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Thursday, September 12, 2019 FOOTBALL Muharram 13, 1441 AH Ronaldo hits GULF TIMES four for Portugal against Lithuania SPORT Page 3

FOOTBALL Shock draw with Qatar fi lls India with pride

Reuters eight minutes to go down 2-1 at home. we have played well, that too against two New Delhi Few gave the side any chance of coming powerful teams,” the goalkeeper said. India’s goalkeeper Gurpreet away with anything but a defeat to 2022 “It gives us that added motivation and Singh Sandhu (C, top) leaps hosts Qatar, a team ranked 41 places higher confidence that in football, anything is to pouch the ball during their ndia are unlikely to make it to their than India, but stout defending and some possible.” match against Qatar at the first World Cup finals this time around superb goalkeeping from Gurpreet Singh India’s talismanic forward Sunil Chhetri Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in but a 0-0 draw in Doha against Asian Sandhu helped them earn a point. missed the match with a fever but was Doha on Tuesday. champions Qatar in 2022 qualifying on “Definitely a night to remember...” Sand- thrilled with the team’s gutsy display. ITuesday has filled them with pride. hu tweeted after the match, adding that he “THAT is my team and THOSE are my Cricket is king in India with football a hoped the result would inspire them against boys! Cannot describe how proud I am at distant second in the list of the country’s Bangladesh and Afghanistan, the other this moment,” tweeted the 35-year-old. favourite sports, though most fans rarely teams in Group E, both of whom are ranked “Not a big result for the table, but in pay attention to Indian soccer, instead pre- even lower than India. terms of a fight, as big as it can get. Huge ferring to watch the English Premier League “The effort, the will and the guts shown credit to the coaching staff and the dress- or La Liga. by everyone in the team was truly inspir- ing room.” Igor Stimac’s team, ranked 103rd in the ing. This result will help us to keep grow as Qatar top the group with four points from world, have given a good account of them- a team and as a nation.” two matches, one ahead of Oman and Af- selves in their first two matches in Group Qatar enjoyed 63% possession and had 13 ghanistan. The eight group winners and the E. They led Oman 1-0 in their opener last shots on target but Sandhu was unbeatable. four best runners-up advance to the third week but conceded two goals in the last “We have played just two matches, and round of qualification for the World Cup.

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT East-to-West Ultra Run to be Australia hungry held on Dec 6

QNA capabilities and improve Doha their level of sports, fi tness and psychological well-be- ing. atar Sports for All He added that the race will to fi nish off Ashes Federation has an- be run over a total distance of nounced the Qatar about 90km, with the Cor- East-to-West Ultra niche identifi ed as the start- RunQ to take place on Decem- ing point and Dukhan Beach ber 6 as part of its ongoing as the end point. It will be activities to encourage all held over fi ve phases in order segments of society to par- to give the participants some ticipate in sports. rest. series in style Chairman of the organising Al-Dosari explained that committee of the race, Ab- the race is only for amateurs To stand any chance of levelling the series, England will have to find a way to solve dullah al-Dosari, explained and is expected to be com- that the Qatar Sports for All pleted in about 17 hours. the riddle of the immovable Smith, who has scored 671 runs in just five innings Federation aims to promote a He added that every par- healthy lifestyle through the ticipant will be awarded a AFP provision of services and ac- medal since the main purpose London tivities to the public, includ- of the race is to encourage the ing raising awareness among community to exercise and young people, develop their promote a healthy lifestyle. ustralia head to the Oval hungry to win their fi rst Ashes series in England since 2001 as the peer- lessA Steve Smith seeks to infl ict further pain on the hosts. Tim Paine’s men fi nally saw off stubborn England at Old Traff ord on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the fi ve-Test series with just one match to go, meaning they will retain the urn. To stand any chance of level- ling the series, the World Cup winners will have to fi nd a way to solve the riddle of the immovable Smith, who has scored 671 runs in just fi ve innings at an aston- ishing average of more than 134. The former captain, top of the international rankings, has car- ried his team’s batting with three centuries and two fi fties, includ- ing a double-century in the win in Manchester, with Marnus La- buschagne the only other bats- man who has shown any consist- ency. Organising committee chairman Abdulla al-Dosari announcing Smith, who returned to Test England’s Jos Buttler (L) and Ben Stokes play a game of football during a training session at The Oval in London yesterday. details of the Ultra Run yesterday. action in England after complet- ing a 12-month ball-tampering top-ranked batsman and bowl- troops to one last eff ort after a many runs as they’d like. I think men would make way, perhaps ban, has made his mountain of er at his disposal, is urging the gruelling season in which Eng- the Australian team have bowled Jason Roy. runs despite missing three in- other batsmen to step up in the land became world champions in pretty well to him.” Stokes is England’s top-scorer Qatar to participate in nings after he was felled by a Jofra match starting on Thursday, even the 50-over format for the fi rst England talisman Ben Stokes in the series, with 354 runs and Archer bouncer. though he admits they lack expe- time. Their failure in the Ashes was included in an unchanged two centuries but, with the ex- LGCT event in France Given a full series, the freakish rience. has prompted questions over 13-man squad but will be as- ception of Rory Burns, the rest Paris: Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani and Bassem Smith might well been even clos- “You can’t just give them that the Yorkshireman’s position, but sessed to fi nd out whether he is of the batsmen have struggled Hassan will participate in the 17th leg of Longines Global er to Don Bradman’s mark of 974 experience, they have to earn outgoing coach Trevor Bayliss is fi t to bowl at the Oval. to build totals for the bowlers to Champions Tour to be staged in Saint Tropez, France. runs for the most runs ever made that and we’re very thankful to adamant the captain retains the The England vice-captain did defend. From today until September 14, the sparkling Longines in a Test series, set in 1930. have Steve batting,” he said. “I’ve support of the England hierar- not bowl in Australia’s second In the continuing absence of Athina Onassis Horse Show (LAOHS) will see the world’s top The other key factor for Aus- never seen batting like that. chy. innings at Old Traff ord following the injured James Anderson, horses and riders head to the legendary Pampelonne Beach tralia has been the strength of “You’ve still got to perform “He’s not come under ques- a right shoulder injury sustained Root will be relying on his new- with it’s turquoise waters and enviable blue skies. their pace attack, with Josh whether you’re young or you’re a tion from anyone making any in the tourists’ fi rst innings. ball pairing of Stuart Broad and In total, a hundred riders and nearly 200 horses are ex- Hazlewood and world number veteran, but we also have to rec- decisions,” Bayliss said. “He’s If Stokes is unfi t to bowl in Archer to do the damage. pected, representing more than twenty nations. one Pat Cummins catching the ognise they are young batsmen under no pressure at all.” London, he is expected to play But he will know that for every The two Qatari riders will also participate in Global Champi- eye with 42 wickets between and it’s a really tough school and Speaking about Root’s form as a specialist batsman, mean- minute Smith is at the crease, any ons League within Doha Falcons team which also includes them. hopefully they’ll come through with the bat, Bayliss added: ing either Sam Curran or Chris hopes of denying Australia a fi rst Michael Whitaker, Jur Vrieling, Bronislav Chudyba and Mike Australia coach Justin Langer, at some point.” “Everyone goes through peri- Woakes would come into the side series win in England for 18 years Kawai. (QNA) revelling in having the world’s Joe Root must inspire his ods where they don’t score as and one of the struggling bats- will recede. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, September 12, 2019 TENNISCRICKET

SELECTION England drop Jason Roy for 5th Ashes Test

AFP London England’s year a success despite missing out on Ashes: Root ngland have dropped Jason Roy for the fi fth Captain Joe Root said Eng- it slightly better than it looks Ashes Test against Aus- land’s year could still be judged right now so that’s the full Etralia that starts today, a success even if they fail to focus of the group.” as they look to level the series at level the Ashes series against England’s failure has led to 2-2. Australia by winning the final questions over Root’s posi- One-day specialist Roy was Test at the Oval. tion as captain, particularly handed his Test debut against The home side go into fifth and given his inconsistent batting Ireland in July after making a final match 2-1 down, meaning throughout the series. devastating impact at the top of they cannot place the urn in their But he said he knew the direc- the order during England’s vic- trophy cabinet alongside the tion in which he wanted to take torious World Cup campaign. one-day World Cup, which they the team and was already look- But the Surrey batsman failed won for the first time in July. ing forward to trying to win the to impress in the fi rst four match- But the skipper said his players Ashes in Australia in 2021/22. es of the Ashes, either as an open- were still focused on denying “In terms of personnel, things er or when he dropped down the Australia their first series win might change, as they have order in the fourth Test, where he in England since 2001 in the done for a while,” he said. made a top score of 31. game starting today. “But ultimately we need to fo- Paceman Craig Overton has “It’s bitterly disappointing to cus on the core group of play- also been left out for the clash at not have got the Ashes back, ers that are going to lead this the Oval, with all-rounders Sam but we haven’t lost anything team forward both home and Curran and Chris Woakes, who yet,” he said. away and build from that and made way for Overton at Old “We’ve got to make sure that towards winning in Australia.” Traff ord last week, coming into England’s Jason Roy we square the series up and the side. during nets. (Reuters) there’s Test Championship The England and Wales points to play for as well which Cricket Board confi rmed that down the line could make a Ben Stokes would play as a spe- huge diff erence.” cialist batsman due to a shoul- Root was adamant that despite der injury. out, but Stokesy obviously get a feel for it and it’s not quite The 28-year-old is England’s “He will I’m sure want to fi nd the disappointment of failing England need a victory at the picked up a shoulder injury in gone how he would have liked. top-scorer in the series with 354 diff erent ways of getting him- to win the series, England Oval to draw the series, although the last game and won’t be able “But I’m sure he’ll go away runs and two centuries, includ- self into the game even if it’s not could still be proud of their Australia have already retained to bowl the overs we normally and work extremely hard and ing his match-winning ton in with the ball.” achievements over the sum- the Ashes. expect him to,” he said at the come back again and that’s what the third Test at Headingley. mer. Captain Joe Root said Roy London ground yesterday. you expect of guys when they “He might be able to bowl a ENGLAND SQUAD “To win the first 50-over World had missed out because the “With that we’ve had to get left out.” Root said it would couple of overs here and there Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Cup is a huge achievement for side needed re-balancing due to change the balance of the side, have been a risk to pick Stokes but his batting, as this series as Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Stuart English cricket, so, absolutely, Stokes’s injury. and Jason’s the unfortunate one as a frontline bowler due to the shown, is a massive part of our Broad, Rory Burns, Jos But- it should be seen as a success- Joe Root attends a press to miss out. all-rounder’s fi tness issues but side and he rightly deserves to be tler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, ful year, but we’ve got a chance conference at The Oval LEFT OUT “Jason’s had an opportunity he fully justifi ed his place as a in our team as just a batter and a Jack Leach, Ben Stokes, Chris to level this series and make yesterday. (AFP) “It’s always tough to leave guys to come in and play Test cricket, specialist batsman. top-four batter,” said Root. Woakes.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Anderson targets Test return in NZ, India’s selectors South Africa tours

Reuters back in November during the London two-match test series in New Zealand, but said he was pre- pared to wait until the four-test ngland paceman James tour of South Africa in December face call to solve Anderson hopes to over- and January. come a calf problem that “I never like looking too far forced him out of the ahead, I just want to get my calf AshesE series and will aim to re- sorted and look to the next se- turn for their tours of New Zea- ries to see if I can get myself fi t land and South Africa later this for New Zealand and if not, then year. South Africa,” Anderson said. The 37-year-old sustained the Anderson said he was also opening woes injury playing for Lancashire in considering a vegan diet to pro- July and managed only four overs long his career. in the opening test at Edgbaston “I’m open-minded... I’m go- ‘We will definitely take Rohit as opener point into consideration when we all meet’ before being ruled out of the fi ve- ing to try and investigate every match series. possible avenue of what I need “I’m just about getting over to do at my age to keep myself in the disappointment... looking good shape,” he added to British ahead to what I can do in the fu- media. ture,” England’s top test wicket- taker with 575 victims told Sky Sports. “I’m defi nitely hungry and keen to keep playing for Eng- land. This summer I have been bowling as well as I ever have. I bowled quite a lot for Lancashire at the start of the season and was in really good form before I got injured at an annoying time.” Anderson is targeting a come- James Anderson.

