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TENNIS FOOTBALL Teen Andreescu India will learn from topples Williams Qatar, says coach Stimac

IANS learn and keep improving. for US Open title The 24-year-old said, “We played Doha well against Oman but we could The 19-year-old is the youngest Grand Slam winner since Sharapova in 2006, handing Williams a have done better towards the end. ndia lost to Oman 1-2 but their However, it is important that we fourth consecutive defeat in the final of a major to again deny her a record-equalling 24th Slam title spirited display raised hopes of learn from our mistakes and en- the sport going in the right di- sure that we come out fi ghting and ed with a comfortable hold, a pattern that repeated rection under new coach Igor stronger. The coach has been moti- itself until the Canadian threatened to run away with Stimac.I vating us and said that he was proud the opening set. They will now take on Asian of the way we played. Against Qatar, Serving at 2-4, Williams erased fi ve break points champions Qatar in Doha tomorrow we have to be solid and make the with a combination of aces and booming ground- and the Croatian coach is well aware most of our chances.” strokes but Andreescu was knocking on the door once of the challenge that lies ahead. With just fi ve days between In- more as the American served to stay in the set. “As soon as the Oman match dia’s fi rst two group stage fi xtures, A forehand winner earned the youngster a set ended, we shifted our focus imme- midfi elder Rowllin Borges talked point, and Williams duly her gifted her the opener diately to the next match. Qatar are about how the team is recovering with another double fault. the strongest team in the group and after a fi erce battle and “getting in Andreescu had failed to even reach the main draw playing them will not be easy. How- shape” physically and mentally for at Flushing Meadows the past two years, twice falling ever, it’s a great opportunity to learn the challenge in three days’ time. in the fi rst qualifying round, and her confi dence con- from,” Stimac told www.the-aiff . He remarked, “The fi rst match tinued to fl ow as she surged 2-0 ahead in the second com. was a tough one for sure but we — Williams again doubled-faulting on break point. The Croatian added that the team started our recovery process in the That prompted forlorn looks from the Williams has “no reason to fear” ahead of the gym the very next morning and box, where her close friend Meghan Markle, the encounter. He stated, “Obviously, everyone is getting in shape to now Duchess of Sussex, was seated alongside sister Venus we have to change 4-5 players. take on Qatar. It is a very important and fashion titan Anna Wintour. “We’ll see how everyone is feel- match for us and we will put our ing. There is no reason to fear and best foot forward.” ‘This year has been we shall look to score goals and play Returning to the national team good football.” lineup for the fi rst time since Janu- a dream come true. Being Winger Udanta Singh, who al- ary was forward Ashique Kuru- able to play on this stage most opened India’s account against niyan, marking his fi rst appearance Oman after his shot early in the fi rst under Stimac in Guwahati against against Serena, a true legend half came back off the underside of Oman after recovering from an in- of the sport, is amazing’ the crossbar, said that the team has jury. The youngster, who hails from to keep its “chin up”. Kerala, spoke about his return to the “The previous match is now his- Blue Tigers XI and the side’s mind- The American carved out four opportunities to tory and everyone is now focusing set ahead of Tuesday’s game. hit back the following game, benefi ting from a huge on the match against Qatar. We have “I had been working really hard to stroke of luck when a forehand brushed the tape and to keep our chins up. We started our return to full fi tness in the last few trickled over to haul herself back on serve. preparations the very next day and months and I’m glad to wear the In- Undeterred, Andreescu promptly regained the ini- are now looking forward to start- dia jersey once again. We have to ac- tiative with another break and looked to be marching ing training here. We are expecting cept what happened against Oman towards the title when she followed a routine hold by a tough encounter as Qatar are the and learn from it. Qatar are a strong again breaking the Williams serve for a 5-1 lead. Asian champions, but we have to team undoubtedly but we will push Andreescu brought up championship point in the stick to our plans, stay compact and them as hard as we can and play to ensuing game, but Williams smacked a forehand play as a team. If we can do that, we the best of our abilities,” he said. winner to stay alive and then rattled off 14 of 17 points can certainly pull off a favourable The match between India and Qa- to peg her opponent back at 5-all. result,” he said. tar will take place at the Jassim Bin “I was just fi ghting at that point, just trying to stay Full-back Subhasish Bose Hamad Stadium. out there a little bit longer,” said Williams, feeding stressed that the motivation levels As per the latest update of the off the energy of 24,000 cheering fans as she briefl y in the team are high as they gear FIFA world ranking, India are in sparked hopes of an incredible comeback. up for their fi rst away fi xture of the 103rd place while the hosts — the “The fans started cheering so hard it made me start qualifi ers, saying that head coach defending Asian champions — are playing a little bit better and fi ghting a little bit more.” Stimac is “pushing the players” to ranked at 62. The Canadian stemmed the bleeding by holding for 6-5 and an errant Williams backhand handed An- dreescu two more shots at the title. Williams saved the fi rst with an ace but Andreescu secured victory on the next with a blistering forehand return.

Five facts and fi gures from the fi nal

100: The number of minutes the match lasted. An- dreescu took the opening set in 42 minutes and won Canada’s Bianca Andreescu kisses the US Open trophy after the second in 58, breaking Williams in the 12th game beating Serena Williams of the US in the final on Saturday. to settle issues in one hour 40 minutes. 33: The number of winners and unforced errors made by Serena Williams in her fourth consecutive AFP “It wasn’t easy at all. I tried to prepare my best like Grand Slam final defeat since becoming a mother. New York I do every match, I tried not to focus on who I’m play- 19: It’s the number of winners hit by Bianca An- ing. I’m really proud of how I dealt with everything.” dreescu, compared to 17 unforced errors. It’s also Andreescu tied Monica Seles, who lifted the 1990 Andreescu’s age, making her the youngest US Open eenager Bianca Andreescu became Canada’s Roland Garros trophy in her fourth major, for the champion since Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in fi rst Grand Slam singles champion on Sat- record as the fastest player to win her fi rst Slam title 2004. She’s also the first teen to win a Grand Slam urday with a rollercoaster 6-3, 7-5 win over in the Open era. since Russia’s Maria Sharapova captured the 2006 T23-time major champion Serena Williams in Williams, 37, suff ered a second fi nals loss in a row US Open. the US Open fi nal. at Flushing Meadows, after a 2018 defeat against 5: That’s the world ranking Andreescu will climb into The 19-year-old Andreescu became the young- Naomi Osaka best remembered for a furious tirade next week, matching Eugenie Bouchard from 2014 est Grand Slam winner since Maria Sharapova at the against chair umpire Carlos Ramos. for the highest ever by a Canadian woman. It’s also a 2006 US Open, handing Williams a fourth consecu- “Bianca played an unbelievable match, I am so career-high for Andreescu, who cracks the top 10 for tive defeat in the fi nal of a major to again deny her a proud and happy for you. It was incredible tennis out the first time. It’s also the number of aces Andreescu record-equalling 24th Slam title. there. If anyone could win this, outside of Venus, I’m had in the match and the number of aces and double “It’s so hard to explain in words but I’m just beyond happy it’s Bianca,” Williams said. faults Williams made in the second set. grateful and truly blessed. I’ve worked really, really Appearing in a 33rd Grand Slam fi nal, and fourth 1: That’s how many Canadians have won Grand hard for this moment,” said Andreescu, who had won since the last of her 23 major titles, Williams made Slam titles. It’s also how many Slam wins Williams just two Grand Slam matches ahead of her US Open an inauspicious start at Arthur Ashe Stadium by still needs to equal the all-time record of 24 won by main draw debut. conceding her opening service game with successive Margaret Court. She has lost the 2018 and 2019 Wim- “This year has been a dream come true. Being able double faults. bledon and US Open finals with a chance to match Qatar coach Felix Sanchez watches his players during a training session to play on this stage against Serena, a true legend of Andreescu, who wasn’t even born when Williams the mark in each case. ahead of tomorrow’s 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup and 2023 China Asian the sport, is amazing. won her maiden Slam at the 1999 US Open, respond- Cup qualifier in Doha. Gulf Times 2 Monday, September 9, 2019 TENNISSPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Serena wished Williams legacy for better assured while number showing 24 remains out of reach SINCE GIVING BIRTH TO HER DAUGHTER IN 2017, WILLIAMS HAS NOT WON A TOURNAMENT Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle (right) and Serena Williams’ Reuters mother Oracene Price cheer on New York Serena during the US Open final match on Saturday.

