SPORT Monday 1 October 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 27 Del Potro savours Messi and co ‘amazing year’ after ‘angry’ after Barca injury hell slip up again

Kashima and ACL semi-final: Al Sadd look to draw Suwon gear up for first leg in Kashima first blood against Iran’s Persepolis THE PENINSILA RIZWAN REHMAT KASHIMA: Kashima Antlers THE PENINSULA ACL SEMI-FINAL First leg will compete in the AFC Tomorrow at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium; kick Champions League’s last four DOHA: Former champions Al off: 6:15pm for the first time when they Sadd will be looking to carry their Facts take on Suwon Samsung rich goal-scoring form into their Bluewings at Kashima Soccer Al Sadd are the only side left in the competition AFC Champions League semi- Stadium on Wednesday. to have won the AFC Champions League, while final against Iranian giants Perse- The teams twice met in polis in the first leg to be played they were also the last team from West Asia to the group stage, sharing a win at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium lift the coveted trophy when they defeated apiece, before Kashima tomorrow. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the 2011 final. ousted Shanghai SIPG in the Last week Al Sadd - the 2011 last 16 in what was their first AFC Champions League winners The Doha team have overcome Saudi Arabia’s ever knockout stage win and - crushed Al Rayyan 5-1 in their Al Ahli and Iran’s Esteghlal in the knockout then eased past another ‘Qatar Clasico’ clash and then fol- rounds and have not lost since the group stage Chinese side,Tianjin

lowed the impressive show with as they aim to repeat the feat of seven years Quanjian, 5-0 on aggregate another resounding win over ago and end East Asian dominance. in the quarter-finals. Qatar SC winning the match with Kashima, up 2-0 from the a 5-1 scorecard on Thursday. Bounedjah sealed Al Sadd’s first leg, was in total control Feared Algerian striker passage to the ACL semi-finals after first-half goals by Baghdad Bounedjah has scored after a thrilling encounter with Serginho and Hiroki Abe. three goals last week while fast- Iran’s Esteghlal. Shoma Doi polished off the improving winger Akram Afif - Al Sadd, a two-time winners win in Macau, where the who is proving to be a terror for of the Asian club championship, match was moved because rivals in the QNB Stars League drew 2-2 against Esteghlal to Tianjin was hosting the World matches - scored a goal each complete a 5-3 win on aggregate Economic Forum. Al Sadd captain Xavi (centre), winger Abdulkarem Hasan (second right) and striker Baghdad Bounedjah against Al Rayyan and Qatar SC. at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Suwon won the now (right) during a team's training session, in this file photo. “I am satisfied to see the team Sadd arrived for the return leg defunct Asian Club Champi- continue winning both in Asia and on home soil with a 3-1 cushion onship twice in the early domestically and not waste points. “It is very important for us to “(When) we scored three second behind team-mate having beaten their Iranian rivals 2000s but have only once At Al Sadd, we have a strong squad have a strong strike force, as we goals, I asked the players to slow Bounedjah who has a tally of 14. in the first leg at Azadi Stadium. before, in 2011, reached the and I am reassured by the team’s have a crucial game coming up down the tempo of the game to “I am very happy with my Al Sadd’s goals were scored semi-finals. performances until now,” team in the AFC Champions League. endure through the game,” Fer- success in the scoring, which was by Afif (27) and Bounedjah (90 + But having eliminated coach Jesualdo Ferreira said after We should work towards scoring reira said. done with the help of my staff 2). Esteghlal, who played most domestic rivals Ulsan Al Sadd beat Qatar SC 5-1 at a big number of goals in the first “The temperature was very and my team,” Afif said earlier in part of the second half with 10 Hyundai in the last 16 and Suheim BIn Hamad Stadium. leg, so that it can be of benefit in high, but the Al Sadd playerplayerss the week. men, were lifted by goals by then edged past two-time thethe second legleg in Tehran,” the were ververyy impressive,” he added. “My performance in the AFC Rouhollah Bagheri (32) and winners Jeonbuk on penalties experienceexperience PortuguesePortuguese Afif, the 21-year-old Champions League is improving Morteza Tabrizi (49). in the previous round, they added. leftleft winwinger,ger, has been the in every game and I’m always “It feels great to have reached have a chance to advance to AAfterfter watching Al talktalk ofof thethe seasonseason so far.far. trying to do my best,” he added. the semi-finals of this prestigious the showpiece event for the It is very important SaddSadd tatakeke a cocom-m- TheThe Aspire AcaAcademydemy Afif said Al Sadd is thrilled to championship,” regular skipper first time. mandingmanding 3-0 lead by graduate has pumpumpedped be in the semi-finals of the ACL. Hassan Al Haydos, who is They deefated Jeonbuk for us to have a strong thethe 29th minute, FerFer-- inin eight