time moment in the game, not necessarily for Kyrgios. in his court and could be heard which obviously always matters US legend John McEnroe sug- opining at the ensuing changeo- as well,” Federer said. gested the Swiss could perform a ver “That’s got to be the greatest Nick Kyrgios believes he can powerful mentoring role for the shot in tennis.” learn from Roger Federer if he’s combustible Kyrgios. Federer said it was all instinct to salvage a controversial career “To play fair and play tough,” – it’s not a shot that can be prac- which has seen little return on said Federer on Saturday when tised. the bags of talent at his disposal. asked what he can off er to young “You don’t get an opportunity Now, having lost for the third players. to hit around the net post very time to Federer, Kyrgios believes “If I can be any sort of inspi- often, because in practice the the great Swiss can steer him on ration for guys coming up on the net is out further and the court is the right path. tour, that would be great, you more narrow. “I think we’re two very diff er- know, in whatever shape and “For a shot like this to hap- ent characters,” said Kyrgios. form that is.” pen in a practice, you will will be “But I think, you know, just Federer did have one piece of running into a fence and you will the way he goes about things, I advice for Kyrgios – sometimes hit it into the net. could take a leaf out of his book. it’s the conservative approach “These shots can only really “The way he behaves on court, that pays off and not the fl ashy happen on a big court where you his demeanour. He’s the ultimate crowd-pleasers. play with the singles posts in the role model to anyone who wants “Clearly when you play that doubles alley.” to play.” way and you lose, it’s always, Kyrgios, already two sets Saturday’s defeat left Kyrgios like, you feel like he’s so much down and defl ated after squan- still unable to improve on his to blame, but that’s just how he dering a rare chance to break best Grand Slam performances plays,” said Federer.

TENNIS RUGBY Australia bulk up pack for Springboks, Inspired Thiem Pumas Tests

AFP against Ireland in June. Sydney The 24-year-old returns to the squad after an impressive display for Queensland Country ustralia coach Michael in the National Rugby Champi- makes fi rst US Open Cheika has recalled onship opener on Saturday. forwards Rory Arnold, With captain Michael Hooper Brandon Paenga-Amo- and David Pocock, both open- saA and Caleb Timu to his Rugby side fl ankers, all but undrop- Championship squad as he con- pable, Cheika has been scouring tinues to look for more physi- Australia for a big ball-running cality from his pack ahead of loose forward who can bring Tests against South Africa and more physicality to the back row quarter-fi nals Argentina. and off er a lineout option. The Wallabies began their Former bin man Paenga- ‘I also played really safe from the baseline, which is also a big part of the performance’ campaign with the now tradi- Amosa is another big unit but tional back-to-back losses to the fell out of favour after the return Agencies All Blacks and will be desperate from England of the experienced New York for two wins when they host the hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, hav- Springboks in Brisbane and Pu- ing started his fi rst three tests mas on the Gold Coast over the against the Irish. inth seed Dominic next two Saturdays. Paenga-Amosa is one of four Thiem continued his Fullback Israel Folau was in- hookers in the squad with Pol- bid for a fi rst Grand cluded but remains a doubt for ota-Nau, Tolu Latu and Folau Slam title yesterday, the South Africa test because Faingaa, who made his debut Ntoppling last year’s runner-up of the ankle injury he sustained off the bench in the second New Kevin Anderson 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 against New Zealand in the Zealand test after the Wallabies (2) to reach the US Open quar- championship opener, while lineout struggled in the fi rst. ter-fi nals for the fi rst time. prop Taniela Tupou is still strug- Awaiting the Austrian in the gling with a hamstring problem. SQUAD last eight is world number one Hulking lock Arnold had been Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Rafael Nadal, who beat Geor- unable to get back into conten- Arnold, Adam Coleman, Folau gia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, tion after missing the opening Faingaa, Ned Hanigan, Michael 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-4 yesterday. match of the June series against Hooper (captain), Sekope Kepu, Thiem, this year’s French Ireland through a suspension Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga- Open runner-up, neutralised imposed for a high tackle on Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu the 6-foot-8 Anderson’s blis- South Africa’s Elton Jantjies in Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, tering serve by standing far be- Super Rugby. His return off ers Izack Rodda, Pete Samu, Rob yond the baseline and he chased Cheika the chance to pair him Simmons, Scott Sio, Caleb Timu, down everything the South Af- with Adam Coleman in what Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou rican could throw at him. many in Australia consider to be Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley The Austrian played a near the best second row combina- Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard fl awless match, dropping just tion for the Wallabies. Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett- four points on his fi rst serve and Number eight Timu, Auck- Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika fi ring 42 winners. land-born like Paenga-Amosa, Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, “One of my best matches brought his considerable heft Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Matt ever,” Thiem said of his dazzling to the back row for two tests Toomua. performance in an on-court interview, calling his quarter- fi nal berth “a dream coming true”. China’s $100mn rugby competition Thiem told reporters that his plans stalled, says Alisports positioning on the court inside the newly-built Louis Arm- Plans for China to get its first “There isn’t much progress on strong Stadium was critical. Dominic Thiem of Austria celebrates his win over Kevin Anderson of South Africa in a fourth round match of the US Open at USTA Billie professional rugby competition that right now,” Zhang said. “The court, I think, made a Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. PICTURE: USA TODAY SPORTS as part of an ambitious $100 “First we want to cultivate the big diff erence. It’s a huge court. million investment have stalled, popularity of Rugby in China so I could go very far back like I do withstood an early onslaught don champion Novak Djokovic Munich, Madrid and Washing- Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-0, Alisports said yesterday. we will start with that first, and on clay usually. So there were from the unpredictable Aussie, waiting in the last eight. ton this year and reached fi nals 6-0. The bold proposals for Rugby, then once we’ve started then some good advantages for me fi ring 51 winners that included Djokovic, winner of US Open in Miami and Rome, fell 6-7 (1), Sixth-seeded Caroline Gar- currently a low-profile sport in we will think about the goals, today,” Thiem said. an unlikely forehand fl icked titles in 2011 and 2015, extended 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 to veteran compa- cia of France also departed, China, were announced nearly like this $100mn promise. “I also played really safe from around the net post that Kyrgios his dominance over Richard triot Philippe Kohlschreiber. beaten 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) by two years ago by Alisports – the “We will start with campus the baseline, which is also a big couldn’t believe. Gasquet with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 Kerber’s defeat followed the Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro, sports arm of e-commerce Rugby first... We will not be part of the performance today. Marin Cilic, the 2014 cham- victory in front of a rowdy night early exits of world number and Czech teenager Marketa giant Alibaba – and World involved with any club, federa- But against him, still, the most pion, and 19-year-old Austral- crowd on the massive Ashe Sta- one Simona Halep and No. 2 Vondrousova sprang a surprise, Rugby. tions or national level regarding important is to put as many ian Alex de Minaur battled for dium. The third round was the Caroline Wozniacki — who too, with a 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 7-6 They included professional the sport.” balls back into play as possible.” four hours on Louis Armstrong end of the line for men’s and were both also seeking a second (7/1) victory over 13th-seeded men’s and women’s 15-a-side Rugby is striving to make in- Fifth seed Anderson had won Stadium before Cilic pulled off a women’s fourth seeds from Grand Slam title of the year. Belgian Kiki Bertens. leagues as well as a national roads into Asia, with high hopes all six previous hardcourt meet- 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory. Germany — Alexander Zverev Fifth seed Petra Kvitova Suarez Navarro, seeded 30th, sevens programme, with the for next year’s Rugby World ings against Thiem but yester- De Minaur, ranked 45th in the and Angelique Kerber. was also ousted, the two-time next faces 2006 champion money to be spent over a pe- Cup in Japan which will be the day he struggled to get his legs world, pushed seventh-ranked Kerber, the 2016 US Open Wimbledon champion falling Maria Sharapova, who defeated riod of 10 years, the two sides first held in the continent. moving against his younger op- Cilic until the bitter end, saving winner tying to become the 7-5, 6-1 to rising Belarussian 2017 French Open winner Jelena said in October 2016. The inclusion of Rugby sevens ponent. seven match points as he rallied third woman in the last 20 years star Aryna Sabalenka. Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2. But Alisports CEO and founder in the Olympics and Asian On Saturday, fi ve-time from 5-2 down in the fi fth set to win both Wimbledon and the Cibulkova, the 29th seed, Vondrousova, through to a Zhang Dazhong played down Games has boosted its profile. champion Roger Federer found before fi nally succumbing after US Open in the same season, moves on to face 2017 fi nalist Grand Slam third round for the expectations in an interview Participation in Asia almost a new way to amaze as he four hours on court. was bundled out by Slovakia’s Madison Keys, who shook off a fi rst time, will play Ukraine’s with AFP yesterday, saying it doubled between 2009 and reached the US Open last 16 Federer will take on Austral- Dominika Cibulkova 3-6, 6-3, slow start to beat Serbian Ale- Lesia Tsurenko, who defeated was “too early” to talk about 2017 to more than 500,000 with a 6-4, 6-1, 7-5 victory over ian John Millman in the last 16, 6-3. ksandra Krunic 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-4, such high levels of investment players, according to the sport’s Nick Kyrgios. and if he makes it past Millman, Zverev, the 21-year-old sen- Sabalenka will play Japan’s 6-0 after taking out Wozniacki in the professional game. governing body. The second-seeded Swiss Federer could fi nd Wimble- sation, who has lifted titles in Naomi Osaka, who crushed in the second round. Gulf Times Monday, September 3, 2018 5 SPORT

