CRICKET | Page 2 FOOTBALL | Page 7 Shastri wins Things change, ‘close race’ to I’m counting continue as on Bale, says India’s coach Zidane

Saturday, August 17, 2019 RUGBY Dhul-Hijja 16, 1440 AH Wallabies win could GULF TIMES end losing run and NZ’s top ranking SPORT Page 4

FOOTBALL / SHEIKH JASSIM CUP 7:15PM Duhail look to brush aside loss, halt Sadd momentum ‘The loss against Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League is not the end for us. It will not aff ect our desire to win’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

l Duhail midfi elder Ali Afi f has urged his team- mates to put the AFC Champions League lossA behind them and focus on winning the Sheikh Jassim Cup against Al Sadd today. Qatar football’s season-opening contest between the two domestic giants has added an extra spice to the encounter, which kicks off at 7:15pm at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, after Sadd beat their per- ennial rivals to progress into the AFC Champions League quarter- fi nals on Tuesday. The two teams are expected to battle it out for the QNB Stars League this season, which begins this Wednesday. But before that, they would be keen to lay their hands on the Sheikh Jassim Cup. Undoubtedly, Sadd will go into the contest at their home ground as clear favourites but Duhail can Al Duhail players take part in a training session ahead of their Sheikh Jassim Cup match against Al Sadd. spring a surprise as they did in the Amir Cup fi nal in May. Arabi and Shoya Nakajima bid- good level against Sadd. When the season, and we are ready for While Duhail will be ham- ding adieu to the club, which we start the match, you will see it. We’ve had a positive phase strung by the absence of key has hampered their start to the that we have forgotten our loss recently, especially during the players – defender Mehdi Benatia season. Now it’s up to skipper in the AFC Champions League,” pre-season. The victory in the and forward Almoez Ali, Sadd too Youssef Msakni, who returned he said. Champions League fi xture will will miss the services of Baghdad after a short loan spell at KAS Meanwhile, Al Sadd midfi eld- be a real boost for us, as we look Bounedjah, Hamed Ismail and Eupen, to lead the charge along er Ahmed Sayyar believes that to put more wins on board.” Tarek Salman, who are under with impressive Edmilson Junior, his side is fully prepared to get The Sheikh Jassim Cup, suspension after being sent off in Al Sadd players take part in a training session on the eve of their Sheikh Jassim Cup match against Al Duhail who is sure to dominate the goal- another victory over Al Duhail. launched in 1977, over the years, the Amir Cup fi nal. at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar TK scoring charts the season. Faria Speaking to the media at the pre- has been played in the month of Sadd still look stronger on can also call upon Iraqi prodigy match press conference, Ahmed August and sets things in mo- paper, with Ali Afi f’s younger retirement over the summer and and we are seeking nothing less us a bad team. We learn from our Mohanad Ali, who arrived from said: “It will be a tough game for tion for an exciting season. The brother Akram in prolifi c form, is leading the Wolves now from than a victory, because it will also mistakes. We have young players Al Shorta this summer. both sides. Our team is ready, tournament is a one-off match while South Korea playmaker the dugout. boost our morale for the season in squad, who are talented and Ali Afi f hopes to play a key role mentally and physically, for this between the winners of the QNB Nam Tae-hee, who swapped Du- Ali Afi f asserted that Duhail ahead,” the 31-year-old said. ambitious and want to do well for in today’s match but empha- game, particularly after we quali- Star League (QSL) and Amir Cup. hail for Sadd over the summer, will go into the match deter- “The loss against Al Sadd in the the club this season,” the Qatar sised the role of all the 11 play- fi ed for the next stage of the AFC Al Rayyan won the previous edi- running the show in the midfi eld. mined to win the title. “Al Duhail AFC Champions League is not international added. ers against a strong Sadd side. Champions League.” tion of the tournament after beat- The Qatar league champions players always have the ambition the end for us. It will not aff ect Rui Faria’s men made two ma- “All the 11 players will have to He added: “The Sheikh Jassim ing Al Duhail 6-4. Al Sadd have also look well settled under new to win matches and titles. So it our desire to win the matches for jor changes to their squad over work hard for the team. I hope we Cup title could be a good start the most impeccable record in the coach Xavi, who announced his is a very important match for us the club. One loss does not make the summer with Youssef El can play as a team and present a for the team at the beginning of tournament with 14 trophies.

FOCUS On top of the world? Athletes target new records en years on from Usain Bolt’s en 2016), hit by a serious knee injury The main threat would appear to be 9.58sec lightning dash over in 2017, is likely to be a boon to the US 21-year-old Cuban Juan Miguel Eche- 100m which remains seared contingent led by Michael Norman. varria, who cleared 8.83m in June last into the memory, today’s stars The 21-year-old from San Diego, year in Stockholm albeit that was wind Tare targeting a clutch of world records whose 43.45sec earlier this year gave assisted at 2.1m per second above the ahead of next month’s athletics world him the fourth best time to date, goes permitted maximum of 2.0m/s. championships in Doha. boil we have for a long time been well to Doha as favourite over the distance. “For Echevarria, it will come unless Here’s a look at the records most away from the high level which we Compatriot Fred Kerley, who beat he is injured — that’s certain,” fore- likely to fall: knew in the 1990s. Norman in the US championships in casts Powell. “Now we are coming back towards a timing 43.64, is another title hope. “If you are capable of doing 8.60m, 400M HURDLES TRIO level which is even superior.” then you are capable of jumping 9m The event is undergoing a renaissance TRIPLE JUMP: TAYLOR VS CLAYE with a really fi ne jump.” after several years in the background BARSHIM FLYING HIGH Jonathan Edwards’ record of 18.29m His offi cial personal best to date not least owing to the emergence of For fi ve straight seasons, Qatar’s Mu- has stood since 1995 but double Ol- stands at 8.68m, though the world Qatari Abderrahman Samba, 23, and taz Essa Barshim has jumped the sea- ympic champion Christian Taylor indoor champion did jump a wind- 22-year-old American Rai Benjamin, son’s best mark with 2.43m from 2014 leaves nobody in much doubt about assisted 8.92m in Havana last March. respectively holders since last year of in Brussels his best eff ort. That’s also his ambitions to beat it. Echevarria faces competition for the second and third best times ever the closest anyone has come to Javier Qatari 400m hurdler Abderrahman Samba (left) and high jumper Mutaz Essa “The world record is the only reason gold and a potential new mark from recorded — 46.98sec for Samba, and Sotomayor’s world record of 2.45m. Barshim have come the closest to the world records in their respective events. why I am continuing competing,” says South African Luvo Manyonga — 47.02 for Benjamin. Barshim attempted to break the Cu- the triple world champion who came whose personal best is 8.65m. Add Norwegian world champion ban’s world mark at Szekesfehervar in LASITSKENE ALONE What has been lacking for her, within 8 centimetres of putting the Karsten Warholm, who has twice set Hungary in July last year, raising the Whether she can pull out a new world though, is the lack of serious rivals Edwards mark to bed in 2015. MORE MARKS? European marks over the distance this bar to 2.46m. He came tantalisingly mark is one thing. Whether Russian to push her to even greater heights, Taylor’s fellow American Will Claye Five athletes have broken world marks season, timing 47.12sec in London on close on his fi rst two attempts, but the high jump starlet Mariya Lasitskene though there is the additional moti- turned in 18.14m at a June meeting to across the past year. July 20. third ended with him clutching his an- can actually be beaten is another af- vation of next year’s Tokyo Olympics show he is the likely man to push his They include Kenyans Beatrice The trio’s recent exploits are enough kle. He has since undergone a surgery ter she piled up 42 wins in her last 43 having had to miss the Rio Games in rival hardest. Chepkoech in the 3,000m steeplechase to suggest that Kevin Young’s 46.78sec and has recovered enough to jump outings since 2017. Her personal best 2016 owing to the suspension of Rus- and Eliud Kipchoge in the marathon — which the American achieved on Au- 2.27m on two occasions. stands at 2.06m, tantalisingly close sian athletes over a doping scandal. POWELL’S FEARS FOR MARK though he will miss the worlds — French gust 6, 1992, could be in real danger. At the world championships, he is to Bulgarian Stefka Kostadinova’s Au- Mike Powell set the long jump mark of decathlon star Kevin Mayer, China’s “All the ingredients are there,” says most likely to go up against the likes gust 1987 world mark of 2.09. NORMAN QUEST 8.95m in Tokyo back in August 1991 in 50km walker Hong Liu and US starlet 1997 world champion Stephane Dia- of Ilya Ivanyuk and Majd Eddin Ghazal Lasitskene, 26, has several times The absence of South African 400m an epic tussle with Carl Lewis — but and Olympic champion Dalilah Mo- gana. “In terms of density (of con- who have jumped 2.33m and 2.31m re- just missed clearing 2.10m, notably in Olympic champion and world record expects the record to slide from his hamed, fresh from setting a new world tenders) and potential coming to the spectively in this season. Ostrava on June 20. holder Wayde Van Niekerk (43.03sec grasp this summer. mark in the 400m hurdles in July. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 17, 2019 CRICKET

FIRST TEST SPOTLIGHT Shastri wins ‘close race’ to continue as Watling puts New India’s head coach

