TENNIS | Page 4 FORMULA 1 | Page 7 Osaka has I am my ‘no regrets’ own enemy over chaotic in title race, US fi nal says Vettel

Friday, September 14, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 4, 1440 AH Kane, Salah share GULF TIMES spotlight in battle of struggling stars SPORT Page 3 SWIMMING/ FINA WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT PSG and Jordan Brand team up in a Katinka blazes to fi rst for football

aris Saint-Germain, the make Saint-Germain one of world’s fastest-growing the biggest global sports brands, football club, yester- capitalising on the avant-garde day launched a ground- approach of our Parisian roots. two gold medals Pbreaking agreement with the This partnership builds on our iconic Jordan Brand. long-term association with Nike The two powerhouses of sport and will enable us to reach new and style have created a world audiences as well as off ering our exclusive collection of over 90 loyal fans around the world the performance, training and life- most stylish club merchandise”. style products. And this season Michael Jordan added: “Jordan will see the Jumpman make its Brand and Paris Saint-Germain on opening day UEFA Champions League debut, share a distinct position in sport featuring on the Paris Saint- and style, so to partner with the Germain home and away jerseys club is a natural fi t. We’re ex- ‘I am happy with my performance. It’s always good to during their European campaign. cited to unite these two passion- Together, Paris Saint-Germain ate communities by putting the and Jordan Brand have worked Jumpman on the chest of Paris win races and I have enjoyed the opening day in Doha’ tirelessly behind the scenes for Saint-Germain to continue fuel- over a year to create a new col- ling the energy for sport and style lection for football – a collection globally.” which has something for every- Discovering the collection, one – exceptional athletes, the Neymar Jr. declared: “For me most infl uential names in con- the Jordan Brand means phe- temporary culture and, of course, nomenal, magic, irreverent. It for fans all around the world. is perfect for Paris and for the Nasser al-Khelaifi , Chairman Champions League. It is a huge & CEO at Paris Saint-Germain responsibility to carry Jordan’s said: “The collaboration between name on a shirt and we look for- Paris Saint-Germain and Jordan ward to an excellent season. Two underlines the ambition of both partners that are champions, brands to combine perform- both Paris and Jordan, so I really ance, innovation and style. It is a hope this connection brings us logical next step in our project to many titles.”

Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu waves after winning the 400m freestyle on the opening night of the FINA Swimming World Cup at the Hamad Aquatic Centre. At right, Netherlands’ Kira Toussaint (left) celebrates after winning the 50m backstroke with her compatriot Ranomi Kromowidjojo, who came second. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

By Sahan Bidappa Hosszu kicked off her Doha campaign It’s always good to win races and I have Pieroni and Andrew also recorded Doha with a win in the 400m freestyle. Clock- enjoyed the opening day in Doha,” said a victory each on the fi rst day. Pieroni ing 4:10.02 the Hungarian ‘Iron Lady’ was Hosszu. “I am trying to keep the right bal- topped the men’s 400m freestyle race in ahead of Femke Heemskerk of the Neth- ance. My message for young swimmers is 51.83 followed by Belgium’s Lorenz Weir- atinka Hosszu’s love aff air with erlands, who notched 4:12.56 for silver, to enjoy your swimming,” she added. emans and Wu Yuhang of . Hamad Aquatic Centre contin- while China’s Zhou Chanzhen rounded As expected, Sjostrom comfortably World junior champion Andrew sealed ued yesterday as the Hungar- out the top three with a mark of 4:13.62. won the women’s 50m freestyle. The 100m butterfl y win in 51.83 with South ian scooped two gold and one Racing in her second swim of the night, 25-year-old had created a new World Africa’s Ryan Coetzee and Dutchman Kbronze on the opening night of the FINA Hosszu had to settle for bronze in the 50m Cup record last week in Kazan, clocking a Mathys Goosen second and third respec- Swimming World Cup. backstroke. She timed 28.57 seconds be- monster eff ort of 23.83. She wasn’t too far tively. Having come off fi ve victories from the hind Dutch Kira Toussaint, who followed off that mark last night, crushing a 23.99 The men’s 200m backstroke saw Aus- fi rst leg in Kazan last week, Hosszu is set up her Kazan victory with another win in to take gold. “I was expecting this victory. tralia’s Mitchell Larkin easily take the for another grand haul in Doha, which the event. The 24-year-old won the race I am happy to continue winning this event gold in a time of 1:57.45. He was followed has been one of her favourite hunting in Kazan in 28.18 and shaved .17 off of and I am looking for some more victories by Spain’s Manuel Bacarizo and Hunga- grounds. that result in Doha. Toussaint’s compa- in Doha,” said Sjostrom. ry’s David Verraszto. Hosszu is the closest challenger to triot Ranomi Kromowidjojo was second Meanwhile, Morozov, who broke a South African star Chad Le Clos was leader Sarah Sjostrom for the overall win- in 28.49. World Cup record in 50m freestyle in under the weather yesterday and pulled ner’s title, and after yesterday’s perform- Hosszu second gold came in the 200m Kazan, overcame a stiff challenge from out of the morning’s prelims. He later ance, she will fancy her chances of over- butterfl y, although she only had to beat American teenager Michael Andrew and tweeted to say he was hoping to be in ac- taking the Swede. one other swimmer to land on the podi- his compatriot Blake Pieroni to win in the tion today, with 10 fi nals scheduled on the Sjostrom, too, had a productive day, um. Amid a fi eld of just four competitors, event with a time of 21.80. second day. winning the only race she took part in. with one disqualifi ed for the fi nal, Hosszu “I am happy to win the race. I am tar- “Hey guys I got a fever and vomiting all The Swedish sprint queen and Russia’s cruised to fi rst place in a solid 2:09.26. geting a total of three gold medals in night, so wasn’t able to swim today, gut- Vladimir Morozov, who is leading the Her Hungarian teammate Zsuzsanna Ja- Doha,” the Russian said after his victory. ted not to able to compete but hopefully Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi (R) speaks men’s ranking, won the 50m freestyle to kabos followed in a time of 2:10.34 for “However, two wins in Doha should be feel better tomorrow, good luck to rest with Paris Saint-Germain’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) at keep their chances of wins in cluster 1 in- silver. enough for me to secure cluster 1 win,” he of athletes thanks for the support,” the the team’s “Camp des Loges” training grounds in Saint-Germain-en- tact. “I am happy with my performance. added. South African tweeted. Laye, west of Paris, yesterday.

QNB STARS LEAGUE Arabi hope to restore momentum as league returns aft er friendly break

By Sports Reporter “But we have to honour FIFA com- vation for our players,” said Bonacic. plenty to play for as they are only two ings with just four points from as many Doha mitments,” he added ruefully. Al Rayyan’s new coach Rodolfo Ar- points adrift of the leaders. matches, while QSC are placed ninth, The 63-year-old Croat, however, is ruabarrena also praised Al Arabi for “The diff erence between top team having lost three of their four matches confi dent of his team’s chances against showing tremendous resolve after suf- Al Sadd and us is only two points. You so far. l Arabi coach Luka Bonac- ‘Big four’ club Al Rayyan. fering the morale-shattering 10-1 de- must show patience especially at the “It is going to be a diffi cult game. In ic hopes the international “After the big defeat to Al Sadd in feat to Al Sadd. start of a league competition and wait fact, it will be diffi cult for both teams. friendly break will not aff ect the second round we showed remarka- “We are back to league action after for good results to come. We are hoping to collect full points Ahis team’s momentum when ble improvement and that has refl ected an international break and we are into “Al Arabi have the potential to make against Qatar SC,” Shahania coach Jose they take on fi erce traditional rivals Al on our performances. I am expecting a big match against Al Arabi. They had it a great match and I am sure fans can Murcia said. Rayyan in the QNB Stars League today. a good game against Al Rayyan. I wish suff ered a setback against Al Sadd, but see a great game. “Qatar SC are a strong side. They The ‘Dream Team’ bounced back my boys will go out and show what they came back strongly,” said Arrua- “All our players are ready and I will can be really tricky and have some from a 10-1 thrashing by Al Sadd in Au- they are capable of,” he said. barrena. decide on the playing eleven based on very good players in their ranks such as gust to beat Al Khor 1-0 and Umm Salal He added that facing Al Rayyan “In the process, Al Arabi also showed the fi tness and form of the players on Samuel Eto’o and Osama Omari. Still, 5-1 to restore their pride and sit pretty brings out the best from his players. they can score many goals. They are the match day. The same is applicable we will play for three points. in the standings with nine points from Al Rayyan, respectively. “This game is special from the fans’ playing the way we also want to play in the case of new recruit Jonathan “During the break, we had been four matches. “We have been in great form and point of view also. Our fans are some- at the moment. We can expect a tough Menendez also.” working hard. We have had problems They are only point one off the pace the break was not good for us as we thing special. I have been experiencing fi ght. They already have nine points In another match today Al Shahania with injuries to some of our players. from leaders Al Sadd and Al Duhail who were maintaining a good momentum,” that ever since I took over Al Arabi. It’s and that is how you start a league com- will take on Qatar SC, with both teams The FIFA break is good for some teams, are tied on 10, the Qatar giants having Bonacic told reporters at his pre-match good that we play for them. But playing petition,” he added. looking to improve their positions. while it is not so good for other teams. dropped points against Al Gharafa and press conference. against Al Rayyan is the greatest moti- The Argentinian said his side have Al Shahania are eighth in the stand- We need more games.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, September 14, 2018 SPORT

WORLD ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS FOOTBALL Mbappe starts ban as PSG warm up for Qatar’s Abeer trip to Liverpool proud to be at the helm of operations ‘I am also happy that the woman component is strongly present in various committees which reflects the culture of the country’s global organisation, and we are proud of our cadres in diff erent categories’

