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Thursday 26 September 2019

President re-elected by unanimous vote at IAAF Congress in Coe wants sport to grow in his new term

ARMSTRONG VAS cleaning up corruption in the sport. IAAF president THE PENINSULA “It’s been a tough four years, the first Sebastian Coe during two were the reforms -- the second two Sebastian Coe has been unanimously years were really making sure they were a press conference re-elected for a second term as President implemented,” he said. at the Sheraton This was not an easy of the International Association of “(We) got here pretty much imple- Grand Doha Resort journey. I genuinely am & Convention Hotel, Athletics Federations (IAAF). menting everything we said we’d do. very pleased and proud The 62-year-old, former Olympic and “I want the next four years to be the Doha, yesterday. world champion middle-distance runner, fun bit... I want the sport to grow,” he of the way the sport became head of ’ governing added. has come together. Two body in 2015 and receives his second Yesterday’s Congress also saw the mandate just two days before the World election of four vice-presidents, and 13 hundred changes, the Athletics Championships open in Doha. members of the total 50. Athletics Integrity Unit Coe, who took over the reins during Ximena Restrepo, pole vault -- no sport has a unit in a period of turmoil in world athletics, was champion Sergey Bubka, Geoffrey re-elected by unanimous vote of the 203 Gardner and Nawaf Bin Mohammed Al the same space, it’s about delegates attending the International Saud were elected Vice-Presidents. malpractice, corruption: Coe Association of Athletics Federations’ Con- Restrepo, the 1992 Olympic 400m gress in Doha yesterday. bronze medalist from , will “This was not an easy journey. I gen- become the first woman to serve as an “Ximena is a former athlete, which is because this was only made possible (The Netherlands), Alberto Juantorena uinely am very pleased and proud of the IAAF Vice-President. tremendously helpful when you’re driving because of you and the changes made (), Willie Banks (USA), Raul Chapado way the sport has come together,” Coe As part of the widespread reforms the sport forward,” said Coe. to the constitution.” Congress also (), Dobromir Karamarinov (Bul- told delegates following his re-election. adopted by the IAAF Congress at the end “I am delighted that we have for the elected new members of the IAAF garia), Beatrice Ayikoru (Uganda). “Two-hundred changes, the Athletics of 2016, the IAAF added minimum gender very first time elected a female Vice Pres- Council. The IAAF Council will be composed Integrity Unit -- no sport has a unit in the targets into its constitution to establish ident and that she will be joined by seven The newly elected members are: of 26 members, eight of whom are same space, it’s about malpractice, cor- parity at all levels in the sports other women on council. This is a historic Hiroshi Yokokawa (Japan), Antti Pihla- women. The 13 newly elected members ruption,” he said. governance. moment.” “I’m really honoured to take this koski (Finland), Anna Riccardi (Italy), will be joined by six Area Presidents and During his first term, Coe set up the Coe welcomed Restrepo, who now position,” said Restrepo. Nan Wang (China), Adille Sumariwalla two members of the Athletes’ Com- independent Athletics Integrity Unit lives in , as one of the new Vice Pres- “It’s a great moment for me and for (India), (Morocco), mission, one man and one woman, which serves as watchdog dedicated to idents and offered his congratulations. my country. I would like to thank you, Seb, Abby Hoffman (Canada), Sylvia Barlag including the Chair. IAAF reveals Dalilah looks to break her own world new Wanda record as USA begin ‘journey to gold’ sponsorship AP FAWAD HUSSAIN DOHA THE PENINSULA Sebastian Coe marked his re- Go to any event election as IAAF President yes- around the world and you see terday by announcing Chinese fans expecting a complete domi- conglomerate Wanda as the nation of proceedings from the I am always title sponsor US athletes. That’s the kind of aiming to run in what he called the biggest reputation Team USA has built my absolute commercial deal for track and for itself for many decades. best and field. A decorated group of high- The global real estate and profile 141 US athletes descended improve my film production group is upon the Qatari capital to embark performance, expanding its investment in on a IAAF World Athletics Cham- and if I do sports having signed up as a pionships Doha 2019 mission that that it will be top-tier sponsor of FIFA in has been dubbed as the ‘journey 2016. to gold’ by the team. another world The Diamond League will This group includes 55 Olym- record, so yes be backed by Wanda from 2020 pians including 26 Olympic med- I am targeting in a 10-year deal that secures a allists that have a combined 44 the one in stop for the series in China and Olympic medals, as well as 78 allows the company to organize previous World Championships Doha: Dalilah a new IAAF event in the team members with a total of 65 country, Coe said, without pro- medals. viding financial details. They have seven reigning “It is the biggest single com- FROM LEFT: American athletes , , Rai Benjamin and during a press conference at world champions, who will mercial partnership in the Khalifa Stadium yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA defending their crowns during history of athletics,” Coe told the September 27-October 6 the IAAF Congress in Qatari event in Doha. These include Tori my absolute best and improve my women’s hurdles and it’s going the event is very deep, so I think shot put event. It’s a couple of capital Doha. Bowie, , Emma performance, and if I do that it to be a tough battle. I am pre- it’s a pretty big battle. The top 6 days we’ve been here and the Ahead of the world cham- Coburn, , Justin will be another world record, so paring hard and will give my to 8 women will be competing training has been fine. The pionships opening Friday in Gatlin, and yes I am targeting the one in best,” she added. for the podium. I am looking for field is looking great, probably Doha, the 62-year-old Coe was . Doha,” Dalilah told The Peninsula Earlier, members of USA the fight and waiting for Friday a field record will be set,” he unopposed to continue in the Not just that, USA also have yesterday. squad including defending (tomorrow),” Coburn told added. IAAF presidency he first superstars like 2019 Diamond “It (questions about the world women 3,000 steeplechase reporters. “These are the World Cham- assumed in 2015, receiving all League champions Noah Lyles record) adds a little bit of pressure champion Emma Coburn, Rio “With team USA there are a pionships and standard of the 203 votes. (200m) and Dalilah Muhammad, and it makes you run a little bit gold medalist Ryan Crouser and lot of expectations. There is competition will be very high,” A double Olympic 1,500- who can create history any day. fast. It’s not a distraction,” she star 400m hurdler Rai Benjamin standard is to be on the podium, he added. meter champion who And, Dalilah, who set a new said. besides Dalilah spoke at a press to win the races. In the last 43 or Benjamin, who will be organized the 2012 London women’s 400m hurdles world “You know what is so crazy? conference at the Khalifa Inter- 40 years, we have been making making his debut at the World Olympics, Coe has overseen record at the USATF 2019 My winning time was the PIN national Stadium. a lot of appearances at the Championships, was also eyeing Russia being suspended from National Championship, is tar- number for my first credit card,” Coburn, who won gold at the podium. So that’s the standard of for glory in Doha. the IAAF. geting the same in Doha. she said yesterday. “I never even 2017 World Championships in team USA,” she added. “This is my first World Cham- It was one of the toughest The 29-year-old feels she can thought about it until I ran that London, predicted a stiff compe- Rio Olympics champion pionships and I am very excited. sporting sanctions by a sports better her time of 52.20 seconds time and I thought ‘Wow, that tition for the podium finish. Crouser hoped for a new record It’s a strong line-up in the 400m body against the country for during the battle in Doha. used to be my PIN number. “The women’s steeplechase in the men’s shot put event. hurdles and I am looking forward corruption and systematic “I am always aiming to run “The field is very deep in is super super competitive, and “I am really excited for the to it,” he added. doping. 02 SPORT THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2019

