CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 6 Retirement Pogba always had been on welcome at Cook’s mind Barca, says for 6 months Suarez

Thursday, September 6, 2018 GOLF Dhul-Hijja 26, 1439 AH Woods, Mickelson, GULF TIMES DeChambeau added to US team SPORT Page 3 TENNIS / US OPEN ‘‘I’mI’m ssorry’:orry’: NNadaladal ddownsowns TThiemhiem iinn eepicpic ttoo mmakeake sseventheventh ssemiemi ‘Tennis is cruel sometimes because I think this match didn’t really deserve a loser’

go be- fore Thiem went long with a smash on the fi rst match point. It was his 58th un- forced error on a night when he sent down 18 aces and fi red 74 winners. “It’s going to be stuck in my mind forever. Forever I’m go- ing to remember this match, for Thiem sure,” said Thiem after his fi rst then grabbed ever hard court match against a 4-3 lead in Nadal. the third which he “Tennis is cruel sometimes stretched to 5-3 but because I think this match then it was his turn to didn’t really deserve a loser. crack as Nadal raced away But there has to be one.” with three games to claim a two The semi-fi nal will pit Nadal sets to one lead. against third seed and 2009 US Thiem was 4-2 ahead in the Open champion Juan Martin fourth set before he was again com- del Potro for the second suc- reeled in and he was two points pared to cessive Grand Slam. from defeat in the 12th game. Del Potro’s 14. Austria’s Dominic Thiem hits a return to Spain’s Rafael Nadal (right) during their US Open men’s Sin- At Wimbledon, Nadal came But he took the tiebreaker “To reach the gles quarter-finals at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York yesterday. (AFP) back from two sets to one down before Nadal just proved the semi-fi nal again to win in fi ve in a quarter-fi nal steadier of the two in the fi nal here in New York in my AFP won through to keep his bid “I suff ered, that’s the right which stretched to almost fi ve set decider. favourite tournament is New York for a fourth title in New York word,” said Nadal after playing hours. Del Potro reached the semi- very special to me,” said Del and 18th Grand Slam crown on his longest ever match at the Thiem broke three times in a fi nals for the third time, defeat- Potro after his eighth win over track. tournament. 24-minute fi rst set on Tuesday, ing John Isner 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 Isner in 12 meetings. efending champion However, the 32-year-old “I said to Dominic I am sorry. handing Nadal just his third (4), 6-2 and ending American “To play John in these kind back Rafael Nadal survived was fortunate to triumph on He’s a great guy, a close friend ‘bagel’ at a Grand Slam. hopes of a fi rst men’s champion of matches, it’s like an epic. again. It an epic US Open another hot and humid night who will have many more op- The top seed won just seven at the event since 2003. “We fought the whole match was too hot quarter-fi nal con- at Flushing Meadows, 24 hours portunities to win the big ti- points in the opener. Del Potro dropped his fi rst and I survived with my serve to play tennis,” Dfrontation to defeat battling after Roger Federer had been tles.” set of the tournament against which was key.” he joked. ninth seed Dominic Thiem dumped out of the tournament Nadal had defeated Thiem in ‘WAKE UP’ 11th seed Isner, who was play- Del Potro admitted the Isner said he need- 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) by John Millman. the Roland Garros fi nal in June “I told myself ‘wake up’,” said ing in his maiden quarter-fi nal 33-degree temperatures ed to change his shirt 11 and reach the semi-fi nals for After suff ering a fi rst set ‘ba- but this was their fi rst meeting Nadal. at his home Slam. proved a real challenge with the times. the seventh time. gel’, Nadal had to battle back away from a clay court. Nadal recovered from be- Despite that, the 29-year- 10-minute heat rule allowing Isner paid tribute to Del Po- In a gripping 4-hour from breaks in the third and “He has a great attitude and ing broken as he served for the old was never broken in the 3 the players a welcome respite tro. 49-minute contest which fourth sets before seeing off the is a great fi ghter,” added Nadal. second set in the ninth game hour 31 minute match where after the third set. “He’s maybe playing some of concluded at 2:04am yester- fi rst top 20 player he had faced In a dramatic fi nal set, Nadal with an immediate break back Isner unleashed 26 aces but was “I had a shower, lay on the the best tennis ever right now day, world number one Nadal at the US Open since 2013. saw fi ve break points come and to level the contest. undone by 52 unforced errors table and I didn’t want to come for him,” said the American. ‘Freaking out’ Osaka ends Japan’s 22-year wait for women’s Slam semi-fi nalist

AFP “It really means a lot,” said Osaka sorry. I’m used to Florida heat. She was quickly down two more New York whose post-match, on-court “I like sweating.” breaks at 4-0 before squandering interview endeared her further to a Osaka swept aside 36th-ranked three break points in the sixth game growing legion of fans. Tsurenko in just 57 minutes as the as Osaka glided into a maiden semi- aomi Osaka became the first Osaka celebrated her win calmly Ukrainian’s challenge fizzled out in a final at the Slams. Japanese woman in 22 years and coolly unlike the floods of tears deluge of mistakes. “I hate matches like this,” said Nto reach the semi-finals of a which greeted her last-16 victory The 29-year-old, who had knocked Tsurenko. “I was ill and woke up with Grand Slam yesterday when she de- over Aryna Sabalenka. out world number two and Austral- a viral infection. feated Lesia Tsurenko 6-1, 6-1 in the “I cried a lot last time and there were ian Open champion Caroline Woz- “I didn’t want to pull out as it’s a last-eight of the US Open, admitting lots of people making fun of me. So niacki in the second round, hit 31 Grand Slam quarter-final but she she was “freaking out” inside. this time I went straight to the net. unforced errors and won just seven played well.” Osaka wasn’t born when compatriot “I was freaking out inside and my points off the Japanese star’s serve. Keys, the runner-up to Sloane Kimiko Date made the Wimbledon whole body was shaking but overall Osaka broke in the second and sixth Stephens last year, takes a 3-0 semi-finals in 1996 but now the I am most proud of not breaking a games of the opening set which was record over Suarez Navarro into her 20-year-old has the opportunity to racquet.” wrapped up in just 24 minutes. quarter-final later Wednesday. go one better by reaching a maiden Osaka, the daughter of a Japanese The crisis soon deepened for Spanish 30th seed Suarez Navarro, Grand Slam final. mother and Haitian father, said she Tsurenko, who had needed the playing in her second US Open To get to Saturday’s championship enjoyed playing in the blistering best part of three hours on Monday quarter-final, has made this stage match, the 20th seed will have to heat of New York which has been to beat Czech teenager Marketa by seeing off French sixth seed get past either US 14th seed Madi- such a talking point of the tourna- Vondrousova in a match where Caroline Garcia as well as former son Keys or Spain’s Carla Suarez ment. she almost collapsed due to heat champion Maria Sharapova in the Navarro. “I really don’t think it’s that hot, exhaustion. fourth round. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, September 6, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS / US OPEN RUGBY Pros trudge through Jones won’t rule out heat, England return for Path clear but juniors suspended troubled Cipriani AFP at Flushing London

Meadows ngland boss Eddie Williams not Jones has told Danny Reuters Cipriani that the New York troubled Gloucester starE can still rescue his inter- national career. weltering conditions Cipriani made his fi rst Eng- continued to play havoc at land start for a decade in South Sthe US Open on Tuesday Africa earlier this year. looking ahead as off icials were forced to But the fl y-half was fi ned suspend junior matches on the £2,000 ($2,594) after admit- outside courts, while the main ting charges of common as- Top seeds out, Serena has a chance to win her seventh US Open showcourts were turned into sault and resisting arrest dur- saunas leaving drained players ing his club’s pre-season tour drenched in sweat. of Jersey. play for seven weeks after be- While Flushing Meadows has Cipriani was also sanctioned ing banned following his red sweated out tournaments in by the Rugby Football Union. card for a tip tackle in a pre- the past, this year’s condition Yet Jones insists the contro- season friendly against Cast- have been particularly pun- versial player’s latest off -fi eld res. ishing, with the tournament misdemeanour has not fatally The latest disciplinary ban instituting the heat rule for a damaged his chances. came just weeks after he was fourth time. “We never close the door recalled to the England set- Tournament off icials said junior on anyone. Everyone makes up four years since his last matches were suspended due mistakes. He was very contrite appearance. to extreme heat for roughly afterwards, realised he’s done Asked if he was concerned by two-and-a-half hours after tem- the wrong thing and we move the suspension, Jones said: “I perature measurements were on from that now,” Jones told think you’re always concerned taken at 1pm EDT. reporters on Wednesday. when players are not playing. While play carried on in the “I think it’s been dealt with. Getting selected is about play- main draw, players trudged He was punished by his club, ing and showing that you can through matches as the punished by whatever hap- play well for England. heat lingered in the low 90s pened with the RFU. He’s now “But having seen the inci- Fahrenheit (above 32 Celsius) back playing and we’ll look at dent, I thought it was a dif- and combined with stifling him in terms of how well he fi cult situation. We want him humidity on a windless day at plays. to come back and we want him Flushing Meadows. “In South Africa, he worked to play well, so I’m just looking American John Isner told well and again at the August forward to him playing well for reporters he went through 11 camp, he worked well and if Sale. shirts during his quarter-final he gets an opportunity at the “I’ve only had Ashton for loss to Juan Martin del Potro September camp, he’ll have three days and he was abso- of Argentina and estimated another opportunity to work lutely fantastic, a good, hard that he lost between eight to well.” worker. Everything that peo- 10 pounds (four kilograms) Sale winger Chris Ashton ple told me about him was just sweating through the could also make that training true. I couldn’t have been more match. camp even though he cannot pleased with him at the camp.” “It’s very diff icult,” world number 11 Isner said. “It’s not so much the heat, because the shade comes over the court, England to play World Cup warm-up which is pretty nice, but it’s the humidity. match against Italy in Newcastle “It’s just very diff icult to deal with.” England will face Italy at St will be fantastic hosts like High humidity and tem- James’ Park in Newcastle as they were for the matches Serena Williams hits a return to Karolina Pliskova during their US Open quarter-finals in New York on Tuesday. (AFP) peratures were expected to part of their four World Cup here in 2015. We will look continue for the next two warm-up matches next year, forward to playing in front of Reuters or the fi nals, I have a really long the Romanian was gone, a vic- can Madison Keys the highest days before cooler and more the Rugby Football Union a great northern crowd.” New York way to go to win that. tim of a fi rst round upset, elim- ranked threat remaining. seasonable autumn-like said yesterday. Along with the three home “Again, that proved to be inating a tricky fourth round Williams’s 6-4 6-3 quarter- conditions moved in at the Eddie Jones’ side will face games, England travel to true at Wimbledon.” encounter with the French fi nal win over Czech eighth weekend. Wales and Ireland at Twick- Cardiff to face Wales on Aug. erena Williams pow- Williams has done her part, Open champion. seed Karolina Pliskova on Sloane Stephens who fell to enham on Aug. 11 and Aug. 24 17 as part of their warmup ered her way to within making her way to the last four Spain’s double Grand Slam Tuesday was her fi rst over a Anastasija Sevastova in an respectively, before playing fixtures before the squad flies two victories of a sev- with her usual effi ciency while winner Garbine Murgurza was top 10 ranked opponent since 84-minute straight-set loss Italy on Sept. 6. to Tokyo for the World Cup. enth US Open title on throwing in an occasional next to go, making a second returning to the WTA Tour in faced harsh, blistering sun in England have not played a TuesdayS and while she refused wobble just to keep things in- round exit, and then earlier March following the birth of her match even though it was home match away from Twick- FIXTURES to look ahead there are many teresting but not scary. on Tuesday Williams side- her fi rst child. the first of the day on Arthur enham since their final pool England v Wales — willing to do it for her, and what But Williams has also re- stepped a semi-fi nal show- “That’s a really big step for Ashe. fixture of the 2015 World Cup Twickenham Stadium, they see is a suddenly open ceived help along the way with down with third seed Sloane me. Shocking, my fi rst top-10 “You can’t control the weather, at Manchester City’s stadium. London (Aug. 11, 2019) path to a 24th Grand Slam. others bulldozing the route to Stephens when the defending win,” said Williams. “I’m here can’t control what the tourna- “These Quilter Internationals Wales v England — Prin- “I’d been a couple steps away Saturday’s fi nal clear of some champion was sent packing by to do my best. ment is going to do,” Stephens will be extremely important cipality Stadium, Cardiff (Aug. at the last Grand Slam, so I’m major roadblocks. Anastasija Sevastova. “I don’t think I have another said. to the squad’s final prepara- 17, 2019) defi nitely not ahead of myself,” When the 36-year-old The 18th seeded Latvian is 10 years of having opportuni- “You just have to go with it. tions before we head out England v Ireland said Williams, the memory of a American fi rst looked at the now the only hurdle standing ties to be able to play and win Unfortunate that I played (the) to Japan,” Jones said in a — Twickenham Stadium, 6-3 6-3 loss to Angelique Ker- draw she would have instantly between Williams and a place championships. first match at 12 and it was so statement. London (Aug. 24, 2019) ber in the Wimbledon fi nal still picked out world number one in Saturday’s fi nal where the “Every match really means a extremely hot, but it was hot for “It is great news to be able to England v Italy — St fresh. Simona Halep as a potential other side of the draw has also lot to me. I kind of go out there both of us. take England to another part James’ Park, Newcastle (Sep. “I still know that no matter troublespot, but even before been cleared of potential trou- and I just do the best that I “She handled it better.” of the country and Newcastle 6, 2019) whether I’m in the semi-fi nals Williams had hit her fi rst ball ble with 14th seeded Ameri- can.”

