SPORT Monday 15 October 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 30 Lakers seek a Pakistan under turnaround in new pressure to win, NBA season says Azhar

Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires: Qatar’s Barrow, Abdelaziz advance in dominant manner Qatar’s Owaab Barrow clears the final hurdle on his way to win the Men’s 110m hurdles Stage 1 - Heat 3 during the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in Argentina on Saturday. The 17-year-old Qatari athlete clocked a personal best of 13.33 secs to qualify for stage two which will take place tomorrow. RIGHT: Qatar’s Mohamed Abdelaziz (centre) winning the Men’s 200m Stage 2 - Heat 3 on Saturday. The Qatari teenager clocked a personal best of 21.10 secs to make it to tomorrow’s second stage.

Al Sadd and Füchse Berlin players in action during last year's IHF Super Qatari gymnasts gunning Globe semi-final in Doha. to impress home fans

THE PENINSULA Ahmed Al Dayani in action on the pommel horse in this file photo. DOHA: Coming fresh from the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia, Team Qatar’s Ahmed Nabil, Ahmed Al Dayani and Jana Al Kiki are getting ready compete along with World and Olympic champions during the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Doha. The prestigious event will take place from October 25 to November 3 at the Aspire Dome. Füchse Berlin eye Participating at the A file picture of Qatari recent Asian Games has gymnast Ahmed Nabil helped the three young competing at an event gymnasts to prepare and in Doha. third Super Globe get used to competing at major events. Right before the Asian Games, both title in Doha Nabil and Al Dayani THE PENINSULA attended a training camp in Jana Al Kiki performing on the Mall of Qatar domestic league in the world, Romania while Al Kiki stage in this file photo. Füchse Berlin bring plenty of trained in Portugal. DOHA: Favourites and last experience and a well-oiled Al Kiki, the 16-year-old, year’s runner-up Füchse Berlin team to the Super Globe. With was exposed to world class will be looking to secure their the dates of the event falling later environment during her third IHF Super Globe title when in the year than previous Super first Asian Games partici- the blockbuster handball cham- Globes, the squads have had pation, which added to her pionship begins in Doha more time to settle into the experience and readiness tomorrow. season and integrate new for the big Championships. The German giants will players. She also competed with make their fourth consecutive Berlin have a strong record world class gymnasts appearance in the tournament. in the Super Globe, taking the during the World Cup in The team secured their title on their first participation Doha in March 2018. She place at their maiden Super and defending it one year later. will be going head to head Globe, in 2015, as winners of the In 2017, Barcelona avenged their with many of gymnastics Arabian Gymnastics Cham- Academy graduate and EHF Cup – the second-tier one-goal semi-final loss to greatest female athletes in pionships 2017 in Tunisia competes in all six appa- international European club Füchse at the 2015 edition, the Vault, Balance Beam and he was the youngest of ratus (floor exercise, competition after the Cham- winning the final and leaving and Floor exercise events all competitors at the 47th pommel horse, still rings, pions League. In 2018, the situ- Berlin with the silver medal. at the World Champion- Artistic Gymnastics World vault, parallel bars and hor- ation is the same, as the ‘Foxes’ “It’s a wonderful tournament ships in Doha. Championships in Mon- izontal bar) but specialises from the German capital raised and our dream is to reach our Aspire Academy treal. The young gymnast on the pommel horse their second EHF Cup earlier third title in Doha, since our vic- graduate, Nabil is not a now looks forward to com- where he has won most of this year and were thereafter tories in 2015 and 2016,” says stranger at his very own peting at the World Cham- his medals. the IHF selection as the Wild Wiede, outlining the team’s clear competition venue. The pionships and meet his all- Al Dayani competed in Card entrant. goal to reclaim the trophy in 18-year-old competed at time favourite Japan’s last year’s World Champi- “It’s a big honour for us as 2018. the Aspire Dome in March Kohei Uchimura. onships in Montreal but EHF Cup champions to be part The Foxes will start their 2018 when Doha hosted the Al Dayani, who started competing at the Summer of the tournament. It’s the best- campaign against Brazilian club 11th edition of the Artistic gymnastics when he was Olympics has always been manned tournament of the Handebol Taubate in the Gymnastics World Cup. eight years old, has won a dream for Al Dayani. The world for clubs – and for us as quarter-final. The winner of that 2017 was a great year for over 20 gold medals at 25 year old competed at the Füchse Berlin, it will be a big encounter will take on either Al Nabil, he won his first inter- various GCC competitions 2010 Youth Olympic Games challenge,” says the club’s Man- Sadd or University national gold medal in the and Arab Championships. in Singapore and made it to aging Director Bob Hanning. Handball Club in the semi-final horizontal bar event at the He is also an Aspire the finals. Playing in the toughest stage. MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27

It can be a frustrating profession when you sit on the re- FOOTBALL YOUTH OLYMPICS serve bench like he did in four test matches in England. Indian coach He got his opportunity here and he grabbed it with both Ravi Shastri Kuwait vs Youth Olympic Games in hands... He’s given us a (selection) headache and it’s a on Umesh Yadav Croatia vs Jordan Buenos Aires, Argentina very good headache. ACTION TODAY’S

The 14-time Grand Slam champion closes in on Rafael Nadal’s world number one ranking with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Borna Coric. Djokovic will leapfrog Roger Federer into second in the world Novak Djokovic of Serbia when the rankings are celebrates with released today . the trophy after winning the the Shanghai Masters final against Borna Coric of Croatia. Dominant Djokovic wins Shanghai Masters

