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Friday 27 September 2019

Doha show to last a lifetime: Qatar RIZWAN REHMAT “This championships will not I know athletes from the block- THE PENINSULA last 10 days. It will last a lifetime. ading countries are taking part It is a legacy that will inspire the in the championships. We The 17th edition of the IAAF next generation of sport. Seeing welcome all athletes,” Al Hamad Championships our children play sports is said. - first time to be held in the thrilling. Over 100 schools are “You know the history of Middle East - is set to leave a taking part in the championships Qatar when it comes to sports. legacy to ‘last a lifetime’, Dahlan since we have combined sports We use sports to bring people Al Hamad, Director General of the with education,” Al Hamad said together. I am sure this champi- Local Organising Committee yesterday sitting alongside IAAF onships will unite all those who (LOC) said yesterday. President Sebastian Coe. are here,” he said. Around 2,000 participants “We have seen tremendous “We have a good partnership from 208 countries are taking sports growth around the world with IAAF since 1997. We have part in the championships at the and in our country. More had season-finales. We have iconic Khalifa International children are asking more ques- hosted Grands Prix. We have Stadium where a strong American tions by learning new skills and hosted IAAF World Indoor contingent is expected to dom- all because of the excitement of Championships in 2010. inate the proceedings. this championships,” he added. “There were challenges but The 48,000-seater venue, “We have welcomed around we showed the same resilience fully air conditioned and easily 2000 athletes with personalised in overcoming those challenges. accessible from all corners of the gifts created by schoolchildren Qatar is determined to learn and Qatari capital, will open with the in . take the next step. We are happy men’s long jump qualifying “This event does not only you are here to be part of the Dahlan Al Hamad (right), Director-General of the Local Organising Committee and Vice-President of rounds at 4:30pm. create opportunities for young show. We are happy with ticket the IAAF and Lord Sebastian Coe, IAAF President addressing the media during a press conference sales. This even is bigger than PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: TODAY'S SCHEDULE held in Doha yesterday. any event we have hosted. We START EVENT PHASE seek new ways to unite eve- 16:30 Men's Long Jump Q A+B people but it creates opportu- thank you to the world for communities across the country rybody. I know many of you will 16:35 Men's 100m Preliminaries nities for people of all ages. joining us for the biggest track and business houses. Everybody be here in Qatar for the first time. 16:40 Women's Hammer Throw Q A Qatar is home to people from and field event the region has has prepared to give a great I hope you take the time to be 17:10 Women's 800m R1 over 80 countries. So different ever seen. As you can see, I sit image of the country,” he said. see our culture and experience 17:30 Women's Pole Vault Q A+B communities are welcoming ath- here with pride and a huge To a question, Al Hamad said our hospitality so you can go 18:05 men's 100m R1 letes from their home countries. smile. I am not the only one Qatar has no issues hosting ath- away with similes on your faces,” 18:10 Women's Hammer Throw Q B We have made sure that eve- smiling. There are tens of thou- letes from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, he added. 18:40 Women's High Jump Q A+B rybody living in Qatar has an sands with the same smile,” Al Bahrain and Egypt - four coun- When asked about the ticket 19:00 Women's 3000m (SC) R1 opportunity to their own Hamad said. tries that have put in place an sales, Al Hamad said: “The last 19:25 Men's Triple Jump Q A+B 19:55 Men's 5000m R1 athletes. “And the moment everybody illegal blockade. statistic I heard was only 5,000 20:30 Men's 400m hurdles R1 “It is a once-in-a-lifetime was waiting for has arrived. The “I am happy to tell you that tickets are remaining. This 23:59 Women's Marathon Final chance,” Al Hamad said. smiles we are seeing are of those everybody is welcome. Qatar update is two days old. I am sure Al Hamad added: “I say from the sports clubs, never mixes sports with politics. tickets will go away faster.” IAAF chief lauds Qatar’s efforts for Worlds

FAWAD HUSSAIN Coe told reporters at the Khalifa most decorated athlete in the the Olympics will take place US Anti-Doping Agency ban comfortably, hoping the events THE PENINSULA International Stadium on the eve history of World Athletics Cham- without legend Usain Bolt. earlier this month on wherea- at Corniche to go smoothly. of IAAF World Athletics Cham- pionships with 16 medals will But Coe, a former Olympic and bouts information, Coe backed “We have a medical team. President of the International pionships Doha 2019. have a chance to improve her world champion middle-dis- the US sprinter to win 100m. We have our own internal team Association of Athletics Feder- “(A total of) 208 countries, tally,” said Coe. tance runner, was hopeful of the “It’s good for the sports if monitoring the situation closely,” ations (IAAF) Sebastian Coe has plus neutral athletes and a “I would start by thanking future and content with the Christian Coleman wins the said the IAAF President. hailed the IAAF World Athletics refugee team are participating. people of Qatar - the Amir H H influx of the new talent in 100m here,” Coe said. “Our priority is the welfare Championships Doha 2019 as We have at the last count a total Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al athletics. “I don’t think he’ll have it all of the athletes. I am actually one of the biggest editions ever, of 1972 athletes comprising 1054 Thani and H E Sheikh Joan bin “I can’t actually remember a his own way, but yes, of course pleased having spoke to many saying not many champion- men and 918 women, nicely bal- Hamad Al Thani, who is the time in the sports when I’ve been it is. delegations which are here. The ships were held of this scale anced,” the IAAF President said President of the Local Organising so optimistic and excited about “I want to be clear about it. marathoners are training pretty before. before suggesting he had hardly Committee. The LOC brought young talent coming. If you look There are number of issues we comfortably on the streets. I The 10-day event, dubbed as seen such a stellar line-up in the together a young, innovative and our top 10 list across every dis- need to hold very firmly to,” he spoke to some of these athletes the third biggest sports show, past. tireless team. They made Qatar cipline and in every continent, said. “The whereabouts (system) as well,” said Coe. will begin today at the Khalifa “We have 37 of the 44 indi- and our sport very very proud,” you have about a quarter of ath- is a very important part of the “We will have more water International Stadium and Cor- vidual winners from the IAAF President added. letes around 23. ecosystem. All athletes under- than we have ever had. We niche, which will host the 2017, who will defend their titles. For the first time since 2003, To a query regarding stand the seriousness of it. A have more medical teams than women marathon this All Diamond League champions the sport’s biggest event outside Christian Coleman, who escaped missed test should set off alarm we ever had. We will give our midnight. are here and will be competing. bells.” he said. best to try to minimise the “This Worlds will be one of We are making a little bit of Coe said athletes preparing affect (of heat),” said the IAAF the largest championships ever,” history because Allyson Felix, the for marathons were training President.

This Worlds will be one of the largest championships ever. 208 countries, plus neutral athletes and a refugee team are participating. We have at the last count a total of 1,972 athletes comprising 1,054 men and 918 women, nicely balanced: Coe 02 SPORT FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2019

FROM LEFT: US athlete Justin Gatlin, Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, South Africa’s Akani Simbine, US’ Christian Coleman and Jamaica’s Usain Bolt compete in the final of the men’s 100m final at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in this file picture. Keen battle on the cards in 100m

CHINTHANA WASALA Usain Bolt, the world is yet to embrace impressive timings of 9.86, 9.85 and inary rounds start this afternoon. The second fastest in the list is THE PENINSULA a true sprint king with a number of ath- 9.81 in three successive races earlier Gatlin is not the only world Divine Oduduru of Nigeria. The letes stealing the limelight in the past this year and topped up with the US title champion who will be seen in action 22-year-old is also in brilliant form, The battle at the Doha two years. which he won in July with a 9.99 mark. today. winning the NCAA title in 9.86. South World Championships will be a mouth- American Justin Gatlin beat Bolt Gatlin who has gone under 10 Jamaican Yohan Blake, the 2011 African Akani Simbine, the reigning watering affair. two years ago at the London Worlds, seconds on four occasions this season winner, will also aim to take his famous African champion who narrowly Spectators at the air-conditioned but the silver medal hero at the same with a best of 9.87 in Stanford in late former team-mate’s legacy forward missed the podium spots at both the Khalifa International Stadium this event Christian Coleman has emerged June. with a win in Doha. 2016 Olympic Games and 2017 World afternoon will have an initial glimpse as the top favourite to clinch the gold The 37-year old has run in more Jamaican flag has never missed a Championships, Zharnel Hughes, the at the next fastest man at the Worlds in Doha. finals than any of the top favourites. 100m podium at the World Champi- European champion, Canadian Aaron with 18 of today’s starters having per- Coleman will aim for a 100-200 The the two-time 100m world onships for the last 12 years and Blake Brown. sonal bests of below 10-seconds. double, but his fellow American team- champion will surely offer a stiff - the ardent cricket fan, with a per- Young sprint sensation Owab Ever since the retirement of World mate has proved himself to be the man resistance to Coleman at the Doha sonal best of 9.69, will be keen to make Barrow will be also try his best to record holder and the championship to beat in the half-lap event. track and will be looking to make his second podium at the premier ath- impress the home crowd in the event record holder Jamaican speedster Coleman, 23, has notched up pretty his presence felt when the prelim- letics competition. which will be the cynosure of all eyes.

