SPORT Thursday 6 September 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Tiger Woods Nadal downs Thiem named in US in epic battle to Ryder Cup team enter semi-finals Asian Cup preparations: gear up for home friendly against China CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA Qatar football players take part in a practice session at the Al Sadd Stadium QATAR SQUAD FOR DOHA in Doha, ahead of their international friendly match against China which FRIENDLIES will be played at the Khalifa International Stadium tomorrow. INSET: Coach DOHA: Coach Felix Sanchez will Felix Sanchez (right) gestures during the practice session. Meshal Barshm (goalkeeper), be looking to try out different Pedro Miguel, Salem Al Hajri, Tarek combinations when his team Salman, Abdul Karim Hassan, takes on China and Palestine in , Hashim Ali, friendly matches in Doha. Hassan Al Haidos and Akram Afif Qatar will take on China in (Al Sadd). Bassam Hisham Al Rawi, their first friendly match Sultan Al Brake, Assim Madibo, tomorrow, followed by the Abdullah Abdul Salam Al Ahraq, fixture against Palestine on Abdulrahman Fahmi, Al Moez Ali (Al Tuesday, as they prepare for the Duhail), Yousuf Hassan (goalkeeper), 2019 Asian Cup which will be Mahdi Ali, Abdul Aziz Hatem and held in the UAE in January next Ahmad Alaa, Hamad Al Obeidi and year. Abdul Karim Salim Al Ali (Al Sailiya) Both friendlies will be played Mohammed Alaa (Al Rayyan) Ahmed at the air-cooled Khalifa Inter- Fathi (Arab) Ahmed Moeen (Qatar) national Stadium in Doha. The Spanish tactician named Mohammed Bakri (goalkeeper) (Al a strong 25-member squad Khor). ahead of the two friendlies and Coach: Felix Sanchez the list includes a host of prom- ising players. Qatar national players took Saudi Arabia and North Korea in part in a preparatory camp in Group E. Austria ahead of the start of the China have been drawn in season, during which the team Group C along with South Korea, played two friendlies. Kirghizstan and The Out of them, some of the Philippines. young players also competed in “The Asian Cup is a very the 2018 Asian Games which important tournament, and I concluded in Indonesia earlier believe our players will do their this week. best to help the team achieve a Some of the players who good result. The ability of our played in the continental event, Khoukhi, Hassan Al Haidos, to field a full-strength squad Zheng Zhi and Gao Lin, who is which the East Asian won 2-0. players is very competitive in including goalkeeper , Bassam Hisham Al against Al Anabi before heading on the verge of becoming the Qatar will play two more Asia,” the Italian World Cup- Mohammed Bakri and Tarek Rawi, Sultan Al Brake, Assim to Bahrain for their next second man to earn 100 caps for friendly matches in October, winning coach had told Chinese Salman have been retained by Madibo, Al Moez Ali and Ahmad friendly game to be played on China. against Ecuador on October 12 media ahead of the friendly the Qatar coach. Alaa. Monday. The last time the Chinese in Doha and Uzbekistan on match. The squad also includes China, coached by former Lippi had recalled 24 players and Qatari teams met was October 16 in Tashkent. The 2019 AFC Asian Cup will experienced players of the Juventus and Italy manager for training ahead of the Doha during the FIFA World Cup In the 2019 Asian Cup, Qatar be held in the UAE from January calibre of Pedro Miguel, Boualem Marcello Lippi, is also expected encounter, including veterans qualifying third round in will be playing against Lebanon, 5 to February 1. FIBA World Cup: Qatar face uphill Organisers revise task against Australia in qualifiers QSL Cup schedule THE PENINSULA FIBA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: SECOND ROUND Qatar’s Mohamed THE PENINSULA DOHA: Qatar will be looking to QATAR’S FIXTURES Hassan QSL CUP GROUPS make amends to their campaign Mohamed goes GROUP A in the second round of FIBA DOHA: The Qatar Stars League September 13, 2018 for the basket Al Duhail, Al Gharafa, Umm Salal, Al World Cup qualifiers when they management has revised the Qatar vs Australia against Hong Arabi, Qatar SC, Al Kharaitiyat meet Group F leaders Australia Kong in the QSL Cup schedule, taking into in Doha on September 13. Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium account the national team’s GROUP B Doha Group C game Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, Al Sailiya, Al Qatar won two out of their during the 2018 calendar. six matches in the first leg and September 17, 2018 Accordingly, the first-round Khor, Al Ahli, Al Shahania Asian Games in are placed at the bottom of the matches will be played this Sat- ROUND 1 FIXTURES Philippines vs Qatar Jakarta in this points table with only eight urday and Sunday. GROUP A Smart Araneta Coliseum Manila, August 14 file points. As per the previous September 8 Philippines photo. The group also includes schedule, the matched were to 6:10pm: Al Duhail vs Al Kharaitiyat at Iran, The Philippines, Kaza- November 30, 2018 be kicked off tomorrow. Abdulla Bin Khalifa Stadium khstan and Japan. Japan vs Qatar The second round fixtures 6:10pm: Umm Salal vs Al Arabi at Qatar will be looking for