RRUGBYUGBY | Page 4 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Medard ends Leipzig beat try drought with Union Berlin double to sink as fans hold Scotland silent protest

Monday, August 19, 2019 CRICKET Dhul-Hijja 18, 1440 AH Stokes century, sub GULF TIMES Labuschagne’s fi ft y on absorbing fi nal day SPORT Page 3

ATHLETICS Blake blasts back with 100m win, eyes Doha 2019 Worlds ‘It’s a new me I am very very happy... I want to be able to go to Doha and say hey I am here and prepared’

Agencies Birmingham, England

ormer world champion Yohan Blake of Jamaica edged Britain’s Adam Gemili in a photo-fi nish toF win the 100 metres at the Birmingham Diamond League meeting yesterday. Both sprinters were given the same time of 10.07 seconds, with Blake declared the winner. “It was coming,” said Blake, the 2011 world champion who last won an individual global medal at the 2012 London Olym- pics. The 29-year-old, who has Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo celebrates winning the women’s 200m been overshadowed by Ameri- final yesterday. (Reuters) cans Christian Coleman, Justin Gatlin and Noah Lyles in recent years, was aided by a 2.0 metres per second wind, just under the allowable. “The weather wasn’t great but I’m saving the big day for the world championships and the Diamond League fi nals in Zurich,” said Blake. “I can run faster.” Bahamas star Shaunae Mill- er-Uibo came from behind to overhaul home hope Dina Asher- Smith and win a star-studded women’s 200 metres. There was a consolation for Asher-Smith as well as two-time world champion at the distance Jamaica’s Yohan Blake celebrates winning the men’s 100m at the Birmingham Grand Prix yesterday. (Reuters) Dafne Schippers who fi nished a distant fourth. 25-year-old. 100 metres hurdles world cham- her second place after just edging is not in the Diamond League this That’s because Miller-Uibo Asher-Smith was satisfi ed pion in 2015 winning in a meeting into the fi nal following a disap- season. will only contest the event in with her run which saw Jamaican record of 12.48 seconds. pointing heat. McLeod had a frustrating 2018 which she is Olympic cham- great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce The 26-year-old beat a top “I hit a lot of hurdles in the with injuries but is running into pion — the 400m — at the world fi nish third. class fi eld with several of her preliminary race but I bounced form at the right time. Jamaica’s Omar McLeod on his way to a victory in the men’s 110m championships in Doha which “The competitor inside me al- main rivals for world gold behind back,” said Harrison. “It’s a new me I am very very hurdles final yesterday. (Reuters) begin on September 27. ways wants to win but with that her including world record hold- Jamaica may have fallen away happy. I know myself and that “Nothing went right for me fi eld I am more than satisfi ed to er Kendra Harrison of the United in terms of their rivalry with the when I am happy and satisfi ed I Germany can look forward to stride to win the 100m in 11.15sec. from the get go,” said Miller- be second,” said Asher-Smith. States. USA over the 100m since the re- am ready,” said McLeod. a potentially successful world American champion Teahna Dan- Uibo. “Defi nitely that was an impor- tirement of Usain Bolt but in the “I want to be able to go to Doha championships for their wom- iels could only fi nish third. “I had to really fi ght to get ‘PUT UP A WALL’ tant win with the world cham- hurdles they remain strong. and say hey I am here and pre- en’s team. Pinto’s compatriot Konstanze back on level terms but once I Danielle Williams landed a big pionships coming up,” said Wil- Omar McLeod, the 110 me- pared. If you put up a wall you Tatjana Pinto, their nation- Klosterhalfen produced a domi- pulled upsides her I knew I had psychological blow ahead of the liams. tres hurdles Olympic and world have to break it down and I am al 100m and 200m champion, nant run in the mile to power the power to win,” added the world championships, Jamaica’s Harrison was satisfi ed with champion, won in an event that doing that.” charged through once she hit her away in the fi nishing straight.

Fourth gold for Team Qatar at West Asian youth athletics

Said Othman Absi clocked a blistering 13.87s in the 110m hurdles event to win Qatar’s fourth gold at the West Asian Qatar’s Abdullah Sharaf won a silver in the hammer throw Youth Athletics Championships in Beirut, Lebanon, yesterday. competition with an eff ort of 62.27m. The relay team won a silver yesterday, for an overall medals haul of 14 medals for Qatar. Gulf Times 2 Monday, August 19, 2019 CRICKET

FIRST TEST SPOTLIGHT Langer says Captain Karunaratne’s Smith blow may see neck guards ton leads Sri Lanka to become New Zealand Test win compulsory ‘The last time I scored a hundred was a year ago... I got an opportunity today I cashed in’

AFP London

ustralia coach Justin Langer said there may come a time when Steve Smith has to wear a neckguard on his helmet whether he likes it or not after theA star batsman was felled by a bouncer in the second Ashes Test against England at Lord’s on Saturday. Smith had made 80 on the fourth day when he was struck by a short ball from fast bowler Jofra Archer, timed at 92.4mph (148.7kph), on an unprotected part of his neck. Smith, who fell to the ground, retired hurt af- ter receiving onfi eld treatment. But after just 46 minutes away, he returned at the fall of the next wicket before he was lbw to Chris Woakes for 92. That dismissal denied Smith his third hun- Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne (also right) celebrates after scoring a century dred in as many Ashes innings after he marked (100 runs) with teammate Angelo Mathews (left) on the final day of the first “Thirimanne did a very job for us. his comeback Test following a 12-month ball- Test against New Zealand in Galle, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (AFP) The key was rotating the strike. I told tampering ban, with scores of 144 and 142 in him that we needed a big partner- Scorecard Australia’s 251-run win at Edgbaston. AFP missed a stumping chance on the ship. They had two left-arm spinners Signifi cantly, Smith was wearing a helmet same score. He batted for over fi ve and the two of us being left-handers, without the additional stem guard neck protec- Galle, Sri Lanka NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 249 D. de Silva not out 14 hours, facing 245 deliveries, and hit we had to handle them. That was tion introduced following the death of Phillip six fours and a six. what we were talking about,” Karu- SRI LANKA 1st innings 267 Extras (b6, lb1) 7 Hughes after his former Australia teammate aptain Dimuth Karunaratne “Perhaps we didn’t have a lot go naratne said. NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings 285 Total (for 4 wkts, 86.1 overs) 268 was hit by a bouncer in a 2014 domestic Shef- scored 122 as Sri Lanka our way, and maybe the odd chance “When we started this morning, SRI LANKA 2nd innings (o/n 133-0) FoW: 1-161 (Thirimanne), 2-174 (Mendis), fi eld Shield match in Sydney. chased down 268 for the loss we let slip,” New Zealand skipper we had a small target to get another 3-218 (Karunaratne), 4-250 (Perera) “He (Smith) just doesn’t feel right (wearing a of just four wickets to win Kane Williamson told reporters. 30 runs and then reassess and all D. Karunaratne c Watling b Southee 122 stem guard),” said Langer. theC fi rst Test against New Zealand at “We knew that on that sort of went to plan.” L. Thirimanne lbw b Somerville 64 Bowling: Boult 9.1-1-34-1, Southee “I know they came in after the tragedy of 12-2-33-1, Somerville 31-6-73-1, Patel Galle on Sunday and take a 1-0 lead surface if you are able to get a break- K. Mendis c Raval b Patel 10 Hughesy. He might rethink it now after seeing in the two-match series. through things can happen quickly, ‘TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY’ 18-0-74-1, Santner 13-2-38-0, William- what happened today, but you’d have to ask him Karunaratne posted his ninth as we saw later on today when per- Karunaratne said he was happy with A. Mathews not out 28 son 3-0-9-0 that. Test hundred along with enjoying a haps the game was already lost. It his performance. K. Perera c Santner b Boult 23 RESULT: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets “At the moment, the players have a choice record-equalling opening partner- was a shame not to get early break- “The last time I scored a hundred and I wouldn’t be surprised if they become ship of 161 with Lahiru Thirimanne, throughs.” was a year ago. I had gone through mandatory in the future.” who made 64, as Sri Lanka collected Karunaratne and Thirimanne’s 11 games without a hundred since and a six from the second and fourth off the remaining runs with two ses- Former Australia batsman Langer was hit their fi rst points of the World Test stand equalled the record for the then... During the tours of South balls he faced. sions to spare. on the head several times during his Test ca- Championship. highest opening partnership in Tests Africa, New Zealand and Australia I But when he attempted to slog Mathews brought up the win- reer, including on debut by the West Indies’ Ian Former captain Angelo Mathews between the two countries. In 1991, couldn’t make an impact but when sweep Ajaz Patel in the next over he ning runs with a single to fi ne leg off Bishop at Adelaide in 1993. chipped in with an unbeaten 28 as Sri John Wright and Trevor Franklin had I got an opportunity today I cashed ended up hitting straight to mid- Boult. But the 48-year-old was confi dent Satur- Lanka fi nished off the game before also put on 161 for the fi rst wicket in in,” he added. wicket where Jeet Raval completed “Having 268 to defend going into day’s blow would not do lasting damage to lunch after the morning session was Hamilton. New Zealand fi nally got their the catch. the last innings, we thought the Smith’s confi dence against fast bowling. extended because only 22 runs were The opening stand was pivotal breakthrough when Thirimanne Angelo Mathews joined Karu- wicket would deteriorate more than “When you get hit, it’s always in the back of needed at the scheduled time for the in Sri Lanka achieving the highest was trapped leg before by William naratne and the pair put on 44 runs for it did. It perhaps got slower. It wasn’t your mind,” said Langer. interval. successful run chase in Galle, easily Somerville. Given not out by umpire the third wicket to steady the ship. turning a huge amount out of the “Any batsman who tells you it’s not is a liar. Karunaratne enjoyed some luck on surpassing the previous best of 99. Richard Illingworth, New Zealand Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera af- rough. It didn’t get more diffi cult to But he (Smith) is also the sort of person who the way to his century, dropped on 58 Resuming play on 133 for no loss, Sri overturned the decision on review. ter Karunaratne’s dismissal but bat on,” Williamson said. will do everything from now until the next time at forward short leg by Tom Latham Lanka required 135 from the remain- Kusal Mendis soon fell after taking Dhananjaya de Silva (14) joined The second and fi nal Test begins in he bats — whether it’s mentally, visualising or while wicketkeeper BJ Watling ing three sessions. on Somerville, hitting him for a four Mathews and helped Sri Lanka knock Colombo on Thursday. practising — to be right.”

