Sjostrom, Morozov in the Spotlight As FINA Worlds Begins in Doha

SPORT Thursday 13 September 2018

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 27 Vettel takes Boudiaf returns aim at Hamilton’s as Al Duhail Championship lead eye ACL semis Sjostrom, Morozov in the spotlight as FINA Worlds begins in Doha

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Swedish speedster Sarah I always rate Doha as my Sjostrom and Russian sensation second home. I’ve spent a Vladimir Morozov will look to lot of time here especially seal cluster 1 victories in the second leg of FINA Swimming in Aspetar. I’ve have many World Cup 2018, which gets achievements in Doha and under way today in Doha. I am looking forward to be Over 130 swimmers from 23 faster than in Kazan: Le Clos countries including top stars will feature in the meeting, which Doha is hosting for the seventh It’s good to be here in Doha. consecutive year at the Hamad After the Kazan performance, Aquatic Centre. I am looking forward to some Doha will conclude cluster 1 interesting results in this involving long course races as the opening leg was held in tough competition: Chupkov Kazan, Russia from September 7 to 9. The cluster 2 includes I am excited to be back. I am Eindhoven (Netherlands) and Budapest (Hungary) meets, while hopeful of giving a good show legs in Beijing (China), Tokyo and win more races: Hosszu (Japan) and Singapore form cluster 3 of this year’s series. Both the clusters will feature tra- My last year’s campaign in ditional short course races. Doha was successful. I am Sjostrom and Morozov targeting another good FROM LEFT: Swedish swimmer Sarah Sjostrom, South Africa’s Chad Le Clos, Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) President Khaleel grabbed top honours in Kazan Al Jabir, Hungaria’s Katinka Hosszu and Russia’s Vladimir Morozov pose for a photograph during a press conference held in Doha performance at this venue: with their record-breaking Picture by: Hussein Sayed Sjostrom spree, finishing as rankings yesterday. leaders in women and men fields respectively. 54 points. The Russian ace also itching to secure victories in in Kazan. The Hungarian star swimming venues in the announcement of a special Sjostrom, the last year’s marked two World Cup Doha, which they rated as their famous as ‘The Iron Lady’ is world, and is also the host for trophy which would be handed overall winner, set three new records, and is expected to favourite venue. third in the rankings with 36 FINA World Championships in to the winner of Doha leg World Cup records while show more fireworks in the Le Clos had a slow start in points behind Russia’s Yulia 2023. We look forward to con- besides the prize money. claiming five victories in Kazan. next three days. Kazan by his standards as he Efimova (42 points). tinue hosting this event suc- Meanwhile, promising The Swedish swimmer, who has However, his compatriot, only clinched one race (200m “I have many great mem- cessfully and wish swimmers Qatari swimmers will also 60 points in her account, is Anton Chupkov, who is second fly), and is on 5th position in the ories in Doha and I am excited the best experience as ever,” showcase their skills against the eyeing more success in Doha. in the rankings, is expected to current ranking. However, the to be back. I am hopeful of he added. world’s best athletes as QSA will “My last year’s campaign in give Morozov a tough challenge Olympic star is looking for an giving a good show and win Also present on the field 20 swimmers in the home Doha was successful. I am tar- in race in to win the first cluster. improved show at his lucky more races,” Hosszu told occasion, FINA Technical Del- event. geting another good per- Chupkov won 100m and 200m venue where he sealed five gold reporters. egate Craig Hunter praised The races will be held in two formance at this venue and breaststroke including a record medals last year. Speaking at the press con- preparations for the three-day sessions daily – morning heats hoping to be faster than Kazan,” in the latter, and is hoping for a “I always rate Doha as my ference, QSA President Khaleel event. and evening finals – on all the she told reporters at a pre-event repeat show in Doha. second home. I’ve spent a lot of Al Jabir welcomed the “We are delighted to return three days. As many as 10 titles press conference held yesterday “It’s good to be here in Doha. time here especially in Aspetar. swimmers, promising another to Doha. After the success of will be decided on the opening at Torch Hotel in Doha. After the Kazan performance, I I’ve have many achievements blockbuster World Cup edition Kazan leg, we are hoping for day while swimmers will In the men’s field, Morozov am looking forward to some in Doha and I am looking in Doha. more thrilling contests here. I compete in 12 races apiece on will return to action after interesting results in this tough forward to be faster than in We are ready to stage saw the pool which is in out- the following days. The first grabbing three titles in front of competition,” he told reporters. Kazan,” he said. another exciting contest,” Al standing shape,” he said. cluster winners will be his home fans, which ensured Fan-favourites Chad Le Clos Hosszu is also eyeing more Jabir said. Another highlight of yester- announced after final day’s his top place in rankings with and Katinka Hosszu are also medals after earning five titles “Doha is one of the best day’s press conference was the races. Coach Sanchez seeks wins in October friendlies