full December 3, 2018 have also been changed, and Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium points in their home game Australia vs Qatar will now be played on October 8:20pm: Al Gharafa vs Qatar SC at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium which will be played at the Al February 21, 2019 11 and 13. Gharafa Sports Club in search Defending champions Al GROUP B Qatar vs Philipines of a place in the top three to Gharafa will face Qatar SC in September 9 secure a berth in next year’s Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium their opening match on the 6:10pm: Al Sadd vs Al Shahania at World Cup. February 24, 2019 opening day of the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Commenting on the chal- Qatar vs Japan tournament. 6:10pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli at Thani lenge that team Qatar is facing Al Ghrafa Indoor Stadium Al Gharafa won the 2017 Bin Jassim Stadium in the second round, Qatar Bas- QSL Cup after edging out Al 8:20pm: : Al Sailiya vs Al Khor at Abdullah ketball Federation (QBF) Sec- Rayyan 3-2 in the final at Bin Khalifa Stadium retary General Ali Al Malki said, then we will definitely advance Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium “All the pressure is on us but to next years World Cup quali- following heroics from goal- with a home advantage we are fiers. It will be a big ask but we keeper Qassim Burhan, who of four teams directly quali- hoping to cause an upset against have the players to do it” Al famously stopped a second- fying for the semi-finals like the Boomers”. Malki emphasised. half penalty kick by feared the last season. “The second round of qual- Australia and Iran both have striker Rodrigo Tabata to The Group A also include ification will consist of six 11 points while Philippines have ensure title for ‘The Al Duhail, Umm Salal, Al Arabi games, three home and three collected 10 points at the end of Cheetahs’. and Al Kharaitiyat apart from away, against Australia, Japan the first round. All the 12 QNB Stars League Al Gharafa and Qatar SC. and Philipines” he said. Only the top three teams teams divided into two groups The Group B comprises Al “If we can win all three from this group will qualify for will battle out for the trophy. Sadd, Al Rayyan, Al Sailiya, Al home games and overcome the the World Cup in September The group stage will be fol- Khor, Al Ahli and Al Aussies and Philippines away 2019 in China. lowed by quarter-finals instead Shahania. THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 17

Luis Suarez VAR disrupts flow of game, says Suarez

REUTERS

BARCELONA: Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has criticised the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR) in Spain this season, saying it disrupted the natural flow of games and that he German players warm up during the training session in Munich, southern Germany, yesterday, on the eve of their would prefer to see the use of goal- UEFA Nations League match against France. line technology instead. Suarez scored a goal in Barca’s 8-2 win over Huesca on Sunday which was initially ruled out for offside but later awarded after the referee consulted VAR, leaving the Germany looking for fresh Uruguayan unconvinced by the system. “VAR stifles celebrations,” Suarez said in an interview with radio station start after World Cup debacle RAC1 broadcast yesterday. “Defenders are now asking for something the whole time. I would AP prefer to just have goal-line tech- Cup title is source nology. With VAR, the game can lose MUNICH: Expect a complete transformation naturalness,” he added. despite the same personnel when Germany It’s up to the “Perhaps a play starts with an plays World Cup champion France today. team to light the of French power, involuntary handball, you counter- Germany coach Joachim Loew is still in attack and score, then they review charge, Reinhardt Grindel is still the head of spark and gett the play and rule it out.” the country’s soccer association, and there excitement Spain has joined top-flight are only three new players in a squad under going again. says Deschamps leagues in Italy and Germany in pressure to produce results, and fast. Then the fanss implementing VAR after having no “It’s up to the team to light the spark and form of technology last season, when will get back REUTERS get excitement going again,” Loew said yes- on our side: Suarez was denied a goal against terday. “Then the fans will get back on our Valencia despite television showing side.” Coach Loew MUNICH: Germany are a world- the ball had clearly crossed the line. Casting a shadow over the team that won class team despite their early The English Premier League has the 2014 World Cup is Mesut Ozil, who retired Hoffenheim, Kai Havertz of Bayer Leverkusen World Cup exit but France should used goal-line technology since 2013 from international soccer amid accusations and Thilo Kehrer of Paris Saint-Germain - have the advantage when the but is yet to introduce VAR, which of racism. The Arsenal midfielder felt he was maintain Loew’s long-established tendency sides meet today, French coach was widely hailed