GOLF Simpson seizes lead with English trio on his heels AFP playoff hole in 2011 at TPC Bos- store. “Mark was in store buy- Missing the cut by a shot was Norton, United States ton to beat Chez Reavie and col- ing it and I was on ‘WhatsApp’, England’s Ian Poutler, who is ex- lect his second PGA title, also a video, with him, because I was pected to be named a European fi red a 63 in the second round too embarrassed to go into the captain’s pick by Thomas Bjorn ebb Simpson closed of the Players Championship in store to buy a putter,” Hatton on Wednesday. But he is in jeop- with an eagle from May on his way to winning his said. ardy of missing the top-60 sea- 70 feet to seize a fi fth career PGA title. “He made a good choice. But son points cutoff for next week’s one-stroke lead World number 17 Simpson it’s just one of those things. It’s US PGA playoff event, the BMW Wover England’s Justin Rose and was the last of eight qualifi ers on not obviously normal that this Championship. Tyrrell Hatton after Saturday’s points for a spot on the US Ryder happens.” second round of the PGA Dell Cup squad that will defend the Fleetwood birdied six of his LEADING SCORES AFTER Technologies Championship. trophy against Europe later this fi rst 10 holes to shoot 65. SECOND ROUND The 33-year-old American, month in France. “It was a story today of a few 131-Webb Simpson 68-63 seeking his second title in seven Battling the top English trio more putts dropping,” he said. “I 132-Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 69-63, seasons at TPC Boston, rolled for victory could be a taste of the holed a few putts and that’s it. I Justin Rose (ENG) 65-67 in his dramatic third shot at the Ryder Cup showdown coming think I had fi ve or six lip-outs 134-Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) par-5 18th to complete a bogey- September 28-30 at Le Golf Na- yesterday. The game is about 69-65 free eight-under par 63 to stand tional. making a score and today I did it 135-Cameron Smith (AUS) 69-66, on 11-under 131 after 36 holes. Since clinching his spot at the better than yesterday.” Abraham Ancer (MEX) 66-69 “To eagle the last was excit- PGA Championship, Simpson 136-Rafa Cabrera-Bello (ESP) ing and you just kind of laugh at has fi nished second at Greens- TIGER SHOOTS ‘SOLID’ 66 68-68, JB Holmes 69-67, Adam those, because you’re not trying boro and shot a fi nal-round 62 Tiger Woods was confi dent after Hadwin (CAN) 68-68, Kim Si- to make them, you’re just trying last week in New Jersey, a sign he a bogey-free 66 to share 21st on woo (KOR) 70-66, Beau Hossler to get them close,” Simpson said. hopes of more success to come. 138. His fi ve birdies included a 67-69, Keegan Bradley 67-69, “Those moments are always “I don’t want to just have a 25-foot gem of a putt at the 14th. Marc Leishman (AUS) 68-68, fun on the last hole. Honestly, it couple of good years and have it “Absolutely, I played well,” Jordan Spieth 69-67, Xander brings back 2011, making a cou- go away for two years,” Simpson Woods said. Schauff ele 68-68 ple of putts when I won. Just a said. “I hit it well. I really rolled it 137-Ryan Armour 71-66, Tony great atmosphere out there.” “There are a few guys that are on my lines. A couple didn’t go Finau 69-68, Kyle Stanley 70-67, Hatton, who also fi red a 63, always top-10 in the world. I in, but it was a good solid day all CT Pan (TPE) 69-68, Dustin was level with Rose, who shot 67, want to do that.” around.” Johnson 68-69 on 132 with England’s Tommy Hatton uses a putter his Scot- Phil Mickelson, expected 138-Alex Noren (SWE) 69-69, Fleetwood fourth on 134 and tish-born caddie, Mark Crane, to join Woods in being named Russell Knox (SCO) 66-72, Australia’s Cameron Smith and bought last week in New Jersey. Tuesday to the US Ryder Cup Brooks Koepka 69-69, Tiger Mexican Abraham Ancer anoth- Hatton supervised the purchase squad by captain Jim Furyk, Woods 72-66, Bryson DeCham- er stroke adrift. by social media, admitting he fi red a 72 to make the cut on the beau 70-68, Rory McIlroy (NIR) Webb Simpson watches his tee shot on the 17th hole during the second round of the Dell Technologies Simpson, who birdied the fi rst was embarrassed to visit a sports number. 71-67. Championship golf tournament at TPC of Boston. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

F1 FOCUS Britain’s Hall leads Aussie Lee at LPGA Hamilton wrecks Portland Classic