AFP The 31-year-old will I think you’re seeing the new to hold on to it as long as I can.” saw him ponder pulling out leapfrog Roger Federer into Novak. I had to reinvent myself Asked if he had a message before the tournament. SHANGHAI: The “new” Novak second in the world when the and find, you know, (a) proper for the under-pressure Nadal, But he refused to blame Djokovic warned that he was rankings are released today but formula for success. I found it and the Serb smiled: “I will leave that those for defeat to the man he gunning for Rafael Nadal’s will not stop there as the season up to your creative spirit of considers something of an idol. world number one ranking after reaches its climax. I’m just trying to hold on to it as journalism.” “He was the much better winning the Shanghai Masters Spanish great Nadal, who long as I can: Djokovic The 32-year-old Nadal could player on the court. I was with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over was not in Shanghai or Beijing return from his latest injury for playing good, really, I was really Borna Coric yesterday. last week because of a knee the Paris Masters, which starts happy how I played,” he said. The 14-time Grand Slam injury, will be just 215 points been victorious in 18 ATP issues, but said he had adapted at the end of this month. “I felt even if I was serving champion has been imperious ahead of Djokovic in the race to matches in a row and in recent his game since the operation. Djokovic said he could play a little bit better, he’d still return all week and barely offered a finish as year-end number one. months won Wimbledon, the Djokovic, who has been par- Vienna or Basel, the week before my serves, so there is nothing I sniff to the 19th-ranked “I could not ask for a better Cincinnati Masters, the US Open ticularly dominant on his serve, Paris, in an effort to further rein can do.” Croatian, a good friend and scenario,” Djokovic, who last sat and now Shanghai for a fourth not dropping one service game in his rankings rival. Coric, the 13th seed, was sometime-training partner. atop the rankings two years ago, time. in Shanghai, said: “I think you’re The 21-year-old Coric said chasing only the third title of his The end when it inevitably said of his late surge to the It is all a far cry from just seeing the new Novak. that he had no complaints about career and defeated top seed arrived was anti-climactic, with summit of men’s tennis. five months ago, when Djokovic “I don’t need to describe losing to “one of the best in the Federer in the semi-finals to the Serb winning the champi- “I am very close now to fell to 22nd in the world as he him, that’s all I can say. history of tennis”. underline his rich promise. onship point after a video Nadal in the rankings and put struggled following elbow “I had to reinvent myself and In what was the biggest He also dispensed of three- review. myself in a good position for the surgery in February. find, you know, (a) proper match of his life, he wore heavy time Grand Slam winner and Djokovic buried his head in last period of the year.” He missed the second half formula for success. strapping on one thigh and has Federer’s fellow Swiss Stan his hand at the absurdity of it. Red-hot Djokovic has now of 2017 with elbow and off-court “I found it and I’m just trying been troubled by a stiff neck that Wawrinka in his opening match. Yastremska claims maiden WTA title Garcia takes AFP “I thought it would be more difficult,” she said. Tianjin trophy HONG KONG: Ukrainian teenager “But if before the match you Dayana Yastremska said yesterday think it’s going to be really difficult she was dreaming of a Grand Slam you up your focus, and when you over Pliskova after she crushed Chinese number go on court you stay more dedi- one Wang Qiang 6-2, 6-1 at the cated to each point, that’s what AP Hong Kong Open to claim her first helped me to stay that calm during ever title. the whole match.” The 18-year-old comprehen- She instantly put her opponent TIANJIN, CHINA: Second-seeded Caroline Garcia sively outplayed the world number under pressure by forcing two won her first tournament of the year with a 7-6 24 to win the tournament without break points in the opening service (7), 6-3 win over top-seeded Karolina Pliskova in losing a set all week, walking away game, eventually breaking Wang the Tianjin Open yesterday. with a cheque for $163,265 and to go 4-2 up, and claimed the set It was the 16th-ranked Garcia’s first title since more than doubling her career with a blistering backhand return. she won back-to-back trophies at the Wuhan and winnings at a stroke. Yastremska started the second Beijing tournaments in Asia just over a year ago. Wang -- who has been touted set in much the same style, imme- The Frenchwoman’s two titles at the end of by some as a potential successor diately breaking Wang with a last season earned her a spot into the year-end to Chinese tennis icon Li Na -- forehand winner. WTA Finals in Singapore. was chasing her third title but But the Ukrainian’s nerves This year, the victory in Tianjin is not enough was never in the match, which were on display in the long final to put Garcia into a second consecutive year-end was over in little more than an game of the match, serving a total final appearance. hour. of three double faults. Pliskova’s failure to take the title also kept her Despite chants of “Keep going She won her maiden title with a from confirming a berth in the WTA Finals. Wang Qiang!” ringing out in Can- heavy serve, and stood on court for Currently in eighth place in the race to Sin- tonese round the Centre Court, the a moment looking dumbfounded. gapore, the Czech will have to wait out the results 26-year-old appeared curiously The world number 102 said she from next week’s tournaments in Luxembourg and listless, the day after she had put was not “a star yet”, adding she had to see if she qualifies for one of the three both world number five Elina Svi- no time to celebrate as she flies out remaining spots. Pliskova is scheduled to play in tolina and former Wimbledon of Hong Kong to prepare for her Moscow. champion Garbine Muguruza to next tournament in Luxembourg. American Sloane Stephens, Ukrainian Elena the sword. Wang blamed fatigue for her Svitolina and Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens are the Until yesterday, Yastremska’s flat performance after a frenetic other remaining contenders for Singapore. chief claim to fame had been 2016 summer and autumn which seen Garcia was down 1-5 in the first set tiebreaker Wimbledon girls singles finalist, her claim two titles, a host of big before she rebounded. She saved a set point for but earlier this year she became name scalps and a gold medal at Pliskova at 5-6 to go on to win the hour-long first Dayana Yastremska of the first player born this mil- the Asian Games. set. Ukraine serves during her lennium to break into the WTA top “I think I was really tired after In the second set, Garcia raced to a 5-0 lead, women’s singles final match 100 rankings. the last two months,” she said. and first served for the match at 5-1, but had to against Wang Qiang of China She did not appear over- “It was really tough to play wait for her victory to come three games later. at the Hong Kong Open whelmed appearing in her first against (Yastremska) -- she played She secured the title with her sixth ace of the tennis tournament yesterday. final, despite saying she had woken really aggressive, not too many match. up so nervous she could not eat. mistakes, good serve, good return.” 28 SPORT MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2018