goals in Al “We are happy to have uncertain for tomorrow’s clash, 4-2 on penalties at Suwon strike force, as we reirareira saidsaid hehe eveneven Sadd’s six QNBQNB Stars reached the semi-finals though said after Al Sadd sealed their World Cup Stadium in Suwon, have a crucial game asked his players save League matches, only we had a tough time playing semis berth. south of Seoul. The two K their energyenergy for tomor-tomor- against Estaghlal,” he said. “We have worked extremely League 1 teams entered the coming up in the AFC row’srow’s crucialcrucial “Despite not having the full hard to reach thus far. The penalty shootout after they Champions League. match.match. strength of players, we managed players have put in great efforts were tied 3-3 on aggregate We should work well and maintained top level in all through the AFC Champions and went scoreless in extra towards scoring a big both legs,” he said. League so far,” he added. time. “We are now fully concen- “I want to say ‘well done’ to number of goals in trating on our clash against the players and want to thank the the first leg, so that Persepolis,” Afif said. fans for their support,” Al Haydos ASIAN CL SEMI-FINAL it can be of benefit “We will continue to work said. First leg in the second leg in hard to make our fans happy. Our The match kicks off at 6:15 Kashima Antlers (JPN) vs Suwon Samsung goal is to do our best in every pm at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Bluewings (KOR)

Tehran: Al Sadd coach game we play,” Afif said. Al Sadd will travel to Tehran Venue: Kashima Soccer Stadium, Kashima Jesualdo Ferreira Jesualdo Ferreira Two weeks ago, a slick for the away fixture at the Azadi Kick-off: October 3, 1:00pm penalty in injury time by Stadium on October 23. 2022 FIFA World Cup: Al Rayyan Stadium moves towards completion

A bird’s eye view of the under construction Al Rayyan Stadium Arena, one of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The construction work is in full swing for the 40,000 capacity stadium, which will host the World Cup matches till the quarter-final stage. Its standout feature is the facade that incorporates various symbols of Qatari culture and is inspired by the sand dunes of the nearby desert. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy will deliver the venue using environmentally- friendly building materials and practices. Every part of the stadium district has been designed with sustainability in mind. After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, almost half of the stadium’s modular seats will be removed and given to football development projects around the world. TOP: A computer- generated picture showing the pitch. 26 SPORT MONDAY 1 OCTOBER 2018 Europe win back Ryder Cup AFP Garcia becomes SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, leading Ryder FRANCE: Europe’s finest golfers recaptured the Ryder Cup yesterday, Cup scorer holding off a dramatic United States AFP fightback to complete an emotional upset victory with Italy’s Francesco Molinari clinching the outcome. SAINT-QUENTIN-EN- Reigning British Open champion YVELINES, FRANCE: Sergio Molinari defeated five-time major Garcia became the leading winner Phil Mickelson 4 and 2 to give points-scorer in Ryder Cup Europe an insurmountable 14 1/2-9 history as his 2 and 1 win over 1/2 lead over the favoured Americans American Rickie Fowler helped in the biennial team showdown at Le Europe regain the trophy at Le Golf National. Golf National yesterday. “It was amazing,” Molinari said. The 38-year-old Spaniard, a “It’s an incredible achievement. We controversial wildcard pick by did just an amazing job.” captain Thomas Bjorn after a poor In the process, Molinari -- who season, passed Nick Faldo’s pre- had been winless in six prior Ryder vious mark of 25 points, reaching Cup matches -- became the first 25.5 since making his debut in European and only the fourth player 1999. ever to go 5-for-5 in a Ryder Cup and “I don’t usually cry, but I did so just two months after hoisting couldn’t help it. What a week,” a the Claret Jug. tearful Garcia said. “It feels great but it’s not about “It means a lot but at the end me,” he said. of the day, I’ve always said it -- Europe’s team members pose after winning the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, France, yesterday. BOTTOM: “It was about time to have them it’s about the team and I’m happy Team Europe captain Thomas Bjorn with the trophy. but it’s about the group not the that I was able to help. individual. “I’m happy that I was able to “I couldn’t even dream of a Masters champion, followed that by help with some of the points. It’s summer like this.” Europe had seized beating Rickie Fowler 2 and 1, vaulting a bonus.” Garcia had endured a a 10-6 edge in Saturday’s foursomes him to 25.5 career Ryder Cup points, difficult year, missing the cut at and fourballs matches and needed I’m happy I got that point. breaking Nick Faldo’s old mark of 25. all four majors, but was still only 4 1/2 points from yesterday’s 12 I’m getting goosebumps Matches stood on a knife’s edge selected by Bjorn on the strength singles matches to swipe the trophy. deep