CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 5 Buttler’s fi ne Raikkonen fi ft y leaves smashes India with record; Ferrari tough chase lock front row

Sunday, September 2, 2018 BOXING Dhul-Hijja 22, 1439 AH India’s Panghal GULF TIMES stuns Olympic champion for gold SPORT Page 2 MOTORSPORT ASIAN GAMES Korea win Qatar’s Abdulla football gold storms into T2 lead as Son avoids military term

AFP suggested was a clear penalty. Jakarta Hwang Ui-jo went close as at Baja Poland the Japan-based striker went in search of his 10th goal of the ottenham Hotspur for- tournament before Japan captain Qatari is attempting to narrow a 23-point gap on al-Shegawi to go top of the table ward Son Heung-min is Koji Miyoshi forced a sharp save set to be spared almost from Jo. two years of military Roared on by thousands of serviceT after leading South Korea fl ag-waving “Red Devils” fans, to Asian Games gold yesterday. the Koreans continued to press The defending champions as Hwang rippled the side-net- beat Japan 2-1 after extra time ting just after the hour mark but in steamy Cibinong, West Java both sides wilted in the sapping as Lee Seung-woo and Hwang conditions as the game went on. Hee-chan scored the goals that Failure to win gold could have will allow 26-year-old Son to see been disastrous for Son’s career out his new fi ve-year deal with as the multi-millionaire footballer Spurs. faced swapping his tracksuit for a A late header from Ayase Ueda camoufl age kit and 21 months of gave South Korea an almighty national service, compulsory for fright, but they saw out a nerv- South Korean men. ous last few moments to win a Spurs only released their for- record fi fth Asian Games title. ward to compete as one of three Korean captain Son, substi- permitted over-age players at tuted in the dying seconds to buy the far-fl ung, regional under-23 precious time, sprinted from the tournament because he pleaded bench to embrace goalkeeper with the London club. Jo Hyeon-woo, sobbing tears of Nearly every able-bodied joy as they rolled on the turf to- South Korean male is required gether. to perform their military service The Koreans dominated the before the age of 28, although fi nal but wasted several decent the government rewards Asian opportunities before substi- Games gold medals and Olympic tute Lee broke the deadlock by medals of any colour with an ex- smashing a left-foot shot into emption. the roof of the net three minutes Son was selected to play at the into extra time. 2014 Asian Games but his former Son delivered a free kick for club Bayer Leverkusen refused to Hwang to ram home a tower- release him — and the Koreans ing header eight minutes later, scooped gold. before Ueda’s goal triggered late His tears after South Korea’s drama. quarter-fi nal defeat by Honduras South Korea could have been at the 2016 Rio Olympics melted three goals up by halftime, with hearts, and thousands off ered Lee Jin-hyun blazing just over to do double their own military from distance and Son bundled service in an online petition if over in the box for what replays Son could be pardoned.

Qatar’s Adel Abdulla and co-driver Jean-Michel Polato in action during the second selective section of Baja Poland yesterday.

Agencies of two runs through a selective Szczecin, Poland section of 220km on the military training ground at Drawsko Po- morskie. Abdulla was in superb atar’s Adel Abdulla form and the Qatari romped to the delivered an impres- stage win by the margin of 5min sive performance on 36sec to lead the T2 category by the second 220km 5min 29sec heading into a repeat selectiveQ section of Columna of the special. Sawicki and Bar- Medica Baja Poland, round nine onowski were third and fourth. of the 2018 FIA World Cup for Abdulla’s challenge for T2 Cross Country Rallies, to lead honours this season is being the T2 category by 5min 29sec supported by the Qatar Mo- yesterday afternoon. tor and Motorcycle Federation The Nissan Patrol Y62 driver is (QMMF), Ooredoo Qatar and attempting to narrow a 23-point Nissan Qatar. gap on Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Action concludes today with a al-Shegawi at the top of the T2 pair of runs through two shorter championship standings and, de- Krekowo and Lubieszyn off - spite ceding seven seconds to his road stages in the nearby Dobra rival on the opening super spe- municipality before the ceremo- cial stage on Friday evening, the nial fi nish in Szczecin. QX Rally Team driver and French navigator Jean-Michel Polato hit 2018 BAJA POLAND T2 back with the quickest time when POSITIONS (TOP 4) it mattered. 1. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Jean- Abdulla said: “We fi nished Michel Polato (FRA) Nissan the fi rst of the longer stages. It Patrol Y62 3hrs 13min 43sec was really hard and bumpy, and Qatar’s Adel Abdulla (right) and co-driver Jean-Michel Polato seem pleased with their drive over the 2. Ahmed Al-Shegawi (SAU)/Alex- tough for our cars. Maybe it’s second selective section of Baja Poland. ei Kuzmich (RUS) Toyota Land too tough for the T2. We won Cruiser 3hrs 19min 12sec the stage. I was fi ghting with tricky in some places. I think we quickest time of 7min 37.6sec to onds slower than the Qatari. To- 3. Piotr Sawicki (POL)/Jakub Mo- Ahmed. Maybe I caught him af- did a good time. I am happy with edge into a seven-second lead masz Baronowski and Laurentiu liter (POL) Toyota Land Cruiser ter 25km from the start. I passed the good start we have made.” over Adel Abdulla. Claudiu Barbu were classifi ed in 3hrs 22min 07sec him and he passed me until the Crews tackled the 7.08km The T2 series rivals were in a fourth and fi fth. 4. Tomasz Baronowski (POL)/ South Korea’s players toss their teammate Son Heung-min in the air last 70 or 100km. Then I started super special stage on Friday class of their own and Poland’s The meat of the action began Grzegorz Konczak (POL) Toyota after the victory ceremony for the men’s football competition at the to push. The navigation was also evening. Al-Shegawi posted the Piotr Sawicki was around 13 sec- yesterday morning with the fi rst Land Cruiser 3hrs 32min 15sec 2018 Asian Games in Bogor, Indonesia, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Sunday, September 2, 2018 ASIAN GAMES

Qatar shines at Asiad

Yaser Bagharab won 3000m Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani won steeplechase silver. jumping individual silver.

Abderrahman Samba won men’s 400m hurdles gold.

Quartet of Abderrahman Samba, Mohamed Mohamed, Mohamed Abbas and Abdalelah Haroun won 4x400m relay gold. Tosin Ogunode won 100m silver. Fares Ibrahim won weightlifting silver.

Ashraf Elseify won hammer throw gold. Abdalelah Haroun won 400m.

Salmeen al-Suwaidi, Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, Hamad al-Attiyah and Basem Mohamed won equestrian jumping team bronze.

Ahmed Janko and Cherif Samba won beach volleyball. Qatar beat Bahrain to win men’s handball gold. Abubaker Abdalla took bronze in men’s 800m. Hamad al-Marri took double trap bronze.

SPOTLIGHT VOLLEYBALL Iran retain title India’s Panghal stuns with 3-0 victory over Korea Agencies pei, while Wu Tsunghsuan and Olympic champion Jakarta, Indonesia Liu Hungmin also kept good company to add 15 and 14 points respectively. ran successfully retained In the fi nal, Iran and Korea 22-year-old boxer takes gold with victory over Uzbekistan’s Hasanboy Dusantov their title in the 18th Asian made a solid start to trade ag- Games volleyball competi- gressive attacks from the very AFP India’s women’s squash team tion with a big straight sets beginning of the fi rst set, but the got a second successive silver I3-0 (25-17 25-22 25-21) victory Iranians proved their class in the Jakarta medal in the Asian Games as it over Korea while Chinese Taipei middle of the set. As Iran were lost to Hong Kong 0-2 in the fi - managed to wrest bronze from leading 23-17 for good, Morteza mit Panghal pulled off nal here yesterday. Qatar in the playoff in Jakarta Sharifi scored the team’s last two a massive upset to out- The Indian women’s team of yesterday. points through his lightning-fast box the 2016 Rio Ol- Joshna Chinappa, Dipika Pal- Iran had four players who spikes for the easy 25-17 win. ympic champion and likal, Sunayna Kuruvilla and joined the team in the Incheon In the second, Korea, which winA gold for India yesterday, but Tanvi Khanna, lost their fi rst Games including Milad Ebadi- fielded nine players who com- it was Uzbekistan who became two singles matches. pour, Amir Ghafour and Seyed peted in Incheon, counter- new lords of the Asian Games Kuruvilla lost 1-3 (8-11, 6-11, Mohammad Mousavi Eraghi. attacked excellently. How- ring. 12-10, 3-11) to Ho Tze-Lok as In the third-place playoff , ever, the Iranians continued Kazakhstan had been the Hong Kong led 1-0 in the fi nal. Chinese Taipei managed to pull their superb run with effective dominant force four years ago Sunayna had defeated Tze-Lok off a 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 17-25, blocks and attacks for the hard- in Incheon winning six titles, during a Pool B clash but in the 25-16) victory over the strongly- fought 25-22. but they handed the baton to fi nal, the 19-year-old was un- built Qataris, who had landed There was a glimmer of hope Uzbekistan who had boxers in able to deliver under pressure. their maiden AVC Cup title in for Korea in the third set when all seven men’s fi nals and took Kuruvilla was fi elded ahead of Taipei last month. Jung Jiseok and Jeon Kwangin home fi ve golds. experienced Pallikal due to the Mubarak Hammed led Qatar produced a superb off ensive Amit, 22, kicked off fi nals day latter’s physical toll during Fri- with 20 points from 16 attacks, 3 combination to make the team in pulsating fashion with the day’s win over Malaysia in the solid blocks and one ace. Team- hot on the tough rivals’ heels. performance of the Games, edg- semi-fi nals. mate Nikola Vasic produced the However, straight off the mark, ing a 3-2 split decision to take Then veteran Chinappa lost fastest serve — an incredible Sharifi and Amir Ghafour were revenge on Uzbekistan’s Has- 0-3 (3-11, 9-11, 5-11) to Annie 105km/h — while both sides won on target and the Koreans strug- anboy Dusantov for defeat in Au Wing Chi, who had won by a 20 points each through their op- gled as they were being picked last year’s World Championship similar margin during the Pool B ponents’ errors. apart by the high-fl ying hit- light fl yweight quarter-fi nal. clash against the Indian. Chen Chienchen chipped in ters. Iran took the set 25-21 and Amit kept his distance from Amit Panghal (right) of India celebrates winning gold medal while Uzbekistan’s Hasanboy Dusantov, his Joshana said: “She (Annie) with 16 points for Chinese Tai- match. the reigning Olympic and Asian opponent in the men’s Light Fly (49kg) boxing final, congratulates him during the 2018 Asian Games in put pressure on me right from champion and 2017 world sil- Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. (Reuters) the start. I played well in patches ver medallist, picking off the but it was not enough).” Uzbek and never allowing him “Yes I have taken revenge. It eye through the quarter- and Uzbekistan’s Bobo Usmon Goals by Akashdeep Singh Medals tally (top 20) to get in close where his quick proves India is second to none. semi-fi nals, was examined by Baturov (welterweight) and Is- and Harmanpreet Singh helped hands and inside work are most I felt pressure because all our the ringside doctor who deter- rail Madrimov (middleweight) India defeated Pakistan 2-1 in G S B T G S B T dangerous. boxers had lost (before the fi nal) mined he could not continue rounded off their ve-goldfi haul. the bronze medal playoff of the 1. China 132 92 65 289 11. Bahrain 12 7 7 26 “The strategy worked, I thank but I did well.” and Latipov took it 3-1, with one men’s hockey event. my coaches,” Amit told AFP af- Uzbekistan underlined their card level. INDIA BAGS GOLD IN BRIDGE Akashdeep scored in the third 2. Japan 74 56 74 204 12. Thailand 11 16 46 73 ter the bout. supremacy in Asian boxing, after The Uzbek gold march was India bagged gold in the men’s minute, before Harmanpreet 3. South Korea 49 57 70 176 13. Hong Kong 8 18 19 45 “The defence and counter winning nine golds at last year’s halted, temporarily, when Mon- bridge pair competition at the doubled India’s lead in the 50th 4. Indonesia 31 24 43 98 14. Malaysia 7 13 16 36 was perfect. I will now go for an continental championships. golia’s Erdenebat Tsendbaatar 2018 Asian Games yesterday. minute. Mohamed Atiq pulled Olympic gold for my country in They got off the mark with earned lightweight gold on a 3-2 The Indian pair comprising one back for 2014 edition run- 5. Uzbekistan 21 24 25 70 15. Qatar 6 4 3 13 Tokyo. Winning a gold for India, gold in the next bout when fl y- split decision over Shunkor Ab- Pranab Bardhan and Shibhnath ners-up Pakistan two minutes 6. Iran 20 20 22 62 16. Mongolia 5 9 11 25 I am happy.” weight Jasurbek Latipov was durasulov. Sarkar scored 384.00 points to later. Amit, India’s only fi nalist at ahead on points when Rogen But Ikboljon Khodarov re- fi nish in the fi rst place. Though in the dying minutes 7. Chinese Taipei 17 19 31 67 17. Vietnam 4 16 18 38 these Asian Games, lost a unan- Ladon of the Philippines was peated his 2017 Asian Champi- China’s Gang Chen and Lixin of the match Pakistan kept the 8. India 15 24 30 69 18. Singapore 4 4 14 22 imous decision to the Uzbek a stopped because of a cut in the onship light welterweight fi nal Yang bagged silver, while Henky ball possession for longer spell, year ago in Tashkent but is ma- second round. win over Mongolia’s Chinzorig Lasut and Freddy Eddy Mano- the 2014 edition champions In- 9. Kazakhstan 15 17 44 76 19. Philippines 4 2 15 21 turing fast as a boxer and gave a The unlucky Ladon, who had Baatarsukh on a unanimous 5-0 ppo of Indonesia settled for the dia did everything they could to 10. Korea 12 12 13 37 20. UAE 3 6 5 14 hugely disciplined performance. nursed his wound above the left decision. bronze medal. defend the lead and win.