AFP hind a tree root at 19, Lee admit- Los Angeles ted share was scared she would hit the root on her second shot. She pitched out and saved a bo- ritain’s Georgia Hall gey. Lee hopes for a fast start Ferrari’s party in birdied two of the last Sunday in what could become a three holes to seize a one-on-one duel for the title in two-stroke lead over the fi nal pairing. Australia’sB Minjee Lee after Sat- “There are a lot of opportuni- urday’s third round of the LPGA ties out here, so whenever I get a Portland Classic. chance, I’ll try and take advan- The 22-year-old from Eng- tage,” Lee said. “I don’t know land, who won her fi rst major where the pin placements are Italy as Vettel spins title at last month’s Women’s going to be, and if they’re tucked British Open, recovered from an they’re really hard to get to, es- Hamilton wins in Monza to equal Schumacher record, Ferrari beaten again at home opening bogey to fi re a three- pecially if you’re not in the fair- under par 69 at Columbia Edge- way. Then you really have to take AFP water Country Club. your medicine and just play to Monza, Italy Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton holds his trophy That put LPGA rookie Hall the middle of the green.” on the podium aft er winning the Italian Grand Prix at the on 18-under 198 after 54 holes Canada’s Brooke Henderson, Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza yesterday. (AFP) with Lee, who stumbled with a coming off a Canadian Open ti- hampionship leader bogey at the par-4 17th, on 200 tle, fi red a 74 after three bogeys Lewis Hamilton deliv- and American Marina Alex a dis- in a row from the 14th to 16th ered one of his greatest tant third on 204. No other rival holes, falling 11 shots behind races yesterday when was within eight shots of Hall, Hall. heC wrecked Ferrari’s home- who began the day with a three- coming party as he stormed to stroke lead and played a stalwart LEADING SCORES AFTER a record-equalling fi fth Monza round as rivals faded. THIRD ROUND OF victory at the Italian Grand Prix. “I didn’t start amazing, but 198 - Georgia Hall (ENG) 66-63- The defending world cham- the pin positions were probably 69 pion produced a perfectly- the toughest the week so far, and 200 - Minjee Lee (AUS) 64-68-68 judged race of raw aggression the wind got up a bit, so yeah, 204 - Marina Alex 62-71-71 and astute tyre-management in I’m happy,” Hall said. “I’ve got a 206 - Brittany Marchand (CAN) his Mercedes to fi nish 8.7 sec- two-shot lead. There’s still a lot 69-67-70, Ayako Uehara (JPN) onds ahead of Kimi Raikkonen, of golf to play, but looking for- 68-68-70 who had claimed pole position ward to tomorrow.” 209 - Chella Choi (KOR) 70-71- in a Ferrari front row with the Hall had back-to-back birdies 68, Jaye Marie Green 67-73-69, fastest lap in Formula One his- at the par-5 fi fth and par-4 sixth Lee Mi-rim (KOR) 70-69-70, tory. and again at the par-3 16th and Beatriz Recari (ESP) 68-68-73, The Briton’s 68th career 17, then sank a testy four-footer Brooke Henderson (CAN) 64-71- victory and sixth this year for par at 18 after a lip-out for 74, Megan Khang 68-65 stretched his championship birdie. 210 - Anne-Catherine Tan- lead from 17 points to 30 ahead “You know, 16 and 17 are tough guay (CAN) 72-71-67, Benyapa of Sebastian Vettel, who fi n- holes, especially with both pin Niphatsophon (THA) 69-74-67, ished fourth in the second Fer- positions, so I was very happy to Mariajo Uribe (COL) 69-71-70, rari after spinning on the open- hole some putts that I didn’t re- Katherine Perry 66-73-71, Gaby ing lap following a clash with ally hole much,” Hall said. Lopez (MEX) 68-71-71, Brittany the Briton as he passed him at Lee sandwiched two birdies Lincicome 67-71-72, Robynn the second chicane. around a bogey in the fi rst three Ree 65-72-73, Angela Stanford Hamilton’s Mercedes team- holes, then torched three par-5 67-69-74 mate Valtteri Bottas came home holes – the fi fth, seventh and 211 - Kris Tamulis 72-70-69, Ry- third ahead of Vettel with Max 10th – for birdies and added an- ann O’Toole 71-71-69, Jane Park Verstappen taking fi fth place in other at 11 before falling two off 69-72-70, Lexi Thompson 68-73- the classifi ed result, after fi n- the pace with her late stumble. 70, Park In-bee (KOR) 69-70-72, ishing third on the track, fol- fl ew, trimming the gap to Raik- After a poor drive left her be- Charley Hull (ENG) 68-69-74. lowing a time penalty for a late RESULTS konen to 1.6sec with stunning brush with Bottas. 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mer- 7. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force McLaren-Renault) lapped laps while Bottas kept Raikko- The Briton’s fi fth win in Italy cedes) 53 laps in 1hr 16min India-Mercedes) 57.761 14. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Re- nen at bay. brought him level with seven- 54.484sec 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/Force nault) lapped By lap 34, the top three were Olesen seals Ryder Cup debut, Wallace hoping for pick time champion Michael Schu- 2. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) India-Mercedes) 58.678 15. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro separated by 0.7 seconds, Ham- macher in the record books, but at 8.705sec 9. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) Rosso-Honda) lapped ilton closing in on Raikkonen Thorbjorn Olesen claimed the finished on 19 under. his triumph was unpopular with 3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mer- 1:18.140 16. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/ who, trapped between the two eighth and final automatic spot Wallace birdied the second the massed Italian fans. cedes) 14.066 10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams- Sauber-Ferrari) lapped silver arrows, also had blistered on Europe’s Ryder Cup team as playoff hole to claim the title “I want to give it up to Ferrari 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Fer- Mercedes) lapped 17. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/ tyres. he finished tied for 20th place and push himself into conten- who put up a great challenge rari) 16.151 11. Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Wil- Haas-Ferrari) lapped. Bottas fi nally pitted after 36 at the Made in Denmark tourna- tion for one of the four wildcard and gave us a great fi ght,” said 5. Max Verstappen (NED/Red liams-Mercedes) lapped Retired: Brendon Hartley (NZL/ laps, leaving Raikkonen lead- ment yesterday. picks to be announced by Ryder Hamilton. Bull) 18.208 12. Charles Leclerc (MON/ Toro Rosso-Honda), Fernando ing Hamilton by 0.7 seconds, The home favourite carded Cup captain Thomas Bjorn on “I want to thank the guys 6. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas- Sauber-Ferrari) lapped Alonso (ESP/McLaren-Renault), but both men were nursing a last-round 68 to finish on 11 Wednesday. here and everyone back home – Ferrari) 56.320 13. Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL/ Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) their tyres for the fi nale. Bot- under but more importantly as “I’ve stepped up to the mark without their belief it wouldn’t tas rejoined fourth behind Ver- far as he was concerned Matt and I’ve shown him exactly have been possible. stappen, but was soon hunting Fitzpatrick did not win the title. what I’m about,” Wallace said. “There’s been a lot of nega- take this result. We got more defending champion chased through the fi eld and rose to third. Going into the final round, “If he doesn’t pick me, then tivity, but there were a lot of points than Ferrari in their after the Finn. “That was silly,” seventh by lap 20 when Raikko- When he attacked at the chi- England’s Fitzpatrick was the that’s absolutely fine but if he British fl ags out there today. home.” said Vettel. “Where did he want nen pitted, handing the lead to cane, Verstappen squeezed him. only player who could have does, he knows he’s going to They know who they are. In to go?” Hamilton. “It’s hammer time, The Dutchman was handed a denied the in-form Olesen his get exactly that in his team.” future, I only want to turn a BOTTAS’ BIG ROLE A safety car was deployed, Lewis,” Mercedes told their fi ve-second time penalty by Ryder Cup debut, but he could Sweden’s Johan Edfors was the negative to a positive. Thanks to After a dry morning, there was enabling Vettel to pit for a new driver as he sought to build a which time Hamilton was lead- not mount a victory charge, only player to win three times in Valtteri too! We never give up.” rain in the air. When the lights wing. Racing resumed on lap lead worthy of a pit stop. ing, having passed Raikkonen finishing on 16 under after a a Ryder Cup year and not make A disappointed Raikkonen went out, Raikkonen pulled four as the stewards announced Raikkonen, third, found him- on the outside at the Rettifi lo. fourth-round 66. the team, in 2006. said: “I was quick enough, but away to lead, as Hamilton at- they were taking no action, de- self 2.6sec behind compatriot “Nice work,” said Mercedes Englishman Matt Wallace won British Open champion Frances- unfortunately our rear tyres tacked. Within seconds, he claring it a “racing incident”. Bottas before Hamilton pitted as Hamilton surged clear of the the title, his third of the year co Molinari, Olympic gold med- went and it was a losing battle passed the German on the out- Hamilton demonstrated his after 27 laps and rejoined third. Finn by 1.5 seconds. on the European Tour, after allist Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton from that point. I tried, but it side at the Roggia chicane. Tak- commitment again by passing Mercedes’s message to new “Take care of the tyres, we prevailing in a four-man playoff and the 2017 Race to Dubai was impossible...” en by surprise, Vettel could only Raikkonen to lead. Unfazed, leader Bottas was clear: “Keep need to bring the car home,” with Ryder Cup vice-captain Lee champion Tommy Fleetwood Bottas said: “I was really try- under-steer into the Briton’s the Finn retook the lead as the Kimi behind you.” said Ferrari. Westwood, Jonathan Thomp- all qualified for the 42nd Ryder ing to do everything I can to get sidepod before spinning off . crowd went wild. Vettel pitted again on lap 30, The tifosi, defl ated, began son and Steven Brown who all Cup via the European Points list. to the podium – as a team, we He rejoined 18th while the Vettel was carving his way rejoining 10th, while Hamilton heading for the exits. Gulf Times 6 Monday, September 3, 2018 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Messi, Suarez show no mercy as Barca humiliate Huesca Benzema scores twice and Bale notches another in Real Madrid’s 4-1 thrashing of Leganes on Saturday