RIZWAN REHMAT Duhail for the team’s AFC Champions satisfied with our team and we want to THE PENINSULA quarter-finals leg ahead of the Palestine keep our choice of players. game, is looking forward to Qatar’s “The games in October will be new DOHA: Qatar football coach Felix friendlies with Uzbekistan and Ecuador matches and new opportunity to develop Sanchez is keen to see his side play to in October. the players,” Sanchez said. potential and score wins in two more Qatar have lined up the series of The Qatar coach said he is yet to international friendlies lined up next friendlies in order to finalise the starting decide on the squad for the two matches Ali wasn’t too month. line-up for their opening clash at the 2019 in October. pleased with the This week Qatar beat China 1-0 Asian Cup set to be held in the UAE. Qatar “So far there is no final formation of outcome of the match on before crushing Palestine 3-0 in two are one of the 24 teams featuring in the the squad as each match has its condi- Tuesday. friendlies played at the Khalifa Interna- AFC Asian Cup (Jan 5-Feb 1 2019) to be tions and composition. I do not know He said: “We played 30 minutes tional Stadium where the home team played in four cities. what squad I will play against Ecuador. of sloppy football and conceding three looked in control in both fixtures. Sanchez said there was balance in We are looking to choose the players quick goals did not help. We made many “In October we will play two the squad that provided experience and who are fit. Without a doubt, I am happy mistakes. We tried to get our act important games and I am confident we youth in their attacks against Palestine. to see Karim Boudiaf return and give us together but we finished the first half will continue playing the way we play “Scoring early goals gave us the start some action in the game against Pal- missing our key players.” now,” Sanchez said while reviewing his we were looking for and the chance to estine,” Sanchez added. He added: “We made some changes team’s brilliant performance against Pal- play freely,” Sanchez said. “We are trying to play against strong in the second half and the players did estine on Tuesday. “It was a great effort and we were teams and Ecuador and Uzbekistan are well. We talked to the players and gave “I think we played the game seriously very active in the first half,” he added. tough teams,” the Qatar coach said. them confidence. This is a preparation and we controlled from start to finish,” “I congratulate the players for their “We are looking forward to provide stage and we must look at the the Spaniard added. efforts and I think we are developing well pressure matches for our players. It is positives from this Goals by Almoez Ali (3), Akram Afif as a team. important for players to be in different match. We did not (20) and captain Hassan Al Haydos (30) “These results are very important scenarios,” Sanchez said. concede any - who was playing his 100th international even in friendly matches because the “We are following the teams of the goals after the for Qatar - completed the 3-0 rout of wins add to the confidence of the players. Asian Cup and we are analysing how 30th minute. The Qatar’s Spanish head coach Felix Sanchez Palestine. On Friday, Ali was the only goal The players are playing with concen- they play. Our goal is to be ready on result is tough but gestures during the friendly football scorer as Qatar beat a strong Chinese tration,” he added. January 9th for our first Asian Cup we played without our match against China at the Khalifa outfit 1-0 under lights. “We are looking at the level of our match,” he added. key players because of International Stadium in Doha on Friday. Sanchez, who released players of Al performances and at the moment we are Palestine coach Noureddine Ould injuries.” 26 SPORT THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2018