as a success when made a scapegoat for Germany’s first-round to introduce new players after major Didier Deschamps said used at the 2018 World Cup. exit at the World Cup in Russia after being tournaments. yesterday. Suarez, 31, scored for the first subjected to abuse over his pre-tournament The 33-year-old Mario Gomez has The French, who won their time in five games in all competitions photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip retired, while Sami Khedira, Sebastian Rudy, second world title in July, take in Sunday’s win over Huesca and Erdogan. Kevin Trapp and the injured Marvin Plat- on hosts Germany in the inau- admitted he needs to manage his Didier Ozil was particularly scathing of Grindel tenhardt were all dropped - albeit with good gural Nations League compe- minutes on the pitch better in order Deschamps for adding fuel to the fire - the federation chances of forcing their way back into the tition, their first game since the to get the best out of himself. president acknowledged he handled the affair squad. World Cup final against Croatia. Above all, he regrets playing in a badly by calling on “answers” from the player The likes of 2014 champions Toni Kroos, The Germans suffered a Kylian Mbappe, Antoine La Liga game against Leganes last - and Loew remains bitter that his efforts to Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Thomas shock group-stage exit at the Griezmann and Paul Pogba, season three days before the Cham- get in touch with Ozil failed. Mueller remain the cornerstones of the World Cup, their earliest in 80 should have the edge. pions League quarter-final second leg “When a player tenders his resignation team, despite their inability to lead Germany years, and coach Joachim Loew “This title should give us at AS Roma, where Barca slumped to like that, then you don’t bring him back eight into the knockout round in Russia after is under pressure to turn things power, power that gives us con- a 3-0 defeat to go out on away goals to 10 weeks later,” Loew said. losses to Mexico and South Korea. around quickly for the four-times fidence, powerower that feeds usus,”, he after winning 4-1 at home. Loew is under tremendous pressure to Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has world Champions. said. “Physicallyysically it is thethe start ofof “Rotating“Rotating is tthehe show his decision to stay is the right one, while been recalled and will be motivated to show “Germany were world cham- the seasonon andand some ofof mymy coach’scoach’s decisiondecision but I Grindel and the federation are under pressure his World Cup omission was a mistake. pions. Germany were favourites players haveave started later. It was realiserealise thatthat I shouldshould restrest after leaving the decision in his hands. The Loew, assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann for at this World Cup as well,” Des- short preparationparation anandd in a montmonthh in the mmoreore only post-World Cup managerial change was the 2006 World Cup before he took the top champs told reporters. “It did not it would bebe better.better. straight-straight - to put assistant coach Thomas Schneider in position, indicated there would be some tac- work out for them but the quality “It willll bbee ddifficultifficult bbutut we forwardforward games charge of the scouting department. tical changes against France but not a major is there. They remain a top level have the advantagedvantage withwith thethe con-con- in tthehe lleague,”eague,” Of the 23-man World Cup squad, Loew change in the team’s philosophy. team. I have a lot of respect for fidence capitalapital fromfrom thethe title.”title.” saidsaid Suarez, wwhoho has called up 17 for the initial UEFA Nations “That would be complete nonsense,” this team and for what it Francece willwill be withoutwithout has wwonon ththreeree LLaa League game against France in Munich and said Loew, who highlighted defensive work represents.” captain andand ggoalkeeperoalkeeper HugoHugo Liga titlestitles anandd one the friendly against Peru in Sinsheim three as a priority. “We have to regain the conviction But Deschamps believes that Lloris in thehe first game of the new ChampionsChampions LeagueLeague days later. of defending our own goal come hell or high France, playing with all their big tournamentent designeddesigned mainlymainly to since joining BBarcaarca The three new call-ups - Nico Schulz of water.” names in Munich including replace friendlyiendly internationals.internationals. fromfrom LiverpoolLiverpool in 20142014.. Griezmann wants Ballon d’Or recognitionn

