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SPOTLIGHT Belotti shines as Italy beat Armenia

AFP Yerevan

ndrea Belotti bagged a brace as Italy saw off 10-man Armenia 3-1 Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez directs his Ato extend their perfect players during their Qatar 2022 World Cup start to Euro 2020 qualifying with and China 2023 Asian Cup joint qualifier a fi fth straight win yesterday. at the Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Stadium Roberto Mancini’s side had yesterday. Qatar’s forward Almoez Ali scores against Afghanistan at the Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. trailed after 11 minutes in Yerevan when Aleksandre Karapetyan got just the second goal past Gianluigi FOOTBALL Donnarumma in the Italy goal in fi ve qualifying games. But the forward, who plays for Russian club Sochi, went from hero to villain when he was sent off for a second yellow card just before the break leaving his side a man down. Torino captain Belotti got It- Almoez hits hat-trick as aly back level on 28 minutes and added a second 10 minutes from time after substitute Lorenzo Pel- legrini scored his fi rst Italy goal. Four-time world champi- ons Italy have put their failure to qualify for last year’s World Cup behind them and are top of Group Qatar rout Afghans 6-0 J with maximum 15 points, and on course for the Euro 2020 opening match at home in Rome next June. Coach Sanchez had made it clear that he would be fielding his strongest possible line-up Armenia are third in the group with six points from fi ve games, behind Finland who have nine Agencies Kuwait points from four games. Doha “I said that this was a diffi cult game, and so it was,” said Man- record 7-0 cini. This increases the value of lmoez Ali grabbed a hat-trick our victory. as Qatar started their build-up win over “Paradoxically the red card to the 2022 World Cup and the put us in diffi culty because they 2023 Asian Cup in emphatic Nepal focused more on defending and fashion,A routing minnows Afghanistan reduced the spaces further. 6-0 in a joint qualifying Group E clash Kuwait City: Kuwait scored an “Physically they were much in Doha yesterday. emphatic 7-0 victory over Nepal ahead of us, we had diffi culties Qatar’s group also includes India, in their opening match of the at the start but then we settled Bangladesh and Oman, with the top- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and down.” Mancini dropped young pers along with the seven other group AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian guns Moise Kean and Nicolo Za- winners and four best runners-up ad- Qualifiers at Kuwait Sports Club niolo as punishment for being vancing to the Asian Cup in China and Stadium yesterday. regularly late during the Under-21 the fi nal round of qualifying for the The 1980 AFC Asian Cup winners European Championships at 2022 World Cup. were returning to the qualifiers home in June. Belotti was joined However, if Qatar win their group, after five years, having missed up front in an attacking trident by the seven other group winners and fi ve out on the 2019 qualifying cam- Juventus forward Federico Ber- best second-placed sides will advance paign following their suspension nardeschi and Fiorentina’s Fed- to the fi nal round of qualifying for the by FIFA. erico Chiesa. 2022 FIFA World Cup. The hosts needed less than six Juventus defender Giorgio Qatar’s Spanish coach Felix Sanchez minutes to take the lead. Abdul- Chiellini, 35, was missing as he had made it clear a day before the match lah al-Mutairi advanced down recovers from surgery on a cruci- that he would be fi elding his strongest the right and squared for Yousef ate ligament knee injury. possible line-up despite Afghanistan’s Naser who buried the ball into And the Armenians piled the lowly status, saying being the Asian the roof of the net. pressure on for the fi rst 10 min- Cup champions and World Cup hosts a Fahad al-Hajeri doubled Kuwait’s utes with a slip-up by strong start was important to send out advantage 12 minutes in. The defender Nicolo Barella allowing a message. centre-back rose highest at the Karapetyan to break through for Consequently, the gulf between the far post to head Faisal al-Harbi’s the opener. Asian Cup champions and Afghanistan Qatar players celebrate one of their goals against Afghanistan yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil and agencies in-swinging corner just over the Belotti got the Azzurri back on was more than evident yesterday at line, making it 2-0. track after 28 minutes following the Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Stadium an Afi f pass and Abdelkarim Hassan ons Oman avoided a shock defeat when in the latter stages of the matches as Al-Mutairi and Naser combined good work by Chelsea defender where the hosts stamped their author- scored from a solo eff ort in the 34th to they scored twice late in the match to Oman equalised through Rabia Alwai again four minutes after the re- Emerson Palmieri following a ity early in the match with star forward ensure Qatar took a whopping 4-0 ad- edge past India 2-1 in the north-east- al-Mandhar in the 82nd minute, and start to compound Nepal’s strug- corner with Belotti meeting the Almoez Ali fi nding the target twice ear- vantage into the second half. ern Indian city of Guwahati. the 24-year-old found the mark again gles. Again, it was the winger who curling cross to prod into the net. ly to put Qatar on course to victory. There was no respite for the Afghan India captain Sunil Chhetri, who has in the 90th to give his team a last-gasp delivered the cross from the right Bernardeschi hit the post just Ali, the top scorer in this year’s Asian goalkeeper Ovays Azizi after resump- scored more goals for his country than victory. and Naser guided his free header after with Belotti also missing Cup, fi rst struck with a powerful header tion as Ali grabbed his third goal of has for Argentina and is Elsewhere, Syria thrashed Philip- into the back of the net for his a chance before the break as he in the fourth minute and then applied the evening in the 51st minute and only behind Portugal’s Ronaldo among pines 5-2, North Korea beat Lebanon second of the night and his side’s failed to connect with a Chiesa the fi nishing touch to a fi ne string of Boualem Khoukhi tapped in from close still active players, took his personal 2-0, Palestine shocked Uzbekistan 2-0, third. The victory puts Kuwait cross. passes in the 11th, Akram Afi f being the in the 67th which proved the last goal tally in international matches to 73 Bahrain drew Iraq 1-1, Malaysia edged at the top of Group B, ahead of But Italy got off the hook when provider. of the match as the hosts eased up with a 24th minute strike at the Indira out Indonesia 3-2, Turkmenistan pre- Jordan who had earlier beaten Karapetyan received a second yel- Captain Hassan al-Haydos then later. Gandhi Athletic Stadium. vailed over Sri Lanka 2-0 and Vietnam Chinese Taipei 2-1. low card for a high elbow on de- made it 3-0 in the 13th minute off Also in Group E, Gulf Cup champi- However, India ran out of steam held Thailand 0-0. fender . Gulf Times 2 Friday, September 6, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Neymar back for Brazil aft er injury Germany shrug and transfer drama off Sane absence for Dutch derby

‘Leroy creates a lot of space and is very important for the team, but we have a lot of quality to replace him’

DPA his position in attack without Buenos Aires question or if he must win back his starting jersey. Youngster Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid ecently Neymar’s has been called into the squad headlines have been and will challenge Neymar for generated for his ac- his spot, even if he still looks up Rtions off the eldfi rather to his elder. than on it. Weeks of transfer “It is hard to believe that I here speculation, however, ultimate- at 19, beside the best players, ly came to nothing and he is now beside my idol Neymar,” Vini- back in the Brazil squad still a cius said. Neymar showed talent Paris Saint-Germain player. in front of cameras in a diff erent Beyond that, he is battling in- sense with a recent role in Mon- jury, defended himself against ey Heist, revealing himself as a rape allegations and took a guest character behind a mask. role in a Netfl ix series. Finally, “I could make my dream real however, it is time to get back and be a part of my favourite se- to what he does best in a Brazil ries,” he wrote on social media. friendly against Colombia late And after weeks of speculation, Friday in Miami and against rumours and negotiations, his Peru, in Los Angeles four days professional future — at least as later. a footballer — has been settled. Neymar looked relaxed while The striker wanted to return meeting his teammates for to Barcelona but will remain training in Miami. The 27-year- instead, at least for the season, old greeted his colleagues and at PSG. The demands of the coach with a smile, posed French champions in a potential for pictures with fans and joked transfer were too high even for with friend . Later he the Spanish giants regardless of played sharp passes in the train- Neymar’s preferences. ing hall and on Instagram posted Legally Neymar also has a picture laughing with team- nothing to fear after prosecu- mates simply captioned “Hap- tors dropped an investigation piness.” sparked by a Brazilian model Neymar has not played since alleging rape in a Paris hotel. AFP six games. the Germany fi rst team. last year, Germany’s 3-2 win in where they won their only major the beginning of June. An ankle There was a lack of evidence Berlin Two of those goals have come “Leroy’s unfortunate injury Amsterdam in March marked a title to date. injury ruled him out of the home against him, prosecutors said. It against today’s opponents the means there is a space in attack. change in fortunes and left them Now 31 years later, the Dutch Copa America and he sat in the is not a declaration of innocence Netherlands, who Germany I believe I can show the same six points clear of their rivals in are under pressure after picking stands as Brazil won without as the investigation could be re- oachim Loew’s resurgent have faced three times since last performances here as I have for qualifying Group C. up just three points from their him. Team work brought success opened should evidence emerge Germany face their fi rst October in a resumption of one my club,” said Werner, who has Victory in Hamburg would fi rst two games. as the team superstar was forced in the future. But it means Ney- test without Manchester of international football’s big- scored fi ve goals in three games therefore represent a huge step They currently sit in Group to look on. mar can return to the national JCity winger Leroy Sane gest rivalries. for Leipzig this season. towards qualifi cation, adding C’s play-off spot, nine points After the long break it is not team with a clear head and can when they renew their rivalry Yet Sane’s teammates insisted Aside from the Manchester further spice to the cross-bor- behind leaders Northern Ire- yet clear how fi t Neymar actu- try to start proving why he is the with neighbours the Nether- this week that they would be City star, coach Loew is also der derby. land, albeit with two games in ally is. He also needs to show he most expensive footballer in the lands in today’s Euro 2020 qual- able to compensate for his ab- without Chelsea defender An- “Games against the Neth- hand. can still fi t into the team and take world. ifi er in Hamburg. sence. tonio Ruediger, Bayern Munich erlands are always big, iconic Yet at a press conference Sane, 23, is one of several Ger- “Leroy creates a lot of space midfi elder Leon Goretzka and games. You stand on the pitch Monday manager Ronald Koe- man players missing through in- and is very important for the Paris Saint-Germain’s Thilo Ke- and think: ‘awesome’,” said Reus. man dismissed the notion that Forestieri banned aft er losing racism appeal jury after he tore knee ligaments team, but we have a lot of qual- hrer and Julian Draxler. For the Dutch in particular, the match against Germany was during City’s Community Shield ity to replace him,” said Borussia “It’s a shame because, for a the location today’s match is a a case of do-or-die for his team. Sheff ield: Sheff ield Wednesday there was evidence to fine the win over Liverpool last month. Dortmund player Marco Reus on young team, it is important to fateful one. “The game against Germany striker will Italian under breach of its own The twinkle-toed winger has Wednesday. play regularly together in the It was in Hamburg that Marco is not crucial,” said Koeman, serve a six-match suspension regulations. been a key part of the nation- Sane is expected to be re- same formation,” said Loew yes- Van Basten fi red a late winner who played in the 1988 semi- after he lost an appeal against “The club and the player remain al team’s recovery from their placed by in-form RB Leipzig terday. past West Germany to send the fi nal and famously pretended to a Football Association (FA) extremely disappointed with World Cup debacle last year, striker Timo Werner, who is Having twice failed to beat Netherlands into the fi nal of the wipe his backside with a Ger- charge of using racist language. the findings of the regulatory scoring in fi ve of Germany’s last hoping to fi ght his way back into the Dutch in the Nations League 1988 European Championships, man shirt after the match. The FA’s independent regulato- commission and the appeal ry commission found Forestieri board when Fernando was ac- guilty of racist abuse towards quitted in relation to the same BOTTOMLINE in a pre-season incident in a court of law earlier friendly against Mansfield Town this year,” Sheff ield Wednesday in July 2018. said in a statement. The 29-year-old was also fined “Both parties will be making no 25,000 pounds ($31,000), further comment at this time.” warned as to his future conduct Forestieri begins his six-game and must attend face-to-face FA ban with immediate eff ect dominates education. and will be next available for Despite being acquitted at first-team duty after the next Mansfield Magistrates Court international break when of racially abusing Pearce Sheff ield Wednesday travel to in March, the FA charged Cardiff City in the Champion- FIFPro World XI nominations Forestieri in June, deeming ship (second-tier) on Oct. 18.