Reuters dies, where Virat Kohli’s men still Mumbai, India have to play two Tests. Before departing for the tour of West Indies, Kohli openly avi Shastri will con- backed Shastri to continue but Zealand in strong tinue as head coach of the CAC said they had arrived at the Indian senior men’s their decision without consult- cricket team up to 2021 ing the skipper. afterR pipping New Zealand’s “Being the current coach, Mike Hesson and Australia’s Tom knowing the boys well, the prob- Moody, the country’s cricket lems in the current team, he board (BCCI) said yesterday. (Shastri) is well versed with the The BCCI’s Cricket Advisory entire system,” Gaekwad said. position in Galle Committee (CAC), comprising “For somebody who knows the cricket great Kapil Dev, former system, who knows the players, ‘He is a guy who stands up when we need him and he showed that again today’ India coach Anshuman Gaek- can communicate well, he had wad and ex-women’s captain the advantage.” AFP Shanta Rangaswamy, conducted Former Test all-rounder Shas- Galle, Sri Lanka interviews for the post yester- tri was appointed head coach in day and unanimously agreed to 2017, succeeding former captain retain faith in Shastri until the Anil Kumble who stepped down fi ghting half-century T20 World Cup in India starting after falling out with Kohli de- by wicketkeeper-bats- October 2021. spite a successful run in charge. man BJ Watling helped As well as incumbent Shastri, Under Shastri, who also had New Zealand to take a former India players Lalchand a previous stint as India’s team highlyA competitive lead of 177 at Rajput and Robin Singh were also director, India won a maiden Test stumps on day three in the fi rst short-listed candidates. series in Australia earlier this Test match against Sri Lanka in “Shastri’s presentation was year and are ranked number one Galle yesterday. about what he did in the last two in the world in the format. New Zealand, who trailed Sri years and the way forward for the They reached the semi-fi nals Lanka by 18 runs in the fi rst in- Indian team,” Dev told reporters of the World Cup where they nings, fi nished on 195 for seven at a hotel overlooking the Ara- were beaten by runners-up New and a target around 200 could bian Sea. Zealand last month. prove tricky for the hosts. “The system was simple. After Moody previously coached Sri Spinners have long ruled the a meeting of almost six hours, all Lanka and also had stints in fran- roost at Galle and towards the three of us had our markings. We chise cricket with Indian Premier tail end of the game they tend to unanimously decided after ac- League sides Kings XI Punjab become even more threatening. counting for all the numbers... and Sunrisers Hyderabad, while The highest successful run number one is Ravi Shastri. Hesson served as head coach for chase at the grounds is 99 by Sri “We didn’t discuss who is the Black Caps for six years. Lanka against Pakistan in 2014 giving whom how many marks. Former West Indies opener and armed with a three-pronged When we calculated it was a Simmons, who was the head coach spin attack, New Zealand should close race, the diff erence was of Afghanistan till the World Cup be already feeling comfortable. small and we were amazed.” and also coached the Caribbean It was a thrilling day’s Test Shastri’s next assignment will side and Ireland, dropped out of match with both teams fi ghting be the home series against South Friday’s interview process. tooth and nail for the initiative Africa, who will play three T20 The BCCI has also invited ap- and at stumps on day three New internationals and three Tests plications for the positions of Zealand emerged on top thanks New Zealand’s BJ Watling (left) plays a shot as Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella (right) looks on on third day of the first Test cricket starting next month. batting coach, bowling coach, to the eff orts of Watling, who in Galle, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (AFP) The contracts of Shastri and fi elding coach, physiotherapist, fi nished unbeaten on 63. his team were set to expire after strength and conditioning coach New Zealand had slumped to that total to as many as possible. the 50-overs World Cup but they as well as an administrative man- 25 for three losing top batsmen We know how tough it can be in were handed an extension until ager — with the appointments to Ross Taylor (3) and Kane Wil- Scorecard the fourth innings to chase down the ongoing tour of the West In- be made soon. liamson (4) cheaply and at 124 a score.” for six with only a lead of 106 NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 249 Total (all out, 93.2 overs) 267 R. Taylor c De Silva b Embuldeniya 3 Earlier, after resuming on 227 runs and four wickets remain- SRI LANKA 1st innings (o/n 227/7) Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Thir- H. Nicholls c Mendis b De Silva 26 for seven, Niroshan Dickwella ing, they were playing catch up. top scored for Sri Lanka with D. Karunaratne lbw b Patel 39 imanne), 2-66 (Karunaratne), BJ Watling not out 63 But Watling found an ideal 3-143 (Mendis), 4-144 (Perera), 61 as they went onto post 267. partner in Tim Southee as the L. Thirimanne st Watling b Patel 5-155 (De Silva), 6-158 (Math- M. Santner c Lakmal b Embuldeni- Dickwella and Suranga Lakmal pair shared a 54-run stand to 10 ews), 7-161 (Dananjaya), 8-242 ya 12 were involved in a crucial 81 turn the game in New Zealand’s K. Mendis c Taylor b Patel 53 (Lakmal), 9-262 (Dickwella), T. Southee st Dickwella b Em- run stand for the eighth wicket favour. that enabled them to take a lead. A. Mathews c Taylor b Patel 50 10-267 (Embuldeniya) buldeniya 23 Sri Lanka were sloppy on the Lakmal made 40. Bowling: W. Somerville not out 5 fi eld with Southee dropped three K. Perera c Santner b Boult 1 Boult 20-4-45-2 (1w), “At that point we were 160 Southee 7-3-17-0, Somerville 22- times. Lasith Embuldeniya pro- D. de Silva c & b Patel 5 Extras (nb 2, b 4, lb 4) 10 for seven and we were in big 3-83-3, Patel 33-6-89-5, Santner vided the much-needed break- Total (for 7 wickets, 76 overs) 195 trouble. I had to build the in- N. Dickwella c Williamson b 11-0-31-0. through when Southee gave him Somerville 61 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Raval), 2-20 nings with Suranga and I had to the charge and was stumped by get some runs as well. I had to A. Dananjaya c Taylor b Somer- (Williamson), 3-25 (Taylor), 4-81 Niroshan Dickwella. He made NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings (Latham), 5-98 (Nicholls), 6-124 protect Suranga from the tough 23. It was Embuldeniya’s fourth ville 0 bowlers,” Dickwella said. J. Raval c Karunaratne b De Silva 4 (Santner), 7-178 (Southee). wicket in the innings. S. Lakmal b Boult 40 “Even if we get a target of T. Latham c Thirimanne b Danan- Bowling: Lakmal 8-1-25-0 (2nb), L. Embuldeniya lbw b Somerville 5 225 or so I think we can chase GRACE UNDER PRESSURE jaya 45 Dananjaya 24-3-56-1, De Silva it down. Batting fourth will be L. Kumara not out 0 Watling had been given out leg K. Williamson c Perera b Em- 10-3-16-2, Embuldeniya 29-3-71- tough on this wicket, no doubt before to Embuldeniya when he Extras (w 1, b 1, lb 1) 3 buldeniya 44, Kumara 5-0-19-0. about that, but we have a decent was on one but the batsman suc- batting line-up. Looking for- cessfully reviewed the decision. ward for the challenge.” Watling, who has six Test “It was a fantastic innings by journalists. great to have him in our team,” Ajaz Patel became the fi rst hundreds and posted a career Watling. He is a guy who stands “The calmness under pres- he added. New Zealander to take fi ve best unbeaten 142 against Sri up when we need him and he sure is superb. He has done it Latham said that a target in wickets in Galle and he was well Lanka, was again being a thorn showed that again today. The time and again for us. When he excess of 200 would be hard for backed up by William Somer- in their fl esh with an unbeaten last couple of partnerships were is pushed to tough situations, he Sri Lanka to chase. ville and Trent Boult, who 63 that came off 138 balls with crucial,” opening batsman Tom enjoys those situations and that “We are not too far off from shared fi ve wickets between the fi ve fours. Latham, who made 45, told brings the best out of him. It’s that. Hopefully we can stitch two of them.

ASHES England pick up crucial wickets before rain wrecks day

Reuters London, United Kingdom Lyon joins Lillee but reserves praise for Hazlewood

Reuters the top-three bowlers in Test ngland fought back on the London cricket — that’s my personal third day in the second opinion.” Test of the Ashes yester- Lyon added that Hazlewood’s day, picking up three top athan Lyon tied Dennis greatest strength was his orderE wickets to reduce Australia Lillee as Australia’s ability to build pressure on to 80-4 before rain wiped out the Nthird-highest Test batsmen, a skill that helped fi nal two sessions at Lord’s. wicket-taker after picking up McGrath achieve his success. The tourists, who added 50 runs three against England at Lord’s “His control — hitting that nag- to their overnight total, trail by 178 on Thursday but the off -spinner ging length — but having the runs and they will need a signifi - preferred not to dwell on his skill to go both ways, in and cant lower order contribution to own achievements and hailed out,” Lyon added of Hazle- put pressure back on England. the impact of team mate Josh wood’s repertoire. England’s seamers struggled Hazlewood. “But then he’s got a pretty at fi rst to take advantage of fa- Lyon joined Lillee on 355 Test strong bouncer as well, and it’s vourable bowling conditions but wickets as he took 3-68 in the usually on the money.” made the breakthrough when Jofra second Ashes Test to help Aus- The strength of the Australian Archer trapped Cameron Bancroft tralia dismiss England for 258. pace battery on tour in Eng- (13) lbw with the score at 60-2. The visitors ended the second’s land, they left out Mitchell Starc Usman Khawaja (36) followed day play on 30-1. and dropped James Pattinson quickly after, edging Chris Woakes The entire first day was washed for the Lord’s Test, has given into the gloves of Jonny Bairstow out. coach Justin Langer diff icult and then Stuart Broad removed England’s Jofra Archer (right) Fast bowler Hazlewood, who selection decisions to make. Travis Head (7), leg before. celebrates taking the wicket of Scorecard was not picked for Australia’s And Hazlewood’s perform- But Steve Smith, who struck Australia’s Cameron Bancroft on 251-run victory in the first Test ance on his return to the side two centuries in the opening Test third day of the second Ashes Test ENGLAND 1st Innings 258 all out M. Wade not out 0 at Edgbaston, chipped in with showed he was mentally at Edgbaston was unbeaten on 13 at Lord’s in London. (Reuters) AUSTRALIA 1st Innings (o/n: 30-1) Extras (b4, lb4) 8 3-58 and proved he was fully re- after joining Lillee on the mark strong, Lyon added. when the umpires took the play- covered from a stress fracture behind Shane Warne (708) and “I know he was disappointed to ers off for rain in the nalfi over England will hope they can re- C. Bancroft lbw b Archer 13 Total (4 wkts, 37.1 overs) 80 in his back when he had Jason Glenn McGrath (563). be left out of the first Test, but before lunch. move Smith early on the fourth D. Warner b Broad 3FoW: 1-11 (Warner), 2-60 (Bancroft), Roy caught behind on his third “I don’t think he’s got the to come back and bowl the way Persistent rain throughout the day and get into the Australian U. Khawaja c Bairstow b Woakes 36 3-60 (Khawaja), 4-71 (Head) ball. rewards he’s deserved as yet he did today — hats off to Josh,” afternoon led to the day’s play fi - lower order but on a surface that “I think Josh has been a world- in his career, I think they’re to the 31-year-old said. S. Smith not out 13 Bowling: Broad 13-3-26-2; Archer nally being called off shortly be- suggests low scores, every out- 13-6-18-1; Woakes 9-3-27-1; Stokes class bowler for a long period come. “I thought he was the pick of fore 5.30pm local time with just come remains possible for the T. Head lbw b Broad 72.1-1-1-0 of time,” Lyon told reporters “In my eyes Josh is up there in our bowlers.” 24.1 overs possible in the day. fi nal two days. Gulf Times Saturday, August 17, 2019 3 SPORT