lready regarded as AFP the greatest women’s New York player ever to pick up a tennis racquet, Serena Williams’sA legacy is already as- erena Williams took en- sured but the record equalling ergy from 24,000 cheer- 24th Grand Slam that would help ing fans Saturday at build statistical proof remains Arthur Ashe Stadium, frustratingly out of reach. butS in the end it was not enough Twenty years ago a 17-year- to enable her to defeat Bianca old Williams walked away from Andreescu in the US Open fi nal. the US Open with what would The 19-year-old Canadian be the fi rst of her 23 Grand Slam defeated Williams 6-3, 7-5 to titles. capture her fi rst Grand Slam ti- On Saturday she had the tle, but only after battling Wil- chance to equal Margaret Court’s liams deep into a tough second all-time record but instead it was set. Canadian teenager Bianca An- “It was fantastic tennis out dreescu grabbing the trophy with there,” Williams said. “I wish I a 6-3, 7-5 win. could have played a little bit bet- That victory not only raised ter.” questions about whether Wil- Williams was denied in her at- liams would ever get beyond 23 tempt to match Margaret Court’s Grand Slam titles, many also all-time record of 24 Grand Slam viewed 19-year-old Andreescu’s titles. It’s the fourth Slam fi nal in win as a changing of the guard in a row, this year’s and last year’s women’s tennis. fi nals at the US Open and Wim- Since giving birth to her bledon, where Williams came up daughter in 2017, Williams has short with a chance to equal the not won a tournament. mark. Four times now, twice at Wim- Down 5-1 in the second set, bledon (2018, 2019) and at the US Williams faced a match point Open (2018, 2019) Williams has but answered with a forehand come agonisingly close to that winner to foil Andreescu. She 24th Grand Slam only to fall at broke in the seventh game and the fi nal hurdle. again in the ninth at love and She did not just lose all four pulled level at 5-5 as the crowd fi nals — she failed to win a single roared with delight, hoping to set. see history made. The next time Williams can Bianca Andreescu (right) is congratulated by runner-up Serena Williams during the trophy presentation ceremony at the US Open on Saturday. (AFP) “I was just fi ghting at that attempt to equal Court’s record point, just trying to stay out at the Australian Open in January a record. I’m just trying to win holds court in New York it at- never been in question. Her serve rounded Williams had all but thundering forehand, all court there a little bit longer,” Williams she would be 38, the climb to the Grand Slams. tracts sporting royalty and on and crushing forehands can still vanished. game, intensity and a cat bur- said. summit ever steeper. “It’s defi nitely frustrating. I’m occasion the real thing. Wil- strike fear into opponents. Then she arrived at the doors glar’s cool. Down a set and 5-1 “The fans started cheering so But a defi ant Williams refused still doing what I can do.” liams’s good friend Meghan But the rest of Williams’s to Flushing Meadows and looked the stress and frustration was hard it made me start playing a to accept there would not be an- Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, game has begun to show signs of unbeatable, steamrolling her written all over Williams’s face. little bit better and fi ghting a lit- other Grand Slam in her future. MOVING THE NEEDLE was cheering her on from the wear of time. way into her 10th US Open fi nal. Then the spirit of a champion tle bit more.” “All of it honestly, truly is su- Like Tiger Woods and Michael players box. She can no longer command This was not an old Williams. took over, Williams fi ghting But her fi ghtback came up per frustrating,” said Williams. Jordan, Williams is an athlete But no amount of support, the court the way she once did, This was the Williams of old. off match point and sweeping short as Andreescu held and “I’m, like, so close, so close, so who moves the needle. What she royal or otherwise, could lift and her coach Patrick Moura- The ruthless 6-3, 6-1 semi- through four games to level the broke on a forehand winner. close, yet so far away. wears, eats and says matters. In Williams to the level she needed toglou suggested Williams’s fi nal win over fi fth seed Elina set and sending a jolt of electric- Williams fi nished with 33 win- “I don’t know what to say. I the Big Apple, where there is no on Saturday, Andreescu breaking greatest weapon — her unshak- Svitolina seemed to indicate that ity through a seething Arthur ners but also 33 unforced errors guess I got to keep going if I want shortage of distractions for A- the former world number one able confi dence — had faltered the title was there for the taking. Ashe Stadium. to only 17 by Andreescu. to be a professional tennis player. listers on a Saturday afternoon, to open the fi nal and never let- under the weight of her own high But on Saturday she was looking But in the end youth was “Bianca played a wonderful “And I just got to just keep it was the Serena Williams show ting her opponent get her nose expectations. across the net at a mirror image served, Andreescu living up to match,” Williams said. “I just fi ghting through it. that was the hot ticket. in front. Before the US Open the air of her younger self. expectations and Williams un- feel really honoured to be out “I’m not necessarily chasing When the Queen of Tennis Williams’s power game has of invincibility that once sur- A player with a big serve, able to live up to her own. here and competing at this level.”

BOTTOMLINE Murray, Mattek-Sands retain Fight for your dreams: Andreescu mixed doubles crown AFP just $215,888. New York Andreescu, just the second Ca- nadian woman to play in a Grand Slam fi nal after 2014 Wimbledon eenager Bianca An- runner-up Eugenie Bouchard, dreescu said Saturday’s reiterated her commitment to US Open fi nal triumph serving as an inspiration for as- felt all the more reward- piring athletes back home. Ting after a 2018 qualifying de- “I’ve said this many, many feat left her feeling particularly times before. I’m going to say it low and languishing outside the again. It’s been a goal of mine to world’s top 200. inspire many people, especially This time last year a de- Canadian athletes,” Andreescu spondent Andreescu was sat said, born in the Toronto suburbs at home nursing an injury and to Romanian parents. coming to terms with a second “I think that this win will AFP the court. Really happy to win successive failed attempt at hopefully do that, not only this New York again.” making the main draw in New win but just what I’ve accom- Mattek-Sands ended matters York. plished this past year because after 59 minutes with a back- “It’s defi nitely a process of so many Canadian athletes have ritain’s Jamie Murray hand service return winner. life. You’re never going to have paved the way for me when I was and Bethanie Mattek- “They were all over us from ups all the time. So I think in young. Hopefully I can be that Sands of the United the start,” Venus said. “Too those moments, you just have person to them.” States captured their good.” to deal with it the best that you Andreescu credited Carling secondB consecutive US Open Murray, a 33-year-old Scots- can, which is to just keep fi ght- Bassett, who had been the last mixed doubles title on Saturday, man, and Mattek-Sands com- ing for your dreams and just Canadian woman to reach the defeating top seeds Chan Hao- bined to hit 23 winners with stay as persistent and persevere US Open semi-fi nals in 1984, Ching and Michael Venus 6-2, only 11 unforced errors in col- as much as you can,” Andreescu and basketball great Steve Nash, 6-3. lecting the $160,000 top prize. said. a two-time NBA Most Valu- They became the fi rst mixed “Jamie, you were on fi re this “I know in those moments able Player, as motivating her as a doubles duo to win back-to- whole two weeks,” Mattek- you feel like you can’t. But if young athlete. back US Open titles since South Sands said. “We have a lot of you believe that there are good “Bassett, for sure, was very African Kevin Curran and fun. He keeps me grounded. I’m times ahead, then those tough inspirational. Steve Nash. I can American Anne Smith in 1981 the energetic one.” moments are defi nitely worth She stalled Serena Williams’s an emotional Andreescu, briefl y these visualizations really, re- name so many. But it’s really nice and 1982. Murray, who also won Add Murray: “She says I’m it. I think it builds you as a char- bid for a record-tying 24th pausing to collect her thoughts. ally work.” for people to have that inspira- the 2017 US Open mixed dou- the yin to her yang.” acter. I think everyone should Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 7-5 I’ve been dreaming of this tion at a really young age,” said bles crown with Martina Hingis, Murray’s other Grand Slam go through it because it just win, withstanding a rousing moment for the longest time. INSPIRATIONAL FIGURE Andreescu. became the fi rst man to capture mixed doubles crowns came at makes you stronger.” second-set recovery from the Like I said after I won the Or- Andreescu will break into the top “So when I step on the court, three US Open mixed doubles Wimbledon in 2007 and 2017. Twelve months on and the American to become the sev- ange Bowl (in 2015), a couple fi ve after her remarkable break- I just really try to show my best titles in a row since Australia’s Mattek-Sands also has Grand 19-year-old was hoisting aloft enth fi rst-time major champion months after, I really believed through run at Flushing Mead- character, just to have that good Neale Fraser from 1958-1960. Slam mixed doubles titles at the US Open trophy as Canada’s in the past 11 events. that I could be at this stage. ows, where she scooped a win- example for other players. Like I “We played amazing the the 2012 Australian Open with fi rst Grand Slam singles cham- “This wasn’t the only time I Since then, honestly I’ve ner’s check for an eye-watering said many times, if I can do it, if whole two weeks, especially the Romanian Horia Tecau and the pion, and the youngest major visualised playing in the fi nals been visualizing it almost every $3.85 mn, taking her 2019 earn- Serena can do it, if Roger (Feder- semi-fi nals and fi nals,” Murray 2015 French Open with compa- winner since Svetlana Kuznet- actually against Serena Wil- single day. For it to become a ings to over $6 mn. She started er) can do it, if Steve Nash can do said. “I’ve always had fun on triot Mike Bryan. sova at the 2004 US Open. liams. It’s so crazy, man,” said reality is just so crazy. I guess the year with career winnings of it, then anyone can do it.” Gulf Times Monday, September 9, 2019 3 SPORT

FORMULA 1 RUGBY Leclerc triggers All Blacks head to Ferrari frenzy Japan, aim with Monza win to peak at ‘What a race! I have never been so tired. Winning here is just a dream’ right time