Reuters SSC Napoli), Aymeric Laporte (France, Manchester United), ‘Solskjaer responsible if United do not compete’ London (France, Manchester City), Mat- Ivan Rakitic (Croatia, FC Barce- thijs de Ligt (The Netherlands, lona), Bernardo Silva (Portugal, Manchester: Out-of-favour “I have been in football for a Son Heung-min of Ajax/ Juventus), Gerard Pique Manchester City), Dusan Tadic Manchester United long time, I have played almost he Premier League Tottenham. (Spain, FC Barcelona), Sergio (Serbia, Ajax), Nemanja Matic says manager all the games for all the clubs have the most number Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid), (Chile, FC Barcelona) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have in the last 10 years. In order for of players on the 2019 Andrew Robertson (Scotland, Forwards (15): Sergio Aguero to hold himself responsible if me to play, one had to sit on the TFIFA FIFPro men’s Liverpool FC), (Argentina, Manchester City), the club are not in the running bench and accept that fact, and World XI shortlist for the fi rst (Brazil, Juventus), Karim Benzema (France, Real for the Premier League title this so do I now.” time in 10 years, the global play- (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain), Madrid), season. Solskjaer has picked 22-year-old ers’ union said yesterday. Raphael Varane (France, Real (Brazil, Liverpool FC), Antoine Serbian Matic, a fixture in Scott McTominay to partner Twenty one of the 55 nomi- Madrid), Marcelo Vieira (Brazil, Griezmann (France, Atletico/ United’s midfield since his Paul Pogba in central midfield nees play in the English top- son with Tottenham Hotspur, Madrid), Marc-Andre ter Stegen Real Madrid), Kyle Walker (Eng- FC Barcelona), Harry Kane move from Chelsea in 2017, has in their first four games, from fl ight, as the Premier League South Korea’s Son Heung-min (Germany, FC Barcelona) land, Manchester City) (England, Tottenham Hotspur), played only 22 minutes this which they have one win, one ended ’s reign at the top. became the fi rst Asian player Defenders (20): Jordi Alba (15): Sergio Robert Lewandowski (Po- season after making one ap- loss and two draws. Seven players from Liver- to feature on the list, while his (Spain, FC Barcelona), Trent Busquets (Spain, FC Barcelona), land, Bayern Munich), Sadio pearance as a substitute. Matic said he respected the pool’s Champions League win- club teammate Christian Erik- Alexander-Arnold (England, Liv- (Brazil, Real Madrid), Mane (Senegal, Liverpool FC), United, who last won the league decision but was determined ning squad feature on the short- sen is the fi rst Danish footballer erpool FC), Daniel Alves (Brazil, Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Kylian Mbappe (France, Paris title in 2013, are currently to prove to the Norwegian list, although Spanish giants to make the cut. Paris Saint-Germain/Sao Paulo), Manchester City), Christian Saint-Germain), Lionel Messi eighth in the table after four manager that he belonged in Real Madrid (11) and Barcelona The World XI will be revealed Joao Cancelo (Portugal, Juven- Eriksen (Denmark, Tottenham (Argentina, FC Barcelona), games and trail league leaders the starting line-up. (nine) still lead the way in terms at the Best FIFA Football Awards tus/Manchester City), Daniel Hotspur), (The Neymar (Brazil, Paris Saint- Liverpool by seven points. “In the first two or three games of club representation. in Milan on Sept. 23. Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid), Netherlands, Ajax/FC Barce- Germain), “The coach must opt for the he picked the team without Among the 17 players to make (Italy, Juven- lona), Eden Hazard (Belgium, (Portugal, Juventus), Mohamed team that will fight for the title me,” Matic, 31, added. their debut on the list are Liv- Goalkeepers (5): tus), Virgil van Dijk (The Neth- Chelsea/Real Madrid), N’Golo Salah (Egypt, Liverpool FC), and if he does not win, he bears “I work as hard as I can. We re- erpool quartet of Trent Alexan- Becker (Brazil, Liverpool FC), erlands, Liverpool FC), Diego Kante (France, Chelsea), Toni Son Heung-min (South-Korea, the responsibility,” Matic told spect the decision, it’s up to me der-Arnold, Andy Robertson, David De Gea (Spain, Manches- Godin (Uruguay, Atletico/Inter- Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid), Tottenham Hotspur), Raheem reporters ahead of Serbia’s to show him that he was wrong Roberto Firmino and Alisson ter United), Ederson Moraes nazionale), Joshua Kimmich Arthur Melo (Brazil, FC Barce- Sterling (England, Manchester Euro qualifier against Portugal and to bring me back to where Becker. (Brazil, Manchester City), (Germany, Bayern Munich), lona), Luka Modric (Croatia, City), Luis Suarez (Uruguay, FC tomorrow. I belong.” After another impressive sea- Jan Oblak (Slovenia, Atletico Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal, Real Madrid), Paul Pogba Barcelona). Gulf Times Friday, September 6, 2019 3 TENNIS