HORSE RACING TRIATHLON Qatar Racing’s Kick On lands fi rst black type win Mislawchuk wins Agencies to win in a photo fi nish under a Salisbury, United Kingdom strong ride from Oisin Murphy. ‘battle of nutrition’ at Accidental Agent, owned by Mrs RF Johnson Houghton and n the colours of Qatar Rac- trained by Eve Johnson, was the 2020 test event ing Limited, Kick On was runner-up under Charles Bish- back in the winner’s circle op. Flashcard, owned by The Reuters to get through a race in the heat.” on Thursday following his Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds II Tokyo, Japan “I was very, very conservative Ifi rst win at Group level in the and saddled by Andrew Balding, today; I just wanted a good, solid Tattersalls Sovereign Stakes fi nished third with Rob Hornby race to prove to myself I can race (Group 3) in Salisbury. astride. anada’s Tyler Mis- in these conditions and to come Trained by John Gosden, the Kick On was stepping back lawchuk prevailed in a back next year and be far more bay colt won by a nose in front down in trip here following a ‘battle of nutrition’ in aggressive and actually race this of Accidental Agent in the mile- disappointing run in the Prix sticky, humid condi- time.” long race for three-year-old and du Jockey Club (Group 1) over Ctions yesterday to win Tokyo’s “For me, today was about get- older colts and geldings. a mile and a quarter. Prior to International Triathlon Union ting through it.” The three-year-old broke this, he had won a listed race in (ITU) Olympic qualifying race, Following the marathon swim- smartly to sit up on the pace, Newmarket last April. He is by which also doubled as a Tokyo ming test event at the same ven- making his move two furlongs Charm Spirit, who stands under 2020 test event. ue last weekend, questions have from the line. He saw off a the Qatar Racing Stallions ban- A day after the women’s race been asked over the water quality strong attempt from Flashcard, ner at Tweenhills Stud in Eng- had to be shortened over heat at the Odaiba Marine Park. before battling through the fi nal land, and was bought as a year- Oisin Murphy (left) rides Kick On to victory in Tattersalls Sovereign Stakes (Group 3) in Salisbury, England, concerns, the men’s event went However, the ITU ruled the furlong with Accidental Agent ling from Tattersalls Book 1. on Thursday. (Racingfotos) ahead at the venue for next year’s water quality good enough for Olympics in slightly cooler con- competition and the recorded ditions, aided by grey skies. water temperature on Friday was TENNIS Mislawchuk outsprinted Hay- 29.3 degrees Celsius, below the den Wilde of New Zealand and governing body’s threshold of Norway’s Casper Stornes in the 30.9. fi nal stages to secure the victory “The water was fi ne. There has for what he described as “biggest been a lot of talk about the water moment of my sporting career”. quality but I have swam in much Mislawchuk, who fi nished 15th worse. It is very, very good,” said at the Rio 2016 Games, won in a Brownlee. Federer stunned by relatively slow time of 1:49:50 as “We have trained in a lot hot- the triathletes battled with the ter. When I was a young kid in humidity. the swimming pools of Leeds we “I knew I was ready for the trained in a lot hotter water than heat but I wasn’t ready for the that so it was fi ne.” humidity so I just had to keep on As for Mislawchuk, who be- going and keep cool, keep that came the fi rst Canadian male to body temperature cool with a bit secure a World Triathlon Series Russian qualifi er of ice and water down the back,” (WTS) podium, he believes good Wilde, who fi nished third, told preparation and a natural apti- Reuters. tude for dealing with the heat Djokovic beat Carreno Busta at Cincinnati Masters to set up a match with Pouille “It was kind of a survival of contributed to his maiden vic- nutrition out there, instead of tory. how fast you can go because at He will be one to watch at the Osaka survives Hsieh to reach the end of the day it was so hot Olympics next year. that it wasn’t going to be a fast “I am in the fortunate position quarters in Cincinnati race,” said the New Zealander. that I do really well in the heat, Reuters tles, French Open champion Two-time Olympic medallist without preparation and obvi- Cincinnati, United States Barty needed more than two Jonathan Brownlee echoed these ously even better with prepara- hours to tame her Estonian sentiments and promised to be tion,” he explained. rival, rifling a forehand winner more aggressive at the Games “It goes the other way; I don’t orld number one on match point. next year following a fi fth-placed do too well in the cold as I am a Naomi Osaka Barty set up a meeting with fi nish on Friday. lean guy, a small guy.” Wsurvived a tough Maria Sakkari, who needed “It was really, really tough “Everyone wants to win a race test against Hsieh Su-Wei even longer to dispatch Aryna racing,” said the Briton, whose like that so, a year out from the and eked out a 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-2 Sabalenka 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4 on brother Alistair didn’t compete. Olympics, that is great but it also victory to reach her first ever a hot and humid day. “I think for me personally, it puts a target on my back for next quarter-final at the Cincinnati Venus Williams also went was quite an important race, just year obviously.” Masters on Thursday. the distance before claiming Osaka, who lost to Hsieh at the a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Miami Open in March, admitted Croatia’s Donna Vekic. a day earlier that the Taiwanese The 39-year-old Williams has challenger was an unpredict- struggled at times this season able opponent for her. but has been resilient in Cincin- But she was ready this time nati, defeating defending around, firing 15 aces and champion Kiki Bertens in three breaking Hsieh five times. sets in the previous round. Osaka now gets a matchup The seven-times Grand Slam with 20-year-old American champion will have her work Sofia Kenin who took down cut out in the next round when seventh-seed Elina Svitolina she faces big-serving American Roger Federer (foreground) of Switzerland returns a shot against Andrey Rublev of Russia during their 6-3, 7-6 (3). Madison Keys who took down Western and Southern Open match in Mason, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) Earlier in the day, top seed Wimbledon champion Simona Ash Barty overcame 49 un- Halep 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. Reuters “Today I was just trying to do four break points in the second forced errors and a stiff chal- Third seed Karolina Pliskova, Cincinnati, United States my best and was thinking in my set and earning his own break in lenge from Anett Kontaveit to of Czech Republic, will meet head that I need to play every the third game. reach the quarter-finals with a Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, point until the end no matter “I’m very pleased with the per- 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 win of the Cincin- who upended American earless Russian qualifi er what.” formance today because I played nati Masters on Thursday. Sloane Stephens 6-1, 6-2, in Andrey Rublev needed It was Federer’s fastest defeat against a very great, quality player On a day of epic three-set bat- the quarter-final. just over an hour to beat since losing to Franco Squillari tonight,” Djokovic said. “It’s a Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4 in 54 minutes in Sydney in 2003. straight-sets win but probably inF the third round of the Cincin- “He was super clean,” Fed- the score doesn’t indicate how nati Masters on Thursday, the erer, seven-times champion in tough it was on the court.” Swiss 20-time Grand Slam Cincinnati, said of Rublev. Next up for Djokovic is champion suff ering his quickest “Defence, off ence, serving Frenchman Lucas Pouille, who defeat for 16 years. well. Didn’t give me anything. beat eighth seed Karen Khach- The 21-year-old Rublev, who He was everywhere. So it was anov of Russia 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2. broke the third seed in his fi rst tough for me, but excellent In other matches, Spain’s two service games, shed tears of match by him. I was impressed.” Roberto Bautista Agut took joy after pulling off the biggest Rublev’s win sets up an all- down Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1, win of his career in 62 minutes. Russian quarter-fi nal with ninth 6-2 and will next face France’s “It is such an amazing feel- seed Daniil Medvedev, who beat Richard Gasquet, who beat Di- ing when you’re playing a legend German Jan-Lennard Struff ego Schwartzman 7-6 (6), 6-3. like Roger and all these people 6-2, 6-1. Belgium’s David Goffi n and supporting him until the end,” World number one Novak Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka also Canada’s Tyler Mislawchuck (right) reacts after crossing the finish line he told ESPN. “One day I hope Djokovic beat Spain’s Pablo advanced to set up a quarter- to win the 2019 ITU World Triathlon Olympic Qualification event ahead I’m going to feel the same. Carreno Busta 6-3 6-4, saving fi nal match-up. of Norway’s Casper Stornes (L) in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

Qatar’s medal haul swells at West Asia youth athletics meet

Omar Abdulmajeed (right) won his second medal of the championships when he Saeed Ali won Qatar’s first medal on the second day of the West Asian Youth won silver in the 200m race yesterday, with compatriot Khaled Zakaria winning Athletics Championships in Beirut, Lebanon, yesterday. He picked up bronze in bronze. Abdulmajeed had won Qatar’s first gold in the championships on the first the pole vault event. Zubair Hassan Jama won bronze in the 3,000m race. day of the four-day event with a win in the 400m hurdles event. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 17, 2019 RUGBY

PREVIEW FOCUS Brits urges Bok teammates to seize Wallabies win could World Cup chance

