FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 4 NNBABA | Page 5 You can’t Nuggets hold win them all, off Warriors, says patient Westbrook Hamilton debut spoiled

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 FOOTBALL Safar 14, 1440 AH Mourinho bats off GULF TIMES Real return to focus on stopping Ronaldo SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL/AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GYMNASTICS Al Sadd hope to FIG offi cials impressed breach Persepolis with Doha defence in Tehran Worlds Qatar giants need to win semi-final second leg at Azadi Stadium to qualify for final facilities at Aspire

By Sports Reporter eff orts in completing the instal- Doha lation of the equipment accord- ing to the schedule specifi ed and in accordance with FIG require- delegation of FIG of- ments,” said al-Hitmi. fi cials visited Aspire On the installation of the Dome yesterday to have equipment, he explained, “An a fi rst-hand experi- integrated team was provided to Aence of the arrangements made check the devices. With many by the Organising Committee gymnasts from China, Chinese, for the 48th FIG Artistic Gym- Taipei and Brazil already here to nastics World Championships train and acclimatise, all training Doha 2018 to be held at the As- halls were adequately equipped.” pire Dome from October 25 to On his part, Gang Cui said, November 3. “We are proud to be associated The FIG offi cials were accom- with the world championships panied by Ali al-Hitmi, Execu- through the Qatar Gymnastics tive Manager of the Organising Federation who will bring this Committee & President Qatar tournament to a new level. Gymnastics Federation. “We are sure the Organising The delegation was impressed Committee will present an ex- by the arrangements made in- cellent event to the world and we cluding training halls, warm-up wish them all success.” areas and the main competition Over 600 athletes from about hall. Earlier, on Sunday, the Or- 78 countries have arrived in Doha ganising Committee signed an to participate in the fi rst world agreement with TaiShan of Chi- gymnastics championships to be na who have installed the equip- held in the Middle East. ment for the event. Competitions will be in 14 dis- The signing ceremony was ciplines (eight for men and six for held at the Torch hotel between women) which will be held at the al-Hitmi and Gang Cui, Chair- Aspire Dome. man, TaiShan. The championships form the Al-Hitmi said the organisers fi rst qualifi cation basis for the are happy with TaiShan’s co- Tokyo 2020 Olympics. operation (one of the accred- ited companies of International MEDALS TO BE Gymnastics Federation (FIG)) UNVEILED SOON and their installation works at The Organising Committee the venue. TaiShan are known will be unveiling the specially de- Al Sadd captain Xavi leads the team during a training session in Tehran yesterday. to provide high level services for signed medals for Doha Worlds top events with their gymnastics on the sidelines of a reception for By Sports Reporter according to plan. Prior to the semi-fi nals, Al equipment. the participating delegations. Tehran “We learn from our experi- Sadd had scored 20 goals in the “We appreciate the eff orts The medals have been de- ences and try to implement a competition, more goals than any made by TaiShan and extend our signed in Arabic and include Is- strategy but once the game starts of the other three semi-fi nalists, greetings to all the employees of lamic inscriptions refl ecting the l Sadd are just one step things could change,” he said. but they failed to add to their the Chinese company for their culture of Qatar. away from qualifying Refl ecting on the narrow loss tally at home in the fi rst leg, the for the Asian Cham- in the fi rst leg, Ferreira said with a fi rst time Ferreira’s men failed to pions League fi nal, but bit of luck things could have been score at Jassim bin Hamad Sta- Awith Iran’s Persepolis standing diff erent. dium in the 2018 AFC Champi- in their way, they would have “In the fi rst game we were not ons League, and it cost them the to play out of their skins to get bad. We did everything in our result. there. power and so did Persepolis. But The 2011 champions face a dif- A clash at the imposing and unfortunately, they had the luck. fi cult task to come away with a intimidating Azadi Stadium in We hope luck is on our side in the result from Azadi Stadium, but Tehran is not for the faint-heart- game tomorrow.” they are all too familiar with how ed. A crowd in excess of 60,000 He also called for stricter ref- to make it happen, having de- spectators is expected to watch ereeing, saying offi cials should feated Persepolis’ arch rivals, Es- the match today that pitches two see to it that Persepolis don’t teghlal, 3-1 in Tehran in the quar- of the strongest teams in West indulge in gamesmanship and ter-fi nal fi rst leg, before settling Asia. time-wasting tactics. for a 2-2 draw in Doha to advance Persepolis had become the fi rst Al Sadd star Gabi, who has to the next step. team to defeat Al Sadd at Jas- played in two European Cham- The star of the two quarter- sim bin Hamad Stadium in the pions League fi nals with Atletico fi nal legs was 21-year-old Akram 2018 edition, after weathering an Madrid, said he can’t wait to play Afi f, the midfi elder on loan from avalanche of Qatari attacks for 85 in the Asian fi nal. Spanish side Villarreal, who minutes and then hitting on the Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira talks to journalists at his pre-match “Playing the AFC Champi- scored a goal apiece in each leg counter, forcing goalkeeper Saad press conference. ons League fi nal for Al Sadd will and was brought down inside the al-Sheeb to concede a penalty be something historic for me. box for the penalty that allowed that resulted in the winner. the narrow, gritty wins they are In fact, Al Sadd coach Jesualdo It’s something that motivates Baghdad Bounedjah to equalise Having edged the fi rst leg, known for. Ferreira was pretty much certain me a great deal and I am looking in the fi rst leg. there’s no doubt Persepolis hold However, this strategy could that playing an attacking game forward to the match,” said the The Qatari international has the advantage. sometimes boomerang, especial- was the only option they had. Spaniard. been key for Al Sadd’s journey Their defence-oriented ap- ly against Al Sadd, a team known “What would you do if you “Everybody at Al Sadd have to the semi-fi nals, starting 10 of proach – where they give their ri- for their free-fl owing, attacking were in my place? We are one goal been wonderful and we look their 11 games in the competi- vals no leeway – has worked well style. down and we are playing a must- forward to creating history once tion and contributing two goals for them. With a power-packed for- win match. In such a scenario again. The Azadi Stadium is sim- and three assists. A repeat of his They are not known for fl air ward-line that boasts Bagh- we have no option but to attack,” ilar to some of the biggest stadi- performance against Esteghlal at or showmanship and believe in dad Bounedjah and Akram Afi f, the veteran Portuguese tactician ums in Europe and the atmos- Azadi Stadium today would go a Ali al-Hitmi, Executive Manager of the Organising Committee and breaking down their opponents Al Sadd can prove more than a said. However, he also went on to phere will be electric. But we are long way towards helping Al Sadd President Qatar Gymnastics Federation, with Gang Cui, Chairman, bit by bit, a fact evidenced by handful for the best of defences. add that things always don’t go ready for the gig occasion.” turn the table on Persepolis. TaiShan, the company providing equipment for the championships. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 23, 2018 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Chelsea assistant charged over Mourinho fracas

Chelsea assistant coach Marco Ianni has been charged with improper conduct in a touchline flare-up with Jose Mourinho that led the Football Association to remind the Manchester United manager Mourinho bats off of his responsibilities. Tensions escalated in front of the Stam- ford Bridge tunnel after Ross Barkley’s equaliser deep into stoppage time saw Chelsea secure a 2-2 draw on Saturday. Former Chelsea manager Mourinho was angered by the way Ianni, an assistant Real return to focus to current Blues boss Maurizio Sarri, celebrated in front of the United bench. Portuguese coach Mourinho leapt from his seat and had to be restrained by security staff as a melee ensued. on stopping Ronaldo Nainggolan faces lengthy absence aft er ankle injury

Inter Milan have suggested that mid- ‘I would like to stay after my contract ends All I’m thinking about is Manchester United’ fielder Radja Nainggolan could be out for several weeks, starting with tomor- AFP row’s Champions League match at Manchester Barcelona, after he suff ered a sprained ankle during the derby against AC Milan on Sunday. The 30-year-old, Inter’s prize anchester United manager signing in the close season when he Jose Mourinho gave short joined the club for 38mn euros from AS shrift when quizzed on the Roma, was injured during the first half possibility of a sensational in a challenge by Milan midfielder Lucas Mreturn to Real Madrid as he prepares Biglia. “The results confirmed that he for a reunion with one of his old pupils, has sprained his left ankle. The mid- Cristiano Ronaldo, and Juventus in the fielder’s condition will be reassessed in Champions League today. the coming weeks,” said Inter. A run of fi ve games without a win has left Real boss Julen Lopetegui on the brink of the sack just four months Former Serie C boss named after accepting the thankless task new Italian FA president of replacing Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu after three straight Cham- Gabriele Gravina, the former head pions League titles. Mourinho’s fu- of Italy’s third division Lega Pro, was ture at United is also in doubt with the elected president of the Italian football Red Devils languishing in 10th in the federation (FIGC), almost a year after Premier League, nine points off rivals the resignation of his predecessor. The Manchester City and Liverpool, just 65-year-old Gravina was the only can- nine games into the new season. didate in the running and earned 97.2% However, the Portuguese batted of votes in the first round to secure away a series of questions from Span- the position. Gravina, previously one ish and Italian journalists on whether of three candidates in an unsuccessful a Real return would interest him at Old January election, stood down from his Traff ord yesterday, highlighting that Lega Pro post last week in preparation he signed an extended contract just for his renewed bid to become the FIGC this year till 2020. chief. Carlo Tavecchio resigned from “No, I’m happy here. I’m happy to the job last November following the see my contract out to the very last national side’s failure to qualify for the day of that contract and I would like World Cup in Russia. to stay after my contract ends,” said Mourinho. “All I’m thinking about is Manchester United.” Czech coach Hapal takes Ronaldo is returning to Old Traff ord over Slovak national team for just the second time since he left United to join Madrid for a world record Former Czech international Pavel Hapal fee in 2009. The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or will take charge of Slovakia, replacing winner made his name in Manchester, Jan Kozak who quit earlier this month, but showed no mercy on his last visit the Slovak Football Association said. when he and Mourinho teamed up to Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho (centre) watches as his team trains at the Carrington Training complex in Manchester yesterday. (AFP) The FA has approved Hapal until Euro dump United out of the Champions 2020 with an option to extend the deal. League in 2013. And Mourinho is well Europe and deliver a fi rst Champions Mourinho was encouraged by his ment,” said the Belgian striker. “Then TODAY'S CHAMPIONS “Coaching any national team is an hon- aware of the challenge he faces in set- League title for 23 years. And Mour- side’s second-half reaction in coming in the second half we did everything LEAGUE FIXTURES our — and particularly Slovakia. I was ting up a defence that has conceded 16 inho believes Italian champions are from behind in a 2-2 against Chelsea we said we wanted to do in the fi rst GROUP E: AEK Athens vs Bayern born in Czechoslovakia after all,” Hapal times in the Premier League already the favourites to win this year’s com- on Saturday, despite the disappoint- half. We do it always in the second told the FA website. Munich; Ajax vs Benfica this season to stop the top scorer in petition. “For the last fi ve years or so ment of conceding a 96th-minute half and that’s why we come back to Founded exactly 100 years ago, Czecho- the Champions League for the past six they’ve been real contenders to win equaliser. And Romelu Lukaku called get great results. But now the key is GROUP F: Shakhtar Donetsk vs slovakia split into the Czech Republic seasons. “He is one of the best players the title. They’ve been to a couple of on United to start games with the same to start games how we start them in Manchester City; Hoff enheim vs Lyon and Slovakia in 1993. of all time,” added Mourinho. “It’s as fi nals, they’ve won Scudetti on the trot intensity they have fi nished in recent the second half, and maintain it as The 49-year-old Hapal, who played simple as that.” and they have a really special player, weeks having also turned around a 2-0 much as we can.” Both sides have been GROUP G: Real Madrid vs Viktoria 31 games for Czechoslovakia and the After winning seven straight Ital- who makes a real diff erence as well. defi cit to beat Newcastle 3-2 before dealt injury blows with Alexis Sanchez Plzen; Roma vs CSKA Moscow Czech Republic, has coached several ian titles, Juventus splashed 112mn As far as I’m concerned, Juventus are the international break. missing for United, while Juventus GROUP H: Young Boys vs Valencia; Slovak teams. He led MSK Zilina to the euros ($129mn) on a 33-year-old Ro- more than just a contender this season “The fi rst half we just started slow. travelled without Sami Khedira and Manchester United vs Juventus Slovak title and into the Champions naldo to take them one step further in to win the Champions League.” No initiative on the ball and no move- Mario Mandzukic. League group stage in 2010.