FOCUS/ US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Tennis legend Favourite Nadal into Laver calls for semi-fi nals; Berrettini Kyrgios ‘I’m so happy how I accepted the situation and ban challenge and kept going, point after point’ AFP wins thriller New York ennis great Rod Laver AFP has called for Nick Kyr- New York gios to be suspended from the ATP Tour over Tbad behaviour, saying his fel- low Australian appears not to be afael Nadal will play Italy’s learning from his mistakes. Matteo Berrettini in the US The explosive and temperamen- Open semi-fi nals after the 18- tal 24-year-old Kyrgios has a time Grand Slam champion history of notorious outbursts defeatedR Argentine 20th seed Diego and is being investigated for Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2. potential rule violations after Second seed Nadal — a winner at calling the ATP Tour “corrupt” Flushing Meadows in 2010, 2013 and during the US Open last week. 2017 — beat a spirited Schwartzman for While he later backed away the eighth time in as many meetings in from the comment, it followed a a nearly three-hour match that fi nished record US$113,000 fine issued to yesterday early morning. him by the ATP for his actions at Schwartzman put up fi rm resist- the Cincinnati Masters in August. ance against Nadal and twice fought back During that meltdown, he from double-break defi cits in the fi rst two smashed two racquets and sets, but the Spaniard found another gear described an umpire as a “tool”, at crucial moments to secure an eighth with his sanction including fines semi-fi nal berth in New York. for ball abuse, leaving the court “Straight sets but big challenges espe- without permission, an audible cially after the fi rst two sets, having 4-0 obscenity and unsportsmanlike and 5-1 and losing both breaks in a row, conduct. but I know how good he is when he’s con- Kyrgios was warned that he fi dent,” Nadal said. could also face suspension from “I’m so happy how I accepted the situ- the sport once a full investiga- ation and challenge and kept going, point tion had taken place. after point. Here I am in the semi-fi nals. Laver, an 11-time Grand Slam I’m super happy, it means everything.” champion who is considered one Nadal, who was forced to retire during of the sport’s greatest players, last year’s semi-fi nal against Juan Martin said time away from tennis could del Potro, played down concerns over his be the answer. left forearm as he received treatment early “Whatever they have done hasn’t in the third set. worked so far, so maybe a sus- “Physically I am fi ne. Today was a very pension is the only answer,” he heavy day, big humidity out there. I’m told The Sydney Morning Herald this kind of player who sweats a little, but on Wednesday. sometimes under these conditions it’s “I’m not sure he’s learned any- tough,” he said. thing from any of the things that Nadal is the only former major cham- have gone on.” pion left in the men’s fi eld following the The talented Kyrgios, who is elimination of Roger Federer and Novak due to play in an event named Djokovic, leaving him as the clear front- after Laver — the Laver Cup — in runner in his pursuit of a 19th major title. Geneva later this month, has Schwartzman, who stands a mere 5ft been controversial for much of 7in (1.70m), was bidding to become the his career. shortest Grand Slam semi-fi nalist since In 2015, he was fined for making 5-foot-6 Harold Solomon at Roland Gar- Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning against Diego Schwartzman of Argentina Matteo Berrettini of Italy hits to Gael Monfils of France in the quarter-finals a sexually disparaging remark ros in 1980. during their quarter-finals match at the US Open on Wednesday. (AFP) of the US Open on Wednesday. in Canada about the girlfriend “He’s like a lion in the middle of the of three-time major winner Stan jungle. He’s a fi ghter,” Schwartzman said 13th-seeded Frenchman Gael Monfi ls rettini said. on his serve to send the deciding set lengthy wait for a fi rst men’s Grand Wawrinka. of Nadal. 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) in three The fi rst-time Slam quarter-fi nalist into a tie-break. Slam title since Yannick Noah won the The following year, he was “He knows how to play the important hours and 57 minutes. blew a 5-2 lead in the fi nal set and four Monfi ls coughed up a costly pair of French Open in 1983. banned for eight weeks after be- moments every single time. I played eight The 23-year-old Berrettini joined match points before fi nally seeing off double faults in the breaker — and 17 in “I know how to bounce back, I’ve ing accused of not trying at the times, and every important moment he Barazzutti, 1976 Roland Garros cham- Monfi ls in a thriller at Arthur Ashe Sta- total — as Berrettini surged 5-2 ahead, had some tough ones here before,” said Shanghai Masters. played better than me.” pion Adriano Panatta and Marco dium. the Frenchman rescuing a fourth match Monfi ls, who was beaten by Roger Fe- “Nick is Nick, unfortunately,” Cecchinato as just the fourth Italian to “I was lucky I had match points and point before a booming serve from the derer in the 2014 quarter-fi nals after Laver said. “He could have been, ‘GREAT FIGHT’ advance to a men’s Grand Slam semi- he didn’t have it — it’s better when you Italian clinched a memorable win. holding two match points. or still could become, a world Berrettini, the 24th seed, became the fi nal in singles. have them. I’m really proud of myself, I “Right now I don’t remember any “It was tough, I was just competing champion because of his serving fi rst Italian man to reach the US Open “What a great fi ght. I think it was one was always focusing on the next point.” points, just the match point. I remem- as much as I could but there was a big ability, his game. semi-fi nals in 42 years. of the best matches I maybe ever saw — A nervous Berrettini doubled-fault- ber also my double fault I must be hon- lack of serve today.” “But his brain gets in the way. He He matched Corrado Barazzutti’s run I was playing but I also saw. I’m really ed on his fi rst match point at 5-3 before est,” Berrettini said. “I’m going to take the positive from doesn’t want to adhere to the to the last four in 1977 after outlasting happy I don’t know what to say,” Ber- a resolute Monfi ls fought off two more Defeat for Monfi ls prolonged France’s these two weeks,” he added. conditions or the umpire.”

BOTTOMLINE Love match continues after Andreescu rallies to meet Bencic in semi-fi nal Monfils US Open loss Reuters was a secret. AFP She credited being tested in break for a 5-3 lead and another New York Svitolina and Monfils have been New York her wins with giving her the on match point. together for over a year but poise to battle back after drop- “I’ve been working a lot their romance has captivated ping the fi rst set against a foe on my fi tness and mental When it comes to tennis it even the most jaded New York- anadian Bianca An- who had not dropped a set in strength,” said Andreescu. “It’s seems love does not conquer all ers during the US Open. dreescu became the the tournament. a result of all the hard work I’ve as Gael Monfils discovered on While they have not shouted fi rst teen US Open “I think it’s just the experi- been putting in.” Wednesday when he failed to their devotion from the top semi-fi nalist in a dec- ence from playing these huge follow girlfriend Elina Svitolina of the Empire State building Cade, rallying to defeat Belgium’s events this past year,” she said. CALM IN BIG MOMENTS into the semi-finals of the US neither have they tried to hide it Elise Mertens on Wednesday “All that experience is just Bencic knocked out top-ranked Open. and they routinely post photos and advance to a last-four catching up.” defending champion Naomi Svitolina will go it alone into the on social media, including an matchup with Belinda Bencic. Andreescu could become Osaka in the fourth round, as- last four at Flushing Meadows Instagram account they share. Andreescu, a 19-year- the fi rst teen to win a Grand suring the Japanese star will but boyfriend Monfils will be In contrast Agassi and Graf old from suburban Toronto, Slam title since Maria Sharap- be replaced atop the rankings cheering from the players box went to extremes to keep their downed 25th seed Mertens 3-6, ova captured the 2006 US Open on Monday by French Open when she faces local favourite relationship secret with the Ger- 6-2, 6-3 to book a clash against and she would be the youngest champion Ashleigh Barty of Serena Williams, who is chasing man watching Agassi from the fellow Slam semi-fi nal debu- US Open champion since Rus- Australia. a record equalling 24th career bleachers at the US Open so as tante Bencic, the Swiss 13th sia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova in Bencic, who reached the Grand Slam title. not to spark rumours. seed who beat Croatian 23rd 2004. 2014 US Open quarter-fi nals, “It’s going to be definitely a While Monfils’ and Svitolina’s seed Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/5), 6-3. “This is honestly so crazy,” ensured a return to the world tough match for her,” said Mon- relationship has blossomed, so “I’m honestly speechless,” said 15th seed Andreescu. “A rankings top-10 for the fi rst fils. “She has nothing to lose. have their respective games. Andreescu said. “I need some- year ago I was in the qualifying time since June 2016 with the She knows Serena well. She Svitolina, who trains with one to pinch me right now. Is round. I remember I was suff er- victory. knows the crowd is going to be Monfils, has now made it to the this real life?” ing from a back injury.” She sank as low as 328th against her. semi-finals of the last two Grand Either Bencic or Andreescu, Mertens had lost only 16 after numerous injuries and “It’s going to be a tricky one at Slams and credits the French- who have never played each games in four matches, but An- 2017 left wrist surgery but the the beginning, I would say, for man for improving her ability other, will reach her fi rst Slam dreescu, her fi rst seeded foe, hit 22-year-old Swiss began the both. to handle big shots and bigger fi nal tomorrow at Arthur Ashe 40 winners to 22 for Mertens. year 55th and has climbed from “I think it is important for Ser- expectations. Stadium, where fi rst-time Slam Mertens broke for a 3-1 there, thanks in part to her ena to come out fast because if “He’s hitting pretty strong winners have been crowned edge when Andreescu missed third career WTA title in Feb- she should come in slow, I think and very heavy,” said the fifth three of the past four years. a backhand volley then held ruary at Dubai. Elina will be there.” seeded Ukrainian. “So I think “Semi-fi nal feels great twice to claim the fi rst set in 38 “Through the tough times Until Monfils’s 3-6 6-3 6-2 3-6 definitely it helps me to practice right now,” Bencic said. “I was minutes. it helped me to see a little dif- Bianca Andreescu of Canada hits to Elise Mertens of Belgium in 7-6(5) quarter-final loss to Mat- with him. dreaming about this day coming “I was getting irritated be- ferent way the tennis when their quarter-final match at the US Open on Wednesday. teo Berrettini, the charismatic “I think hitting with him it’s defi- but you never know. I worked cause I wasn’t playing my best you can’t always play,” Bencic Frenchman and Svitolina had nitely helped me to improve my hard for this. Yeah, very nice tennis,” said Andreescu. said. “For me this perspective forehand beyond the baseline. ond set. Bencic held and broke been putting a new spin on the reaction and my footwork. feeling.” Andreescu broke at love for a changed and I’m enjoying so “I stayed calm in the impor- again to close out the match. Grand Slam love story penned “I think I am more calm, if you Andreescu, a winner this year 4-2 lead and closed the second much the tennis now.” tant moments,” Bencic said. “She was just playing better when Andre Agassi and Steff i want to describe it in few words. at Indian Wells and Toronto, is set by taking 16 of the last 20 Bencic went on a 5-1 tie- Vekic, who had 28 unforced tennis,” Vekic said. “I felt like I Graf won the French Open titles “I’m more open with my coach the fi rst teen in the US Open’s points. break run to seize a 6-3 edge errors, netted a backhand to couldn’t get three good points in 1999, although at the time and also with Gael about the last four since Caroline Wozni- In the third, Andreescu and took the fi rst set after an surrender a break and hand together. I didn’t really have a their burgeoning relationship tennis and my feeling.” acki in 2009. smashed a backhand winner to hour when Vekic swatted a Bencic a 4-3 edge in the sec- lot of rhythm out there.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, September 6, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Leclerc hoping for Monza fi zz aft er fl at Spa AFP Leclerc reminds Montezemolo of young Lauda Monza, Italy Former Ferrari president Luca had an instant rapport with di Montezemolo says the Ital- the driver. Leclerc, in 13 races harles Leclerc hopes ian team’s latest race winner with Ferrari, has had three he will be able to cel- Charles Leclerc reminds him of pole positions and is only 12 ebrate another win at the Niki Lauda of the 1970s. points behind team mate and Sunday’s Italian Grand The 21-year-old Monegasque four-times world champion PrixC after his maiden Formula took his first Formula One Sebastian Vettel. One victory was overshadowed victory in Belgium last week- The Monegasque has had six by the tragic death of Anthoine end, also becoming Ferrari’s podium finishes, the same Hubert. youngest ever winner, and has number as Vettel, and has stood Leclerc claimed a win for Fer- impressed with his calm under out also for his mental strength rari at last weekend’s Belgian GP, pressure and speed. and discipline. His win in Bel- a ‘silent’ triumph without the Speaking to reporters at an gium came a day after French traditional champagne shower event in Milan on Wednesday racer Anthoine Hubert, a friend on the podium due to the pass- evening to mark Ferrari’s 90th and boyhood rival, was killed in ing of his close friend Hubert, anniversary, Montezemolo said a crash during the Formula Two who perished following a horror Leclerc was quick even last feature race at Spa. crash in a F2 race on Saturday. year in his debut season with Leclerc was a godson of the late However, with Ferrari heavily uncompetitive Sauber. French racer Jules Bianchi, who tipped for another win in their “With Ferrari of course it’s died in 2015 after a 2014 crash home GP, Leclerc is hoping for diff erent. He makes very few at the Japanese Grand Prix, a more joyous occasion in mistakes. Like Niki at the begin- and won the 2017 Formula Two Monza. ning, he was only conscious season while mourning his own “I haven’t done much to cel- why he made the mistake (and father Herve. Montezemolo ebrate the win at all. There was how) not to repeat it,” said left Ferrari in September 2014 no time and it was not that kind Montezemolo. before Vettel joined the team of weekend,” he said. “I think he is a very intelligent but he said the 32-year-old Ger- “Hopefully, I will be able to driver, very quick. Not only on man remained a key member celebrate after this one. There one lap but also in the race. despite not having won a race wasn’t much time to celebrate I think he can maybe be the now for more than a year. anything in Belgium.” best representative of a new “Sebastian was crucial for the He was silent at Spa-Fran- generation of drivers. It’s very victory,” he said of last Sunday’s corchamps, he said, because he important for Formula One.” race at Spa-Francorchamps. drove without speaking to his Austrian Lauda, who died in “I think without Sebastian it Ferrari team on the normal radio May at the age of 70, won his was very diff icult for Leclerc communication. first two titles with Ferrari in to win the race. Sebastian was “I don’t know why I didn’t 1975 – at the age of 26 – and able to hold back Hamilton for speak. And the team thought the then in 1977 after an astonish- a few laps. Sebastian is still for radio must be broken.” ing 1976 comeback from a fiery me very, very good,” added the Leclerc managed to lead from Mercedes. for the Italian race weekend. the 21-year-old said of the win. done. near-fatal crash. Italian. “In life you have some pole, control the race with help Afterwards he performed a “Until you get it, it feels very “It’s great. Now it’s done I can “It’s always diffi cult to do this Montezemolo, who had joined diff icult moments but I’m sure from Ferrari teammate Sebas- series of impressively controlled far away. Once you have it, it focus on the future and hope- fi rst step, but once you do it, it as Enzo Ferrari’s assistant, was he has all the characteristics to tian Vettel and then resist late news media interviews and then feels very, very good, and it gives fully, many more will come. I takes quite a bit of weight out of team manager at the time and come back. I hope very soon.” pressure from Lewis Hamilton of began immediate preparations you a bit of a confi dence boost,” am very happy this fi rst win is your shoulders.”