Team using Doha Worlds as Injury-hit PSG ‘stepping stone’ for Tokyo Games slump to shock

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA India’s Dutee Chand waves to home defeat the crowd after her race in this India is treating the IAAF World file picture. INSET: N Ramesh, Championships in Doha as a coach of Chand. AFP ‘stepping stone’ for next year’s PARIS Olympic Games, the President of the Athletics Federation of Paris Saint-Germain fell to a shock 2-0 loss to Reims at the Parc India (AFI) Adille Sumariwalla des Princes as headers from Hassane Kamara and gave said here yesterday. the visitors a famous win. The world’s second most The champions, depleted by a spate of injuries, remain populous country will be repre- top of the table after seven games, but have already lost twice this sented by a 27-member team at season after defeat at Rennes last month. the ten-day championship which It was PSG’s first home loss in the league since a 2-0 reverse at begins today. the hands of Rennes in May 2018, ending an unbeaten run of 22 Speaking to The Peninsula, matches at the Parc. Sumariwalla, a former Olympian, PSG only lead second-placed Angers on goal difference, after said India are hoping to better ’s late double grabbed Stephane Moulin’s side a 2-0 their own record of the last win at Toulouse. championship held in London Neymar, who had scored late winners in each of his previous but he does see the chances of two Ligue 1 games, started alongside Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting India ending the 16-year-old and Pablo Sarabia up front, with Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe medal drought at the and Mauro Icardi all still injured. championship. But the Brazilian, who failed to force through a return to Bar- “The team is confident. The celona in the close-season, was a peripheral figure and was guilty whole idea is to use this cham- of gifting Reims possession on numerous occasions. pionships as a stepping stone for PSG coach Thomas Tuchel was also forced to play a makeshift the Olympic Games next year, so midfield featuring full-back Juan Bernat, with Marco Verratti we are hoping to do better than suspended. what we did at the last champi- have not won a medal for many having underwent elbow speaking to The Peninsula. The hosts made a slow start, despite Neymar going close with onship held in London,” said years). This competition should surgery. Another bright prospect, IN July this year, Chand won a free-kick, and fell behind just before the half-hour mark. Sumariwalla, who represented be used more as a stepping stone, Das, trained in Europe for nearly the women’s 100m gold Reims, who also beat PSG 3-1 on the final day of last season, India at the 1980 Olympics in as we had the Asian Champion- four months, winning some low clocking 11.32s becoming the launched a rare attack and Hassane Kamara rose to powerfully Moscow in the 100m sprints. ships earlier this year in Qatar, level races before pulling out due first Indian woman track-and- head home Zimbabwean ’s right-wing cross. In the last edition in London so we did not want to spoil the to a lower back injury after being field athlete to clinch a gold PSG’s injury woes intensified further shortly before half-time in 2017, only one Indian made it Olympic cycle. We want our ath- named in the initial team. medal at the World as Choupo-Moting hobbled off to be replaced by Angel Di Maria, to the finals while the race letes to peak in the Olympics India’s slim hopes now rest . who had originally been rested and named as a substitute. walkers and marathoners pro- next year, so this is definitely a on sprinter Dutee Chand who “We are aiming to better her Reims came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage in duced disappointing stepping stone for us,” added the has been training under the personal best, hopefully every- first-half injury-time, as centre-back Yunis Abdelhamid’s header performances. Indian athletics head. watchful guidance of her thing goes according to the bounced narrowly past the post. India’s last medal at the India are here in Doha mentor-cum-coach N Ramesh. plan,” he added. PSG dominated possession for much of the second half without World Championships came in without two of their brightest “The preparation for the The 23-year-old Dutee, a posing a serious threat, and Reims again came within centimetres 2003 when Anju Bobby George’s stars the injured Neeraj Chopra World Championships has been silver medallist in 100m and of making it two as substitute Remi Oudin’s low, left-footed effort won the long jump bronze. and Hima Das. good. She has been taking part 200m in the last Asian Games struck the base of the post. And Dia entered the fray before planting But Sumariwalla is not World-class javelin thrower in international events since in Indonesia and a bronze med- another fine header past the despairing dive of home goalkeeper unduly concerned and he says Chopra is not taking part in the March and the crowning glory allist in 200m at the Asian Keylor Navas, sealing a richy-deserved victory. Indian athletics has a bright September 27 to October 6 was clinching gold at the 30th Championship in Qatar, will be Earlier, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored as Lille moved future. showpiece event as he has been Summer Universiade 2019 in pushing herself to achieve her into third with a 2-0 victory over Strasbourg, while Lyon were held “Yes, that’s true (that we doing light training since May, Naples,” Ramesh said while best in Qatar. by Brest. FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 03

Italy bulldoze Canada for second bonus-point win AFP and wrong options. FUKUOKA, JAPAN Replacement dropped the ball when he Italy ran amok against Canada had the line at his mercy to bag their second bonus- after busted his point win in as many games way through the Italian with a 48-7 Rugby World Cup defence. victory in Fukuoka yesterday. DTH Van der Merwe con- It was not a perfect per- fronted Italian fullback Matteo formance as Italy slipped at Minozzi with a two-man times from flair and finesse to overlap and fed Gordon sloppy, but they did enough to McRorie on the outside who dominate seven tries to one. was bustled into touch. With Italy seeking a first The second half was World Cup quarter-final berth, barely three minutes old when their maximum points from Italy were on the board again two matches sent a message with scoring to heavyweights South Africa their third try. not to underestimate them. Canada went close again Australia’s full back Reece Hodge (right) The Springboks, who lost when Van der Merwe set up talks with full back Dane Haylett-Petty as their opener against New Italy’s lock runs in a try during Hassler but the cover defence they take part in a gym training session Zealand, paid a high price the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B put the wing out in the corner. in Tokyo on Wednesday. when they were guilty of match against Canada in Fukuoka, yesterday. A penalty try for an illegal taking Japan lightly at the last tackle by Heaton ensured the World Cup and cannot afford eight days. Italy, still with the stadium, but it was the vastly New Zealand-born bonus point for Italy and to do the same again when All Blacks to play as well as rearranged Italian side with second-rower Budd, filling in reduced Canada to 14-men Banned Hodge they meet Italy in Shizuoka in South Africa, showed their the superior forward pack as captain with with Heaton in the sin bin. depth by making 10 changes who controlled most of the rested, galloped 30 metres stretched the ‘not trained’ on With Italy seeking to the starting XV when they game. through a non-existent lead to 36-0 before Andrew a first World Cup beat Namibia and were still In a dominant opening defence for his try. Coe scored in the right corner tackle protocol quarter-final berth, too strong for the spell, fly-half Italy’s explosive start to get Canada on the board. their maximum points Canadians. landed a penalty and con- realised 17 points in 15 But the Italian pack, who at World Cup A day after Uruguay’s verted tries by minutes. had an impressive night, from two matches shock win over Fiji, Canada and Dean Budd. Canada arrested the responded immediately to sent a message started with hopes of Steyn sent Peter Nelson scoring spree for the drive over the line for Federico AFP TOKYO to heavyweights achieving a similar upset. flying and barged between remainder of the half, but their Zani to touch down, and the South Africa not to The mostly neutral crowd and own scoring opportunities backline followed with a long- underestimate them. also gave their support to the on a short-range charge at the evaporated with missed range attack that ended with Australia wing Reece Hodge revealed Canadians in the 22,000-seat line. tackles, a misfiring lineout, a try to Minozzi. he hadn’t been trained on World Rugby’s new protocol for policing high tackles as he was suspended at the Rugby World Cup, an official report of England score seven tries to down USA 45-7 his disciplinary hearing revealed yesterday. Hodge, banned for three games for AP in a high, no-arms tackle in England’s back a hit that concussed Fiji’s Peceli Yato, KOBE the 70th minute for the red row Mark Wilson admitted he had “no effective card offense, provoking a (centre) is tackled knowledge” of the new framework, England pummeled the United melee that involved nearly by US fly-half AJ which guides referees when they are States 45-7 at the Rugby World every player on the field. Quill MacGinty (second, deciding how to punish high tackles, Cup yesterday, winning with was ordered off after referee right) during the the report said. seven tries to one against an Nic Berry checked video Japan 2019 Rugby “The player conceded that he had American team that was replays. Quill’s the first World Cup Pool C no effective knowledge of WR’s (World already out of it when an Eagle American to get a red at a match against the Rugby) ‘Decision making framework was sent off late for a Rugby World Cup. United States at for high tackles’; had not been trained dangerous tackle. England utterly dominated the Kobe Misaki on it; was not across it because the The US, the last team to across the field in Kobe and it Stadium in Kobe, tackles he makes are predominantly in appear in the tournament, was could have been ever more yesterday. the waist to knees area,” said the so nearly the first to be kept painful for the US if not for a detailed report of the hearing. scoreless - it scored its only try number of missed chances by It added that this statement was “of through replacement Bryce the English. some general concern” to the three- Campbell nearly two minutes Flyhalf George Ford sliced member disciplinary panel, which met after the final hooter and after through for the first try on Wednesday. a crazy move which resulted between the posts in the sixth Hodge became the first player cited in both teams throwing pos- minute. Forwards Billy and banned at the Rugby World Cup in session away numerous times Vunipola and Luke Cowan- Japan following the incident in Aus- before Campbell seized his Dickie drove over from rolling tralia’s 39-21 Pool D win over Fiji on opportunity to dive over near mauls within eight minutes of Saturday. the posts. each other and England led The new high-tackle protocol has It was zero consolation. 19-0 by halftime. been a major talking point in the build- The US was the first team Wing Joe Cokanasiga up to the World Cup, with many to have a player red-carded secured the four-try bonus expecting a rush of red cards as ref- in this tournament and coach point early in the second half promising young prop David taken off on a stretcher in the from two and two bonus erees crack down on dangerous hits. Gary Gold’s fears that his team with the first of his two tries. Ainu’u went off with what closing minutes. England, points to top Pool C after Refereeing has been in the spot- was a “severe underdog” The other wing, Ruaridh appeared to be a serious foot which even rested a couple of beating Tonga 35-3 on Sunday. light at the World Cup after World against 2003 champion McConnochie, and flanker injury two minutes in and after its top players, had nearly 80% The US have a hard road Rugby took the unusual step of criti- England were realised. Lewis Ludlam also crossed. the English had crumpled the of the territory and barely let ahead in a pool that also con- cising the standard of officiating, fol- Flanker John Quill flat- It went wrong for the US US scrum. the US into its own half. tains France, Argentina and lowing a number of controversies. tened England’s Owen Farrell from the start, when The US also had a man England have two wins Tonga. Minnesota Twins clinch first division title in nine years