BOTTOMLINE ‘Groggy’ Smith misses fi nal day of second Test, in doubt for third

AFP sumed yesterday, became the fi rst tle bit uncomfortable, I feel a bit London concussion substitute in Test his- claustrophobic and a bit uncom- Aussie cricket union condemns tory after Australia’s request was fortable,” said Smith. approved by match referee Ranjan “But it’s something I need to boos aft er Smith felled by Archer ustralia’s Steve Smith has Madugalle. have a look at and try in the nets to been ruled out of the last There are doubts whether star get comfortable with it,” he added. AFP tampering. day of the second Ashes batsman Smith will feature in the As for his prospects of playing in Sydney The Australian Cricketers’ Test with concussion third Test at Headingley starting the third Test, Smith said: “Obvi- Association (ACA), which againstA England at Lord’s, saying on Thursday, with an Australia ously, there’s a quick turnaround represents players, said it he felt “groggy” yesterday morn- team spokesman saying “the short between Tests. ustralia’s cricket was wrong to hurl abuse at ing. turnaround is not in his favour”. “I’m going to be assessed each union yesterday an injured player. Smith was felled when a Jofra Smith was hit by an Archer day, hopefully I will be available, Aslammed fans at “Cricket deserves much Archer bouncer struck his neck on bouncer when on 80 on Saturday but it’s certainly up to the medical Lord’s for booing Steve better than that. And Saturday. and retired hurt. staff . Smith after he was felled Lord’s, the home of cricket, “I started to feel a little bit of a He resumed his innings at the “It’s certainly an area of con- by a bouncer from fast deserves much better than headache coming on last night as fall of the next wicket after 46 cern, concussion, and I want to be bowler Jofra Archer, saying that also,” president Greg the adrenaline got out of my sys- minutes off the fi eld, and was 100 percent fi t. There’s obviously a the sport deserves better. Dyer and chief executive tem but I was able to get a good eventually out for 92 — the fi rst few tests I have to tick off and time The star batsman col- Alistair Nicholson said in a night’s sleep in, but I woke up feel- time this series he had been dis- will tell.” lapsed face forward after a joint statement. ing a bit groggy and with a head- missed for fewer than 100 runs. Both sides could be without sickening blow to the side “What we witnessed was ache again,” Smith said. Cricket Australia statistics show their star players at Headingley if of the neck and head when bravery from an outstand- “I had some tests done and then that 30 percent of concussions in Smith is sidelined given James An- on 80 during Australia’s ing young man. It should some further assessments deemed Australian cricket are delayed. derson, England’s all-time leading first innings of the second be commended not to be a mild concussion, so I’ve Test wicket-taker, broke down af- Ashes Test against Eng- vilified. been ruled out of this Test match ‘RIGHT DECISION’ ter bowling just four overs at Edg- land on Saturday. “Over the English summer, unfortunately.” But the Australia spokesman de- baston with a calf injury that ruled He was eventually able to generally the crowds have The series is the fi rst being played fended the decision to let Smith him out of the second Test. walk off the field for con- been terrific and really under the International Cricket resume batting by saying: “It is Australia, bidding for their fi rst cussion checks to a stand- added to the contest. But Council’s new concussion substi- not uncommon for players to pass Ashes campaign triumph on Eng- ing ovation after another when someone is hurt, yet tute regulations, part of the inaugu- their tests and feel well on the lish soil in 18 years, lead the fi ve- gritty performance. the boos continue, it’s time ral World Test Championship. day of an injury and then display match series 1-0 after a 251-run But when he returned to call ‘enough’.” These allow players who have symptoms 24-48 hours later.” Australia’s Steve Smith receives medical attention on the fourth day of win at Edgbaston last week. some fans booed him, Several former Australian suff ered head or neck injuries to be Smith had no qualms about be- the second Ashes Test against England in London on Saturday. (Reuters) In that match, former captain mirroring the treatment he greats also condemned the replaced fully by a substitute, who ing withdrawn from the match, Smith marked his fi rst Test since has received from sections behaviour with Ian Healy was previously restricted to fi eld- saying: “I think the right decision tional stem guard neck protection bouncer in a 2014 domestic Shef- completing a 12-month ban for his of the crowd in England calling it “disgusting” while ing alone. has been made.” introduced following the death fi eld Shield match in Sydney. role in a ball-tampering scandal in keen to remind him of his Mark Taylor said it was Marnus Labuschagne, on the Signifi cantly, Smith was wear- of Phillip Hughes after his former “I, along with a few of the other South Africa with superb innings 12-month ban for ball- “very disappointing”. fi eld as 12th man when play re- ing a helmet without the addi- Australia teammate was hit by a players in the team, fi nd it a lit- of 144 and 142. Gulf Times Monday, August 19, 2019 3 SPORT

CRICKET Qatar handball team to meet Hong Kong in 2020 Olympics qualifi ers

QNA India and Hong Kong, while Doha the second group includes Bahrain, South Korea, Iran and Stokes century, sub Kuwait. atar’s handball team The Qatari team will start will begin the Asian their campaign against Hong Qqualifying matches Kong on the opening day on for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Thursday (October 17). The Games by facing Hong Kong. Qatari team will then play their The Asian Handball Federation second match against India on Labuschagne’s fi ft y on announced the schedule of Saturday (October 19) and con- the qualifying matches to be clude their preliminary round held in Doha from October 17 match against Saudi Arabia on to 26 with the participation Monday (October 21). of eight teams divided into Only the top-ranked teams two groups, the first group will qualify for the Olympics absorbing fi nal day includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, (Tokyo 2020).

Australia remain 1-0 up in series after second Ashes Test ends in a draw OLYMPICS Scorecard

ENGLAND 1st innings 258 Relief for Tokyo AUSTRALIA 1st innings 250 ENGLAND 2nd innings (o/n 96-4) 2020 aft er R. Burns c Paine b Siddle 29 J. Roy c and b Cummins 2 J. Root c Paine b Cummins 0 smooth triathlon J. Denly c and b Siddle 26 B. Stokes not out 115 J. Buttler c Hazlewood b Cummins mixed relay test 31 AFP “Personally, I don’t think I’ve J. Bairstow not out 30 Tokyo, Japan acclimatised properly because I Extras (b5, lb19, nb1) 25 haven’t been here for long. I’ve been here fi ve days and I think Total (5 wkts dec, 71 overs) 258 rance won a thrilling you need two or three weeks. So Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Roy), 2-9 mixed triathlon test it’s a really good learning curve,” (Roy), 3-64 (Denly), 4-71 (Burns), event for the Tokyo 2020 said the 37-year-old. 5-161 (Buttler) Olympics yesterday, whichF passed off as planned in ‘REALISTIC MEASURES’ Bowling: Cummins 17-6-35-3; Hazlewood 13-1-43-0; Siddle 15- a welcome boost for organisers AGAINST HEAT 4-54-2 (1nb); Lyon 26-3-102-0 after diffi culties with high tem- Battling the heat of the swel- peratures and water pollution. tering summer has become the The swimming leg of the main challenge for Tokyo 2020 AUSTRALIA 2nd innings paratriathlon on Saturday organisers, who have otherwise C. Bancroft lbw b Leach 16 was scrapped after water tests won widespread praise, includ- showed levels of e-coli bacteria ing from the International Ol- D. Warner c Burns b Archer 5 more than double the acceptable ympic Committee, for their U. Khawaja c Bairstow b Archer 2 standard and the running sec- preparations. M. Labuschagne c Root b Leach tion of a women’s test event on Yasuo Mori, deputy execu- 59 Thursday was curtailed in blis- tive director of the Tokyo 2020 T. Head not out 42 tering temperatures, with French Games Operations Bureau, said athlete Cassandre Beaugrand athletes needed to have greater M. Wade c Buttler b Leach 1 treated for heatstroke. access to water during the race. T. Paine c Denly b Archer 4 But on Sunday in the Japa- “That alone would lower the P. Cummins not out 1 nese capital with the tempera- risk of athletes getting heatstroke. ture a slightly cooler 30 Celsius, That may be one of the realistic England’s Ben Stokes celebrates as he reaches his century (100 runs) on the fifth day of the second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord’s Extras (b4, lb18, nb1, w1) 24 the levels of bacteria reduced to measures,” he told reporters. Cricket Ground in London yesterday. (AFP) Total (6 wkts, 47.3 overs) 154 within permitted levels. The International Triathlon Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Warner), The mixed relay, a new event for Union would examine increas- Reuters 2-19 (Khawaja), 3-47 (Bancroft), Tokyo 2020 involving two men and ing the number of water supply London 4-132 (Labuschagne), 5-138 two women, was won by France in points and was deploying medi- (Wade), 6-149 (Paine) a photo fi nish from Great Britain cal staff every 500 metres along after a nail-biting fi nal sprint. the course in case of an emer- Bowling: Broad 7-0-29-0; he second Ashes Test Dorian Connix chased down gency, Mori added. Archer 15-2-32-3 (1nb, 1w); was drawn as Australia, Alex Yee on the fi nal straight de- Aside from the problems at the Woakes 3-0-11-0; Leach 16.3- chasing 267 to beat Eng- spite being behind for most of triathlon, about a dozen people, 5-37-3; Stokes 3-1-16-0; Root land, ended on 154 for the race and breasted the tape including a spectator, were taken 1-0-7-0; Denly 2-2-0-0 Tsix after an absorbing fi nal day fractionally ahead of his British ill at a rowing test event last week at Lord’s yesterday. RESULT: Match drawn competitor. A powerful United with suspected heatstroke. Ben Stokes made a brilliant Note: Marnus Labuschagne States team came third. A construction worker also century and England declared batting as concussion substitute The format is much shorter died on an Olympic site as Tokyo on 258 for fi ve before Jofra Arch- for Steve Smith than the individual race with sweats through a prolonged and er claimed two early wickets to each athlete completing a 300 deadly heatwave. give the hosts the sniff of an un- metre swim, a 7.4 kilometre cycle The triathlon test events have likely victory. ded the fi rst ball of Leach’s next and a 2km run before handing off courted controversy even with- But Marnus Labuschagne, over to Buttler at short leg but to a teammate, making it less de- out the heat — two British ath- replacing Steve Smith as Test captain Tim Paine survived the manding in hot weather. letes were disqualifi ed on Thurs- cricket’s fi rst substitute, made hat-trick delivery. “I don’t think conditions day for crossing the line fi rst 59 and Travis Head an unbeat- Paine pulled Archer towards were as bad as Thursday when holding hands. en 42 to lead the Australians to square leg and Joe Denly pro- we raced,” South Africa’s Gillian Jess Learmonth and Georgia safety and keep them 1-0 up in duced an astonishing catch, Sanders told AFP. Taylor-Brown fell foul of ITU the series. leaping to his left and clutching “I don’t think it’s too hot not rules stating that “athletes who Smith was ruled out of the the ball one-handed, to leave to race or too hot to reduce the fi nish in a contrived tie situation, fi nal day suff ering from con- England needing four wickets in distance,” added Sanders, who where no eff ort to separate their cussion symptoms after being seven overs. said that the water quality also fi nish times has been made, will struck on the neck by an Archer Although Archer steamed felt better. be disqualifi ed”. bouncer on Saturday and La- in, he could not make another buschagne was hit on the helmet breakthrough and in fading light by the second ball he faced from the players shook hands at the the Barbados-born fast bowler. end of a match heavily disrupted The 25-year-old right-hand- Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne in action on the fifth day of the second Test yesterday. (Reuters) by rain which washed out the er was able to continue batting, fi rst day and most of the third. however, showing courage and “We had to get to a score that adding a quickfi re 97 with Jonny lbw for 16 England sensed the After only the second draw composure under intense pres- we felt we were in control. We Bairstow who fi nished unbeaten chance of pressing for vic- in the last 35 Tests in England, sure to reach his second Test managed to do that. Ben played on 30. tory but with Archer tiring they Australia head to Leeds for the fi fty in his sixth match. exceptionally well and then we Archer removed David Warn- struggled to cause problems for third match starting on Thurs- Stokes scored 115 not out, hit- threw everything we could at er and Usman Khawaja to con- the batsmen. day on course to win the Ashes ting three sixes and 11 fours, as them. Fair play to Australia.” tinue his fi ne Test debut as Eng- Jason Roy dropped Head at on English soil for the fi rst time the hosts added 162 runs to their After resuming on 96-4 fol- land reduced Australia to 46 for second slip off Stokes and the since 2001, but Smith’s fi tness overnight score to give them- lowing another rain delay, two at tea. hosts’ realistic hopes of winning will be a matter of serious con- selves a chance of levelling the Stokes and Jos Buttler dug in to Warner was caught at third the match were over. cern. series. take England to 157-4 at lunch. slip by Rory Burns for fi ve and Labuschagne fell to Leach, “We were probably a fair way “It was important we bounced Khawaja nicked the ball to wick- Root diving forward to clutch off our best in this Test match,” back strong and we have done STOKES ATTACK etkeeper Bairstow to leave Aus- the ball before a lengthy video Paine said. “Part of becoming that. We have proved we are Buttler fell for 31 but Stokes tralia reeling at 19-2. review to confi rm it had not a good team is fi nding a way to France’s Dorian Connix (right) crosses the finish line ahead of Britain’s massively in this series,” Eng- went on the attack and brought When spinner Jack Leach touched the ground. come through the last half-hour Alex Yee (left) to win the 2019 ITU World triathlon mixed relay series land captain Joe Root said. up his seventh Test century, trapped Cameron Bancroft Matthew Wade tamely prod- like today.” event in in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE NHL ‘nowhere near’ 2022 Olympic return, eyes 2020 China games