BOTTOMLINE Indonesia to bid for 2032 Olympics aft er Asiad success Reuters ing diffi culties, the Games, which IOC president Thomas Bach country a vision for the future organising committee Erick Tho- Indonesia stepped in to stage ment.” Jakarta conclude today, have gone fairly said Indonesia’s Asiad success and capitalises on the success of hir said Widodo had had a fruit- the Asian Games after original The country should host more smoothly. would serve as strong foundation the Asian Games.” ful meeting with the IOC presi- host Vietnam pulled out in 2013 international events to be ready “With the experience we have for their Olympic bid. Should Indonesia get the op- dent who is expected to attend citing cost concerns. for 2032, he said. uoyed up by the success in running the Asian Games, “The IOC really appreci- portunity to host the Summer today’s closing ceremony. Thohir admitted the Games “We will host the FIBA (bas- of hosting the ongoing we are sure we can host an even ates Indonesia’s candidature for Olympics, it would become the “Our president asked the had not been “100 percent” suc- ketball) World Cup in 2023 with Asian Games, Indonesia bigger event,” Widodo said in 2032,” the German said. fourth Asian country to do so, president of IOC Thomas Bach cess but said the organisers did the Philippines and Japan. Many will bid for the 2032 Ol- a statement after meeting the “With the great success of after Japan, China and South Ko- if it was possible for Indonesia to their best to solve the problems. of our venues are actually world ympics,B President Joko Widodo heads of the International Ol- the Asian Games, Indonesia rea. become one of the candidates for “If we are going to host the class. So we should try to host said yesterday. ympic Committee (IOC) and the has demonstrated it has all the Tokyo will host the next Sum- Olympic 2032,” Thohir told re- 2032 Olympics, we are going to more world-level events.” Since August 18, the Southeast Asian Olympic Committee. ingredients to organise Olym- mer Olympics in 2020, with Paris porters in Jakarta. try to be the best host. Indonesia have exceeded their Asian country has been holding “Therefore, Indonesia plans pic Games in a very successful holding the 2024 Games and Los “Bach accepted Indonesia as “We’ll face a lot of hurdles. We own expectations in their second the biggest multi-sport event to immediately submit itself as a way.” Angeles confi rmed as hosts for one of the host candidates. We don’t know the bidding process. Asiad at home, claiming 31 gold outside the Olympics and, apart candidate to host the Olympics in “It’s a great decision which four years later. are going to send a letter to the After the Asian Games, we’ll sit medals so far to lie fourth in the from some long-running ticket- 2032.” gives the youth of this young The head of the Asian Games IOC after the Asian Games.” with the Indonesian govern- medals table. Gulf Times Sunday, September 2, 2018 3 CRICKET

ANNOUNCEMENT India rest Kohli for Asia Cup, Rohit to lead AFP New Delhi Sri Lanka recalls Malinga for Asia Cup Sri Lanka’s cricket selectors six wickets. However, off icial game, he has taken 90 wickets ndia’s selectors yesterday yesterday recalled fast bowler sources said he had impressed conceding 1,780 runs. rested prolifi c skipper Virat Lasith Malinga after an year selectors during an ongoing Kohli for the upcoming Asia in limbo and included him in a domestic Twenty20 series and SQUAD: Angelo Mathews (Cap- Cup one-day cricket tourna- 16-member squad for the has now been included in the tain), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Iment in the UAE where arch-ri- upcoming Asia Cup tournament. one-day squad for the Asia Cup Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chan- vals Pakistan are also competing. The injury-prone 35-year-old tournament opening in the dimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Batsman Rohit Sharma will had been largely ignored since United Arab Emirates in two Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, lead the 16-member squad in his last ODI appearance in Sep- weeks. Dhanajaya de Silva, Akila Dan- Kohli’s absence during the re- tember last year against India in Malinga has taken 301 ODI wick- anjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila gional six-team competition to Colombo when he took just one ets giving away 8,705 runs since Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga be held from September 15-28. wicket for 35 runs. his ODI debut in July 2004. Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera “Considering the workload, Sri Lanka lost the match by In the shortest form of the and Lasith Malinga. we have given him (Kohli) rest,” chairman of selectors M S K Prasad told reporters in September 11, four days before of the game. ghanistan are the other teams in Mumbai. the start of the Asia Cup. Middle-order batsmen Am- the fray in the 50-over contest. “He has been playing contin- And in less than a week after bati Rayudu, Manish Pandey and The sixth team will be decided uously for quite some time. He’s the Asia Cup fi nal, India are set Kedar Jadhav were brought back through a qualifi er being held in on the road since the IPL (Indian to play against the West Indies in after missing India’s ODI series Malaysia. Premier League)... we need to a home Test series. against England. preserve some of the precious Before the England series, Pacemen Jasprit Bumrah SQUAD: Rohit Sharma (capt), players, who are playing in all Kohli was forced to miss out on and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were Shikhar Dhawan, K L Rahul, three formats.” a stint with Surrey due to a neck also included with the duo Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kohli, 29, is currently lead- injury and in the Lord’s Test he having recovered from their Kedar Jadhav, M S Dhoni, Dinesh ing the Indian side in a fi ve-Test suff ered a lower-back strain. injuries. Karthik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, series in England where he has The selectors also picked Among those who missed out Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Cha- scored 486 runs so far including 20-year-old uncapped left-arm were batsman Suresh Raina and hal, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, two centuries. seamer Khaleel Ahmed who has bowler Umesh Yadav. Khaleel Ahmed, Hardik Pandya, The England series ends on impressed in the shorter formats Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Af- Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit Sharma (left) will lead India in the Asia Cup as regular skipper Virat Kohli (right) has been rested.

FOURTH TEST FOCUS Windies reveal dates for ‘biggest’ England Buttler’s fi ne fi ft y tour in a decade