Pochettino misses another Champions League final in chance to end Tottenham Saint Petersburg, says UEFA trophy drought AFP retractable roof, was built ahead AFP LJUBLJANA of the 2018 World Cup held in LONDON Russia. It hosted seven matches The 2021 UEFA Champions at that tournament, including Less than four months on from League final will be played in France’s semi-final win over “The chosen venues losing the Champions League Saint Petersburg, European foot- Belgium and will also host four have proper mobility, final, Mauricio Pochettino’s ball’s governing body announced games at Euro 2020. hotels and everything Tottenham saw another chance yesterday. It will be the second Cham- at a trophy disappear on The venues for the next three pions League final to be played else. Where we Tuesday evening in the more finals were revealed at UEFA’s in Russia after Manchester have a problem, and humble surroundings of Executive Committee meeting in United beat Chelsea in Moscow probably will have a Colchester United as the fourth- the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, to win the trophy in 2008. problem anywhere, is tier side progressed to the last with Munich being awarded the The 70,000-seat Allianz 16 of the League Cup on that sometimes hotels 2022 showpiece and the 2023 Liverpool coach Arena in Munich is also a host penalties after a 0-0 draw. final being given to Wembley. Juergen Klopp venue for Euro 2020 and staged take advantage of the Despite resting Harry Kane, In awarding the venues for the 2012 Champions League fact the Champions Pochettino had every reason to the next three years, UEFA have final when Bayern Munich lost League final is in a believe a team that ended the had to take into account not just on penalties to Chelsea. The game with Dele Alli, Christian the likely demand for match 2023 final will be the eighth to certain city: Ceferin. Eriksen, Lucas Moura, Erik tickets but also the importance be held at Wembley, with the Lamela and Son Heung-min on of hotel rooms and transport Europe capable of successfully “This is a problem but it is iconic 90,000-seat London winners of the Champions the field should have enough infrastructure. staging a match of such hard for us to influence. That is venue also hosting the semi- League and Europa League -- firepower to break down a side That means there are a magnitude. why we want to go to such big finals and final of next year’s will be played in Belfast. that sits 10th in League Two, 70 limited number of cities around “The chosen venues have cities with so many hotels that European Championship. UEFA said VAR, which made places below Spurs in the proper mobility, hotels and eve- in the end you can choose.” Meanwhile, European foot- its Champions League debut in English football ladder. rything else. Where we have a “Those venues are big cities, ball’s governing body also the last 16 last season, will be Now into his sixth season at Venues for next problem, and probably will have interesting cities, accessible for revealed that the 2021 Europa introduced to the Europa League Spurs, Pochettino is still yet to three finals a problem anywhere, is that the fans and with very nice sta- League final will be played in for the knockout rounds this win a trophy in his managerial The venues for the next sometimes hotels take advantage diums,” he added, although he , at Sevilla’s Ramon term. A third European club career and there are growing three finals were revealed at of the fact the Champions League said he “cannot do any promises Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. competition that is set to start in signs that the huge progress UEFA’s Executive Committee final is in a certain city,” admitted for now” in terms of increasing The Spanish city was chosen 2021 will be known as the UEFA made under his stewardship meeting in the Slovenian UEFA president Aleksander ticket allocations for supporters. ahead of Georgian capital Tbilisi Europa Conference League. has stalled. capital Ljubljana, with Munich Ceferin. This season’s final will be played as the game returns to western UEFA also announced the Tottenham have now won being awarded the 2022 “I am sure that if you check in Istanbul, before hosting is Europe -- after being staged in number of matches played in the just four of their past 17 games showpiece and the 2023 those three cities in half an given to the 68,000-capacity Baku last season, next year’s final Nations League would be in all competitions and are final being given to Wembley. hour you will see that hotel Gazprom Arena in Saint will go to the Polish city of expanded following the success already 10 points off Premier prices have already started to Petersburg. Gdansk. The 2021 UEFA Super of the inaugural edition of the League leaders Liverpool just rise. The venue, complete with a Cup match -- between the international competition. six games into the new campaign. After the difficulties of playing at a temporary home in Wembley with a stretched FIFA panel agrees planned limits on agent’s fees squad for most of the past two years, this season was meant to AP delegates from FIFA, clubs, body said in a statement, citing effect next year and in 2021. The limit would not count signal a fresh start. ZURICH leagues and player unions, the payment processing center Agents also face mandatory players aged 21 and under The club’s sparkling new agreed that agents are set to it is currently creating. licensing by FIFA, which aims seeking playing time to speed stadium opened in April and A FIFA panel has agreed limits earn a maximum 10% cut of Player’s agents are expected for stricter and faster their development. Pochettino has been able to add on fees that agents can take transfer fees when acting for the to legally challenge rules which enforcement when rules are The limit should become to his squad for the first time in from the $7bn annual soccer selling club. would cap their fee at 3% of a broken. seven players loaned in and 18 months with the signings of transfer market, and caps on the Juventus reportedly gave player’s income, or 6% when A range of punishments out for the next season, and Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani lo number of player loan deals that almost 26% - €27m to agent they are also acting for the would include fines, suspen- settle at six in each direction Celso and Ryan Sessegnon. clubs can make. Mino Raiola from the €105m buying club. sions from work, and transfer when the 2023-24 season However, all three have Seeking some control over Manchester United agreed to Agents would be prohibited bans. starts. struggled with injuries and the the global trade in players often pay as a then-world record fee from representing both the In the spiraling loan market, FIFA previously announced Argentine believes there is a described as a “Wild West,” FIFA for Paul Pogba in 2016. Raiola buying and selling clubs in a FIFA aims to enforce limits for plans to create a financial hangover from a summer of said its stakeholders committee also was paid millions more by transfer. the 2021-22 season - eight clearing house that will also uncertainty over the futures of of soccer industry experts rec- Pogba and United. FIFA’s ruling council is players moving in and eight process around $400m a host of first-team regulars. ommended key principles “All agents’ commissions scheduled to approve the pro- players going out in temporary annually to ensure a player’s “We neetunity to try and fix yesterday. (are) to be paid via the FIFA posals in China next month, with deals - on clubs that stockpile previous clubs get rightful this type of situation and sort The panel, which includes Clearing House,” soccer’s world rules to be drafted and take talent. shares of transfer fees. it,” said Pochettino.

