WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 08 His batting’s still developing. Something that CRICKET he’s been working on is Australian captain Australia v Sri Lanka, 2nd ATP Paris Masters in Paris; becoming that real finisher Finch backing Agar to T20; 2020 T20 World Cup WTA Finals in Shenzhen, towards the back end of an become T20 ‘finisher’ ACTION qualifier, UAE China innings in T20 and ODI’s. TODAY’S

Warriors Rugby: Springboks lean on inside bounce back; Sixers stay knowledge of players unbeaten AFP to speak to the likes of Curry AFP TOKYO South Africa’s back row Francois Louw (left) and South about de Klerk, “when you get LOS ANGELES Africa’s wing Makazole Mapimpi take part in a training into these games, you are not Star Springbok scrum-half Faf session at Arcs Urayasu Park in Urayasu yesterday, ahead thinking about that”. Stephen Curry scored 26 points de Klerk and flanker Francois of their Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England. “It gives us a little insight but and Draymond Green bagged Louw will come up against it probably gives them an insight a triple double as the Golden players they know all too well in into us as well,” said Daly, who State Warriors bounced back the World Cup final -- England’s added that he loved playing with from successive thrashings to “kamikaze kids” Tom Curry and Le Roux at Wasps. down the New Orleans Pelicans . “He is very excitable on the on Monday. De Klerk moved to Sale in pitch and when something is on The reigning Western Con- 2017 alongside Curry, while he gets very excited and wants ference champions, routed Louw is entering his ninth season the ball in his hands,” Daly said. 120-92 by Oklahoma City on with English Premiership rivals “He is definitely a threat in Sunday, rediscovered their Bath where he packs down with the back field and has a kicking scoring touch to claim a 134-123 Underhill. game as well.” Erasmus said the win at the Smoothie King The English duo have been tactical differences of the Pre- Center. the stand-out back-row per- miership compared to Super After toothless displays formers at the World Cup, pow- Rugby had also rounded out against Oklahoma City and the erful over the ball and both players such as de Klerk. Los Angeles Clippers, the War- capable of the dominating style “At scrum-half in Super riors rediscovered their of tackle coaches so like. Rugby, it’s definitely a more offensive selves in a high- Insider knowledge on the flowing game,” he said. scoring first half. two flankers was invaluable, “In the northern hemi- A 45-point second quarter according to Bok coach Rassie sphere, with the conditions saw them surge into a 72-55 Erasmus. there, a guy like Faf can’t just lead at half-time, giving them “The knowledge of our always play a running, fast a comfortable 17-point cushion. players playing with those guys X-factor game. Another big third quarter at the clubs is definitely going to “A nine has to control extended their lead to 24 points be a bit of a benefit to us,” he kicking, the pace of the game, heading into the final period, said. getting the forwards into the and although the Pelicans “But on the flip side for them, scrum-half Cobus Reinach share with the group so that’s week’s game, especially on game, deciding when to kick closed the gap, the result was playing with our players nullifies Northampton. always a positive.” defence. His ability to stop when to run, when to speed it up never seriously in question. that a little bit.” De Klerk and “Tom has been absolutely Louw said his first impres- momentum in the tackle, his and when to slow it down. All five starters finished in Louw aside, other Boks playing amazing for England this year,” sions of Underhill, 23, were that presence at the breakdown with “Cheslin Kolbe has also double-digits for the Warriors, in England include hooker de Klerk said of 21-year-old Sale he was a softly-spoken, quiet poaching and jackalling the ball learned that in France. A lot with Curry leading the scorers Schalk Brits and prop Vincent team-mate Curry. person. and just discovering what rugby’s of those things you don’t and contributing 11 assists. Koch, both based at Saracens -- “I don’t think he’s missed one “He loves a beer and I’ve all about. always learn in Super Rugby Green’s triple-double a club that has seven players minute for them. He’s always joined him for many of those!” “He’s got a massive hunger so that’s some of the included 16 points, 17 rebounds with England. Lock Franco willing to work hard and always he added. “He’s massively to learn and grow as a player.” - knowledge they bring into our and 10 assists, while new recruit Mostert plies his trade at up there with most of the stats. developed as a player. He’s ‘Different outlook’ - England full- team.” De Klerk admitted his D’Angelo Russell finished with Gloucester, while full-back Willie “I know him pretty well now refined elements of his game that back contested, game understanding changed 24 points, seven rebounds and Le Roux is at Wasps and and I’ve got some stuff I can definitely came through in last however, that while it was good in England. eight assists. Damion Lee added 23 points from the bench. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans scoring with 27 points. In Houston, James Harden Don’t ‘arm-wrestle’ the Boks, exploded for 40 points as the Rockets outgunned Oklahoma City 116-112. Wilkinson warns England Harden added three rebounds and seven assists while point guard Russell West- AFP Wilkinson, England’s fly-half last get around you and make you feel brook narrowly missed out on TOKYO time they won the Webb Ellis Cup in like the pitch is tiny. Make you feel a triple-double with 21 points, 2003, stressed that once teams are like there’s about 20 of them”, he 12 rebounds and nine assists. England’s legendary World Cup-winner sucked into playing that way, it is dif- said. Jonny Wilkinson has warned against ficult to switch to a more expansive At the same time, they are “enor- getting embroiled in a tight “arm- running game. mously explosive” and capitalise very Coyotes hand wrestle” against a “smothering” South “You don’t want to get into an arm- quickly on any errors, so England will Africa side in Saturday’s Rugby World wrestle with those guys because it’s very have to cut out mistakes, advised Cup final. difficult when you’re in a tight game to Wilkinson. Sabres first The Springboks employed a tight branch out and start getting into a wider In South Africa’s 19-16 win against game plan against in the semi- game. When you’re in a wider game, Wales, fly-half Handre Pollard had a home loss in England’s scrum-half Ben Spencer attends a final, using box kicks from scrum-half you can always bring it in,” Wilkinson flawless goal-kicking record, scoring training session at the Fuchu Asahi Football and keeping the ball in the told reporters. 14 of the points including a nerve- shootout forward pack as much as possible, The Springboks are “a very shredding penalty with only five Park yesterday, during the Japan 2019 Rugby squeezing the life out of the Welsh side. smothering team. They can really minutes to go. World Cup. REUTERS NEW YORK