AFP Indies looking to underline St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda their status as World Twenty20 champions in the shortest for- mat fi xtures. ricket West Indies an- “England coming to the region leaves India with nounced the dates for is always a special occasion for what they said was the cricket fans and we are pulling “biggest” England tour out all the stops for a successful Cin a decade. series on and off the fi eld,” said The all-format two-month Johnny Grave, the English chief visit by England, which begins executive of CWI. in January, will see them face the “West Indies fans create a West Indies in three Tests, fi ve unique spectator atmosphere tough run chase one-day internationals and two and not only do England fans add Twenty20 internationals. to this, they bring in a signifi cant Buttler helped England seize the initiative against India on another pulsating day A CWI statement said it would tourism boost to the region as be “the biggest international thousands will travel here to en- AFP home series between the two joy the cricket and experience Southampton, United Kingdom teams since 2009”. the unique Caribbean culture All the fi xtures will take place and hospitality,” he added. in the eastern Caribbean, with os Buttler’s well-judged 69 Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia FIXTURES helped to leave India facing staging the Test matches. Jan 23-27: 1ST TEST, Kensington a record run-chase if they Meanwhile Barbados, Gre- Oval, Barbados were to win the fourth Test nada and St Kitts will share the Jan 31-Feb 04: 2ND TEST, Sir Viv- againstJ England at Southampton ODIs with the Twenty20s split ian Richards Stadium, Antigua and so level the series. between St Lucia and St Kitts. Feb 09-13: 3RD TEST, Darren England were 260 for eight in The last Test series between Sammy Stadium, St Lucia their second innings, a lead of the two sides in the West Indies Feb 20: 1st ODI, Kensington 233 runs, at stumps on Satur- ended in a 1-1 draw in 2014/15, Oval, Barbados day’s third day. with England retaining the Wis- Feb 22: 2ND ODI, Kensington The most India have made den Trophy on home soil thanks Oval, Barbados to win in the fourth innings of to a 2-1 success last year. Feb 25: 3RD ODI, National a Test in England is 174 at The That was despite an impres- Cricket Stadium, Grenada Oval in 1971. That match also sive West Indies fi ve-wicket win Feb 27: 4TH ODI, National saw them achieve their fi rst Test in the second Test at Headingley Cricket Stadium, Grenada win on English soil. where Shai Hope (147 and 118 not Mar 02: 5TH ODI, Darren Sammy Sam Curran, fresh from his out) became the fi rst batsman to Stadium, St Lucia Test-best 78 in the fi rst innings, score hundreds in both innings Mar 05: 1ST T20, Darren Sammy was 37 not out after adding 55 of a fi rst-class match at York- Stadium, St Lucia for the seventh wicket with shire’s headquarters. Mar 08: 2ND T20, Warner Park, Buttler. Adil Rashid (11) was The one-dayers will act as St Kitts caught behind off a Moham- warm-ups for next year’s World Mar 10: 3RD T20, Warner Park, med Shami leg-cutter off what Cup in England, with the West St Kitts. became the last ball of the day. The paceman led India’s at- tack with three wickets for 53 runs from 13.5 overs. Bangladesh’s Sabbir faces six-month ban Last week saw Buttler dis- play a well-judged mixture of Bangladesh cricket authorities ty20 series against Afghanistan aggression and defence during yesterday proposed banning in June and abusing a fan on his maiden Test century, albeit batsman Sabbir Rahman from Facebook in July. In 2016, the one made with India well on the international cricket for six batsman was fined 30 percent way to a 203-run victory that months for multiple discipli- of his contract money of the left them 2-1 down in this fi ve- nary breaches, an off icial said. Bangladesh Premier League match series. Those same qual- The announcement comes as Twenty20 tournament for tak- ities were on display in South- the batsman, who was recently ing a female guest into his hotel ampton, where Buttler made 85 axed from the Bangladesh room. Yesterat, the BCB also on his Test debut, also against squad for the Asia Cup this called batsman Mosaddek Hos- India, four years ago. month, completed a six-month sain for talks after his wife filed They were needed after Eng- ban from domestic cricket in a lawsuit against him alleging land slumped to 92 for four -the June for assaulting a fan during that he harassed her for dowry. 33rd time in 64 Test innings a match. “We have recommend- BCB director Haider said they they had been four wickets ed (a) six-month suspension warned Mosaddek over his down for 100 or fewer runs. for Sabbir from international off -field behaviour but did not Shami took two wickets in England’s Jos Buttler in action during the third day of the fourth Test against India at Ageas Bowl yesterday. (Reuters) cricket,” Bangladesh Cricket recommend any punishment two balls separated by the lunch Board (BCB) director Ismail for him because the matter was break before running out Eng- number three instead of Root, Stoke, he failed to beat Shami’s Haider told reporters after a pending court investigation. land captain Joe Root for 48 became the latest victim of Is- Scorecard direct hit from mid-on. disciplinary hearing in Dhaka. “He was told to be cautious with a direct hit. hant Sharma’s excellent bowl- Stokes, as he’d done at Not- “We will now send the recom- about his behaviour in future. England resumed Saturday on ing to left-handed batsmen from ENGLAND 1st Innings 246 S. Curran not out 37 tingham, showed plenty of grit mendation to our president. His case is a family matter. We six without loss. They were then around the wicket when an edged INDIA 1st Innings 273 A. Rashid c Pant b Shami 11 with the bat in making 30 off 110 Subject to his approval, the ban have to wait until the court 21 runs behind, after Cheteshwar drive saw him superbly caught ENGLAND 2nd Innings Extras (b7, lb1) 8 balls. His innings ended when will be eff ective from tomorrow gives a decision,” he said. Pujara’s excellent 132 not out, his low down by Rahul for nine. he edged a well-fl ighted deliv- (September 2),” he said. Haider Mosaddek is the third Bangla- (overnight: 6-0) Total (8 wkts, 91.5 overs) 260 maiden Test century in England, - Bairstow gamble backfi res - ery from off -spinner Ravichan- said the authorities proposed a desh cricketer to be slapped had guided India to a fi rst-in- It had looked as if Jennings, A. Cook c Rahul b Bumrah 12 Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Cook), dran Ashwin to Ajinkya Rahane ban because of Sabbir’s “overall with a lawsuit by their wives or nings total of 27. Alastair Cook, under pressure for his Eng- K. Jennings lbw b Shami 36 2-33 (Ali), 3-92 (Jennings), 4-92 at slip. Buttler achieved a more behaviour” after the board girlfriends in recent years. England’s all-time leading Test land place after a fi rst-innings M. Ali c Rahul b Sharma 9 (Bairstow), 5-122 (Root), 6-178 even tempo, going to fi fty by received several allegations Paceman Rubel Hossain was run-scorer, and fellow left- nought, would bat through (Stokes), 7-233 (Buttler), 8-260 cover-driving an Ashwin full- against him. detained in 2015 after being J. Root run out (Shami) 48 handed opener Keaton Jennings the morning until Shami, from (Rashid) toss for his fi fth four in 96 balls. The recently concluded domes- charged in a rape case filed by both needed runs. round the wicket, had him lbw J. Bairstow b Shami 0Bowling: Ashwin 35-7-78-1; India took the new ball at a tic ban against the 26-year-old an actress claiming to be his But Cook fell for 12 when, for 36 with what became the B. Stokes c Rahane b Ashwin 30 Bumrah 19-3-51-1; Sharma 15-4- sun-drenched Ageas Bowl with player saw him stripped of his lover. Left-arm spinner Arafat drawn into a loose drive off fast last ball before lunch. England 223 for six off 82 overs. national contract and fined two Sunny spent several months J. Buttler lbw b Sharma 69 36-2; Shami 13.5-0-53-3; Pandya bowler Jasprit Bumrah, he got England had decided to play 9-0-34-0. It had the eff ect they wanted million taka (around $24,000) in jail last year after a woman an edge that second slip KL Ra- Jonny Bairstow as a specialist when Buttler, aiming across the for the off ence in December accused him of opening a fake hul clung onto at the third at- batsman even though he was done at Nottingham, took over tried to drive a Shami inswinger line, was lbw to Sharma. last year. Facebook account in her name tempt. England were now 24 for nursing a broken fi nger suff ered the gloves. It was a move that did off the fi rst ball he faced imme- But 20-year-old left-hander But he was back in the news and posting “intimate photos” one and that was soon trans- in the fi eld at Trent Bridge last not pay off , with Bairstow suf- diately after lunch. Root hads Curran struck Bumrah for two soon after, for hitting teammate which she found “off ensive and formed into 33 for two. week that meant he could not fering a second nought in three struck six fours when, called for fours in as many balls, including Mehedi Hasan during a Twen- defamatory.” Moeen Ali, promoted to keep wicket. Buttler, as he’d innings when he extravagantly a risky single by all-rounder Ben an elegant cover-drive. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, September 2, 2018 SPORT

GOLF Rose leads Knox, Ancer by one with Woods seven back Reuters I thought there was an opportunity to thought if I felt momentum going, I could Raleigh, North Carolina make some birdies.” have fi nished under par today.” But he said Friday’s wind made things a World number one Dustin Johnson was bit more diffi cult. in a group who shot 68s while FedEx Cup late string of birdies helped Jus- “I felt clearly it was trickier than I points leader Bryson DeChambeau shot a tin Rose to the lead and he held thought last night. It was windier today, one-under 70, one better than Northern off fast closing Russell Knox and a cool breeze, just enough to swirl around Irishman Rory McIlroy. Billy Horschel, Abraham Ancer for a one-stroke and make it tricky.” the 2014 FedEx Cup champion, withdrew advantageA after the opening round of the Knox also missed last week’s cut but with sinus problems. Dell Technologies Championship on surged from even par after his second bo- Friday. gey of the day at the 12th to collect three LEADING SCORES Englishman Rose, a certain pick for the birdies and an eagle at the par-four 15th 65 - Justin Rose (ENG) European Ryder Cup team, birdied three in six holes coming home. 66 - Russell Knox (SCO), Abraham Ancer of his fi nal four holes for a six-under- Ancer, playing the back nine fi rst, sank (MEX) par 65 in breezy conditions at TPC Bos- four birdies in his last six holes to stay bo- 67 - Chris Kirk, Beau Hossler, Keegan ton as the FedEx Cup playoff s moved to gey free. Bradley, Gary Woodland the second round. That temporarily gave Woods had trouble from the start. 68 - Adam Hadwin (CAN), Xander Schauf- him a two-stroke lead before Scot Knox The 14-times major champion picked fele, Marc Leishman (AUS), Dustin John- and Mexican Ancer closed with match- up a bogey at his fi rst hole, the 10th, and son, Webb Simpson, James Hahn, Rafa ing 66s. racked up two more for a three-bogey Cabrera Bello (ESP), Brian Harman Americans Chris Kirk, Beau Hossler, start before fi nally getting a birdie on the 69 - Pan Cheng-tsung (TPE), An Byeong- Keegan Bradley and Gary Woodland were board at his eighth hole. hun (KOR), Jordan Spieth, Kevin Chap- a stroke back while Tiger Woods endured He wound up with four bogeys and pell, Tyrrell Hatton (ENG), Charles Howell an up-and-down round of 72 to sit seven three birdies but was not blaming his III, Henrik Stenson (SWE), Alex Noren shots off the lead. putting for the shots he dropped. (SWE), Kevin Kisner, Cameron Smith The Englishman missed the cut at last “I putted beautifully today, I really (AUS), Austin Cook, Tony Finau, Brooks week’s Northern Trust but his steady play did,” Woods, who brought out a new Koepka, Paul Casey (ENG), Tommy Fleet- soon had him on top on Friday. He backed putter, told Golf Channel. But other parts wood (ENG), Peter Uihlein, J.B. Holmes up a pair of birdies on the front nine with of his game let him down. four more in his fi nal nine for a bogey “When I did miss it, I missed it in bad SELECTED: free round. “I guess just keeping the card spots and didn’t have very good angles,” 71 - Rory McIlroy (NIR), Hideki Mat- clean made the birdies really count for Woods said. suyama (JPN) something,” Rose said. “Couldn’t quite get the momentum 72 - Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, Phil Justin Rose of England plays his shot from the 15th tee during the first round of the Dell Technologies Championship “I looked at the pins last night, and going. The front side, my back nine, Mickelson. at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. (Getty Images/AFP)