Reuters nament in the fi rst round and Wellington once you get to the knockout round, you’ve got to earn the right to come back and train on he All Blacks head to Monday.” Japan today with con- The opener against the fi dence boosted by the Springboks in Yokohama is ar- demolition of Tonga guably the most important T92-7 in their fi nal warmup before match of the fi rst tranche of the World Cup and mindful they games, with it likely to deter- will need to pace themselves mine the winner of Pool B and despite a blockbusting opening the quarter-fi nal place against match against South Africa. the Pool A runner-up. The Springboks loom as the The loser will likely face Ire- biggest threat to the All Blacks land, who are projected to win from winning a third successive Pool A. trophy, while England, Ireland After big victories in 2016 and and Wales are also genuine con- 2017, the All Blacks have strug- tenders. gled against the Springboks over All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, the last two seasons, with the however, will be well aware of sides sharing a narrow win each the perils of not heeding what in 2018 and battling to a draw lies ahead of them as it can trip in this year’s Rugby Champion- a side up during the tournament, ship. Hansen felt comfortable like New Zealand’s unsuccessful with the fact that his side would campaign in 2007. need to hit the ground running After sweeping through fi rst up, before they have easier pool play with some imperious matches against Canada, Na- performances, the All Blacks mibia and Italy and then raise crashed out in the quarter-fi nals their game again should they to France and admitted after- make the quarter-fi nals. wards that they probably be- “If you follow horse racing came too focussed on the ulti- you’ll understand what I mean,” mate prize rather than their next Hansen said. “Like, you can have game. a horse at its fi rst start, and it The team took lessons from doesn’t have to be in its greatest that campaign and applied them form, it just needs to be in really to successful tournaments in good form. 2011 and 2015 and Hansen told “But when you really want reporters in Hamilton on Sun- to peak, you’re right at the very day they were heading to Japan best, there’s nothing left, you Winner Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc stands on his car to celebrate after the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza mindful of all they had learned can’t tinker anymore. yesterday. At bottom, he poses with the trophy. in the intervening years. “The 31 people that are going, “You’ve got to pace yourself,” we’ve got massive belief in each Reuters closely for such a long time, the Mexican Sergio Perez seventh for he said. “You don’t win the tour- and every one of them.” Monza, Italy tyres eventually just went off the Racing Point. cliff . Antonio Giovinazzi, the fi rst “But nevertheless they were Italian to compete in his home harles Leclerc triggered just quicker today, quicker in a race for eight years, was ninth for a frenzy of Ferrari cel- straight line, so even if we did get Alfa Romeo and British teenager ebration yesterday after close we couldn’t pass. So not Lando Norris took the fi nal point holding off a race-long our day but still strong points for for McLaren. MercedesC challenge to take the the team,” added the 34-year- Vettel’s early spin drew the ire Italian Formula One team’s fi rst old. Leclerc’s German team mate of the stewards when he steered home grand prix victory since Sebastian Vettel had an after- his Ferrari back on track into the 2010. noon to forget, going from bad path of other cars, with Canadian Valtteri Bottas was second for to worse at the one circuit where Lance Stroll making a glancing Mercedes with fi ve-times world every Ferrari driver wants to contact and also going off . champion Lewis Hamilton a dis- impress.While Leclerc led from Stroll, the innocent party tant third after tyre wear took its pole position, the four-times turned off ender, then almost hit toll in a thrilling battle with the champion spun off , plunged to Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly when 21-year-old Monegasque. last place and served a 10 second he came back on and was served “What a race! I have never stop/go penalty for a dangerous with a drive through penalty. been so tired,” gasped Leclerc as return to the track. Leclerc and Hamilton, mean- a sea of fans, starved of success He was then lapped by his im- while, went wheel-to-wheel, at Monza since Fernando Alonso pressive team mate, who is now with the Ferrari driver shown a New Zealand’s Kieran Read (L) and head coach Steve Hansen won in the red overalls, swept 13 points above him in the stand- black and white fl ag — the equiv- share a smile in this file photo. onto the pit straight to party ings and fast becoming the main alent of a yellow card in soccer — below the overhanging podium man at Maranello. for squeezing the Mercedes off at with fl ags and fl ares. Stewards also handed Vettel the second chicane on lap 23. US rally to beat Canada in warm-up “Winning here is just a dream,” three penalty points, taking his 12 “He didn’t leave a car’s width,” continued the winner, switch- month tally to nine. Three more exclaimed Hamilton over the ra- ing to fl uent Italian to address a in the next three races will trigger dio. “He pushed me off .” Vancouver: Martin Iosefo scored what proved to be the winning crowd cheering a fi tting triumph a one-race ban. Leclerc’s response to the fl ag try as the USA rallied to beat Canada 20-15 in the final tuneup for on the 90th anniversary of both “I lost the rear, a mistake by was one of puzzlement: “why?” both teams ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Monza and Formula One’s most me,” the German, 13th at the fl ag, The radio crackled back into Iosefo took a pass late in the game and accelerated quickly glamorous team. said of the incident. “A good day life later on when Leclerc made to the outside then powered his way past Canadian defender “Last weekend (in Belgium) for the team but not good on my an error and seemed to change Shane O’Leary before diving over in the corner. was my fi rst victory, but the side. I can’t be happy with my line while braking, blocking This was the third meeting of the year between the two coun- emotion of winning here is 10 day today.” Hamilton in his slipstream. tries with the Eagles having won the first meeting in March, times that,” said Leclerc, a two Australian Daniel Ricciardo “There’s some dangerous 30-25, and then again in June, 47-19. times winner — and Ferrari’s sole from 65, with the Briton lim- who took the fi ght to Leclerc was fourth for Renault, just ahead driving going on,” declared The Americans kept their six year winning streak over Canada one so far this season — in only iting the damage by making a from the start but dropped be- of team mate Nico Hulkenberg in Hamilton. alive but they had to come back from a 12-10 halftime deficit at his 14th race for Ferrari. late pitstop for fresh tyres to set hind Bottas 10 laps from the end a strong race for the French man- Bottas led briefl y when Hamil- Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium to do it. “Thanks to everybody. I have the fastest lap and gain an extra when he cut the fi rst chicane. ufacturer. ton and then Leclerc pitted, with Cam Dolan and Dylan Fawsitt also scored tries for the Ameri- no words. point. “A lot of pressure from both Thai driver Alex Albon was the Finn stopping later and his cans. Canada got tries from Gord McRorie and Peter Nelson. Hamilton’s lead over closest “He did a great job, congratu- Valtteri and I. I did the best I sixth for Red Bull, with team fresher tyres coming into play in Canada had lengthy possession series with five minutes to go rival Bottas was cut to 62 points lations to Ferrari,” said Hamilton, could. Obviously following so mate Max Verstappen eighth and the closing stages. but the American defence was able to ward off the attack and preserve the win. Canadian prop Hubert Buydens needed stitches to repair a large BOTTOMLINE cut on his forehead. He returned to the field but was subbed off again with blood streaming down his face. The Eagles World Cup tournament kicks off against England in Kobe, Japan on September 26. Canada open against Italy on the same day in Fukuoka. Canada still lead the all-times series against the US with 38 wins, Hamilton calls for consistency 23 losses and two draws. AFP penalty. how it is, racing, today.” Bradbury gets Scotland spot Monza, Italy Hamilton recalled similar Hamilton, who was within incidents in past seasons have two seconds of Leclerc for most resulted in time penalties and of the race, said earlier he did London: Scotland back-row Magnus Bradbury has been handed disappointed Lewis suggested the current genera- not want to talk about the in- a seat on the plane to the Rugby World Cup in Japan after team- Hamilton called for tion of younger drivers are being cidents which he had said were mate Jamie Ritchie suff ered a facial injury. greater consistency allowed to race under diff erent dangerous. Ritchie will remain in Scotland while the squad fly out to Japan A and fairness from rules. “It doesn’t really matter what today but could still make the event, which starts later this stewards’ decisions after miss- In 2018, Max Verstappen I think,” said the Briton. month. The Edinburgh flanker suff ered a facial injury during ing out on winning yesterday’s was handed a time penalty for “I have nothing to say about Friday’s final warm-up win over Georgia at Murrayfield. Italian Grand Prix. blocking Valtteri Bottas at the it. It is pointless to bring it up. The Scottish Rugby Union said Bradbury would travel as “pre- The series leader and defend- chicane in the Italian Grand “I had to avoid collisions and cautionary injury cover”. ing fi ve-time world champion Prix, in a move almost identical then I tried to race hard again “Ritchie sustained a facial injury in the national team’s 36-9 believed he was the victim of a to that of Leclerc yesterday. and get back. This new genera- win over Georgia,” it said in a statement, adding that Bradbury controversial move during the “That’s just racing, I guess,” tion get away with more than we would remain in Scotland for specialist assessment. closely-fought race when tri- leaving a car’s width of space. egasque driver being shown a he said. did in the past. Ritchie was the most serious of five injury concerns to come umphant Ferrari driver Charles The incident resulted in the black-and-white fl ag, signal- “I had to avoid colliding with “I’d just like to see consist- from the game, with the other four players set to travel. Leclerc blocked him without victorious 21-year-old Mon- ling a caution but without a him a couple of times and that’s ency.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, September 9, 2019 FOOTBALL

UPSET SPOTLIGHT Mkhitaryan scores twice as Armenia stun Bosnia Swiss hit four

Reuters goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic and Yerevan thumping it into the net. against Gibraltar, Bosnia hit back 10 minutes later as Amer Gojak’s inswing- rmenia captain Hen- ing cross found Dzeko who got Georgia hold rikh Mkhitaryan away from the Armenia de- scored twice as Ar- fence to turn the ball into the menia stunned Bos- net. Mkhitaryan, Armenia’s Denmark goalless niaA with a dramatic 4-2 win in record scorer, put his team back their Euro 2020 qualifi er yes- in front in the 66th minute Reuters from a Fabian Schaer cross, in terday. when he provided an emphatic Sion, Switzerland the 43rd minute and Ricardo Ro- The win lifted Armenia fi nish to a well-worked move, driguez fi red home the third in above Bosnia in Group J as they his 29th goal for his country, fi rst-half stoppage time after the moved into third place with but Gojak levelled again for witzerland took 37 min- ball pinged around the Gibraltar nine points, three behind Fin- Bosnia four minutes later. utes to break down a area. mGranit Xhaka had several land. Bosnia are fourth with Mkhitaryan then turned stubborn Gibraltar side attempts to get on the scoresheet seven. The top two qualify for provider as he supplied a per- before easing to a 4-0 after the break, with one eff ort next year’s tournament. fect cross for Hovhannes Ham- winS while Denmark were frus- well saved by Goldwin. The game got off to a lively bardzumyan to score at the far trated by Georgia in a 0-0 draw The Swiss had to be content start as Edin Dzeko hit the post post in the 77th minute. in Group D of the Euro 2020 with one more goal three minutes with a low shot for Bosnia be- Gojak could have equalised qualifi ers yesterday. for the end when Mehmedi’s shot fore his AS Roma team mate in stoppage time but volleyed Ireland stayed top of the fi ve- hit a defender and rebounded Mkhitaryan gave the hosts a wide from a good position and team group with 11 points from to Mario Gavranovic who dis- third-minute lead. then Stjepan Loncar turned Armenia’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan fi ve games, two ahead of Den- patched the ball into the net. The midfi elder collected Ti- Mkhitaryan’s cross into his celebrates scoring their first goal against mark, while Switzerland are one Denmark were frustrated by gran Barseghyan’s cross from own net to complete the scor- Bosnia in Yeravan yesterday. point behind in third and with a Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Loria the right before pushing it past ing. game in hand. Georgia have four and the woodwork in Tbilisi. points while Gibraltar have none Loria twice denied Martin and have yet to score a goal. Braithwaite with fi ngertip saves REPORT Edimilson Fernandes was as Denmark dominated the fi rst close twice early on for Switzer- half. land and Loris Benito rattled the Valeri Qazaishvili had Geor- woodwork before Gibraltar were gia’s best eff ort with a long-range forced to change goalkeepers in shot which fl ew narrowly wide of the 23rd minute as Dayle Coleing Kasper Schmeichel’s right-hand went off injured to be replaced by post in the 76th minute. Kyle Goldwin. Denmark substitute Christian The Gibraltar defence still held Gytkjaer cracked a shot against Portugal rekindle fi rm until Denis Zakaria nod- the crossbar with Loria beaten ded in from a corner in the 37th in the 82nd minute but, despite minute. 59 % of possession, they created Admir Mehmedi added the few openings and had to settle Euro hopes with second with another header, for a point. 4-2 win in Serbia The victory lifted the Portuguese to second place in the group on five points