By Sports Reporter woman representative and strive Qatar is not only good at hosting Doha to achieve the desired goals and major sports events but is also aspirations. known for leaving a memora- AFP midweek in a 5-0 friendly win “We are sure of delivering ble impression in the minds of Paris over El Salvador in the United or the fi rst time in the another top world level sports people for long even after these States and scored, as did PSG history of the organisa- event in line with what has al- events are over.” colleague Marquinhos. That tion of the world gym- ready made Qatar a capital for On Operations, Planning and ylian Mbappe takes an game did not fi nish until the Fnastics championships, global sporting events and the Human Resources front, she enforced rest from the early hours of Wednesday, a Qatari woman has assumed hub of major tournaments in the said all eff orts are being made Paris Saint-Germain French time. the leadership of one of the sub- region and the Middle East. to bring all those with a single- Kside this weekend as “It’s only about what is a risk committees for the 48th FIG Ar- “I am also happy that the minded approach together. the French champions warm up for tomorrow. It is important tistic Gymnastics World Cham- woman component is strongly “Everyone knows that this for their Champions League trip that he is on the pitch tomorrow pionships Doha 2018 to be held present in various committees edition of the world gymnastics to Liverpool with a home clash and wins the game for us then,” at the Aspire Dome in Doha from which refl ects the culture of the will see the largest participation against Saint-Etienne. Tuchel told media yesterday. October 25 to November 3. country’s global organisation, in its history with 85 countries Mbappe begins a three-game “And then we see for the next While Jana Elkeky will be rep- and we are proud of our cadres in participating. Certainly, we have ban from domestic action hand- thing, but the big players can resenting Qatar at the worlds as a diff erent categories. made the appropriate strategic ed down after he was sent off play a lot of games, and for that gymnast, Abeer Ali al-Buainain “Such a grand tournament plans for this level of hosting, right at the end of PSG’s 4-2 win we take the decision very care- is taking care of the organisa- will leave a legacy for future gen- and we were delighted to wel- at Nimes a fortnight ago. fully.” tional aspects as the Director of erations and not just in sports come many of those wishing to The 19-year-old France su- The coach added: “I hope that Operations, Planning and Hu- but culturally too with the vision work with the Organising Com- perstar was shown a red card nobody is thinking about Tues- man Resources at the Organising of our wise leadership which is mittee during the tournament. for shoving Nimes player Teji day, that is very, very important Committee for the tournament. always motivating our people to “The number of volunteers Savanier to the fl oor in a violent for me.” Empowering women has al- achieve success at various lev- in the early stages is already reaction to being fouled. Today’s game could also see ways been one of Qatar’s aims els,” she adds. nearly 500. And the number is He later said he had no re- new signing Juan Bernat make and these two, as athlete and Elaborating on the prepara- still growing. We have benefi ted grets and insisted he would do it his fi rst appearance as a PSG offi ce-bearer, highlight the high tions, planning and challenges, from the people with the expe- again, and the consequences are player. levels of competency among she added: “The organising rience and the high competen- that he will sit out a trio of Ligue The Spanish international women in Qatari society. committee has stepped up the cies in getting ready to the best 1 matches for Thomas Tuchel’s was signed from Bayern Mu- Committed and confi dent, pace of work extensively with possible degree. The national side. “It was very harsh. He re- nich for 15mn euros ($17.5mn) Abeer is sure that the forthcom- the approach of the launch of competencies (of both men and acted in a very emotive manner just before the transfer window ing championships will once Abeer Ali al-Buainain, Director of Operations, Planning and Human the championships. And the fact women) in the organisational but he didn’t hit anyone, he just closed and is a welcome addition again prove the capabilities of Resources at the Organising Committee for the 48th FIG Artistic that there is absolute cohesion aspect has reached global levels pushed him. He was frightened with Layvin Kurzawa out for two Qatar, its openness and the abili- Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018. and co-operation between the and we have been happy to re- because of the violence of the months after back surgery. ties of Qatari women. various committees underlines ceive continues praise from the foul,” Tuchel said of the incident Lyon will also be in England Speaking of her role and sonal level, I am very proud to Committee at this champion- our aim of achieving maximum International Gymnastics Fed- in an interview with SFR Sport on Champions League duty next goals ahead, she said: “At a per- be representing the Organising ship. I also feel responsible as a success. “It also emphasises that eration (FIG).” this week. week, travelling to Pep Guardio- The rest might not harm la’s Manchester City. Mbappe, who was at the Parc That is a daunting prospect SERIE A des Princes yesterday as the club for Bruno Genesio’s team, who launched a new European jer- fi rst go to Caen this weekend sey, by Nike’s Jordan Brand, in a with Moussa Dembele hoping glitzy ceremony. to make his debut after joining Mbappe also scored for France from Celtic. in their 2-1 win over the Neth- “He is a real number nine, erlands last weekend and is a penalty-box player, but not Ronaldo struggles for goals, certain to start when PSG begin only that,” said Genesio of the their latest quest for Champi- France under-21 striker, signed ons League glory at Anfi eld next for 22mn euros. Tuesday. France’s other Champions There is huge pressure on League representatives are Mo- Dybala for playing time Tuchel to take PSG far in Eu- naco, who are at Toulouse on rope after they were eliminated Saturday ahead of another diffi - Reuters bala’s previous club Palermo, in the last 16 in each of the last cult European tie against Atleti- Milan suggested that the player two seasons, but they have been co Madrid. would leave Serie A in the drawn in a testing group that next transfer window. also features Carlo Ancelotti’s Fixtures (GMT) hile Cristiano “Every time he is left out of Napoli and Red Star Belgrade. Today Ronaldo spent the team, it makes me want At least Tuchel has got off to Nice v Rennes (1700), Paris part of the inter- to cry,” said Zamparini, who a serene start domestically, with Saint-Germain v Saint-Etienne national break on is proud of the role the Sicil- PSG having won their fi rst four (1845) Wholiday in St Tropez, his Ju- ian club played in developing games of the Ligue 1 season. Tomorrow ventus team mate Paulo Dy- Dybala after he arrived from Saint-Etienne’s visit to the Caen v Lyon (1500), Amiens v bala found himself in all-too Argentina. Parc des Princes could be the Lille, Dijon v Angers, Montpel- familiar surroundings on the Zamparini said it was “all toughest test yet, however, es- lier v Strasbourg, Toulouse v substitutes’ bench. down to” Juventus coach pecially as there are also doubts Monaco (all 1800) Ronaldo has failed to fi nd Massimiliano Allegri and that Neymar can last 90 min- Sunday the net during his fi rst three added: “I sent a message to utes. Nantes v Reims (1300), Bor- games for Juventus following Dybala two years ago, advis- The world’s most expensive deaux v Nimes (1500), Marseille his move from Real Madrid ing him to go to Spain, where player turned out for Brazil in v Guingamp (1900) and will continue his quest they play football, and not when the Serie A leaders, stay in Italy.” early leaders with nine points, Dybala’s dip in form SANCTIONS host surprise early challeng- seemed to begin in April ers Sassuolo on Sunday. when a poor display in the But if the fi ve-times World fi rst leg of the Champions Player of the Year is feel- League quarter-fi nal against Chievo deducted ing frustrated by his mini- Real Madrid culminated in a drought — and his reactions red card for two bookable of- on the pitch suggest he is — fences. three points, fi ned his worries pale in compari- He also found himself side- son to Dybala’s unhappy start lined during the World Cup to the season. when his only appearance was for false accounting The 24-year-old Argen- as a second-half substitute in tine, known as the Jewel for the infamous 3-0 defeat by AFP visions. Chievo played in Serie A his pace, technique and scor- Croatia. Milan in all the seasons involved. ing prowess, has played a piv- While Dybala was warm- The penalty falls short of the otal role for Juventus since ing the Argentina bench, 15-point deduction requested by joining them three years ago. Ronaldo, having been asked erie A club Chievo have prosecutors, and 36 months sus- But, having started Juve’s to be rested from Portugal’s been deducted three pension against Campedelli. opening game of the season, two matches, was enjoying a points and fi ned 200,000 The FIGC said in a statement a 3-2 win at Chievo, Dybala break in St Tropez — posting Seuros ($232,000) for false that the disciplinary tribunal “ac- was then left out of the start- photographs on Instagram — accounting, the Italian Football cepted the referral of the pros- ing line-up for the following after Allegri gave his players Association (FIGC) announced ecutor, sanctioning Chievo Verona two games against Lazio and some time off . yesterday. with a three point deduction in the Parma. He also launched his latest The FIGC’s sports tribunal table, to be taken in the current He then joined Argentina line of branded underwear. found Chievo guilty of adding season, and a fi ne of 200,000 eu- on a quick tour of the United Dybala avoided any com- around 27mn euros ($31mn) to the ros. It also “sanctioned the presi- States, where he was expect- plaints about his situation, real transfers fees of promising dent of the club, Luca Campedelli, ed to get at least one start, telling Gazzetta dello Sport: young players from Italian lower- with a three-month ban, as well as but had to be content with a “I admit I did not start as well league club Cesena between 2015 a one-month-15-day ban for ad- second-half substitute’s ap- as last year or even in 2016. I and 2018. Club president Luca visers Piero Campedelli, Giuseppe pearance in the second match want to get to Turin to work Campedelli has been banned for Campedelli, Michele Cordioli and against Colombia. hard and recover my place in three months with four advisors Antonio Cordioli.” Dybala’s admirers have hit Juventus” also suspended for six weeks. “The tribunal has decided that out at his treatment with his “I told myself that after be- The Verona club had been ac- it should not proceed with the brother Gustavo angrily criti- ing lucky enough to play with cused of using their player deal- case against Cesena due to the cising Argentina’s new coach Lionel Messi in the national ings with Cesena to create a false revocation of their affi liation, Lionel Scaloni. team, now I have the chance profi t for both clubs and allow sanctioning company directors Meanwhile, Maurizio Zam- to be with Ronaldo in Juven- them to satisfy the conditions for Guido Aldini and Samuele Mari- parini, the president of Dy- tus,” he added. “It’s amazing.” Out of scoring touch for Juventus: Cristiano Ronaldo registering in their respective di- otti to one month 15 days.” Gulf Times Friday, September 14, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS LA LIGA Barca, Real head to Basque Country Kane, Salah share in bid to continue spotlight in battle perfect starts of struggling stars They go into this weekend’s clash with concerns about their ability to maintain their previous breathtaking form in the midst of a post-World Cup malaise

Barca star Messi is fresh and raring after opting out of Argentina friendlies during the international break.

