Asher-Smith Makes History for Great Britain, Wins 200M Gold FAWAD HUSSAIN Went Well but Obviously the the PENINSULA Tiredness Disappeared When We Needed It To

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Thursday 3 October 2019

September 27 - October 6

Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (right) on her way to win the gold medal in the women’s 200 metres ﬁnal on the sixth day of the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, yesterday.

Asher-Smith makes history for Great Britain, wins 200m gold FAWAD HUSSAIN went well but obviously the THE PENINSULA tiredness disappeared when we needed it to. Dina Asher-Smith yesterday “It means so much. There’s so became the first British female many British fans here. I don’t athlete to win a world sprint title know [if] there’s a lot of British after clinching the women’s 200m people (living) in Doha but I know gold at the Khalifa International loads have travelled. For my mum Stadium. to be here, my dad, John and his With her top rivals absent, wife, my physio and everything it Asher-Smith was the over- means honestly so much,” she whelming favourite to win the title added. at IAAF World Athletics Champi- The Briton became favourite onships Doha 2019, and she won to win the title after the withdrawal the crown in style, clocking 21.88 of Jamaica’s Olympic champion to set a new national record. Elaine Thompson, 100m champion Team USA’s Brittany Brown Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, 100m won a well-deserved silver in 22.22 bronze medallist Marie-Josee Ta - her second personal best of the Lou and Dutch defending week while Switzerland’s Mujinga champion Dafne Schippers. Kambundji got the bronze medal Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare, who in 22.51, following a late blitz. defeated the Briton this year, was Asher-Smith was in front and also out of the competition after USA’s Grant Holloway (centre) wins the men’s 110 hurdles appeared the winner right from being disqualified in heat. ﬁnal as Jamaica’s Omar Mcleod (right) lies on the track. the gun, but she continued to push PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA till the finish line to win with a Favourite Norman out of clear margin. Following the mem- title race in men’s 400m orable triumph, the Briton just Meanwhile, favourite Michael contained her tears during the Norman suffered a huge shock in Heartbreak for McLeod as Holloway grabs gold interview. the men’s 400m semi-final yes- “Normally, I’m quite chatty and terday, failing to enter the final. FAWAD HUSSAIN I kept focused and stayed healthy,” said get here. I showed up ready and had heart,” everything but I’m lost for words,” The world leader and the Diamond THE PENINSULA Holloway. he added. said an emotional Asher-Smith. League champion from team USA McLeod, the reigning Olympic champion, Sergey also gained from the fall of “I just don’t know what to say. struggled after 200m and finished Team USA’s Grant Holloway grabbed a gold was favourite to retain his title at the IAAF McLeod, who totally disrupted the run of I don’t think it’s properly sunk in. the race in 45.94. medal on his world championships debut, in World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, Diamond League champion Orlando Ortega Between now and the last World Steven Gardiner clocked the what was a night of heartbreak for defending and was in good rhythm till yesterday’s semi- in the next lane, and was disqualified. Championships, John and I knew fastest time of 44.13 in the semi- champion Omar McLeod at the Khalifa Inter- final, which he topped with a time of 13.08 - Meanwhile, it seemed favourite Dalilah I could do it but it’s a different thing final. Competing in the second national Stadium. a time better than American’s victory mark. Muhammad will face a stiff challenge from actually going and doing it. To run semi-final, the Bahamian was US collegiate champion Holloway clocked Holloway took the lead in the beginning Sydney McLaughlin after her USA team-mate 10.83 and 21.88 being tired! It’s pushed hard by Grenada’s Olympic 13.10 to win his maiden gold medal at the but McLeod recovered through the middle posted the best time in the women’s 400m been a long champs. It means so champion Kirani James, who was worlds, with neutral athlete Sergey Shubenkov section. The Jamaican was close to winning hurdles semi-final, yesterday. much,” she said. second in the semi-final with a (13.15) and Frenchman Pascal Martinot- the gold but then he hit the hurdle and the deck, McLaughlin maintained top balance “I was tired but I woke up time of 44.23. Lagarde (13.18) winning the silver and bronze paving the way for Holloway to take gold. throughout the race and was quickest in the today thinking, ‘Well this is it!’ American champion Fred medals. “I felt my hamstring as I came off the first semi-final with a time of 53.81. Obviously I’ve got the relay, but Kerley topped the second semi- “I am speechless. It’s my first major cham- hurdle so then I was thinking about it, not my Dalilah, however, made light work to top this is the last of your individual. final in 44.25 and was third pionships and a lot of people were counting technique. It grabbed me again halfway the first semi-final heat in 53.91. It was an This is the moment you did all your quickest runner of the day. The me out because I’ve been off the game in the through. But I gave it my all,” said dejected effortless sub-54 by the world record holder work for. This is what we knew final of the men’s 400m will be last month or so, but when you have moti- McLeod. as she eased into the final, barely looking out that we could achieve if the season held tomorrow. vation you never lose. I kept believing myself, “I made a lot of sacrifices this season to of breath. 02 SPORT THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2019

September 27 - October 6 Fajdek the king of hammer throw

ARMSTRONG VAS Qatar’s Ashraf Amgad El Seify competes in the men’s THE PENINSULA hammer throw final at the Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday. Poland’s Pawel Fajdek once again proved he is the undis- puted king of hammer throw at the IAAF World Cham- pionships by sealing his fourth consecutive at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. With a throw of 80.50 meters, Fajdek became the first man in history to achieve the feat of four successive gold medals at the World Championships. France’s Quentin Bigot with 78.19m clinched the silver beating Hungarian Bence Halasz by a single centimetre. Pawel cleared 80.50m in the third attempt while compatriot Wojciech Nowicki finished fourth clearing a distance of 77.69. Nowicki has been the man this year, leading the world list with 81.74m to Fajdek’s 80.88m. They were PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT the only two to have gone past 80 metres, next best was / THE PENINSULA, AFP Spain’s Javier Cienfuegos at 79.38m. Yesterday, Cien- AND REUTERS fuegos was nowhere near his best and finished seventh with his best of 76.57. Qatar’s Ashraf El Seify finished in the ninth position with a throw of 75. 41. Meanwhile, in the women’s heptathlon, Katarina Johnson-Thompson won her 200m heats in 23.08 to take her points tally to 4138 points. She finished the day one of the combined events with a lead of 96 points over Belgium’s Nafissatou Thaim. Johnson-Thompson performance got her personal best in the 200m giving her 104 extra points. It was the fourth best day one score ever, one point better than Thiam’s best ever first day haul. “I am really happy about my season bests and my performance today. I never think of these things like where I am after the first day,” Johnson-Thomson said. “I know I am in a good shape, I am where I needed to be and the way I competed. Gold - why not? I am in shape and position to do it but you never know what can happen on day two. But I have to work hard on my second day, so anything is possible,” she added. Yesterday, athletes competed in the 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200m. Today they will be in action in the long jump, javelin and 800m. Johnson-Thompson will go into the second day with a points tally of 4138, while Thiam has 4042. In third place is Kendell Williams of US with a score of 3855, her compatriot Erica Bougard a further two points behind. “I would give my day one a C-minus. I am very hard on myself. I opened up with a huge PB in the hurdles, which I was really excited about. For some reason the high jump didn’t click today, neither the shot put. I had better throws in practice and in other competitions. It is kind of disappointing because Sydney Mclaughlin (centre) of the US The defending world champion, Dalilah I fell off my pace for a personal best for day one. I hope winning her women’s 400 metres hurdles Muhammad (centre) of the US competing to do super well tomorrow and finish my three events semi-final to advance. in the women’s 400m hurdles semi-finals. really strong,” Williams said. Lyles clears multiple hurdles on his way to gold