Sri Lanka to ‘reassess’ Pakistan tour after security threat

Reuters received reliable information Colombo of a possible terrorist threat on the Sri Lankan team while touring Pakistan. he Sri Lankan cricket Sri Lanka named Lahiru association (SLC) Thirimanne and Dasun Shana- said yesterday it was ka its ODI and T20I captains for Treassessing the se- the tour after incumbents Di- curity situation in Pakistan muth Karunaratne and Lasith after receiving a warning “of a Malinga decided not to travel. possible terrorist threat” to its The other players who chose team. not to play were Angelo Sri Lanka is scheduled to play Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, three one-day internationals Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya De and three Twenty20 interna- Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila tional matches in Pakistan be- Dhananjaya, Suranga Lakmal The file photo of India’s Rohit Sharma in action. tween Sept. 27 and Oct. 9 and and Dinesh Chandimal. Kusal 10 key Lankan players have Mendis was unavailable for Reuters Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank tests against the West Indies, needs to spend more time on the two tests in a four-match series already opted out of the series selection due to an injury. Mumbai Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari Rohit Sharma has had to sit wicket and regain his touch and in Australia at the end of the citing security concerns. Pakistan are looking to host have all opened in tests but none out, prompting calls to try the form.” year, missing one match with SLC, which named weakened their first test on home soil — have been able to cement their limited-overs opener at the top Rohit, 32, has secured his injury and another due to the ODI and T20I squads for the as part of the World Test Cham- inding a solution to In- spot. of the order in the longest for- place at the top of the order in birth of his child. tour earlier yesterday, said in a pionship in December — since dia’s top-order batting Experienced duo Dhawan and mat too. the Twenty20 and 50-over for- Virat Kohli’s side should not statement that it had received a 2009 militant attack on Sri conundrum will be top of Vijay are not expected to be con- “As selection committee, we mats and fi nished with the most see too many changes in the rest the warning from the Prime Lanka’s team bus in Lahore left selectors’ agenda when sidered after repeated failures haven’t met after the conclu- runs at the recent World Cup in of the batting order while the Minister’s Off ice. six security personnel and two theyF meet to pick the squad for while Prithvi Shaw is currently sion of the West Indies tour. We England. bowling unit, which led them “Sri Lanka Cricket today civilians dead while six players next month’s home test series serving a doping ban. will defi nitely take this (Rohit as The only player in the world to a 2-0 win against the West sought the assistance of the Sri were injured. against South Africa. Rahul has played 36 tests but opener) point into consideration with three double hundreds in Indies and to the top of the Lankan Government to Pakistan did not host inter- Despite being the world’s failed to score a half-century in when we all meet and discuss one-day internationals, Rohit World Test Championship conduct a ‘Reassessment’ national cricket for six years top-ranked test side India have his last seven matches while his about it,” India’s chief selector bats in the middle order in the table with 120 points, should also of the security situation in following the 2009 attack, with struggled with their opening opening partner in West Indies, MSK Prasad told India Today. longest format but has never re- remain mostly intact. Pakistan ahead of the National the team playing their home combination, which, in turn, has Mayank Agarwal, has just four “KL is defi nitely a great tal- ally fl ourished on the test stage. Vishakhapatnam will host Team’s planned tour to Paki- matches in the United Arab heaped pressure on the middle tests under his belt. ent. Of course, he is going He was dropped following a the fi rst test between India and stan,” SLC said. Emirates, but have hosted order. With Ajinkya Rahane and Vi- through a bit of a tough time in poor return in South Africa in South Africa from October 2 “The warning highlights that teams such as Zimbabwe and Since 2018 KL Rahul, Murali hari putting in solid perform- test cricket and we are defi nitely early 2018 when he scored 78 followed by matches at Pune the Prime Minister’s Off ice has West Indies in recent years. Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Parthiv ances in the middle order in two concerned about his form. He runs in four innings. He played and Ranchi. Gulf Times Thursday, September 12, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS Marseille star Thauvin set for long absence with ankle injury Marseille: Marseille’s World Cup-winning winger Florian England, France beat Thauvin is set to miss the rest of the calendar year after agreeing to undergo ankle surgery, his club announced. In a statement, Marseille said Thauvin would not play again until after Ligue 1’s winter break, which covers the minnows, Ronaldo period of late December and early January. Thauvin, who has won 10 caps for France including one appearance as a substitute during their triumphant World Cup campaign in Rus- sia last year, initially suff ered shines for Portugal the injury late last season. He then twisted his ankle in a pre-season friendly defeat to Ronaldo, making his 160th international appearance, scored four as Portugal won against Lithuania Rangers in July but returned to action for Andre Villas- AFP Boas’s side on September 1. Paris Despite that, Marseille said he would now undergo an ar- throscopy “in order to be able ngland and Portugal both to get back to 100 percent”. scored fi ve goals while France Thauvin has scored 53 scored three as they overcame league goals in the last three lowly-ranked Kosovo, Lithuania seasons for his club, who andE Andorra in Euro 2020 qualifying on are hoping Villas-Boas can Tuesday night. Captain Ronaldo, mak- revive their fortunes after ing his 160th international appearance, they missed out on European scored four as Portugal won 5-1 in Vil- qualification at the end of last nius and strengthened their position in season. Group B after a sluggish start. For Ronaldo it was a second hat-trick TURKISH COURT in three internationals. The victory over SENTENCES BARCA’S Lithuania, 130th in the world rankings, TURAN TO JAIL kept brought Portugal fi ve points be- Barcelona midfielder Arda hind Ukraine at the top of Group B. Por- Turan, currently on loan with tugal, who opened the group with home Turkish club Basaksehir, was draws against Ukraine and Serbia, start- sentenced to two years and ed their recovery with a victory in Bel- eight months in jail for firing grade on Saturday. They have a game in a gun to cause fear and panic, hand on all the other teams in the group. illegal possession of weapons “We were better, we are better, and and intentional injury. we won because of it,” said Fernando However, the court de- Santos, the Portugal coach. “We kept ferred the implementation the pace after the win at Serbia, other- of the verdict, which means wise this triumph would make no sense, Turan will not go to prison and we are closer.” unless he commits a crime Ronaldo’s fi rst goal was a penalty. The in the next five years. Turan second, with the scores level after an was involved in a fight with hour, was a scuff ed low shot from out- Turkish singer Berkay Sahin in side the penalty area which took a cou- an Istanbul nightclub late last ple of strange bounces off the artifi cial year, leaving the singer with turf before it was parried into the air by a broken nose. Turan later the diving Ernestas Setkus. arrived at the hospital with The dropping ball hit the back of the a gun which he fired at the goalie’s head before rolling in. The third ground, causing panic. Basa- was a clinical volley from close range. ksehir said they had fined the The fourth was a low shot into the cor- 31-year-old 2.5mn Turkish lira ner. Vytautas Andriuskevicius scored the ($432,548) over the incident. hosts’ only goal before William Carvalho . added a fi fth for the reigning champions CURACAO GOALKEEPER at the end. Serbia beat Luxembourg 3-1, PIETER DIES AGED 31 as Aleksandar Mitrovic netted twice, to The Curacao team played a solidify their grasp on third place. They CONCACAF Nations League are a point behind Portugal. match against Haiti with In Southampton, Gareth Southgate’s heavy hearts on Tuesday England side trailed early on to Kosovo, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) vies for the ball with Lithuania’s Karolis Laukzemis during the Euro 2020 Group B qualification match in Vilnius, Lithuania. (AFP) following the sudden death ranked 120th in the world, when Valon of their goalkeeper, Jarzinho 1 (Turpel 66) Serbia (Mitrovic 36, 78, Berisha scored after 34 seconds. obvious. The errors were obvious.” top of your game all the time,” Griez- tiebreak, allowing Turkey to take fi rst Pieter. Pieter, 31, died at the England replied with a fi rst-half goal In Paris, the world champions made mann said. Coman also scored two place from France. Radonjic 55); At Vilnius: Lithuania 1 Curacao team hotel in Port- binge that ended with Jadon Sancho light work of beating 136-ranked An- against Albania on Saturday. “It has (Andriuskevicius 28) Portugal 5 (Ronaldo au-Prince on Monday. scoring twice to make it 5-1 at the break. dorra 3-0. It was Les Bleus’ 100th been a very good week. It has gone well EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS 7-pen, 62, 65, 76, Carvalho 90+2) Multiple media outlets The visitors claimed two back in the match at the Stade de France. Antoine personally and collectively,” Coman Group A: At Podgorica: Montenegro 0 Group H: At Chisinau: Moldova 0 Turkey reported the cause of death second half, including a second for Griezmann missed a penalty for his said. Cenk Tosun scored twice as the Czech Republic 3 (Soucek 54, Masopust 4 (Tosun 37, 79, Turuc 57, Yazici 88); At was an apparent heart attack. Lazio midfi elder Berisha, but the 5-3 country for the second game running Turks beat Moldova with ease in a 4-0 Pieter made a dozen appear- 58, Darida 90+5-pen); At Southampton, Saint-Denis, France: France 3 (Coman 18, victory put England three points clear but Kinglsey Coman, Clement Lenglet, victory in Chisinau. But Iceland, who ances for the small Carib- England: England 5 (Sterling 8, Kane, 19, Lenglet 52, Ben Yedder 90+1) Andorra 0; in Group A, ahead of the second-placed with his fi rst on the international goal, had been level with the top two, suff ered bean island nation from 2013 Vojvoda 38-og, Sancho 44, 45+1) Kosovo At Elbasan, Albania: Albania 4 (Dermaku Czech Republic, who beat Montenegro and Wissam Ben Yedder clinched three a blow as they lost 4-2 in Albania. through this year. Curacao 32, Hysaj 52, Roshi 79, Cikalleshi 83) Ice- 3-0. “A bizarre game,” said Southgate. points. “It is really annoying. I’ll just That result meant Iceland dropped 3 (Berisha 1, 49, Muriqi 55-pen) drew the match with Haiti 1-1. “The outstanding parts of our play were need to keep working. You can’t be on three points behind. It also changed the Group B: At Luxembourg: Luxembourg land 2 (G. Sigurdsson 47, Sigthorsson 58)