into the afternoon, the Amer- of his Ryder Cup performances The US team needed to match the talking about it. It wasn’t icans clinging to hopes as tension built down the years. greatest last-day comebacks in Ryder a fitting way for the across the back nine. “It’s been a rough year, but we Cup history by taking eight singles match to end: Thomas Four-time major winner Rory fought hard, I’m so thankful to points to keep the Cup, but there was McIlroy endured a last-hole collapse Thomas Bjorn for believing in no French magic like Europe’s 2012 and lost 1-up to American four-point me,” he said. ‘Miracle at Medinah’ or the Americans’ momentum. rookie Justin Thomas in the opening “I’m so happy to get the Cup 1999 victory in the ‘Battle of Rahm, who led after all but one match. McIlroy’s tee shot plugged in back and in Paris and to enjoy it Brookline’. hole, pumped his fists and screamed a right-side bunker, his second rolled as much I did.” The 2017 Masters The Americans, who haven’t won with joy after his winning four-foot back into the sand and his third found champion arrived in France on in Europe since 1993, lead the all-time birdie putt, which came after a three- the water. He surrendered the hole 22.5 points from eight previous rivalry 26-14 with two drawn but the putt bogey at the par-3 16th, left and match after failing to sink his appearances, and combined with Europeans’ ninth victory in the past Europe two wins from victory. bogey bid from the drop zone with Alex Noren to thrash Phil Mick- 12 attempts gave them an 11-8 with “To beat Tiger, one of the greatest Thomas on the green in two. elson and Bryson DeChambeau one drawn edge since expansion from players of all time, for the pivotal “I’m happy I got that point. I’m as Europe swept the Friday four- a British-Irish squad after 1977. point, it’s the best feeling of my life,” getting goosebumps talking about it,” somes to get his Ryder Cup Americans pulled within 10 1/2-9 Rahm said. Thomas said. “It wasn’t a fitting way underway. 1/2 Sunday before Europe’s first England’s Ian Poulter, Europe’s for the match to end.” Third-ranked He added a dramatic fourball singles victory came from Danish wildcard talisman, birdied the 18th Brooks Koepka, this year’s US Open victory alongside Rory McIlroy rookie Thorbjorn Olesen, who beat hole to beat world number one Dustin and PGA Championship winner, over Brooks Koepka and Tony three-time major winner Jordan Johnson 2-up and put Europe on the halved with England’s Paul Casey in Finau on Saturday morning, Spieth 5 and 4. Spain’s Jon Rahm fol- brink of victory. a match neither led by more than 1-up. curling home a long birdie putt lowed by downing Tiger Woods 2 and That set the stage for Molinari to “I threw a lot at him,” Casey said. on the 17th to secure the point. 1, keeping the 14-time major clinch the win after Mickelson found “It was a classic match. Very proud Garcia missed out on the champion winless in four matches this water at 16 and conceded. to turn that match around and grab record in the penultimate session week and snuffing out any US Spain’s Sergio Garcia, last year’s that half point.” as he and Noren lost to Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson, but he broke Faldo’s record in style as Europe roared back to crush the Americans on the Albatros course despite some early Sunday Tanigawa leads at Pebble Beach resistance from the away team. He said he felt good heading AP way, somehow,” Tanigawa said. The former UCLA player had a 10-under birdie on the par-4 ninth. into the week after a morale- “It just happened to go in. You don’t 133 total. He opened with a 67 at Pebble “It was one of my best rounds,” boosting top-10 finish at the Por- CALIFORNIA: Ken Tanigawa made a expect to make those.” Beach on Friday. Hallberg said. tugal Masters last Sunday. 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th at Gary Hallberg, Marco Dawson and “It would just be incredible,” Tan- “I’ve had some lower scores, but “Felt like something was hap- Poppy Hills on Saturday for a 5-under Tom Gillis were tied for second. Hallberg igawa said about the chance to win at today the wind was blowing this pening. I played really well last 66 and a two-stroke lead in the Pure had a 5-under 67 at Pebble Beach, the Pebble Beach. morning, so it was a little tricky. It’s firm, week in Portugal and you know, Insurance Championship. Making his site of the final round in the event that “Pebble could be my favorite place so when it’s firm, the greens are firm I rested a little bit which was 18th PGA Tour Champions start after pairs players with juniors from The First to play golf. That’s what I was telling and it makes it a little bit harder.” The nice,” Garcia added. earning his tour card at Q-school, the Tee program. Dawson and Gillis shot you yesterday. I’ve been playing here 50-year-old Gillis is making his fifth “I needed that to play with the 50-year-old Tanigawa rebounded from 68s at Poppy Hills. since amateur, our state am used to be senior start after opening the season on energy that the Ryder Cup a bogey on the par-4 17th with the eagle. Tanigawa got through Q-school as up here. It’s just a magical place, espe- the Web.com Tour. He tied for third in deserved, and you know, I’m so “I was just trying to two-putt, hit it a re-instated amateur and turned pro- cially when the weather’s like this. I just his first two Champions event and tied happy that I was able to play -- on the green and try to make 4 some fessional again at the start of the season. love it here.” Hallberg closed with a for sixth in his last. not only myself -- but the whole team, as well as we did.” South Africa stutter before beating Zimbabwe AFP SCOREBOARD Zimbabwe Imran Tahir 5-1-23-2 KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA: H. Masakadza c Hendricks b Phehlukwayo ...... 