Bangladesh, Sri Lankan team begins tour of Afghanistan share trophy as Pakistan under heavy security rain washes AP Pakistan Cricket Board chairman front of virtually empty stadiums ISLAMABAD Ehsan Mani said in Lahore. “We (in UAE) which wasn’t a cause of out final are thankful to the players and motivation,” Mani said. Sri Lanka’s cricket team arrived their board for standing strong “In Pakistan we will have AFP in Pakistan on Tuesday for a with Pakistan.” people coming in stadiums not DHAKA series of limited-overs matches, The current tour also looked only to support their own team with the Pakistani government in doubt after the Sri Lankan but also applauding Sri Lanka The final of the tri-nation promising to give the players the cricket board said it had been for taking a big step to help us Twenty20 tournament between same level of security as a head warned by its government about as a country.” Bangladesh and Afghanistan of state. a possible terrorist threat. But the The PCB also used its own washed out without a ball being It is the first time since Sri tour finally got the go-ahead from domestic Twenty20 league as a bowled at the Sher-e-Bangla Lanka’s team bus was attacked the SLC after Pakistan’s gov- brand to attract foreign players National Stadium in Dhaka on by terrorists in Lahore in 2009 ernment promised that the army to play in Pakistan over the last Tuesday. that a foreign team will conduct would coordinate the security three years. Match officials declared the a two-week tour of Pakistan. over the two-week long visit. “This series isn’t a result of game abandoned as the rain Major teams have avoided Over the past four years, an effort overnight, it’s a long showed no sign of stopping -- Pakistan since that ambush, Pakistan has successfully hosted journey,” Mani said. making it impossible to hold which killed eight people and Zimbabwe, the West Indies, Sri “PSL has played a big role, even a curtailed-over game. injured several players. Lanka, and a World XI for lim- we got a lot of support within the The trophy was shared Ten of Sri Lanka’s top crick- ited-overs matches amid intense country and I hope we will be between the two teams after eters opted out of this tour security as it tries to win back getting same level of support in the wash-out. It means hosts because of security concerns, but the confidence of foreign teams the bilateral series too,” Bangladesh got a hand on the the makeshift team arrived in to restart fully fledged interna- Sri Lanka’s team bus will be trophy of a Twenty20 tour- the southern port city of Karachi, tional cricket at home. flanked by a fleet of vans car- nament involving more than which will host three one-day For the last 10 years Pakistan rying armed security personnel two teams for the first time in internationals on September 27, has been playing most of its when moving from the hotel to their history. The wash-out 29 and October 2. Those will be “home” matches in UAE. the stadium, but Mani is hoping also rounded off a mixed tour- followed by three Twenty20s in But Mani said he expects things will normalize even- nament for both teams as Lahore. both the National Stadium in tually. “I am hopeful the time Bangladesh won three of their Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan (left) and Afghanistan cricket “We can’t forget, 10 years Karachi and the Gaddafi Stadium will come very soon when four matches in the league captain Rashid Khan pose for a photo with the Tri-nation Series ago it was a terrible attack on in Lahore to be full for the ODI players can feel totally relaxed, phase, while Afghanistan won trophy after the match was abandoned due to rains at the Sher- the Sri Lanka team and they are and Twenty20 series against Sri the way they find in other coun- their first two matches before e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday. the same country which has Lanka. tries,” Mani said. losing the next two. come back to play here,” “We have been playing in THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 03

Halep’s China woes continue with retirement

AFP tournament. I’m disappointed it comeback attempt by American WUHAN happened again with the back.” Sofia Kenin to reach the Wuhan Comedy duo apologises after Halep remains in contention Open quarter-finals yesterday. Wimbledon champion Simona for one of the remaining six spots After cruising through the Halep was left disappointed at the year-end WTA Finals in first set without any trouble, ‘inappropriate, hurtful’ remarks yesterday after suffering a fresh Shenzhen and is uncertain how Barty fought back from a break injury setback in China that her injury will affect the rest of down in the next, saving two set forced her to retire from the her season. points to overcome Kenin 6-3 REUTERS Naomi Osaka awareness of the issue. Wuhan Open with a lower back She is entered in the China 7-5 for her third win over the of Japan Neither Watanabe problem. Open which will begin in 20-year-old Guangzhou acknowledges Entertainment nor Halep said the problem that at the weekend. champion in four meetings this A Japanese comedy duo and cheers after Naomi Osaka’s man- caused her to quit her third- World number 50 Rybakina season. their management company her victory agement office in round match felt different to the advances to her fifth quarter- Next up for the Australian have apologised after the over Anastasia Japan was immedi- herniated disc she had suffered final of the season, her first at a top seed will be Petra Martic who pair reportedly said during Pavlyuchenkova ately available to at the China Open in a live event that Japanese of Russia in comment. Beijing a year ago which tennis player Naomi Osaka, Osaka, who will final of the Pan brought an early end to who just won the Pan Pacific turn 22 next month, Pacific Open the Romanian’s 2018 Open at the weekend, was born in Japan to a in Osaka on season. “needed some bleach.” Haitian father and Jap- Sunday. “It’s lower back. I Japanese media said the anese mother but think it’s more muscle, duo, known as “A Masso,” moved to the United but I don’t know yet made the remark during a States when she was because I haven’t Sunday event, the same day young. checked it properly,” said that Osaka lifted her first She has been two-time Grand Slam trophy since winning the widely hailed in Japan, champion Halep. Australian Open in January, which has traditionally The world number and also said that “she is too seen itself as a racially six led Elena Rybakina by sunburned.” homogeneous a break and looked on In separate messages country, although suc- her way to win the first carried on the website of cessful mixed-race set before her Kazakh their management company, athletes such as Osaka opponent drew level. Watanabe Entertainment Co herself, sprinter Asuka During the Ltd, both women apologised Cambridge and changeover after the for making “inappropriate, baseball pitcher Yu ninth game Halep took a Simona Halep of Romania leaves the court following her third-round match hurtful remarks” but did not Darvish are chal- medical timeout for against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan at the Wuhan Open yesterday. refer to Osaka, who is lenging that image. treatment to her back, but Haitian and Japanese, by In January, Jap- soon after the former name. event. We also sincerely apol- anese noodle company Nissin world number one retired while premier-level tournament, defeated qualifier Veronika “Though we should have ogise for causing trouble.” had to remove a controversial serving at 4-5, 30-30. where she will play Belarusian Kudermetova 6-3 6-1. thought about it, we made Watanabe Entertainment, commercial in which a cartoon “At 4-4, 0-30 with the ninth seed Aryna Sabalenka who Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina remarks that hurt many people, also without naming Osaka, character depicting Osaka was backhand, I had a sharp pain,” dispatched sixth-seeded Dutch- beat Russia’s Svetlana something we will never do added their own apology for shown with pale skin and light Halep revealed. “I don’t know woman Kiki Bertens 6-1 7-6(9) Kuznetsova 6-4 6-2 to stay on again,” Ai Murakami wrote. “remarks inconsiderate of brown hair after it prompted an yet, but it looks a little bit dif- for a spot in her first Premier- course to qualify for the season- “We sincerely apologise for diversity in an era where outcry. Nissin said it had not ferent (to the injury I had before), level semi-final. ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen making the specific person feel diversity is respected,” saying the intended to “whitewash” Osaka but it’s still the same zone. Meanwhile world number where she will bid to retain her uncomfortable, as well as for duo had been severely warned and promised to pay more “I started to play well this one Ash Barty fended off a late title. everyone else connected to the and steps taken to raise their attention to diversity issues. Kyrgios blames ‘clicking shoulder’ for early exit