MLS CUP SPOTLIGHT Rooney brace propels DC into Juventus’ Ronaldo insists he is an playoff s, Galaxy stay alive AFP ‘example’ amid rape allegations Washington AFP Manchester ormer Manchester United and England Star Wayne Rooney scored twice to push DC United to a 3-1 victory over New York smiling Cristiano Ron- City FC and into the MLS Cup playoff s on aldo insisted yesterday FSunday. The victory in the penultimate weekend he is an “example” in of the regular season capped a remarkable resur- his behaviour on and gence for DC United, who were languishing at the offA the fi eld amid allegations of foot of the table when Rooney arrived in Wash- rape made against the fi ve-time ington in July. Ballon d’Or winner in the United Until that point they had just two wins from States. “I know I am an example, 14 matches and appeared headed for another 100%, in the pitch and outside disappointing season. Now they have won 12 of the pitch,” Ronaldo told a press 18 games to clinch their spot in the post-season. conference ahead of his return Rooney opened the scoring in the eighth minute, to Manchester United, where tapping in his team-leading 11th goal of the sea- he spent six years as a player, son after Luciano Acosta eluded three New York with Juventus in the Champions defenders to reach the end line and cut the ball League. back to Rooney. A former American model Ka- Acosta doubled DC’s lead in the 24th minute, thryn Mayorga, 34, has accused curling in a strong shot from outside the area. Ronaldo of raping her on June 13, Rooney converted from the penalty spot in the 2009 just before he joined Real 74th minute after Alex Ring handled the ball in the Madrid from United. Ronaldo penalty box. Spain’s David Villa pulled back a goal strenuously denied the allega- for New York in the 78th minute, but his low shot tions in a statement just over two Juventus’ Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo attends a press conference in Manchester. (AFP) that went in off the far post wasn’t enough for a weeks ago and has been backed New York City FC side that had already punched by his new club. Sports express their concern. ons Leagues. On his only previ- game in charge and since his re- their post-season ticket. DC United forward Wayne Rooney celebrates “I am always smiling, I am However, Ronaldo’s form on ous return with Madrid in 2013, tirement, United have fallen on Rooney’s former Manchester United teammate after scoring against the New York City FC on happy man, I’m blessed that I the pitch hasn’t been aff ected as Ronaldo received a hero’s wel- hard times. After short-lived Zlatan Ibrahimovic came through for an LA Gal- Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) play in a fantastic club, I have a the Portuguese has scored fi ve come, but went on to score the tenures for David Moyes and axy team fi ghting for their playoff lives. fantastic family, I have four kids, goals in his last six Serie A ap- winning goal as Real progressed Louis Van Gaal, United manager Ibrahimovic’s header off a cross from Rolf Felt- West with a home win against the Houston Dy- I am healthy,” added Ronaldo. “I pearances. “I’m not going to lie in 3-2 on aggregate in a contentious Jose Mourinho is now battling to scher in the 30th minute sparked the Galaxy to a namo next Sunday. have everything. So the rest, it this situation,” he added. Champions League last 16 tie. save his job with the Red Devils 3-1 victory over Minnesota United that kept them The top spot in the West will be up for grabs in doesn’t interfere on me. I’m very, “My lawyers they are confi - “To return here to Manchester languishing in 10th in the Pre- in the hunt for a post-season spot. Ola Kamara the fi nal week after FC Dallas’ 3-0 loss to Sport- very well.” dent and of course I am too. The is a huge emotion. When I saw mier League. and Romain Alessandrini scored two quick goals ing Kansas City. That left Kansas City at the top In his fi rst press conference most important (thing) is I enjoy the draw, I remembered the his- By contrast, Juventus failed to in the space of a minute in the second half before on 59 points with Dallas and Los Angeles FC also since the allegations arose, Ro- the football, I enjoy my life. The tory I made here,” he added. win for the fi rst time this season Angelo Rodriguez pulled one back for Minnesota. in the chase. naldo seemed keen to stress his rest, I have people who take care “I won all the trophies here: in all competitions in a 1-1 draw The victory coupled with Real Salt Lake’s 3-0 In the East, Atlanta defeated the Chicago Fire happiness in his new surround- of my life. Of course, the truth is Champions League, leagues, (Ronaldo scoring) with Genoa loss to the Portland Timbers put the Galaxy just 2-1 to move closer to clinching the Supporters’ ings in Italy after joining Juve always coming in the fi rst posi- cups, I remembered the fans and on Saturday, but United retain one point behind Salt Lake for the fi nal playoff Shield awarded to the team that tops the regular- from Madrid for 112mn euros tion. So, I’m good.” I remembered one of the people Ronaldo’s respect. “We have to berth in the Western Conference with a game in season standings. The New York Red Bulls are ($128mn) in July. Off the field, the Ronaldo made his name in who helped me most, Sir Alex respect Man United. They are a hand. the only other team in the hunt for the shield, a allegations saw Juventus’ share Manchester with United, win- Ferguson.” fantastic team, they have an ex- Portland sealed their own playoff spot, and the victory over Philadelphia putting them one point price fall sharply and Ronaldo’s ning three Premier League titles Defeat to Madrid fi ve years ago perienced coach but I expect and Galaxy can grab the sixth and fi nal berth in the behind Atlanta. personal sponsors Nike and EA and the fi rst of his fi ve Champi- was Ferguson’s fi nal European hope Juventus win the game.” Gulf Times Tuesday, October 23, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A LIGUE 1 Nice continue Last-gasp Icardi to struggle with Marseille loss AFP header grabs Inter Paris atrick Vieira’s Nice slumped to a fourth de- feat in fi ve home league games this season as PMorgan Sanson’s fi rst-half strike fi red Marseille to a 1-0 win in Milan derby spoils Ligue 1 on Sunday night. It was a laboured performance from Nice, who sit 14th in the table and only two points above the Argentinian pounced on a mistake by goalkeeper Donnarumma to nod home relegation play-off spot, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Marseille. Marseille’s Morgan Sanson Vieira may need a good run of celebrates after scoring against results if he is to keep his job long Nice on Sunday. (AFP) enough to take on former Arse- nal and France teammate Thierry clear down the right-hand side Henry when his side visit Mo- and crossed for Sanson to smart- naco on December 8. ly turn and fi re into the bottom For Marseille, all eyes will now corner. Nice plugged away in be on next Sunday’s clash with search of an equaliser but never arch rivals and runaway league looked like having the quality leaders Paris Saint-Germain at to break through, with centre- the Velodrome. The hosts went back Dante’s looping volley onto into the match having mustered the roof of the net the best eff ort only seven goals in nine league Vieira’s men could muster. games this season, and Vieira Balotelli, who was strongly responded by handing Mario Ba- linked with Marseille during the lotelli just his third start of the close-season before opting to campaign up front. stay at Nice, has failed to score The fi rst decent chance at the this term after netting 43 goals Allianz Riviera fell to the Italy over the last two campaigns. international, but after latch- Earlier on Sunday, Montpellier ing onto a long ball forward from moved into third as goals from Dante his well-struck volley was Gaetan Laborde and Andy Delort kept out by the legs of Marseille sealed a 2-0 win over Bordeaux, goalkeeper Steve Mandanda. while Saint-Etienne drew 1-1 A clever dummy from Balotelli against Rennes. Henry suff ered a created space for Allan Saint- miserable return to French foot- Maximin, but his shot was tame ball on Saturday as Monaco lost and easily gathered by Mandan- at Strasbourg in his fi rst match as da. The away side grabbed the a head coach, while PSG thrashed lead in the 42nd minute, though, Amiens to make it 10 successive as full-back Bouna Sarr skipped wins to start the season.