AFP Olympics, but Daly says he knows how tests in 2017 and 2018. bassador to promote the sport. faces a decision next month about SportsNet. “Both sides have been New York important the Winter Games will be “We hope to be in a position to an- “I don’t see us playing regular- triggering an early termination of a open that the agreement is not a for China. nounce the games earlier than we season games next year in China, but 10-year collective bargaining agree- perfect agreement and could be im- “There’s no doubt the Olympics are have in prior years, coming up in the we’ll continue with bringing teams ment signed in 2013. proved, but nobody’s holding out for he National Hockey League is a critical element of the growth of ice next couple of months,” Daly said. over there and playing pre-season The NHL can terminate until Sep- a home run.” “nowhere near a resolution” hockey in China and the exposure to “Hopefully we continue to develop games for a while and look for strate- tember 1. If the league doesn’t, the Daly told SportsNet he was “cau- on whether or not players will the people of China for the game of and deepen our ties in China, and that gic ways to continue to grow hockey’s NHL Players Association has until tiously optimistic” that talks would compete in the 2022 Beijing hockey,” Daly said. means more games, more players, presence in China,” Daly said. September 15 to terminate. An early lead to a 2021 World Cup of Hockey, TWinter Olympics but the league is “Whether that complicates our de- more teams, more league activities in “I think the development of the end either way would then come in but that would require early termina- looking at pre-season games in China cision — every Olympic decision is a China.” sport is most critical at this point, less September 2020. If neither exercises tion and a new deal for a World Cup, next year, deputy commissioner Bill diff erent one.” Washington Capitals forward about the NHL and more about the the option, the deal would run until which reportedly would replace the Daly said. Daly said the NHL hopes to an- Alex Ovechkin, the Russian super- game of hockey and developing the September 2022. 2021 NHL All-Star Game rather than The NHL opted not to shut down in nounce 2020 pre-season fi xtures soon star who led the NHL in goals for game of hockey in China.” “I think there’s general agree- be played before the season, as was 2018 and allow players on its teams to after not sending clubs to China this the eighth time last season, visited Daly said early talks with the players ment kind of directionally, where we the case the last time the event was compete at the Pyeongchang Winter year following China pre-season con- China this month as an NHL am- union have been positive as each sides should be going,” Daly told Canada’s staged. Gulf Times 4 Monday, August 19, 2019 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Cheika fl oats Skelton as WC possibility as Medard ends try selections narrow

Reuters weight and been in strong Sydney form for the European club champions. Cheika’s side meanwhile iant lock Will Skel- came crashing back to earth drought with double ton still has an out- on Saturday when they were side chance to make beaten 36-0 by the All Blacks Australia’s World in the Bledisloe Cup decider, GCup squad if Rugby Australia just a week after they had can agree a contract with him beaten the world champions in the next few days, coach 47-26 in Perth. The coach, Michael Cheika has said. however, said he was pleased Skelton is currently con- with his side’s progress from to sink Scotland tracted to English club Sara- last year and there would cens and to be eligible for the be some tough discussions ‘We thought we had prepared squad well, but we were wrong. We wasted the whole first-half’ Wallabies for the global show- among the selection panel that piece in Japan he would need includes Scott Johnson and to sign an agreement to return Michael O’Connor. to Australia for 2020. The fi rst discussion would RA had been hoping to agree be the composition of the a contract with Skelton earlier squad and whether they would this year and while Cheika said again go with just two scrum- fi nalising the terms as they halves and two hookers as they hold their last selection meet- did at the 2015 World Cup to ings over the next two days allow them greater versatility would be a long shot, he would in the rest of the squad. still be discussed. Prop Scott Sio and util- “We’ll have a look and see ity back Matt Giteau were what the discussion is there the third-string hooker and over the next day or two, be- scrumhalf respectively in fore the squad is selected,” England four years ago, al- Cheika told reporters at Syd- though neither were needed to ney airport on Sunday when play there. asked if any players from out- “It (rests) on the confi gura- side the current squad would tion of the squad, how many be considered. forwards to how many backs, “If the situation about com- the specialist positions – how ing back to Australia is any many of those,” Cheika said. clearer... he would be, if his “You’d imagine they’ll be contract situation was right, the fi rst discussions had and to meet the rules,” he added from there we’ll decide which after he brought up Skelton’s players, because that decides name as a possibility. how many you’ll have in the “That’s highly unlikely right rest of the squad.” now with only a day or two to Cheika names his World go. But more to pick from, the Cup squad on Friday before more options that gives us all.” the team head to Noumea Skelton never really got for a training camp ahead the best out of an imposing of their fi nal warmup game 2.03-metre tall, 150kg frame against Samoa in Sydney on while in Australia but has lost September 7.

Mo’unga cleared of serious injury as NZ begin fi nal selection debate

Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga has in Hamilton, but they would been cleared of a serious make that decision closer to shoulder injury but could the time. The All Blacks have miss the All Blacks’ final little depth at flyhalf beyond World Cup warmup match Beauden Barrett and Mo’unga France’s Maxime Medard is tackled by a Scotland player during their Rugby World Cup warm-up Test in Nice on Saturday. (Reuters) against Tonga on September with Ioane named as the 7, coach Steve Hansen said third-choice for the Rugby AFP managed to score some good “The team will be changed The fl y-half missed the extras fi ve minutes later for his second yesterday. Championship. The 24-year- Paris tries. We could have scored more quite a bit for next Saturday,” he before his opponent in the visi- try in 15 Tests after a superb sla- Mo’unga fell heavily in a gang old Ioane did not make the but it’s a satisfactory match added looking ahead to the re- tors’ number 10 shirt Hastings loming run from Damian Penaud tackle midway through the off icial 34-man squad for the which will do some good to our turn fi xture between the sides in claimed his side’s fi rst and only and France led 32-3 with half an second half of the All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup but remained eteran full-back Max- spirits,” Brunel said. Edinburgh. points with a penalty after 26 hour to play. 36-0 Bledisloe Cup victory with the team to train with ime Medard scored Prop Jeff erson Poirot led les Galthie’s focus on improving minutes. France held out for victory, over Australia at Eden Park them in case of injury. Hansen twice as France ham- Bleus for the fi rst time in the ab- France’s fi tness was seen almost Hastings turned villain seven only their sixth in 17 games un- on Saturday and was imme- said he would name his final mered Scotland 32-3 sence of injured Guillem Guirado immediately. minutes later as he was shown a der Brunel and stopped an oppo- diately replaced. Hansen said 31-man World Cup squad Vin their fi rst Rugby World as Fijian-born winger Alivereti Raka, 24, celebrated his fi rst yellow card and Les Bleus chose sition from crossing the white- after the game the team’s on Aug. 28 and after the Cup warm-up Test in Nice on Raka and fl anker Francois Cros cap with a maiden Test try after to kick to the corner. wash for the fi rst time since medical staff were not overly performance of several play- Saturday. made their debuts in the starting just 94 seconds as he crashed France scored their third try Wales in February 2017. concerned with Mo’unga’s ini- ers on Saturday against the Medard, 32, winning his 57th lineup as the hosts scored fi ve over under the posts. as Gregory Alldritt, who has a The two teams face each oth- tial diagnosis and the coach Wallabies he acknowledged cap, dotted down either side tries in all. Camille Lopez converted be- Scottish father, dived over with er again next weekend before confirmed yesterday that it he would have some tough of the break for his fi rst tries in Scotland coach Gregor fore adding his only penalty of fi ve minutes of the half remain- France host Italy on August 30. was not that bad. “Richie’s calls to make in the next 10 more than three years. Townsend chose to rest fi rst- proceedings after a quarter of an ing and the host led 20-3. Les Bleus face Argentina, the shoulder looks like an AC joint days. Rookie wingers George The fi xture was the fi rst out- choice half-backs Finn Rus- hour of play. After a slow opening quarter United States, Tonga and issue,” he told reporters in Bridge and Sevu Reece both ing of the side since the appoint- sell and Greig Laidlaw and put Les Bleus’ second try came of an hour to the fi nal 40 min- England at the World Cup in Auckland. “Whilst it’s not long impressed after they replaced ment of former French captain his faith in Glasgow pair Adam from further pressure inside the utes France crossed for their Japan. term, he’ll be sore for a couple Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane, Fabien Galthie as an adviser Hastings and Ali Price for the Scottish 22m. fourth try. Scotland have back-to-back of weeks. Hopefully no more.” while Patrick Tuipulotu may to head coach Jacques Brunel, match in Nice. Lopez found himself in space Medard added his second of Tests against Georgia after the Hansen added the uncapped have done enough to earn a before he takes over from the “We thought we had prepared out wide before feeding Damian the match after good work from match at Murrayfi eld and will Josh Ioane could potentially ticket to Japan with Brodie 65-year-old after the World Cup the squad well, but we were Penaud who passed to Medard Cros and scrum-half Antoine meet Ireland, Samoa, Russia as join the squad for the match Retallick still recovering from in Japan. wrong. We wasted the whole for his fi rst try in international Dupont. well as the hosts at the tourna- against the Pacific Islanders a dislocated shoulder. “We were opportunistic, we fi rst half,” Townsend said. rugby since February 2016. Dupont became the recipient ment.