Reuters they are a proud country, They Pretoria will be hurting from last week- end’s performance. I defi nitely think they are coming here to outh Africa stand-in prove a point,” he said. end losing run and captain Schalk Brits “They are fi ghting hard for has urged his team- positions and it will be a tough mates to give coach match. They may change on RassieS Erasmus a major se- certain technical things, but in lection headache in today’s essence they are very physical, one-off Test against Argentina hard-working team.” Loftus Versveld, ahead of the Brits, who retired from rug- announcement of the 31-man by in May 2018 but was coaxed NZ’s top ranking World Cup squad. back by Erasmus, will become Brits, 38, will lead a com- the second oldest Bok captain ‘These are the games you want to be a part of and it’s even a level up again this week’ pletely new starting XV from after former lock Victor Mat- the side that beat Argentina fi eld, and admits to his sur- 46-13 in Salta last weekend to prise at being handed the role lift the Rugby Championship for the game. as Erasmus gives a number “I’m gutted, Victor pips me of players the opportunity to by just a couple of days,” he book a ticket to Japan. joked. “As a player you can’t de- “But not in my wildest termine selection, but what dreams did I believe I would you can do is control your at- captain the Boks. It is a mas- titude,” Brits told reporters. sive privilege and very unex- “We have put a lot of hard pected. work into this team going out “I really am grateful for hav- there tomorrow and I have ing a second chance to be part learnt that if the team does of an unbelievable team.” well, then the probability is Meanwhile Argentina have higher that you get selected. made a late change to their “We just want to put in a match day squad after experi- performance together that our enced hooker Agustin Creevy team mates will be proud of.” returned home for personal The Boks were in complete reasons. control of the scrums in Salta Former captain Creevy is last weekend, one of their likely to be the starting hooker keys to victory, and with both at the World Cup in Japan next sides having made consider- month, but was named on able changes to the pack for the bench for the clash with today’s test, Brits says it is the Springboks in a much- important they maintain that changed side chosen by coach dominance. Mario Ledesma. “People enjoy seeing tries, Julian Montoya was selected but I like penalties at scrum to start, with Creevy’s place time,” Brits said. on the bench now taken by “The scrum is the beauty Santiago Socino, who made of rugby, you can’t hide and if his test debut against Australia you don’t do your work, you last month. get pressed into a little bin.” Argentina are seeking to end Brits is expecting a backlash an eight-game losing streak in from the visitors, who are also today’s one-off test against fi ghting for their World Cup the Boks, having lost 46-13 to Australia’s Sekope Kepu (left), Christian Lealiifano (second from left), Michael Hooper and James O’Connor (right) attend the captain’s run training session in Auckland ahead of a places as the team stumbles on the same opposition in their Bledisloe Cup game against the New Zealand’s All Blacks. (AFP) an eight-game winless run. fi nal Rugby Championship “I have played with a couple clash in Salta last weekend. Reuters loe Cup with rankings a periph- 100 up for Hansen but beating Wallabies the focus of Argentines at Saracens and Wellington eral consideration. The All Blacks have faced a Steve Hansen has no time for sentimentality clash with the Wallabies has an added element of week of intense introspection ahead of today’s Bledisloe Cup clash against Aus- intrigue to it. The match should give Hansen a firm ustralia could not only after they were humbled by the tralia at Eden Park, with the All Blacks indication whether his side are on the slide, as has ‘Old Blacks’ – Aussies poke fun regain the Bledisloe near-perfect Wallabies per- coach focused only on ensuring his 100th Test been suggested by some pundits and rugby writ- at ‘ageing’ New Zealand Cup with a win over formance last week and have in charge ends the same way as his first – with a ers, or whether they are firmly on track to deliver a the All Blacks today but vowed to up their performance victory. third successive World Cup title. Former Wallaby Peter FitzSi- the “Old Blacks” by ma- alsoA end New Zealand’s decade- to ensure they retain the Bledis- A win would ensure New Zealand retain the Bledis- “This is an exciting one because there’s a lot on it,” mons mocked the All Blacks nipulating photos of Williams, long reign at the top of the world loe Cup. loe Cup for another year, having held it since 2003, Hansen said. as “old and slow” yesterday skipper Kieran Read (33) and rankings. “These moments are built for and give Hansen an indication of where his “That’s why they’re called test matches, they’re just days after a Sydney Sam Whitelock (30) to make The Wallabies put one hand on us as All Blacks and the way you side sits heading into next month’s Rugby World going to test our resolve to step up to the plate and tabloid labelled them “senior them look like elderly men. the symbol of trans-Tasman su- respond is crucial,” captain Kier- Cup. we’ll learn a lot out of it and march on to the next citizens”, stirring the pot Williams responded by saying premacy last week with a record an Read told reporters yesterday. The 60-year-old, brought in by Graham Henry as occasion. ahead of a crunch Bledisloe he had faith in the senior 47-26 win in Perth, a victory “This group is hurting and an assistant in 2004, is stepping down after the “We’re going to get asked some questions about Cup clash. players to win the match that put the All Blacks hegemony that’s how it should be. We’ve global showpiece in Japan after eight seasons ourselves. Their brazen confidence in Auckland and retain the under immediate pressure with got a chance to rectify that and as head coach and a 15-year association with the “This is the best challenge we could get prior to follows Australia stunning annual Bledisloe Cup, which second-placed Wales facing we’re excited by that.” team. going to a World Cup.” the world champions 47-26 in Australia have not won since England later today. As if facing a wounded All He has downplayed the significance of reaching Perth last weekend, although 2002. England’s 33-19 victory over Blacks side was not enough, the the century mark, however, telling reporters this the New Zealanders were “Australia are coming, we Wales, however, ensured that Wallabies have not held the Bl- week: “I haven’t even thought about it. a man down for the entire know that, but we’re hungry Steve Hansen’s side retained the edisloe Cup since 2002 and to “They’re all special,” he said. second half after lock Scott to keep that Bledisloe as well top ranking for at least another make the task even harder they “It’s a privilege of being given the honour of being Barrett was sent off . – so don’t forget that,” he said. week, although that is again up have not beaten the world cham- head coach of the All Blacks, even if it’s only for FitzSimons, now a media In response to the Perth for contention in this weekend’s pions in New Zealand since 2001 one test. It’s no diff erent to a player. You strive to commentator, said the Wal- defeat, New Zealand coach World Cup warmup games. or at Eden Park since 1986. being the best you can be and if you play one test labies “simply outclassed the Steve Hansen dumped three The All Blacks have held the The All Blacks also see their match, well that’s better than the bloke who played All Blacks” in the record win. veterans – prop Owen Franks number one spot since Novem- Auckland venue as a fortress, none, isn’t it. “They humiliated those poor and wings Ben Smith and ber 2009, but four sides could having won two of their three “And if you hang around for long enough and you All Blacks and it was good for Rieko Ioane, who have a com- end up there by Monday with World Cup titles there and are do your job properly you get to stay there as a rugby,” he said on Newstalk bined total of 213 Test caps. Wales and Ireland looking to unbeaten at the ground since player and it’s the same as a coach. ZB radio. “I don’t think it’s a risk and achieve the top position for the 1994, a run of 42 matches – of “Every test match we play, I’m not big on mile- The scale of the defeat raised there’s lots of reward in it,” fi rst time. which they have won 40. stones, I think let’s enjoy it for what it is.” questions about whether said Hansen, after opting England could also climb to “These are the games you Hansen’s involvement with the team has coincided New Zealand’s dominance for the relatively raw talent the top of the rankings for the want to be a part of and it’s even with a golden generation of players like all-time was at an end, and about the of Nepo Laulala (18 Tests), fi rst time in 15 years if they man- a level up again this week,” Wal- greats Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Keven wisdom of relying on players George Bridge (three) and age to beat Wales by 15 points. labies captain Michael Hooper Mealamu passing through the side. aged over 30. Sevu Reece (one). Such is the tightness at the top said. Of the 202 Tests Hansen has been involved in, “Sonny Bill Williams is 34, Even against a New Zealand of the table, that depending on “You’re going to a place where 99 as head coach and 103 as an assistant, the All how’s Sonny Bill going to go team built around over 30s, results over the weekend the All many a generation of Wal- Blacks have won 174 and lost 24, with four draws. up against James O’Connor?” Australia face a huge task in Blacks could slip to sixth, their laby hasn’t won and coming up They have won 11 of 16 Tri-Nations or Rugby Cham- FitzSimons said. “The All Auckland today. lowest position since the rank- against a great New Zealand side pionship titles, two World Cups and retained the Blacks just looked a bit old They have not tasted vic- ings were introduced in 2003. for some silverware on the line. Bledisloe Cup each year. and slow.” tory since 1986 at Eden Park, Both the Wallabies and All “It’s fantastic being on the But after a 16-16 draw with South Africa and 47-26 Earlier this week, the Sydney where the All Blacks are on a Blacks, however, have chosen other end and certainly ups the defeat to Australia in their last two games, today’s Daily Telegraph poked fun at 42-match unbeaten streak. this week to focus on the Bledis- hunger.”

SELECTION WARM-UP Fiji name 15 World Cup rookies for Japan

AFP Waqaniburotu led Fiji to a They also defeated Canada Josua Tuisova (Lyon), Joshua Suva, Fiji maiden win over France last No- and Samoa in the Pacifi c Nations Matavesi (Newcastle Falcons), vember and coach John McKee Cup but suff ered a heavy defeat Alivereti Veitokani (London said he had selected a “strong, to Japan. Irish), Kini Murimurivalu (La lympic sevens cham- intelligent squad” capable of Fiji have a fi nal warm-up Rochelle) pions Fiji yesterday making an impact in Japan. match against Tonga at Auck- Forwards: Campese Ma’afu named a youthful “I believe it has the potential land’s Eden park on August 31. (Leicester Tigers), Eroni Mawi squad containing 15 to challenge for a place in the The squad will be pared back (local) Peni Ravai (Bordeaux- WorldO Cup debutants for the play-off s,” the New Zealander by one player to 31 before the Begles), Mesulame Dolokoto rugby union showpiece starting said. tournament begins. (local), Samuel Matavesi (Tou- in Japan next month. Fiji, ranked 10th in the world, louse), Vere Vugakoto (local), Overseas stars, mainly playing start their campaign against FIJI SQUAD: Lee-Roy Atalifo (Jersey Reds), in Europe, dominate the 32-man two-time former champions Backs: Frank Lomani (local), Manasa Saulo (London Irish), squad, with only seven domesti- Australia on September 21 before Nikola Matawalu (Glasgow War- Kalivati Tawake (local), Tevita cally based players making the facing Georgia, Wales and Uru- riors), Henry Seniloli (Doncaster Cavubati (Harlequins), Leone cut. guay in Pool D. Knights), Levani Botia (La Ro- Nakarawa (Racing 92), Api Ratu- Five players, including captain They have enjoyed mixed suc- chelle), Jale Vatubua (Pau), Ben niyarawa (Northampton), Tevita Dominiko Waqaniburotu, are cess in the build-up to the tour- Volavola (Racing 92), Vereniki Ratuva (local), Semi Kunatani appearing in their third World nament, defeating the Maori All Goneva (Harlequins), Filipo (Harlequins), Viliame Mata (Ed- Cup, where Fiji’s best results are Blacks for the fi rst time in 62 Nakosi (Toulon), Waisea Naya- inburgh), Mosese Voka (local), England’s Owen Farrell during a training session at Clifton College Sports Ground in Bristol, Britain, quarter-fi nals appearances in years as part of a drawn two- calevu (Stade Francais), Semi Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt - yesterday. England will play a World Cup warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff today. (Reuters) 1987 and 2007. match series. Radradra (Bordeaux-Begles), Brive), Peceli Yato (Clermont) Gulf Times Saturday, August 17, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Lakers’ Cousins could miss season with knee injury AFP for surgery to repair the torn an- ers’ frontline, potentially in- free agent forward Patrick Pat- Los Angeles terior cruciate ligament. cluding moving Davis from pow- terson, the team announced on Cousins was signed as a free er forward to centre to replace Thursday. agent in July, on a one-year deal Cousins. While no contract details were njury-nagged Los Angeles for $3.5 million, after playing It also fi gures to give backup announced, ESPN’s Adrian Wo- Lakers centre DeMarcus with the Golden State Warriors centre JaVale McGee more time jnarowski reported that Pat- Cousins could miss the last season. in the middle, potentially a ma- terson received a one-year, $2.3 entire 2019-20 NBA season He spent most of the past jor role if the Lakers elect to keep million deal. Iwith a torn left knee ligament, campaign recovering from a left Davis at forward, with playmak- Patterson, 30, averaged 3.6 the team confi rmed on Thursday. Achilles tendon tear in January er James another versatile threat. points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.7 In a major setback for a club 2018 but played 30 games for “It’s super unfortunate for a minutes per game in 63 games that added star big man Anthony Golden State before suff ering guy like DeMarcus because you (fi ve starts) last season with the Davis to four-time NBA Most a torn quadriceps in the sec- can just tell how much he loves Oklahoma City Thunder. Valuable Player LeBron James ond game of the playoff s that basketball through all of these The veteran journeyman has in July, Cousins suff ered the in- sidelined him until the opening injuries,” Lakers standout Kyle appeared in 622 games (81 starts) jury working out in Las Vegas game of the NBA Finals, which Kuzma said at a United States with the Houston Rockets, Sac- on Monday when he “bumped the Warriors lost to the Toronto national team workout in Los ramento Kings, Toronto Raptors knees” with another player, ac- Raptors. Angeles on Thursday. “He was and Oklahoma City, averaging cording to ESPN. Cousins, 29, has played nine going to be a big part of what 6.9 points and 4.1 rebounds. Team doctors in Los Angeles NBA seasons, averaging 21.2 we’re going to do.” The Rockets selected Patter- on Thursday confi rmed the third points and 10.9 rebounds a game. son with the 14th overall pick in serious leg injury for Cousins in Losing Cousins would force CLIPPERS SIGN PATTERSON the 2010 NBA Draft out of Ken- 18 months, with no timetable set some key changes into the Lak- The Los Angeles Clippers signed tucky.