Bolt ‘off ered cut-price deal’ in Australia

Sydney: Australia’s Central other sponsors also topping it Coast Mariners have off ered up. Mariners owner Mike Char- sprint superstar Usain Bolt a lesworth had initially pledged contract, reports said yester- Aus$1.5mn, but the deal now of- day, but the club’s coach said fered to the sprinter was much he knows nothing about it. The less than this, it added. eight-time Olympic champion The 100m world-record has been on trial with the A- holder, who retired from athlet- League side since arriving in ics last year, has previously Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi (centre) heads the ball past AC Milan’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Italian Serie A match at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (AFP) August to fulfil his dream of tried out with clubs in Germany, becoming a professional foot- South Africa and Norway. The AFP a salary,” former Roma coach Spalletti he was booked despite appearing to have cause of Donnarumma,” insisted Milan baller. He scored two goals in a 32-year-old’s form so far has Rome said. “I came here to organise the future been stamped on by Nainggolan before boss Gattuso. “We lost because we didn’t pre-season friendly last week been criticised by several pun- of Inter and the players must do the same. the Belgian hobbled off . play with the right courage, we were dis- and on Thursday turned down dits, but his two goals captured I liked that after the fi nal whistle, Icardi Nominal home side Inter looked the tracted and conceded a naive goal.” a two-year, trial-free deal from the imagination of the sporting aptain Mauro Icardi struck a said we must fi nd consistency and keep more likely to fi nd a breakthrough in the Earlier, late goals from Ciro Immobile cashed-up Maltese champions public. Club coach Mike Mulvey dramatic injury-time winner as pushing. Inter chose us to bring this side fi rst half, with Ivan Perisic seeing a head- and Joaquin Correa gave Lazio a 2-0 win Valletta. “I can confirm Usain said he had heard nothing of Inter Milan stunned AC Milan back to the level that the fans deserve.” er palmed away by Donnarumma and at Parma. Promoted in each of the three has been off ered a contract by an off er, and cast doubt on 1-0 in the derby at the San Siro There was an injury blow for Inter Stefan de Vrij striking the crossbar with a seasons since their bankruptcy, Parma Central Coast Mariners,” the whether Bolt, who likes to play toC retake third place in Serie A on Sun- ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League twisting volley. Out of nowhere AC Milan have impressed this season but their late Jamaican’s agent Ricky Simms up front, would make the grade day night. The Argentinian pounced on clash against Barcelona, though, with thought they had taken the lead short- capitulation saw the visiting Roman out- told the BBC. given the quality of players he a mistake by goalkeeper Gianluigi Don- Radja Nainggolan substituted midway ly before half-time, but it was Mateo fi t into the top four. The club had no immediate already has at his disposal. “You narumma to nod home in the second through the fi rst half after tangling with Musacchio’s turn to be denied by the Ex-Italy boss Gian Piero Ventura re- comment yesterday, but Syd- have a look at our front line minute of added time after an otherwise AC midfi elder Lucas Biglia. “Nainggolan linesman’s fl ag. Inter had a couple of sec- turned to coaching but failed to guide ney’s Daily Telegraph said he today and you wonder whether forgettable match, leaving Gennaro Gat- has been chopped down,” added Spalletti. ond-half chances from set-pieces, with tailenders Chievo to their fi rst win of the had been off ered only a fraction he could get into any of those tuso’s Milan without a win in the last fi ve “We have to take him to the hospital and Matias Vecino nodding over and Perisic season. Relegation rivals Atalanta ripped of the Aus$3mn (US$2.1mn) that positions. Wouldn’t you?” league derbies. see. He won’t be with us for a while.” seeing a thunderous strike blocked. Chievo apart in a 5-1 home mauling for his management had discussed Mulvey said after the team But Inter continued their recent re- AC Milan remain down in 12th after The game appeared to be petering out Ventura in his fi rst game since being months ago when the prospect drew their opening A-League surgence under Luciano Spalletti after seeing their eight-game unbeaten run into a goalless draw, but Donnaruma sacked last November after Italy failed of a trial was first mooted. game of the season 1-1 away to fi nishing fourth last term to qualify for in all competitions ended. Icardi had the came and failed to claim a speculative to reach the World Cup fi nals for the fi rst The newspaper said the Brisbane Roar on Sunday. the Champions League for the fi rst time ball in the net early on, but the striker’s right-wing cross from Vecino, and Icardi time since 1958. Two other clubs also potential deal put together in The Mariners boast Aston since 2011-12, moving to within six points eff ort was ruled out for off side after a headed into the unguarded net to score locked in the relegation zone shared the May — on the premise of Bolt Villa striker Ross McCormack on of leaders Juventus, after their 1-1 home check with VAR. Although the opening his fourth league goal of the campaign points as Frosinone and Empoli drew 3-3 passing a trial first — was based their payroll, after the Scottish draw with Genoa on Saturday. stages of the game were not overfl owing and spark jubilant scenes among the Inter in a game where Frosinone doubled their on Football Federation Australia international agreed a season- “I came here to win, not to just sit on a with attacking quality, there was plenty fans in the stands. season’s goals tally to six and their points contributing Aus$750,000 and long loan deal. bench for a season and try to bring home of niggle, with Biglia left incensed after “We lost the game together, not be- tally to two.

FOCUS Loud and clear: English teen stars Sancho, Nelson shine in Germany AFP moved to Germany to help him settle with a free-kick for England Under- thing I wanted to do,” Nelson said. Berlin in. “Sinsheim is a little village where 21s against Scotland after netting as “Julian’s a great manager and he’s everyone loves football,” he said re- a sub in a 7-0 thrashing of Andorra. got belief in young players so it’s a cently. The fi rst-team exposure Sancho good place for me to go and play. It hey may be struggling with Fresh from winning his fi rst cap for and Nelson are enjoying is payback was hard to leave my boyhood club the language, but when it England, Sancho opened the scor- for the gamble they took on the Bun- Arsenal, but I know I have to put that comes to playing football in ing for German league leaders Dort- desliga. Sancho recently extended on hold and go and play abroad to get Germany, English teenagers mund in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing his Dortmund contract until 2022, some experience in Germany.” TJadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson are of Stuttgart. Sancho should keep his which has no release clause. Nelson’s arrival in Sinsheim coin- making themselves perfectly under- place against Atletico Madrid for to- “It’s going to be a big game for us,” cided with the end of Germany wing- stood. The 18-year-olds have both morrow’s Group A showdown in the said Sancho before the Atletico clash er Serge Gnabry’s loan from Bayern seized their chances in the Bundes- Champions League, but was quick to with both Dortmund and Madrid Munich. “What he (Nelson) brings liga and are expected to play key roles acknowledge the fi rst-team oppor- having won their fi rst two games. with his tempo and his one-on-one in the Champions League this week. tunities Dortmund give him. “We’ll give it our best.” ability, we didn’t have so much of Sancho joined Borussia Dort- “Honestly, them giving me op- Nelson and Sancho are just the that in the squad,” said Nagelsmann. mund in August 2017, rejecting a portunities at such a young age, I latest English imports to German “Reiss is a player whose qualities can contract extension at Manchester just have to thank the club and all football after Ademola Lookman, be compared to those of Serge Gna- City, while Nelson is on loan at Hof- my family that have been behind me 21, spent last season at RB Leipzig bry, but just not so well developed.” fenheim from Arsenal. Both admit from the start,” Sancho said. “I am and Reece Oxford, 19, was at Borus- Nelson arrived in Hoff enheim with playing in a foreign country presents really happy to be part of this team sia Moenchengladbach. In previ- glowing references. Former Arsenal particular challenges, not least the and just have to keep working hard in ous generations, the likes of Kevin defender Martin Keown says Nelson German language. Sancho conducts training.” Keegan, Owen Hargreaves, Mark has “the sort of touches you often see his interviews in English but admits Sancho has dazzled with six as- Hughes, Paul Lambert and Tony or associate with a Neymar or a real he’s “working on my German” while sists and two goals in the Bundesliga, Woodcock all enjoyed successful top player”. Nelson has the advantage of hav- forging a potent partnership with spells for British players in Germany. After Sancho made the step up ing a German father. “I’ve settled in Germany star Marco Reus. Not to be Nelson has four goals in four Bun- to the senior English team, Nelson well and I’m enjoying it. My dad is outdone, Nelson netted with a volley, desliga appearances having signed hopes to follow as England manager German too, from near Munich, so I then claimed a superb second goal a fi ve-year deal with Arsenal before Gareth Southgate is clearly keep- knew what to expect and I’m learning from a tight angle in Hoff enheim’s heading on loan to Hoff enheim. “A ing an eye on Germany. “Gareth has the language with an app – it’s going 3-1 win at Nuremberg on Saturday. loan wasn’t always my fi rst option, made it clear that the pathway is well,” explained Nelson. His performance suggests he will but when I heard the Bundesliga and there so if you’re young and you’re He has plenty of family support in also play against Lyon today. His Hoff enheim was an option for me good, he’ll give you a chance,” said his new surroundings — his mother, Bundesliga brace capped a brilliant and working with the manager (Ju- Nelson. “I’m trying to get in there Hoff enheim’s Reiss Nelson (left) and Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. sister and brother all temporarily week for Nelson, who also scored lian Nagelsmann) there, it was some- and do my magic.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 23, 2018 SPORT

REACTION Australia, England reject cricket fi xing as probe launched AFP appear to have delivered a fi x,” it erning body’s anti-corruption anyone trying to compromise Sydney said, pointing to purported re- unit Alex Marshall. the integrity of the game, and to Sri Lanka seeks Indian help to tackle match-fi xing cordings of a match-fi xer calling “As you would expect we will suggest anything otherwise is in the fi xes to a notorious Indian again take the contents of the unsubstantiated and incorrect,” AFP in a proper manner. India prom- Sanath Jayasuriya, a member ustralia and England bookmaker linked to organised programme and any allegations CA chief executive James Suth- Colombo ised to help us in drafting legisla- of the 1996 World Cup winning yesterday rejected crime. it may make seriously and will erland said yesterday. “We have tion too,” the minister said after squad, is under investigation by fresh allegations about It alleged that the suspected investigate fully.” full confi dence in our players in returning from New Delhi. the International Cricket Coun- corruption in cricket fi xes were usually carried out by The ICC also launched a probe also protecting the game.” ndia has offered to assist Sri Lanka promised to establish a cil’s anti-corruption unit, along byA television news channel Al batsmen who agreed to under- after the original Al Jazeera doc- Prior to the latest broadcast, Sri Lanka with its inquiry special police unit to investigate with several others. Jazeera, which claimed there had perform. umentary and in August Marshall CA’s Integrity Unit conducted Iinto match-fixing in cricket match-fixing after a documentary been 26 spot-fi xing incidents in Among the matches cited were said “we have been able to dis- a review of the claims, which it and drafting laws to combat aired in May alleged massive OFFICIAL ARRESTED 15 international matches. England against India at Lord’s, count a number of claims made said came from a “known crimi- cheating in the game, a Sri global corruption in cricket. Sri Lankan police arrested a top In a follow-up documentary South Africa versus Australia in in the programme and continue nal source”. Lankan cabinet minister said Galle groundsman Tharanga cricket board off icial yesterday to one aired earlier this year, the Cape Town, and several games to pursue other aspects”. “From the limited information yesterday. Indika and professional crick- over a $5.5 million fraud involv- broadcaster reported on Sunday during England’s series against That documentary alleged provided by Al Jazeera, our team “I made the request, and Prime eter Tharindu Mendis allegedly ing the sale of television rights that a small group of England Pakistan in the United Arab corruption among Australia and have not identifi ed any issues Minister Modi immediately put speculated about fixing the for the ongoing England tour of players allegedly cheated in seven Emirates. England players in games in 2016 of corruption by any current or me in touch with the CBI (Cen- pitch to ensure a result in under the island, a spokesman said. games between 2011 and 2012. The International Cricket and 2017. former player,” said Sutherland. tral Bureau of Investigation),” four days in the Test against Ruwan Gunasekera said the It claimed Australian players Council said it had launched an Those claims were dismissed The ECB was also adamant that said Sri Lanka’s Petroleum England. chief financial off icer at Sri were similarly involved in fi ve investigation and would work by both countries, with the latest the claims lacked credibility. Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, who Both men have been suspended Lanka Cricket (SLC), Nandika matches over the same period, with professional independent documentary sparking a similar “Analysis of this by the ECB also skippered Sri Lanka during by Sri Lanka Cricket pending an Dissanayake, was taken into Pakistan players in three and betting analysts. response from Cricket Australia integrity team has cast no doubt their World Cup victory in 1996. ICC investigation. A third man, custody as the main suspect in players from other, unidentifi ed, “The ICC is committed to and the England Cricket Board. on the integrity or behaviour of “We don’t have the expertise or provincial coach Jeevantha Ku- the bank fraud after the board teams in one match. working to uphold integrity in “Cricket Australia takes a ze- any England player, current or the laws to deal with this problem latunga, was also suspended. filed a complaint two weeks ago. “In some cases, both teams cricket,” said the head of the gov- ro-tolerance approach against former,” it said in a statement.