SELECTION Italy veteran Ghiraldini returns from injury for WC AFP after missing their defeat by Ireland, and Italy at the World Cup. It’s hard because Milan will play in his fi fth World Cup, becoming everyone deserved to be here.” just the third player to do so after compa- Italy play France on August 30 and Eng- triot Mauro Bergamasco and Samoan Brian land the following Friday in pre-tourna- eonardo Ghiraldini is set to re- Lima. ment warm-ups, before facing defending turn from injury with the experi- The 35-year-old, who earned his 139th champions New Zealand, South Africa, enced hooker included yesterday in international cap against Russia, joins Namibia and Canada in Pool B. Italy’s largely youthful squad which Australian George Gregan as the third- “At the World Cup we must absolutely Lfeatures 23 tournament debutants for next most capped international, behind New win against Namibia and Canada and then month’s rugby World Cup in Japan. Zealand’s Richie McCaw (148) and Ire- focus on the other two big challenges we Ghiraldini, who has 104 caps, ruptured land’s Brian O’Driscoll (141). have,” added Irishman O’Shea. anterior cruciate ligaments during the Six Second-rower Zanni (113 caps) will also “I believe that with South Africa, with Nations last March and had been consid- play in his fourth World Cup, while Benet- this group, an opportunity can be created.” ered a doubt to play in his fourth World ton fl y-half Tommaso Benvenuti (57) will Cup. But the 34-year-old Italy vice- line out in his third. ITALY SQUAD captain has been chosen by coach Conor But among the squad which includes 15 Forwards (18): Simone Ferrari (Benetton), O’Shea in a squad largely made up of play- players from Italian side Benetton, and 10 Andrea Lovotti (Zebre), Tiziano Pasquali ers who have never competed in the sport’s from Zebre, will be 23 who have not played (Benetton), Nicola Quaglio (Benetton), showpiece event. in a World Cup before. Marco Riccioni (Benetton), Federico Zani “Leo is a player with great experience. (Benetton), Luca Bigi (Zebre), Oliviero Fa- He worked hard and constantly through- ‘A DREAM FOR EVERYONE’ biani (Zebre), Leonardo Ghiraldini (without out the summer. We are happy for him, he They include Wasps fullback Matteo Mi- team), Dean Budd (Benetton), Federico is an added value both on and off the field,” nozzi, 23, who scored a hat-trick of tries Ruzza (Benetton), David Sisi (Zebre), Ales- said O’Shea. against Russia, while Gloucester scrum- sandro Zanni (Benetton), Maxime Mbanda “Leo, together with (Sergio) Parisse and half Callum Braley and Benetton prop (Zebre), Sebastian Negri (Benetton), Ser- (Alessandro) Zanni, are playing their last Marco Riccioni are the most inexperienced gio Parisse (Toulon - capt), Jake Polledri matches in the Italy jersey of their extraor- members of the group with two caps each. (Gloucester), Abraham Steyn (Benetton) dinary careers. Gloucester fl anker Jake Polledri and Backs (13): Callum Braley (Gloucester), “We want to make a dream come true former England Under-20 back-row David Guglielmo Palazzani (Zebre), Tito Tebaldi and we have the cards to be able to suc- Sisi also made the cut. (Benetton), Tommaso Allan (Benetton), ceed.” “Choosing the 31 players for the Rugby Carlo Canna (Zebre), Tommaso Benvenuti O’Shea whittled down his original 44- World Cup and talking to those who will (Benetton), Michele Campagnaro (Harle- man provisional outfi t to 31, a day after It- not continue the adventure with us was quins), Luca Morisi (Benetton), Mattia Bel- aly’s 85-15 victory over Russia in their sec- probably the hardest thing I have done,” lini (Zebre), Giulio Bisegni (Zebre), Jayden ond warm-up in San Benedetto del Tronto. said O’Shea. Hayward (Benetton), Matteo Minozzi Captain Parisse returned against Russia “It is a dream for everyone to represent (Wasps), Edoardo Padovani (Zebre) Gulf Times Monday, August 19, 2019 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL Fox leaves US squad before Australia trip AFP members are Boston’s Jaylen Brown Missing NBA stars spark Australia Los Angeles and Jayson Tatum; Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton; Brooklyn’s consumer watchdog probe Joe Harris, Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, acramento Kings guard Indiana’s Myles Turner, Denver’s Ma- Australia’s consumer watchdog has companies must not make false or De’Aaron Fox withdrew from the son Plumlee, San Antonio’s Derrick launched a probe into the use of NBA misleading representations, including United States national team of White and Kyle Kuzma of the Los An- superstars to promote pre-World when advertising events,” a spokes- NBA talent on Saturday, leaving geles Lakers. Cup exhibition games by Team USA person told AFP. theS Basketball World Cup squad with 13 The Americans will work August 19- despite many of them pulling out, “We understand that some advertis- players as it departed for workouts in 24 in Melbourne, with exhibition games leaving fans fuming. Some people ing of the USA Basketball games Australia. there against Australia on Thursday paid hundreds of dollars to watch occurring in Melbourne and Sydney The 21-year-old guard has averaged and Saturday, then work August 25-28 the Americans in three games in included pictures of players who will 14.6 points, 5.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds at Sydney with an August 26 matchup Melbourne and Sydney this month, not be attending those games. and 1.3 steals a game in two NBA cam- there against Canada. believing they would be seeing the “The ACCC is considering the issues paigns with the Kings. After the weekend trek to Australia, likes of James Harden, Anthony Davis and engaging with relevant parties.” His departure, which was not ex- the US squad will have more time to an- and Damian Lillard. It urged ticket holders seeking a plained by team offi cials, leaves the alyse talent and chemistry while players But while the USA boast a host of top refund to contact the promoters, TEG Americans one player over the 12-man can make a fi nal case to be included on young talent guided by San Antonio Live, who were not immediately avail- limit as they prepare for the global the World Cup squad. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, they able for comment. “If they are unable showdown in China, where they hope “It seemed like the right thing to do,” lack top names used to sell the event to resolve their issue ... report the to win a third consecutive crown. United States coach Gregg Popovich after a series of player withdrawals. issues to the ACCC,” the spokesper- The US lineup lacks many of the said. A change.org petition for refunds son added. The USA play Australia league’s superstars such as James It’s also a safeguard against injuries has so far attracted more than 2,500 in Melbourne on August 22 and 24, Harden and LeBron James but boasts as US guard Marcus Smart of the Bos- supporters claiming they had been and Canada in Sydney two days top young talent guided by San Antonio ton Celtics missed Friday’s 90-81 exhi- ripped off . “You have sold us an event later, ahead of their bid for a third Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. bition triumph over Spain at Anaheim that is no longer happening,” said the consecutive crown at the World Cup, Having an extra player is a safeguard In this file photo taken on August 10, 2019, De’Aaron Fox (left) of the 2019 USA with a calf strain. petition. which begins at the end of the month against injuries as US guard Marcus Men’s National Team is fouled as he drives against John Collins of the 2019 USA “The wins and losses are pretty un- The Australian Competition and in China. They are bringing a 13-man Smart of the Boston Celtics missed Fri- Men’s Select Team during their exhibition game in Las Vegas. (AFP) important at this time,” Popovich said. Consumer Commission (ACCC) said squad, down from 14 after Sacramen- day’s 90-81 exhibition triumph over “It’s more about getting better, getting yesterday it was investigating. to Kings guard De’Aaron Fox became Spain at Anaheim with a calf strain. member of the 2016 Rio Olympic gold Walker are among those joining Smart together, a group learning to execute to- “Under the Australian Consumer Law, the latest to pull out on Saturday. Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes, a medal squad, and Boston’s Kemba on the trip to Australia. Other squad gether.”