FORMULA 1 RUGBY Springboks captain Kolisi seeks Japan Ferrari and Monza payback before WC

AFP and we will have to be on our Kumagaya, Japan toes. We’re defi nitely not looking past this game at New Zealand.” nspirational South Africa After limbering up by win- celebrate as Italian captain Siya Kolisi has ning the Pacifi c Nations Cup, warned Japan that the Japan coach Jamie Joseph has Springboks will be look- set the Brave Blossoms a tar- ‘For me, it’s a very important Iing for retribution when the get of reaching the World Cup teams clash in a World Cup quarter-fi nals for the fi rst day because I’ve been far from warm-up in Kumagaya today. time, where they could run The only change to a South into the Springboks again. Ferrari in the last five years’ Africa side who drew 16-16 “I think they have a strong GP secured with the All Blacks in Wel- chance of making the knock- Reuters lington six weeks ago after out stage,” said Kolisi, who Milan recovering from injury, Kolisi praised the leadership quali- admitted yesterday that the ties of opposite number memory of their stunning up- Michael Leitch. “The World errari and Monza cel- set by Japan at the 2015 World Cup is all about who wants it ebrated their 90th an- Cup was still very raw. most on the day.” niversaries in style on “We don’t want to take After becoming South Af- Wednesday with Formu- emotion out if it,” said Kolisi, rica’s fi rst black captain last laF One providing the icing on the reminded of that 34-32 hu- year, Kolisi is poised to mark cake with a new contract secur- miliation on the English south another milestone by lead- ing the Italian Grand Prix until at coast. “What happened is in ing his country into the World least 2024. the past, but obviously we Cup. “I’m really grateful to The announcement was made want to rectify that. There’s be the Springboks captain,” to a sea of Ferrari ‘tifosi’ fl ooding still a lot of us that played said the 28-year-old, who re- Milan’s cathedral piazza for an in that game – I think seven turned to the line-up in last event attended by world cham- or eight, who still have that month’s 24-18 victory over pions, team bosses past and memory. It was tough to take,” Argentina in a World Cup present and future prospects in- he added. “It did make an im- tune-up. cluding Michael Schumacher’s pact on us losing that game. “It’s something I would son Mick. “We’re very excited,” But it also made us stronger as never have dreamed of in said Formula One chairman a team.” my wildest dreams. It re- Chase Carey after appearing on Twice World Cup winners, ally makes me happy to know stage with Italian Automobile South Africa face treble- where I came from. We all Club (ACI) president Angelo chasing New Zealand in a have diff erent backgrounds Sticchi Damiani and Monza cir- blockbuster Pool B opener in in our team, but anyone from cuit representatives. Yokohama on September 21, a any walk of life can make it.” “Monza’s one of our defi ning day after hosts Japan open the South Africa coach Rassie races, our iconic races,” added tournament against Russia in Erasmus has named a full- the American, who represents Tokyo. But Kolisi insisted the strength team to face the commercial rights holders Lib- Springboks were not looking home side in Kumagaya, erty Media. “The Italian fans are past Japan, who have become north of Tokyo, but Japan’s second to none, all you have to A picture shows a general view of Ferrari racing cars and Ferrari fans in Piazza Duomo in Milan on Wednesday for the presentation of cars and a regular fi xture in rugby’s top attack coach Tony Brown pre- do is look at that crowd. drivers for 90th anniversary of the founding of Scuderia Ferrari. (AFP) 10 since winning three games dicted that lightning could “It’s a great part of the sport under Eddie Jones at the last strike again. and we couldn’t be more excited World Cup. “We’re not going out there to have this race in place for the Hamilton says Ferrari could be an option but loyalty is key “That game really put Ja- to contain the score tomor- next fi ve years.” pan on the map,” said Kolisi row,” said the New Zealander. Monza agreed a deal in princi- Lewis Hamilton emphasised his “Honestly, when you are part last year, after Ferrari swept the you still come here and stand of South Africa’s shock defeat “We’re going out to play ple back in April but the signing loyalty to Mercedes yesterday of Mercedes you are part of a front row in qualifying, and drew on top of the podium and 90+ in Brighton. “They’ve been our game and put them under means all 22 races on what will while leaving open the possibil- family for a lifetime, providing boos when he stepped on the percent is all Ferrari fans. building from that and gone pressure. If we get everything be the biggest ever calendar next ity that he might one day be you stay with them, obviously,” podium. Despite the reaction of “A lot of Ferrari fans ask me to on to bigger things. They can right, who knows, we could year now have fi rm contracts in tempted to race for Formula One added the Briton. “You’ve got the notoriously passionate local come to Ferrari. And I get a lot turn up the heat at any time get a repeat of four years ago.” place. Italy and Britain are the glamour team Ferrari if circum- Stirling Moss, (the late Argen- fans, Hamilton felt he was win- of messages from Ferrari fans only countries to have hosted stances change. tine Juan Manuel) Fangio is still ning over an increasing number who say ‘I am a Ferrari fan but I races in every year since the world The five-times world champion honoured within the family, and of them, with a mutual respect. respect you’. I think it’s growing championship started in 1950. has a contract with the Silver you’re part of the history and “I’m very lucky that I do have a slowly, but it will never be the Next year will also see the de- Arrows until the end of next they look after you for the rest of good Italian following. I think same as if I was driving for a but of Vietnam and the return of season, when the sport is due your life. That’s important to me. Germany’s maybe the biggest Ferrari team.” the Dutch Grand Prix in Zand- for a rules revolution. “I don’t Loyalty is a very, very key part. area where my clothes sell but Ferrari last won at Monza with voort, with Germany no longer know if it’s about being tempted, “But if there’s a point in my life Italy is one of the bigger areas. Spaniard Fernando Alonso in featuring. Wednesday was as I think it’s just whether or not where I decide I want to change, Maybe it’s because they are 2010. much a celebration of all things it’s a part of the game plan,” he that could potentially be an op- really into fashion and like good Hamilton goes into the weekend Ferrari as enduring testament told reporters at Ferrari’s home tion. But I don’t know if that is at clothes,” he said. “I think it’s with a 65-point lead over Finnish to Monza’s historic role as the Italian Grand Prix when asked the moment,” said Hamilton. grown over the years but it takes teammate Valtteri Bottas and ‘Pista Magica’, temple of Italian about any future switch. The 34-year-old won at Monza a long time to shift perception, eight races remaining. motorsport. Fans unfurled a huge Fer- rari fl ag in front of the majestic and Sebastian Vettel revved up crowd and took selfi es against a Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen, still di Montezemolo, who presided Gothic cathedral as drivers ap- the crowd ahead of Sunday’s sea of red fl ags and shirts while the last Ferrari world champion over golden eras with the late peared on stage next to racing grand prix in the former royal French great Alain Prost sur- after taking the title in 2007 and Niki Lauda in the 1970s and cars spanning the generations. park outside Milan. veyed the scene. Mechanics, now racing for Ferrari-powered Schumacher in the early 2000s, South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit (left), captain Siya Kolisi Current racers Charles F1 great Mario Andretti, world some of them hired by the team’s Alfa Romeo, received a huge roar saluted the ever passionate sup- (second left), Lukhanyo Am (centre), Steven Kitshoff (second Leclerc, fresh from winning last champion with Lotus in 1978, late founder Enzo Ferrari him- of recognition as he stepped out. porters and threw caps into the right) and Willie Le Roux (right) take part in a training session a weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, enjoyed the applause of the self, recalled glory days of old. Former Ferrari president Luca crowd. day before their friendly match against Japan yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, September 6, 2019 5 SPORT