Cavaliers bullish on James-inspired Lakers seek future without James a turnaround in new season AFP AFP Los Angeles Lakers forward LOS ANGELES: Life without LeBron James (23) celebrates LeBron James won’t be easy LOS ANGELES: LeBron James on the bench against the for the rebuilding Cleveland embarks on the latest and Golden State Warriors during Cavaliers, who are expected possibly final chapter of his glit- the fourth quarter at SAP to take a significant step back tering career with the basketball Center on Saturday. after their native son’s world watching and wondering departure to California. if the greatest player of his After carrying the Cavs to generation can deliver a four consecutive NBA Finals Hollywood ending. appearances, including a Ever since James confirmed memorable first champi- his blockbuster move to the Los onship win in 2016, James Angeles Lakers in July, sceptics joined the Los Angeles Lakers have asked whether the 33-year- to create a gaping hole in the old’s move to California was team he left behind. motivated by basketball or his Yet James’ former team- budding entertainment industry mates are adamant that they portfolio. can step up to fill the void. If James was truly deter- Kevin Love thinks mined to add more champi- Cleveland are going to sur- onship rings to his collection of prise a lot of people. three titles, the theory went, a “Losing the best player in more logical destination would the world, we’re going to have have been Houston or Phila- a fresh start,” Love said. delphia, where his arrival might “We have first- and have elevated either franchise second-year guys who have to potential super-team status. to make an impact, and then Instead he opted for the veteran guys who have Lakers, mired in mediocrity after playoff experience under the worst five-year period in their belt.” Tristan Thompson club history and failing to make also believes any team under- the playoffs since 2013. estimating the Cavs will be “Strictly a business decision,” making a mistake. was the withering verdict of TNT “My business took care of installed as second favourites to rebounds and five assists in a “We’re a playoff team. commentator Charles Barkley on itself way before I became part win the NBA championship, with 123-113 pre-season victory over That’s realistic,” Thompson James’ move. of the Lakers franchise,” James only the Golden State Warriors the Warriors on Wednesday. A said after Cleveland suffered “He’s on the downside of his said. ahead of them. Lakers line-up without James a 129-110 loss to Detroit. career. He wants to be a big Hol- There is also plenty of evi- Statistically, the odds favour We’re a new ball club then repeated the feat in a 119-105 “Everyone that says lywood mogul. He’s going to be dence to refute the suggestion James. In a 15-year career his trying to get better. win on Friday. playoffs is overachieving driving by the beach every day.” that James, who turns 34 in teams have won 50 or more We’re all new to each Lance Stephenson, who like doesn’t know our squad and James and those familiar December, is a fading force. games in 11 seasons. His arrival other. We have to take James arrived in the off-season, doesn’t believe in our squad. with his reasons for choosing the During last season’s run to should be good enough to take is in no doubt about the four-time For us, we’re a playoff team. Lakers have dismissed the the NBA Finals, he frequently the Lakers, who finished with 35 our bumps and our NBA MVP’s impact on the “We just have to go out sceptics out of hand. demonstrated that he remains wins last year, into the bruises, there’s going franchise. there, be ourself and prove “My decision was based capable of putting a team on his postseason. to be good times and “The focus and communica- the naysayers wrong, which solely on my family and the back, at times dragging Young talents such as bad times. That’s what tions skills with everyone starts we will.” Maybe James simply Lakers,” James said. Cleveland single-handedly over Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and with LeBron,” Stephenson said. outgrew the Cavaliers when “I’m a basketball player. I the line as they reached the NBA Kyle Kuzma will surely benefit happens with a team “His communications skills are he left the first time. But this play ball, that’s what I do. That’s Finals for a fourth consecutive from James direction and on- that’s new: James incredible, and it’s contagious and time around Cavaliers’ fans what I live by, and when I do it year. court savvy. it helps the whole team.” James, aren’t burning jerseys for the way I do it, everything takes Whether the component James, however, has been meanwhile, has cautioned that taking his talents to Hol- care of itself.” parts of the Lakers roster can careful to rein in early expecta- “They can pick up right the Lakers remain a work in lywood. Who can fault And as James points out, his give him enough support to tions about what the Lakers can where they left off, starting with progress. someone who brought the successful forays into the enter- provide a credible challenge this achieve this year, warning that training camp. We’re picking up “We’re a new ball club trying city its first title in 52 years, tainment world, which have season remains to be seen, but any challenge to Golden State’s from scratch. So we have a long to get better. We’re all new to took them to the finals four included movie roles and docu- certainly the oddsmakers in Las domination of the league way to go. each other. We have to take our straight seasons and built a mentary and television pro- Vegas aren’t ruling it out. remains a distant speck on the The early evidence of a bumps and our bruises, there’s school for special needs youth ducing, were well-established Within hours of James horizon. James-inspired Lakers renewal going to be good times and bad that will serve as a big part of before his arrival in announcing his decision to move “We’ve got a long way to go to have been encouraging however. times. That’s what happens with James’ legacy for years to Tinseltown. to Los Angeles, the Lakers were get to Golden State,” James said. James put up 15 points, 10 a team that’s new,” he said. come.

Turkey’s Onur Balkan poses for a photo after he won Turkey’s Beauties classification for the second time in his career within the Pastrnak hat-trick leads 54th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey Bruins in rout of Wings 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. REUTERS Carlo and David Krejci each had goal of his NHL career, and Eakin fired a shot from the two assists for Boston, which has Dylan Larkin added a short- left circle for his second goal of NEW YORK: David Pastrnak won four in a row since a handed goal for Detroit. the season on a pass from Ryan scored his second career hat season-opening 7-0 loss at Jonathan Bernier had 31 saves Carpenter. -trick, Jake DeBrusk added two defending Stanley Cup champion for the winless Red Wings, who The Golden Knights needed goals and Patrice Bergeron had Washington. The Bruins have are off to their worst start since a spectacular save by goaltender three assists as the Boston Bruins outscored their opponents 22-6 beginning 0-5 in the 1980-81 Marc-Andre Fleury, who cruised to an 8-2 victory over the during the streak. season. sprawled across the crease to get visiting Detroit Red Wings on Tuukka Rask had 32 saves Golden Knights 1, Flyers 0 his glove on a shot by Philadel- Saturday. for the Bruins, who improved to Cody Eakin scored with 1:25 phia’s Claude Giroux with 38 Anders Bjork had a goal and 15-1-1 in their last 17 games remaining in the third period, seconds left. an assist, Charlie McAvoy and against Detroit, including seven and Vegas ended a three-game Oilers 