US OPEN FOCUS Hall takes three-shot Keys locks up last lead in Oregon AFP Los Angeles

ngland’s Georgia Hall surged into a three- shot lead at the halfway stage of the LPGA Tour’s 16 spot with victory CambiaE Portland Classic Friday, fi ring a nine-under-par 63 on another day of low scoring in ‘I was definitely a little nervous and Oregon. The 22-year-old newly minted she came out playing really well British Open champion played “It was just not as exciting as fl awlessly in a bogey-free round yesterday,” Alex said. and put a lot of pressure on me’ which included nine birdies and “I just really didn’t make any- over Krunic nine pars at the Columbia Edge- thing. They weren’t bad strokes water Country Club. or putts, they just didn’t go in.” Hall, who had shot a six-un- Canada’s Brooke Henderson, der-par 66 on Thursday, made fresh from her victory in the Ca- her move on the back nine, un- nadian Open last weekend, also furling a string of fi ve consecu- found the going harder following tive birdies from the 12th hole to her opening 64. vault up the leaderboard. Henderson went round in 71 At one stage Hall was 10 shots to stay at nine under, six shots clear of her playing partners, and off the lead. Henderson dropped she later admitted she had been shots early on with back-to- determined to keep building her back bogeys in the early part of advantage as a series of long her round before clawing her putts kept dropping in for birdie. way back under par with four “I just thought, I just want to birdies and only one more bogey. keep going. I want to get as far “Kind of got off to a shaky ahead of the others as I can,” Hall start, two bogeys right back-to- said. back and I just kind of fought “I love this golf course. It’s the rest of the day to kind of get very nice to play. It’s in great it under par,” she said. “So I’m condition, so I look forward to happy with one under.” the weekend and seeing what I can do.” SCORES AFTER SECOND Hall’s scintillating round left ROUND her on 15 under heading into the 29 - Georgia Hall (ENG) 66-63 weekend, three shots clear of her 132 - Minjee Lee (AUS) 64-68 nearest rival, Australia’s Minjee 133 - Megan Khang 68-65, Ma- Lee, who carded a four-under- rina Alex 62-71 par 68 to stay in touch. 135 - Su Oh (AUS) 66-69, Brooke Lee’s round might have been Henderson (CAN) 64-71 better had it not been a pair of 136 - Brittany Marchand (CAN) bogeys on the back and front nine 69-67, Beatriz Recari (ESP) 68- which checked her progress. 68, Ayako Uehara (JPN) 68-68, Four off the pace on 11 un- Angela Stanford 67-69 der are Megan Khang and fi rst 137 - Charley Hull (ENG) 68-69, round leader Marina Alex. Alex Robynn Ree 65-72, Anna Nor- had lit up the opening day with dqvist (SWE) 67-70 Madison Keys of the United States celebrates victory over a majestic 10-under-par 62 but 138 - Christina Kim 69-69, Lee Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia in the third round of the US found the going harder on Friday Mi-hyang (KOR) 67-71, Brittany Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with a one-under-par 71. Lincicome 67-71. in New York yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP) Westwood leads in Denmark, Olesen closing in on Ryder Cup spot Ryder Cup vice-captain Lee other player who began the Agencies Australian John Millman Potro of Argentina and Fern- Westwood moved to the top of tournament on the Silkeborg New York reached the US Open last 16 for ando Verdasco of Spain ended the Made in Denmark leader- Ry course with a chance of the fi rst time with a 6-4, 4-6, with a win in del Potro’s col- board after overnight leader catching Olesen, dropped out 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kaza- umn. Christiaan Bezuidenhout strug- of contention after a damag- adison Keys, vying khstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin. The 2009 US Open cham- gled badly in yesterday’s third ing 74. Westwood made five to return to the US In early results, 19-year-old pion won 7-5, 7-6 (6), 6-3 and round. consecutive birdies from the Open fi nal, was back Czech Marketa Vondrouso- faces 21-year-old Borna Coric Westwood carded a five-under 10th but he undid some of his in the last 16 after a va won a roller-coaster bat- of Croatia in the fourth round. 67 to lead by one shot on 16 good work with a double-bogey M4-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Ale- tle against 13th-seeded Kiki “It was a really nice fi ght under from fellow Englishman six on the 18th. ksandra Krunic yesterday. Bertens of the Netherlands 7-6 for both,” del Potro said. “We Steven Brown who roared into South African Bezuidenhout’s Keys, the 14th seed, sounded (4), 2-6, 7-6 (1) to continue her played three really good sets.” contention with a sizzling 63. problems began with a double- a little relieved after surviving best ever Grand Slam showing. In other men’s matches, 2017 Home favourite Thorbjorn bogey six on the third hole an error-strewn performance Late on Friday, world number US Open fi nalist Kevin Ander- Olesen remained in prime and he never really recovered. to improve to 4-0 in US Open one Rafael Nadal battled his way son of South Africa, the fi fth position to secure the last Olesen, looking to seal a debut third-round matches. into the fourth round, defeating seed, beat Canadian teenager automatic qualification for the in the Ryder Cup, bogeyed the “I was defi nitely a little nerv- Karen Khachanov in a four-set Denis Shapovalov, 4-6, 6-3, Ryder Cup with a solid 67 which second but hit back with six ous and she came out playing thriller lasting nearly four and a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and Dominic left him in a share of 30th spot, birdies. He is favourite to join really well and put a lot of pres- half hours. Thiem, seeded ninth, held off nine shots behind Westwood. British Open champion Fran- sure on me from the start,” said The top seed and crowd fa- Serena Williams of the USA in action against Venus Williams of the American Taylor Fritz to ad- Matthew Fitzpatrick is the only cisco Molinari of Italy, English Keys, whose pre-match aim of vourite sent Khachanov pack- USA during their third round match of the 2018 U.S. Open at USTA vance to the round of 16 for the player with a realistic chance trio Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton getting comfortable on Arthur ing with a 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7), 7-6 Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports third straight year 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, of overhauling Olesen on the and Tommy Fleetwood, Spain’s Ashe Stadium “clearly didn’t (3) win, his fi fth in as many 6-4. World Points list – one of the Jon Rahm, Northern Ireland’s happen.” matches against the 22-year- threat of losing the second, but impact the match at all. A much-anticipated block- criteria for Ryder Cup selection. Rory McIlroy and Swede Alex “I’m happy to be in the next old Russian. evened the score at 5-5 after “I escaped a very tough situa- buster between Venus Williams Fitzpatrick, who needs to win Noren in the European team to round,” said the 23-year-old The Spaniard had diffi culty play was suspended for 12 min- tion,” he said. and Serena Williams ended the title and see Olesen finish take on the United States at Le American who will face either from the start defending against utes to close the roof on Arthur Nadal goes on to play Nikoloz with Serena coming out on top outside the top seven, was on Golf National in Paris from Sep- Wimbledon champion Angel- the 1.98-metre-tall Russian’s Ashe Stadium because of light Basilashvili of Georgia in the 6-1, 6-2. It was the 30th career 10 under going into Sunday’s tember 28-30. Captain Thomas ique Kerber or Slovakian Do- powerful game, including 22 rain. He went on to win the set round of 16 today. match between the two in their final round after a third-round Bjorn will complete his 12-man minika Cibulkova for a place in aces. Nadal, 32, lost the fi rst 7-5 but denied that the break The evening match between reluctant rivalry, which began 6. Eddie Pepperell, the only team with four wildcard picks. the quarter-fi nals. set 7-5 and came under serious benefi ted him, saying it didn’t third-seeded Juan Martin del in 1998. Gulf Times Sunday, September 2, 2018 5 SPORT

ATHLETICS Coleman, Lyles the new kids on sprinting blocks AFP maican, his former teammates lot of very fast runners, I don’t Brussels Yohan Blake, Asafa Powell and think there’ll be one dominant Nesta Carter, and the US duo of runner, but I do want to be the Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin have forefront runner of those domi- iamond League trophy gone quicker. nant people!” winners Chris Cole- Illustrious company indeed Along with the likes of Cole- man and Noah Lyles for a confi dent Coleman, who man and Rai Benjamin, Lyles have confi rmed their has battled back from a ham- said he was part of what he placesD at the forefront of a new string injury sustained after he dubbed a “very strong moment generation of sprinters, the US set a world record when winning that’s happening right now”. duo dominating the 100 and the world indoor 60m title in “We’re watching a lot of peo- 200m on track and fi eld’s elite Birmingham in March. ple shifting over, younger guys circuit this season. “The sky’s the limit, I’m just taking over from the older veter- The retirement of Jamaican excited about that,” said Cole- ans,” said the Florida native, who legend Usain Bolt last year left a man. “I think I can go much low- set a 300m indoor world record massive gap for athletics to fi ll, er. This race feels better than any of 31.87sec at last year’s US in- with organisers and spectators other accomplishment. It feels door champs. alike worried over who would crazy, honestly. “It’s something exciting to fi ll his rather large pair of golden “Growing up, you dream of be part of it because I’ve been spikes. moments like this, you dream watching this happen for a few While the eight-time Olym- of running the best time in the years, and I felt like there was a pic champion played a foot- world and having people talk gap when that didn’t happen and balling cameo in a friendly for about you saying he’s the fastest now it is really happening. Australia’s Central Coast Mari- man alive.” “I’m really happy to be one ners, Coleman went some way Just 24 hours previously, Lyles of the forefront runners of that to etching his name among the had wrapped up the 200m Dia- generation that’s pushing to be sprinting greats at the season- mond trophy. the best.” ending meet in Brussels. Lyles was one of the headline Coleman echoed those sen- The 22-year-old upstaged acts in Zurich and the 21-year- US athlete Christian Coleman celebrates after winning the men’s Noah Lyles of the US dances as he celebrates winning in the men’s timents, saying: “I’m looking fancied American teammate old made no mistake as he won in 100m final of the Memorial Van Damme athletics event, the last 200m race during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting at the forward to competing against Ronnie Baker in the 100m, 19.67sec, just two-hundredths meeting of the IAAF Diamond League competition in Brussels. (AFP) Letzigrund stadium in Zurich. (AFP) these guys for the next couple of clocking an impressive winning off his personal best set in Mo- years. time of 19.79 seconds. naco last month. “I came here for the win and 100m this season. nance similar to Bolt’s time on it actually is going to be domi- “You’ve just got to stay up It was the fastest 100m run It was Lyles’ fi fth win on the I did it, I’m very happy,” said The wannabe rap star, how- the track. nated by one person,” he argued there, continue to keep on that since Bolt won the 2015 world Diamond League circuit this Lyles, who has also clocked a ever, does not believe that he “I don’t think that it’s going in Monaco. ‘A’ game, and keep getting better title in Beijing and only the Ja- season. personal best of 9.88sec over and Coleman will enjoy a domi- to be one of those sports where “I think we’ll actually have a to make sure I stay on top!”