AFP Champions League with Real Madrid. award. Asked about the FFIFAIFA But Griezmann, who rejected a move snub, Griezmann replied that PARIS: French star Antoine Griezmann to join Messi at Barcelona in the close “it’s bizarre, and a shame. It is a insists he deserves to be on the podium season, admits ending their stranglehold trophy given out by FIFA, isn’tisn’t it? for this year’s Ballon d’Or after winning Comparing 2016 and this year, over the award would be special. “And the World CupCup isis the World Cup and major silverware with for me I have to be in the top “I think about it, especially the closer organised by FIFA, right? WeWe win Atletico Madrid. three. In 2016, I lost two finals I get to it. The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious the World Cup, and there is no Griezmann came third in 2016 in the and was in the top three. This award, and it is the highest you can go as French player there. That isis voting behind Cristiano Ronaldo and time I have won three finals: a player. There are trophies in your league, their choice but it is sur- Lionel Messi for the most prestigious indi- in the World Cup, the Euro, but it’s not prising that there is no vidual award in football, despite not French star Antoine Griezmann the same,” he said. world champion.” winning anything. However, there are signs that Griez- The Ballon d’Or award That year was agonising for the mann’s glorious 2018 on the field might was run jointly by FIFA and forward as he lost the Euro 2016 final “In 2016, I lost two finals and was in not be enough. magazine France Football with France and the Champions League the top three. This time I have won three UEFA gave their award for the best until the end of 2016, sincee final with Atletico. finals.” player of last season to Luka Modric, when world football’s gov-- But this season fortune has smiled Asked if not winning it would be skipper of the Croatia side that reached erning body have reverted on Griezmann, who starred in France’s unfair, Griezmann replied: “Not unfair, but the World Cup final and a Champions to giving out their own triumphant World Cup winning campaign I would wonder what more I could do. I League winner with Real. prize. in Russia after an impressive year at have won three trophies, stood out at And Griezmann was omitted, along While a panel of Atletico, who won the Europa League and decisive moments, but it is not me who with the rest of his France team-mates, supporters, national UEFA Super Cup. votes.” from the final three nominees for FIFA’s team captains, coaches “Comparing 2016 and this year, for Ronaldo and Messi have dominated player of the year award. and journalists vote for me I have to be in the top three,” the the Ballon d’Or over the last decade and The finalists for that prize are Modric, the FIFA award, only 27-year-old told French sports daily the Portuguese superstar will be a con- Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah, the same journalists vote for the L’Equipe. tender again this year after winning the three who made up the podium for UEFA’s Ballon d’Or. 18 SPORT THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2018 Woods named in US Ryder Cup team AFP 2018 RYDER CUP TEAMS Europe was his prime ThomasThomas fforor bbelievingelieving iinn me aand,nd, motivation. Former world number youyou know, I know thathatt it PHILADELPHIA: Tiger Woods Europe “It’s obvious that the one one Woods had probablyprobably wasn’t an eeasyasy was named to the United States’ Thomas Bjorn (DEN/non-playing captain) thing that has been missing over already been assured decision.decision. Ryder Cup team on Tuesday as Automatic qualifiers: the years is for our team to go of a trip to Paris for “It’s been a tough yearyear captain Jim Furyk also added Francesco Molinari (ITA), Rory McIlroy (NIR), Jon Rahm (ESP), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), Justin Rose over to Europe and win,” Mick- obviously...obviously... I’ve bebeenen veteran Phil Mickelson and elson said. the September 28-30 working hard. I feel likelike myy (ENG), Alex Noren (SWE), Tyrrell Hatton (ENG), Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) showdown with in-form Bryson DeChambeau to Wildcard picks: “I’m very excited about the game is coming along.”along.” Europe after being his line-up. Paul Casey (ENG), Sergio Garcia (ESP), Henrik Stenson (SWE), Ian Poulter (ENG) team this year. We have some It willwill bbee Garcia’s nintninthh Former world number one United States incredible players, great lead- named as one of non- RyderRyder Cup appearance, Woods had already been assured ership and a really special oppor- havinghaving won 22.5 points since Jim Furyk (non-playing captain) playing vice-captains. of a trip to Paris for the Sep- tunity to do something that we becomingbecoming the event’s tember 28-30 showdown with Automatic qualifiers: haven’t done in a long time. yyoungest-everoungest-ever plaplayeryer as a Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Bubba Mickelson and Europe after being named as one “It’s a wonderful chance to DeChambeau filled 19-year-old in 1999.1999. of Furyk’s non-playing Watson, Webb Simpson do something that I haven’t done BjornBjorn likened Garcia’sGarcia’s vice-captains. Captain’s picks: in my career and would very the other two presence in the team as that off

