BASKETBALL | Page 5 RUGBY | Page 6 NBA’s Jokic Prop Kepu to shines as end Wallabies Serbia crank career aft er up WC assault World Cup

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 FOOTBALL Muharram 4, 1441 AH Bale sent off GULF TIMES as Real held by Villareal SPORT Page 3 QATAR TRAIN FOR QUALIFIER SPOTLIGHT ‘We’re going backwards’, says Lukaku aft er racist abuse at Cagliari

Reuters game in shame. Milan “I hope the football federa- tions all over the world react strongly on all cases of discrimi- elgium and Inter Milan nation. striker Romelu Lukaku “Social media platforms (In- made a plea to football stagram, Twitter, Facebook) federations and social need to work better as well with Bmedia platforms yesterday to football clubs because every day do more to fi ght racism after he you see at least a racist com- was subjected to racist abuse in ment under a post of a person of Sunday’s 2-1 Serie A victory at colour. We’ve been saying it for Cagliari. years and still no action. The former Manchester Unit- “Ladies and gentlemen it’s ed striker appeared to be the 2019 — instead of going for- target of monkey chants from wards we’re going backwards... the home crowd at the Sardegna As players we need to unify and Arena — the same venue where make a statement on this matter Qatar football coach Felix Sanchez instructs Ali Afif during a training session in Doha yesterday. At right, Bassam al-Rawi runs with the ball. Qatar will take on Afghanistan former Juventus forward Moise to keep this game clean and en- on Thursday in a joint World and Asian Cup Group E qualifying match. Kean was also abused — as he joyable for everyone.” prepared to take the decisive Chelsea boss Frank Lampard penalty. had also called on social media Several black players have companies to register their users TENNIS/ US OPEN suff ered online racist abuse in so they could be held account- recent weeks, including United’s able for online racist abuse. Paul Pogba and Chelsea’s Tam- Twitter said last month that it my Abraham and Kurt Zouma. would meet with United and the Lukaku lamented the lack of anti-discrimination group Kick action despite years of com- It Out to address online racist plaints. “Many players in the last abuse towards players in Britain. month have suff ered from racial Last season, a number of Pre- abuse. I did yesterday too,” Lu- mier League players backed a Osaka ousted by kaku said on Instagram. “Foot- Professional Footballers’ Asso- ball is a game to be enjoyed and ciation (PFA) campaign to boy- we shouldn’t accept any form of cott social media for 24 hours in Bencic while Vekic discrimination that will put our a stand against racism. rallies for victory Australia’s Ashleigh Barty, the reigning French Open champion who was beaten Sunday, will move into the world number one position next Monday

AFP in a season for the third consecutive year, New York a fi rst in the Open era. Reigning Australian Open champion Osaka struggled from the start on the elinda Bencic stunned top- same Arthur Ashe Stadium court where ranked defending champion she consoled tearful US teen Coco Gauff Naomi Osaka to reach the US just two days earlier. Lukaku has faced disgusting racist abuse in Italy. Open quarter-fi nals, where she “It was just an unbelievable moment willB face Donna Vekic, who rallied from for tennis,” Bencic said of Osaka help- match point down to advance. ing Gauff cope with her sadness. “Coco’s Bencic’s 7-5, 6-4 triumph, her WTA- story is unbelievable but what Naomi did beIN to broadcast programme on best sixth over a top-fi ve foe this year, is what a true champion would do.” ensured 21-year-old Japanese star Osaka Osaka double faulted to surrender a World Cup logo unveiling will fall from the world number one spot break in the opening game of the match, next week. but levelled at 2-2 when Bencic netted a eIN MEDIA GROUP will senter Ayman Jadah and stars “The challenge cannot be bigger backhand. Bencic swatted a backhand today broadcast an such as Tarak Dhiab, Egyptian against Naomi,” Bencic said. “I had to down-the-line winner for a break to exclusive programme football legend Mohamed be at the top of my game and I’m really seize a 6-5 lead then held on a service b“Road to 2022” for the Abutrika and Qatar football pleased how well I handled my nerves at winner to capture the fi rst set. unveiling of the 2022 FIFA legend Ibrahim Khalfan. beIN the end.” Osaka double faulted away a break to World Cup Qatar logo across SPORTS’ English studios will The 22-year-old Swiss 13th seed hand Vekic a 3-2 lead and the Swiss never its beIN SPORTS channels. host Qatar Football Association’s matched her deepest career Grand Slam faced a break point in the second set, The unveiling will take place Technical Director Tarik Mansour run from the 2014 US Open with her fi nishing off the victory with a forehand today at exactly 20:22 Makkah and former French footballer third victory of the year over Osaka, hav- winner to end matters after 87 minutes. Time (GMT+3), with the time re- Didier Domi. ing also won at Indian Wells and Madrid. “I was taking the serve early, trying sembling the actual year when Commenting on the unveiling of Australia’s Ashleigh Barty, the reign- to anticipate, because she has so much the much-anticipated FIFA World the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar ing French Open champion who was power,” Bencic said. “I’m trying to play Cup will take place. logo, beIN MEDIA beaten Sunday, will move into the world like chess and make it tactical on the beIN SPORTS’ free to air channel, GROUP Sports Advisor Jonathan number one position next Monday. court.” Bencic hit 29 winners with only news channel as well as channels Whitehead said: “As the of- Vekic, the 23rd seed from Croatia, 12 unforced errors to Osaka’s 26 winners from HD 1 to HD 7 will ficial broadcaster, beIN MEDIA saved a match point in the second set and and 21 unforced errors. broadcast the dedicated pro- GROUP’s prime focus is providing made her fi rst Slam quarter-fi nal by ral- Goerges won the tie-breaker with gramme “Road to 2022” in Arabic, millions of viewers with an out- lying past German 26th seed Julia Goerg- consecutive forehand winners, then as beIN SPORTS HD 11 and HD 13 standing World Cup es 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-3. broke Vekic to open the second set and will broadcast in English start- experience. With a strong and “I don’t even know how I won this fi red four consecutive aces for a 2-0 lead. ing from 20:00 Makkah Time proud footprint in the Middle East, match,” Vekic said. “She was serving for But the German was broken serv- (GMT+3) – with exclusive clips of we are tremendously excited that the match. She had match point. I just ing for the match, squandering a match Qatar’s achievements, views of the off icial 2022 FIFA World Cup kept fi ghting and believing I could win. It point in the 10th game, and Vekic broke the city of Doha and the impres- Qatar emblem is finally being feels pretty amazing.” again when Goerges hit a forehand wide sive construction projects across unveiled. As we move closer to Bencic owns a 2-1 career edge over to force a third set. the whole country. the biggest sporting event in Vekic from two 2014 wins but Vekic won Belinda Bencic of Switzerland celebrates after winning her fourth round match “I was just trying to get a return in beIN SPORTS will host a guest the history of this region, we are the most recent meeting with her friend against Naomi Osaka of Japan at the US Open yesterday. the court,” Vekic said. “She was serving from the Supreme Committee for delighted to share this historic and frequent practice partner in the third amazing. I was feeling confi dent in the Delivery and Legacy in the moment with our millions of view- round of this year’s French Open. sure,” Vekic said. “She’s one of the best Osaka’s exit means there will be four rallies and I knew if I could get that re- Arabic studios with beIN pre- ers across Mena”. “It’s going to be a tough match for players this year.” diff erent women’s Grand Slam winners turn in I would have an advantage.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 3, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Bryan fi ned $10,000 for gun gesture Injured Djokovic at US Open