FOCUS CRICKET Australia romp to Herath to retire aft er win over UAE in one-off T20 contest

AFP The other two matches will Abu Dhabi be played in Dubai on Friday and Sunday. fi rst England Test Nathan Coulter-Nile and Billy ’Arcy Short smacked an Stanlake fi nished with identical unbeaten half-century bowling fi gures of two for 20 as Sri Lankan spin ace will bring down the curtain on his career at Galle, his debut venue as Australia cruised to UAE lost wickets at regular in- a seven-wicket victory tervals before Shaiman Anwar overD United Arab Emirates in a top-scored with 41 and Moham- Reuters Sri Lanka includes Colombo lone Twenty20 international in mad Naveed made 27 not out. ambidextrous Abu Dhabi yesterday. Anwar hit three bounda- bowler in T20 squad Short struck eight bounda- ries and two sixes during his ri Lanka’s Rangana ries as he fi nished 68 not out off 44-ball knock while Naveed Herath, the most suc- AFP 53 balls to help Australia chase also smashed two sixes and two cessful left-arm spinner Colombo down a modest 118-run target boundaries in his 13-ball innings. in Test history, will retire in 16.1 overs after UAE were re- afterS the series opener against stricted to 117-6. BRIEF SCORES: UAE 117 for 6 England in Galle next month, ri Lanka yesterday Short overcame the loss of in 20 overs (Shaiman Anwar 41, the country’s cricket board said included a 20-year-old skipper Aaron Finch (one) and Mohamed Naveed 27; N. Coulter- yesterday. Sambidextrous bowler Chris Lynn (20) as Australia Nile 2-20, B. Stanlake 2-20) lost The 40-year-old, who has in its 15-member squad for tuned up for their three-match to Australia 119-3 in 16.1 overs been managing knee injuries for the one-off Twenty20 match T20 series against Pakistan (D. Short 68 not out; Amir Hayat several years, will bring down against England. starting in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. 2-26) by seven wickets the curtain on his glorious ca- Kamindu Mendis, who has reer at the same venue where he played under-19 matches, was made his debut 19 years ago. brought into the squad led by Sri Lanka Cricket said Her- Thisara Perera for Saturday’s Pakistan cricket offi cials uphold ban ath had a discussion with board match at Premadasa Interna- Chief Executive Ashley De Silva tional Stadium in Colombo against opener Jamshed and the selectors and informed had said he was contemplating fi ve-wicket hauls and has taken 2010 — also at Galle. under lights. them of his decision to retire af- retirement in November. He re- 10 wickets or more on nine oc- His fi rst 14 Tests yielded just A Pakistani cricket tribunal yesterday upheld a 10-year ban on ter the Test match in Galle. tired from one-day and twen- casions. 36 wickets as he struggled to T20 SQUAD: Thisara Perera former opener Nasir Jamshed over his role in various fixing “We respect and support ty20 internationals in 2016. Never one to extract prodigious keep his place in the Test side (captain), Dinesh Chandi- scandals that rocked the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Rangana’s decision even though “Maybe my fi nal series will turn off the pitch like Sri Lankan and it was only after he had mal, Niroshan Dickwella, 28-year-old — one of six players banned for multiple charges of his retirement will be a big loss be the England series later in the spin great Muttiah Muralitharan turned 31 that Herath bloomed Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, spot fixing — was sanctioned by an anti-corruption tribunal in for Sri Lanka Cricket,” De Silva year,” he told the BBC. “There could do, Herath relied more on into a match-winning spinner Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun August for his role in the scandal, which tainted the Twenty20 said in a brief SLC statement. comes a time for every cricketer, his unrelenting accuracy and sub- for the island nation. Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, tournament in only its second year. “The independent adjudica- “We wish to thank him for the when they have to stop playing. I tle changes of pace and fl ight of Herath has been the leader of Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, tor has found the ban was ‘perfectly justified’ and shall continue invaluable contribution he has think that time has come for me.” the ball to trouble batsmen. Sri Lanka’s spin attack since the Akila Dhananjaya, Dushman- to remain in force,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in made to Sri Lanka Cricket.” Herath has taken 430 wickets For most of his career he was retirement of Muralitharan but tha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, a statement. Jamshed was first banned for 12 months by the Ahead of Sri Lanka’s two- in 92 Tests and is 10th on the list overshadowed by Muralitharan, the persistent knee injuries have Lakshan Sandakan and same tribunal last December for failing to cooperate with the match Test series against South of most successful bowlers in who took 800 Tests wickets be- limited his outings over the last Nuwan Pradeep. investigation. The cricketer has been enmeshed in controversy Africa at home in July, Herath the fi ve-day format. He has 34 fore retiring from the format in few years. since allegations broke he had eff ectively been a “lynchpin who approached and solicited other players” in spot-fixing in PSL matches played in the United Arab Emirates. The other players FORMULA 1 banned in the PSL spot-fixing tribunal were Sharjeel Khan (five years with two and a half suspended), Khalid Latif (five years), Mohamed Irfan (one year with six months suspended) and Mohamed Nawaz (two months, one suspended). You can’t win them all, says patient Hamilton Home of Malaysian cricket under

Reuters the Ferrari driver fourth. said Hamilton, appearing at the space just to be sure that I didn’t closure threat Austin, Texas He will now have to wait until podium news conference with get clipped, for example, didn’t Mexico next weekend for another Ferrari’s race winner Kimi Raik- get taken out because I didn’t Malaysia’s top cricket stadium, which has hosted some of the shot at becoming only the third konen and Red Bull’s Max Ver- know if you would understeer game’s greats, may have to be abandoned after a property de- ewis Hamilton driver to win fi ve titles or more. stappen. into me or could be aggressive,” veloper decided to turf out the sport’s local governing body, an shrugged off having his Mercedes did not help his cause “Championships are not won said the Briton. off icial said yesterday. The Kinrara Oval, which was built in 2003 Formula One title cel- with a strategy that left him hav- by fi ghting and making silly “The key was that I at least and has hosted one-day internationals featuring India, Australia ebrations put on hold on ing to pit twice, against rivals mistakes,” added the Briton, fi nished ahead of Seb and for me and the West Indies, and Under-19 World Cup games, sits on LSunday and said it did not mat- stopping only once, but Hamilton who had started on pole posi- it doesn’t matter when you win a plot of prime land west of the capital Kuala Lumpur. But the ter when or where he won his also admitted he had played it safe tion and arrived in Austin on the the championship as long as you Malaysian Cricket Association’s lease has expired and they have fi fth championship as long as it with so much at stake. drop another point — wins. back of four wins in a row and six get it done,” he said. been told to leave by the end of the month to make way for a came in the end. The fi nishing positions still “Honestly I was trying to out of the last seven. “Ultimately we wanted to win new development. The association has mounted a campaign to The Briton would have made the ultimate goal a fore- win the race but you look at the Hamilton had been nose to the race today and I think go- try to save the oval, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) wrapped up matters at the US gone conclusion with the Mer- two guys next to me, they’re tail with Verstappen in the clos- ing backwards two steps is not at the weekend threw its weight behind the eff ort. The Pakistan Grand Prix had he beaten Sebas- cedes driver needing only to not fi ghting for a championship ing laps and made his move with a good result but...you can’t win women’s team are currently playing Australia’s women in a one- tian Vettel by eight points but fi nish seventh in Mexico even if so I had to be very, very careful two to go. them all, you can’t always get day international series at the stadium. fell short, fi nishing third with Vettel — who cannot aff ord to how I navigated around them,” “I gave him way too much them perfect.”