BOTTOMLINE FOCUS Wimbledon, Australian Jaded by Kyrgios drama, Open considering fi nal-set tiebreaks

Reuters extend players’ careers after se- Australia embraces ‘Millmania’ rious injuries to several of the New York Reuters hashtag #millmania trending on ary tours, Millman has held top names in recent years, and Melbourne Twitter after his triumph. day jobs and had to come back attract new fans to the sport. “Mate, John Millman,” Aus- from a shoulder injury that saw imbledon and the The four Grand Slam tour- tralia’s new prime minister his ranking slip outside the top Australian Open naments are due to hold a ed up with the tanking Scott Morrison gushed with two 1,000. are considering scheduled meeting at Flushing and tantrums of Nick thumbs up at a media conference The unheralded Austral- introducing fi nal- Meadows this week. Kyrgios and Bernard yesterday. ian who almost retired from Wset tiebreaks in 2019. Tomic, Australia has “How good is John Millman?” the sport fi ve years ago and was The issue hit the headlines CHANGE FORMATS embracedF John Millman in the Kyrgios was sent packing by poised to swap the tennis court after the six-hour, 36-minute Anderson, a member of the wake of the Queensland battler’s Federer in the previous round, for an offi ce job, was languishing semi-fi nal between Kevin An- ATP Player Council, said he felt stunning win over Roger Federer the Swiss master ensuring yet at 235 in the world 12 months ago. derson and John Isner at Wim- it was a matter of time before at the US Open. another disappointingly early Through it all, he has been the bledon this year, which Ander- the fi nal-set tiebreak came in. Only days after a sulking Kyr- Grand Slam exit for Australia’s epitome of class, shrugging off son won 26-24 in the fi nal set. “I think Wimbledon are look- gios needed a pep-talk from a most hyped player. his tribulations with a wry sense The exhausted South Afri- ing at it,” he said. “There are ob- chair umpire to beat an unher- Tomic, who Kyrgios succeeded of humour. can then lost in straight sets to viously some pros and cons but alded Frenchman, 29-year-old as Australia’s great hope several It was perhaps those qualities Novak Djokovic in the fi nal. I have heard they are discussing journeyman Millman pulled off years ago, was knocked out of that prompted Federer to invite An All-England Club spokes- it. It will be interesting to see an upset for the ages by felling qualifying by compatriot Tha- him for a hit in Switzerland be- person told Reuters the topic will what they come up with. And Federer in four sets at Arthur nasi Kokkinakis and accused of fore Wimbledon. be “reviewed and considered as Australia, potentially, as well. Ashe stadium. tanking the second set after los- “We were looking for some- part of the post-Championships “Maybe even three-out-of- Having never beaten a top-10 ing it 6-0. body who was a great guy, who debrief” at Wimbledon. fi ve-set tennis may have to be player throughout an injury- Tomic had been tipped for big could train hard, maybe was Tennis Australia offi cials have looked at, at some point.” blighted career, world number 55 things in the wake of his stun- looking also for a place to come to been canvassing opinion at the Judy Murray, the mother of Millman now fi nds himself in a ning run to the 2011 Wimbledon and practise on the grass or hard US Open, including from play- Andy and Jamie Murray, said Grand Slam quarter-fi nal against quarter-fi nals as an 18-year-old courts with me before Stuttgart,” ers, ex-players and coaches, she had been asked about fi - Novak Djokovic, and is the fi rst prodigy. Once ranked as high as Federer said after his loss to Mill- about fi nal-set tiebreaks and nal-set tiebreaks and her pre- Australian to reach the last eight 17, he now languishes outside the man. even best-of-fi ve sets versus ferred format for the game. at Flushing Meadows since Lley- top 150. Millman may hit a brick wall in best-of-three. “I prefer best-of-three with ton Hewitt in 2006. Millman’s tennis journey has the form of a revitalised Djokovic The US Open is the only one a full set for the third set,” The achievement of Millman, rarely intersected with Austral- in the quarters, but Australian of the four Grand Slam events she said. “Over the years I’ve who stared down an opponent “On court, he recognised that “That might be the case but ia’s two highest profi le players, fans can rest assured he will fi ght to have a fi nal-set tiebreak in watched the game getting so with 20 grand slam titles in two he may have got the great one on Millman deserved every bit of who have enjoyed attention and to break through it. singles, though the Australian much tougher physically and successive tiebreaks to claim vic- a rare night off , or an occasion that monumental upset. Bloody wealth far beyond their achieve- They may hope Kyrgios and Open and French Open use it in the calendar getting so much tory, was hailed by local media as where an ailment had blunted his oath he did.” ments. Tomic will also tune in to watch doubles. more demanding on the play- a watershed moment for one of brilliance,” Fairfax media said in Social media went into over- Overlooked by sponsors and an Australian player making the Advocates of the fi nal-set ers, emotionally and physical- the nicest guys on tour. an analysis. drive in Australia, with the grinding hard on the second- most of his talent. tiebreak believe it will help to ly. You need to look after that.” Gulf Times Thursday, September 6, 2018 3 SPORT

CYCLING De Marchi wins longest stage, Yates stays in red Reuters measly 12 seconds on the general I wanted to have fun and race ag- Madrid classifi cation group which leaves gressively,” said the Frenchman. Greipel claims him 16th overall. De Marchi bat- Today’s stage is a 181.1km ride 2nd stage win tled it out with Jhonatan Re- from Mondonedo to Faro de Es- talian rider Alessandro de strepo in heavy rain on the fi - taca de Bares Manon. German veteran Andre Greipel Marchi ended a three-year nal climb, fi nally dropping the claimed his second victory in wait for an individual grand Colombian inside the last four RESULTS four days at the Tour of Britain tour stage win with a domi- kilometres and crossing the fi n- Stage as he outsprinted his rivals in Inant performance to take victory ish line 28 seconds ahead of him. 1. Alessandro De Marchi (ITA/ stage four to Royal Leamington on stage 11 at the Vuelta a Espana It was his fi rst solo grand tour BMC) 4hr 52min 38sec, 2. Spa yesterday. yesterday. stage win since his 2015 victory Jhonatan Restrepo (COL/KAT) at The Lotto Soudal rider was set There was no change at the at the Vuelta, although he won a 28secs, 3. Franco Pellizotti (ITA/ up perfectly by his team in the top of the general classifi cation team time trial last year. BAH) 59, 4. Nans Peters (FRA/ closing stages of the 183-km despite a brave solo attack from “If I waited for the sprint for AG2R) 1:24, 5. Dylan Teuns (BEL/ ride from Nuneaton and he Thibaut Pinot, meaning Briton sure I’d have fi nished second,” BMC) 1:45, 6. Tiesj Benoot (BEL/ finished in style down the long Simon Yates retains the red jersey. said De Marchi, who is known LOT) 1:46, 7. Rafal Majka (POL/ closing straight. He holds a one-second lead over for breakaways and was named BOR) s.t., 8. Nicolas Roche (IRL/ “I knew it was going to be a home favourite Alejandro Val- the most combative rider at the BMC) 1:48, 9. Sergio Henao long sprint but I planned to go verde and a 14-second advantage 2014 Tour de France. (COL/SKY) 1:50, 10. Thibaut Pinot from the corner full gas and over Colombian Nairo Quintana. “The only option I had was to (FRA/FDJ) s.t. it worked out perfectly,” the Frenchman Pinot broke free try everything on the last climb. Overall standings 36-year-old said of his victory. from the general classifi cation Honestly, I didn’t have my best 1. Simon Yates (GBR/MIT) 45hr New Zealander Patrick Bevin group as part of a 19-rider con- legs, but it was just in the head. 57min 40sec, 2. Alejandro (BMC) contested the sprint tingent around the midway point At one moment today I just said Valverde (ESP/MOV) at 1sec, 3. but was no match for Greipel of the 207.8km route from Mom- that I just had to keep trying be- Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 14, who has now won a total of buey to Ribeira Sacra. Luintra, the cause it was a real battle.” 4. Ion Izagirre (ESP/BAH) 17, 5. seven stages on the Tour of longest stage of the 21-day race. Pinot, meanwhile, said he had Tony Gallopin (FRA/ALM) 24, 6. Britain. He threatened to prise the red no regrets about his courageous Emanuel Buchmann (GER/BOR) Bevin retained his lead in the jersey from Yates, but could not but ultimately futile attempt s.t., 7. Miguel Angel Lopez (COL/ general classification, four last the distance, losing energy to make an impact on the gen- AST) 27, 8. Rigoberto Uran (COL/ seconds ahead of Australia’s in the fi nal few kilometres to fi n- eral classifi cation. “It was a good EFD) 32, 9. Steven Kruijswijk Cameron Meyer who also fin- ish 10th, one minute 50 seconds strategy. It might have worked (NED/LNL) 43, 10. George Ben- BMC Racing Team’s Italian rider Alessandro De Marchi celebrates as he wins the 11th stage of the 73rd ished safely in the peloton. behind De Marchi. He gained a out, it might not have done, but nett (NZL/LNL) 47. edition of ‘La Vuelta’, a 207.8km route from Mombuey to Luintra, yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF/RYDER CUP FOCUS Formula One sees esports as an Woods, Mickelson, Olympic opportunity