I’ve had a lot of different challenges through life and

ARMSTRONG VAS it’s shaped me into who I am THE PENINSULA now. I had chronic asthma, I had my tonsils removed American sprinter Noah Lyles, the at six. I had the learning 200m gold medal winner at the disabilities and dyslexia. I ongoing IAAF World Championships, has literally got the world at his feet. was in the slow class at school But life has not been easy for the because I had to learn to read world champion. He has had to fight differently: Noah Lyles overcome tough life situations as a child - ranging from health issues to disabilities. He fought back to mould his char- that.’ Little did I know that I was going acter and overcome those shortcomings to be the first one,” he added. and he took to athletics to fight back to Lyles, who won gold while com- overcome them. pleting his race in 19.83 seconds, said “I’ve had a lot of different chal- the 200m win on Tuesday went lenges through life and it’s shaped me accordingly to the plan and he was sure into who I am now. I had chronic about walking away with the top place. asthma, I had my tonsils removed at “It was a lot closer than I thought it six. I had the learning disabilities and was going to be. I have run so many “I’m still working on my start. I still parents were track stars, initially dyslexia. I was in the slow class at different races, from childhood, believe I can get a better top-end speed. wanted to be high jump champion but school because I had to learn to read through youths, through juniors, where There are things I can strengthen. But changed tracks. differently,” the champion sprinter I have won from different positions – on the right day, with the right condi- “Me and my dad don’t talk all too from USA told journalists. from the back of races, from the middle tions and the right training, hopefully much but he was actually my first Explaining further he said: “Main- of races, from first. So I just knew I a world record will pop up. coach. He was the person who got me stream school just wasn’t my strong could pull out a win from any position. Lyles is not focused on creating into the sport. I came in to the sport USA’s Noah Lyles suit. I got isolated at middle school. I’ve It’s those years of experiences that world records but getting better. because I wanted to be an Olympic high celebrates after gone through periods of depression meant I could win.” “Out here people were talking jump champion. Then I ran at his club winning the Men’s and I used track as an outlet. I tried to “I got one out of two, let’s put it like about world records and I just wanted from 12 to 15 and he taught me hard 200m ﬁnal at work on my character as much as I can, that. I got the gold, which was the the gold. So it was just a lot of relief. work and diligence, and pushing the 2019 IAAF on always staying happy and loving number one part of the plan. A fast time World records aren’t the thing I’m through boundaries. Athletics World what I do.” was number of two. But if you try to chasing. I’m chasing to be better each “Both my parents were track stars Championships “In high school I cried because I force a fast time it won’t come. Another day. World records come when you and they introduced me to a world of at the Khalifa thought I was going to fail out of college time I will have that moment. I was improve what you’re good at and take track and field at a young age. I’ve been International and wouldn’t be able to run. My mum truthfully shooting for a 19.3,” he added. away what you’re bad at,” he said. around Olympians my whole life, not Stadium in Doha, on said, ‘You could go pro out of high Lyles said he is working on his start Lyles, who grew alongside some knowing how great their achievements Tuesday. school.’ And I said, ‘People don’t do which will make him a better athlete. the best Olympians, as both his were.” THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 03

September 27 - October 6 Qatar ready to deliver amazing ANOC World Beach Games, says Al Hashmi