However, Woods’ form since Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods much like to.” captain’s picks a “football captain”. his return to golf this year -- Furyk to name final pick on September 10 DeChambeau, 24, had vir- announced by Furyk. “Everybody“Everybody knows how prompted Furyk to award him tually guaranteed himself one of much I love the Ryder Cup anandd one of the four captain’s picks the captain’s picks after storming The United States everybody knows how much I set aside for players who did not “But also deep down I There had been little sus- to victory in the opening two legs will be chasing love team sports and we’vewe’ve qualify automatically for the wanted to make the team. I really pense surrounding Furyk’s of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup always really enjoyed footballfootball team. wanted to play on it. It was a goal announcement. play-off series, winning the their first Ryder Cup and all those kind of things,” saidsaid “We’re all excited to see him for the end of the season and as Mickelson was always Northern Trust and Dell Tech- victory on European thethe 2017 Masters healthy again and playing well,” the year progressed I was regarded as a likely pick for what nologies Championship. soil in 25 years. champion.champion. Furyk said of Woods, who missed somehow able to get some high will be a record-breaking 12th Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia TheThe RydeRyderr most of the 2016 and 2017 finishes and lo and behold I’m Ryder Cup appearance. promised to “give everything” to Cup gets seasons with a long-term back on the team. It’s incredible, The 48-year-old reminded help Europe win back the Ryder underwayunderway on injury. beyond special.” Furyk of his quality with a daz- Cup, after being given a wildcard SeptemberSeptember 28,28, “It’s a feather in our cap to Mickelson and DeChambeau zling eight-under-par 63 in the by captain Thomas Bjorn yes- withwith tthehe UniUnitedted have Tiger playing on our side,” filled the other two captain’s final round of the Dell Technol- terday despite his poor form this StatesStates arriving in Furyk added. picks announced by Furyk on ogies Championship on season. Paris as ddefendingefending Woods, who has not played Tuesday. Monday. The 38-year-old Spaniard champions,champions, bbutut a Ryder Cup since 2012, revealed The US captain will “To be able to play at that has missed the cut at the last five lookinglooking for theitheirr that he had set himself the target announce his final place on the elite level for as long as he has, major championships, and has ffirstirst winwin on of making the US team at the defending champions’ team next to be that consistent for as long managed only one top-10 finish EEuropeanuropean soisoill start of the season. week, with Tony Finau regarded as he has is an impressive feat,” since April. sincesince 191993.93. “I haven’t been part of the as the front-runner for the Furyk said of Mickelson. But that came at Ryder Cup team playing-wise for six years,” position. “I’m excited to have him on venue Le Golf National in the said the 42-year-old, who will the team. He’s a veteran leader, French Open, and Denmark’s be playing his eighth Ryder Cup. knows the inner workings of our Bjorn plumped for Garcia’s expe- “I served as a vice-captain a team room and provides a spark. rience in the matchplay couple of years ago, and that was It’s great to have him be a part showdown against the United incredible. This year to have the of it.” States after seeing five rookies Tiger Woods honour to be able to play again We’re all excited to The United States will be qualify for the event is beyond special,” the 14-time see him healthy again chasing their first Ryder Cup automatically. major winner added. and playing well. It’s victory on European soil in 25 “It is very exciting for me to “At the beginning of the year a feather in our cap years when they face Europe at be part of another Ryder Cup that was one of my goals, to Le Golf National in Saint- team, and I’m going to give eve- make this team. I got the call to have Tiger playing Quentin-en-Yvelines outside rything I have,” said Garcia, who from Jim and he asked if I would on our side: US team Paris. has been part of five Ryder Cup- serve as a vice-captain and I said captain Jim Furyk Mickelson said ending that winning teams. ‘Absolutely.’ long US wait for a victory in “(I’m) very thankful to

England’s Cook ‘cried’ when he Australian cricket draws up cultural charter to told team-mates of retirement avoid scandals REUTERS reassess his game, Cook said: “It did cross my mind briefly, as the AFP England’s Alastair LONDON: England batsman decision became clear in my Cook during nets Alastair Cook cried when he mind. SYDNEY: Australian cricket broke the news of his retirement session in London, “But if you are looking over is drawing up a cultural blue- to his team-mates but said yesterday. the last two or three years, I print in which players will The player charter yesterday that burn-out was not haven’t played a huge amounts pledge to uphold certain is being developed behind his decision to bring the of games, and I’ve never felt that standards in a move away in the wake of a curtain down on his interna- getting on another plane has from their win-at-all-costs tional career after more than a been the struggle.” mentality, according to ball-tampering decade. Tomorrow’s Test against skipper Tim Paine. scandal in March The 33-year old opener India will mark the end of Cook’s The player charter is that rocked the announced on