Reuters he poked the ball into an empty Belgrade net from three metres after Ser- bia keeper Marko Dmitrovic spilled a Bruno Fernandes cross uropean champions from the right. Portugal got their Euro Cristiano Ronaldo, looking 2020 qualifying cam- subdued in the opening half Switzerland’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer (L) and defender Nico Elvedi paign back on track with and given a hostile reception applaud at the end of their Euro 2020 qualifying match against goalsE from William Carvalho, at Red Star stadium as Serbian Gibraltar at the Tourbillon stadium in Sion yesterday. Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ron- fans jeered him every time he aldo and Bernardo Silva helping touched the ball, twice came them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B close early in the second half. victory in Serbia on Saturday. He fi red inches wide from Ecuador proposes joint bid for 2030 The victory lifted the Por- the edge of the penalty area af- World Cup to Colombia and Peru tuguese to second place in the ter cutting in from the left and group on fi ve points from three then curled a free kick narrowly Buenos Aires: Ecuador’s nations England, Scotland, games, eight behind runaway off target before Guedes doubled President Lenin Moreno has Northern Ireland and leaders Ukraine who have 13 Portugal’s lead with a fi ne indi- asked his Colombian and Wales. Morocco is also from fi ve matches after their 3-0 vidual eff ort. Peruvian counterparts to join expected to apply to host win in Lithuania earlier on Sat- The forward capped a fl owing forces for a combined South the event, while China has urday. move as he sidestepped a de- American bid to host the expressed interest. Third-placed Luxembourg fender and rifl ed in an unstop- 2030 football World Cup, he The first World Cup was and Serbia in fourth both have pable shot past Dmitrovic into said on Saturday. hosted by inaugural winners four points from as many games the far corner from 12 metres to Moreno said in a tweet that Uruguay in 1930, with 48 while Lithuania are bottom with silence the raucous home crowd. he asked Colombia’s Ivan teams due to compete at the one point from four matches. Centre back Nikola Milenko- Duque and Peru’s Martin centenary event in 2030. Coach Fernando Santos, who Portugal’s forward Cristiano vic pulled one back for Serbia in Vizcarra to present a joint Colombia had won the bid to steered Portugal to the Euro Ronaldo celebrates as after scoring the 68th minute, heading a Du- bid for 2030, “a year in which host the 1986 World Cup but 2016 title in France and this against Serbia in Belgrade. san Tadic corner past keeper Rui South America is favoured to withdrew less year’s triumph in the inaugural Patricio, who was two minutes host.” than four years before the Nations League, was pleased later forced to tip a fi erce Adem The bid would compete with event for financial issues. The with his team’s performance. the game. We stifl ed their excel- bakovic, who replaced Mladen the fi rst half and it didn’t help Ljajic shot from 20 metres over the joint application of Ar- tournament ended up being “We showed a lot of creativ- lent midfi eld and deserved the Krstajic on July 1 three weeks af- that we fell behind just before the bar. gentina, Chile, Uruguay and held in Mexico. ity and attacking intent in a solid win. ter he was sacked by Montene- the break. As ever in Serbian Taunted by chants of “Messi” Paraguay. The 2022 World Cup will take performance required to beat a “This win should boost our gro, conceded he had endured a football, we were vulnerable de- from Serbia’s die-hard fans, Ro- Bulgaria, Greece, Romania place in Qatar while the 2026 very good Serbia side,” Santos confi dence ahead of Tuesday’s sour debut as Serbia coach. fensively and that undermines naldo demonstrated his class in and Serbia are also looking one will be hosted by the US, told reporters. visit to Lithuania and nothing “We lost to a majestic team every other department.” the 80th minute when he took a into a joint bid, as are British Canada and Mexico. “Getting the opening goal just less than a win will do because full of world-class players,” said Portugal dominated the open- Bernardo Silva pass in his stride before halftime was vital and in it’s a complicated group.” the 67-year old from Belgrade. ing half and Carvalho fi red them and coolly dinked the ball over the second half we controlled His counterpart Ljubisa Tum- “We lacked the fi nal pass in ahead in the 42nd minute when the advancing Dmitrovic. FOCUS BOTTOMLINE Coman is the King ‘We can still improve’, Southgate tells England of France again

AFP open up the England defence — as they of Sterling’s strike from Kane’s cross. AFP November 2017. London did twice in the fi rst half before squan- “To be able to study him and the way he Paris “It’s one of my best games with dering chances — then there is plenty works at his game, for the youngsters he’s the national team and from a sta- for his players to work on before they can an incredible example. In those moments tistical point of view, it’s even the areth Southgate admits Eng- dream about winning the title. he has supreme temperament and tech- ingsley “King” Coman best,” Coman told reporters after land cannot be deceived by their “Have we progressed? Well, I think we nique,” Southgate said of Kane. lived up to his nickname helping France stay top of Group dominant start to the Euro 2020 have. We didn’t sit back after the World Sterling was by far England’s most when he made the most H with 12 points from fi ve games, qualifying campaign because Cup,” he said. creative force and Southgate was quick to of Kylian Mbappe’s ab- ahead of Turkey and Iceland on Gthey will face far sterner tests than Bul- “I know that you said that the Nations praise his contribution. Ksence to lead France to a 4-1 win goal diff erence. garia provided in Saturday’s 4-0 demoli- League was a disappointment. Once you “I thought he was outstanding. In the over Albania in a Euro 2020 qual- “I’ve had a great night but I tion at Wembley. are in the semi-fi nal, you want to go on fi rst half in particular when it was hard to ifi er on Saturday. won’t have much time to enjoy Harry Kane scored his second England and win the thing. But also with unique fi nd space,” he said. The Bayern Munich forward it. I’m happy but we must look hat-trick and also set up Raheem Ster- circumstances, in that seven players ar- “He will probably have the hump he’s was handed a rare start by coach ahead.” ling’s strike as Southgate’s side cemented rived 48 hours before the game. only got one goal today because his mind- Didier Deschamps and he made France play Andorra tomorrow their position on top of Group A. “I think we’re competitive with prob- set has shifted over the last two years.” the most of his extreme pace, and Coman should get another With three successive victories and 14 ably eight teams. I think that on our day, Kane has passed Geoff Hurst and Stan terrorising the Albanian defence chance to improve his scoring goals to their credit, the 2018 World Cup we can beat those teams, but equally the Mortensen on the list of England’s all- throughout. record of three goals in 18 games semi-fi nalists already look odds-on to Dutch showed (in the Nations League) time goal-scorers. Coman opened the scoring for his country. qualify for Euro 2020. that they’re capable of beating us on their While that was a “proud moment”, with a burst into the area and “He’s been with us for a while. Their next qualifi er is against second matches that the Nations League provid- day and I think it really is a tight grouping Kane admitted emulating 1966 World made sure there would be no He was there before Euro 2016. placed Kosovo, who beat the Czech Re- ed as of yet, that really we learnt so much of probably eight teams.” Cup winner Hurst by getting his hands on comeback for the visitors by net- His performance is in line with public 2-1 earlier in the day, at South- more from,” Southgate said. While Southgate keeps his players on silverware is his real goal. ting the hosts’ third in the 68th. what he’s been doing with Bay- ampton on Tuesday and Southgate claims “So, therefore, we’ve got to do that in their toes, he knows he is blessed to be “That’s the aim. That is what you will It appears the 23-year-old’s ern for over a year,” said Des- it will provide a tougher examination training and the challenge of training has able to rely on the quality provided by be judged on at the end of your career,” he poor 2018 is behind him after champs, who handed Coman his than lacklustre Bulgaria could manage. got to be so high that we learn from those Tottenham striker Kane and Manchester said. Deschamps omitted him from fi rst cap in 2015. But it is next year’s tournament, which moments and we can see what the players City winger Sterling. “It’s great to get goals but England the World Cup squad following “He is more decisive and has features several games in England, that are capable of. Kane is the fi rst player to score 25 or haven’t won a trophy for a long time. an injury-marred season. this capacity to unsettle his op- Southgate was looking ahead to when he “We have genuine competition for more goals in his fi rst 40 appearances for That is my goal as captain. Coman made his return with ponents. We have to make sure conceded he learns more from training places, there are fi ve or six guys you would England since Gary Lineker. “We had a little taste of success at the Les Bleus in June for a friendly he does not get injured. sessions than he does these routine group expect to see on the team-sheet but out- The England captain opened the scor- World Cup. Obviously we didn’t go all the against Bolivia and a European “When he’s like this nothing matches. side of that it’s very diffi cult to call.” ing with a simple fi nish from Sterling’s way but we have to use that as motivation qualifi er in Turkey, his fi rst taste can stop him. It’s a pleasure to “We have not had the tight, tense Southgate knows if even Bulgaria can pass and netted two penalties either side at the Euros.” of international football since see him play at that level again.” Gulf Times Monday, September 9, 2019 5 SPORT