FRIENDLY FOCUS Abram strikes late as Peru down Brazil City to build statue in AFP shortly after the half hour mark when honour of Kompany Los Angeles Carlos Salcedo was adjudged to have handled in the area to concede a penalty. AFP Paredes duly stepped up to convert to give London eru grabbed a slice of revenge for Argentina a 3-0 lead. Martinez complet- their loss to Brazil in the Copa ed his hat-trick six minutes from half- America fi nal on Tuesday, de- time, again capitalising on lackadaisical anchester City will feating the fi ve-time World Cup Mexican defending to dart in and shoot honour former cap- winnersP 1-0 in a friendly in Los Angeles. past Ochoa. tain Vincent Kom- A headed goal from Argentina-based de- Argentina were without several fi rst pany with a statue fender Luis Abram was enough to give choice regulars, with Lionel Messi, Ser- Mof the Belgian outside the club’s Peru a hard-fought win over the Brazil- gio Aguero and Angel Di Maria all missing Etihad stadium. Kompany was ians. Brazil, who defeated Peru 3-1 in from their two-game international tour missing playing in his City tes- the fi nal of the Copa America in Rio de of North America. timonial late last night due to a Janeiro in July, never got going to the dis- Meanwhile, the United States halted hamstring injury, but was in at- appointment of a 32,287 crowd at the Los their two-game losing streak after Jordan tendance as the club also named Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The defeat Morris’s second-half goal was enough a road at their training base after brought an end to Brazil’s 17-game win- to secure a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in the centre-back. ning streak, a run which started with a a friendly international in St.Louis on “The road connecting the victory over the United States just over a Tuesday. City Football Academy youth year ago. Gregg Berhalter’s side had been looking and community pitches with Brazil coach Tite meanwhile opted to bounce back after being comprehen- the Club’s First Team Centre has against starting Paris Saint-Germain star sively outplayed in a 3-0 loss to Mexico in been renamed ‘Vincent Kompa- Neymar, four days after he had made a New Jersey last Friday. ny Crescent’ and is marked by a successful return from injury with a goal However the USA struggled to make mosaic inspired by Vincent’s un- even play. I have a slight ham- and an assist in a 2-2 draw with Colombia much an impression against an under- forgettable goal-celebration in string injury and can’t risk it. It’s on Friday. Tite, who had been reluctant to strength Uruguay in humid conditions at the 2012 Manchester derby,” City typical me,” said Kompany. start Neymar in back-to-back games as Peru’s Luis Abram (right) celebrates with teammates Christofer Gonzales (left) and Busch Stadium, better known as the home said in a statement. However, the Belgian interna- the striker regains fi tness, brought on the Andre Carrillo after scoring against Brazil in a friendly in Los Angeles. (AFP) of baseball’s St.Louis Cardinals. Uruguay, Kompany had been due to fea- tional played down his frustra- PSG forward after 63 minutes in place of missing star strikers Luis Suarez and Ed- ture in the star-studded charity tion at missing out with the most Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino. trick as Argentina thrashed Mexico 4-0 ishing which took his international goals inson Cavani, were barely troubled by the match that will see a City leg- important goal raising funds for Neymar attempted to up the tempo in in a friendly international in San Antonio tally to nine in 13 appearances. USA in the fi rst half. ends team face an all-star XI of charity. Current City stars David attack, but was unable to break the dead- on Tuesday. Inter Milan striker Martinez Martinez opened the scoring in the Uruguay took the lead fi ve minutes af- former Premier League players to Silva and Sergio Aguero will line- lock, with Brazil, who were also missing scored in the 17th, 22nd and 39th minutes 17th minute, picking the ball up deep in ter the restart, when a lightning counter- raise money for his homelessness up alongside the likes of Mario Dani Alves and Thiago Silva, struggling to at the Alamodome to give Argentina a de- Mexican territory before twisting and attack culminated with Los Angeles FC charity Tackle4MCR. Balotelli in a team managed by fi nd their usual attacking rhythm. Instead served win over a lacklustre Mexico team. turning past several defenders and fi r- star Brian Rodriguez turning Aaron Long The 33-year-old left the Pre- Pep Guardiola. it was Peru who grabbed a winner, Abram Paris Saint-Germain midfi elder Lean- ing low past Guillermo Ochoa. Martinez inside out before rifl ing home past Guzan. mier League champions in May They will face an all-star side rising to meet Yoshimar Yotun’s free-kick dro Paredes scored Argentina’s other goal bagged his second fi ve minutes later, with The USA kept plugging away in search to become player-manager at littered with former Manchester to glance in the winner. from the penalty spot after 33 minutes River Plate’s Exequiel Palacios punish- of an equaliser and fi nally got their re- Anderlecht and, much like the United greats like Edwin van der as the South American giants romped ing sloppy play in the Mexican defence to ward in the 79th minute, when Nick latter half of his City career, was Sar, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes MARTINEZ HAT-TRICK FIRES into a 4-0 lead at halftime. But it was the send the Inter Milan striker through on Lima’s bizarre defl ected cross fell into the hit by a muscle injury in defeat to and Ryan Giggs, but also boast- ARGENTINA OVER MEXICO 22-year-old Martinez who grabbed the goal to fi nish for 2-0. path of Morris at the farpost who steered Genk last month. ing Thierry Henry and Robin van Lautaro Martinez fi red a 22-minute hat- headlines with a clinical exhibition of fi n- A disastrous start for Mexico got worse the ball home with his chest. “Unfortunately I can’t start or Persie in attack. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, September 12, 2019 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Two arrested in transfer fraud raids Brussels: Police investigating suspected fraud linked to the Won’t be an easy game transfer of Serbian striker Ale- ksandar Mitrovic to Newcas- tle United have made seven raids in Belgium, Monaco and London, arresting two people including an agent, off icials said yesterday. The probe, which earlier against Rayyan, says this year saw the Belgian FA headquarters searched, is looking into suspected money-laundering related to transfers including Mitrovic’s 18.5mn euro (13mn pound) move from Anderlecht to St James’ Park in 2015. Duhail star Edmilson Under the direction of a Belgian anti-corruption ‘Al Duhail’s performance can rise to great heights when we play with high spirit’ judge, police and tax off icials made seven raids on Tuesday aulo Edmilson has a key role to ers to be out of action. Certainly, this has and Wednesday, detaining play in Al Duhail’s scheme of had a big impact on us. Teams missing an agent in Monaco and his things this season, mainly be- the services of their regular players hap- assistant in the Belgian city Paulo Edmilson joined cause of his untiring eff orts, pens around the world. It’s normal in of Liege. Phigh technical abilities, skills in drib- football. We work hard to win games. We Duhail in July last year from The initial stage of the Belgian club Standard Liege. bling, passing as well as creating oppor- all perform strongly in training in order probe, concentrating on tunities and scoring. to fulfi l our mission on the pitch. Mitrovic’s move, led to a The Belgian-Brazilian joined Du- series of raids in April but hail in July last year from his home club What do you think are the reasons no arrests and investigators Standard Liege and since then has been for changes in the team’s show? are now focusing on agent the standout player in Portuguese coach I don’t think there’s a change in the Christophe Henrotay. Rui Faria’s team. The forward spoke to team’s performance, but we can say Henrotay is the man who qsl.qa ahead of this weekend’s QNB there’s a mismatch in some games. was held in Monaco in the Stars League match against Al Rayyan. latest round of raids. A source Excerpts Is exit from the AFC Champions close to the inquiry said he League still haunting Al Duhail? is suspected of taking illegal How do you view your match Exiting from the AFC Champions kickbacks in connection with against Al Rayyan? League was sad for all of us, but this is another transfer. He is one Certainly, it won’t be an easy game. football and we must move forward. of the top football agents in Al Rayyan are a big team in the Qatar There’re many tournaments ahead of us. Belgium, with clients includ- league and are working hard to win the We must be on top physically and tech- ing Real Madrid goalkeeper title. I think fans will enjoy a strong per- nically to achieve our goals. Thibaut Courtois and Belgian formance. It’ll be a good game because national team winger Yannick both teams play off ensively. Al Rayyan are motivated to score Carrasco. their fi rst win after two successive Four of this week’s raids Will Duhail be able to win it or will draws… were in Monaco, two in Bel- you face diffi culties during the Every club wants victories and positive gium and one in London, with match? results. Al Duhail are motivated enough the cooperation of the Met- Diffi culties exist in every game, but the to win this game. ropolitan Police and British ability to win comes from the players’ customs and revenue off icers. determination and successful imple- Your message to Al Duhail and Al The inquiry is separate from mentation of the plan drawn up by the Rayyan fans? Belgium’s so-called “foot- technical staff as well as performance We hope there’ll be a lot of fans out there ballgate” scandal, which has on the pitch. All these factors can help and that’ll increase the players’ deter- resulted in 20 suspects being Al Duhail win this contest. If we can give mination on the pitch. It’ll also encour- charged since October 2018, our maximum, we’ll be able to defeat Al age them to give off their best to delight including agents, referees Rayyan. the fans. and club off icials, in a vast investigation into fraud and What are the strengths of both What’re your ambitions with the match-fixing. Mitrovic spent teams? team this season? three seasons at Newcastle Both teams have good players in all de- Any footballer will’ve ambitions to before moving to Fulham partments and that refl ects on their win trophies with his club and give the in 2018. His transfer from strength. Al Duhail’s performance can performance expected from him. Now Anderlecht — Belgium’s most rise to great heights when we play with we’re facing a new season, new chal- successful club — involved high spirit. Al Rayyan players have high lenges and we must work hard to regain the agents Pini Zahavi and physical capabilities, which are refl ected our pride on the domestic front and also Fali Ramadani, the Derniere on their speed on the pitch. in Asia. Heure newspaper reported at the time of the initial raids in Which Al Rayyan player worries Are Duhail capable of regaining the April. The criminal probe adds you the most? league shield? to Anderlecht’s woes on the I’m not worried about any particular Indeed, Al Duhail are capable of regain- pitch, where the 34-time Bel- player. Generally, we’ve to be wary of ing the league shield. It can be achieved gian champions are languish- our opponents. There’ve been talks that by working more on the pitch and rec- ing a lowly 13th in the league Al Duhail’s performance is on the de- tifying our mistakes that aff ect our per- with just a single win in their cline… formance. The season is still long and first six games this season. Injuries have forced many of our play- we’re at the beginning of the journey.

