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FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Goalie Sandhu Elkeson double on the hero as India debut as China rout hold Qatar goalless Maldives Afghanistan shock Bangladesh in another Group E match in Dushanbe AFP scoring from the spot in the 65th Doha minute before Elkeson made his mark with seven minutes re- maining and claimed his double razil-born striker Elke- in stoppage time to complete the son struck twice on his rout. debut to give China a Earlier, Hong Kong fans booed Bcrushing 5-0 win over their own national anthem and Maldives in a World Cup quali- sang in protest against Beijing’s fi er in Male yesterday. rule as months of political unrest Chinese football authorities spilled onto the football pitch in included the 30-year-old in the a 2-0 defeat to Iran. national side last month in a The ear-splitting disgrun- bid to improve their chances of tlement all but drowned out qualifying for the 2022 tourna- “March of the Volunteers”, the ment in Qatar and Elkeson lived anthem the semi-autonomous up to expectations by netting territory shares with mainland two penalties late in the Group China, at what was Hong Kong’s A match at the Rasmee Dhandu fi rst home game after a summer Stadium. of upheaval. Despite its clout as a global Fans also sang a newly com- sporting and fi nancial power posed protest song, “Glory to China have qualifi ed for the Hong Kong”, repeatedly chant- World Cup only once, leading to ed “Liberate Hong Kong” and a change in policy that now al- waved a black version of the ter- lows naturalised foreign-born ritory’s Bauhinia fl ag, a symbol players to play for the national of the protests that have gripped team. the city for 14 weeks. “We want to go to Qatar (2022 In Riff a, Bahrain, war-torn World Cup),” Chen Xuyuan, new Yemen came agonisingly close president of the Chinese Football to upsetting their much pow- Association (CFA), was quoted erful neighbour Saudi Arabia, India coach as saying by state media last eventually settling for a credible Igor Stimac month. 2-2 draw. Mohsen Mohamed reacts during “Naturalised players can be put Yemen ahead in the eighth India goalkeeper Gurpreet the match. helpful in order to achieve the minute, but Saudi Arabia hit Sandhu reacts after leading his national team’s short-term back through Hattan Bahebri in team to a draw yesterday. goals. the 23rd to restore parity. “Up to now, clubs have reg- An Omar al-Dahi strike in the istered nine naturalised players 37th minute gave Yemen the lead AFC from the left wing that was tipped away with or without Chinese herit- once again but they were unable Doha by the Indian goalkeeper, but only as far age at the CFA in total, some of to build on it as the Saudis equal- as Ali whose shot on the rebound can- them are still going through the ised through Salem al-Dawsari noned off the crossbar. naturalisation process.” three minutes into the second ndia displayed some resilient de- Qatar coach Felix Sanchez rued the China dominated the game half to clinch a draw. fending and goalkeeper Gurpreet missed chances. and were 2-0 up at half-time Elsewhere, Australia thrashed Singh Sandhu impressed as India “Today we played a tough game. It with Wu Xi and Wu Lei fi nd- Kuwait 3-0 with Mathew Leckie Iheld reigning Asian champions Qa- wasn’t our day, we weren’t accurate ing the net in the 34th and 45th scoring twice, South Korea beat tar to a 0-0 draw at Jassim Bin Hamad enough to fi nish our chances. We are minute, respectively. Turkmenistan 2-0, Thailand Stadium in Group E of the Asian Quali- disappointed with the draw and not the They then won three straight smashed Indonesia 3-0 and the fi ers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 eff ort. We have players with great qual- penalties, with Yang Xu fi rst UAE edged past Malaysia 2-1. and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 yester- ity but the Indian goalkeeper didn’t let us day. get the points. This is a long journey and The result leaves Qatar – who defeated we will defi nitely keep playing and train- Afghanistan 6-0 on Matchday 1 – top of ing to qualify,” Sanchez said. the group with four points, while India India coach Igor Stimac was happy collect their fi rst point, having lost 2-1 to with a point Oman in the opening match. “I feel great! But as a coach, I don’t In the absence of Akram Afi f, Hassan have time to celebrate just like when we al-Haydos was moved to fi ll his role on lost a few days ago, I didn’t have time to the left and the Qatar captain was the think about it. I’m happy to get one point biggest threat to India early on. The Al against the Asian champions and these Sadd player tested Sandhu with two ef- are the points that prove to be impor- forts in the fi rst 10 minutes, and the In- tant,” said Stimac. dian goalkeeper made the save at his near “Congratulations to both teams be- post on both occasions. cause I think the crowd enjoyed the Boualem Khoukhi had a golden chance game. Qatar maybe deserved more from to break the deadlock in the 26th minute the match due to the chances they cre- when he found himself in plenty of ated but we did have a few of our own space at the far post to receive Abdulaziz and with experience we can do better. All Hatem’s cross from the corner, but the credit to my players and I’m really proud midfi elder failed to guide his header of them. However, I’ll like to tell them to goalward. be calm as we have more game to come,” Having scored in Qatar’s 6-0 win over India coach Igor Stimac said. Afghanistan on the opening matchday, Meanwhile in Dushanbe, Farshad 2018 AFC Player of the Year Abdelkarim Noor’s fi rst half strike proved to be Hassan tried his luck from long range in India’s Brandon Fernandes and Qatar’s Bassam al-Rawi in action yesterday. enough for Afghanistan to claim a 1-0 the last minute of the fi rst half. His strike PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil and agencies. win over Bangladesh in Group E, looked destined for the top corner, but The win was a perfect response from Sandhu showed his quality and tipped it his header from Abdelaziz Hatem’s cor- in a corner which was crossed by Anirudh an Afghanistan side that had lost 6-0 to behind for a corner, keeping the match ner in the 54th minute, and al-Haydos Thapa for Vinit Rai who took the ball on Qatar on matchday One. goalless at the break. rifl ed from an angled free-kick, but the half-volley but his left footed strike Anoush Dastgir’s side kept Bangla- Play continued to fl ow in the same di- Sandhu was again alert to the threat and narrowly missed the target. desh pressed in defence and took the lead rection, with the 2019 AFC Asian Cup parried it away minutes later. A combination of Sandhu’s heroism in the 27th minute with Omid Popalzay Iran’s Milad Mohammadi (R) fights for the ball with Hong Kong’s Tsui winners taking the game to their oppo- India had a rare opening in the 66th and Almoez Ali’s misfortune denied Qa- sending a cross into the box which Noor Wang Kit during the second round Group C qualification match at the nents. Bassam al-Rawi could not direct minute as a swift counter attack resulted tar a late winner. Hassan drilled a shot headed home to break the deadlock. Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, September 11, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Cowley brothers target ‘football miracle’ at Huddersfi eld London: Danny Cowley has Belgium, Netherlands set his sights on the Premier League after making Hud- dersfield the next step in his “fairytale” managerial career. Cowley, along with his as- sistant manager and brother Nicky, left League One Lincoln to take charge of the Champi- hit four as Germany onship strugglers on Monday. Together the pair, both former PE teachers, have enjoyed a remarkable rise up the football ladder, first managing in non-League with Concord Rangers and then Braintree Town. Their success edge closer to Euros in then taking Lincoln up two divisions from the National League attracted interest from elsewhere, with the Ter- Belgium captain De Bruyne made three assists before scoring himself with eight minutes remaining riers moving in following the departure of Jan Siewert last month. Unveiled alongside his brother at a press conference yesterday, Danny Cowley said: “The short-term objectives are to find a way to play win- ning football and retain our status in this division. It will then be about building a com- petitive team in the Champi- onship and from there we’ll have the foundations to push on. You have to dream big. “For Nicky and I it’s been a fairytale. There’s no hiding place from that. We started in the Essex Senior League. You have to believe in football miracles and they have hap- pened here once before in recent history.” Cowley was referring to Huddersfield’s surprise promotion to the top flight in 2017. Under David Wagner, the club survived their first season in the Premier League but his departure last term was followed by relegation. Wagner’s successor, Siewert, was unable to arrest the decline and was sacked last month after a dismal start to the current campaign. The brothers take charge with the club 23rd in the Championship and only one point to their name. They have won one match in all competitions since 25 Novem- Belgium’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (second left) scores against Scotland during the Euro 2020 football qualification match at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Monday night. (AFP) ber last year. “I don’t think it will be easy,” AFP himself with eight minutes remaining. appearance, grabbed the third goal, in their qualifying campaign as they tria two points better off in third fol- said Danny Cowley, who faces Paris “It was not a world-class performance, with Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum were held to a 1-1 draw by Azerbaijan in lowing a goalless stalemate at leaders Sheff ield Wednesday in his we just did what we had to do,” said also fi nding the net. Baku. The 2018 World Cup runners-up Poland. first game on Sunday. “If we Belgium captain De Bruyne. “We had a Ronald Koeman’s side still have work took an early lead through a Luka Mo- thought this job would be elgium and the Netherlands tough start but after our fi rst goal, we to do to reach a fi rst major fi nals since dric penalty, but the hosts hit back with EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS easy we wouldn’t have taken had more control and Scotland did not making the 2014 World Cup semi- Tamkin Khalilzade’s brilliant 72nd- both cruised to 4-0 wins over Group C: At Belfast: Northern Ireland it. We want to be challenged. I Scotland and Estonia respec- get many chances.” fi nals, though, as they trail second- minute equaliser to claim their fi rst want to live life. The safer op- 0 Germany 2 (Halstenberg 48, Gnabry tively in Euro 2020 qualify- Belgium, who fi nished third at last placed Northern Ireland by three points point in Group E. tion would have been to stay ingB on Monday night, while Germany year’s World Cup, are now 11 points in Group C, albeit with a game in hand. Leaders Croatia are only ahead of 90+3); At Tallinn: Estonia 0 Netherlands 4 at Lincoln, a club we loved claimed a crucial victory over Northern clear of third-placed Kazakhstan at the The Euro 1988 winners next host the third-placed Hungary, who they host (Babel 17, 48, Depay 76, Wijnaldum 87) and felt a connection with, Ireland in their bid to qualify for next summit of their group with the top two Northern Irish on October 10 in a cru- on October 10, by one point, with Slo- Group E: At Baku: Azerbaijan 1 (Khalil- but we are not interested in year’s fi nals. automatically qualifying and only four cial encounter. “I’m no longer one of vakia second on head-to-head record zada 72) Croatia 1 (Modric 11-pen); At easy decisions. We want to Roberto Martinez’s Belgium, the games to play. “We knew that with a win the younger players in the team, so I try after winning 2-1 in Budapest. Wales Budapest: Hungary 1 (Szoboszlai 50) test ourselves. world-number-one ranked side, were we would almost certainly qualify, and to compensate for the loss of speed by are three points further back, but hav- Slovakia 2 (Mak 40, Bozenik 56) “I didn’t want to die won- not at their best but still swatted aside that is most important,” added De Bru- using my experience,” the 32-year-old ing played a game fewer. dering. I want that moment a poor Scotland outfi t at Hampden yne. Russia remain in pole position to Babel said. “It wasn’t a good match for us, espe- Group G: At Ljubljana: Slovenia 3 (Verbic when your back’s against the Park to make it six wins from as many progress from Group I with Belgium, af- Germany lead the group standings cially the second half when we didn’t 43, 90, Bezjak 66) Israel 2 (Natcho 50, wall and facing adversity, that matches in Group I. Inter Milan striker ter Mario Fernandes’ 89th-minute win- after edging to a nervy 2-0 victory in take any chances,” coach Zlatko Dalic Zahavi 63); At Warsaw: Poland 0 Austria for me that is really living. Romelu Lukaku gave the visitors the ner sealed a 1-0 win over Kazakhstan Belfast. Marcel Halstenberg’s brilliant said. Azerbaijan, coached by Croatian 0; At Riga: Latvia 0 North Macedonia 2 That is what I am looking lead in Glasgow in only the ninth minute which moved Stanislav Cherchesov’s volley broke the deadlock shortly af- Nikola Jurcevic, remain rooted to the (Pandev 14, Bardi 17) forward to.” with his Belgian record-extending 49th men eight points ahead of their beaten ter half-time in a tense encounter, and foot of the table. Group I: At Glasgow, Scotland: Scotland Danny will have the title Serge Gnabry gave Joachim Loew’s men Elsewhere, North Macedonia kept international goal. Defenders Thomas opponents. 0 Belgium 4 (Lukaku 9, Vermaelen 24, manager but it is clear that Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld end- The Netherlands backed up their breathing space in injury-time. “After their hopes of reaching a maiden ma- he and his brother come as a Alderweireld 32, De Bruyne 82); At Ser- ed the game as a contest with less than stunning 4-2 win over Germany in the defeat against Holland, we were un- jor tournament alive with a 2-0 win in pair. “We are used to working ravalle, San Marino: San Marino 0 Cyprus 32 minutes on the clock. Hamburg last Friday by thrashing Esto- der pressure today and had to overcome Latvia. The Balkan nation sit fourth in together,” he said. “We talk Manchester City midfi elder Kevin De nia in Tallinn, as Ryan Babel scored his some diffi culties,” said Germany boss Group G, but are only three points be- 4 (Kousoulos 2, 73, Papoulis 39, Artyma- together. We have lived our Bruyne, who had assisted each of the maiden international double. Memphis Loew. hind second-placed Slovenia after their tas 75); At Kaliningrad, Russia: Russia 1 lives in each others’ pockets.” fi rst three goals, completed the scoring Depay, making his 50th Netherlands Earlier, Croatia suff ered a setback dramatic 3-2 win over Israel, with Aus- (Fernandes 89) Kazakhstan 0