AFP “At this rate I’m not thinking about game disintegrated as lost ZHUHAI playing until my shoulder’s -- or I don’t Nick Kyrgios of Australia the first-set tie break. The even know what it is -- but until my reacts during his first-round second set was a non-contest Nick Kyrgios fears he could face several front of my shoulder feels better and I match against Andreas as Seppi, 35, ranked 74th in weeks out after struggling with what he can serve,” he added, saying his right Seppi of Italy at the Zhuhai the world, strolled into round said was a “clicking” shoulder in a limp shoulder had been “clicking”. Championships in Zhuhai in two in 65 minutes. first-round exit at the Zhuhai Champi- “I mean the reason I lost today was China’s southern Guangdong Kyrgios said that he still onships yesterday. because I couldn’t serve. province, yesterday. hopes to play for Australia in The 24-year-old Australian, who has “If I could serve, it would have been the Davis Cup in November. been accused of tanking matches in the a pretty routine win for me, to be “So until now and then past, served underarm on one occasion honest.” I’ve got a lot of time, I can and led the veteran Italian Andreas Asked if he could sit out the next few rest, recover, get my Seppi 4-1 in the first set. weeks or even the rest of the season, shoulder right,” he said. But the unpredictable firebrand Kyrgios replied: “For sure, I mean at this Kyrgios has long divided went down 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in southern rate I wouldn’t be surprised. tennis fans. China after his game spectacularly fell “I wasn’t able to even serve at a rea- He is an undoubted apart. sonable pace. talent but has a long list of Kyrgios, who has had numerous “I’m probably not going to bother misdemeanours including run-ins with tennis authorities down the playing until I can get it right again,” he rowing with umpires and years, said that he was “struggling a lot” added. spectators, and throwing an -- but he still played doubles soon after. Kyrgios elicited a few giggles from on-court chair. “I was battling with a bit of a a sparse crowd in Zhuhai with an The Australian says he shoulder/collar bone injury,” said the underarm serve in the first set. surging into a 4-1 lead. But the Australian Kyrgios, who appears to revel as the deploys underarm serves for tactical 27th-ranked Kyrgios, a colourful but Coasting 3-1 and 40-0 up, Kyrgios faded alarmingly from there and his pre- “bad boy” of men’s tennis, repeatedly reasons, but Spanish player Rafael Nadal controversial figure. served weakly into the net, before viously dominant serve collapsed. felt his shoulder and his accused him of “lacking respect”.

Andy Murray of Britain hits a return against Murray hails ‘toughest win’ after Tennys Sandgren of the US at the Zhuhai first Tour victory since surgery Championships.

AFP The 32-year-old looked all in at the end There were glimpses of Murray at his ZHUHAI of his tussle with Sandgren, ranked 69th in best as he sealed the first set in 41 minutes the world, slumping in his chair and puffing after the American Sandgren planted a Andy Murray called it “one of the toughest out his cheeks. backhand wide. wins I’ve had” after grinding out his first “In some ways it was one of the toughest Murray, now attempting to build up his singles victory on the ATP Tour since career- wins that I’ve had,” he said, having similarly creaking body for the rigours of elite tennis, saving hip surgery in January. blown out his cheeks as he took his seat in gave a subtle fist-pump. The former number one looked the post-match press conference. The Briton squandered match point in exhausted after his milestone 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), “It’s good to see I’m still progressing and the second-set tie break as Sandgren forced 6-1 win over Tennys Sandgren at the Zhuhai making improvements. a deciding set. But the American folded in Championships. “Tonight was a really good match to get the third, seemingly affected by a foot injury A three-time Grand Slam winner but through but I’ll see how I feel tomorrow,” which required extensive strapping with him now ranked 413 in the world, the Briton has Murray added, calling it his longest match 3-0 down in the decider. competed mostly in doubles since his major since returning to tennis. Victory was a small measure of revenge surgery and recently played singles on the “It was important for me to get my first for Murray, who lost to the 28-year-old last lower-level Challenger Tour. win on Tour since the operation,” he said, month in his second singles tournament He faces seventh seed Alex de Minaur of admitting that he was tired but his hip felt since his return. After Zhuhai, the China Australia in the second round in southern fine. Now it’s pretty cool to play and not have Open in Beijing and the Shanghai Masters, China after coming through a physically pain there,” he said. Murray will return to Europe to compete in demanding test lasting more than two and Murray at least has a day’s rest with his Antwerp, making it a testing next month on a half hours. next match scheduled for Thursday. the long road to rehabilitation. 04 SPORT THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 05

Stage set for 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha

he IAAF World Athletics There has also been a change in Qatar received the flag to host the Championships, Doha 2019, composition over the years, with event in 2019 and the same flag cer- commonly referred to as the several new events, all for women, emony will take place in Doha to TWorld Championships in Ath- being added. By 2005, the only dif- hand over the flag to American city letics (WCH), is a biennial athletics ferences were men’s competition in Eugene which will host the Cham- event organized by the International the 50 km walk, and equivalent pionships in 2021. Association of Athletics Federations events in women’s 100 m hurdles Doha will be welcoming 205 (IAAF). Originally held every four and heptathlon to men’s 110 m hur- countries and 3,500 athletes with years, first in 1983, the current two- dles and decathlon. approximately 10,000 international year cycle began in 1991. In 2014, Doha applied for the guests, 30,000 spectators from out- Over the years the competition 2019 edition and won the bid to side Qatar and more than 2,000 has grown in size. In 1983 an esti- become the hosting city. Doha is the media personnel. The third biggest mated 1,300 athletes from 154 first city in the Middle East to host sporting event in the world will be countries participated. By the 2003 this event in the history of athletics, broadcast to more than 200 coun- competition, in Paris, it had grown edging out Eugene (USA) and Bar- tries reaching out to more than 7 to 1,907 athletes from 203 countries celona (Spain). million viewers. In addition to that, A hammer is transported along the field by a remote controlled car at the with coverage being transmitted to In August 2017, the Champion- the IAAF Congress elections took Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. 179 different countries. ships took place in London where place in Doha yesterday.