F1 CYCLING Valverde sprints to stage eight win on Raikkonen smashes Tour of Spain

AFP and won three stages at the Tour Almadén, Spain de France in July, but appears to be paying for those eff orts. After a third-place fi nish on panish veteran Alejandro Monday, Sagan edged closer to a record as Ferrari lock Valverde kept his com- stage win on Friday where he fi n- posure on a tricky fi nish ished second behind Frenchman to claim an unexpected Tony Gallopin. victoryS on the eighth stage of the On a fi nish that should have Tour of Spain yesterday. been to Sagan’s liking yesterday, Frenchman Rudy Mollard, of the Slovakian was left count- the Groupama team, held on to ing his losses again as Valverde the race leader’s red jersey after came from out behind his wheel out front row in Italy fi nishing safely among the pelo- to claim his second stage win of ton. this edition. Raikkonen on pole at Monza, Vettel second as Hamilton qualifies third Mollard will start today’s hilly “I was told how diffi cult the ninth stage, a 200-kilometre fi nish was and that I could even ride from Talavera de la Reina lose time there,” said Valverde, to the ski station of La Covatilla who claimed it had not been his with a 37sec lead on Valverde and plan to win the stage. a 51sec lead on fourth-placed “As a result, I’d planned not to Briton Simon Yates. try and go for the stage win but Organisers had added spice just not to lose time. to the fi nale of the 195.5km race “But then I followed Sagan’s from Linares, the peloton forced wheel and in the end overtook to practically turn back on itself him. I know I’m on form, but I after negotiating a roundabout even surprised myself.” inside the fi nal kilometre. Although 38 years old, Val- But Valderde held his nerve verde said: “My age doesn’t re- to stay in sprint contention fl ect my physical form or my and proved strongest in a tight, mentality.” uphill fi nish to pip three-time And on today’s stage in the world champion Peter Sagan to high mountains, he will be hop- the honours. ing to show his younger rivals Sagan, of the Bora team, fi n- he can remain in overall victory ished third with Dutchman Dan- contention. “It’s a real mountain ny von Poppel (LottoNL-Jumbo) stage tomorrow (Sunday),” said in third place. Valverde. The Slovakian had secured “We should really see who has a record-equalling sixth green what it takes to make the podium jersey for the points competition of this Tour of Spain.”

Movistar’s Alejandro Valverde celebrates after winning the eighth stage of the 73rd edition of La Vuelta yesterday. (AFP)

Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen (centre) celebrates winning the pole position next to second-placed Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel (left) and third-placed Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton after the qualifying session at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza yesterday. (AFP) Thomas ready for Tour of Britain challenge Reuters “I couldn’t think of a better I wasn’t happy but I don’t tell Bottas joined him on the second Hulkenberg and Sauber’s Mar- Monza place to be on pole,” said Raik- you why,” explained the German row, with Red Bull’s Max Ver- cus Ericsson all having grid Team Sky’s Tour de France Tour of Britain is anything like konen, who appeared to benefi t when asked by reporters later stappen fi fth and Romain Gros- penalties. champion Geraint Thomas that, it’s going to be a pretty from an aerodynamic tow after what he planned to discuss. jean sixth for Haas. Canadian Ericsson escaped unscathed launches his Tour of Britain special eight days of racing.” imi Raikkonen put running behind his teammate “To be honest it was not a Lance Stroll, whose billionaire from a huge crash on Friday. campaign today after finally Thomas expects to spend Ferrari on pole posi- on track. Vettel ended up 0.161 tidy lap and I think the other father now owns the Force India Danish driver Kevin Magnus- coming back down to earth much of his time on the road tion for their home slower. It was the Finn’s fi rst laps were actually better ones,” team, gave struggling Williams sen accused McLaren’s Fern- following the wild celebrations in a support role following a Italian Grand Prix pole position since Monaco last said Vettel. “I lost time pretty their best qualifying of the sea- ando Alonso of behaving ‘like a of his triumph in July. hectic August. Kwith Formula One’s fastest lap year, the 18th of his career and much everywhere. son with 10th place. god’ during the qualifying and Thomas is the first Welshman “There has been a lot of travel- ever yesterday. Ferrari’s fi rst at Monza since “It was just not a good lap and “We didn’t expect that, we ex- said he could not wait for the to win the Tour de France and ling and a few nights out as Unhappy teammate Sebas- 2010, when they last won at the not good enough. (I’m) lucky to pected a much more challenging Spaniard to leave Formula One. he was welcomed back to well so my form is certainly not tian Vettel completed the front- track outside Milan. get second and not third.” situation but the car felt good, Double world champion Cardiff by more than 8,000 what it was in France but I still row sweep for today’s race, with The 38-year-old, who has Hamilton, who was booed by we managed to get a good tow Alonso had tried to pass Mag- jubilant fans in July. should have decent enough championship leader and 2018 not won since he was at Lotus some of the Ferrari fans with throughout qualifying and that nussen’s Haas round the out- The 32-year-old will be cheered legs to be in the race and winner Lewis Hamilton a close in 2013, also became the oldest their banners and fl ags domi- helped us,” said the teenager. side of the fi rst chicane during on once more by local support- hopefully at the front doing third for Mercedes. pole-sitter since Britain’s Nigel nating the main grandstand, “It was one of those days the second phase of qualifying ers when the Tour of Britain’s something,” he said. Vettel is 17 points adrift of Mansell in 1994. had been fastest after the ses- when it all clicked.” at Monza and then made light first of eight stages begins in Beyond Thomas, Team Sky’s Hamilton in the standings with Ferrari’s last front-row lock- sion’s fi rst fl ying laps – also with McLaren’s Belgian Stoff el Van- of the incident over team radio. Pembrey Country Park, Car- line-up includes six-time Grand eight rounds remaining and out at Monza was in 2000, when a record time – and congratu- doorne, whose team mate Fern- “Magnussen wanted to race marthenshire this weekend. Tour winner Chris Froome, can expect Raikkonen to give Michael Schumacher and Bra- lated Raikkonen. “We knew they ando Alonso clashed on track into Turn One,” he told his en- “After the support I had, it’ll be Ian Stannard, Dutchman Wout him every assistance when race zilian Rubens Barrichello were had the pace this weekend and with Haas driver Kevin Magnus- gineer. nice to race on home roads. Poels, Lukasz Wisniowski of day comes. Raikkonen’s stun- fi rst and second on the grid. it was going to take something sen in the second phase of quali- The Dane, who failed to The homecoming was insane, Poland and Belarusian rider ning lap of one minute 19.119 Vettel thought he had the special to catch them. It’s gener- fying, could not say the same af- progress to the fi nal top 10 I didn’t know what to expect, Vasil Kiryienka. seconds, at an average speed of pole and exclaimed ‘Yes!’ as he ally been that gap all weekend. It ter setting the slowest time. shootout, was not amused. I was fearing it just being my The tour ends in Newport, 263.587kph, smashed the track crossed the line only to be told he was amazing how intense it was He will avoid starting at the “I’m not going to let him pass wife and the dog,” Thomas told the site of Wales’ National record of 1:19.525 set by Colom- was second fastest to the team- and that’s how racing should back of the fi eld, however, with me, and sacrifi ce my own lap. No the BBC. “But it was just phe- Velodrome, which is set to be bian Juan Pablo Montoya for mate following behind. “We be,” said the Briton. Red Bull’s Australian Dan- way. I know he thinks he’s a god, nomenal – if the support at the renamed in Thomas’ honour. Williams at Monza in 2004. speak later,” he said. “Clearly Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri iel Ricciardo, Renault’s Nico but no way,” he told reporters. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, September 2, 2018 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA Lyon’s Depay devastated aft er burglary

Lyon’s Dutch forward Memphis Depay had his house burgled during Friday’s Ligue 1 home loss to Nice with the thieves reportedly getting away with a massive 1.5mn euros haul ($1.75mn). Goretzka scores fi rst Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said the player was distraught, but thought the police had good leads to go on. “He’s beside himself, he had a great deal of valuables in his home,” said Aulas al- though Lyon police said it was too early to say exactly what the 23-year-old had lost during the break in. Bayern goal in stroll There has been a string of burglaries that have hit the French football com- munity including Arsenal manager Unai Emery when he was at PSG last season.