Nick Schmaltz scored the only shootout goal in the Arizona Aspire Academy to host Asia Congress Coyotes’ 3-2 win over Buffalo on Monday night, handing the THE PENINSULA issues such as transitioning ath- Abubaker Haydar and also to Sabres their first home loss this DOHA letes from youth to senior include Qatar football coach season. level,” says Ali Salem Afifa, Felix Sanchez and squash coach Schmaltz beat Buffalo goal- Aspire Academy is hosting the Chairman of the 4th ASIA Con- and former World No. 1 Geoff tender Carter Hutton with a 4th Association of Sports Insti- gress and Deputy Director Hunt. forehand shot on the glove side tutes in Asia (ASIA) Congress General of Aspire Academy. ASIA is a non-profit-making for the game-winner in the that will bring together the The program of the Con- non-government organization bottom of the second round of leading international and gress includes panel and group and is a representative body of the shootout session. regional sports performance discussions that are going to high-performance sports insti- Jack Eichel missed on the practitioners to share insights take place on November 5 and tutes in Asia. first attempt, and Arizona goalie and spark discussions on 6. Besides international The Association envisions a Darcy Kuemper stuffed Sam considerations in Youth Athlete speakers from the US, United vibrant and active community Reinhart and Casey Mittelstadt Development, developing high Kingdom, Ireland, New of all Asian countries, collabo- to run his record to 5-3-0. performance environments and Zealand and Australia, the rating towards a stronger Conor Garland scored his the implementation of sports event also features speakers sporting Asia performance team-leading sixth goal -- all technology, research and inno- from Aspire Academy, the based on sound practices, with coming in his last nine games vation into performance event hosts. respect and openness. ASIA -- and added an assist. Carl programs. Furthermore, there is going seeks to make connections with Soderberg also tallied for the “As Asia continues to make to be a very interesting panel Asian countries on the foun- Coyotes, who finished the four- history in the sporting arena, it discussion on the topic “Tran- dation of high-performance game road trip with a 3-1-0 is timely that we encourage dis- sitioning athletes from Youth to development to support the mark. Garland left the game in cussions and sharing around the Senior” on Monday featuring sporting ambitions of each the third period after being hit development of a high per- two successful graduates of member. ASIA has currently 15 by a puck on the right ear and formance environment for Aspire Academy, Squash player members including its founders sustaining a cut, but he later aspiring athletes and the and World No. 46 Abdulla Al- Aspire Academy, the Japan returned. program of this congress should Tamimi as well as track-and- Sports Council, Singapore Kuemper stopped 24 shots Squash coach and former World stimulate new ideas as well as field athlete and 2019 Asian Sports Institute and Hong Kong of 26 shots through regulation No. 1 Geoff Hunt. time to reflect on pertinent Games 800m champion Sports Institute. Qatar football coach Felix Sanchez. and overtime. WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 09

Netherlands ICC bans Bangladesh skipper secure T20 Shakib in anti-corruption case World Cup spot