SPOTLIGHT LA LIGA Qatar 2022 training sites showcase legacy Valencia sack Marcelino, name value three years ahead of tournament Celades as new coach

By Sid Lowe The Guardian

helsea’s Champions League opponents Va- lencia have been thrown into chaos after the club’sC owner, Peter Lim, an- nounced the sacking of Marce- lino García Toral six days before their visit to Stamford Bridge. Marcelino has been replaced by the former Spain Under-21s manager Albert Celades, after a crisis that has been growing steadily over the last year and was played out publicly during the summer fi nally exploded yes- Marcelino won the Copa del Rey last season and his last match in terday. Valencia face Barcelona at charge of Valencia was a 2-0 home win against Mallorca. the Camp Nou on Saturday night before travelling to London. come unbearably strained. That trol had become evident, with an Lim summonsed the club’s was not helped by the very fact open breakdown in relations be- president, Anil Murthy, to Singa- that he and Alemany were seen tween manager, general manager Each training facility for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will consist of two FIFA-compliant floodlit natural grass pitches, ancillary team pore in order to fi re the manager. as the architects of the success, and owner. Marcelino had been facilities, team parking and spectator areas for public training sessions. Marcelino did not know about rather than the owner – or in publicly critical of the construc- the meeting until reports ap- spite of the owner, in fact. tion of the squad and the club’s atar 2022’s compact confi gura- ancillary team facilities, team parking and participating teams have their own team peared in the media on Wednes- Lim bought Valencia fi ve years failure to sign off on players for tion allows for the introduction of spectator areas for public training sessions. base camps during the FIFA World Cup. day morning and the offi cial an- ago, and has signed 52 players whom deals had been set up, a new innovative accommodation Ahmed al-Obaidly, Training Sites Project Al-Obaidly emphasised that the three nouncement was made in the since. Celades will be his eighth particularly the Barcelona mid- and training concept, providing Manager at the Supreme Committee for years leading up to the tournament will give afternoon. The club’s director manager, with Salvador González fi elder Rafi nha. He also opposed teamQ delegations with a home-away-from- Delivery & Legacy (SC), explained: “Each the SC plenty of time to pilot diff erent uses general, Mateu Alemany, remains “Voro” having had three diff er- the proposed sale of striker Rod- home for the duration of the tournament – training site has two natural grass pitches for the training sites and ultimately high- in his post for the time being, al- ent spells in charge. Questions rigo Moreno, whom Lim sought the purpose-built Team Base Camp (TBC) with a three metre auxiliary area around and light the legacy use of this state-of-the-art though his long-term position have been raised over Lim’s mo- to sell to Atletico Madrid. That featuring dedicated training sites for each a fi ve metre gap between the pitches to guar- sporting infrastructure. appears untenable. The players tives for owning the club and his deal, like the relationship, even- team. antee the safety of the players.” Teams that have already used the pitches are understood to be shocked by commitment from Singapore tually collapsed. The 41 training sites for the teams that He added: “The fi eld of play in the train- include the Qatar national team, Taipei, the decision, but they knew that as well as the role played by the Marcelino had the backing will participate in the FIFA World Cup Qa- ing sites resembles the pitches at FIFA Iran, Palestine, Kazakhstan, the Qatar Rug- this was likely sooner or later. agent Jorge Mendes. Marcelino of supporters and both he and tar 2022 are already showcasing their legacy World Cup stadiums with same type and by Federation and Al Fohood Sports Acad- Marcelino has been credited arrived in July 2017, employed Alemany had threatened to walk value, with pilot usage phase well underway quality of playing surface, profi le, irrigation emy from Oman. Some of the chosen loca- with bringing stability back to by Alemany, who had joined the away during the summer. That ahead of the offi cial launch. and drainage system. These can be used any tions include Qatar University, Doha Golf Valencia, a club with a propen- club in March that year. Murthy crisis was contained, continu- Several national teams including the Al- time of the day during the tournament as Course, Al Sailiya and Onaiza, with public sity for infi ghting and crisis. He took over as president in July. It ity secured, but not for long. gerian team that won the African Cup of Na- they are equipped with fl oodlighting to light sports grounds included in the legacy plan- led them to a Champions League was a signifi cant turnaround for Marcelino’s press conferences tions in July have already used the sites. The up the entire site evenly.” ning for the facilities. place last season and to a Copa Valencia. A new structure ap- were ever more challenging, his sites also will be used before the 2019 FIFA The training facilities are an important The extensive infrastructure at each site del Rey fi nal victory over Barce- peared to be set up with Alemany messages direct. At times he ap- Club World Cup in December. pillar of the team base camps, a mandatory also includes dressing rooms, a press con- lona in Seville – their fi rst trophy and Marcelino constructing the peared to be almost daring the Each training facility for the FIFA World FIFA World Cup hosting concept which in- ference area, a catering and lounge area, in- for 11 years, and in their cente- squad and tranquillity at last. owner to take him on and sack Cup Qatar 2022 will consist of two FIFA- cludes training facilities and a hotel located formation technology and communications nary season. But his relationship But over the last few months a him. At some point he was bound compliant fl oodlit natural grass pitches, in close proximity to each other. Each of the networks and broadcast and media facilities. with the club’s owner had be- barely concealed battle for con- to do just that. Gulf Times Thursday, September 12, 2019 5 SPORT

FOCUS 30 days to go before ANOC World Beach Games begin By Sports Reporter ule, news and photo galleries, Qatar and we believe all partici- to ensure that the best ath- Doha weather and other relevant in- pants will leave here with last- letes would be competing at the formation. ing memories of this historical Games. ANOC has also unveiled new event and our great hospitality The featuring sports include he countdown is on: ex- Instagram (awbg2019) and as well.” aquathlon, 3X3 basketball, actly 30 days from to- Twitter (@AWBG2019) spe- Qatar 2019, which will see climbing bouldering, beach day, the maiden edition cifi cally dedicated to the Games. more than 1,200 athletes com- handball, karate kata individual, of the Association of Through the social media ac- peting in 14 disciplines across kitefoil racing, skateboarding, TNational Olympic Committees counts, fans will have the op- 13 sports, will take place at ven- beach soccer, open water 5km (ANOC) World Beach Games, portunity of accessing real-time ues including Katara Beach, Al swimming, beach tennis, beach also known as Qatar 2019, will information as well as being a Gharafa, Aspire Park and Ritz volleyball 4X4, waterski, wake- kick off with a spectacular open- part of the Games through their Carlton Canal and will witness board and beach wrestling. ing ceremony at the Beach side interaction and participation. the participation of a total of 97 As per the schedule, aquath- of the Katara – the Cultural Vil- Capturing the spirit of the National Olympic Committees lon, 3X3 basketball, karate kata lage in Doha. Games is ‘Dolphy’, the fun-lov- (NOCs) in what promises be a individual, kitefoil racing, beach When ANOC announced Qa- ing mascot who is a jolly fellow truly global festival of beach, soccer, open water 5km swim- tar as the new host of the inau- and a great swimmer who loves water and action sports. ming, beach tennis and beach gural edition of the ANOC World the ocean and the warmth the All fi ve continents will be rep- wrestling will all take place at Beach Games on 14th June 2019, QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain beach off ers. resented at Qatar 2019 with 17 Katara Beach while Al Ghara- the global sports body was not Dolphy, who loves talking to NOCs qualifi ed from Africa, 19 fa will be the venue for beach just naming a host in Qatar but (QOC) Secretary-General Jas- set a great benchmark for future people and telling them how Qatar 2019 as the Games prom- from Americas, 21 from Asia, 35 handball and beach volleyball also reiterating what has become sim bin Rashid al-Buenain said, events. important it is to keep the water ises to be not just a competition, from Europe and 5 from Oceania. 4X4. a widely acknowledged attribute “We are happy to start the 30- A new website (www.awb- clean, not only for the dolphins, but an event designed to provide The qualifi cation process for Climbing bouldering and of this sport-loving country as day countdown to this historical gqatar.com) which provides, but also for all the other friends unparalleled entertainments and the ANOC World Beach Games skateboarding, on the other one that can put up a dazzling event in Qatar. With the hosting among many other functions, in the sea and for the people of fun for the entire family. By na- began in June last year with each hand, will be hosted at Aspire fi rst-class global event even at of the World Beach Games Qatar the live streaming of competi- Qatar and everywhere. ture, dolphins exhibit tempera- sport having a diff erent qualifi - Park and Ritz-Carlton Canal short notices. 2019, we are once again dem- tions in order to enable fans Commenting on the occasion, ments that are associated with cation pathway but the major- will take care of the waterski and Ahead of the Games, ANOC onstrating our readiness to host enjoy live action of the Games Sheikha Asma al-Thani, Direc- kindness and peace and they ity of qualifi cation places were wakeboard events. and the host country have another world-class event even from any part of the world was tor of Marketing and Ceremo- are driven to make those around drawn from world ranking places ANOC World Beach Games is launched a series of initiatives in at short notices. Preparations recently launched. The website nies for Qatar 2019, said, “We are them happy by creating an am- or the highest fi nishing places at scheduled for fi ve days, October a bid to ensure the competition are in top gear and we can’t wait also includes information about happy to unveil Dolphy as the of- bient tranquil atmosphere of World Championships or Conti- 12-16, 2019, with the opening leaves an enduring legacy. enough to welcome the world to participating countries, venues, fi cial mascot of the Games. Dol- peace and acceptance. These at- nental Championships. rounds for certain events being Qatar Olympic Committee Doha. We believe Qatar 2019 will provisional competition sched- phy fully embodies the spirit of tributes resonate well with us in The process was designed held on October 11, 2019.