25 South Africa South Africa had some anxious S. Mire c Hendricks b Ngidi ...... 0 A. Markram c Chigumbura b Chatara ...... 27 moments before beating C. Ervine c Klaasen b Mulder ...... 7 D. Elgar c Moor b Chatara ...... 2 Zimbabwe by five wickets in the B. Taylor c Hendricks b Rabada ...... 9 R. Hendricks b W. Masakadza...... 5 first one-day international at the S. Williams lbw b Phehlukwayo ...... 4 H. Klaasen c Ervine b W. Masakadza ...... 44 Diamond Oval yesterday. P. Moor c Elgar b Rabada ...... 13 C. Jonker c Williams b Mavuta ...... 6 It looked like being an easy E. Chigumbura c Rabada b Ngidi ...... 27 J. Duminy not out ...... 16 day for the hosts when Zim- W. Masakadza lbw b Imran Tahir ...... 15 W. Mulder not out ...... 14 babwe crashed to 117 all out, B. Mavuta lbw b Imran Tahir...... 5 Extras (b1, lb1, nb1, w2) ...... 5 K. Jarvis b Ngidi ...... 8 Total (5 wkts, 26.1 overs) 119 their lowest total in 39 one-day T. Chatara not out 0 Did not bat: A. Phehlukwayo, K. Rabada, Imran Tahir, internationals between the two Extras (w4) ...... 4 L. Ngidi countries. But South Africa also Total (34.1 overs) ...... 117 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-25, 3-40, 4-58, 5-96 struggled on a pitch of variable Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-28, 3-38, 4-44, 5-53, 6-62, Bowling: Jarvis 7-0-36-0, Chatara 6-1-12-2 (1nb, and occasionally steep bounce, 7-86, 8-96, 9-112, 10-117 2w), W. Masakadza 5-1-26-2, Mavuta 4-0-24-1, Wil- losing their first four wickets for Bowling: Rabada 8-2-34-2 (2w), Ngidi 8.1-1-19-3 liams 4.1-0-19-0 58 runs before a hard-hit 44 by (1w), Mulder 6-0-19-1 (1w), Phehlukwayo 7-2-22-2, Result: South Africa won by five wickets wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen took them most of the way to quite a tough total to chase simple, hitting your lengths and the win. down.” the wicket will do the rest,” said “It was a very indifferent Opening bowler Lungi Ngidi Ngidi, who was named man of wicket,” said stand-in South took three for 19 to lead a potent the match. Duminy’s decision to African captain JP Duminy. South African bowling per- bowl paid off almost immedi- “There was always some- formance after Duminy sent ately when Solomon Mire was thing in it for the bowlers. Even Zimbabwe in to bat. caught at second slip off Ngidi South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi (left) celebrates after dismissing Zimbabwe’s Kyle Jarvis during the first One- though we bowled well it was “It was about keeping it without scoring. Day International match against Zimbabwe at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley, yesterday. MONDAY 1 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27 Hamilton wins Russian GP to go 50 points clear

REUTERS FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS manoeuvred the Finn onto the top step alongside him. Drivers SOCHI: Valtteri Bottas moved “It’s actually quite a difficult aside to let Mercedes team-mate 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 306 pts, 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 256, 3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 189, 4. Kimi Raik- day,” explained the Briton. Lewis Hamilton win the Russian konen (FIN) 186, 5. Max Verstappen (NED) 158, 6. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 134, 7. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 53, “He was a real gentleman to Grand Prix and surge 50 points 8. Nico Hülkenberg (GER) 53, 9. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 50, 10. Sergio Perez (MEX) 47, 11. Estéban Ocon (FRA) let me by. Usually I’d be elated clear in the Formula One cham- 47, 12. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 38, 13. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 28, 14. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 27, 15. Charles Leclerc but I can understand how dif- pionship yesterday with five (MON) 21, 16. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) 8, 17. Lance Stroll (CAN) 6, 18. Marcus Ericsson (SWE) 6, 19. Brendon ficult it was for Valtteri.” races remaining. Hartley (NZL) 2, 20. Sergey Sirotkin (RUS) 1 The Finn, without a win this The victory was a landmark Constructors season, had asked the team over