Brazilian Ronaldo close against Stuttgart to buying Spanish club World Cup winner Ronaldo has reached a deal to buy 51% of La Liga club Val- ladolid a regional daily reported, citing Szalai nets twice as Hoff enheim come from behind to win 3-1 against Freiburg “sources close to the operation.” El Norte de Castilla, which is based in AFP Valladolid said Ronaldo was paying Berlin 30mn euros ($34.8mn) and would com- plete the deal next week. “The Brazilian star reached an agree- eon Goretzka scored his fi rst ment with Carlos Suarez, owner of more goal for Bayern Munich as the than 60 per cent of the shares of the Bundesliga champions cruised company, on Thursday evening,” the to a 3-0 win over southern ri- newspaper wrote. Ronaldo’s press sec- Lvals VfB Stuttgart to go top of the table retary, David Espinar, said that he was yesterday. The Germany international not prepared to comment on the story. had several chances in a hard-fought fi rst half, eventually curling the ball into the bottom corner on 37 minutes. Cahill joins Indian Super Bayern took control after the break, League side Jamshedpur and Goretzka was involved again as Robert Lewandowski doubled Bay- Australia’s record goal scorer Tim Cahill ern’s lead just after the hour mark. The has joined Indian Super League (ISL) Polish striker arrowed in a superb shot side Jamshedpur FC, the 38-year-old from the edge of the area to maintain striker announced. Cahill struggled his perfect scoring record in all com- for playing time at club level last year petitions this season. Fifteen minutes and left A-League side Melbourne City from time, Lewandowski linked up in December to return to Millwall — beautifully with Thomas Mueller, who where he first came to prominence 20 lashed in Bayern’s third. years ago — before being released by Earlier in the day, Adam Szalai the Championship club. Jamshedpur scored twice as Hoff enheim came from did not specify specific details of the behind to win 3-1 against Freiburg, contract that the former Everton player while Bayer Leverkusen collapsed to a had signed. Cahill, who scored 50 goals second defeat in their second game of for Australia in a career spanning 14 the Bundesliga season. years, retired from international duty Julian Nagelsmann had criticised after playing in his fourth World Cup in VAR after defeat to Bayern last week, Russia earlier this year. and the Hoff enheim coach looked on furiously as the video assistant cor- rectly denied his team an early goal Dembele to join Lyon against Freiburg. Nagelsmann’s mood aft er Celtic accept bid darkened further when Dominique Heintz prodded Freiburg in front on 36 Celtic’s Moussa Dembele is set to join minutes, but Szalai saved Hoff enheim French side Lyon after the Scottish with a brilliant second-half brace. Stuttgart’s Christian Gentner (top left) and Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka go for a header during the Bundesliga match in Stuttgart, southern Germany. (AFP) champions accepted an off er for the un- Szalai capitalised on a defensive (Goretzka 37, Lewandowski 62, Muel- settled striker. Hoops manager Brendan mix-up to draw Hoff enheim level Bayer’s defensive nightmare contin- Frankfurt. Japanese international for- Mainz. Michael Gregoritsch put Augs- ler 76); Hoff enheim 3 (Szalai 50, 63, Rodgers had insisted the former France just after the break, before turning a ued after half-time. An unmarked ward Yuya Osako’s opener for Bremen burg ahead with a fi ne half-volley on Kramaric 90+4) Freiburg 1 (Heintz Under-21 international would not be Nico Schulz cross into the net on 63 Wout Weghorst headed Wolfsburg was given by VAR on 22 minutes, 12 minutes, before Alassane Plea came sold during the transfer window. 36); Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Bailey 24) minutes. Andrej Kramaric sealed vic- ahead on 55 minutes, before Renato and Frankfurt looked dead and bur- off the bench to head Gladbach level in But Dembele arrived for training on Wolfsburg 3 (Gerhardt 36, Weghorst 55, tory on the counter-attack in stop- Steff en broke through the back line to ied when Jetro Willems was sent off the second half. Friday after spending much of the page time. An abject defensive per- seal Leverkusen’s disastrous start to before half-time. Sebastien Haller’s New signing Jean-Philippe Ma- Steff en 59); Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Haller morning on social media outlining his formance saw Leverkusen go down the season. “We travel to Bayern Mu- penalty drew the home side level after teta headed Mainz in front midway 54-pen) Werder Bremen 2 (Osako 22, frustration at Celtic denying his wish to 3-1 at home to Wolfsburg, after Leon nich next week, so we have to cross our the break, but Rashica broke Frankfurt through the fi rst half, before Mikael Rashica 90+6); Augsburg 1 (Gregoritsch join Lyon. The 22-year-old walked off the Bailey had given them the lead with a fi ngers and grit our teeth,” Ozcan said. hearts with a vicious, curling free-kick Ishak drew the home side level with a 12) Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 (Plea field after about 15 minutes following brilliant fi rst-half strike. Leverkusen “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” deep into stoppage time. net-bursting shot just after the break. 68); Nuremberg 1 (Ishak 48) Mainz 1 a discussion with Rodgers. Aware that keeper Ramazan Ozcan allowed Yan- Milot Rashica’s brilliant free-kick Elsewhere, there were 1-1 draws be- (Mateta 25) they were in danger of being stuck with nick Gerhardt’s equaliser to beat him saw Werder Bremen steal a dramatic tween Borussia Moenchengladbach BUNDESLIGA RESULTS Played Friday: Hanover 96 0 Borussia an unhappy player, Celtic decided to at the near post on 36 minutes, and late win against ten-man Eintracht and Augsburg and Nuremberg and accept Lyon’s reported £18mn off er. VfB Stuttgart 0 Bayern Munich 3 Dortmund 0

LA LIGA SERIE A Atletico slide to Nainggolan breaks Inter duck to seal fi rst win AFP surprise loss at Celta Milan

Reuters the goal was ruled out for off side Vigo, Spain after consultation with the video adja Nainggolan scored on his assistant referee (VAR). debut as Inter Milan claimed Atletico have four points from their fi rst three points of the tletico Madrid suff ered their opening three games and Serie A season with a 3-0 win their fi rst major setback could slip fi ve behind Real Ma- inR Bologna yesterday. Nainggolan missed of the season as they drid, who were hosting Leganes the fi rst two games of the campaign lost 2-0 at Celta Vigo late last night, and Barcelona, at with injury following his summer move afterA defender Stefan Savic was home to Huesca today, if their from Roma. But the 30-year-old Belgian sent off midway through a miser- rivals win their respective week- midfi elder made amends on his league able second-half performance by end fi xtures. debut, opening his and Inter’s account Diego Simeone’s side yesterday. at the Stadio Dall’Ara after 66 minutes. Celta’s Uruguayan striker SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS Italy midfi elder Antonio Candreva and Maxi Gomez put the Galicians Croatia’s World Cup runner-up Ivan Per- Celta Vigo 2 (M. Gomez 46, Lago ahead straight after the break isic added two quickfi re goals in the fi nal when he pounced on a slip by Aspas 52) Atletico Madrid 0; Rayo ten minutes to seal all three points. compatriot Diego Godin and Vallecano v Athletic Bilbao — post- The win gives Luciano Spalletti’s side Iago Aspas doubled the lead in poned four points from three games, equal on the 52nd minute with a header Played Friday: Getafe 0 Real points with Roma who lost 2-1 at AC Mi- the day after being dropped from Valladolid 0 Eibar 2 (M. Cardona lan on Friday. Filippo Inzaghi’s Bologna the Spain squad by new coach 26, Charles 90+1) Real Sociedad are stuck on one point, without a single Luis Enrique. Things got worse 1 (Willian Jose 15-pen) Villarreal 0 goal scored in three games. for Atletico after 70 minutes Girona 1 (C. Stuani 54) Inter captain and striker Mauro Icar- when their Montenegro defender di tried, unsuccessfully, to shake off a Savic was dismissed for a second Playing Sunday: Levante v muscle strain by warming up before be- booking and a minute later they Valencia (0900 GMT), Alaves v Es- ing compelled to watch from the stands, thought they had conceded again panyol (1415), Barcelona v Huesca along with Lautaro Martinez. It left Keita when Gustavo Cabral scored but (1630), Real Betis v Sevilla (1845) Balde as Inter’s sole striker, but with Inter Milan’s Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan celebrates after scoring against Bologna in the Serie A yesterday. (AFP) Nainggolan, Matteo Politano and Perisic in support. poli play Sampdoria in Genoa today. poned because of the bridge disaster in only right that there is enthusiasm for Perisic nodded into the side-netting On Friday, Substitute Patrick Cutrone the western port city. “There were huge those who wrote the history of Milan, but early with Roberto Gagliardini also fi r- scored a last-gasp winner to give AC Mi- regrets over the defeat to Napoli,” said we mustn’t think that the current squad ing over for the visitors before Bolo- lan their fi rst win of the season at their Gattuso. “But it’s only the second match should shoulder all that,” said Gattuso. gna threatened, Filip Helander’s header San Siro stadium with a 2-1 victory over of the season. I can’t talk about a turning “We must fi nd our motivation by our- cleared off the line by Inter goalkeeper Roma. Franck Kessie had gotten AC Milan point after two games. I know how our selves, on the training fi eld every day. Samir Handanovic. off the mark after 40 minutes with Cu- lads work and that we still need to be- We can play good football this year, work Nainggolan missed a chance to open trone sealing victory fi ve minutes into in- come a team in some areas.” with greater calm than last season and do the scoring just before the break with a jury time to hand Roma their fi rst defeat Roma counterpart Eusebio Di Franc- good things.” powerful half-volley from the edge of the in over three years at the San Siro. esco made several changes from the side box fl ying over. But the Belgian made no Defender Federico Fazio had pulled that drew 3-3 with Atalanta in Rome last ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS mistake after the break, controlling Poli- Roma level 1-1 on the hour mark. Roma’s Monday, but he conceded his tactics did Bologna 0 Inter Milan 3 (Nainggolan 66, tano’s cross to fi re past his former Roma World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi and not work. “We lacked sharpness,” said Di teammate Lukasz Skorupski. Candreva AC Milan’s Argentine striker Gonzalo Francesco. “We’re conceding too many Candreva 82, Perisic 85) replaced Keita on 79 minutes and three Higuain both had goals disallowed. Both goals, make too many bad choices on the Played Friday: AC Milan 2 (Kessie 40, minutes later turned in a low cross from sides had been looking to put stuttering fi eld and it’s something we have to work Cutrone 90+5) Roma 1 (Fazio 59) Perisic, the Croatian sealing victory two starts to the season behind them with on in training.” Playing today: Fiorentina v Udinese (1600 Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan losing 3-2 at The match was also watched by the minutes later. Champions Juventus were GMT); Atalanta v Cagliari, Chievo v Empoli, playing at Parma late last night with Cris- Napoli last week despite leading by two club’s former Brazilian star Kaka along Lazio v Frosinone, Sampdoria v Napoli, Atletico Madrid’s Angel Correa (left) goes down after a challenge tiano Ronaldo looking to open his scoring goals. Milan’s opening game against with new directors Leonardo and Paolo Sassuolo v Genoa, Torino v SPAL (all 1830) from Celta Vigo’s Facundo Roncaglia. (Reuters) account in Serie A while runners-up Na- Genoa at the San Siro had been post- Maldini, also former club legends. “It’s Gulf Times Sunday, September 2, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Naismith gives ill Hearts boss Levein Liverpool, Chelsea cruise, perfect tonic Glasgow: Steven Naismith’s first-half hat-trick maintained Hearts’ perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season in a 4-1 thrashing of St Mirren yesterday and provided some Man City maintain chase comfort to unwell boss Craig Levein. The former Scotland manager was rushed to hospital on Monday and was West Ham remain the only Premier League side without a point after defeat to Wolves unable to take his place in the Tynecastle dugout as he is AFP recovering at home. London The hosts, though, ensured it wasn’t a nervous afternoon for Levein watching from iverpool and Chelsea maintained afar despite Jimmy Dunne’s their perfect Premier League own goal cancelling out starts after four games yesterday Naismith’s opener from the as champions Manchester City spot. Naismith set up Olly Lee Ledged past Newcastle to remain two to restore Hearts’ lead and points behind the early leaders. then added two more in two A huge error from £65mn ($84mn) minutes before the break. goalkeeper Alisson Becker threatened With Celtic and Rangers to halt Liverpool’s early season charge, facing off in the first Old Firm but Jurgen Klopp’s men held out for a 2-1 derby of the season at Celtic win at the King Power in another dem- Park on Sunday, Hearts now onstration of their new-found defen- enjoy a five-point lead at the sive solidity to go with the fi repower of top of the table as Edinburgh Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo- rivals Hibs and Aberdeen fell hamed Salah. Chelsea had to wait un- to their first defeats of the til 19 minutes from time to break down season. Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge before Livingston’s decision to the in-form Pedro Rodriguez opened dispense with the services the scoring and Eden Hazard sealed the of Kenny Miller after just two points in a 2-0 win. league games as player- City bounced back from a rare slip-up manager already appeared at Wolves last weekend thanks to goals justified as they came from from England internationals Raheem 1-0 down to beat Hibs 2-1 and Sterling and Kyle Walker in a 2-1 suc- register a second straight win cess to celebrate the 10th anniversary under Gary Holt. of Sheikh Mansour’s takeover that has Aberdeen were forced to transformed the club. play with 10 men for 85 min- At the other end of the table it was an- utes after Michael Devlin saw other afternoon to forget for West Ham, red early on against Kilmar- who remain the only Premier League nock. And the visitors took side without a point, as Adama Traore full advantage at Pittodrie snatched a 1-0 win for Wolves in stop- through Eamonn Brophy’s page time at the London Stadium. free-kick and former Aber- On a rare off day for Salah, who was deen forward Greg Stewart. substituted 20 minutes from time, Mane Miller was snapped up as a and Firmino stepped into the breach to player by Dundee this week give Liverpool a 2-0 half-time lead at but they remain without a Leicester. But that was a more comfort- point as his debut ended in a able cushion than they deserved as for 3-1 loss to Motherwell. St John- the third straight game the Reds failed to stone were also 2-1 victors at produce their free-fl owing best. Hamilton. Celtic, who have Alisson more than played his part in failed to qualify for Champi- registering clean sheets against West ons League group stage, will Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton, but face arch rivals Rangers in the Brazilian number one was caught the first Old Firm derby of the trying to dribble past Kelechi Iheana- season today. cho and the Nigerian squared for Rachid Ghezzal to set up a grandstand fi nish. SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP “It’s only positive that he is that good a Chelsea’s Pedro (third left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Bournemouth in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. (Reuters) RESULTS footballer. But we all have to learn to use Aberdeen 0 Kilmarnock 2 it in the right way still,” said Klopp of and they defended very well but usu- created by Pep Guardiola’s men, it re- like we have. Playing away against Liv- (Mane 10, Firmino 45); Brighton 2 (Mur- (Brophy 44, Stewart 69); Dun- Alisson’s propensity to take risks. “That ally in this match you have to be patient quired some force to get the job done erpool and Arsenal and you don’t play so ray 67, 84-pen) Fulham 2 (Schurrle 43, dee 1 (Kallman 71) Motherwell was a mistake — no goalkeeper in the because you can win in the last 20 min- eventually as Walker hammered home a well is understandable. Here at home to Mitrovic 62); Chelsea 2 (Pedro 72, Hazard world should dribble in that situation.” utes,” said Sarri. strike from 25 yards for the match win- lose we must be very worried.” 85) Bournemouth 0; Crystal Palace 0 3 (Johnson 56, Bigirimana While Liverpool were expected to City also had to be patient as a combi- ner seven minutes into the second-half. Everton’s fi ne start to life under Southampton 2 (Ings 47, Hojbjerg 90); 68, Campbell 86); Hamilton 1 (Bingham 69) St Johnstone challenge City for the title having spent nation of poor fi nishing and Martin Du- West Ham would love any type of goal Marco Silva was tempered by a 1-1 draw Everton 1 (Calvert-Lewin 36) Hudders- 2 (Alston 37, McMillan 45+1); more than any other team in the league bravka in the Newcastle goal prevented at the moment as a near £100mn in- at home to Huddersfi eld. The points field 1 (Billing 34); Manchester City 2 Hearts 4 (Naismith 4-pen, 41, over the summer, Maurizio Sarri’s per- a rout at the Etihad after Sterling fi red vestment in the transfer market is still were also shared in a 2-2 draw between (Sterling 8, Walker 52) Newcastle 1 (Yed- 43, Lee 30) St Mirren 1 (Dunne fect start at Chelsea has surprised even the hosts into an eighth-minute lead. to yield any return. “I don’t think it is a Brighton and Fulham, while Southamp- lin 30); West Ham 0 Wolves 1 (Traore 90) the Italian himself. Sarri’s imprint was Newcastle enjoyed barely 20% posses- bad start, it is a very bad start,” admitted ton claimed their fi rst victory of the sea- 19-og); Livingston 2 (Byrne 58, again clear to see as the blues dominated sion, but made it count to level on the manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose side son 2-0 at Crystal Palace. Playing today: Burnley v Manchester Pittman 70) Hibs 1 (Horgan 52) possession, but were made to work to half hour mark when DeAndre Yedelin also lost on the road to Liverpool and United (1500 GMT), Cardiff v Arsenal Playing today: Celtic v Rang- infl ict Bournemouth’s fi rst defeat of the turned home Salomon Rondon’s cross. Arsenal, and at home to Bournemouth. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS (1230 GMT), Watford v Tottenham (1500 ers (1100GMT) campaign. “They were very organised For all the intricate play and chances “We can’t lose six points here at home GMT) Leicester 1 (Ghezzal 63) Liverpool 2