AFP The ban came after Shakib often contact players, Sbakib’s “mistake AFP DHAKA is that when he was contacted he PARIS “accepted three charges didn’t give it too much importance. Bangladesh captain and star all-rounder of breaching the ICC He didn’t inform... the ICC.” The Netherlands became the third team, after Papua Shakib Al Hasan was banned yesterday Anti-Corruption Code”, Having grown up in a rural town New Guinea and Ireland, to book a place at next from all cricket for two years, with one including failing to disclose to west of the capital Dhaka, Shakib year’s T20 World Cup after thrashing United Arab year suspended, the International the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit burst into the international scene Emirates in Dubai yesterday. Cricket Council (ICC) said. full details of approaches or after excelling in age-level cricket. UAE, who started the tournament with victory The ban came after Shakib “accepted He is possibly Bangladesh’s most over Ireland, could only muster 80-9 in their 20 invitations made in relation to three charges of breaching the ICC Anti- loved cricketer and only last week overs which the Dutch knocked off with 29 balls Corruption Code”, the sport’s governing the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and successfully led a brief strike by remaining. body said in a statement. Zimbabwe Tri-Series in January Bangladesh’s professional The Netherlands, who face Ireland in the com- These included failing to disclose to 2018 as well as the 2018 Indian cricketers to press for petition semi-final, won by eight wickets to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit full Premier League (IPL): ICC better pay and progress to the eight-team first round of the details of approaches or invitations benefits. World Cup in Australia in October 2020. made in relation to the Bangladesh, Sri But this is not UAE have a final chance to reach the tour- Lanka and Zimbabwe Tri-Series in to reach 5,000 runs and 250 wickets in the first time the nament when they face Scotland in a qual- January 2018 as well as the 2018 Indian ODIs. Shakib will be free to resume left arm orthodox ifying play-off today. Premier League (IPL), it said. international cricket October 29, 2020 spinner and left UAE won the toss and chose to bat, but The 32-year-old’s ban came as a subject to him satisfying the conditions handed were quickly in trouble as Rohan Mustafa blow to Bangladesh’s preparations for in respect of the suspended part of the batsman has fell to Fred Klaasen in the first over. Things next month’s tour of India where the sanction, the ICC said. faced disci- turned from bad to worse as UAE lost their all-rounder was set to lead the team for “I am obviously extremely sad to plinary first five wickets for just nine runs. a two-Test series and three T20 inter- have been banned from the game I love, actions. Waheed Ahmed and Mohammad national matches. but I completely accept my sanction for In 2014, Boota went some way toward repairing Shakib, who has played 56 Test, 206 not reporting the approaches,” Shakib Shakib was the damage with a sixth-wicket part- ODIs and 76 Twenty20 internationals, was quoted as saying in the ICC suspended by nership of 45 before both fell in the same is by far Bangladesh’s best known statement. the BCB from over to Johannesburg-born Brandon player, having topped the ICC all- There was no immediate comment all cricket for Glover, whose 4-12 earned him the Player rounder rankings in all three formats from the country’s cricket authorities six months fol- of the Match award. several times since 2009. who were expected to name the teams lowing “serious mis- Ahmed Raza top-scored with 22 from 24 He starred for the team during the for the India Tests and T20s today. behaviour” with Bangla- balls, but a target of 81 was never likely to stretch recent World Cup in England, where he But Bangladeshi Prime Minister desh’s coach Chandika the Dutch. scored over 600 runs and picked 11 Sheikh Hasina said that the country’s Hathurusingha, and for Max O’Dowd fell early but Ben Cooper, with 41 wickets. cricket board “will always be with his altercation with a not out, guided the Dutch to a victory that sends In the World Cup, he also became Shakib and will help him in every way.” spectator during a ODI Shakib Al Hasan them to Australia as well as to the qualifying tour- the fastest and only the fifth cricketer She said that while match-fixers against India in Dhaka. nament semi-finals. Eden Gardens to host Khawaja gets Australia A call-up India’s first day-night AP AUSTRALIA XI: spot vacant when he SYDNEY Alex Carey (captain), Marcus Harris, Joe injured his hand Test next month Burns, Usman Khawaja, Will Pucovski, punching a wall after IANS Usman Khawaja has the chance Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Michael his dismissal in a KOLKATA to win back his place in Neser, Jhye Richardson, Sean Abbott, Shield match earlier Australia’s Test lineup after being Riley Meredith. this month. named yesterday in an Australia Pucovski has a chance Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday agreed to A team to play Pakistan in a to seal the spot after nar- play the second Test against India at Eden Gardens three-day tour match next series this season with back-to- rowly missing out on a Test under lights and this will be the first day-night Test for month. back centuries for Queensland debut against Sri Lanka last both teams. Khawaja, who was dropped against Victoria. summer. “Great opportunity and massive game in Eden after the third Ashes Test in Former Australia coach Darren Head, who was vice- Gardens against India, who also hasn’t played a D/N England in August, has been Lehmann has been among those captain during the Ashes series, Test. It is new to both sides and it will probably bring named beside Test hopefuls backing Khawaja’s recall, citing