Monday that he 12-year international career, being developed in the wake game and cost was retiring from England duty during which he has become the of a ball-tampering scandal after this week’s fifth test against nation’s highest run-scorer in in March that rocked the captain Steve Smith India, saying there was “nothing Tests with 12,254 in 160 outings. game and cost captain Steve and his deputy left in the tank.” England are 3-1 ahead and Smith and his deputy David David Warner their Cook said he informed his have wrapped up the series but Warner their jobs. jobs. team-mates about his retirement Cook is determined to play well Coach Darren Lehmann plans after their 60-run victory and enjoy one last Test victory. also resigned amid criticism over India in the fourth Test at did,” he told reporters yesterday Cook has endured a poor run “It would be fantastic (to that he allowed an attitude team. We don’t own it,” the Southampton but had told ahead of the final test at The of form with the bat in nine Tests bow out on a high), but it would within the team to flourish wicketkeeper-batsman captain Joe Root before the Oval. this year in which he has be great for England to win most that led to the embarrassing added. match. “There was a little bit of averaged 18.62 runs compared importantly -- 4-1 sounds better episode. “We are just here for the “I was a couple of beers in silence, then Mo (Moeen Ali) said with a career average of 44.88. than 3-2. If I can play a good Two reviews into the ride and it’s important that and I needed to be, otherwise I’d something, everybody laughed Asked if he had considered innings, that would be fantastic,” state of the game were set up we leave that team in a better have cried more than I actually and it was forgotten about.” requesting a sabbatical to he added. in the aftermath -- one place to when we went into focusing on the culture it.” within Cricket Australia and Under the charter, which the other into the team. will be separate to Cricket Aus- New PCB chief wants to fight India in legal case Paine told the Sydney tralia’s code of conduct and Morning Herald yesterday encourage a hard-but-fair AP Pakistan was scheduled to stage the patron of the PCB, nomi- that he and new coach Justin attitude, players will be held both series, and claimed losses nated Mani as a member of the Langer were playing a central to account by their peers. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s new of nearly $70m. board of governors last month role in formalising a blue- Paine told the newspaper cricket chairman says he will Since then, they have met when Najam Sethi resigned as print for players to follow to it was as much about continue to push his country’s in the 2015 Cricket World Cup board chairman. Sethi’s resig- ensure such scandals never improving cricketers as case at the ICC dispute and 2017 Champions Trophy. nation was expected as he had happen again. “people” as it was about the committee over arch-rival India They are scheduled to meet this a poor relationship with Khan, He said the new team team’s on-field actions. pulling out of two bilateral month in the Asia Cup in the who was elected prime minister charter, linked to the reviews, “We want to build a series. United Arab Emirates. in July general elections. could be in place ahead of culture that makes people “Their (Indian) policy has Their legal case before the Mani said he would like to their Test series against want to be better and been overall contradicting, ICC dispute panel begins on tweak the PCB constitution to Pakistan in the United Arab produce not only better because they are always ready October 1. diminish the power of the Emirates next month. cricketers but better people,” to play in multinational tour- “If it was at an earlier stage, chairman. “That’s really important. he said. naments like Asia Cup and I could have sat with the BCCI “Everywhere in the world We are the lucky ones that “If we can do that, that’s World Cup but pulls out on at the table to sort this out, but it doesn’t happen like this, so get to represent our country the sort of environment bilateral arrangements,” the process has started and we have to tweak the consti- and pull on that baggy green people want to be involved Pakistan Cricket Board gone too far to be pulled back,” tution,” he said. cap, which is a huge privilege. in and that culture spreads chairman Ehsan Mani (pic- Mani said. “The whole system should I think we have to go back to really quickly through the tured) said. Mani was elected unop- run only for cricketers, and the that and just remember that team rather than having to India cancelled series with posed as chairman for a three- importance of the chairman and we are Australia’s team -- we try and sell your culture all Pakistan in 2014 and 2015, year term on Tuesday in Lahore. board members will be toned are not the Australian cricket the time.” claiming political tensions. Prime Minister Imran Khan, down.” THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 19

NBA: Pacers US Open: Nadal downs Thiem extend coach McMillan’s in epic battle to enter semis contract REUTERS