Reuters London

he icy wastes of Antarc- DeChambeau tica are more likely to host a Summer Games than Formula One ever Tbecoming an Olympic medal event but the motor racing se- ries believes esports could be a game-changer. The International Olympic added to US team Committee (IOC) last year rec- ognised esports as a sports ac- Formula One’s commercial Tiger Woods to play event for first time since 2012, Mickelson to make record 12th tivity and medals will be award- managing director Sean Bratches ed at the 2022 Asian Games. appearance, 24-year-old DeChambeau has won past two PGA Tour titles There have also been talks on the Friday before the German with organisers of the 2024 Paris Grand Prix in July. Reuters Olympics about the possibility The American felt the IOC New York of esports featuring as a demon- were still taking stock and one stration sport. possibility could be “an inde- Sean Bratches, Formula One’s pendent stand-alone esport Ol- iger Woods’ and Phil commercial managing director, ympics that is not attached from Mickelson’s mediocre told Reuters in a recent inter- a date standpoint to the Olympic Ryder Cup records did view that he had written to IOC Games themselves.” not stop United States president Thomas Bach after the Formula One’s governing Tcaptain Jim Furyk from adding German indicated ‘non-shooter body, the FIA, is a member of the duo to his team on Tues- game’ esports could be admitted the Olympic body’s Associa- day for this month’s showdown to the Olympics. tion of Recognised International with Europe. “I said ‘this is what we’re do- Sports Federations (ARISF) and Woods has played on only ing, we’re reimagining the For- is also keen on closer ties. As one victorious Ryder Cup team mula One brand, we’re pushing part of that, electric karting will (1999) in seven appearances, an into new spaces that have not be demonstrated on the sidelines astonishing number for one of hitherto been touched and I’d of the Youth Olympic Games in the game’s all-time greats. like to have a conversation with Buenos Aires in October. Mickelson, although he has you about Formula One’,” said McLaren team boss Zak Brown been on the winning team three Bratches. told Reuters, however, that es- times, has been on the losing “I extolled all the benefi ts of ports was the sport’s ‘new grass- end all fi ve times that he has it and the fact that our (virtual) roots’ with plenty of crossover been on the visiting side. drivers actually do the same with the real world. There were no surprises thing as athletes do.” “I think it’s a great way to put when Furyk revealed his three Formula One has its own es- a steering wheel in the hand of captain’s picks in Philadelphia, ports Series with nine of the 10 a young person, male or female with in-form 24-year-old Bry- actual racing teams – all but Fer- around the world who all want to son DeChambeau, winner of rari – involved in a virtual world drive,” he said. the past two events on the PGA championship that drew 63,000 “I think esports would be Tour, chosen along with the sea- hopefuls on its debut 2017 broader, bigger and more global. soned Woods and Mickelson. Phil Mickelson (left) and Tiger Woods talk to media after being named as captain’s picks along with Bryson DeChambeau for the Ryder Cup. season. Electric karts is still a limited au- The U.S. will defend the Cup (Getty Images/AFP) Some F1 drivers are also active dience.” at the September 28-30 event in the virtual world while gam- Bratches is also close to Ca- against Europe at Le National ers have been hired as simulator sey Wasserman, president of the in Paris. Furyk said the trio were Garcia, Poulter, Stenson and Casey handed Ryder Cup wildcards drivers to help the real track Los Angeles 2028 Olympic bid chosen with the venue in mind. racers. and organising committee, and “We’re heading over into for- Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Paul Francesco Molinari, four-time that’s what it’s like for us,” said the singles with an astonishing Bratches said he received “a he admitted to some blue-sky eign soil. It’s going to be an in- Casey and Henrik Stenson major winner Rory McIlroy, the Dane. It will be the 38-year- run of birdies playing alongside very nice note” in return and at- thinking about a Formula One teresting crowd,” Furyk said. were handed the four wildcard English trio Justin Rose, Tommy old Garcia’s ninth Ryder Cup Rory McIlroy. “This feels extra tended an IOC esport meeting involvement there. “They are boisterous, I have a picks to make the European Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton, appearance, having been the special to be part of and for lot of respect for them, and we Ryder Cup team yesterday, as Jon Rahm, Alex Noren and youngest man to play in the Thomas to give me the call are looking for players that we captain Thomas Bjorn put his Thorbjorn Olesen had already event’s history as a 19-year-old yesterday means absolutely thought would handle that situ- faith in experience. All four qualified automatically for the in 1999. “It probably wasn’t everything,” said Poulter. Two Russians lose world championships ation well and would thrive, love players have been part of mul- event to be held just outside an easy decision for Thomas medals over doping the challenge ahead of them, tiple winning sides, although Paris from September 28-30. Bjorn,” admitted Garcia. TEAM: Thomas Bjorn (DEN/ and naming these three players, Garcia has struggled this year, Bjorn opted for 2017 Masters “He knows what I bring to the non-playing captain) Russian athletes Tatyana Leb- the long jump and triple jump. that’s what we’ve done.” missing the cut at each of the champion Garcia ahead of team, game-wise and in the Automatic qualifiers: Frances- edeva and Maria Abakumova Russia’s athletics federation Furyk heaped particular last five major tournaments. Belgian Thomas Pieters, who team room. It’s been a tough co Molinari (ITA), Rory McIlroy have lost three world cham- remains suspended over praise on 14-times major cham- England’s Poulter, a talisman for won four points two years ago year, but I’ve been working (NIR), Jon Rahm (ESP), Tommy pionships medals after their a 2015 World Anti-Doping pion Woods, who will now relin- Europe in past Ryder Cups, has as a rookie, Rafa Cabrera Bello hard and I feel like my game is Fleetwood (ENG), Justin Rose results were cancelled over Agency (WADA) report outlin- quish his role as a vice-captain. returned to form this year after and the in-form Matt Wallace, coming along. I’m now ready to (ENG), Alex Noren (SWE), Tyr- Doping, the Athletics Integrity ing evidence of systematic, “It’s been great to have his missing the 2016 defeat by the having already seen five rook- try and help the team win.” rell Hatton (ENG), Thorbjorn Unit (AIU) said yesterday. state-sponsored Doping in the help and to get a little feel of one United States at Hazeltine. “All ies make the side. Poulter inspired the greatest Olesen (DEN) Lebedeva’s results from sport. But some Russian ath- of the best minds in the history four bring loads of experience, “The one thing about Sergio is comeback in the tournament’s Wildcard picks: Paul Casey August 2008 to August 2010 letes have been cleared by the of the game on your side helping points and know how to win that he’s the heartbeat of the history at Medinah in 2012, (ENG), Sergio Garcia (ESP), were cancelled, eff ectively IAAF, the global athletics body, you out,” he said. and lose and they will bring team. It’s like a football team when he dragged Europe back Henrik Stenson (SWE), Ian stripping her of the silver med- to compete internationally as “We’re all excited to see him plenty of heart,” said Bjorn. going without their captain, to a 10-6 deficit heading into Poulter (ENG). al she won in the long jump neutrals if they demonstrate healthy again, to see his game at the 2009 world champion- that they train in a Doping-free playing so well.” ships. The results of Abaku- environment. Woods, 42, will return af- Ryder Cup since before some chance to go over to Europe and team) is at an all-time high be- complete the 12-man team. mova, a javelin thrower, were The AIU was set up last year as ter missing the past two Ryder of these guys were born. It’s a be part of a winning team in Eu- cause I know how much I cher- cancelled from August 2008 part of IAAF’s eff orts to sepa- Cups with a persistent back in- great mix of guys.” rope,” Mickelson said, speaking ish these events.” TEAM to August 2012, taking away rate itself from anti-Doping jury. Woods has a pedestrian Ry- of his desire to fi ll the void in his The US last won an away Ry- Jim Furyk (non-playing captain) the gold and bronze medals and corruption in the sport. “I haven’t been part of the der Cup record of 13 wins, 17 record. der Cup in 1993. Mickelson has Automatic qualifiers: Brooks she won at the 2011 and 2009 “I went to court against the team playing-wise for six losses and three halves, though “It’s going to be a great chal- an 18-20-7 Ryder Cup record. Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin worlds, respectively. IOC and WADA to the bitter years,” Woods said. “This year he has been stellar in singles, lenge because we know how Furyk also announced that Thomas, Patrick Reed, Rickie Both athletes had already been end,” Lebedeva told R-sport to have the honour of being able losing only once, on his debut strong the European side is and David Duval, Zach Johnson and Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Bubba disqualified from the 2008 agency. to play again is beyond special. in 1997. Mickelson, 48, will be how well they play at home but Matt Kuchar would join Davis Watson, Webb Simpson Beijing Olympics over Doping. “But I’ve understood that in “This team is young, full of making a record 12th appear- it’s a wonderful opportunity to Love III and Steve Stricker as US Abakumova was a silver med- the existing situation there’s guys in their 20s. We’ve got ance in the event, moving past do something I haven’t been a vice-captains in Paris. Captain’s picks: Bryson allist at those Games, while no point carrying on. It’s just a an unbelievable veteran leader European great Nick Faldo. part of in my career. Furyk will announce his fi nal DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Lebedeva won silver medals in waste of time and money.” in Phil who’s been around the “This is most likely my last “My excitement to be on (the captain’s pick next Monday to Tiger Woods. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, September 6, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Australia draws up cultural charter to Retirement had avoid scandals

AFP We are the lucky ones that get to Sydney represent our country and pull on that baggy green cap, which is a huge privilege.” been on Cook’s ustralian cricket is “I think we have to go back to drawing up a cultural that and just remember that we blueprint in which are Australia’s team — we are players will pledge to not the Australian cricket team. Auphold certain standards in a We don’t own it,” the wicket- move away from their win-at- keeper-batsman added. all-costs mentality, according “We are just here for the ride to skipper Tim Paine. and it’s important that we leave mind for 6 months The player charter is being that team in a better place to developed in the wake of a ball- when we went into it.” tampering scandal in March Under the charter, which ‘I have never been the most talented cricketer, I don’t pretend that rocked the game and cost will be separate to Cricket Aus- captain Steve Smith and his tralia’s code of conduct and I was, but I definitely think I got everything out of my ability’ deputy David Warner their jobs. encourage a hard-but-fair at- Coach Darren Lehmann also titude, players will be held to resigned amid criticism that he account by their peers. allowed an attitude within the Paine told the newspaper it team to flourish that led to the was as much about improving embarrassing episode. cricketers as “people” as it was Two reviews into the state of about the team’s on-field ac- the game were set up in the af- tions. termath — one focusing on the “We want to build a culture culture within Cricket Australia that makes people want to be and the other into the team. better and produce not only Paine told the Sydney Morn- better cricketers but better ing Herald yesterday that he and people,” he said. new coach Justin Langer were “If we can do that, that’s the playing a central role in formal- sort of environment people ising a blueprint for players to want to be involved in and that follow to ensure such scandals culture spreads really quickly never happen again. through the team rather than He said the new team char- having to try and sell your cul- ter, linked to the reviews, could ture all the time.” be in place ahead of their Test Smith and Warner were series against Pakistan in the banned from international and United Arab Emirates next domestic cricket for a year while month. batsman Cameron Bancroft “It’s going to be how we go was exiled for nine months af- about it, how we want to be ter plotting to tamper with the seen and what we are about,” he ball using sandpaper during the said. “That’s really important. third Test against South Africa.