McGrath hails Anderson’s Ponting, Lehmann baffled by landmark wicket feat ‘bizarre’ Maxwell Test snub REUTERS AFP While Head is Australia’s “I would have picked LONDON: Australia great leading run-scorer on that tour, him,” he told Macquarie Glenn McGrath says he has SYDNEY: Batting all-rounder Glenn Labuschagne hasn’t fared so well Sports Radio. great respect for James Maxwell’s “bizarre” failure to make with an average of barely 24. “I’m “It was a tough Anderson after the the Australia Test squad for their not sure what the message is, but one with Glenn, he Englishman replaced him as tour against Pakistan left former it’s a bit confusing to me,” added made a ton the last the most prolific pace bowler captain Ricky Ponting and ex-coach Ponting. time they toured India in Test cricket. Darren Lehmann baffled yesterday. A disappointed Maxwell said he and he made a lot of Anderson bowled Selectors named five uncapped had interpreted his non-selection runs in the Sheffield Shield. Mohammed Shami to seal players ahead of Maxwell for the for the A tour as a good sign and He plays spin quite well and it was victory over India in the fifth two-Test tour in the United Arab had been under instructions from an interesting decision.” Lehmann test at the Oval on Tuesday Emirates next month, despite the Cricket Australia to rest over the suggested selectors were looking and claimed his 564th Test Victorian being one of the fastest winter months. to the future as they work to turn wicket in his 143rd match to scorers in world cricket with a “To get told not to play in the a corner after the ball-tampering move ahead of McGrath. handy off-spin option. A series and have a rest... I was row in South Africa that saw Steve “I was proud to hold it for Coach Justin Langer said the understanding of that and their rea- Smith, David Warner and Cameron as long as I did - for it to be 29-year-old needed regular big soning behind that,” he told Bancroft suspended. beaten by somebody like scores to be in contention, but reporters. “They see (Travis) Head Jimmy Anderson is great,” Ponting questioned why he was not “I was hoping that was a pos- and young Marnus McGrath, whose haul of 563 given the opportunity to do just that itive note to go to Dubai. But obvi- (Labuschagne) from came from 124 matches, told on the ongoing Australia A tour of ously that wasn’t the case.” Queensland as real BBC Radio 5 live. India. Despite being cast into the Test long-term pros- Anderson, who made his “If I was Maxi I’d be thinking, wilderness, Maxwell said he feels pects,” he test debut in 2003, now ‘why didn’t you give me the chance his best years are still to come. said.d. trails only spin trio Muttiah to actually go there (to India) and “I feel like I’m getting better Muralitharan (800), Shane push my case to get myself into the and better. Hopefully this is another Warne (708) and Anil team?” he told cricket.com.au. year where I can prove people Kumble (619). “That’s all a bit bizarre to me. wrong and put a lot of runs on the “I have a lot of respect for If I was Maxi and I hadn’t been given board,” he said. Jimmy. He’s been an the chance to play for Australia A, Lehmann, who Langer replaced incredible bowler for a long I’d be ropeable.” after Australia’s scandal-plagued time,” McGrath said. In contrast, uncapped batsmen tour of South Africa earlier this year, “To have played well over Marnus Labuschagne and Travis was also baffled at Maxwell’s 140 tests and just keep Head were taken to India and treatment, noting that he had per- running in, day in, day out, rewarded with a spot in the 15-man formed well in sub-continental con- and remain at the top of his Test squad. ditions before. Glenn Maxwell game, yeah, I’m very proud Jimmy’s got there.” Kohli confident India can compete with Australia AFP kind of attitude you play cricket with the bat and the ball as well, progress has been there... we with,” the Indian captain said. so at crucial stages we could not need to recognise when the sit- LONDON: Virat Kohli is opti- “We said at the end of the keep that pressure on for long, uation is in our favour and how mistic that India can compete fourth game that we won’t and that is why they took to solidify that situation even in challenging conditions in throw in the towel and we advantage of those situations further, and make sure that the Australia despite a crushing 4-1 didn’t. better than us,” he said. opposition cannot get back in defeat to England that “This kind of series shows For all India are the world’s to the game,” he said. compounded a disappointing you exactly the kind of char- top-ranked side, they have now “More often than not away record in Tests. acter of individuals and I see won just one of their past nine (against England), we have England wrapped up that as an opportunity and not series outside Asia. given the advantage to the victory at the Oval on Tuesday, adversity because if you keep But a number of factors are opposition rather than them winning the final match of the winning all the time a lot of in India’s favour for their Aus- brilliantly turning around a series against the number one faults are swept under the tralia tour. They boast arguably situation.” side in the world by 118 runs carpet, you don’t realise the their finest-ever pace attack And Kohli spoke about the late on the fifth day. faults you need to work on.” and will face a team still need to compete from the first But despite the compre- Kohli, who was top-scorer without the banned Steve Smith ball of the series. hensive nature of the series in the series with 593 runs, said and David Warner and with “We can’t warm up