FOCUS Jackson, Ravens visit reworked Dolphins for opener Reuters terback in NFL history. Vick set highs and lows. for now at least, the starting job from last year’s 53-man roster. New York the single-season QB-rushing Fitzpatrick passed for 3,905 belongs to Fitzpatrick. The Dolphins traded standout record in 2006 with 1,039 yards. yards and 31 touchdowns - both “A case could be made that left tackle Laremy Tunsil and Jackson’s passing ability, career highs - with the New York the younger guy (Rosen) is not wide receiver Kenny Stills to he Baltimore Ravens however, is still in question. The Jets in 2015. But after winning ready,” said Brian Flores, Mi- the Houston Texans last week have the guy they feel is former Louisville star completed fi ve straight games, Fitzpatrick ami’s fi rst-year head coach. in a package that returned two their quarterback of the just 58.2 percent of his passes was intercepted three times in Both teams are fairly healthy fi rst-round picks and one sec- present and the future: last year, which would have the season fi nale, a brutal 22-17 going into the opener. For the ond-rounder. That followed an TLamar Jackson. ranked 31st out of 34 NFL quar- loss to the Buff alo Bills to miss Ravens, only backup cornerback off season that saw the Dolphins The Miami Dolphins, by all terbacks if he had enough pass- the playoff s. Brandon Carr (hip) is on the in- dump QB Ryan Tannehill and accounts, have no idea what ing attempts to qualify. Last year, with the Tampa Bay jury report. He was limited dur- choose not to re-sign standouts their future is at football’s most Still, he has shown signifi cant Buccaneers, Fitzpatrick passed ing practice this week. such as defensive end Cameron important position. improvements in his mechanics for more than 400 yards in each Miami’s biggest concern may Wake and right tackle Ja’Wuan Those two statements serve in the off season, and he appears of his fi rst three games and then be electric wide receiver Albert James. as the key backdrop for Sunday’s to be confi dent on the eve of the less than 200 in his next two Wilson, who also has a hip injury The Ravens – unlike the Dol- NFL regular-season opener that new season. contests. and was limited on Wednesday. phins – were much more aggres- matches the Ravens against the “We’re going to play ball,” Now, Fitzpatrick serves as a Defensive end Charles Harris sive, as evidenced by the signing host Dolphins. said Jackson, who has estimated block on the progress of Josh practised in full despite a wrist of safety Earl Thomas to replace Jackson, drafted 32nd overall he’ll average 30 pass attempts Rosen, 22, who was a fi rst-round issue. The Ravens are a seven- Eric Weddle. last year, was 6-1 as a starter as per game after averaging 22.6 in pick of the Arizona Cardinals point road favourite for Sunday’s Baltimore still has to show it a rookie, using his electric speed seven starts last year. “I love it.” last year. The Dolphins traded game, and that makes sense. has adequately replaced star in- and moves to rush for 695 yards, The Dolphins, meanwhile, second- and fi fth-round picks They have won seven of their side linebacker C.J. Mosley, who fi ve touchdowns and a 4.7 aver- will start 36-year-old veteran for Rosen after the Cardinals past eight games against Mi- signed with the New York Jets, age. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will be drafted QB Kyler Murray with ami, outscoring the Dolphins by and pass-rusher Terrell Suggs This year, he could potentially making his Miami debut. This is this year’s fi rst overall pick. a total of 78-6 in their past two (Cardinals). But the remain- pass Michael Vick for the great- the eighth NFL team for “Fitz- Rosen will be available in re- meetings. ing talent makes the Ravens the est rushing season by a quar- magic,” who has had his share of lief on Sunday, if needed, but, Miami returns just 22 players clear favourite on Sunday. Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson.

NFL MLB Dodgers break NL homer mark in Bell ready to carry win over Rockies

Reuters Los Angeles

oc Pederson hit two more home runs Wednesday, and load for Jets against the Los Angeles Dodgers set a National League record for homers in a season during a 7-3 victory that gave them a three-game sweep over the visiting Colorado Rockies. ‘I’ve been waiting a long time for JIt was the Dodgers’ second sweep in their past three home se- ries and third in their past fi ve. Los Angeles earned its 92nd win, this moment. A lot of people are matching last year’s total. The Rockies saw their losing streak reach a season-high nine excited to see me play’ games, during which they have allowed 82 runs. Buff alo Bills Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu lasted just 4 1/3 innings, the Reuters third straight outing in which he failed to pitch fi ve innings. The New York NL starter in the All-Star Game gave up three runs on six hits with four walks and fi ve strikeouts. Pederson belted two home runs in a game for the second time e’Veon Bell hasn’t played in an in the series. He did not play Tuesday following a collision with NFL game in nearly 20 months so the right fi eld wall Monday that forced him out of the game after his body feels fresh and he craves a he already hit a pair of homers. heavy workload. He also hit a game-winning, pinch-hit homer in the 11th in- LBell has passed on the message to coach ning Sunday at Arizona. Adam Gase that he is ready to see a lot of The Dodgers now the football when he makes his New York RESULTS have 250 home runs, Jets’ debut on Sunday against the visiting eclipsing the 2000 Buff alo Bills. Dodgers 7-3 Rockies Houston Astros, who Bell’s words to Gase were “don’t hold Mets 8-4 Nationals previously held the back” and the 27-year-old expects the Pirates 6-5 Marlins NL record at 249. play caller to heed the advice in the open- The Astros moved to er. Yankees 4-1 Rangers the American League “I can carry 50 (times) if you ask me,” Red Sox 6-2 Twins in 2013. Bell told reporters after Wednesday’s Indians 8-6 White Sox Pederson, who has practice. “When I say, ‘Don’t hold back,’ I 32 of Los Angeles’ mean literally that. I don’t want to go out Giants 9-8 Cardinals homers, extended a there and try to sprinkle me in or anything Reds 8-5 Phillies run of six hits in six like that. I’m ready to play football. Royals 5-4 Tigers at-bats. Five of those “I’ve been waiting a long time for this six hits were home moment. A lot of people are excited to see runs, and the other me play. Quadruple that, and that’s how I was a double. The 6-for-6 run ended with a strikeout in the sixth feel.” inning. Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela (8-10) saw his strug- deal with the Jets in the off season. gles continue as he gave up fi ve runs on four hits over three in- He refused to sign the franchise tender nings with one walk and one strikeout. He has a 16.55 ERA over of $14.5 million with Pittsburgh last sea- his past six major league starts. son and ended up sitting out the entire Pederson hit Senzatela’s fourth pitch of the game into the season. Colorado bullpen in right fi eld. Bell rushed for 5,336 yards and 35 The Dodgers took control with four runs in the third inning, touchdowns and caught 312 passes for getting RBI singles from Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger as well 2,660 yards and seven scores during fi ve as RBI fi elder’s-choice grounders from Justin Turner and Matt seasons with Pittsburgh. Beaty for a 5-0 lead. “I’m not trying to prove anybody Pederson added a two-run home run in the fourth off right- wrong,” Bell said. hander Wes Parsons. “I’m not trying to prove the Steelers Ryan McMahon, Drew Butera and Ian Desmond had RBI hits wrong. Everybody is trying to format me for the Rockies. with the Steelers. I’m not talking about Dodgers left-hander Adam Kolarek (6-3) earned the victory the Steelers anymore. I’m done talking after recording two outs in the fi fth inning. The Dodgers are 13-3 about the Steelers. I want to worry about against the Rockies this season, including a 6-0 mark at Dodger the Bills, and I want to worry about the Stadium. Jets. That’s it.” Bell and fi rst-year coach Gase are try- New York Jets’ running back Le’Veon Bell. ing to ignite a Jets squad that went 4-12 last season and missed the playoff s for the Falcons, Vikings open season seeking redemption eighth straight campaign. Second-year quarterback Sam Darnold After missing the playoff s last season, zone-scheme system, with help from yards per game. “Every year is a new displayed promise last season by passing both the Minnesota Vikings and At- adviser Gary Kubiak, in place. year,” Zimmer said. “I think you go in with for 2,865 yards and 17 touchdowns. But he lanta Falcons are eager for the chance to Cousins became the first quarterback in everything the same. Hopefully, we ap- also tossed 15 interceptions, tied for sec- bounce back in 2019. The quest to return league history last season to throw for at proach things with a chip on our shoulder ond most in the NFL. to prominence in the NFC begins on Sun- least 4,000 yards (4,298) and complete and out to prove something.” Darnold is hoping to make strides this day, when the Vikings host the Falcons in 70 percent of his passes (70.1) with at Atlanta also has plenty of star power, be- season under the tutelage of Gase. Minneapolis. least 30 touchdowns and 10 or fewer ginning with quarterback Matt Ryan, who “I think we’re going to do some fun Two seasons ago, Minnesota went 13-3 interceptions (he hit the last two figures has thrown for at least 4,000 yards in things out there with all the tempo and all and memorably reached the NFC Champi- exactly). However, Minnesota’s off ense eight straight seasons and had 35 touch- the diff erent things we can do,” Darnold onship Game. In 2016, Atlanta nearly won was inconsistent and held to 10 points or downs with seven interceptions in 2018. told reporters. the Super Bowl before another postsea- fewer four times. As Julio Jones (113 catches, 1,677 yards, “It’ll be fun. It will be fun to watch us son appearance in 2017. However, each Cousins still has arguably the best wide eight TDs in 2018) nears a new contract, and hopefully we are going to put up a lot took a step back in 2018, with the Vikings receiver tandem in the NFL in Adam he’s still Ryan’s top option, with Calvin of points.” going 8-7-1 and the Falcons a dismal 7-9. Thielen and Stefon Diggs, who combined Ridley looking to build on a rookie season The Bills, who went 6-10 last season, Meaning, both teams should be amped for 215 receptions, 2,394 yards and 18 that featured a team-leading 10 TD also have a second-year quarterback in to better those respective performances touchdowns. catches. With Tevin Coleman now in San Josh Allen and he was intercepted 12 times from last season. “It will be a good test,” Diggs, however, did not practice Wednes- Francisco, the Falcons’ backfield belongs last season while passing for 2,074 yards Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said at his day due to a hamstring issue and will be to Devonta Freeman. and 10 touchdowns. Allen also rushed for Wednesday press conference. “I think monitored. He needs to stay healthy, however, after eight scores. Atlanta is a good football team and well The overall key for Minnesota, though, playing just two games in 2018 because “The smartest play is the best play,” Al- coached. Hopefully, we are too. I think it’s could be running back Dalvin Cook, of knee, foot and groin injuries, the last of len said Wednesday. “The job of the quar- going to be a really good football game.” healthy again after playing just 15 games which ended his season. terback is to get the ball to the A successful season for Minnesota could in his first two seasons – rushing for 969 Injuries also hindered an Atlanta defense and let them make plays.” depend on how Year 2 in town for Kirk yards. Defensively, the Vikings feature that ranked 25th in average points al- The Bills’ running back duties will be Cousins and the off ense goes. Now, with essentially the same faces from a unit that lowed (26.4) and 28th in yards allowed split up after the recent release of LeSean full-time coordinator Kevin Stefanski’s ranked fourth in the NFL allowing 309.7 (384.5) last season. McCoy. Veteran Frank Gore, versatile T.J. Yeldon and third-round draft pick Devin Singletary will all be involved in the at- comes with it. It shows they believe in me, The Buff alo defense should get a lift New York added linebacker C.J. Mosley tack. so now it’s time to see how it turns out. from rookie defensive tackle Ed Oliver, the to a defensive core led by standout safety “Didn’t really expect it,” Singletary They believe in me, I believe in myself, ninth overall pick of the 2019 draft. Solid Jamal Adams. The Jets also selected nose Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson in action during told reporters of the Bills cutting McCoy. so the sky is the limit and we’ll go from safety Jordan Poyer had four interceptions tackle Quinnen Williams with the third their MLB game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. “But that’s part of the business and what here.” last season. overall choice in the 2019 draft. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, September 6, 2019 SPORT