NFL MLB Yelich walk-off double lift s Wide receiver Brown Brewers past Cubs

Reuters from second base. Milwaukee The Cubs regained a 2-1 lead when Anthony Rizzo drew a bases-loaded walk in hristian Yelich hit a the top of the eighth off Had- joins Patriots aft er walk-off double with er, who entered with the bases two strikes and two loaded and none out. outs in the bottom of The Brewers quickly pulled theC ninth inning, and the Mil- even at 2 in the bottom of the waukee Brewers celebrated a eighth. Grandal belted the 3-2 win over the visiting Chi- only pitch of the evening from cago Cubs on Saturday night. Cubs right-hander David Yelich laced an opposite- Phelps out to center fi eld. Raiders release fi eld line drive that bounced It was his 25th homer of on one hop off the wall in left the season and his third in as ‘We did everything we could to make this work. I’m sorry it didn’t’ fi eld to score Tyler Austin many games. from fi rst base. The Cubs learned before Reuters It capped a terrifi c night for the game that shortstop Javier New York Yelich, who fi nished 2-for-2 Baez has a hairline fracture in with an RBI, three walks and his left thumb and could be three stolen bases. He now has out for the rest of the season. ide receiver Antonio Brown 30 stolen bases, making him The star 26-year-old is hit- agreed to a contract with the 10th player in MLB history ting .281 with 29 homers and the New England Patriots on with 40 home runs and 30 85 RBIs in 133 games. Saturday just hours after be- stolen bases in the Wing released by the Oakland Raiders. same season. RESULTS Brown and the Patriots agreed to a one- Milwaukee won year deal worth up to $15mn that includes its second game in Brewers 3-2 Cubs a $9mn signing bonus, according to mul- a row and improved Yankees 5-1 Red Sox tiple reports. Agent Drew Rosenhaus con- to 42-31 at home. Giants 1-0 Dodgers fi rmed the agreement between his client Yasmani Grandal and New England to ESPN. homered for the Astros 2-1 Mariners Brown took to social media to announce Brewers, who trailed Twins 5-3 Indians the deal in his own way, posting a picture entering the bottom Braves 5-4 Nationals of himself with a Patriots jersey and hat. of the eighth before The news came on a whirlwind day mounting a come- Cardinals 10-1 Pirates in which Brown was abruptly released back. Phillies 5-0 Mets by Oakland and just two days before the “I was just trying Rays 5-3 Blue Jays Raiders’ season opener against the Denver to be ready for a mis- A’s 10-2 Tigers Broncos. The move capped a tumultuous take. Really, just stay week in Oakland and came just hours af- within your zone, D’backs 2-0 Reds ter the receiver posted a message to In- and that’s what hap- Padres 3-0 Rockies stagram on Saturday morning that ended pened,” Yelich said. Angels 8-7 White Sox with “Release me @raiders”. Addison Russell “You are gonna piss a lot of people off homered in a losing Rangers 9-4 Orioles when you start doing what’s best for you,” eff ort for Chicago, Royals 7-2 Marlins the message begins. “And that’s fi ne! I which dropped 3 1/2 have worked my whole life to prove that games behind the St. Louis the system is blind to see talent like mines. Cardinals for fi rst place in the ENCARNACION POWERS Now that everyone sees it, they want me National League Central. YANKEES PAST RED SOX to conform to that same system that failed Brewers closer Josh Hader Edwin Encarnacion hit a two- me all those years.” (3-5) got the victory after run homer that completely “I’m not mad at anyone. I’m just ask- striking out four over two exited Fenway Park in the ing for the freedom to prove them all scoreless innings. fourth inning, and JA Happ wrong. Release me @raiders. #NOMore Cubs reliever Brandon pitched 6 1/3 outstanding in- #theyputblindersonahorseforareason Kintzler (3-3) took the loss nings as the New York Yankees #NoMoreFake.” after giving up Yelich’s game- beat the Boston Red Sox 5-1 on Brown also posted a video on YouTube winning hit. Saturday afternoon. later Saturday, showing him fi nding out The Cubs bullpen spoiled a The Yankees won for the about his release and celebrating. The good start by Yu Darvish, who ninth time in 12 games as they video shows him yelling in happiness and struck out seven, walked one work toward their fi rst Ameri- running out into his yard, then calling his and gave up three hits in fi ve can League East title since grandmother to deliver the news. scoreless innings. 2012. He became a free agent as of 4:01pm ET The Cubs grabbed a 1-0 After the fi rst nine Yankees on Saturday and was free to sign with any lead on Russell’s solo blast in were retired in order, the Yan- team. He’s eligible to play in Week 2 but the fi fth. kees sent nine men to the plate cannot play last night, when the Patriots He drilled a fi rst-pitch and took a 4-0 lead. open the season against Brown’s former changeup an estimated 404 With runners at second and team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. “We tried feet to straightaway centre third on hits off Ryan Weber every way possible to make it work,” Raid- fi eld for his ninth homer. (2-3), the Yankees took a 2-0 ers coach Jon Gruden told reporters. Milwaukee evened the score lead when Gary Sanchez’s “All I’m going to say is it’s disappoint- at 1-1 in the sixth. double off Colten Brewer fell ing. I’m really proud of our players, our After Yelich and Eric in between second baseman coaches, our owner, our front offi ce. We Thames drew a pair of two- Brock Holt and right fi elder JD did everything we could to make this out walks, Ben Gamel singled Martinez and kicked into the work. I’m sorry it didn’t. I apologise, but I to right fi eld to bring in Yelich stands. will tell you I’m very proud of what we did as an organisation to try. I wish Antonio nothing but the best.” In this file photo taken on August 15, 2019 wide receiver Antonio Brown of the Oakland Raiders warms up before the NFL preseason Rosenhaus, speaking on NFL Network, game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Getty Images/AFP) said he would get to work on fi nding a new team, which proved to happen quickly. tion pay. The Raiders acquired Brown in a ESPN and NFL Network reported, lead- contain the audio of a phone call he had “It’s been well-documented that it’s trade in March, sending third- and fi fth- ing to Brown opening a team meeting on with Gruden, reportedly earlier this week been a rocky road from the beginning. round draft picks to Pittsburgh. They then Friday morning with what was dubbed an while Brown’s status with the team was in Unfortunately, not all relationships be- signed him to a three-year, $50.125 million “emotional apology.” fl ux. The video lasted nearly two minutes tween players and teams work out.... Eve- restructured contract extension. Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Brown and in it, Gruden asks Brown, “What the rybody had the best intentions going, in According to multiple reports, the confronted Mayock over being fi ned hell is going on, man?” but it didn’t pan out.” Raiders had yet to pay Brown any money. almost $54,000 and called Mayock a “Just a villain all over the news, man,” He continued: “We’re going to have to Spotrac, which tracks players’ salaries “cracker” and addressed him with a Brown replies. “You’re not a villain,” Gru- see what the market is. When you’re a free and bonuses, points out that Brown al- number of “cuss words” during the alter- den then says back. agent, it’s not always what you expect. It’s ready missed out on a $500,000 bonus cation. Anderson reported Mayock began “You’re just, you’re the most misun- what the market is. Of course, my job as for not attending at least 85 percent of the to walk away because he felt the situation derstood (expletive) human being in my an agent is to always get the best contracts off season programme and would be due would escalate. entire life that I’ve ever met.” for my clients. That’s no diff erent here.” no money or have any salary cap impact Brown told ESPN’s Dianna Russini that “Do you want to be a Raider or not,” Brown’s release came less than 24 hours if cut before the Week 1 game. “No way I he did not call Mayock a “cracker” during Gruden later asks, to which Brown replies, after Gruden said he expected Brown to play after they took [his guaranteed mon- their Wednesday altercation. Brown told “Man I’ve been trying to be a Raider since play in Monday’s season opener. ey] and made my contract week to week,” Russini he would “never use that word.” Day 1.” Brown also missed time due to a Brown was fi ned $215,000 on Friday for Brown wrote to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington in Brown, 31, initially had been expected to frostbite-like condition on his feet, an in- a confrontation with Raiders general man- an e-mail Saturday. be suspended by the Raiders for conduct cident Gruden said wasn’t Brown’s fault ager Mike Mayock on Wednesday. The There has been plenty of drama around detrimental to the team and miss at least but stemmed from improper protection conduct fi ne voided the approximately Brown since he joined the Raiders. the Week 1 game, before he apologized to on his feet during cryotherapy. $30 million of guarantees in his contract, In the most recent episode, Brown and the team and was temporarily on track to Then he sat out during a dispute with Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich reacts after while the Raiders also reportedly would Mayock had to be physically separated play. Later Friday, Brown posted a video the NFL over his helmet, returning only hitting a double to drive in the winning run to help beat the not be obligated to give him any termina- during a testy exchange on Wednesday, to his YouTube channel that appeared to after losing two grievances. Chicago Cubs at Miller Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS Jones, Falcons fi nalise 3-year, guaranteed $66mn deal Reuters which was the 74 percent that row – after catching 113 passes Rams sign Hekker to extension Mew York defensive end Trey Flowers re- for a league-high 1,677 yards and ceived from the Detroit Lions. eight touchdowns last season. The Los Angeles Rams and punter Johnny Hekker Jones and the Falcons have He remains the NFL’s all-time agreed on a one-year contract extension through he Atlanta Falcons and been working toward a new leader in career receiving yards the 2023 season, ESPN reported Saturday. wide receiver Julio Jones contract for months. Owner per game (96.7). Hekker will receive $4.25mn via the extension, fi nalised a three-year, Arthur Blank said in March the Dimitroff said the Falcons ex- including $3mn in guaranteed money, according to $66mn fully guaran- team wanted a deal done before pect Jones to be the highest-paid ESPN. Tteed contract extension with training camp. General manager receiver in the NFL when his Hekker will earn $3.25mn in base salary this season. $64 million due immediately, Thomas Dimitroff set a goal of contract is fi nalised. Saints wide Hekker, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has a 47.0 ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris the start of the season – which receiver Michael Thomas signed career average in 112 games over seven seasons. Mortensen reported Saturday is Sunday. Jones, 30, was set to for $100 million over fi ve years, The average is second all-time behind Shane afternoon. make $21mn over the next two pushing the price tag for top pass Lechler (47.6 from 2000-17). The 29-year-old Hekker “$66mn guaranteed and, seasons on his existing contract. catchers to an all-time high. averaged 46.3 yards on 43 punts last season. yes, $64 million due at sign- With the three-year extension Multiple outlets reported The Rams often use the former high school quar- ing. That’s today,” Mortensen tacked on, Jones and the Falcons Thursday a deal between Jones terback on fake punts. He’s 11-of-19 passing for 156 tweeted. Schefter said that his are tied together for fi ve years. and the Falcons was imminent. yards and one touchdown during his NFL career. 97 percent of the deal guaranteed Entering his ninth season, Jones The Falcons open the season The Rams open the season yesterday at the Caro- at signing eclipses the previous is coming off of his sixth Pro against the Vikings in Minnesota lina Panthers. record for a non-quarterback, Bowl selection – and fi fth in a yesterday. Wide receiver Julio Jones. Gulf Times 6 Monday, September 9, 2019 SPORT