in to a defeat, Kohli took positives India had created pressure at fitness doubts over their attack. series because the first Test is from the tour as he looked various times in England but When asked if he was con- always crucial, and we need to forward to Australia, where had not capitalised on key fident about the four-match make sure we are in the right India’s captain Virat Kohli gestures to team-mates during play on the India have never won a Test moments. Test series, which starts in frame of mind to be able to do ﬁrst day of the ﬁfth Test cricket match against England at the Oval in series. “We were not able to hold December, Kohli talked of the all the things right to strike London on Monday. “What matters to me is the that pressure for long enough strides the team has made. “The first,” he said. Cook makes Anderson’s wicket record special AP Centuries from Lokesh Rahul Rahul’s runs at first seemed side because he has the ability to and Rishabh Pant threatened consolatory but a comeback change games, to turn situations LONDON: Although his record- what looked like a simple victory then appeared realistic like that on their head and breaking wicket clinched victory victory, but England took five when Pant, India’s 20-year-old thankfully got us in a position for England over India, what wickets after tea to end No. wicketkeeper, hit a six off Rashid where we could then go on and meant most to James Anderson 1-ranked India’s second innings shortly before tea for his maiden win the game.” was that his retiring teammate on 345. Test century. That left India Pant went for another six in Alastair Cook was on the field to Adil Rashid removed both needing 166 runs in the final the next over but was caught on witness it. centurions, before Sam Curran session to reach what would the boundary at long-off by Anderson became the most struck twice to set the stage for have been a record chase of 464. Moeen Ali, giving Rashid his successful fast-bowler in Test Anderson. “We did sort of think about second wicket in 12 deliveries history by claiming the final “What Jimmy’s achieved and (winning),” India captain Virat and turning the match back in wicket in England’s 118-run fifth what he’s capable of achieving Kohli said. England’s favor. Test win at the Oval on Tuesday. still is astounding really,” “But we knew that these guys Curran then had Ravindra The 36-year-old Anderson England captain Joe Root said. had to be in there until the Jadeja (13) and Ishant Sharma (5) bowled Mohammed Shami for “For him to have taken as many (required) score got below 100 caught behind, before Anderson his 564th career wicket, passing wickets as he has, to even be in and then we’d probably have a toiled away - in a 14-over spell Glenn McGrath for fourth on the the same league as McGrath and chance and England were either side of tea - without all-time list and leaving himself now chasing the big two spinners waiting for someone to get out reward. only trailing spin bowlers, as is a phenomenal effort.” and then take the new ball.” He had been denied Jadeja’s England wrapped up a 4-1 series India made a good start after Despite already having the wicket when wicketkeeper Jonny victory. beginning the day 58-3 before new ball available to him, Root Bairstow dropped a tough Despite Anderson’s moment Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma persisted with Rashid, who had chance to his left, but ultimately of glory, it was his long-time Vihari were lost in consecutive bowled a wicket-less and costly the landmark came in the most teammate Cook - playing in his overs to leave it facing defeat on 10 overs. fitting style. Anderson uprooted 161st and final Test - who led 167-5 at lunch. He was rewarded when the Shami’s middle stump to ensure England from the field, having That was despite Rahul’s first leg-spinner got the breakthrough the wait for his wicket - and an set up the victory with a second Test century since December with a stunning delivery which England victory - was over. innings century that left India 2016, which was reached with turned from outside leg-stump While it was Cook who led chasing a record 464 to win. three boundaries in one over to clip the top of Rahul’s off- the side off the field, he didn’t see “It was (perfect),” Anderson against Ben Stokes. It was the stump, ending his innings on 149. that as a reflection of who has said. “Happy that ******** was on first time an Indian opening “It was a brilliant delivery,” been England’s most important England’s Alastair Cook (left) and James Anderson pose for a photo the field to see that wicket. It’s batsman had gone past 50 in the Root said. “Rash has that in him. player during his 12 years playing after the match at the Kia Oval in London, Britain, on Tuesday. been a tough week.” series. That’s why we have him in the alongside Anderson. THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 27