2, Rangers 1 Sean Kuraly also scored goals wins in a row. losing streak with a win at Connor McDavid scored a and Brad Marchand, Brandon Filip Hronek scored the first Philadelphia. power-play goal 6:23 into the third period and added an assist as Edmonton picked up its first win of the season at New York. McDavid has either scored or assisted on all of Edmonton’s five goals this season. He Madsen wins time-trial recorded the secondary assist on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ first goal of the season in the opening battle of the big Danes period. McDavid scored the tie- AFP breaking goal when he put a also finished second to Madsen. backhander -- after getting a Bjerg led at the interme- cross-ice pass from Leon Drai- LES HERBIERS, FRANCE: diate time check but the saitl while positioned at the left Dane Martin Toft Madsen won 33-year-old Madsen was side of the net -- in the low slot the prestigious French time- stronger in the closing stages. off Henrik Lundqvist’s left leg. trialling event the Chrono des French veteran Sylvain Senators 5, Kings 1 Nations yesterday, edging his Chavanel, 39, finished fifth in Chris Wideman enjoyed his compatriot Mikkel Bjerg by his last race. He won the Chrono first career two-goal game, seven seconds. in 2014. Vincenzo Nibali, who scoring in the first and third It was a second straight had replaced world champion periods for host Ottawa in a rout victory for experience over Alejandro Valverde as the of Los Angeles. Wideman’s youth in the event. The 19-year- event’s headliner, and was multi-goal effort came in his old Bjerg, recently crowned racing a day after finishing Detroit Red Wings defenceman Joe Hicketts (2) and Boston Bruins right wing Chris Wagner play 161st career game and one day world under-23 time trial second in the 241km Tour of for the puck during the second period at TD Garden in their NHL games on Saturday. shy of the anniversary of his last champion, could not gain Lombardy, finished eighth goal. revenge for last year, when he almost three minutes behind. MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 29

50 years on, Crawford stops Benavidez late shockwaves of Olympic protest still in last round to keep WBO belt rumble AP coming toward him a media workout Wednesday Josh Conley (in red trunks) even as it became and the bickering continued AFP OMAHA: Terence “Bud” and Carlos Adames apparent Crawford had Thursday at a news con- Crawford had one last retort to during their match at CHI taken control of the ference. Insults were lobbed LOS ANGELES: Fifty years all the insults Jose Benavidez Health Center in Omaha, fight, and he showed both ways during the weigh- after raising clenched fists in hurled his way. Nebraska on Saturday. renewed life in the 10th in Friday, with Benavidez protest during the 1968 His right hand delivered it. when he landed a shoving Crawford and Mexico City Olympics, the Crawford used an uppercut couple shots. Crawford taking a swing that shockwaves unleashed by to Benavidez’s chin to knock him The crowd was on narrowly missed. John Carlos and Tommie down the first time in the 12th its feet for the 12th In the co-main event, 2016 Smith’s salute of defiance are and final round and then con- round, and “Craw- US Olympic silver medalist and still rippling around the secutive rights to put him down ford!” ‘’Craw-ford!” top featherweight prospect sporting world. a second, prompting referee Cel- chants echoed through Shakur Stevenson of Newark, The image of the African- estino Ruiz to stop the fight with the arena. Crawford New Jersey, stopped Viorel American sprinters standing 18 seconds left. kept coming in the 12th, Simion of Romania just before on the medal podium on “It feels so good to shut and Benavidez could the bell ending the first round. October 16 1968, heads somebody up who has been take no more of the Stevenson (9-0, 5 KOs) delivered bowed while each raising a talking for so long,” Crawford steady punishment. a powerful left-right combi- solitary, leather-gloved fist said. “I’m at ease.” “Oh man, it was nation to the head to send Simion into the night sky would Crawford, a three-division coming,” Crawford said (21-3, 9 KOs) to his knees for his become one of the most champion who was making his of his finishing flurry. third knockdown. iconic photos of the 20th first defense of his WBO welter- “It was just a On the undercard, 2016 century. weight belt, stuck out his tongue matter of time. He Olympian Mikaela Mayer of The protest redefined the at his fallen opponent at the con- slowed down tremen- Los Angeles won a regional concept of athlete activism as clusion of what amounted to a dously. He was tired. super featherweight belt with the stuffy, antiquated world personal grudge match. That’s when I saw my a unanimous decision over of the Olympic movement “I gave him a good fight,” opportunity to take my Vanessa Bradford of under then president Avery Benavidez said. Arum has said that would not be fight in front of a hometown best shot.” Edmonton, Alberta. Brundage collided with the “I don’t think he thought I an insurmountable problem. crowd of 13,000 that included This was more of a stay-busy Mayer (8-0, 4 KOs) was the political and cultural mael- was going to give him a good “Hear me now: I’m ready to Crawford friend and billionaire fight for Crawford but he was aggressor throughout the eight- strom raging across the globe fight. But he’s the best of the best. make that fight next,” Arum said. Warren Buffett. Benavidez (27-1, eager to take the bout after being round bout and knocked down in 1968. We gave the fans a good show.” “We’re prepared to sit down 18 KOs) began tiring in the called out by Benavidez, who is Bradford (4-1-2) with a right to America had already been Next up for Crawford could and get that fight done, but I can’t seventh after taking body shot only the 10th-ranked 147- the head in the seventh. convulsed by the twin assas- be a unification bout with IBF force the other people into doing after body shot. pounder by the WBO. Also, former WBO welter- sinations of Dr. Martin Luther champion Errol Spence Jr., it.” The 31-year-old Crawford “I take nothing from him,” Benavidez confronted the weight champ Mike Alvarado King in April and the murder something promoter Bob Arum (34-0, 25 knockouts), ranked Benavidez said. champion at a boxing event in (40-4, 28 KOs) of Denver of presidential hopeful Robert has said he would like to make first or second on the world’s top “He’s the best of the best. I Corpus Christi, Texas, in Feb- knocked out Robbie Cannon (16- F. Kennedy in June. In happen sometime in 2019. The pound-for-pound fighter lists, feel like I did a good job.” ruary, accusing Crawford of 14-3, 7 KOs) of Festus, Missouri, between the trauma of those only problem is that Spence is put on a workmanlike per- Benavidez, 26, was plenty frisky, ducking him repeatedly. The with a right to the chin at 41 events, deadly rioting erupted promoted by Al Haymon, but formance for the first half of the motioning for Crawford to keep fighters’ camps traded barbs at seconds of the second round. in Chicago. Large-scale protests against the Vietnam War gained momentum throughout a year which also saw civil