FOCUS WORLD CUP QUALIFIER Iran to probe death of ‘blue girl’ football fan French coach Mette AFP child, Ms. Sahar Khodayari, has caused Tehran much sadness and regret for Esteghlal keeps promise as FC,” the club said. “We off er condolenc- es to you and your relatives, ask God for ran is to probe the death of a woman mercy and forgiveness and also patience Djibouti advance football fan, state media said yester- and health for your family and all soccer day, after she reportedly set herself fans.” AFP Malawi. Mette was hired by Dji- ablaze in fear of being jailed, trigger- The judiciary’s news website said Kho- Johannesburg bouti recently after coaching two Iing calls for an end to a ban on women at- dayari’s body had been handed over to her Congo Brazzaville clubs and told tending matches. family, who live in Qom, south of Tehran. to “stop the regular fi ve and six Vice President for Women and Family Iran has come under pressure from FIFA rench coach Julien Mette goals defeats and restore dignity Aff airs Masoumeh Ebtekar had asked the to allow women to attend qualifi ers for kept a bold promise to to Djiboutian football.” judiciary to look into the case in a letter, the 2022 World Cup, and was reportedly Djibouti football offi cials “The offi cials did not speak to the state-run Iran newspaper reported. given a deadline of August 31 to comply. by guiding the tiny Horn me about qualifying for the Af- Sahar Khodayari, 30, was arrested early The Iranian sports ministry said last ofF Africa state into the second rica Cup of Nations, the African last year when she tried to enter a stadium month that women fans would be allowed round of 2022 World Cup quali- Nations Championship or the dressed as a man to watch her favourite into the stadium when Team Melli — as fying yesterday. The country that World Cup,” Mette said. “All he team, Esteghlal FC, the Varzesh 3 sports the national team are known — play their had won only one of 13 previous (the national football federation news outlet said, citing her sister. next home qualifi er. qualifi ers forced a shock 0-0 president) wanted was to stop Dubbed “blue girl” because of Estegh- “Women can go to the Azadi stadi- away draw with eSwatini (for- losing 5-0 and 6-0 and I said I lal’s colours, she set herself on fi re outside um on October 10” to watch the match merly Swaziland) to win a fi rst would defi nitely bring him that the court last week after hearing someone against Cambodia, Jamshid Taghizadeh, round tie 2-1 on aggregate. dignity.” there say she would be going to prison for the sports ministry’s deputy for legal and Djibouti built the one-goal Meanwhile, Gerald Phiri six months, it said. provincial aff airs, was quoted as saying at fi rst leg advantage last week, but scored nine minutes from time Iran has barred Iranian women spec- Iran has barred women spectators from football and other stadiums since 1981. (AFP) the time. a team ranked 195th in the world to give Malawi a 1-0 victory over tators from football and other stadiums The ban on women in stadiums is not were not expected to retain it Botswana in Blantyre with the since 1981, with clerics arguing they must was away on leave. The reported death better than men,” he wrote alongside an written into law or regulations, but is given a woeful World Cup away only goal of the two legs. be protected from the masculine atmos- sparked an outcry online, where many image of a woman with a football for a “ruthlessly enforced”, said Human Rights record. The outcome marked a Goals from Clesio Bauque and phere and sight of semi-clad men. The using the hashtag #blue_girl called on heart and fl ames over her head. Watch, calling it a “clear violation of the dramatic turnaround from four Geny Catamo earned Mozam- judiciary’s Mizan Online website said a world football’s governing body FIFA to FIFA said it was “aware of that tragedy rules in FIFA”. The authorities in Iran have years ago when eSwatini trounced bique a 2-0 win over Mauritius in young woman had been arrested when ban Iran from competitions. and deeply regret it”. “FIFA... reiterate allowed foreign women to go to matches Djibouti 8-1 over two legs in 2018 Maputo and a three-goal aggre- she tried to enter a stadium and faced Pictures said to be of her in hospital our calls on the Iranian authorities to en- in the country in the past. World Cup qualifying. gate success. It was a satisfactory charges of off ending “public chastity and covered in heavy bandages have been sure the freedom and safety of any wom- While a small number of Iranian wom- Known as the ‘Shoremen start for Mozambique-born coach insulting” law enforcement offi cers. shared widely on social media. en engaged in this legitimate fi ght to end en have attended select international of the Red Sea’, their previous Luis Goncalves, who was appoint- Citing an informed judiciary offi cial, Iranian football legend Ali Karimi urged the stadium ban,” it added in a statement. matches on previous occasions, others away losses included conced- ed last month after his predeces- it said no sentence had been issued since his 4.5mn Instagram followers to boycott Esteghlal expressed sorrow over her have faced prosecution for entering sta- ing nine goals in the Democratic sor lasted just two matches, one of there had been no trial and the judge stadiums. “The women of our land are death. “The tragic death of our beloved diums at other times. Republic of Congo and eight in which was a victory. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 11, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Lukaku is the latest victim of ultras’ warped loyalty Racism is deep-rooted among Inter Milan fans have claimed in an open far-right fans, as the Inter Milan letter to their striker Romelu Lukaku that the monkey chants directed at him by forward discovered when his own Cagliari fans were not racist. (Reuters) supporters defended Cagliari abuse