AFP achieve their goals and their anxiously waited to see if they the game out of reach for the LOS ANGELES dreams,” said Rocco Baldelli, could celebrate. Tigers. Detroit starter Daniel Minnesota’s first-year manager. The previous decade was Norris struck out five and held Randy Dobnak allowed one hit “This is a very big mark. It’s more successful for Minnesota, the Twins to two hits and no runs in six strong innings and Luis something that we shoot for. who won the division in 2002, in three innings. Arraez and Eddie Rosario “You can’t play beyond this 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2009. Elsewhere, Houston Astros homered as the Minnesota Twins until you get to this point, and That run came to a close after Zack Greinke came within two routed the Detroit Tigers 5-1 and knowing that we have an oppor- the 2010 title. outs of pitching a no-hitter, clinched the American League tunity to play for a World Series The Twins are back in the losing his bid on a single by Central Division title on is exactly where we want to be limelight with one of the Seattle rookie Austin Nola in the Wednesday. right now.” strongest offences in the league. ninth inning of a 3-0 win over The Twins earned their first Minnesota officially clinched They have 299 home runs on the the Mariners. division title in nine years and the title when Cleveland lost to season. Dobnak allowed no Greinke was in control in his their 98 wins is their highest the White Sox in a contest which scoring after an unearned run in closet attempt ever for a no- victory total since the 1970 team finished later in the evening in the first. He didn’t walk a batter. hitter, only to see the bid fail. Minnesota Twins’ players also won 98 games in a season. Chicago. Arraez hit a two-run homer Earlier this season, Greinke celebrate after hitting a two This is just their second play- That game was on television in the seventh off Drew Ver- had a no-hit bid against Wash- run home run during the eighth off appearance since 2010. in the Minnesota clubhouse, Hagen. Rosario’s two-run homer ington broken up in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers. “It’s wonderful to see people where the Twins ate and in the eighth made it 5-1 and put inning. 04 Sport FRIDAY 27 September 2019 FRIDAY 27 September 2019 Sport 05

Armand Duplantis was still competing at youth level in 2018 when he cleared 6.05m at the European Athletics Cham- Young Swedish star Duplantis pionships to win gold and record the fourth best pole vault in the history of the sport. Now at 19 years of age, the “I am excited. I Swedish athlete, affectionately known eyes qualifying rounds know it’s going to as Mondo, remains eligible to contest be a great compe- youth competitions but has already been tition. There’s so Angelica Bengtsson, RIZWAN REHMAT compete with everybody. The focus right about myself. Like I said you have making his mark at the senior level. The Peninsula now is the qualifying rounds. It’s not that to get to qualifying round first. You many great athletes Duplantis, who was named Male Rising the 26-year-old fun of an answer but it’s the truth. I can’t can dream about the medals but in the pole vault Star of the Year by IAAF in 2018, is cur- Swedish pole vaulter wedish-American pole vaulter think about the finals when I am not in the first things first - the qualifying right now. It’s an Armand Duplantis (pictured) yes- finals. I have to focus on the qualifying rounds. I have to get past that first. rently the joint No. 2 all-time outdoor feels she has enough terday said he won’t be thinking too rounds first. Hopefully it will be an easy and exciting event.” pole vaulter and is the record holder for experience to compete far ahead as he launches his bid for smooth qualifying round which will be great. Q: What are your long-term junior pole vault indoors and outdoors. Sa medal at the 2019 Doha World Athletics That’s what I hope. That’s what I really want goals? against the best. Championships. to happen. A: I want to win things - I want Born to a sporty family where the father Duplantis, a little short of his 20th birth- to win Olympics, World Champi- is a former pole vaulter and the mother We established our embassy in Doha in 2014. We day, will opt the steady approach as he Q: So you rather go for a step-by-step onships. I want those events in my is a former heptathlete and volleyball enjoy excellent relations with Qatar. This country is competes against the best at the Sept 27-Oct approach? career. I want to break records. I player, it was not abnormal for Mondo 6 track and field event. Yes. Only then can I focus on the finals. will never quit until I become the extremely dynamic economy-wise and in many other “I can’t think about the finals when I am Right I have to make it (the finals) first. Step best. I still have lots of things I still to start vaulting at the age of five. ways as well. We look forward to deepen are rela- not in the finals. I have to focus on the qual- by step. (I don’t have to) get too ahead of want to accomplish but the Euro- “I think it was just something we were ifying rounds first,” Duplantis said in an myself. I am excited. I know it’s going to be pean Championships was like a ula born with. We loved it from the begin- s tions in many fields with Qatar. The important thing interview. a great competition. There’s so many great little taste of a lot of what I have n

i ning, we loved to do it. I don’t think it for our athletes is the world championships. It is “Hopefully it will be an easy and smooth athletes in the pole vault right now. It’s an been dreaming about when I was en qualifying round which will be great. That’s exciting event. (Looks like) it’s going to be a kid. But right now I have the was something we needed to have a p important to know everything is good in Doha. The what I hope. That’s what I really want to a very unpredictable result that we are going world championships, I have five- choice (about). We were going to do it facilities are great and Swedish athletes are very happen,” he added. to get. It’s fun. I am very excited for it. We seven days. I am not thinking too anyway,” Duplantis said in an interview t/the t/the Excerpts from a quick Q&A session with all have been building up for this event. It much about the future. I want to si pleased. The marathon will be a challenge but our the rising Swedish star: took a while to get here. We are finally here live in the present. with IAAF. athletes have trained well. Most of the athletes have at the world championships. It was a very Q: Tell us something about your prep- strange format this year. I speak for every- acclimatized for more than 10 days. We are proud arations for the worlds and what do you body saying that. I am excited. I am ready of the Swedish athletes who are here. We will have expect from the first week. to get this thing going, ready to jump. a lot of people coming here for this event. I hope it A: What I have right now is what I will

PICS:abdul ba have in a week from now. I am not going Q: How do you look back at your will be a great spectacle. It is one of the biggest do anything I don’t want to do. I am not try- season? events in the world.” ing to get faster or stronger. I am just trying A: I am happy and I am exactly where I to maintain what I have right now. What I want to be. I am in a right spot to have a I have the right mindset to - Swedish Ambassador Anders Bengtcen have right now is very good in itself. I can good world championships. I am confident overcome challenges: Angelica