MLB NFL Winless Panthers, Buccaneers collide Seager shines as on short week

Reuters is a former Heisman Trophy New York winner, had a rather uneven performance in the fi rst game. He’s bound to be ready for this he Tampa Bay Buc- challenge. Dodgers clinch 7th caneers and Carolina “Cam is a prime-time play- Panthers had similar er, so we’re going to get his outlooks after one best,” Arians said. Tgame. Just get better - and do Containing Carolina run- it in a hurry. ning back Christian McCaf- The teams have a short frey will be one of the priori- turnaround for Week 2 when ties for Tampa Bay. He racked they face off tonight at Bank up 209 yards from scrimmage straight NL West title of America Stadium in Char- (128 on the ground, 81 receiv- lotte, North Carolina. ing) for the sixth-most in NFL ‘We are glad to get this out of the way. We will have fun tonight and come back to work tomorrow’ “We just got to play bet- in a season opener in the past ter,” Panthers tight end Greg 20 years. Olsen said. “It doesn’t take a Otherwise, the Panthers lot of football knowledge to will look to fi x numerous ar- understand a lot of things we eas. did (in the opener) are hard to “We just have to get that overcome.” edge back,” Newton said. The Buccaneers had plenty The Buccaneers had trouble of self-iNFLicted problems in converting on some of their a disturbing home loss to the chances. The red zone off ence San Francisco 49ers. is in need of immediate atten- “Learn from what you did, tion. “We can do a better job get it corrected,” said coach running routes, especially the Bruce Arians, who’s in search deep stuff ,” Arians said. of his fi rst victory with Tampa Tampa Bay off ensive tack- Bay. “Week 1 or Week 10, it’s le Donovan Smith said the about the next one. ... This is Buccaneers can’t be easing a quick turnaround, so it kind into the early part of season. of helps mentally. We get right “We’ve just got to stop beat- into our game plan.” ing ourselves,” Smith said. The Buccaneers want to Both teams came out of avoid a downward spiral, and their openers in relatively there’s not time to lament the good health, though Olsen shortcomings in the opener. missed Tuesday’s practice “I guess the good thing is with an ailing back. He’s likely we’re playing on Thursday,” to play Thursday. Tampa Bay tight end Cam- Carolina defensive tackle eron Brate said. Carolina came Gerald McCoy, who played his closer in a 30-27 setback to fi rst nine seasons with Tampa the Los Angeles Rams, the Bay before joining the Pan- reigning NFC champions. thers in the off season, will be “We just need to clean some facing his former team. stuff up,” Panthers linebacker Until New Orleans’ last- Luke Kuechly said. play victory against Houston Two of Tampa Bay quarter- on Monday night, every NFC back Jameis Winston’s three South team lost its opener. interceptions against San This will be the fi rst intra- Francisco were returned for divisional game for any of the touchdowns in the 31-17 loss. four teams. “We’ve got to eliminate Carolina has won nine of its those type of plays or we last 12 meetings with the Buc- won’t beat anybody,” Arians caneers. These teams will play said. twice in about a month’s time, Panthers quarterback Cam with the rematch October 13 Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager hits a home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Newton, who like Winston in London.

AFP RESULTS pitcher Ty Blach. Gavin Lux hit his fi rst The Padres held leads of 6-2 and 8-5, Baltimore major league homer in the fi fth inning as but the Cubs rallied to tie the game in the Dodgers 7-3 Orioles the Dodgers scored six of their seven runs eighth on the second homers of the game Brewers 4-3 Marlins from homers. Starting pitcher Walker by both Kris Bryant and Jason Heyward. Buehler got the victory with a dominant Cishek retired the fi rst hitter he faced orey Seager blasted two home Padres 9-8 Cubs runs and fi nished with fi ve RBIs performance to improve to 13-3 on the in the 10th before giving up an infi eld as the Los Angeles Dodgers Indians 8-0 Angels season. The right-hander fanned 11 bat- single to Luis Urias. Cishek (3-6) then is- clinched their seventh straight Mets 3-2 D’backs ters and allowed just four hits in seven sued walks to Austin Hedges and Travis CNational League West title with a 7-3 win shutout innings. “It was really special,” Jankowski to load the bases before failing Phillies 6-5 Braves over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. manager Dave Roberts said. “We needed to throw a strike to Margot. “This feels great. It never gets old,” said Twins 5-0 Nationals it, and I think that he needed it.” Reliever Michel Baez (1-1) picked up his Seager. The Dodgers, who have reached Rays 5-3 Rangers Baltimore is mired in a six-game losing fi rst major league win for the Padres. the last two World Series, are seeking their Tigers 12-11 Yankees streak and are just two losses away from The loss cut the Cubs’ lead over Mil- fi rst World Series title since 1988. losing 100 games for the second consecu- waukee to one game in the race for the Los Angeles lost to the Boston Red Sox Athletics 21-7 Astros tive season. National League’s second wild card. in fi ve games last year and lost to the Hou- Blue Jays 4-3 Red Sox Orioles’ pitcher Blach is no stranger The Cubs tied the game at 8-8 in the top ston Astros in seven in 2017. Rockies 2-1 Cardinals to the Dodgers having played previously of the eighth as Bryant and Heyward went “I just think after losing your fi rst World with the San Francisco Giants. But Blach deep off 20-year-old reliever Andres Mu- White Sox 7-3 Royals Series, you probably got a little bit of a has struggled since joining the Orioles noz. With the Cubs trailing 8-5, Anthony hangover coming into it,” pitcher Clayton Giants 5-4 Pirates and on Tuesday he gave up four runs in the Rizzo opened the inning with a single. Kershaw said. “After ‘18, I think we came Mariners 4-3 Reds fi rst inning. He lasted just 2 1/3 innings, Bryant, who received a cortisone injec- in a little bit more determined, maybe a allowing six runs on nine hits. tion in his knee Monday, drove a 100 mph little more focused.” way,” he said. “We will have fun tonight fastball 403 feet to left-center, giving the Seager smacked two homers in the fi rst and come back to work tomorrow.” PADRES DEFEAT CUBS ON University of San Diego graduate his third three innings and also scored two runs for Seager hit a three-run homer in the WALK-OFF WALK IN 10TH and fourth RBIs of the game. Heyward hit the Dodgers who celebrated with cham- fi rst inning and belted a two-run shot in Manuel Margot drew a four-pitch, walk- his game-tying, 21st homer of the season pagne in the clubhouse. the third as the Dodgers took a big early off walk from Chicago Cubs reliever Steve two hitters later. The Cubs took a 2-0 lead Seager said the festivities won’t last lead and cruised from there in front of a Cishek with one out in the 10th inning in the second on Heyward’s two-run shot Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton looks to pass during long as they have their sights on the bigger crowd of just 12,000 at Camden Yards. He Tuesday night to give the host San Diego into the seats just beyond the leap of Pa- the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America prize. “We are glad to get this out of the hit both homers off of Baltimore starting Padres a 9-8 victory. dres left fi elder Nick Martini. Stadium on September 8. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, September 12, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Italy’s Parisse dares to dream in World ‘No excuses’ — All Cup swansong

Reuters we’re friends, we play together, Rome but when we’re training we’re not friends and we don’t give gifts to anyone. There’s no way n Oct. 11, 2003, the at- that there is less commitment in Blacks relish Boks tention of the rugby training just because I’m 35 years world was fi xed on old and pretty sure to go to the New Zealand’s fi rst World Cup.” stepO in their bid to win the Rugby Parisse describes himself as World Cup, a 70-7 victory over “very passionate and emotional”. Italy in Melbourne. Just over an He was reduced to tears in the hour into a routine win for the news conference that followed All Blacks, a 20-year-old Ital- Italy’s loss to France on the fi - World Cup test ian called Sergio Parisse stepped nal day of the 2019 Six Nations, off the bench to replace fl anker which extended their losing run Mauro Bergamasco for his World in the competition to a record 22 Treble-chasing All Blacks began their workout at 8am to avoid brutal afternoon heat Cup debut. games. Although the substitution There’s no escaping the fact did little to infl uence the game, this will be the last time he it started a remarkable inter- graces a World Cup. But Parisse national career during which is determined not to allow the Parisse has become his country’s thought of his fi nal game at the most-capped player. Fourteen tournament — and possibly his years on, the number eight is set last for Italy — to distract him. to play in a fi fth World Cup in Ja- “I just want to enjoy it, because I pan, a landmark only two players know these are my last few games have previously reached — Sa- in an Italian jersey,” he said. moa’s Brian Lima and Bergamas- “I’m trying to enjoy every time co, the man he replaced on his I pull it on and go out to represent debut. “When you’re 20 years old my country,” he said. “We’re go- your dream is to go to the World ing to see after the World Cup if Cup, so you want to kill everyone I’m going to stop my (interna- in every single training session,” tional) career or continue. If I Parisse said. The 35-year-old has feel I can still give something to achieved a lot since fi rst realising the Italian jersey I would con- that dream. sider another Six Nations, but if He has earned 140 caps — I think after the World Cup that I more than any except Ireland’s should stop I’m going to be hon- Brian O’Driscoll (141) and New est and that’s the best call,” he Zealand’s Richie McCaw (149). added. “In my head I want to play In that time the 6ft 4in back-row for Italy for another 10 or 15 years forward’s unique blend of power but it’s impossible, so sometimes and technique has made him an you have to think about making Italian talisman and he became the right decision.” the fi rst player from his country Italy face an enormous chal- to be nominated for IRB Player of lenge to reach the knockout stag- the Year in 2008 before earning a es for the fi rst time after being second nomination in 2013. drawn in a group with two of the Parisse’s stature and role as tournament favourites, New Zea- captain ensured his ticket to Ja- land and South Africa, as well as pan was never in doubt, although Namibia and Canada. But Parisse he insists the security of a squad believes the attitude and prepa- place hasn’t tempted him to ease ration of Conor O’Shea’s squad off a bit ahead of his fi nal appear- have put them in the best possi- ance on rugby’s biggest stage. ble position to pull off a momen- “My desire is stronger than tous upset. “I’ve never been in a before,” he said. “There’s no way World Cup squad with as much for me to be lazy or relaxed in enthusiasm as this one before,” training just because I know I’m he said. “In 2015 we had players the captain and I’m going to be with a lot of talent and skill like there in Japan. It’s my respon- Martin Castrogiovanni, Andrea sibility to be the fi rst at train- Masi, Mauro Bergamasco, players ing, to be aggressive. I say to the with experience of another level, team every time we train that and in 2011 it was the same. New Zealand players warm up during a training session at Kashiwanoha Park Stadium in Kashiwa, Chiba prefecture, Japan yesterday. (AFP)

AFP training just to adapt to the heat in the af- All Blacks 16-16 in Wellington six weeks Tokyo on September 20. Kashiwa, Japan ternoon. It’s common sense — but we’re ago and beat them to the Rugby Champi- “I think we saw a very brave Japan team loving it. onship title, is set to be a classic and could play with a lot of possession,” he said. “We had a number of players who we set the tone for the World Cup. “They really challenged South Africa de- hampions New Zealand under- held back last week with niggles. We’re “We love the draw because it’s meant fensively for large periods of the game.” went a punishing fi rst World pleased with the progress we’ve seen and we’ve turned up and there’s no excuses, Foster meanwhile shrugged off sug- Cup training session in Japan that’s put us in a good spot,” he added, no waiting for us to get used to the inten- gestions that New Zealand were showing yesterday before promising to confi rming that fl y-half Richie Mo’unga sity — it’s right there in front of us,” in- glimpses of fallibility, after drawing with comeC out fi ring against South Africa in should recover from his sore shoulder in sisted Foster. “We’re about to face a very the Boks and losing to Australia in the their blockbuster tournament opener. time to face South Africa. confi dent South African team, but they’re Rugby Championship. The treble-chasing All Blacks, who face “It’s the fi rst time in three years we’ve going to face a very determined All Blacks “Winning has always been important the Springboks in a potentially explosive had a week of training without a game team — we know South Africa are going to to us, but it really doesn’t mean much Pool B clash on September 21, began their at the end. That’s probably why we got a be 100% prepared and we’ve got to make now,” he said, adding: workout at 8am local time in Kashiwa, bit of a bounce today with a really solid sure we are too.” “There’s a number of candidates northeast of Tokyo, to avoid the brutal session. The guys are feeling really good The Springboks limbered up for the putting their hands up to be favourites for afternoon heat. about what we’re doing.” World Cup by beating hosts Japan 41-7 this tournament. We’ve seen a number of “I’ll give you a quick summary — it’s The All Blacks, who smashed Tonga in Kumagaya last Friday to partially atone teams who’ve had big victories that we’ve very hot,” said New Zealand assistant 92-7 last weekend in a World Cup warm- for their humiliating loss to the Brave looked at and gone ‘Wow, that’s a team coach Ian Foster, noting that tempera- up in Hamilton, also meet Italy, Canada Blossoms at the 2015 tournament. that could really threaten!’ So it’s going to tures hit 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) on and Namibia in Pool B. But their show- But Foster paid tribute to Japan, who be an exciting World Cup — but the rest is Tuesday. “We changed the timing of our down with the Springboks, who held the kick off the World Cup against Russia in just a smokescreen really.” Italy’s Sergio Parisse. (Reuters)