AFP round match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 against New York Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain and Argentina’s Federico Del- bonis. merican doubles play- It is the highest fi ne received by quits US Open er Mike Bryan was a male player so far at this year’s fi ned $10,000 by the tournament. US Open on Sunday “I apologize for any off ense ‘The pain was constant for weeks now, some days higher, some days with less intensity’ forA using his racquet to make a I may have caused. We won the shooting gesture at a line judge. point and the gesture was meant Bryan, playing alongside twin to be playful,” Bryan said in a AFP doesn’t. brother Bob, held his racquet up- statement cited by the New York New York “You just know (to quit) when side down and pointed it towards Times. you know, I guess, when you feel the offi cial after successfully chal- “But given the recent news and like you’re not able to hit the shot lenging an incorrect call. political climate I understand how anymore.” Chair umpire Mariana Alves is- my gesture could be viewed as op-ranked defending Wawrinka has battled nearly sued a code violation against Mike insensitive. I promise that I will champion Novak Djoko- two years to recover Slam-win- Bryan for unsportsmanlike con- never do anything like this again.” vic retired from his US ning form after knee surgery and duct. Seven people were killed in TOpen match on Sunday his performance, after a French The Bryan brothers, winners of Texas on Saturday in the latest of after dropping the fi rst two sets to Open quarter-fi nal run, shows his 16 Grand Slam doubles titles as a several mass shootings to occur in Stan Wawrinka, sending the Swiss journey is nearly complete. team, went on to win the second- the United States this year. three-time Grand Slam champion “Tonight was something spe- into the quarter-fi nals. cial. I’m really happy with the COMMENT Djokovic, who won four of the level,” said Wawrinka. “I think I past fi ve Slam crowns and 16 over- was playing super good tennis. all, was in pain from a nagging left I’m happy to be back. shoulder injury while 34-year-old “It has been really tough since Medvedev says ‘I Wawrinka, who also beat Djokovic my surgery. It has took me two in the 2016 US Open fi nal, showed years to be back at that level. It himself a true title contender. feels really incredible.” was an idiot’ and “It helped me big time know- A strong warm-up told 23rd ing I have the game to beat him on seed Wawrinka his game was solid that court,” Wawrinka said. and he took advantage of net- working to be better “It’s never the way you want to ted Djokovic backhands on both fi nish a match. I’m sorry for No- set points he won, some of the 35 vak. He’s an amazing champion.” unforced errors the Serbian star On a day when Roger Fed- made. erer cruised into a quarter-fi nal “I was feeling great,” Wawrinka against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dim- said. “When I came to practice I itrov and Russian fi fth seed Daniil was moving well, playing well. I Medvedev reached his fi rst Slam was quite confi dent with the level quarter-fi nal, Djokovic’s shocker I had but you never know when stole the show. you are playing the number one “It’s frustrating. Very frustrat- player in the world.” ing,” Djokovic said. “Obviously Medvedev, a winner at Cincin- not the fi rst, not the last player nati and runner-up at Montreal to get injured and withdraw from and Washington in hardcourt one of the biggest events in sport.” tuneup events, advanced to face Djokovic admitted he has been Wawrinka by beating 118th- hurting for weeks without detail- ranked German qualifi er Dominik ing how or when the injury took Koepfer 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2). AFP Medvedev says he is still work- place. “The pain was constant “He’s a great athlete playing su- New York ing on being his best but learned for weeks now, some days higher, per good tennis,” Wawrinka said. some lessons after reading social some days with less intensity,” “I’m sure it will be a great match.” media comments about himself Djokovic said. “Taking diff er- Medvedev won his only match aniil Medvedev tried to after Friday’s match. ent stuff to kill the pain instantly. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts as he walks off court after retiring due to a shoulder injury during his against Wawrinka in the 2017 fi rst make peace on Sunday “I do like to read comments Sometimes it works. sometimes it Round Four match against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland at the US Open on Sunday. (AFP) round at Wimbledon. with US Open fans who about me, to learn what people Dhave booed him for two think about me, where should I matches after using their energy be better or what should I keep?” to help him reach his fi rst Grand Medvedev said. Slam quarter-fi nal. “To be honest with you, espe- Wawrinka returns to top form two years after knee surgery “I need to be a better person on cially after the last match, I learned the court,” said Medvedev, who was a lot to myself. As I say, I need to be AFP It’s the same level Wawrinka “I understand how you can fi ned after each of his fi rst three a better person on the court than I New York showed in beating Djokovic in get (energy) from any atmos- matches at Flushing Meadows. was the last match.” the 2016 US Open fi nal and 2015 phere. That’s why you play. I The Russian fi fth seed booked French Open fi nal. He also won understand the enjoyment of a berth in the last eight by de- ‘Most electric crowd’ hree-time Grand the 2014 Australian Open over that, not only in positive but feating 118th-ranked German He said he enjoyed the give and Slam champion Stan Rafael Nadal for his fi rst Grand also in negative. You always qualifi er Dominik Koepfer 3-6, take with the New York crowd on Wawrinka is fi nally Slam crown. look for something, and that’s 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) at Louis Arm- Sunday. “During my match, I was Tfeeling great again two Wawrinka underwent 2017 going to be interesting.” strong Stadium. completely focused. After the years after knee surgery, and knee surgery and has spent two Medvedev was fi ned $9,000 for match, I engaged a little bit with that’s about to become a major years recovering that form. ‘A great atmosphere’ an obscene gesture and unsports- the crowd,” he said. headache for his US Open ri- “I have been practising now Medvedev won his only manlike conduct in a third-round “But we all know how New York vals. since many months,” Wawrin- match against Wawrinka in the victory Friday. After his middle- crowd can be. It’s probably the The 34-year-old Swiss ad- ka said. “I know how I feel in 2017 fi rst round at Wimbledon, fi nger gesture was shown on video most electric crowd in the world. vanced to the US Open quarter- Grand Slam. I know how I get just before Wawrinka’s surgery. screens, fans booed him unmerci- Especially this week, playing this fi nals on Sunday when world to my best level. Sometimes I Last month, Medvedev won fully. week on big courts, I could feel it. number one and defending struggle a little bit in the fi rst at Cincinnati and was runner- “Talking about last match, I was “They reacted less than the last champion Novak Djokovic re- few rounds, but if I get the win, up at Montreal and Washington an idiot, to be honest,” Medvedev match. I was a little bit surprised, tired with a left shoulder injury if I can pass those matches, I in the biggest US Open tune-up said on Sunday. “I did some things because as I say, it was not against trailing Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5, 2-1. know my confi dence gets bet- events. that I’m not proud of and that I’m them. It was something with my- “I was feeling good on the ter. “He has been playing amazing working on to be a better person self. court,” Wawrinka said. “I was “I’m happy with the way I’m tennis, making fi nal after fi nal, on the court because I do think I’m “Today I was just engaging with playing well. The more the playing so far and hopefully I winning Cincinnati,” Wawrinka a good person out of the court.” the crowd and hopefully it was fun match was going, better I was can keep going.” said. “It’s going to be interesting There was a bit more kindness for them and for me. As I said, it playing, I was hitting really Wawrinka reached a Tues- match to play against him. I’m on Sunday from the crowd in the gave me a lot of energy to win.” hard the ball. I was feeling great day matchup against Russian looking forward for it. It’s going form of mostly hearty cheers for Medvedev, a winner at Cincin- on the court. fi fth seed Daniil Medvedev, who to be, for sure, a great level. I’m Koepfer, but when Medvedev had nati and runner-up at Montreal “I’m super happy with the made an obscene gesture in his excited to play.” won and boos followed, Medvedev and Washington in hardcourt level. For sure it’s very special third-round match to get the Wawrinka’s potential semi- encouraged more and said jeers tuneup events, had enough energy to play the number one player crowd booing him and reveled fi nal foe is compatriot Roger Fed- helped energise him. for a happy dance after the victory. in the world. Sorry he had to re- in the jeers again in his fourth- erer, a 20-time Grand Slam win- “I was painful in my attitude,” “I was just so happy about my tire to fi nish the game like that. round win. ner who owns a 23-3 career record Medvedev told the crowd. “I was win that I just decided to do some- “But for me, most important “I saw a lot of drama happen- over Wawrinka with seven wins in painful in my shoulder. I was won- thing special,” Medvedev said. is the way I’m playing, the way ing this year at the US Open, a row since Wawrinka’s last win in dering if I was going to play. And “Some people think it was against I’m moving. Tonight I think was but it’s a lot of fun also to watch the 2015 French Open quarter- Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland reacts after a point against Novak you guys gave me the energy. the crowd. It was not at all. It was really high level.” for everybody,” Wawrinka said. fi nals. Djokovic of Serbia at the 2019 US Open on Sunday. (AFP) “Guys continue to give me this just showing how happy I was to energy. You are the best.” be in the quarters.”

BOTTOMLINE Serena ‘fi ne’ aft er ankle scare while US Open rivals Barty, Pliskova fall AFP “I feel fi ne right now physically,” who beat Wang twice last year in has been fuelled by the memory of Konta has experienced middling New York said Williams, who received fur- their only prior meetings, was un- her late coach, Peter McNamara. fortunes on the WTA circuit this ther strapping to an already heav- done by 39 unforced errors at Louis The former Australian Davis year while producing some of her ily taped ankle. “But I’ll see tomor- Armstrong Stadium. Cup tennis star and Wimbledon best tennis at the majors, reach- erena Williams overcame row. So far I’m good. I have been “It’s a tough day at the offi ce doubles champion passed away in ing the semi-fi nals at Roland Gar- an injury scare to maintain managing it. We’ll see tomorrow. today. But it has been a year where July at the age of 64 after a battle ros and then advancing to the last her pursuit of a record- Eighth-seeded Williams, who we’ve hit our goals,” Barty said. with prostate cancer. eight at Wimbledon. tying 24th Grand Slam sin- has also suff ered knee and back in- “We’ve had a great season in “He helped me a lot. It was re- “To make the quarter-fi nals of a glesS title at the US Open on Sunday juries this season, felt a mental set- Grand Slams for singles. We’ve ally tough to me to hear he passed,” Grand Slam for the third time this while Roland Garros champion back when it happened but battled made the second week every single Wang said. “I think he has always year is a massive achievement for Ashleigh Barty and Karolina Plisk- through to win. “I’ve had a rough one, which has been really special. been there with me.” me,” she said. Pliskova, the 2016 US ova crashed out in the last 16. year with injuries,” she said. “It “Now we’ll sit back, refl ect, Johanna Konta avenged her Open runner-up, saw her hopes of Williams, a six-time US Open was like, ‘Oh my God. Not again. and look forward to a big couple Rome fi nal loss to Pliskova in May, returning to world number one this winner, romped to a 6-3, 6-4 vic- I’m fi nally walking.’” months to fi nish off the year.” beating the Czech third seed for fortnight extinguished by the loss. tory over Croatian 22nd seed Petra Williams, who last won a ma- just the second time in eight tries, Ukrainian fi fth seed Elina Svi- Martic to set up a quarter-fi nal with jor at the 2017 Australian Open McNamara spirit 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 7-5. tolina advanced to her fi rst US China’s Wang Qiang, the conqueror and hasn’t won the US Open since with Wang The British 16th seed has raised Open quarter-fi nal with a 7-5, 6-4 of world number two Barty. 2014, is seeking a 24th career Slam Wang became the fi rst Chinese her game at the Slams this sea- victory over 2017 runner-up Mad- The 37-year-old American star title to match Margaret Court’s all- player to reach the women’s quar- son, and is enjoying her best run at ison Keys. required a medical timeout in the time record. ter-fi nals since Peng Shuai made it Flushing Meadows, having twice “I’m very happy because I was second set after rolling her right She will play 18th seed Wang to the last four in 2014. reached the fourth round. always playing well here but never ankle as she approached the net for the fi rst time as the Chinese “I think I’m really focused on “To go one step further is a mas- went past the fourth round,” said but promptly recovered to reach 27-year-old extended her best the court, really enjoyed the way I sive achievement for me and I’m Svitolina, whose best Slam show- the last eight in New York for the Slam run with a 6-2, 6-4 defeat played. I’m so happy I won,” said really hoping to make that one, two, ing was her run to the Wimbledon Serena Williams of the US celebrates against Petra Martic of Croatia 16th time. of an erratic Barty. The Australian, Wang, whose breakthrough run three steps forward,” Konta said. semi-fi nals in July. during their Round Four match at the 2019 US Open on Sunday.(AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, September 3, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