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Ozil dilemma poses early test for Emery Klopp urges Alisson to AFP Cardiff , United Kingdom Mesut Ozil (left) and Unai Emery. learn from mistakes nai Emery is just a handful of games into AFP his reign at Arsenal, Leicester, United Kingdom but already he is facing Uup to the problem that Arsene Wenger never satisfactorily re- urgen Klopp said he was glad Alisson com- solved. Mesut Ozil’s arrival at the mitted a howler as Liverpool were making Emirates Stadium from Real Ma- their best start to a league season since drid fi ve years ago was meant to 1990-91 because that should help the goal- usher in a new era for Arsenal, yet keeperJ avoid a more costly repeat. The Brazilian Wenger spent more time than he gifted Leicester a lifeline yesterday when he tried would have liked rebutting criti- a Cruyff turn on the byline after Virgil Van Dijk’s cism of the Germany midfi elder’s back pass, only to give the ball to Kelechi Iheana- contribution. cho, who crossed for Rachid Ghezzal to score. And just three weeks into the First-half goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto new season, Wenger’s replace- Firmino had put the Premier League leaders on ment as Gunners manager has course and they ultimately secured a hard-fought already discovered that getting 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium yesterday. the best out of Ozil could prove “It needed to happen so that it will not happen to be no easy task. If Emery can again, if that makes sense? I think that day was do successfully do that, his task today,” Liverpool manager Klopp said. “No goal- Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson looks dejected of securing a top-four fi nish and keeper in the world should dribble in that situa- after conceding a goal against Leicester City’s in a Champions League place will tion. If Alisson would have cleared it with his fi rst the Premier League yesterday. (Reuters) become an awful lot easier. touch, everything would have been fi ne, but for Fail, and like Wenger before some reason, he didn’t. But I said to him that this signing a new contract in midweek, saved his side him, he will not be able to avoid was the best game to do it in because we still won. within the fi rst three minutes. continuing scrutiny of the play- been forced to deny any rift with that Emery had wanted more lieve the 29-year-old could off er We have ticked that box now. As a team we’re still Mane benefi ted from a ricochet off Harry er’s performances. Wenger al- Ozil after the German missed the from Ozil during the recent 3-2 more. in that period where we have to adapt to each oth- Maguire from Andrew Robertson’s cross to give ways defended the player, high- home victory over West Ham be- defeat at Chelsea. Having used It certainly seems as though er. Last week he did what he did and when every- the Reds a 10th-minute lead, driving home left- lighting Ozil’s more understated cause of an illness. It was claimed Ozil in a wider position in the Emery is taking a fi rmer approach body spoke about it, it was clear one day we would footed. But if that was a moment of fortune, qualities such as the timing and Ozil had stormed out of a training defeat to Manchester City, Em- than Wenger, whose light-touch concede a goal because of that.” then there was no mistaking some of Liverpool’s delivery of passes to teammates. session when Emery urged him to ery moved the German inside approach to a number of squad Klopp refuses to accept that Alisson’s desire to play, which was a delight as they carved Leices- The playmaker agreed a new, try harder to adapt to his high- into a more central role at Stam- issues drew criticism during his take risks on the ball means the close-season sign- ter open at will early on. Liverpool doubled their three-and-a-half year con- tempo pressing game. ford Bridge before replacing him fi nal seasons at Arsenel Emery, ing from Roma has a style of goalkeeping that will lead two minutes before half-time. Salah forced tract in January worth around But, with the player’s cold with Aaron Ramsey in the 68th though, will know his handling cause problems. “No. It’s only a positive that he’s Schmeichel to push his shot around the post, and £350,000 per week. But Ozil’s now over, Emery confi rmed Ozil minute. Explaining the move af- of Ozil is key. that good a footballer but we have to learn to use from their second successive corner, Firmino met Arsenal career remains unful- is back in contention to line-up ter the game, Emery said: “I took He must get the club’s best him in the right way,” he said. “That means pass James Milner’s fl ag-kick with a fi rm header from fi lled and Wenger’s approach to at Cardiff today. “He’s train- him off to stop Chelsea progress- player on board as he attempts the ball, yes, but at the right moment, but imme- 10 yards. Leicester’s persistence was rewarded in getting the best out of a player ing normally with the group, in ing easily with the ball.” to make his mark at his new club. diately make an off er to him, open some passing the 63rd minute when they deservedly pulled a who has rarely dominated games every session this week,” Emery Clearly, Emery wanted a more Many manager’s would like build options, whatever.” goal back thanks to Alisson’s mistake. It was the for his club in the way he has of- said. “We started on Tuesday and formidable presence in that part a team around a fi t and in form Liverpool’s fourth straight league win saw them fi rst goal Liverpool had conceded in 418 minutes ten done for his country has un- every day he has been training of the fi eld and while physicality Ozil. The coming months will maintain their perfect start to the season. The of Premier League football going back to May 6 derstandably been questioned. with the group. He’s OK. Also I’m has never been a major part of provide a telling test of the Span- way they started the game, they bore the look of and the fi rst Alisson had allowed in club football Emery appears to have taken a looking at him well every day.” Ozil’s game, the Spaniard would iard’s ability to draw the best champions, not just leaders. Kasper Schmeichel, since last season’s Champions League semi-fi nal diff erent stance and has already What is clear, however, was not be the fi rst person to be- from the German. making his 300th appearance for Leicester after when he was playing for Roma, against Liverpool.