By Nicky Bandini participate – standing instead to com- The Guardian memorate Daniele Belardinelli, a Varese fan who had died after being run over following an attack on a minibus full of omelu Lukaku has adapted Napoli’s own supporters on their way to quickly to life in Serie A, scor- the Inter game. ing in his fi rst two games for This season, there have been tributes Internazionale. Sadly, he re- in various Italian stadiums to Fabrizio ceivedR a similarly swift introduction to Piscitelli, widely known by his nick- some of the worst elements of Italian name, Diabolik. Piscitelli had been the football culture. Targeted with monkey leader of the Irriducibili, the group chants during the win at Cagliari, he of Lazio ultras who long stood at the was then addressed with an open let- centre of the Stadio Olimpico’s Curva ter from a group of his own club’s ultras Nord, before being shot dead in August. insisting he ought not to interpret such Under Piscitelli’s leadership, the Ir- abuse as racist. riducibili used violence to claim supe- “You have to understand that Italy riority over rival Lazio ultras in the late is not like many other north European 1980s and became notorious for fascist countries where racism is a REAL prob- imagery and antisemitic provocations. lem,” said the statement, published on Even as their infl uence waned in Facebook by a group who occupy the recent years, the group still attracted second tier of the Curva Nord at Inter’s attention by leaving stickers of Anne San Siro home. “In Italy we use some Frank wearing a Roma shirt on the walls ‘ways’ only to ‘help our teams’ and to of the Stadio Olimpico, and attempting try to make our opponents nervous, not to ban women from the front 10 rows of for racism but to mess them up.” the curva. It is true the methods are nothing At Inter’s opening home game of this new. Moise Kean was subjected to the season, against Lecce, ultras staged a same chants when Juventus visited giant choreography in Piscitelli’s hon- Cagliari in April, just as Blaise Matuidi our, the words “Fabrizio with us” ac- had been the previous year and Sulley companied by two Lazio eagles spread Muntari in 2017. across the second tier of San Siro’s Nor are they exclusive to one club. curva nord. Even Antonio Conte’s fi rst Inter were ordered to play two games game as manager – also Lukaku’s de- behind closed doors last season after but – marking the death of an admired Kalidou Koulibaly was racially abused rival was given precedence over their during their win over Napoli. own team. Such a response may help Nevertheless, it was striking to see to explain their treatment of Lukaku. the defence of Cagliari’s supporters In their open letter to the player, the being led by ultras from the very club Inter ultras sought to portray them- whose new signing had been targeted. selves as the persecuted party. “When Lukaku is a popular addition at Inter. you declare that racism is a problem to The same Facebook group that aspired be fought in Italy,” they wrote, “you just to teach him what constitutes racism help the repression against all football had previously shared a picture of him fans, including us.” stood with some of its members, wear- It is a narrative that ties together fredo Donnarumma, as he prepared to Knowing how to respond to an open made any comment on the ultras’ let- going backwards.” ing a Curva Nord T-shirt. with far-right politics: the suggestion take a penalty against them. letter published on a social media plat- ter. The player may feel he has said all Serie A intends launching a fresh Solidarity between ultras, however, that free speech is under attack from Context matters, in cases of dis- form is more complicated still. When he wanted on the subject with an In- anti-racism initiative next month, to has often transcended club loyalties. an authoritarian establishment. Ultras crimination, and attempts to present Koulibaly was abused at San Siro last stagram post following the Cagliari include all 20 clubs with “the aim of Following the abuse of Koulibaly, Na- are quick to highlight perceived incon- the two cases as analogous ought to be season, Inter reacted by launching their game, in which he called on football making all supporters more aware of poli distributed photographs of his sistencies as well. Footage has emerged resisted. Yet Cagliari offi cials have cited own anti-racism initiative, Brothers federations and social media platforms this delicate and important issue”. face at their next home game. Thou- of Cagliari supporters making similar these events as muddying the waters in Universally United (an acronym for the to do more to combat discrimination. Awareness, though, can hardly be the sands were held up before kick-off but noises to those directed at Lukaku at their own attempts to identify and ban noise made by the abusers, “BUU”), “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s 2019,” he problem after a week when the story the ultras behind each goal declined to a white centre-forward, Brescia’s Al- those who engage in racist abuse. but so far neither they nor Lukaku have wrote. “Instead of going forward we’re spread around the world.

ROUND-UP Zhang says his youth will De Gea close to signing new Manchester United contract bring new avid de Gea is close to fi nally TOTTENHAM’S LO CELSO RULED many’s Paderborn had the cheapest ideas, new agreeing a new contract with OUT UNTIL LATE OCTOBER squad in the study (4mn euros), which Manchester United, The Tottenham midfi elder Giovani Lo Celso looked at teams from the English, Ger- energy to Inter Guardian reported. The goal- will be sidelined until late October man, Italian, French and Spanish top keeperD is on the verge of completing after injuring a hip on international fl ights. Geneva: Inter Milan president the details on terms in the region of the duty with Argentina. Lo Celso suf- Steven Zhang believes his £290,000-a-week basic earned by Paul fered the damage during Argentina’s FIVE CUBAN FOOTBALLERS youth will help bring new en- Pogba and the Spaniard expects to sign 0-0 friendly draw against Chile in Los DEFECT IN CANADA ergy and new ideas to his club soon, it is understood. Angeles last week. Five Cuban footballers defected follow- and help them understand De Gea is out of contract next sum- The 23-year-old was forced to with- ing the team’s 6-0 thrashing by Canada how people of his genera- mer so a new deal would allow United draw from the Argentina squad and in the CONCACAF Nations League in tion watch football. Chinese to protect an asset whose market price is back at his Premier League club for Toronto, Cuban television reported. businessman Zhang, 27, was would rise to at least £80mn. Ole Gun- treatment. “Giovani Lo Celso has re- Yordan Santa Cruz, Andy Baquero, appointed as president last nar Solskjaer was charged, in part, with turned early to Hotspur Way after being David Urgelles, Orlendiz Benitez and October, promising to lead convincing key players that their future withdrawn from the Argentina squad Alejandro Portal all left the squad in the Inter, who have not won a remained at United when appointed due to a hip injury,” said a statement on wake of Saturday’s game, a report said, major trophy since 2011, into caretaker manager last December. Tottenham’s website. describing the defections as “regret- a new era. Anthony Martial signed again for the “The attacking midfi elder sustained table”. The son of Zhang Jindong, long term in January and should De Gea the injury during his national team’s Santa Cruz is regarded as one of the chairman of China’s electron- follow this would be viewed as further match against Chile. He will now un- best players in Cuban football and with ics retailer Suning Holdings success by the club hierarchy. The dergo a period of rehabilitation and is Baquero had been part of the Cuban Group which bought a major- Spain international joined United in the expected to return to training with the team that qualifi ed for the Under-20 ity stake in the club in 2016, summer of 2011. fi rst team towards the end of October.” World Cup in 2013. The defections he had been a club director Lo Celso’s injury is a fresh blow to are the latest to hit Cuban football in for the previous two years. EVERTON’S MINA FINED Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochet- recent years. Zhang said he appreciated AFTER BETTING CHARGE tino after his side’s spluttering start Forty-four players have defected in that supporters of his age Everton defender Yerry Mina has been to the season, which includes just the past 17 years, including four who watched football diff erently to fi ned £10,000 ($12,338) after admit- one win from four league games. The walked out on the team during the those of older generations. ting a Football Association misconduct highly-rated Lo Celso has made three Gold Cup in the United States in June. “They don’t watch the charge in relation to betting rules, substitute appearances since arriving In 2015 several Cuban players also game for just 90 minutes any English football’s governing body from Real Betis on a season-long loan defected during the Gold Cup, despite more, they actually watch said. In a statement, the FA said that on transfer deadline day, with a view to improving relations between Havana video clips, Instagrams, Mina was fi ned for “participating in a permanent move. and the then US administration of YouTube clubs, social media,” an advertisement for betting activity President Barack Obama. he told reporters after being which he is prohibited from engaging CITY ASSEMBLE FOOTBALL’S elected onto the European in”, a television advert for gambling FIRST BILLION-EURO SQUAD: STUDY UEFA INVESTIGATES FRENCH FOR Club Association (ECA) board. company Betjuego in his home country Premier League champions Man- DELAYED ALBANIA KICK OFF “So, in a way, I can bring new of Colombia earlier this year. chester City are the fi rst team to have UEFA said it had opened proceedings ideas... for European football The FA Regulatory Commission re- spent more than 1bn euros ($1.1bn) against the French Football Federation and a more global view and vealed all the money Mina received for to assemble their squad, a study has (FFF) after their Euro 2020 qualifi er more technology-oriented.” the advert was donated to his charitable shown. Data from the Swiss-based was delayed when Albania refused Zhang also appealed to the foundation, which was set up by the CIES Football Observatory showed that to kick off until they had heard their club’s fans to give time to new former Barcelona centre-back in 2016 City have spent 1.014bn euros on their national anthem. coach Antonio Conte. Three- to help disadvantaged young people David De Gea is out of contract next summer so a new deal would allow Man current squad. The hosts played the Andorran an- times European champions In- back home. United to protect an asset whose market price would rise to at least £80mn. French champions Paris St-Germain them by mistake at ahead of the fi xture ter have won 18 Serie A titles It was also confi rmed the 24-year- were second having spent 913mn euros at the Stade de France on Saturday. and the Coppa Italia seven old requested the advert to be removed striker Daniel Sturridge, now playing and May 2019 — including fi ve games and Spain’s Real Madrid were third After the angry Albanians protested, times but have struggled as soon as the he was informed he for Trabzonspor, was fi ned £75,000 involving his own team. with 902mn euros. Manchester United the correct anthem was played and the since winning a Champions was in breach of FA rules, while he ($94,000) and handed a six-week The ban is on all footballing activity (751mn euros) have the second-most game kicked off more than vefi minutes League, Serie A and Coppa ended his association with the betting suspension after being found guilty of which means Stevens is unable to train expensive squad in the Premier League late. UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee , Italia treble under coach Jose company in May. Stringent rules are breaching diff erent betting rules. with Leeds during that period or inter- followed by Champions League win- which investigates any delay to kick off , Mourinho in 2010. Conte is in place over sports betting in order Meanwhile, Leeds midfi elder Jordan act with players or coaching staff — a ners Liverpool (639mn euros). The has notifi ed the FFF and the case will the 13th coach since then and to prevent match-fi xing and spot- Stevens has been given a six-week move the second-tier Championship Premier League average was 345mn be heard on 17 October. The penalty is replaced Luciano Spalletti, betting. ban and a £1,200 fi ne after placing 59 club called “excessive” and a “dispro- euros, it said. usually a warning for the fi rst off ence who was sacked last season. Earlier this year, former Liverpool bets on football between August 2018 portionate punishment”. At the other end of the scale, Ger- and a fi ne for a second occurrence. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, September 11, 2019 TENNISCRICKET