Sam Curran draws IPL interest aft er England heroics against India

By Ali Martin The Guardian

am Curran’s stunning emergence for Eng- land this summer has Sattracted a raft of inter- est among the Indian Premier League’s cash-rich teams and the question now is whether the Surrey all-rounder puts himself forward for next year’s England’s Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad smile during a practice session in London yesterday. auction. A number of franchises – including Virat Kohli’s Royal AFP in my mind this was going to happen,” “There was a little bit of silence, then to go out with a century after rock legend Challengers Bangalore – are London former England captain Cook said. Mo (Ali) said something, everybody Mick Jagger off ered a charity reward. understood to have flagged up “I always had been mentally tough and laughed and then it was forgotten about.” There will be an added bonus for runs the 20-year-old as a possible at the end of April before an had that edge to everything I’ve done and Cook will leave the game as the coun- scored by England and India thanks to target for 2019, in keeping early summer white-ball series lastair Cook had considered re- that edge had kind of gone.” try’s most decorated player, having max- Jagger, who is to donate £20,000 to the with the recent trend that against Pakistan starting on 5 tiring from England duty for the Cook informed captain Joe Root before imised his talent to its fullest. Chance to Shine charity for any individual match-winning performances May. last six months before fi nally an- the game and head coach Trevor Bayliss “I can look back and say, I became the century in the fi fth Test. against India count for more. England already have a left-arm nouncing the end of his interna- while it was going on, but the rest of the best I could become, that actually means The bowlers are not being left out on ei- All-rounders are viewed as pre- all-rounder in David Willey and Ational career. squad found out in an emotional speech quite a lot to me,” he said. ther side, with the same amount on off er cious commodities among the Morgan has proved himself to Cook revealed on Monday that he will afterwards. “I have never been the most talented for a fi ve-wicket haul. IPL teams too. be a loyal during his three-year step away from the England stage follow- “I told Rooty before the game and then cricketer, I don’t pretend I was, but I defi - If one of them manages a three wickets Despite his age, Curran has tenure as captain. But the team ing the fi fth Test against India at The Oval told Trevor during the game,” Cook said. nitely think I got everything out of my or any other batsman hits a half-century, shown himself to be a steely management are impressed by this week. “I was a couple of beers in, which I ability. that will be worth £10,000 for the char- batsman in high pressure Curran’s temperament, having The 33-year-old, England’s record run- needed to be, otherwise I would have cried “Everyone was talking as if I’d died. It’s ity, who provide opportunities for young situations – his two half-cen- given him a debut against scorer, had been pondering the move for more than I actually did. I managed to hold nice when you hear so many nice words people to play and follow cricket through turies this series have rescued Australia at Old Traff ord in June, most of the year and eventually made the it together. said about you. The last couple of days I involvement in state schools and deprived England at Edgbaston and the and he could yet be a late bolter decision ahead of last week’s fourth Test “At the end of the game I said, ‘It might have been back at home but I had a look areas. Rolling Stones frontman Jagger said: Ageas Bowl – while the left-arm for the squad. with India, where his country secured a be good news, it might be sad for some, it last night. “I follow England — the game in general, in angle of his swing bowling Surrey have not previously series win. might be happy for others but it’s time and “Hopefully this week can go well, score fact — from wherever I am in the world and off ers a significant point of stood in the way of their players “It’s hard to put it into words but over I have done my bit. I will play one more some runs and then I can go.” thought this would be a fun way to make diff erence. joining the IPL – Tom Curran, the last six months there have been signs game’. Cook has been given an extra incentive some money for Chance to Shine.” Much will depend on whether his elder brother, turned out Curran’s ambitions and whether for Kolkata Knight Riders this he is able to break into Eng- year – and the club privately BOTTOMLINE land’s World Cup plans in the concede any deal will likely de- meantime. pend on whether England want Next year’s IPL season is slated to protect one of their most to run from March 29 to May promising young assets or give Why England won’t give up on ‘Baby Boycott’ Haseeb 19 but players in Eoin Morgan’s him exposure to the IPL’s high- one-day side will be due home intensity cricket. By Richard Gibson The man dubbed the Baby Boycott by last of the Saturday evening stragglers. Daily Mail Sportsmail made bowlers bowl to him. England batting coach Mark Rampra- This season the same approach has kash has been a regular visitor to Man- caused calamity. On his way up, he ap- chester too, highlighting that time is still Nehra joins RCB’s new coaching team s one inter-national career ends peared to know instinctively which deliv- being invested in one of only two players this week another is struggling eries to play. On his way down, he has lost to have averaged more than 40 in Tests IANS, Bengaluru: Former to get into second gear. his bearings, no longer sure of the wherea- for England since captain Joe Root made India pacer Ashish Nehra was The farewell to Alastair bouts of his off stump. his debut in 2012 — Root being the other. yesterday elevated as a coach, ACook at the Oval has coincided with an- Footwork that once looked neat and But there are doubters and even before his thereby inducting him into the other stalling of 21-year-old Haseeb nimble was described as ‘wooden’ by a England call-up, one rival county worked new coaching leadership team of Hameed’s bid to become his long-term regular observer of his demise: opting to on the theory that Hameed’s game had the Royal Challengers Bangalore successor as an England opening bats- leave has contributed to at least nine of his fl aws, most notably against the short ball, (RCB) franchise for the upcom- man. for a second time this summer. dismissals this summer, including four in a and bounced him out twice. Some ac- ing edition of the Indian Premier Two years ago, aged 19 and the fi fth The frustration is felt far and wide. row in the championship. knowledge that although he is undoubt- League (IPL). youngest Test cricketer in England’s his- Hameed is a role model for the Asian com- Three weeks ago, he appeared to have edly a fi ne player of spin he has been a vic- Nehra, the current bowling tory, he wowed the nation with his in- munities in which the ECB are dedicated turned a corner when, as captain of Lan- tim of over-promotion. coach of the franchise will be toxicating brew of skill, likeability and to spreading the game and all the England cashire’s second XI, he struck an unbeaten One county director of cricket said: part of the team along with new- courage. selectors have needed was one solid score 183 against Leicestershire. It proved a false ‘Credit to the lad for what he did in India ly-appointed coach and mentor He made 82 on his debut in the fi rst to select him again. dawn, however, and after four more fail- in his debut series but I didn’t see a player Gary Kirsten. match of the series against India in Rajkot Yet his statistics have continued to de- ures Lancashire preferred Karl Brown, a close to the international set-up before “I had the privilege to join the and then heroically completed another cline. Last year his 512 County Champion- player without a fi rst-class appearance in they picked him. It was too early for him.’ coaching team of RCB last season half-century in the third Test, despite ship runs came at an average of only 28.5. two years, for this week’s match against Indeed, the theory that he was still and feel very passionately about Cups and three ICC Champions nursing a shattered fi nger in his left hand. This year that fi gure has dipped to 9.7. Somerset at Taunton. learning his trade is supported by the fact the team. I want to thank the Trophy tournaments. The only imponderable appeared to be So how has a player, who earned private The most pressing issue is how to deal that he appeared for England before play- team management for consider- In the Indian Premier League how many caps he would go on to win. audiences with Virat Kohli and Sachin with the malaise. A return to regular work ing any senior limited-overs cricket. It ing me in a leadership position (IPL), he has represented various As Hameed returned from India to have Tendulkar during that tour of India, gone with his father Ismail has failed to jus- is debatable whether the onus of putting with the franchise and look for- teams in the past. a plate inserted into the damaged fi nger, from a fi xture for years to come to one in tify the pre-season claim that: ‘I fi nd that bat to ball, compared to the more patient ward for the successful seasons Royal Challengers Bangalore no one would have thought that number a fi x? when I have worked with my dad and fol- approach in fi rst-class mode, contrib- ahead,” Nehra said in a statement chairman Sanjeev Churiwala would remain at three. One answer is that his greatest strength low his guidance, my game has been in uted to the drop in his numbers when he after the announcement. said: “We are very happy to have But in a reminder that a player’s stock has become his major weakness. The way better shape.’ did so in 2017. Having played in all formats Nehra join RCB as part of the can fall as quickly as it rises, that looks Hameed left the ball during his break- The dedication of father and son is Now, as English cricket says goodbye of the game, the veteran left- coaching leadership team. Ash- much more plausible. On Monday, as Cook through season of 2016 was so aestheti- unquestionable. After one early-season to its batting Rolls-Royce, there is a great arm seamer had been a part of ish and Gary will partner the announced that his 161st Test would be his cally pleasing and a throwback to a gen- dismissal, the pair could be seen working will from within to restart another car. the national team in two largely captain to help the team deliver last, Hameed was dropped by Lancashire eration when substance suff ocated style. assiduously in the Old Traff ord nets by the The only question is how. successful World Cups, two Asia better performance.” Gulf Times Thursday, September 6, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT NFL struggles to thread anthem Brewers gain needle as new ground on Cubs season looms with 11-1 victory Milwaukee moved within three games of the Cubs for first place in National League Central with one game to go in the series