THE PENINSULA the world to be opportune to host effects of this event will last for ANOC World Beach Games DOHA an event of such magnitude,” he a long time not only in Qatar but is featuring 13 sports across 14 said. the entire region as well. It is a disciplines. Featured sports With less than two weeks to go The five-day ANOC World thing of pride to us and to the include aquathlon, 3X3 bas- for the opening ceremony of the Beach Games, also known as region,” he added. ketball, climbing bouldering, maiden edition of the Association Qatar 2019, will kick off with a Al Hashmi noted that hosting beach handball, karate kata indi- of National Olympic Committees spectacular opening ceremony the event in Qatar will have tre- vidual, kitefoil racing, skate- We are really excited (ANOC) World Beach Games at the Beach side of the Katara mendous impacts on beach boarding, beach soccer, open about hosting Qatar 2019, preparations have Cultural Village in Doha on sports in the country as it has the water 5km swimming, beach this event as it is reached a fever-pitch and all October 12. potential of popularizing the tennis, beach volleyball 4X4, hands are on the deck to ensure “Aside from having some of sports and at the same time waterski, wakeboard and beach another wonderful an amazing experience for all the best sports facilities in the attracts more participants. wrestling. opportunity to participants, Ishaq Al Hashmi, world, organizing mega sports “One of the great legacies of As per the schedule, host the world Director of Sports Committee for events have almost become a hosting Qatar 2019 is the ben- aquathlon, 3X3 basketball, karate and showcase the LOC of ANOC Beach Games, second nature to us in Qatar. We efits to beach sports in Qatar. We kata individual, kitefoil racing, how passionate has said. have held some of the biggest have beautiful beaches all beach soccer, open water 5km we are about “We are really excited about events in global sports with great around the country and I believe swimming, beach tennis and hosting this event as it is another applause and the ANOC World we’ll be witnessing interests from beach wrestling will all take sports in Qatar. All Ishaq Al Hashmi wonderful opportunity to host Beach Games comes as part of the populace in beach sports in place at Katara Beach while Al arrangements have the world and showcase how our commitment to the devel- Qatar going forward. We’ve been Gharafa will be the venue for been perfected passionate we are about sports opment of sports worldwide as “As we all know, there has doing well in some of the disci- beach handball and beach vol- to ensure a hitch- in Qatar. All arrangements have well as promoting global peace never been anything like this in plines like volleyball and leyball 4X4. free event and, as been perfected to ensure a hitch- through sports,” Al Hashmi said. the history of beach sports. handball, where we’ve con- Climbing, bouldering and usual, the world will free event and, as usual, the Al Hashmi added that with There’ve been several competi- quered the continent of several skateboarding, on the other world will witness Qatar at its over 1,200 athletes from 97 tions at continental levels but occasions, now it is the time for hand, will be hosted at Aspire witness Qatar at its sporting best come October 12. NOCs, representing all the five never something that brings the us to have major impacts in other Park and Ritz Carlton Canal will sporting best: This is another history in the continents, participating at the whole world together for beach disciplines as well and the com- take care of the waterski and Al Hashmi making and it is a great privilege event, Qatar 2019 is a sort of sports. It is a unique experience petition will definitely help us in wakeboard events during the that we are the first country in “Olympics for Beach Sports”. for us in Qatar and I believe the achieving that,” he said. Games. Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe set to kick off at ParisLongchamp The scene is all set for the 2019 renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, which will take place at ParisLongchamp on October 5 and 6. A number of associated events will be staged prior to the prestigious weekend with the Arqana Arabian Sale organised at Saint-Cloud today. The popular racecourse will host a race day with two Qatar-named races for three-year-old Arabians on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the truly spectacular ParisLongchamp Racecourse in Paris, France will be the scene of action for the iconic event, which has been Qatar-sponsoredQatar-sponsoredd since 2008 underunder the partnershippartnership agreementagreement bebetweentween the QQataratar Racing aandnd EquestrianEquestrian CClublub (Q(QREC)REC) andand FranceFrance GGalop.alop.

Action from last year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp. TOP LEFT: A woman walks past a billboard which promotes the premier racing weekend. World champs share tips with students at Doha College THE PENINSULA DOHA Long jump World Record holder Mike Powell, double-gold medallist at the Worlds, Ashton Eaton, former high jump world champion Stefan Holm and heptathlon double-silver medallist Brianne Theisen-Eaton pose for the students athletes at Doha College during a coaching clinic. Sporting students in Qatar were been given a golden touch to a training session with world champions visiting Doha College to offer advice and inspire the next generation of athletes in Doha. The highly decorated team of former athletes who have col- lectively won nine World Cham- pionships medals, led a spe- cialist coaching session for aspiring students with long jump World Record holder Mike Powell helping youngsters to recreate his record leap of 8.95metres. The two-time World Cham- pionships gold medallist was joined by double-gold medallist Ashton Eaton, former Championships which will see “I coach college kids and I “I hope the kids here today really exciting to see the athletes be a part of the IAAF Worlds high jump world champion 24 more finals take place in the love it because these kids have can go home and tell their in school, where we come eve- with four evenings of action Stefan Holm and heptathlon remaining four days of the dreams and they’re trusting me parents they’ve had fun. That’s ryday. They gave us great advice remaining at Khalifa Interna- double-silver medallist competition. to help them accomplish their the main thing but also that they such as how to deal with tional Stadium, including 24 Brianne Theisen-Eaton. Offering advice on tech- goals, so they’re making me part want to work hard, but I hope pressure and stress in sport. finals where world champions The four stars are visiting nique, training methods and of their dream. I know how they can go away and believe in Having athletes from across the will be made. Qatar in ambassadorial roles for long term goals and vision, the much my coaches affected me themselves. Anything is pos- world here at Khalifa Stadium Tickets can be bought the IAAF World Athletics Cham- athletes met pupils from both and how much I love them for sible,” Powell said. is great. I’ve seen the stadium outside Khalifa International pionships Doha 2019, where the primary and secondary what they helped me do. It great Tabatha, , one of the student grow and it’s amazing to have Stadium form booth one, or they are taking in the local school of Doha College, with to be here and help give back athletes who took part in the the competition here.” online at iaafworldathletics- culture and supporting the Mike Powell commenting: the things that were given to me. coaching clinic, said: “It was There is still time for fans to champs.com/doha2019/ 04 SPORT THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2019 THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 05

September 27 to October 6 Australia’s Barber thrilled Doha Worlds should be a model for future championships: Kendricks

FAWAD HUSSAIN to win the javelin gold “Because of the environment we built ourselves in this event it only THE PENINSULA builds bright future. Duplantis, after winning the European championships said that he is ready for the next level. And 6.05 is not to be taken merica’s pole vault star Sam Kendricks has praised the Local lightly. America’s pole vault star Sam Organising Committee for smooth running of the IAAF World “This year, my friend Piotr Lisek has built every sense from the Athletics Championships Doha 2019, saying the ongoing event beginning of the outdoor season. In May in Doha, I was here and I won. Kendricks has praised the Ahas features which could be set as benchmark in the future. When you put those guys together, they make it each other hard and Local Organising Committee Kendricks retained his men’s pole vault world title after a thrilling contest make it under pressure,” he said. in the final with teenage sensation Arman Duplantis of Sweden and Poland’s Sweden’s 19-year-old Duplantis was content with his effort of clearing for smooth running of Piotr Lisek, claiming the silver and bronze medals. the barriers on crucial stages in Tuesday’s final. Soon after clinching his second successive gold medal, the American “I did a lot of critical jumps. But I gave all 100 percent; I gave it mine the IAAF World Athletics star said he did not mind comparatively less number of spectators at the all. I’m happy with way the things went,” he said before adding winning Championships Doha 2019, Khalifa International Stadium and gave thumbs up to the organisers. championships are more important that making a world record. “Let me change the question,” Kendricks said while responding to a “The world record is the world record. It definitely gonna be a big saying the ongoing event has query about the turnout. achievement for me, but I think championship meets are more important. features which could be set “Do you go to the competition seeking the competition or you go to “You can jump as high as you can, but you have to be great at the the competition seeking more people to scream your name?” big moments, when everybody watches on you, when you are under the as benchmark in the future. “There are hundreds in my home town who wish that they could fill pressure. The world record wouldn’t be cool, but the championships medals up those stands. The people in Qatar have done a great job and the cameras are most important to me. Sometimes it’s good to lose. It gives you moti- and lights,g, the volunteers they y help, p,y everything g has ggone so smooth and vation,”, he added. that is the champichampionshipsonships wewe shouldshould modelmodel after, after,”” said said the the USA USA star. star. For hihiss partpart,, LiseLisekk relishedrelished toto bebe aa part part of of big big rival rivalryry in in men’s men’s pole pole Kendricks was involved in an epic battle with Duplantis for a gold vault. medal, and was eventuallyeventually crowcrownedned the chamchampionpion fforor his first time “Every timetime whenwhen II compecompetete with with them, them, it it is is not not easy easy t oto beat beat them. them. clearance of the 5.92m barrier. That made his victory as the most mem-mem- Season was very long so it was hard for me. I am a young father now and orable for him. want to go home and see my daughter. Glad to be with these two guys “The best is a hard phrase but I can tell about most memorable. What here ttoday.”oday.” does the competitioncompetition makemake memorable?memorable? IsIs itit aa highighh jump jump;; is is i tit a a lot lot of of Asked whether national record is more important or winning a big I feel really proud to guys jumping pretty high? I think that it’s the drama of the event. And I medal, the Polish said: “Both things are important. But to be a father is think that this last hour and last jumps were the best thing I have ever more important for me. I am happy the season finished and get the rest win a gold, to wear been through,” he said before predicting a tough battle in next year’s with my family. I have been through 42 competitions this year. I ggotot a a the Australian colours Tokyo Olympics.Olympics. handicap tonight, as I was tired.” Sam Kendricks in action today, to put track and ﬁeld on the map and showcase javelin a bit as well.” Barber.