unrest in France as Swiss IOC member Patrick Baumann dies student-led demonstrations and general strikes plunged AFP International Baumann recently chaired the of becoming a model which the country into chaos. Olympic evaluation commission for the fellow international federations By the time of the Committee LAUSANNE: Swiss IOC member 2024 Olympic Games and was followed,” FIBA president Olympics, the febrile mood (IOC) member Patrick Baumann, a central then vice-chair of the Coordi- Horacio Muratore said in a sweeping the world had Patrick Baumann figure in the Olympic movement nation Commission for those statement. reached Mexico City. speaking during and the sport of basketball, has Games after Paris were awarded Muratore credited Baumann Just days before the died at the age of 51. Games got under way, the 131st IOC the right to host them. He was with launching 3x3, basketball’s Baumann suffered a heart also president of the IOC’s Coor- urban discipline which became Mexican government forces session in attack yesterday during the dination Commission for the a part of the sport’s programme crushed a protest by students Lima in this file Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Youth Olympic Games Lausanne at the Olympics. and civilians. Independent photo taken on Aires. 2020 and the Olympic Games “Without doubt we would reports say between 300-500 September 13, “This is a great shock, which Los Angeles 2028. not be where we are today were people were killed, with thou- 2017. has hit us all very hard. We can A former basketball player, it not for everything that he did,” sands wounded and more hardly believe this terrible news. coach and referee, Baumann was Muratore said. than 2,000 arrested. Particularly since, even today, deputy secretary general (1995- “His unwavering com- That bloody crackdown we have seen him working hard, 2002) of the International Bas- mitment, tireless work ethic and set the stage for an Olympics as we always knew him, for the ketball Federation (FIBA), and pure passion for basketball mean that will forever be associated sport he loved,” said IOC pres- then unanimously appointed as he will forever have his place in with Smith and Carlos’s ident Thomas Bach. Secretary General by the FIBA FIBA’s history.” “Black Power” salute. “We lose a young and sym- Central Board in 2002, a role he Trained as a lawyer, On the morning of pathetic leader full of hope who had held since. Baumann was also a member of October 16, Smith won the was standing for the future of “Under his leadership, FIBA the executive committee of the 200m in a then-world record sport. Our thoughts are with his moved forward by leaps and World Anti-Doping Agency of 19.83sec, with Carlos taking wife, his children and his family.” bounds, with the organisation (WADA) and president of bronze behind Australia’s An IOC member since 2007, modernising itself to the extent SportAccord. Peter Norman. Sri Lanka Navy brace for tough game in Doha CHINTHANA WASALA of rugby and the continued head to head. THE PENINSULA growth of international club “The Lions RFC President, relations. Many people and Nimo Amit and his team have DOHA: Rugby fans in Qatar will partners have worked tirelessly been tremendous. Their dynamic be in for a treat when Sri Lanka behind the scenes to make this energy and dedication to make Navy rugby team takes on Doha happen”. this game and future matches a Rugby Football Club (Doha RFC) The pre-season match is the success is noteworthy.” in an friendly encounter on first for the SL Navy and second Club Secretary, Commander, Friday. for Doha who are reeling off a Thusitha Abysundara reiterated The Navy team was ranked close loss after hosting CH and the Chairman’s words and second in Sri Lanka’s 2017-2018 FC on October 5. acknowledged the Sri Lanka Club League and has emerged Last year’s Sri Lanka League Rugby Federation for their league and ‘Clifford Cup’ cham- runners-up will be looking at unwavering support. pions on multiple occasions. The going one better this year using “Being able to offer this his- club has also produced a number the Doha match as a platform to torical game is thanks to the of international players and the Dialog title. coordinated efforts of all fields several stars in the current Navy Chairman, Rear involved, those in Qatar and Sri Sri Lankan team, ranked fourth Admiral, Desapriya Hetti- Lanka, in particular our Union in Asia. arachchi said he was looking whose role is just as vital as the However, coach Mothilal forward to his side being tested commitment of our players to Jayathilaka is not ready to take by the top Qatar rugby club. prepare and compete in Doha”. the Doha challenge for granted Sri Lanka Navy rugby “This is an exciting trip for Commenting about the and admitted that Doha RFC will team in action in this us. It’s an important game for team’s performance whilst trav- be robust and no push over, file picture. both clubs and our future elling, team Manager Menaka posing a competitive challenge relations”. Suranga said, at their own backyard. “We expect a tough contest “Our national players will be “Doha will be strong at home That’s fine by us as long as we entertain them but make them and FC toured Doha the crunch as we know Doha will not be available for this match meaning and after last week’s loss to are firm in our game plan we proud of us” the Navy coach tie received a wide attention easy at home. Our players will well be at full strength giving us Colombo they will be all fired up won’t have any problems” he added. among rugby fans in Qatar. use their aggressiveness as inspi- the good chance to defend and with a point to prove,” Jayat- said. The Lankan Sailors will be Commenting on Navy’s visit ration to rise to the occasion”. maintain our away from home hilaka said. “I understand we have a big the second foreign rugby team to Doha and the rise of rugby in The top brass later praised winning streak”. “They play a physical game following in Qatar and we will to compete in Doha this month. Qatar, Lion’s Media Executive Lions management who with Further details on the and will want to dominate us be using their energy as fire Earlier this month, one Sri Samuel Rico said: “This is a great the Doha RFC has worked encounter can be found at www. especially around the ruck. power. It’s important we not only Lanka’s prominent teams, CH result for Qatar, the DRFC, fans closely to bring both teams doharfc.com. 30 SPORT MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2018 India sweep series with 10-wicket win