Qatar Stars League Management (QSLM) officials discuss the arrangements ahead of Friday’s QNB Stars League (QSL) round Boudiaf returns as ﬁve match between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan. Al Duhail eye semis

physical play during the short period he was on the play field. Al Duhail beat Persepolis 1-0 in the first leg played in Doha and a draw will be ARMSTRONG VAS enough for the Qatar club to THE PENINSULA qualify for the last four stage. Officials meet ahead of the A number of other Al DOHA: Al Duhail’s prepara- Duhail players, who did duty tions for the away test in the for their countries in interna- Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan match AFC Champions League tional friendlies, are expected quarter-final have got a to join the squad soon before THE PENINSULA perfect boost with the return Nabil Maaloul’s men travel to Abdullah Al Misferi from Al Rayyan of Karim Boudiaf ahead of the Iranian capital Tehran for club. their September 17 clash the clash at the famous Azadi DOHA: The Qatar Stars League A number of important against Iran’s Persepolis. Stadium. Management (QSLM) held a matters, including entry gates for The Al Duhail play maker, The return of Boudiaf has co-ordination meeting at its head- teams, administrators, officials who suffered an injury during come as a huge relief for the quarters at the Al Bidda Tower and fans, match tickets, arrival of Al Duhail’s Sheikh Jassim Cup Al Duhail camp which has been yesterday ahead of Friday’s QNB the two teams to the stadium and loss to Al Rayyan and had to hit by injuries to quiet a few Stars League (QSL) round five co-operation with security guards undergo surgery to his knee, key players like Youssef match between Al Arabi and Al and organisers. returned to action on Tuesday Msakni and Ismail Mohamed Rayyan. Tickets can be purchased while turning out for the during the last few months. QSLM’s Marketing, Sales and online on tickets.qsl.qa and also at national team. Last season, Msakni, who Communications Executive the Al Arabi club reception today Boudiaf played his played a key role in the Al Director Hassan Rabea Al Kuwari from 9am-12noon and 4pm to 9pm. part in Qatar’s 3-0 win Duhail goal scoring chaired the meeting which was Tomorrow, fans will be able to buy over Palestine in an inter- department suffered a cru- also attended by Head of Opera- tickets at the same venue two hours national friendly at the ciate ligament injury while at tions Ahmed Al Sayed, Media prior to the start of the game. Khalifa International Stadium. the beginning of the QNB Stars Affairs Acting Director as well as In its bid to attract more spec- Coming on as a sub- League (QSL) season, it lost Head of Local Media Affairs tators to the stadium, the QSLM is stitute, Boudiaf, did not the efforts of its star striker Abdullah Saleh Al Sulaiti, Com- offering attractive prizes to fans. show any ill effects of his Ismail Mohamed. munity Relations Officer Nasser The draw to select winners of a forced lay off while The return of Boudiaf thus Mubarak Al Kuwari, Stadium Toyota car, sponsored by Abdullah impressing with his has come as a huge relief for Security representative Hassan Al Abdulghani and Brothers, and Al Duhail’s Karim Boudiaf celebrates in this ﬁle photo. technical and the Al Duhail camp. Sulaiti, Saber Farraj from Al Arabi other prizes will be during the club, and Omar Al Azani and half-time break of the match. Nations League: Dominant Spain humiliate Croatia with 6-0 win REUTERS Spainish midﬁelder a mockery of fears in the Spanish Marco Asensio (right) media when he was appointed that ELCHE: Spain showed their celebrates after he would discriminate against Real remarkable potential under new scoring a goal against players over loyalty to his former coach Luis Enrique by destroying Croatia during the club Barcelona. World Cup runners-up Croatia 6-0 UEFA Nations League Real defender Dani Carvajal on Tuesday to hand the visitors on Tuesday. made a decisive block early on to their biggest ever defeat and take thwart Croatia forward Ivan Santini control of their Nations League as Zlatko Dalic’s side made a bright group. start and caused plenty of unease Midfielder Saul Niguez scored for Spain, who lost 2-1 when the in his home city of Elche by heading teams last met at Euro 2016 in a home midway through the first group game. half, giving Spain the lead against Carvajal also provided the cross the run of play after Croatia had from which Saul headed the Brazilian defender made a bright start and missed two opener, giving Spain a huge Marquinhos heads the good chances. injection of belief and rattling the ball to score against The hosts soon increased their visitors, who moments later con- El Salvador during an lead with two thumping strikes team to score six against Croatia as in their Nations League opener on ceded possession in midfield before international friendly from Marco Asensio, the second of they charged top of League A, Saturday, although the coach made Asensio smashed the loose ball match on Tuesday. which was given as an own goal to Group 4 on six points. It was also three changes to the team that won home from long range. Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic the second time this year that Spain at Wembley, bringing in Valencia Croatia, so impressive in as it bounced off him after crashing have scored six goals against World defender Jose Gaya and Real keeping the ball at the World Cup, Richarlison nets against the crossbar. Cup runners-up, following their 6-1 Madrid pair Dani Ceballos and lost confidence as Spain dominated Rodrigo Moreno completed a win over 2014 finalists Argentina Asensio. possession and picked their oppo- fine team move after the interval in March. Their inclusion made Luis nents off with ease. It was their brace as Brazil beat before captain Sergio Ramos Spain were in confident mood Enrique the first Spain coach in 16 biggest defeat after a 5-1 drubbing headed the fifth while a strike from after winning their first game under years to name six Real Madrid by England in a World Cup qual- El Salvador 5-0 Isco saw Spain become the first Luis Enrique 2-1 away to England players in a starting lineup, making ifier in September 2009. REUTERS Lukaku double seals 3-0 win for Belgium REUTERS LANDOVER: A double from Richarlison on his first inter- UEFA NATIONS CUP national start helped Brazil to a 5-0 win over El Salvador TUESDAY’S RESULTS in Maryland on Tuesday. REYKJAVIK: Belgium striker Brazil ran out with a new-look side, with coach Tite Romelu Lukaku scored twice and Spain 6, Croatia 0 giving debuts to goalkeeper Neto and full-back Eder Militao won a penalty that Eden Hazard Belgium 3, Iceland 0 as well as first starts to Richarlison at centre forward and converted as they crushed Iceland Hungary 2, Greece 1 Arthur in midfield. 3-0 in their Nations League A, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1, The new boys looked completely at home against a Group 2 clash in Reykjavik on Austria 0 team ranked 72nd in the world and Brazil took just three Tuesday. Finland 1, Estonia 0 Belgium’s minutes to open the scoring when Neymar slotted home Bustling forward Lukaku was Moldova 0, Belarus 0 forward Romelu a penalty after Richarlison had been brought down in the bundled over by Sverrir Ingi Luxembourg 3, San Marino 0 box. Ingason in the 28th minute and the Lukaku (left) and Richarlison got his name on the scoresheet 13 minutes referee immediately pointed to the Iceland’s defender later when he curled a spectacular shot into the top corner spot, with Chelsea playmaker Gudlaugur Palsson Kevin De Bruyne replaced by Dries from 15 meters out and on the half hour mark Brazil made Hazard calmly sending Hannes vie for the ball Mertens. Yet despite missing one it 3-0, Phillipe Coutinho firing home from the edge of the Halldorsson the wrong way with during their of their main playmakers, there box after Neymar laid the ball into his path. the resulting penalty. Nations League was no lack of creativity in the Both sides made changes at halftime but the five-times Lukaku made it 2-0 to Belgium match on side. world champions took just five more minutes to get a fourth minutes later, firing a close-range Tuesday. Gylfi Sigurdsson had an early goal, with Richarlison scoring his second when he pounced shot on the rebound that was shot deflected as Iceland pressed onto a loose ball to rifle home a low shot from inside the judged to have crossed the line Switzerland away in their opening with Runar Sigurjonsson, Emil forward, but once Belgium had box. before Birkir Saevardsson Nations League game on Hallfredsson and Hordur Mag- taken a decisive 2-0 lead, the hosts Marquinhos got Brazil a fifth in the final minute when managed to clear. The Manchester Saturday. nusson coming in for Rurik Gis- struggled to create anything he headed home a corner from Neymar. United striker then added a third Iceland manager Erik Hamren lason, Gudlaugur Victor Palsson resembling a decent shot on goal. “I am delighted to get two goals and for the chance with a deft flick nine minutes from has now lost his opening two and Bjorn Sigurdarson and his side In contrast the Belgians poured that coach Tite gave me,” Richarlison said. “Now, we cel- fulltime. games as manager, conceding nine looked much more stable in the forward, with Thomas Meunier ebrate and then get back to my club and keep working It was Belgium’s first game in goals in the process, leaving the opening exchanges. hitting the foot of the post midway hard.” the new competition and ended a Nordic nation’s reputation for a Belgium began with nine of the through the second half, and Brazil’s next games will be friendlies in Saudi Arabia run of 13 competitive matches miserly defence in tatters. players who started the World Cup Lukaku blazing a late shot over the against the host nation on Oct. 12 and then Argentina four unbeaten at home for Iceland, who Hamren made three changes third-place playoff win against bar before steering the ball past days later. were hammered 6-0 by to the side that lost to the Swiss England in Russia, with the injured Halldorsson to complete the rout. THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 25 I think the whole team is looking forward to Singapore Swimming FOOTBALL because we know we have a Max Verstappen ad Albacete vs Lugo Formula One driver FINA swimming World real chance to have a good Cup 2018 Doha Leg LIVE ON 10.00pm result there TUBE