SPOTLIGHT Raikkonen back on top aft er more than fi ve years

Reuters While Italian Riccardo Patrese wait- oldest race winner since Britain’s Ni- fi ciently in practice, a sanction that Austin, Texas ed six years and seven months and 99 gel Mansell triumphed at the age of 41 dropped him to fi fth and lifted the Finn races between his 1983 South African in Australia in 1994. to the front row. Grand Prix victory and 1990 San Ma- Sunday was his 21st, and 10th for He made the most of the start, lead- he last time Kimi Raikkonen rino win, Raikkonen has set a record Ferrari. ing Hamilton into the fi rst corner and stood on top of a Formula One for most races between wins. He did not have a family last time stayed in front thanks to having a bet- podium, Lewis Hamilton had It may well prove to be his last, but round either and he looked forward ter tyre strategy than his Mercedes ri- just joined Mercedes with one such thoughts were for another time. to going home with something new to val and Vettel being too far behind to Tchampionship to his name and Sebas- “I’m proving (to) people certain show his children. have to swap places. tian Vettel was riding high with Red things. I might be getting older but it’s “They probably fall asleep during “He did a great job today. No mis- Bull. not too bad still,” said the 2007 world the race but the wife probably looked takes, he had a great start and man- The 39-year-old Finn’s victory champion, who is leaving Ferrari at the at it,” he said. aged it all the way,” said Hamilton at for Ferrari in Sunday’s US Grand Prix end of the season to join Sauber, the “I’m more than happy for all of us. the post-race news conference. ended a winless run of 113 races dating team he started out with in 2001. It’s nice to win again — but like I said, “Performance-wise we were defi - back to victory with Lotus in Australia “It was a great day to prove some it doesn’t change my life or they don’t nitely off this weekend but I think in March 2013. people wrong and having a good race look at me diff erently.” Kimi’s given me a lot of confi dence, so In the 2,044 days since then, Lotus but it doesn’t really change anything Raikkonen was helped by Vettel, that I can keep getting better,” added have disappeared, taken over by Re- for me. It’s just a number. Life goes now his Ferrari teammate and title the 33-year-old Briton. “He’s 38? 39?” nault, and Hamilton is on the brink of on.” contender, being handed a three-place “Next year 40,” replied a smiling celebrating his fi fth championship. Raikkonen is now Formula One’s grid penalty for failing to slow suf- Raikkonen. “I’ll invite you to the party.” Gulf Times Tuesday, October 23, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Nuggets hold off Warriors, Kings spoil Westbrook debut AFP passed to Damian Jones. Even after missing all of train- Los Angeles As Jones rose for the shot, ing camp and the pre-season, Hernangomez dived in to bat the Westbrook immediately raised ball away from behind. the Thunder’s intensity level. uancho Hernangomez Warriors coach Steve Kerr said He scored his fi rst points on came up with the game- his team is not yet fi ring on all a driving layup assisted by Paul saving block Sunday as cylinders. George less than two minutes the Denver Nuggets held “We’re not where we need to into the contest. offJ the two-time defending NBA be,” said Kerr, whose Warriors He and George combined for champion Golden State Warriors led by as many as 12 in the fi rst 61 points, but the Thunder de- 100-98 in a thriller in Denver. quarter, and by two at halftime, fense, rated 10th in the league The unbeaten Nuggets handed but were out-scored 33-21 in the last season, was again too incon- the Warriors their fi rst defeat of third period. sistent. the young season, staking their Kerr was pleased with the Elsewhere, the Cleveland claim to contender status in Warriors’ “competitive juice and Cavaliers remained without a Western Conference. spirit” but said their late push victory since the departure of The Warriors weren’t the only was doomed by sloppy play. superstar LeBron James, who Western power laid low on Sun- “We can’t expect to win every landed with the Los Angeles day as the Los Angeles Clippers game on emotion,” Kerr said. Lakers via free agency after last held on for a 115-112 victory over “We’ve got to win on execu- season. the Houston Rockets. tion and intelligence. We’ll get The Cavs, who have played in Less than a week into the sea- there.” the last four NBA fi nals and won son, the Nuggets top the West A day after his impressive the title in 2016 with James lead- with a perfect 3-0 record. triple-double against Phoenix, ing the way, dropped their home Denver led by as many as 11 Nikola Jokic scored 23 points opener to the Atlanta Hawks 113- points in the fourth quarter, with 11 rebounds and six assists 111, falling to 0-3. but the Warriors, led by 30 for Denver. In a game billed as a show- points from Stephen Curry, Gary Harris added 28 points down between rookie point whittled the deficit, knotting and the Nuggets forced 18 turn- guards Trae Young and Collin the score at 97-97 with 1:29 overs in a solid defensive eff ort Sexton, Atlanta’s Young explod- remaining. against the prolifi c Warriors. ed for 35 points and 11 assists, Three missed free throws “We fought through,” Har- with six three-pointers. by the Nuggets in the fi nal 1:18 ris said. “We stuck through to Young, drafted fi fth overall, opened the door for the Warri- the end, we played til the last became the third rookie since ors, but the visitors couldn’t take buzzer.” 2000, after James and Golden advantage. State star Curry, to surpass 35 Draymond Green had a chance THUNDER LOSE ON Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (centre) fouls Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris (left) as centre Nikola Jokic defends in the points and 10 assists in an NBA to tie the game when he missed WESTBROOK’S RETURN second quarter at the Pepsi Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports game. one of two free throws with 10 Russell Westbrook showed lit- seconds remaining and the War- tle sign of rust in his NBA season Former NBA Most Valuable September 12. Kings who came up with their en Sacramento players to score RESULTS riors trailed by two on their fi nal debut but his 32 points, 12 re- Player Westbrook had missed He started in his customary first win of the season 131-120 in double fi gures. That included Atlanta ...... 133 Cleveland ...... 111 possession. bounds and eight assists weren’t the fi rst two games of the season spot and played 35 minutes -- in Oklahoma City. an impressive double-double LA Clippers ..115 Houston ...... 112 Curry drove to the rim, enough to lift Oklahoma City to a as he continued his return from the most of any Thunder start- Iman Shumpert scored 26 of 22 points and 10 assists from Denver ...... 100 Golden State ....98 drawing two defenders, and fi rst win of the young campaign. arthroscopic knee surgery on er -- but it was the Sacramento points for the Kings, one of sev- De’Aaron Fox. Sacramento 131 Oklahoma City .120

MLB NHL Record 33-shot period powers Lightning Dodgers seek fi rst past Blackhawks

Reuters change rendered him with an as- Chicago sist instead. The Lightning scored three goals during a wild second pe- he Tampa Bay Light- riod in which they had a 33-6 World Series crown ning set a modern NHL advantage in shots on goal. record with 33 shots in Cirelli started the fl urry when the second period as he punched in a loose puck near ‘It’s huge to be able to continue the trend of Tthey cruised to a 6-3 win over the net at 4:22. the host Chicago Blackhawks on A power-play goal by Gourde winning .You want to be part of something Sunday evening. increased Tampa Bay’s lead to Brayden Point had one goal 3-1 with 7:53 remaining in the great. Obviously we want to win it all’ and two assists to lead the Light- period. Less than two minutes since ’88 ning, while Nikita Kucherov and later, Point turned to his back- AFP Victor Hedman each fi nished hand to fl ip a shot past Ward for Boston with a goal and an assist. Yanni his fi fth goal in seven contests. Gourde, Anthony Cirelli and Hedman made it 5-1 when he Ryan Callahan also scored for scored on a wrist shot midway classic showdown be- Tampa Bay, which has fi ve wins through the third period. tween two of Major in its fi rst seven games. Chicago scored twice in the fi - League Baseball’s old- Tampa Bay’s 33-shot period nal fi ve minutes. Kampf knocked est clubs opens today marked the most since the NHL in a one-timer with 4:43 to go, whenA the Boston Red Sox and started counting shots on goal as and Schmaltz followed suit with Los Angeles Dodgers meet to an offi cial statistic in the 1955- 3:48 remaining. Callahan capped open the 114th World Series. 56 campaign. Both the 2017-18 the scoring with an empty-net Boston will try to cap a team- Montreal Canadiens and the goal with 2:05 left. record 108-win season with a 2018-19 Dallas Stars shared the championship trophy and cap- previous modern record with 30 RITTICH STOPS 44 SHOTS AS ture a fourth in 15 seasons and shots in a period. FLAMES ROUT RANGERS ninth overall starting today at Alexandre Fortin, David Johnny Gaudreau scored a pair of historic Fenway Park. Kampf and Nick Schmaltz scored highlight-reel goals in the fi rst “It’s huge to be able to contin- for Chicago, which was outshot two periods, and backup goal- ue the trend of winning,” Boston 55-36 in the game. Lightning tender David Rittich made 19 of outfi elder Jackie Bradley Jr, said. goaltender Louis Domingue his career-high 44 saves in the “You want to be part of some- made 33 saves to improve to 2-0- third period as the visiting Cal- thing great. Obviously we want 0 in a rare start in place of Andrei gary Flames beat the New York to win it all. And we’ve got to win Vasilevskiy. Rangers 4-1 Sunday night. four more.” Blackhawks goaltender Cam Garnet Hathaway scored the The Dodgers chase their fi rst Ward dropped to 3-1-2 despite other two Calgary goals. crown in 30 years and seventh making 49 saves. Gaudreau became the 16th overall after losing to Houston Tampa Bay opened the scoring player to record at least 300 in last year’s World Series, one 3:21 into the fi rst period. Kuch- points for the Flames by scor- win shy of a title. erov skated behind Blackhawks ing with three minutes left in the “We’ve got a tough series defenseman Brent Seabrook and fi rst period and with 5:05 left in against the Red Sox coming up,” lifted a backhand shot past Ward the second. Gaudreau reached said Dodgers outfi elder Cody for his second goal of the season the milestone in his 320th career Bellinger. and the 149th of his career. game, becoming the sixth-fast- “We know how hard it is to Chicago evened the score at est Flame to do so. make the World Series. To do it 1 on a breakaway goal by Fortin It was Gaudreau’s 17th career two years in a row is really spe- with 8:20 left in the fi rst period. game with at least two goals and cial.” The Los Angeles Dodgers pose after their win over the Milwaukee Brewers in game seven of the 2018 NLCS playoff baseball series at Miller Jan Rutta zipped a long pass to fi rst since Nov. 9 against Detroit. Red Sox star left-hander Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports lead Fortin, who buried a fore- The 25-year-old left winger Chris Sale will pitch the opener hand shot for his fi rst career gave the Flames a 1-0 lead by do- despite being hospitalized a pitched by legend Babe Ruth in Controversial slides against goal. The 21-year-old rookie ing a spin move in the slot and week ago with a stomach ail- a 2-1 Red Sox victory. LAST 10 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS Milwaukee made him a villain thought he had his fi rst goal one putting a backhander over goal- ment. Sale went 12-4 with a 2.11 “I think it’s great for base- again this month. night earlier, but a late scoring tender Henrik Lundqvist’s glove. earned-run average this season. ball,” Dodgers manager Dave 2017: Houston Astros 2008: Philadelphia Phillies “They are always going to boo Dodgers southpaw Clayton Roberts said. 2016: Chicago Cubs Teams with the most titles the best,” Machado said after Kershaw, hoping to shatter a “Two storied franchises go- 2015: Kansas City Royals (year of most recent title in getting jeers from Brewers fans. history of underperforming in ing head-to-head. It’s going to 2014: San Francisco Giants parentheses): Dodgers manager Roberts big games, is expected to pitch be a great series.” 2013: Boston Red Sox 1. New York Yankees 27 (2009) was traded as a player from Los the opener despite throwing The Red Sox, who had a $240 2012: San Francisco Giants 2. Saint Louis Cardinals 12 (2011) Angeles to the Red Sox in 2004, Saturday’s last inning in a play- million payroll, are unbeaten on 2011: Saint Louis Cardinals 3. Oakland Athletics 9 (1989) when he helped the club win off win at Milwaukee. the road in the playoff s, going 2010: San Francisco Giants 4. San Francisco Giants 8 (2014) its fi rst World Series title since It’s baseball’s fi rst version 5-0 and outscoring foes 40-13. 2009: New York Yankees . Boston Red Sox 8 (2013) 1918. of the Boston-LA rivalry made “Probably the best team “I’m looking forward to going famous in NBA Lakers-Celtics in baseball,” Dodgers slugger at-bats out,” Martinez said. Kenley Jansen said. back to Fenway,” Roberts said. 1980s title showdowns and it Yasiel Puig said. “These guys are great and so fun “We all stuck together. We “I have a lot of fond memo- comes in Fenway Park, the old- “They won the most games. to be around. I couldn’t be hap- never quit. We have one goal ries of the Red Sox and Fenway est venue in the major leagues But now they are going to have pier to go to the World Series and we fell short last year. We Park. To be wearing another dating to 1912, half a century to face us.” with them.” just have to play 27 outs and see uniform going in there playing before Dodger Stadium. Boston boasts the two top The Red Sox had the winnin- how it goes.” for a World Series champion- The Dodgers, whose history batters in the major leagues gest major league season since Dodgers shortstop Manny ship is going to be special for dates to the 1880s and includes in Mookie Betts, who aver- 2001 and are a perfect 7-0 when Machado, obtained in a July me.” a move from Brooklyn to Cali- aged.346 with 32 home runs scoring fi rst in post-season trade with Baltimore, has a Red Sox manager Alex Cora, fornia 60 years ago, and Red and 82 runs batted in, and J.D. games. history with Boston fans af- who could become only the fi fth Sox, in their 118th campaign, Martinez, who averaged.330 “That’s the best team in the ter injuring Dustin Pedroia in a rookie manager to win a World met in the 1916 World Series, with 43 homers and 130 runs game right now. We respect slide that led to an exchange of Series, played with the Dodgers Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (right) celebrates which Boston won thanks in batted in. that. We know they are good,” batters hit by pitchers on both and later helped Boston to the his goal with teammates against the Chicago Blackhawks during the part to 13 scoreless innings “We take pride in grinding Dodgers closing relief pitcher teams. 2007 Series title. first period in Chicago. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 23, 2018 SPORT