REUTERS Rahane featured in a 152-run the last ball of his eighth over and Indian team’s players stand with Pant, who could not the first of his ninth but a hat- HYDERABAD: India thumped and officials pose reach triple figures thanks to a trick eluded him for the second West Indies by 10 wickets inside with the trophy in brilliant catch by Shimron time in the match. three days to complete a 2-0 Hyderabad, yesterday. Hetmyer. Sunil Ambris’s 38 was the top series sweep yesterday after The West Indies batsmen, score in a poor batting display Umesh Yadav’s stellar bowling however, could not complement by his team. effort set up their comprehensive the lion-hearted effort by their “Definitely a little disap- victory in the and second and bowlers. pointed with the batting,” Holder final Test. The tourists got off to a night- said. West Indies skipper Jason marish start with opener Kraigg “We fought our way back Holder’s 5-56 limited India’s Brathwaite and Kieran Powell nicely after the first Test. Credit first-innings lead to 56 in the both departing for ducks. to the way India play cricket.” morning, but their abject second- Brathwaite blocked the first India’s spin trio, led by innings batting left the hosts delivery from Umesh to deny Ravindra Jadeja (3-12), shared six needing only 72 to win. him a hat-trick spread across wickets among them, but were, Openers Prithvi Shaw and two innings though fell caught for once, content playing second behind from the very next ball. fiddle to paceman Umesh, who Umesh dismissed Roston was the obvious choice for the India’s Umesh Yadav Chase and Shane Dowrich with man-of-the-match award. shows the ball after completing a 10-wicket haul yesterday. SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings 311 S. Hetmyer c Kohli b K. Yadav ...... 17 India 1st innings S. Ambris lbw b Jadeja ...... 38 L. Rahul b Holder ...... 4 R. Chase b U. Yadav ...... 6 P. Shaw c Hetmyer b Warrican ...... 70 S. Dowrich b U. Yadav ...... 0 C. Pujara c sub (J Hamilton) b Gabriel ...... 10 J. Holder c Pant b Jadeja ...... 19 V. Kohli lbw Holder ...... 45 D Bishoo not out ...... 10 A. Rahane c Hope b Holder ...... 80 J. Warrican b Ashwin ...... 7 Lokesh Rahul, Umesh, who was “It can be a frustrating pro- R. Pant c Hetmyer b Gabriel ...... 92 S. Gabriel b U. Yadav ...... 1 both of whom twice on a hat-trick in fession when you sit on the R. Jadeja lbw b Holder ...... 0 Extras (lb1) 1 were not out reserve bench like he did in four R. Ashwin b Gabriel ...... 35 Total (all out, 46.1 overs) ...... 127 on 33, com- the match, claimed 4-45 test matches in England. K. Yadav b Holder ...... 6 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Brathwaite), 2-6 (Powell), pleted the for- to become only the third “He got his opportunity here U. Yadav c sub (J Hamilton) b Warrican ...... 2 3-45 (Hetmyer), 4-45 (Hope), 5-68 (Chase), 6-70 malities in 16.1 Indian paceman -- after and he grabbed it with both S. Thakur not out ...... 4 (Dowrich), 7-108 (Holder), 8-109 (Ambris), 9-126 overs to inflict Kapil Dev and Javagal hands... He’s given us a Extras (b12, lb2, nb5) ...... 19 (Warrican), 10-127 (Gabriel) on West Indies (selection) headache and it’s a Total (all out, 106.4 overs) ...... 367 Bowling: Umesh 12.1-3-45-4, Ashwin 10-4-24-2, Srinath -- to claim 10 Fall of wickets: 1-61 (Rahul), 2-98 (Shaw), 3-102 Kuldeep 13-1-45-1, Jadeja 11-5-12-3 their second wickets in a home Test. very good headache.” successive After India resumed day (Pujara), 4-162 (Kohli), 5-314 (Rahane), 6-314 (Jade- India 2nd innings (target 72) ja), 7-322 (Pant), 8-334 (K. Yadav), 9-339 (U. Yadav), L. Rahul not out ...... 33 defeat inside three on 308-4, Rishabh Pant fell 10-367 (Ashwin) P. Shaw not out ...... 33 three days. paceman -- after Kapil Dev and on 92 for the second successive Bowling: Gabriel 20.4-1-107-3 (nb3), Holder 23-5- Extras (b6, lb2, nb1) ...... 9 Umesh, Javagal Srinath -- to claim 10 innings and Ajinkya Rahane also 56-5 (nb2), Warrican 31-7-84-2, Chase 9-1-22-0, Bi- Total (0 wickets, 16.1 overs) ...... 75 who was twice wickets in a home Test. missed his century as Holder and shoo 21-4-78-0, Brathwaite 2-0-6-0 Did not bat: C. Pujara, V. Kohli, A. Rahane, R. Pant, on a hat-trick “I felt really happy for him,” Shannon Gabriel restricted India R. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, K. Yadav, U. Yadav. S. Thakur in the match, India coach Ravi Shastri said of to 367. West Indies Bowling: Holder 4-0-17-0 (nb1), Warrican 4-0-17-0, claimed 4-45 Umesh, who has often had to Holder surprised Rahane, K. Brathwaite c Pant b U. Yadav ...... 0 Bishoo 4.1-0-19-0, Chase 4-0-14-0 to become warm the bench because of the who made 80, with extra bounce K. Powell c Rahane b Ashwin ...... 0 Result: India won by 10 wickets only the third competition in the pace bowling and two balls later trapped a S. Hope c Rahane b Jadeja ...... 28 Series: India won the series 2-0 Indian department. scoreless Ravindra Jadeja lbw. Rain washes out SA-Zimbabwe Pakistan under pressure to win: Azhar Twenty20 AFP in every match and obviously Azhar admitted Pakistan have to give credit to the Aus- this is a decider. Being the home players were disappointed at tralians as well as they showed AFP ABU DHABI: Senior batsman team we have to win it and we not winning the first Test. resilience and kept fighting till Azhar Ali (pictured) admitted will enter the field thinking that. “We are not disheartened the end.” Azhar said he remains BENONI: Rain and a wet Pakistan will be under pressure We will look to play positive I can’t say if the but, yes,ypp disappointed, obvi- focused despitep not in the best outfield caused the aban- of expectations in the second cricket and hopefully the result pressure will be ouslyously aafterfter ddominatingominating thethe ofof fform,orm, manamanagingging ononlyly 95 runs donment of the third and final Test against Australia starting will go our way.” more on Pakistan or Test mmatchatch inin thethe lastlast fourfour Tests.Tests. Twenty20 international in Abu Dhabi from tomorrow. Pakistan will be forced to throughoutthroughout and “A“A batman alwaalwaysys between South Africa and Pakistan dominated much make a change after regular Australia but we are thenthen not wantswants to score runs anandd Zimbabwe at Willowmoore of the first Test in Dubai but opener Imam-ul-Haq fractured the home side and winning it,”it,” itit doesn’tdoesn’t feelfeel nice Park yesterday. failed to get the last two wickets his finger in the first Test and obviously people saidsaid Azhar,Azhar, a whenwhen hhee ddoesn’toesn’t score South Africa won the as Australia finished at 362-8. was ruled out, opening an veteranveteran ooff runs,”runs,” said Azhar. series 2-0 after winning an Set a daunting 462 runs option to bring Azhar as opener. expect us to win and 66 TTests.ests. “But the importantimportant one-day series 3-0 which was Australia’s fightback was led by The 33-year-old held the so there is pressure: “Unfor-“Unfor- thingthing is to stay focusedfocused played earlier. opener Usman Khawaja’s 141, opening spot since the Oval Test Azhar Ali tunatelytunately we andand believebelieve tthathat once The matches were largely ably assisted by Travis Head (72) in England in August 2016 and couldn’tc ouldn’t you get a goodgood knockknock one-sided and South Africa and skipper Tim Paine (61 not struck a triple century against Cup scoring only 5566 runs in five win bbutut I thingsthings will start rollinrollingg used them to test the depth of out). the West Indies in Dubai and a matches with twoo ducks.ducks. thinkthink wwee aalsolso again.”again.” their resources, using 22 “I can’t say if the pressure double hundred against Aus- Azhar said hhee willwill dodo it players across the five will be more on Pakistan or tralia in -- both in against for his team.am. matches. Australia but we are the home 2016. “When playingg fforor PaPakistankistan