MLB NFL Raiders’ Brown refutes report of Harper’s slam caps retirement threat

Reuters attempt to get his helmet ap- New York proved by the NFL. Brown’s grievance against the league, arguing he should akland Raiders be allowed to keep using his 6-run 9th as Phils wideout Antonio helmet despite it being too old Brown told reporters to be certifi ed, was denied, but on Thursday night he has since used social media ‘Besides winning the division and getting thatO he never threatened to re- to seek out newer versions of tire if he couldn’t keep his old the same helmet that could be to the playoff s, that was one of the coolest helmet, contradictory to an approved. ESPN report from last week. Brown said Thursday he moments I’ve ever had in my life’ “I don’t know where they feels he’s been portrayed in- stun Cubs got that, who made that up, accurately by various reports either,” Brown said after Oak- over the last week. Reuters land won a preseason game at “Absolutely, I feel misun- New York Arizona, 33-26. derstood,” he said. “Why would I retire, man? “But I’m not here to try to I’ve got a beautiful career. win people over or make peo- ryce Harper hit a walk-off grand I’m healthy. I love to play the ple feel a certain way about slam into the second deck in right game... I’m grateful to play the me. I’m an athlete. I’m a hu- fi eld off Derek Holland in the bot- game. man being. I have tough skin, tom of the ninth inning to rally “...I hate when my mom and but treat me like a human. theB host Philadelphia Phillies past the my dad call me and say, ‘What Treat me with respect.” Chicago Cubs 7-5 on Thursday. the (expletive)? Retirement? Meanwhile, Brown said his Harper, whose moonshot exited at Where’d he get that?’ I never feet are improving and he’s 113mph and an extremely steep 40-de- said that. That’s the hardest close to getting back on the gree launch angle, also had two homers in part for me as an athlete.” fi eld, although he wasn’t ready Wednesday’s 11-1 victory. ESPN reported last Friday to commit to practising when “Besides winning the division and get- that Brown told the Raid- the team gets back to work on ting to the playoff s, that was one of the ers he would retire if he could Saturday after an off day Fri- coolest moments I’ve ever had in my life,” not keep the helmet he’s used day. an exhilarated Harper said afterwards. throughout his career (which “My feet are healing in the The Phillies entered the ninth trailing has been phased out by the right direction,” he said. “I’m 5-1 before exploding for six runs to se- NFL), feeling that his vision just ready to be around my cure the three-game series sweep. After is limited by other helmets teammates and get to work trotting to fi rst while watching his blast, that have been approved for and be with the guys.” Harper sprinted the rest of the way in an- use by the league. Thursday Head coach Jon Gruden told ticipation of the celebration. was Brown’s fi rst time speak- reporters he expects Brown “I was just so excited to get back with ing to the media since return- to practice before the Raid- the boys at home plate,” Harper said. ing to Raiders training camp in ers break camp on Monday to “Everybody was going nuts. I was trying Napa, Calif., this week. head back to Oakland. to get there as quick as possible to cel- He had taken an absence to Brown ran routes and ebrate.” tend to his feet - which were caught passes from starting Roman Quinn and Corey Dickerson blistered in a cryotherapy quarterback Derek Carr on had two hits each for the Phillies. Phillies mishap and have kept him out the fi eld prior to the game on starter Drew Smyly struggled through fi ve of most camp practices - and Thursday. innings, allowing seven hits and fi ve runs. Ranger Suarez (4-1) earned the win in re- lief. Anthony Rizzo homered, singled and knocked in two runs for the Cubs. Kyle Avalanche GM Sakic expects to Schwarber also homered while Nicho- begin talks with Rantanen las Castellanos added two hits and also walked twice. Cubs starter Yu Darvish was Colorado Avalanche general something done,” Sakic said. stellar through seven innings in giving up manager Joe Sakic said he “We kind of have a pretty four hits and no runs. Darvish struck out expects to begin contract good idea where he should 10 and walked none. Pedro Strop (2-5) talks with restricted free be slotted. Hopefully, when took the loss in relief. agent forward Mikko we start our dialogue soon, it The Cubs struck fi rst when Rizzo Rantanen before the start of shouldn’t be that hard.” launched a mammoth solo homer to right training camp. Rantanen’s now-expired fi eld in the third inning for a 1-0 lead. “We haven’t had much dia- contract had an annual aver- In the bottom of the third, Philadel- logue since the (2019 NHL) age value of $1.66mn, but phia’s Adam Haseley was stranded at sec- Draft but camp’s coming he is expected to become ond base when Harper struck out swing- around so there’ll be pres- the Avalanche’s highest-paid ing to end the threat. sure on both sides,” Sakic player. Chicago capitalised in the fourth when said Thursday at his charity Training camp begins Sep- David Bote hit an RBI double and Albert golf tournament in Sedalia, tember 11. Almora Jr. added an RBI single for a 3-0 Colo. “Looking forward to advantage. Rizzo then ripped a run-scor- the opportunity to have RED WINGS ACQUIRE ing single to right for a 4-0 lead. Schwar- Mikko back and I’m sure he’ll ERNE FROM LIGHTNING ber snapped an 0-for-10 skid with a solo be back here.” The Detroit Red Wings homer to centre in the fi fth for a 5-0 ad- The Avalanche selected acquired left wing Adam vantage. It was Schwarber’s 100th career Rantanen with the No 10 pick Erne from the Tampa Bay home run. in the 2015 NHL Draft. He has Lightning on Wednesday The Phillies managed only four hits played in 239 regular-season in exchange for a fourth- through the fi rst six innings - doubles by games and has 209 points round pick in the 2020 NHL J.T. Realmuto and Dickerson and singles (80 goals, 129 assists). Draft. by Haseley and Logan Morrison. Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper is doused with water after hitting a walk off grand slam home run in the ninth inning to He’s added 18 points (six The trade was the first by Darvish’s 10th strikeout of the game defeat the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports goals, 12 assists) in 18 playoff new Red Wings general against Haseley ended the seventh. games. manager Steve Yzerman, In the eighth, the Phillies had run- Thursday. gave up eight hits and three walks and had The 22-year-old native of who held the same position ners on second and third with two outs, Alonso connected for a 451-foot three- RESULTS two strikeouts. Finland scored a career-high with the Lightning and and Dickerson singled home Quinn to get run homer in the fi rst inning against At- New York’s Amed Rosario went 5-for- Phillies 7-5 Cubs 87 points on 31 goals and 56 was named NHL GM of within 5-1. lanta starter Julio Teheran to match the 6 with a double, a triple and four runs. assists in 74 games in the the Year for the 2014-15 But on the play, Rhys Hoskins was record set in 2017 by Cody Bellinger of the Mets 10-8 Braves It was the fi rst fi ve-hit game of Rosario’s 2018-19 season. campaign. thrown out at home by right fi elder Cas- Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Judge holds Indians 19-5 Yankees career, and he became the fi rst Met with He was a standout in the Erne collected seven goals tellanos trying to score from second. the major league rookie record with 52 Reds 2-1 Cardinals back-to-back games of at least four hits Stanley Cup Playoff s this and 13 assists in 65 games Brad Miller hit an RBI single with one homers in 2017. since Jose Reyes in June 2011. spring, scoring eight goals last season for the Lightning. out in the ninth to close within 5-2. Quinn It was a terrifi c night for Alonso, who Marlins 13-7 Dodgers The Mets amassed a season-high 23 and adding six assists in 12 The 6-foot-1, 214-pound Erne followed with an RBI single, and Hoskins went 5-for-5, his fi rst career fi ve-hit Twins 13-6 Rangers hits, tied for third most in franchise his- games. provided a physical pres- was hit by a pitch before Harper’s walk- game, and drove in a career-high six runs. Mariners 7-2 Tigers tory. Wilson Ramos (four hits), Juan La- He scored the winning goals ence with 159 hits in 2018-19. off slam. The Braves rallied to score four runs gares (three) and Michael Conforto (two) in Games 4 and 5 in a first- The 24-year-old Erne via three home runs in the ninth inning Mets after being denied in two previous also posted multi-hit games. round Western Conference recorded 13 goals and 14 as- ALONSO TIES RECORD, METS HOLD and forced the Mets to insert closer Ed- starts. Atlanta hit six home runs in the loss, playoff series against the sists in 114 career games with OFF BRAVES IN SLUGFEST win Diaz. He walked Brian McCann but He allowed three runs, two earned, two each by Freddie Freeman, who has 31 Calgary Flames. the Lightning after being New New York fi rst baseman Pete Alon- fanned Ender Inciarte to end the game and on four hits and four walks with fi ve this year, and Josh Donaldson, who has “We want him here for selected in the second round so matched the National League rookie earn his 25th save. strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Stroman im- 28. The Braves got a solo shot from Matt training camp. No one needs of the 2013 NHL Draft. record with his 39th home run, and pitch- The Mets salvaged one win out of the proved to 3-0 in his career against the Joyce, his fourth, and a two-run homer the distraction, so hope- Erne is a restricted free er Marcus Stroman earned his fi rst victory three-game series and snapped their Braves. from Ronald Acuna Jr, his 35th. fully we’re going to be in agent who earned $800,000 since joining the team as the visiting Mets three-game losing streak. Teheran (7-8) allowed six runs in 1 1/3 Todd Frazier hit his 16th homer for the contact here shortly and get last season. outslugged the Atlanta Braves 10-8 on Stroman (7-11) got his fi rst win with the innings, the shortest start of his career. He Mets. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 17, 2019 SPORT

GOLF Barcelona agree to loan Coutinho to Thomas and Kokrak Bayern share lead, Tiger six back ‘I had probably the worst warmup I’ve ever had in my life this morning’