WALLABIES’ KURIDRANI ON TRACK FOR FIJI, PETAIA STILL WEEKS AWAY

Tokyo: Tevita Kuridrani is on track to rivals Wales, Cheika said at training later and Uruguay on Oct. 5. They play O’Connor and Samu Kerevi in his start- to Typhoon Faxai, the Wallabies held an injury. The 23-year-old stayed behind be fit for Australia’s Rugby World Cup in Odawara, Japan. “I think Tevita is their last group match against Georgia ing midfield against Fiji. O’Connor and open training session on Wednesday at when his team-mates flew to the far opener against Fiji but fellow centre running nearly back at full pace so I’m on Oct. 11. Fiji-born Kuridrani and Petaia Kerevi proved an eff ective combina- their Odawara base where local media east on Monday after sustaining a deep Jordan Petaia may not be available hopeful he’s going to be right for selec- were sidelined for the Wallabies’ last tion in the upset of world champions were curious to know how they were wound to his face during last Friday’s until their third group match against tion next weekend,” Cheika said. “Our World Cup warmup, a hard-fought New Zealand in Perth last month. Lock coping with the humidity. 36-9 final warm-up win over Georgia at Uruguay, coach Michael Cheika said target for Jordan is a couple of weeks 34-15 win over Samoa in Sydney on Adam Coleman, who scored the first Murrayfield. yesterday. Both players are battling later. If not Wales, the one after but Saturday. of six tries by the Wallabies against Sa- RITCHIE CLEARED TO JOIN Ritchie underwent further specialist hamstring strains but Petaia’s injury we’re hopeful it will be for Wales.” Veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper moa, was spared full training in Japan SCOTLAND SQUAD IN JAPAN assessment but the Scottish Rugby Un- needed a longer recovery and could Twice World Cup winners Australia started outside utility Matt Toomua while recovering from a thumb injury Edinburgh flanker Jamie Ritchie will be- ion says he is fit enough to travel and see the uncapped teenager ruled out play Fiji in Sapporo on Sept. 21 before in the centres against the Samoans but Cheika expected him to be fit for latedly join Scotland’s World Cup squad will join the rest of the squad at their of the second match against Pool D meeting Wales in Tokyo eight days but Cheika is likely to have James Fiji. After arriving late on Monday due in Japan after recovering from a facial training camp in Nagasaki today.

OLYMPICS South Korea asks IOC to ban Japan’s use of ‘Rising Sun’ fl ag at Olympics Reuters Tokyo’s organising committee’s deci- net Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said taking part in seven Olympics and do- for “Olympic fl ame” — seika — in com- per house lawmaker to give birth while Seoul sion to allow the fl ag to be displayed at that the fl ag is widely used in Japan and ing it in two sports. memoration of the 1964 event, which holding offi ce. She kept working almost Olympic venues and call for action to the country’s Olympic organisers did The 54-year-old ruling party law- opened fi ve days after her birth and was until her daughter was born, reportedly thwart the move. not consider hoisting the fl ag to be a maker now assumes the post of Olym- a pivotal event in modern Japanese his- just two hours after she entered hospi- outh Korea has asked the Inter- The ministry said the fl ag defi es the political act. pics minister in Prime Minister Shinzo tory. tal. national Olympic Committee to peaceful spirit of the Olympics as it was The South Korean ministry noted Abe’s reshuffl ed cabinet, allowing her Though the highest Olympic medal Hashimoto’s husband brought three bar Japan from using the “Rising a symbol of Japan’s imperialist past that that football’s governing body FIFA has to oversee Japan’s second hosting of the she won was a bronze at the 1992 Al- children to their marriage and they had Sun” fl ag at next year’s Games, reminds Asian countries of “historical already banned the use of the fl ag. In Summer Games that begin on July 24, bertville Winter Games in the Ladies two more, making her the mother of Seoul’sS sports ministry said yester- wounds and pains,” and it likened it to 2017, the Asian Football Confederation 2020. 1,500 metre race, she set a record for six — three boys and three girls. She has day, as the Asian neighbours engage in the swastika used in Nazi Germany. imposed sanctions against Japan after Best known as a speed skater, Hashi- taking part in the most Olympic games focused on education and children in an ever more rancorous feud over his- The International Olympic Commit- Japanese spectators used the fl ag dur- moto — who hails from Japan’s wintry of any Japanese woman. her policy pursuits and also puts prior- tory and trade. Relations between the tee confi rmed it had received the letter. ing the AFC Champions League. northernmost main island of Hokkaido She is also the only Japanese woman ity on health issues and Japan’s falling neighbours are arguably at their lowest “As the IOC has said from the outset of — competed in Games from Sarajevo in to compete in the Olympics while serv- birth rate. ebb since they normalised ties in 1965, this discussion, sports stadiums should SEVEN-TIME OLYMPIAN, PIONEER 1984 to Atlanta in 1996. Three of these ing as a lawmaker, after she won elec- Currently vice president of the Japa- strained over the issue of South Korean be free of any political demonstration,” WOMAN LAWMAKER HASHIMOTO she took part in as a cyclist after de- tion to the upper house of parliament in nese Olympic Committee, she has also forced labour during Japan’s 1910-45 an IOC offi cial said. “When concerns APPOINTED OLYMPICS MINISTER ciding to compete in the discipline she 1995 and fi nished her Olympic career at served as a Tokyo 2020 Executive Board occupation. arise at Games time we look at them on Named after the Olympic fl ame when originally took up for off -season train- Atlanta as a cyclist a year later. member and president of the Japa- South Korea’s sports ministry said a case by case basis.” she was born days before Japan hosted ing. After marrying a policeman whose nese Skating Association. Hashimoto it sent a letter to the IOC yesterday There was no immediate reaction the Summer Olympics in 1964, Seiko Her fi rst name, Seiko, is written with fi rst wife had died, in 2000 she made will also serve as Minister in Charge of to express its “disappointment” over from Tokyo. But Japanese Chief Cabi- Hashimoto has lived up to her name by the same fi rst character as the Japanese history again by becoming the fi rst up- Women’s Empowerment. Gulf Times Thursday, September 12, 2019 7 SPORT

CYCLING Gilbert claims Vuelta stage double, Roglic retains lead AFP RESULTS lost the battle today, but not the Guadalajara, Spain war. STAGE: 1. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) 66hrs “It’s still looking really good,” 1. Phlippe Gilbert (BEL/DEC) 4hr 43min 36sec, 2. Nairo Quintana he added. elgian veteran Philippe 21min 15sec, 2. Sam Bennett (COL/MOV) at 2min 24sec, 3. Quintana rocketed to second, Gilbert claimed a sec- (IRL/BOR) at 2secs, 3. Remi Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) at 2min 48sec behind Roglic and ond win at this year’s Cavanga (FRA/DEC) same time, 2:48, 4. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) 56sec ahead of Valverde. Vuelta a Espana yester- 4. Dylan Teuns (BEL/BAH) s.t, 5. 3:42, 5. Miguel Angel Quick-Step placed seven of dayB as Slovenian Primoz Roglic its eight riders in the breaka- Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) s.t, Lopez (COL/AST) 3:59, 6. Wilco remained in the lead but with a 6. Jonas Koch (GER/CCC) s.t, 7. Kelderman (NED/SUN) 5:05, 7. way which escaped in cross-tail new challenger. Lawson Craddock (USA/EF1) s.t, Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 7:40, 8. winds. Deceuninck-Quick Step’s Gil- 8. Tim Declercq (BEL/DEC) s.t, 9. James Knox (GBR/DEC) 8:03, 9. The team was rewarded with bert, 37, backed up his victory on Silvan Dillier (SUI/AG2R) s.t, 10. Carl Fredrik Hagen (NOR/LOT) Gilbert’s 11th Grand Tour stage day 12 in Bilbao with a powerful James Knox (GBR/DEC) 6sec 10:43, 10. Dylan Teuns (BEL/BAH) victory and with Briton James fi nish on the fl at in Guadalajara OVERALL STANDINGS: 12:21. Knox breaking into the top 10 of to pip Irish rider Sam Bennett. the overall leaderboard. Former winner Nairo Quin- Gilbert’s patient work paid off tana, who started the day sixth think it’s the kind of stage that fi nished in the main pack with in the fi nal moments. overall, jumped to second. will stay in history, because of most of the other general stand- Bennett, who had won two The trio were part of a breaka- the way we rode. It was crazy ings rivals, including Alejandro sprints earlier in the race, burst way group of more than 40 rid- from the gun,” Gilbert said. Valverde and fellow countryman clear with 500m to go but, with ers to escape in windy conditions “Sometimes on the fl at we Tadej Pogacar but was unhappy 200m left, Gilbert took the lead just after the start of in yester- even went at 75kph. Through- the his team had to spend the day and fi nished two seconds of the day’s 17th stage. out my career I have never done chasing. Bora-Hansgrohe rider. After aggressive riding on the this. And that after 17 years,” he “I made a mistake,” said Today’s 177.5km mountain- longest day of this year’s Vuelta, added. Roglic. ous stage 18 includes four chal- 14 survivors fi nished more than Race leader Roglic, who “I shouldn’t have been in the lenging climbs before arriving fi ve minutes ahead of the pack. signed a new contract with his position I was – I should have at Becerril de la Sierra, to the Team Deceuninck rider Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert (centre) celebrates as he crosses the finish line and wins “It was a very special one. I Jumbo Visma team on Tuesday, been totally in front. Maybe we north-west of Madrid. the 17th stage of the 2019 La Vuelta yesterday. (AFP)

BASKETBALL GOLF New PGA Tour season starts with France eliminate dust yet to settle on old one