A view of the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha ahead of the IAAF World Athletics Championships. FIRST EVER MIDNIGHT Marathon, the longest race on the Olym- pic programme, can be traced back to the Battle of MARATHON MarathonM in 490 BC when a Greek soldier named Pheidippi- desdes ran over 42 km from the scene of the battle to to deliver the news of a military victory over the invading Persians. Pheidippides,Pheidippid who died from exhaustion after supposedly having run 150 miles thethe day day before befo as well, was the inspiration behind the introduction of marathon to the Olympic program in the first edition of the Summer Olympics in 1896. The race covered a distance of 40 km in the first edition of the modern Games before being extended to 26 miles on the imperial measurement. A further 385 yards were added in the London 1908 Games and that distance was standardised in 1921. A women’s marathon event was added to the Olympic programme in 1984. Doha 2019 will see the debut of midnight marathon at the IAAF World Athletics Champion- ships. The event will be one to watch especially as it takes place along Doha’s iconic Corniche and against a backdrop of the beautifully-illuminated skyline. “I think this is an innovation. It’s very different. It will actually meet some of the needs of some of the big marathon markets around the world, and clearly we need to think also about the nature of the athletes themselves and their welfare,” the IAAF President Sebastian Coe said. Speaking about the athletes’ views on the first-ever World Championships midnight marathon, Coe said: “They are very excited,” and ABOUT ATHLETICS added that a lot of marathon runners are supportive of the idea. I think Track number signs are placed in a line inside the iconic Khalifa International Stadium in Doha ahead of the IAAF World Athletics Championships. Qatar is ready to welcome thousands of fans and competitors for the fact that the public and the television viewers will be able thletics is a sport in which a series run- the World Athletics Championships starting tomorrow, an event seen as a staging post towards the 2022 to see it is set against such a stunning FIFA World Cup. backdrop,” he added. ning, jumping, throwing and walking Aevents are contested. The word “athlet- ics” has its roots in the Ancient Greek language and is the oldest organized sport. Athletics competitions are decided by either the best time, longest distance or high- est jumps depending on the contested event. The sport is considered the easiest to practice thanks to its simplicity and easy access to its equipment, which doesn’t cost a lot of money either.

DISCIPLINES 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 5000M, 10000M PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA 3000M Steeplechase 100M Hurdles, 400M Hurdles 4x100M Relay, 4x400M Relay Long Jump, , Triple Jump Hammer Throw Pole Vault Shot put, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw Decathlon, Heptathlon Road Races: Marathon and 50 KM & 20 KM Race Walk

Starting blocks are seen on the track of the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha ahead of the IAAF World PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Athletics Championships. 06 SPORT THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2019

Samoa’s Lee-Lo, Matu’u cited over foul play AFP TOKYO

Cardiff Blues centre Rey Lee-Lo and London Irish hooker Motu Matu’u were cited yesterday for acts of foul play in Samoa’s bruising 34-9 World Cup opening win over Russia. The pair will attend hearings before an independent judicial committee at a date to be agreed with the players and their representatives. Samoa winger Ed Fidow also received a citing com- missioner warning for an act of foul play in the same match. “This remains on his disciplinary record in the event that he accumulates any combination of three warnings or yellow cards during the tournament,” World Rugby Uruguay’s Juan Manuel Cat scores their third try during a Rugby World Cup said in a statement. 2019, Pool D match against at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Samoa, World Cup quarter-finalists in 1991 and 1995, Kamaishi, Japan, yesterday. Uruguay won 30-27. were reduced to 13 men in the first half after Lee-Lo and Matu’u were both yellow-carded by French referee Romain Poite for separate high tackles on Russia captain Vasily Artemyev. In both cases, Poite decided against giving a red card, saying there were mitigating circumstances for the high shots as Artemyev stooped as he was tackled. Uruguay shock Fiji in Refereeing has been in the spotlight after World Rugby took the unusual step of criticising standards at the World Cup, following a number of controversies. Samoa play Scotland in Kobe on Monday before taking on Japan on October 5 in Toyota City and round World Cup’s first upset off their Pool A games against Ireland a week later in Fukuoka.

AFP the seventh minute, Mesulame KAMAISHI, JAPAN Dolokoto dotting down to com- Real quake shakes Kamaishi plete a slick line-out move that Scotland: There was Underdogs Uruguay pulled off the came after a delightful chip and greatest win in their history to beat catch by fullback Alivereti after Uruguay rattle Fiji anger but time now Fiji 30-27 yesterday, the first upset Veitokani. AP at the Rugby World Cup in Japan But Uruguay hit back via a KAMAISHI just 10 months after conceding to get over Ireland after a pulsating game at the mazy run from scrum-half San- 68 points to them. It was also Kamaishi Recovery Stadium. tiago Arata, one of the smallest Just 90 minutes after Uruguay Uruguay’s first World Cup win The South Americans had only players on the pitch, who evaded shook the Rugby World Cup with in 16 years. AP ever won two games at the World several tackles before touching an upset win over Fiji, the venue “It’s an honor to play here,” KOBE Cup and are ranked nine places down under the posts for an easy in Kamaishi was shaken for real Uruguay captain Juan Manuel below the more celebrated Pacific conversion. by a moderate earthquake Gaminara said. It’s taken Scotland a few days to get over Ireland. There islanders, whom they had never Fiji’s huge forward superiority yesterday. The new stadium was sited was a team meeting and some hard truths were spelled beaten. eventually told as prop Eroni Mawi The quake was clearly felt by where two schools sat before out. It was uncomfortable but necessary, the players said. But they capitalised on an bundled over from close range. But everyone still at Kamaishi they were washed away on There was anger and frustration. error-strewn performance by Fiji, Uruguay, ranked nine places below Recovery Memorial Stadium, a March 11, 2011. All of the children Scotland has a new setting to refocus in after the 27-3 whose hopes of qualifying for the Fiji, refused to go away and again frightening reminder of the day escaped, although a woman drubbing in Yokohama to open their Rugby World Cup. knock-out stages now hang by a took the lead as No 8 Manuel Diana nine years ago the northeastern working in the elementary The Scots are in a high-rise hotel in Kobe with a view thread. barged over for a converted try. Japanese town was devastated school stayed behind and over the port city’s attractive skyline and a chance to The thrilling game had a much And the minnows leapt further by a magnitude-9 earthquake perished. look up again. deeper significance as it was ahead with 26 minutes on the and tsunami that killed just over Her body has never been “We’re going to have to put Ireland behind us,” played in Kamaishi, one of the clock, Juan Manuel Cat finishing 1,000 local people. found. Scotland flyhalf said yesterday. towns hardest-hit by the 2011 off a flowing move down the left. With the arrival of the Rugby Rui Horaguchi, who is now The squad’s been stewing on the loss to their Six earthquake and tsunami that dev- A penalty just before half-time World Cup in the rugby-mad 18 and escaped by running from Nations rival for three days. astated north-eastern Japan. gave battling Uruguay a deserved fishing village, the tragedy was the school, told reporters before Scotland was completely outplayed. Lacked The stadium, the only purpose- 24-12 lead at the break. memorialized by the presence the match of her ordeal. And she aggression and energy in the words of coach Gregor built venue at the Rugby World Fiji had taken a shock lead of of Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino thanked those who helped. Townsend in the immediate aftermath. They were never Cup, was built on the site of a their own into the second half of and his wife, Crown Princess Volunteers also unfurled a in it. Desperate disappointment inside the squad has school destroyed by the waves and their defeat by Australia, but this Kiko, gratitude from both teams banner on the field before the been exacerbated by furious criticism from fans and com- hosting the match was seen as a time they found themselves to be there, a minute’s silence match. It read: “Thank you for mentators back home. powerful sign of recovery. needing a dramatic comeback. before kickoff by the sold-out your support during the 3.11 Scotland’s recent history of poor starts in games isn’t As Japan’s Crown Prince After missed a crowd of 14,000, and a match earthquake and tsunami.” over. The Scots conceded three tries and were down 19-3 Akishino looked on, the crowd relatively simple penalty that worthy of the occasion. Kamaishi will also host after 25 minutes. observed a moment’s silence to would have steadied the nerves, Uruguay won a thriller 30-27 Namibia and Canada for a Rugby “I don’t think there was one boy who came off the remember the more than 1,000 lock finished off for its first win over the Fijians World Cup match on October 13. pitch who had the best game, myself included,” Russell people killed in the tsunami, a move that featured a sensational said. “We had a long time to get ready for this game... we several children in the crowd off-load. just never performed.” removing their caps and bowing And replacement scrum-half up a nail-biting last 10 minutes. they clung on for dear life in the There’s been plenty of anger and frustration, Russell their heads in prayer. dived over fol- Fiji threw everything at final stages, Matawalu’s last- said, but it’s time to put that away. It’s not going to help With emotions running high, lowing an outrageous dummy to Uruguay, but a Felipe Berchesi minute try not enough to prevent against Samoa on Monday night in Kobe. The Samoans Fiji were first on the scoresheet in closed the gap to 22-27 and set penalty took them out of sight and victory. will thrive if the Scots lose their heads and the game turns fast and furious. “If we try and play (Samoa) on Australian winger Hodge frustration and anger, it’s not going to happen. We need to stick to our banned for three matches structure and stick to what we do rather than thinking we’re going to REUTERS beat them with anger and frus- TOKYO tration. That’s not how you win international test matches.” Australian winger Reece Hodge will miss three World Cup matches The Ireland loss cost Scotland after being found guilty of a dangerous tackle on Fiji’s more than just pride. Scotland lost at a disciplinary hearing yesterday. back-rower Hamish Watson and Hodge’s no-arms tackle caught the Fijian flanker in the head in scrumhalf Ali Price for the rest of the 26th minute of the Pool D opener in Sapporo on Saturday but the tournament with injury. Flanker the Wallabies back was cleared of an offence by the matchday Watson’s physical presence will officials. especially be missed against Samoa. He was cited on Sunday and will now miss Australia’s crunch Samoa could be a couple of men clash with Six Nations champions Wales on Sunday as well as the down in Kobe, too. Some of the matches against Uruguay on Oct 5 and Georgia on Oct 11. Samoan aggression was a little over World Rugby said in a statement that the committee had deter- the top in the win over Russia. mined that Hodge should have been shown a red card but the pun- Center Rey Lee-Lo and hooker ishment was halved from six weeks because of his “exemplary dis- Motu Matu’u have been cited for ciplinary record, good character and conduct at the hearing”. dangerous high tackles and could Hodge, who may appeal the decision within 48 hours, will be be banned. free to play again in the knockout stages of the tournament should While Russell said Scotland had Australia progress. Yato, who had been the most influential player to take the loss against Ireland “on on the pitch up to that point, missed the rest of the match and was the chin” and bounce back, forced to sit out yesterday’s game against Uruguay in Kamaishi to teammate Jamie Ritchie has done complete concussion protocols. just that, although the blow was on The ruling that Hodge should have received a red card will be his cheek. an embarrassment for World Rugby and there might be more on Ritchie is back with the squad the way after Samoans Rey Lee-lo and Motu Matu’u were cited for and available for the Samoa game Fiji’s fly-half (centre) is tackled by Uruguay’s centre Juan Manuel Cat (left) and Uruguay’s dangerous high tackles yesterday. The pair were shown yellow after recovering from a broken hooker German Kessler during their Rugby World Cup, Pool D match at the Kamaishi Recovery cards for the hits on Vasily Artemyev in Tuesday’s 34-9 victory over cheekbone in a warmup with Russia in Kumagaya. Memorial Stadium in Kamaishi yesterday. Georgia. THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07