BASKETBALL WORLD CUP CYCLING Gilbert claims Vuelta 12th stage, Australia win Tokyo Roglic retains red

AFP added Gilbert after his 10th Bilbao, Spain Grand Tour stage success. The Belgian, who is quit- ting Deuceninck-Quick Step elgian veteran for Lotto-Soudal this winter, berth as United States Philippe Gilbert appears to be coming to the stamped his author- boil at the right time for this ity in Vuelta a Espana month’s world championships 12thB stage yesterday as Slov- in Yorkshire. enia’s Primoz Roglic retained Roglic meanwhile remains the leader’s red jersey. one minute 52 seconds ahead Former world champion of Alejandro Valverde in the Gilbert forged clear of a 15- general classifi cation ahead of crush Japan 98-45 man breakaway on the steep today’s 166.4-kilometre 13th fi nal third category climb to stage with seven ascents in- Defending champions had five players in double scoring digits led by Brown with 20 points claim his sixth career Vuelta cluding a fearsome fi nal ‘hors stage in the streets of Bilbao. categorie’ climb up Los Ma- Reuters The 37-year-old winner of chucos. Beijing this season’s Paris-Roubaix, “I’m not afraid of any stage who missed out on selection especially as I’ve got a very by his team for the Tour de strong team behind me,” said ustralia continued their France, came in clear of Span- Roglic, who fi nished with the impressive form in the ish duo Alex Aranburu and other main contenders three basketball World Cup Fernando Barcelo. minutes behind Gilbert. with an 87-82 win over They were the only ones He added: “It’s an honour to LithuaniaA and secured a berth in able to give chase to Gilbert, wear the red jersey and I’ll be the 2020 Olympic Games while reducing the 19-second gap the happiest of men if I’ve still holders United States cruised to he’d established over the clos- got it in Madrid (on September a 98-45 rout of Japan yesterday. ing eight kilometres to three 15).” The Czech Republic stunned seconds. Placed third in the GC, Turkey 91-76 to secure a last-16 “The atmosphere on the last 2mins 11sec adrift, is specialist berth in the 32-nation tourna- climb was like at the classics, climber Miguel Angel Lopez ment in China and Greece joined with all the fl ags. It was great, who said of Friday’s stage: them after overcoming a strong and boosted my motivation” “Let’s hope it’s a great day”. challenge from New Zealand in said the stage winner. “It’s not all about Los Ma- a 103-97 victory over the Tall “I’ve often ridden in the chucos,” he noted, “there are Blacks. Basque country but I’ve never lots of climbs before then. Having brushed aside Canada won here. It’s a fi rst and I’m I’m hoping to have enough and Senegal in their opening thrilled as it’s like Flanders strength in the legs to do two games, Australia took a 52- here, they love their cycling,” something good.” 37 lead against the more fancied Lithuanians late in the fi rst-half. The Baltic nation shored up ATHLETICS their defence after the break and nosed ahead 73-70 before the Boomers forced the fi nal twist, with San Antonio Spurs Lyles happy to see Patty Mills nailing a crunch three-pointer with 32.9 seconds left. Coleman cleared over Mills fi nished on a game-high 23 points and Phoenix Suns cen- tre Aron Baynes capped an ef- missed doping tests fervescent performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds as Aus- AFP “I’m happy that we can have tralia lived up to the billing of the Australian players celebrates their win against Lithuania at the Basketball World Cup Group H game in Dongguan yesterday. (AFP) Brussels a strong team going for the US tournament’s dark horses. in the 100m.” They booked a berth in next joined in the last 16 from their Lyles, 22, admitted that he year’s Olympics in Japan as the pool by the Czech Republic af- merican Noah Lyles relies on his mother to input his World Cup’s best-placed nation ter they blew away the Turks. hailed Christian “whereabouts” details to USA- from Oceania, having stormed Looking fl at after the exertions Coleman’s exon- DA at the start of each quar- into the last 16 while New Zea- of their heart-breaking defeat by eration from alleged ter. “I started when I was 17, I land dropped into the 17-32nd the US, Turkey trailed through- dopingA violations as great swear I was one of the young- place playoff s after their defeat out against an inspired Czech news for the US team at the est on the USADA list, I wasn’t by Greece. side taking part in their fi rst world championships that even a pro,” said the sprinter The Greeks won an entertain- World Cup as an independent start later this month in Doha. who became the fourth fastest ing dogfi ght for a spot in the sec- nation. Coleman, the fastest man of all time over 200m with his ond group stage, featuring four A valiant solo eff ort by Tur- over 100m this year, had faced 19.50sec in Lausanne. pools of four teams, after Gian- key’s Cleveland Cavaliers guard a potential two-year suspen- “The scariest thing on my nis Antetokounmpo, last sea- Cedi Osman, the game’s top sion after drug testers reported mind was the fact that if I son’s most valuable player in the scorer with 24 points, was can- they were unable to locate him missed three I could be gone NBA, racked up 24 points and 10 celled out by a balanced Czech on three separate occasions in for a year and I absolutely rebounds. roster. a 12-month period. didn’t want that.” Having clawed victory from Brazil, one of the tourna- However the US Anti-Dop- Lyles admitted, however, to the jaws of defeat in a 93-92 ment’s surprise packages, ended ing Agency (USADA) dropped having missed one home visit overtime win against Turkey, the preliminary group stage on the case after determining that by anti-doping offi cials. “It the United States hit top gear a high with an 84-73 win over the time-frame exceeded the was in 2017 when I put in p.m. from the start and never looked Montenegro and France also specifi ed one-year period. instead of a.m.! So I’m expect- back after racing into a 13-0 lead made it three wins out of three The World Anti-Doping ing them in the morning, I went against Japan. with a 90-56 defeat of the Do- Agency (WADA) which moni- out with my friends for dinner It was an expected cat and minican Republic. tors anti-doping eff orts said it and I came back and saw a mail mouse game as the lead grew The top two teams from each would not appeal the decision saying I’d missed a test.” steadily and the defending of the four pools in the second as did the Athletics Integrity Lyles’ teammate Michael champions, chasing their third group stage will advance to the Unity, set up by the IAAF as Norman, who has run 19.70 successive and sixth overall title, knockout rounds. an independent body to police and 43.45sec in the 200 and had fi ve players in double scoring The tournament’s top two doping in track and fi eld. 400m this season respective- digits led by Jaylen Brown with teams from the Americas and “Well, I’m glad to see him ly and will race the 400m in 20 points. Europe as well as one each from running again. I don’t wish Brussels and the Doha worlds, Kemba Walker added 15 and Asia, Oceania and Africa qual- ill upon anybody,” Lyles said has never missed a test, say- Harrison Barnes chipped in with ify automatically for the 2020 Jaylen Brown of the US tries to dunk during the Basketball World Cup Group E game against Japan in ahead of today’s Diamond ing: “You have to be conscious 14 for the Americans, who were Olympics. Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) League fi nal in Brussels. of where you’re going.