COMMENT Root under ‘no pressure’ despite Ashes failure: Bayliss AFP runs as they’d like. I think the someone else to come in with a London Australian team have bowled new voice.” pretty well to him, so we’ll see how things go further down the ANDERSON BACKS ROOT oe Root is under “no line. Injured England paceman James pressure” as England “From my point of view, he Anderson said Root remained captain despite failing was our premier batter and the the best man to captain the side to wrest the Ashes from Australians always try and tar- and would have the chance to Australia’sJ grasp, outgoing get the opposition captain. He’s forge a relationship with Bay- coach Trevor Bayliss said yes- played well when he’s got starts liss’s successor. “He has done terday. and I don’t see too many prob- some great work,” he told the Australia lead the fi ve-match lems.” Press Association. series 2-1 with one Test to go, After winning at Old Traff ord “But the team has been devel- meaning they are certain to re- to go 2-1 up in the series, Aus- oping over the last few years and tain the urn because they are the tralia’s players celebrated on the going into a big series like this Ashes holders. England’s failure fi eld and were accused by some you want a settled team that’s has led to questions over Root’s of mocking England spinner fi t and fi ring. I feel for Joe as he’s position, particularly given his Jack Leach while doing so. not quite had that. It’s been dif- inconsistent batting throughout “No one has mentioned it or fi cult.” the series. spoken about it. It’s all talk from Anderson, England’s all-time But Australian Bayliss, who you guys (the media),” said Bay- leading Test wicket-taker, said leaves his role after four years liss. he had no intention of retiring following this week’s fi nal Test Bayliss will return to Australia despite an injury-ravaged sea- at the Oval, said there were no after the series, having spent son. issues with his skipper. four years in the job and taking “One of the big frustrations “He’s not come under ques- England to World Cup glory in about not playing is seeing tion from anyone making any July. the guys out on the fi eld,” he decisions,” Bayliss said. “He’s “On one hand I am sad to be said. under no pressure at all.” leaving,” he said. “It’s been a “It’s been great to see Jofra Root, sixth in the world rank- fantastic environment to work (Archer) taking to internation- ings, averages less than 31 in in, everyone has made me feel at al cricket the way he has and the series so far and has been home. Broady (Stuart Broad) has been dismissed for nought three “From a cricket sense we’ve fantastic all series. He’s shown times. had a lot of good performances, his class all the way through. Speaking about Root’s form the cherry on top the World Cup “I’d love to be a part of this with the bat, Bayliss added: win. bowling attack because I think “Everyone goes through periods “But I am looking forward to we could have something special where they don’t score as many getting home and it’s time for there.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Reluctant Bangladesh captain Shakib takes ‘Accidental’ captain blame for Afghan loss Paine on verge of Ashes landmark ‘In terms of what we’ve been able to achieve as a group is pretty satisfying’

AFP play. Much of the credit will go London to Smith, who has so far scored 671 runs at 134.20 with three hundreds, including 211 at Old reg Chappell could Traff ord, in his fi rst series since not do it, while Ricky his ban. “He is just a genius and Ponting and Michael I never had any doubt he would Clarke, who had both come back and be the player he Ghad two attempts each, were un- was,” said Paine, who made his able to manage it either. Test debut in the same match as But if his side avoid defeat in Smith. the fi fth Test against England “The scary thing is he’s getting at The Oval starting tomorrow, better. I don’t know where it is Tim Paine will join the list of going to stop but we are enjoying Australia captains who have led being on the ride, that is for sure.” the team to an Ashes series win Just as Smith is the world’s in England. top-ranked Test batsman, Aus- It is a feat no Australia captain tralia spearhead Pat Cummins is has achieved since Steve Waugh at the summit of the correspond- oversaw a 4-1 success 18 years ing bowling rankings. ago. Waugh, like Chappell, Pon- Most captains are only as good Shakib Al Hasan plays a shot during the fourth day of the one-off ting and Clarke, is one of Aus- as their players, but Paine con- cricket Test match against Afghanistan at the Zohur Ahmed tralia’s greatest cricketers. tributed to victory in Manches- Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday. (AFP) No one, least of all wicket- ter by ending a run of low scores keeper Paine himself, would with a valuable fi rst-innings 58. Reuters took a break during Bangladesh’s suggest he is in that class and the “In terms of what we’ve been Dhaka dismal tour of Sri Lanka, where way in which he inherited the able to achieve as a group is pret- they lost all three one-day inter- captaincy was highly unusual. ty satisfying from where we’ve nationals but his return failed to Traditionally, Australia have come from in the last 18 months,” angladesh skipper Shak- inspire the side to victory against picked their best 11 players fi rst said Paine. “Also from where ib Al Hasan has taken Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan. and then opted for one of them Australia’s captain Tim Paine (left) gestures beside Steve Smith as they celebrate their victory on the we’ve come from, even from last full responsibility for Heavy showers allowed little as captain, while in England, field after the fourth Ashes cricket Test match on Sunday. (AFP) week (the defeat at Headingley). their shocking home de- play on the fi nal day, leaving Af- where there has long been an That was a loss that would break featB to test rookies Afghanistan ghanistan with a little more than emphasis on ‘leadership quali- captain — with both batsmen been on the brink of retiring he is both an “accidental” skip- a lot of teams but we weren’t.”As in the one-off match at Chatto- 18 overs in the fi nal session to ties’, the tendency has been to subsequently given 12-month from cricket in 2017 and tak- per and not worth his place in for personal satisfaction, the gram and says it would be best if take the remaining four wickets select the skipper fi rst and then bans by Cricket Australia — of- ing up a job with an equipment the side.But having shown dig- 34-year-old Paine added: “My someone else took over the cap- and force a result, while Bangla- fi nd 10 others to join him. fi cials needed someone uncon- manufacturer instead. nity after a dramatic one-wicket dream was to come here and taincy. desh had high hopes of avoiding Paine’s case was diff erent. Fol- taminated by the incident to lead But having forced his way loss in the third Test at Headin- win an Ashes. I certainly didn’t The 32-year-old all-round- defeat with Shakib unbeaten on lowing the ball-tampering scan- the team and turned to Paine the back into the side, the Tasma- gley, Paine had the satisfaction want to be the captain winning er, widely regarded as the best 44. dal in Cape Town in March 2018 morning after ‘Sandpapergate’. nian found himself thrust into of leading the team to an 185-run the Ashes. “I am just happy to cricketer Bangladesh has ever However, he edged spinner that saw Steve Smith stripped of Paine, who had made his Aus- the captaincy barely a year later. win at Old Traff ord on Sunday be a part of it. I could have been produced, took the test captain- Zahir Khan off the fi rst ball of the the captaincy and David Warner tralia debut in a Test against Ever since becoming skipper, that ensured they retained the working at Kookaburra so this cy in 2017 from Mushfi qur Rahim session while attempting a cut removed from the post of vice- Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010, had Paine has face accusations that Ashes at 2-1 up with just one to isn’t bad.” for his second stint at the helm shot to allow Afghanistan their after leading them between 2009 big breakthrough. and 2011. Afghanistan, playing “I am really disappointed,” only their third match after being Shakib said. “The whole blame Langer defends Australia’s Ashes celebrations inducted as a test-playing nation goes on my shoulders. two years ago, completed a fa- “I was very nervous when I Australia coach Justin seen wearing and rubbing Leach, wears glasses when mous victory by defeating Bang- came out to bat, and got out the Langer has defended his a pair of glasses before shad- he bats. ladesh by 224 runs with 3.2 overs fi rst ball and it was my fault. I players’ boisterous celebra- ow batting left-handed in the “Experience tells me that left on the fi nal day on Monday. should have taken more respon- tions after retaining the middle of a team huddle. when you’re doing well, peo- “It will be best if I didn’t have sibility and could have avoided Ashes following claims they Some fans and pundits came ple will try and pick holes in to lead,” Shakib told reporters af- the cut shot. mocked England spin bowler to the conclusion that Smith you,” Langer told reporters ter the match. “I personally be- “We had to play only one hour Jack Leach. was unkindly parodying the yesterday. lieve it will be good for my game. and 10 minutes, and I got out the Langer’s side clinched a glasses-wearing Leach. “I know the truth. Chris “And if I have to continue fi rst ball. So it became harder dramatic fourth Test win Leach had helped England Rogers is a great mate of the leading, then obviously there is for the team. The dressing room over England in the last hour teammate Ben Stokes snatch squad, that’s all it’s about. a lot to discuss about (with the would have felt more comfort- of Sunday’s final session at a remarkable win in the third People can make up what board).” able if I had stayed out.” Old Traff ord. Test with a 76-run unbroken they like about it, but that’s Shakib was the lone shining Giving his team zero marks out The victory gave Australia a partnership, during which the truth.” light for Bangladesh during the of 100 for the match, Shakib said 2-1 lead with just one match the spinner scored just one Australia can clinch their 50-overs World Cup in Eng- they had to produce better play- to play and they marked the run. first Test series win in Eng- land, fi nishing third on the run- ers if they were to become more occasion with a raucous on- But Langer is adamant land since 2001 if they avoid getters’ list with 606 from eight consistent. field party. Smith was mimicking Chris defeat in the last match, innings while also picking up 11 “If we want to play well con- At one stage, Australia’s star Rogers, who last played for which starts at the Oval wickets with his left-arm ortho- sistently, we need to improve our batsman Steve Smith was Australia in 2015 and, like tomorrow. Australia head coach Justin Langer during the press conference. Reuters dox spin bowling. quality and need more quality Following the World Cup he players.” Gulf Times Wednesday, September 11, 2019 5 SPORT