DPA for his country, scoring one, forc- Barcelona ing an own goal and setting up three others in Spain’s 6-0 dem- olition of World Cup runners-up eigning champions Bar- Croatia. celona face Real Socie- Although the winger hasn’t dad at Anoeta before netted yet in La Liga, Asensio has Julen Lopetegui’s Real earned three penalties in three Rtake on Athletic Bilbao, with the games and is poised to start again eternal rivals the only teams in on the left of Madrid’s attack in Spain to begin the season with Bilbao. three wins. Lopetegui was the coach that Historically Barca tend to have brought him into the Spain fold a diffi cult time at Anoeta, with and, with Cristiano Ronaldo just one win there in their last gone, Asensio is earning a more eight league fi xtures, but at least prominent role with Madrid un- they won’t have to worry about der the same manager. the pitch. In the second game of “This is my third season, in this the season Barcelona travelled one I think I’ll have consistent ap- to Valladolid, who had relaid the pearances and more prominence, grass four days before the game, and I’m seeing the performances and it tore up as the match pro- I’m putting in [show that],” said gressed, creating diffi cult playing Asensio. conditions. Alongside Karim Benzema and Real Sociedad have revamped Gareth Bale he has gone a long their playing surface too, but the way to ensuring Portugal star San Sebastian side are confi dent Ronaldo, Madrid’s all-time top Anoeta will be in perfect condi- goalscorer, has not been missed tion for the visit of the Catalans. so far. It will be the club’s fi rst home “We’re playing very well now, game of the season after arrang- players who didn’t score as many ing for their fi rst three fi xtures to goals last year are now fi lling their be played away while work was boots,” said playmaker Isco, who done on the stadium. also scored for Spain. This week marked 25 years “We don’t miss (Ronaldo) at since the fi rst La Liga game at the moment.” Even defender Anoeta and the perfect way to Sergio Ramos, who headed in La celebrate would be by upsetting Roja’s fi fth goal against Croatia, the visitors tomorrow. has stepped up to replace Ron- “At last we can debut at home,” aldo by converting two penalties. La Real president Jokin Aperribay Madrid will need all the help they File photo of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (C) scoring against Niger’s goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda (L) during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 8 at the Borg el-Arab said. “We had to play three games can get at the San Mames, one of stadium near the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Salah will resume his Premier League duties for Liverpool tomorrow. away, it’s nearly been a month the most atmospheric stadiums since the start of the season. The in the country, which also takes AFP 32 goals, pipped his England ri- twice in four games so far for Ju- Kane, after it had initially been tain as a substitute in the 1-0 fans haven’t been able to have di- on a political tinge when Real are val to the coveted prize despite rgen Klopp’s high-fl ying Liver- credited to Christian Eriksen. friendly win over Switzerland rect contact with the team. (Play- in town. Kane’s fi rst 30-league-goal sea- pool, he has not been the eff er- Kane may have been hurt by on Tuesday. ing Barca) will be a special day.” The weekend’s other fi xtures son. vescent fi gure that tormented the perception he was greed- Ankle ligament damage suf- The hosts will however have to are Huesca v Rayo Vallecano, arry Kane and Mo- Salah bagged an incredible opponents last term. ily hunting individual accolades fered at the beginning of April, reckon with a fresh Lionel Messi, Atletico Madrid v Eibar, Valencia hamed Salah have 44 goals in all competitions in The combination of lethal but, undeterred, the England fatigue after such a short sum- after the Argentine star did not v Real Betis, Leganes v Villarreal, the perfect stage to his debut year with Liverpool, fi nishing and off -the-cuff in- captain fi nished as top scorer at mer break and opponents taking travel to take part in Argentina’s Espanyol v Levante, Valladolid v end their unexpect- earning him the Professional spiration that made him such a the World Cup with six goals. extra care to snuff him out have friendlies. By contrast, Real Ma- Alaves, Sevilla v Getafe and Gi- Hed slumps when the super- Footballers’ Association and joy to watch has been replaced Yet, by his own admission, all been mooted as reasons for drid’s Marco Asensio did appear rona v Celta Vigo. star strikers go head to head at Football Writers’ Association with a more subdued demean- Kane was not quite at his best in Kane’s problems. Wembley tomorrow. player of the year awards. our that gives the impression he Russia despite England’s run to “I’m concerned about Har- Just four months ago, Totten- But Salah’s season came to a has lost his mojo for now. the semi-fi nals and the hango- ry Kane. Since 2015, Kane has BUNDESLIGA ham striker Kane and Liverpool bitter conclusion in the Cham- Replicating the sky-high ver has continued into the new played 175 matches. Forget the forward Salah were being hailed pions League fi nal when he suf- standards of 2017-18 was never campaign. physical side, he needs a mental as Europe’s most feared marks- fered a shoulder injury after a going to be easy for Salah and, The 25-year-old has just break as well because he’s strug- men after the pair tore through cynical challenge from Real Ma- ironically, he was warned of scored two goals in six games for gling,” former England assist- Herrlich under Premier League defences on a drid’s Sergio Ramos. the potential for a sophomore club and country this season, ant coach Gary Neville told Sky weekly basis. Leaving the pitch in tears, slump by Kane last May. with the statistics behind those Sports this week. Yet they go into this week- Salah’s departure triggered “For me it is about doing numbers making for even more Salah’s dip has not stopped pressure early as end’s eagerly anticipated clash Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat and ul- it year after year. Any player unsettling reading. Liverpool climbing to the top of between Tottenham and Liver- timately cast a cloud over his wants to do it on a consistent Sky Sports statistics released the Premier League after four pool with concerns about their World Cup, where he missed the basis and that’s what defi nes a this week show Kane averaged successive wins, while Totten- Bayern await ability to maintain that breath- fi rst match and was unable to good player from a great player,” 6.7 shots per 90 minutes by the ham are just three points be- taking form in the midst of a stop Egypt crashing out at the he said. end of August 2017, whereas he hind. post-World Cup malaise. group stage. Kane and Salah have a re- currently averages 2.6 shots per Even so, it would be a com- Reuters Herrlich said he was surprised Kane and Salah slugged it out The 26-year-old returned to spectful relationship, but their match. forting sight for Reds man- Berlin by the sharp criticism after only for the Premier League’s Golden Merseyside to kick off the new rivalry intensifi ed when Salah Amid fears Kane is nearing ager Klopp and Tottenham boss two matches but said two defeats Boot prize right up to the last campaign with a goal in the questioned the decision to burnout, England boss Gareth Mauricio Pochettino if their “are obviously not our expecta- game of the season. demolition of West Ham. award Tottenham’s second goal Southgate was forced to defend star men were back on song this nly weeks ago Bayer tion.” The Egypt international, with But while Salah has scored in April’s 2-0 win at Stoke to his decision to bring on his cap- weekend. Leverkusen were seen “But I am happy that it was me as title contenders but who was on the receiving end of after two defeats in two it and not the players. It is bet- OBundesliga matches, tomorrow’s ter like that because I can handle BOTTOMLINE visit to champions Bayern Mu- that.” But he must also show his nich feels more like a battle for team can rediscover their form of survival for coach Heiko Herrlich. last season which had made them Give Rashford time to shine, insists Southgate Leverkusen suff ered an opening one of the most exciting teams to 2-0 loss at Borussia Moencheng- watch in the league. ladbach and then followed it up “We have to start doing our AFP the number of goals. So we have Marcus. He’s a huge admirer of with a shock 3-1 home loss to own things well and not look too London to give him time to develop. He him, but he has got his job to do. VfL Wolfsburg, who had needed much at the opponent. In the has still played a lot of football, There is huge competition for a relegation playoff to stay up last switch we have to defend togeth- although maybe not continuous places at his club so you can un- season.With some of the Bun- er, work together. We have to do ngland manager Ga- starts, and I’m really pleased for derstand that.” desliga’s most talented players that over 90 minutes.” They must reth Southgate believes him that he leaves us full of con- Ruben Loftus-Cheek is an- in his squad, including Germany now do it against in-form Bayern, Marcus Rashford fi dence.” other of England’s squad that internationals Jonathan Tah, Kai who started the season with two should be given time to Southgate has raised concerns advanced to the semi-fi nals of Havertz and Julian Brandt as well wins and look to be on track for a flE ourish despite clamour for the over the lack of opportunities the World Cup struggling for as Leon Bailey, Leverkusen fans seventh straight league crown. Manchester United forward to aff orded to English players in minutes at Chelsea. had every right to have high ex- “I see every match as a chance. be given more minutes at club the Premier League, making the The midfi elder made his fi rst pectations from Herrlich’s team The opponent is far superior, no level. pool he has to select from ever start of the season against Swit- this season. doubt about it. But we will look Rashford was one of few shallower. Yet, he refused to zerland having previously just But so far Leverkusen, fi fth last for our chance,” Herrlich said. bright sparks for Southgate, criticise any of the top six man- come off the bench twice for season and level on points with Another defeat, however, will in- scoring both England’s goals in a agers, all of whom are foreign, Maurizio Sarri’s men. third placed Hoff enheim, have evitably pile more pressure on the 2-1 defeat to Spain and 1-0 vic- for putting their own interests “Right now I am at Chelsea failed to deliver. coach. tory over Switzerland in the past off at Burnley before the inter- “We have to remember that fi rst. and my focus is at Chelsea and “Even before the season got un- Bayern will be fresh after the week. national break. Harry, at that age, had hardly “It’s not my business to inter- learning at Chelsea,” said Lof- der way we were seen as fi nishing international break, with coach However, he has struggled to Southgate, though, used the played anywhere near the same fere with club managers. They tus-Cheek. “That is in the fu- in second place. Now suddenly Niko Kovac having a full squad hold down a regular fi rst-team example of England captain number of matches for Spurs,” have a diffi cult job to do and ture and we will deal with that everything is bad,” the 46-year- to chose from, apart from long- place under Jose Mourinho at Harry Kane and Cristiano Ro- said Southgate. Even with some they have big squads at the top when it comes. old Herrlich told reporters this term injured Kingsley Coman. Old Traff ord and will be sus- naldo to show that at just 20, of the step-overs and things six, with huge competition for “I’m not sure when I am go- week. “We do have potential in The Bavarians also kick off their pended for United’s next three Rashford has plenty of time on Ronaldo was doing at that age places. ing to play. It is just down to me the team and we need to show Champions League campaign domestic games after being sent his side. he wasn’t converting them into “Jose thinks the world of working hard in training.” that as have done (last season).” next week. Gulf Times 4 Friday, September 14, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING Wallays wins 18th stage, Yates retains lead Reuters concluded. Madrid Bol faded in the fi nal few kilome- STANDINGS AHEAD OF SINGAPORE GP tres and Sagan took up the chase but was not quite quick enough and Stage: Ejea de los Caballeros to Lleida (186km) he battle for the Vuelta a Es- could only fi nish third as the peloton 1. Jelle Wallays (Bel) Lotto-Soudal, in 3-57-03 pana remained wide open crossed the fi nish line immediately 2. Sven Erik Bystrøm (Nor) UAE Team Emirates with two decisive stages re- after. 3. Peter Sagan (Svk) Bora-Hansgrohe maining after leader Simon Valverde fi nished 16th, three plac- 4. Elia Viviani (Ita) Quick-Step Floors YatesT and closest challenger Alejan- es ahead of Yates but gained no time 5. Ivan Garcia (Esp) Bahrain-Merida dro Valverde crossed the fi nish line on the Briton. 6. Danny van Poppel (Ned) LottoNL-Jumbo together yesterday’s 18th stage, won Yates holds a narrow 25-second 7. Jon Aberasturi Izaga (Esp) Euskadi Basque by Belgian Jelle Wallays. lead over the 2009 winner heading Country-Murias Wallays edged Sven Erik Bystrom into the two mountain stages in the 8. Tom Van Asbroeck (Bel) EF Education First- to snatch a fi rst grand tour win after Pyrenees on Friday and Saturday Drapac holding off a late attack from world which will almost certainly decide 9. Giacomo Nizzolo (Ita) Trek-Segafredo champion Peter Sagan in a packed the race winner before Sunday’s 10. Ryan Gibbons (RSA) Dimension Data, all same fi nale at the end of the mostly fl at procession through Madrid. time 186.1 km stage from Ejea de los Ca- Spaniard Enric Mas is third, one Overall classification balleros to Lleida. minute 22 seconds behind Yates, 1. Simon Yates (Gbr) Mitchelton-Scott, in 73-02-37 Lotto Soudal rider Wallays broke while Miguel Angel Lopez of Colom- 2. Alejandro Valverde (Esp) Movistar Team, at 25s clear only three kilometres into the bia and Dutchman Steven Kruijswi- 3. Enric Mas (Esp) Quick-Step Floors, at 1-22 stage alongside Norwegian Bystrom jk, fourth and fi fth respectively, have 4. Miguel Angel Lopez (Col) Astana Pro Team, at 1-36 of UAE Team Emirates and Dutch- an outside chance of catching Yates. 5. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) LottoNL-Jumbo, at 1-48 man Jetse Bol of Burgos-BH. Friday’s stage is a 154.4km ride 6. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar Team, at 2-11 The leaders stayed at the front from Lleida to Naturlandia in An- 7. Ion Izagirre (Esp) Bahrain-Merida, at 4-09 for the bulk of the day, enjoying a dorra with a summit fi nish while 8. Rigoberto Uran (Col) EF Education First-Drapac, gap of two minutes thirty seconds Saturday is a short yet unforgiv- at 4-36 at one point, which was cut down ing 97.3km charge through Andorra 9. Thibaut Pinot (Fra) Groupama-FDJ, at 5-31 to 52 seconds in the fi nal 10 kilome- which will involve 4000 metres of Lotto Soudal’s Belgian cyclist Jelle Wallays celebrates as he wins the 18th stage of the 73rd edition of ‘La Vuelta’, a 10. Tony Gallopin (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale, at 6-05 tres and then to nothing as the stage climbing. 186.1km flat route from Ejea de los Caballeros to Lleida, yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS GOLF Fleetwood tips Europe Japan’s Osaka has ‘no upset in Ryder Cup regrets’ over chaotic ‘I think for this year my immediate goal would be to US Open fi nal get to Singapore’

