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Tuesday, October 8, 2019 FOOTBALL Safar 9, 1441 AH 2022 will be GULF TIMES unlike any other World Cup, says Cafu SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT

‘There are many great ideas in football, but often times we face obstacles. We are fortunate here in Qatar that everyone has a lot of patience, because in order to achieve something it takes resilience’

By Sports Reporter keep pushing and learning from one traditional set-up for people to gather another. That’s why we keep bringing in Qatar, di Salvo said. good coaches to the league in Qatar, so We don’t want to teach people the players keep developing.” something, we want people to share atience and resilience form the Bravo also took the time to refl ect and work together. And that is our goal foundation of Qatar’s sporting on the things he talked about in pre- over the next three days. Furthermore, ambitions and the success the vious editions of the Global Summit we are able to do that in Aspire Acad- country has achieved so far, and stressed that this forum is an ideal emy’s Football Performance Center, a PIvan Bravo, the Director General of As- platform to share experiences and to hub where we develop our players and pire Academy, has said. collaborate in order to get new ideas that was designed under the premise to Bravo was addressing delegates at- that can help to contribute something send the sport scientists to the pitches tending the Aspire Academy Global to their clubs and in return also con- in contrast to sending football players Summit in which representatives from tribute something to the success of the to the labs.” about 50 football clubs and federations “Aspire in the World Fellows” commu- Di Salvo dwelt upon exemplary work are taking part. nity. the community has done since 2014 “There are many great ideas in foot- Earlier in his address, Bravo wel- including the creation of 260 presen- ball, but often times we face obstacles. comed the guests and described their tations that were uploaded on the Fel- We are fortunate here in Qatar that community – the “Aspire in the World lows’ online platform and the fi rst re- everyone has a lot of patience, because Fellows” – as unique in terms of work- search publication in an international in order to achieve something it takes ing together in the world of global Journal of Sport Science a week ago. resilience,” Bravo said during his open- football. “Each year we keep moving forward ing address. Ivan Bravo, the Director General of Aspire “I am happy to see a lot of very fa- and it’s one of my dreams for this com- “I previously told you about our road Academy and Valter Di Salvo (bottom), Executive miliar faces from previous editions in munity to give something back to peo- map, our vision towards 2022 and the Director of the Aspire Academy Global Summit Paris, Berlin, London and Amsterdam ple that are not as fortunate as us in the milestones that show our progres- speak during the opening session yesterday. and I also welcome the people that join future.” sion. And in order to progress you need us today for the fi rst time.” Speaking on the fi fth edition of the continuity and trust in the people that He stressed that the location of this event, Global Summit Chairman Ali have worked with the young genera- year’s Summit – the Academy’s Foot- Salem Afi fa said that “this is an oppor- tions of Qatari footballers day in and ball Performance Center – was also tunity to renew contacts and discuss day out and every year we felt that we a good example for great teamwork topics of mutual interest with del- made another step forward,” he added. that originated from an idea that he egates from all over the world in a one Bravo, who was Director of Strategy discussed with Football Performance of the latest distinctive football set- at Real Madrid before heading to Qatar & Science Director and “Aspire in the tings – the Aspire Academy Football several years ago, said Qatar’s success World Fellows” founder Valter di Salvo Performance Center. I am sure every- at the Asian Cup earlier this year was eight years ago. one will have fruitful and rewarding also a result of the same approach. “There were some stops on the road, exchanges of ideas in the next few days “We built our athletes knowing their everybody had to get in the same state and I wish them every success with weaknesses and the context in which of mind and it’s not easy to put the this important conference and a very they are in. We worked step by step “we” in front of the “I”, but the re- pleasant stay in Doha.” and then the triumph at the Asian Cup sult of what we accomplished is truly Some big names in international happened with a whole nation behind amazing.” football such as Tottenham FC man- us. An unthinkable result when you Di Salvo, who also spoke on the oc- ager Mauricio Pochettino, the retired think that Qatar faced those monsters casion, said he was delighted to fi nally Argentinian top forward Hernan Cre- in terms of their population and foot- be able to welcome the Fellows in Qa- spo, former Real Madrid-coach San- ball history, said Bravo. tar. tiago Solari and former Australian star “This achievement gives us the en- “The layout of our summits is quite player Tim Cahill are also attending ergy give us one more push. And we special. It reminds of the Majlis, the the summit.

BOTTOMLINE Athletics Worlds done, focus back on football

DPA featuring the likes of Champi- used for both tournaments, that witnessed the Asian Doha ons League winners Liverpool and although the set-up for Champions League semi- from December 11 to 22 — a the athletics and football dif- fi nal between home team Al A view of the Education City dress rehearsal of sorts. fer, “some of the temporary Sadd and Saudi Arabia’s Al Stadium that will host matches iant billboards make Sebastian Coe, president installations for the athletics Hilal last week. in the Club World Cup as well sure that the 2022 of the ruling athletics body championships will be kept “We were pleased to see the as the 2022 FIFA Cup. football World Cup IAAF, dismissed doubts and used for the FIFA Club good atmosphere at the sta- is omnipresent in whether Qatar was the right World Cup,” according to a dium at the AFC Champions Gthe host nation Qatar more place to host the track and FIFA spokesperson Dahlan al- League semi-fi nal earlier this than three years ahead of its fi eld showpiece. “Why would Hamad, vice-president of the week in Doha,” Spahn said. kick-off . it be the wrong place?” Coe Doha Worlds organising com- The club tournament will Stadium construction is asked back, satisfi ed with mittee. Dahlan also said his be played exclusively in Doha ongoing and massive infra- good organisation and an team were “in a big co-opera- at Education City, Khalifa and structure projects such as air-conditioned stadium and tion with the 2022 team. They Jassim bin Hamad stadiums, roadworks and metro lines are FIFA too is confi dent of Qa- are here with us. We work to- the fi rst two also being used also among the preparations tar putting up a great show in gether hand in hand.” for the World Cup. for the global sporting show- 2022 as well as the Club World The heat will not be a prob- Doha will have eight sta- piece. Cup in December. lem at the fi rst-ever winter diums at the World Cup, in- As soon as the 1,970 ath- “The co-operation with World Cup, for which the cluding the 80,000-seat Lu- letes from 208 countries tak- the Qatari authorities is out- whole match-calendar in sail Stadium currently under ing part in the the IAAF World standing. We are very con- Europe will be revamped be- construction, and even the Athletics Championships had fi dent that the upcoming cause the conditions made a distance to the arena furthest packed up Sunday, the next FIFA events in Qatar will be World Cup impossible at the away from the capital is a event was looming in the form successful,” Helmut Spahn, traditional June/July slot. mere 70 kilometres. of the inaugural World Beach FIFA’s German security chief, Temperatures during the Spahn spoke of “a challenge Games starting Saturday, fol- told DPA. tournament are expected to but also a historical opportu- lowed immediately by the FIFA said it had inspec- range between 15 and 24 de- nity with many positive as- congress of the Association of tors in Qatar over the past grees Celsius, off ering “opti- pects” while FIFA also noted National Olympic Commit- fortnight to look at the state mal conditions for players and that, if desired, fans “will be tees. of preparations for the Club fans,” according to FIFA. able to attend more than one More important in respect World Cup and the World Football is a bigger attrac- match per day in 2022” due to the World Cup is the hold- Cup. tion than athletics as was evi- to the compact nature of the ing of the Club World Cup Khalifa Stadium will be denced by the packed crowd tournament. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 8, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Free public access to ANOC World Doha Worlds an Beach Games

QNA from 96 countries from fi ve Doha continents will compete in 14 competitions in four locations: he Association of Na- the Katara Cultural Village, As- tional Olympic Com- pire Zone, Al Gharafa Stadium oasis of thrills mittees (ANOC) World and the Ritz-Carlton Doha’s TBeach Games Qatar Leqtaifi ya Lagoon. The US again topped the medals table, their 14 golds almost triple the next best of Kenya 2019 has announced that the The competition’s list of public can enter the stadiums sports includes Aquathlon, and attend the games for free. , Rock Climbing, Director of Marketing and , Kata In- Communications at Qatar Ol- dividual, Kitefoil Racing, Climb ympic Committee Sheikha Asma Bouldering, , Wa- al-Thani said that it’s a pleasure terski, Wakeboard, Beach Soc- to give everyone the opportu- cer and Open Water 5km, Beach nity to participate in one way or Tennis, 4x4, another and expressed joy in an- and Beach . nouncing that attendance of this historic edition will be free. According to the schedule of She added saying that the Qa- the tournament, Aquathlon, 3x3 tar 2019 is Basketball, Karate Kata Individ- an extraordinary event that is ual, Kitefoil Racing, Beach Soc- being held for the fi rst time in the cer, Open Water 5km, Beach Ten- history of beach sports, adding nis and Beach Wrestling will be that beach sports atmosphere held at Katara Beach, while the is suitable for the whole fam- Al Gharafa courts will host Beach ily and the crowd will come in Handball and Volleyball 4x4 large numbers to encourage their competitions. Meanwhile, Climb teams and enjoy the beaches of Bouldering and Skateboarding Doha. take place in Aspire Park and the The competition will begin on Ritz-Carlton (Leqtaifi ya Lagoon) Oct. 12 and ends Oct. 16. hosts the Waterski and Wake- More than 1,200 athletes board competitions.

Qatar handball team prepare for Olympic qualifi ers

Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim won gold with a leap of 2.37m in the high jump.