Argentina Vettel takes aim at Hamilton looks to end AFP Australian Sebastian Vettel (right) and Lewis SINGAPORE: Sebastian Vettel losing streak is under growing pressure to Hamilton in this ﬁle AP slash Lewis Hamilton’s champi- picture onship lead at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix -- and GOLD COAST: Super Rugby’s erase Ferrari’s painful memories Jaguares, stocked almost from last year in the process. exclusively with players from Mercedes normally struggle Argentina’s national team, at the steamy Marina Bay Circuit, had big success in Australia but in 2017 Hamilton won from this season. fifth on a rain-soaked grid after Now the Pumas will a first-lap shunt scuppered both attempt to do the same when Ferraris and the Red Bull of Max they play the Wallabies on Verstappen. Saturday in a Rugby Cham- Ferrari and Vettel are still pionship match on the Gold smarting after Hamilton won at Coast south of Brisbane and Italy’s Monza 10 days ago, end a 35-year losing streak. despite the Marinello team The Pumas and Wallabies locking out the front row at their first met in a test match in home grand prix. 1983, and Argentina won 18-3 Vettel’s first-lap spin after in Brisbane. But the visitors contact with Hamilton enabled lost 29-13 in Sydney the fol- the Englishman to extend his lowing week and the national lead in the drivers’ standings to side hasn’t won in Australia 30 points and the German vowed since. The Pumas, like the to bounce straight back in Sin- Wallabies with a 1-2 record gapore, where he has won a FORMULA ONE STANDING Marina Bay Street the four-time world champion about time I win the damn so far in the tournament, have record four times. Circuit one of the said. “The points sound a lot, but thing.” the best chance to end the “For sure it’s a disap- Drivers’ and constructors’ standings ahead of this week’s Singapore trickiest for us. actually it doesn’t take a long Verstappen echoed his team- drought when former Wal- pointment right now,” Vettel said Grand Prix, the 15th of 21 races of the season: “On paper, the time to get them down.” mate’s optimism. labies scrum coach Mario after the race. Drivers track should favour Red Bull have suffered a lean “I think the whole team is Ledesma, who coached the 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 256 pts, 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 226, 3. Kimi “But I am turning the page the Ferraris, but the season but will fancy their looking forward to Singapore Jaguares this season, leads Raikkonen (FIN) 164, 4. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 159, 5. Max Verstappen and focusing on Singapore -- I championship fight chances of picking up a second because we know we have a Argentina into Saturday’s (NED) 130, 6. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 118, 7. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 52, 8. like the place and I am happy to is so close that pre- 2018 win to follow Daniel Ric- real chance to have a good match.Ledesma, who played Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 49, 9. Sergio Perez (MEX) 46, 10. Esteban Ocon go there.” dictions are almost ciardo’s triumph at Monaco’s result there,” said the 84 tests for Argentina over 16 (FRA) 45, 11. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 44, 12. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 34, 13. Mercedes team boss Toto Pierre Gasly (FRA) 28, 14. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 27, 15. Charles Leclerc meaningless.” similarly twisty street circuit. Dutchman, who turns 21 at the years, was announced as the Wolff warned this week that (MON) 13, 16. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) 8, 17. Lance Stroll (CAN) 6, 18. Vettel said he The Austrian team have not end of the month. new Argentina coach in Ferrari and Red Bull would have Marcus Ericsson (SWE) 6, 19. Brendon Hartley (NZL) 2, 20. Sergey was not worried won in hot, humid Singapore “The race has been a strong August, replacing Daniel the edge on Mercedes on the Sirotkin (RUS) 1 about the gap to since 2013, when Vettel was one for us in the past and I think Hourcade. Gonzalo Quesada tight, twisting street circuit. But Constructors Hamilton growing behind the wheel, but Ricciardo we should be able to challenge will coach the Jaguares in the with rain forecast again this 1. Mercedes-AMG 415 puntos, 2. Ferrari 390, 3. Red Bull 248, 4. Renault to 30 points with has remarkably finished second for a podium.” 2019 Super Rugby week, anything could happen. 86, 5. Haas 76, 6. McLaren-Renault 52, 7. Force India 32, 8. Toro Rosso- seven races in each of the past three years. Off the track, much attention competition.