MLB NFL Belichick says he’ll ‘evaluate’ Gordon Brewers top Nats games in 2017 after being re- Reuters New York instated. He played one game for Cleveland last year before being traded to the Patriots ew England coach in September. In 12 games Bill Belichick made last season, Gordon caught 41 no commitment on passes for 737 yards and four Saturday as to the touchdowns. in wild 14-inning Nrole wide receiver Josh Gor- don will have when he returns CHARGERS’ JAMES TO to the team. HAVE SURGERY, MISS 3 Thames’ 17th homer of the season, off Javy Gordon, the talented but MONTHS troubled receiver whose career Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro Guerra (1-1), was Milwaukee’s seventh long ball in has been thrown off course by safety Derwin James will have substance abuse issues, was surgery on his right foot and a game that lasted 5 hours, 40 minutes reinstated from suspension on be sidelined approximately slugfest a conditional basis by the NFL three months, NFL Network on Friday. reported Saturday. Reuters “For the past eight months, James suff ered a stress frac- Washington Josh’s situation has been en- ture in his fi fth metatarsal tirely a league matter. When during practice Thursday and Josh returns to our pro- was in a walking boot Friday. ilwaukee’s Eric Thames roped a gramme, we will evaluate the The three-month timetable two-run homer in the 14th in- entire situation and do what leaves open the possibility of ning and the Brewers scored a we feel is best for Josh and James returning from Injured wild 15-14 victory over the host the team,” Belichick said in Reserve for the end of the reg- MWashington Nationals on Saturday night. a statement released by the ular season and the playoff s. Thames’ 17th homer of the season, team on Saturday. He recorded 105 total tack- off Javy Guerra (1-1), was Milwaukee’s Gordon was suspended on les, 3.5 sacks and three in- seventh long ball in a game that lasted 5 Dec. 20 for violating the terms terceptions last season after hours, 40 minutes. The seven homers tied of his previous reinstatement being selected with the 17th a Brewers record for most in a game. Out under the NFL substance overall pick of the 2018 NFL of position players, Washington scored an abuse policy. He will be able to Draft. The 23-year-old earned unearned run in the bottom half, but the rejoin the Patriots on Sunday Pro Bowl and All-Pro hon- Brewers’ Junior Guerra (7-4) struck out and is eligible to play in the ours and was the fi rst rookie pinch-hitting pitcher Joe Ross to end it. regular season. in franchise history to eclipse Christian Yelich went 5-for-6 with After breaking into the NFL 100 tackles. two homers, four RBIs, three runs and a with the Cleveland Browns in “His production, his intan- stolen base; Ryan Braun hit a pair of solo 2012 and making the Pro Bowl gibles, we’re going to miss him home runs and also stole a base; and Mike after the 2013 season, Gordon a lot,” head coach Anthony Moustakas (3 RBIs) added a solo shot. missed the entire 2015 and Lynn said Friday. “But we’re Both Braun and Moustakas had three hits. 2016 seasons due to suspen- a team. I think we have a good Trent Grisham stroked a two-run homer. sions related to substance team, and we have guys that abuse. Gordon played in fi ve will step up, and we’ll be fi ne.” RESULTS Brewers 15-14 Nationals Braves 4-3 Dodgers Reid kneels before preseason Athletics 8-4 Astros loss, rips Jay-Z deal again Cubs 2-0 Pirates Carolina Panthers safety Eric for his protests during the Yankees 6-5 Indians Reid kneeled in silent protest anthem. Both players settled Mariners 4-3 Blue Jays before a 27-14 preseason loss a collusion lawsuit with the to the Buff alo Bills on Friday NFL last year. Rays 1-0 Tigers night. Afterward, he took “Jay-Z made a money move. Red Sox 4-0 Orioles another shot at the partner- He’s capitalised on this situ- Padres 5-3 Phillies ship between the NFL and ation. Nobody to my knowl- Reds 6-1 Cardinals hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, who edge talked about social said during an introductory justice before Colin started Giants 11-6 D’backs press conference this week “I protesting,” said Reid. “That Mets 4-1 Royals think we’re past kneeling... I was not a topic of the NFL off Twins 12-7 Rangers think it’s time for action.” the field. For Jay-Z to come in “For one, when has Jay-Z and partner to address social Angels 6-5 White Sox ever taken a knee to come justice, do it behind Colin’s Rockies 11-4 Marlins out and tell us that we’re back, get paid to do it... I past kneeling?” said Reid, per don’t have words.” Adam Eaton (4-for-8, two doubles) ESPN. “Yes, he’s done a lot Reid also suggested the NFL and Trea Turner each hit three-run hom- of great work, a lot of great is using Jay-Z as cover for ers, and Juan Soto and Howie Kendrick social justice work. But for Kaepernick still not having smashed two-run drives for the Nation- you to get paid to go into an an NFL job. als. Kurt Suzuki fi nished 4-for-7. Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (left) is congratulated by third baseman Hernan Perez after hitting a home run against the NFL press conference and “The (injustice) that’s hap- The Brewers scored fi ve runs in the third Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports say that we’re past kneel- pened to Colin, they get to as Yelich and Keston Hiura each drove in ing? Again, asinine. Players say, ‘Look, we care about two runs for a 4-0 lead, and Moustakas’ ed against closer Sean Doolittle, his 40th It was the 14th time the Braves have hit worked 1 1/3 innings of perfect relief. The Coalition 2.0, he got paid to social justice, we care about RBI single pushed the lead to 5-0. of the season. After a double by Hiura, back-to-back homers this season, but the left-handed surrendered two homers and take the bullets that he’s tak- the black community be- Soto trimmed it to 5-2 when he lofted a Moustakas clubbed his 28th shot to tie it. fi rst time it has happened to Los Angeles took the loss on Friday night. ing now because we’re not cause we’re with Jay-Z,’” said curve from Brewers starter Jordan Lyles to Braun then hit Doolittle’s next pitch to starter Hyun-Jin Ryu. Donaldson hit his Ryu (12-3) pitched 5 2/3 innings and al- having it.” Reid. “Jay-Z is doing the work left for his 26th homer in the home half, left for his 18th homer and a 12-11 lead. 29th homer with one out in the sixth, and lowed four runs on six hits, with one walk Reid, who joined the for them. We all know that and Eaton made it a new game when he Washington tied it 12-12 in the bottom Duvall followed with his sixth – and his and fi ve strikeouts. It was the most runs he Panthers three weeks into it’s unjust that Colin isn’t in slugged a shot to knot the game 5-5 in the of the ninth, however, as Robles singled fi rst since August 1 – as the Braves took a has allowed since giving up seven against the 2018 season, kneeled an NFL locker room, the way fourth. home Yan Gomes off closer Josh Hader, 4-2 lead. Colorado on June 28. Ryu had permitted before every game last year, he lost his job. But they get Braun launched a long fl y that bounced but the lefty fanned Turner, Eaton and It was the fi rst time the Braves have only four total runs over his last six starts. although no Panthers team- to pretend they care about back from the right fi eld wall for a double Anthony Rendon in succession with the beaten the Dodgers in fi ve meetings. The Atlanta starter Mike Foltynewicz suf- mates joined him. social justice.” in the fi fth, but video replay overturned bases full to send it to extra innings. attendance of 43,619 set a SunTrust Park fered from a high pitch count and left after According to the Charlotte Reid, 27, ended up starting all the hit to a solo homer, and Grisham swat- Yelich popped his 41st homer in the attendance record in its third season. 4 2/3 innings and 107 pitches. He gave up Observer, Reid’s reason for 13 games he was in uniform ted a two-run shot for an 8-5 lead in the 13th, but Robles drove in his third run with After Max Muncy’s 31st homer – and two runs on seven hits, with three walks kneeling is to “protest racial for the Panthers last season. sixth. a sacrifi ce fl y to tie it 13-13. his 20th on the road this season, brought and fi ve strikeouts. inequality and social injus- He was sixth on the team After Victor Robles’ RBI double made it the Dodgers to within 4-3 in the seventh The Braves scored twice in the third in- tice in America.” with 71 tackles with one 8-6 in the sixth, Turner turned on a curve BRAVES GET BACK-TO-BACK HOMERS, inning, the Dodgers got the potential ty- ning on a two-run double by Ozzie Albies, Reid is close friends with sack and one interception. and hooked his 12th homer down the left HOLD OFF DODGERS ing run on base in the ninth on Justin who entered the game 3-for-16 on the former San Francisco 49ers In six NFL seasons, five with fi eld line for Washington’s fi rst lead at 9-8 The Atlanta Braves got back-to-back Turner’s two-out single. current homestand. quarterback Colin Kaeper- the 49ers, the former No. 18 later in the inning. Kendrick belted a two- home runs from Josh Donaldson and But Mark Melancon fi nished off his The Dodgers evened the scored with nick from their days as overall selection in the 2013 run shot to dead centre for an 11-8 Nation- Adam Duvall in the sixth inning and hung third save when he got Cody Bellinger to a run in the fourth on Mike Beaty’s solo teammates with the 49ers. draft has 398 career tackles als lead in the seventh. In the ninth, the on to beat the visiting Los Angeles Dodg- pop out to end the game. The winning homer, his seventh, and a run in the fi fth Kaepernick is well known and 11 interceptions. Brewers cut it to 11-9 when Yelich homer- ers 4-3 on Saturday. pitcher was Sean Newcomb (6-3), who on Beaty’s RBI single. Gulf Times 6 Monday, August 19, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS Vanquished Djokovic heaps praise on mercurial Medvedev ‘Then there was one momentum change in the second and I just started playing unbelievable’

Reuters including an ace on second serve, to do what I normally do after.” Cincinnati hold and then broke Djokovic in the next There was an upset in the women’s game by ripping a winner down the line draw as well, as Russian veteran Svet- to seize the initiative. Medvedev, who lana Kuznetsova defeated top-seeded ovak Djokovic acknowledged also beat Djokovic in April at Monte Australian Ashleigh Barty 6-2, 6-4. he had rarely faced the sort Carlo, was playing Belgian David Goffi n Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam of barrage a resilient Daniil in the fi nal last night. champion who has been hindered lately Medvedev used so eff ectively It will be the third successive fi nal by injury, will be in search of her 19th Nto shock the world number one 3-6, for 23-year-old Medvedev, who lost to WTA title – and her fi rst in more than 6-3, 6-3 in the Cincinnati Masters Nick Kyrgios in Washington and Rafa a year – when she takes on American semi-fi nals on Saturday. Nada in Montreal. Djokovic, mean- Madison Keys in the fi nal. After losing the fi rst set, Medvedev while, will regroup for the US Open Keys, the 2017 US Open runner-up, changed his approach midway through starting on Monday week, and he did defeated compatriot Sofi a kenin 7-5, the second set, the Russian going for not sound particularly concerned by his 6-4. Kuznetsova denied Barty a chance broke with pretty much every shot, latest defeat, preferring instead to heap to reclaim the world number one rank- particularly on second serve. The praise on his opponent. ing, which the Australian would have complexion of the match changed in a “He played amazing tennis from 4-3 done by reaching the fi nal. heartbeat as Medvedev overpowered in the second set. Not much that I could Instead the triumph by 34-year-old the previously dominant Djokovic. really do. “He’s working his way to the Kuznetsova leaves injured Naomi Osa- “I did not experience this too many top fi ve (in the world). Today I did lose a ka atop the rankings with the US Open times in my career that someone goes tennis match, but I didn’t do too much starting a week from Monday. Barty, so big on second serves and just serves wrong.” who had rallied from a set down in two fi rst serves basically for an ex- The 16th seeded Goffi n beat France’s each of her previous two matches, was tended period of time,” the vanquished Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-4 in the other off the boil against Kuznetsova, who is Serbian told reporters. “When some- semi-fi nal. “I’m really happy,” said back on form after several seasons of one serves a 128 miles-per-hour sec- Goffi n. “I’ve played the best tennis here injuries, including a wrist problem. ond serve and doesn’t make too many in the past few years... It’s a great mo- “This was a week that I battled doubles faults and goes for every shot, ment for me.” through,” Barty said. “At times I played you just have to put your hat down and A quick break saw Goffi n surge to a some good stuff . At times I played some congratulate him.” 4-1 lead with a backhand winner down pretty awful stuff. I’ve learned a lot Medvedev explained why he had the line in the fi rst set. Gasquet grabbed from this week, and there are nothing switched tactics. “I was so tired in the a 2-0 lead in the second set before Gof- but positives going into New York.” fi rst set and playing Novak, I thought fi n claimed fi ve of the next six games. Keys booked her fi nals spot as she I’m not going to be able to keep the in- He won the set and the match when a won an all-American match littered tensity,” the world number eight said in Gasquet backhand was long. Goffi n had with 12 breaks of serve. She earned a courtside interview. “Then there was received a walkover into the semi-fi nals match points with a fl ick volley winner one momentum change in the second after Yoshihito Nishioka was forced to angled steeply cross-court and amazed and I just started playing unbelievable.” withdraw due to food poisoning. “It herself with the get. Medvedev added that it was par for was almost a day off , so I was fresh and “I looked at my box in shock,” she the course to go for broke on his sec- physically 100% today to play against admitted. “I’m really feeling great ond serve when trailing in a match. “I Richard,” the Belgian said. Goffi n added about my tennis. “When I was down do it all the time when my second serve that he was “lost” after the walkover. “I break points in the second set, I was doesn’t work. Novak, he was destroy- didn’t know what to do. Do I have an- just thinking that I knew I could break ing me on the second serve so at one other practice session, go to the physio back, that was my biggest thought. moment, at three-all, love-30, I’m like and have some treatment? I didn’t “I’m super-happy to be in my fi rst ‘okay, what’s the matter.’” know,” the Belgian said. “I decided to fi nal here. I love getting matches under He reeled off four successive points, go on the court for some practice and my belt before a Grand Slam.” Daniil Medvedev of Russia plays a backhand en route to his win over Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Cincinnati Masters. (AFP)