70th for the Briton, who is well 1. Mercedes-AMG 495 pts, 2. Ferrari 442, 3. Red Bull 292, 4. Force India 94, 5. Renault 91, 6. Haas 80, 7. the radio, more in hope than on his way to a fifth title and is McLaren-Renault 58, 8. Toro Rosso-Honda 30, 9. Sauber 27, 10. Williams 7 expectation, in the closing laps now 21 wins behind the all-time whether the order might change record of 91 held by seven times back. champion Michael 10 laps to go. Mercedes remain Bottas and commiserate. At the “Is this how we are going to Schumacher. unbeaten in Russia, with yester- podium ceremonies, with finish the race?” he asked, before Hamilton’s closest rival day’s title being their fifth win in Russian president Vladimir Putin the answer came back in the Sebastian Vettel finished third Sochi since the Olympic Park doing the honours, Hamilton affirmative. for Ferrari with Bottas, who led Circuit first appeared on the cal- “Valtteri this is Toto. Difficult from pole position but was told endar in 2014. Hamilton has now The victory was a day for you and a difficult day to let Hamilton through after 25 won eight races this season. landmark 70th for the for us,” said team boss Toto of the 53 laps, securing the Mer- The Briton, who pulled off Briton, who is well on his Wolff, whose finger had been cedes one-two. an impressive overtake on Vettel way to a fifth title and is captured by the world television In a race with little other for fourth after he dropped now 21 wins behind the feed hovering over the ‘tactics’ drama, Max Verstappen cele- behind the German at the pit- all-time record of 91 held button before the order was brated his 21st birthday in style stops, stayed in the car for some given. Second placed Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas (right) and first placed by steering his Red Bull from the time after he parked up at the by seven times champion “Let’s discuss it afterwards Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrate with their trophies after the back to the front, dropping back finish. Michael Schumacher. when we come together and to fifth after finally pitting with He then went over to thank we’ll explain things.” race in Sochi, yesterday. Mourinho not to blame for United Messi and Co ‘angry’ after Africa to support mess, says Neville Infantino bid for FIFA re-election REUTERS Barcelona slip up again REUTERS LONDON: Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville defended the club’s REUTERS beleaguered manager Jose Mourinho SHARM-EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT: yesterday but accused those above him BARCELONA: Barcelona captain African football will support FIFA of having no long-term plan to restore Lionel Messi says the La Liga cham- President Gianni Infantino in his former glories. pions are “angry” about dropping re-election bid next year, the Defeat at West Ham United on Sat- seven points in their last three Confederation of African Football urday meant United have won only three league games after he came off the president Ahmad said yesterday. of their opening seven Premier League bench to help his side scrape a 1-1 CAF officially endorsed the can- games in their worst start to a season draw at home to Athletic Bilbao on didacy of Infantino at its Congress since 1989-90 and now sit 10th in the Saturday. in Egypt yesterday with messages table. They are already nine points Messi was a surprise absentee of support from the organisation behind crosstown rivals and league from the starting line-up, along itself and also on behalf of member champions with Sergio Busquets, but he and associations read out by Morocco. Manchester the Spain were both “We are not only backing you City, who went United have won called into action in the second half but we will be travelling with you top this only three of their after Oscar de Marcos had put the to publicise your ideals and the great weekend when opening seven visitors ahead. work you have done since you took Chelsea and Premier League The Argentinian hit the over,” said Morocco football feder- Liverpool drew games in their woodwork for the seventh time this ation president Fouzi Lekjaa. 1-1 at Stamford worst start to season as Barca desperately chased eighth goal the La Liga champions is the most important thing.” But an official endorsement has Bridge. an equaliser following their 2-1 have conceded in seven games this Messi’s strike partner, Luis previously proven no guarantee of “This mess a season since defeat at lowly Leganes on season and Messi said his side Suarez, also criticised the team’s votes with many African associa- started when 1989-90 and now Wednesday and 2-2 draw with urgently needed to improve in display and said they needed to rid tions breaking ranks in past United sacked sit 10th in the Girona last weekend, eventually defence. themselves of their dependence on elections. David Moyes table. providing the cross for Munir El “We are aware that we have to their all-time top scorer. Infantino announced in June he after 8 months Haddadi’s 84th-minute leveller. be much stronger defensively,” “He is the best in the world but would run for re-election as head and we lost all “We are not anxious because added Messi, who inherited the we can’t rely on Leo to always sort of soccer’s global governing body sense of the values that the club had been the season is long and has only just Barca captaincy