Sunday, September 2, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Rayyan edge out Kharaitiyat; Arabi rout Umm Salal By Sports Reporter in the 58th minute. sulting corner saw Daniel Goumou Doha Going by form and strength, Al miss a close-range header. Rayyan should have had it easy Al Rayyan were able to break the against Al Kharaitiyat. But instead deadlock just before half-time as l Rayyan scored a 2-1 they were made to work hard for Tabata’s lofted free-kick from the victory against a resur- victory. Despite a brave show, Al left was found by Viera who evad- gent Al Kharaitiyat in Kharaitiyat are the only team yet to ed his marker and headed home. the QNB Stars League open their account having lost all Minutes into the second half and atA the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. their matches. They are taking the Al Rayyan doubled their lead when Goals for Al Rayyan came through fi eld for the fi rst time under new Tabata struck an imperious free- Gonzalo Viera in the 40th minute coach Aziz al-Amri who replaced kick from the left that dipped, and Rodrigo Tabata in the 49th. Nassif al-Bayawi. swerved and curled its way into Al Kharaitiyat pulled it back in the Former Al Sadd striker Jugurtha the far corner from 25 yards out. 54th through Abdulhadi al-Amin. Hamroun made his debut for Al Al Rayyan were expected to run The win helped Rayyan surge to Kharaitiyat, while Argentinian out comfortable winners from second in the table with eight striker Jonathan Menendez was here. However, Al Kharaitiyat got points from four games, although left out by Rayyan even though as themselves back into the game both Duhail and Al Sadd can over- his paper works from old club In- pretty quickly. After winning back take them today. dependiente have been completed. possession in midfi eld, they were In another match, Al Arabi Al Kharaitiyat started the match able to attack on the counter, with thrashed Umm Salal 5-1 at the with the intention of upsetting the Lazar running into the box on the Al Sadd stadium. Both the sides odds and were nearly rewarded left and pulling the ball back to were coming off victories into yes- for their early endeavour, but Al Abdulhadi who calmly passed the terday’s match, and it was Arabi Rayyan goalkeeper Omar Barri ball into the net. Late in the match, who kept their winning run go- pulled off a couple of fi ne saves they were nearly rewarded again ing. Mohamed Salah (14th minute from Valentin Lazar and debutant for their positive approach when and 90th) scored a brace for Arabi, Jugurtha Hamroun. The Lions Abdulla al-Anzi ran in on goal, while Jasser Yehia Medany (20th) were not fearful of the early pres- but he chipped his eff ort over the Franco Arizala (66th) and Mail- sure and started to make headway goalkeeper. They were unable to son de Farias (90th) found the net into the game. Sebastian Soria saw get back into the game, but will once apiece. Yannick Sagbo scored his shot brilliantly saved by the be buoyed by a very positive per- Al Rayyan players celebrate after Gonzalo Viera (second right) scored against Al Kharaitiyat in the QNB Stars League at the Al Sadd a consolation goal for Umm Salal opposition goalkeeper and the re- formance. Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

LIGUE 1 PREVIEW Al Sadd, Al Duhail seek Mbappe scores return to winning ways

By Sports Reporter Doha and sees red as l Sadd and Al Duhail will hope to get back to win- ning ways in the QNB Stars League today. TheA two big guns both dropped points in the Week 3 as Sadd were held by Al Gharafa, while Al Du- PSG beat Nimes hail drew with Al Rayyan. Al Sadd continued to top the standings ahead of Al Duhail on ‘It was a great victory. The atmosphere here in Nimes is crazy’ goal diff erence, both teams hav- ing seven points. The Wolves have a goal diff erence of +15 compared to The Red Knights’ +9. Naturally, Al Sadd and Al Du- hail will defi nitely look to be back on the winning path. Al Duhail coach Nabil Maaloul (left) and his Al Sadd counterpart Both Al Sadd and Al Duhail Jesualdo Ferreira speak to the media yesterday. won their fi rst legs in the AFC Champions League quarterfi - need prepare well. “Our game did well to hold Al Khor to a 1-1 nals against Iranian sides, which against our next rivals will be a draw to be on four points. In the should hold them in good stead strong preparation for the Perse- process, they also jumped to the for today’s league matches. polis encounter in the second-leg eighth position in standings. Duhail face the challenge from quarter-fi nal of the AFC Cham- Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Fer- Qatar SC, who will be looking to pions League,” said Maaloul. reira said the aim is to win and bounce back into the tournament Meanwhile, Qatar SC coach stay on top of the standings. after losing their last two match- Abdulla Mubarak said his team “Our goal is to score full points es that followed their opening- was ready to pose problems for because we want be on top of the round victory over Al Gharafa. Al Duhail. “Facing Al Duhail league. We have more chances. Duhail coach Nabil Maaloul is a tough challenge for us. We We will not repeat the mistakes believes his team will have a worked very hard for almost two that we committed during our tough task against Qatar SC. “It weeks and we are prepared for match against Al Gharafa,” Fer- will be an important match for us the game. I only wish my play- reira said yesterday. as Qatar SC will be keen to com- ers stay highly concentrated “We have advantage on paper, pensate for their loss in the last throughout the match,” he said. but Al Shahania is a strong team round against Sailiya. They have “Each game needs a diff er- and will do their best to win the in their ranks Samuel Eto’o, who ent strategy and this one is no game. Things will get tough as is capable of making a diff erence diff erent. We will try to strike a the QNB Stars League progress- in their remaining matches,” said balance between defence and at- es, but we will work to improve Maaloul yesterday. tack, and everyone is looking for further,” the Portuguese added. The Tunisian said his team has results. We began well by defeat- Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia been working hard in training to ing Al Gharafa, but lost the next wasn’t worried about Al Sadd’s improve their off ensive game. two games. But if you look at our reputation and said his team was “We have been working hard. stats in the matches where we going all out for victory. “We We succeed in creating oppor- lost, they were in favour of us. have a big game against Al Sadd. tunities and there is a problem in We attacked a lot too. I believe in We will try to fi eld a competent translating them into goals, so we the ability of my players. The at- team. And we can win this game. worked to address this problem mosphere in the team is good and Why not?,” Murcia said. Paris St Germain’s Kylian so that we could take advantage the team spirit is high,” he added. “All our players are confi dent Mbappe (right) scores of the opportunities that come Mubarak was hoping especially after our drawn match against Nimes in the Ligue 1 by,” he said. Cameeron legend Eto’o and Syr- with Al Khor. We are ready to yesterday. (Reuters) Duhail only hold a one-goal ian striker Osama Omari will de- face Al Sadd, who are a big club. advantage going into their sec- liver for Qatar SC. We will try to grab the opportu- ond-leg AFC Champions League On the other hand, Al Sadd nities that come our way. I have clash against Persepolis in Te- should have it easy against pro- full confi dence in my players,” he AFP Future opponents of Liverpool in the tially spotted by referee Jerome Brisard but hran, and Maaloul felt his side moted side Al Shahania, who added. Paris Champions League, Paris had been busy he gave a penalty after consulting with the in the transfer market before the European Video Assistant Referee, new in Ligue 1 this window closed on Friday night, completing season. ylian Mbappe scored the decisive the surprise signing of Cameroon forward Savanier scored from the spot, and Nimes PSG make surprise move for free agent goal but was later sent off as Paris Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting. nearly went in front when Sofi ane Alakouch Saint-Germain survived a ma- The 29-year-old joined on a free trans- struck the top of the bar. With PSG on the Choupo-Moting as transfer window shuts jor scare, and the concession of a fer after leaving Stoke City, and agreed a ropes, Mbappe rescued them 13 minutes KVAR-awarded penalty, to win 4-2 at Nimes two-year deal to follow Spanish left-back from time as he controlled Presnel Kim- Paris: Paris Saint-Germain made transfer window in England in Ligue 1 yesterday. Juan Bernat, signed from Bayern Munich. pembe’s long ball forward and blasted home a surprise move to sign the this year, and in Italy, meant a Neymar and Angel di Maria, the latter di- Neither player featured here, however, and on the volley. Cameroon forward Eric Maxim less chaotic final day of August rect from a corner, had PSG two goals up at Tuchel’s other summer recruits, Gianluigi All that was missing was a goal from the Choupo-Moting late on Friday than usual this year. There were the Stade des Costieres, only for their new- Buff on and German defender Thilo Kehrer, other member of Tuchel’s all-star front night just before the transfer still notable moves elsewhere ly-promoted opponents to haul themselves started on the bench. line and Cavani duly delivered at the death window closed around Europe. in France, though, with Lyon level heading into the fi nal 20 minutes. Nimes, the former club of Eric Cantona as he converted from a Julian Draxler as- Choupo-Moting, 29, has signed spending 22mn euros on Celtic’s But Mbappe struck in the 77th minute, his and Laurent Blanc, are back in the top fl ight sist. Mbappe marred his and his team’s af- a two-year deal with the French France under-21 international fourth goal in three appearances since win- this season after a 25-year absence and ternoon, though, when he violently shoved champions as a free agent after striker Moussa Dembele. ning the World Cup, to break Nimes hearts stunned near neighbours Marseille in their Savanier to the fl oor in anger at a foul by the leaving Stoke City, who were rel- Meanwhile, Monaco signed before Edinson Cavani completed the scor- last home outing. However, PSG looked to Nimes player, as both teams ended the game egated from the English Premier Belgium midfielder Nacer Chadli ing in injury time. However, there was still be on course for a comfortable victory af- with 10 men. The 19-year-old, who could League at the end of last season. from West Bromwich Albion time for Mbappe to be sent off right at the ter Thomas Meunier played a one-two with previously do no wrong this summer, will It is an intriguing move, and a on a three-year deal for a fee death following a clash with Teji Savanier, Mbappe before crossing low for Neymar to now miss PSG’s next Ligue 1 game against world away from the blockbust- of 12mn euros. Monaco have who was also dismissed, in a remarkable fi n- score in the 36th minute. It was a fourth of Saint-Etienne in a fortnight. er deals of August 2017 when sold several leading players this ish to the game. PSG have now won all four the season for the Brazilian, and was fol- PSG committed the two biggest summer, most notably France Ligue 1 games this season under new Ger- lowed before the interval by Di Maria net- FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS transfer fees in history to sign winger Thomas Lemar, who man coach Thomas Tuchel. They are three ting direct from a corner, curled in from the Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. arrival follows that of Spanish joined Atletico Madrid for 72mn Nimes 2 (Bobichon 63, Savanier 71-pen) Paris points clear of surprise package Dijon, who right and helped on its way by the Nimes But Choupo-Moting provides left-back Juan Bernat, signed for euros. Saint-Germain 4 (Neymar 36, Di Maria 40, can join them at the summit if they beat goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni. an extra option in attack for 15mn euros ($17.4mn) from Bay- That was one of the biggest Caen late last night. “It was a great victory. Nicknamed the Crocodiles, Nimes bit Mbappe 77, Cavani 90+2) coach Thomas Tuchel and has ern Munich late in the window deals anywhere in Europe, al- The atmosphere here in Nimes is crazy. The back after the restart as substitute Antonin Playing today: Saint-Etienne v Amiens (1300 plenty of experience at the top for PSG, who are under pressure though Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100 pitch was terrible,” Tuchel said. “We knew Bobichon sent a fi rst-time shot high into GMT), Rennes v Bordeaux (1500 GMT), Mo- level in Germany, where he to comply with UEFA’s Financial million-euro move from Real Ma- Nimes would put up a lot of resistance, but the top corner in the 63rd minute, and they naco v Marseille (1900 GMT) played for Hamburg, Mainz and Fair Play rules. drid to Juventus in July eclipsed we responded. I liked the reaction from my were level soon after. Thiago Silva’s clumsy, Schalke 04. Choupo-Moting’s The early closure of the everything else. Played Friday: Lyon 0 Nice 1 (Marcelo 51-og) team at 2-2, It was top.” late challenge on Theo Valls was not ini-