BASKETBALL FOCUS Kawhi Leonard’s sister accused of ‘Stupid’ Jokic ejected murder: Report

Reuters Angeles Clippers. New York Williams and Townsel are also accused of stealing be- tween $800 and $1,200 from sister of NBA super- Assad’s purse. as Spain stun Serbia star Kawhi Leonard Jail records list Williams as is one of two women 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, and charged with robbing Townsel as 5-4, 195 pounds. andA killing an 84-year-old The Press-Enterprise re- woman at a Southern Califor- ported that a doctor at In- ‘I did not like the stupid reaction of my nia casino, the Riverside Press- land Valley Medical Center in Enterprise reported Saturday. Wildomar told the investiga- player, who should be on the floor’ Kimesha Monae Williams, tor that the fatal injury could at World Cup 35, is being held without bail not have been caused by a fall. at the Indio (Calif.) Correc- It would have required “a tion Facility after the incident great amount of force, such at Pechanga Resort Casino as being pushed, thrown or in Temecula. Authorities say punched by a 320-pound per- that on the morning of August son,” according to the investi- 31, Williams and Candace Tai gator’s notes. Townsel, 39, attacked Afaf Anis The newspaper said Wil- Assad in a bathroom, broke her liams has prior convictions skull and then stole her purse. for petty theft, grand theft, Assad died Wednesday at misappropriating lost prop- a hospital, according to the erty, grand theft auto and at- newspaper. Williams and tempted robbery, according to Townsel were arrested Tues- court records. day, according to the Press- Kawhi Leonard grew up in Enterprise. Riverside before becoming a Townsel also is being held college star at San Diego State without bail. Arraignment is and blossoming into one of the slated for Sept. 19. top NBA players. A Riverside County sher- He led the Toronto Rap- iff ’s investigator asked a judge tors to the NBA title this past to hold Williams without bail, season, winning NBA Finals saying she might fl ee and that MVP for the second time in his she “has family that are well- career. He also won the award off and could post her bail,” an with the San Antonio Spurs in apparent reference to Leonard, 2014. who recently signed a three- Leonard’s father, Mark, was year, $103 million with the Los a murder victim in 2008.

Twins’ pitcher Pineda banned 60 games for drug violation

Minnesota Twins pitcher season games. And last year Michael Pineda was suspend- shortstop Jorge Polanco ed 60 games by Major League tested positive for stanozolol, Baseball on Saturday after also receiving an 80-game testing positive for a banned ban. “We were disappointed diuretic. Pineda tested posi- to learn of the suspension of tive for hydrochlorothiazide, Michael Pineda for violating which is banned because Major League Baseball’s Joint it can mask detection of a Drug Prevention and Treat- performance-enhancing drug. ment Program,” the Twins The suspension takes ef- said in a statement. fect immediately, meaning “We fully support Major Pineda’s 2019 season is over League Baseball’s policy and and he won’t be eligible for its eff orts to eliminate banned any post-season games. substances from our game. The Minneapolis Star Trib- Per the protocol outlined in Marc Gasol (left) of Spain is tackled by Nikola Jokic of Serbia as he attempts a shot during their Basketball World Cup Group J second round game in Wuhan yesterday. (AFP) une reported Pineda was the Joint Drug Program, the originally suspended for 80 Minnesota Twins will not com- AFP the last eight in China but Group why not if the other team is bet- biggest names – was thrown out. for Serbia, keeping them within games, but his punishment ment further on this matter.” Wuhan, China J supremacy and a supposedly ter? But he should stay on the The 24-year-old was irritated range of Spain with 26 points, 10 was reduced on appeal by easier game in the next round fl oor and be one of the leaders.” initially by the close attentions rebounds and six assists. Rubio an arbitrator. He reportedly was at stake. Serbia, the reigning In one of the most eagerly an- of Spain’s defence and made his racked up 19 points for the Span- argued the drug was included ll-Star Nikola Jokic was world and Olympic silver medal- ticipated games of the tourna- feelings clear to the offi cials. ish while veteran Marc Gasol had in a product he took to try to ejected for “a stupid lists behind the Americans, had ment so far, Spain surged back six rebounds and six assists. manage his weight. reaction” in the third looked imperious in their previ- from a slow start in the fi rst ‘WE NEED HIM’ “They really kicked us today,” The loss of Pineda, who is quarter as strongly fan- ous four matches, but this loss quarter to lead by eight points at The plain-speaking Djordjevic said Bogdanovic, who has been 11-5 this season with a 4.01 ciedA Serbia were stunned 81-69 will raise questions about their half-time in Wuhan. said he had already spoken to Jo- in sparkling form at the World earned-run average after by Spain to blow the Basketball title credentials. Serbia, who had looked the kic about the incident. Cup and was unlucky to be on returning from Tommy John World Cup wide open yesterday. Coach Sasha Djordjevic said chief threat to the young roster “We don’t have time for long the losing side. Spain coach Ser- elbow surgery, is a blow to Led by Ricky Rubio of the Spain were the better team and of reigning champions the US, meetings, he knows (he was gio Scariolo was full of praise the Twins, who have now had Phoenix Suns, Spain set up a refused to use the loss of Jokic were rattled for the fi rst time in wrong),” said Djordjevic. for the 27-year-old Bogdanovic, three recent cases of players quarter-fi nal meeting with sur- – turfed out after yelling at a ref- China and on their way towards “He’s a tough kid, one of the calling him “ridiculous” and “an failing drug tests. Right- prise packages Poland on Tues- eree – as an excuse. a fi rst defeat. greatest right now, (so) we need unbelievable player”. handed pitcher Ervin Santana day while Serbia will need to But he hard harsh words for Midway through the third him on the fl oor. I hope it won’t Argentina topped Group I tested positive for the pick themselves up quickly for his key man, saying: “I did not quarter, their chances of mak- happen again and this is a mo- – and teed up a meeting with anabolic steroid stanozolol Argentina on the same evening. like the stupid reaction of my ing a comeback suff ered a fatal ment for him to grow.” Serbia – after a dominant 91-65 during spring training in 2015, Spain and European rivals player, who should be on the blow when Denver Nuggets’ Bogdan Bogdanovic of the victory over Poland. Both had al- missing the first 80 regular Serbia had already qualifi ed for fl oor. We can even lose with him, Jokic – one of the World Cup’s Sacramento Kings was again key ready reached the last eight.

CRICKET Warriors Club win Qatar Airways Premier Division title By Sports Reporter er for the continued support to Doha the QCA activities, helping raise the national team’s level. Qatar Airways Ticketing Op- amoor Sajjad dished out erations Manager (Qatar) Ali Ak- a superb all-round per- bar Farabi commended both the formance and spurred teams for putting up a fi ghting Warriors Club to win the display in the fi nal. TQatar Airways Premier Division He also said the relationship Cricket Tournament title with a between Qatar Airways and the thrilling three-wicket triumph QCA is quite strong and will against Tusker Club at the Asian continue to prosper. Town Stadium, Industrial Area. QCA Operations Manager Tusker Club, after being asked Manzoor Ahmad said, “The Qa- to bat fi rst in the 50-over-a-side tar Airways support to the QCA fi nal, made a modest 232 all out activities is very vital. In four in 46.4 overs. Warriors Club ac- diff erent divisions, eighty clubs complished the win with eight contested this season. We wit- balls to go as Sajjad followed up nessed very close contests and his three-wicket haul with a re- wish to grow the game at all lev- sponsible 43-run knock. els so that our national teams Besides Sajjad’s three wickets, can bring more glory to Qatar in Mohamed Ikram bowled superb- future.” ly and picked two for 13 in four overs and Imraz Rafi grabbed two BRIEF SCORES for 39 in 10 overs. Warriors Club beat Tusker Tusker Club troubled War- Club by three wickets riors Club with regular blows. Tusker Club: 232 all out in 46.4 But the latter managed to keep Winners’ Warriors Club and runners-up Tusker Club players pose with Qatar Cricket Association off icials and their trophies after winning the Qatar Airways Premier Division Cricket overs (Nawaf 60, Akash 44, themselves on the track and Tournament at the Asian Town Stadium. Waleed 41; Tamoor Sajjad 3/41, completed the fi ne victory in the Imraz Rafi 2/39, Mohamed Ikram 49th over. to the fence. Qatar Cricket Association tribution ceremony were QCA 60 off 85 balls, hitting a six al-Kuwari congratulated War- 2/13) Murad Khan played an attack- Adnan Mirza cracked a six and (QCA) President Yousef Jeham Assistant Secretry-General Eisa and two fours for Tusker Club. riors Club on winning the title. Warriors Club: 235 for seven in ing innings and hammered three fi ve boundaries in his 20-ball 32 al-Kuwari was the chief guest at Ali al-Ghanim, QCA Public Re- Akash displayed aggression and Last season, Warriors Club had 48.4 overs (Murad Khan 53,Ta- sixes and four boundaries to get to lend the momentum and As- the fi nal, while Ali Akbar Farabi, lations Director Eisa al-Yaqoub, smashed eight fours in his 42- lost the fi nal to Al Feroz Young- moor Sajjad 42, Adnan Mirza 53 in 48 balls. Sajjad, who was sad contributed 22 in 47 balls Qatar Airways Ticketing Opera- QCA Operations Manager Man- ball 44, while Waleed cracked sters. 32, Assad 22; Nawaf 3/31, Prem declared the Man of the Final, with three fours. Nawaf, with tions Manager (Qatar) was the zoor Ahmad and QCA Domestic run-a-ball 41, including two Al-Kuwari also thanked Qatar Sagar 2/31) bolstered the team with an 85- three for 31, and Prem Sagar got Guest of Honour. Cricket Head Gul Khan Jadoon. sixes and three boundaries. Airways and its Group Chief Ex- Man of the Final: Tamoor Sajjad ball 43, which included four hits fi ve scalps between themselves. Also present at the prize dis- Nawaf, in a patient knock, made QCA President Yousef Jeham ecutive Offi cer HE Akbar Al Bak- (Warriors Club) Gulf Times Monday, September 9, 2019 7 SPORT