“Singapore has features that Honda 30, 9. Sauber 19, 10. Williams 7 remaining, and is “It’s a place where I have will focus on Kimi Raikkonen The Ledesma-coached we’ve struggled with in the past,” relishing the chance good races and finish pretty after Ferrari announced that the Jaguares beat the Melbourne said Wolff. to pounce on one of strong,” said Ricciardo. “I’ve had former world champion would Rebels and ACT Brumbies in “The short straights, the his favourite tracks. four podiums and three second be replaced by Monaco’s Charles their away matches this slow, tight corners and the bumpy surface all make the “I think we have the pace,” places in a row there, so it’s Leclerc, 20, next year. season US Open chair umpire Ramos says he is ‘fine’ AFP Don’t worry about me.” code violations. The newspaper said Ramos The WTA later called for equal LISBON, PORTUGAL: The chair received hundreds of messages of treatment of all tennis players and umpire who penalized Serena support from family, colleagues, coaching to be allowed across the Williams in the US Open final has players and former players. sport. spoken publicly for the first time He said he has avoided social Ramos has been assigned to since the match, saying he is “fine.” media and only reads “balanced” officiate the Davis Cup semifinal Ramos, who is from Portugal, articles about the incident. He also matches between the United States spoke briefly to Portuguese news- refrained from going out the day and Croatia, a best-of-five series paper Tribuna Expresso this week. after the final to avoid problems, which begins Friday and ends “I’m fine, given the circum- according to the report. Sunday in Zadar, Croatia. stances,” Ramos said, according to The International Tennis Fed- International Tennis Feder- the newspaper. eration has defended Ramos for ation spokeswoman Heather “It’s a delicate situation, but his actions during the final. The US Bowles confirmed that Carlos umpiring ‘a la carte’ doesn’t exist. Open fined Williams for her three Ramos was chosen to work at the best-of-five series between the countries in Zadar, Croatia. The US team includes Jack Sam Querrey of the during training at the portski centar Visnjik, Zadar, Croatia, yesterday. Sock, Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, Mike Bryan and rookie Frances Tiafoe. Ramos was in the chair at Flushing Meadows last Saturday Chinese firm eyes Serena when Naomi Osaka won her first Grand Slam title by beating 23-time major champion Williams Williams’ racquet maker 6-2, 6-4. AFP hat match descended into percent in Hong Kong pre-market trade but chaos - with thousands of spec- soon reversed course and ended 9.15 percent Serena Williams of tators booing and both players Hong Kong: China’s Anta Sports Products down at HK$33.25. However, Amer climbed 19 the United States crying during the trophy ceremony has offered to pay $5.5bn for the firm that makes percent to close at 34.20 euros in Helsinki on argues with umpire - after Williams confronted Ramos the Wilson tennis racquets used by Serena Wil- Tuesday after it confirmed the takeover interest, Carlos Ramos after about his rulings. liams, it said in a statement yesterday. Bloomberg News reported. her defeat in the Williams, a 36-year-old Anta has joined buyout firm FountainVest Anta, a Chinese homegrown sports company women’s singles American, was fined a total of Partners to offer $46.50 a share for Finland’s with a market value of $12.5 in, has been seeking ﬁnal match to $17,000 by the US.Open’s tour- Amer Sports, one of the world’s biggest sports acquisitions of international brands. Naomi Osaka of nament referee the next day for equipment firms that also owns popular ski Chinese brands saw an explosive presence Japan on MOnday. three code violations. brands Salomon and Atomic. in the 2018 Russian World Cup following years On Monday, the ITF, which Along with Roger Federer, Williams is one of effort to cement a presence on the world oversees the Davis Cup, issued a of Wilson’s most recognisable tennis stars, who sporting stage. statement defending Ramos, hit the headlines for her bad-tempered loss in Anta’s approach comes as firms in China saying his “decisions were in Saturday US Open final in which she smashed gear up for the 2020 summer Olympics Games accordance with the relevant her racquet. in Tokyo and the 2022 winter games in Beijing. rules” and that his rulings were The bid is non-binding and subject to a UOB Kay Hian analyst Robin Yuen said in “reaffirmed by the US Open’s number of conditions such as a due diligence a note the move “is good timing to capture the decision to fine Serena Williams investigation, the statement added. hype of winter sports” ahead of the Beijing for the three offenses.” Shares in Anta soared as much as 3.8 games.