Agencies Barcelona

ionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored twice each as La Liga champions Barcelona turned on the style to hammer Huesca L8-2 yesterday and join Real Madrid as the only teams in the league to win their opening three games. Top-fl ight debutants Huesca took a shock early lead in their fi rst league visit to the Nou Camp when Colombian forward Cucho Hernandez defl ected the ball in from point-blank range but Messi levelled in the 16th, cannoning a shot in off the post. An own goal from Jorge Pulido gave Barca the lead and Suarez scored for the fi rst time in fi ve games in all com- petitions to extend their advantage, al- though Huesca’s Alex Gallar pulled one back before halftime to make it 3-2. Any hope of a revival from the visi- tors was soon killed off by three Barca goals in 11 minutes from Ousmane Dembele, Ivan Rakitic and Messi while Jordi Alba capped a brilliant perform- ance to score and Suarez added goal number eight from the penalty spot in stoppage time. On Saturday, Karim Benzema scored twice and Gareth Bale notched another for Real Madrid in a 4-1 thrashing of Leganes after Atletico Madrid crashed to defeat in La Liga. Benzema grabbed a second-half double and might have got his hat-trick had Sergio Ramos passed on the penalty he scored after a foul on Marco Asensio. Atletico lost more ground on their city neighbours as they sank to a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo which coach Diego Simeone described as “a major wake-up call”. At the Santiago Bernabeu, Bale broke Luis Suarez scores Barcelona’s eighth goal from a penalty spot against Huesca in the La Liga at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday. (Reuters) the deadlock with a smart half-volley, which was briefl y cancelled out by attacking trio of untouchables, even if season’s best goalkeeper by UEFA on start saw Asensio skip in behind but the run of play, Leganes earned a life- ing VAR, the replay showed Silva had Leganes’ Guido Carrillo, who convert- Lopetegui rejected the idea afterwards. Thursday but was only deemed second his lifted fi nish fl oated just over, be- line when Casemiro tripped Javier Era- been the aggressor and the goal stood. ed his own spot-kick to ensure Thibaut “The word untouchable does not exist choice here by Lopetegui, who handed fore Bale’s cross was too quick for the so in the box. Carrillo sidefooted left There was no doubt about Benzema’s Courtois’ fi rst Madrid contribution was in football,” Lopetegui said. “The goals Courtois his debut after joining from straining head of Benzema at the back as Courtois dived right. Benzema was second. He exchanged a one-two with to pick the ball out of his own net. were down to the whole team.” Chelsea earlier this month. “He has post. The fi rst goal came after Ramos’ unlucky to restore the lead when his Modric on the edge of the area and, Rejuvenated under new coach Julen Real have also taken maximum wished me a lot of luck, we get on very pass found Dani Carvajal as the furthest fi red shot was denied only by the foot drifting right, dragged his shot left, Lopetegui and, perhaps, liberated by points from their opening three fi xtures well,” Courtois said of Navas. “Some- man forward and the full-back’s clever of Cuellar but the striker did not have back across goal and into the bottom Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Bale in contrast to the same point last sea- times people just want to create con- header back towards the penalty spot to wait long. corner. He might have had his hat-trick and Benzema impressed again. Bale has son when they were already fi ve behind troversy.” wrong-footed everyone except Bale. Three minutes into the second half had Ramos opted to delegate penalty now scored three times and Benzema Barcelona. Leganes’ underwhelming Luka Modric took the place of Isco, The Welshman arched his right leg over he headed in Asensio’s cross from the duties after Asensio fell over a thought- four from the fi rst three La Liga games start under new boss Mauricio Pel- in a midfi eld three with Casemiro and the bouncing ball, his fi nish just enough left after winning a tussle with Leganes’ less challenge from Leganes captain of the season. Together with Asensio, legrino continues. They are yet to post Toni Kroos. Bale and Asensio support- to beat Ivan Cuellar. Jonathan Silva. Referee Jaime Latre ini- Unai Bustinza. But Ramos took the Real may be about to discover a new a victory. Keylor Navas was named last ed Benzema up front. Real’s confi dent Real looked in control but, against tially blew for a foul but, after consult- spot-kick and made no mistake.