AFP Tommy Fleetwood of England. AFP majors to his name. Paul Casey, Hong Kong last year’s Masters winner Ser- apan’s Naomi Osaka has gio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and refused to criticise Ser- Ryder Cup specialist Ian Poulter ena Williams after her ommy Fleetwood yes- were captain Thomas Bjorn’s historic US Open vic- terday said home advan- four wildcard picks. toryJ was overshadowed by the tage could help Europe “There’s been a lot of talk how American’s furious row with upset the United States good the American side is and the chair umpire. inT this month’s Ryder Cup, in- there’s no doubt it, they’ve got an The 20-year-old melted sisting the hosts won’t be in- unbelievable team,” said Fleet- hearts when she broke down timidated by the likes of Tiger wood, who was second at this sobbing after thrashing her idol Woods and Phil Mickelson. year’s US Open and won the Eu- 6-2, 6-4 to become Japan’s fi rst The Englishman said vocifer- ropean Tour’s 2017 Race to Du- Grand Slam singles champion in ous crowds and a familiar course bai. “But I think at the same time New York last weekend. at Le Golf National, near Paris, Europe has too. I honestly think Japanese tennis legend would boost Europe’s bid to re- it could be one of the best Ryder Kimiko Date told AFP it made gain the trophy after their drub- Cups ever... I fancy our chances, her “heart ache” to see Osaka bing at Hazeltine in 2016. I really do.” reduced to tears and unable to And Fleetwood, a Ryder Cup Fleetwood, one of the big savour her moment of glory. debutant who is playing his fi rst names at the November 22-25 But after returning to Japan season on America’s PGA Tour, Hong Kong Open, also spoke in yesterday, Osaka insisted there said there would be little fear support of the city’s colonial-era were no hard feelings towards factor when it comes to facing Fanling course, which is under Williams, who branded umpire Woods and Mickelson, who have threat of development. “I think Carlos Ramos a “thief” in an 19 major titles between them. it would be something horrible astonishing tantrum triggered “Most of us guys on the Euro- to happen to a golf course that’s by a code violation for coach- pean team play on the same tour- got so much history,” he said. ing that culminated in a docked naments against Phil and Tiger “There’s so many courses that game. week in, week out at the moment,” aren’t really standing the test of “For me I don’t feel sad be- Fleetwood told a teleconference time but this golf course holds cause I wouldn’t even know after confi rming his appearance up. I think it would be a massive what I’m expected to feel,” said at November’s Hong Kong Open. blow to golf in general.” Osaka, who has climbed from “You can’t deny that they’re the Meanwhile world number four 19th to seventh in the new world best golfers ever and they always Justin Thomas will return to rankings. will be. But when you tee it up Malaysia for next month’s CIMB “I don’t think I even thought you’re just playing another golfer, Classic seeking a third title at about feeling sad because it doesn’t matter who it is.” the $7 million PGA Tour tourna- there’s no experience for me “It will help their team in ment, the organisers said yester- to draw on in any other Grand an experience sense, because day. The big-hitting American Slam fi nal,” she added. they’ve played so many Ryder said he was excited to be back in “I just thought I shouldn’t Cups, but it will make no dif- Kuala Lumpur for the ninth edi- have any regrets. Overall I felt ference to us,” added the world tion of the tournament where he really happy and know I accom- number 12. Woods and Mickel- won his fi rst PGA Tour title in plished a lot.” son headline a formidable Amer- 2015 before defending the crown Osaka, who competes at next ican team which boasts three of the following year. week’s Pan Pacifi c Open in To- this year’s four major victories “I look forward to the oppor- kyo, also revealed her plans to and six of the world’s top 10. tunity to become the fi rst player break into the top fi ve this year But Europe include newly to win the CIMB Classic three - and win a shiny gold medal at crowned world number one times. It will be fun to play on the 2020 Olympics. Justin Rose, Open champion the newly renovated West course “I think for this year my im- Francesco Molinari and an in- at TPC Kuala Lumpur,” 25-year- mediate goal would be to get form Rory McIlroy, who has four old Thomas said. to Singapore,” said Osaka after putting herself fi rmly in con- tention to reach the season- Sotherton collects heptathlon bronze a decade late ending WTA Finals. “I want to do well at the Pan Pacifi c Open Retired British heptathlete Kelly Sotherton looked forward to receiv- and maybe year-end top fi ve - ing her third Olympic medal yesterday, a decade on from the Beijing but I’m not putting pressure on US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan gestures during press conference in Yokohama yesterday. (AFP) 2008 competition. myself. For now I’m just sort of Sotherton finished fifth in Beijing but moved up after Ukraine’s Liud- riding the wave.” up with big sister Mari, who is ing a role model for young chil- brand ambassador now, it feels mother and Haitian-born fa- myla Blonska and Russian Tatiana Chernova were disqualified for “Of course I’m very excited also a professional tennis play- dren, Osaka gave mixed signals. like I’ve come full circle,” Osaka ther and raised mainly in the doping, the latter only last year after a sample was re-tested. the Olympics are going to be er, go shopping and eat her fa- “I’ve always thought Kei said at a contract signing event United States, Osaka has won “Until I have the medal I don’t really know how I’m feeling,” said held in Tokyo,” added Osaka, vourite matcha ice cream. (Nishikori) was a super good at Nissan’s headquarters in hearts on and off the tennis Sotherton, 41, ahead of the formal presentation at the Team GB Ball. who is of Haitian-Japanese “I guess I’d like to hang out role model and hopefully I can Yokohama. court as much for her ferocious “The 4x400m medal in the summer was great but I trained as a descent and was raised in the with my sister – I haven’t seen be that too,” she said. “But don’t Nissan said the passionate serve as her down-to-earth hu- heptathlete and that’s the medal that I really want and it will mean United States. “It’s every ath- her since Wimbledon,” said look up to me, because I don’t video-game player and Beyonce mility. quite a lot to get it.” lete’s dream to play in the Ol- Osaka, who has become an un- want that responsibility!” fan would appear in global pro- Asked how she felt being a Thursday’s ceremony was the second time a Beijing medal has been ympics, so of course it would be likely hero in a country still Japanese automaker Nis- motions and advertising as part high-profi le, bi-racial athlete in handed retrospectively to Sotherton, who collected her relay bronze my goal to win gold.” reeling after a summer of deadly san Motor Co has signed Osaka of its three-year contract, in a largely ethnically homogenous last year after Chernova’s disqualification. Date, a former world number typhoons and earthquakes. as its next brand ambassador, something of a branding de- country, Osaka said the ques- She also won heptathlon bronze in Athens in 2004. four, has tipped Osaka to be- “The Pan Pacifi c is so close tapping the tennis star’s youth, parture for a company whose tion “really throws me off ”. “It’ll close a chapter of my Athletics career,” said Sotherton. come Japan’s fi rst tennis and I have to be on a diet for my drive and Japanese roots to ap- popular GT-R sports car ap- “It’s just who I am ... I don’t “Receiving a medal 10 years after I should have got it is a little bitter- number one. matches, so maybe afterwards peal to younger customers. peals mainly to men aged 40 think I’m a mix of three what- sweet but it indicates the career I had and it will finally confirm me But for now Osaka is itching for the ice cream.” “Growing up, my dad drove and older. ever, I just think I am me,” she as a three-time Olympic medallist.” to do normal stuff – like catch Asked how she felt about be- a Nissan, so being able to be a Born in Japan to a Japanese said. Gulf Times Friday, September 14, 2018 5 SPORT

BASEBALL David Price dominates as Red Sox post 100th victory It is the fourth time the Red Sox have won 100 or more games in a season and the first time since 1946