RIZWAN REHMAT but then I switched my coach. I went to The Peninsula my home city. I did my training and now I think I am on my way up. I do think I TIMETABLE BY DAY ngelica Bengtsson, who arrived have in me to do better. TIMETABLE BY DAY in Doha to compete in the IAAF World Athletics Champion- Q: What are your long-term goals? DAY 1 - Friday 27 September DAY 2 - Saturday 28 September DAY 3 - Sunday 29 September DAY 4 - Monday 30 September DAY 5 - Tuesday 01 October ships two days ago, doesn’t A: I have decided to do two more TIMETABLE BY DAY Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Phase Phase Phase Start Event M/F Abelieve in rushing things. The 26-year- Olympics. The one in Tokyo and Paris. Phase hh.mm hh.mm hh.mm Phase hh.mm hh.mm old Swedish pole vaulter feels she has I have many years in my career. DAY 1 - Friday 27 September DAY 2 - Saturday 28 September DAY 3 - Sunday 29 September Discus Throw DAY 4 - Monday 30Q September A 200m DAY 5 - Tuesday 01 OctoberR1 Long Jump Q A+B 16:15 M 20:05 M 16:30 Javelin Throw W Q A enough experience to compete against 16:30 M 16:30 Hammer Throw Q A Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F M Phase Phase 16:30 Phase100m W R1 Phase20:40 PoleStart Vault EventW M/FFinal the best. Q: How do you cope with stress lev- hh.mm hh.mm 16:35 100m hh.mmM Prelim hh.mm Phase 17:05 200m W R1 hh.mm 16:35 400m M R1 “I arrived yesterday (Tuesday). I was 17:05 800m M R1 21:20 100m W SF els as a professional level? 16:15 Discus Throw 16:40M HammerQ ThrowA W20:05 Q A200m M R1 18:00 Javelin Throw W Q B 16:30 Long Jump M Q A+B 16:30 Javelin Throw W Q A Hammer Throw Q A 16:50 High Jump M Q A+B at the Singapore Youth Olympics in A: You don’t try to think too much 17:30 Pole Vault M Q A+B 21:45 Triple16:30 Jump M FinalM 16:30 100m 17:10W 800m R1 W20:40 R1 Pole Vault W Final 18:20 400m W R1 16:35 100m M Prelim 17:05 200m W R1 17:30 400m H W R1 2010. They have more or less the same of an event until you arrive at the sta- 17:45 Discus Throw M Q B 21:55 80016:35m 400m M MSF R1 17:05 800m M R1 21:20 100m W SF 20:05 110m H M R1 16:40 Hammer Throw W Q A 17:30 Pole Vault W Q A+B 18:00 Javelin Throw W Q B weather as they do here. I think the dium. When you arrive at the stadium, 16:50 High Jump M Q A+B 18:00 Hammer Throw M Q B 17:30 Pole Vault M Q A+B 21:45 Triple Jump M 18:05 Final400m H M SF 22:35 4 x 400m Relay MX Final weather is quite similar,” Angelica said you know exactly what to do. When I 17:10 800m W R1 18:05 100m M R1 18:20 400m W R1 20:30 High Jump W Final 17:30 400m H W R1 18:15 3000m SC M R1 17:45 Discus Throw M Q B 21:55 800m M 18:45 SF 100m M SF 23:20 100m Final in an interview. am at a competition, I know really well 17:30 Pole Vault W Q A+B 18:10 Hammer Throw W Q B 20:05 110m H M R1 W 20:50 200m M SF 18:00 Hammer Throw M Q B 20:05 Pole Vault M Final 18:05 400m H M SF 22:35 4 x 400m Relay MX Final “I think I do have the right mindset what to do. When there is a moment 18:05 100m M R1 18:40 High Jump W Q A+B 19:15 800m 20:30 HighW Jump SF W Final 21:20 5000m M Final 18:15 3000m SC M R1 20:50 400m W SF to overcome the challenges here,” the you have a problem in jumping in train- 100m SF 100m Final DAY 3 - Sunday, City, 29-30 September 18:10 Hammer Throw W Q B 18:45 19:00M 3000m SC W23:20 R1 W 19:25 Hammer Throw20:50 200Wm FinalM SF 21:25 Discus Throw M Final thin-looking athlete said confidently. ing, I can still do the competitions Start 20:05EventPole Vault M/F M Final 21:20 Javelin Throw W Final 18:40 High Jump W Q A+B 19:15 800m 19:25W Triple JumpSF M Q A+B 20:00 4 x 400m Relay21:20 5000MXm R1 M Final Phase 21:50 3000m SC W Final Excerpts from a quick Q&A because I know how to do it. So now DAY 3 - Sunday, City, 29-30 September hh.mm 20:50 400m W SF 21:35 200m W SF 19:00 3000m SC W R1 19:25 Hammer Throw 19:55W 5000mFinal M R1 20:40 Long Jump 21:25 DiscusM Throw FinalM Final 22:10 800m W Final session: before the competition, I try not too Start Event M/F 23:30 2021:20km Race JavelinWalk ThrowW WFinal Final 22:10 800m M Final 20:00 4 x 400m Relay MX R1 Phase 19:25 Triple Jump M Q A+B 20:30 400m H hh.mmM R1 21:10 10,000m 21:50 3000Wm SC FinalW Final 400m H Final much about it. I think about other things. 21:35 200m W SF 22:40 M 22:40 200m M Final 19:55 5000m M R1 20:40 Long Jump M Final 22:10 800m W Final Q: Is this your first visit? 23:30 20km Race Walk W 22:15 Final100m M Final 22:10 800m M Final 20:30 400m H M R1 21:10 10,000m DAYW 1 - FridayFinal - City, 27-28 September 400m H Final A: Yes, this is my first visit to Qatar. 22:40 M 22:40 200m M Final 22:15 100m StartM FinalEvent M/F DAY 2 - Saturday - City 28 -29 September I arrived yesterday. I was at the Singa- Phase DAY 1 - Friday - City, 27-28 September hh.mm Start Event M/F pore Youth Olympics in 2010. They have Angelica Therese Bengtsson (born 8 July 1993) is a Swedish track and field athlete who specialises in the pole vault. She became the Phase Start Event M/F DAY 2 - Saturday - City 28 -29 September hh.mm more or less the same weather as they Phase tbc. Opening first pole vault winner at the inaugural Summer Youth Olympicshh.mm in Singapore in 2010. She has been a highly successfulStart youth and jun-Event M/F do here. I think the weather is quite sim- Phase 23:30 50km Race Walk W Final hh.mm 23:59 Marathon W Final tbc. Opening ilar. I think I do have the right mindset ior athlete, winning gold medals at the 2009 World Youth Championships and the 2010 World Junior Championships in Athletics. She 23:30 50km Race Walk M Final 23:30 50km Race Walk Final to overcome the challenges here. I set a mark of 4.47 m for the youth world record for the event23:59 in 2010Marathon and broke the worldW junior recordFinal with a vault of 4.63 m in 2011. W haven’t been to the Khalifa International Bengtsson placed tied 4th at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, , having set a national record of 4.70 m in23:30 the final.50 Shekm isRace Walk M Final Stadium. Everything is big and beauti- DAY 6 - Wednesday 02 October DAY 7 - Thursday 03 October DAY 8 - Friday 04 October DAY 9 - Saturday 05 October DAY 10 - Sunday 06 October ful. I think the organizers have done a also the current Swedish national record holder with 4.81 m, set indoor in Clermont-Ferrand, France, on February 24, 2019. She has won DAY 6 - Wednesday 02 October DAY 7 - ThursdayStart 03 OctoberEvent M/F DAY 8 - Friday 04 OctoberStart Event DAY 9M/F - Saturday 05 October Start DAYEvent 10 - SundayM/F 06 October Start Event M/F good job so that we can do a good job. eleven national titles. Her father is Swedish and her mother is Afro-Brazilian. Phase Phase Phase Phase hh.mm hh.mm hh.mm Start Event M/F hh.mm Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Phase Start Event M/F Phase Phase Phase hh.mm Phase hh.mm hh.mm 110m H Dec Start Event M/F 1500hh.mmm SF 100m H SF hh.mm 16:35 M Phase20:10 M 19:05 W Q: What are your expectations from 16:35 100m Dec M hh.mm 16:35 110m H Dec M 20:10 1500m M 16:40 SF Triple Jump W Q A+B 20:15 High19:05 Jump 100m H M FinalW SF Javelin Throw Q A 19:15 Long Jump W Final the first week? 16:35 100m Dec 16:30 M A: We, as athletes, are so excited to M 16:45 Shot Put W Q A+B 16:40 Triple Jump W Q A+B 20:15 High Jump M 17:30 FinalDiscus Throw16:30 Dec JavelinM Throw A M Q A 20:40 419:15 x 100m RelayLong Jump W WR1 Final 17:15 100m H W R1 19:40 1500m M Final be here and to do well. This is the sec- 16:45 Shot Put W Q A+B 17:05 100m H Hep W 17:30 Discus Throw Dec M A 20:40 4 x 100m Relay W 18:15 R1 Long Jump Hep17:15 100Wm H A+B W R1 21:00 Discus19:40 Throw1500m W FinalM Final 19:55 Javelin Throw M Final ond biggest competition for us. I did not 17:05 100m H Hep W 17:30 Long Jump Dec M A+B 17:50 Long Jump W Q A+B 18:15 Long Jump Hep W A+B 21:00 Discus Throw W 18:35 FinalDiscus Throw17:50 Dec LongM Jump B W Q A+B21:05 419:55 x 100m RelayJavelin ThrowM MR1 Final 20:00 10,000m M Final try to compete a lot this year. I just 17:30 Long Jump Dec M A+B 17:35 1500m W R1 18:00 Javelin Throw M Q B 18:35 Discus Throw Dec M B 21:05 4 x 100m Relay M 19:05 R1 Pole Vault Dec18:00 JavelinM Throw A M Q B 21:30 40020:00m H 10,000m W FinalM Final 20:50 100m H W Final wanted to feel confident. Since this com- 17:35 1500m W R1 18:00 Discus Throw W Q A 19:55 4 x 400m Relay W R1 19:05 Pole Vault Dec M A 21:30 400m H W Final 19:55 4 x 400m Relay W R1 20:50 100m H W Final petition began very late, we split our 18:00 Discus Throw W Q A 19:20 Shot Put M Q A 21:45 3000m SC M Final 20:05 Shot Put M Final 21:15 4 x 400m Relay W Final 18:15 High Jump Hep W21:45 A+B3000m SC M Final 21:15 4 x 400m Relay W Final 19:20 Shot Put M Q A 20:05 Shot Put M Final22:20 400m M Final 21:30 4 x 400m Relay M Final season. I had a break and then I did 18:15 High Jump Hep W A+B 20:05 Pole Vault Dec M B 20:25 4 x 400m Relay M R1 some more competitions. Then I went 20:05 Pole Vault Dec 18:25M 5000m B W22:20 R1 400m M Final 20:25 4 x 400m Relay M R1 21:30 4 x 400m Relay M Final 18:25 5000m W R1 20:10 Javelin Throw Hep W A+B DAY 8 - Friday City 4-5 October 20:35 Triple Jump W Final to Italy to get a feel of the weather there 20:10 Javelin Throw Hep 18:50W Shot PutA+B Dec M A+B 20:35 Triple Jump W Final 18:50 Shot Put Dec M A+B DAY 8 - Friday City 4-5 October20:40 Shot Put M Q B 20:55 1500m W Final so that I could get used to the heat here. 20:40 Shot Put 19:25M Discus ThrowQ B W Q B 20:55 1500m W FinalStart Event M/F Start Event M/F Phase 19:25 Discus Throw W Q B 22:00 Phase1500m M R1 hh.mm 21:25 5000m W Final I think we had a good concept of train- 22:00 1500m 20:05M 110m H R1 Mhh.mm SF 21:25 5000m W Final ing. I did not have a good beginning of 20:05 110m H M SF 22:05 Javelin Throw Dec M A 23:30 20km Race Walk M Final 22:05 4 x 100m Relay W Final 22:05 Javelin Throw Dec 20:30M Shot Put HepA W23:30 A+B20km Race Walk M Final 22:05 4 x 100m Relay W Final the season but I have recovered well. 20:30 Shot Put Hep W A+B 22:35 Shot Put W Final 22:15 4 x 100m Relay M Final 22:35 Shot Put 20:35W 400m Final M SF 22:15 4 x 100m Relay M Final Normally I would have been tired by 20:35 400m M SF 23:00 1500m W SF 23:00 1500m 20:40W High JumpSF Dec M A+B but now I am not tired. I did not cut 20:40 High Jump Dec M A+B DAY 9 - Saturday - City 5-6 October DAY 9 - Saturday - City 5-6 October 23:10 Javelin Throw Dec M B 23:10 Javelin Throw Dec M B down on the number of events I nor- 21:05 400m H W SF 21:05 400m H W SF Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Phase 23:50 400m W Final 23:50 400m W Final Phase hh.mm mally take part in. 21:40 Hammer Throw M Final 21:40 Hammer Throw M Final hh.mm 00:05 800m Hep W Final 00:05 800m Hep W Final 21:50 200m Hep W 21:50 200m Hep W 23:59 Marathon M Final 23:59 Marathon M Final Q: Do you think you have lived up 00:25 1500m Dec M Final 00:25 1500m Dec M Final 22:35 200m W Final 22:35 200m W Final to your potential since winning the Youth Olympics gold in 2010? 22:55 110m H M Final 22:55 110m H M Final A: I thought I had reached my peak 23:15 400m Dec M 23:15 400m Dec M