SPOTLIGHT BUNDESLIGA I’d do it again, says PSG star Duda gives Hertha rare win at Schalke AFP Mbappe aft er red card Berlin ndrej Duda scored a goal in each half to inspire Hertha Berlin to a 2-0 victory in Gelsenkirchen yes- terday, leaving opponents Schalke withO no points from their opening two Bun- desliga games. Having fi nished second to Bayern Munich last season, Schalke have made the worst possible start to the current campaign. Hertha Berlin’s Their hopes of bouncing back from an Ondrej Duda (left) opening day defeat to Wolfsburg were and Salomon dashed by a well-organised Hertha side Kalou celebrate yesterday. Domenico Tedesco’s men should after their win over have gone ahead on 13 minutes when Her- Schalke. (AFP) tha’s Marko Grujic conceded a penalty with a clear handball, but Daniel Caligiuri dragged his spot-kick wide of the post. Duesseldorf in front, before Jean-Kevin Au- utes, Zimmermann linking up with Niko Within minutes, Schalke had paid dearly gustin spared his side’s blushes with a 68th- Giesselmann to sweep the ball into the bot- for their missed opportunity, as Hertha minute equaliser. tom corner. surged forward with a long ball, and Duda’s “I think they underestimated us today,” The home side responded with tenacity defl ected shot put the Berliners in front. Zimmermann said. “We played brilliantly and were rewarded when Augustin picked Schalke’s miserable evening was crowned going forward, and created a lot of chances. up a loose ball in the box and prodded it seconds from time, when Yevhen Konoply- Sadly, we lost two points in the end.” past Rensing. Matheus Cunha came within PSG’s Kylian Mbappe (third right) was sent off after clashing with Nimes’ Teji Savanier. (Reuters) anka was sent off for bringing down Dennis Leipzig made a nervy start to the game, inches of scoring a brilliant winner for Leip- Jastrzembski in front of goal, and Duda con- and Marvin Ducksch squandered a gilt- zig ten minutes from time, but his overhead AFP of gesture, it doesn’t belong on four games of the Ligue 1 season. verted the resulting free-kick to give Hertha edged opportunity to put Duesseldorf ahead kick bounced just the wrong side of the post, Nimes, France a football fi eld. It wouldn’t be a Meanwhile, France coach Di- their fi rst away win over Schalke in 14 years. after just six minutes. Augustin found the before Ducksch forced a fl ying save from Pe- problem if he intended to play the dier Deschamps says Mbappe is a RB Leipzig are also still searching for a net for Leipzig just before half-time, bun- ter Gulacsi at the other end. ball, but he made no attempt to target for defenders and will need fi rst league win of the season, after they dling in the rebound after Emil Forsberg had ylian Mbappe said he play the ball, we all saw it. But it to learn self-control. were held to a 1-1 draw by promoted side stung the palms of Fortuna keeper Michael BUNDESLIGA RESULTS had no regrets after his doesn’t matter, I’ll go and defend “He’s going to have to learn to Fortuna Duesseldorf earlier in the day. Af- Rensing. RB Leipzig 1 (Augustin 68) Fortuna Duessel- sending-off in Paris myself before the disciplinary control himself. Kylian is a World ter a heavy defeat in Dortmund last week, The Frenchman, though, was ruled off - Saint-Germain’s win at committee.” Cup winner,” said Deschamps, Leipzig were facing a nightmare start to the side. Duesseldorf wasted no time after the dorf 1 (Zimmermann 47); Schalke 0 Hertha KNimes on Saturday, and claimed Mbappe will now be automati- who will be working with the season when Matthias Zimmermann fi red break and took a deserved lead on 47 min- Berlin 2 (Duda 15, 90+6) he would not hesitate to do the cally suspended for PSG’s next striker ahead of the Netherlands same thing again. game, a home match against v France Nations League match Having earlier scored, the Saint-Etienne on September 14 next Sunday. FOCUS 19-year-old striker was shown that precedes a trip to Liverpool “I’ll talk with him, he was a straight red card in stoppage in the Champions League. But likely afraid of getting injured,” time at the end of PSG’s 4-2 the nature of the off ence means Deschamps said of the tackle victory after shoving over the he could face a lengthier ban that Mbappe described as having Ipswich’s win drought continues Nimes midfi elder Teji Savanier. from domestic action. no place in football. “I’m not ac- That foul was in retaliation after PSG had been 2-0 up at half- cusing the Nimes lot, they have AFP 14 minutes later in a fi ercely-contested clash the penalty went through a crowd of players he had been scythed down by Sa- time through goals from Ney- a physical game and Kylian has London at Portman Road. The result means Ipswich and into the Ipswich net. In the day’s other vanier, and the Nimes player was mar and Angel di Maria, the to live with that. It wasn’t that remain in the relegation zone, one place second tier action, Bristol City moved into also sent off for the foul. latter direct from a corner, only bad,” said the World Cup win- above bottom club Reading, with Norwich the play-off places after coming from be- “No, no, no,” said Mbappe af- for Nimes to pull themselves ning coach. Minnows Nimes, the pswich were denied their fi rst win of climbing to 17th. hind to beat Blackburn 4-1 at Ashton Gate. terwards when asked if he wished back level in the second half. It former club of Eric Cantona and the Championship season as arch-rivals Ipswich were dominating the play and Blackburn took a 13th-minute lead in bi- he had not responded the way was Mbappe’s 77th-minute goal Laurent Blanc, are back in the Norwich rescued a 1-1 draw in the East they deservedly took the lead in the when zarre circumstances as City allowed a low he did. “If I had to do it again, I that punctured the home side’s top fl ight this season after a 25- Anglian derby yesterday. Paul Hurst’s Edwards’ shot was defl ected in after on-loan inswinging corner from the right by Charlie would and I would apologise to hopes, before Edinson Cavani year absence and stunned near- Istrugglers took the lead in the 57th minute Burnley forward Jon Walters won a header Mulgrew to enter their net unaided, with all the supporters and to every- secured the win late on to leave neighbours Marseille in their last through Gwion Edwards. in the penalty area. But Norwich drew level goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa fl at-footed and no one. I cannot tolerate that sort PSG with maximum points after home outing. But Moritz Leitner equalised for Norwich when a shot from Leitner from just outside one defending the near post. Gulf Times Monday, September 3, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Ronaldo draws blank again as Juventus beat Parma Portuguese forward missed a chance to open his account in Serie A when his powerful header was just wide