GOLF/EUROPEAN OPEN England’s Casey seals one-shot victory Reuters It was the second victory of the France, was one shot further back Hamburg year for the 42-year-old Casey af- in sixth. Italian Guido Migliozzi and ter lifting the trophy at the Valspar Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal fi nished Championship on the U.S. PGA joint seventh on 10-under. ngland’s Paul Casey pro- Tour. “This is an incredibly prestig- duced a bogey-free fi nal ious tournament,” said Casey, who LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES round of six-under-par 66 worked at the European Open as a 274-Paul Casey 66-73-69-66 to win the European Open 14-year-old volunteer in 1991. “I’m 275-Matthias Schwab (AUT) 67-72- byE one stroke in Hamburg yesterday. over the moon to be European Open 70-66, Bernd Ritthammer (GER) World number 17 Casey edged champion. 71-66-70-68, Robert MacIntyre past overnight leaders Bernd Ritt- “It was nice to make the putts 68-65-74-68 hammer and Robert MacIntyre with when it counted. And that really was 276-Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 71-69- three birdies on the back nine to fi n- the key. The ball-striking was excel- 72-64 ish 14-under for the tournament at lent. I gave myself an awful lot of 277-Romain Wattel (FRA) 72-74-67- the Green Eagle Golf Course. chances.” 64 Ritthammer and MacIntyre had Scottish rookie MacIntyre, who 278-Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 71-68-72- an opportunity to force a playoff but fi nished sixth in the British Open, 67, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 70-71- both left their birdie putts short on continued his impressive run with a 68-69 the fi nal green as Casey became the closing 68 as he secured a runner-up 279-Ashley Chesters 71-71-70-67, third successive Englishman to win fi nish for the third time this season. Niklas Lemke (SWE) 71-73-68-67 the event after Jordan Smith and Ri- The 23-year-old shared second 281-Jeff Winther (DEN) 72-69-70-70 chard McEvoy. spot with German Ritthammer and 282-Padraig Harrington 71-74-68-69, Casey, a four-time Ryder Cup Matthias Schwab of Austria. Austri- Louis de Jager (RSA) 72-69-71-70 player, claimed his fi rst win in Eu- an Bernd Wiesberger fi nished fi fth 283-Dominic Foos (GER) 74-67-75- rope since the 2014 KLM Open in at 12-under after a superb 64, while 67, Sam Horsfield 75-68-71-69, Ben the Netherlands and his 14th overall. playing partner Romain Wattel, of Evans 69-73-68-73 England’s Paul Casey pose with the European Open trophy in Hamburg yesterday. (Getty Images)

CYCLING ATHLETICS Farah wins Great North Run for sixth Kuss triumphs on consecutive year Vuelta summit, big guns exchange fi re

‘It was a nice day for us, but there are many hard days to come’ Agencies Charlotte Purdue ran superb- London ly to fi nish fi rst British athlete in 68.10. Kosgei , who now turns her focus to the upcom- ritain’s Mo Farah ing Chicago Marathon, said: made it six wins in a “I was not expecting to run row while Brigid Kos- a record time. I just tried my gei ran the fastest half best – that was all. Today was marathonB in history, on a day great preparation for Chi- where records tumbled at the cago.” Simplyhealth Great North Run. Farah, meanwhile, had set- No runner has ever tled into a lead group featur- achieved six consecutive ing Tola, Bashir Abdi, Callum victories on the famous half Hawkins and Nageeye, and marathon course until Farah’s steadily picked off his rivals. heroics. Tola took the lead briefl y but The ten-time Olympic and Farah reined him in and made World champion has not been his move with around two defeated in South Shields miles to go. since fi nishing second to “The crowd was so loud I Kenenisa Bekele in 2013, and didn’t know if he was closing he did not disappoint, clock- the gap so I kept looking be- ing a winning time of 59.07 – hind,” the 36-year-old told his fastest on Tyneside, ahead BBC Sport. of Tamarit Tola in 59.13 while “I’ve really enjoyed it but Abdi Nageeye fi nished third the past couple of years has in 59.55. been in the middle of mara- However, it was the wom- thon preparation. It was good en’s race that set the pulses to test myself. Things are racing as Kenyan Kosgei set looking good and I’m happy a blistering pace to lead from with the win. the gun and record a Sim- “Tokyo is defi nitely on the plyhealth Great North Run cards – as an athlete you al- record of 64.28 – smashing ways want to represent your the previous record set by country. You just have to take Mary Keitany in 2014. it one year at a time. Hope- It was a perfect day for rac- fully, come Tokyo time, we ing in the North-East which will be in the mix.” resulted in some speedy David Weir won the men’s times, as Kosgei seized the in- wheelchair race in 43.31, itiative from the off , building ahead of Brent Lakatos in up a commanding gap over 43.36 and Simon Lawson her rivals Magdalene Masai third in 45.58. and Linette Masai – the Ken- Jade Jones-Hall took her yan sisters fi nishing second fi rst-ever victory in the and third in 67.36 and 67.44 women’s race in a time of respectively. 50.15, ahead of Shelly Woods Last year’s winner Keitany in 51.41 and Mel Nicholls who was fourth in 67.58, while fi nished third in 56.17.

SPOTLIGHT Team Jumbo rider US Sepp Kuss reacts after winning the 15th stage of the 2019 La Vuelta in Cangas del Narcea yesterday. (AFP)

AFP was nudging 20 percent. Jum- Madrid Trentin wins second stage of Tour of Britain to take overall lead bo-Visma won four stages on Qatar excels at the Tour de France in July with Former European champion metres of the finish. Trentin, who to go, Dowsett looked like he Steven Kruijswijk ending third ittle-known American Matteo Trentin won the second placed third in Saturday’s open- was going to upset the remain- after Roglic also placed third on GCC Aquatics Sepp Kuss powered to a stage of the Tour of Britain to ing stage, gained crucial time ing sprinters, but despite being the Giro d’Italia in May. landmark summit fi nish move into the overall race lead bonuses on the line as a result of welcomed into Kelso’s main Barring a fall, Roglic looks QNA backstroke gold medal for the win for Jumbo-Visma at after sprinting to a dramatic vic- his win on the Scottish Borders street by a wall of noise, the a safe bet to win his fi rst Kuwait City 11-12 years category. Lthe Vuelta a Espana yesterday as Grand Tour here in Spain Yousef al-Khulaifi won the tory yesterday. stage. This, combined with the British time trial champion was his captain Primoz Roglic battled Trentin pipped Jasper de Buyst, distancing of overnight leader caught, holding on to finish with the team due to unleash gold and Yusuf Ashraf won over a series of mountains to re- Mike Teunissen and Davide Dylan Groenewegen, put the Ital- seventh on the stage. their superstar signing, former atar swimming silver medal respectively in tain the overall lead. Cimolai to the line after a ian rider into the green jersey as Trentin now leads by 11 seconds world champion and Giro win- team fi nished with the 50m backstroke for the 13- The 15th-stage win earmarks reduced peloton caught solo the overall leader. overall from Cimolai and De ner Tom Dumoulin, in the new 27 medals at the 14 years category. Kuss for a strong future in Grand attacker Alex Dowsett within 50 Attacking with three kilometres Buyst. season. 27th GCC Aquatics Omar Ashraf won the gold Tour riding. Katusha’s Ruben The peloton embarked from whichQ concluded in Kuwait medal and Abdullah al-Khaldi Guerreiro came second on the the former gold mining town City yesterday. On the last day won the silver medal in the day as up-and-coming Ineos and even shaking hands after the Roglic emerged the big winner halfway up the steep ramps to of Tineo on a cool morning for of the competition, Qatar won 200m butterfl y for the 13-14 star Tao Geoghegan Hart of Brit- fi nish line. of the pair, however, retaining a the Santuario del Acebo summit a fast-paced 154km slog over ten medals including six gold, years category. ain was third. “It was a nice day for us, but 2min 25sec lead on Valverde with fi nish. four mountains including the three silver and a bronze. Tamim Mohamed won In the battle for supremacy there are many hard days to three more major climb stages “It was crazy, all those high- terrifyingly named Puerto del Swimmer Abdullah Ahmed the silver medal in the 100m in the overall, the pretenders to come,” said Roglic. from the six race days remaining fi ves. The road was a bit of a goat Pozo de las Mujeres Muertas claimed 100m freestyle gold freestyle for the 13-14 years the title ganged up on Roglic to “He (Kuss) was waiting for me on the road to Madrid. track in parts on that last climb. (mountain of the well of dead for the 11-12 years category, category, and Ahmed Tariq test his endurance on a diffi cult but he had the chance and we But stage 15 was also an It hasn’t sunk in (the win) and women). and Omar Ashraf claimed captured bronze medal for the day. told him to take it.” amazing day for the fast-rising I’m lost for words but this is Today marks the third chap- 200m breaststroke gold in the 1500m freestyle in 15-17 years But the Slovenian appeared to They put 29 seconds into Ta- Jumbo-Visma team with the what makes bike racing so spe- ter of the Vuelta’s tour through 13-14 years category. category. work with second-placed Ale- dej Pogacar, Miguel Angel Lopez emergence of the 24-year-old cial,” Kuss said. the Cantabrian Mountains with Mohamed Mahmoud won The Qatar swimming team jandro Valverde as the pair as- and Rafal Majka and a further 25 Kuss, who high-fi ved dozens of The American skipped up the two category-one climbs ahead 200m individual medley gold had won 17 medals yesterday cended the last climb together, seconds into former champion roadside fans on an exultant fi nal shoelace turns of the gnarled of another ‘hors-category’ as- in the 15-17 years category and (seven gold medals, fi ve silver damaging their top-ten rivals Nairo Quintana. 500m after he scampered clear pathway even when the gradient cent to Alto de La Cubilla. Ibrahim Hilal won the 50m medals, and fi ve bronze).