his has also batted at No. 6 but has yet the two teams together,” Bangladesh coach Russell Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Will excellent Test record in to find form in the domestic first Domingo said. Pucovski and Nic Maddinson for Australia. class competition. He was over- BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is the man behind the day-night match at Perth “If you look at his record in looked for the captaincy of the making this happen as he pushed the BCB to play under Stadium from November 11. Australia on its own it’s out- Australia A team in favor of wick- floodlights in a bid to pull crowds to the stadiums. The match offers players a standing,” Lehmann told Fairfax etkeeper Alex Carey. Ganguly met Kohli for the first time since becoming last chance to impress selectors Media. “He had to come back and Maddinson is seen as an out- BCCI President at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai last before the first Test against make runs and he has done that in sider for Test selection. Thursday, and it is believed the former India skipper Pakistan which starts at Bris- his first two games in the Marsh “Will Pucovski and Nic Mad- had a word regarding day-night Tests. bane’s Gabba ground on Cup, has made very good hundreds dinson have started the season The Indian team was earlier not keen on playing November 21. for Queensland. strongly for Victoria and we’re Day-Night Tests. India had previously dodged plans Khawaja made 122 runs at an Harris is the incumbent Test looking forward to giving them an to play a pink-ball Test in Adelaide during their tour average of 20.3 in the first three opener and likely to retain his opportunity to perform against a Down Under last year. Tests of the Ashes series before place but two places appear to quality international team,” national The Eden Gardens Test is scheduled to begin on being dropped for the fourth. remain open in the Australia selector Trevor Hohns said. Both are November 22, with the series of three T20Is (Delhi - He recovered some form in batting lineup; another opener and exciting batsmen whom we’ve had November 3, Rajkot - November 7, and Nagpur - the domestic Marsh Cup one-day No. 6. Mitch Marsh left the No. 6 our eye on for some time.” November 10) and the first Test, in Indore from Usman Khawaja November 14, preceding it. Tokyo irked by IOC’s Tokyo 2020 unveils unique gymnastics venue decision to move AFP The structure features a gently The futuristic-looking benches placed around the space. TOKYO undulating roof, with external walls Ariake Gymnastics Centre The main Olympic stadium marathon to Sapporo constructed from lengths of cedar in central Tokyo uses designed by renowned Japanese Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 wood. 2,300 cubic metres of architect Kengo Kuma also heavily IANS Olympics yesterday unveiled a Supporting rods allow the features the use of wood in a nod TOKYO custom-built $188m gymnastics building to look from a distance as wood and is intended to to traditional techniques. venue inspired by Japanese archi- though it is suspended in the air. hark back to traditional The gymnastics venue is a tem- The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision tecture that uses wood brought Organisers said it was intended building techniques porary site, which is expected to be to shift the marathon event of the 2020 Olympics away from around the country. to look like a “a wooden bowl, that predated the use of converted into an exhibition centre from host city Tokyo has not gone down well with the The futuristic-looking Ariake floating in the bay area”. modern materials. after the Games. city authorities. Gymnastics Centre in central Tokyo The building, one of a handful Organisers say they plan to In a press conference yesterday, assembly members uses 2,300 cubic metres of wood custom-built for the Games, “sym- repurpose some of the wood from who belong to a party closely affiliated to Tokyo gov- and is intended to hark back to tra- bolises Japan’s wood culture and a domed ceiling constructed from the site, including the benches, in ernor Yuriko Koike highlighted the growing sense of ditional building techniques that viewers can feel its simple beauty”, Japanese larch with no steel the exhibition centre and other anger within the city against the decision. predated the use of modern the organisers said. framework and is among the sites including The IOC had on October 16 announced plans to materials. “We’re using a lot of wood,” largest of its kind in the world. schools. move the marathon from Tokyo to the city of Sapporo venue general manager Koichi The venue can seat 12,000 over 800km south of the Japanese capital so as to Built at a cost of ¥20.5bn, Fukui told reporters. “We can smell spectators on long counter the heat that the athletes are expected to face the venue features a wood and feel the warmth of at that time of the year. domed ceiling constructed wood,” he said. Hiroshi Yamada and Taro Shirato in a press con- from Japanese larch with Built at a cost of ¥20.5bn, ference highlighted, among other things, the fact that the venue features the IOC had awarded Tokyo the rights to host the no steel framework and Olympics while being fully aware of the weather con- is among the largest of its ditions. They said that the city had already spent about kind in the world. $275 million on special heat-blocking paving along the marathon course as well as billions of Yen on test events and other preparations. “This isn’t just a decision for Tokyo and Sapporo, there will be very few cities that can host the Summer Olympic Games,” said Shirato, pointing out that France, which is set to host the Games in 2024, had experi- enced a heat wave this year with temperatures touching 40 degrees. The Ariake Gymnastics Centre 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2019