Reuters lowing Bird’s hit. In 7 1/3 innings, he Boston allowed one run, issued three walks, David Price of Boston Red Sox throws a pitch struck out fi ve and tied a career high against Toronto Blue Jays in the first innings at with 120 pitches. It nearly was the fi rst Fenway Park in Boston. (USA TODAY Sports) avid Price pitched seven no-hitter for the Twins since Francisco strong innings, Boston scored Liriano had one on May 3, 2011, in Chi- a run on a wild pitch, and the cago against the White Sox. Red Sox earned their 100th winD of the season on Wednesday night A’S 10, ORIOLES 0 with a 1-0 victory over the visiting To- Matt Olson belted a three-run homer ronto Blue Jays. It is the fourth time the that proved to be the big hit in a 10- Red Sox — who clinched a postseason run third inning, and fi ve pitchers berth on Tuesday — have won 100 or combined for a one-hitter as Oakland more games in a season and the fi rst cruised to a victory at Baltimore. The time since 1946. A’s won their sixth consecutive game Price (15-6) allowed three hits and no thanks to that big inning, handing the walks while striking out seven. Craig Orioles their sixth loss in a row. Kimbrel pitched around a walk and Oakland now has won the fi rst two struck out two in the ninth to earn his games of this series and is 5-0 against 39th save of the season. Baltimore in 2018. In addition to Ol- son’s big blast, Matt Chapman twice ROCKIES 5, DIAMONDBACKS 4 drove in runs in the crucial inning. He DJ LeMahieu hit a two-run home run in fi nished with three RBIs in the third, the bottom of the ninth inning, giving starting the scoring with a two-run Colorado a walk-off win over Arizona double and ending it with an RBI single. in Denver. Both LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado had three hits and a homer for NATIONALS 5, PHILLIES 1 the Rockies, who recorded their 43rd Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman and comeback win of the season. Juan Soto homered to lead Washington Eduardo Escobar and Alex Avila to a win at Philadelphia. The Nationals homered for Arizona, which was two swept the three-game series and won outs away from closing the gap on their fi fth consecutive game overall. Colorado in the National League West. The Phillies dropped their fi fth in a The Diamondbacks now trail the Rock- row. Washington starter Stephen Stras- ies by 3 1/2 games, while the Los An- burg (8-7) tossed seven strong innings, geles Dodgers are 1 1/2 games behind allowing one run on fi ve hits and no Colorado. walks while striking out nine. Zimmer- man and Anthony Rendon each had two BREWERS 5, CUBS 1 hits for the Nationals. Curtis Granderson went 3-for-4 with a triple, a homer and three runs, and Mil- WHITE SOX 4, ROYALS 2 waukee pulled away for a win at Chica- Tim Anderson slugged a two-run home go. The Brewers won the series’ rubber run in the top of the 12th inning to lift match and moved within one game of visiting past Kansas City. Jose the Cubs for fi rst place in the National Rondon also hit a two-run homer for League Central. the White Sox, who halted a seven- Mike Moustakas fi nished with a pair game losing streak. Adalberto Mondesi DODGERS 8, REDS 1 one-hit ball and struck out nine en ASTROS 5, TIGERS 4 Houston won each game in the series by of RBIs for Milwaukee, while Lorenzo went 4-for-5 with two RBIs for Kan- Joc Pederson hit a home run, and Justin route to his major-league-leading 19th Alex Bregman drove in three runs, in- a single run. Cain and Travis Shaw drove in one run sas City. The Royals had a seven-game Turner and Yasmani Grandal each drove victory as host Tampa Bay defeated cluding two during a four-run, fi fth- apiece. Kris Bryant had the lone RBI for home winning streak snapped. in three runs as visiting Los Angeles fi - Cleveland. Snell (19-5) held the Indi- inning outburst, and Houston com- PIRATES 4, CARDINALS 3 the Cubs, who have lost seven of their nally beat Cincinnati on its last try this ans to just two walks over the fi rst six pleted a three-game series sweep at Jacob Stallings drove in three runs last 10 against Milwaukee. ANGELS 8, RANGERS 1 season. The last-place Reds had won all innings before Jose Ramirez led off the Detroit. Bregman became the fi rst third to back a strong, seven-plus-inning Francisco Arcia homered twice, dou- six of the previous matchups, including seventh with his 38th homer of the year, baseman in major league history to stint by Jameson Taillon as Pittsburgh TWINS 3, YANKEES 1 bled and drove in four runs, and Felix a four-game sweep at Los Angeles. The a towering 391-foot shot to left fi eld. record 50 doubles and 30 homers in a avoided a sweep of a three-game series Jake Odorizzi came within fi ve outs of Pena threw six scoreless innings to lead Dodgers avoided being the fi rst team in It ended a 23-game home run single season. at St. Louis. Taillon (13-9) allowed two producing the fi rst no-hitter in Tar- Los Angeles over Texas. baseball history to follow a season-se- drought for Ramirez, dating back to an He also scored a run and was one runs and two walks while striking out get Field history as Minnesota beat Arcia drove in two runs with a sec- ries sweep in one year (6-0 in 2017 ver- Aug. 17 game against Baltimore. Snell, of four Astros with two hits. Mar- four. He left in favour of Felipe Vazquez New York in Minneapolis. In the 722nd ond-inning double and hit solo hom- sus Cincinnati) by getting swept in the who lowered his ERA to 2.03, departed win Gonzalez had two hits and an RBI with two on and no outs in the eighth. regular-season game since the Twins ers in the sixth and eighth innings, his season series the following year. The after the seventh inning. He threw 104 while George Springer and Jake Maris- Vazquez worked out of a bases-loaded, moved to their current stadium in 2010, fourth and fi fth long balls of the season. Dodgers took control of the game with pitches, 61 of which were strikes, in nick each supplied two hits and a run. one-out jam in the eighth and another Odorizzi (6-10) lost his no-hit bid when Jose Fernandez also homered for Los a four-run fi fth inning. winning his seventh consecutive start. Gerrit Cole (14-5) gave up two runs on in the ninth to earn his 32nd save. Tail- Greg Bird roped the 120th pitch into the Angeles, which also got three hits from Jose Alvarado struck out two during three hits and struck out nine in fi ve in- lon hasn’t allowed more than three left-center-fi eld gap for an RBI double. Andrelton Simmons and two from Sho- RAYS 3, INDIANS 1 a perfect ninth inning to pick up his nings to notch the victory. Ryan Pressly earned runs in 19 consecutive outings, Odorizzi left immediately after al- hei Ohtani. Blake Snell pitched seven innings of eighth save. pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his fi rst save as going 11-5 in that span.

NBA NHL Westbrook out for four weeks aft er surgery Watson suspended 27 AFP Los Angeles games for domestic abuse AFP klahoma City Thunder guard Los Angeles Russell Westbrook, the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player, will miss the next four weeks recov- ashville Predators player eringO from arthroscopic right knee surgery, Austin Watson has been the team announced on Wednesday. hit with a 27-game sus- The 29-year-old American, a two-time pension in connection NBA scoring champion and seven-time Nwith a misdemeanour domestic- NBA All-Star, will be re-evaluated in about assault case last June in a gas four weeks — or less than a week before the station parking lot. The NHL’s Thunder visits defending champion Golden disciplinary offi cials levelled the State for an October 16 opening-night game. suspension on Wednesday against “The Thunder, Westbrook and his repre- the 26-year-old American who sentation determined after he experienced had already pleaded no contest to infl ammation in his knee this past weekend a domestic assault charge involv- that the best course of action was the proac- ing his girlfriend. tive procedure,” a statement from the Thun- “I have determined that Nash- der said. The operation was performed by ville player Austin Watson en- Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles with Thun- gaged in a physical confronta- der medical personnel present. Westbrook tion with his domestic partner,” suff ered a right knee injury in the 2013 play- NHL commissioner Gary Bett- off s and underwent three operations on the man said. “Today’s ruling, while knee that year. He has missed only 20 games tailored to the specifi c facts of over the past four regular seasons. No. 3 overall pick Luka Doncic after watch- team owner Mark Cuban said was the top this case and the individuals in- The Thunder are expected to turn to ing him in Dallas Mavericks scrimmages this prospect on their board and “it wasn’t even volved, is necessary and consist- its investigation of the incident. eventual champion Pittsburgh in German guard Dennis Schroder to replace week. Doncic, 19, did not suit up for summer close” — from the Atlanta Hawks for the ent with the NHL’s strongly held round one. This year, Columbus Westbrook in training camp, which begins league but his work this week impressed rights to fi fth overall pick Trae Young and a view that it cannot and will not TORTORELLA INKS lost to eventual champion Wash- September 24, and the pre-season schedule. Nowitzki, who knows a bit about entering future fi rst-round pick. tolerate this and similar types of TWO-YEAR EXTENSION TO ington in round one. Tortorella, Schroder was traded from Atlanta to Okla- the league as a young foreign star with high Doncic, who signed his rookie deal in conduct.” COACH NHL BLUE JACKETS who coached Tampa Bay to the homa City in July. expectations. July, will make a bit more than $5.4mn in The NHL Players’ Association John Tortorella, who coached the Stanley Cup title in 2004, has a Westbrook averaged a triple-double for “He’s been here now for a week, scrim- 2018-19. Last year’s third overall pick, Bos- said it would appeal the suspen- Columbus Blue Jackets to fi rst- record of 575 wins, 462 losses, the second consecutive campaign — an un- maged every day, works hard and I really like ton Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, signed a sion. According to American round playoff losses to the even- 37 drawn and 101 overtime losses precedented NBA feat — with 25.4 points, what I see,” said Nowitzki, who was just six four-year, $30mn deal with club options in police, Watson was seen arguing tual NHL champions the past over 17 NHL seasons with Tampa an NBA-best 10.3 assists and 10.1 rebounds months older when he entered the NBA from the third and fourth seasons. with his girlfriend in an vehicle in two seasons, signed a two-year Bay, the New York Rangers, Van- last season. Westbrook, the fourth overall Germany.”He’s really incredible with the Nowitzki signed on for a 21st season this a gas station parking lot in Fran- contract extension Wednesday, couver and Columbus. pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, averaged career ball for a big guy, and he’s a legit 6-8. summer and will make $5 mn in 2018-19. klin, Tennessee. the club announced. He has 129 wins in 239 games highs of 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 “He’s unbelievable in the pick-and-roll. Doncic helped lead Real Madrid to the Liga Police said the female had The deal, which keeps the in three seasons with the Blue assists last season. In 10 NBA campaigns, He does, like, over-the-head and between- ACB championship and EuroLeague title a some blood on her leg and 60-year-old American behind Jackets since being hired to re- all with the Thunder, he has averaged 23.0 the-leg passes to cutters,” said Nowitzki, last season. scratches on her chest. Under the Columbus bench through the place the fi red Todd Richards points, 6.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists a game. who made his comments on Tuesday in a The latter competition ended less than a Watson’s earlier court plea, his 2020-21 season, follows exten- seven games into the 2015-16 The Thunder landed swingman Paul George radio interview in Dallas. “The savviness he week before the NBA draft on June 21. Be- misdemeanour record can be ex- sions last week for team presi- campaign. He won the Jack Ad- in the off -season while parting ways with brings, the court vision — I couldn’t believe tween all of his commitments to teams in punged if he follows the terms dent John Davidson and general ams Award as top NHL coach Carmelo Anthony. what I saw for a 19-, 20-year-old. Unbeliev- Europe, Doncic has appeared in more than of his three-month probation. manager Jarmo Kekalainen. for a second time in the 2016-17 able. He’s a good shooter when he has time. I 150 games over the past two seasons. Watson is entering the second In his fi rst full season with the season as Columbus set a club NOWITZKI IMPRESSED WITH think he’s going to be great for us for a long, Doncic will wear No. 77 for the Mavericks, year of a three-year, $3.3mn con- Blue Jackets, Tortorella guided record with 50 wins, including a DONCIC AFTER SCRIMMAGES long time.” a number he wore for the Slovenian national tract. The Predators said they had them to only their second playoff 16-game win streak that was one Dirk Nowitzki said he sees a huge upside in The Mavericks acquired Doncic — whom team. He wore No. 7 with Real Madrid. co-operated with the NHL during berth in eight seasons but lost to shy of the NHL record. Gulf Times 6 Friday, September 14, 2018 SPORT