GOLF FOCUS Pieters returns to winnings ways Thomas fi res incredible 61 with the golf swing. It feels good FINAL ROUND SCORES Reuters Prague to get back on track again and get (GBR/IRL unless stated, par 72): another win,” Pieters said. 269: Thomas Pieters (BEL) 67 67 It was Pieters’ fi rst triumph on 66 69 elgian Thomas Pieters the tour since the Made in Den- to seize six-shot PGA lead 270: Adri Arnaus (ESP) 71 65 65 69 won his fourth European mark title in 2016. “It’s diffi cult AFP Tour title at the Czech when everybody says you should 272: Sam Horsfield 69 66 69 68, Washington Masters yesterday, clos- be winning two or three times a Andrea Pavan (ITA) 68 68 71 65 ingB with a three-under 69 to seal year,” he added. 274: Hugo Leon (CHI) 66 69 67 a one-shot victory over playing “It’s always nice to hear that, 72, Liam Johnston 67 69 68 70, ustin Thomas humbled rain-softened partner Adria Arnaus of Spain. but it’s almost a negative some- Rikard Karlberg (SWE) 69 67 66 Medinah with dazzling shotmaking The 27-year-old, who surged times because I always felt like I 72, Erik Van Rooyen (RSA) 65 72 was underachieving. But hope- on Saturday, fi ring a course-record to a one-stroke lead follow- 66 71, Matthias Schwab (AUT) 70 11-under par 61 to seize a six-stroke ing Saturday’s third round at fully there’s many more like this. 65 69 70 leadJ after the third round of the US PGA the Albatross Golf Resort, held I felt like I was in control today, BMW Championship. his nerve on the fi nal day to go almost the whole day and I kind 275: Robert Karlsson (SWE) 67 68 An incredible day for the 2017 PGA 19-under for the tournament and of did my own thing.” 67 73 Championship winner left the 26-year-old clinch a second title in Prague af- Arnaus fi nished one shot be- 276: Haydn Porteous (RSA) 69 70 American on 21-under 195 after 54 holes at ter his maiden win in 2015. hind in second after a fi nal round 69 68, Zander Lombard (RSA) 68 70 the suburban Chicago layout. “It was just Pieters carded four bird- of 69 that included four bird- 73 65, Kim Koivu (FIN) 66 72 70 68 ies on the front nine and added ies and an eagle, while defend- one of those freaky days when you get in a 277: Romain Wattel (FRA) 68 71 zone,” Thomas said. “It was just one of those one more after the turn to stay ing champion Andrea Pavan was 69 69, Kristoff er Reitan (NOR) 66 days when you hit it unbelievable. I was able ahead throughout the day. “It tied for third with Sam Horsfi eld. 71 66 74, Jack Singh Brar 69 68 to put it close to the holes and make the feels good to win again. I never They were followed by a group of 67 73, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 66 putts. One of those days.” doubted myself, but it’s been a fi ve players who fi nished tied in 66 70 75 The day-old course record of 63 set by long road of not feeling that great fi fth place. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama was shattered by Thomas, whose fi rst-round 65 Thursday had shared the course record. “I just hope the trend doesn’t continue and someone MICKELSON ALMOST MISSES TEE TIME AFTER else breaks it tomorrow,” Thomas said. Americans Tony Finau and Patrick Can- HOTEL ‘STRUCK BY LIGHTNING’ tlay were a distant second on 201 after each shot 68 with Slovakia’s Rory Sabbatini an- Medinah, United States: Phil other stroke adrift and Spain’s Jon Rahm Mickelson said he narrowly fi fth on 205. Thomas birdied the fi rst fi ve avoided missing his final-round holes, answered a bogey at six with a birdie tee time for the BMW Champi- at the par-5 eighth, hit an amazing approach onship at Medinah yesterday at the par-5 10th to set up a tap-in eagle and after his hotel room was “struck sank a 22-foot birdie chip from the rough at by lightning”. The five-time ma- the par-5 14th. jor winner said he had to leave And he wasn’t done. Not even close. Tho- his clubs and clothes behind mas found water off the tee at the par-4 when his hotel was evacuated. 15th, then dropped a 63-yard shot two feet “How’s this for crazy?,” from the cup to rescue a tap-in par. At the Mickelson wrote on Twitter. “My par-4 16th, Thomas holed out for eagle with hotel was struck by lightning, an 8-iron from 181 yards, his uphill blast Justin Thomas of the US plays a shot during the third round of the BMW Championship. (AFP) I was on top floor, we were the 69-man field on four-under play at Medinah, before a police perfect without a view of the fl agstick. “It evacuated and the place is on for the tournament, 17 shots off icer came to the rescue by looked good in the air,” Thomas said. “It was at defending his title in next week’s season- Glover and Canada’s Corey Conners. fire (only thing of mine on fire behind overnight leader Justin escorting him swiftly to the nice. That’s something that was just a little ending Tour Championship, was on 209, this week). I can’t get back into Thomas and projected 49th on course. It was a more leisurely bit of a bonus.” sharing 31st at the course where he won the THIRD ROUND SCORES my room and may miss my tee the points list. trip this time for McIlroy, who At the par-3 17th, Thomas landed the ball 1999 and 2006 PGA Championships. “This (par 72, USA unless noted): time because I am without clubs took up the off er of an escort six feet from the cup and sank the birdie was nice to at least give myself a chance to and clothes.” HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF from the local police depart- putt. “I hit a lot of great shots today but that make it to next week,” said Woods, who like- 195 — Justin Thomas 65-69-61 But the popular left-hander AS MCILROY GETS ANOTHER ment for a trip down memory (tee shot) was an under-rated one,” Thomas ly needs a top-12 fi nish to book a spot in At- 201 — Tony Finau 67-66-68, Patrick Cantlay later revealed he would be able POLICE ESCORT lane. He was greeted upon said. “I was so pumped up. Took a little off it lanta next week. Woods had not shot a lower 66-67-68 to finish the FedEx Cup playoff Seven years after Rory McIlroy arriving at the course by the and feathered it perfectly.” 18 holes since fi ring a 66 in the second round 202 — Rory Sabbatini (SVK) 67-68-67 event, joking his clubs were was given a police escort to same off icer who provided the Thomas rolled the ball past the cup on a of the WGC Mexico Championship. a “fire retardant”. “EMTs were make his tee time for the Ryder 2012 escort. The announcer 29-foot birdie putt at the par-4 18th then He had not fi red a bogey-free round since 203 — Jon Rahm (ESP) 68-69-66 awesome! I’m going to make it. Cup, history repeated itself on the first tee then had some sank his four-footer for par to close a spec- last year’s BMW third round at Aronimink. 204 — Brandt Snedeker 66-71-67, Corey Con- Turns out my clubs acted as a when the Northern Irishman fun, gently teasing McIlroy. tacular performance. The US PGA playoff Woodland’s 64 had been the second-best ners (CAN) 69-66-69, Lucas Glover 66-69-69 fire retardant. Lucky me.” received the same treatment “From Northern Ireland, who event will decide the 30 season points lead- round ever at Medinah, but only for a few 205 — Rickie Fowler 67-70-68, Kevin Kisner Mickelson needed more more for the third round of the BMW is here thankfully on time, the ers who qualify for next week’s showdown hours thanks to Thomas. 68-68-69, Xander Schauff ele 67-68-70, Hideki than just luck on the course Championship in suburban 2016 FedEx Cup champion... at East Lake in Atlanta. Reigning Masters Brandt Snedeker made two amazing chip Matsuyama (JPN) 69-63-73 to reach next week’s Tour Chicago. please welcome Rory McIlroy,” champion Tiger Woods matched his low- shots for birdies on par-3 holes, holing out Championship by finishing in In 2012 it was an urgent he said as the player smiled. est round since February with a 67 while a 35-yarder from deep rough at 13 and blast- 206 — Joel Dahmen 66-71-69, Rory McIlroy the top 30 of the season’s points matter after European team McIlroy shot two-under-par 70 reigning US Open champion Gary Wood- ing out of a greenside bunker from 60 feet (NIR) 69-67-70, Kevin Tway 69-67-70, Tommy standings. After three rounds, member McIlroy got his starting for a share of 13th place behind land shot 64. Sixth-ranked Woods, trying and rolling the ball into the cup at 17. He Fleetwood 70-66-70, Adam Hadwin (CAN) the 49-year-old is tied-47th in time confused for the final day’s leader Justin Thomas. to fi nish well enough to qualify for a chance fi red a 67 to share sixth on 204 with Lucas 67-68-71 Gulf Times Monday, August 19, 2019 7 SPORT

BUNDESLIGA FOCUS Former England defender Cole calls Leipzig dominate time on career Reuters London

ormer England, Arsenal Union Berlin as fans and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, one of the most decorated players Fin English domestic football, an- nounced his retirement from the game yesterday, bringing an end to a colourful 20-year career. The 38-year-old, who also had hold silent protest spells at AS Roma in Italy’s Serie A and LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, last represented Cham- Hinteregger strikes after 36 seconds to help Frankfurt to a narrow 1-0 victory pionship (second-tier) outfi t Derby County before his contract expired at the end of last season. The left back won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and a League Cup during his career. He also won the Champions League and UEFA Cup once each Cole won two league titles while at Chelsea. with boyhood club Arsenal af- Cole often found himself in the ter making his debut in 1999 news over the years over his pri- and was part of their “Invinci- vate life, including his marriage bles” team that went unbeaten to singer and television person- throughout the 2003-04 cam- ality Cheryl Cole. paign. He joined London rivals “After hard consideration, it’s Chelsea in 2006 and continued time to hang my boots up and to stamp his authority as one of look towards my next chapter, the best defenders in England, which will hopefully be coach- going on to lift more titles at ing,” Cole, who was also capped Stamford Bridge. 107 times by England, said. “As His four FA Cups with Chelsea a young kid, I never expected to took his personal tally to seven, play one game or be a profes- making him the most success- sional. Looking back, to be able ful player in the competition’s to say I played in World Cups, history. After leaving Chelsea Champions League fi nals, be- in 2014, he played in Italy and ing lucky enough to lift Premier the United States before work- League titles — it’s a young kid’s ing under former team mate and dream. I fulfi lled my dream. Now current Chelsea boss at Derby, I look to the future, hopefully as a helping them to the playoff fi nal great coach.” which they lost to Aston Villa.