FAWAD HUSSAIN change in the fifth round which THE PENINSULA I found really helpful on the runway. It was as simple as Australia’s Kelsey-Lee Barber elsey-Lee Barber is over moving my runout back, so celebrates after winning the the moon after giving myself a little more space Women’s Javelin Throw ﬁnal stunning top Chinese to allow my feet to move. at the 2019 IAAF Athletics LetLet meme changecha the question - Do you go to the duo of Lyu Huihui and “And going to this sixth it was World Championships. ccompetitionompetitio seeking the competition or you go to KLiu Shiying to capture first javelin a matter of clearing the mind, gold for Australia at the World knowing the body, I knew what ththee competitioncompe seeking more people to scream Championships. The Common- I needed to do. I knew that there your name?name There are hundreds in my home town wealth Games silver medalist is more there. It is one thing to who wwishish tthat they could ﬁll up those stands. showed nerves of steel as she say it and to believe it but another hurled the spear 65.56m away in one to execute. So, I am really TThehe peoplepeople in Qatar have done a great job and her last attempt to leapfrog from happy,” she said. ththee camerascamera and lights, the volunteers they help, fourth to the top spot in the China’s world leader Lyu eeverythingverything has gone so smooth and that is the women’s javelin throw final at Huihui, who dominated the final champchampionshipsions we should model after” the Khalifa International Stadium but was confined to a silver on Tuesday night. medal, was not dejected for SamSam KendKendricks Before Barber’s triumph at missing out a gold. the IAAF World Athletics Cham- “I’m really satisfied and pionships Doha 2019, Australia’s happy with my result and this best results in the showpiece silver medal as I didn’t expect for event were silver medals by that actually, because I was Joanna Stone (1997) and Kim injured when competed at the Mickle’s (2013). Asian Championships here in “I feel really proud to win a Doha,” said Huihui. gold, to wear the Australian “I even had the little oper- colours today, to put track and ation (surgery) here in the local field on the map and showcase hospital. So, I’m very-very javelin a bit as well,” said Barber. thankful to all doctors in the hos- She said a technical change pital for everything they did for late in the final helped our win me. I couldn’t be happier with the gold medal after a close final. tonight’s result,” she added. “There was a slight technical

Australia’s Kelsey-Lee Barber in action 06 SPORT THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2019