File photo of Qatar coach Valero Rivera

The Qatar handball team will Jovan Gacevic, Alaeddin play a friendly against Iran Balrachid, Abdulrahman Tariq, today at the Duhail Handball Hamdi Ayyad, Amir Denguir, Reuters On the same night American vigorously defending the deci- note for a sport that continues to The US Anti-Doping Agency Sports Hall as part of their Amin Zakar, Daniel Saric, Doha Dalilah Muhammad broke her sion to bring the championships wrestle with complex issues, in- (USADA) said Salazar was pun- preparations for the Asian Anis Al Zawawi, Wagdi Sinan, own world record to win the to the Middle East. cluding a Russian doping scan- ished for “orchestrating and men’s handball qualifiers Ahmed Magdy, Mustapha women’s 400 metres hurdles “It is the athletes themselves dal that looks set to linger, with facilitating prohibited doping for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Heiba, Nidal Issa, Yassine Sami, World Athletics Cham- while the sport’s big men seized who have come here better pre- the country’s federation banned conduct” as head coach of the Games, which will be held in Mohamed Obaidi, Marwan pionships that had the spotlight on Saturday as the pared for a championship that from the event. Nike Oregon Project (NOP), a Doha from Oct. 17-26. Sassi and Mario Tomic. looked like a desert shot putters gave a show hailed will be remembered for a long If that was not enough, the camp designed primarily to de- The two teams will play a Eight teams will compete in mirage initially came as the greatest ever in the event. time.... maybe in a large part to championships were hit with velop US endurance athletes. second match on Thursday the Asian men’s handball quali- Ato life with an oasis of thrills and The United States again the almost perfect conditions another unwanted distraction Nike has denied any role in which will be the final prepara- fiers for Tokyo 2020, with the packed houses before the curtain topped the medals table, their 14 that these guys have created in when renowned American coach administering performance- tory match for the Qatari team first group comprising Qatar, came down on Sunday. golds almost triple the next best the stadium.” Alberto Salazar was banned for enhancing drugs and said in a before the Asian qualifiers. Saudi Arabia, India and Hong The 10-day event had attract- of Kenya on fi ve while Jamaica Coe had little sympathy for four years for doping violations, statement on Tuesday that it The matches against Iran are Kong and the second group ed criticism when it started but and China each had three. those athletes who were com- the news landing in the middle of does not condone the use of an opportunity for the Qatari comprising of Kuwait, Bahrain, as the action unfolded, it pro- No other nation got more than plaining, saying at the midway the IAAF’s biggest event. banned substances. coaching staff led by Spanish South Korea and Iran. duced an atmosphere that was two. mark of the meeting that they Salazar has denied any wrong- “Nike is not a part of the or- coach Valero Rivera to find The first and second place of worthy of a global extravaganza. “It is pretty clear to us that would be the ones leaving with- doing and said he would appeal. ganising committee, it’s just not, out the player’s levels and each group will qualify for the The athletes responded with on athlete performance this is out winning titles. Track and fi eld’s focus now so the issue around Eugene is the team’s readiness after the semi-finals on Oct. 24, where memorable performances in the the best world championships “The athletes talking about turns to next year’s Tokyo Ol- very clear,” said Coe, already de- last preparation phase, which Group A’s first place meets the air-conditioned Khalifa Sta- we have had,” said International externalities are probably not ympics before the 2021 world fending the choice of Eugene as included an external camp in second place of Group B, while dium, with temperatures kept at Association of Athletics Federa- the ones who are going to be championships in Eugene, Or- the next host city. Spain in Sept. 8-19. Group B’s first place will meet 21 degrees, highlighted by local tions (IAAF) chief Sebastian Coe. walking home with medals from egon, home of the Nike Oregon “There is the organising com- Qatar’s handball squad cur- Group A’s second place. The hero Mutaz Barshim on Friday The head of the global governing here,” he said. Project which has been caught mittee, and there’s the (US) rently includes 18 players: winners will qualify for the final soaring to victory in the men’s body had spent a good amount The rousing end to the cham- up in the sport’s latest doping federation who will be working Ahmed Maddi, Rafael Capote, on Oct. 26. high jump for Qatar’s only gold. of time during the opening days pionships provided an upbeat scandal. closely together.”

BOTTOMLINE Lyles, Coleman target Tokyo aft er Doha success

AFP after missing three drugs tests in a year, men to victory in the 4x100m in the Doha became the sixth fastest man in history second fastest time in history. with his 100m win in 9.76 seconds. The US has a dismal record in what in Lyles, meanwhile, surged to 200m theory should be one of their strongest xit Usain Bolt, enter the United gold in 19.83sec. events, and had not won the relay gold States. Both Coleman, 23, and Lyles, 22, have since 2007. As the desert dust settled on youth on their side, and are preparing “We broke a generational curse today the World Championships on to take their rivalry to a heightened level and we’re going to keep that going for Sunday,E American sprinters were left next season. years to come,” Lyles wrote on Twitter celebrating their biggest medal haul in After restricting themselves to one after the win. more than a decade. individual event in Doha, Coleman and With personal bests in the 100m After picking up just one gold medal Lyles have vowed to chase a 100m- and 200m that are faster than Bolt’s in the men’s sprinting events in London 200m double in Tokyo. over each distance at the same age, the two years ago, the Americans headed “We’re both competitive and young charismatic Lyles looks the best bet to for home with fi ve out of a possible sev- and we’re carrying the torch for USA fi ll the vacuum created by the Jamaican en golds stowed away in their luggage. sprinting,” Coleman said of his rivalry icon’s retirement. It was the largest tally since the six with Lyles. “This time last year I’d only just sprinting golds won by the US at the “I think we make each other better. started running,” said Lyles after his 2007 championships in Osaka, a year When I’m working hard every day, I 200m win. “Think of that.” before the dawn of Bolt’s decade of know he’s down there in Florida grind- “But don’t say I’m the new Bolt. I’m dominance at the Beijing Olympics. ing. me. If you like me, I’ll happily entertain In Doha, the US men bagged gold “So whenever we match up it’s going you. It’s my time.” in the 100m, 200m and 110m hurdles to be fi reworks. I’m looking forward to The 37-year-old Justin Gatlin, mean- before victories in the 4x100m and our rivalry in the future.” while, says he may stick around a bit long- 4x400m relays. Lyles, meanwhile, said that reports of er as Coleman and Lyles’ rivalry heats up. More signifi cantly, Doha confi rmed a rift with Coleman earlier this season Gatlin, who celebrated the fi rst relay the emergence of a new generation of had been overblown. gold of his career on Saturday, was left US sprinters who will head to the Ol- “We’re very competitive and very impressed at how the likes of Coleman ympics in Tokyo next year as the men talented and we want to go out there and Lyles responded in the 4x100m fi - to beat. Christian Coleman, the newly and make the USA the best country in nal after narrowly escaping disqualifi - crowned 100m world champion, and the world,” Lyles said. cation in Friday’s semi-fi nals. Noah Lyles, the victor in the 200m, de- “So every time we step on the track, “I take my hat off to my team-mates, livered performances in Doha that sug- whether it’s against each other or to- for being brave, and not feeling that gest they are capable of dominating for gether, we’re going to give our best stigma of Team USA always dropping years to come. (From L to R) USA’s Noah Lyles, Michael Rodgers, Christian Coleman and Justin Gatlin pose with their national flag after 100%.” That sense of shared determi- the stick, or not fi nishing, or something Coleman, who narrowly avoided be- winning the Men’s 4x100m Relay final at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium nation was in view on Saturday, when always happening or going wrong,” ing banned from the championships in Doha on October 5. Coleman and Lyles led the American Gatlin told AFP. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 8, 2019 3 SPORT

OPINION You have to keep going during bad and good times, says Tottenham manager Pochettino By Sports Reporter well former players Tim Cahill, Hernan custodians really. ry coach and manager works on how Doha Crespo and Santiago Scolari. Pochet- “We are here at the Aspire Academy to be competitive, we seek to motivate tino begun by congratulating Aspire Global Summit on Football Perform- players and that good and last for so Academy for what he called” the most ance on the back of two recent loses, in long, but when we inspire that has a he Aspire Academy Global amazing facilities boasting cutting the Champions League – against Bay- long eff ect.” Summit on Football’s Perform- edge technology football performance ern Munich and against Brighton and Pochettino went on to recount how in ance & Science Masterclass centre.” Hove in the Premier League. This sport his playing days with Espanyol, he had presentation was delivered by “I congratulate the Qatar Football we love throws these situations to us the chance to meet with Aspire Acad- TTottenham Hotspur manager Mauri- Association for the victory in the Asian and l believe it is in times of problems emy, Football Ambassador and Advisor, cio Pochettino on the opening day of Cup. Whenever we come here to Qa- that you keep going. Bora Milutinovic whose passion and the summit yesterday. tar and Aspire, we are encouraged and “When l consider how a boy born in philosophy exhibited by a competitive The former Argentine international struck by the vision, planning and the in the small Argentine town of Mur- drill that he challenged players to. gave an absorbing insight into his passion this country shows for sport phy has lived out his dreams to play “Coach Bora would challenge play- coaching philosophy and theory. Po- development it therefore follows that and manager at the level l am at, l am ers to hit the ball to the nearest distance chettino was speaking at Aspire Acad- there is tremendous progress in Qatar encouraged to keep going, so yes, the to set lines on the ground. I have never emy Football Performance Centre football as we saw in Aspire Director recent results at Tottenham Hotspur forgotten the competitive urge l learnt (FPC) on Day 1 of the 5th edition of the General, Ivan Bravo’s presentation,” have not been good. It’s for me and my from him, and l too seek to inspire those biggest gathering of youth football ex- he added. Pochettino described his coaching staff to fi nd the tools to help l work with, said Pochettino. perts in the world. philosophy as loosely deriving from, the players regain the form and mental- Pochettino rounded off his Master- Pochettino is highly regarded among “Football being a contest of emotions”. ity that got us the positive results from class by extolling, “all who are in foot- the breed of young coaches who have “The game brings out passion, de- last season.” ball and love the game, to keep pressing moved from playing to coaching suc- sire and drive and when commitment is When talking about the football phi- on especially when facing problems, cessfully in the recent past gave the added we see that it transcends society losophy they employ at Hotspur, Po- because it’s easy when everyone is keynote address, to youth coaches and and a lot is involved. We must however chettino said for him, “Football is born praising you and when you are winning. scientists from 49 of some the world not lose sight of the fact that we are re- in the heart. We can talk about tactics As for me l will keeping going and do- top football clubs who listened along- sponsible for safe guarding and passing and formations but its starts from the ing the things that brought me success side, Qatar Stars league coaches as on the game to our children, so we are heart and attitude within a player. Eve- before and l will be stronger.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Qatar Airways offi cial airline Cafu: Qatar 2022 sponsor of Arc will be unlike any other World Cup Former Brazil captain is an ambassador for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy

By Sports Reporter has been evident through Qatar Doha Airways’ recent sponsorship of major global sporting events, such as the 2019 FIFA Women’s World atar Airways was the Cup in France and the FIFA Club offi cial airline sponsor World Cup to be held in Doha in of one of the world’s December.” most prestigious rac- Chairman of Qatar Racing & ingQ events on the international Equestrian Club (QREC), Issa bin calendar, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc Mohamed al- Mohannadi, said: de Triomphe 2019, which con- “We are delighted with our long cluded on Sunday in Paris. term strategic partnership with The highly lauded horse race Qatar Airways, the world’s fast- took place in the magnifi cent set- est-growing airline and Qatar’s ting of the Bois de Boulogne park fl ag carrier. The ongoing co-op- in the city of lights, and attracted eration between QREC and Qatar top jockeys and famous horse Airways in sponsoring horse race breeders from around the world. meetings enables exciting racing In partnership with the Qa- events which refl ect the passion tar Racing and Equestrian Club for equestrian . (QREC), Qatar Airways wel- “We have developed an ex- comed racing fans to the Paris tensive partnership with Qatar Longchamp Racecourse on the Airways to organise numerous weekend of 5th – 6th October to prestigious international events. experience the highlight of the Qatar Airways contributes signifi - fl at-racing season. The two days cantly to the shipping activities for of elite racing brought together QREC-sponsored events overseas. the best thoroughbreds and jock- Their support has been critical to eys to compete in one of Europe’s QREC’s sponsorship of the Qatar most coveted races. Qatar Air- Goodwood Festival in the UK and ways Group Chief Executive, HE the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triom- Akbar al-Baker, said: “Qatar Air- phe in France. ways is delighted to once again be “Moreover, Qatar Airways plays ormer Brazil captain and of change is like something I that cannot be translated into from around the world. There would at other tournaments – the offi cial airline sponsor of the a leading role at the HH The Amir two-time FIFA World have never seen before. The words. It is a moment I will re- are very few things in the world it will have an ‘Olympics’ feel Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Sword Festival by facilitating par- Cup winner Cafu lifted stadiums, transportation and member every day for the rest outside of football that can cre- to it, where everyone is togeth- the most renowned event on the ticipation of horses from outside more than 20 trophies in infrastructure that’s being built of my life. ate this kind of scenario. er in one area. Fans may watch horse racing calendar. Participat- Qatar. We look forward to contin- aF career spanning 18 years. The is fantastic. I’m sure it will make their nation in the afternoon ing in this major equestrian event uing our close partnership, which ex-Roma and AC Milan star also for a memorable experience in Q: Football is often said to Q: How do you think Qa- and then in the evening go and highlights our commitment to our has borne fruit for Qatar as well as remains the record cap holder for 2022 for all those who attend. be a unifying power. Have tar’s World Cup will be watch two other national teams French network, which remains equestrian sport in Qatar.” his country, making 148 interna- Every World Cup is diff erent in you witnessed this already unique from others? play – this has never really been one of our most important strate- Under a recently-signed agree- tional appearances. its own way, but I strongly be- in your career, and how do possible before. gic and commercial routes. ment, Qatar Airways will be the As an ambassador for the Su- lieve Qatar’s will be the most you think Qatar’s World A: The World Cup in Qatar “Our continued support of glo- Offi cial Airline Sponsor of the preme Committee for Delivery unique tournamentwe’ve ever Cup can achieve these ambi- will be unique in many ways. Q: You’ve been a regular bal sporting events refl ects our 2019, 2020 and 2021 renewals & Legacy (SC), he works closely seen – everything is so diff er- tions? This will be the fi rst tourna- visitor to Qatar – do you fi rm belief in the unifying power of of the QREC-sponsored Qatar with Josoor Institute, a centre ent from previous editions of ment in an Arab country. Be- think the country and re- sport and the pivotal role it plays Goodwood Festival and Qatar Prix of excellence for the sports and the World Cup, it will make for A: Football is one of the most ing in a smaller area, stadiums, gion are misunderstood, in bringing people from all over de l’Arc de Triomphe. Qatar Air- events industries in the Middle something very special. Of that powerful tools for unity. Many teams and fans will be closer and what would you say the world together. At Qatar Air- ways will also maintain its role as East. In this interview with the I have no doubt. times in history confl icts have to each other than ever before. to those who are not sure ways, we are committed to uniting the Offi cial Airline Partner of the Supreme Committee’s website, come to a pause because of an The visitors will arrive right in whether to travel? people through our strategic part- HH The Amir Sword Festival in he speaks about his experiences Q: Twenty years prior to important match, or to watch the centre of all the celebra- nerships. This is something which 2020 and 2021. as a player and his expectations Qatar 2022, you led your an important player, like Pelé, tions, with short commutes A: First of all, the local people from the 2022 World Cup. country to FIFA World Cup for example. I was told by a between matches, no air travel are extremely kind. Everyone I glory – something only an historian that in the early days and the comfort of an amazing have met has been warm, polite World Athletics Championships: Media Q: The recent launch of the elite few will ever feel. What of the sport, the factory own- infrastructure that’s being pre- and from what I can tell, pas- committee praises volunteers’ role emblem for the FIFA World is it like to get your hands on ers in England organised their pared. It will be fantastic! sionate about football and really Cup Qatar 2022 felt like a real that golden trophy? teams and arranged for match- proud of hosting the World Cup. Media and Broadcasting direc- for their eff orts through out the milestone in Qatar’s journey es to happen so their workers Q: What makes Qatar the Plus, you have sun, beaches and tor at the Local Organising competition as well as the days on the road to 2022. You are A: Every boy dreams of be- wouldn’t fi ght in the streets! perfect host for 2022 and, to the sea! Aspire is also showing Committee Abdullah al-Mulla leading up to it. a FIFA World Cup winning ing a football champion. What You just need a football and all those travelling for it, what greats results with the promis- praised the role of volunteers in He also thanked local media for captain and an ambassador can be better than being one of the diff erences are left off the do you say to them? ing national team. Not to men- the World Athletics Champion- their distinguished coverage for the SC. Just how special the few privileged people who fi eld. A: As well as the climate – tion the amazing museums. I ships. throughout the competition. is this tournament, and what get to accomplish their child- Qatar is preparing the best which I know will be around visited the new Qatar National He said that they played an Al-Mulla highlighted that the can the world expect in 2022? hood dreams? During my ca- fi elds and inviting the world to 25C at that time of year and Museum last May and was really important role in ensuring the fans attendance was quite high, reer I was fortunate enough to play ball. Everyone is welcome perfect for playing and watch- impressed. Lastly, let’s not for- success of the competition exceeding the 40,000 mark. A: The world can expect a play in some wonderful teams and from my experiences in the ing football – I think the fans get the restaurants and amazing and promoting the culture of He added that Qatar has fantastic tournament! I have and alongside some incredible country I know everyone will will enjoy something totally food you have there. I’m sure I volunteer work in Qatar. become one of the important never seen such preparation like players. The teams I was in won be made to feel very welcome unique in 2022. And as well gain a few pounds every time I He noted that the organis- countries in terms of organising what is being done for 2022. I’ve a lot of trophies and enjoyed when they arrive there, from as the short distances and no visit! It’s always such a pleasure ing committee choose 6,000 major sporting competitions, been fortunate enough to visit great successes, but being a the fi rst moment to the last. It mid-tournament air travel re- to be in Qatar and I’m sure all volunteers out of the 16,000 drawing praise from sports as- Qatar on a number of occasions world champion represent- will be a great opportunity for quired, fans will be able to go visitors will have an unforget- who applied and thanked them sociations including the IAAF. now and the progress and speed ing your country is an emotion Qatar to welcome many people to many more games than they table experience in 2022. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 8, 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Wales get back to work against Fiji Erasmus demands aft er long lay-off

Reuters ries of the 2007 World Cup in Oita, Japan France where the Fijians upset Wales 38-34 in one of the most thrilling matches in the tourna- relaxed and confi dent ment’s history. ‘intensity’ as Boks Wales have been an is- The ‘nightmare in Nantes’ saw land of calm amid the Wales eliminated while putting maelstrom of a World Fiji through to their second CupA as they gradually close World Cup quarter-fi nal and fi rst their yawning gap between pool since 1987. matches, but it’s back to work Japan has already produced tomorrow when they take on Fiji a couple of boilovers, with the in Oita. hosts’ win over Ireland chief eye quarter-fi nals Since fending off Australia in among them, so Wales’ staff have Pool D’s heavyweight clash on been on high alert for compla- Sept. 29, Warren Gatland’s side cency creeping in. ‘One thing that will be vital going into the knockout stages is intensity and big moments’ have had eight days to decom- “It highlighted what Fijian press, even as rivals have toiled rugby is all about,” Wales assist- and drama unfolded on pitches ant coach Stephen Jones said of around Japan. the 2007 stunner. Unbeaten after two matches “Give them space and time with their top pool foe subdued, and they move the ball well and the Six Nations champions can have an offl oading game and put aff ord to stop and smell the roses, you under pressure. with victory in one of their last “They did that day and scored two games against Fiji or Georgia some wonderful tries.” assuring them of a quarter-fi nal In a huge boost for the Welsh, berth. fl yhalf Dan Biggar has recovered Wins in both would natu- from the head injury sustained rally be preferable as they would against Australia and will start guarantee the Welsh the pool’s in the 10 jersey. He was instru- top spot and a potentially eas- mental in getting Wales off to a ier route through the knockout fl ying start against the Wallabies, rounds. slotting a drop goal in the open- With that in mind, Gatland ing minute before he was forced has named a near full-strength off the fi eld near the half-hour team, making only two back row mark. Gatland said he wants changes from the starting 15 Wales to produce another anoth- that helped set up the epic 29-25 er quick start to dent the Fijians’ win over the Wallabies at Tokyo confi dence, lest they settle, build Stadium. The Flying Fijians are momentum and run away with no slouches, after all, and they the game with a feast of tries. head into the match with proper “It is important that we start momentum from their 45-10 well on Wednesday and hopeful- thrashing of Georgia, which fol- ly take a little bit of that excite- lowed a disappointing loss to ment away from Fiji,” Gatland Australia and a major shock by told reporters yesterday. Uruguay. “They are dangerous, so we’ve Welsh fans have another rea- got to make sure we shut their son to feel on edge, however. space down and shut down their Many harbour bitter memo- time on their ball.”