DEVELOPMENT Navas joins PSG from Real in ‘keeper swap AFP goalkeeper of the year award. Paris In their bid for European glory Inter Icardi reportedly set for move to PSG PSG have tried several goalkeep- ers in recent seasons with Ger- Inter Milan forward Mauro Other Italian media carried the oalkeeper Keylor man Kevin Trapp and Italians Icardi, his club’s leading scorer same story, including Sky Sport Navas has joined P Salvatore Sirigu and Gianluigi in each of the last five seasons Italia. aris Saint-Germain Buff on, at 40, all falling short. and former captain, is set to The 26-year-old, an out-and-out (PSG) in a transfer Navas told the PSG website join Paris St Germain (PSG), centre forward who is deadly Gdeadline day deal from Real Ma- he was relishing the challenge as the Gazzetta dello Sport and in the penalty area but whose drid with the French interna- gatekeeper for PSG’s European other Italian media said yes- contribution elsewhere on the tional Alphonse Areola moving quest. “I come here today with terday. pitch has been questioned, has in the opposite direction. great emotion,” said the 86 times The move would end a turbu- scored 124 goals in 219 appear- Navas, a 32-year-old Costa capped Navas voted second best lent spell at the club for the ances in all competitions during Rican played 104 times at Ma- stopper at the 2014 World Cup Argentine, who has fallen out six years at the club. drid winning the Champions behind German Manuel Neuer. with fans along on the way and Despite his scoring exploits, League three times, and repre- “After my Spanish experi- provided fodder for the gossip Icardi fell out with Inter’s hard sents a safe pair of hands as fi rst ence, I arrive in France with big columns thanks to his marriage core fans over an account choice for PSG in their quest for ambitions. Paris Saint-Germain to Wanda Nara, a media person- of an argument with support- European glory. He has joined is a prestigious club in Latin ality who also acts as his agent. ers in his autobiography in PSG on a four year deal and while America and I’m delighted to Gazzetta published what it said 2016. Curva Nord ultras re- no fee has been confi rmed the join a club with such ambitions,” was a photograph of Icardi and sponded that “Icardi is not our Spanish press say it was 15mn he said. The 26-year-old Are- Nara at Malpensa airport, say- captain, not now or ever” and euros ($16.5 million). ola joins Madrid on loan with a ing would board a private jet for applauded when he missed a Navas was voted best ‘keeper purchase option and will likely Paris to finalise a loan spell at penalty in one of Inter’s next in the Champions League in be backup to Belgian stopper PSG with an option to buy. games. 2018, when he also won UEFA’s Thibaut Courtois.

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Van Dijk, Messi and Ronaldo shortlisted Bale scores twice for FIFA award AFP FIFA SHORTLISTS Rome Men’s player Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/ iverpool centre-back Portugal), Lionel Messi (Bar- and sent off as Real Virgil van Dijk is on the celona/Argentina), Virgil van shortlist to add FIFA’s Dijk (Liverpool/Netherlands) best player award to his Women’s player LUEFA Men’s Player of the Year Lucy Bronze (Lyon/England), honour. The Dutch internation- Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/ al denied Cristiano Ronaldo and USA), Megan Rapinoe (Reign Lionel Messi for the European FC/USA) title last week and the same trio Men’s coach held by Villarreal are in the running for the FIFA Pep Guardiola (City), Jurgen accolade to be announced in Klopp (Liverpool), Mauricio ‘I am pleased with his goals, of course, and now we have to think about a rest’ Milan on September 23. Pochettino (Tottenham) Van Dijk starred in Liver- Women’s coach AFP pool’s triumphant Champions Jill Ellis (USA), Phil Neville Madrid League campaign. (England), Sarina Wiegman England full-back Lucy (Netherlands) Bronze won UEFA’s women’s Women’s goalkeeper areth Bale scored twice award and is on FIFA’s short- Christiane Endler (Paris to save Real Madrid list with the United States’ St-Germain/Chile), Hedvig from a damaging de- World Cup-winning duo Lindahl (Wolfsburg/Swe- feat away at Villarreal Megan Rapinoe and Alex Mor- den), Sari van Veenendaal Gon Sunday before capping a dra- gan. Manchester City boss (Atletico/Netherlands) matic 2-2 draw by being sent off Pep Guardiola is up against Men’s goalkeeper in injury-time. Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp and Alisson (Liverpool/Brazil), Zinedine Zidane said in July Mauricio Pochettino of Tot- Ederson (Manchester City/ it would be “best for everyone” tenham for best men’s coach. Brazil), Marc-Andre ter Stegen if Bale left this summer but it Phil Neville, who led Eng- (Barcelona/Germany) was the Welshman’s double that land’s women to a World Puskas award (for best goal) earned Madrid a point from a Cup semi-fi nal, is up for the Lionel Messi (Barcelona v thrilling contest at la Ceramica. women’s coach award with Real Betis), Juan Quintero Villarreal took the lead the USA’s Jill Ellis and Sarina (River Plate v Racing Club), through Gerard Moreno in the Wiegman who guided Euro- Daniel Zsori (Debrecen v 12th minute and then Moi Gomez pean champions the Nether- Ferencvaros). 16 minutes from the end but lands to the World Cup fi nal. each time Bale pegged them back, fi rst on the stroke of half- time and then four minutes from ROUND-UP the end. Two yellow cards in as many minutes then saw Bale dramati- cally sent off in the 94th minute United’s Pogba but by then his match-saving contribution was complete. “I am pleased with his goals, out of France Euro of course, and now we have to think about a rest,” Zidane said. 2020 qualifi ers “Although he won’t rest as he’s going away with his national AFP on Sunday but there is no team.” Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, replacement for him. Roma It was six years to the day that France striker Kluivert returns to the Real Madrid paid 100 million eu- squad for the fi rst time in a ros (now $110mn) to sign Bale, year. The Dutch travel to Ger- who now has 104 goals for the anchester Unit- many for a Euro 2020 qualifi - club, as many as the Brazilian ed’s Paul Pogba er on Friday and then face Es- Ronaldo. will miss France’s tonia in Tallinn next Monday. But his heroics could not save two upcom- Madrid from another slip, which Ming Euro 2020 qualifi ers, the AS ROMA SENDS means they head into the inter- French Football Federation FORWARD SCHICK ON national break fi ve points behind said yesterday. LOAN TO RB LEIPZIG early front-runners Atletico Earlier coach Didier De- AS Roma have sent forward Madrid, who had earlier beaten schamps said Pogba had Patrik Schick on a one-season Eibar 3-2. picked up an “ankle prob- loan to RB Leipzig for a trans- “We have to improve defen- lem” in United’s 1-1 draw at fer fee of up to 4 million euros sively,” Zidane said. “We know Southampton on Saturday. ($4.46 million), the Serie A we can create chances. The posi- Deschamps has been hit by club said yesterday. tive is the reaction we showed a wave of injuries ahead of RB Leipzig can make the because it is important not to Saturday’s tie against Alba- move of the 23-year-old per- lose.” nia and the match against manent for 28 million euros. Asked what was lacking, Andorra the following Tues- That can rise to 29 million Casemiro said: “We lacked eve- day. Key absentees are Kylian if the German club qualifi es rything.” Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele for next season’s Champions After drawing at home to Real and Aymeric Laporte as well League. Valladolid though, this was not as Pogba. The Czech international, the result Zidane would have capped 17 times, joined AS wanted, particularly given he KLUIVERT CALLED UP AS Roma in 2017 from Serie A threw two new signings into his REPLACEMENT FOR rivals Sampdoria and made starting line-up. THE NETHERLANDS 24 appearances last season, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy Justin Kluivert was named as scoring three goals. both started, with Bale on the a replacement for the injured RB Leipzig, fi rst in the left of midfi eld in a 4-4-2, a sign Steven Bergwijn in the Neth- standings three games into of Zidane’s renewed faith in the erlands squad yesterday, the the season, ended third last 30-year-old’s defensive capa- Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale in action during their La Liga match against Villarreal at the La Ceramica Stadium in Vila-real, Spain, on Sunday. (Reuters) Dutch football association season, qualifying for the bilities. (KNVB) said. PSV Eindhoven Champions League. Zidane has now won only six forward and slipped in Karl Toko zema’s long-range eff ort hit the correctly called off side. tension set in and Bale equalised winger Bergwijn aggravated a Barcelona winger Rafi nha of the 14 matches since he re- Ekambi. post. They did score in the 46th Instead, Villarreal landed a with four minutes left, cutting thigh injury during Sunday’s Alcantara extended his con- turned as coach in March and Ekambi’s shot was parried by minute with a brilliant goal, Jo- sucker-punch on the break as inside from the right and drag- 3-1 win at RKC Waalwijk in tract by a year then joined it remains to be seen if the club Thibaut Courtois but only back vic fl icking Casemiro’s pass into Mario Gaspar’s cross was cleared ging a shot back inside the near the Dutch league and joined Celta Vigo on loan yesterday, make any late additions on the into the path of Moreno, who Dani Carvajal, who crossed fi rst only to Santi Cazorla. post. Stefan de Vrij on the list of the Spanish champions said fi nal day of the transfer window picked his spot. time for Bale to tap in. His shot was saved by Cour- He might have fancied a hat- withdrawals. in a statement. The Brazil- on Monday. Madrid dominated the rest Madrid pushed for a second tois but Javi Ontiveros fi red in trick in injury time but instead De Vrij pulled out at the ian’s deal was set to expire at Sergio Ramos was at fault for of the half as Casemiro headed after the restart as Bale and Toni again and Moi Gomez was per- picked up two yellow cards, the weekend after a muscle injury the end of the season so the the fi rst goal, robbed on the half- wide, Lucas Vazquez lashed into Kroos went close and Benzema fectly placed. second for a late challenge on prevented him from playing Catalans renewed it to stop way line by Moreno, who drove the side-netting and Karim Ben- had the ball in the net but was Villarreal tried to hang on but Ontiveros. for Inter Milan at Cagliari him leaving for free next year. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 3, 2019 SPORT