DE BRUYNE PREFERS OLD SCHOOL BUT OK WITH VAR London: Manchester City mid- exchange with the on-field fielder Kevin de Bruyne has no off icials. problem with Video Assistant It was all too familiar for City Referees (VAR) in the Premier who were knocked out of the League but said he was an “old Champions League in April by school” player who preferred Tottenham when they had a late matches to flow without too “goal” from Raheem Sterling, many interruptions. that would have been the win- Champions City had a late ner, ruled out by VAR. Union Berlin goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz (second right) saves a shot from RB Leipzig’s Diego Demme during the Bundesliga match in Berlin yesterday. (Reuters) goal from striker Gabriel Jesus Despite the disappointment ruled out for handball by a of their first league home game AFP an energy drinks company. Earlier yesterday, a Martin Hinteregger ond-half injury time — but both goals VAR review as they drew 2-2 at without victory in nearly eight Berlin Home fans remained quiet for the strike after 36 seconds was enough to see were ruled out for off side. Despite the home to Tottenham Hotspur months, De Bruyne said City opening quarter of an hour at the Stadion Eintracht Frankfurt to a narrow 1-0 vic- loss, the visitors put in a strong perform- on Saturday. VAR, making its could be pleased with their An der Alten Foersterei as an expression tory over TSG Hoff enheim in their open- ance under new coach Alfred Schreuder, Premier League debut this sea- eff ort. “Everybody is proud with ulian Nagelsmann started his RB of their opposition to the way Leipzig are ing game of the new Bundesliga season. showing promise as the side enters the son, has been used in a number the way we performed — Spurs Leipzig career with a bang as his run. Red Bull controls the club in one of After winning an early corner in the post-Julian Nagelsmann era. of high-profile competitions in got two goals but they only had side hammered Bundesliga new the few exceptions to German football’s opening 10 seconds, the Hoff enheim de- recent months, but has received two chances so they were really boys Union Berlin 4-0, as the home “50+1” principal that members should fence was caught off guard when Japan BUNDESLIGA LEAGUE RESULTS mixed reviews from players and clinical,” the Belgian added. “To fansJ staged a silent 15-minute protest own a majority of shares. Ironically, the midfi elder Daichi Kamada played it short Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Hinteregger 1) coaches as well as frustrating play at this level against a team against the visitors. Leipzig, one of the visitors took the lead 57 seconds through to winger Filip Kostic played who curled Hoff enheim 0; Union Berlin 0 RB Leipzig fans. “It feels weird to have the like Tottenham is really good for it to the waiting Hinteregger who vol- favourites to challenge Bayern Munich Halstenberg after the Union crowd be- 4 (Halstenberg 16, Sabitzer 31, Werner 42, last-minute goal disallowed but the rest of the season.” gan to chant for the fi rst time. Midfi elder leyed into the top of the net. for the Bundesliga title this season, were Nkunku 69) we just have to accept it,” De always going to provide Union with a dif- Halstenberg took advantage of a seem- Scored after less than a minute, Bruyne told the BBC. fi cult initiation. It was the fi rst time the ingly unfocused Berlin, curling home Hinteregger’s goal was the fastest Hof- Played Saturday: Borussia Moenchengla- “I’m old school. I love the capital city outfi t had conceded four goals while unmarked on the edge of the box. fenheim had conceded in Bundesliga his- dbach 0 Schalke 0; Werder Bremen 1 (Eg- flow of the game and the at home since November 2014, when they Leipzig added a second 15 minutes later tory. Florian Niederlechner’s eff ort to put gestein 47) Fortuna Duesseldorf 3 (Hen- enthusiasm. But if we want to lost 4-1 to 1860 Munich. Christopher as heavy rain began to fall, with Marcel Augsburg 1-0 up against Borussia Dort- nings 36, Karaman 52, Ayhan 64); Freiburg get the game better, I’m fine Nkunku, who arrived from Paris Saint- Sabitzer punishing Berlin for a defensive mund on Saturday, scored after 31 sec- 3 (Hoeler 82, Schmid 84, Waldschmidt with it. I have no issue with the Germain in the summer, scored just three mistake inside their own half. Werner onds, remains however the fastest goal of 87-pen) Mainz 0; Bayer Leverkusen 3 (Bai- rule — the rule is the rule — but minutes after being substituted on for added another in the 42nd minute with a the opening round. ley 10, Havertz 19, Volland 69) Paderborn 2 it should be looked at because Germany striker Timo Werner, who also powerful strike into the top corner, with Kostic was a constant threat through- (Michel 15, Mamba 25); Borussia Dortmund that situation is crazy.” got on the scoresheet. the shellshocked home side struggling to out for the home side, vindicating Frank- 5 (Alcacer 3, 59, Sancho 51, Reus 57, Brandt Jesus also had a goal disal- Marcel Halstenberg and Marcel Sabit- keep up with the visitors’ talented outfi t. furt’s decision to make his loan deal per- 82) Augsburg 1 (Niederlechner 1); Wolfs- lowed by VAR in last weekend’s zer also scored for the visitors, who took a Nkunku’s goal in the 69th minute made manent during the summer. burg 2 (Arnold 16, Weghorst 60) Cologne 5-0 win over West Ham United 3-0 lead into halftime. Union Berlin fans it 4-0. The visitors became increasingly Hoff enheim thought they had equal- 1 (Terodde 90+1) and the Brazilian forward used their debut fi xture in the top-fl ight desperate to score a fi fth in the closing ised on two separate occasions — through Played Friday: Bayern Munich 2 (Lewand- expressed his frustration after to stage a 15-minute silent protest aimed stages, knowing that another goal would Dennis Geiger in the 45th minute and owski 24, 60-pen) Hertha Berlin 2 (Luke- Saturday’s match in a heated at opponents RB Leipzig’s ownership by take them to the top of the table. again through Ishak Belfodil during sec- bakio 36, Grujic 39)

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Mallorca make dream Qatar Sports Arbitration Foundation begins its work start to life back in La Liga he Qatar Sports Arbitration website which includes all the informa- Mediators, al-Mohannadi said: “The fo- Foundation (QSAF) has offi cially tion related to the mechanism of its work, cus has been mainly on the Reuters ago suff ered the ignominy of rel- announced the commencement the relevant rules and the models neces- Arbitrators accredited and certifi ed Palma, Spain egation to the third tier. of its operation after the QSAF’s sary to initiate the Arbitration and the with the Court of Arbitration for Sports With American former profes- TGeneral Assembly approved the appoint- Mediation Proceedings as well as the re- (CAS) as a preliminary stage, but the sional tennis player Andy Kohl- ment of the Chairmen of its judicial de- quirements to act as an Arbitrator or Me- Foundation will continually update these eal Mallorca made a berg and Robert Sarver, owner partments and approved the decision of diator at QSAF. lists to include a larger base and wider ex- dream return to La Liga of NBA team Phoenix Suns, the its board of directors to include arbitra- In his statement, Ibrahim Khalil al- pertise.” with a 2-1 victory over majority owners in a consortium tors and mediators in its Lists. Mohannadi, President of Qatar Sports Ibrahim Khalil al-Mohannadi has also Eibar at the Estadi Son that paid 21mn euros ($23.87mn) The General Assembly was chaired by Arbitration Foundation, said: “This step announced the launching of the website MoixR on Saturday, less than for the ailing club in 2016, the Ibrahim Khalil al-Mohannadi, President comes after the team of Qatar Sports of the Qatar Sports Arbitration Founda- two months after sealing back- good times appear to be on the of Qatar Sports Arbitration Foundation, Arbitration Foundation, led by Salman tion and on this subject he said: “We made to-back promotions to rejoin way back for the 100-year-old in the presence of the General Assembly’s Ahmed al-Ansari the Vice President and sure that the website is comprehensive so Spain’s football elite. club. members Salman Ahmed al-Ansari, the Secretary General, has completed all the that it provides all the required informa- It is holiday season on the Bal- The board also includes Ca- Vice-President and the Secretary-Gen- legal and logistical arrangements to en- tion for any Party who would like to lodge laeric island but fans clad in the nadian NBA Hall of Famer Steve eral of the Foundation, Hani Blan, Rep- sure that the work of the Foundation and a claim to QSAF’s bodies through Arbi- club’s red colours fl ocked to the Nash, former England and Chel- resentative of Qatar Stars League, Saeed its bodies runs smoothly.” tration or Mediation. The website also stadium on a sultry evening in sea full back Graeme Le Saux and Almas and Mohammad al-Othmani rep- He added that “The foundation will includes all the necessary information for Palma in large numbers and were American former Bolton Wan- resentatives of Qatar Players Association work through a transparent mechanism anyone interested to join the Foundation handsomely rewarded. Eibar derers player Stuart Holden. and Fahed al-Muraikhi representative of to ensure neutrality for all concerned as an Arbitrator or Mediator as well as the had threatened to ruin the script Sport lawyer Maheta Molango, Qatar Olympic Committee. parties, and in co-operation with existing details of the training courses which will when Paulo Oliveira cancelled Mallorca’s CEO and the man who During its meeting, the General As- training institutes, the Foundation will be organised by our partners. out a superb early eff ort by Dani orchestrated the American res- sembly has adopted the appointment of also announce training programmes that Al-Mohannadi concluded his state- Rodriguez but the Portuguese cue mission back in 2016, said Talal al-Emadi as Chairman of the Medi- allow everyone who has the desire to work ment by saying: “The sports structure defender then sliced into his the club’s rise has been startling. ation Division, Stuart McLaren as Chair- in the fi eld of Sports Arbitration to get the is completed today by the activation of own goal in the 74th minute as “I remember Robert (Sarver) man of the Ordinary Arbitration Division necessary training”. an independent institution working to Mallorca got the win their styl- coming to watch a match when and Dr Abdullah al-Hayyan as Chairman Al-Mohannadi added that “QSAF has resolve sports disputes independently, a ish football deserved. It is six we were in Segunda B (third tier) of the Appeal Arbitration Division. President of Qatar Sports Arbitration signed a memorandum of understand- matter which refl ects the practical imple- seasons since Mallorca’s 16-year and the team we played had no It has also adopted the decision of the Foundation Ibrahim Khalil al-Mohannadi. ing with Qatar International Court and mentation of the directives of His High- stay in the top fl ight ended dur- real stadium and the ball kept Board of Directors to establish the lists of Dispute Resolution Centre to host the ness the Amir of Qatar to create a legal ing a period of fi nancial melt- ending in a swimming pool,” the arbitrators and the mediators, which from the Court of Arbitration for Sports arbitration and mediation sessions until environment that facilitates and acceler- down. They went close to going Molango, a former Brighton and has included 30 arbitrators and a me- (CAS) list of approved Arbitrators. QSAF’s headquarter is ready.” ates the procedures for settling disputes.” out of business and three seasons Hove Albion striker, said. diator in its fi rst stage, most of whom are The Foundation has also launched its As for the lists of the Arbitrators and