BADMINTON Tzu-ying and Sindhu knocked out of Japan Open

Agencies behind and beat Chou 10-21, 21-15, 21-19. ter-fi nals yesterday. The World No.26 Tokyo From looking down and out in the fi rst baet Dutchman Mark Caljouw 21-14, 21- China’s Gao Fangjie hits a return en route game, the fi ve-time World champion was 18 in the second round. to her shock win over India’s PV Sindhu able to turn his fortunes around to win On Wednesday, Phetpradab had seized at the Japan Open here were two big upsets in the the next two and set up a quarter-fi nal his opportunities in the fi rst round championships in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) women’s draw at the Japan Open clash with local favourite and third seed match, surging from 13-all in the opening yesterday, starting with top seed Kento Momota. game to take it 21-18, and then fi ghting off and World No 1 Tai Tzu-ying, Lin has struggled with his form in 2018 a second game defi cit to win 24-22. Twho suff ered a rare early exit after going and currently fi nds himself down in 14th Former World No.1 Srikanth of India down 21-18, 21-14 to unseeded Chinese place in the world rankings, leading some didn’t break a sweat as he avenged his player Chen Xiaoxin in Tokyo. to suggest retirement might be on the Asian Games loss to Vincent Ki Wing Tai’s incredible consistency let her horizon for the 34-year-old. But with Wong from Hong Kong 21-15, 21-14 in a down on this occasion, and comes not performances like this, Lin proves he still match that lasted for 36 minutes to ad- long after a similar surprise defeat at the has what it takes to match the big guns of vance to the next round. The seventh- BWF World Championships in early Au- badminton. seeded Indian, who won a silver at the gust. Third seed PV Sindhu of India was Joining Chou on the sidelines was an- Commonwealth Games, will face Korea’s another unexpected loser on the day af- other big name in fourth seed Son Wan Lee Dong Keun next. India’s another ter she was beaten 21-18, 21-19 by Gao Ho, the South Korean suff ering a surprise shuttler HS Prannoy was knocked out af- Fangjie. 17-21, 21-15, 22-20 defeat to unseeded ter losing 14-21, 17-21 to Indonesia’s An- The remaining top seeds had better countryman Lee Dong Keun. The re- thony Sinisuka Ginting. luck, with , Ratchanok maining top seeds, including World No The Indian pair of Manu Attri and Intanon, Chen Yufei and Carolina Marin 1 Viktor Axelsen, Srikanth Kidambi and Sumeeth Reddy lost out to Chinese pair all advancing safely. Chen Long, all booked their places in the of He JT and Tan Q in three games. The In the men’s draw, Lin Dan showed he’s quarter-fi nals. Chinese pair won a close fought game 21- not a spent force by defeating fi fth Chou Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab, who 18, before Attri and Reddy won the second Tien Chen in the second round. The leg- had caused the biggest ripples on the set 21-16. In the deciding set, the Chinese endary Chinese shuttler produced a grit- opening day, surprising second seed Shi pair dominated the Indians, winning 21- ty, battling performance to come from Yuqi in straight games, reached the quar- 12 to move into the quarter fi nals.

RUGBY Better late than never, Ramirez defends All Blacks, Boks slugfests are crown at home Los Angeles: World Boxing Council junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez, whose planned fight before hometown supporters in all punched out, say coaches July was scrapped when his foe was hospitalised, finally defends his title today. Ramirez, a 2012 London ‘The way the All Blacks are currently playing, there’s so much finesse in their game’ Olympian who is 22-0 with 16 knockouts as a professional, AFP will defend the crown for the first time against Mexico’s Antonio Orozco, 26-0 with 17 knockouts, at Fresno, he days of New Zealand and California. South Africa dishing up dour, The local hero’s fight forward-based slug-fests are replaced a planned July over, according to the rival 7 matchup against fellow Tcoaches who are forecasting an attack- American Danny O’Connor, ing clash in Wellington tomorrow. who collapsed before the Forward battles between New Zea- weigh-in after struggling to land and South Africa are legendary, drop pounds. none more so than in 1956 when New Severe dehydration and Zealand put heavyweight boxing cham- kidney problems led him to pion Kevin Skinner into the front row to be hospitalised and withdraw quell an intimidating Springboks pack from the fight. “I’m honoured and went on to win their fi rst series to return home to defend the against South Africa. championship,” Ramirez said. But according to Springboks coach “We owe it to the fans after Rassie Erasmus, this week’s teams may what happened last time. We front up physically at the start but the have an undefeated fighter in All Blacks’ counter-attacking skills will front of us and we will put on soon kick in. “Everyone always says it’s a great show.” a physical battle between the Spring- Orozco’s first world title boks and the All Blacks but the way the fight comes after an eight- All Blacks are currently playing there’s round unanimous decision so much fi nesse in their game, there’s so over compatriot Martin Hono- much taking small opportunities,” Er- rio in March at Los Angeles. asmus said. The Mexican fighter has never He said that while New Zealand’s been past 10 rounds, but Tests against Australia and Argentina neither had Ramirez until he looked close, “on the small margins won the title in March with a they get they really pounce and they A bonus-point win for New Zealand against South Africa would see the All Blacks defend their Rugby Championship crown with two matches to spare. (AFP) 12-round unanimous decision score, where we currently are creating 5-Scott Barrett, 4-Sam Whitelock, 3-Owen over fellow American Amir opportunities and throw them out the to-back losses to Argentina and Aus- the All Blacks to remember their nar- and you don’t want to take away that Franks, 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Karl Tu’inukuafe. Imam in March at New York. window every single time. tralia as Erasmus tries to embrace a new row one-point victory the last time the fact, but you also have to accept the “My time is now,” Oro- “Obviously both teams will have to style of play. two sides met. “The last one could have facts that ‘we’re not doing that right Replacements: 16-Liam Coltman, 17-Tim zco said. “The time for me to pitch physically (on Saturday) because While the Springboks have only made gone either way. They should probably and we’re not doing that right’.” Perry, 18-Ofa Tuungafasi, 19-Patrick Tui- become world champion is that’s New Zealand, South Africa rugby four changes to their line-up, the All be the favourites, I reckon,” he added. But Erasmus took nothing from pulotu, 20-Ardie Savea, 21-TJ Perenara, here and I will do everything but then I think we have to capitalise on Blacks have altered 15 of their match- “We know that South Africa are going Hansen’s rating of the All Blacks. “He’s 22-Jack Goodhue, 23-Damian McKenzie possible to take that world the opportunities like New Zealand do if day 23. Among the changes, Hansen to be desperate to put a performance on actually putting more pressure on us to South Africa: 15-, 14-Jesse title. I know Ramirez is a tough we want to have a chance in this game.” has moved to counter the Springboks’ the park. Very rarely do they lose twice not lose three in a row. We are under the Kriel, 13-Lukhanyo Am, 12-Damien de fighter and I’ll be fighting on All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said expected kicking game with Jordie Bar- in a row, let alone three times in a row.” pump,” he said. “It’s going to be an up- Allende, 11-Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10-Handre enemy turf. But I’m not wor- he expected South Africa to respond rett returning to fullback, Ben Smith Despite the All Blacks recording hill battle against a team that’s number Pollard, 9-Faf de Klerk, 8-Warren ried about that. I have all the with an aerial bombardment — and moving to the right wing and speedster bonus-point wins in their fi rst three one in the world and they dictate almost Whiteley, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6-Siya experience and skills to score even suggested that his reigning world Rieko Ioane returning from injury to fi ll matches of the series, Hansen admitted every facet of the game.” Kolisi (captain), 5-Franco Mostert, 4-Eben a great victory.” champions were the underdogs. the left wing slot. to only being “reasonably happy”, partly Etzebeth, 3-Frans Malherbe, 2-Malcolm The delay gave Ramirez A bonus-point win to New Zealand in “It’s an aerial game and we’ve got two because of concerns about their high TEAMS Marx, 1-Steven Kitshoff longer to work with new the fourth-round Rugby Championship big aerial athletes,” he said. “We don’t error rate. trainer Robert Garcia, who will New Zealand: 15-Jordie Barrett, 14-Ben Replacements: 16-Bongi Mbonambi, match would see the All Blacks defend have to explain why Reiko’s there. He’s “You’ve got to have the mindset Smith, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 12-Ryan be in Ramirez’s corner for the best player in his position in the world, which is that of the underdog. If you 17-Tendai Mtawarira, 18-Wilco Louw, 19- their crown with two matches to spare. Crotty, 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Beauden first time. Ramirez split with It would also infl ict a third consecutive I think. He’ll give us some genuine gas.” sit at the top and say ‘we’re going good RG Snyman, 20-Francois Louw, 21-Ross Barrett, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Kieran Read former trainer Freddie Roach defeat on the South Africans who ar- Despite South Africa’s poor run of here’, you won’t be there for too long,” Cronje, 22-Elton Jantjies, 23-Cheslin after winning the title. (captain), 7-Sam Cane, 6-Liam Squire, rived in New Zealand following back- form, Hansen said it was important for he said. “I accept that we’re going okay Kolbe.