South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus (centre) takes part in a training session at the Steelers Training Ground in Kobe, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP side that overwhelmed Italy (against Italy) and was wonder- Canada have made six chang- ant coach Huw Wiltshire. Kobe, Japan 49-3 last time out, although ful. I think it was his best game es to the side overwhelmed by “We are hugely respectful of captain Siya Kolisi has retained since he has been back from in- the All Blacks, including a brand the South African team. They his place in the starting line-up jury. new front row that sees props and the All Blacks are probably outh Africa coach Rassie as he continues his return to full “The plan was always just Hubert Buydens and Jake Iln- the two best sides at the minute Erasmus wants no let-up match fi tness following a knee to get him to the World Cup, to icki packing down either side of in the tournament,” he added. from his side as they look injury. make sure the knee holds up. hooker Andrew Quattrin. “Two things you can’t defend to book their place in the “The team’s make-up is a bit “After that, we wanted to get Kyle Baillie comes into the against in rugby are speed and RugbyS World Cup quarter-fi nals diff erent but we expect the same him to play a full 80 minutes. He second row, with Andrew Coe power, and both those countries against minnows Canada. intensity in all four of our next can do that now and his form is starting at fullback and Phil have got it across their teams, The two-time champions games (should the Springboks back to where it was, so to take Mack at scrum-half. across the park and across their need a bonus-point win from make the fi nal),” said Erasmus. him off the pitch would be like Veteran wing DTH van der whole squads.” their fi nal Pool B match at the “One thing that will be vital go- starting the process all over Merwe will make a Canadian The two previous meetings covered Kobe Misaki Stadium ing into the knockout stages is again. The more game-time he record 15th World Cup appear- between Canada and South Af- today to be virtually assured of a intensity and big moments. gets the better.” ance when he faces his native rica include their infamous 1995 place in the last eight. “If these players don’t step Damian Willemse will start at South Africa for the fi rst time in World Cup clash that became That should not be a problem up then they will fail to stay in fullback for the Springboks just 15-a-side rugby. known as the ‘Battle of Boet Er- given Canada will be coming the team. They know that and it days after arriving as an injury And the Tier Two country are asmus’. Canada’s Gareth Rees into this match on just a fi ve-day will be one of the challenges for replacement for Jesse Kriel. well aware of what they are up and Rod Snow, as well as South turnaround after a 63-0 thrash- them.” New Zealand top Pool B with against. Africa’s James Dalton, were sent ing by New Zealand, the reigning 14 points from three games, “For any Tier One nation, off following a mass brawl before title-holders. ‘WONDERFUL’ KOLISI while South Africa and Italy have playing the All Blacks and the the Springboks won 20-0 on Erasmus, however, has made Turning to Kolisi, Erasmus said: 10 each. Both Canada and Na- Springboks in one week is a the way to lifting the Webb El- Wales’ assistant coach Stephen Jones attends a training session in 13 changes to the South Africa “He played a full 80 minutes mibia have yet to claim a point. challenge,” said Canada assist- lis Cup. Oita, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS World Cup quarter-fi nal qualifi cation scenarios Reuters While victory or a draw for Japan Tokyo would seal top spot, they could also go through as pool winners Typhoon threatens Wales if they lose to Scotland by seven look at the quarter-fi nal points or less but score four and Ireland’s hopes qualifi cation scenarios tries, delivering a rare but not as teams enter the fi - impossible two bonus points. Rugby World Cup organisers direction and could bring nal week of pool-stage Assuming Scotland take the warned yesterday that a high winds and heavy rain to actionA at the Rugby World Cup maximum five points against powerful typhoon forming to southern Japan on October (current pool points totals in Russia, they could reach the the south of Japan could bring 12 and 13”, organisers said in a brackets). quarter-finals with a bonus-point fierce winds and torrential rain statement. win against Japan provided they over the last weekend of the They said it was “too early” to POOL A deny the host nation a bonus pool stages. assess the exact trajectory of IRELAND (11 points) can guaran- point themselves. Japan’s Meteorological Agency the storm and whether it would tee progress with a bonus-point Four years ago Japan won three Saturday will decide who tops Wales and Australia finish on the (JMA) is tracking Typhoon impact the game, but stressed victory over Samoa (5) on Oct. 12 games but finished third in their the group. same points total, Wales would Hagibis, expected to develop they had a “robust contingency but a win without a bonus point pool because of bonus points, be top thanks to their victory into the highest level of programme” in place if the could open the way for a three- pipped to qualification by Scot- POOL D over the Wallabies. “violent”, which is due to start games were aff ected. way tie at the top on 15 points. land and South Africa — the only If Italy pull off a shock victory AUSTRALIA (11) will advance Likely outcome: Wales to win last hitting the southern island of Games can be moved to a In that scenario, the deadlock time a team has won three pool with no bonus points for either with victory against GEORGIA two games and top the group Kyushu around October 12. diff erent venue if it looks like would be settled by total points matches and not progressed. team, they could advance by vir- (5) on Oct. 11 but would be ahead of Australia. “We have not issued any a typhoon will prevent them diff erence in the pool matches, Likely outcome: Ireland to tue of their head-to-head record. through before then if WALES warning yet as it is still far from from being played. However, if with Ireland then guaranteed qualify. Too close to call on who But if Italy, New Zealand and (9) beat FIJI (7) tomorrow. That QUARTER-FINALS the Japanese archipelago. But a match during the pool phase one of the top two slots. joins them. South Africa all end on 14 points would send Wales through, with Oct. 19 Winner Pool C v Runner- it could be the strongest to hit has to be cancelled, it counts as SCOTLAND (5) will expect to it would be the same scenario as the chance of securing top spot up Pool D Japan this year,” a JMA off icial a 0-0 draw. claim a bonus-point victory over POOL B in group A, with overall points with victory over URUGUAY (4) Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool told AFP. This could prove costly to Russia tomorow to set up an Oct. New Zealand and South Africa diff erence the deciding factor, in their final game. A There are two World Cup Ireland, who are in a fierce 13 showdown with Japan (14). If look highly likely to go through which would leave Italy almost Should Fiji beat Wales, as they Oct. 20 Winner Pool D v Runner- fixtures on the island at that three-way battle with Japan Scotland win that game with no in first and second place respec- no chance of advancing. did in 2007, then they, Wales, up Pool C time — a potentially critical and Scotland for a quarter-final bonus points for either side, they tively, but nothing is secure yet. Likely outcome: Wins for New Australia and Georgia would all Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool Pool A Ireland-Samoa clash in place and would be expected would go above Japan on their SOUTH AFRICA’s (10) progress Zealand, who would finish top, still have a chance. B Fukuoka on October 12 and to beat Samoa with relative head-to-head result. If Japan will be guaranteed if they col- and South Africa, who would go But even if Fiji triumph, Wales SEMI-FINALS Wales-Uruguay in Pool D in ease. gain a losing bonus point and lect a bonus-point victory over through as runners-up. would be likely to win their last Oct. 26 Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 Kumamoto on October 13. Wales will qualify for the last Scotland fail to claim a bonus Canada (0) today while NEW game against Uruguay to ensure Oct. 27 Winner QF3 v Winner The latest information from eight if they beat Fiji tomorrow point, Japan would finish above ZEALAND (14), who have never POOL C qualification. Australia would QF4 the Rugby World Cup weather but a draw against Uruguay the Scots and advance to the lost a pool game, would top the ENGLAND (15) and FRANCE (13) be expected to beat Georgia, so Nov. 1 Third place playoff advisors is that “the typhoon could jeopardise their ability to knockout stage in first or second group with victory in their last are both through to the last eight the top two positions could be FINAL is tracking in a north-westerly top their pool. place. game against ITALY (10). and their Pool C encounter on decided on by bonus points. If Nov. 2 Gulf Times Tuesday, October 8, 2019 5 SPORT

NFL CRICKET Gulf Lights, Alfardan register victories Ravens edge Steelers win of Gulf Lights top scored By Sports Reporter Doha with 28 runs (3 sixes and 1 four) of which 21 runs came in the over bowled by Haneef. ulf Lights defeated Omer and Asif contributed 11 Milaha by fi ve wick- runs each. ets in the inaugu- For Milaha, Faheem and ral match of the 3rd Vaibhav took two wickets, in OT, Pittsburgh’s GGulf Lights Cricket Tour- while Iqbal and Shadab took nament 2019 at the Losail one wicket each. Cricket Complex. Melwin of Gulf Lights was After winning the toss, adjudged man-of-the-match. Milaha captain Iqbal elected In the other match played ‘I was just trying to get to the ball to bat. In the hot and humid on the day, Alfardan defeat- weather, Milaha started cau- ed Ceylon Warriors by four and make a play for my team’ tiously, but lost wickets regu- wickets. Ceylon Warriors put Rudolph hurt larly due to excellent bowling into bat scored 121 runs for the by Gulf Lights. loss of seven wickets. Chan- Gulf Lights bowlers never dana was the top scorer with allowed Milaha batsman to 24 runs (two sixes). Pragash score freely as they took wick- contributed 16 runs, while ets at regular intervals. Milaha Rizan scored 11 runs. fi nally were bowled out for Alfardan bowler Gazali was 80 runs in 19.1 overs. Vaibhav outstanding claiming fi ve of Milaha was the only bats- wickets giving away only nine man to score double fi gures runs. Nehal took two wickets. and remained unbeaten on In reply, Alfardan easily 29 runs which included three scored 122 runs in 10.2 overs boundaries. though losing seven wickets. For Gulf Lights Imran took Shahbaz was excelled with 30 three wickets giving away runs off 12 balls with the help only seven runs in the allot- of four sixes and one bound- ted three overs, Shafi took two ary. Nehal scored 23 runs (3 wickets while Saad, Osama, sixes, 1 four) while Yasir re- Jawad and Shabbir claimed mained not out not on 22 runs one wicket each. (2 sixes and 1 four). In reply, Gulf Lights breezed For Ceylon Warriors Pra- past the target in 11.1 overs for gash, Saman and Kokila took the loss of seven wickets. Mel- two wickets each.