South Africa travel to side and obviously people He went to his customary one has to be readydy for everevery-y- Australia later this month to expect us to win and so there is number three position for the thing,” said Azhar.r. play three one-day interna- pressure,” said Azhar two Tests against Sri Lanka last “I have always tionals and a Twenty20 inter- yesterday. year and in last week’s first Test believed in thatt and national, while Zimbabwe “However, having said that against Australia. whatever the teameam depart later this week for these are favourable conditions Pakistan can also bring in management decidesides Bangladesh where they will for us and we have to make the limited over specialist Fakhar or the captainin play three one-day interna- most of it. Zaman to play his first Test, decides, I will bee tionals and two Tests. “Pressure is always different despite a poor form in the Asia ready to do that.”” Leishman breezes to Classic triumph AFP Justin Thomas (64) closed with CIMB CLASSIC SCORES “unbelievable” to win. “It was three birdies in his last three a very tough time that we went KUALA LUMPUR: Australia’s holes to surge up the leader- 262 - Marc Leishman (AUS) 68-62-67-65 through, but it certainly made Marc Leishman unleashed an board and finish in tied fifth 267 - Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 66-68-67-66, us stronger as people, made us early birdie barrage as he place at 268, where he was Chesson Hadley (USA) 67-68-66-66, Bronson appreciate just the everyday romped home by five shots to joined by Mexican Abraham Burgoon (USA) 63-69-67-68 things, appreciate our kids claim top place in the $7m CIMB Ancer (65), South Africa’s Louis 268 - Justin Thomas (USA) 66-69-69-64, more, appreciate friends, Classic yesterday. Oosthizen (69) and fellow Abraham Ancer (MEX) 67-68-68-65, Charles family, everything,” he said of At the par-72 TPC Kuala Americans Charles Howell III his wife’s illness. Howell III (USA) 69-67-65-67, Louis Oosthui- Lumpur, Leishman closed with (67) and Gary Woodland (71). “I won’t say it made golf zen (RSA) 66-68-65-69, Gary Woodland a seven-under par 65 to finish The world number 24 less important, but it made me the only PGA Tour event in Leishman won the Arnold (USA) 69-61-67-71 realize that golf’s not life or southeast Asia at 26-under par Palmer Invitational and the 269 - Kevin Chappell (USA) 66-67-71-65, Si- death... As long as I give it my

262 for his fourth win on the BMW Championship in 2017 woo Kim (KOR) 67-71-66-65, Shubhankar best shot, that’s what it’s all PGA Tour. and continued his winning Sharma (IND) 67-64-66-72 about.” His effort was five shots streak in 2018 with the CIMB Overnight joint leader better than Argentina’s Classic win. Shubhankar Sharma of India Emiliano Grillo (66), and the It all would have looked a respiratory distress syndrome started in a shaky manner American duo of Chesson distant dream when the and toxic shock syndrome. before coming back strongly Hadley (66) and Bronson 34-year-old almost quit the An emotional Leishman, with four birdies in four holes Burgoon (68) -- all of whom fin- game around the time of the who made eight birdies, from the eighth onwards, but ished on 21-under par 267. 2015 Masters, when his wife including a putt from nearly 50 he made three straight bogeys Marc Leishman of Australia lifts up the trophy after winning the 2018 Two-time champion and Audrey was diagnosed with and feet on the par-4 ninth, and a from the 11th to finish on even- CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. former world number one nearly died from acute solitary bogey, said it felt par for the day. MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 31

Loew expects debate over his future REUTERS

BERLIN: coach Joachim Loew expects there to be a renewed debate over his future after a 3-0 loss to the Netherlands in the Nations League on Saturday. “Of course, I have to Young Qatari brigade prepares for U-19 Asian Cup expect that. It is some- thing I have to live with. For this result we must Qatar U-19 players during a training session in Jakarta yesterday. The young Qatari brigade is preparing for all take responsibility,” the AFC U-19 Asian Cup to be held from October 18 to November 4 in Indonesia. Qatar reached Indonesia he told reporters after last Wednesday and since then the team is undergoing training sessions daily. The coach Bruno Miguel’s the defeat in the Johan boys face UAE on October 18, Indonesia on October 21 and UAE on October 24 in the preliminary stages of Cruyff Arena left the tournament. Qatar won the 2014 edition in Myanmar by beating North Korea in the final. Germany bottom of their group. Loew’s contract runs until 2022, having been extended for two years Dutch see big in May. He received a further Germany win Spain are above England vote of confidence from the German Football as a turning Federation (DFB) in July, despite his side’s shock point level, says goal-shy Kane group-phase exit at the World Cup in , after defeats to Mexico REUTERS and South Korea. REUTERS England’sEngland’s captain founderedfoundered aroundaround understudy,unu derstudy, hhasas since retireretiredd “Debate is normal, AMSTERDAM: Netherlands hhasas facedfaced criticism afterafter him.him. ““I’dI’d lilikeke ttoo hahaveve fromfrom iinternationalnternational ffootball.ootball but it is my job to prepare captain Virgil van Dijk hopes LONDON: Harry Kane scorinscoringg six times in 13 scoredscored moremore fforor Liverpool’sLiverpool’s Jordan HendersonHenderson the team properly for the their 3-0 win over Germany (pictured) admitted England are ggamesames for club and EnglandEngland recentlrecentlyy and Manchester CitCity’sy’s JohJohnn match against France,” in Saturday’s Nations League not on the same level as pass but,but, as a striker,striker, you Stones are bbothoth sussuspendedpended fforo he said. ccountryountry since tthehe summer, game marks a turning point masters Spain ahead of their go throughthrough sspellspells today’stoday’s gagame,me, wwhichhich Germany take on the for the team after barren Nations League encounter today, sometimes strustrugglingggling to wherewhere mamaybeybe it ggoesoes means probableprobable startsstart world champions in years. as he batted away doubts about rereproduceproduce the formform that off the bar,bar, whereas for SpSpurs’urs’ HarrHarryy Paris tomorrow, which “Let’s hope that is the his own potency since winning made him one of Europe’sEurope’s otherother timestimes itit cocomesmes Winks and Liver-Liver will be Loew’s 169th case. We haven’t been on the World Cup’s Golden Boot in most lethallethal stristrikerskers withwith offoff your hheeleel andand pool’spool’s Joe GomeGomez,z match in charge of the this path long but it feels like July. six goalsgoals at tthehe WorldWorld goesgoes in thethe backback ofof whowho missemissedd tthehe national side, more than we are on the right road,” he “We’re not quite there in the CuCup.p. thethe net llikeike in tthehe WorldWorld CupCup any of his predecessors. told reporters after the way they keep the ball,” said World Cup,”Cup,” he said.said. throughthrough ininjury.jury He has been in the victory at the Amsterdam Kane of opponents, who have