TIMETABLE BY DAY

DAY 1 - Friday 27 September DAY 2 - Saturday 28 September DAY 3 - Sunday 29 September DAY 4 - Monday 30 September DAY 5 - Tuesday 01 October

Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Phase Phase Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Phase hh.mm hh.mm Phase Phase hh.mm hh.mm hh.mm 16:15 Discus Throw M Q A 20:05 200m M R1 16:30 Long Jump M Q A+B 16:30 Javelin Throw W Q A Hammer Throw Q A 16:30 M 16:30 100m W R1 20:40 Pole Vault W Final 16:35 100m M Prelim 17:05 200m W R1 16:35 400m M R1 17:05 800m M R1 21:20 100m W SF 16:40 Hammer Throw W Q A 18:00 Javelin Throw W Q B 16:50 High Jump M Q A+B 17:30 Pole Vault M Q A+B 21:45 Triple Jump M Final 17:10 800m W R1 18:20 400m W R1 17:30 400m H W R1 17:45 Discus Throw M Q B 21:55 800m M SF 17:30 Pole Vault W Q A+B 20:05 110m H M R1 18:00 Hammer Throw M Q B 18:05 400m H M SF 22:35 4 x 400m Relay MX Final 18:05 100m M R1 20:30 High Jump W Final 18:15 3000m SC M R1 100m SF 100m Final 18:10 Hammer Throw W Q B 18:45 M 23:20 W 20:50 200m M SF 20:05 Pole Vault M Final 18:40 High Jump W Q A+B 19:15 800m W SF 21:20 5000m M Final DAY 3 - Sunday, City, 29-30 September 20:50 400m W SF 19:00 3000m SC W R1 19:25 Hammer Throw W Final 21:25 Discus Throw M Final Start Event M/F 21:20 Javelin Throw W Final 19:25 Triple Jump M Q A+B 20:00 4 x 400m Relay MX R1 Phase 21:50 3000m SC W Final hh.mm 21:35 200m W SF 19:55 5000m M R1 20:40 Long Jump M Final 22:10 800m W Final 23:30 20km Race Walk W Final 22:10 800m M Final 20:30 400m H M R1 21:10 10,000m W Final 400m H Final 22:40 M 22:40 200m M Final 22:15 100m M Final DAY 1 - Friday - City, 27-28 September Start Event M/F DAY 2 - Saturday - City 28 -29 September Phase hh.mm Start Event M/F Phase hh.mm tbc. Opening 23:30 50km Race Walk Final 23:59 Marathon W Final W 23:30 50km Race Walk M Final

DAY 6 - Wednesday 02 October DAY 7 - Thursday 03 October DAY 8 - Friday 04 October DAY 9 - Saturday 05 October DAY 10 - Sunday 06 October

Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Start Event M/F Phase Phase Phase Phase hh.mm hh.mm Start Event M/F hh.mm hh.mm Phase hh.mm 16:35 110m H Dec M 20:10 1500m M SF 19:05 100m H W SF 16:35 100m Dec M 16:40 Triple Jump W Q A+B 20:15 High Jump M Final 16:30 Javelin Throw Q A 19:15 Long Jump W Final 16:45 Shot Put W Q A+B M 17:30 Discus Throw Dec M A 20:40 4 x 100m Relay W R1 19:40 1500m M Final 17:05 100m H Hep W 17:15 100m H W R1 18:15 Long Jump Hep W A+B 21:00 Discus Throw W Final 19:55 Javelin Throw M Final 17:30 Long Jump Dec M A+B 17:50 Long Jump W Q A+B 18:35 Discus Throw Dec M B 21:05 4 x 100m Relay M R1 20:00 10,000m M Final 17:35 1500m W R1 18:00 Javelin Throw M Q B 19:05 Pole Vault Dec M A 21:30 400m H W Final 20:50 100m H W Final 18:00 Discus Throw W Q A 19:55 4 x 400m Relay W R1 19:20 Shot Put M Q A 21:45 3000m SC M Final 20:05 Shot Put M Final 21:15 4 x 400m Relay W Final 18:15 High Jump Hep W A+B 20:05 Pole Vault Dec M B 22:20 400m M Final 20:25 4 x 400m Relay M R1 21:30 4 x 400m Relay M Final 18:25 5000m W R1 20:10 Javelin Throw Hep W A+B 20:35 Triple Jump W Final 18:50 Shot Put Dec M A+B DAY 8 - Friday City 4-5 October 20:40 Shot Put M Q B 20:55 1500m W Final Start Event M/F 19:25 Discus Throw W Q B Phase 22:00 1500m M R1 hh.mm 21:25 5000m W Final 20:05 110m H M SF 22:05 Javelin Throw Dec M A 23:30 20km Race Walk M Final 22:05 4 x 100m Relay W Final 20:30 Shot Put Hep W A+B 22:35 Shot Put W Final 22:15 4 x 100m Relay M Final 20:35 400m M SF 23:00 1500m W SF 20:40 High Jump Dec M A+B DAY 9 - Saturday - City 5-6 October 23:10 Javelin Throw Dec M B 21:05 400m H W SF Start Event M/F 23:50 400m W Final Phase 21:40 Hammer Throw M Final hh.mm 00:05 800m Hep W Final 21:50 200m Hep W 23:59 Marathon M Final 00:25 1500m Dec M Final 22:35 200m W Final 22:55 110m H M Final 23:15 400m Dec M 06 SPORT FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2019