from the departed everything out for us,” Suarez said. when elections are held in Paris in built on for 100 years,” he said on Twitter started, but we are angry about the Andres Iniesta this season. “The other players here are June 2019. to his four million followers. last results,” Messi told reporters. “Last year we hardly conceded here on our own merits and we “I want another four years of it “It went into pinball, reactive mode “We didn’t expect them. goals but now teams are scoring can’t depend on him or Busquets, because I believe in what I do,” and chasing it. No plan! “It’s not the “Against Leganes we played against us with their first attempt. we should have been winning Infantino said at the FIFA Congress manager it’s the lack of football leadership well in the first half and lost, and We cannot afford to concede goals when they came on to the pitch.” in Moscow. above him. They are bouncing all over the today we created chances to win in every game. The Argentinian, asked about Sua- “I believe in what I can do for place with no plan!” Neville’s former team but couldn’t.” “We have to improve and rez’s comments, said he agreed FIFA and for football.” No other can- mates Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes De Marcos’s volley was the become stronger in defence, which with his team-mate. didate has yet declared an interest also expressed dismay at the current sit- in standing against Infantino. uation after the West Ham game. Ronaldo hat-trick of assists as Juventus beat Napoli AP delightful volleyed pass and the Belgium international slotted MILAN: Juventus and Cristiano home. Ronaldo have been just perfect Juventus leveled in the 26th this season. Ronaldo set up all as a great bit of skill from Ronaldo And the seven-time defending three of his side’s on the left saw him befuddle champion looks even more goals - two for Mario Elseid Hysaj and put in the perfect unstoppable in this after Mandzukic and one for cross for a towering Mandzukic a 3-1 victory over 10-man Napoli, header. which again looks set to be its - as Juventus completed the turn- closest challenger. Juventus opened up around four minutes after the Napoli pushed Juventus all a six-point lead over break. Ronaldo’s effort came off the way last season in the most Napoli the left post and Mandzukic exciting title race in recent history turned in the rebound. but the Bianconeri clinched the Napoli’s night went from bad title despite being beaten at home Ronaldo to sign off before his to worse in the 58th when by Napoli late in the campaign. enforced rest in Tuesday’s Cham- defender Mario Rui was sent off On Saturday, Ronaldo set up pions League match against for a second yellow card. all three of his side’s goals - two Young Boys following his red card Juventus capped the match 14 for Mario Mandzukic and one for at Valencia. minutes from time. Leonardo Bonucci - as Juventus Napoli hosts Liverpool on Ronaldo’s glancing header opened up a six-point lead over Wednesday. from a corner came to the far Napoli. Massimiliano Allegri’s Napoli took only 10 minutes post where Bonucci was sliding team has won all seven of its to take a deserved lead. Allan in to score his first goal since his Juventus’ (foreground) along with team-mates applauds the fans after the match league matches. picked out Jose Callejon, who return from AC Milan in the against Napoli in Turin on Saturday. It was the perfect way for found Dries Mertens with a offseason. MONDAY 1 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 25

I won my first Masters 1000, at 10.00PM 10:00PM Indian Wells, I got my FOOTBALL FOOTBALL highest ranking ever this Martin Del Potro AFC Bournemouth vs Celta Vigo vs season and another Grand Tennis player

Crystal Palace ACTION Getafes

Slam final after nine years. TODAY’S

Del Potro savours Nishioka claims ‘amazing year’ AFP maiden ATP title BEIJING: Juan Martin del Potro said yesterday he will AFP was never going to leave the Winston-Salem Open in the US go into this week’s China southern Chinese city won- in 2015) while Nishioka had Open enjoying the “best SHENZHEN, CHINA: Japanese dering, rattling off 12 aces and never before graced the big moments” of a career that qualifier helping his opponent’s cause stage. came perilously close to being broke through for his maiden with nine double faults and he Before the final, Nishioka destroyed by injury. ATP singles title yesterday, poured on the power. But the had put his run of form -- kick- The strapping but softly outlasting seasoned Frenchman Nishioka game plan -- waiting started by title at the ATP Chal- spoken 30-year-old is the Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5, 2-6, out the barrages and keeping his lenger Tour stop in Gimcheon, favourite in Beijing with Bernard Tomic of Australia celebrates after winning the men’s 6-4 in a grueling final of the opponent moving -- worked a South Korea, four months ago reigning champion and world singles final against of Italy at the ATP Shenzhen Open. treat. -- down to a change in attitude. number one Rafael Nadal out “This is the dream for tennis Both players came into the The 1.7-metre (five-foot- in