Defending champion Khachanov falls at first hurdle in Paris AFP ATP PARIS MASTERS RESULTS PARIS SECOND ROUND Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Karen Khach- Karen Khachanov’s Paris anov (RUS x8) 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 7-5 Masters title defence ended at FIRST ROUND the first hurdle yesterday as Corentin Moutet (FRA) bt Dusan Lajovic the Russian lost 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, (SRB) 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 7-5 to German Jan-Lennard Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Ricardas Berankis Struff. (LTU) 6-4, 6-3 Khachanov beat four Alex de Minaur (AUS) bt Laslo Djere (SRB) top-10 players, including 6-1, 6-4 Novak Djokovic in the final, to win the 2018 tournament, but Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Frances Tiafoe (USA) was knocked out after an indif- 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-4

ferent second-round display Denis Shapovalov (CAN) bt Gilles Simon this time around. (FRA) 2-2 -- retired The early exit ends the world number eight’s slim hopes of qualifying for next Carlo Masters champion Fabio Ukraine’s Deviatiarov wins ITF World Tour title in Doha month’s ATP Tour Finals in Fognini in round two. Lucky Tariq Zainal (right), Secretary-General of Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) and Saad Al Mohannadi (left), Tournament Director pose for a . loser Corentin Moutet became group photo with the finalists of the ITF Men’s World Tennis Tour Doha 2019. Ukraine’s Marat Deviatiarov (second left) won the title after beating Struff, ranked 36th, will the fifth Frenchman to reach Morocco’s Adam Mou 6–2, 6–3 at Khalifa International Tennis Complex. Dutch pair of Guy den Heijer and Netherlands Sidane Pontjodikromo won next face either former Bercy the last 32 this week with a the doubles title of the event. winner Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 win over Serbia’s Italian tenth seed Matteo Ber- Dusan Lajovic to set up a tie rettini in the last 16. with world number one Novak The defeat brings a close Djokovic today. to an up-and-down season on “I don’t want to say that I’m Dutch Bertens stuns World the ATP Tour for Khachanov. impressed by him or any other The 23-year-old has player,” Moutet said of broken into the world’s top 10 Djokovic. for the first time, although he “But I have a lot of respect is now likely to drop out next for his career because he’s No.1 Barty in WTA Finals week, and also reached his been number one for many maiden quarter- years ... I will try not to be AFP final in June at the French unworthy and to be better than Kiki Bertens of SHENZHEN Open. him.” Netherlands hits a But he has failed to reach Elsewhere, Kyle Edmund Late entry Kiki Bertens stunned return shot against an ATP final in 2019, despite ended an eight-match losing world number one Ashleigh Ashleigh Barty of making the last eight at tour- streak by beating Ricardas Barty with a comeback three-set Australia during naments seven times. Berankis 6-4, 6-3 to boost his victory to shake-up the season- their women’s Canadian rising star Denis hopes of being selected for ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen singles match, Shapovalov booked his spot in Britain’s finals yesterday. yesterday. the second round for the first squad. All four players can still time when his opponent Gilles Australian youngster Alex qualify from Red Group after Simon retired injured with the de Minaur, who lost to Roger Belinda Bencic’s three-set opening set level at 2-2 in their Federer in the Basel final on victory over Petra Kvitova in the match. Sunday, saw off Laslo Djere later match. The 20-year-old Shapo- 6-1, 6-4, while Taylor Fritz Bertens looked in deep valov, who won his maiden won an all-American clash trouble at a set and break down, ATP title in Stockholm a fort- with Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (8/6), but turned the tide with ruthless night ago, will play Monte 3-6, 6-4. returning and aggressive play at the net to overwhelm a deflated Barty, who could have sealed a Germany’s Jan- spot in the semi-finals with Lennard Struff victory. The world No.10 won 3-6, celebrates after 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and nine winning against minutes in a see-saw match fea- Russia’s Karen turing 12 breaks of serve. Khachanov, “Of course you’re always yesterday. ready to play, but I did not see it coming today,” Bertens said of increasingly aggressive Bertens, when she lost a three-set thriller Bencic the first set. But the match her late call-up. who showcased a soft touch at to Barty. flipped in the second set with “In the beginning I was the net. In the later match, Bencic Kvitova, the 2011 WTA Finals struggling. As the match con- A slumping Barty had her fought back from a second set champion, rediscovering her tinued, I felt better and better.” serve broken five times through spiral to beat Petra Kvitova 6-3, lethal serve to force a decider. Bertens was a late the second and third sets as 1-6, 6-4 in one hour and 47 The twists continued in the replacement for world No.3 Bertens stormed to her first minutes. It kept her tournament third set with Bencic breaking in Naomi Osaka, who earlier in the victory over the Australian. hopes alive after she had lost her the third game as a flustered day withdrew from the round- Barty lamented letting slip opening match to Barty. Kvitova slammed her racquet on robin tournament due to a her early lead. “I was proud that I was able the ground. shoulder injury. “I wasn’t able to execute as to block away her big shots,” The Swiss failed to capitalise She appeared nervous under cleanly when I was up in the Bencic said. in the next game but grabbed the the bright lights dropping her score line,” she said. “I was happy that at the end decisive break in the ninth first three service games and Bertens, who made the semi- I was able to keep calm.” before confidently closing it out Barty, who has locked up the finals of last year’s edition, con- Kvitova’s serve went off the on serve. year-end No.1 ranking, pounced tinued her strong form after boil as she fell away badly in the Winless Kvitova plays Barty to run away with the first set. making the finals in Zhuhai last first set to lose five straight tomorrow and Bencic meets Barty then endured her own week and the semi-finals of the games. A double fault was a Bertens to determine the winners service woes against an China Open earlier in the month, fitting way for the Czech to hand from Red Group. Shoulder injury ends Osaka’s hopes of title in Shenzhen