Reuters mas due to the Dec. 12-15 New York Presidents Cup at Royal Mel- USA from World Cup bourne in Australia, and after a short break the 2020 cam- ‘It doesn’t mean much if you don’t win the gold, but it will go down as one of the t is only 16 days since Rory paign will roll on at a relent- McIlroy was crowned Fe- less pace. biggest wins of my career and one of the biggest wins for French basketball for sure’ dEx Cup champion but From late February through players are already gear- late August there is a top event Iing up for the new US PGA pretty much every other week, AFP Dongguan, China Tour season with the opening with the July 30-Aug. 2 Olym- event, the Greenbrier Classic, pic golf competition jammed kicking off in West Virginia in just two weeks after the rance blew the Basketball today. British Open, and two weeks World Cup wide open With the calendar even before the start of the FedEx yesterday by handing more crowded thanks to the Cup playoff s. the United States their golf event at the 2020 Tokyo fiF rst loss in the competition in 13 Olympics, the Classic will be DRIVER TESTING years in their quarter-fi nal clash, the fi rst of 49 offi cial FedEx The new season will also mark powered by a double-double Cup events, of which 11 will be the introduction of random from big man Rudy Gobert of the played between now and late testing of players’ drivers to Utah Jazz. November as part of the so- ensure they are legal. The historic 89-79 win for called ‘wraparound’ season. The game’s international France eliminates the Americans World number 10 Bryson governing body, the R&A, early from the competition in DeChambeau heads the fi eld tested drivers at the British China, dashing their hopes of a in West Virginia, while the Open in July and found Xan- third straight title. spotlight will also be on 2018 der Schauff ele’s to be non- The prospect of an American US amateur champion Viktor conforming, but the PGA Tour exit had looked increasingly pos- Hovland as the Norwegian until now has not tested. sible after the USA sent a squad makes his debut as a Tour Yet to be unveiled by the of second-tier stars and the loss member after a series of im- Tour is a new pace-of-play is likely to prompt soul-search- pressive results since turning policy, which is being re- ing in USA basketball. pro in June. viewed following complaints Gobert, the two-time NBA The event will be followed about slow play and after a Defensive Player of the Year, had by four more in the United video of DeChambeau taking three blocks, including a key re- States before the Tour crosses more than two minutes to line jection down the stretch to help the Pacifi c for a three-event up a putt at a tournament in France seal the victory in the Asian swing with tournaments August went viral. southern Chinese city of Dong- in South Korea, China and the While world number one guan. The 7ft, 1in centre called new Zozo Championship in Brooks Koepka and number the win “unbelievable”. Japan, which replaces Kuala two McIlroy will have heavy “I’ve been dreaming about Lumpur’s CIMB Classic on the schedules Woods is again ex- this for a while. I was thinking calendar. pected to again carry a lighter we might never get the opportu- McIlroy and Tiger Woods load. nity (to beat the USA) again and are among a host of top names He played only three non- I told that to the guys,” Gobert already signed up to play in Ja- majors since winning the said. “It doesn’t mean much if pan. Masters in April, and recent you don’t win the gold, but it will The top American and In- knee surgery suggests he will go down as one of the biggest ternational players will be ac- be just as sparing in his ap- wins of my career and one of the tive until just before Christ- pearances in the new season. biggest wins for French basket- ball for sure.” Kemba Walker (left) of the US fights for the ball with France’s Rudy Gobert during the Basketball World Cup quarter-final in Dongguan yesterday. (AFP) In a hint of the sniping that may result in the United States compete and we did.” moves to the basket helped the maining in the game. Spain will face the winner of over the debacle, shooting guard France will play Argentina to- Americans cut down a 10-point With under a minute left and Australia-Czech Republic, who Donovan Mitchell, who lead the morrow, who made it to the fi nal French advantage in the third down by four, Mitchell squirt- tipped off later Wednesday. Americans with 29 points, hit four by defeating Serbia. quarter to seize back the lead. ed into the lane for a layup but The writing was on the wall for back at critics of the team. But Mitchell cooled in the Gobert smothered the shot the United States which, lacking “You guys are going to go on CONSOLATION MATCH fourth and the French came by his Jazz teammate and the big names like LeBron James and and say who we didn’t have but The USA loss sets up an enticing back, led by Gobert and sharp- Americans were never able to get Steph Curry, lost to Australia why don’t you all focus on who consolation match with Serbia shooting small forward Evan any closer. two weeks ago in an exhibition. we do have?” he told reporters. today. Packed with NBA play- Fournier of the Orlando Magic, The win raises the prospect The loss in Melbourne was “We have 12 guys that want to ers, the two were tournament who led France in scoring with of France adding a Basketball the fi rst for the United States in compete for America, just like favourites and will be trying to 22 points. World Cup title to the football 78 consecutive games in ma- World No 10 Bryson DeChambeau. every other country. It sucks salvage pride. Fournier slashed to the hoop World Cup hardware they won in jor competitions and exhibition that some of our country peo- Yesterday’s contest was for a driving lay-up to give Russia last year. games. They also struggled to ple don’t feel that way about us, marked by big lead changes, and France the lead again at 78-76 They will fi rst have to get past defeat Turkey in overtime earlier but we don’t care. We wanted to Mitchell’s jumpers and slashing with about three minutes re- Argentina. In the other bracket, in the World Cup. Groenewegen claims third win, Trentin takes Tour of Britain overall lead ANNOUNCEMENT Dutch rider Dylan Groenewe- with a 14.4 kilometre time gen won his third stage in five trial around Pershore off ering days at the Tour of Britain as plenty of scope for changes Italy’s Matteo Trentin moved in the general classification. Australia names team for World Athletics Championships into the overall lead yester- day. Groenewegen, who also RESULTS thletics Australia have coming through. I’m really ex- 1500m: Ryan Gregson, Stewart 4x400m: Alex Beck, Murray 400m hurdles: Lauren Boden, won the first and third stages, 1. Dylan Groenewegen (NED/ today announced a cited to see how they perform, McSweyn, Matthew Ramsden Goodwin, Tyler Gunn, Ian Halpin, Sarah Carli, Sara Klein finished ahead of Britain’s JUM) 3hr 57min 31sec, 2. team of 57 athletes for really.” 5000m: Morgan McDonald, Steven Solomon High jump: Nicola McDermott Matt Walls and Trentin after a Matthew Walls (GBR/GBR) the IAAF World Ath- Headlining the team are Com- Stewart McSweyn, Patrick WOMEN Pole vault: Elizaveta Parnova sprint finish through Birken- at same time, 3. Matteo leticsA Championships Doha monwealth Games high jump Tiernan 400m: Bendere Oboya Long jump: Brooke Stratton head Park in the Wirral. Trentin (ITA/MTS) s.t., 4. Cees 2019, which will be held from champion Brandon Starc (IAAF 10,000m: Harry Summers 800m: Catriona Bisset, Morgan Javelin: Kelsey-Lee Barber Trentin’s four-second time Bol (NED/SUN) s.t., 5. Mike September 27 to October 6. world rank No.2) and Kelsey-Lee Marathon: Julian Spence Mitchell 20km race walk: Katie Hayward, bonus for finishing third was Teunissen (NED/JUM) s.t. The team for the 17th edition Barber (IAAF world rank No.2), 3000m steeplechase: Ben 1500m: Georgia Griff ith, Linden Jemima Montag enough to put the Mitchelton- Overall standings of the World Championships is who will both arrive after sec- Buckingham Hall, Jessica Hull 50km race walk: Claire Woods Scott rider back into the 1. Matteo Trentin (ITA/MTS) the second largest to represent ond-place fi nishes at the IAAF 110m hurdles: Nicholas Hough 5000m: Melissa Duncan 4x100m: Melissa Breen, Maddie leader’s green jersey, three 21hr 33min 55sec, 2. Mathieu Australia. Diamond League fi nal in Zurich. High jump: Joel Baden, Brandon 10,000m: Sinead Diver, Ellie Coates, Kristie Edwards, Nana seconds ahead of Dutch rider van der Poel (NED/COC) at “It’s an exciting team,” said Starc Pashley Adoma Owusu-Afriyie Mathieu van der Poel with 3 sec, 3. Jasper De Buyst head of high performance and AUSTRALIAN TEAM Long jump: Henry Frayne, Darcy Marathon: Rochelle Rodgers 4x400m: Ellie Beer, Rebecca Belgium’s Jasper De Buyst in (BEL/LOT) 10 secs, 4. Simon coaching Christian Malcolm. MEN Roper, Henry Smith 3000m steeplechase: Paige Bennett, Lauren Boden, third, 10 seconds back. Clarke (AUS/EF1) 17 secs, 5. “There’s a mix and blend within 100m: Rohan Browning Discus: Matthew Denny Campbell, Genevieve LaCaze, Bendere Oboya, Gabriella Today’s sixth stage could de- Mike Teunissen (NED/JUM) the team. We’ve got experience 400m: Steven Solomon 20km race walk: Dane Bird- Georgia Winkcup O’Grady, Caitlin Sargent-Jones, cide the outcome of the race 18 secs. there but also a lot of youngsters 800m: Peter Bol, Luke Mathews Smith, Rhydian Cowley 100m hurdles: Brianna Beahan (IAAF)

Thursday, September 12, 2019 GULF TIMES ATHLETICS

FOCUS India name 25-member team for Doha Worlds Agencies May last. “We have invested a THE TEAM Rajiv is unavailable due to inju- New Delhi lot of time in the 400m runners, ry, the selectors decided to dis- getting them to train under re- Men: Jabir MP (400m Hurdles), Dharun Ayyasamy and Harsh cuss the case of javelin thrower nowned coach Galina Bukhari- Jinson Johnson (1500m), Kumar (4x400m men’s & mixed Neeraj Chopra who is un- he Athletics Federation na. We believe that the squad has Avinash Sable (3000m steeple- relay). dergoing a rehabilitation pro- of India selection com- been well prepared to deliver the chase), KT Irfan and Devender gramme after an elbow surgery mittee has announced best results on the World stage,” Singh (20km race walk), Gopi Women: PU Chitra (1500m), at a later stage. a 25-member national AFI President Adille J Sumari- T (marathon), Sreeshankar M Annu Rani (javelin throw), Hima The selection committee also Tteam including 16 men and nine walla said. approved the names of sprint- (long jump), Tajinder Pal Singh Das, Vismaya VK, Poovamma women for the IAAF World Metric miler Jinson Johnson, Toor (Shot Put), Shivpal Singh MR, Jisna Mathew, Revathi ers Dutee Chand (100m wom- Championships to be held in who is now training with coach (Javelin Throw), Mohamed V, SubhaVenkatsan, Vithya en), Archana Suseentran (200m Doha, Qatar, from September 27 Scott Simmons in Colarado Anas, Nirmal Noah Tom, Alex R (4x400m women & mixed women) and high jumper Tejas- to October 6. Springs, United States of Amer- Antony, Amoj Jacob, KS Jeevan, relay). win Shankar subject to invita- With less than a year to go for ica, has caught the eye with his tion from IAAF based on their the Olympic Games in Tokyo, consistency. world rankings. the well-prepared squad will In recent months, he im- Long jumper M Sreeshankar, heel injury kept him away from The committee also decided carry the hopes of the track and proved his own national record among the fi rst Indians to attain the Asian Championships in to conduct confi rmatory trial fi eld fans of the country. in the 1500m twice, fi rst with a the IAAF qualifying standard Doha in April. for quarter-miler Anjali Devi for The AFI believes that the time of 3:37.62 in Nijmegen, the with a leap of 8.20m in the Na- He recently found the 8.00m selection in the team in the indi- 4x400m relay teams will all per- Netherlands, on June 15 and then tional Open Championships in mark again and will gain from vidual women’s 400m. form better than they did in the 3:35.24 in Berlin on September 1 Bhubaneswar in September last competing in the big stage. The trial will be conducted on World Relays in Yokohama in to make the grade. year, has regained form after a While 400m runner Arokia September 21 at NS-NIS Patiala. India’s middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson.