Agencies Chicago In this file photo taken on October 2, 2016 (L-R) Eli Harold, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel on the sideline during the anthem prior to the game against the Dallas onathan Schoop drove in Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. three runs, Jesus Aguilar and Christian Yelich drove in two runs apiece, and the AFP exercising their right to protest. Jhost Milwaukee Brewers pulled The NFL Players Association Los Angeles away for an 11-1 win over the meanwhile challenged the validity Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. of the rules, arguing they were in- Milwaukee moved within olin Kaepernick’s re- consistent with the collective bar- three games of the Cubs for fi rst emergence as the face of gaining agreement and infringed place in the National League a new Nike advertising on player rights. Central with one game to go in campaign has underscored Trump, who had framed protes- the series. The Brewers have won Can uncomfortable truth for the NFL tors as being unpatriotic and dis- 40 of their past 60 home games as the 2018 season prepares to kick respectful of the military, claimed but will travel to Chicago for a se- off today. the new anthem rules as a victory. ries beginning next Monday. Two years after the former The league, however, an- Brewers starter Wade Miley (3- San Francisco 49ers quarterback nounced in July that its rules would 2) kept the Cubs off balance with launched his campaign to raise be placed on hold while talks be- a consistent fastball and a vexing awareness about racial injustice by tween the NFL and NFLPA were breaking ball. He gave up one run refusing to stand for the national ongoing. So far several rounds of on three hits in six innings, walk- anthem, the NFL remains none the discussions have failed to yield a ing none and striking out fi ve. wiser about how to defuse the is- breakthrough. Willson Contreras drove in sue. Trump, meanwhile, has revert- Chicago’s lone run as the Cubs A year ago, President Donald ed to regularly goading the NFL lost for only the fourth time in Trump triggered uproar across over its failure to take a hardline their past 14 games. Cubs fi rst America’s most popular sport by stance against protests, calling last baseman Anthony Rizzo left af- describing protesting players like month for players who kneeled ter fouling a ball off his foot. The Kaepernick as “sons of bitches” during the anthem to be suspend- team said X-rays were negative. who should be kicked out of the ed without pay. “The NFL play- sport. ers are at it again — taking a knee RED SOX 5, BRAVES 1 Trump’s intervention gave fresh when they should be standing Steve Pearce had three hits and momentum to a movement which proudly for the National Anthem,” drove in three runs to help the had largely fi zzled out, prompt- Trump wrote on Twitter. Red Sox beat host Atlanta. ing dozens of mostly African- “A football game, that fans Pearce was 3-for-4 with a American players to join protests in are paying soooo much money walk. Since coming over in a June The Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park. PICTURE: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports solidarity with Kaepernick, who by to watch and enjoy, is no place to trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, then was unemployed. protest. Most of that money goes Pearce is batting.296 (29-for- ter while striking out 10. Tampa nati for its second straight win. Mike Clevinger gave up just one on seven hits and two walks. Although the protests gradually to the players anyway. 98) with 19 RBIs in 36 games. Bay, which has won four straight The Pirates are 11-4 against run and three hits while strik- subsided, the NFL’s club of billion- “Find another way to protest. Boston haVE won the fi rst games, including the fi rst two Cincinnati this year. Pittsburgh ing out 10 in six innings as host RANGERS 4, ANGELS 2 aire team owners were determined Stand proudly for your National two games in the three-game games of the three-game series, starter Joe Musgrove (6-8) struck Cleveland routed Kansas City. Elvis Andrus and Adrian Bel- to hammer out a clear policy de- Anthem or be Suspended Without series and improved to 13-3 in leads the season series 9-2. out eight in 6 1/3 innings. He Clevinger (11-7) allowed only tre each slugged solo homers to signed to avert further criticism Pay!” Political analysts have pre- interleague games. The Red Sox Hunter Wood (1-1) pitched two gave up two runs on fi ve hits and a solo home run to Alex Gor- help Texas defeat visiting Los from Trump while simultaneously dicted Trump will seek to keep the reduced their magic number for perfect innings, the second and no walks. Scooter Gennett hit don. Diaz scored three runs and Angeles. Rangers starter Mike respecting the causes championed issue alive in order to rally his base making the playoff s to six. At- third, with one strikeout to earn two solo homers for the Reds, drove in two. Francisco Lindor Minor (11-7) allowed two runs by its players. in the run-up to crucial mid-term lanta saw its lead in the National the win. Blue Jays starter Ryan who have lost two straight and also homered for the Indians, and three hits over fi ve-plus in- Threading that needle, how- elections in November, viewing it League East reduced to three Borucki (3-4) allowed two runs, fi ve of seven. who ended a three-game losing nings. He departed after allowing ever, has proved a task too far for as red meat for his supporters. games over the Philadelphia three hits, two walks and a hit streak. a homer to Shohei Ohtani to start the NFL, which was forced into an Nike’s decision this week to put Phillies. batter in six-plus innings. The DIAMONDBACKS 6, Kansas City had its six-game the sixth. Minor struck out seven embarrassing climbdown after a Kaepernick front and centre of its left-hander struck out fi ve. PADRES 0 winning streak snapped. Roy- and walked one to help the Rang- clumsy attempt in May to defi ne a new campaign to mark the 30th PHILLIES 9, MARLINS 4 Robbie Ray threw 6 1/3 score- als starter Danny Duff y exited in ers win for the third time in four common policy over how players anniversary of its iconic “Just Do Cesar Hernandez hit a bases- CARDINALS 11, less innings, and host Arizona the fi rst inning due to tightness games. David Fletcher had three should react during renditions of It” marketing slogan has ensured loaded triple in the fi rst inning, NATIONALS 8 broke out of an off ensive slump in his pitching shoulder. The of the six hits by the Angels, who “The Star-Spangled Banner.” that the issue of athlete activism and Asdrubal Cabrera drove in Yadier Molina hit a grand slam by scoring more than fi ve runs left-hander dealt with a shoulder have dropped three of their past With the NFL’s leadership re- will loom large over the opening another three runs to lead visit- in the ninth inning, Marcell Ozu- for the fi rst time in 15 games in impingement injury earlier this four contests. luctant to issue a blanket decree weeks of the new season. ing Philadelphia to a victory at na homered twice, and St. Louis blanking San Diego. season. ordering players to stand for the Kaepernick, who has been una- Miami. fi nished with fi ve home runs in a Ketel Marte and A.J. Pollock TIGERS 8, WHITE SOX 3 anthem, owners instead forged a ble to fi nd a team willing to hire him Cabrera, acquired from the wild win over host Washington. had two hits apiece, and pinch ROCKIES 6, GIANTS 2 Grayson Greiner drove in three compromise. since he was released by the 49ers New York Mets on July 27, hit a Molina’s grand slam locked up hitter Daniel Descalso and Paul Carlos Gonzalez hit a bases- runs, and Francisco Liriano col- Players on the pitch for the an- in 2017, appears in the Nike advert two-run double and a solo hom- the victory, as the Cardinals were Goldschmidt had RBI singles clearing triple, pinch hitter Ryan lected his fi rst victory since April them would be required to stand; above a slogan which reads: “Be- er. He has 23 homers this year — holding onto a 7-5 lead before he around two San Diego errors in a McMahon homered, and Colo- 28 to lead Detroit past host Chi- but players who preferred not to lieve in something. Even if it means seven of them against Miami and belted his shot off Sammy Solis. four-run seventh inning to help rado rallied to beat visiting San cago. stand would be given the option of sacrifi cing everything.” fi ve of those at Marlins Park. In The Cards homered three times the Diamondbacks break a four- Francisco. Mikie Mahtook hit a two-run remaining in the locker room dur- Trump described Nike’s decision fact, Cabrera has a home run in in the sixth, with Ozuna, Paul game losing streak. David Dahl also went deep homer and scored twice for De- ing the pre-match ritual. to promote Kaepernick as “ter- four straight games against the DeJong and Patrick Wisdom all The Diamondbacks, who re- for Colorado, which scored fi ve troit, and Niko Goodrum sup- Any player who took to the fi eld rible.” “I think it’s a terrible mes- Marlins. J.T. Realmuto homered going deep. St. Louis fi nished mained 1 1/2 games behind Colo- times in the seventh inning to plied two hits and scored three and protested under the new re- sage that they’re sending and the twice to lead Miami’s off ense. with 10 hits — fi ve singles and the rado in the NL West, had not record its 40th comeback win of runs. Dawel Lugo added two hits, gime would be subject to fi nes is- purpose of them doing it, maybe fi ve home runs. scored as many as six runs since the season to maintain its lead in a run and two RBIs. sued by their team. there’s a reason for them doing it, RAYS 4, BLUE JAYS 0 Wilmer Difo also homered for a 7-6 loss at San Diego on Aug. the National League West. Liriano (4-9) snapped a per- The practicality of the new an- but I think as far as sending a mes- Visiting Tampa Bay broke open the Nationals. 18. They had 14 total runs in their Rockies starter German Mar- sonal eight-game losing streak them rules, however, was rapidly sage, I think it’s a terrible message a one-run game with a three-run past eight games. quez had another strong out- that lasted 17 starts. He pitched exposed when several team owners and a message that shouldn’t be seventh inning en route to a shut- PIRATES 7, REDS 3 ing but couldn’t get the victory. the minimum fi ve innings to be said they would not fi ne players for sent,” the US President said. out of Toronto. Starling Marte cracked a two- INDIANS 9, ROYALS 3 He followed up his career-high eligible for the win. Liriano al- The Rays used seven pitch- run homer, and Gregory Polanco Yandy Diaz rapped his fi rst 13-strikeout performance at San lowed three runs (two earned) on ers to limit the Blue Jays to three had a two-run double as Pitts- major league homer and also tri- Diego by fanning 11 Giants in 6 seven hits while striking out fi ve hits, two walks and a hit bat- burgh downed visiting Cincin- pled among his three hits, and 2/3 innings. He allowed two runs and walking one. NFL releases statement on Kaepernick