NFL MLB Astros bash seven homers, hammer A’s Lutz’s career-long a home win over Seattle on Reuters Houston Sunday, then picked up in the fi rst inning right where it left off , putting together six hits - ouston battered fi ve consecutive - and six runs Oakland pitching against A’s starter Mike Fiers for 11 runs on 12 hits (14-4). – six of them home Unbeaten in 21 consecu- fi eld goal lift s Saints runsH – in the fi rst two innings tive starts, Fiers allowed deep as the Astros hammered the shots to Bregman (his 35th), visiting Athletics 15-0 to set Alvarez (23rd) on the next a franchise record for home pitch and Chirinos (16th) as wins on Monday night. the Astros built a 6-0 lead. Robinson Chirinos went Alvarez’s fi rst blast broke 3-for-4, crushed a pair of Carlos Correa’s 2015 record home runs and drove in a for most homers by a Houston over Houston Texas career-high-tying six runs rookie. to help the Astros ‘It is crazy, that’s an amazing win. That’s got to be the top-one moment for me’ match their club RESULTS record with seven homers in a game. Astros 15-0 Athletics Yordan Alvarez Yankees 5-0 Red Sox belted a pair of solo Mets 3-1 D’backs homers, and Alex Bregman clouted a Braves 7-2 Phillies three-run homer as Brewers 8-3 Marlins Houston won for the Cubs 10-2 Padres fi fth in a row and for the 17th time in the Indians 6-2 Angels past 21 games. Pirates 6-4 Giants Jose Altuve went 3-for-3 with a two- run homer and two runs, and Altuve slugged a two-run Michael Brantley had a solo shot, his 26th, in the second homer and two runs for Hou- for an 8-0 lead, and Brantley ston, which tallied 17 hits. lashed his career-high 21st in Starting pitcher Zack Greinke the next at-bat to chase Fiers (15-5) beat the A’s for the sec- from the game after just one- ond time since being acquired plus inning. The start was the by the Astros at the trade shortest of Fiers’ career, and deadline. He tossed six score- the fi ve home runs were the less innings of two-hit ball to most he has allowed in a start. improve to 5-1 with a 3.32 ERA Alvarez hit a mammoth since joining Houston. blast off reliever Paul Black- The Astros moved to 56-17 burn later in the second, driv- at home, breaking the team ing his 24th into the upper record for home wins set in deck down the right fi eld line 1980 and 1998. for a 10-0 lead, and Chirinos Oakland mustered just added an RBI single. three hits and fell to 1 1/2 Garrett Stubbs scored on games behind idle Tampa Bay a wild pitch in the sixth, and in the race for the fi rst Ameri- Chirinos clubbed a three-run can League wild card. The A’s long ball, his 17th, in the sev- are clinging to a half-game enth. Bryan Abreu pitched lead over the Cleveland Indi- two innings of one-hit ball, ans, who defeated the Los An- striking out three, and Cionel geles Angels 6-2 on Monday Perez fanned two batters in a night. perfect ninth to complete the Houston scored 21 runs in shutout.

New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz screams as he runs from the field after kicking a game wining field goal against the Houston Texans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP It gave the Saints a victory in their New Orleans had lost their previous down pass on the opening drive of the Los Angeles opener for the fi rst time in six seasons. fi ve season openers. And after last season season and rookie Josh Jacobs rushed for “I knew we were going to get a chance,” ended with a bitter loss in the NFC title two touchdowns as the Oakland Raiders said Lutz. “You got Drew Brees at the game, the Saints were hoping to begin the defeated the Denver Broncos 24-16 in the rew Brees orchestrated the win- helm, you are going to get a chance.” 2019 season on a winning note. late game. ning drive and Wil Lutz capped The fi nal drama began with Houston’s “I knew how big this win would be,” it with a career-long 58-yard go-ahead drive with 50 seconds left as Lutz said. “There was a little more weight BROWN DRAMA fi eld goal as the New Orleans Watson connected with DeAndre Hopkins on my shoulders on that one.” The Raiders took out their frustrations SaintsD opened the season with a thrilling for a 37-yard gain. The 40-year-old Brees completed 32 of over the drama surrounding former re- 30-28 win over the Houston Texas. Watson then connected with former 43 passes. He threw one interception in ceiver Antonio Brown with a convincing Brees and Texans quarterback Deshaun Saint Kenny Stills for a 37-yard touch- the fi rst half that could have proved costly. win over the AFC West rival Broncos. Watson traded last minute heroics before down. Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the extra But he made up for it. Carr completed 22 of 26 passes for 259 Lutz nailed a walk-off fi eld goal to give point, but Saints rookie CJ Gardner-John- Asked what he was thinking on the last yards and wasn’t sacked once after being the Saints the win in a topsy-turvy season son brushed Fairbairn and a penalty was play, Brees said, “I think we all felt it was dragged down 51 times last season. Jacobs opener for both teams. called. Fairbairn converted on the second going to happen. The minute you heard had 23 carries for 85 yards and a 28-yard “It is crazy, that’s an amazing win,” Lutz attempt to snap the tie. the ball go off his foot, it was a thundering reception. said. “That’s got to be the top-one mo- Brees then completed three passes for kick. We all knew it was going through the The loss spoiled the Broncos’ debut of ment for me.” 35 yards and the Saints called their fi - uprights.” quarterback Joe Flacco, who was 21 of 31 Lutz’s kick came just moments after nal timeout with two seconds left. They Watson also ran for a 21 yard touch- for 268 yards with one touchdown pass. Watson had driven the Texans 75 yards brought on Lutz, who had missed a down in the second quarter and Hopkins for a touchdown in two plays in front of a 56-yarder on the fi nal play of the fi rst half. snagged two touchdown passes in the MONDAY RESULTS crowd of 73,000 Monday night at the Su- “All I wanted was redemption after that game. New Orleans 30 -28 Houston perdome stadium. miss at the half,” he said. Elsewhere, Derek Carr threw a touch- Oakland 24-16 Denver

NHL

Houston Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos (left) celebrates with Canadiens will not re-sign Markov shortstop Alex Bregman after hitting a home run against the Oakland Athletics. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Reuters to keep in that direction.” Montreal In August, Markov said he wanted to return to the franchise for what would likely be his fi nal professional Red Sox fans give Ortiz standing ontreal Canadiens gen- season. He has been practising in ovation at Fenway eral manager Marc Ber- Florida. gevin said Monday that Batting legend David Ortiz ily. They always have been defenseman Andrei OVECHKIN RETURNS TO ICE threw out the ceremonial there for me, supporting MMarkov will not return to the Mon- AFTER INJURY SCARE first pitch before Monday me; they were aware what treal this season after a two-season Washington Capitals captain Alex night’s Boston Red Sox happened to me. And they sojourn in the Kontinental Hockey Ovechkin was able to laugh off what game against the New were the first ones there League. initially appeared to be a serious in- York Yankees at Fenway supporting me. “Thank Markov, 40, left the Canadiens af- jury during a scrimmage on Monday. Park stadium. you very much, Red Sox ter the 2016-17 campaign and signed Ovechkin went down awkwardly and This was Ortiz’s first public family. I want to thank all with Ak Bars Kazan. He had spent his reportedly screamed in pain before appearance since being of you for all the prayers; previous 16 NHL seasons with Mon- leaving the ice without putting any shot three months ago in all of them came home. I treal (he spent the 2004-05 lockout weight on his left leg. his native Dominican Re- really appreciate – thank playing in Russia with Dynamo Mos- The three-time Hart Trophy re- public. Ortiz came out of you very much.” cow of the Russian Superleague), and cipient was helped off the ice by the dugout to a standing The Red Sox failed to win the Canadiens are the only NHL team teammates John Carlson, Tom ovation, then delivered the for Ortiz, going down 5-0 with which he has ever played. Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom. pitch to former teammate after being outhit 12-7. “We have some young kids push- Ovechkin, however, returned to the Jason Varitek. Meanwhile, the Red Sox ing and as far as where Andrei was ice approximately 20 minutes later to “First of all, I want to thank said a search for Dave two years ago, where our team was resume skating. God for giving me a sec- Dombrowski’s replace- two years ago, things have changed,” Ovechkin, who turns 34 on Sept. ond opportunity in my life ment would begin im- Bergevin said at the Canadiens annual 17, dismissed Monday’s events as to be here with all of you,” mediately. The club fired golf tournament. “And now we’re go- a continuation of a bad start to his Ortiz said. “I want to thank the president of baseball ing, you know I call it a reset, refresh, week. “It’s OK,” he said, per NHL. the Red Sox, my real fam- operations on Sunday. and we did that, and now we’re going com. “Last night I fell off my bike.” Defenseman Andrei Markov. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, September 11, 2019 SPORT