Grid penalties for Verstappen, Kvyat at Sochi

Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo (right) REUTERS Russia. Neither Red Bull-owned FORMULA ONE: WORLD SOCHI, RUSSIA team have had drivers finish on with fans ahead of the Russian the podium in Sochi, a track Grand Prix in Sochi, yesterday. CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Max Verstappen will have a with both high speed straights five-place grid penalty and and low speed corners. DRIVERS Daniil Kvyat will start his home Verstappen, winner of two 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 296 pts, 2. Russian Formula One Grand races this season, is fourth in the Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 231, 3. Charles Prix from the back of the field championship but level on Leclerc (MON) 200, 4. Max Verstappen on Sunday as a result of power points with Ferrari’s Charles (NED) 200, 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER) unit changes. Leclerc. 194, 6. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 69, 7. Honda said Kvyat and his The pair are both 96 points Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 58, 8. Alexander Toro Rosso team mate Pierre behind Mercedes’ five-times Albon (THA) 42, 9. Daniel Ricciardo Gasly, along with Red Bull’s world champion Lewis Ham- (AUS) 34, 10. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) Verstappen and Alexander ilton with six races remaining. 33, 11. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 33, Albon would all have grid drops Champions Mercedes have won 12. Lando Norris (GBR) 31, 13. Kimi after being given new engines every Russian Grand Prix since Raikkonen (FIN) 31, 14. Sergio Perez for the race in Sochi. the first in 2014. (MEX) 27, 15. Lance Stroll (CAN) 19, “With a different Kvyat is the only Russian 16. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 18, 17. replacement history, Kvyat is driver on the starting grid. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 8, 18. Antonio changing all (power unit) ele- Verstappen started on the Giovinazzi (ITA) 4, 19. Robert Kubica ments except the battery. He will back row in last year’s race at (POL) 1, 20. George Russell (GBR) 0 start from the back of the grid,” Sochi due to engine penalties the Japanese manufacturer said and was leading after 19 laps, CONSTRUCTORS on its F1 account when others pitted, before the major setback and looked don’t care, it should be alright. three races and Sunday’s race 1. Mercedes-AMG 527 pts, 2. Ferrari yesterday. 21-year-old Dutchman finished forward to plenty of passing. “You might lose a little bit looks like being a battle 394, 3. Red Bull-Honda 289, 4. “The other three will get five fifth. “Last year we started from of time to the guys ahead but, between the Italian team and McLaren-Renault 89, 5. Renault 67, place grid penalties.” The sport’s youngest race the back and overtaking didn’t realistically speaking, you Mercedes, who are leading both 6. Toro Rosso-Honda 55, 7. Racing The move ensures all four winner, who has now collected seem like a big problem around would anyway qualify fourth or championships. Point-Mercedes 46, 8. Alfa Romeo cars have fresher engines for an engine penalty for the here,” he said. “Maybe the mid- fifth, so it’s not going to change Hamilton is 65 points clear Racing-Ferrari 35, 9. Haas 26, 10. Honda’s home race in Japan on second time in three races, field teams are a little bit more a lot.” of Mercedes team mate Valtteri Williams 1 Oct. 13, the next round after doubted his drop would be a competitive this year but, I Ferrari have won the last Bottas. Challenge League: Qatar down Vanuatu to finish third and stay in contention for ICC World Cup

FAWAD HUSSAIN points and with ten more succeeded in posting 185 runs Qatar’s Gayan Munaweera receiving his man of the match award following THE PENINSULA matches to be played in these 49.1 overs in difficult condi- their victory against Vanuatu in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge two events, we stand a good tions at Kinara Oval. Opening League Group A match in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Qatar yesterday registered a chance of qualifying for the batsman Kamran Khan (31), narrow 5-run (D/L) victory ICC World Cup,” Qatar team Rizlan (39) and skipper Iqbal over Vanuatu in Kuala vice-captain Mohammed Hussain (39) were the main Lumpur to finish third at the Rizlan told The Peninsula from contributors. ICC Cricket World Cup Chal- Kuala Lumpur. The target was revised for lenge League Group A, “We were down with Vanuatu after rain as they keeping their hopes alive to injuries to six of our main were handed a chase of 177 Chappell set qualify for the 2023 ICC players and we are happy to runs in 44 overs. The Pacific World Cup in India. finish third in the tournament Islanders fell short and could Former World Cuppers, in these circumstances. We only scored 171-9 in the to retire as Canada topped the six-nation are hoping to be back with allotted overs, thanks to dis- event after collecting 8 points, full-strength side for the next ciplined bowling by Qatar side. Australia edging Singapore on basis of two events, and we think we Munaweera bowled two better run-rate. Qatar secured have a very good chance of maidens and conceded only searches for 6 points with wins over Sin- topping the table,” he added. 23 runs in 8 overs while gapore, Malaysia and Vanuatu. Meanwhile, Qatar pacer picking up four wickets. new selector The event will be followed by Gayan Munaweera excelled Mohammed Nadeem and two more tournaments, after for Qatar with a four-wicket Kamran took two wickets REUTERS which the top team will haul in close win over each. MELBOURNE advance. Vanuatu, yesterday. Qatar are scheduled to “We are just short of two After electing to bat, Qatar return home today. Former captain Greg Chappell (pictured above) will retire from his roles of Cricket wins ICC’s Australia’s national talent Misbah demands more from world manager and selector at the end of the month, the country’s digital content rights cricket board said yesterday. for revival of Pakistan cricket Chappell, who played 87 for subcontinent tests and 74 one-day interna- AFP Pakistan’s cricket head tionals, was Cricket Australia’s KARACHI coach and chief selector, REUTERS national talent manager for the Misbah-ul-Haq speaks at a MUMBAI past nine years and also served Pakistan’s newly appointed head press conference in Karachi, as a selector in recent times. coach on Wednesday urged the cricket on Wednesday. Facebook will have exclusive digital content rights Former wicketkeeper world to better help his country’s for International Cricket Council (ICC) events in the Graham Manou, who played a efforts to revive international matches, Indian subcontinent till 2023, the world governing lone test and four one-day damaged by security problems in the body of the sport said yesterday. internationals for Australia, last decade. The deal will include the next two men’s World will add Chappell’s responsi- Misbah-ul-Haq’s request comes Twenty20 events in 2020 and 2022, the 50-over bilities to an expanded role of two days before Pakistan takes on Sri World Cup in 2023 and the World Test Champi- national talent and pathway Lanka in a series of three one-day onship final in 2023. manager. internationals, the first in the country The social media giant will carry a range of Cricket Australia said a new for four years, and as many Twenty20 digital content across four years including match national selector will be named internationals. recaps, in-play key moments and other match and at a later date to replace the The Sri Lanka team was attacked feature content on its various platform. 71-year-old Chappell. in Lahore in 2009 and since then most “We are delighted to welcome Facebook to the “Greg has had a profound international teams have refused to global cricket family for this multi-year, multi- and positive impact on cricket tour the South Asian country, leaving also be held in Karachi on Sunday and more international teams would con- market partnership which is a first for our sport,” for generations,” Cricket Aus- Pakistan to play nearly all their Wednesday. sider touring his nation and others like ICC CEO Manu Sawhney said in a statement. tralia CEO Kevin Roberts said “home” games in the United Arab The three Twenty20 internationals Pakistan. “The combination of one of the world’s most in a statement. “Greg was one Emirates. will be in Lahore on October 5, 7 and “Otherwise the survival of cricket watched sports with one of the world’s largest plat- of the finest players in the Zimbabwe was the first country 9. will be difficult.” forms is exciting for the future of our game. history of international cricket. to return in 2015, with Pakistan Misbah never captained any of his Misbah said his team -- the The record-breaking growth in digital con- “Additionally, as a captain, hosting the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and 56 Tests in Pakistan and he praised majority of who will be playing a sumption at this summer’s ICC Men’s Cricket World coach, selector and mentor, a World XI team since then. Sri Lanka -- who arrived under heavy one-day international at home for the Cup demonstrated the continued power of cricket Greg has been a true pioneer The current series was hit by with- security -- for the tour. first time -- were excited for the to connect and engage more deeply with diverse and innovator. drawals of ten top Sri Lankan players “I know it would have been a match. audiences around the world.” “His passion and com- over security fears but Sri Lanka’s tough decision for Sri Lanka to tour,” Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar The ICC last month said the men’s 50-over mitment to the game are clear cricket board received the all-clear he said. Azam, Haris Sohail, and Wahab Riaz World Cup in England witnessed 4.6 billion video to anyone who has interacted from the defence ministry last week. “Pakistan is a cricket-loving have featured in an ODI in Pakistan views across its digital and social media platform with him and Australian cricket “Cricket world need to do more, country and it would be injustice to before. with the hosts going on to win the tournament after is all the stronger for his not only for Pakistan but for any deprive them of international cricket, “It’s a special moment for all of us a nailbiting final. Cricket is the most popular sport involvement. We wish him the country where it is hit,” said Misbah, so I hope that the world will support and players are excited as well as in the densely populated Indian subcontinent and very best in retirement and under who Pakistan plays the first us more and more.” emotional, playing before their home presents a huge market for Facebook, which began thank him for his exemplary one-day international today. It had been ten years since the fans and at home ground, so it’s really venturing into sports streaming in 2017 by broad- service.” The remaining two matches will attacks, Misbah said, adding he hoped special.” casting weekly Major League Baseball games. FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07