AFP Washington Madrid: Barcelona have an “agreement in principle” to send Philippe Coutinho mericans Justin Thomas and on loan to Bayern Munich. Jason Kokrak each matched Coutinho was left out of the Medinah’s course record of squad for Barca’s La Liga seven-under par 65 on Thurs- opener against Athletic dayA to share the lead after the opening Bilbao last night, with club round of the US PGA BMW Champi- director Guillermo Amor con- onship. Both co-leaders complained of firming the Brazilian is close poor warmups for the opening round, to joining Bayern. then went out and ripped the rain-sof- “We can confirm that there tened layout in suburban Chicago, while is an agreement in principle 15-time major winner Tiger Woods for the loan of Coutinho to struggled to a 71, six strokes adrift. Bayern and we just have to Thomas, the 2017 PGA Champion- finalise the deal,” Amor told ship winner, made a bogey-free tour to Movistar, ahead of the game equal the course mark shared by Woods, at San Mames. Coutinho Skip Kendall and Canada’s Mike Weir. joined Barcelona from “I had probably the worst warmup I’ve Liverpool in January 2018 ever had in my life this morning,” Tho- for an initial 120mn euros, mas said. “Fairways being this soft defi - plus another 40mn euros in nitely played to my advantage.” potential add-ons. Kokrak, seeking his fi rst PGA title, But despite huge excite- fi red six birdies and an eagle against ment around Coutinho’s arriv- a lone bogey. “Happy to be where I’m al, he has struggled to find his at,” he said. Woods, the 15-time ma- place at Camp Nou. Initially jor champion fi ghting for a chance to tried in midfield, Coutinho defend his title at next week’s season- was pushed into the front ending Tour Championship, shared three by Ernesto Valverde 50th after 18 holes on a course where he last season in a bid to help won the 1999 and 2006 PGA Champi- him rediscover his best form. onships. “I made quite a few mistakes Yet the 27-year-old was too around the greens. Didn’t chip it (well). often a bystander in games Didn’t make putts,” the reigning Mas- and some suggested his ters champion said. “It’s just not sharp. style and positioning clashed I just need reps and I haven’t had a lot with Lionel Messi. Gerard of reps.” Woods withdrew from last Pique was asked earlier this week’s event at Liberty National with month about the possibility a strained oblique. “I didn’t feel any of Coutinho leaving. “I want tightness in my oblique at all,” Woods him (Coutinho) to stay,” Pique said. “That’s a positive.” said. “But at the end of the Woods needs to move into the sea- day it’s what he wants and I son points top 30 to qualify to defend want him to be happy.” his crown next week in Atlanta. He’s Coutinho’s departure to projected to have to fi nish 13th or bet- Bayern could also have impli- ter to pull it off . “I just need to clean up cations for Barcelona’s hopes my rounds and get going,” Woods said. of re-signing Neymar from “Three- to 5-under par would have Justin Thomas of the US plays a shot from a bunker on the 18th hole during the first round of the BMW Championship in Medinah, Illinois. (AFP) Paris Saint-Germain. Barca been a good score considering how well have already spent around 67 — Rory Sabbatini (SVK), Scott Piercy, I hit it.” enth holes from inside six feet and he He answered at 10 with an eagle, on 68 while fellow four-time major 250mn euros this summer Tony Finau, Adam Scott (AUS), Xander Five Americans shared second on holed a 10-foot birdie putt to close the chipping in from the rough from 86 winner Rory McIlroy started with a 69. Schauff ele, Collin Morikawa, Adam Had- and it had been suggested 66, including 49-year-old Jim Furyk, front nine. feet, then added birdies at 11, 14 and 15 “I tried to stay as patient as I could,” win (CAN), Rickie Fowler, Chez Reavie PSG were keen for Coutinho Joel Dahmen, Lucas Glover, Brandt Thomas ran off three consecutive to share the top spot. Koepka said. “I didn’t play the par-5s to be included in any bid. Snedeker and Patrick Cantlay. Austral- birdies ending with a spectacular 57- Kokrak needs to move past two rivals well. Every day I’m playing a little bet- 68 — JT Poston, Kevin Kisner, Abraham “There is a lot of talk about ian Adam Scott, Canada’s Adam Had- foot birdie putt at the par-4 16th then in points to qualify for next week at East ter. Hopefully that continues and I’m Ancer (MEX), Brooks Koepka, Patrick Neymar at the moment,” win and Slovakia’s Rory Sabbatini were got up and down from a bunker at 18 for Lake. “I didn’t do any number crunch- ready for next week.” Reed, Ryan Palmer, Justin Rose (ENG), Amor added. “He is in the in a pack on 67. par to seize the lead. “I drove it pretty ing to see what I needed to do to make it Jon Rahm (ESP) newspapers every day and I Thomas fi red his best score since the well and when I got out of position I was to the top 30,” he said. “Looking for the LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES 69 — JB Holmes, Corey Conners (CAN), don’t think we should get into Rory McIlroy (NIR), Graeme McDowell Canadian Open just over two months able to get it right back,” Thomas said. Tour Championship but taking it one (par 72, USA unless noted): it now. Anything can happen ago and his best opening round since “That one on 16 is a bonus.” day at a time — 54 holes to go. Playing (NIR), Wyndham Clark, Kevin Tway, while the market is still open February in Phoenix. Accurate ap- Kokrak sank a 21-foot birdie putt at solid and doing what I’ve done all sea- 65 — Justin Thomas, Jason Kokrak Kang Sung (KOR), Hideki Matsuyama but for now there is nothing proaches allowed Thomas to birdie the seven but missed the ninth green with son will get the job done.” 66 — Jim Furyk, Joel Dahmen, Lucas (JPN), Troy Merritt, Keegan Bradley, Rafa and Neymar is a PSG player.” par-4 fourth and par-5 fi fth and sev- his approach and took a bogey. Top-ranked Brooks Koepka opened Glover, Brandt Snedeker, Patrick Cantlay Cabrera Bello (ESP)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Man United manager Solskjaer Lampard lambasts racist abuse counting on Sanchez to make impact of Chelsea striker Abraham AFP AFP London Manchester helsea manager Frank lexis Sanchez still has a future at Lampard was left Manchester United, according disgusted by racist abuse to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, de- of young striker Tammy spite speculation that the Premier AbrahamC online after the UEFA LeagueA giants are trying to offl oad the un- Super Cup fi nal defeat to Liv- productive Chilean. erpool midweek and called on Reports claim United’s executive vice- social networks yesterday to do chairman Ed Woodward has repeatedly at- more to prevent the publication tempted to fi nd a buyer for Sanchez, who of off ensive content. arrived at Old Traff ord 18 months ago with Abraham saw his penalty high expectations. However, Sanchez has saved by Liverpool goalkeeper scored just fi ve goals in 45 appearances for Adrian on Wednesday as the Eu- the club after netting a four-and-a-half ropean champions won a shoot- year deal reportedly worth nearly £500,000 out 5-4 after a 2-2 draw in Istan- a week. Those huge wages are the stumbling bul. “I am particularly disgusted block to United fi nding an interested buyer, by a so-called Chelsea fan,” said even with the transfer window for Europe- Lampard. an clubs open until September 2. And with “Tammy Abraham asked me to Romelu Lukaku having left Manchester this take the fi fth penalty because he month to join Inter Milan, Solskjaer claims wanted to take it, wanted to stand Sanchez will remain at Old Traff ord to off er up, be brave when the world is competition to Marcus Rashford and An- watching. Within hours some- thony Martial in attack. body sitting behind a keyboard Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham was subjected to racist abuse online “Alexis is such a professional and he “He has had three weeks now, so he’s a good shift for us. But it’s not just about fi t- or a phone has said the most dis- after he missed a penalty against Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup comes in working every single day really few weeks behind the rest but close to being ness, fi tness is important but a young team gusting things possible. in Istanbul on Wednesday. (Reuters) hard and he wants to be a part of this,” said part of it. We’ve had a behind closed doors you expect loads of energy but we also have “I don’t know how these plat- Solskjaer. “These stories that he’s been put game, he’s training, a little bit of extras. quality.” forms are allowed, it’s too easy to at Swansea and Aston Villa the the club he won 13 trophies with in the reserves? Of course he hasn’t, he’s He’ll be gradually integrated into more play- Solskjaer also expects Brazilian midfi elder be done, something needs to be past two years. “I’ve spoken with as a player after losing his open- part of our squad and he is a really good ing time, but we’ll have more behind closed Fred, signed for £52mn last summer, to have done as well as people obviously Tammy and he is a strong char- ing Premier League match 4-0 player. We don’t have the biggest forward doors games and with only one (competi- a greater impact with United this season de- changing their mindsets com- acter. I love his character. He’s at Manchester United last week- line in numbers so Alexis might end up tive) game a week it’s hard to keep players spite an underwhelming fi rst year in English pletely. I’m so angry for Tammy, a confi dent boy on the pitch, he end. Facing a refreshed United playing a lot more games than you expect ticking. We are arranging a few of them.” football, particularly with the United de- angry for the club because that is wants to do really well for this and relentless Liverpool was a because we expect him to come good at this Fitness is very much a key issue at United fence reinforced by the presence of £80mn not what the club is about. football club,” added Lampard. baptism of fi re for the former club, he’s quality.” this season and was evident in last week’s centre-back Harry Maguire. “The club does a lot of work “He has an opportunity to do England international, but he Sanchez was injured on international 4-0 win over Chelsea, with Solskjaer having “Your team will always play better if you against discrimination at all lev- that this year. He’s a great young wants the perfect homecoming duty for Chile at the Copa America in June, apparently succeeded in improving the base are settled and have a good foundation and els and it is a setback when these man. He’s experienced some- when Leicester travel to Stam- delaying his match fi tness for the current fi tness of the squad that entered last season not conceding goals,” said Solskjaer. “The things happen.” thing that’s not right and it will ford Bridge for his fi rst home season. But Solskjaer is planning to fi nd under Jose Mourinho. good teams I played in, we had a strong base, Abraham is still to score his be a test of that character that he game as Chelsea boss. extra training minutes for the forward who “There is a big shift and diff erence be- a keeper, settled backline and we hope to fi rst goal for the Chelsea fi rst- shouldn’t need but he’s got great “We want to win at home, it’s has not completed a full 90 minutes since tween the teams,” said Solskjaer. “Chelsea provide that for our attackers and midfi eld- team but is expected to get far character.” a big game for us in front of our the opening day of last season more than a outran us quite a lot in April, three games ers and we believe Fred is going to have a big more chance to shine this season Lampard is still seeking his home fans for the fi rst time this year ago. ago, now we’ve outrun them, so that’s a season as well.” under Lampard after loan spells fi rst win since taking charge of season,” he said Gulf Times Saturday, August 17, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA ROUND-UP Greek club Aris Things change, I’m robbed of 250,000 euros UEFA receipts ris Thessaloniki was February found Siasia “guilty of not only ousted by having accepted that he would Norwegian side Molde receive bribes in relation to the in UEFA Europa League manipulation of matches in qualifyingA action on Thursday, violation of the FIFA Code of now counting on Ethics,” the statement said. but also lost all of their proceeds from the match. In addition to being banned The Greek club revealed yes- from all football related activity terday that the team’s treasurer for life, Siasia was also handed Theodoros Karipidis was the a fi ne of 50,000 Swiss francs victim of a robbery at his home ($50,000, 46,000 euros). in which the culprits ran off with Siasia, a former striker, also Bale, says Zidane 250,000 euros in cash which briefl y coached Nigeria’s men’s came from the sell-out contest national football team. FIFA at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Sta- did not detail the nature of dium. Greek media reported that ties to Perumal, a Singaporean Hazard to miss Madrid opener against Celta Vigo through injury Karipidis along with his wife and national who was arrested and small child were asleep in their jailed in Finland in 2011 for fi xing home and that the perpetrators top-tier football games there. used an anaesthetic spray to as- Perumal later collaborated with sure that they would not awaken match fi xing investigators. and made off with the revenue as well as personal belongings of WORLD CUP WINNER the family. NZONZI JOINS Karipidis is the cousin of Aris GALATASARY ON LOAN owner Theodoros Karipidis, World Cup winner Steven Nzon- both having the same name. zi has joined Galatasary on loan Police have taken fi ngerprints from Roma. Midfi elder Nzonzi, and are continuing their in- 30, who played fi ve times during vestigation of the robbery. Aris France’s campaign in Russia in beat Molde 3-1 in the match 2018, made 39 appearances for which went into extra time, but the Stadio Olimpico side last the Norwegian team advanced season. “As part of the agree- thanks to a 3-0 victory at home. ment, Galatasaray have the option to make the transfer per- FIFA BANS EX-NIGERIA manent — prior to the expiration FOOTBALL OFFICIAL OVER of the loan — for a fi xed fee of MATCH FIXING 16mn euros ($17mn),” Roma said. FIFA yesterday banned former “The club also have the option to Nigeria Football Federation of- extend the loan for a further 12 fi cial Samson Siasia for life after months — until 30 June 2021 — the body’s ethics panel found for a loan fee of 500,000 euros.” him guilty of taking bribes in Nzonzi’s game time next connection with match fi xing. season at Roma would have been In a statement, the adju- hampered with the arrivals of dicatory chamber of FIFA’s midfi elders Bryan Cristante, independent ethics committee Amadou Diawara and Jordan said the probe targeting Siasia Veretout. Ivory Coast playmaker stemmed from a wider inves- Jean-Michael Serri and Neth- tigation involving Wilson Raj erlands winger Ryan Babel are Perumal, who has confessed to among the other new faces who international match-fi xing. have joined the Turkish champi- The probe that began in ons ahead of the new campaign.