NFL Saints, Pats hold on for wins on a drama-fi lled Sunday AFP alongside Manning and Favre for the 500th career TD pass. 17-point defi cit in the fourth to Los Angeles to record wins over all 32 NFL Elsewhere, Brady threw for beat the Philadelphia Eagles 21- teams. 277 yards and three touchdowns 17. The Panthers improved to 4-2 “You only get to play these as the New England Patriots with their biggest comeback in rew Brees achieved guys once every four years, and earned their fi rst road win of franchise history, while the de- a couple more mile- not to put the pressure on it, but the season by rallying to defeat fending Super Bowl champion stones and Tom Brady every time we play these guys, of the Chicago Bears 38-31. The Eagles dropped to 3-4. breathed a sigh of relief it’s been a battle,” Brees said. game almost turned on Mitchell With the Eagles up 17-0 and inD a bruising day of monumental “They’ve had some pretty great Trubisky’s 54-yard Hail-Mary appearing to be headed for a vic- NFL comebacks and dramatic defenses over those years.” with no time on the clock but the tory, the Panthers were motivat- fi nishes on Sunday. The win left the Saints sitting Bears were stopped just shy of ed after witnessing Philadelphia Brees threw his 500th career on a lofty perch atop the NFC New England’s goal line. players dancing and showboat- touchdown as the New Orleans South with fi ve victories and just “It’s a game of inches,” said ing on the fi eld before a kickoff . Saints beat Baltimore for the one loss. Heading into the contest, Bears receiver Kevin White “We collectively got together fi rst time in 16 years after Justin Brees had lost all four of his previ- who hauled in the pass but was and knew that we had to up the Tucker missed his fi rst career ous games against the Ravens. pushed back. “He got a good tempo and have a sense of ur- extra point kick with 24 seconds With just 24 seconds left on throw on it,” said Brady. “You gency,” said Panthers Christian remaining. the clock, the Ravens scored the hold your breath. “I saw him McCaff rey. Brees, who etched his name potential tying touchdown when jump up and catch it. I am sure it Todd Gurley scored three in the record books earlier this quarterback Joe Flacco com- was short by a half yard or a yard. touchdowns and Jared Goff month by eclipsing Peyton Man- pleted a 14-yard pass to receiver Pretty close.” threw two TD passes as the Los ning in all-time passing yardage, John Brown. That set the stage New England had to overcome Angeles Rams preserved their threw two touchdowns as the for Tucker to come in and extend a 10-point defi cit, two dropped status as the lone unbeaten team Saints escaped with a 24-23 win his streak of 222 consecutive interceptions, two fumbles that by clobbering the mistake-prone over the Ravens. conversions and potentially send New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees leaps for a first down during the fourth quarter against the led to Bears’ touchdowns and San Francisco 49ers 39-10. Brees recorded his 500th the game into overtime. Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports some ill-timed penalties. The Kansas City Chiefs touchdown pass to join Man- Tucker’s boot missed wide In Philadelphia, Cam Newton bounced back from their fi rst ning, Brett Favre and Tom Brady right which sparked a cel- Heading into the game Tucker “I thought I hit it well,” said passes for 212 yards as he con- tossed a one-yard touchdown defeat of the season with a 45-10 as the only quarterbacks to reach ebration by the Saints, who had was the most accurate kicker in Tucker. “At the end of the day I nected with tight end Benjamin pass to Greg Olsen with 82 sec- victory over the Cincinnati Ben- the milestone. He also became marched back from a 10 point NFL history in terms of fi eld goal feel like I cost us the game.” Watson on a short strike into the onds remaining as the Carolina gals – Kareem Hunt rushing for just the third player in history defi cit to seize the late lead. percentage. Brees completed 22 of 30 end zone in the second quarter Panthers stormed back from a three touchdowns.

MOTORSPORT CNA-Q Falcons triumph Stage set for WSBK fi nale at oodlitfl Losail circuit The world champion has already been crowned, but there’s plenty more to play for in College of the North Atlantic-Qatar players celebrate after winning Doha with Jonathan Rea of Kawasaki Racing Team of looking to break even more records the Qatar Committee for University Sports volleyball tournament held at its campus. The CNA-Q Falcons defeated Qatar University 25-18, 25-19 for the title. Ahmed Bin Mohamed Military College and Georgetown University finished third and fourth respectively.

FOCUS IHG Qatar Open golf on November 9-10 he 17th IHG Qatar tant organisations: the fi rst one Open, represented by ‘IHG Giving for Good’ to sup- InterContinental Doha, port victims of natural disas- Crowne Plaza Doha The ters worldwide and the second BusinessT Park, Holiday Inn Doha organisation is ‘Qatar Cancer the Business Park, Crowne Plaza Society’ the society is one of the Doha West Bay and Staybridge leading humanitarian organisa- Suites Doha Lusail in association tions in Qatar which pledges to with Al Nakheel Landscapes will work towards increasing pub- be held on November 9-10 at lic awareness about cancer and Doha Golf Club. cancer prevention”, said Director The tournament attracts 200 of Operations Northern Gulf and top class amateur fi eld golfers General Manager at InterConti- (100 couples) from the region nental Doha Andreas Pfi ster. competing in a two-day golfi ng “IHG is committed to the de- agenda played in Greensomes velopment of sports in Qatar, we format over the Championship have demonstrated this over the Course at the Doha Golf Club. years by organising and spon- The annual event, a highlight soring many sporting events and on Doha Golf Club’s schedule, competitions in our host com- also allowed the golfers to have munity Doha,” Andreas said. the opportunity to play on a world Prizes that will be awarded class, Peter Harradine designed include the top four couples Championship Golf Course. and special prizes such as ‘the “As part of our responsible best pose couple’, the longest business, we organise a char- drive and nearest to the pin at ity auction on the awarding the awarding ceremony, which night where the collected funds is followed by a dinner at Doha will be donated to two impor- Golf Club on November 10.

Bikers in action during the World Superbike 2017 at the Losail International Circuit in Doha.

By Sports Reporter winning streak like no other. for Ducati, the British rider will the top. Determined to end his uled during the weekend as well Swift returns to Team Sky for 2019 season Doha Taking his 10th win in a row want to pull out all the stops to strong season on a high, he will as the prize giving ceremony last time out in Argentina, he end 2018 with a bang. Holding hope it not just his birthday he on Saturday at 9pm. Gaze up Ben Swift will return to Team through and I’ve got a lot of is now looking to take the most a 24 point lead over third posi- is celebrating on Saturday. at the giant screens mounted Sky for the 2019 season after a experience now that I can lend ull throttle and straight wins in one season (17), which tion Michael van der Mark (Pata One of the most highly an- throughout the grandstand and two-year stint with UAE Team them.” into Doha as the Motul is a record that has stood since Yamaha Offi cial WorldSBK ticipated battles of the year, the paddock area and take in the live Emirates, the British-based During his previous stint with FIM Superbike World 1991. Team), Davies will be hoping FIM Supersport World Cham- race commentary to make sure team said yesterday. Team Sky, the Yorkshireman’s Championship prepares On top of this, he is hoping to repeat his performance from pionship is set to go down to the you don’t miss a single update Swift joined Sky when the team best results included two forF its fi nal round of the 2018 to beat his own record of 556 2016 in Doha as he dominated wire in Qatar, as the title fi ght on the leaderboard. was formed in 2010 but left for podium finishes at Milan-San season under the fl oodlights at points scored in one season; under the fl oodlights. comes down to just two riders: Also, this year, all spectators Team Emirates in 2017 in search Remo in 2014 and 2016 as well Losail International Circuit on on 16 wins and 520 points it all But one man who will be out Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing) will have the chance to win the of more leadership opportuni- as a sensational stage win dur- October 25. seems very possible for the 31 to stop Davies is Michael van and Jules Cluzel (NRT). possibility to access the Grid ties. He spent two frustrating ing the 2014 Tour of the Basque The world champion has al- year old. Securing the win – and der Mark, as he is already on Hosting the traditional sea- and the Pit Wall Canopy for all seasons marred by injury with Country. ready been crowned, but there’s then the double – for the fi rst for securing his best ever fi n- son closer, Losail International WorldSBK races simply by pur- Team Emirates, but said he was “Ben has got a crucial role to plenty more to play for in Qatar time in Qatar last season, it’s ish in WorldSBK – his best be- Circuit is used to seeing some chasing their ticket, then fi lling looking forward to working with play next season,” Team Sky with Jonathan Rea of Kawasaki hard to look past Rea and his ing fourth overall in 2016. Cur- stunning battles on track, and in a ballot which can be found at a new generation of riders on performance manager Rod Racing Team WorldSBK looking ZX-10RR for the victory. With rently sitting 24 points behind is the perfect setting. With the LCSC offi cial merchandis- his return to Team Sky. Ellingworth said. “He’s not only to break even more records, and podium tally of seven out of the Davies, the runner-up spot its fast corners and overtak- ing tent at the Paddock Show. “It’s a great feeling to be rejoin- a fine rider in his own right, but the small matter of the runner- last eight, he’ll continue to be is possible but it will be a big ing hotspots, the 5.6k circuit is Grandstand tickets cost ing Team Sky,” the 30-year-old he’s also a superb role model up to be decided. Preparing for one to beat. task for the Dutchman. Yet to set to set the world alight as six QR100 for the three days with said in a statement. “I’ve still for the younger riders on the the battle in the desert around Gunning for the runner-up stand on the podium at Losail points stand between the duo free paddock entry (children 11 got ambitions and aims for my team to learn from. the 5.3km circuit, the fl oodlit spot in the championship chase, in the WorldSBK class, he took and the crown. years-old and under are free) own career, but I’m also really “In performance terms, he sits track will guide the riders to- Chaz Davies (Aruba.itRacing- a fourth position fi nish here As part of the WorldSBK and this year there is also the looking forward to going in and right in the middle of the team wards the end of what has been Ducati) will be preparing for last season as he equalled his event programme, all the fans possibility to buy one day ticket. working with the young guys a and he’s such a great team a sensational season. his fi nal race weekend with the best result over the line. But can enjoy and get closer to the Online tickets can be purchased little bit too. player. His attitude and profes- For 2018 WorldSBK cham- Panigale R twin, ahead of the with a lights to fl ag win here riders and teams in the paddock at www.lcsc.qa and during the “There’s an incredibly talented sionalism sits perfectly in our pion Jonathan Rea, it’s no or- introduction of the V4 machine in WorldSSP, he has the pace show activities organised by event at the ticket booths of the crop of young riders coming team.” dinary weekend, as he is on a next season. A landmark event and experience to take him to WorldSBK that will be sched- circuit. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 23, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF / VALDERRAMA MASTERS FOCUS Garcia delights in ‘dream’ treble Federer reveals AFP ies in a row to get to nine-under Four-time European Tour long-standing Sotogrande, Spain for the tournament and only one winner Matteo Manassero of stroke off the lead. Italy was one of those to lose his A double-bogey on the par- card, though, after missing the ergio Garcia said it was three 15th ended his challenge, cut at the weekend. hand injury a “dream come true” to though, and Garcia made two win a third Valderrama birdies in the fi nal fi ve holes to LEADING SCORES AFTER AFP venge match in the sec- Masters title yesterday, secure a 15th European Tour ti- FINAL ROUND Basel, Switzerland ond round if he and John asS the Spaniard continued his tle and seventh on home soil in Millman both advance. 201 — Sergio Garcia (ESP) 68- strong end to an otherwise dif- Spain. 64-69 The 33rd-ranked fi cult year. “I knew the guys would at- 205 — Shane Lowry (IRL) 69- oger Federer Australian shocked Fe- The 38-year-old has been re- tack, they would be going after 70-66 has revealed derer in the US Open vitalised since being named as a me,” Garcia said. “Obviously 207 — Mikko Korhonen (FIN) that he has fourth round in Sep- wildcard pick for Europe’s tri- Shane was playing well, he got 69-71-67 been suff er- tember. umphant Ryder Cup team, post- close to me, then unfortunately ingR with a hand injury The Swiss, who will 208 — Ashley Chesters (ENG) ing his fi rst top-10 fi nish since he doubled 15.” 66-70-72 since the summer, but be playing only his sec- July in Portugal before winning Finland’s Mikko Korhonen 209 — Maximilian Kieff er (GER) said the problem is no ond ATP tournament three matches against the Unit- fi nished third on six-under, one 72-71-66, Gonzalo Fernandez- longer a worry as he heads into since the US Open, has a huge ed States in Paris. Garcia had also won the event in 2011, 2017. (Twitter/European Tour) stroke ahead of Englishman Castano (ESP) 70-68-71, Lee his home Swiss Open starting reputation to live up to at home, He was at his very best during Ashley Chesters. Westwood (ENG) 71-68-70 yesterday. having won the trophy in three of the weather-hit tournament in has won the event the last three The former Masters champi- Home player Gonzalo Fernan- 210 — Gavin Moynihan (IRL) The 20-time Grand Slam win- the last four editions. Andalusia, holding off a Shane times it has been played, after on went into yesterday’s restart dez-Castano fi nished in a tie for 73-71-66, Matthew Nixon (ENG) ner told Germany’s Sonntag Zei- The defending champion, Lowry charge with a two-under victories in 2011 and 2017. with a three-shot lead over Lee fi fth with Westwood and Maxi- 69-71-70, Jason Norris (AUS) tung of the problem which began ranked third in the world, takes 69 in the third and fi nal round to “It’s so diffi cult, this golf Westwood after seven holes of milian Kieff er to keep his Euro- 69-71-70 when he trained for the grass- the top seeding with German win by four shots on 12-under- course is so challenging. For me his round. pean Tour card for next season. 211 — Joost Luiten (NED) 73-71- court season. Alexander Zverev seeded second par overall. to be able to shoot three rounds But while former world Richie Ramsay and David 67, Richie Ramsay (SCO) 69-74- “I hurt my hand training at after losing in the fi rst round in “To be able to win three times under par with the positions we number one Westwood fell Horsey were among the others 68, Oliver Fisher (ENG) 71-69-71, the start of the grass season,” his only previous appearance here in Valderrama is a dream played all week, all the rain we away, Irishman Lowry stormed to hang onto their playing rights Gregory Bourdy (FRA) 67-73-71, Federer told the newspaper. “It’s here four years ago. come true,” said Garcia, who had... I’m very proud of that.” out of the pack with three bird- for 2019. Marc Warren (SCO) 69-69-73 had more consequences than I Marin Cilic, the Basel winner thought. I dragged this pain for in 2016, takes the third spot and about three months. starts against Canadian teenager TENNIS / WTA FINALS “It’s not an excuse and we’re Denis Shapovalov while Zverev not going to make a fuss over it.” plays Robin Haase in the opening He added: “(Sometimes) I felt round. pain during the fi rst ten minutes Stefanos Tsitsipas, who on of a match warmup. But now I Sunday became the fi rst Greek can let go of my forehand nor- winner of an ATP tournament mally without thinking of it.” when he triumphed in Stock- The 37-year-old Federer will holm, makes his Basel main draw Calm Stephens start his bid for a ninth Basel title debut as fourth seed and faces today when he plays Serbia’s Filip off against Frenchman Jeremy Krajinovic and could face a re- Chardy. edges Osaka, Kerber SPOTLIGHT Organisers hope stunned by Bertens revamped Davis ‘(I) stayed tough and tried to stay as positive as I could and took my opportunities’ Cup can match