Benn aims for comeback 23 years after his last fight Britain’s 55-year-old Benn is scheduled to attend a REUTERS refused to grant Benn a licence, LONDON news conference in London today, with British media with the fight to be sanctioned Nigel Benn reporting he would announce a November 23 fight in by the British and Irish Boxing Britain’s 55-year-old Nigel Benn Birmingham against 40-year-old Cameroon-born Sakio Authority (BIBA). is set to announce his comeback Bika, a former WBC super-middleweight champion. “We were approached by to boxing 23 years after his last Nigel Benn a few months ago professional fight, his promoter Benn, nicknamed ‘The Dark Destroyer’, has a inquiring whether we would was quoted as saying on grant him a licence, but he was Tuesday. 42-5-1 record, including 35 wins by KO. told that we would not consider “I wouldn’t support Nigel if it, given his age and how long I didn’t believe he was fit to box,’ in Birmingham against WBC super-middleweight title he has been away from the Mark Peters told the BBC. 40-year-old Cameroon-born from 1992-96. His last fight was sport,” the Telegraph quoted Benn is scheduled to attend Sakio Bika, a former WBC in November 1996 when he lost BBBoC general secretary Robert a news conference in London super-middleweight to Irishman Steve Collins. Smith as saying. today, with British media champion. The Daily Telegraph Benn, nicknamed ‘The Dark reporting he would announce a Benn held the WBO middle- reported that the British Boxing Destroyer’, has a 42-5-1 record, November 23 fight weight title in 1990 and also the Board of Control (BBBoc) including 35 wins by KO. NBA: Nets’ GM Nationals clinch play-off berth expects Durant to miss entire with DH sweep over Phillies