AUSSIE PLAYER DITCHES OLYMPIC DREAM FOR HIP HOP

Sydney: A promising Australian him to pass up.” footballer has put his career on The club has agreed that hold, abandoning a chance to should he return to football in play at the Tokyo Olympics in the next three years, he will do Real Madrid’s Eder Militao (left) and Gareth Bale (right) take part in a training session in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) favour of pursuing his dream to so with the Jets. Champness, make it as a rapper. who goes under the stage name AFP son and in July he said the club were try- Zidane had promised wholesale chang- and I’m glad to have him,” Zidane said. Winger Joe Champness is JOWIC, signed a distribution Madrid ing to sell the player, even remarking that es this summer and his fi rst press con- Hazard was ready to make his debut on a three-year deal with the deal with music industry label “the best thing would be if he left tomor- ference of the season was dominated by in Vigo after joining Madrid for an initial Newcastle Jets in Australia’s Creative Music Group in late row”. questions about the transfer window. He 100mn euros from Chelsea in June. But A-League and has made several July. inedine Zidane has admitted Bale is also eager to stay at Madrid, refused to be drawn on a move for Ney- the Belgian pulled up with a minor strain appearances for the national “I wouldn’t be doing this if I Gareth Bale is back in his plans where he has a contract until 2022, and is mar, insisting: “Neymar is not a Real Ma- at the club’s training base in Valdebebas under-23 team, putting him in wasn’t convinced that there’s ahead of Real Madrid’s opening not interested in moving to Paris Saint- drid player. We are interested in the play- and is now expected to be out for three prime position to become an something out there,” he told La Liga game of the season against Germain, despite suggestions he could be ers that are here.” to four weeks. Zidane is already without Olympian. But the 22-year-old the Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s ZCelta Vigo today. Eden Hazard sustained included in a bid for Neymar. “It looked And on the failed attempt to buy Paul Ferland Mendy, who has a calf injury, and missed early pre-season prepa- not a normal situation, that’s a thigh injury in yesterday meaning Bale like he was leaving and now he’s here with Pogba from Manchester United, he said: Marco Asensio, who is likely to be out for rations and the club has now for sure. I’ve got a lot of love for could even start against Celta following a us, that’s it,” Zidane said. “The dynamic “Paul is a player for Manchester United several months after rupturing his ante- given him permission to remain the Newcastle Jets and a lot of turbulent summer for the Welshman. changes and things change and now I’m and we have to respect that. Here we are rior cruciate ligament. in Los Angeles, essentially on respect for everyone on that Zidane was keen for Bale to be sold but going to count on him like everyone else. I thinking about the game tomorrow.” “After tests carried out after training unpaid leave, to try and make it team — I’m contracted there for Madrid cancelled a deal with Chinese said it a short time ago, I’m going to count But Madrid’s failure to sign Pogba and today on our player Eden Hazard by the in the music business. the next three years, so it’s an club Jiangsu Suning while the winger’s on all the players that are here.” sell either Bale or James Rodriguez means Real Madrid Medical Services, he has “We allowed Joey to head to honour to be given that sort of salary of around 18mn euros a year has Zidane left Bale out of his squad for the club’s president Florentino Perez has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the United States to pursue a opportunity and trust from the proven too high for other interested clubs. three consecutive pre-season friendlies perhaps not delivered the sort of changes the anterior part of his right thigh,” a club dream in music at the start of club in that sense as well.” Zidane has had a frosty relationship but the 30-year-old returned for the last Zidane had hoped for. “It’s not about statement read. “His recovery will con- last month,” Jets chief executive Regarded as one of Aus- with Bale since returning to the Madrid game against Roma, when he came off whether it’s positive or negative,” Zidane tinue to be assessed.” Lawrie McKinna said in a state- tralia’s most promising young job in March, having resigned the previ- the bench in the second half. The trans- said. “I accept what I have. We’ve talked After facing Celta today, Madrid take ment this week. players, Champness was part ous year after two strikes from the for- fer window in Spain closes on September with the people that have to do those on Real Valladolid and will travel to Vil- “He’s made inroads in the of the Olyroos under-23 team ward gave his side a 3-1 win over Liver- 2. “He has a contract, he’s an important things and it is the games now that inter- larreal ahead of the international break. business and the opportunity who are due to play a qualifying pool in the 2018 Champions League fi nal. player and I hope all the players want to est us.” Hazard could be in line to return for their to remain in LA to chase those tournament for the 2020 Tokyo The Frenchman used Bale sparingly in make it diffi cult for me to pick the team,” Zidane said James is fi t and ready to be match against Levante at the Santiago dreams is one that’s too big for Olympics early next year. the 11 league games he oversaw last sea- Zidane added. involved against Celta. “He is in shape Bernabeu on September 1.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Alaba calls for more transfers and Wolves set up Torino clash in casts doubt on Bayern future Europa League playoff s AFP AFP winger Ivan Perisic on a one- Paris Berlin year loan this week. Perisic was signed as a back- up option after Bayern’s primary olves eased past Ar- avid Alaba became the transfer target, Manchester City menia’s Pyunik 4-0 latest Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, suff ered an and 8-0 on aggre- star to urge the club to anterior cruciate ligament tear gate to reach the Eu- ramp up their activity earlier this month. Wropa League play-off s on Thurs- inD the transfer market, and also The Bavarians have also been day where they will face Torino cast doubt upon his own future heavily linked to Barcelona of Italy. Diogo Jota, on as a sub- in comments to the Austrian midfi elder Philippe Coutinho stitute, scored a spectacular late news agency APA yesterday. and Juventus forward Mario volley with debutant Pedro Neto, Ahead of Bayern’s German Mandzukic, so Alaba is con- Morgan Gibbs-White and Ruben league opener against Hertha fi dent more signings could be Vinagre also on the scoresheet as Berlin last night, Austrian in- made. “I have faith in our bosses Nuno Espirito Santo’s Premier ternational Alaba said Bayern and I think that there is more to League side cruised through at needed to sign “one or two” come,” he said. Molineux. Wolverhampton’s Diogo Jota scores against Pyunik during the more players before the transfer The Austrian also cast doubt Wolves, playing in Europe for Europa League third qualifying round second leg match. (Reuters) window closes on September 2. Bayern Munich’s David Alaba (right) talks to Benjamin Pavard on his own future at the club, the fi rst time since 1980, face a “The season is long and we during a training session in Rottach-Egern, Germany. (AFP) with his current contract set to Torino side who drew 1-1 at Bela- Torino, who fi nished seventh easy passage to the playoff s af- need more than just a high- expire in 2021. “My focus is en- rusian side Shakhtyor 1-1 to make in Serie A last season, are only in ter a 1-1 draw with Dinamo Tbi- quality squad, we also need a more signings following com- several senior players, includ- tirely on Bayern. I don’t know it past the third qualifying round the competition after AC Milan lisi that saw them through 5-1 large squad,” the 27-year-old ments from star striker Robert ing Arjen Robben, Franck Rib- what will happen in the next 6-1 on aggregate. accepted in June a voluntary ban on aggregate. Rangers saw off FC said. “I think that another one Lewandowski, while the agent ery and Mats Hummels, left the year,” said Alaba, who has previ- Nikolai Yanush salvaged some from European football for the Midtjylland 3-1 at Ibrox for a 7-3 or two players should come to of captain Manuel Neuer has club at the end of last season. ously been linked with a move to pride for the hosts levelling on coming season over breaches of aggregate with Alfredo More- raise the competition and then also said more reinforcements The German giants signed Barcelona. “I have always said I the night from the spot in stop- fi nancial fair play rules. los scoring twice either side of we’d be well-stocked in terms of are needed. French World Cup winning de- am a player who looks for new page time after Simone Zaza had Feyenoord, former European a Sheyi Ojo strike. Fellow Scots breadth.” Bayern have faced criticism fenders Benjamin Pavard and challenges. Whether they come given the Italians the lead 10 champions and two-time win- Aberdeen, however, lost 2-0 to Alaba is the second sen- for their sluggishness in this Lucas Hernandez earlier this at Bayern or somewhere else, I minutes from time, but Torino ners of the Europa League’s Rijeka of Croatia and went out ior player to openly call for year’s transfer window after year, and secured Inter Milan can’t say.” were already well out of sight. predecessor UEFA Cup, also had 4-0 on aggregate.