GOLF Australia’s Green surges to LPGA Portland Classic victory

AFP A six-footer for par at 18 was ing for a victory that would give Los Angeles enough as Noh closed with her her LPGA membership without third bogey of the day. having to go through qualifying “This golf course is quite school. ustralia’s Hannah tough,” said Green, who had fol- “It’s hard,” Noh admitted. “I Green added the LPGA lowed a career-best 63 on Friday tried my best today. Portland Classic crown with a disappointing 73 on Satur- “But hopefully I’ll come back to her Women’s PGA day to fall out of the lead. next year after Q-School this ChampionshipA title Sunday, out- “I had to stay patient,” she year and play on the tour next duelling US teenager Yealimi Noh said. “I just needed to make sure I year.” down the stretch on the way to a was giving myself opportunities, American Brittany Altomare one-shot victory. I think I did that really well.” posted a fi nal-round 69 to fi nish The 22-year-old from Perth Green became the fi fth mul- third on 271. went into the fi nal round three tiple winner on the LPGA tour Japan’s Nasa Hataoka posted shots behind 18-year-old Noh, this year. She’s the fi rst Aussie to the low round of the day, a 66, who had played her way into the win multiple titles in one season to share fourth place on 273 with fi eld in Monday qualifying. since Minjee Lee in 2016. Canadian Brooke Henderson, Green had six birdies in her Noh, who turned professional who carded a 71. fi ve-under par 67 at Columbia in January when she was still 17, Henderson is the last player to Edgewater Country Club and fi n- had four birdies on the day and win an LPGA title after coming ished with a 21-under total of 267 still led by three with four to through Monday qualifying. She while Noh posted a one-under 71 play. did it in Portland in 2015. for 268. But she made two of her three Green, who made her fi rst bogeys in the last three holes as Australia’s Hannah Green kisses LPGA title a major when she won Green kept the pressure on. the winner’s trophy on the 18th the Women’s PGA in June, curled “She stayed really strong green after winning the Cambia in a long birdie putt at 17 to pull throughout, so congrats to her,” Portland Classic in Portland, even with Noh. said Noh, who had been hop- United States, on Sunday. (AFP)

MLB ATHLETICS Canada’s De Astros’ Verlander Grasse powers to 100m win in Berlin

Reuters pitches third Berlin, Germany anadian Andre De Grasse ran down South African Akani Simbine to win the 100 metres in his Cfastest time of the year at Berlin’s ISTAF meeting on Sunday. De Grasse, the Olympic 100m no-hitter of career bronze medallist, came on strong in the fi nal 30 metres to take a Becomes first pitcher in history with two no-hitters in the same ballpark as a visitor confi dence-boosting victory in 9.97 seconds. Commonwealth AFP Games champion Simbine was Los Angeles, United States second in 9.99. “This was like a comeback for me,” said De Grasse, who missed ouston’s ace pitcher the 2017 world championships Justin Verlander tossed with a hamstring injury that lin- the third no-hitter gered last year. of his Major League “These were my last 100m HBaseball career Sunday, propel- before the world championships ling the Astros to a 2-0 win over and this race gives me a good the Blue Jays in Toronto. time before I race in Doha.” Verlander was with the De- Olympic 110m hurdles cham- troit Tigers when he no-hit the pion Omar McLeod of Jamaica Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, also ran his best time of the year 2017 and the Blue Jays on May to take victory in a time of 13.07 7, 2011. seconds. On Sunday he struck out 14 The men’s pole vault brought batters and allowed just one base together the three top medal runner — on a one-out walk to contenders for Doha with Amer- Cavan Biggio in the fi rst inning. ican-born Swede Mondo Du- The 36-year-old became the plantis edging US world cham- fi rst pitcher in major league his- pion Sam Kendricks on misses tory to throw two no-hitters in as both cleared 5.80m in windy the same ballpark as a visitor. conditions. Poland’s Piotr Lisek He joined Nolan Ryan, Sandy was third at 5.70m. Koufax, Bob Feller, Larry Cor- Germany’s women ran the fast- coran and Cy Young as the only est 4x100m relay of the season, players to throw three or more 41.67 seconds, and the host na- no-hitters in their careers. tion’s Gesa Krause shattered the Ryan recorded seven no- world best in the infrequently run hitters in his career and Koufax women’s 2,000m steeplechase, four. clocking 5.52.80, nearly 10 seconds “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t faster than the previous mark. know that the list of guys who have thrown three instead of two gets pretty small — some of the UPDATE guys I’ve idolized,” Verlander said. Since no-hitting Toronto eight years ago, Verlander has earned an American League Van Niekerk rules out Cy Young Award, a Most Valu- able Player Award and a World Series title with the Astros in title defence at World 2017. But even as he kept the Blue Jays at bay inning after inning he Championship was keenly aware of how a no- Houston Astros’ Justin Verlander delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the game on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) hit bid can come undone. Reuters portunity comes, I’ll take it. The game was scoreless until words,” Verlander said. “I mean, throw. Let’s celebrate.” Johannesburg, South Africa “For now I’m not rushing my- the top of the ninth, when Astros I’ve been so close to the third The Astros now have two of OTHER RESULTS Seattle 11-3 Texas self or putting pressure on my- rookie Abraham Toro delivered a one so many times, it just didn’t the four no-hitters thrown this self. I’m extremely happy and at NY Yankees 5-4 Oakland Pittsburgh 6-2 Colorado two-out, two-run home run. happen and then tonight, Abra- season. The other was a com- orld record holder peace with where I am.” Alex Bregman had led off the ham Toro comes up with a huge bined eff ort by Aaron Sanchez, St. Louis 4-3 Cincinnati San Diego 8-4 San Francisco Wayde van Niekerk Doctor Louis Holtzhausen, who inning with a hit to shallow right homer. Will Harris, Joe Biagini and Tampa Bay 8-2 Cleveland Boston 4-3 LA Angels said he would not de- has been leading Van Niekerk’s fi eld — hustling to second base. “Only fi tting that he was able Chris Devenski against Seattle Minnesota 8-3 Detroit LA Dodgers 4-3 Arizona fend his 400-metre recovery over the last two years, And it was Toro who fi elded to make the last out,” he added. on August 3. Wtitle at this month’s World Cham- believes it will move more rapidly Bo Bichette’s ground ball to “Ball is in play, you’re just hop- Oakland’s Mike Fiers and a Washington 9-3 Miami Atlanta 5-3 C White Sox pionships in Doha as he has yet to in the coming months. record the fi nal out and seal Ver- ing that it’s an out — make an combined eff ort by the Angels’ Kansas City 6-4 Baltimore Cincinnati 5-3 St. Louis recover from a knee injury. “The medical teams, both in lander’s no-hitter. out, make an out, make an out, Taylor Cole and Felix Cole are Milwaukee 4-0 C Cubs Philadelphia 5-2 NY Mets The Olympic champion suf- Bloemfontein and Aspetar (Qa- “Man, I can’t put it into good throw, good throw, good the other two. fered the injury while playing a tar), did all we could to have him charity touch rugby game in Oc- ready for the World Champion- tober 2017 and has not raced in- ships, but it was just not possi- ternationally since. ble,” Holtzhausen said. Steelers Haden signs tackles, 12 passes defensed, two inter- exhaustive off season search to fill the last November during a practice with the The 27-year-old South Afri- “However, he has successfully ceptions and one forced fumble in 15 position. The Bears and Green Bay Pack- New Orleans Saints. On Saturday, NFL can recently returned to training returned to track training and all extension: report games last season. Haden has collected ers kick off the NFL’s 100th season on Network’s Jane Slater shared a video after enduring a number of set- indications are that he will re- 453 tackles, 22 interceptions, five forced Thursday at Soldier Field. “He deserves clip of Bryant working out and catching backs, but says he is in no rush to cover more rapidly from now on.” The Pittsburgh Steelers signed corner- fumbles, four fumble recoveries in 116 it,” coach Matt Nagy said on Sunday. “He passes. “Healthy, moving fast and explo- return to competition as he looks Van Niekerk had hoped to run back Joe Haden to a two-year, $22mn career games since being selected by earned every right to be our kicker.” sive,” receivers coach David Robinson forward to the next Olympics in at the South African champion- extension, according to a published the Cleveland Browns with the seventh said of Bryant, who hasn’t caught a pass Tokyo in 2020. ships in April but pulled out and report on Sunday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. Bryant targets NFL in the NFL since 2017. “I’m way better “I’m still positive and I’m just also skipped a proposed return reported that Haden will receive the than I was before I went to the Saints last taking things day by day, re- at the London Diamond League new contract as well as a $16.8mn Pineiro to start season return in mid-October year,” Bryant told Slater. “Mid-October is specting all the calls made by the in July after suff ering a bruise on signing bonus. Haden, 30, had one year when I’m going to be trying to get back doctors and respecting my body,” the bone in his knee. and $10 mn left on his current deal. His as Bears kicker Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver in the league.” A first-round pick in 2010, Van Niekerk said in a statement. Van Niekerk beat Michael new contract will lock him up through Dez Bryant hopes to resume his NFL Bryant caught 531 passes for 7,459 yards “For me it’s just about listen- Johnson’s 17-year world record in the 2021 season. A Pro Bowl selection Eddy Pineiro will start the season as the career next month. The 30-year-old and 73 touchdowns in 113 games over ing to my body and taking it from the 400m at the 2016 Olympics in 2013 and 2014, Haden recorded 63 kicker for the Chicago Bears after an veteran tore his right Achilles tendon eight seasons with the Cowboys. there. My main goal is to look and was set to take on the 200m after my body and when the op- as well before his injury. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 3, 2019 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT French basketball World Cup star hits NBA’s Jokic shines out aft er dope test

AFP doing things @FIBA.” Shenzhen, China The towering two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and his French side squeezed through rench star Rudy Gobert 78-74 against Germany on Sun- as Serbia crank up accused basketball’s day evening in their tournament governing body FIBA of opener. showing “no respect” Gobert, 27, had a game-lead- yesterdayF after he said he was ing fi ve blocks to help the French woken up for a doping test at the make a winning start in the World Cup in China just hours southern Chinese city of Shen- after a match. zhen. The Utah Jazz centre made Gobert, who stands an im- World Cup assault plain his anger in a tweet, writ- posing 7ft 1in (2.16-metre), has ing: “Got woke up this morning taken over the mantle of France’s Serbia began their title tilt with a 105-59 thrashing of Angola on Saturday for a doping control (BLOOD and leading star from the now-re- urine), the morning after a late tired Tony Parker. AFP game when I could sleep more. FIBA did not immediately Foshan, China “No respect for the player’s respond to an AFP request for recovery time. Terrible way of comment.