Reuters sent another backhand into the Singapore net. Osaka changed her tactics at Ryder Cup the start of the second set, fi nd- calm Sloane Stephens ing success by drawing Stephens Reuters picked her shots to into the court and away from her Madrid perfection to overcome baseline comfort zone to hold Japan’s Naomi Osaka far more comfortably, but the inA a battle between the last two American used her potent fore- he new-look Davis Cup, US Open champions at the WTA hand to stay in touch. masterminded by Bar- Finals yesterday before top seed Stephens looked the more celona footballer Gerard Angelique Kerber was upset by composed at that stage, but Pique, has the poten- Kiki Bertens. Osaka dug deep and battled back Ttial to rival golf’s Ryder Cup as Stephens and Osaka are mak- from 15-40 to hold in the fi fth a sporting spectacle, the tennis ing their debuts at the season- game and came out on top of competition’s organisers say. ending event but it was the three breaks of serve to send the Under changes to the year- American who opened Red contest into a decider when the long format, the 118-year-old Group action with a 7-5, 4-6, American double-faulted on set national team tournament will 6-1 win built on the foundations point. become a week-long, season- of solid defence from the base- The world number six broke ending event with the fi rst two line and a devastating forehand immediately at the start of the editions happening in Madrid in when she attacked. third set and after Osaka wasted 2019 and 2020. SOMETHING SPECIAL “I just competed really a chance to level things up when The revamped competition has Pique’s investment group Kos- well and never gave up,” said she declined to challenge a call caused divisions in the sport be- mos has pledged to pour in $3bn Stephens. “I knew I would have that would have been ruled in cause it breaks with the tradition into the Davis Cup over the next to play some really good tennis Sloane Stephens of the US hits a return against Japan’s Naomi Osaka (not pictured) during their WTA her favour, Stephens took com- of ties hosted by one of the com- 25 years although the footballer’s to beat her, stayed tough and Finals singles match in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) mand of the match. peting nations and threatens the shake-up of the competition has tried to stay as positive as I could A pair of easy holds and an partisan atmosphere the Davis not been welcomed by everyone. and took my opportunities when she showed incredible grit and Japanese made several unforced found the net or went long with another break took her to 5-1, Cup has become renowned for. The 20-times grand slam win- they presented themselves.” tenacity after falling a set and errors. her increasingly erratic back- and the 2017 US Open winner But the International Tennis ner Roger Federer said in August: In the group’s second match, 2-0 down to fi ght back for her But Osaka is not one to back hand and the American secured sealed the contest on her second Federation (ITF) chief operating “It’s a bit odd to see a footballer German top seed Angelique 11th win over a top-10 player down and the 21-year-old broke her third break of the match to match point when an anguished offi cer Kelly Fairweather believes arrive and meddle in the tennis Kerber suff ered a shock 1-6, 6-3, this season. straight back to level at 4-4, move a game away from taking Osaka double-faulted for the the re-fashioned competition business.” 6-4 defeat by Kiki Bertens, who Earlier, Stephens and Osaka thanks to some sublime stroke- the set. fourth time in the match. can become one of the most an- But Fairweather described confi rmed her reputation as a traded early breaks before the making aided by a couple of Stephens was growing in The eight-player event con- ticipated events in the sporting World Cup and Champions conqueror of leading players. contest settled down as they double-faults from her oppo- confi dence as Osaka battled tinues today with White Group calendar. League-winning Pique as very The Dutchwoman only made had more success on serve until nent. her emotional demons and the matches pitting Caroline Woz- “The kind of thing we have open minded. “He’s very articu- it to Singapore when Romanian the American, playing patiently After a solid hold from American fi ttingly sealed the niacki against Petra Kvitova and in mind is the Ryder Cup. Look late and he’s got a vision for things. world number one Simona Ha- from the baseline, broke again Stephens, Osaka was struggling opener on her third set point, Elina Svitolina against Karolina where it has come from to where “He’s not only a footballer, it’s lep withdrew through injury but in the seventh game when the to contain her emotions as she when the world number four Pliskova. it is today, there’s a real frenzy unfair to describe him as that. He about it, it’s amazing, that’s the loves sport, he loves tennis and goal we have,” Fairweather told he wants to create something BOTTOMLINE Reuters in an interview. really special. I applaud him for “We want it to be a massive that, and it adds some glamour. event. It’s diff erent to a Grand “Our joint objective is to make Slam because it’s national teams this a sport entertainment event. ‘Phenom’ Ko keen to move on from wonder teens but that’s the intention, to make The atmosphere at the Davis Cup it an event that is a ticket which is completely diff erent to a Grand AFP ple, and majors followed in 2015 and 2016, already past her best, she reminds that golf people want.” Slam. It’s raucous — that type of Shanghai together with a Rio Olympic silver medal. is a sport that lends itself to long careers. Croatia and France will con- national pride we really want to Then came leaner times. “In golf, you are not just trying to play test the fi nal edition of the cur- encourage. We want to make it In 2017, Ko endured her fi rst year with- for tomorrow, you are trying to play for rent format of the Davis Cup that sort of event where people ydia Ko made global sporting out an LPGA victory since joining the the next 10 years or so,” said Ko, who was in Lille at the end of November come for the broader experi- headlines in 2012 when as a be- US-based tour in 2014. There was twice a fi ve when she fi rst swung a club. after winning semi-fi nal ties in ence.” spectacled 15-year-old amateur change of coach and caddie. “You’ve got to move on and improve September. Fairweather believes The Davis Cup has long been she triumphed at the Canadian But in April this year she snapped that the things that need to be worked on,” the fact that teams involved in suff ering from a lack of regular LWomen’s Open, becoming the youngest barren spell, taking victory at the LPGA added the Kiwi, who happily signed au- the 2019 competition will be participation from the biggest winner of an LPGA Tour event. Mediheal Championship in California. tographs with cake still smeared on her known after qualifi ers in Febru- names in the sport, although the But spectators in Shanghai, where She was a modest 17th in the world face after Taiwan’s Hsu Wei-ling play- ary boosts its appeal. revamped competition has been she fi nished tied second in the inaugural rankings going into Shanghai, where she fully rubbed it on her cheek. “Now, you don’t know where criticised by the likes of Novak Buick LPGA event on Sunday, could have fi nished in a seven-way tie for runner-up, Ko’s mantra — formed after speaking to the fi nal is two months before, Djokovic and Alexander Zverev been forgiven for failing to recognise the two strokes behind the winner Danielle All Black rugby star Israel Dagg — is “just from the point of view of ticket- for coming at the end of an al- Seoul-born New Zealander. Kang of the United States. embrace it”. ing, marketing and player plan- ready unforgiving schedule when Now 21 and with the glasses long-since “The things that happened when I was It is not something she feels she did in ning that’s not great. We want most players take time off . ditched in favour of contact lenses, Ko a teenager, I was very fortunate about,” the past, when success came so fast, so something which is really sought Spanish great Rafael Nadal has has dyed her hair blond and by her own said Ko, who feels that the level of wom- young. “Then I felt like there were a lot of after,” he said. given his backing to the compe- admission lost weight over the past year. en’s golf is getting higher every year. high moments for me, a lot of things hap- “The beauty of Wimbledon is tition, however, and Fairweather Is the new look — she fi rst sported the “Sometimes you can get too carried pened and I was, ‘Oh my... Wow!’ everyone knows when it is and believes the event can be a suc- striking hair colour two weeks ago — an away by the things that happened or wor- “Now if those things happened, maybe where it is and that’s where we cess without getting every high- attempt to break with the past? ry about what’s in front of you. I would be able to embrace it a bit more.” want to get to.” profi le player on side. “If I keep comparing myself to when I I can currently and I think that’s a better “I can only focus on the now.” It is a message that she is keen to pass “The advantage we have now “You’re never going to please was player of the year or I was doing this, mindset to put myself in.” on to other young sports stars saddled is in February we know who will everybody. If you have 18 teams that or other things, it makes it so much Ko’s stunning win in Canada was the ‘EMBRACE IT’ with the same “phenom” title that she be playing. You’ll have English and you have the best nations harder,” the good-natured Ko told AFP in start of a run that saw her surge to number Ko may have been in the public eye for six once carried on her teenage shoulders. rugby fans going to Japan for playing, we’re convinced the Shanghai. one in the world at 17, the youngest to do years now, but it is easy to forget that she is “I would say embrace it and everything the World Cup so why wouldn’t collective is bigger than the indi- “Rather than say, ‘Hey, oh my god, I did so in men’s or women’s golf. still barely into adulthood having already is a learning curve and a learning experi- people come to Madrid to see vidual,” Fairweather said. this then, I’m just not up to that stand- In 2014, Ko was named by Time maga- amassed career earnings of nearly $10mn. ence,” she said. the best tennis teams in ac- “The power of a World Cup is ard’... I’m just trying to play the best golf zine as one of its 100 most infl uential peo- For anybody tempted to write her off as “I am always trying to learn.” tion?” underestimated in tennis.”