AFP Nadal had defeated 4-3 lead in the third which NEW YORK: The Indiana Thiem in the Roland Garros he stretched to 5-3 but then Pacers announced the signing NEW YORK: Defending final in June but this was it was his turn to crack as of head coach Nate McMillan champion Rafael Nadal their first meeting away Nadal raced away with three to a multi-year extension on survived an epic US Open from a clay court. games to claim a two sets Tuesday. quarter-final confrontation “He has a great attitude to one lead. Terms of the deal were to defeat battling ninth seed and is a great fighter,” Thiem was 4-2 ahead not disclosed, but reports of Dominic Thiem 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, added Nadal. in the fourth set before he the extension being finalised 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5) and In a dramatic was again reeled in and he in early August said his new reach the semi-finals for the final set, Nadal was two points from defeat contract will run through the seventh time. saw five break in the 12th game. 2020-21 season. In a gripping 4-hour points come and go But he took the tie- McMillan, 54, was 49-minute contest, world before Thiem went breaker before Nadal just entering the final guaranteed number one Nadal won long with a smash on the proved the steadier of the year of his deal. He helped the through to keep his bid for first match point. two in the final set Pacers to a 48-34 record and a fourth US Open title in It was his 58th unforced decider. their second consecutive New York and 18th Grand error on a night when he Del Potro reached the postseason appearance last Slam crown on track. sent down 18 aces and fired semi-finals for the third season, despite the trading However, the 32-year- 74 winners. time, defeating John Isner away of five-time All-Star old was fortunate to The semi-final will pit 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 Paul George. Indiana lost in triumph on another hot and Nadal against third seed and ending American hopes seven games to the Cleveland humid night at Flushing Juan Martin del Potro for the of a first men’s champion at Cavaliers in the first round of Meadows, 24 hours after second successive Grand the event since 2003. the play-offs. Roger Federer had been Slam. Del Potro dropped his McMillan is 90-74 in two dumped out of the tour- At Wimbledon, Nadal first set of the tournament years at the helm of the nament by John Millman. came back from two sets to against 11th seed Isner, who Pacers after spending three After suffering a first one down to win in five in a was playing in his maiden years as an assistant for set ‘bagel’, Nadal had to quarter-final which quarter-final at his home Indiana. battle back from breaks in stretched to almost five Slam. Meanwhile, Atlanta the third and fourth sets hours. Despite that, the Hawks center Dewayne before seeing off the first Thiem broke three times 29-year-old was never Dedmon has been placed in top 20 player he had faced in a 24-minute first set on broken in the 3 hour 31 a walking boot after injuring at the US Open since 2013. Tuesday, handing Nadal just minute match where Isner his left ankle during a “I suffered, that’s the his third ‘bagel’ at a Grand unleashed 26 aces but was workout last week, the team right word,” said Nadal after Slam. undone by 52 unforced announced. playing his longest ever Nadal recovered from errors compared to Del An X-ray and MRI exam match at the tournament. being broken as he served Potro’s 14. revealed an avulsion fracture “I said to Dominic I am for the second set in the “To reach the semi- for Dedmon, who sustained Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves to Austria’s sorry. He’s a great guy, a ninth game with an imme- final again here in New York the injury August 27. He will Dominic Thiem during their quarter-finals close friend who will have diate break back to level the in my favourite tournament be re-evaluated in one week. many more opportunities to contest. is very special to me,” said match in New York. Dedmon, 29, averaged win the big titles.” Thiem then grabbed a Del Potro after his win. career highs of 10.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in 62 games (46 starts) for the Hawks last season. Elsewhere, the Portland ‘Defeat will stay with Williams not looking ahead Trail Blazers announced the signing of center Chinanu Onuaku, guard Gary Payton me forever,’ says II and forward Cameron after reaching semi-finals Oliver to training camp deals. Of the trio, only Onuaku dejected Thiem was drafted, going No. 37 REUTERS overall to the Houston AFP Rockets in 2016. NEW YORK: Serena Williams Onuaku, 21, has averaged powered her way to within two 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds NEW YORK: Dominic Thiem said his epic defeat to close victories of a seventh US Open in six NBA appearances (one friend Rafael Nadal in the US Open quarter-finals will “stay title and while she refused to start) over the last two with me forever”. look ahead there are many seasons. Defending champion Nadal downed battling ninth seed willing to do it for her, and what Thiem 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5) to