New York: The NFL released a “I think as far as sending a NBA ROUND-UP statement on Colin Kaepernick message, I think it’s a terrible on Tuesday, a day after corpo- message and a message that rate partner Nike unveiled an ad shouldn’t be sent,” Trump said. featuring the quarterback as part “There’s no reason for it.” Indiana Pacers extend coach McMillan’s contract of a major ad campaign. Kaepernick is entering his sec- “The National Football League ond NFL season without being Agencies Tuesday. Of the trio, only Onuaku was believes in dialogue, under- on a roster, after he began kneel- Chicago drafted, going No. 37 overall to the Hou- standing and unity,” president ing in protest of racial injustice ston Rockets in 2016. of communications and public during the national anthem in Onuaku, 21, has averaged 3.0 points aff airs Jocelyn Moore said in the August of 2016. he Indiana Pacers announced the and 2.3 rebounds in six NBA appearances statement. “We embrace the role A Nike ad released on Monday signing of head coach Nate Mc- (one start) over the last two seasons. He and responsibility of everyone featured a black-and-white Millan to a multi-year extension spent the majority of last season in the involved with this game to closeup of Kaepernick’s face and on Tuesday. G League, where he averaged 10.8 points promote meaningful, positive the words, “Believe in something. TTerms of the deal were not disclosed, and 9.6 rebounds in 40 games (39 starts) change in our communities. The Even it if it means sacrificing but reports of the extension being fi nal- with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. social justice issues that Colin everything. Just do it.” The ad is ised in early August said his new contract Payton, 25, has averaged 3.1 points in and other professional athletes part of the company’s 30th-anni- will run through the 2020-21 season. 29 games (six starts) for the Milwaukee have raised deserve our atten- versary “Just Do It” campaign. McMillan, 54, was entering the fi nal Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers the past tion and action.” ESPN reported that Nike kept guaranteed year of his deal. He helped the two seasons. He was undrafted out of Kaepernick has an active col- paying Kaepernick — who signed Pacers to a 48-34 record and their second Oregon State, where he was a two-time lusion grievance against the with the brand in 2011 — for two consecutive postseason appearance last Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and NFL, which cleared a hurdle last years despite not using him in season, despite the trading away of fi ve- two-time fi rst-team All-Pac-12 member. week when the league’s request ads in order to bring him back at time All-Star Paul George. Indiana lost in Payton averaged 17.4 points, 6.3 re- to dismiss the grievance was the right time. seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers in mon has been placed in a walking boot af- 10.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in 62 games bounds and 4.7 assists in 20 games (fi ve rejected. A trial hearing that Nike has been the NFL’s licensed- the fi rst round of the playoff s. ter injuring his left ankle during a work- (46 starts) for the Hawks last season. starts) for the Wisconsin Herd and South requires testimony from NFL apparel maker since the league McMillan is 90-74 in two years at the out last week, the team announced. Bay Lakers of the G League last season. owners could happen at some switched from Reebok in 2012. helm of the Pacers after spending three An X-ray and MRI exam revealed an PORTLAND LAND ONUAKU Oliver, 22, has yet to play in the NBA point in the future. In March, the sides signed a new years as an assistant for Indiana. avulsion fracture for Dedmon, who sus- The Portland Trail Blazers announced after going undrafted last year. He aver- President Donald Trump chimed eight-year extension to their tained the injury Aug. 27. He will be re- the signing of center Chinanu Onuaku, aged 10.8 points and 7.1 rebounds in 39 G in Tuesday afternoon in an inter- agreement, which now runs HAWKS SIGN DEDMON evaluated in one week. guard Gary Payton II and forward Cam- League games (12 starts) with Wisconsin view with the Daily Caller. through 2028. Atlanta Hawks center Dewayne Ded- Dedmon, 29, averaged career highs of eron Oliver to training camp deals on and the Delaware 87ers. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, September 6, 2018 SPORTFOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE Southgate won’t turn back time with old guard AFP fore and that we’ve had a good look at. So 26, has a chance to break through down the London the next group that we start to look at are line, but 30-year-old Troy Deeney’s Wat- England manager Gareth Southgate during a probably coming through our younger age ford performances are set to go without training session at St. George’s Park. (Reuters) groups.” reward. areth Southgate has slammed the Looking ahead to England’s Euro 2020 “I think Callum is another player we door on England’s old guard as qualifying fi xtures, former Under-21 coach worked with in the under-21s, so we know he looks to build on his emerging Southgate plans to allow more young play- a lot about Callum,” Southgate said. “He’s side’s impressive World Cup cam- ers to follow in the footsteps of Marcus certainly one we have to keep monitoring. Gpaign. Just eight weeks after their fi rst ap- Rashford, John Stones, Dele Alli, Raheem I think Troy is a player who really suits the pearance in the World Cup semi-fi nals since Sterling and company. way that Watford play and I’m a big fan of 1990, England manager Southgate will be “There’s a couple of others that are still his. But I think that we play slightly dif- back on the touchline for Saturday’s UEFA young, that still have room for growth — ferently, and I think that, for me, the next Nations League opener against Spain at the Chalobahs, Will Hughes, Ross Barkleys forward players that I see that should be Wembley. — but I don’t want to bring them in now, challenging are some of the younger ones.” Southgate has opted for a young squad, three days into the camp,” he said. Southgate has also been forced to look with 28-year-old Fabian Delph the old- “I’d rather do that when we feel they’re for fresher options after the experienced est member after Gary Cahill, Jamie Vardy ready, we feel that we’re looking at them duo of defender Gary Cahill and striker and Ashley Young were ushered out of the on merit and also we really like some of the Jamie Vardy ended their international ca- group that went to the World Cup. age groups below and I think they’re quite reers last week. “We think we’ve got a strong squad. likely to be the guys that push. But when England won the Under-20 World Cup, We’re three games into a new season and you’re promoting young players you’ve the Under-17 World Cup and the Under-19 we looked through a lot of diff erent play- got to be really careful about how quickly European Championship last year and ers over the last couple of years,” Southgate you do that because you want to give them Southgate has continually pushed for reg- said. game time, you want to bring them in, have ular game time for some of those players in “We decided that because of the way them train and adapt to training.” the Premier League. we want to play and the type of players Southgate’s focus on youth does not England will be without the injured we want to work with that there are some appear to bode well for the likes of Ryan Adam Lallana and Sterling for the Spain guys that didn’t fi t that model. And so now Bertrand, Joe Hart, Chris Smalling, Aaron clash as well as the friendly against Swit- we’re into a fresh cycle of probably not go- Cresswell and Jake Livermore. zerland at Leicester’s King Power Stadium ing back to players that have been in be- Bournemouth frontman Callum Wilson, on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS European coaches ask UEFA to review Pogba always away goals rule

Reuters The rule was fi rst introduced Nyon, Switzerland in the former European Cup Winners’ Cup competition in 1965 as an alternative to toss- urope’s top club coaches ing a coin or staging a replay on welcome at Barca, have asked UEFA to re- a neutral ground. At the time, view the use of the away playing away in Europe was a goals rule in continental huge challenge which involved ‘Pogba is an elite player who competitionsE because scoring diffi cult travel and intimidating, away from home is not as dif- unfamiliar conditions abroad, has won everything and we fi cult as it used to be. They also a far cry from today where it is want the transfer window to end considered routine. always want to have the best’ at the same time in all the re- Marchetti said the coaches says Suarez gion’s major leagues. felt the rule was also counter- UEFA’s deputy general sec- productive and that, as much retary Giorgio Marchetti con- as encouraging away teams to Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis fi rmed that the European football attack, it induced home teams Suarez celebrates aft er scoring a penalty body would “open a discussion” to defend to avoid conceding a during the Spanish league match against on the use of the away goals rule costly goal. “This is one of the SD Huesca at the Camp Nou stadium in which is used to determine the points that needs to be looked Barcelona on Sunday. (AFP) winners of knockout ties when at,” he said. the aggregate score is level. On the transfer window, he The annual meeting included said the coaches wanted more Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus), countries to follow the example Carlos Ancelotti (Napoli), Unai of England and Italy and close Emery (Arsenal), Paulo Fon- them before the start of the sea- seca (Shakhtar Donetsk), Julen son. The transfer windows in Lopetegui (Real Madrid) Jose England and Italy were changed Mourinho (Manchester United), this year in response to com- Thomas Tuchel (Paris St Ger- plaints last year that they had main) and former Arsenal man- overshadowed the action on the ager Arsene Wenger. pitch and made it diffi cult for “The coaches think that scor- coaches to plan. ing goals away is not as diffi cult However, in Spain, Germany as it was in the past... so they and France, they continued un- think the rule should be reviewed til the end of August as before. and that’s what we will do,” Mar- “The coaches are of an opinion chetti told reporters. “They con- that there should be a unifi ed sider the situation in football window and the window should has changed and the weight of close before the competition the away goals is not the same starts,” said Marchetti. “The idea as many years ago when the rule would be to try and bring them was introduced.” into line.”

Beckham’s MLS franchise to be called Inter Miami

AFP “Pogba is an elite player who competition to win and Messi best in the big games. I think the referee consulted VAR, leav- Barcelona has won everything and we al- can’t win it on his own. It has to the coach is seeing those little ing the Uruguayan unconvinced ways want to have the best,” be a team eff ort, as good as he is. details.” by the system. Suarez said on Tuesday. Obviously it’s infuriating for us Suarez turned 31 in January “VAR stifl es celebrations,” uis Suarez believes “He is a player that has a lot because Madrid have won the and scored 25 league goals last Suarez said. Paul Pogba should be of quality and who is one of Champions League in each of term. He would like to fi nish his “Defenders are now asking challenging for more the key players at United, and I the last three years. They have career at the Camp Nou but ad- for something the whole time. trophies than he is at think he would like to compete made history and it’s a thorn in mits it will be diffi cult. I would prefer to just have goal- Former England captain David owner and president of football LManchester United and would for more than he is competing our side.” “It’s complicated,” Suarez line technology. With VAR, the Beckham revealed yesterday operations, said in a state- always be welcome at Barce- for now. But that’s how it is, he One criticism levelled at said. game can lose naturalness,” he that his Major League Soccer ment. “We are taking another lona. Pogba has endured a tur- does not belong to Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde last sea- “Look at players like Xavi and added. team (MLS) will be called Club important step in establishing bulent two years since return- but he will always be welcome.” son was that he overworked his Andres (Iniesta), they are play- “Perhaps a play starts with Internacional de Futbol Miami, our club and today marks an im- ing to Old Traff ord for a then One Champions League players in La Liga, despite Barca ers who have been ingrained in an involuntary handball, you or Inter Miami. The club also portant moment in the history world-record fee of 105mn eu- crown in fi ve years, however, enjoying a signifi cant advantage the club but they have not been counter-attack and score, then unveiled its crest, a circular of Club Internacional de Futbol ros ($121.7mn) and his relation- represents a disappointing re- at the top. Suarez shoulders the able to fi nish here. I am aware they review the play and rule it logo including two great white Miami.” ship with coach Jose Mourinho turn for Barca, particularly blame too, pinpointing a league the day I do not have the level out.” herons — an emblem it says cel- Inter Miami are scheduled to has become strained. while rivals Real Madrid have victory against Leganes when to play for Barca I would have Spain has joined top-fl ight ebrates Miami’s “international, begin playing in 2020 at a tem- The 25-year-old rediscov- dominated the tournament, he played 90 minutes, three to leave but the desire of every leagues in Italy and Germany in diverse, inclusive, creative and porary venue until their planned ered his best form away from winning it three times in a row. days before they were beaten in player is to end here.” implementing VAR after having ambitious spirit.” 25,000-capacity stadium — his club, for France in the sum- Lionel Messi, now captain af- Europe by Roma. Suarez criticised the intro- no form of technology last sea- Beckham was awarded an MLS dubbed “Miami Freedom Park” mer, when he inspired Les Bleus ter Andres Iniesta´s departure, “When you pass 30 you begin duction of the video assist- son, when Suarez was denied franchise in Miami in January — is completed a year later. “Our to World Cup glory in Russia, has expressed his own desire to to realise there are times when ant referee (VAR) in Spain this a goal against Valencia despite after first announcing his plans city and our fans draw their beating Uruguay and Suarez on make amends, with the striker you have to rest,” Suarez said. season, saying it disrupted the television showing the ball had to launch a team in the South strength from the dreams of a the way. But since Alex Fergu- also coming off the back of a I regret a lot the game against natural fl ow of games and that clearly crossed the line. Florida city four years ago. “This global population that calls Mi- son retired in 2013, United have harrowing World Cup with Ar- Leganes at home when we had a he would prefer to see the use The English Premier League is such a proud day for myself ami home,” said the Miami club’s failed to go close in either the gentina. big lead in La Liga and the quar- of goal-line technology instead. has used goal-line technology and for the entire team. It’s an managing owner Jorge Mas. Premier League or Champions “He’s really motivated, even ter-fi nal with Roma three days Suarez scored a goal in Barca’s since 2013 but is yet to intro- honour to announce the new “It is only fitting that our name League, while Barca have won more so after the World Cup and later. I played the whole game 8-2 win over Huesca on Sunday duce VAR, which was widely name and crest to our fans,” pays tribute to the inclusiveness three La Ligas in that time and the Champions League,” Suarez and you get a bit tired. You have which was initially ruled out for hailed as a success when used at Beckham, the Miami team’s that makes us who we are.” the Champions League once. said. “But it’s a really diffi cult to manage things to be at your off side but later awarded after the 2018 World Cup. Gulf Times Thursday, September 6, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Pekerman quits Colombia coach job Bogota: Argentine Jose Peker- man stepped down as Colom- bia coach on Tuesday, less Croatia face Portugal than two months after leading the side into the knock-out stages of the World Cup in Russia. The 69-year-old had been in the job since 2012 and led Colombia to successive World Cup finals appearances. A Yerry Mina goal deep into but look to the future stoppage time gave Colombia a 1-1 draw with England in the last 16 in Russia but the South It will be the tiny Balkan nation’s first match since they succumbed to France in the World Cup final Americans were then knocked out on penalties. Colombian AFP namo Zagreb club, fl ed to Bosnia after Football Federation president Zagreb being sentenced in June to a six and a Ramon Jesurun denied press half years in prison for corruption and reports there had been a fall- embezzling funds from players’ trans- ing out over pay. till riding the wave of their his- fers. “His infl uence on Croatian foot- Pekerman’s contract ended toric World Cup run, Croatia are ball maybe did not disappear overnight, on August 31 and local press heading for a potential reality but now he cannot infl uence Dinamo or were speculating that an check as their new season starts even less the federation as he used to,” extension was being ham- withS a friendly against Portugal in Faro prominent sports journalist Davorin pered by an inability to agree today. It will be the tiny Balkan nation’s Olivari said. economic terms, as well as a fi rst match since the side led by star The controversy also ensnared Mo- federation demand that the midfi elder Luka Modric succumbed to dric, who was charged with giving false coach’s agent be kept away France in the World Cup fi nal in July — a testimony during Mamic’s trial over his from the national team. loss celebrated like a victory by under- transfer from Dinamo. For now Modric, In a press conference, dogs who had never made it so far on the who won the Champions League with Pekerman criticised the media world stage. Real Madrid and the Golden Ball for the for “causing a lot of harm That fairytale glow took the spotlight World Cup’s best player, appears un- to the national team”, with off controversies plaguing football in touchable. such rumours. “You don’t get Croatia, from the unsavoury ultra-na- His reputation as a national hero was elsewhere the amount of lies tionalism of its hardcore supporters to further cemented when he won the and drivel that has been said a litany of legal problems. But fans will UEFA Player of the Year last month. here,” he added, insisting he be reminded of the former when Croatia Both Modric and Barcelona midfi elder hasn’t had off ers from other face England in its fi rst Nations League Ivan Rakitic, who will skip the Portugal clubs or countries. home match on October 12. match, will continue to be the pillars Under Pekerman, Colom- The game will be played in an empty of the “Vatreni” — Croatian for “Fiery bia achieved their best-ever stadium — punishment by UEFA for the Ones”. But they are ageing fast. World Cup finish, reaching the swastika drawn on a pitch in Split, on Modric turns 33 on Sunday while quarter-finals in Brazil four Croatia’s Adriatic coast, ahead of a Euro goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, striker years ago, where they lost to 2016 qualifi er with Italy. The perpetra- Mario Mandzukic and defender Vedran the hosts. They also made the tors were never found, but it was not Corluka all ended their international last eight of the 2015 Copa the fi rst time Croatian fans have tainted careers in August. America, while finishing third the team’s image by using fascist slo- Coach Zlatko Dalic admits it will a year later in the centenary gans and symbols. That darker side of take time to rebuild. “We are world edition. Pekerman previously Croatia’s football fairytale also reared vice-champions, we reached our peak coached Argentina at the its head during the World Cup celebra- in Russia and now everything will go 2006 World Cup, where they tions, when the players invited a singer down, which is normal,” he said. lost to hosts Germany in the known for pro-Nazi sympathies to join Eight of his 22 World Cup players will quarter-finals. Guus Hiddink, them on the bus and stage at their wel- be missing today — as will Cristiano the former Netherlands, Real coming party in Zagreb. Ronaldo for Portugal. But the coach Madrid and Chelsea coach, Even during the euphoria of the says he is focusing on the long game. “I Croatia’s star midfielder Luka has been muted as a possible World Cup one local paper warned that am not worried or restless. My goal is Modric will skip the friendly replacement, along with “after showering in the champagne Euro 2020, not the match with Portugal match against Portugal. (AFP) Iran’s Portuguese boss Carlos of victory, not only cosmetic but deep or the Nations League... We will try to Queiroz and Croatia’s Zlatko changes should be made” in the sport. It win, but our real goal is the Euro.” Dalic, who guided his country may be only a matter of time before fans Dalic sees the upcoming matches, in- to the World Cup final in July. resume calls for the departure of the cluding a Nations League match against Colombia face Venezuela in a federation’s president, Davor Suker, ac- Spain on September 11, as a good op- friendly tomorrow before tak- cused of being a puppet in the hands of portunity for younger players who did and Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), as well as Belgian club Gent will replace Subasic. to four new players in order to fi nd a ing on Argentina in another Zdravko Mamic, the self-exiled strong- not get a chance in Russia. They in- strikers Marko Pjaca (Fiorentina), Ivan “We will use Portugal and Spain for new energy and get to the Euro in the next week, both being played man of Croatian football. clude promising midfi elders Marko Santini (Anderlecht) and Marko Livaja real preparations, to fi nd a new energy,” same shape as at the World Cup in Rus- in the United States. Mamic, the former head of the Di- Rog (Napoli), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea) (AEK Athens). In goal, Lovre Kalinic of said Dalic. “Our goal is to shape... three sia. Not weaker!”