BASKETBALL CYCLING Van der Poel wins Tour of Britain’s Serbia buckled fourth stage AFP Roglic extends Kendal, United Kingdom Jumbo-Visma contract Leader Primoz Roglic athieu van der Poel was busy on the Vuelta a under World Cup took over as the Espana’s second rest day as Tour of Britain’s Jumbo-Visma announced overall leader af- the Slovenian rider had Mter winning yesterday’s fourth extended his contract until stage from Gateshead to the end of 2023. “I like the Kendal. way this team works,” the The Dutchman who rides 29-year-old said yesterday. for Corendon-Circus made “I entered this team as a expectations: coach his move on a sharp rise in the relative beginner and I have closing stages of the 173.2km developed with the help of ‘We became favourites just like that, everybody was writing – not only in our papers stage. the team,” he added. He tracked the three-rider The Dutch outfit made the but everywhere around the world – that we are the team, we are the ones, we will win’ breakaway before blowing announcement on social away the rest of the reduced media with a video which fi eld, with Jasper De Buyst played on the former ski (Lotto-Soudal) and Simon jumper’s versatility. Clarke (EF Education First) In it, team CEO Richard following him home and com- Plugge fields video calls pleting the podium. from stars in other areas Matteo Trentin (Mitchel- trying to recruit Roglic. ton-Scott) fi nished in ninth Germany coach Joachim place and conceded his race Loew, PSV Eindhoven gener- lead. Van der Poel is ahead by al manager Toon Gerbrands a second. and Barcelona star Frenkie “It was a bit of gamble be- de Jong try to recruit Roglic cause I didn’t really know to football. Michael van where the fi nish line was,” Van Gerwen wants Roglic to play der Poel said of his push to the darts. Dutch singer Jan Smit fi nish line. asks if he can join his band “I got bumped in yesterday and Plugge reminds Loew and I didn’t want that to hap- that Roglic is not German. pen again today, so I went full “Primoz has developed enor- gas 300 metres to go. It was a mously in recent years as bit far but got I got a gap and a person and as an athlete, the fi nal 100m was a bit easier. just like the team,”, said “It’s really nice to win this Merijn Zeeman, sporting stage. It was a really, really director of Jumbo-Visma. hard stage, with lots of climb- ing.” OVERALL STANDINGS STAGE FOUR 1. Mathieu van der Poel (NED/ 1. Mathieu van der Poel (NED/ COC) 17hr 36min 27sec, 2. COC) 4hr 23min 08sec, 2. Matteo Trentin (ITA/MTS) at 1 Jasper De Buyst (BEL/LOT) at sec, 3. Jasper De Buyst (BEL/ 3 secs, 3. Simon Clarke (AUS/ LOT) at 7 secs, 4. Simon Clarke EF1) s.t, 4. Ben Swift (GBR/INE) (AUS/EF1) at 14 secs, 5. Mike s.t, 5. Amund Grondahl Jansen Teunissen (NED/Jumbo) at 15 (NOR/JUM) s.t secs

Williams half-year F1 fi nances refl ect poor track showing

The Williams Formula One from a previous 21.5 million. team posted a loss of 16.8 mil- “The Formula One financial lion pounds ($20.77 million) results primarily reflect our in the six months to end-June finishing position in last year’s Argentina’s Luis Scola takes a shot during the Basketball World Cup quarter-final against Serbia in Dongguan yesterday. (AFP) compared to a previous profit constructors’ championship of 0.2 million, reflecting the and the consequent reduc- AFP fi nal, Spain’s Ricky Rubio be- ‘WE DESERVE TO BE HERE’ zlies’ Marko Guduric. That’s Australia or the Czech Republic struggling former champions’ tion in prize money,” said Dongguan, China came the all-time leader for For the Serbs, shooting guard when Scola stepped up, scoring in Friday’s semis. plunging track performance. group chief executive Mike World Cup assists in a 90-78 win Bogdan Bogdanovic of the NBA’s eight rapid-fi re points in a 21-6 He had nine points in the fi rst Williams, with Polish driver O’Driscoll in a statement. over surprise package Poland in Sacramento Kings led all scor- Argentina run that dropped half and grabbed a record 107th Robert Kubica and British “There was also an overall erbia’s coach said that Shanghai. ers with 21 points, while Denver the curtain on Serbia’s World career World Cup assist, sur- rookie George Russell, are last reduction in partnership his strongly fancied With Gregg Popovich’s US Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic Cup. passing Pablo Prigioni of Argen- in the championship with just income compared to the first team collapsed under squad unbeaten but still failing added 16. “It just bothers me that peo- tina. one point from 14 of 21 races half of 2018.” the weight of expec- to convince, Serbia had emerged But it was Scola, 39 years old ple keep talking about a miracle, Rubio fi nished the game with this season. O’Driscoll said there were tationS as they were stunned as favourites – but their coach and the last remaining member keep talking about a surprise, 19 points, nine assists and fi ve In 2018, the sport’s third most signs of improvement, with by Argentina in the Basket- Sasha Djordjevic said his players of Argentina’s “Golden Genera- keep talking about nobody be- rebounds against a Poland side successful team in terms of continued interest from ball World Cup quarter-fi nals had buckled. tion” that won the Olympics in lieves it,” said the veteran. who were back in the World Cup race wins, finished 10th after potential partners. Talks with yesterday. “It was euphoria in our coun- 2004, who remains on course for “This is far from a miracle – after a 52-year absence. ending 2017 fifth overall. Formula One and commercial The South Americans’ grand try – everybody followed us, another milestone. we are a good basketball team, “Tonight is a really great night Williams said the Formula One rights holders Liberty Media old man Luis Scola knocked everybody gave us a hand, eve- The World Cup is the only we played great basketball all to congratulate Ricky as the best operation generated revenue also held out hope of more down a series of key buckets in rybody was eager to see us play major international trophy that the way along, we deserve to be passer in the history of the World of 46.3 million pounds com- equal competition in 2021. a fourth-quarter surge to help in this tournament,” he said. he has yet to win. He fi nished here.” Cup,” said Scariolo. pared to 60.7 million in the “Although we continue to face crush Serbia 97-87 in the Chi- “We became favourites just with a team-high 20 points and “It’s huge and I really feel same period of 2018. challenges in a very dynamic nese city of Dongguan. like that, everybody was writing Argentina were the more fl uid HISTORY-MAKER RUBIO proud of him. This is his night.” The overall group EBITDA environment, we currently Argentina are now undefeated – not only in our papers but eve- throughout the contest. Spain’s coach Sergio Scariolo Juan Hernangomez of the loss widened to 18.8 million believe the majority of the in six games and headed for a rywhere around the world – that Trailing most of the game, hailed Rubio after what he called Denver Nuggets surged to 14 pounds from 2.7 million. impact on EBITDA for the full Friday semi-fi nal against reign- we are the team, we are the ones, Serbia threatened to take con- a “tough war” with Poland. points before the break as Spain, The company’s Advanced En- year has already been cap- ing two-time champions the we will win,” he added. trol when they grabbed a 70-68 Phoenix Suns’ Rubio made an ranked second in the world be- gineering arm increased rev- tured in these interim results,” United States or France. “Sometimes that does not fourth-quarter lead on a three- electric start for Olympic bronze hind the United States, threat- enue to 30.9 million pounds said O’Driscoll. In yesterday’s other quarter- help.” pointer by the Memphis Griz- medallists Spain, who will play ened to run riot.

GOLF Solheim Cup win would be career highlight: Matthew AFP with Suzann (Pettersen),” Mat- London thew added. Ryder Cup star Barnes dies aged 74 “You feel sorry for Stacy, not to be able to play because you are British golfer Brian Barnes, who was concerned, but he was still atriona Matthew says injured is unlucky, but Ally Mc- memorably beat Jack Nicklaus twice beatable.” leading Europe to a Sol- Donald is an able replacement.” in one day at the Ryder Cup, has Barnes was a larger-than-life per- heim Cup triumph on Europe vice-captain Laura died aged 74. sonality who once marked his ball home soil would sur- Davies was surprised to see her Barnes, one of golf’s most colourful on the final hole of the 1982 Scottish passC winning her only major title side rated as outsiders, adding: characters, passed away on Monday Professional Championship with a a decade ago. “I think we are 2/1 underdogs after a short battle with cancer. beer can, then putted out for the Matthew, who won the which I think would be a great “It was very sudden. I played a win. He would regularly tee off with Women’s British Open at Royal bet. round of golf with him in May and a hip flask of vodka and orange juice Lytham in 2009, captains the “World rankings have a lot to he played 18 holes with no problem in his bag. home side at Gleneagles this do with it, but home soil out- at all,” Barnes’s brother-in-law, Guy However, the drinking took its toll week as they seek to prevent the weighs most things.” Faulkner, told the Press Association. and Barnes came close to commit- United States winning the bien- Lewis had hoped to shake off Barnes was born in Addington, ting suicide before receiving treat- nial contest for the third straight her back injury but was pictured Surrey, and represented England at ment for alcoholism. time. in tears on Monday after hitting international level until 1971 when he “Golf was a social game. I remember “To be a winning captain shots on the Centenary Course, joined the Scottish PGA. as a young pro being advised at a here would probably rank just which also hosted the 2014 Ry- He won nine European Tour titles seminar by a doctor that four or five above my British Open win,” the der Cup. but the defining moment of his pints a day wouldn’t harm you, nor 50-year-old Scot said yesterday. “It’s about what’s best for the career came in the 1975 Ryder Cup 20 or 30 cigs. Times change,” he told “I’ve always felt the Solheim team and for me with my body, against the United States at Laurel the Daily Mirror in 1996. Cup has been a highlight of my but the timing is pretty horrible,” Valley. “I wasn’t a fighting drunk. Booze career when it comes around Lewis admitted. Barnes famously beat legendary made me easy-going...Gary Player every two years.” “I’m glad we didn’t do this American Jack Nicklaus 4&2 in the once gave me a dressing down, told The United States are odds-on press conference yesterday be- morning singles and 2&1 in an after- me I was wasting my talents.” favourites to win the three-day cause I don’t think I could have noon rematch. Having won his fight against alcohol- event starting on Friday despite gotten a word out. It’s really, re- “When we went to the press tent ism, Barnes became eligible for the losing wildcard veteran Stacy ally disappointing because this is after the morning round everybody Seniors Tour in 1995 and lifted the Lewis to a back injury yesterday. my favourite tournament. acted as if I’d beaten Jesus Christ,” British Open title at Royal Portrush Lewis has been replaced in the “There’s nothing like that fi rst Barnes recalled in an interview with that year, successfully defending the side by rookie Ally McDonald. tee and it’s disappointing not to Today’s Golfer in 2012. title at the same venue 12 months “That’s tough for them. We were hit a shot but I’ll be watching. I “He was Jesus Christ as far as golf later. in the same situation last time will be by Ally’s side all week.” Gulf Times Wednesday, September 11, 2019 7 SPORT