SPOTLIGHT Cheruiyot turns focus to gold quest at World C’ships ‘In Doha it will depend on the conditions and how the heats go. Anything can happen at a championship...’ ad it not been for a rookie error years of experience since the World in his fi rst ever international Championships in London has given race, Timothy Cheruiyot may me everything in my tool kit to know I not be the same runner – and can be on the start line and believe in Hthree-time Diamond League champion myself and my right tactics.” – that he is today. Cheruiyot’s three fastest times this He can now look back on the expe- year – 3:28.77 in Lausanne, 3:29.97 in rience and smile, but in the aftermath Monaco and 3:30.22 in Brussels – have of the 2015 IAAF World Relays in The been set in races with diff ering paces. Bahamas he faced backlash back home The outcome has been largely the same, in Kenya for throwing away the chance though: Cheruiyot opens up a big gap of a world record in the distance med- on the rest of the fi eld before the last lap ley relay. Cheruiyot, aged 19 at the time and holds his lead to the fi nish to win by and far less experienced than almost a comfortable margin. everyone else in the race, covered the Cheruiyot’s lifetime best of 3:28.41, fi rst lap of his 1600m leg in a lactic-in- set last year in Monaco, puts him sev- ducing 51.96, opening up a three-sec- enth on the world all-time list and is ond lead on the USA. Over the last two just 2.41 seconds shy of Hicham El laps, though, USA’s Ben Blankenship Guerrouj’s world record. He is confi - clawed back the defi cit and overtook dent of climbing up that list and per- Cheruiyot in the closing stages, clock- haps one day even beating El Guerrouj’s ing a world record of 9:15.50. 3:26.00. “It was amazing but also nerve “I’m not the kind of person to talk wracking,” he says. “I was young and about world records and I don’t really inexperienced but I also had a lot of know when the time may be to prop- adrenalin. I was told by the team coach- erly try,” says Cheruiyot, who won the es that I’d be running the anchor leg and Kenyan 800m title last month in a PB my goal was to bring the baton home in of 1:43.11. a world. It was a lot of pressure. “But this season I have tested out “Looking back on it now, of course various approaches to racing. I take I know that I went out too fast. Ben confi dence from my run in Lausanne, Blankenship was a great competitor for example, 1:49 for the opening 800m that day and he and his teammates de- wasn’t a mistake. People always criti- served the world record. I was still really cise when the pace is fast at 400m and pleased to get silver, but people at home 800m but everyone else ran a PB or na- blamed me for not getting gold. It was tional record in that race. quite diffi cult for me.” “I can run 3:26 something if the con- It wasn’t long before Cheruiyot re- ditions are right and with good pacers,” deemed himself. He set 1500m PBs of he adds. 3:35.24 and 3:34.86 in the months that “I have to believe that I can break the followed and went on to fi nish seventh world record. If I don’t believe that, in the World Championships fi nal in then I am limiting myself. Eliud Kip- Beijing. The race in Nassau acted as the choge believes he can break two hours catalyst for Cheruiyot wanting to im- and that’s what drives him. As profes- prove as a runner. sional athletes, the mind is crucial and “The experience gave me a hunger over the past four years my confi dence for wanting more international races has built steadily. and to get better at 1500m running.” “A world record is a dream, and a re- Throwing away the chance of a world alistic one, but it takes so much hard record wasn’t the fi rst missed opportu- work. It has taken me four years to get nity of Cheruiyot’s career, nor was it the to 3:28, but I know I am very close to last. One year earlier, he fi nished third 3:27 and better still. I also want to run over 800m at Kenya’s trials for the 2014 Timothy Cheruiyot at the IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels after winning a third consecutive Diamond trophy at 1500m. (AFP/Getty Images) as long as I can and over longer distanc- World U20 Championships, missing a es in future. place on the team by 0.07. He fi nished Earlier that year, 1994 Common- Joining Ouma’s club in 2014 was a races require experience, which they Such experiences haven’t put off “But medals – that’s what is im- fourth in the 1500m at Kenya’s 2016 wealth steeplechase silver medallist signifi cant turning point in Cheruiyot’s are both acquiring gradually and dif- Cheruiyot. In fact, his favourite session portant to me,” he adds. “I want to be Olympic Trials, missing a place on the Gideon Chirchir had told Ouma to keep career. With Ouma’s guidance, quality ferently. is an 11.5km threshold run around Nai- world, Olympic and Commonwealth team for Rio by half a second. an eye out for Cheruiyot at the Kenyan training partners, and a tailored train- “Above all, they are dedicated in- robi National Park. champion in 1500m.” He also has a streak of four successive World U20 trials. After seeing him run, ing plan, Cheruiyot thrived. dividuals exploring their capabilities “It’s all about endurance,” says Cheruiyot’s achievements over the major championship silver medals, but Ouma invited Cheruiyot to join RAC. “At RAC I have set up a structured and limitations,” he adds. “They don’t Cheruiyot. “I do that session each past few years have turned him into he doesn’t count those as disappoint- “After missing out on a place, Timo- working system with individual goals, fear making mistakes and are not risk- week and it’s always good to compare something of a celebrity back in his ments, especially the three that have thy looked dejected and frustrated,” re- prioritised to individual eff orts and ca- averse. And they always encourage each my times from before and with others. hometown of Singorwet. He usually been earned when fi nishing second to called Ouma. “I was surprised he could pabilities,” says Ouma. other, regardless of which one wins or George Manangoi (world U20 champi- goes back there for six or seven weeks training partner Elijah Manangoi. run 1:45.92 with his rugged and unpol- “Just like the others, Tim is very dis- loses.” on) actually has the record for this ses- when the season is over and will spend The world champion doesn’t always ished running style. But I soon came to ciplined, dedicated, and knows what he Cheruiyot and Manangoi – and, in sion, not me or Elijah.” time on his various business ventures, get the better of Cheruiyot, though, es- wants. He believes in himself, his coach fact, the whole of RAC – are just as including farming, building rental pecially on the IAAF Diamond League The experience gave me a and the training plan, which he follows supportive of each other during their Just like the others, Tim is houses, and hiring out his tractor. circuit. In fact, Cheruiyot has been the hunger for wanting more to the letter.” training sessions. And given that many very disciplined, dedicated, “I love this time with family and more dominant in that arena, winning 11 international races and to get In his fi rst full season as a member of their runs take place in Nairobi Na- and knows what he wants. He friends,” he says. “When I’m train- of his 12 Diamond League races between better at 1500m running. of RAC, Cheruiyot fi nished seventh at tional Park – home to more than 400 believes in himself. ing, I try to go back one weekend every 2018 and 2019, capped last weekend in ‘ the IAAF World Championships Beijing species of wildlife including lions, gi- ‘ month.” Brussels with his third successive Dia- — Timothy Cheruiyot, 2015. He took the silver medal at the raff es, zebras and rhino – it pays to look — Ouma, When he next returns to Singorwet, mond trophy. The success of the two men on missed opportunity in African Championships in 2016 and re- out for one another. founder and head coach at he hopes to do so with a gold medal has been very much a team eff ort, spear- 2015 IAAF World Relays in The Bahamas duced his PB to 3:31.34. After breaking “Lions are lazy. And leopards and Rongai Athletics Club around his neck. headed by coach Bernard Ouma. 3:30 for the fi rst time in 2017, he took cheetahs are no problem,” says Ouma. “Winning the world title would be “We help each other,” Cheruiyot realise his trainability and his motiva- the silver medal behind Manangoi at “But buff alo are a big thing for us. TURNING SILVER AND such amazing achievement for me,” he says of Manangoi. “Elijah is three years tion to run well.” the World Championships in London They’re a huge threat, especially if you DIAMONDS INTO GOLD says. older than me but he has assisted me Cheruiyot – whose uncle was a na- and won his fi rst Diamond trophy. fi nd one or two isolated from a group. Cheruiyot’s greatest achievements so “I really took on a lot of risk two years in my running. We work hard together tional-level 5000m and 10,000m run- Further sub-3:30 clockings and Dia- They might feel threatened and so far, he says, are his three Diamond tro- ago in London by making it fast and in training under Bernard’s guidance, ner – had dabbled with running dur- mond trophies followed in 2018 and will get aggressive and want to defend phies and his world silver medal. But leading from the front. I have learnt so each pushing the other so we both im- ing his younger years. He started to get 2019. Manangoi, meanwhile, followed themselves. at the IAAF World Athletics Champi- much in my running, whether for my prove.” more serious in 2012 when, with the his world title with gold medals at the “We encountered that once with onships Doha 2019, which will be held club (Kenyan Prisons) or for my coun- support of a good friend, he attended 2018 Commonwealth Games and Afri- Winny Chebet (world indoor 1500m from 27 September to 6 October, he try at the African Championships, NEW COACH, NEW GROUP, a training camp. He returned home in can Championships. fi nalist). From the back of the pack, will have the opportunity to add to his Commonwealth Games or Diamond NEW FOCUS 2013 but continued to train. “Timothy and Elijah are unique in I could hear her calling out, ‘Coach! medal collection. League races. This time I am focused on When Cheruiyot fi nished third at Ken- “It was tough when I was in Bomet their own ways,” explains Ouma. Coach!’ I said, ‘what is it?’ and she told “First I need to qualify,” says Cherui- trying to win gold for my country. ya’s 2014 World U20 trials, it came with County when I was training there in “The age diff erence is a factor, but me she could see a buff alo charging. I yot, who will be competing at Kenya’s “I can’t really describe what it would a silver lining. Ouma, the founder and 2012 and 2013,” says Cheruiyot. Tim happens to be rising faster to join was able to use my motorbike to scare it World Trials on September 12-13. feel like as it has never happened to me head coach at Rongai Athletics Club “It was diffi cult to combine my desire Elijah at the world-class level. Elijah away while the others crossed the road. “In Doha it will depend on the con- before,” he adds. “But as a professional (RAC), was there at Nyayo National to be a good athlete with the responsi- is more of a talent-dominant athlete The shock was notable because after ditions and how the heats go. Anything athlete, we must have the biggest goals Stadium and watched the middle-dis- bilities to my family home life. I had to while Tim is sheer hard work and some then she struggled to keep up with the can happen at a championship but I and a vision for how to get there – and tance races with keen interest. do small jobs here and there for money.” percentage of talent. Championship pace in that long run.” have the solid belief that the past two this is one of them.” (IAAF)