NATIONS LEAGUE SAFF CUP World Cup title is source of French India ease past Sri Lanka Agencies I am mildly satisfi ed,” said coach Stephen Con- Dhaka stantine after the win. A pragmatic Nizam Packeer Ali acknowledged power, says coach Deschamps India’s quality, while highlighting the areas he ndia got their SAFF Cup title defence off to a would work on with Sri Lanka ahead of their game Reuters winning start, registering a 2-0 win over Sri against Maldives. “India is a tough team, we have Munich Lanka in their Group B tie at the Bangabandhu to accept the truth. We could have lost by 1-0 but Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. A 35th-minute we made a lot of mistakes in the game, but we Istrike by Ashique Kuruniyan gave India the lead, will hope to do better the next time. Our midfi eld ermany are a world- and Lallianzuala Chhangte’s goal two minutes didn’t function very well, and I will be focus- class team despite their into the second half sealed the three points for ing mainly on rectifying that ,” said the Sri Lanka early World Cup exit the defending champions. “I’m happy we won the coach. Sri Lanka will play Maldives tomorrow but France should have game obviously. We have a lot of work to do. We before India play them in the group’s last match Gthe advantage when the sides missed a lot of opportunities which we can’t af- on Sunday. Today, in group A matches Nepal will meet today, French coach Didier ford to. In another game, we could have lost this take on v Bhutan, while hosts Bangladesh play Deschamps said. The French, game if we don’t score from those opportunities. Pakistan. who won their second world title in July, take on hosts Germany in the inaugural Nations League competition, their fi rst game since the World Cup fi nal against Croatia. The Germans suff ered a shock group-stage exit at the World Cup, their earliest in 80 years, and coach Joachim Loew is under pressure to turn things around quickly for the four- times world champions. “Germany were world cham- pions. Germany were favourites France’s forward Kylian Mbappe (right) runs next to head coach Didier Deschamps during a training at this World Cup as well,” Des- session in Munich yesterday, on the eve of their UEFA Nations League match against Germany. (AFP) champs told reporters yesterday. “It did not work out for them but should give us power, power that the title.” but I don think the second star the quality is there. They remain gives us confi dence, power that France will be without captain on the shirt is too heavy,” Var- a top level team. I have a lot of re- feeds us,” he said. and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in ane told reporters. “It does not spect for this team and for what “Physically it is the start of the the fi rst game of the new tourna- change our match preparation. it represents.” But Deschamps season and some of my players ment designed mainly to replace We will keep the same values and believes that France, playing with have started later. It was short friendly internationals. But for ambitions. We cannot under- all their big names in Munich in- preparation and in a month it France defender Raphael Var- estimate Germany. They are as cluding Kylian Mbappe, Anto- would be better. It will be dif- ane little has changed within the great team with great players and ine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, fi cult but we have the advantage team. they will look to be as effi cient as should have the edge. “This title with the confi dence capital from “We do have a special status possible tomorrow.” Ashique Kuruniyan and Lallianzuala Chhangte scored a goal each for India.

Mignolet, Fellaini and Ricardo joins Nigeria coach Yusuf Chelsea’s perfect start Bundesliga rules out Gomez can have big Benteke suff er injuries Bordeaux from Santos banned, fi ned over payment helps Arrizabalaga settle in matches abroad career, says Henderson

Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, French Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux ended The Nigeria Football Federation said it Chelsea’s convincing start to the Pre- German football league boss Christian Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has the midfielder Marouane Fellaini and striker their search for a manager by rehiring had banned Super Eagles coach Salisu mier League campaign has helped new Seifert has ruled out any chance of talent and attitude to have a big career Christian Benteke have been ruled Brazilian Ricardo Gomes from Santos. Yusuf for 12 months and fined him goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga settle in following La Liga’s example by staging at both club and international level, out of the squad to face Scotland and The 53-year-old enjoyed success at a $5,000 for receiving cash from under- to life at Stamford Bridge following his matches abroad. Seifert, the Bundes- captain Jordan Henderson has said. Iceland due to injuries. The Belgian previous stint at Bordeaux from 2005- cover journalists posing as agents. The world record transfer, the 23-year-old liga’s chief executive, said it would Gomez played in all four of Liverpool’s Football Association did not disclose 2007 with a second place finish in the NFF ethics and fair play committee has said. Chelsea signed Arrizabalaga be a “lack of respect” to take games games in their perfect start to the the nature of the injuries but Liverpool league and a League Cup win. found Yusuf guilty of accepting $1,000 from Athletic Bilbao for 80mn euros to places such as the United States, Premier League season and has been said Mignolet was expected to be avail- Ricardo, a central defender, played 45 after he was caught on camera being and the Spaniard has kept two clean as the Spanish league plans to do. La called up to the England squad for Sat- able for the Premier League game away times for Brazil. Since first moving to asked to select two players for the 2018 sheets in the side’s four-game winning Liga’s organising body announced last urday’s Nations League game against to Tottenham Hotspur on Sept. 15. management at Paris Saint-Germain African Nations Championship (CHAN). streak to start the season. “I’m getting month in partnership with multinational Spain and a friendly with Switzerland on Fellaini had been called up by belgium in 1999, he has coached Monaco, eight The BBC, which aired the footage, used to my new life: a new city, new media, sports and entertainment group Tuesday. manager Roberto Martinez on the back clubs in his native Brazil and the na- said the report was part of a wider team, but it’s been positive because Relevent that it plans to hold Spanish “I’m excited for him because I know of his first start for Manchester United tional Olympic team. investigation into corruption in African when things start well on the pitch, it top-flight games in the US in the future. how good he can be and he’s got the in their 2-0 league victory at Burnley He was sporting director at Santos football by the Ghanaian journalist Anas makes everything easier,” Arrizabalaga La Liga has not given details on when right mentality as well,” Henderson said. last weekend. Benteke has started all before accepting the Bordeaux off er. Aremeyaw Anas. His expose led to the said. Arrizabalaga was called by Spain the first match across the Atlantic will “He’s very mature for his age. His feet four Premier League games for Crystal Former coach Gustavo Poyet was resignation of the head of the Ghana for their UEFA Nations League matches take place, how many games per sea- are firmly on the ground and he can be Palace this season but has yet to score. sacked by Bordeaux two weeks ago. Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi. against Croatia and England. son would be involved. as good as he wants to be.”