REUTERS Angels 3, A’s 2 2019-20 season WASHINGTON Albert Pujols’ fifth- inning sacrifice fly snapped REUTERS Trea Turner hit a sixth- a tie and helped lift Los NEW YORK inning grand slam, and the Angeles to a win over Washington Nationals Oakland in Anaheim, Calif. Brooklyn Nets’ General Manager Sean Marks rallied past the Philadelphia Dillon Peters (4-3) confirmed on Tuesday that forward Kevin Durant Phillies 6-5 on Tuesday tossed five innings of (pictured) is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 night, sweeping a double- two-run ball, getting help season as he recovers from a torn right Achilles header and clinching a from four relievers who sustained in June. National League play-off combined to shut out the A’s “His rehab is going very well,” Marks told reporters. berth. over the final four innings. “With Kevin, I think what we’re going to say is, the Washington entered the Hansel Robles pitched the expectations are that he’ll be out for the year.” nightcap with its magic ninth for his 23rd save. Marks did leave the door cracked for that plan to number at two. When Daniel Oakland has lost two in change depending on how Durant feels about his own Hudson retired the Phillies a row for the first time since progress. Durant signed a four-year, $164m contract in the ninth for his second August 31 to September 1. with the Nets in July, after his former team, the Golden save of the day, the Washington Nationals The Athletics’ lead in the State Warriors, lost the NBA Finals to the Toronto Nationals stayed on the field. shortstop Trea Turner three-team race for the two Raptors in six games. He ruptured his right Achilles Minutes later, the Pittsburgh hits a grand slam against American League wild cards tendon in Game 5 of the Finals. Pirates defeated the Chicago the Philadelphia Phillies was reduced to just a half- Kuzma likely to miss training camp Cubs 9-2, and Washington on Tuesday. game over the Rays and one Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma could was celebrating being back game over the Indians. miss the start of training camp due to a left foot injury, in the play-offs after a one- Brewers 4, Reds 2 the New York Times’ Marc Stein reported. year absence. Ryan Braun belted a solo Kuzma, 24, was forced to withdraw from Team Yan Gomes also homer among his two hits USA consideration this summer with what was homered for the Nationals, as visiting Milwaukee inched described as an ankle injury. who lead the Milwaukee closer to a postseason berth The Lakers open practice on Saturday amid Brewers by one game for used 30 players and 13 316 strikeouts. Rays 2, Yankees 1 (12 with a victory over optimism for an improved season after acquiring home-field advantage in the pitchers, both franchise Dodgers 6, Padres 3 innings) Cincinnati. All-NBA Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pel- wild-card game. records. Max Muncy hit the first Ji-Man Choi homered to Twins 4, Tigers 2 icans in the offseason to pair with LeBron James. Turner had three hits in Astros 3, Mariners 0 grand slam of his career, and lead off the 12th inning and Willians Astudillo and Warriors sign Chriss the first game, a 4-1 Wash- Gerrit Cole pitched eight Los Angeles pitchers Tampa Bay defeated New Eddie Rosario each had The Warriors signed free agent forward Marquese ington win. The Phillies seven shutout innings on a -- starting with Rich Hill -- York in St. Petersburg, Fla., two-run hits in a four-run Chriss to a one-year deal, according to a report by were eliminated from play- historic night as Houston yielded just three runs on to remain a half-game seventh inning, and Min- Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. off contention with the continued its mastery of five hits as the visiting ahead of Cleveland for the nesota inched closer to its SubsequentSubsequent reports addedadded thatthat defeat in the opener. host Seattle and moved 1 1/2 Dodgers defeated San Diego. second wild-card spot. first American League thet h e deald eal is n o t Diamondbacks 3, Car- games ahead of the New With the victory, the The Rays earned their Central title in nine years guaranteed.guaranteed. dinals 2 York Yankees in the race Dodgers are now assured of 18th win in 24 games when with a victory at Detroit. Chriss,Chriss, pickedpicked Ildemaro Vargas lined a for the best record in the finishing the regular season Choi lifted a 2-2 slider from The Twins, who eightheighth overalloverall in the 20162016 walk-off single with two majors and home-field with the best overall record Cory Gearrin (1-3) over the improved to 12-5 against draftdraft by tthehe PPhoenixhoenix Suns, outs in the 19th inning to advantage throughout the in the National League. right-field fence. It was Choi’s Detroit this season, lowered splisplitt tthehe 2018-19 seasseasonon give Arizona a victory over play-offs. Los Angeles took a 5-0 18th homer and second their magic number for wiwithth the HHoustonouston Rockets St. Louis in Phoenix, Cole (19-5) allowed only lead before San Diego career walk-off homer. clinching the division to two. ana nd CClevelandleveland breaking the Cardinals’ six- two hits and struck out 14 scored three times in the Yankees third baseman Jake Odorizzi (15-7) held Cavaliers.Cavaliers. game winning streak in the without issuing a walk. fifth. Hill, who was wearing Gio Urshela exited in the the Tigers to one run on two longest game in Arizona He matched his career a brace to protect his left seventh after being hit in hits and a walk while franchise history. high for victories set in 2015 knee, worked two innings, the left hand an inning striking out seven in six Kevin Ginkel (3-0) with Pittsburgh and sur- as expected. He allowed no earlier. He remained in the innings. pitched the top of the 19th passed the Astros’ franchise runs and no hits while com- game to run the bases after He was removed after for the victory in a game that record for single-season piling five strikeouts against being hit, and then played 93 pitches due to hamstring lasted 6 hours, 53 minutes, strikeouts (313), set by JR two walks. Kenley Jansen a half-inning on defense at tightness. Taylor Rogers got the longest in Chase Field Richard in 1978. Cole now pitched a scoreless ninth to third before being the last three outs for his history. The Diamondbacks has a major-league-leading pick up his 31st save. substituted. 29th save.

Artemi Panarin Panarin powers Rangers to 3-1 victory (foreground) celebrates with his team-mate AP saves on 17 shots. Jordan Eberle got the game, and Chris Driedger fin- faced in the first two periods. Jake on Tuesday. NEW YORK his fourth goal of the preseason in ished with seven saves. Alexander Oettinger had 13 saves in the third. the third period for the Islanders. Volkov, Anthony Cirelli and Mikhail Jake Allen had 16 shots for St. Louis. Artemi Panarin scored twice to lead Thomas Greiss stopped 27 shots. Sergachev scored for Tampa Bay, Flames Blank Jets 2-0 the New York Rangers to a 3-1 Kravtsov, the ninth overall pick and Andrei Vasilevskiy gave up all In Calgary, Alberta, Sean preseason win over the rival in the 2018 NHL draft, opened the six goals on 24 shots. Monahan and Sam Bennett scored Islanders on Tuesday night at scoring at 2:07 of the second Stars Edge Blues 2-1 33 seconds apart in the second Madison Square Garden. period, and Panarin made it 2-0 at In St. Louis, Jason Dickinson period, and the Flames beat the Panarin, the Rangers’ big free- 8:43. and John Klingberg scored to lead Winnipeg Jets 2-0. agent addition this summer, played Barkov leads Panthers Past the Dallas Stars to a 2-1 win over Monahan scored a power-play with both linemates Mika Zibanejad Lightning the defending champion Blues. goal to get the Flames on the score- and Pavel Buchnevich for the first In Sunrise, Florida, Aleksander Dickinson got the Stars on the board with 6:23 left in the middle time. Buchnevich had an assist on Barkov had two goals and an assist scoreboard at 7:56 of the first, and period. Bennett doubled the lead Panarin’s first goal, and Zibanejad to help the Florida Panthers beat Klingberg’s power-play goal with with 5:50 to go. David Rittich had assisted on his empty-netter with the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3. 3:24 left in the second made it 2-0. 20 saves for the Flames. Eric 16 seconds left. Jonathan Huberdeau, Dominic Ryan O’Reilly cut the Blues’ Comrie started in goal for the Jets Vitali Kravtsov also scored for Toninato, Denis Malgin and Frank deficit in half with a tip-in with 4:43 and had 18 saves in the first two Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist started Vatrano also scored for Florida. left in the third. periods, and Mikhail Berdin and stopped all 13 shots he faced, Sergei Bobrovsky started and Landon Bow started in goal for stopped all 13 shots he faced in the and Alexandar Georgiev had 16 stopped 12 of 14 shots in his half of Dallas and stoped all 15 shots he third. THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 08 There’s no point for me Nick Kyrgios after aggravating a to play if I can’t really shoulder injury during his TODAY’S ACTION serve, because serving defeat against Andreas ITALY VS CANADA (POOL B) 10:45 Qatar time is my strength, my Seppi at the Zhuhai Vs USA (POOL C) 13:45am Qatar time favourite shot. Championships yesterday.