SPOTLIGHT Aspire, QFA sign agreement on 2019-20 Youth Calendar esterday morning, an and it’s important to align the agreement on the 2019- dates with the national teams 20 Youth Calendar was and clubs as well as with the signed between Aspire school exams, so our boys can AcademyY and Qatar Football have the maximum success in Association (QFA) represented whatever they are doing. We are by Ivan Bravo, Director General very thankful for the productive of Aspire Academy and Fahad meetings and the agreement we Thani, Director of Football De- signed today as we all want the velopment at Qatar Football best for the development of our Association. young Qatari players,” said Jona- In this agreement, that was tan Cabanelas, Specifi c Training signed in the presence of Ali Football Coordinator at the As- Salem Afi fa, Deputy Director pire Academy. General of Aspire Academy and “At the Football Development Saeed al-Marri, Football Ad- Department at QFA we support ministration Manager of Aspire the elite programmes run by As- Academy, both parties con- pire Academy as they provide the fi rmed the dates of games and foundation for future successes tournaments for the 2019-20 of players in national teams. It is season, that had been discussed a challenging process to align all between them and the clubs in a the important dates of a season, number of meetings before. The that no changes will be necessary outcome is a calendar that helps at a later stage and this calendar all stakeholders to plan the sea- is guaranteeing all involved par- son properly to achieve their set ties’ stability throughout the goals. year. We are happy that we were “This calendar is one of the able to sign this agreement today most important tools for our and we wish Aspire success for youth development programme, all their teams and tournaments because there are always a lot of in this season,” said Fahad Thani, things going on, such as training Director of Football Development camps, friendlies, tournaments at Qatar Football Association. Gulf Times Friday, September 6, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

FEATURE WHEN A PICTURE REALLY STANDS FOR A LOT MORE From the host country’s culture and language to their achievements, World Cup emblems off er reflections aplenty

By Anthony Harwood London

rom the Jules Rimet trophy held up by the Three Lions to swoop- ing curves representing theF sand dunes of Qatar, the World Cup emblem has come in many different shapes and colours since England won the trophy in 1966. Whether it refl ects the host nation’s national colours, as with Argentina, or its achieve- ments in space exploration, as with Russia, each host country seeks to stamp its own identity on the logo. Qatar is no diff erent, with its emblem unveiled this week in- cluding the woollen shawl popu- lar in the Arab world during the cooler months — when the tour- nament will be held in 2022. Here is your guide to the 15 World Cup emblems since Bobby Moore famously lifted the trophy at Wembley 53 years ago: 2022 – Qatar 1966 – England 1970 – Mexico The logo uses traditional woollen shawl 2018 – Russia with “swooping curves” representing This logo features a bold and bright desert dunes in the shape of the trophy, The logo reflects Russia’s rich artistic tradition Union Jack with the Three Lions badge an infinity symbol and the number 8. A and the history of its bold innovation and worn on the players’ shirts. It also woollen shawl, which is normally worn achievement. Four-pointed stars in rounded includes the Jules Rimet trophy itself, in Arab area during the cooler months, blue portions of the trophy symbolise Russia’s which was replaced by the current de- reflects the fact that the World Cup achievements in space exploration. The bold sign in 1974. As FIFA did not adopt an of- is being played in winter. The infinity use of red, gold, black, and blue reflects com- ficial logo for its tournaments until 1970, symbol represents the interconnected mon colours in Russian Art. Human figures in the host countries had more control nature of the World Cup, with the figure the logo reference “the exuberance of football over the image prior to then and these of ‘8’ representing the number of stadi- players and excitement of fans as well as man- often contained a strong local identity. ums that will host matches. FIFA said the kind’s ambition to reach the stars”. The upper design “embodies the vision of an event part of the cup not only symbolises a football, that connects and engages the entire but also pays homage to the cathedral in Mos- world, while also featuring striking ele- cow’s Red Square, Fabergé eggs, and Sputnik. ments of local and regional Arab culture 1974 – West Germany 1978 – Argentina and allusions to the beautiful game.”

The logo continued with the single-colour This logo adopts the simple The logo uses simple design started by Mexico ’70. It also rep- blue and white of Argentina’s positive and negative forms 2014 – Brazil 2010 – South Africa resents industrial age graphic design with flag. Also, the vertical strip- – light blue and white – to bold, simple forms evocative of a football. At ing represents the colours graphically depict a foot- The colours symbolise the ecology of the first glance, the fact that Germany is the host of the host nation, a jersey, ball. The inline typography host nation as well as the colour of the country is unclear. However, the letters WM goal, and cupped hands. The was an extension of Lance Brazilian flag; tropics (green) and beaches stands for Weltmeisterschaft, which means logo is simple, clean, strong, Wyman’s design on the (gold). The trophy is made out of clasping World Cup in German. This logo captures and bold and Helvetica. This 1968 Olympic identity. hands that symbolise how the World Cup movement and energy of the ball. logo is said to be the perfect It was praised for being can bring countries together in the name of example of how to use nega- simple and stylish, albeit sport. FIFA claimed: “The combination of the tive space in the sport team obvious. Many liked the strong image, the contemporary typog- logos. use of font and the overall raphy and striking colours are extremely design. eff ective in depicting a modern and diverse host nation.” However, this logo was criti- cised for depicting hands in the sport where you cannot use your hands and resembling a face palming. The logo intended to show the world a new side of both the South African people and the con- 2006 – Germany tinent as a whole as it can be un- derstood from the slogan for the This logo was named ‘Celebrating faces 2010 World Cup — ‘Ke Nako (It’s of football’ and the theme was joy and time). Celebrate Africa’s Human- 1986 – Mexico global friendship. Two faces form 0 and ity’. ‘Ke Nako’ refers to the fact 6 to signify the year of 2006. Three faces that it’s time for Africa to be in The logo contains three represent “the joy on the faces of three the world’s spotlight and for the 1982 – Spain intersected circles made friends as they spontaneously celebrate a world to recognise the continent’s up of a football and two perfect football moment”. The backdrop capability to host the world-class The logo is simplified into two flat representations of the shows a subtle German flag. The logo in- event. A black silhouette of a fundamental elements: the globe making the connec- tegrates its predecessor, the Korea/Japan bicycle kick resembles African Spanish flag and a football. tion with the year’s slogan 2002 World Cup logo for the first time. tribal art and the background The Spanish flag is cleverly ‘The World United by Ball’. As the World Cup West German logo in colour represents African conti- placed as a trail of the move- The graphic at the bottom 1974 was simple two-colour logo, modern nents and the South African flag ment of the ball, suggesting ‘Mexico 86’ enhances the unified Germany opted for more colourful in a message of unity across the energy and movement. This country’s red and green and cheerful design. It was criticised for continent. The logo was criticised simplicity reflects the style colours against black and being childish and with an unclear use for the childish looking typogra- of the era, where host nation white. Some said that the of colour (the use of orange/blue/green). phy, lack of simplistic quality, and designed a logo consisting two images of the globes Erik Spiekermann, one of the Germany’s an overuse of shadows. Also, the primarily of nation colours on either side of the football most respected designers, was openly integrated miniature version of and a football. The country seem slightly too literal. critical of the design concept saying that 2002 logo was criticised as the chose to promote its own Note the symbolisation of the logo contained too much information symbol is placed in the corner, national identity through the integration of East and West and was badly presented. Also, it is said to be childlike for anyone who is not aware which makes it appear like a World Cup logo. through football. of the context. compulsory add-on.

1994 – United States 2002 – Japan / South Korea

The logo shows a banner-waving sup- The bold wav- porter rather than a ball to represent ing white and the global community of fans. It reflects red stripes the artistic principles and traditions of reflect the host Korea and Japan, such as asymmetry, nation and the dynamism and harmony. The text under- movement of neath the symbol featured the infinity energy of the symbol as the two zeroes in the year sport. From 2002, representing the “eternal spirit of 1970-1998, the unity and the harmonious link between World Cup logo the co-organisers and all others involved 1990 – Italy didn’t change in the event”. A circular shape was used much. The because the circle has been part of the This logo is very simple and minimalistic, us- emblems were 1998 – France Asian culture for many centuries, having ing only three colours from the national flag kept simple symbolised the universe, the sun, the and black. Also, stencil typography creates and only This logo came in French national colours world and even life itself. Part of the a three-dimensional graphic field. The logo included the and shows the football rising over the Earth’s outer circle was deliberately left open to was praised for its simplicity and it is easy to host country’s name, its national colours and a ball. This logo horizon as if it is the Sun. Rising football represent the route to the trophy. This recognise the host country from the national was popular as it had all the makings of a great logo, minimal cleverly suggests the global facet of the logo was praised for the proportions/use colours. However, the 3D eff ort was criticised colour palette, clean design and an image tying both the host tournament. Many praised this logo for being of colours and being artsy, dynamic and active. This is thought to be for appearing blurred. country and football. simple and creative. one of the most strategically designed World Cup logos.

Friday, September 6, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

ASHES SPOTLIGHT Leave off , Ponting Smith double ton tells Broad puts Australia in ‘bunny’ Warner Visitors declared at 497 for eight, England were 23-1 at stumps after command Cummins sent back Denly