Managing Director of Gulf Lights AR Sanaullah inaugurated the 3rd Gulf Lights Cricket Tournament at Losail Cricket Complex.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicks the game winning field goal from the hold of punter Sam Koch to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Toronto head coach ready to forge new path to title quarterback Devlin Hodges, and with him stormed back to take a 21-17 lead. AFP RESULTS Los Angeles at the helm capped a 10-play, 65-yard But the Raiders moved back in front The Toronto Raptors may into what you do,” Nurse told Arizona 26-23 Cincinnati drive with a one-yard touchdown run by with less than two minutes remaining not be favoured by many to reporters in Tokyo yesterday James Connor that gave the Steelers their when Oakland running back Josh Jacobs defend their NBA title after ahead of two preseason Buff alo 14-7 Tennessee ustin Tucker drilled a 46-yard fi eld fi rst lead of the game at 20-17. scored on a two-yard touchdown run. losing star Kawhi Leonard to games against the Houston goal to lift the Baltimore Ravens Oakland 24-21 Chicago After the teams traded fi eld goals, the In Washington, New England Patriots the Los Angeles Clippers, but Rockets. “We have a lot of to a 26-23 NFL overtime victory New Orleans 31-24 Tampa Bay Ravens gained possession with less than quarterback Tom Brady was sacked four head coach Nick Nurse said confidence in our team, we times but still managed to hit another in Pittsburgh on Sunday in a clash Minnesota 28-10 Giants three minutes left in regulation to give predictions didn’t matter and like the players we have, and ofJ bitter division rivals that saw Steelers Tucker the chance to tie it up and force milestone in a 33-7 victory over the hap- his team would forge a new I say there’s lots of paths to quarterback Mason Rudolph exit after a Philadelphia 31-6 Jets overtime. less Redskins. Brady, 42, threw for 348 path to the championship. the title. Last year we found frightening third-quarter hit. Baltimore 26-23 Pittsburgh Baltimore improved to 3-2 to take the yards, three touchdowns and one inter- In one of the wildest close one, this year we’ll have to Tucker’s kick sealed the win after the New England 33-7 Washington lead in the AFC North division ahead ception and along the way moved into seasons of free agency in re- find a diff erent one. I always Ravens forced a late fumble, Baltimore of the 2-2 Cleveland Browns who play third place on the NFL career list for pass- cent memory, Leonard joined think that our objective is to cornerback Marlon Humphrey knocking Carolina 34-27 Jacksonville San Francisco on Monday. The Steelers ing yards. up with Paul George to form win and win big.” With the the ball loose from Steelers receiver JuJu Houston 53-32 Atlanta slipped to 1-4, third in the division ahead He passed Brett Favre, who amassed a formidable pair under Doc departure of Leonard, for- Smith-Schuster on the Steelers’ second Denver 20-13 Chargers of the Cincinnati Bengals who dropped to 71,838 passing yards with three teams, Rivers, while Anthony Davis ward Pascal Siakam is a big play from scrimmage in overtime. Hum- 0-5 with a 26-23 loss to Arizona. moving ahead of the former Green Bay joined LeBron James at the part of the Raptors’ future Green Bay 34-24 Dallas phrey recovered the ball and the Ravens’ “It’s painful, as it should be,” Steel- great on a 15-yard pass to Julian Edelman Los Angeles Lakers to create following a breakout season drive set up the attempt by Tucker, who Indianapolis 19-13 Kansas City ers coach Mike Tomlin said of the defeat. in the third quarter. a monster duo of their own. in which he was named the had made a 48-yard fi eld goal with 10 sec- “Tough, hard-fought game.” Brady fi nished the game with 71,846 With Kevin Durant and NBA’s most improved player onds left in regulation to force overtime. nalled for help from the sidelines. Although they got the win the Ravens career passing yards. He’s just 17 short of Kyrie Irving signing with the and was influential in the fi- The Ravens overcame a shaky perform- Rudolph eventually stood and walked didn’t escape unscathed. Safety Tony Jef- Peyton Manning who is second on the list Brooklyn Nets – although the nals triumph over the Golden ance from quarterback Lamar Jackson, with help from the fi eld. The Ravens said ferson, who has missed just three games with 71,863. former is expected to miss State Warriors. who connected on 19 of 28 passes for 161 he was taken to hospital for further evalu- in a seven-year career, suff ered a knee in- New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, the year with a torn Achilles “I think Pascal is going to yards, one touchdown and three intercep- ation of a concussion. jury and will have season-ending surgery, currently sidelined by a thumb injury, – it’s easy to see how other make another jump. I think tions. The Ravens led 17-13 when Pitts- “I was just trying to get to the ball and coach John Harbaugh said. leads the all-time list with 78,845. teams are only becoming he’s going to improve im- burgh’s Rudolph scrambled out of the make a play for my team,” said Thomas, In Brees’s absence Sunday, backup stronger by forming block- mensely,” said guard Kyle pocket and unloaded the ball to teammate who was fl agged for roughing the passer BRADY CLIMBS PASSING LIST Teddy Bridgewater threw four touchdown buster pairings. But Nurse Lowry. “His talent is so much, James Washington. Ravens safety Earl on the play. “I hit the strike zone, I didn’t The day’s action began on the other side of passes to lead the Saints to a 31-24 victory said he felt good about his the sky’s the limit for Pascal. Thomas charged in, hitting Rudolph un- go high. I didn’t try to intentionally hurt the Atlantic, where the Oakland thwarted over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. own team and they were set- And for me, my job to help der the chin with his helmet. him. I’m worried about him. Chicago’s second half rally bid in a 24-21 Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson ting “super high” goals again him is to keep him going, put Rudolph crashed to the turf, lying mo- “I heard he’s at the hospital and my victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in also enjoyed a big day, throwing fi ve this season. “Predictions him in good spots to be suc- tionless and apparently unconscious as prayers go out to him and his family.” London. touchdown passes in a 53-32 victory over don’t really factor too much cessful,” he added. his teammates, some clearly upset, sig- Pittsburgh turned to undrafted rookie The Bears trailed 17-0 at halftime but the Atlanta Falcons.

MLB Dodgers and Braves take commanding lead AFP off inning with two outs and two The winner of the series will believable in those guys.” Washington strikes. take on either the Atlanta Braves The Braves took a 2-1 lead in The team trailed 2-1 going into or the St. Louis Cardinals in the the best-of-fi ve National League the sixth after Juan Soto belted NL Championship Series with a Division Series and will try to he Los Angeles Dodgers a two-run home run for the World Series berth at stake. close out the set in game four in exploded for seven runs Nationals off Dodgers starting The Braves rallied with three St. Louis on Monday. in the sixth inning Sun- pitcher Ryu Hyun-Jin in the fi rst runs in the ninth inning to beat Until the Braves erupted in the day on the way to a 10-4 and Los Angeles’ Max Muncy hit the Cardinals 3-1 in St. Louis ninth, it was a pitching duel in Tvictory over the Washington Na- a solo homer off Anibal Sanchez Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in their St. Louis. Atlanta’s rookie hurler tionals and a commanding lead in the fi fth. Sanchez, who struck series. The Braves, stymied all Mike Soroka limited the Cardi- in their Major League Baseball out nine, was replaced for the day by St. Louis pitcher Adam nals to one run on two hits while playoff series. sixth by Patrick Corbin, who was Wainwright, broke through striking out seven in his playoff The Dodgers, trying to get charged with six runs. against Cardinals closing pitcher debut. St. Louis scored their lone back to the World Series for a “It felt nice to contribute,” Carlos Martinez. run in the second inning when third straight year after falling said Martin, whose double to Josh Donaldson got the rally Marcell Ozuna led off with a to the Houston Astros in 2017 deep left center fi eld scored going with a double to start the double and scored on Matt Car- and the Boston Red Sox last year, Cody Bellinger and David Freese ninth. After two outs and an in- penter’s sacrifi ce fl y. lead their best-of-fi ve Nation- to open the fl oodgates in the tentional walk to catcher Brian Wainwright, 38, turned back al League Division Series two sixth. McCann, Dansby Swanson tied the clock, pitching 7 2/3 score- games to one. “We have a deep lineup so we the game with a double to left less innings and striking out Justin Turner’s three-run kind of just pass the baton along fi eld that plated one run. eight to keep the Cards in front home run capped the sixth- and I came up with that big hit Adam Duvall, who entered as a until he exited to a standing ova- inning outburst that included right there, got the guys going pinch hitter in the eighth inning, tion but then had to watch from two-run doubles from catcher and then it just seemed like it followed with a single that drove the dugout as the contest slipped Russell Martin and pinch-hitter was one good at-bat after good- in two runs. away. Enrique Hernandez. at bat. The next thing you know,” “They never quit,” Braves “We were one out away and The Dodgers became the fi rst said Martin, who added a two- manager Brian Snitker said of his that is exactly what playoff base- team in major league history to run home run in the ninth, “we team. “They never give up. The ball is all about,” Wainwright Los Angeles Dodgers players Chris Taylor (left), Cody Bellinger (centre) and Enrique Hernandez celebrate score so many runs in one play- had seven runs on the board.” heart and desire and will is un- said. “Just crazy stuff happens.” after winning game 3 of the playoff series against the Washington Nationals. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 8, 2019 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Knight clinches rare American victory Na outlasts Cantlay on LPGA Tour