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 GULF TIMES GYMNASTICS WORLDS

SPOTLIGHT ROUND UP Defending champion Petrounias pushes Hurd of US has great through pain in expectations pursuit of third title ‘I’m in good shape, I’m strong and I want to give it a try’

o much has changed for in Montreal, Canada, insisted US gymnast Morgan that his ambition for medals is Hurd since she won the based on hard work, not fanciful world all-around title thoughts. “It’s not like a dream,” lastS year that she considers the he said. “It’s like imagination, so 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics it can become real. I’ve improved World Championships as an a lot since last year. That’s why I entirely new reality. can say I can win medals here.” “I have diff erent expecta- Even with such an aggressive tions for myself because I’m a agenda, Onder is not demand- diff erent person and a diff erent ing more of himself than usual gymnast than I was a year ago,” in Doha. “I want to do better said the 17-year-old. because I am in the best shape Hurd’s updated perspective now,” he added. “I improved all should help her cope with two of my skills on all of my events. I game-changing dynamics that expect a lot but I am not putting were not part of the programme much pressure on myself. I want at last year’s Worlds in Mon- to be relaxed and do what I have treal, Canada. They are the team always done in training.” competition and the presence of Hurd’s teammate, three-time CONSISTENCY AND world all-around champion CONFIDENCE WILL BE KEY Simone Biles. TO US SUCCESS: MOLDAUER Biles is making her return US gymnast Yul Moldauer to international competition knows the feeling of standing on here after her quadruple gold an individual medal podium at medal-winning performance at the World Championships, but the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. he hopes he and his teammates Hurd is eager to compete to her can ascend the award stand Greece’s Eleftherios Petrounias is 2016 Rio Olympic Games gold medallist and two-time defending world champion in the men’s still rings. full potential, regardless of these together when the competition aspects that were not part of her starts at the Aspire Dome. By FIG class gymnast who has been a Still Rings But that night, he decided to return to the 2017 conquest. “I have goals to make it to Doha specialist for nearly a decade — which is gym. “The next three days I trained by “It’s a completely diff erent the all-around and event fi nals, not large enough to be considered a Grade myself, without anyone, to try to do what energy because you’re compet- but my main focus right now is 1 partial tear (3-6 mm). But with the 2020 I could without any pressure,” he says. ing not only for yourself but for about the team,” Moldauer said. reek gymnast Eleftherios Olympic Games in Tokyo looming, doc- On 14 October, he surprised his coach, fi ve other girls,” she said. “It’s “We really want to get on the Petrounias is not giving up his tors recommended surgery now because Dimitris Raftis, with video of his routine. going to be so much more excit- podium and prove we’re a strong world title on Still Rings with- of the fear that the injury could worsen “I showed him parts of the routine and I ing. I just want to focus on doing team.” out a fi ght worthy of an Olym- and sideline him completely. said, ‘We should give it a try, right?’ And my absolute best.” Moldauer, one of the more Gpic champion. Battling a shoulder injury, “In order to be good for the Olympic he said ‘When was that? I haven’t seen experienced members in the the two-time defending world champion qualifi cation and for Tokyo 2020, it’s bet- you do that since Glasgow!’ So he said, TURKEY’S ONDER squad, came third on fl oor arrived late at the 48th World Artistic ter to fi x it now,” says Petrounias, whose ‘Let’s give it a try.’” LOOKS TO REALISE HEFTY exercise and seventh all-around Gymnastics Championships in Doha, one surgery is scheduled for 5 November. Petrounias gave it a good try during MEDAL TALLY at the 2017 Worlds in Montreal, week after reluctantly withdrawing from The infl ammation in his shoulder is yesterday afternoon’s podium training Turkey’s Ahmet Onder has de- Canada, where no team compe- the competition. much more unbearable than the pain of at the Aspire Dome, performing the be- clared a zealous potential medal tition took place. Three days after he announced that the injury itself, Petrounias says. Since ginning, middle and ending parts of his tally for himself at the 48th The 22-year-old has faith in he would not be able to compete in Doha August, when he won his fourth con- routine separately. His elements earned FIG Artistic Gymnastics World his squad’s ability to cooper- because of upcoming surgery, Petrounias secutive title at the European champi- a smattering of applause from specta- Championships that starts here ate and concentrate during the changed his mind and decided he would onships in Glasgow, the pain has been tors and his teammates, and, after a clean at the Aspire Dome on Thursday. competition. “It’s a very young compete in the Qatari capital after all. “I so severe that he was not able to pull to- double-twisting double back dismount, “I want to win medals in the team,” Moldauer said. “So for us just felt bad,” says Petrounias, who will gether a complete routine on Still Rings. congratulations from Raftis. all-around and event fi nals,” it’s about consistency, confi - turn 28 on 30 November. “I’m too strong “I was working the parts that I could work On Friday, the shoulder will be put to the 22-year-old said after the dence and trusting each other. now and the surgery is too close to the and the parts that I could do were pure the full test when the Greek team march- podium training. “Not on one We just need to do our own worlds to miss it and to not give it a try.” strength without too much pain,” he says. es out and he will be expected to compete apparatus, but two, three, four, routines and stay in our own Doctors diagnosed Petrounias, with a Unable to do a full routine on 12 Oc- a 70-second routine. “I’m in good shape, as many as possible.” little huddle. We need to avoid 2-mm partial tear in his left supraspinatus tober, Petrounias posted on Instagram I’m strong and I want to give it a try,” he Onder, who placed ninth looking around, and just stay tendon — nothing surprising for a world- that he was not going to Doha after all. says. (fi g-gymnastics.com) all-around at the 2017 Worlds with each other and be a team.”

MEN’S PODIUM TRAINING BEGINS AT ASPIRE DOME FOCUS New dad Zonderland expects more glory at Doha Worlds

By FIG and confi dent going into com- Doha petition. “The main goal is to become top 12 with the team,” says Zonderland, who was ap- n the decade since he made pointed a Knight of the Order his Olympic debut in Bei- of Orange-Nassau from the jing, Dutch gymnast Epke Dutch government in 2012. “At Zonderland has become our last big team competition, IOlympic, World and European the 2016 Rio test event, we were champion on Horizontal Bar, 11th, so it would be really nice to a knight and even a doctor of maintain that.” medicine. But it is his new- At last year’s World Champi- est role that may bring him the onships in Montreal, Zonder- most pride yet: dad. land managed a one-armed Zonderland arrived in Doha catch on a Cassina to Kovacs for the World Championships, week to enjoy my little boy,” he release combination, swinging a day after his team to spend says. out of it and resuming his rou- more one day with his son, Bert Known for his high-fl ying tine to the delight of the audi- Eize, who was born on 13 Oc- releases and combinations on ence. Despite the memorable tober, and his wife, Linda. “It Horizontal Bar, Zonderland is moment and silver medal in feels amazing,” says Zonder- the 2012 Olympic champion, Montreal, Zonderland is aiming land, who was married a month 2013 and 2014 World champion to do better in Doha. after the 2016 Olympics in Rio. and three-time (2009, 2010, “Let’s see what happens,” he “It’s hard to grasp. I’m still re- 2017) World championships says. “What I hope is that I will ally excited. Of course I’m look- silver medallist. He also owns make a good routine without ing forward to this world cham- seven European championships any mistakes. Last year I think pionships, but I’m also looking medals, including a silver be- it was a great world champion- forward to going back home.” hind Oliver Hegi of Switzerland ships because after two years it Gymnasts took to the floor yesterday at the Aspire Zone, where the first of two days of men’s podium training began ahead of the 48th The 32-year-old hero from in August in Glasgow. was the fi rst time I was in shape World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. The podium training allows gymnast to practice their skills and routines in the arena in the Heerenveen was relieved he was Zonderland, who trained again. Of course it was a strange same order of competition, getting a crucial feel for the apparatus on which they will compete when competition begins Thursday. able to be there for the birth of with the Dutch team in the mistake [in the fi nal] but a cool Qatari gymnasts Ahmed Mosa and Ahmed Aldyani trained in the final subdivision under the close watch of Romanian coach Razvan his son before leaving for Doha. second subdivision of podium one so that made it OK, but this Selariu, who is hoping Aldyani can turn in world-class routines on his best event, Pommel Horse. “We were all so happy that it training on Sunday at the As- time I want to make a routine as was on time, and I had a small pire Dome, said he felt healthy planned — no funny mistakes.”