RUGBY Japan heat will suit our game, says NZ’s Weber AFP tempo. I see these conditions about making sure you can con- soms in their fi nal warm-up Kashiwa suiting us perfectly,” said the trol the tempo,” said Whitelock, game. 28-year-old, who won his ticket also part of the past two World “They are a very good side to Japan off the back of a stand- Cup-winning teams. so I’m sure they will have been ew Zealand scrum- out Super Rugby season for the holding something back and I’m half Brad Weber be- Waikato Chiefs. ‘MASSIVE MATCH’ sure they’ll keep something up lieves the All Blacks’ “We’re all pretty keen to get “You’ve got to have the ability to their sleeve for us,” said White- high-tempo game will amongst these conditions, play a couple of diff erent styles,” lock. Nperfectly suit the hot and hu- because it’s relatively cold he said. The All Blacks training camp mid Japanese conditions as they and wet back home and we’ll get The giant lock revealed that is in Kashiwa, east of Tokyo, and seek to run opponents ragged in some conditions we enjoy play- some players had taken to wrap- the city has embraced its famous pursuit of a third straight World ing in.” ping themselves in cold towels at guests with posters of the team Cup. Weber quipped that the training to get their body tem- all over town and autograph and Weber told reporters yester- weather was “just like summer in perature down but stressed that selfi e-hunters in replica black day that the focus of the team’s New Zealand,” before admitting: two weeks was enough to accli- jerseys camped outside their ho- fi rst training session in Japan “OK, maybe the humidity’s a bit matise. tel. was on getting used to the diff erent.” New Zealand open their title “We’ve had an awesome re- “pretty hot” conditions in To- Lock Sam Whitelock said that defence against South Africa on ception... it’s pretty cool to see kyo with temperatures hitting the change in temperature was September 21 in what Whitelock how hyped-up the city is to have 35C. fi erce but teams that adapted said was “a massive match that us here,” said Whitelock. But Weber insisted the All their style to the conditions will set the tone for our whole The team was welcomed to Blacks would relish the warmth, would prosper over the seven- campaign.” the city on Monday by dozens and the contrast with a New week tournament. The Springboks have already of children performing the All Zealand winter. “Because it’s going to be been in Japan for more than a Blacks’ traditional Haka battle “New Zealanders in general, warm, everyone’s going to want week and ran out 41-7 winners cry, albeit a less scary version we like to play a fast game, up to play expansive rugby but it’s against the Japanese Brave Blos- than that on the fi eld.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT ‘Unstructure’ at heart of Joseph’s US Open win shows Japan masterplan

Reuters Tokyo

aking over from the hard-working Nadal charismatic and com- pelling Eddie Jones as Japan coach after Ttheir victory over South Africa four years ago was never going to be an easy task but Jamie Joseph has put his own mark on the Brave Blossoms. is not fi nished yet Since taking over in 2016, the former New Zealand Spaniard has always played in Federer’s long shadow but he is still capable of generating his own light fl anker, who also played at the 1999 World Cup for Japan, has focussed on evolving his play- ers’ mental state and creating an identity of dynamic, at- structure”, which Joseph be- tacking rugby. lieves best utilise his players’ Joseph may shun the lime- strengths but have required light and is noticeably much months of intensive fi tness less comfortable in front of training and conditioning. the media than Jones, but with “The players are now fi t the aim of reaching the World enough to play that game,” Cup quarter-fi nals for the fi rst Joseph said when announcing time, he has Japan coming into his 31-man World Cup squad. their home tournament raring “(The team) are training at a to go. level 25 percent higher than On the way to winning test match rugby.” the Pacifi c Nations Cup last Flexibility is also key for month, Japan chalked up 14 Joseph, who has tried out a tries and 109 points during number of his more dynamic three matches, playing a free- ball players in various posi- fl owing style of rugby that will tions across the backline. entertain home fans at the The back three of Kenki World Cup. Fukuoka, Kotaro Matsushi- Joseph’s plans have been ma and Lomano Lemeki are years in the making but it is all capable of disturbing any over the past nine months the side and Joseph’s plans centre philosophy has really taken around getting the ball in the hold. hands of them as quickly, and Due to a shortened Top as often, as possible. League domestic season, It makes for some com- Joseph and his coaching staff pelling, if fragmented, rugby have essentially been in camp that Joseph will be hoping is with their players since the enough to unsettle Ireland and beginning of the year and the Scotland in Pool A. 49-year-old now believes the If it does, then Joseph can foundations are in place for achieve something Jones nev- his ideas to fl ourish. er could - taking Japan into Japan’s game is now based the knockout stages of the on “speed, skill and un- World Cup for the fi rst time.

FOCUS Riske beats Kerber in Zhengzhou, Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the US Open final against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Getty Images/AFP)