Chengdu, in China’s southwest Sichuan province, yesterday. injured and Novak Djokovic players,” said Nishioka after- final unfancied and unseeded seven) Nishioka revealed he had and Roger Federer also wards. “I believe this is the and both had yet to claim a ATP previously been trying to play absent. beginning.” Tour singles title. Herbert had like “six footers” such as current Tomic clinches first The man fondly known as The 23-year-old Nishioka, only made one final previously world number one Rafael Nadal “Delpo” is ranked fourth in ranked 171 in the world, in the (losing in straight sets to South of Spain but had turned instead the world behind that trio and end played seven matches in African Kevin Anderson at the for inspiration to Chile’s former trophy in three years while there has never been eight days at the Shenzhen world number one Marcelo Rios, any doubt about his ability, AFP Longgang Sports Centre but his who stands around 1.75 metres attempting to become the first his career has been blighted legs were full of running in a (five-foot-nine). Italian man to win four titles in by wrist injuries. marathon final as he threw “I think I’m the shortest BEIJING: Controversial a season. Del Potro, the 2009 US himself at everything Herbert player in the ATP tour,” said Australian Bernard Tomic won “I could have lost like five Open winner, was beaten by could give. Nishioka. “It’s very tough. I need his first tournament in three times this tournament,” said Djokovic in the final at As the match clock ticked to play many long rallies. I have years yesterday -- and in the Tomic, for whom it was a Flushing Meadows in early towards two-and-a-half hours, to run a lot.” It looked like he’d most dramatic of circum- welcome change to be making September. Nishioka sealed the victory on picked up some of Rios’ tenacity, stances, saving four match headlines for the right reasons. But that did nothing to his fifth match point - and too, fighting his way back to points to triumph at the “I was down in so many dispel the notion that Del looked as though he could victory having dropped seven Chengdu Open. matches and faced match Potro is a man enjoying his hardly believe what had just straight games after leading The 25-year-old defeated points against (Lloyd) Harris in tennis again having painstak- happened. Herbert 7-5, 2-0. top seed Fabio Fognini of Italy the second round as well. ingly rebuilt his career. Twelve months ago, the Jap- “I was a little bit nervous 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7) in a thrilling “It’s been a rollercoaster “This could be one of the anese player was stuck at home because I almost won the three-setter in southwest China, week.” Once seen as a rising best seasons of my career,” pondering his future after trophy,” said Nishioka. where he was a qualifier. star, Tomic has had a number Del Potro, a popular figure in tearing an ACL. He will now “I was a little bit tight and a Tomic sank to his knees in of run-ins with authorities over the locker room, said ahead return to the world’s top 100 little bit nervous. But after I lost celebration, kissed the court the years, earning him the rep- of his assault on the China after that injury had seen his [the] second set, I changed my and then looked up to the sky utation as one of tennis’s bad Open. ranking plummet to as low as mentality.” The odds were as he milked the moment. boys. “I won my first Masters 362. stacked in favour of Herbert, a Tomic’s first ATP World In January he faced a 1000, at Indian Wells, I got “It was a very long run to get three-time Grand Slam doubles Tour crown since Bogota in backlash after boasting “I just my highest ranking ever this here, seven matches,” said title winner with partner and 2015 will propel the world- count my millions” in response season (three) and another Nishioka. Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan compatriot Nicolas Mahut who ranked 123 comfortably to failing to negotiate qualifying Grand Slam final after nine “It’s not easy. I’m very tired celebrates after winning the has vowed to focus more on inside the top 100 and eyeing for the Australian Open. years. right now. I think my strength is men’s singles final against Pierre- singles in the near future, a spot at next year’s Aus- In 2017, as his once-prom- “It’s an amazing year for my mentality and stamina and Hugues Herbert of France at the outside those Major tourna- tralian Open. ising career nosedived, Tomic me, but I also want to keep [I] never give up. That’s my ATP Shenzhen Open in Shenzhen, ments. But Nishioka finally ful- It was double disap- admitted he was sometimes going because I like to pres- weapon.” in south China’s Guangdong filled the promise he had shown pointment for Fognini, the “bored” during matches and not surise myself, and I’m excited The 27-year-old Herbert province, yesterday. as one of Japan’s top juniors. number 13 who had been always giving 100 percent. about that.” Del Potro, who faces Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas in his Beijing opener, will head to the Shanghai Masters immediately after the China Halep retires hurt from China