AFP Cup,” he added. Milan Earlier Radja Nainggolan scored on his debut as Inter Milan claimed their fi rst three points of the season with a ristiano Ronaldo drew another 3-0 win in Bologna. Nainggolan missed blank in his bid to score his the fi rst two games of the campaign fi rst Serie A goal for Juventus with injury following his summer move but the Italian champions kept from Roma. But the 30-year-old Bel- theirC winning momentum 2-1 at pro- gian midfi elder made his mark on his moted Parma on Saturday with goals in league debut, opening his and Inter’s either half from World Cup stars Mario account at the Stadio Dall’Ara after 66 Mandzukic and Blaise Matuidi. minutes. Italy midfi elder Antonio Can- World Cup winner Matuidi bagged dreva and Croatia’s World Cup runner- the decisive goal on 58 minutes after up Ivan Perisic added two quickfi re Croatia’s Mandzukic, a fi nalist in Mos- goals in the fi nal ten minutes to seal cow this summer, had scored after just all three points. The win gives Luciano two minutes in Emilia Romagna. New Spalletti’s side four points from three Parma signing Gervinho — back in Italy games, equal with Roma who lost 2-1 after two years with Chinese club Hebei at AC Milan on Friday. Filippo Inzaghi’s China Fortune — pulled one back after Bologna are stuck on one point, with- 33 minutes for the hosts who have re- out a single goal scored in three games. turned to the top fl ight after three con- Inter captain and striker Mauro Icar- secutive promotions following demo- di tried, unsuccessfully, to shake off tion for bankruptcy in 2015. a muscle strain by warming up before Ronaldo is yet to score but the seven- being forced to watch from the stands, time reigning Italian champions are along with Lautaro Martinez. It left on maximum points after winning all Keita Balde as Inter’s sole striker, but three of their games this season. The with Nainggolan, Matteo Politano and 33-year-old fi ve-time Ballon d’Or win- Perisic in support. ner missed a chance to open his account Perisic nodded into the side-netting after 26 minutes when his powerful early with Roberto Gagliardini also fi r- header was just wide, and spurned an- ing over for the visitors before Bologna other chance ten minutes into the sec- threatened, Filip Helander’s header ond half. “Cristiano had a good game, cleared off the line by Inter goalkeeper he made himself available, but it was a Samir Handanovic. Nainggolan missed moment when the ball did not bounce a chance to open the scoring just before back in the right direction,” coach Mas- the break with a powerful half-volley similiano Allegri said. “I’m happy with from the edge of the box fl ying over. what he’s doing... After the (interna- But the Belgian made no mistake tional) break he will surely get a goal after the break, controlling Politano’s because we’ll all be in better shape.” cross to fi re past his former Roma Matuidi added: “He (Ronaldo) had a teammate Lukasz Skorupski. Candreva great match but no luck. He’s going to replaced Keita on 79 minutes and three be a little annoyed because he’s hungry minutes later turned in a low cross to score, but we’re going to help him.” from Perisic for his fi rst goal in over 18 Allegri said he was impressed with months before the Croatian sealed vic- Mandzukic who has scored twice in the tory two minutes later. Serie A runners- opening three games and set up Matui- up Napoli were playing Sampdoria in di for the winner. “I didn’t expect Mario Genoa late last night, looking for a third to be in this condition after the World straight win. Juventus players Mario Mandzukic (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and Douglas Costa celebrate after their win over Parma in the Serie A on Saturday night. (AFP)

Ronaldo Jr outshines dad with SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP four goals on Juventus debut Milan: Nothing is going right for stands. Real Madrid are not suff er- Gerrard fumes aft er Ntcham hands Portuguese superstar Cristiano ing following the exit of their record Ronaldo since his summer move all-time goal scorer, earning three to Italian champions Juventus. The wins from three games after thrash- five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who ing Leganes 4-1 on Saturday thanks Rodgers fi rst blood in Old Firm battle lost out to Luka Modric for the UEFA to Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. Player of the Year award during the “Three more points! Good AFP Gerrard, though, insists progress is week, drew another blank for a third teamwork,” Ronaldo tweeted after Glasgow being made and hopes that will be born straight Serie A game on Saturday Saturday’s game in Parma as his out by the time the sides meet again as he chases his first goal for his team sealed maximum points from at the end of December. “In 14 weeks new club. three games courtesy of goals by angers manager Steven Ger- we’ve had a lot of hurdles, a lot of chal- Liberated by his departure his World Cup stars Mario Mandzukic rard was furious with referee lenges, the boys have given me every- former Real Madrid teammates and Blaise Matuidi. Willie Collum as his fi rst taste thing so I can’t be too critical,” added have gone on a goal spree and “He (Ronaldo) played a great of the Old Firm derby ended Gerrard. inR a 1-0 defeat to Celtic and handed “I’ve seen enough today to feel if we now he has even been outshone by game, put in a lot of eff ort, but his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, who unfortunately he did not find the Brendan Rodgers fi rst blood against his can get bodies back, new signings up to scored four goals in his debut for net,” said Matuidi, who netted the former Liverpool captain. speed, I believe we can be a match for Juventus’s Under-9 team. Wearing winner. He wants to score and we’ll Gerrard felt Tom Rogic had fouled Celtic, particularly in the next fi xture. the number 7 of his famous dad, help him to do so, because he’s very Ryan Jack in the build-up to Olivier Nt- Rangers have been ‘blown away’, ‘anni- eight-year-old Ronaldo Jr scored important for this team.” cham’s match-winner, as he was beaten hilated’, scorelines that are not accept- a brace in either half in a 5-1 win The 33-year-old’s next chance for the fi rst time in his fl edging mana- able in this game. against Lucento, watched by Ron- to break his duck will be in Turin gerial career after 13 games. “It’s a foul. “I’m not saying 1-0 is acceptable, aldo’s partner Georgina, according against Sassuolo on September 16 The referee has ignored it and they go but I’ve seen enough today to say we are to media reports in Italy yesterday. after the international break. Ron- and score,” said Gerrard. “It’s also a foul working in the right direction.” Ronaldo has failed to score in aldo has been left out of European for the fourth offi cial whose shouting Twice the woodwork came to Rang- his first three competitive games champions Portugal’s squad for down his mic ‘foul, foul, foul’ and the ers’ rescue as James Forrest drilled a for Juventus, including Saturday’s the Nations League and friendly referee has ignored that advice.” stunning volley from 25 yards off the 2-1 win at Parma with Portuguese matches in the next week at his own However, even Gerrard admitted his top of the crossbar before Mikael Lustig Prime Minister Antonio Costa in the request to focus on Juventus. side deserved little more. Celtic domi- nodded against the bar. Odsonne Ed- nated throughout and hit the wood- ouard deputised for Dembele by scor- work three times before Ntcham fi nally ing twice in a 5-0 rout the last time broke Rangers’ resistance just after the Rangers visited Celtic Park in May to hour mark. Victory extended Rodgers’s seal a seventh straight title. excellent record in Old Firm derbies to Rangers manager Steven Gerrard (left) reacts as his Celtic counterpart Brendan However, Edouard missed Celtic’s 10 wins and two draws in 12 encounters. Rodgers looks on during the Scottish Premiership match. (Reuters) biggest chance to open the scoring But despite not racking up the similar when he headed straight at ‘keeper Al- score to a series of routs in the past two the transfer window on Friday. to play round them and play through lan McGregor, who, four minutes into seasons, this was arguably his most sig- However, they already enjoy a four- them. Our only complaint is not scor- the second half, turned a low Ntcham nifi cant derby win after the fi rst signs point lead over Rangers and closed to ing one or two more.” drive against the bar. of turbulence in his reign following two within three points of early pacesetters Rangers were looking to win at Celtic Rangers were fi nally undone in con- years fi lled with success. Celtic failed Hearts. “We were the very dominant Park for the fi rst time since 2010 and in troversial circumstances when Rogic to qualify for the Champions League, team from start to fi nish,” said Rodgers. high spirits after reaching the Europa robbed Jack inside the Celtic half. From missed out on a number of targets in “Steven (Gerrard) has done well getting League group stages on Thursday. But there the hosts were clinical as Rogic, the transfer window, to Rodgers’s frus- them organised so we had to be patient. a return of just fi ve points from their Edouard and Forrest combined to tee tration, and sold star striker Moussa The scoreline doesn’t really refl ect our opening four fi xtures is Rangers’ worst up Ntcham for his fourth goal of the Dembele to Lyon in the fi nal hours of dominance. We showed a calmness start to a league season since 1989/90. season.