TheThe troubletrouble isis Meanwhile,Meanwhile job for the last 12 years Arena, which marked a first scored 10 goals in their past two EnglandEngland ddoo not hhaveave NetherlandsNetherland and won the World Cup success in 16 years over their games. makemake himhim secondsecond toptop scorerscorer manymany aalternatives.lternatives. captain VirgilVirgi in 2014. neighbours. “We’ve got different qual- behindbehind Chelsea’sChelsea’s EEdenden HazarHazard.d. RashfordRashford missemissedd van DijkDijk hhasa “It would have been The Dutch failed to ities. We’ve got great pace in the “It’s“It’s been toughtough after thethe twotwo onone-on-onee-on-one withdrawnwithdrawn acceptable to lose 1-0 in qualify for both the last World team, great one-against-one WorldWorld Cup, not gettinggetting much chances againstagainst fromfrom theirthei Amsterdam but what Cup and European Champi- ability, and that’s what we’ve got rest, bbutut I tthinkhink I’ve ddealtealt witwithh it CroatiaCroatia last squadsquad forfo happened in the last 10 onship in a dramatic decline to try to exploit when we play well,”well,” saisaidd KaneKane.. FridayFriday anandd tomorrow’stomorrow’ minutes was really bad,” after finishing third in Brazil them. “I’ve“I’ve stastayedyed ffitit andand stastayedyed JamieJ amie friendlyf riendly he added after goals in in 2014. “It will be a tough game, but healthy.healthy. That was mmyy main pri-pri- Vardy,Vardy, againstaga i ns the closing stages from “No one would have these are the experiences you orityority at the start of the season.season. Kane’sK ane’ s Belgium,Belgium, lessles Memphis Depay and believed you if you had said want to be in.” NowNow it’s buildingbuilding on thatthat andand WorldWorld thanthan 24 hourshours afterafte Georginio Wijnaldum before the game that we England have just one point pushingpushing forwardforward over thethe winter.winter. CCupup scoring in tthehe 3-03-0 added to a first-half would win by a 3-0 scoreline. from their opening two games “I“I set a stanstandarddard fforor mysemyselflf win over GermanyGermany inin finish from captain Virgil We must enjoy the feeling but in Group 4 and lost to Spain 2-1 andand I wwantant to reachreach thatthat standardstandard the Nations League.League. van Dijk. we are not there yet,” added at Wembley earlier this month every game I play. I don’t thinkthink VanVan Dijk, 27, is stillstil “We had chances so Van Dijk after the match in when Saul Niguez and Rodrigo my game hhasas dipped.”dipped.” feelingfeeling tthehe eeffectsffects ooff a riribb it’s a good question to which he, Memphis Depay scored to cancel out Marcus TheThe 25-year-old25-year-old touchedtouched thethe injury sufferedsuffered playingplaying forfo ask why we didn’t score.” and Georginio Wijnaldum Rashford’s opener. ballball jjustust once in Croatia’s pepenaltynalty LiverpoolLiverpool agagainstainst SoutSouthamptonhampton scored. England’s captain has faced areaarea duringduring last Friday’sFriday’s drab last mmonthonth andand tthehe DutchDutch Coach Ronald Koeman criticism after scoring six times goallessgoalless ddrawraw in RijeRijekaka footballfootball association saidsaid in a took over in February in a bid in 13 games for club and country althoughalthough hehe diddid hhitit thethe statementstatement on SunSundayday tthathat it hhadad to get the team back on track since the summer, sometimes postpost withwith one effort.effort. beenbeen decideddecided hehe wouldwould onlyonly playplay after the recent failures and struggling to reproduce the form HeHe hashas beenbeen accusedaccused againstagainst Germany.Germany. said the victory was a much- that made him one of Europe’s of droppindroppingg too deep for NoNo replacement will bebe needed boost for Dutch most lethal strikers with six goals SpursSpurs and EnEnglandgland this calledcalled upup for Tuesday’sTuesday’s friendlyfriendly football. at the World Cup. season,season, some-some- in Brussels.Brussels. “I think everyone needed Another blank in Seville timestimes VanVan Dijk gotgot the openingopening this win; the players, the staff today would mean seven suc- appearingappearing goalgoal for the Dutch on Saturday,Saturday and all of the Netherlands. cessive games without a goal for iisolatedsolated as beforebefore Memphis Depay anandd You can see it from the England -- the longest barren aattacksttacks GeorginioGeorginio WijnaldumWijnaldum scored latelate reaction of the people. I’m run of his international career onon as they recorded a morale-morale really proud,” he told Dutch -- although his five Premier boostingboosting triumph over theitheir television. League goals for Tottenham neighbours.neighbours. Joachim Loew “Let’s be clear - we had perilous moments in the game but overall we were really good. It gives so much confidence for the coming Troisi seeks Socceroos return for Asian Cup defence months. Verification of potential REUTERS progress can come quickly as game’s biggest stage, wasn’t there to impress first squad and training the Netherlands play two despite naming him in a (Van Marwijk). I’m big camp in Turkey but he more Nations League clashes James Troisi MELBOURNE: James preliminary 26-man enough and grown up feels there is still time to next month when they host Troisi holds a special place squad. enough to move on. stake his claim ahead of world champions France in in the annals of Australian Three months after “I’ve been fortunate Asian Cup warmups Rotterdam on November 16 soccer as the man who Australia were dumped enough to play in the against South Korea and and are away to the Germans sealed the nation’s maiden out of the group phase in Olympics, Asian Cup, Lebanon in November. in Gelsenkirchen on Asian Cup title in 2015, so Russia, Troisi has put that World Cup. Another World Familiarity with November 19. missing the Socceroos’ disappointment behind Cup would have been nice Arnold, who coached him World Cup campaign was him and sees another but it wasn’t meant to be.” at Olympic level over a a bitter pill to swallow. chance to shine at the As the Socceroos decade ago, might also Troisi scored the Asian showpiece, which prepare to kick off a new help. winner in the 2015 final kicks off in the United era in an away friendly “He took me to the against South Korea and Arab Emirates in January, against Kuwait on Beijing Olympics, and I was in most of former under new boss Graham Monday, Troisi will be pre- know him. He lives in Aus- I think everyone coach ’s Arnold. paring for the first game of tralia and can see us week needed this win; squads for the World Cup “At the time it’s disap- Victory’s A-League title in, week out,” Troisi told qualifiers. pointing,” said Troisi, who defence, a derby against local media. the players, the But Postecoglou’s played the 2014 World Cup Melbourne City on “That’s fine by me. The staff and all of the replacement Bert van under Postecoglou. Saturday. most important thing is to Netherlands: Coach Marwijk saw no use for the “I had four friendly Like most Australia- perform well, week in, Ronald Koeman 30-year-old Melbourne games and I didn’t play based players, he was week out and the rest is up Victory midfielder for the once so the opportunity overlooked for Arnold’s to the coach.”