Reuters knowing a strong result was Texas needed to keep her card for next year. With perfect timing, every- heyenne Knight scored thing clicked in the same week in Las Vegas playoff a rare American suc- as she responded to the pressure cess when she won the in style, posting an 18-under 266 Volunteers of America total to secure her medium-term ‘This is my first playoff win. I kept CClassic by two strokes in north future. Texas yesterday. Knight dedicated the win to telling myself “This is a playoff LPGA Tour rookie Knight sank her brother Brandon, who was a tricky 12-foot birdie at the pe- killed in a car crash in 2008. that I’m going to win” nultimate hole to preserve her “I know he’s watching down to win title lead and she subsequently beat from heaven,” a teary-eyed out compatriots Brittany Al- Knight said in a greenside inter- AFP tomare and Jaye Marie Green at view. Los Angeles the Old American Golf Club at “This just means everything, The Colony. knowing I can persevere and I’m In the process Knight became strong enough.” Knight joins evin Na made it closer only the third United States Nelly Korda (Australian Wom- than it had to be, but player to win an individual event en’s Open) and Lexi Thomp- shook off a triple- on the circuit this year. son (ShopRite LPGA Classic) bogey to beat Patrick It was an unlikely victory by as American winners this year, KCantlay in a playoff Sunday to the local resident, who had sup- while Cydney Clanton partnered win the US PGA Tour Shriners port from a large gallery of sup- Thailand’s Jasmine Suwannapu- Hospitals for Children Open for porting fans for a closing fi ve- ra to triumph at the Great Lakes the second time. under-par 66.Without a top-25 Bay Invitational. South Korean Korean-born American Na, fi nish all year, and no recent form players have captured 13 of 27 in- who won his fi rst tour title on to speak of, Knight started the dividual tournaments, headed by the same TPC Summerlin course fi nal full-fi eld event of the year Jin Ko-young’s four victories. in Las Vegas in 2011, captured his fourth with a gritty fi nish as the shadows were starting to fall. His one-under par 70 put him level on 23-under 261 with Cantlay, who closed with a 68, through 72 holes. After both birdied the fi rst playoff hole, Na sealed it with a par at the second extra hole, where Cantlay left his birdie putt nearly six feet short before Na hit his four feet past. Cantlay ended up with a three-putt bo- gey while Na rolled in his par at- tempt for an emotional win. “I’ve lost three playoff s,” Na said. “This is my fi rst playoff win. I kept telling myself ‘This is a playoff that I’m going to win.” Na, who took a two-shot lead into the fi nal round after three rounds of spectacular putting, looked headed for a much easier victory after birdies at the sixth INJURY SCARE and seventh — where he rolled in a 27-footer. He bounced back from a bogey at the eighth with a birdie at the ninth, where he got up and down from a greenside bunker. But a poor tee shot at the 10th led to a triple-bogey seven. He remained one shot in front of Cantlay only because Cantlay also bogeyed 10. Both players birdied the 12th, 13th and 15th before Cantlay took a one-shot lead with a birdie at 16, where Na was in the Cheyenne Knight poses with the trophy after winning the Volunteers water on the way to a bogey. of America Classic golf tournament at the Old American Golf Club in It was Cantlay’s turn to fi nd The Colony, Texas, yesterday. (AFP) the water at 17, where Na drained Kevin Na celebrates with his wife Julianne, daughter Sophia and the trophy after winning the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las a 23-foot par saving putt that Vegas on Sunday. (AFP) sent them to the 72nd hole tied MOTORSPORT on 23-under. Vegas title in 2017 and fi nished mentum into next week.” 263 - Pat Perez 69-64-62-68 268 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) runner-up last year, said his American Pat Perez fi nished 264 - Bryson DeChambeau 66-68- 68-67-68-65, Zhang Xinjun (CHN) ‘A FIGHTER’ six-footer for par at the second alone in third on 263 after a 67-63, Adam Hadwin (CAN) 67-66- 70-65-67-66 “Came down way too close,” Na playoff hole “broke a little more three-under 68. Defending 68-63, Brian Stuard 65-65-67-67 269 - Matthew Wolff 67-69-68-65, Tributes pour in said. “I had a comfortable lead, I than I thought. “The fi rst one champion Bryson DeChambeau 265 - Brian Gay 65-69-64-67, Webb Chesson Hadley 68-66-69-66, felt really comfortable. I hit a bad was really slow,” added Cantlay, fi red a 63 to head a group on Simpson 67-66-64-68 Brian Harman 64-71-68-66, Matt tee shot, got unlucky and made a who said he couldn’t be too dis- 264 that also included Canadian 266 - Joel Dahmen 70-64-67-65, Every 70-66-67-66, Daniel Berger for Marquez aft er triple and all of a sudden I felt appointed with his week. Adam Hadwin and American Denny McCarthy 69-66-63-68, 66-67-69-67, Andrew Putnam like I was the underdog. “I played really well,” he said. Brian Stuard. Tony Finau 68-68-62-68, Lucas 68-66-67-68, Adam Schenk “But I’m a fi ghter,” he added. “I had a lot of putts I thought Glover 67-63-66-70 66-69-65-69, Matthew NeSmith clinching sixth “That putt on 17, I’m doing eve- were going to go in today that LEADING SCORES 267 - Cameron Smith (AUS) 69- 67-68-65-69, Kristoff er Ventura rything I can to make that putt.” didn’t. All in all I’m playing re- 61 - x-Kevin Na 68-62-61-70, Patrick 64-69-65, Luke List 70-66-63-68, (NOR) 69-66-65-69, Lanto Griff in Cantlay, who won the Las ally well and I’ll take that mo- Cantlay 66-64-63-68 Ryan Moore 69-64-65-69 67-65-67-70. MotoGP title

AFP ily and his younger brother Alex TENNIS Bangkok fi nished fi fth in the Moto2 race in Buriram and is leading the class standings. If there is a sibling ri- ributes have poured in valry it was hard to see in Alex’s Murray recovers from slow start to win Shanghai opener to the unstoppable Marc endearing tweet about his broth- Marquez with the Span- er’s achievement. AFP been very good in compari- iard hailed as “incred- “Once again you leave us all son to what it was over in the Tible” and “unbelievable” after he speechless!” he said on his offi cial Shanghai United States and I’m hoping clinched his sixth MotoGP crown account which showed a photo of that’s something that can get and eighth world title overall on the two brothers smiling after the roaring Andy Mur- a little bit better.” Sunday. win. ray recovered from The former number one MotoGP rivals, Marquez’s own “In spite of your eight cham- dropping the fi rst won his fi rst ATP Tour sin- brother and Formula One greats pionships, you’ll still be the ‘little set to beat Argentine gles match since surgery two joined a chorus of congratula- twerp’ brother that you are.” qualifiA er Juan Ignacio Lon- weeks ago in China’s Zhu- tions for the daring 26-year-old With six premier-class titles, dero in his Shanghai Masters hai and followed that up by who dived under Fabio Quar- Marquez surpasses Australian opener yesterday. reaching the quarter-fi nals tararo on the fi nal bend to win legend Mick Doohan. The 32-year-old Briton, last week in Beijing, where he the Thailand MotoGP and seal He trails only Italian great Val- returning from career-saving lost to eventual winner Do- the title in a pulsating last-lap entino Rossi, who won the last of hip surgery in January, won minic Thiem. duel. his seven championships in 2009, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 and meets Ital- The 56th-ranked Londero The win gave him an insur- and Giacomo Agostini, whose ian 10th seed Fabio Fognini in surged into a fi rst-set lead but mountable lead over closest rival record eighth came in 1975. the second round. Murray, who said he struggled Andrea Dovizioso, who was gra- Rossi predicted he will break The three-time Grand Slam initially with his timing and cious despite another season in both. winner Murray is slowly mak- felt sluggish, fought back to Marquez’s shadow. “I don’t think he’ll struggle to ing his way back to fi tness and force a deciding set. The 2019 title is his fourth reach nine,” he told GPOne.com. is now ranked 289th, having Murray, a three-time straight and Marquez described Spanish Formula One double been 503rd last week. champion at the Shanghai this year as his “best” season ever. world champion Fernando Alonso This victory is set to lift him Masters, broke the Argentine No one is disputing his assess- tweeted his congratulations, call- into the top 250 and he said it in the fourth game of the third ment. ing Marquez a “phenomenon.” was another step towards get- set but was then broken him- British rider Cal Crutchlow Formula One driver Pierre ting back to something like his self and screamed in frustra- pointed out that Marquez has fi n- Gasly, who attended the race be- best. tion. ished fi rst or second in every race fore heading to Suzuka for next “I think each week I have But he was yelling again apart from one — the Grand Prix weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, been feeling good, more bet- minutes later, letting out of The Americas when a mechan- tweeted: “What a race, what a bat- ter,” said Murray, whose fi rst a prolonged roar after he bur- ical problem caused him to crash tle in the last lap.” singles match after surgery ied a crosscourt forehand to when leading on the ninth lap in French rookie Quartararo, 20, led was a defeat at the Cincinnati break once more and go 4-2 Austin. most of the way but was left in awe Masters in mid-August. up. “He’s an incredible talent,” of Marquez. “In the beginning I didn’t Londero, 5-2 down after said Crutchlow, who is ninth in “It’s just incredible what he necessarily feel good, but last surrendering a glimpse of a the standings. “I think he should achieved, what he does with the couple of weeks have been I break, furiously slapped him- just retire and give everyone else a bike,” Quartararo told MotoGP. think much improved. self in the face several times at Andy Murray reacts during his first round match against Juan Ignacio Londero at the Shanghai Masters in Shang- chance,” he joked. com. “My movement overall has the changeover. hai, China, yesterday. (AFP) Marquez is from a racing fam- “He will be there for a long time.” Gulf Times Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Barca run riot against Sevilla to give La Liga familiar look AFP The match descended into farce late utive victory. was the 25th pass, fi nding the sliding Madrid on as Barcelona’s debutant Ronald Messi’s return has increased the Vidal who was just onside. Araujo was sent off and Dembele fol- pressure on Antoine Griezmann, who The third three minutes later was lowed after collecting a second yellow was left out of the starting line-up fol- about pace and power, and a mistake arcelona are back in form and card for dissent. lowing his quiet display against Inter. from Sevilla too, as Arthur robbed La Liga’s big three are back at The referee’s report said Dembele Dembele was preferred on the left of Fernando Reges. Dembele raced clear, the top of the table after the was dismissed for calling Mateu Lahoz the front three. fooled Diego Carlos with a dummy defending champions put on a “very bad”. He could now miss the Cla- Sevilla, who drop to sixth, had eight shot, before guiding the ball into the far fiB nishing masterclass to thrash Sevilla sico on October 26. shots to Barcelona’s seven in the fi rst corner. 4-0 on Sunday. “Dembele’s is a mystery,” said Val- half but were three down at the break. After his fourth miss, De Jong was Lionel Messi scored his fi rst goal of verde. “It is very diffi cult to get words Luuk de Jong is yet to score since his taken off and Messi went close after a the season by curling in a brilliant free- out of him in Spanish, so what he said move from PSV Eindhoven last summer barnstorming run. The only surprise kick at Camp Nou after three goals in couldn’t have been very long.” and the 29-year-old had four excel- was that he had not yet scored and he eight minutes from Luis Suarez, Arturo By then, the game was long gone as lent chances to break his duck, three of fi xed that in the 78th minute after Se- Vidal and Ousmane Dembele had al- victory pushed Barcelona up to second them before Barca had taken the lead. villa gave him a third attempt at a free- ready put Sevilla out of sight. in the table, two points behind Real He fi red Lucas Ocampos’ pull-back kick. This time he did not miss. “It was crucial for us,” said coach Er- Madrid and one above Atletico, who straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen, The 20-year-old defender Araujo nesto Valverde whose team ended the could have done with some of the Cat- sidefooted wide and mistimed a header. had come on for his debut in the 73rd game with nine men. alans’ classy fi nishing in their goalless In the second half, Arthur lost posses- minute and was sent off in the 87th for “It has been a strange start to the draw away at Real Valladolid. sion on the edge of his box but still De tugging down Javier Hernandez as Bar- season and we have not added all the For all the turbulence and scrutiny Jong could not capitalise, lashing his celona’s last man. Dembele then saw points we would have wanted.” on Valverde and Zinedine Zidane, Barca shot against the post. red after picking up a second yellow Suarez launched the fl urry, his stun- and Madrid head into the internation- In between, Barca had already made card for dissent. ning left-footed bicycle kick arguably al break not only as the league’s two him pay. Suarez’s eff ort was probably Atletico’s stalemate means they have even better than the volley he scored in frontrunners but with confi dence and the pick of the trio in terms of diffi cul- managed only two wins from their last the Champions League win over Inter momentum too. ty, as he launched himself into the air, seven games in all competitions and Milan on Wednesday. Eden Hazard scored his fi rst goal for turned and threw his weaker left foot they could even have lost if Valladolid’s Vidal then fi nished a superb passing Madrid in their 4-2 win over Granada over the ball, and banged it into the net. Sandro Ramirez had not skied a fi rst- move that involved all 11 Barca players on Saturday and Barca’s star man is off Five minutes later it was two, this half penalty. Diego Simeone’s side and Dembele powered through to make the mark as well after his own injury- one a team goal, quite literally, as all managed only one shot on target. it three before Messi added a fourth in interrupted start to the season. of Barca’s players touched the ball in Valladolid sit 13th, with two wins Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates his goal during the Spanish league match the second half. This was Barcelona’s fourth consec- 85 seconds of build-up. Arthur’s cross from eight games. against Sevilla at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. (AFP)