FOCUS Fit-again Folau to start on wing for Wallabies against Pumas TEAMS AFP Dane Haylett-Petty in the number 15 want to get that jersey back. They’ll be Gold Coast jersey after two standout displays in his working together in a lot of situations, Is- Australia (15-1): Dane Haylett-Petty; Israel team-mate’s absence. rael is very keen and very much up for it.” Folau, , ; Marika It is another big gamble by Cheika af- The return of breakdown special- Koroibete, ; , David srael Folau will start on the wing for ter he dumped veteran for ist Pocock is another huge boost for the Pocock, Michael Hooper; Lukhan Tui, the fi rst time in fi ve years against Ar- the Springboks clash in favour of Kurtley Wallabies, who have beaten Argentina in ; , Allan Alaalatoa, gentina this weekend in a surprise Beale at fl y-half and Matt Toomua at in- 15 of their last 16 meetings. His treatment Tatafu Polota-Nau, . tactical shift after the Wallabies’ star side centre. While the two players didn’t at the hands of the All Blacks sparked Ifullback was declared fi t yesterday along always gel, the fresh approach paid off calls for rugby chiefs to start taking il- Replacements: Folau Faingaa, Sekope with infl uential fl anker . with the Wallabies snapping a four- legal neck roll tackles, employed to shift Kepu, Taniela Tupou, , Pete Both players were late scratchings match losing streak to win 23-11. him from the ruck, more seriously. Samu, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Jack from Australia’s team against South Af- Folau has started 61 Tests at fullback Cheika said Pocock had told him he Maddocks. rica in on Saturday, but were dating back to the 2013 , felt ready to return and had taken part Argentina: Emiliano Boff elli, Bautista named in the starting XV for their Rugby and Cheika has repeatedly stated he re- in contact training on Thursday morn- Delguy, Matias Moroni, Jeronimo de la Championship showdown against the gards the NSW Waratahs star as too val- ing. “He got into some contact work to- Fuente, Ramiro Moyano, Nicolas Sanchez, Pumas on the Gold Coast. uable there to shift him to centre or wing. day and he got knocked about a bit,” he Folau injured his ankle in the opening But that has all gone out of the window said.”No one knows himself better than Gonzalo Bertranou, Javier Ortega Desio, Bledisloe Cup match against New Zea- as he mixes it up with an eye on next David and he has declared himself ready Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Tomas land on August 18, while Pocock has been year’s World Cup in Japan. to go.” Adam Coleman returns to the Lavanini, Guido Petti, Santiago Medrano, struggling with a neck problem after be- “Dane’s played well at fullback and I’d Wallabies camp after the birth of his fi rst Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro. ing targeted by the All Blacks in Auck- like to give him an opportunity to have a child and will be a replacement, with Iza- Replacements: Julian Montoya, Santiago land three weeks ago. another go. And with Israel back in, it’s ck Rodda starting alongside Rory Arnold Garcia Botta, Juan Pablo Zeiss, Matias While Folau is back, with Jack Mad- just a slightly diff erent look and we’ll in the second row. , who was Alemanno, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, docks dropping to the bench, it will not see how we go,” said Cheika. “I think axed from the Springboks squad, is set to Martin Landajo, Bautista Ezcurra, Juan Australia's was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s be in his favoured fullback position with everyone knows how highly I regard him earn his 97th cap after also being named Cruz Mallia Rugby Championship victory over South Africa. coach opting to keep (Folau) at number 15 and I’m sure he’ll among the reserves. Gulf Times Friday, September 14, 2018 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT I’m my own worst enemy in title race: Vettel Reuters looking forward to it,” he added. Singapore “I am not saying this is my race Leclerc ready to perform aft er dream move to Ferrari to win but you cannot change what has happened in the past or Charles Leclerc is confident he ence in their respective ages ebastian Vettel believes know what’s to come so my full can challenge for the Formula and experience. Ferrari are their own focus is on this race for now. Of One title at Ferrari next year “This year, Ferrari has the car worst enemy in the For- course, if we are in a position to and believes he has the mental to win the title, so if that is the mula One title race but is win then we want to win.” strength to cope with the pres- case again next year then the confiS dent he can overhaul cham- Vettel also heaped praise on sure of driving for one of the goal will be to win the title. It pionship leader Lewis Hamilton team mate Kimi Raikkonen, who sport’s most prestigious teams means I will have to grow a lot in the seven remaining races if he has partnered the German since at such a young age. more as a driver but that is nec- and the team avoid making any the start of 2015 but is heading The reigning Formula Two essary to get the best results major mistakes. to Sauber next year with Charles champion joined Sauber at the possible,” he added. The 31-year-old German fell Leclerc moving in the opposite start of this season and after “I need to deliver. I am not 30 points behind race-winner direction to Ferrari. impressing in a modest car, going to Ferrari to learn, I have Hamilton after a collision with “Kimi has been my best team the 20-year-old from Monaco had a good season this year the Briton left him struggling to mate,” added Vettel, who has discovered last week that he on myself and don’t think about where I could learn the most of fi nish fourth in Monza last time raced alongside Mark Web- will partner quadruple world what people expect from me in it and next year will be the time out, one of several races where ber and Daniel Ricciardo at Red champion Sebastian Vettel at the car. If I do the right job and to perform, especially as I will Vettel has frittered away a posi- Bull, Sebastien Bourdais and Ferrari from 2019. work in the right way then the be with a big team. tion of authority. Vitantonio Liuzzi at Toro Rosso, “Since I was a child, I dreamed performances will be there. I “The jump to Ferrari is less than “I think my biggest enemy is and Nick Heidfeld for one race of being a Formula One driver don’t feel the pressure.” the one I made from Formula me,” the quadruple world cham- at BMW Sauber in 2007. “Obvi- and now to be with Ferrari is Vettel is embroiled in a tight Two. The race weekend pro- pion told reporters yesterday of ously you can do all the number above all my expectations,” title race with Lewis Hamilton cedures are similar at Sauber this weekend’s Singapore Grand crunching but for me that’s not Leclerc told reporters on Thurs- and although the German sits and Ferrari. I have got used to Prix. the most important thing. For me, day ahead of this weekend’s 30 points behind his rival with that this year but I admit there “We have a great car and have that is the respect you have for Singapore Grand Prix. seven races remaining, the will be a bit of time needed to all the chances to do it in our Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel arrives at the Marian Bay each other and the degree of bulls- “I was always looking at the red Ferrari is generally regarded adapt from one car to another. way. Obviously, Lewis is the Street Circuit in Singapore ahead of the Singapore Formula One hit going on between each other. car and to be in one of the two as a superior car to the Briton’s “Every team is similar in that leader, he’s ahead but we still Grand Prix. (AFP) “With Kimi, it has been zero seats is incredible. It is strange Mercedes. both drivers start the season have a very good chance and I driver in Singapore, having won RAIKKONEN PRAISE from the start and that will not as most people will probably Leclerc expects Ferrari to be on an equal footing but team feel it is still ours to lose. four times around the fl oodlit “I like coming here, I like the change until the end. It’s a great think the move puts more equally as competitive next orders may come into it if one “As long as we look after our- Marina Bay Street Circuit since track. It’s the toughest race we chance for Charles but it will be pressure on my shoulders but I season and he says he is not is competing for the champion- selves, we have a chance to win it entered Formula One in 2008, have all year, mentally and phys- sad to see that Kimi is not there really don’t feel that. joining the team solely as a ship, this is normal. But I expect races and if we do that, then so the German is naturally de- ically for various reasons. You anymore. We get along very well, “I have the mentality to cope backup driver to the 31-year-old us to be allowed to race from things look good.” lighted to be back at one of his never quite feel ready for it but despite being very diff erent per- under pressure, I really focus Vettel despite the vast diff er- the start of next season.” Vettel is the most successful favourite haunts. are happy once it starts and I am sonalities.”

MOTORSPORT FOCUS Japan’s mulls shift ing Hamilton energised by Winter Olympic bid to 2030

AFP round-the-world jaunts Tokyo ‘I find it stimulating and I think you’ll see that my results have shown that for the past several years’ apan’s northern city of Sapporo is con- sidering changing its bid to host the 2026 AFP Winter Olympics to 2030 when transport Singapore links will have improved, a city offi cial saidJ yesterday. The majority of Olympic and local offi cials, as ewis Hamilton insisted yester- well as business leaders, believe “the 2030 op- day that he had been energised tion will be a better environment to host by racking up the air miles while the Games”, city offi cial Akihiro Okumura told his title rivals were preparing for AFP. Lthe toughest race on the calendar in Sin- The comment came after Japanese reports gapore. said the city would “soon” tell International Ol- The Mercedes driver stretched his ympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach in lead over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to Lausanne they wanted to shelve their 2026 bid. 30 points with his victory at the Ital- While Sapporo’s vice-mayor Takatoshi ian Grand Prix at Monza two weeks ago. Machida and Japanese Olympic Committee boss Hamilton then jetted off on a frantic Tsunekazu Takeda will visit Bach, they will dis- time zone-hopping schedule that took cuss the recent earthquake near Sapporo that him to fashion shows for his new cloth- killed 41 people, Okumura said. ing range in Shanghai and New York be- “I can’t predict whether they would discuss” fore landing in Singapore. the possible change of plan to 2030, he added. The English four-time world champi- But he noted that the city, on Japan’s northern on denied his hectic off -track life was an island of Hokkaido, will have better transport unwelcome distraction, instead claim- links by 2030 when the country’s shinkansen ing it actually helped him win races. bullet train will be extended to the city. “I get a lot of energy from these dif- The magnitude-6.7 quake that killed more ferent things that I do,” Hamilton told than 40 people on Hokkaido a week ago brought reporters at Singapore’s Marina Bay the island to a standstill, revealing the region’s Street Circuit. “I fi nd it stimulating and apparent unsuitability for international the I think you’ll see that my results have sporting event. shown that for the past several years.” The quake triggered a blackout across the en- By contrast, title rival Vettel said he tire island, resulting in nearly 3 million house- had enjoyed “a quiet couple of weeks” holds losing electricity and aff ecting businesses, since Monza, spent entirely on prepar- hospitals and traffi c signals. ing for what he called “the toughest race Hokkaido’s major airport near Sapporo was of the season”. shut down and all train services were halted. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, runner- Overseas visitors were worried and frustrated up in Singapore in each of the past three because they were unable to obtain crucial in- races, said all he had done since Italy was formation due to the language barrier, Kyodo hit the gym in “seven layers of clothes” reported. to get acclimatised for the steamy, There is also a feeling that the 2026 Olympics draining race which normally lasts close may go elsewhere after a period dominated by to the maximum two hours. Asia. This year’s Winter Olympics were held in Hamilton conceded it had been tricky South Korea, the 2022 edition is fi xed for Beijing to fi t in his preparation, but said he was and the 2020 Summer Games are in Tokyo. fully focused for the grand prix week- Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (centre) and Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas speak with three-year-old fan Leila during a ‘meet and greet’ Competing to host the Games in 2026 are end, which begins with Friday’s two event at a shopping mall ahead of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) Calgary in Canada, Stockholm and Graz in Aus- practice sessions. tria, with Italy also putting in a multi-city bid. “I’ve got, obviously, other things that The winner will be chosen in Milan in Sep- I’m doing. And in between trying to fi t tember next year. in the training, for example, in the last Disappointed Ocon sees hopes of a 2019 race seat fading fast US cities Denver and Salt Lake City have re- week has not been easy,” admitted Ham- portedly voiced interest in hosting the Games in ilton. French driver Esteban Ocon said yesterday his ing develop a driver who remains contracted in 2030. “I’ve travelled a lot more than I have hopes of securing a 2019 Formula One race seat the longer term to Mercedes. Calgary City Council has voted to continue all year long in these two weeks. There’s were fading but he had not discussed breaking Ocon said he spoke every day with Mercedes with its 2026 Winter Olympic Games bid proc- not a single moment that I’m not think- the Mercedes ties that are limiting his immedi- team boss Toto Wolff , but they had not dis- ess, keeping alive the prospect of hosting the ing about racing, not thinking about the ate options. cussed ending the contract. event. championship, how I want to arrive.” The 21-year-old Force India driver is highly rated “I was in a fantastic position a couple of months The 15-member council voted 12-3 in favour On paper, Singapore’s unique city by reigning world champions Mercedes, who ago. And yeah, it has turned in a way that (I am) of extending the process, and will now move to a centre track with its gruelling 23 turns, see him as a future winner, but they have no without a seat now,” added the Frenchman, who Nov 13 plebiscite that will ask the people of Cal- more than any other track, should fa- vacancy in their factory team. was set to switch to Renault until Australian gary whether they support the bid. vour Ferrari and Red Bull. Ocon now looks set to lose his seat to Canadian Daniel Ricciardo took the seat instead. The outcome will not be fi nal and council will But Hamilton won a year ago from Lance Stroll after the Williams driver’s billionaire Ocon was also linked to McLaren but the former have the fi nal say regardless of the result. fi fth after both Ferraris crashed on a father took control of Force India last month. champions opted for 18-year-old British reserve Potentially hosting the Olympics is expected rain-soaked fi rst lap. “I feel optimistic “There are still hopes, yes, but less and less Lando Norris. to cost Calgary in excess of $5 billion. An esti- coming into this weekend,” said Hamil- as you know,” Ocon, who has outqualified his His main rivals from the junior series all have mated $3 billion of that would have to come from ton. “I’m really hopeful that we can still experienced Mexican team mate Sergio Perez top drives, with Max Verstappen at Red Bull and taxpayers, via city, provincial and federal fund- fi ght with them.” regularly this year, told reporters at the Singa- soon to be joined by Frenchman Pierre Gasly. ing. Hamilton’s Mercedes has won three pore Grand Prix. Sauber’s 20-year-old Monegasque rookie BidCo, the group producing the hosting plan, of the last four races to open up the big- “That’s a bit what I’m disappointed (about) at Charles Leclerc is meanwhile moving up to unveiled a plan that would see events spread gest lead of the season despite Ferrari’s the moment, to see that it’s not only results that Ferrari. across Calgary, Canmore, Whistler and possibly apparent performance advantage. “We come in play, it has to be other things. “All my old rivals – Max, Pierre, Charles, people Edmonton. do expect there’s going to be some dif- “Arriving here not knowing what I will do next I have been racing with since day one basically Italy’s Olympic committee last month voted fi cult races up ahead,” conceded Ham- year is hard to swallow.” ing with them. – they are in top teams and top cars to fight for to submit a joint bid formed by Milan, Turin and ilton, who is expecting the Marinello Ocon’s only other option at a Mercedes-powered “There are still talks, probably with them or podiums and victories,” said Ocon. the Alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo to host team to bounce back. team would be Williams, but that is complicated wherever I could go, but they are less and less,” “Of course that makes me more hungry than the 2026 Games. “Ferrari have been ahead of us the last by the fact they are last in the standings and he said. Other teams with vacancies, such as Red ever... even if I don’t have a seat next year I will Vancouver was the last Canadian city to host few races so keeping up with them, if not likely to be looking for drivers who bring fund- Bull-owned Toro Rosso, have no interest in help- push hard to come back.” the Games in 2010 at a cost of $6.4 billion, which passing them, is going to be tough.” included $1 billion for security.