Monday, September 9, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Spinners take Afghanistan close to historic win AFP can play Test cricket.” overturned by the TV umpire on Chittagong, Bangladesh Skipper Shakib Al Hasan re- review. mained unbeaten on 39 runs, One-down Mosaddek Hossain giving a little hope to Bang- chased a ball from him wide out- pinners Rashid Khan and ladesh amid the gloom at the side the off -stump to give a catch Zahir Khan shared fi ve Zahur Ahmed Stadium, where to Asghar Afghan at long off af- wickets between them as rain interrupted play in all three ter making 12 runs. Afghanistan came within sessions much to Afghanistan’s Rashid trapped Mushfi qur fourS wickets of a historic win frustration. Rahim plumb in front after the over Bangladesh in the one-off Shakib will resume the fi fth former Bangladesh skipper Test in Chittagong yesterday. day’s play along with Soumya started confi dently to make 23 The visitors - playing only Sarkar, the last recognised bats- off 25 balls. their third Test ever - reduced man for Bangladesh, who was Rashid delivered another blow Bangladesh to 136-6 before yet to open his account. in his next over to dismiss Mo- rain forced early stumps on the Shakib seemed to be preparing minul Haque out lbw for three. fourth day, with the hosts, who for a loss. Nabi removed Shadman Is- were set a record target of 398 “The realistic result is we are lam, who made 41 runs, the runs, still needing 262. very close to defeat. Unless there highest for Bangladesh so far in The highest successful run is some rain... probably we are the second innings. chase in Bangladesh is 317-7 by losing,” he said. Rashid then snapped the New Zealand at the same ground Rashid, who made his debut wicket of Mahmudullah Riyad in 2008. as youngest-ever Test captain, for seven before rain provided “Yes, we are bit excited be- led Afghanistan from the front, the home side some respite. cause we are in a good position,” fi nishing the day with 3-46 Earlier, resuming at 237-8 Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper- while left-arm chinaman Zahir after more than two hours’ de- batsman Afsar Zazai said. claimed 2-36 runs. lay due to drizzle, Afghanistan “It means a lot to be honest,” Retiring all-rounder Moham- added 23 runs to their overnight he added. mad Nabi claimed the other score before they were all out for “The people know about wicket. 260, which took their lead close us good enough in white-ball Zahir started the victory push to the 400-run mark. cricket. We’ve discussed in our when he dismissed opener Liton Yamin Ahmadzai was run out dressing room that this Test Das, who was trapped leg before for nine and off -spinner Mehidy match is very important for us to for nine two balls after a caught- Hasan removed last man Zahir, win because we want to show we behind decision against him was leaving Zazai stranded on 48. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (left) celebrates with his teammates after dismissing Bangladesh’s Musfiqur Rahim in Chittagong yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS COMMENT Rabada not losing sleep over rise of Australia overcome Bumrah, Archer

IANS three T20s in on September Kolkata 3 and that will be followed by three Tests. “I admire those bowlers, outh Africa pace spear- they are good bowlers,” Raba- stubborn England head Kagiso Rabada is da, who will have an opportu- not losing sleep over nity to better his fi gures in the the meteorical rise of upcoming T20I and Test series India’sS Jasprit Bumrah and in India, said when asked about England’s Jofra Archer. Bumrah and Archer. “It’s never easy maintaining “However, the media hypes a career; I’ve learned that there certain players, and that’s OK; are a lot of ups and downs. I know I have been playing very to retain Ashes I want to be the best in the well. Archer is such a natural world, everybody does,” Ra- talent; Bumrah is doing won- ‘It feels amazing to know the urn is coming home. I’ve been here a few times when things bada told iol.co.za as quoted by ders and that can force you ESPNCricinfo. “You are natu- to lift your game. You are not haven’t gone our way. This was always one to tick off my bucket list. It’s extremely satisfying’ rally going to compete in that always at the top, that’s one fashion, I’m not too worried, thing I can tell you.” I’m feeling nice and easy. South Africa had a disap- “I’m disappointed, not an- pointing World Cup campaign gry (about the World Cup). where they crashed out of the What do I do with anger? When World Cup with Rabada also a setback comes you want to be failing to spark his magic. determined, you don’t want Bumrah and Archer though to change a lot of things. It’s have done quite well in this pe- about seeing where you went riod. While Bumrah returned wrong and then putting in ex- with 13 wickets from the Test tra work.” series in the West Indies in- Rabada will be one of South cluding a hat-trick, Archer has Africa’s key weapons in their shown his class since making tour to India. The fi rst of the his Test debut in the Ashes.

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s Craig Overton to win the match and retain the Ashes in Manchester yesterday. (Reuters)

Reuters urn is coming home. I’ve been terly disappointed. I thought from the all-rounder. An- Scorecard Manchester here a few times when things the way we fought today, the other fi ne delivery from Cum- haven’t gone our way. This was character we showed, every mins clipped the inside edge of always one to tick off my bucket single one of them can be proud Stokes’s bat and was well taken AUSTRALIA 1st innings 497-8 dec ustralia retained the list. It’s extremely satisfying,” of that today. “To come so close by wicketkeeper Paine, the ENGLAND 1st innings 301 Ashes after beat- he said. The main early resist- to taking it to The Oval is hard England batsman not waiting AUSTRALIA 2nd innings 186-6 dec ing England by 185 ance from England came from to take. We’ve still got to look for the umpire’s verdict as he ENGLAND 2nd innings (overnight 18-2, runs at Old Traff ord Joe Denly who made 53 from 123 forward and make sure we level walked off . target 383) yesterdayA to take a 2-1 lead in balls and Jos Buttler, who lasted the series.” Denly had been the pick of R. Burns c Head b Cummins 0 the series with just one Test 111 balls for his 34. England’s batsmen before he remaining. England’s hopes of an un- TURNING POINT was outdone by sharp turn and J. Denly c Labuschagne b Lyon 53 England, who resumed on likely escape-act rose when England will look back on the bounce from spinner Nathan J. Root b Cummins 0 18-2, were bowled out for 197 Jack Leach and Craig Overton second day of this test as the Lyon, the ball striking his glove J. Roy b Cummins 31 on the fi nal day with Australia batted for over an hour giving turning point when they sim- and being snaffl ed up by La- South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada celebrates after taking India’s Rohit B. Stokes c Paine b Cummins 1 seamer Pat Cummins taking the crowd belief over a second ply could fi nd no way to remove buschagne at short leg. Jonny Sharma’s (right) wicket during day two of the first Test at the New- four for 43. Australia’s victory, ‘miracle’ after the comeback Smith and Australia’s 497-8 Bairstow (25) was lbw to Mitch- J. Bairstow lbw b Starc 25 lands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Jan 6, 2018. (BCCI/IANS) with 81 balls remaining, was a win at Headingley. declared gave them an advan- ell Starc before Overton came J. Buttler b Hazlewood 34 But part-time leg spinner tage that they were unable to in to join Buttler, in what was convincing one but England’s C. Overton lbw b Hazlewood 21 spirit cannot be criticised as Marnus Labuschagne fi nally seriously challenge. probably England’s last realis- they fought until the fi nal hour removed Leach, with a ball that The fi nal day was never going tic chance of a big partnership. J. Archer lbw b Lyon 1 West Indies’ Brathwaite reported in their attempt to save the test turned sharply in the rough and to be a run-chase of Headingley But Buttler misjudged a de- J. Leach c Wade b Labuschagne 12 over bowling action and keep the series alive. was gloved to Matthew Wade at vintage, given the target of 383, livery from Hazlewood which S. Broad not out 0 The tourists lead 2-1 go- short leg. Overton batted with with England’s task simply to he left only to see it cut back West Indies player Kraigg Brathwaite, who bowls ing into next week’s fi nal test sense, stoicism and a strong survive until the close. sharply and clatter into his off - Extras (b9, lb8, nb2) 19 Brathwaite has been reported off -spin, was reported for a at The Oval where they hope technique, but he was trapped That challenge was made all stump. Australia keep the Ash- Total (all out, 91.3 overs, 407 mins) 197 for a suspected illegal bowling suspect action in August 2017 to become the fi rst Australian lbw by Josh Hazlewood to set the more diffi cult after they es, which they won on home Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Burns), 2-0 (Root), action during the second Test but was cleared following an team to win an Ashes series in off the Australian celebrations. lost Jason Roy and Ben Stokes turf last year and it is the fi rst 3-66 (Roy), 4-74 (Stokes), 5-93 (Denly), against India, the International independent assessment. England since 2001. “I didn’t think it would be before lunch. Roy was well set time they have retained the urn 6-138 (Bairstow), 7-172 (Buttler), 8-173 Cricket Council announced He will be required to submit Steve Smith, whose magnifi - this emotional,” said Australia before the impressive Cum- since the end of their long pe- (Archer), 9-196 (Leach), 10-197 (Over- yesterday. to further testing by Septem- cent double century and then captain Tim Paine. mins bowled him for 31 with riod of domination in 2002. ton) The match off icials’ report, ber 14 but is permitted to second innings 82 were the key “The amount of work that’s a beautiful delivery that cut There is though plenty left to which was handed over to the continue bowling in interna- Bowlers: Cummins 24-9-43-4 (2nb); factors in this win and whose gone in to retain the Ashes has back off the seam to leave Eng- play for when the teams meet West Indies management, cit- tional cricket until the results Hazlewood 17.3-5-31-2; Lyon 29-12-51-2; batting throughout the series been enormous and I’m really land at 66-3. The crowd rose again at The Oval on Thursday ed concerns about the legality are known. Starc 16-2-46-1; Labuschagne 4-1-9-1; has ensured the Ashes remain proud of this group and how we to welcome Stokes, the hero - England could level the series of the 26-year-old’s bowling India won second Test in Ja- Head 1-1-0-0 in Australian hands, was de- bounced back from Heading- of England’s last day triumph while Australia will be desper- action during the match, maica by 257 runs to win the lighted. ley,” he added. England captain at Headingley, but there was ate to ensure they go home as Result: Australia won by 185 runs. which ended last Monday. two-Test series 2-0. “It feels amazing to know the Joe Root told the BBC: “I’m bit- to be no repeat performance winners.