Reuters shell of his normal self, failing to London, United Kingdom surpass eight runs in his other six innings in the series. His second consecutive duck tuart Broad has got Dav- was viewed dimly by Austral- id Warner’s number at ian cricket media yesterday, who the Ashes but the embat- branded him ‘Broad’s bunny’ and tled opening batsman can questioned whether selectors turnS it around if he ramps up the had dumped the wrong man in aggression against the England number three Usman Khawaja. paceman, former Australia cap- Warner has had precious little tain Ricky Ponting has said. support from his opening part- Compared to his stellar World ners, with Marcus Harris scoring Cup, Warner has had a night- 13 following his eight and 19 at mare of a series, averaging 11.28 Headingley. with the bat and falling fi ve times Harris replaced Cameron Ban- in seven innings to Broad. croft after the second test, with His second-ball duck on day the Western Australian dumped one at Old Traff ord was the sec- for a similarly meagre output. ond time in the series he has The opening failures have re- fallen attempting to leave the peatedly thwarted Australia’s ball and is evidence, according to hopes of stealing a march on Ponting, of a player who has de- England and put pressure on Ste- serted his natural game. ve Smith, who will resume on 60 “Davey is obviously strug- not out on day two, to continue gling with Stuart Broad,” Ponting to rescue the touring side. told Cricket Australia’s website Ponting said he had spoken to (cricket.com.au) after Australia Warner about ways to combat went to stumps at 170 for three Broad, who has been honing in on Wednesday. on the opener’s stumps rather “He has got his number, that than seeking to fi nd an edge. Australia’s Steve Smith acknowledges the crowd as he walks back after being dismissed on the second day of the fourth Test in Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) round-the-wicket angle is really “I’ve said a few things to him worrying him. It’s worrying all about how I thought he could AFP sion suff ered when struck by a 3 under sunny skies after the left-handers to be honest. line up and try and play but it’s Manchester, United Kingdom Jofra Archer bouncer during the Scorecard Wednesday’s rain-marred fi rst “Davey, again, was lured into a diff erent thing to work on that drawn second Test at Lord’s. day and Smith drove Archer playing trying to leave. That’s at training and have the courage AUSTRALIA 1st inn (o/n 170-3) (Cummins), 8-438 (Smith) through extra cover for a superb the second time in the series it’s to go out and try and do that in a ustralia’s Steve Smith THIRD CENTURY IN FOUR M. Harris lbw b Broad 13 Bowling: Broad 25-2-97-3; back-foot four in the second happened and I think it’s a real test match,” Ponting said. took his run-spree this INNINGS D. Warner c Bairstow b Broad 0 Archer 27-3-97-0 (1nb); Stokes over to go to 65. mindset thing for him. “When you see Davey at his Ashes to a new level as Even so, he has now made 589 10.5-0-66-0 (2nb); Leach The next delivery, how- “If he’s looking to hit the ball best he’s not really even thinking he returned to interna- runs this series — his fi rst since M. Labuschagne b Overton 67 26.1-3-83-2 (1nb); Overton 28-3- ever, saw Smith hammer a full and not leave the ball like he is I about leaving those (deliveries), tionalA cricket with a superb dou- completing a 12-month ball- S. Smith c Denly b Root 211 85-2 (3w); Denly 3-1-8-0; Root toss straight back at Archer, think he’d be fi ne.” he’s trying to stand up on top of ble century on the second day of tampering ban, including three T. Head lbw b Broad 19 6-0-39-1 who dropped the two-handed Barring his fi rst innings 61 at the bounce and hit that through the fourth Test against England hundreds, at a colossal average caught-and-bowled chance, Headingley, Warner has looked a the covers.” M. Wade c Root b Leach 16 at Old Traff ord yesterday. of 147.25. with the ball going for four. Smith’s 211 was the corner- This innings followed his T. Paine c Bairstow b Overton 58 ENGLAND 1st inn England also gave Paine a ‘life’ stone of Australia’s command- scores of 144 and 142 in Aus- P. Cummins c Stokes b Leach 4 R. Burns not out 15 when he edged Stuart Broad on ing 497-8 declared. tralia’s 251-run win in the fi rst nine only for Roy to drop a sec- M. Starc not out 54 J. Denly c Wade b Cummins 4 Ganguly bats for Rohit as Test opener England then lost Joe Denly, Test at Edgbaston, with Smith’s ond-slip catch he should have N. Lyon not out 26 C. Overton not out 3 a makeshift opener after swap- lowest total in four knocks this held. IANS Mayank Agarwal. Sharma had Extras (nb1) 1 ping places with the struggling series the 92 he made at Lord’s. Extras (b8, lb14, w3, nb4) 29 Then came Leach’s no-ball, New Delhi a great run in the recently-con- Jason Roy, for four when he was The 30-year-old former Aus- Total (8 wkts dec, 126 overs) 497 Total (1 wkt, 10 overs) 23 with Root gathering his team cluded World Cup 2019, where brilliantly caught at the second tralia captain was, however, around him afterwards as he is- Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Denly) he slammed five hundreds. attempt by Matthew Wade at dropped on 65 yesterday when Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Warner), sued a rallying cry. ormer India captain “I had suggested earlier about short leg following a genuine fast bowler Archer failed to hold 2-28 (Harris), 3-144 (La- Bowling: Starc 2-2-0-0; Hazle- England took the new ball as Sourav Ganguly has trying Rohit Sharma as an glance off Pat Cummins. a caught and bowled chance off a buschagne), 4-183 (Head), 5-224 wood 4-1-3-0 (1nb); Cummins soon as they could but that did not once again backed Rohit opener in Test cricket and I (Wade), 6-369 (Paine), 7-387 F England were 23-1 at stumps, hard-hit full toss. 3-0-10-1; Lyon 1-0-10-0 stop Smith cover-driving Broad Sharma for the Test opener’s still believe that he needs to be 474 runs behind, with Rory Smith was also reprieved on 118 for a majestic back-foot four. role and feels that the batsman given an opportunity because Burns 15 not out and night- when caught by Ben Stokes at slip Wicketkeeper Paine, dropped deserved an opportunity in the he is too good a player to be watchman Craig Overton un- off Jack Leach only for replays to century at this level, all made nership of 145, the pair batting on 49, fell to the fi rst ball af- longest format of the game. left out in the cold,” Ganguly beaten on three. reveal the left-arm spinner had against England. through the whole of yesterday’s ter tea when caught behind off Ahead of the India and West wrote in The Times of India. They now face an uphill task bowled just the eighth no-ball of Smith was eventually out second session. Overton. Indies series, Ganguly had “After a fantastic World Cup, to deny Australia a win that his fi rst-class career. when he reverse-swept a leg- Fast bowler Mitchell Starc, in But there was no stopping opined Sharma should be tried I believe he will be itching to would see the holders retain the But those two let-off s did not break from England captain and his fi rst match of the series, then Smith, who twice drove Leach for the opening slot. However, grab the opportunity to open Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play detract from Smith’s latest im- part-time spinner Joe Root to showcased his proven batting for six. he was left out for both the in Tests. With Ajinkya Rahane in a fi ve-match series. pressive demonstration of the Denly, who had been at short talent with a blistering 54 not Meanwhile left-hander Starc games. Ganguly also said KL and Hanuma Vihari settling in Smith, the world’s top-ranked art of Test-match batting. third man. out off 58 balls, including seven hit four fours in a row off Broad Rahul’s poor form can push nicely, there is not much left to Test batsman, missed England’s He faced 319 balls in total, in- Smith received good sup- fours and two sixes, before Paine including two classic straight the team management to try play around in the middle-or- series-levelling one-wicket win cluding 24 fours and two sixes, port from Australia captain Tim closed the innings. drives before he slog-swept out Sharma as the opener with der,” the former captain added. at Headingley with a concus- in what was his third double Paine in a sixth-wicket part- Australia resumed on 170- Root for six.

FIRST TEST Shah steers Afghanistan with historic century in Chittagong

AFP contest after being in trouble at this year with Shah scoring two with his left-arm spin and became Chittagong, Bangladesh 77 for three at lunch. fi fties in the game including a 98 the fastest Bangladeshi bowler to Scorecard “It is a proud moment for me. in the fi rst innings. reach 100 Test wickets. I am the fi rst person who has the The top-order batsman ex- Taijul, who fi nished the day AFGHANISTAN 1st innings ahmat Shah yester- fi rst half century (in a Test) for tended his prolifi c run of form with 2-73, also became the third I. Zadran c Mahmudullah b T. Islam day became the fi rst the country and now the centu- as he reached his hundred with Bangladeshi bowler after Shakib 21 Afghanistan cricketer ry,” Shah told reporters after the a boundary off Hasan, raising his Al Hasan and Mohamed Rafi que I. Janat b T. Islam 9 to score a Test cen- opening day’s play. bat to a standing ovation from to achieve such a feat in the long- tury,R helping the minnows start “I had the dream to become the the crowd and the dressing room. er format in his 25th match. R. Shah c Sarkar b N. Hasan 102 strongly against Bangladesh on fi rst centurion for Afghanistan. So His celebration though was Off -spinner Mahmudullah H. Shahidi c Sarkar b Mahmudullah 14 shortlived as Hasan got the bats- chipped in when he forced Hash- the opening day of the one-off naturally I was very upset when I A. Afghan not out 88 match. got out scoring 98 against Ireland. man, who hit 10 fours and two matullah Shahidi to give a catch Shah made 102 and put on a Today I got the chance and scored sixes in his 187-ball knock, out to Soumya Sarkar at slip for 14 in M. Nabi b N. Hasan 0 crucial 120-run fourth-wicket the century,” he said. on the next ball. his fi rst over. A. Zazai not out 35 stand with Asghar Afghan, bat- Taijul Islam and Nayeem Has- Hasan struck again with his Bangladesh fi elded an all-spin Extras (lb1, nb1) 2 ting on 88, to counter the Bang- an took two wickets each to hurt off spin three balls later in the attack without picking a single ladesh spin attack at the Zahur Afghanistan after the tourists same over, rattling the stumps of pace bowler while Afghanistan Total (5 wickets, 96 overs) 271 Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in elected to bat fi rst in just their Mohamed Nabi for nought as Af- handed a Test debut to Ibrahim, Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Ihsanullah), Chittagong. third fi ve-day game. ghanistan slipped to 197 for fi ve. Qais Ahmed and Zahir Khan. 2-48 (Ibrahim), 3- 77 (Hashmatul- Afghanistan were 271 for fi ve The war-torn nation had a Afghan, who survived a re- Afghanistan skipper Rashid lah), 4-197 (Rahmat), 5-197 (Nabi) at stumps with Afghan and Af- bruising introduction to Test prieve on 42 by TV umpire af- became the youngest ever Test Bowling: T. Islam 31-4-73-2(nb1), sar Zazai, on 35, putting together cricket after India outplayed ter being given leg before out captain at the age of 20 years 350 Shakib 17-1-50-0, M. Hasan a 74-run partnership in the fi nal them inside two days in 2018. off Mehidy Hasan, struck three days with the toss, overtaking the 22-4-59-0, N. Hasan 13-0-43-2, session of play. fours and two sixes so far in his record of Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Mahmudullah 4-0-9-1, Sarkar But it was Shah and Afghan STANDING OVATION second Test fi fty. Taibu, who made his debut as Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah (right) acknowledges the crowd after 4-0-26-0, Haque 4-0-9-0, Hos- who ensured that Afghanistan Afghanistan registered their fi rst In the fi rst session Taijul bowled Test captain just eight days older reaching his century (100 runs) on the first day of the one-off Test sain 1-0-1-0 fought their way back in to the Test victory against Ireland early opener Ihsanullah Janat for nine than Rashid in 2004. against Bangladesh in Chittagong, Bangladesh, yesterday. (AFP)