Friday, September 14, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Over 100 cases reported to Sport Shastri under fi re Integrity Hotline

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Sport Integ- aft er Test series rity Hotline (SIU), a whistleblower channel launched by the ICSS TSport Integrity Unit (SIU) to provide a safe and secure plat- form to address wrongdoings in sport, has reached a signifi cant ity Building and Education and milestone in receiving over 100 Director of the SIU Dale Shee- defeat in England reported cases. han said: “The number of re- Offi cially rolled out in Janu- ported cases is a strong indica- ‘Self-belief is a wonderful quality; but being caught in the bubble of your own publicity is self-defeating’ ary 2018, the SIU Hotline has tor of the global need for a safe, rapidly reached the grass- confi dential and secure channel AFP roots level in sport, setting up for those in sport to speak up. New Delhi a much-needed platform for We are extremely pleased that athletes, fans and others to re- people have felt empowered to port misconduct and integrity reach out in an eff ort for a clean ndia coach Ravi Shastri issues in global sport. Reports and fair environment for sport. has come under fi re for his coming in include allegations Our role is to ensure that the in- side’s humiliating 4-1 Test of match fi xing, doping, sexual vestigations are conducted with series loss to England - a exploitation, corrupt club own- appropriate due diligence and Isecond consecutive away defeat ership practices, human traf- with as much transparency as for the world’s top-ranked side. fi cking and other accusations of possible, without breaching the The thrashing in England, criminal activity in sport. confi dentiality of the reporting following the loss in South Af- The Sport Integrity Hot- process”. rica earlier this year, piles pres- line platform is supported by All cases submitted through sure on Shastri ahead of a tour to a specialist ethics and case- the hotline are reviewed under Australia in November and next management agency based in the SIU Risk Matrix for due dili- year’s World Cup - as well as a Canada which operates the gence and validity. Certain cas- massive clash with arch-rivals hotline around the clock, fi eld- es that have not met the thresh- Pakistan next week. ing confi dential reports via old have now been closed. Critics and former captains phone, email and online. The Other cases have been for- have rounded on the coach, Sport Integrity Unit has exclu- warded to relevant law enforce- particularly for his mid-series sive access to the incoming re- ment entities and sports au- claim that his team is the best to ports and handles the ongoing thorities for follow up. come out of India in 15 years. management of cases. All cases are monitored by “Self-belief is a wonderful Speaking of the latest hotline the Sport Integrity Unit to en- quality; but being caught in the statistics, ICSS Director Capac- sure due process. bubble of your own publicity is self-defeating,” said Sambit Bal, chief editor of cricket website TRIUMPH Cricinfo, on Twitter. “India had their moments but the scorecards say 4-1 and India weren’t as good as they should Surrey crowned have been,” said noted com- mentator Harsha Bhogle. “This is two overseas disappointments county champions in a row now.” Prior to the fi nal Test at the AFP runs, prompting joyous scenes Oval - which India lost by 118 London of jubilation. runs - Shastri had raised eye- The championship rewarded brows with lavish praise for fi ve years of hard labour for his side. “If you look at the last urrey won their fi rst Surrey’s director of Cricket three years, we have won nine county championship Alec Stewart. “Things were matches overseas and three se- title since Adam Hol- struggling. I can’t hide behind ries. I can’t see any other Indian lioake captained them that,” said the former Surrey team in the last 15-20 years that toS success in 2002 as they beat and England captain. has had the same run in such a Worcestershire by three wick- “I said ‘if I’m going to come short time,” he said. the fi nal Test on Tuesday. ets yesterday. back, let me try and do it my India have won two recent se- Asked about Shastri’s pre- Their victory had been set way and if it doesn’t work kick ries in Sri Lanka and one in the match comments, Kohli said: Sri Lanka suff er setback ahead of Asia Cup up by their star performer this me out - but if it does work West Indies. But his comments “We have to believe we are the Sri Lanka’s opening batsman Dhanushka season, South African bowl- then you can pat me on the rankled former star players. best side, why not?” Gunathilaka suff ered a back injury and was ing great Morne Morkel, who back, even though it will be the Sourav Ganguly, who was part In a tetchy exchange, Kohli ruled out of the upcoming Asian Cup tournament took 5-24 in Worcestershire’s players who have done it’. of the committee that appointed turned the question on a jour- yesterday, dealing a major blow to the islanders. second innings on Wednes- “I said ‘give us a couple of Shastri last year, dismissed the nalist, who responded “I am not Sri Lanka Cricket said the 27-year-old left-hand day - the fourth time he has years to get things to where coach’s claims as “immature”, sure”. Kohli hit back: “You’re bat will return home from Dubai where he suf- taken fi ve wickets in the eight they potentially could be to telling Indian television Shastri not sure. That is your opinion. fered a lower-back injury during practice. The matches he has played in the then move forward’ and that’s must improve the team. Thank you.” tournament opens on Saturday in Dubai. campaign. what has happened,” added the Sunil Gavaskar pointed out Shastri now has to immedi- He will be replaced by left-hand bat Shehan Openers Mark Stoneman and 55-year-old. that Indian teams of the 1980s ately lift the side for the six- Jayasuriya, 27. captain Rory Burns gave Surrey For Surrey it was their ninth had won series in England and nation Asia Cup starting in the On Monday, Sri Lanka’s Test captain Dinesh a solid start in their chase of 272 successive county champion- the West Indies - as well as a United Arab Emirates on Satur- Chandimal was withdrawn from the 16-member and the crown with an opening ship victory, equalling a run series victory in England as re- day - without the brilliant Kohli, squad after he injured a finger during a domestic stand of 111 but Worcestershire they had back in 1999 under cently as 2007. who is being rested. Twenty20 match. - who are in danger of relega- Hollioake who guided them to “The best travelling teams are The whole country will be Sri Lanka’s revised squad: Angelo Mathews (Cap- tion - fought hard to take seven three titles in four years. made by performances on the watching as they take on arch- tain), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, wickets. Even more cheering for Eng- ground and not by sitting in the rivals Pakistan on September 19, Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Jayasuriya, Thisara However, it was appropriate- land supporters was that seven dressing room and talking about with Rohit Sharma to lead the Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, ly Rikki Clarke - the only player of the 11 in the side were home- it,” added former Test opener side throughout the 50-over con- Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, who bridged the gap between grown products, whilst Surrey Virender Sehwag. test. India then have two Tests at Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha the two title successes - who at fans will be delighted Morkel Captain Virat Kohli leapt to home to West Indies before four Chameera and Lasith Malinga. 36 steadied the ship but left it has two years remaining on his his coach’s defence following Tests in Australia. to Morkel to score the winning contract.

SPOTLIGHT FIBA WORLD CUP ASIAN QUALIFIER Bayliss confi rms nervous wait for opener Jennings Reuters yesterday. London Collingwood, 42, became the fi rst Eng- land captain to win a trophy at a global tournament when he guided them to the ngland opener Keaton Jennings ICC World T20 in 2010. He was part of three faces a nervous wait to know if he is Ashes series wins over Australia before re- part of their plans for next month’s tiring from international cricket in 2011. tour of Sri Lanka but his ability on “I knew this day would eventually come spinningE wickets could work in his favour, but it hasn’t made it any easier - although coach Trevor Bayliss has said. it’s an emotional decision, I know that the Jennings averaged just over 18 in their time is right and I’m comfortable knowing recent 4-1 series victory over India and has that I have given every last ounce of energy not scored a test century since his debut to the sport,” Collingwood told the club’s knock in Mumbai in 2016. website https://www.durhamccc.co.uk/ “I’m sure he will be a bit nervous about news-and-media/collingwood-announc- which way it will go. He scored runs in India es-retirement. on spinning wickets and I’m sure that will be “I have achieved so much with both in his favour,” Bayliss told the British media. Durham and England, far more than I ever “But he is a big boy, he knows runs on the imagined and I feel extremely privileged board count as well. All of those points will to have had such a long and rewarding ca- have to be discussed and I can’t say at this reer stage or another whether he will go or not.” “I am excited about what the future holds England, who will be without Alastair for me and am looking forward to new chal- Cook after the 33-year-old retired as their lenges.” most prolifi c scorer in tests, are expected to COLLINGWOOD RETIRES Collingwood scored close to 17,000 runs name their squad next week. FROM CRICKET in fi rst-class cricket since making his debut England will play fi ve one-dayers and a Former England captain Paul Collingwood 22 years ago. Twenty20 International in Sri Lanka before will retire from professional cricket at He made 4,259 runs in 68 tests and will Australia defeated Qatar in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying Group F match at Al Gharafa Sports the three-test series gets underway on No- the end of the current season, his County play his fi nal game against Middlesex start- Club yesterday. Australia won 95-43. vember 6 at Galle. Championship side Durham announced ing on September 24.