Hatem Ben Arfa joins Koulibaly commits Celta defeat a ‘wake-up Balotelli, Pellegri in Italy’s Rennes from PSG to Ancelotti’s Napoli call’ for Atletico: Simeone squad for Nations League

French international attacking mid- Senegalese international defender Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone Italy coach Roberto Mancini on Sat- fielder Hatem Ben Arfa has joined Kalidou Koulibaly has extended his said he “assumed responsibility” but urday named a 31-man squad which Rennes from Paris Saint-Germain, the contract with Napoli by two years, called for improvements as the La Liga included Nice striker Mario Balotelli player revealed via his Twitter account. the Serie A runners-up confirmed on giants suff ered the rude awakening of and five new players including Monaco The 31-year-old former Newcastle and Saturday. The Senegal international has a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo on Satur- teenager Pietro Pellegri to face Poland Hull player thereby ends two miserable agreed an improved deal with the side day. Atletico travelled to the Balaidos and Portugal in the UEFA Nations seasons at PSG where he featured in now coached by former Chelsea and stadium desperate to make amends for League tournament. just 23 league games and played no Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti until a 1-1 draw at Valencia in their opening The games against Poland in Bologna competitive football last season. June 2023. game of the season. on September 7 and Portugal in Lisbon Rennes posted a video on their website According to media reports in Italy the “Celta played very well,” conceded on September 10 will be Mancini’s first announcing the arrival of a “new 27-year-old’s salary will be increased Simeone. “We didn’t trouble them, they off icial matches in charge of the Azzurri, artist” which showed Ben Arfa dribbling to 3.5mn euros per season. Koulibaly — were sharp and obviously afterwards who failed to qualify for the World Cup. around bewildered opponents set to capped 28 times for Senegal — joined they knew how to defend their ad- The former Inter Milan and Manchester the Jackson 5 hit I Want You Back. The the southern Italian side from Belgian vantage. We lacked precision with the City coach, who took over last May, Eight-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Jr (left), playing for under-9 Juventus video pans out to a smiling Ben Arfa, club Genk in the summer of 2014. chances we had, that’s why we failed to had already called up Balotelli for three team, scored a brace in either half in a 5-1 win against Lucento. who has won five Ligue 1 titles, wearing He has played 124 games for the club, score.” Simeone said it was far too early friendlies in June. But it will be the first the Rennes number 18 shirt. scoring eight Serie A goals. to make assessments. call-up for 17-year-old Pellegri.

Monday, September 3, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Duhail survive Qatar SC scare; Sadd romp to victory By Sports Reporter Moosa. Moein took Qatar SC ahead ter four rounds, while promoted Al Doha with a long-ranger that went in past Shahania stayed on four points. QNB the outstretched hands of Khalifa Stars League top scorer Bounedjah Abubacker off the head of Bassam al- took his personal tally to 11 goals and NB Stars League holders Rawi. Akram six. Al Duhail staged a brilliant Al Duhail’s Brazilian forward Ed- Bounedjah opened the scoring fi ghtback from two goals milson then tested the goal only to with a header following an assist down to prevent a Qatar SC be foiled by the right upright. Mo- from captain Xavi Hernandez. Akram coupQ as they won 3-2 at the Khalifa ments later came the second goal that doubled the lead fi ve minutes after- International Stadium yesterday. resulted from a defensive mistake by wards by slotting home a rebound Al Duhail found their goals through Lucas Mendes. Hussein Ali trapped from goalkeeper Khalifa al-Dossari Sandro Ferreira (own goal, 56th the ball from the Brazilian defender, after he fumbled with a Hassan Al minute), Nam Tae-Hee (68th) and who was off -colour, and crossed it Haydous shot. Mohamed Muntari (84th). Ahmed to Syrian striker Osama who gave The young Akram found the mark Moein (38th minute) and Osama the fi nishing touches. Al Duhail a second time after Bounedjah set the Omari (43rd) scored for Qatar SC. threw everything into the game post- stage as Al Sadd took the half-time Both teams were on the off ensive breather. Amid their consistent ef- break with a 4-0 lead. In between, right from the start, with Al Duhail forts, Qatar SC’s Brazilian midfi elder Khoukhi had headed in a Xavi corner creating more chances. It was a tale Sandro accidentally headed into his kick. Al Sadd continued their domi- of missed opportunities and bad own goal. Nam and Muntari then nation in the latter part as well even luck for The Red Knights in the fi rst found the target. The red card to Rami though the scoreline remained the half despite having 67 per cent of the Fayez for his tussle with Edmilson same. The Wolves had 67 per cent of ball. After attempts by Almoez Ali added to The Kings’ woes. the ball, as the result suggested. and Nam went in vain, Qatar SC’s Earlier, Al Sadd recorded a com- Al Sadd forced eight corners as Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o, fortable 4-0 victory over Al Sha- against Al Shahania’s two. The Al who has had many accomplishments hania. Algerian striker Baghdad Shahania goalkeeper made four saves in his career with European teams, Bounedjah (third minute), Akram in the game to prevent further dam- struck his shot against the crossbar Afi f (eighth and 40th minutes) and age. Al Shahania’s best opportunity from close. Boualem Khoukhi (14th) scored the to reduce the defi cit came around the Soon, Qatar SC goalkeeper Jas- goals for hosts Al Sadd, who stayed on hour mark. Vasquez Luciano set up sim al-Hail, who had a good outing, top of the standings with 10 points. Saad Hussain and the latter shot over Al Duhail’s Nam Tae-Hee (right) celebrates with teammate Yousef el Arabi after scoring against Qatar SC in the QNB Stars thwarted rival captain Mohamed It was Al Sadd’s third victory af- the bar. League at yesterday. PICTURE: Anas al-Samaraee

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Emery impressed by spirited Perfect Watford Arsenal aft er win over Cardiff AFP sion to fi eld two forwards paid header to equalise again. “We Cardiff , United Kingdom handsome dividends as fi rst Au- need to continue improving on bameyang and then Lacazette our defence,” admitted Emery, scored excellent goals to fi nally who also saw further teething stun Spurs; Man nai Emery praised Ar- kill off Cardiff . The Bluebirds had problems for Petr Cech in the senal’s character after equalised through Victor Camar- veteran goalkeeper’s eff orts to they gave a glimpse asa and Danny Ward after Shko- play from the back. of their potential in a dran Mustafi headed the Gunners Twice in the opening eight Uthrilling 3-2 victory at Cardiff ahead. “They are playing min- minutes Cech made a mess of yesterday. Emery was rewarded utes each match and today they dealing with back-passes and, Utd back on track for a bold selection after part- started (together),” said Emery of on the second occasion, Harry nering Alexandre Lacazette and his strikers. “We are continuing Arter fi red over when he should Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, to work on the combinations. To- have opened the scoring. “He Watford remarkably sit level on points with Liverpool and Chelsea his two main forwards, together day I think the two players scored has experience,” said Emery. “He from the start for the fi rst time in goals and helped us.”We can con- is intelligent. He is doing what the Premier League. tinue to work to fi nd the best per- we want. It’s very important for Both scored as Emery’s men formance with each player.” me to continue doing this and to collected the second victory of There is, however, plenty for keep improving. We take a little his reign. The Spaniard saw his Emery to ponder during the in- risk, but when you break this risk side make hard work of seeing off ternational break after the famil- and their pressing you can fi nd the newly-promoted Welsh club iar failings that dogged the end of space. We need to continue with with old defensive failings twice Wenger’s reign reared their heads this personality.” allowing Cardiff to equalise. again. After Mustafi ’s powerful There was a sighting, too, of But Emery was impressed header from Granit Xhaka’s cor- Ozil, who played a decent hand with the way Arsenal responded ner had put his visitors ahead in in victory having missed last to each of those setbacks. “The the Welsh capital, they failed to week’s win at West Ham amid reaction is very important. The see the game out to half-time. rumours of a row on the training reaction was very good. We were In stoppage-time a poor Xha- ground with his manager. “Ozil calm,” Emery said. “The most ka pass was intercepted, Nacho with his quality, I think we need important thing is to be calm and Monreal failed to deal with a Joe him to give us his moments in the to continue working. We con- Bennett cross and Camarasa match,” said Emery. trolled the match for 70% of the fi red home. Then, after Aubam- “I think today in the second 90 minutes.” eyang had bent home a superb half he played a good match, he Emery got a crash course in shot to restore their lead after worked every minute he was on both the strengths and weak- clever work from Mesut Ozil and the pitch. Maybe in the second nesses of the squad he inherited Lacazette, the Gunners switched half with his position on the from Arsene Wenger. His deci- off again and allowed Ward a free pitch I think he feels better.”