Monday, August 19, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Guedioura joins Gharafa Happy to win my my fi rst title with Sadd: Xavi

By Sports Reporter and we have a lot of work to do Doha if we are to win more titles,” Xavi said. “We deserve this title and l Sadd head coach the players deserve to be Xavi Hernandez champions, after the perform- spoke of his delight ance they displayed through- after a 1-0 win over out the game. It wasn’t an easy AlA Duhail, which saw his side match; we knew very well how lift the season-opening Sheikh diffi cult it would be. I want to Jassim Cup on Saturday. congratulate the players for Ali Asad’s 13th minute strike their excellent displays, not helped Al Sadd win the tourna- just in this game but in the last ment that’s touted as the Super three games we have played Cup in domestic season. It was since the start of the season. I Sadd’s 70th title overall in all also want to congratulate the competitions, but the triumph management and the fans, on also saw Xavi start his manage- winning the fi rst title of the rial career with a title since he season. Also, I congratulate replaced Jesualdo Fereira end of the coaching staff who worked last season. a lot for this moment. We will Speaking after the match, now keep working hard to win Xavi said: “I am very happy to more titles,” he added. win my fi rst title with Al Sadd Goal-scorer Ali Asad de- as a coach. We worked hard scribed winning the Sheikh throughout the past few weeks, Jassim Cup as as a “good start in order to be able to win titles. to the season.” Today, we are on the podium as The 26-year-old said: “Al- champions of the fi rst trophy though a lot of opportunities on off er this season.” came up, the players were keen It was a victory that would to play a cautious game as per give Xavi and his boys the Xavi’s instructions. We tried to much needed confi dence be- make our chances count but we Al Gharafa’s new signing midfielder Adlene Guedioura (right) fore they start QSL campaign weren’t fortunate. In the end, poses with the club’s Deputy Head of Football Saad al-Shammari starts on August 21, when the what’s important is that we after joining the QNB Stars league yesterday. The 33-year-old defending champions take on won and lifted the title.” has completed a move from Nottingham Forest, whom he joined Al Wakrah. He also shared his apprecia- from Middlesbrough in February 2018. Guedioura was part of the “This obviously gives us a tion for the club’s fans, adding: Algeria side which won the Africa Cup of Nations in July, beating lot of happiness and also a psy- “We will work hard to make our Senegal 1-0 in the final. Former Watford player Guedioura scored chological boost, to push us fans happy in all the competi- twice for Forest in the Championship last season in 27 forward in the other tourna- tions and the upcoming chal- appearances. ments. We are still at the start lenges.”

PREMIER LEAGUE Lampard denied fi rst win as Leicester draw at Chelsea Lampard manages to avoid being the first Blues boss to lose his first two league games in charge since Vialli 21 years ago

AFP his Chelsea account in the seventh while Jamie Vardy was just off target af- London minute, with a helping hand from Ndi- ter breaching Chelsea’s creaky defence di. When Caglar Soyuncu rolled a pass with ease. to Ndidi, he dithered on the ball too rank Lampard is still waiting for long and Mount alertly pressured him SHEFFIELD UNITED EARN FIRST his fi rst win as Chelsea man- into conceding possession before slid- WIN BACK IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE ager after Wilfred Ndidi gave ing a clinical fi nish past Schmeichel. Sheffi eld United made a winning return Leicester a 1-1 draw to spoil the It was just reward for a blistering start to the Premier League at Bramall Lane BluesF legend’s homecoming yesterday. from Chelsea and Lampard celebrated as John Lundstram scored the only Thrashed 4-0 at Manchester United by punching the air in delight. Mount goal for a deserved 1-0 win over Crys- last weekend and beaten on penalties should have doubled Chelsea’s lead tal Palace yesterday. Lundstram, who by Liverpool in the European Super Cup when he headed straight at Schmeichel has spent the majority of his career on on Wednesday, Lampard’s side took an from Pedro’s cross before N’Golo Kante loan spells in England’s lower leagues, early lead through Mason Mount’s fi rst shot wide from Giroud’s fl ick. blasted into an unguarded net after goal for Chelsea. But Chelsea couldn’t keep up that fe- Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita could But Ndidi atoned for the costly mis- rocious pace and their dip gave Leices- only parry a low cross into the box two take that led to Mount’s opener as the ter a lifeline they should have taken minutes into the second-half. Nigeria midfi elder headed Leicester’s when James Maddison miscued his pass Despite the slender margin of victo- well deserved second half equaliser. after dancing around Blues keeper Kepa ry, Chris Wilder’s men were well wor- Lampard had been given a thunderous Arrizabalaga early in the second half. thy of the three points as they built on reception in his fi rst game as Chelsea Giroud had started up front instead of a promising 1-1 draw at Bournemouth manager at Stamford Bridge. Tammy Abraham, who suff ered racial on the opening weekend of the season. Yet the mood was far gloomier by the abuse on social media after he missed Palace were blunt in attack with Wil- fi nal whistle after a spluttering display the decisive penalty in that Super Cup fried Zaha often outnumbered and they raised the spectre of a potentially dif- loss in Istanbul. But Lampard respond- have yet to fi nd the net this season. fi cult season for the returning hero. ed to Chelsea’s loss of control and Gi- David McGoldrick missed a glorious Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time record roud’s lack of impact by introducing chance to put the hosts in front before goalscorer, managed to avoid being the Abraham on the hour, the young striker half-time, but his prodded fi nish from fi rst Blues boss to lose his fi rst two Pre- greeted warmly by Blues fans after the point-blank range was too close to mier League games in charge since Gi- midweek taunts. It wasn’t enough to Spaniard Guaita. However, the Blades anluca Vialli 21 years ago. swing the momentum back in Chelsea’s quickly made their mark after the break But on this evidence there is a lot of favour and Leicester’s dominance was when a purposeful run and cross by work for the 41-year-old to do if he is rewarded in the 67th minute. Luke Freeman fell perfectly for Lunds- to emulate his 13-year playing spell at Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans (left) vies for the ball with Chelsea’s Mason Mount (centre) and N’Golo Kante during the When Maddison swung over a cor- tram to fi re home. Chelsea, which included three Premier Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. (Reuters) ner, Ndidi rose above Azpilicueta to League titles and the club’s fi rst Cham- plant a powerful header past Kepa. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS pions League crown. Greeted by a huge With his former Chelsea team- the Spaniard volleyed into the side- rebound. Mount, a tenacious attacking Pulisic had made an underwhelm- Sheff ield United 1 (Lundstram 47) Crystal fl ag with the message ‘Frank Lampard’s mate John Terry in the stands to sup- netting. Moments later, Mount threat- midfi elder in Lampard’s mold, didn’t ing home debut and the former Borus- Palace 0; Chelsea 1 (Mount 7) Leicester 1 blue and white army’ and another read- port his old friend, the Blues nearly ened when he burst through, but the need to rue that miss for long. sia Dortmund winger was next to be (Ndidi 67) ing ‘Welcome home Super Frank’, the gave Lampard a dream start in the fi rst youngster shot too close to Kasper The 20-year-old, who impressed hauled off by Lampard. former England midfi elder emerged minute when Olivier Giroud chested Schmeichel, who did well to block while playing for Lampard on loan at Maddison wasted a golden chance Playing today: Wolves v Manchester from the tunnel to cheers. Cesar Azpilicueta’s pass to Pedro and Christian Pulisic’s attempt from the second tier Derby last season, opened when he blasted over from close-range, United (1900 GMT)

FOCUS QFA, Asean members join hands to develop football across Asia atar Football Association (QFA) has tional Relations Division, Asean Region, meth said. The president of Asean also said signed a co-operation agreement Mariano V. Araneta, President of the Philip- that they are keen to see Qatar stage a suc- with Asean Football Federation pine Football Association, Francois Calboday, cessful 2022 FIFA World Cup when the event member countries to develop the President of the East Timor Federation, and is staged for the second time in Asia since gameQ across the region. The agreement was Weston Lee, Secretary General of the Asean, South Korea and Japan staged the tournament signed by QFA Vice-President Saud bin al- attended the signing ceremony. on 2002. For his part, al-Ansari, Secretary Mohannadi with Major General Kheif Sam- At the end of the signing ceremony, Semeth General, QFA, underlined Qatar’s good foot- eth, President of Asean, and the Vice-Pres- said the agreement is set to benefi t both par- ball relations with all the Asean regional as- ident of the Cambodian Football Federation. ties in various sectors in the coming years. sociations. “QFA looks forward to enhancing QFA Secretary General Mansoor al-Ansari Matters relating to a possible joint Asean co-operation with Asean bodies in the future was also present at the signing ceremony. region bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup was also,” al-Ansari said. The Asean Football Federation is a smaller also discussed. A study is currently under- Al-Ansari said QFA continues to sign organisation within the Asian Football Con- way among the member countries. Numer- agreements to develop football across con- federation, and centres on Southeast Asia. ous Asean member teams have already played tinents. He also highlighted Qatar’s strong It was founded in 1984 by Brunei, Indone- in both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups presence within Asian Football Confederation sia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and and achieved good results over the years. committees. In recent years, QFA has signed Thailand. Asean region has successfully completed numerous football development agreements QFA’s Marketing and Communication programmes related to marketing and social with African, European, South American and QFA Vice-President Saud bin al-Mohannadi (second right) with President of Asean and Vice-President of chief, Khalid al-Kuwari, Head of Interna- responsibility that QFA can benefi t from, Se- North American football authorities. the Cambodian Football Federation Major General Kheif Sameth after signing a co-operation agreement.