erbia and their NBA All- Star Nikola Jokic turned on the style to reach the second round of the Bas- ketballS World Cup with a mas- terful 126-67 demolition of the Philippines yesterday. The Serbs have a team packed with NBA talent and are the prime threat to reigning two- time champions the United States, who are without their biggest names in China. Serbia began their title tilt with a 105-59 thrashing of An- gola on Saturday and were simi- larly ruthless in dismissing the Philippines in Foshan. Lumbering Denver Nuggets ace Jokic, who has what it takes to be the player of the tourna- ment and has been likened to an NFL quarterback in the way he dictates games, had 11 points and a game-best seven assists and seven rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica of the Sac- ramento Kings led the scoring with 20 points. Serbia brought up a century of Barbashev signs two-year pact points at the start of the fourth quarter with a dunk by Marko with Blues Guduric, who signed for the Memphis Grizzlies in July. estricted free agent forward Ivan Barbashev agreed to It is the fi rst time that Serbia, terms on a two-year, $2.95mn contract with the St. Louis losing fi nalists to Team USA in RBlues, the team announced Sunday. The contract has an 2014, have won their fi rst two average annual value of $1.475mn for Barbashev, who recorded games at the World Cup, under- career highs in goals (14), assists (12) and points (26) in 80 regular- lining their scintillating form. season games with the Blues last season. Barbashev also added Serbia’s big win also propelled three goals and three assists in 25 postseason games in the spring Italy into the second round — as the Blues went on to win the first Stanley Cup title in franchise the two teams will face up on history. The 23-year-old Russian scored a goal against the Boston Wednesday in what promises Bruins in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. He also was suspended to be a blockbuster for Group D for Game 6 after delivering an illegal check to the head of Bruins supremacy. The pair are the fi rst Nikola Jokic (right) of Serbia in action with Andray Blatche of Philippines during the FIBA Basketball World Cup first round match at Foshan forward Marcus Johansson. Barbashev has collected 26 goals and teams into round two. International Sports & Cultural Arena in China yesterday. (Reuters) 25 assists in 163 regular-season games since being selected by St. An Angola player aimed a vi- Louis in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft. cious headbutt at an opponent involving all the players from Italian’s nose with his forehead. scared about that,” said the reach 611 points in his Basketball as Italy thrashed the Africans both teams with seconds left of Marco Belinelli of the San An- 33-year-old guard. World Cup career and move to 92-61. the match after Angola’s Leonel tonio Spurs racked up 17 points Argentina also made it two second on the all-time tourna- Italy look in ominous form, Paulo and Alessandro Gentile and Kentucky-born Jeff Brooks wins out of two as they defeat- ment scoring list. FOCUS hammering the Philippines 108- clashed. also starred for Italy with 11 ed Nigeria — touted by some as The 39-year-old, taking part 62 in their opener before hand- The 26-year-old Gentile points, 11 rebounds and two possible surprise packages be- in his fi fth World Cup, is how- ing out more punishment to the shoved Paulo and the latter re- steals. fore the World Cup — 94-81 in ever well behind Oscar Schmidt. Angolans in Foshan. sponded in kind, before appear- “Serbia are the best team in Group B. The legendary Brazilian fi n- Bogut the bogeyman But there was a fl ashpoint ing to make contact with the the tournament but we are not Luis Scola scored 23 points to ished his career with 906 points. in China aft er Sun COMMENT Yang barb Popovich says US ‘got a ways to go’ aft er opening win

AFP season, were easy 85-60 win- Shanghai, China ners over Montenegro. But France were made to sweat, squeezing past old rivals oach Gregg Popovich Germany 78-74. admitted the United States remain a work NAIL-BITER in progress after they Australia drew fi rst blood in the launchedC their bid for a third so-called “Group of Death” with Basketball World Cup title in a a nail-biting 108-92 victory row with an 88-67 victory over over Canada. the Czech Republic on Sunday. Cleveland Cavaliers’ Matthew France, Greece and Australia, Dellavedova was key for the all touted as possible threats to Boomers, leading them with 24 a depleted Team USA, also tri- points after Canada had battled umphed on the second day of back from a 12-point half-time action in China. defi cit to lead going into the San Antonio Spurs master- fourth quarter. mind Popovich was forced to Andrej Lemanis, Australia’s name an experimental roster coach, called victory in their with major names such as Le- opener “a big one for us”. Canada’s Kyle Wiltjer (left) fights for the ball with Australia’s Andrew Bron James, Kevin Durant and “It was good to be tested in Bogut during the Basketball World Cup game in Dongguan, China, on Stephen Curry all either injured a game that matters and fi nd a Sunday. (AFP) or unavailable. way to hold our nerve, get back This is no “Dream Team” but together, start playing some AFP Sun was the subject of podium Popovich still has a side full of good basketball and work our Dongguan, China protests by some fellow swim- NBA players and the reigning way to what ended up being a mers – notably Australia’s Mack two-time champions had too good, solid win.” Horton – at the world champi- much quality for the Czechs, Australia, who showcased ustralian star Andrew onships in South Korea in July. who are ranked 24th in the their title credentials by stun- Bogut was booed and But the 27-year-old Sun re- world. ning the Americans in a pre- heckled during Sun- mains a hero to hundreds of mil- America are number one and tournament warm-up, began day’s victory over Can- lions of Chinese, and sections of the favourites in China, but they their title bid in Dongguan adaA in the Basketball World Cup the crowd at Sunday’s match in failed to sparkle for long peri- against a Canada side led by in China by locals seemingly fu- the southern city of Dongguan ods in Shanghai and Popovich NBA champion coach Nick rious with his barbed comment made clear their anger at Bogut’s admitted: “It was a very com- Nurse but missing many of their about swimmer Sun Yang. intervention. petitive game, physical, an op- biggest names. The 34-year-old centre en- The veteran appeared unfazed, portunity to learn a lot... an op- In a highly competitive Group raged Chinese sports fans in July however, scoring 12 points as portunity to get better. Donovan Mitchell of the US in action during the Basketball FIBA World Cup match against Czech Republic H also containing Lithuania and when he tweeted: “Swimmers Australia began their World Cup “That’s how we look at each of in Shanghai, China, on Sunday. (Reuters) Senegal, Australia led 52-40 at who medal vs Sun Yang should campaign with a nail-biting 108- these games, to try to be the best half-time, only for Canada to break the podiums with ham- 92 win. team that we can be — and we’ve team-leading four assists. getting to know each other. In the same group, Turkey — battle back before running out mers...... ” Bogut, a key member of the got a ways to go, but we are will- Donovan Mitchell, a guard “We are going to try to ex- prime challengers to the USA in of gas. The tweet, which garnered Golden State Warriors’ NBA ing.” with the Utah Jazz, led the US ecute better and better as time the fi rst round — defeated Japan Andrew Bogut, Australia’s thousands of interactions, was a championship-winning roster In the absence of James and the with 16 points. goes on, but defensively we’ve 86-67. veteran centre, was booed by cheeky reference to China’s triple in 2015, fanned the fl ames ahead rest, much was expected of Bos- Popovich said that interna- got to put our money there,” said Greece, who boast “Greek the locals seemingly because of Olympic champion missing a dop- of his arrival in China, tweeting: ton Celtics All-Star Kemba Walk- tional basketball is diff erent from the 70-year-old. Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo, a barbed tweet about Chinese ing test after a vial of his blood was “Wheels up to China! Can’t wait er, who scored 13 points and had a the NBA and the US team are still “All in all, it’s getting better.” the NBA’s MVP for the 2018-19 swimmer Sun Yang. smashed with a hammer. to see all my Chinese fans soon.” Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 3, 2019 SPORT

FOCUS COMMENT ‘Slap in the face’ Prop Kepu to end before facing WCup ‘contenders’ for Italy: Budd Wallabies career “We’re not going there just to AFP Paris, France compete and make up numbers. If we want to get out of our group we have to topple a giant,” Budd xperienced Italy lock said. Dean Budd said facing “If we put that performance England on Friday in in against Canada or Namibia their fi nal Rugby World we’d be scared about the result, aft er World Cup CupE warm-up Test will be a mas- so it’s best to have the wake-up sive ask after last week’s “slap in calls before the games that mean Japan will be 33-year-old’s third World Cup before he heads to English Premiership the face” defeat to France. something,” he added. Kiwi-born Budd, 33, came off Reuters the bench to win his 22nd Test EMOTIONAL POLLEDRI Melbourne, Australia as the Azzurri suff ered a 47-19 Back-row Jake Polledri, who was defeat to les Bleus on Friday after born in Bristol and plays for Eng- losing to Ireland and thrashing lish side Gloucester could line ustralia prop Sekope Russia earlier in August. up against club teammate Willi Kepu said yesterday “We’ll take it as a real slap in Heinz. he will retire from in- the face and a wake up call and if “The emotion between the ternational rugby after we do really want to compete we two nations is going to be big,” he theA World Cup in Japan, bring- have another month or so to pull told AFP. ing the curtain down on a Walla- our fi nger out,” Budd told AFP. “I’ll tell him to watch out and bies career that has brought him “I honestly think they (Eng- keep an eye on his back. We get more than 100 test caps. land) are World Cup contend- on well. Kepu became just the ninth ers, as proper winners. So it’s “I wish him all the best and I’ll Australian test centurion when a massive ask for us after that send him a message and I look he played world champions New performance, we have to bounce forward to seeing him on the Zealand in Yokohama last year, back. pitch,” he added. and the nation’s fi rst prop to “We go out every week to win Polledri, 23, said the Azzurri reach the milestone. but we have to face the reality can’t aff ord a repeat performance He will be honoured with a that they’re real potential World six days on from the thumping farewell ceremony in front of Cup winners and at least fi nal- in the French capital against a home fans after the Wallabies’ ists,” he added. country they have never beaten. fi nal World Cup warmup against Italy, who have never reached “We need to come out with Samoa in Sydney on Saturday. a World Cup quarter-fi nal, the some positives from the England “It’s going to very special,” only Six Nations side to have game,” he said. 105-cap Kepu said. failed to do so, will play reigning “It’s all about building mo- “It’s another massive chal- world champions New Zealand, mentum for the World Cup, we lenge and something I’m defi - former winners South Africa af- don’t really want to be going into nitely looking forward to, run- ter meeting Namibia and Canada the World Cup with two per- ning out in front of family and in their pool at the tournament. formances like that.” friends as well as our home fans for the last time this year. “I never thought I would have achieved that milestone and to In this September 23, 2015, picture, Australia’s Sekope Kepu celebrates scoring a try against Fiji in their IRB Rugby World Cup match at the have done so, it’s something that Millennium Stadium in Cardiff , Wales. (Reuters) makes me feel very privileged and fortunate.” ample depth in their front row. Folau (Fainga’a) and all those guys make more of an eff ort to sched- said of the All Blacks’ warmup Japan will be the 33-year- “There’s guys pushing for — now we can play anyone in that ule tests against Pacifi c Island against Tonga in Hamilton on old’s third World Cup before he spots everywhere now. We have front row and you can guarantee nations to grow the game. Saturday. heads to England to play with quality depth in Australian Rug- they are going to do the job, no “Yeah I think so; one test a “I think that’ll only help.” Premiership side London Irish by and I’ll be looking from afar matter who we are playing.” year and it’s on a rotation,” said The Wallabies said on Mon- next season. and just excited about what we Kepu, who started at tight- Kepu, who has Tongan heritage. day they had fl own outside back Kepu made his test debut in have,” he said. “Guys like Allan head prop in the 2015 World “I know a lot of guys play- Jack Maddocks and uncapped 2008 against Italy in Padova and (Alaalatoa) and Taniela (Tu- Cup fi nal against the All Blacks ing for the Tongan team are loose forward Rob Valetini to got his fi rst start against Samoa pou), they have now established in England, has been preparing thoroughly excited that they’re New Caledonia to prepare for in Sydney in 2011. themselves at test level. with the Wallabies in New Cal- playing New Zealand and test- the Samoa test, with coach Kepu said he was leaving at a “And then Scotty (Sio), Slips edonia ahead of the Samoa test. ing themselves against one of Michael Cheika expected to rest time when the Wallabies have (James Slipper), Tolu (Latu) and He said offi cials needed to the best teams in the world,” he a number of key players.