By Kevin Mitchell tinues steadily away from the forward victory, he found ways ing like a brat at the beginning, night before, slew a legend in Mladenovic through The Guardian main stage. to win. In front of him was a then inviting their derision to Serena Williams, Medvedev has For Nadal it has always been young opponent in his fi rst slam give him strength and, fi nally, the courage of youth. He is not Reuters Mladenovic made short like this. Since he won the fi rst of fi nal who displays aspects of winning their admiration for the scarred by serial failure. He be- Beijing work of Chinese wildcard afa Nadal has never tak- his 19 majors – at Roland Garros, Djokovic’s stretching defence beauty of his game and his fi ght- lieves that when he drop-shots Duan Yingying earlier in the en his talent for grant- where he would win another 11 and Federer’s outrageous clever- ing heart in one of the truly great from the baseline the ball will day, winning 6-2 6-3 to set up ed. Of the three players and where he surely will be fa- ness. Nadal prevailed because he fi nals. fl oat silently over the net and do merican Alison a second round meeting with who have defi ned his vourite for as long as he wants – had seen it all before, however He was gobsmacked in a to- its job. Riske fought back fellow Frenchwoman and her era,R he is the most humble. he has lived in Federer’s shadow. demanding the struggle became. tally Russian way, repeating He did that time and again to from a set down to former doubles partner Caro- So, as he stands on the verge So has Djokovic. Only bona fi de champions can over and again what it meant to Nadal, whose legs do not have beat Germany’s An- line Garcia. of surpassing Roger Federer’s 20 Often Federer’s grace under win when it looks likely they will him to be part of history. “I’m the spring they once did. But geliqueA Kerber 5-7 6-4 7-6(6) “It was very tricky condi- majors and drawing away from pressure, his sheer artistry in a lose. sure even talking about Rafa’s 19 Nadal did not fold. Nor did he in the fi rst round of the inau- tions. It’s super humid and it’s the 16 owned by Novak Djokovic, physical sport and his winning After a 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 grand slams, I’m sure he remem- complain. He drew on the thou- gural Zhengzhou Open yes- never easy to start a tourna- he knows that beating one of the demeanour has made him un- win that kept 24,000 fans sway- bers his fi rst fi nal, even though sands of similar circumstance he terday, extending the former ment,” said Mladenovic, who hunting pack, Daniil Medvedev, beatable in the eyes of millions. ing between the Spaniard and he won it and I lost it. It was an has been in to fi nd a way. world number one’s poor run won 79% of her fi rst serve to win his fourth US Open was Even when he loses they love him the Russian in their aff ections amazing match. It’s an amazing He recognised in Medvedev of form. points during the match. signifi cant in more ways than still. Nadal said: “The last three hours story. All this summer is amaz- not just the tennis qualities of Riske held her nerve to save “Every fi rst round is diffi - one. There are books written about of the match were very, very in- ing for me. I will remember every Federer and Djokovic but the a match point in the third-set cult and Yingying, I’ve played Sunday’s teeth-grinding fi ve the love aff air. No such tome ex- tense, no? Very tough mentally moment of it.” extra ingredient it takes to be tiebreak before going on to her in the past and she’s a very setter, which he could have end- ists for Nadal or Djokovic. They and physically, too. The crowd And there he nailed it. His diff erent from the others. “The infl ict a fourth consecutive powerful player with a big ed way before its eventual four are praised prosaically, for the were amazing, all these facts that summer roll is what carried him way that he fought, the way that fi rst-round defeat on Kerber, serve. I think the key today hours and 50 minutes duration, technical mastery they have over make the moment super special, to the fi nal. Medvedev had won he played, is a champion way,” who was beaten by Kristina was the consistency on my proved to everyone – including a diffi cult sport. no? Unforgettable moment.” all over the place leading up to Nadal said. “Just well done for Mladenovic in her fi rst match serve, and I managed to read the winner – that, at 33, he has Yet those who have watched For once reference to the the tournament, 12 matches in him. I really believe that he will at the US Open. hers well, which is her biggest the will to continue. Nadal closely will have seen crowd was not fatuous. They a row. Crucially, his most recent have many more chances.” The German, a three-times weapon.” For others of that age or there- how the hard work he does away more than likely did play a part. defeat had been to Nadal, a 6-3, He meant that. He will not Grand Slam champion, was Former French Open abouts the questions are diff er- from the court manifests itself in The New York fans are the loud- 6-0 spanking in Montreal. But be around on the circuit to wit- beaten in the second round at champion Jelena Ostapenko ent: none dreams of bettering subtle ways in the heat of battle est, most passionate and cer- he is young enough for such a ness fi rst hand all of Medvedev’s Wimbledon and suff ered fi rst beat 23-year-old Chinese Federer or Djokovic; all of them – and there was a lot of heat on tainly most fi ckle in tennis. score not to unsettle his confi - career but he is not disappear- round defeats in Toronto and qualifi er You Xiaodi 6-3 0-6 are happy to be still standing, Sunday night when, after butch- At the start they were with dence or self-belief. ing just yet. He is a remark- Cincinnati in the run-up to 6-2 to reach the last 16, while including Andy Murray, whose ering a smash in the third set Nadal. All fortnight Medvedev Like Bianca Andreescu, the able champion and very much a the year’s fi nal Grand Slam at France’s Fiona Ferro and Alize comeback from hip surgery con- when he was close to a straight- had wound them up, behav- 19-year-old Canadian who, the unique one. Flushing Meadows. Cornet also advanced.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS 10,000m European Abdulla joins French champion Amdouni trains at Aspetar he 10,000m European champion Morhad Amdouni has begun his team for 24-hour treatment programme at Aspetar,T Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital. The French athlete will undergo intense re- habilitation to assist him reach his maximum potential following a hamstring injury he sustained off -road event earlier this year. Amdouni said: “I am happy to be here, happy to be able to bene- ‘I had an off er from the MMP Team, one of the best teams in France. They have good fi t from Aspetar facilities... Eve- rything is available here that al- experience of cross-country and they off ered me to be one of their four drivers’ lows athlete to be in a good shape including heat training, it is im- By Sports Reporter portant for me as I am running Fontaine-Fourches the marathon on October 5th”. Last year, Amdouni became the fi rst Frenchman ever to win atar’s Adel Abdulla will make the European Championships a dramatic return to off -road 10,000m title, and a bronze rallying action when he joins a medal at 5,000m in Berlin last French team to tackle the 27th year. The 10,000m European editionQ of the esteemed 24-hour Tout champion, who suff ered a thigh Terrain de France, presented by Sofrat, injury, is forced to change his at the Circuit de Fontaine-Fourches in preparation for the Marathon northern France on September 14 and 15. in the World Championships in The former FIA T2 World Champion Doha. withdrew from the T3 category of this Answering about his choice year’s FIA World Cup for Cross-Country for treatment, Amdouni said: “I will take place in the impressive Bajas before August’s Hungarian Baja, am here for a preventive reason, Khalifa International Stadium, but the Doha-based driver was delighted Aspetar is famous for injury pre- the stadium equipped with cool- to announce that we will compete for vention as well that helps ath- ing systems to ensure optimum the MMP (Micouleu Mécanique Préci- letes to keep in track and that will temperatures for competitors sion) Rallye Raid Team in a purpose-built help me for my preparation for and fans within the venue, whilst Buggy entered in the T1A category at the the upcoming world champion- Marathon will take place against marathon off -road encounter. ship here in Doha.” the impressive skyline, along the Adel joins forces with the well-known The ten-day IAAF World Ath- city’s Corniche, for the fi rst time French off -road racer Matthieu Serradori letics Championships Doha 2019 at midnight. and teammates Benjamin and Cedric Bu- jon to try and win the 24-hour event. The drivers will take it in turns to crew the Ooredoo-supported Buggy throughout AL ARABI SIGN IBRAHIM ON LOAN the 24-hour duration of the event on the challenging off -road circuit. Doha: Al Arabi club has an- The MMP Rallye Raid Buggy is nounced the signing of Khalfan equipped with a 3.6-litre Porsche turbo- Ibrahim, the former Al Rayyan diesel engine and power is delivered to star, on a one-year deal. Khalfan the two rear driving wheels by a six-speed is a huge addition for Al Arabi Sadev sequential gearbox. The car is built as the club seeks to return to its to full FIA specifi cation and features an glory days. integral on-board tyre infl ation and de- The Qatari player will start fl ation system, AP Racing brakes and his Al Arabi career on Friday Donerre suspension. in QNB Stars League match One of France’s premier off -road against Umm Salal. Al Arabi events has attracted a formidable fi eld started their QNB Stars League and the MMP team faces fi erce compe- campaign with a 3-1 victory over tition across several classes. The event Adel Abdulla joins forces with the French off -road racer Matthieu Serradori to try and win the 24-hour event. Al Ahli then shared points with has attracted a near-capacity 74 entries Al Duhail following a 1-1 draw. with a wide range of cars as diverse as the time and to be in a T1 car. It is an exciting Al Arabi ended last season in powerful Bowler Wildcat, SSV vehicles new challenge for me and great experi- the sixth position with 30 points like the Yamaha and the Can-Am, and ence. Maybe it will be the start of some- and the club aims to fight for more traditional off -road machines like thing else. The target for the team is to trophies this season. QATAR SC DRAW WITH the Mitsubishi Pajero, Range Rover and win this race. We hope to do a good team DELHI IN FRIENDLY Toyota. job and have a good strategy through the AL-ROBEAI JOINS SALAL As part of their preparations to T1A is the largest of all the categories 24 hours and have a good result. We will ON LOAN FROM QATAR SC face Al Gharafa in Week 3 of the on the fi nal round of the French Tout- carry out some offi cial testing on Friday Umm Salal has reached an QNB Stars League this Saturday, Terrain Championship and Adel and his and I am looking forward to the weekend.” agreement to sign Mohamed Qatar SC played out a 2-2 draw team will race against the likes of Philippe Fontaine-Fourches is a commune in al-Robeai on a one-year loan with Delhi Dynamos in a friend- Boutron’s BV4 Nissan and Jean-Pierre the Seine-et-Marne department in the deal from Qatar SC. Al-Robeai is ly. Qatar SC’s goals were scored Strugo’s Optimus MD that will also fea- Ile-de-France region of north-central a strong addition to Umm Salal’s by Ali Awad (43rd minute) and ture a guest driver appearance for fi ve- France, 120km south-east of Paris. Crews back line as the team seeks to Uzbek striker Sardor Rashidov time Dakar winner Cyril Despres. will pass technical and administrative make good results this season. (86th-min penalty). Adel said: “I had an off er from the checks on Friday afternoon (September Umm Salal drew 2-2 with Al Qatar SC are eager to make a MMP Team, one of the best teams in 13) before qualifying heats take centre Rayyan in their the QNB Stars strong comeback to the league France. They have good experience of stage on Saturday morning. League opener. The team suf- after losing in the first two cross-country and they off ered me to be The 24-Hour race will start at 16.00hrs fered a 0-1 loss against Al Khor rounds, to Al Duhail (1-2) and one of their four drivers for the 24 Hours. on Saturday and the chequered fl ag will in Week Two. Umm Salal will promoted side Al Wakrah (0-2). This is the last round of their champion- fall at the off -road circuit at 16.00hrs take on Al Arabi in QNB Stars The Kings are 11th in the stand- ship and there are a lot of good drivers. on Sunday, before the prize giving at League Week Three. ings with no points. “I am happy to do this race for the fi rst 17.00hrs. Adel Abdulla will take part in the 24-hour Tout Terrain de France in a Buggy.

QNB STARS LEAGUE The league is more stronger this year: Wakrah captain Uvini runo Uvini is riding The Blue right from my fi rst day here. The team Wave, the nickname of Al management, fellow players and staff Wakrah, whom he captains. all treated me very well, and I’m trying The Brazilian defender leads a to give off my best on the pitch. groupB of spirited players as Al Wakrah, back in Qatar’s top-fl ight football after Is the team strong enough to take two seasons, are targeting a respectable on tough opponents? fi nish in the QNB Stars League. They Ours is almost a new squad, the play- had collected their fi rst points by beat- ers are learning how to complement ing Qatar SC 2-0 in Week 2. In an inter- each other. We have many young, but view with qsl.qa, Bruno gave his take talented players. We have a great coach on various topics. Excerpts who is bringing the best out of us every day and has an interesting mentality What’re your impressions of about football. football in Qatar? The fi rst impression is really positive. How do you view your victory I’ve found it very organised. There are against Qatar SC in Week 2 of the amazing stadiums with air-condition QNB Stars League? facility, which isn’t normal to see any- I think it was a smart game by us. where in the world. We played as a team, didn’t give many chances to opponents and utilised our How competitive is the QNB Stars opportunity to kill the game. It shows League in the 2019-20 season? we’re more mature as a team and we I had been following Qatar football hope to improve after every match. all the years during my stint in the Gulf and I believe, this season, the league is What’re your targets, both collec- more stronger. All teams have prepared tively and individually? very well, and all games will be diffi cult Collectively, I came with the ambi- and also interesting to watch. tion of helping Al Wakrah earn a posi- tion as high as possible in the league Al Wakrah are back in the top fl ight standings. Individually, I came to work of Qatar football after two very hard and hope to utilise my experi- seasons… ence to help both club and teammates. This club deserves it. The adminis- tration and the coach (Marquez Lopez) How do you expect to contribute to Al Wakrah captain Bruno Uvini (third right) celebrates with teammates during the 2-0 win over Qatar SC in the QNB Stars League. played key roles in the comeback and the team’s goals? now we’re looking forward to a bright I’ve worked hard in every team I’ve ly in Al Wakrah. paring for the World Cup. Two stadi- footballer. You dream of it from a very future for Al Wakrah. played. Being a professional, I hope to ums are ready for the tournament and You’ve represented the Brazil na- young age and I could even play in the do my best every day and that’s how I How do you see the build-up to the that shows the perfect organisation al- tional team at various levels. How senior national team. That was some- How’s it like playing for Wakrah? achieved everything in my life so far. 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar? ready in place. I wish to be here during do u rate your experience? thing unique in my life. I won’t forget I feel very much at home in this club I’m keen to use my experience positive- Qatar is doing an amazing job pre- the World Cup to enjoy the experience. Every Brazilian boy wants to be a the moments I lived in the yellow jersey.