Handball to take centre stage at ANOC World Beach Games

THE PENINSULA China, Australia and Vietnam. A file photo of Qatar and 2019 at tournaments DOHA Beach handball, which made handball team. hosted by Muscat, Pattaya its first Olympic appearance at (Indonesia) and Weihai (China) Despite being one of the “new the Buenos Aires 2018 Summer respectively. comers” to the world stage, Youth Olympic Games, traces Since 2012, the team have beach handball is rapidly its history back to a small island remained the champions of the gaining traction globally and the in Ponza in the southern Italian Asian Beach Games having won sport will be one of the major region where it began to emerge the event three times in a row - centrepieces as the maiden as an interesting sport on the 2012 in Haiyang (China), 2014 edition of the ANOC World beaches of the region towards in Phuket (Thailand) and 2016 Beach Games, also known as the end of the 1980s. in Danang (Vietnam). Qatar 2019, kicks off on October In Asia, the sport made its Commenting on the team, 12 in Doha. maiden appearance on the con- Qatar Handball Federation Beach handball, whose first tinental level at the 2008 Asian President Ahmed Al Shaabi said, major international competition, Beach Games in Bali where the “What our beach handball team the Beach Handball World men’s event was won by have achieved, especially in Championships, was held as Pakistan, with Kuwait and Asia, is unprecedented. We are recent as 2004, is one of the Thailand taking the silver and very proud of their past achieve- major team sports of Qatar 2019. bronze medals respectively. For ments and we are at the same At the draw ceremony held the women’s event, China time very confident of their per- in August, hosts Qatar were nicked the gold while silver and formances at the ANOC World drawn in Group B of the men’s bronze went to Thailand and Beach Games. We are giving the competition, alongside Croatia, Chinese respectively. team the maximum supports Hungary, Spain, Uruguay and For Team Qatar, the horizon and we believe they will make Tunisia while Group A threw up looks good for the men’s team, our country proud at the his- Brazil, Sweden, Denmark, and Qatar 2019 is yet another twice at the IHF World Men’s In Asia, the team have won country Oman in 2011 at the torical event.” Oman, United States and Aus- opportunity for them to once Beach Handball Championship the Asian Men’s Beach Handball Muscat tournament. Beach handball is one of the tralia as contestants. For the again prove their mettle as the (2014 World Beach Champion- Championship a record five They again defeated now 14 sports featuring at the ANOC women’s event, the draw placed undisputed “Kings of Asia” ships in Brazil and the 2016 times. familiar foe Oman at the Hong World Beach Games to be held Brazil, Denmark, Hungary, having being the dominant force World Beach Championships in The Qatari beach handball Kong tournament in 2013 to lift from October 12 to 16 in Doha. Argentina, USA and Tunisia in in Asia and one of the top teams Hungary). The team also fin- team clinched the first of their their second trophy before All matches of the sport will be Group A, while Group B com- in the world. ished third at the 2017 World series of trophies at the Cham- repeating same feat against the played at the Al Gharafa prises Greece, Spain, Poland, The team have finished third Games held in Wrocław, Poland. pionships with the defeat of host same opponent in 2015, 2017 Stadium. Barty in party mood after epic Wuhan win

AFP WTA WUHAN OPEN RESULTS WUHAN Stefanos Tsitsipas Quarter-finals Ashleigh Barty marched into her sixth Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) bt Petra Martic semi-final of the season yesterday, (CRO) 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-3 Murray falls describing her victory over Petra Top seed Martic in Wuhan as one of the best Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x9) bt Elena matches she’s played in recent times. Rybakina (KAZ) 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 to De Minaur The world number one impressed Petra Kvitova (CZE x5) bt Dayana Tsitsipas in a highly entertaining quarter-final Yastremska (UKR) 6-2, 6-4 that saw her fire 39 winners en route Alison Riske (USA) bt Elina Svitolina retires in in China to a 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-3 win against (UKR x3) 6-1, 6-3 Martic. AFP Barty now gets a shot at revenge ZHUHAI when she takes on powerful Bela- overcame a second-set dip to halt the rusian Aryna Sabalenka on Friday in inspired run of Kazakh wildcard Elena AFP Andy Murray’s bid to win a first singles title since a rematch of their Wuhan semi-final Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 yesterday. ZHUHAI major hip surgery ended prematurely with defeat last year. The 21-year-old is tied at 2-2 in by 31st-ranked (pictured above) Against Martic, Barty fell behind her head-to-head with Barty. Top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas had yesterday at the Zhuhai Championships. early in the first and third sets, but Sabalenka improved her strong trouble breathing and quit his The young Australian defeated the former retaliated with some creative shot- career record on Chinese courts to 27 opening match at the Zhuhai world number one 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 and will play fourth making to reach the last four for a third wins against just six losses -- including Championships yesterday after seed Borna Coric from Croatia on Friday in the last year in a row. 10 victories on the trot in Wuhan. calling a medical time-out eight. “I think that was a very, very high- Two-time champion Petra Kvitova before the deciding set. The 32-year-old Murray on Tuesday won his quality match. I think that was also booked her spot in the Wuhan The 21-year-old Greek was first ATP Tour singles match since career-saving probably one of the better matches semi-final line-up, easing past the strong favourite against surgery in January with a three-set victory over that I’ve played in recent times,” said 19-year-old Dayana Yastremska of unseeded of American Tennys Sandgren. the reigning French Open champion. Ukraine 6-2, 6-4 in just 72 minutes. France and took the first set 6-3 Having enjoyed a day’s rest, he started with “It could have gone either way. I Kvitova, who has been dealing in southern China. intent against De Minaur but failed to get his serve was happy how I was able to fight in with a forearm injury that forced her But he appeared to labour firing consistently and clocked up two double faults the end, put a lot of pressure on her in out of the French Open this year and badly after that, bending over Ashleigh Barty of Australia in action as he surrendered his second service game. a lot of those service games in the is requiring her to wear a sleeve in her several times on court and during the Wuhan Open in Wuhan, But the Briton, number one in the world in 2016 third.” matches this week, reached her first putting his hands on his knees. China, yesterday. but now a lowly 413, broke back twice and sealed Martic, the world number 22 from semi-final since Stuttgart in April. He was far from his best as the first set when the Australian seventh seed fired Croatia, had not lost a three-setter The 29-year-old Kvitova will face he lost the second set 7-5, and long. since March, but saw her streak of 16 off with Alison Riske on Friday after managed to take control of the match. retired soon after, looking red The 20-year-old De Minaur burst back in the on-the-trot snapped by the relentless the American upset third-seeded Elina “I knew it was going to be a battle. in the face and burying his head second set however and Murray looked to be fading Barty. Svitolina 6-1, 6-3 to record the third I think mentally I was just prepared in his hands. physically, the match going into a deciding set. “She’s one of the best movers on top-five victory of the year. for that,” said the world number 35. Tournament officials said Murray will play the China Open in Beijing next the tour,” Barty said of Martic. “That Riske had never beaten Svitolina “I’m just really pleased with the way that he had been having week as he ramps up his return, but admitted to (streak) doesn’t surprise me.” before and knew she was in for a gru- I competed.” problems breathing and was AFP this week that he does not expect to recapture Sabalenka, the defending elling affair. The first game alone Riske will be contesting her sixth getting medical attention, but the form that brought three Grand Slams. champion and seeded nine this week, lasted 14 minutes, before Riske career semi-final at a Chinese event. did not go to hospital. KyrgiosKyrgios handed sussuspended ban, additional fine for Cincinnati outburst