September 27 - October 6 Nine-try All Blacks rout Canada 63-0

REUTERS OITA, JAPAN Boks set for All three Barrett brothers got on the scoresheet as reigning cham- ‘do-or-die’ pions New Zealand stormed to their second victory of the Rugby test against World Cup with a 63-0 bonus point mauling of Canada at Oita Italy Stadium yesterday. The All Blacks defied the REUTERS humid conditions to cross four SHIZUOKA times in the first half and added five more after the break to move Nervous South Africa head into into second place behind Italy in their must-win Rugby World Pool B with matches against Cup Pool B clash with Italy Namibia and the Italians to tomorrow as favourites, but come. come up against opponents Although a long way from with little to lose and a hunger their record World Cup win - a for an upset at the Shizuoka 145-17 thrashing of Japan in 2007 Stadium. - it was only the second time The match is essentially a New Zealand had shut out an knock-out fixture for the opponent at the World Cup after Springboks, who lost 23-13 to their 40-0 defeat of Scotland in New Zealand in their opener 2007. before rallying to defeat Winger Jordie and his minnows Namibia 57-3. fullback brother Beauden There is some precedent crossed in the first half with the New Zealand’s full back Beauden Barrett runs with the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match against Canada for an upset, with South Africa third sibling, lock Scott, scoring at the Oita Stadium in Oita, Japan, yesterday. losing 20-18 to Italy on their his try after the break as the Bar- 2016 tour, although the Boks retts became the first trio of have markedly improved in the brothers to play for New Zealand overly physical in a provincial combination behind a dominant Blacks a 28-0 lead at the break. up the tiring Canadian defence last 18 months under coach at a World Cup. game against South Africa, was pack and quick delivery from Hansen, however, would at will. Rassie Erasmus. All Blacks captain Kieran 92. scrumhalves TJ Perenara and have been furious with his side Weber, who made his All “We’ve been preparing for Read, however, could face a Coach Steve Hansen had Brad Weber. as they bombed at least four Blacks debut four years ago then 20 or 21 Test matches and it is nervous 24 hours with the spoken at length about using Inside centre Sonny Bill Wil- other tries in the first half found himself in the interna- do-or-die now,” Erasmus told number eight appearing not to their last three pool matches to liams was also a huge problem through poor handling, with tional wilderness until this year, reporters. use his arms in a tackle on fine-tune their game ahead of for Canada centres Conor Scott Barrett the most obvious grabbed his second in the 56th “The players feel it. I can’t Lucas Rumball in the first half the knockout phase and he Trainor and Ciaran Hearn, con- transgressor when he dropped minute to give his side a 63-0 sit here and tell you that we that was not picked up by would have been mostly pleased, stantly making ground and the ball when he was over the lead and they looked like they don’t have a few butterflies, Romain Poite. especially with the first and third drawing more than one defender tryline. could threaten a century of because we’ve lost to Italy in The All Blacks wore black quarters of play. but still able to get his character- They flicked the switch after points. the last three years. armbands after the death of They played with pace and istic passes away out of contact. the break, however, and doubled The handling errors that had “They (Italy) will be really former lock Stan ‘Tiny’ Hill was width, exploited space when it He also provided a deft kick- their score inside the first 10 blighted the second quarter, up for this game because they announced earlier yesterday. was available and the dual play- through for Beauden Barrett to minutes with tries to Rieko however, returned in the final 20 won’t believe they can beat the Hill, who was once dropped makers of Beauden Barrett and secure the bonus point shortly Ioane, Scott Barrett, Shannon minutes and they did not cross All Blacks, but they will believe by the All Blacks for being Richie Mo’unga grew their before halftime to give the All Frizell and Weber as they opened again. they can beat the Springboks.” South Africa have made three changes to their pack from the team that lost their Japan are opener, with hooker Bongi Late surge helps France beat USA Mbonambi and experienced seeking win prop Tendai Mtawarira in the AFP front row, and Lood de Jager FUKUOKA chosen at lock. over Samoa Erasmus is convinced the France ran in three late tries battle will be won or lost in the in bid for against the United States forwards and, like Italy, has yesterday to earn a vital bonus chosen a 6-2 split among his quarters spot point in the Rugby World Cup replacements in favour of the ‘group of death’ with an erratic heavy artillery. 33-9 win. “The challenge that we REUTERS Les Bleus were just 12-9 will get is definitely up front. TOKYO ahead with 13 minutes to go We do think they have a great before Gael Fickou, Baptiste backline as well, but we think After their momentous victory Serin and Jefferson Poirot the physical challenge up over Ireland, Rugby World Cup dotted down to secure victory France’s centre front will be scrum-time, hosts Japan are hoping to take the against the underdogs. Gael Fickou mauling. next step towards their first It was the type of incon- (left) runs with “Having a bench like this, quarter-finals appearance with sistent performance followers the ball during after guys like Bongi, Beast victory over Samoa on Saturday of French rugby have seen all the Japan 2019 (Mtawarira) and Frans (Mal- in Toyota City. too frequently -- breathtaking Rugby World herbe) mix it for the first 40 or Japan beat Ireland 19-12 in a flair let down by a raft of han- Cup Pool C 50 minutes, we think it might match head coach Jamie Joseph said dling errors. match against get us some benefits in the his team had been preparing for But the bonus point keeps the United States second half.” three years. While the side may not the pressure up on old enemy at the Fukuoka Italy coach Conor O’Shea have been eyeing up their Samoa England, who play Argentina Hakatanomori is under no illusions that his game for as long, that doesn’t mean on Saturday in another Pool C Stadium in side are underdogs but adds they will come underprepared. clash of the heavyweights. Fukuoka, that all the pressure is on the “We’re focusing on what we “It was a very difficult yesterday. Boks. want to do and what we want to match but the important thing “The pressure is firmly on achieve on the weekend, and is that we won with a bonus South Africa, they are expected hopefully we can force the other point,” said fly-half Camille down for a scintillating try. conditions making handling crashing over from short range to win the World Cup,” he said. team to play in a different way,” Lopez, who picked up the man- USA coach Gary Gold had difficult. for a try converted by Lopez to “If you don’t front up phys- said Pieter Labuschagne, the of-the-match award. called on his team to improve France had a chance to give the favourites a 19-9 lead. ically against them, you’ve stand-in skipper against Ireland. USA captain Blaine Scully “every aspect” of their game register a third try when And just two minutes later, already lost the match. You “We knew straight away what was delighted that his team had after they went down to Sofiane Guitoune burst Serin put the result beyond must take them on in the for- we were up against, who we were been able to push France, England 45-7 and the Eagles through on a mazy run but his doubt with a try that again was wards. We must treat it like the going to face, and that’s all part of three-time World Cup finalists, held their own for the first long pass to Raka was created by another cross-field last match we’ll ever play.” being prepared,” Labuschagne until the closing stages. quarter, as AJ MacGinty scored adjudged forward. kick to Raka. said of the different challenges “It’s where we want to be. a penalty after some pressure Frustration grew for With the USA tiring and the each Pool A opponent presents. We want to be testing ourselves on the French line. France as the handling errors clock running down, prop LEADING SCORERS AT The Samoan pack is one of the in the best competitions against But France extended their increased and coach Jacques Poirot put the icing on the cake RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 heaviest at the tournament, and the best teams in the world,” advantage after 24 minutes Brunel brought on a wealth of with a catch-and-drive Japan know that fronting up in the Scully said. when Lopez’s perfectly judged experience from the bench. pushover. 22 - Yu Tamura, Japan (2 matches) scrum will be key to giving their “We’re not expecting any cross-field kick found Alivereti The only time the USA had It was only the second time 20 - Julian Montoya, Argentina (2) dynamic backs the chance to quarter and we don’t expect Raka in space on the right- ever beaten France in a 15-a- the two teams have met in a 20 - Tommaso Allan, Italy (2) cause problems. them to give it to us.” hand touchline for a simple try. side match was in the 1924 World Cup -- France won the 17 “They are really big and France looked sharp at the The USA kept in the contest Olympics -- the last time rugby only other match 41-14 in - Felipe Berchesi, Uruguay (2) strong, so we are getting ready to outset, an incisive break by and MacGinty slotted another XVs featured in the games - 2003. 16 - Dan Biggar, Wales (2) push with eight of us together,” Lopez slicing open the United penalty on the half-hour mark, but they came within three Next up for France is a 15 - George Ford, England (2) said Japanese prop Jiwoon Koo. States midfield after just two again the consequence of some points with MacGinty’s third match-up with the physical 15 - Kotaro Matsushima, Japan (2) With Pool A so finely poised - minutes. sustained forward pressure as penalty. Tongans on October 6, before 15 Japan on nine points, three ahead And Les Bleus were on the France lost their flow. With the French sup- ‘Le Crunch’ with England in - Owen Farrell, England (2) of Ireland and four ahead of both scoreboard four minutes later, Huget’s try aside, it was a porters in the crowd starting Yokohama that may decide 15 - Greig Laidlaw, Scotland (2) Scotland and Samoa - bonus a counter-attacking move patchy first-half performance to get nervous, centre Fickou who tops the group and earns 4 - Julian Montoya, Argentina (2) points could be key. ending in a sublime Lopez chip from Les Bleus, a pre-match finally put some daylight a likely quarter-final clash 3 - Kotaro Matsushima, Japan (2) for winger Yoann Huget to dot downpour and humid between the two sides, against Australia. THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07