Toner the surprise omission from Ireland World Cup squad

Reuters sacrificed for Kleyn’s power up that squad of 31. Jean Kleyn fit- Rhys Ruddock pipping Jordi van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, Dublin, Ireland front after the South African- ted that and Tadhg Beirne gives Murphy in the backrow mix and Rhys Ruddock, Jack Conan, France’s Felix Lambey (left) in action with Italy’s Dean Budd (right) born lock qualified to play for you the versatility of both a Will Addison unlucky not to Tadhg Beirne, Jean Kleyn, Iain during the Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Stade de France in Ireland just last month. second row and a back row.” make it as a versatile option in Henderson, James Ryan, Rory Saint-Denis, France, on Friday. (Reuters) reland lock Devin Toner was “I’ve coached Dev for 10 years Schmidt was able to name a the backs. Best (captain), Niall Scannell, the surprise omission from and he’s not just a lineout strong squad after no major Ireland, who face hosts Japan, Sean Cronin, Tadhg Furlong, IJoe Schmidt’s World Cup champion for us, he’s such a injury concerns emerged since Scotland Russia and Samoa Andrew Porter, Cian Healy, Dave SPOTLIGHT squad yesterday, as Jean Kleyn good player and an absolutely flankers Sean O’Brien and Dan in Pool A, will complete their Kilcoyne, John Ryan edged out the experienced quality person. That was an Leavy were ruled out at the end preparations against Six Na- Backs (14): Rob Kearney, Keith Leinster man less than a month incredibly tough conversation,” of last season, meaning reserve tions champions Wales on Earls, Andrew Conway, Jordan after making his international Joe Schmidt told the Irish Rugby flyhalf Joey Carbery travels Saturday before they open their Larmour, Chris Farrell, Robbie All Blacks coach debut. Football Association’s website. while recovering from injury. World Cup campaign against Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, A near ever-present throughout “With Jean Kleyn, we probably The other tight calls were the Scots on Sept. 22. Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Schmidt’s six years in charge don’t have a specialist tight- on the periphery with Luke Johnny Sexton, Joey Carbery, Hansen unruffl ed with 67 caps, the 2.10 metre tall head second row as such. It’s a McGrath favoured to Kieran SQUAD Jack Carty, Conor Murray, Luke Toner’s lineout abilities were balance we’re looking for across Marmion as backup scrumhalf, Forwards (17): CJ Stander, Josh McGrath by ‘cheats’ call

Reuters FEATURE Wellington, New Zealand

ew Zealand coach Japan’s veteran maulers happy to die in their boots Steve Hansen has shrugged off criticism Reuters shrug. negotiate the sometimes tricky from former England “There are many other things path towards building friend- Nfl yhalf turned media pundit Tokyo, Japan too. When I noticed an irregular ships with locals. Stuart Barnes, who described pulse, I would take medicine to “I was at the Tokyo Sevens the world champions as “cyni- apan may have been seen adjust. So, I can still do it. I can’t and I got chatting to a guy next cal cheats” at the breakdown in a as a leftfi eld choice to stand not playing. That’s it. to me because he had a shirt on British newspaper. Bookmakers have installed host the Rugby World “This may sound strange, but that said ‘Fuwaku Rugby Club Barnes, writing for The Sunday New Zealand as favourites to Cup but if you want a I have lost my wife years ago and since 1948’, which is when I was Times, said Hansen was seeking win an unprecedented third suc- senseJ of the country’s long love now I would say I don’t mind born, so I was curious,” Hartley to replicate the “ball-killing” cessive World Cup in Japan de- aff air with the game, you could dying playing rugby.” explained. tactics of former All Blacks cap- spite results suggesting the gap do worse than to get along to To- “He said he could introduce tain Richie McCaw in selecting between the All Blacks and the kyo’s Fuwaku club. 10,000 VETERANS me to the club, which he did the openside fl ankers Sam Cane, chasing pack has been closing in The dozens of players run- The World Cup, which starts following week and I have been Ardie Savea and Matt Todd in his recent years. ning, passing, mauling, scrum- next month, will certainly boost playing more or less ever since. Rugby World Cup squad. Hansen declined to be drawn maging and crashing into one awareness of the game in Ja- That was seven years ago. “New Zealand, the most posi- on which teams he thought were another in the shadow of the pan and, organisers hope, bring “I was really surprised be- tive attacking team in the world, genuine contenders but said he Aquatics Centre being built for through a whole generation of cause the scene doesn’t really have their fl ip side. They are was comfortable with the All the 2020 Olympics are unre- young rugby players. exist in the UK, certainly not at also the most cynical cheats at a Blacks being favourites. markable in all but one thing — The country, though, has long 60, 70. It was a really welcome breakdown,” Barnes wrote. “It doesn’t worry me, you’re their age. been in the top 10 in the world surprise and a good way of mak- Hansen gave short shrift to better to be the favourite than Fuwaku, founded in 1948, is for the number of rugby players ing friends.” Barnes’s analysis and said the All not the favourite,” he said. one of approximately 150 Japa- with more than 120,000 at the At 54, Norihasa Yamada not Blacks were no diff erent to any “If we weren’t the favourite, nese clubs that stage competi- last World Rugby census. only plays but offi ciates with team at the tackle area. it means we’re going poor. Even tive, full-contact matches for Fuwaku’s General Manager a vibrant authority he says is “I hadn’t even given it any when we’re going poor we’re the players over the age of 40 and Mitsuaki Okajima estimates modelled on Welsh referee Nigel thought, waste of time,” Hansen favourite. the oldest man on the park is In this May 3, 2019, picture, players of Fuwaku Rugby Club play there are around 10,000 veteran Owens, who will take charge of told local media in Hamilton on “I’m happy where we’re at, sprightly 86-year-old lock Ry- against another club team during a match in Kumagaya, Saitama rugby players currently play- the World Cup opener between Monday in the leadup to the fi nal and that’s all I’m worried about, uichi Nagayama. Prefecture in Japan. (Reuters) ing at clubs across Japan and his Japan and Russia on Sept. 20. warmup match against Tonga on because that’s all I can control.” As in rugby clubs around the club alone has 300 players com- Owens and English referee Saturday. Hansen said one of his priorities world, the attraction is only est active player but junior to playing a high impact sport at peting across all age categories. Wayne Barnes recently visited “We’re no diff erent to any was to get minutes into the legs partly the love of playing the three club members in their 90s. his age and the club’s website In a country where there is Fuwaku and Yamada took them other team at the breakdown. of several players in the match game which originated in an “We talk about how each oth- gives detailed advice on health much concern over the loneli- for a Japanese barbecue lunch But he’s got to say something be- against 15th-ranked Tonga. English private school and can er plays and no one gets angry precautions and even links to a ness of the elderly, rugby not only after training. cause he’s got to sell his papers. Centre Jack Goodhue, who look to the uninitiated like legal- about how we played. The at- life insurance company. keeps the players active but also “It was so much fun and an So let’s not get caught up and buy sustained a hamstring injury ised brutality. mosphere is great. “Since I joined Fuwaku Club, off ers a ready-made social life. honour to meet them,” said Ya- into that. in the recent defeat to Austral- “You tackle and battle each “In short, there is nothing but I have broken ribs many times Among them is 71-year-old mada, showing off a photograph “If he thinks that’s why we’re ia in Perth, and fl yhalf Richie other, but the gathering after rugby (for me).” and broke my collarbone too,” Englishman Tony Hartley, who of Owens at the lunch on his carrying three opensides, that’s Mo’unga, battling a shoulder in- the play is so enjoyable and fun,” As a doctor, Nagayama is well Nagayama, who is still practices is not alone as a foreigner who phone. “We spoke all about rug- good, carry on thinking that. It jury, have yet to be passed fi t to said Nagayama, who is the old- aware of the risks involved in medicine, said with a dismissive has found rugby to be a way to by, which is my favourite thing.” couldn’t be further from the truth.” return to the side. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 3, 2019 7 SPORT