REUTERSREUTERS characters in tennis, was fined lenger Tour events during a six- conduct, verbal abuse and an remarks saying that “corrupt” was LONDONLONDON $113,000 over a meltdown in month probationary period. audible obscenity in Cincinnati not the correct choice of words. Cincinnati last month and courted Some of the conditions include after arguing with the chair umpire Kyrgios, who has won titles in Australia’sAAustralilia’s’ NiNick k KyrKKyrgiosgiosi was more trouble with the governing no further code violations that and smashing two rackets during Acapulco and Washington this year, hhandedanded a suspendedsuspended banban ofof 16 body of men’s tennis at the US Open result in a fine for verbal or physical his second-round defeat by Rus- is known for his outbursts both on weeksweeks aandnd anan addadditionalitional finfinee of describing them as corrupt. abuse of officials, fans or any others sia’s Karen Khachanov. and off the court. In May, he was $25,000$25$25,000 yestyesterdayerdayfoy foforr“ar “aggra-aggra- “The investigation found a on-court or on-site and unsports- The Australian confirmed expelled from the Italian Open after vatedvatedbed behaviour”behaviour” followingfollowing an an pattern of behaviour related to Kyr- manlike conduct and any obscenity earlier yesterday that he would slamming his racket into the investigationinvestigation bbyy the ATPATP.. gios’s verbal abuse of officials and/ directed at officials. miss the remainder of the Asian ground, kicking a water bottle and TheThe 24-year-old,24-year-old, one ooff or spectators in the past 12 months He was also told to seek “con- swing after aggravating a shoulder tossing a chair towards the centre the most combustiblecombustible that constitutes a violation,” the tinued support” from a mental injury he originally suffered at the of the court before walking out. ATP said in a statement. coach during tournaments and Laver Cup. The ATP added that a Three years ago, he withdrew Both the fine and suspension consult a professional specialising second investigation had taken from the Rio Olympics saying are deferred pending Kyrgios’s in behavioural management in the place after Kyrgios’s comments at “unfair and unjust treatment” at the compliance with a set of conditions off-season. Kyrgios had picked up the US Open, although the world hands of his country’s Olympic which will apply at ATP and Chal- the initial fine for unsportsmanlike number 27 had clarified his Committee had led to his decision. Nick Kyrgios FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 08 I think that was a very, very high-quality match. I think that Ashleigh Barty was probably one of the better after marching into FOOTBALL ATHLETICS matches that I’ve played in her sixth semi-final of SPANISH LA LIGA IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS recent times. the season. Villarreal vs Real Betis CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2019: Day 1 ACTION TODAY’S

Team Qatar ready to compete against best in the world

FAWADFAWFFAWAAWAAWWADAD HUHHUSSAINUSSS QATAR SQUAD THETHTHE PPEPENINSULANININNINSNSNSU Mohamed Nasir Abbas: 4x400 Metres ThereTherThehere wiwwillilll bbee a buzz at the 48000- Relay capacitycacapcapac p cityityy KKhalifa International Abubaker Haydar Abdalla: StadiumStStad diiumiuumu when Qatari athletes Taqoob Al Hasani: 4x100 Metres Relay willw tatakea to the pink surface Yaser Salem Bagharab: 3,000 Metres ini front of the home Steeplechase crowds at the IAAF Owaab Barrow: 4x100 Metres Relay, World Athletics 100 Metres Championships Mutaz Essa Barshim: High Jump Doha 2019 starting Ashraf Amgad El Seify: Hammer Throw today. Mariam Mamdouh Farid: Women’s 400 The Qatari ath- Metres Hurdles letes will be com- Abdalelah Haroun: , 4x400 peting against the Metres Relay world’sw best during the Abdirahman Saeed Hassan: 1,500 10-day100 event and they Metres arearar ready for the tough Bassem Hemeida: 4x400 Metres Relay challenge,chaa aiming for a Mahamat Zakaria Khalid: 4x100 Metres ‘big’‘big‘bbi achievement. Relay TheT hosts are fielding 18 Abdelaziz Mohamed: 4x100 Metres ofof theirthe top track and field Relay, starsstastarstara s inn the competition with Femi Ogunode: 4x100 Metres Relay, reigningreireigreeiggnninininginnng world high jump 4x400 Metres Relay championchamchampioppiionioon Mutaz Essa Barshim Tosin Ogunode: 4x100 Metres Relay andanandnd 20201201801018 DDiDiamond League winner Ashraf Hussen Osman: 4x400 Metres AbderrahmanAAbdebdeb errahrraahm Samba (400m Relay hurdles)hhuhurdhururdrdles)leses)) beingbebbei their main medal Abderrahman Samba: 400 Metres hopes.hhopopopepes.s. Hurdles, 400M, 4x400 Metres Relay “I’I’I amm sso excited about the Kenza Sosse: Women’s 400 Metres. WorldWoWorlWorWorlrld ChampionshipsChhama at home,” Samba,SamSambSambambmba,, wwhohoho will be seen in action The star hurdler will also be day when he will start his campaign is heading the Local Organising todayttodtoodaoddaay inin ththee first round of 400m competing in the 400m besides in the 100m. Committee of Doha Worlds, backed hurdles,hhurddles,es, sasaisaidaiai yesterday. teaming up for the 4x400m relay. Barshim will start his title the Qatari team to shine in the “I ama mmlo lookinglo forward to do Haroun Abdalelah will be defense when the high jump event home event. somethingsomesoms methinhhinnggb bbig, more than a world Qatar’s other main hope in the starts on October 1. Former “As a Qatari we wish the team record,”recorre ordrd,” hhee added. 400m and the 22-year-old was under-20 world champion and good luck. Obviously, we are upbeat about his chances. 2018 Asian Games gold medallist looking to win medals in this mega TheT e hosthohostsosts are fielding 18 “We have good athletes on the Ashraf Amgad El Seify will also be event,” Al Hamad said of theirtheheireirr toptto track and field team this year. The coaches told seen in action on the same day. yesterday. starsstastarstararars inn thttheh competition me, ‘You are not the leader, but Ogunode brothers Femi and “It will be a tough competition withwitithh reigningreirereieign world high you’re going to help us,” Abdalelah Tosin are also eyeing to help Qatar and all the athletes will have to be jumpjumumpumump championchaham Mutaz told the IAAF. to do well in the relay events. on their best to be on the podium,” “It’s a great feeling to be at the Doha 2019 bid ambassador said Al Hamad before hoping EssaEssEssa BarshimBarBarrs and 2018 World Championships in Doha. It’s Marim Farid and Kenza Sosse, the Barshim and Samba would excel. DiamondDiamDiaD amamondono d League winner an amazing time for me,” he added. two female athletes, will run 400m “They had some injuries but we AbderrahmanAbdAbdeAbAbdedeerrarraa Samba Apart from Samba, Owaab hurdles and 400m, respectively. have been told by their physios that (400m(4(400(404000 m hurdles)h being Barrow will be the other Qatari star Asian Athletics Association they have recovered and wish them theirththeiheieir mainm medal hopes. to be seen in action on the opening President Dahlan Al-Hamad, who to do well,” he added. Sprint king Blake keen on switching lanes to IPL

ARMSTRONG VAS at the 2011 World Champion- DOHA ships held in London. Blake is keenly following Star Jamaican sprinter Yohan cricket on and off the field and Blake, a self-confessed cricket I am looking forward has installed a cricket nets, fan, is looking to appear in the to playing in the including a bowling machine to cash-rich Indian Premier IPL with RCB when I have regular cricket sessions in League (IPL) in the near future. finish my track and his backyard in Jamaica. The 29-year-old said he is field career. My first “Sachin Tendulkar, Brain keen to turn out for Royal Chal- love has been cricket Lara, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kholi, lengers Bangalore (RCB) when Zaheer Khan, Kumar San- he is done with athletics. and coming from a gakkara, Lasith Malinga and “I am looking forward to poor background my Mahela Jayawerdene,” Blake playing in the IPL with RCB parents pushed me into said, when asked to name his when I finish my track and field athletics: Yohan Blake favourite players. career,” said Blake while talking In Doha on the athletics to The Peninsula. field, Blake wants to register his The date and year when to athletics to an Indian man. best ahead of the Olympics next Blake will turn out for the IPL “I was a fast bowler and I year. team has not been finalised yet. was running fast to deliver the Meanwhile, American Blake has gone on record in the ball. An Indian man saw me and sprinter Noah lyles who holds past that cricket has been first suggested that I should be in personal bests of 9.86 secs in love as a child until athletics athletics and not on the cricket 100 metres and 19.50 secs for took over. field,” recalled Blake. the 200 meters, said one of his Blake has so far won two The champion sprinter is in goals is to set a world record. gold medals in Olympics as part Qatar to take part in the IAAF “I want to break the world of the famous Jamacian 4 x World Championships which record in my events and I will 100m relay team, which begins today in Doha. not rest on just breaking the included Usian Bolt while his “Yes, my first love has been record. I will love to better the two silver medals at the 2012 cricket and coming from a poor world record,” said Lyles, while Former 100 metres world champion, Jamaica’s Yohan Blake (left) and United States’ sprinter Noah London Games in the 100 and background my parents pushed answering a series of questions Lyles pose for a photograph with a student of Sherborne School Qatar at the Mall of Qatar in Al Rayyan, 200 metres individual events. me into athletics,” added Blake, from school students of Sher- PICTURE: ARMSTRONG VAS / THE PENINSULA Blake attributes his switch who won gold in the 100 metres borne School Qatar. yesterday.