Japan’s Naomi Osaka leaves after a REUTERS last year after winning the US Despite ending the season news conference at Shenzhen Bay SHENZHEN Open but lost her first two on a sour note, Osaka leaves Sports Center, yesterday. matches before pulling out Shenzhen able to look back on Naomi Osaka’s struggles at the midway through a match with a successful year. WTA Finals continued yesterday This is the second Kiki Bertens with an injury. She won the Australian as the world no. 3 was forced to time I had to On Sunday evening she Open in January and was ranked withdraw from this year’s tour- withdraw from ground out a 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-4 world No. 1 in the world before nament in Shenzhen with a the finals. I mean, win over Kvitova to give herself putting a drop-off in form mid- shoulder injury. a shot at progressing to the season behind her with tour- Her exit from the compe- the last time I at semi-finals, but a recurrence of nament wins at the Pan Pacific tition comes two days after the least played, so a a shoulder issue which first sur- Open in Japan and the China Japanese right-hander won her retirement instead faced during the China Open this Open. opening match against Petra of a withdrawal. I month meant the 23-year-old “Surprisingly, I think this Kvitova, the first time she had could not continue. year is better than last year, secured victory at the season- thought I was playing “I did this in the finals of even though I cried way more ending competition. well. I definitely Beijing,” Osaka said. this year than I did last year,” “It’s not ideal,” said Osaka, wanted to win here: “I didn’t serve for a while she said. who lost all of her matches on Naomi Osaka when I was in Japan. I just “I also think that’s a lesson her debut in Singapore 12 started serving the last two days. that I learned. It’s just like you months ago. Felt better, came here, then I have the opportunity to change “This is the second time I “I thought I was playing played my match. I felt it imme- the things that are happening to had to withdraw from the finals. well. I definitely wanted to win diately. When I woke up the day you, even though it might not I mean, the last time I at least here.” after, it was like throbbing and seem like it at the moment. I played, so a retirement instead Osaka made her first stuff. Didn’t serve at all yes- definitely think that this year of a withdrawal. appearance at the WTA Finals terday. Hit for like five minutes.” was somehow better.” WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 11

Team Qatar continues to shine at GCC Women’s Games in Kuwait

Qatar’s Sarah Massoud in action during the shot put event for para-athletes. Massoud won the silver medal.

Qatari hammer thrower Rania Al Naji making her gold-winning attempt during the penultimate day Qatari athlete Kensi Al Alawi posing for of the 6th GCC Women’s photograph after winning a silver medal Games in Kuwait City, yesterday. Sarah Hamdi on her way to win a silver medal. yesterday. Milner backs ‘confident’ Liverpool for EPL glory REUTERS LONDON

Last season’s triumphant Champions League campaign has given Liverpool the confidence and belief they can win the Premier League this season, midfielder James Milner has said. Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in June to win their first trophy under manager Juergen Klopp and fin- ished second in the Premier League, a point behind Manchester City. Klopp’s team lead the league by six points this season after a strong start and Milner hopes the experience of winning Europe’s elite club The organisers and delegates of the Qatar Sustainability Summit, posing for a photograph with Qatar Football Association and competition will help in their pursuit of a first league title in 30 years. Qatar Stars League officials. “This season we have a team that can do it,” Milner told the Guardian newspaper. “I think there’s a calm around the club, both inside and outside, and people are confident we can get it done. “Hopefully winning that first trophy, the European Cup, as a squad QFA and QSL honoured at will give us the experience to win the league.” Liverpool won the last of their 18 top-flight league titles in 1990 and Milner said the team were expecting another tight title race in which defending champions City push them every step of the way. Qatar Sustainability Summit “City are so good they’re capable of winning every game,” the 33-year-old added. “The gap is not that big so we have to just keep THE PENINSULA pushing and not worry too much about the title. DOHA “A couple of bad games can happen and with the amount of games Hani Taleb we’re playing there might be a couple of injuries. It could be a couple The Qatar Sustainability Ballan (left), of poor performances and the lead’s gone. That’s why it’s so special to Summit honoured the Qatar Board Member win the league.” Football Association (QFA) and of the Qatar Liverpool host Arsenal in a fourth-round League Cup encounter Qatar Stars League (QSL) for Football on Wednesday before resuming their Premier League campaign at their roles in promoting activ- Association and promoted Aston Villa on Saturday. ities to combat climate change CEO of Qatar and encouraging green as well Stars League, Liverpool’s James Milner as sustainable initiatives. receiving the The summit was held, at the honorary shield St Regis Hotel on October 27-28, from Dr. Yousef with the participation of a bin Mohammed number of officials, experts and Al Hor, Chairman those interested in sustainability of the Gulf of the environment, namely Organisation for international agencies, research Research and institutions, government Development. agencies and other organisa- tions associated with climate change and environmental con- Hani Taleb Ballan, Board Sustainability Summit, which The summit featured panel servation in Qatar, the region Member of the QFA and CEO of has great importance in the discussions on various sustain- and worldwide. QSL, received the honorary Qatar National Vision, and Dr. ability and green building issues, The summit reviewed the shield from Dr. Yousef bin Yousef. and provided an international significant development that Mohammed Al Hor, Chairman “We believe in the impor- and regional perspective related Qatar has witnessed in the areas of the Gulf Organisation for tance of sustainability and its to climate change challenges of sustainability and environ- Research and Development role. At QSL, we’ll have future and solutions for a low-carbon mental protection, in line with (GORD). initiatives in collaboration with future, and networking oppor- the pillars of Qatar National On his part, Hani thanked all GORD to build sustainability in tunities for professionals and Vision 2030. sponsors of the Qatar the sport,” Hani said. decision-makers.