FOCUS ANOC to inaugurate World Beach Games in Doha QNA dent. By facilitating and opening a four-year term. In addition to Doha up new dialogue, ANOC is com- the General Assembly, ANOC mitted to forging more produc- owns and runs a number of oth- tive and collaborative working er events including the ANOC hen the inaugural relationships between NOCs and Awards which was launched edition of the World International Federations (IFs) in 2014 by the ANOC Presi- Beach Games Qatar in particular and it also strives dent Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahd 2019 offi cially kicks to protect and advance the col- al-Sabah. Woff in Doha on October 12, all lective interests of the NOCs by The Awards is an annual event eyes are not only going to be on delivering an unprecedented created to recognise the achieve- the host nation but also on the level of assistance and support ments of the NOCs and their main organisers, Association of as well as strengthening the re- athletes as well as distinguished National Olympic Committees lationships between the NOCs members of the Olympic Fam- (ANOC), who are putting to- and the Olympic Family for the tration for Sport (ICAS), to en- ily and it provides an opportu- gether this great competition for benefi t of the entire Olympic sure that the NOC voice is heard nity for the world’s NOCs come the fi rst time. Movement. within the Olympic Movement. together in a relaxed and enter- In establishing the World Each NOC under the organi- The General Assembly is the taining environment and enjoy Beach Games, ANOC aims to sation is affi liated to their re- supreme governing body of the an evening celebrating sport. open beach sports to the world spective continental nations Association and under the new The awards presented each and provide an opportunity for – Oceania National Olympic Constitution, an Ordinary Gen- year vary depending on the NOCs to connect with new stars Committees (ONOC), European eral Assembly must be held once sporting events that have taken from new beach, water and ac- Olympic Committees (EOC), a year. place that year and are decided tion sports. The Beach Games Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), All 206 NOCs participate in by an ANOC jury. is the latest addition to the long Pan American Sports Organiza- the General Assembly and the Administratively, the day to list of innovations ANOC has tion (PASO) and Association of event is also a platform for Ol- day management and operations been undertaking in its quest to National Olympic Committees ympic stakeholders, especially of the organisation is handled, in reform, modernise and profes- of Africa (ANOCA). OCOGs and cities bidding to consultation with the President, sionalise the organisation in or- ANOC is represented in a host the Olympic Games, to ad- by its Secretary General from der to better serve the needs of number of IOC Commissions in- dress the NOC Family. its headquarters in the Olympic the world’s NOCs. not recognised by IOC but rec- interest of all its members. offi cially formed during the cluding the Coordination Com- Between General Assemblies, Capital, Lausanne, where it has As one of the largest inter- ognised by continental associa- Historically, the fi rst General Constitutive General Assembly missions for Olympic Games; Executive Council Meetings been based since June 2010. national organisations in the tions as its affi liates, ANOC has Assembly of the NOCs took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico with the World Anti-Doping Agency must be held at least twice a Gunilla Lindberg of Sweden, world with 206 IOC-recognised always been at the forefront of in Rome from September 30 to Mario Vazquez Rana (Mexico), (WADA); the Court of Arbitra- year. The Executive Council in- who assumed offi ce in 2004, is National Olympic Committees global promotion of sports and it October 2, 1965 but it wasn’t who served from 26 June 1979 tion for Sport (CAS); and the cludes members of the fi ve Con- presently the Secretary-General (NOCs) and eight NOCs who are works to protect and advance the until June 1979 that ANOC was to 13 April 2012, as its fi rst presi- International Council of Arbi- tinental Associations elected for of the organisation.

F1 MOTORSPORT Belgium opens probe into F2 race death Leclerc destined cruited to advise the inquiry. AFP Brussels “From the point where someone had died and the po- lice had made a report, it was elgian authorities necessary for the competent opened a manslaugh- prosecutor to open an objec- ter inquiry yesterday tive investigation,” the magis- two days after the trate said. for greatness, says deathB of French racing driver At the beginning of the sec- Anthoine Hubert in a Formula ond lap of Saturday’s race, Two race. Hubert was involved in a ‘He did a great job. Even if we had diff erent It is standard practice in high-speed collision with US Belgium to launch a probe into driver Juan Manuel Correa, strategies, it would have been hard to have “accidental homicide by per- Frenchman Giuliano Alesi and son unknown” after any fatal Japan’s Marino Sato. beaten him. He deserved to win’ road accident, and does not in Hubert died from his inju- Hamilton itself imply criminal charges ries while Correa was taken to are likely. hospital with broken legs and The 22-year-old was killed has not yet been questioned, on Saturday in a crash on the according to the prosecutor. Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Sato and Alesi, son of Hubert’s Formula Two race former F1 driver Jean Alesi, was cancelled, but the Belgian were unharmed. The crash Formula One Grand Prix went happened on one of the fast- ahead on Sunday. est parts of the Belgian circuit, “For the moment, there’s the Raidillon, where the track nothing to suggest any negli- rises abruptly after a descent. gence, but that will be for the Hubert was lying in eighth experts to determine,” said place in the Formula Two magistrate Gilles de Villers championship after 16 events, Grand Champs, of the Verviers having won in Monaco in May prosecutor’s offi ce. and in France in June, in races Several road safety and auto held alongside Grand Prix racing experts have been re- events.

This picture shows the portrait of BWT Arden’s French driver Anthoine Hubert covered with condolence messages at the entrance of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa, Belgium. (AFP)

‘Is it worth it?’ Ricciardo refl ected aft er Hubert death

Daniel Ricciardo says he fession and it’s our life, but considered pulling out of also it’s still just racing cars the Belgian Grand Prix after around in circles.” the death on Saturday of He added that the sight Formula 2 racer Anthoine of Hubert’s family at the Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates (centre) on the Belgian Grand Prix podium after winning the race alongside second-placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (left) and third-placed Hubert. minute’s silence held at the Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium, on Sunday. (Reuters) It was the first death at a circuit on Sunday morning Grand Prix weekend since had given him strength. AFP pion and current series leader. GREATNESS ilton, referring to Leclerc, who impressed by fi nishing fi fth Ayrton Senna and Roland “I could not imagine being in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium “They are so much faster than Leclerc, widely tipped as a fu- has delivered fi ve podium fi nish- – Red Bull rookie Alex Albon Ratzenberger were killed at their position, I felt they were us and Monza is all straights... ture champion, performed with es in his last seven outings. climbing from 17th to secure a the 1994 San Marino Grand a lot stronger than any of us.” We will do our best, but it is go- grace and humanity on and off “It’s not easy for any driver to strong result in his fi rst race with Prix. Belgian authorities opened ewis Hamilton yesterday ing to be a tough job to match the circuit during a stressful jump into a top team, let alone the team following promotion Jules Bianchi died in July a manslaughter inquiry on predicted more success them.” race weekend that saw him move Ferrari... and then to be continu- from Toro Rosso. 2015 from injuries he sus- Monday into the circum- for his triumphant Ferrari Hamilton increased his lead within 12 points of his Ferrari ous from race one, out-perform, “I’ve been very impressed tained at the 2014 Japanese stances around Hubert’s fatal rival Charles Leclerc and in this year’s title race to 69 team-mate and four-time world out-qualify and out-drive a with Alex’s performance and he Grand Prix. accident as the sport’s ruling Ltipped the Monegasque driver as points ahead of re-signed Mer- champion Sebastian Vettel in the four-time world champion is not put in a great recovery drive in Australian Ricciardo, who body said improved safety the favourite for this week’s Ital- cedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, drivers’ standings. easy to do. his fi rst race,” said Red Bull team was a friend of Bianchi and standards and research into ian Grand Prix at Monza. who came home third, and was He has now out-qualifi ed “So I think that speaks for it- chief Christian Horner of the raced on that day at Suzuka, better protection for drivers After fi nishing second behind quick to praise 21-year-old Vettel at six races in succession, self. He’s been really unlucky in London-born Thai racer. admitted he had to ask him- would never stop. Leclerc at the Belgian Grand Prix Leclerc for his performance un- leaving the German battling to quite a few races this year. Could His Red Bull teammate Max self if he really wanted to International Motoring on Sunday, a race weekend over- der pressure. retain his status as Ferrari’s lead easily have been the third win Verstappen made a poor start compete given what was Federation (FIA) race direc- shadowed by the death of French Leclerc, who started from pole driver. today. and retired after crashing on the going through his head. tor Michael Masi said an Formula Two driver Anthoine and resisted intense Hamilton On Sunday, Vettel was asked “So, there’s a lot more great- opening lap. “You question, is it really investigation into the crash Hubert a day earlier, Hamilton pressure as he chased him in the to pull over and allow Leclerc to ness to come from him and I’m “I had some good fun out worth it?” said the Renault that killed Hubert had al- forecast that having fi nally se- closing laps, dedicated his win to pass mid-race on his way to fi n- looking forward to seeing his there and I enjoyed this race a driver after finishing 14th on ready begun. “Safety is ever cured his maiden win, Leclerc his late friend Hubert. ishing fourth. growth and racing alongside lot,” said Albon. Sunday. evolving,” said Masi, who would now go on to claim more “He did a great job,” said It is now more than a year him... Today, it was fun, trying “I started off the weekend very “At the end of the day, it is a took over his role following victories. Hamilton. “Even if we had dif- since his last win, ironically at to chase him. He was just a little nervous and if you had told me simple question but a pretty the sudden death earlier this “Ferrari are going to have a ferent strategies, it would have Belgium in 2018. bit too quick.” I’d fi nish the race fi fth I’d be very honest one as well. year of long-time FIA off icial happy weekend at Monza,” said been hard to have beaten him. He “I think his results speak for While Leclerc fi nally seized happy, but I’m a bit more relaxed “It’s our job and it’s our pro- Charlie Whiting. the defending fi ve-time cham- deserved to win.” themselves really,” added Ham- a victory, another young driver now.”