Saturday, August 17, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE City boss Guardiola wary of Tottenham title challenge ‘I know how good Tottenham are. It’s the second best team in Europe. For me, that is enough’

AFP fairly argued that the scoreline was very Manchester, United Kingdom harsh on his side after they enjoyed the better of the opening hour. And there was further encouragement for Lam- ottenham Hotspur may have pard in his side’s performance despite fi nished fourth in the Premier losing the UEFA Super Cup to Liverpool League last season, far behind on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Istanbul champions Manchester City on Wednesday. “To lose the game was Tand Champions League winners Liver- disappointing but if it means Chelsea’s pool, but City manager Pep Guardiola season can be something like how we has branded Spurs the “second best played today, we’ll be OK,” he said. team in Europe” ahead of the two sides’ After a summer in which Lampard meeting today. Guardiola was referring could not sign new players and Chelsea to the fact that Tottenham knocked out lost Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, facing City on their way to a fi rst ever Cham- a refreshed United and relentless Liver- pions League fi nal last season before pool was a baptism of fi re for Lampard. losing to Liverpool in Madrid. “I know Chelsea’s all-time top goalscorer is still how good Tottenham are,” said Guar- assured of a hero’s welcome for his fi rst diola. “It’s the second best team in Eu- home game as manager against Leices- rope. For me, that is enough.” ter at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. However, bar their 1-0 defeat at the But he badly needs a win to quieten Tottenham Hotspur stadium in the fi rst the doubters over Chelsea’s decision to leg of that Champions League quar- hand a club legend with just one year’s ter-fi nal, City have won fi ve of the last managerial experience such a high- six meetings between the teams and profi le job. True test for new United fi nished 27 points above them in the After the negativity that greeted Man- league. Since Tottenham’s last trophy chester United securing just three new — the English League Cup in 2008 — signings in the transfer window, the City have won ten major trophies. But comprehensive margin of victory over if anyone is going to bridge the huge Chelsea was the perfect tonic for Ole gap that City and Liverpool opened Gunnar Solskjaer. up at the top of the league last season, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka Mauricio Pochettino’s men appear best and Daniel James all made a big impact placed to do so. “Tottenham are re- as United registered just their second ally, really, good contenders,” he states. clean sheet at home in the Premier “Since I came here to England, every League under the Norwegian, while season Spurs was a real contender. In James came off the bench to score the the fi rst season they fi nished second. fi nal goal. However, a Monday night We won in the last two seasons, but trip to Wolves will be another tough they were always there.” test of United’s ambitions this season. However, Guardiola also believes Solskjaer’s men lost on both visits to Manchester United, Chelsea and Ar- Molineux last season. senal will pose a threat to prevent City and Liverpool fi ghting out a two-horse FIXTURES (1400 GMT UNLESS STATED) race for the title like last season. “I am Today: Arsenal v Burnley (1130), Aston impressed with how Chelsea played in Villa v Bournemouth, Brighton v West two tough matches against top teams,” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (left) and his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola. (Reuters) Ham, Everton v Watford, Norwich v said the former Barcelona and Bayern Newcastle, Southampton v Liverpool, Munich manager. like David Luiz and Dani Ceballos, who is early to be facing one of your di- come to the Etihad Stadium.” Burnley to start the season. Manchester City v Tottenham (1630) “I was really surprised by how good was a top player in Spain, and they have rect rivals for the title, but Guardiola Meanwhile, Liverpool will hope to Chelsea were the only member of the Tomorrow Frank Lampard’s team played. We saw people up front like (Alexandre) Laca- has no complaints about the timing. have forged ahead by the time City ‘big six’ to get off to a losing start as the : Sheff ield United v Crystal Palace (1300), Chelsea v Leicester (1530) Manchester United and the quality they zette and (Pierre-Emerick) Aubam- “Last season, our fi rst fi xture was at and Spurs kick-off at the Etihad when Blues were humbled 4-0 by Manchester have up front in that fi rst game. While eyang.” the Emirates against Arsenal,” he adds. they travel to a Southampton side reel- United in Frank Lampard’s fi rst game in On Monday: Wolves v Manchester Arsenal bought good players, especially The second match of the season “The schedule is the schedule, so wel- ing from a disappointing 3-0 defeat at charge. The former England midfi elder United (1900)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Adrian doubtful for Liverpool aft er Eriksen benched due to form not being injured by celebrating fan contract standoff : Pochettino AFP By Andy Hunter London The Guardian ottenham Hotspur iverpool have written to UEFA seek- manager Mauricio Po- ing an explanation as to how a sup- chettino says the un- porter managed to evade security certainty over Denmark and injure goalkeeper Adrian during Tstar Christian Eriksen’s future is Lthe Super Cup celebrations in Istanbul. not the reason he started on the The club’s new keeper is a doubt for to- bench for their opening Premier day’s Premier League game at Southampton League game last Sunday. after suff ering a swollen ankle when a pitch The 27-year-old midfi elder — invader careered into him following his de- who has been at Spurs since 2013 cisive penalty save from Tammy Abraham at — has just a year left on his con- Besiktas Park on Wednesday. The supporter tract and attracted interest from also struck Joe Gomez but while the Liver- Spain, where the transfer win- pool defender is fi t to play at St Mary’s a late dow remains open until Septem- decision will be required on Adrian’s fi tness. ber 2. Eriksen showed how piv- Liverpool have contacted European foot- otal a fi gure he is to Spurs when ball’s governing body over the seriousness he came on with them 1-0 down of the incident and the frequency of pitch against Aston Villa last weekend invasions in fi nals hosted by UEFA, who of- and transformed the match as Christian Eriksen (left) with Mauricio Pochettino. (Reuters) ten discipline clubs over identical security they ran out 3-1 winners. breaches. There had been an earlier pitch in- The Dane at least got on to ers until they decide to take a dif- strength in depth. But Pochet- vasion during the game against Chelsea and make an impact whereas experi- ferent way in their career. And tino’s side were the last team to in Liverpool’s past two Champions League enced Belgian defender Jan Ver- show respect to all.” beat City, eliminating them from fi nals against Real Madrid and Tottenham. tonghen — who also has only 12 Pochettino has garnered praise the Champions League quarter- Jurgen Klopp said: “When we were all months left on his contract — did for the style in which his team fi nals in April. together a supporter jumped on us. He was not make the matchday squad plays and his belief in develop- “Wow. I love Mou,” said Po- chased by some security guys, slipped and at all. “For me, it is the same if ing young talent but the pressure chettino. “You know very well. kicked his ankle. Crazy. Yesterday it was a player has a year or fi ve years,” is mounting for him to fi nally He’s so clever and so sarcas- swollen. I saw on the plane that it is not cool. said Pochettino at his press con- deliver silverware in what is his tic sometimes. That’s why he’s Adrián wants to play. I think he can but this ference ahead of today’s trip to sixth season in charge. one of the best managers in the is still a serious thing and we have to look at champions Manchester City. Former Manchester United world and I respect his opinion. it.” “The selection is not because and Chelsea Jose Mourinho has Of course I’m grateful because a Klopp is already without fi rst-choice of the length of the contract, it claimed only European cham- manager like Mourinho believes keeper Alisson with a calf problem, while is about the performance. I will pions Liverpool, Tottenham and we have the potential to be con- third-choice Caoimhin Kelleher has only re- take the decision based on the City’s reserves would be ca- tenders. That’s important. We cently resumed training after a broken wrist. Adrian injured his ankle after a collision with a celebrating fan following Liverpool UEFA performance, not the contract or pable of preventing Pep Guar- have our belief and faith in us but New signing, 35-year-old Andy Lonergan, Super Cup win over Chelsea in Istanbul on Wednesday. (Reuters) personal situations. My point is diola’s men retaining their title, that compliment helps us to be- will make his debut at St Mary’s should to help and support all the play- such is the English champions’ lieve in ourselves a little bit more.” Adrián be ruled out. The former West Ham said: “There was only Liverpool fans there The Liverpool manager said the growing keeper received intensive physiotherapy on pretty much, so it probably was one. What problem of pitch invasions is a problem eve- the fl ight home from Istanbul on Thursday can I say? There is no doubt about how ryone in authority in football needs to take and said on Friday he was hopeful he could much we love our fans but if they could all seriously. Klopp said: “We have the Adrian NEYMAR CALLED UP FOR BRAZIL FRIENDLIES play at Southampton. stop doing that, because that’s the worst ex- incident which is serious for us but if you “Today I feel much better,” he said. “It ample I have heard about. ask anyone involved in football if you fi nd it Rio de Janeiro: Paris Saint- zil also recently dropped an “tactical work.” was a strange, weird situation, because we “It happened against Manchester City in funny that someone runs on the pitch, pants Germain’s Neymar was included investigation into rape allega- “I will not abandon an athlete were celebrating between us and one guy the Community Shield when someone was down, half-naked, no one would say, ‘Oh yesterday in Brazil’s squad for tions against the forward due to of Neymar’s level and quality,” jumped from the crowd and started running. running on the pitch and against Norwich yes, that is really nice’. You never know who friendlies against Colombia and insuff icient evidence, accusa- Tite said, explaining he wanted I think he slipped in front of us and also the someone ran on the pitch. It’s not funny. it is there. Peru next month. tions which he had vehemently to give him “playing time.” security with him and made me a tackle The girl in the Champions League fi nal “Before the season at the Premier League The world’s most expensive denied. Brazil will face Colombia on from the side. I feel mentally ready and I also made money off it. I like that we don’t have meeting they told us not to get involved but player has been plagued by an Head Coach Tite said he had September 6 in Miami and Peru hope with the treatment of the ankle it’s go- fences but that means a lot of responsibil- we are all human beings and if they get close ankle injury that ruled him out spoken to Neymar, who “said – who they beat in the Copa ing to be much better.” ity for supporters. If one supporter cannot you do not know the person and for us it is of last month’s Copa America he was happy”, but he acknowl- America final -- on September 10 Klopp is concerned at the regularity of hesitate or stop himself, then supporters not funny. It is still happening. It looks like success. Authorities in Bra- edged that he was not doing in Los Angeles. pitch invasions at his club’s matches. He around him should do it.” it is happening a bit more often.”