The official mascot for the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, ‘Sodeifi’ and the tournament trophy are seen with Qatar Football Association (QFA) officials and fans during a promotional event held at the QFA headquarters yesterday. The mascot is an oyster holding a pearl called ‘Sodeifi’, the Arabic word for ‘shell’ and features the colours of the Qatari flag, paying homage to the country’s seafaring and pearl diving past. The tournament will be played in Doha from November 24 to December 6, with Qatar taking on Yemen on the opening day. SPORT

PAGE | 09 PAGE | 10 ICC bans Shoulder injury Bangladesh skipper ends Osaka’s Shakib in hopes of title in anti-corruption case Shenzhen

Wednesday 30 October 2019 Unbeaten Sheikh Fahad gears up for back-to-back fights in Spain

THE PENINSULAPENINSULA Initially, the 32-year-old SHEIKH FAHAD BIN KHALID AL THANI After bagging two DOHADOHA was preparing for a November PRO BOXING CAREER victories in the last 2 fight in Spain, eyeing his 14th SheikhSheikh FFahadahad bin Khalid Al successive triumph but the two months, the ThaniThani – Qatar’s firfirst and only Spanish boxing body DATE OPPONENT RESULT Qatari professional professionalprofessional boxboxer – is a rescheduled the fight to October 19, 2019 Marius Petre Sorin W (KO) boxer with a perfect tirelesstireless ffighter.ighter. November 8, and also set September 21, 2019 Ionut Bogheanu W (RTD) record, is up for a AfterAfter baggingbagging twotw victories November 23 for his next July 27, 2019 Marius Petre Sorin W (TKO) inin theth last two match. The schedule has been bigger and more mmonths, the changed due to Christmas. March 15, 2019 Marius Racaru W (RTD) vigorous challenge uunbeaten Sheikh Fahad, targeting October 20, 2018 Dumitru Nicu Manea W (RTD) as he has agreed ringr star is victories in the forthcoming September 22, 2018 Adrian Parlogea W (TKO) for two more bouts, uup for a fights to maintain his winning September 01, 2017 Gheorghe Ghiompirica W (TKO) bbigger and run, hoped to get prepared for which will take place mmore vig- the challenge. April 22, 2017 Adrian Parlogea W (TKO) within a short span oorousro chal- According to Al Kass March 18, 2017 Marius Racaru W (TKO) of time next month. lengeleng as he has website, the Qatari star hopes February 18, 2017 Gheorghe Ghiompirica W (TKO) agreedagre for two the fights will be held as December 10, 2016 Ionut Bogheanu W (KO) moremor bouts, scheduled. He will intensify his Sheikh Fahad, who made whichwhich will take training to prepare for the two September 30, 2016 Adrian Parlogea W (TKO) his debut in May 2016, out- placeplace within a fights which will take place May 07, 2016 Bela Sandor W (TKO) classed Hungary’s Bela Sandor shortshort spspan of time without much gap, the website in his first fight. nextnext monmonth. said. He than notched up vic- On OctoberO 19, Coached by Franck Bohec, second fight. He said his him, saying no knowledge tories against Romanians — SheikhSheikh FFahadaha defeated Sheikh Fahad said it was yet French coach will have a final about his opponents will also Adrian Parlogea (thrice), Ghe- RomanianRomanian vetveteran Marius to be decided whether to say on the matter. prove tricky for him in his bid orghe Ghiompirica (twice), PetrePetre SoSorinrin fofor his 13th return to Doha after the With his competitors yet to to bag two more victories. Marius Racaru (twice), straightstraight victorvictory,y, one month November 8 fight and resume be named, the Qatari star said, “If you know the rivals, it Bogheanu (twice), Sorin afterafter hhee dedefeatedfeated Romania’s training at home, or stay in little gap between the dates is easy to prepare accordingly (twice) and Dumitru Nicu IonutIonut BogheanuBogheanu iinn Madrid.M Spain and prepare there for the was not the only challenge for during training,” he said. Manea. Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani

Solskjaer urges United’s Brazilians Al Duhail look to remain dominant to fill Pogba’s void with win against QSL giants Al Sadd REUTERS LONDON THE PENINSULA Al Duhail’s players during a training session ahead of this weekend's QNB Stars League clash against Al Sadd. DOHA Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Fred and Andreas Points leaders Al Duhail will be looking Pereira to bring energy and creativity to his to produce a winning end against Doha team’s midfield in the absence of the injured giants Al Sadd when the two clash in Paul Pogba. round 9 of the QNB Stars League (QSL) France World Cup winner Pogba, who at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium (Al has missed eight of United’s last 10 matches, Duhail) on Saturday. is expected to remain on the sidelines until After eight rounds, Rui Faria’s Al December due to an ankle problem. Duhail have a tally of 20 points, just a Pereira has featured in the last seven couple ahead of former champions Al Premier League matches and showed signs Rayyan. of building a fluid midfield partnership with In third place are Al Sadd (15 fellow Brazilian Fred and Scott McTominay points), coached by Barcelona legend as United beat Norwich City 3-1 on Sunday. and former skipper Xavi Hernandez. “I think his energy and drive - the two “Not starting the match well is dan- Brazilians to be fair, Fred and Andreas - they gerous in every time we play. It is dif- are going to be important for us,” Solskjaer ficult for any coach to look for a good told reporters ahead of United’s League Cup start or a good end,” Al Duhail’s Por- clash against Chelsea today. tuguese coach Faria said after his side “Fred will probably take Paul’s position beat Al Gharafa three days ago. for a while now and that’s been brilliant for “I always prefer that the team us. But Andreas has grown in the last few begins and ends the match well and games. His energy and running, chasing, he than getting the win,” Faria said. is a different sort of 10. “(Against Al Gharafa), we faced an “There is no use talking about who is not well coordinated side but our players going to be here for a long, long time... Paul’s continued to fought on the pitch and On Friday, Al Ahli will play against been brilliant and he is a creative midfielder fought until the last minute,” Faria Umm Salal at Hamad bin Khalifa that we need, but then it is up to the others said. Stadium and Al Arabi SC against Al to step up.” “What I am thinking is about the What I am thinking is about the Wakra. United were ruthless in a 4-0 win over upcoming match and achieving upcoming match and achieving The 9th round will conclude on Chelsea on the opening weekend of the victory (against Al Sadd). Our players Saturday with Al Khor against Al victory (against Al Sadd). Our seasonseason bbutut SoSolskjaerlskjaer ddoesoes not expect a similar have to focus on this game. We know Gharafa at Al Khor Stadium and Al players have to focus on this game. scorelinescoreline at StamfordSt that the competitors for the QNB Stars Duhail against Al Sadd at Abdullah bin ROUND 9 FIXTURES Bridge.Bridge. League title are many and there are We know that the competitors Khalifa Stadium at Al Duhail Club. TOMORROW FrankFrank Lampard’sLa circumstances that control each match for the QNB Stars League title are Both Al Ahli and Umm Salal lost in ChelseaChelsea arear on a like losing our player Louis Martin in many and there are circumstances the last round, so they will be desperate Qatar SC vs Al Shahania seven-gameseven-game winning the next match,” Faria said. that control each match like losing to collect points when they face off. Qatar SC Stadium at 17:15 runrun in allall competi-c Faria said his quick change of plans our player Louis Martin in the Al Arabi face Al Wakrah, who Al Sailiya vs Al Rayyan tions,tionsws, wwithith young- helped the side win against Al Gharafa next match: Rui Faria were held goalless by Al Khor last Al Ahli Stadium at 19:25 sters TammyT who take on Al Khor on Saturday. week. Al Arabi are now fifth in the FRIDAY Abraham,Abraham, Mason “We did not begin the match in a table with 13 points, so they are sure Al Ahli vs Umm Salal MountMount anandd Fikayo good way and it was clear that the The ninth round of the QNB Stars to go all out against Al Wakrah, eighth Al Ahli Stadium at 17:15 TomoriTomori cementingcem players were nervous. However, in League, which kicks off next with eight points, in their bid to be theirtheirfir first-teamfirst-rst tea posi- the second half after I made some tomorrow, will witness important back among the top four. Al Arabi vs Al Wakrah tionstions afterafter spendings changes, we were able to create many matches. Al Khor take on Al Gharafa in the Al Arabi Stadium at 19:25 last seaseason on opportunities and in the end we got At the beginning of the round other fixture. Al Khor, 10th with five SATURDAY loan.loan. deserving win,” Faria said. tomorrow, Qatar SC will meet Al Sha- points, badly need points to stay away Al Khor vs Al Gharafa Xavi said after round eight: “We hania SC at Suheim bin Hamad from the danger zone, whereas Al Al Khor Stadium at 17:15 have games against Al Duhail and Stadium while Al Sailiya SC take on Al Gharafa, fourth with 14 points, will be Qatar SC coming up, and we must Rayyan at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium satisfied with nothing less than a Al Duhail vs Al Sadd Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepare well for them.” (Al Ahli Club). victory. Al Duhail Stadium at 19:25