reach the semi- they see is a suddenly open path finals for the seventh time. to a 24th Grand Slam. In a gripping 4-hour 49-minute contest, world number “I’d been a couple steps one Nadal won through to keep his bid for a fourth title in away at the last Grand Slam, so England to New York and 18th Grand Slam crown on track. I’m definitely not ahead of “It’s going to be stuck in my mind forever. Forever I’m myself,” said Williams, the play warm-up going to remember this match, for sure,” said Thiem after memory of a 6-3, 6-3 loss to his first ever hard court match against Nadal. Angelique Kerber in the Wim- match against “Tennis is cruel sometimes because I think this match bledon final still fresh. Italy didn’t really deserve a loser. But there has to be one. “I still know that no matter “It ended up in the fifth set tiebreaker, there it’s 50/50. whether I’m in the semi-finals REUTERS He made one more point than me.” Thiem handed Nadal, or the finals, I have a really long against whom he lost in the Roland Garros final in June, just way to go to win that. his fourth ever ‘bagel’ set at the Slams. “Again, that proved to be LONDON: England will That was wrapped up in just 24 minutes with Nadal true at Wimbledon.” face Italy at St James’ winning only seven points. Williams has done her part, Park in Newcastle as part Thiem was also 5-3 ahead in the third set and 4-2 in the making her way to the last four of their four World Cup fourth before he was reeled in by Nadal, the three-time with her usual efficiency while warm-up matches next champion in New York. throwing in an occasional year, the Rugby Football Serena Williams of the US celebrates a point against Czech Republic’s Nadal said he had told Thiem he was sorry for the result wobble just to keep things inter- Union said yesterday. Karolina Pliskova during their semi-finals match in New York. although the Austrian laughed off that consolation from his esting but not scary. Eddie Jones’ side will close friend. But Williams has also face Wales and Ireland “I don’t think he’s really sorry,” said the 25-year-old. received help along the way a first round upset, eliminating US OPEN RESULTS at Twickenham on “I mean, he’s a great guy. I don’t want to lose against with others bulldozing the route a tricky fourth round encounter August 11 and August 24 anybody. But now I wish him the title the most, that’s for to Saturday’s final clear of some with the French Open champion. Men’s Quarter-finals respectively, before sure. major roadblocks. Spain’s double Grand Slam Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Dominic Thiem (AUT playing Italy on Sep- “I think we almost all the time have great matches. I When the 36-year-old winner Garbine Murgurza was x9) 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5) tember 6. England have hope that we have many more in the future -- with a dif- American first looked at the next to go, making a second Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x3) bt John Isner not played a home match ferent end.” draw she would have instantly round exit, and then earlier on (USA x11) 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 away from Twickenham picked out world number one Tuesday Williams side-stepped Women’s Quarter-finals since their final pool Simona Halep as a potential a semi-final showdown with fixture of the 2015 World Dominic Thiem of Serena Williams (USA x17) bt Karolína Plísková troublespot, but even before third seed Sloane Stephens Cup at Manchester City’s Austria reacts during Williams had hit her first ball the when the defending champion (CZE x8) 6-4, 6-3 stadium.

quarter-finals match Romanian was gone, a victim of was sent packing by Anastasija Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x19) bt Sloane “These Quilter Inter- against Rafael Nadal. Sevastova. Stephens (USA x3) 6-2, 6-3 nationals will be The 18th seeded Latvian is extremely important to now the only hurdle standing March following the birth of her the squad’s final prepa- between Williams and a place first child. rations before we head I still know that no in Saturday’s final where the “That’s a really big step for out to Japan,” Jones said matter whether I’m in other side of the draw has also me. Shocking, my first top-10 .“It is great news to be been cleared of potential trouble win,” said Williams. “I’m here to able to take England to the semi-finals or the with 14th seeded American do my best. another part of the finals, I have a really Madison Keys the highest “I don’t think I have another country and Newcastle long way to go to ranked threat remaining. 10 years of having opportunities will be fantastic hosts win that. Again, that Williams’s 6-4 6-3 quarter- to be able to play and win like they were for the final win over Czech eighth seed championships. matches here in 2015. proved to be true at Karolina Pliskova on Tuesday “Every match really means We will look forward to Wimbledon: Serena was her first over a top 10 a lot to me. I kind of go out playing in front of a great Williams ranked opponent since there and I just do the best that northern crowd.” returning to the WTA Tour in I can.”