Benjamin out to challenge Samba, Warholm

CHINTHANA WASALA season with a dominant record the 400m hurdles and I am THE PENINSULA where he remained unbeaten. looking forward to it,”Benjamin Samba won the Asian Champi- said yesterday. Qatari one-lap hurdler Abder- onships gold in front of the home Apart from the trio who rahman Samba and current time crowd earlier this year, and have already cleared the 47 leader Karsten Warholm of topped it with a win at Shanghai It’s not like we second barrier, Commonwealth are among the top medal Diamond League, clocking 47.27. have only one champion and two-time hopefuls at the IAAF World His spectacular feat has put race, There will be Diamond League title holder Championships Doha 2019, but him on the list of top favourites two three days of Kyron McMaster from the US athlete Rai Benjamin will be to win in Doha which time, but British Virgin Islands and trying to make things harder for his current form is unknown to racing (from heats France’s European Team them. many because an injury kept him to the final). So we Championships runner-up The 22-year old American is away from the track for the past will come to know Ludvy Vaillant are also not to one of the world’s four quickest few weeks. be underestimated. men in history. And Benjamin is also among where everyone McMaster and Vaillant are Samba clocked a time of those who are not aware of stands out. As far have clocked the fourth and 46.98 secs at the Diamond where Samba stands in the I know, it’s still fifth fastest times this year. League Meeting in Paris last year, current list of top performers. Benjamin’s compatriot TJ before Warholm inched closer Speaking at a press con- hard to say who is Holmes, the 2017 World Cham- to the World Record held by ference at the Khalifa Interna- ahead of who: pionships fifth-place finisher, American Kevin Young (46.78) tional Stadium, Benjamin said US athlete Rai Benjamin speaks during a press conference in Doha, Rai Benjamin Amere Lattin, the 2016 world way back in 1992. yesterday: “I don’t know about yesterday. PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA U20 110m hurdles silver med- The London 2017 World him (Samba). He hasn’t run for a allist, ’s 2015 World Champion Warholm ran the while, but I know where Karsten Championships finalist Patryk second fastest lap in the history is at.” “As far I know, its still hard up against each other in their months ago will be looking at Dobek, Rio finalist Rasmus Magi (46.92) in Zurich where Benjamin “It’s not like we have only to say who is ahead of who,” quest for the elusive gold at the the biggest stage now when he of Estonia, Pan American joined the sub-47-club by fin- one race. There will be two three Benjamin added. air-cooled Khalifa International competes among a star-studded champion Alison Dos Santos of ishing second by equaling days of racing (from heats to the However, Samba’s absence Stadium in few days’ time. line-up in Doha. Brazil and his compatriot Samba’s feat in the same race. final). So we will come to know from recent evens don’t make Benjamin who won his first “This is my first World Marcio Teles are also among The 23-year-old Qatari where everyone stands out,” him an underdog, so Benjamin, national title at the 2019 USATF Championships and I am very the rest of the forces to be athlete won Diamond Prize last Benjamin said. Warholm and the Qatari will be Outdoor Championships few excited. It’s a strong line-up in reckoned with.

The Doha Corniche is ready to host the inaugural Khalifa Stadium’s World Championships midnight marathon tomorrow. cooling system impresses US athletes

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

American athletes yesterday gave thumbs up to the innovative cooling system at the Khalifa International Stadium. The US squad, which arrived in Doha on Tuesday, seemed ‘impressed’ with the state-of—the-art tech- nology at the iconic venue, which will also matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 will be the third major athletics event, which the Khalifa International Stadium will host after the innovative cooling system was installed. The system was also used during the Asian Ath- letics Championships and earlier this year. “We are very comfortable and I am very impressed,” said US steeplechase star Emma Coburn yesterday. “My first experience is that when we walked at the stadium from the car, we were super sweaty but after reaching the venue it felt very good,” she said. “We are looking forward to more good experience in the championships after that we will get the right idea,” she added. Women’s 400m hurdles world record holder Doha ready for first night marathon Dalilah Muhammad said she toured Doha before and was impressed with the innovative technology. RIZWAN REHMAT marathon will be held on October The first night race is the really good performances. The city “I loved the cooling system on my first visit. As a THE PENINSULA 5. women’s marathon with the of Doha has everything in place to sprinter, the temperature doesn’t affects me much Coe, who was re-elected for runners set to register the ensure a successful championships but I am actually happy that my parents will sit in the The first-ever night marathon at another term as IAAF President best time over 26.2 miles for both competitors and AC,” she smiled. an IAAF World Athletics Champi- yesterday, said medical teams will (42.195 km). According to the spectators.” Rio gold medalist Ryan Crouser also echoed her onships - set to kick off tomorrow be at hand to look after athletes event schedule, the men’s and The loop route on the Corniche team-mates’ views. - will be nothing short of a sports who may require medical attention. women’s 50km walk is set for stretch - beginning from in front of “The conditions are very good and we are happy,” spectacle when the runners “We have to mindful all the 23:59 on Saturday while the the Amiri Diwan all the way to Crouser said. complete the long distance battle time about the welfare of the ath- location of Sheraton Doha - one of Star 400m hurdler Rai Benjamin said yesterday: men’s marathon will be held around Doha’s waterfront called letes,” Coe, a former athlete from the city’s premier landmarks - have “They did a very good job with the temperatures and on October 5. the Corniche. Great Britain, said. been illuminated with extra lighting it’s very comfortable to be competing. It’s impressive.” All arrangements along the “We have a medical team that that meets the IAAF standards. Corniche stretch have been com- will monitor these conditions all LED screens have been placed pleted with organisers making sure the time. We have been monitoring event, said: “Doha has everything in at suitable distances for the viewing the welfare of the athletes is not it over the period we have been place to ensure a successful cham- public to follow the action live. The compromised. here in Doha,” he said. pionships for both competitors and Local Organising Committee (LOC) “We have extra precautions, “It is simple things like making spectators in what is going to be a has set up a media centre for the more medical support,” IAAF Pres- sure there is more medical super- truly memorable event in which home and visiting journalists cov- ident Sebastian Coe said vision out there, there is more thousands of people can attend and ering the night marathon. Fans can yesterday. water available. make sure they are part of sporting also make use of the local Metro to The first night race is the “Our medical teams we are in history in the Middle East.” reach Corniche via Red Line women’s marathon with the touch with all the time and I will All-time great Paulda Radcliffe, services, it was announced runners set to register the best time defer those judgments to them, they who has visited Doha in the past, yesterday. over 26.2 miles (42.195 km). are also mindful of the athlete’s said “It’s exciting from a competi- The same stretch was success- According to the event welfare,” the two-time Olympic tor’s point of view because it’s fully used for Tour of Qatar cycling schedule, the men’s and women’s Games gold medallist added. unique. For spectators, to see that races for more than a decade by 50km walk is set for 23:30 on IAAF Vice President Dahlan Al backdrop as well is impressive and organisers of the event drawing Saturday while the men’s Hamad in the build up to the 10-day hopefully we’re going to see some huge crowds.