Open Open and is also chasing a spot at the season-ending AFP departure is another blow to Yafan 7-6 (12/10), 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 to ATP Finals. organisers in the Chinese capital, open the defence of her crown. The Argentine, whose BEIJING: World number one with Serena Williams missing The 24-year-old from France outsized 6ft 6in (1.98m) frame Simona Halep said that she was from the women’s draw and defied a rattling roof and a sur- belies his gentle nature, is “worried now” after a persistent several big names also absent prisingly stiff challenge from the savouring being largely pain- back problem forced her out of from the men’s event. home player to labour into round free after multiple wrist the China Open after just 31 “There is a pain, I couldn’t two on Beijing’s hard courts after surgeries. miserable minutes yesterday. move properly so that’s why I more than three hours of nervy He was unable to defend The Romanian never looked stopped,” Halep, who suffered a action.Garcia took the first set his US Open title in 2010 and comfortable against Tunisian shock early exit from the recent US on a tie-break after 77 minutes reached a low point in 2015, qualifier Ons Jabeur, losing the Open, said. “I don’t know exactly Simona Halep (down) of Romania gets medical treatment during the WTA Wuhan Open in Wuhan. during which the retractable roof playing just four ATP opening set of their first-round what it is. I will go home, I will have -- which was closed -- banged matches.He has previously match 6-1 before calling it quits. an MRI (scan) and I will see.” noisily on occasion in the wind. admitted that he was close to The 27-year-old Halep suf- “I’m just worried now, I feel The fourth-ranked French quitting tennis. “You have to fered a back injury a week ago sad that I couldn’t finish,” Halep was struggling. Halep believes it is I thought if I warm up during the player and Wang, 78th in the find deep in your body the in Wuhan and she cut a forlorn added, saying that she feared a different back problem from the match, it’s going to be better, but it world, went to battle again in strength to be with the pain figure after it ended her Beijing playing was making the problem one that contributed to her early wasn’t,” she said. Holder Caroline the second set and Garcia came and injuries,” Del Potro said adventure prematurely. worse and she knew from the start loss in Wuhan. Garcia survived a major scare back to force another of advice he would give to The top-ranked Halep’s of the match that she “I knew that there is pain, but before defeating wildcard Wang tie-break. players struggling with injury. Winning start for Kawhi Leonard with Raptors AP for San Antonio because of a Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. from the free throw line. Toronto Raptors guard Lorenzo Brown (4)and thigh injury. The 2014 NBA scored 16 points apiece for Timberwolves 114, War- Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard MIAMI: Kawhi Leonard is Finals MVP hadn’t played in a Dallas. Doncic, a 19-year-old riors 110 Jeff Teague scored 17 (11) during the second half of their NBA game at finally back on the court and game since January. who was named EuroLeague points and Derrick Rose added Rogers Arena on Saturday. the Toronto Raptors should be Damian Lillard and CJ MVP and EuroLeague Final 16 for Minnesota, which was happy with the results. McCollum each played the Four MVP while leading Real without All-Star Jimmy Butler, Leonard scored 12 points first quarter for Portland. Madrid to the title, made 5 of who requested a trade from in his first game with his new Lillard scored 12 points and 7 from the field, including 3 of the team last week. team and the Raptors beat the McCollum had nine. 4 from 3-point range, while Anthony Tolliver scored 15 Portland Trail Blazers 122-104 Raptors 122, Trail Blazers grabbing six rebounds and points, hitting 5 of 10 from on Saturday night in Van- 104 blocking three shots. 3-point range. Karl-Anthony couver, British Columbia, in Danny Green, who came Smith was 6-of-10 Towns had 12 points, Andrew the preseason opener for both from San Antonio with shooting and had six assists Wiggins scored 11 and rookie teams. Leonard, was 1 for 6 and fin- with no turnovers. Maxi Josh Okogie 10 for the Tim- Leonard played 19 ished with five points in Kleber added 15 points for the berwolves (1-0). minutes and didn’t shoot par- Toronto’s first game under Mavericks (1-0). Justin Ham- Stephen Curry made ticularly well, missing all four new coach Nick Nurse. ilton, who appeared in 113 5-of-9 3-pointers and finished 3-pointers and going just 6 for Meyers Leonard led games and started 21 across with 21 points in 19 minutes 11 from the free throw line. But Portland with 16 points. three seasons in the NBA, led for Golden State (0-1). Klay he played aggressively and Mavericks 116, Beijing Beijing with 29 points and 13 Thompson scored 17, including moved well after being limited Ducks 63 rebounds. He shot 6 of 19 from three 3-pointers, and Kevin to just nine games last season No. 3 overall pick Luka the field but made 15 of 17 Durant added 16 points.