PREVIEW FOCUS Kuwait is one of the biggest supporters Liverpool in pole of Qatar 2022, says Nasser al-Khater

QNA and Legacy (SC) and the FIFA Kuwait City to organise the tournament, position to end stressing that great facil- ity will be available for all the he CEO of FIFA World fans, who will come from all ‘It looked like they had Cup Qatar 2022 Nass- over the world to participate in er al-Khater yesterday the World Cup. never won a game before affi rmed that Kuwait Al-Khater said there will isT one of the biggest support- be about 20,000 volunteers and I love that fact’ ers of Qatar as the build-up during the tournament. The title drought continues to world football’s matches will be played in eight greatest showpiece. stadiums, including seven Al-Khater was speaking in completely new ones, and Kuwait City at a dialogue ses- Khalifa International Stadium, sion organised within the ac- which has been redeveloped. tivities of the scientifi c forum He explained that all the on arts and media by Kuwait’s stadiums will have air condi- Public Authority for Youth tioning technology, although and Sport with the participa- the tournament will be held tion of youth from the GCC in winter, noting that the countries, Jordan and Mo- relatively small area of Qa- rocco. tar compared to the previ- Al-Khater said Qatar is ous countries that hosted the hosting the most important tournament and the proximity international sporting event, of the stadiums will be a posi- the FIFA World Cup, because tive factor for the fans, which of its signifi cant impact on the is expected to exceed one mil- development and acceleration lion people. of infrastructure work of the He pointed out that the fans country, as well as its signifi - who will participate in this cant role in human sustain- event will be able to attend ability and economic develop- more than one game in one day ment. He also pointed to the thanks to the modern trans- partnership between the Su- port network that Qatar has preme Committee for Delivery prepared for the tournament.

Liverpool’s James Milner (left) celebrates scoring their second goal with Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi during their EPL against Leicester City at Anfield on Sunday. (Reuters) CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Nasser al-Khater.

AFP shown the tenacity and hunger to Wolves emerged from the Etihad still do it,” said the Catalan coach the goalkeeper had been ruled London get the job done at the same time 2-0 victors after soaking up the on Sunday. out till January with ligament as an injury-hit City, going for hosts’ pressure and hitting re- “We are in October and there’s damage, the Premier League Bayern boss Rummenigge angered by their third title in a row, have lost lentlessly on the counter-attack. a long way to go.” club said on Monday. France call-up for injured Hernandez iverpool have lived their edge. City’s defensive problems The sides still have to face Lloris picked up the injury through enough near High-fl ying Leicester’s visit to without the injured Aymeric each other twice, off ering City during Tottenham’s 3-0 league Bayern Munich chief Karl- now the chief power broker misses in 30 years not to Anfi eld on Saturday off ered City Laporte were ruthlessly exposed the chance to eat into that gap. defeat by Brighton & Hove Al- Heinz Rummenigge has at Bayern, is said to be ir- take anything for granted hope they could cut the fi ve- as Wolves missed three glorious Their clash at Anfi eld next bion on Saturday. The 32-year- spoken out against the world ritated by comments from the Lin October, but an eight-point point gap separating the sides fi rst-half chances before fi nally month is increasingly looking old Frenchman fell heavily into champions France after they French national coach Didier lead in the Premier League gives heading into the weekend. landing a blow with two Adama like a must-win for the cham- his goal as he tried to prevent called up the injured defender Deschamps, suggesting the Jurgen Klopp’s men a golden op- Deep into stoppage time, Traore goals in the fi nal 10 min- pions, but even Guardiola has Neal Maupay scoring after par- Lucas Hernandez for their defender would be happy portunity to end that long wait. the Foxes seemed set to do the utes. Slack defending also cost failed to win in his prevous four rying the ball into the path of the Euro 2020 qualifiers with to play on one leg for the The European champions champions a favour with the Pep Guardiola’s men in a 3-2 de- visits there as City boss and the Brighton striker. Iceland and Turkey. national cause. came agonisingly close to ful- sides locked at 1-1, until Sadio feat at newly promoted Norwich blue side of Manchester have He was treated for six min- Rummenigge had told the “Didier Deschamps’ sugges- fi lling their title dreams in May, Mane tumbled in the box and last month and the fear for City is not won away to Liverpool since utes by medical staff on the pitch French football federation tion... has stunned us,” he losing out to Manchester City by James Milner coolly slotted away that the gap to Liverpool will only 2003. Five times Liverpool have before being carried off on a last week that Hernandez was said. just one point, despite posting a 95th-minute penalty. grow over the coming months. fi nished second since they last stretcher while being given oxy- unavailable because of the The World Cup holders face the third-highest points tally in “They didn’t look for a second Defender Laporte will not be won a top-fl ight title in 1989/90. gen. “The fi ndings have shown knee injury but the French Iceland in Reykjavik on Friday, top-fl ight English football his- like a team who won so many back until after the New Year Rarely in that time have they that although surgery will not have asked the defender to October 11 before entertain- tory, with 97. games that they don’t have the and City may have to act quickly ever had a better chance to end be required, our club captain report for a medical examina- ing Turkey at the Stade de But they bounced back quickly desire anymore to win another in the transfer market in Janu- the long wait to be crowned has suff ered ligament damage tion. France on Monday, October to lift the Champions League in one,” said Klopp. ary after failing to fi ll the void champions of England. and is not expected to return to “I want to point out that Lucas 14. June and have shot out of the “It looked like they had never left by former captain Vincent training before the end of 2019,” Hernandez did not play for Les Bleus are level with Tur- traps with eight straight league won a game before and I love that Kompany’s departure at the end SPURS CAPTAIN LLORIS RULED Spurs said in a statement. us in the Champions League key at the top of Group H on wins to take a commanding lead. fact.” of last season. But two seasons of OUT FOR REST OF 2019 “Hugo is currently in a brace against Tottenham nor in 15 points from six games, with Liverpool have not always near-perfection have embold- Tottenham Hotspur captain and will now undergo a period of the Bundesliga on Saturday,” Iceland three points back. shone this season. Their past CITY FEEL LAPORTE LOSS ened Guardiola to believe that Hugo Lloris will not require sur- rest and rehabilitation under the Rumminegge said in a press The top two qualify automati- three league wins have come A day later, City failed to fi nd anything is still possible. gery on the dislocated elbow he supervision of our medical staff release. The former striker, cally for the final tournament. by a solitary goal, but they have the same kind of response as “I know these guys, they can suff ered during the weekend but at Hotspur Way.”