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

ASHES Denly to open, Broad wary of Smith return Reuters ditions he will face here at Old London Traff ord. “There’s been a little bit of to and fro between him and Jofra. oe Denly will swap places And Jofra will be excited to con- with struggling opener tinue that battle. Smith will be Jason Roy in the Eng- very hungry to come back into a land batting order for the crucial test match.” fourthJ Ashes Test against Aus- England’s one-wicket win at tralia at Old Traff ord, he said Headingley prevented Australia yesterday. from retaining the Ashes, and Roy, who was handed his test Broad said this was the most debut after an impressive World closely-contested series he had Cup-winning campaign, has been a part of. failed to deliver at the top of Australia’s Steve Smith during nets in Manchester yesterday. (Reuters) “The momentum of that test the order in the fi rst three tests, match shifted to England and scoring 57 runs in six innings “Obviously, Jason’s going to is set to return to the side af- with that the series,” Broad said. with a highest score of 28. bat at four. With Jason in the ter missing the third test due to “I don’t think I’ve ever played Denly’s patient half-century team, I think we’re a better team concussion. Smith was hit on the in an Ashes that has been as in the second innings of the third for sure. neck by a rising Jofra Archer de- closely matched man-to-man. test, where he shared a 126-run “With him coming in at four livery during the second test at The teams are so close and you stand with Root, set up the win with hopefully the new ball worn Lord’s and England fast bowler can see that by the punches be- for the hosts who were chasing off , and hopefully myself and Stuart Broad expects the former ing thrown by each side and how a daunting target of 359 to level (opener) Rory (Burns) doing our skipper to be well-prepared. they’re soaking it up. It’s a fasci- the series. jobs at the top, it enables him to “Whenever a batsman seems nating series to be involved in.” “I got a call from Joe Root after come in and play his way. He’s a in great rhythm, a period of time The fourth Test in Manchester a bit of time off and he said he’d dangerous player so he’s great to out of being in the middle could starts tomorrow with the series like for me to go at the top of the have there.” aff ect them but he’s a world- level at 1-1. The fi nal match at order and try and get us off to a Australia’s Steve Smith, who class batsman,” Broad said. The Oval in London begins on England’s Jos Buttler (left), Rory Burns (centre) and Joe Denly during their net session in Manchester good start,” Denly told BBC. scored 378 runs in three innings, “He’ll be very ready for the con- September 12. yesterday. (Reuters)

JAMAICA TEST FOCUS Coach Langer keeps Australia waiting India sweep series over 4th Test team

Reuters the team.” London Australia have also brought back former captain Steve Waugh to help the squad pre- ustralia coach Jus- pare for the fi nal stretch of the with big victory tin Langer is keeping Ashes series. his players waiting to Waugh had left the squad af- learn the team for the ter the fi rst two tests as sched- fourthA Ashes Test against Eng- uled but has rejoined the group land. Langer’s side face Eng- ahead of the fourth test at Old land at Old Traff ord this week Traff ord starting tomorrow. with the Ashes tied at 1-1 in the With the series locked at 1-1, fi ve-match series. one victory in the next two over West Indies England’s remarkable win tests will ensure Australia re- at Headingley in the third Test tain the urn in England for the ‘According to the surface, Vihari’s innings was top class. He looks confident and dressing-room has breathed new life into the fi rst time since Waugh’s side contest and could force Aus- triumphed 4-1 in 2001. feels calm when he bats. He’s always willing to improve and correcting his mistakes’ tralia to make changes. “We asked him to stay for the They seem certain to make third test, but he had to go back at least one switch, with star for a function,” Australia coach batsman Steve Smith available Justin Langer told reporters in again after suff ering concus- Manchester. sion following a bouncer from “But he was actually going to England’s Jofra Archer in the fl y there, do the function and second game at Lord’s. fl y back the next day. That’s Pacemen Mitchell Starc and how much he’s enjoying it. Peter Siddle will also hope to be “He’s been like a kid at involved. Langer was giving few Christmas.” clues away as to Australia’s like- Having Waugh in the back- ly selection at yesterday’s press room staff , much like Ricky conference and said his players Ponting taking on an assistant are still in the dark as well. coaching role during the World “The players don’t know yet. Cup, was a priority for Langer We’re going to tell them before after he faced many testing dinner tonight and then it will moments during his fi rst year probably be public after that,” as coach. Langer said. “Guys like Punter (Ponting) “We’re very clear on the 12, and Steve Waugh, not only do not so sure on the 11. Sorry I they have a great presence in can’t give you more but it’s the group, but they are great probably better to tell the play- psychologists,” Langer added. ers before we tell you. “They’ve been in the caul- “The 12th man will be one of dron before, they’ve seen it the bowlers. We’re very clear all, so to have that those type what the batting is.” of guys, we are talking about Former Australia captain developing leadership in Aus- Smith has scored a combined tralian cricket, to have our guys total of 378 runs in three in- to learn from people of that nings in the series so far, at calibre is very important short a remarkable average of 126. term.” Smith was back on the fi eld in Australia’s one-wicket de- last week’s tour match against feat in the third Test was a Derbyshire and Langer hopes bitter pill to swallow but they he can now pick up where he would put it behind them, he Virat Kohli (left) and Jasprit Bumrah (right) of India celebrate the dismissal of Jermaine Blackwood of West Indies during Day 4 of the 2nd Test at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, left off in the Test series. said. yesterday. (AFP) “I’ve just thrown to him for “I actually felt physically about half an hour and he’s sick after it and then I went Agencies bouncer during Australia’s fi rst moving really well, so we’re all back to my room. I wasn’t sure Kingston, Jamaica Shami faces arrest over assault claims innings. Though Smith returned hopeful that he gets back into whether to cry my eyes out or to the crease 40 minutes later and the zone, or hits the ball in the smash my hotel room,” he said. India fast bowler Mohamed yesterday. He has been locked rected the authorities to arrest was dismissed before stumps, he middle of the bat,” Langer said. “Everyone in that change ndia completed an emphatic Shami was yesterday ordered in a protracted legal battle with him,” he added. was ruled out of the remainder of “He’s shown that through- room, probably a lot of Aus- 2-0 series sweep against to appear before an Indian his wife Hasin Jahan, a former A senior police off icial told AFP the test the following morning out the summer. He’s been tralians felt it, felt completely West Indies when they won court in 15 days or face arrest, model, since March 2018. She they had yet to receive a copy after experiencing the eff ects of batting well, so let’s hope he sick. the second Test by 257 runs after he was accused of vari- has publicly accused Shami of of the court order. delayed concussion. can continue that. It’s impor- “You never like to let oppor- Iin Jamaica yesterday after the Because Smith was already out tant for our team and it’s just tunities slip... that’s OK, we’ll ous crimes including assault having numerous aff airs and Shami has dismissed all the hosts’ batsman Darren Bravo was and sexual harassment by his harassment. Jahan’s lawyer accusations as a campaign to in the fi rst innings, Labuschagne nice knowing that he’s back in make sure we learn from it.” replaced by a concussion substi- estranged wife. Zakir Hossain told AFP Shami defame him. Jahan has also ac- batted only in the second innings. tute after retiring hurt. Shami – who is representing was summoned to appear in cused Shami of corruption. “Obviously disappointed. Bravo was struck on the helmet India in the West India Test the Kolkata court and file an The Board of Control for Cricket Didn’t play a complete game in by a short delivery from Jasprit series in Jamaica – was charged appeal for bail. in India (BCCI) has yet to issue either match. Lots of problem Bumrah in the fi nal over on Sun- by West Bengal police in March, “If Shami fails to comply with an off icial statement on the with the batting. Need to put day, but batted on and saw out with the case heard in court the order, the court has di- court order. scores and fi ght out the tough the last two balls at Sabina Park periods. Tough question on how in Kingston. He returned for the to fi x the batting. It’s an indi- start of day four, but lasted only gural World Test Championship, was an innings full of grit,” win- Chase lbw to Ravindra Jadeja for vidual thing. Quite a bit of time three overs before deciding to re- having won the opening encoun- ning captain Virat Kohli said. 12, while Shimron Hetmyer was till we play the next Test match tire hurt on 23 and left the fi eld to ter in Antigua by 318 runs. India “According to the surface, caught at cover off Ishant Shar- so time for players to take some be examined by a doctor. also extended their unbeaten Vihari’s innings was top class. ma for one. But dismissals came ownership,” West Indies captain Soon afterwards, Jermaine streak against West Indies to 23 He looks confi dent and the thick and fast after lunch as India Jason Holder said. Blackwood was named as a con- tests. They last lost to the Carib- dressing-room feels calm when ripped through the middle order cussion substitute and went out bean team in Kingston in 2002. he bats. He’s always willing to and tail, with all the bowlers shar- BRIEF SCORES to bat following the fall of the “Pretty comprehensive again. improve and correcting his mis- ing the spoils, though Bumrah India 416 (H. Vihari 111, V. Kohli fourth wicket. Blackwood’s ad- We played good cricket, and get- takes. Plays with a lot of heart. picked up only one wicket to add 76, I. Sharma 57, M. Agarwal 55; dition meant West Indies had 12 ting the result in the manner you Up to do anything for the team. to his six from the fi rst innings. J. Holder 5-77, R. Cornwall 3-105) batsmen for the second innings. want is crucial as a team. We were That’s why he invariably plays Blackwood became the sec- and 168-4 declared (A. Rahane Blackwood, a Jamaican who put under pressure in a couple of crucial innings for us. Young ca- ond Test concussion substitute 64 n.o., H. Vihari 53 n.o.; K. Roach was not in the original squad, sessions. While batting, there reer for him so far, but he showed after Marnus Labuschagne, who 3-28, J. Holder 1-20) vs scored 38 runs but it made little were some tricky situations but why he’s been backed by this replaced Steve Smith in the Aus- West Indies 117 (S. Hetmyer 34, diff erence to the fi nal outcome as it took some character from the team,” he said. tralia team during the second J. Holder 18; J. Bumrah 6-27, M. West Indies, chasing 468 for vic- boys. Hanuma was the standout Ashes test against England less Shami 2-34) and 210 (S. Brooks tory, were bowled out for 210. batsman, but Ajinkya in the sec- CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTE than a month ago. In that situ- 50, J. Holder 39, J. Blackwood 39; India dominated the short ond innings, Mayank in the fi rst West Indies lost two wickets ation, Smith retired hurt after R. Jadeja 3-58, M. Shami 3-65, I. Australia head coach Justin Langer during nets in Manchester two-Test series, part of the inau- innings, Ishant with the fi fty – it in the morning session, Roston being felled by a Jofra Archer Sharma 2-37). yesterday. (Reuters)