Thursday, September 6, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Griezmann pleads case for Ballon d’Or aft er FIFA snub Paris: France star Antoine award would be special. Griezmann insists he deserves “I think about it, especially to be on the podium for this the closer I get to it. The Ballon Kroos questions year’s Ballon d’Or after win- d’Or is a prestigious award, and ning the World Cup and major it is the highest you can go as silverware with Atletico Madrid. a player. There are trophies in Griezmann came third in 2016 your league, in the World Cup, in the voting behind Cristiano the Euro, but it’s not the same,” Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for he said. the most prestigious individual However, there are signs that award in football, despite not Griezmann’s glorious 2018 on Sane’s attitude as winning anything. the field might not be enough. That year was agonising for UEFA gave their award for the the forward as he lost the Euro best player of last season to 2016 final with France and the Luka Modric, skipper of the Champions League final with Croatia side that reached the Atletico. But this season fortune World Cup final and a Champi- has smiled on Griezmann, who ons League winner with Real. starred in France’s triumphant And Griezmann was omitted, Germany regroup World Cup winning campaign in along with the rest of his France Russia after an impressive year team-mates, from the final at Atletico, who won the Europa three nominees for FIFA’s player League and UEFA Super Cup. of the year award. The finalists Man City player has to improve his body language, says midfielder “Comparing 2016 and this for that prize are Modric, Ron- year, for me I have to be in the aldo and Mohamed Salah, the Nick Ames in Munich top three,” the 27-year-old told same three who made up the The Guardian French sports daily L’Equipe. “In podium for UEFA’s award. 2016, I lost two finals and was in Asked about the FIFA snub, the top three. This time I have Griezmann replied that “it’s bi- oni Kroos has criticised the at- won three finals.” zarre, and a shame. It is a trophy titude of Leroy Sane, claiming Asked if not winning it would given out by FIFA, isn’t it? And his Germany teammate’s body be unfair, Griezmann replied: the World Cup is organised by language suggests he does not “Not unfair, but I would wonder FIFA, right? We win the World Tcare whether the national team win or what more I could do. I have Cup, and there is no French lose. Germany host the world champi- won three trophies, stood out player there. That is their choice ons, France, today in the UEFA Nations at decisive moments, but it is but it is surprising that there is League, their fi rst outing since an early not me who votes.” no world champion.” World Cup exit that has prompted exten- Ronaldo and Messi have The Ballon d’Or award was sive soul-searching. dominated the Ballon d’Or run jointly by FIFA and maga- Sane has been reinstated to Joachim over the last decade and the zine France Football until the Low’s squad after being dropped for Portuguese superstar will be a end of 2016, since when world Russia 2018; it is a boost to the player contender again this year after football’s governing body have after Pep Guardiola omitted him from winning the Champions League reverted to giving out their own Manchester City’s squad for the win with Real Madrid. But Griez- prize. While a panel of support- over Newcastle on Saturday, but Kroos mann, who rejected a move to ers, national team captains, strongly suggested the forward may not join Messi at Barcelona in the coaches and journalists vote for be helping himself. close season, admits ending the FIFA award, only journalists “Sometimes you have the feeling with their stranglehold over the vote for the Ballon d’Or. Leroy’s body language that it is all the same whether we win or lose,” Kroos said. “He has to improve his body lan- guage. He’s a player who has everything you need to be a world-class player but sometimes you have to tell him he has to perform better. “He was fantastic for City last year but Pep has the same problem at the moment – he’s trying to get the best out of him so he can perform better. If he performs, he’s a real weapon, honestly. He has the quality especially for us, but maybe the head coach looked at his performances for the national team and wasn’t happy.” Kroos’s words brought a surprisingly forthright ending to a press conference Germany’s Leroy Sane (centre), Nico Schulz (left) and Julian Brandt train in Munich yesterday. (Reuters) that had, until that point, appeared to cover Germany’s woes comprehensively. and the president (Reinhard Grindel), I in refusing to compromise his posses- the early 2000s. France’s more cautious, How strong a competitive edge the Na- totally don’t agree with that. sion-based tactics during the summer; predatory tactics present another way of tions League generates will become ap- “The team has been a good role model then again there is a sense that it would skinning a cat and it was eye-opening to parent over time, but France’s visit is im- for the entire society and shown how be wrong to buckle in the face of excori- hear Kroos compare the two. “We don’t bued with more signifi cance than anyone multiculturalism works. All players can ating local criticism. Nearly a decade of have the players France have,” Kroos said. could have expected when the draw was be welcome in our team.” progress, Low believes, should not be for- “They can create chances out of nothing made in January. Germany, no longer the Low, questioned on the same topic, gotten because of one disappointment. and score out of nothing. We need to fi nd world’s best international team, must re- reiterated that he was yet to speak to the “We’ve been really successful for the another way.” start after crashing out during the group Arsenal midfi elder but said he would at- last eight years – it would be nonsense Germany hope to demonstrate their stage but the German football federation tempt to do so next week. to change our style completely,” he said. unity on all fronts and may get the chance (DFB) must also clear the storm clouds “He’s said he doesn’t want to play, he “But against stronger teams you need to to do so at greater length when, on 27 that have gathered since Mesut Ozil’s in- told us his thoughts, I don’t know why adapt. We won’t have 70-80% of the ball September, UEFA chooses between their Antoine Griezmann starred cendiary retirement from the National- we should we keep talking about it,” Low against France; we need to have that bal- Euro 2024 bid and that of Turkey. The in France’s World Cup mannschaft. said. “He was part of the team for a long ance and focus on our defence.” team manager, Oliver Bierhoff , left no winning campaign after an “We’ve shown the absolute opposite of time but not any more, for this team it’s Coupled with Thomas Muller’s obser- doubt that a positive outcome would impressive year at Atletico, what has been claimed,” Kroos said when over and he’s not part of our thoughts any vation on Tuesday that he hoped Germa- present a timely shot in the arm. who won the Europa League asked about the suggestions of institu- more.” ny could “give the spectators the power “That’s the reason we have to get the and UEFA Super Cup. (AFP) tional racism prompted by his former That is just one of the on-pitch prob- football they want to see”, it underlined European Championship in 2024,” he colleague’s decision. “It’s a unique and lems the Germany coach faces in reset- that, tactically as well as ideologically, said when asked about the team’s status special situation with Mesut but when ting their trajectory. He admitted last they are grappling with identity ques- as a symbol of immigration. “To show the it comes to what was said about the DFB week that he had been “almost arrogant” tions on a level they have not faced since world that this country is diff erent.”

QNB STARS LEAGUE ROUND-UP Top-four fi nish is our target: Sailiya’s Ilyas Bounedjah, Ferreira win player bdulkader Ilyas is one of the lead- ing players of Al Sailiya in the QNB and coach of the month awards Stars League. He has displayed high quality in the fi rst four rounds l Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah has been ad- high speed distance of 508.3, very high speed dis- ofA the competition, where he scored four judged the QNB Stars League’s best player tance of 195.6 and very high speed sprints of 11.1. goals, including his two-goal eff ort that led for the month of August, while Sadd’s Under Ferreira, Sadd played four games in Au- to their 2-1 victory over Al Khor last week. Jesualdo Ferreira was named best coach. gust and won three of them, while they drew with Al Many questions are doing the rounds ABounedjah scored 11 goals from four matches Gharafa (1-1). In the process, Al Sadd kept their lead among Al Sailiya’s fans, such as ‘Can Ilyas during the term, playing a crucial role in Al Sadd on top of the standings, ahead of Al Duhail on goal maintain his momentum?, What is the se- topping the top scorers’ chart. The Algerian net- diff erence after both teams were tied on 10 points. cret behind his remarkable performances? ted a hat-trick in The Wolves’ 6-0 victory over Al Ferreira’s men scored 21 goals while conceding just Why does coach Sami Trabelsi count on him Kharaitiyat in the opening week. He then contrib- two, with 35 shots on target and nine against it. so much? Can Al Sailiya stay in the top four? uted seven goals to their 10-1 win over Al Arabi. The What are the targets this season? In an In- striker had one assist as well during the month. QSL CUP SCHEDULE REVISED terview, Ilyas shared his thoughts. Bounedjah also struck a brace against Iran’s Es- The Qatar Stars League Management has revised He started off by saying it was very crucial teghlal in their AFC Champions League quarter- the 2018-19 QSL Cup schedule, taking into account that the team sustains the momentum in or- fi nal fi rst-leg tie at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on the national team’s calendar. Accordingly, the fi rst- der to stay in the top four because they had 27th August and they are almost in the semi-fi nals round matches will be played this Saturday and a good start last season as well before fading ahead of the second leg in Doha on 17th Septem- Sunday, instead of tomorrow and Saturday. away as the QNB Stars League progressed. ber. The technical analysis of Bounedjah released The second change is in the dates of second- Al Sailiya are now third in the standings by STATS, the offi cial statistics and gures fi provider round fi xtures. They will now be played on 11th and with nine points from three wins. Al Arabi for the QNB Stars League, showed he spent 374.1 13th October, and not on 12th and 13th October as also have the same number of points, but minutes on the pitch. He made an average of 24.8 per the previous schedule. There are no changes in are fourth on goal diff erence. The Peregrines passes, of which 16.6 were successful. He scored all the stadiums that host matches and kick-off tim- had lost to Al Gharafa 1-2 in Week 2. his goals from inside the box. ings. However, they may be changed in accordance Ilyas insisted Al Sailiya’s target was to fi n- The physical aspects revealed that the ace player with maintenance of the venues and the Qatar na- ish in the top four this season and that they Al Sailiya’s Abdulkader Ilyas (second right) has scored four goals in four matches. covered a total distance of 8,436.8 metres with a tional team’s calendar. would strive hard to achieve it even though the competition is tough as always. management.” The lanky player pointed tough a task. In my opinion, the title race is “Al Sailiya have the potential to make it out that the good pre-season preparations between Al Sadd, Al Duhail and Al Rayyan. really big. That’s why I opted for them this played a vital role in their strong start to Our main target is to fi nish in the top four,” season. I consider it as one of the best clubs the 2018-19 season QNB Stars League. “All Ilyas added. I’ve ever played in. I’m happy that I’ve set- players worked hard during the pre-season Ilyas also had high praise for Al Sadd’s tled into my stride there sooner and I hope camp and that has had a positive impact on Akram Afi f. “Afi f is the player who has to stay at the same level. That’s very impor- our performance so far,” said Ilyas. caught my attention the most because of tant,” said Ilyas. Asked what Al Sailiya were missing in his excellent performance. Al Arabi are the “Conditions at Al Sailiya are good and their bid to stay in the top four, he said, “We team that impressed me as they bounced I’m comfortable with my position. For the don’t miss anything. We’re already in the back brilliantly with consecutive wins after fi rst time, I feel like I’ll play for one team top four and wish to stay there. At the same losing big time to Al Sadd. throughout the season. That very thought time, we have to focus fully on the coming They’re now in top four too. Most peo- inspires me to work harder,” he added. competitions and games. The harmony and ple had expected Al Arabi to collapse after On coach Trabelsi, Ilyas said: “Sami is like spirit shown by our players, on and off the the demoralising defeat,” he said. Ilyas ex- father to all players because of his experi- fi eld, are outstanding. pressed his wish to keep playing at the same ence as a player and coach. I hope to live up “We’re competing for all titles and I wish level, so he can get back into the Qatar na- to the expectations of the coach and team we win the QNB Stars League though it’s too tional team, a dream of all players. (qsl.qa) Al Sadd’s striker Baghdad Bounedjah (left) and coach Jesualdo Ferreira.