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Chaudhry to lead Qatar against Jersey Lanka beat Pakistan in T20I series

By Sports Reporter TEAMS AND Doha SCHEDULE

atar and Jersey will QATAR: Iqbal Hussain to clinch T20 series clash in what could Chaudhry (captain), Mo- be a thrilling three- hamed Rizlan (vice-vaptain & ‘Congrats to Lanka, who batted, bowled and fielded better than us. I think they deserved to win’ match Twenty20 wicketkeeper), Kamran Khan, InternationalQ Series at the Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim, AFP Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan. Asian Town Cricket Stadium, Saqlain Arshad, Qalandar Lahore Earlier, Rajapaksa set the tone Industrial Area next week. Khan, Faisal Khan, Mohamed for Sri Lanka after the visitors This is the second T20 inter- Tanveer, Noman Sarwar, won the toss and opted to bat. national series Qatar are fi g- Mohamed Nadeem, Gayan ewcomer Bhanuka Ra- Rajapaksa, who modelled uring in after a visit by Kuwait Buddika, Dharmang Has- japaksa hit a whirlwind his batting on Australian great in July. mukh Patel, Mohamed Imran half-century while Adam Gilchrist, led Sri Lanka’s The Qatar Cricket Associa- Ashraf, Jassim Khan. Nuwan Pradeep and fi ghtback after they lost fi rst- tion and its president Yousef OFFICIALS: Team Manager NWanindu Hasaranga recorded match hero Danushka Gunathi- Jeham al-Kuwari are always Gul Khan Jadoon, Coach career-best bowling fi gures as laka for 15 and Avishka Fernando pushing hard for creating op- Shahid Mahboob. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 35 for eight by the fi fth over. portunities and exposures runs in the second Twenty20 in- Rajapaksa added 94 for the for the national teams so that JERSEY: Charles Perchard ternational in Lahore yesterday. third wicket with Shehan Jayas- they can not only play tough (captain), Corey Bisson, Rajapaksa’s 77 off 48 balls uriya (34 off 28 balls) as they cut but also keep their level con- Dominic Blampied, Harrison lifted Sri Lanka to a challenging loose against some short bowl- sistently high. Carlyon, Jake Dunford, Nicho- total of 182-6 – the left-hander ing from the Pakistani bowlers. This tour by Jersey is just an las Ferraby, Nicholas Green- blasting six sixes and four fours “Not an easy task to come extension of the eff orts by the wood, Anthony Hawkins-Kay, in a maiden fi fty that came in to Pakistan and beat the No. 1 QCA towards providing the Jonty Jenner, Elliot Miles, only his second T20 internation- side but the confi dence from national T20 side a competi- William Robertson, Benjamin al. Pradeep fi nished with 4-25 the coaches helped a lot. Beat- tive chance to test itself before Stevens, Julius Sumerauer, while leg-spinner Hasaranga ing the No. 1 side, it would take the future international as- Benjamin Ward. took 3-38 – collecting his wick- it any day. It means a lot to me,” signments. OFFICIALS: Team manager ets in the space of just four balls the man-of-the-match Bhanuka Al-Kuwari said in the press Craig Meredith, coach Neil – as Pakistan were bowled out Rajapaksa said. release, “We’re extremely de- Macrae, assistant coach Lee for 147 in 19 overs. The two left-handers hit a lighted that the Jersey team Meloy and physio Neil Day. “We played quality cricket pair of sixes and a boundary off accepted our invitation to and that’s why we won,” said Sri leg-spinner Shadab Khan before visit us and play the Twenty20 SCHEDULE Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka, both fell in the space of seven International Series. Both the (At Asian Town Cricket standing in for regular captain runs. Jayasuriya was run out teams are competitive and Stadium) Lasith Malinga who was one of while Rajapaksa holed out off will use this opportunity to October 9: Starting Time 10 players missing the tour over Shadab. Shanaka contributed reinforce their respective 07:00 pm security fears. another vital cameo, swatting teams.” October 10: Starting Time “Rajapaksa played a master- three fours and a six off in his QCA Operations Manager 4:00 pm class innings. These youngsters 15-ball 27 as Sri Lanka added 47 Manzoor Ahmad said in the October 11: Starting Time should get a good chance after runs in the fi nal fi ve overs. press release, “We’re ready 07:00 pm. the series and I am sure (the) se- Pakistan’s spearhead Moham- to welcome the Jersey team lectors will look at it.” mad Amir went for 40 runs in whole-heartedly. The series Victory gave Sri Lanka their his four overs while fellow pace has been planned to keep our 14-player Jersey will play the fi rst T20 series win over Paki- bowler Mohamed Hasnain – who national team active and bat- fi rst match on October 9 at stan in seven attempts as they on Saturday became the young- tle ready for the future events 7pm. The second match is clinched an unassailable 2-0 est bowler to achieve a hat-trick that we’re going to play. scheduled on October 10 at lead in the three-match series. in a T20 match – conceded 39 in “Series such as this one al- 4pm, while the third and fi nal Sri Lanka won the fi rst match his four. Both went wicketless. lows teams not only the valu- match will start on October 11 by 67 runs, also in Lahore. The Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa plays a shot as Pakistan’s captain and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed looks Shadab, Imad Wasim and Wa- able practice but also a chance at 7pm. last match will be at the same on during the second Twenty20 match at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore yesterday. (AFP) hab Riaz claimed a wicket each. to test your players in variety Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry venue tomorrow. to situations during matches. will lead the Qatar team, while “We didn’t play good cricket. Sarfaraz Ahmed. Pakistan were batsman Babar Azam for three. duck, and Sarfaraz (26) in the BRIEF SCORES From that point of view, the Mohamed Rizlan has been Congrats to Sri Lanka, who bat- again jolted by the pace duo of But it was Hasaranga who dis- eighth over. Umar, also out fi rst Sri Lanka 182 for 6 (Rajapaksa Jersey tour is going to be very made the vice-captain. Gul ted, bowled and fi elded better Kasun Rajitha, who dismissed mantled Pakistan’s middle order ball on Saturday, equalled the 77, Jayasuriya 34, Imad 2-17) important for us,” he added. Khan Jadoon is the team man- than us and I think they deserved Fakhar Zaman for six, while Pra- as he dismissed Ahmed Shehzad unwanted record for most T20 beat Pakistan 147 (Imad 47, Under the captaincy ager and Shahid Mahboob is to win,” said Pakistan captain deep removed top-ranked T20 for 13, Umar Akmal for a golden ducks (10) in a career shared by Pradeep 4-25) by 35 runs. of Charles Perchard, the the head coach.

Silverwood replaces Bayliss as England head coach

Chris Silverwood was named rising to the top of the rankings standing of our structures of talent coming through, and England head coach yesterday and winning their first 50-over and systems and his close enormous potential for growth. in place of Trevor Bayliss as World Cup title this year on relationships with Test captain The hard work starts now, and the England and Wales Cricket home soil. Joe Root and white-ball captain I’m confident we can make Board (ECB) opted against The 44-year-old Silverwood Eoin Morgan that will help us a positive impact during our another overseas candidate to played six Tests and seven one- develop our plans for the next winter tours of New Zealand take the team forward. day internationals for England few years,” Giles added. and South Africa.” British media reported last as a fast bowler during his “He has performed exception- Former England captain Nasser week that former India and playing career, the majority of ally well during his role as an Hussain said Silverwood was South Africa coach Gary Kirsten which was spent with his native assistant coach and has the a safe pair of hands, but that had emerged as the leading county Yorkshire. ultimate respect of the players’ the job represented a big step contender, but Silverwood, the He moved into coaching and that have worked with him.” up for him. “There is a massive team’s former bowling coach, in 2017 led Essex to their first Silverwood’s first assignment diff erence between being a was preferred. County Championship title for will be England’s tour of New friendly bowling coach and be- Australian Bayliss departed last 25 years before becoming Eng- Zealand on which they play ing the main man, picking and month after England’s drawn land pace bowling coach. five Twenty20 internationals choosing your time to get hard home Ashes series against “Chris was the standout starting on Nov. 1 and two tests, and tough with the players, Australia having led the team candidate,” England director of before they travel to South especially in the test arena. That for four years. Cricket Ashley Giles said in a Africa. will be a challenge,” Hussain They struggled for consistency statement. “I’m excited to get started and told Sky Sports. in tests under his guidance, “He is what we need to take our build teams that the whole “At the moment he is popular slipping to fourth in the world international teams forward. game can be proud of,” Silver- but if he wants to do a good job rankings, but enjoyed sustained He’s somebody we know well, wood said. he might have to upset a few success in one-day Cricket, but it is his intimate under- “There is a tremendous amount people.” A file picture of Chris Silverwood (left) with England pacer Jofra Archer. (Reuters)

MOTORSPORT Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally from Feb 22 Agencies Rotterdam to Doha. There will Doha also be free shipping for all Dakar competitors keen to tackle one of the most demanding rounds of he FIA Cross-Country the FIA World Cup, which has Commission has now a reputation for slick organisa- approved the provi- tion, demanding navigation and sional calendars for the varied off -road terrain across the T2020 FIA World Cup for Cross- length and breadth of the State Country Rallies and the Man- of Qatar. ateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally In addition to shipping con- (MQCCR) will be the opening cessions, car crews will be eli- round of the series for a second gible for 600 litres of petrol, successive year. free Wi-Fi, preparation and Organised by the Qatar Mo- warehousing facilities, electric- tor and Motorcycle Federation ity within the service park at the (QMMF), the event will take Losail Sports Arena, a car wash- place on February 22-27, four ing area, free drinking water, a weeks after the fi nish of the sleeping area and a range of en- Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. tertainment activities. Offi cials at the QMMF have Competitors will also be of- put together a generous conces- fered prize monies in the various sions package to attract interna- categories, a night’s hotel ac- tional competitors to join rivals commodation, complimentary from other GCC countries and food in the bivouac restaurant, the host nation. A delegation free visas (where applicable) and from the QMMF recently visited access to HD television footage both Baja Spain Aragón and Baja from QMMF TV. Poland to meet potential teams Regulations and entry forms and gain feedback in advance of will be available for download the event in 2020. from www.qatarcrosscountry. The QMMF will cover return com and www.qmmf.com from shipping costs from Genoa or December 1, 2019. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (left) and Reinaldo Varela in action at the 2019 MQCCR.