Watford’s Jose Holebas (right) and Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Moura vie for the ball during the Premier League match. (Reuters)

AFP to their main rivals and the way his side was Burnley area. Watford overpowered during the fi nal half hour was The ball eventually landed with Jesse Lin- alarming. Had Harry Kane not sent a late gard on the edge of the area and, after his headed chance over the bar, Pochettino shot took defl ections off both Charlie Taylor atford’s stunning start to the would have considered a draw to be reason- and Ashley Westwood, Lukaku was well po- Arsenal’s striker Alexandre Lacazette is overjoyed after scoring against Cardiff City yesterday. (AFP) season hit a new high as they able reward against obstinate opponents. sitioned to turn and sweep in from six yards. made it four successive Premier Defeat, though, highlighted Tottenham’s It was a rewarding fi rst period for Mour- League wins with a shock 2-1 lack of cutting edge, with Lucas Moura the inho and his team, not to mention the Wsuccess against Tottenham yesterday. While only player to consistently threaten, while 2,400 visiting supporters at Turf Moor who Mourinho dedicates United win to Woodward two goals from Romelu Lukaku brought the manner in which they conceded was showed their backing for Mourinho. In con- Jose Mourinho a much-needed 2-0 win at cause for concern. trast, there was a demonstration by fans Burnley, United Kingdom: Jose currently, the afternoon was home, if the fans had reacted Burnley. Having fallen behind to Abdoulaye For Mourinho, it was another event- against the club’s executive vice-chairman Mourinho dedicated Manchester as notable for events off the bad the team loses confidence, Doucoure’s 54th minute own goal, Wat- ful and controversial afternoon for desipte Ed Woodward with a plane fl own over the United’s 2-0 victory at Burnley field as on them. Before kick-off , the week is not a good week, the ford responded impressively, recovering to United’s ending up on winning side. Eng- Lancashire ground towing a banner that to beleaguered executive Ed supporters had paid for a small team feels pressure. claim the points through headers from Troy land international Marcus Rashford, only on read: “Ed Woodward, a specialist in failure.” Woodward as his club returned plane to fly over the ground, “But we lost at home and the Deeney and Craig Cathcart. It remains to the fi eld for 10 minutes as a substitute, was It was a poignant comment from sup- to winning ways in an incident- towing a banner that read: fans were amazing to the team. be seen how long Javi Gracia’s third-placed sent off after 70 minutes for a headbutt on porters who clearly blame Woodward’s lack packed clash at Turf Moor. “Ed Woodward, a specialist in The team understood the direc- side can remain among the upper echelon, Phil Bardsley who had clipped the United of action in the transfer market for the club’s United manager Mour- failure”. tion was good and it was not but this win confi rmed they are currently man’s ankles in cynical fashion. poor start to the season — rather than their inho, whose name was chanted The accusation referenced a sad week, it was a very good there on merit. Just two minutes earlier, Mourinho had high-profi le manager. That lacklustre open- throughout the afternoon by the executive vice chairman’s week at work and we started the They have won their fi rst four league also seen Paul Pogba miss a penalty with the ing to the campaign saw United in danger of the 2,400 travelling supporters, supposed inability to deliver way you saw.” games for the fi rst time since 1988 and re- chance to put the visitors out of sight. But losing three of their fi rst four league games also claimed Marcus Rashford the United manager his desired But what had been an markably sit level on points with leaders Lukaku’s fi rst-half double was enough for a for the fi rst time since 1986. had been naive in being shown transfer targets this summer. unqualified United success Liverpool and second-placed Chelsea head- well-earned three points as United bounced Mourinho, though, had looked relaxed a straight red card, just 10 min- But while Mourinho praised at Turf Moor suff ered slightly ing into the international break. Having back from consecutive defeats to Brighton even before kick-off , joking with offi cials in utes after appearing as a 60th the United fans, who supported when Rashford, who had been beaten Brighton, Burnley and Crystal Palace and Tottenham that had put Mourinho un- the tunnel and shaking hands with players minute substitute, following an their players after the shock 3-0 cynically fouled by Bardsley, in their opening three games, this was Wat- der the spotlight. from both teams as they exited the dress- altercation with Phil Bardsley. home defeat to Tottenham last head-butted his assailant. “I ford’s fi rst test against a top six side. Lukaku opened the scoring on 26 min- ing rooms. And within minutes of kick-off , By that stage, United were Monday, he also off ered a hint of didn’t see it, the only thing I can Tottenham arrived with an unbeaten utes, after a period of bright and direct foot- that confi dence looked well placed as United comfortably in front thanks to support for Woodward. “In the say is that is probably the expe- record of their own to protect, having won ball from Mourinho’s team. Alexis Sanchez dominated. two goals from Romelu Lukaku match I’m not looking at the sky, rience of Bardsley, 20 years in 3-0 at Manchester United in their previous was recalled to Mourinho’s starting line-up and could even aff ord the luxury unless I’m asking for the guy to football, against the impulse and league game. But Watford rose to the chal- and responded by setting up the opener as ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS of a missed Paul Pogba penalty, give me help!” joked Mourinho. naivety of a guy who has been lenge to secure a fi rst league win against Lukaku rose impressively between two de- won by Rashford following a “I didn’t see the plane but Ed in top football for three years Burnley 0 Manchester United 2 (Lukaku 27, Tottenham since 1987 — underlining their fenders to head the Chilean’s cross past Joe foul by Ben Mee, and saved well Woodward won this afternoon, but is still a young head,” said 44); Cardiff 2 (Camarasa 45, Ward 70) Arsenal status as the league’s surprise package. Hart. A second goal before the break looked by Joe Hart. 2-0. But I think we started win- Mourinho. “Harsh? I don’t know. For Tottenham manager Mauricio Po- inevitable, although it took until the fi nal 3 (Mustafi 12, Aubameyang 62, Lacazette 81); But, given the delicate po- ning this match because of Old You could give yellows for both chettino, this was a concerning defeat. The minute for it to arrive as Luke Shaw chased Watford 2 (Deeney 69, Cathcart 76) Totten- litical situation at Old Traff ord Traff ord, after Spurs. We lost at and keep going, maybe.” result means his side have lost early ground onto Sanchez’s back heel and into the ham 1 (Doucoure 53-og)