September 27 - October 6

Pakistani cricket Pakistan recall fans watch the Murray wins battle of third and ﬁnal one Shehzad and day international Britons to set up (ODI) match Akmal for between Pakistan Sri Lanka T20s and Sri Lanka in Thiem clash in Beijing Karachi yesterday. AFP REUTERS KARACHI BEIJING

Pakistan yesterday recalled Andy Murray extended his winning run in Beijing by beating fellow trouble-making opener Briton Cameron Norrie 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 6-1 yesterday to seal a spot in Ahmed Shehzad and middle- the China Open quarter-finals where he will face top seed Dominic order batsman Umar Akmal Thiem of Austria. for the three-match Twenty20 Murray, who won his first ATP tour singles encounter in nine series against Sri Lanka months at Zhuhai last week, was made to fight for two hours and starting this weekend. 52 minutes and won consecutive tour matches for the first time It will be the first time the since his hip resurfacing surgery in January. 27-year-old Shehzad will rep- The Scot beat eighth-seeded Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-6(2) resent Pakistan since a four- 7-6(7) in the first round on Tuesday and now meets world number month ban for a failed dope five Thiem who beat Chinese wildcard Zhizhen Zhang 6-3 6-3. test last year. “I’m really tired, I just had a sleep before coming,” Murray said. The ban was further “That’s the first time I’ve had to do that since I came back. It’s some- extended by six weeks after thing that I need to kind of get used to again, especially playing at Shehzad violated rules by this level and that intensity. Gunathilaka century in vain playing club matches despite “It was a good step for me, it’s great that I won the match. the ban. Whether I’d won or lost it, I was able to come out... and be compet- Shehzad played the last of itive and play some good tennis... I’m happy I’ve got the day off as Pakistan clinch series his 57 Twenty20 interna- tomorrow to recover.” tionals in Scotland in June last Norrie served poorly compared to the former world number year. one but 32-year-old Murray only managed to convert four of 13 AFP SCOREBOARD Umar, 29, played the last break points in the match. KARACHI SRI LANKA 1 (2w), Iftikhar 9-1-43-0 (1w), Riaz 10-0-81-1 of 82 Twenty20 internationals Serving for the opening set at 5-3, Murray was broken by Norrie, D. Gunathilaka b Amir ...... 133 (2nb), Shadab 9-0-50-1 (2w), Nawaz 4-0-24-1 in 2016 against the West who then saved three set points in the ensuing tiebreak before he Pakistan thwarted a spirited A. Fernando c Sarfaraz b Amir ...... 4 PAKISTAN Indies. double faulted on the Scot’s fourth set point. career-best century by L. Thirimanne c and b Nawaz ...... 36 Fakhar Zaman c Shanaka b Pradeep ...... 76 That year, former head Norrie turned the tables in the second and, although Murray Danushka Gunathilaka to defeat A. Perera c Sohail b Shinwari ...... 13 Abid Ali lbw b Hasaranga ...... 74 coach Waqar Younis labelled saved a set point on serve, the 24-year-old ranked 69 in the world Sri Lanka by five wickets in the M. Bhanuka run out ...... 36 Babar Azam lbw b Pradeep ...... 31 both Shehzad and Umar as then held his nerve in the tiebreak. third and final one-day interna- S. Jayasuriya c Iftikhar b Shadab ...... 3 Sarfaraz Ahmed b Kumara ...... 23 “indisciplined” and called on Murray then switched tactics, coming up to the net more often tional in Karachi yesterday, D. Shanaka c Sohail b Riaz ...... 43 Haris Sohail b Jayasuriya ...... 56 selectors to let them play to dictate rallies and shorten points, and won the first five games taking the three-match series in W. Hasaranga b Amir ...... 10 Iftikhar Ahmed not out ...... 28 domestic cricket to earn their in a row to set up a meeting with Thiem. L. Sandakan run out ...... 0 Wahab Riaz not out ...... 1 the process. places in the national team. The Austrian fired five aces, won 84% of his first service points N. Pradeep not out ...... 1 Extras: (b3, lb5, w2) ...... 10 Gunathilaka’s 134-ball 133 The three Twenty20 inter- and needed only three breaks to beat Zhang in 69 minutes. Extras: (b1, lb7, nb2, w8)...... 18 Total: (for five wkts; 48.2 overs) ...... 299 lifted Sri Lanka to a challenging Total: (for nine wkts; 50 overs) ...... 297 Did not bat: Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, nationals will all be played in Italy’s Fabio Fognini beat Russian Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-4 to set 297-9 in their 50 overs but Did not bat: L. Kumara Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9. up a quarter-final clash with fourth seed Karen Khachanov, who Pakistan chased down the target Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Fernando), 2-101 (Thir- Fall of wickets: 1-123 (Abid), 2-181 (Azam), Sarfaraz Ahmed will lead dispatched Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 7-6(0) 7-6(5). in 48.2 overs for their first series imanne), 3-151 (Perera), 4-225 (Bhanuka), 5-236 3-189 (Zaman), 4-244 (Sarfaraz), 5-287 (Sohail) the Twenty20 squad. win in 15 months. (Jayasuriya), 6-243 (Gunathilaka), 7-284 Bowling: Pradeep 9.2-1-53-2, Shanaka 5-0-28- Twenty20 squad: Sarfaraz Pakistan won the second (Hasaranga), 8-284 (Sandakan), 9-297 (Shanaka) 0, Kumara 7-0-55-1 (1w),Sandakan 10-0-62-0 Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam match by 67 runs while the first Bowling: Amir 10-0-50-3 (3w), Shinwari 8-1-41- (1w), Hasaranga 10-0-54-1, Jayasuriya 7-0-39-1 (vice-captain), Ahmed match was rained off without a Shehzad, Asif Ali, Faheem ball being bowled -- both also in Pakistan needed 37 in the anchored Sri Lanka’s innings Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Karachi. Pakistan were indebted last five overs as Iftikhar cut after they won the toss and Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad to Fakhar Zaman (76) and Abid loose, hitting a six and a batted. The 28-year-old left- Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Ali (74) who provided a solid boundary to bring up victory -- hander hit 16 fours and a six for Mohammad Hasnain, 123-run opening stand in 20 Pakistan’s eighth consecutive his second ODI hundred. Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab overs before Haris Sohail (56) ODI win over Sri Lanka since Gunathilaka was finally dis- Khan, Umar Akmal, Usman and Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in 2017. missed in the 45th over, bowled Shinwari, Wahab Riaz with a 22-ball 28 not out. Earlier, Gunathilaka by paceman Mohammad Amir.

Opening the Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma plays a shot batting suits during the ﬁrst day’s play of the ﬁrst Test match me, says between India and South Africa in Visakhapatnam Rohit Sharma yesterday. Andy Murray of Britain hits a return during his singles-second AFP round match against compatriot Cameron Norrie at the China VISAKHAPATNAM Open in Beijing yesterday.

Rohit Sharma said opening the batting suited him across all Tennis Results formats after he hit a century WTA/ATP CHINA OPEN IN BEIJING YESTERDAY yesterday in his new role in Test (X DENOTES SEED): cricket against South Africa. The 32-year-old Sharma -- Women - 2nd round a star of India’s limited-overs Bianca Andreescu (CAN x5) bt Elise Mertens (BEL) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) side -- made 115 on a rain-hit Jennifer Brady (USA) bt Madison Keys (USA x11) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 day one of the opening match as 3rd round India reached 202 without loss Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) bt Zheng Saisai (CHN) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in Visakhapatnam. Petra Kvitova (CZE x7) bt Belinda Bencic (SUI x9) 6-3, 6-3 Sharma and Mayank Kiki Bertens (NED x8) bt Polona Hercog (SLO) 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 6-3 Agarwal, on 84, made the South Men-2nd round African bowlers toil after the Dominic Thiem (AUT x1) bt Zhang Zhizhen (CHN) 6-3, 6-3 hosts elected to bat first at the He hit five sixes and 12 fours SCOREBOARD “We wanted to use our feet Andy Murray (SCO) bt C Norrie (GBR) 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 start of the three-match series. from 174 balls and showed fre- and get closer to the ball and K Khachanov (RUS x4) bt J Chardy (FRA) 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 (7/5) “I think it suits my game,” quent glimpses of the form that INDIA, 1ST INNINGS then obviously those are my Fabio Fognini (ITA x6) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) 6-3, 6-4 Sharma told reporters. “Just wear has made him such a feared M. Agarwal not out ...... 84 shots that I play and I wanted to the pads and go in to bat. I don’t one-day batsman. R. Sharma not out ...... 115 back myself and back my game,” RAKUTEN JAPAN OPEN AT ARIAKE COLISEUM like the waiting game. “Opening the batting is a dif- Extras (lb1, nb2) ...... 3 said Sharma. (SEEDINGS IN PARENTHESES): “You know the bowlers who ferent ball game in red ball Total (59.1 overs) ...... 202 South Africa captain Faf du are bowling with the new ball, cricket. Of course mentally you To bat: V. Kohli, A. Rahane, C. Pujara, H. Vihari, R. Plessis rotated his spinners for a Men’s Singles - Round Of 32 so the game plan is easier for have to train your mind more Ashwin, R. Jadeja, W. Saha, I. Sharma, M. Shami large part of the day with inter- Lloyd Harris, South Africa, def. Alex de Minaur (8), Australia, you... than anything else,” he said. Bowling: Philander 11.1-2-34-0, Rabada 13-5- mittent spells from pacemen 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (8). “At number six, the ball is “You have to challenge 35-0, Maharaj 23-4-66-0 (nb1), Piedt 7-1-43-0, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Men’s Singles-Round Of 16 reversing, field placement is dif- yourself to play the new ball and Muthusamy 5-0-23-0 (nb1) Philander. Yasutaka Uchiyama, Japan, def. Radu Albot, Moldova, 6-7 (2), SOUTH AFRICA: F. du Plessis (capt), A. ferent and you need to keep all take the game forward.” Philander, who got Sharma 6-3, 6-4. Markram, D. Elgar, T. de Bruyn, T. Bavuma, Q. those things in mind.” Agarwal, like Sharma, also out for a two-ball duck in a Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def. Go Soeda, Japan, 6-3, 7-5. de Kock, V. Philander, S. Muthusamy, K. Maharaj, A sudden thunderstorm used his feet to good effect D. Piedt, K. Rabada practice game last week, tested Reilly Opelka, United States, def. Gilles Simon, France, 7-6 (4), forced the umpires to call tea against the South African the senior batsman early on in 7-6 (2). early, and no further play was spinners, who struggled on the the innings by swinging the ball Lucas Pouille (5), France, def. Yoshihito Nishioka, Japan, 6-1, possible after heavy rains lashed batting-friendly pitch. bowling in the second session both ways. 6-2. the coastal city and washed out Playing his fifth Test since of play as India scored 111 runs Sharma got off the mark as Men’s Doubles-Round Of 16 the final session. making his debut last year, after taking lunch at 91-0. an opener in the longer format Rohan Bopanna, India, and Denis Shapovalov, Canada, def. Sharma completed his fourth Agarwal raised his fourth half- Sharma, who got to his 50 in style as drove Rabada for a Fabrice Martin, France, and Yasutaka Uchiyama, Japan, 6-3, Test century in the second century with a six off Keshav before lunch, shifted gears and boundary at backward point. 7-6 (3). session with a single off debutant Maharaj. went after the slow bowlers as India, who top the Test Men’s Doubles-Quarterfinal spinner Senuran Muthusamy to Both Sharma and Agarwal -- he hammered off-spinner Danie World Championship rankings, Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin (2), France, def. raucous cheers from the home who hit 11 fours and two sixes -- Piedt for two successive sixes to are looking for a record 11th Test Artem Sitak, New Zealand, and Divij Sharan, India, 7-6 (5), 6-3. crowd and the dressing room. took apart the opposition move into the nineties. series win at home. THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 08 Coaches and athletes have to make judgements IAAF President all the time. If you are coached by somebody, you TODAY’S FIXTURES Sebastian Coe should be absolutely comfortable that you are says a banned coach has GEORGIA VS FIJI working in an environment that’s safe and secure to sever relationships (Pool D) 08:15 Qatar Time IRELAND VS RUSSIA and is not going to damage you own reputation. with athletes. An athlete should ask those questions. (Pool A) 13:15

September 27 - October 6

Barcelona’s French forward Napoli held Antoine Griezmann (left) jumps with Inter Milan’s Uruguayan to 0-0 draw defender Diego Godin (second at Genk in left) as Inter Milan’s Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic Champions clears the ball during the UEFA Champions League, Group F, League clash match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday. AP GENK, BELGIUM

Napoli’s troubles away from home in the Champions League were exposed again in a 0-0 draw at Genk yesterday. The result extended Napoli’s winless streak away from its San Paolo stadium to eight matches in the competition. Napoli hit the woodwork three times and a shot from Kalidou Koulibaly was cleared off the line _ all in the first half. There was more frustration for Napoli after the break with Jose Callejon wasting a clear chance after being left unmarked. Still, Napoli moved atop Group E with four points, one point ahead of Salzburg, which was visiting titleholder Liverpool later. Genk is next with one point and Liverpool has none after losing 2-0 at Napoli in the opening round of matches. Napoli began with energetic forward Dries Mertens and in-form center forward Fernando Llorente on the bench and Lorenzo Insigne in the tribune. The decisions backfired as Arkadiusz Milik _ who hit the Liverpool survive Salzburg scare goalframe twice _ was consist- ently off target. AFP The Austrian champions’ teenage won all three of their home games to sneak close range after Cican Stankovic could LIVERPOOL striking sensation Erling Braut Haaland was through before going on to win the com- only parry Firmino’s header back into the YESTERDAY’S only fit enough for a place on the bench, petition for a sixth time. danger area. RESULTS Liverpool survived a huge scare to get their but they still packed a punch going forward Normal service looked set to be Salzburg have now scored 51 goals in Champions League defence back on track and were rewarded when Hwang Hee- resumed as the holders roared into a 3-0 their first 12 games this season and were as Mohamed Salah scored twice in a Chan pulled a goal back just before lead thanks to some slick attacking given hope as Liverpool eased off the accel- GROUP E thrilling 4-3 win over Salzburg at Anfield, half-time. football. erator towards the end of the first half. KRC Genk 0-0 Napoli despite blowing a three-goal lead. Takumi Minamino and Haaland, just The Reds are well aware of Salzburg’s Minamino had already fired a warning Liverpool 4-3 FC Red Bull Salzburg Sadio Mane opened the scoring against four minutes after coming on as a sub- pedigree of developing fine young players, shot that Adrian turned behind before the GROUP F his former club before Andy Robertson and stitute, then brought Salzburg level on the and it was one of their former alumni that visitors’ fightback began in earnest. Slavia Prague 0-2 Borussia Dortmund Salah put the holders in command inside hour mark. opened the scoring as Mane exchanged Hwang left Virgil van Dijk on the floor Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan the first 36 minutes before Salzburg bore However, Salah had the final word as passes with Roberto Firmino before slotting as the South Korean turned inside and fired GROUP G their teeth. the Egyptian smashed home the winner 21 into the far corner. into the far corner. Liverpool’s storied history in this com- minutes from time. Another fine team move made it 2-0 Klopp was growing visibly frustrated RB Leipzig 0-2 Lyon petition has been littered with famous Liverpool were under pressure to make as one full-back, Trent Alexander Arnold, on the touchline as his side failed to cope Zenit St Petersburg 3-1 Benﬁca comebacks from 3-0 down, but the shoe fortress Anfield count after losing 2-0 to crossed for another in Robertson to convert with Salzburg’s pressing and incisive GROUP H was nearly on the other foot after half-time Napoli on matchday one. just his second ever Liverpool goal like a passing through midfield and even the Lille 1-2 Chelsea as Salzburg threatened an incredible Jurgen Klopp’s men lost all three of striker. German could not find a solution at half- Valencia 0-3 Ajax recovery. their away group games last season, but Salah was then on hand to finish from time as Salzburg came out flying.

Urawa Reds forward Yuki Muto Urawa beat Guangzhou dribbles the ball during the AFC Liverpool get fined for Champions League semi-ﬁnal, ﬁrst leg, match between against fielding ineligible player 2-0 in first leg of ACL Guangzhou Evergrande of China semi-final in Saitama in Saitama yesterday. in League Cup win

REUTERS QNA LONDON SAITAMA, JAPAN Liverpool were fined £200,000 ($246,100) for fielding an ineli- Two goals from outside of the penalty area in each half gifted gible player in their League Cup third-round victory over MK Dons Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds a 2-0 win over China’s Guangzhou last week but avoided expulsion from the competition, the Football Evergrande in their first leg of AFC Champions League semifinal League (EFL) said yesterday. here yesterday. Spaniard Pedro Chirivella, who was a second-half substitute Urawa dominated the match as Fabricio scored in the 19th in the 2-0 win, did not have international clearance, following the minute to break the deadlock before Takahiro Sekine added expiry of his loan agreement last season with Spanish club Extre- another in the 75th minute to seal the victory. madura, the EFL said. Brazilian Fabricio tested keeper Zeng Cheng with a long range Half the fine will be suspended until the end of the 2020/21 effort in the 14th minute, then fired a right-footed shot five minutes season and the club will be liable for the suspended amount if they later into the far corner of the goal after receiving Sekine’s pin- field an ineligible player in the competition again before the end point pass, helping the home side for a comfortable early lead. of the next season. Urawa had chance to double their lead in the 27th minute, “Following a comprehensive review of all the evidence, the only to see Daiki Hashioka’s shot in the box blocked at the goal board determined that it wasn’t appropriate to expel the club from line by Deng Hanwen. the competition because of a number of mitigating factors,” the Both clubs are looking to secure a record third AFC Cham- EFL said in a statement. pions League title and will face the winners of the meeting between The EFL said Liverpool had asked the Football Association for Qatar’s Al Sadd and Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia, with the club from assistance in securing international clearance before the season Riyadh holding a 4-1 lead in that tie following their victory on and the 22-year-old midfielder was also included on team sheets Tuesday. While Urawa have a less commanding first leg cushion, for Premier League Two matches and an EFL Trophy game. the 2007 and 2017 champions proved to be a class above The breach was not identified until the Anfield club reported Guangzhou at Saitama Stadium and are now favourites to advance it to the EFL and the Premier League after the 2-0 victory over to next month’s final. MK Dons, leading to a misconduct charge.