RUGBY | Page 6 CRICKET | Page 7 Scotland keep Pakistan beat World Cup Lanka in hopes alive with historic Karachi Samoa win one-dayer

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 FORMULA 1 Safar 2, 1441 AH Sprint legend Lewis’ GULF TIMES advice: Focus on timing, not medal SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT / MEN’S HIGH JUMP QUALIFICATION: 4:50PM FOCUS Barshim aims for 2006 host Doha targets golden glory in Qatar 2030 Asiad After a tough few months, high jump champ is determined to make history at home

By Sahan Bidappa formers on the night. Hot on his heels will be this Doha With home crowd rooting for year’s world leader Maksim Ne- him at the Khalifa International dasekau. The 21-year-old Bela- Stadium, Barshim will need no rusian improved to 2.35m to win t’s been a harrowing last extra inspiration and is ready to the Europe-USA match in Minsk 14 months for Mutaz soar high again. On the eve of his earlier this month, but that is his Barshim. After the high event, Barshim spoke of his road only leap better than 2.30m this of 2017, when the Qatari to recovery. season. Ibecame the world high jump champion and was named World Athlete of the Year, Barshim had a nightmarish end to 2018. Just when it looked like sky is the limit for Barshim, he suff ered upported by a high-ener- in 2006 was a big success with a serious ankle injury in July last gy presentation captur- the participation of all 45 Na- year that not just scuppered his ing the thriving sports tional Olympic Committees of chances of breaking the 26-year- movement in Doha, the OCA,” added al-Buenain. old world record but also ruled theS Qatar Olympic Committee “Almost 10,000 athletes took him out of the action for rest “What was crazy was when Russians Ilya Ivanyuk and (QOC) announced its bid to host part in 424 events in 39 sports. of the year. What’s worse was I got out of surgery, a few hours Mikhail Akimenko have chiselled the 2030 Asian Games during the Now we are intending to host the Barshim sustained injury while he ago, I was trying to jump a world together good seasons, both top- Olympic Council of Asia Execu- 2030 Asian Games.” came tantalisingly close to scaling record, and a few hours later I ping 2.33m and 2.31m. Andriy tive Board meeting on Saturday. The presentation came as Doha a would-be 2.46m world record at couldn’t even walk,” said the Ol- Protsenko of Ukraine, the fourth- QOC secretary-general Jassim hosted the IAAF World Athletics the Gyulai Memorial in Szekesfe- ympic bronze and silver medallist place fi nisher at the 2016 Olympic Rashid al-Buenain described Championships and prepares to hervar, Hungary. in 2012 and 2016 respectively. Games, topped a 2.31m season’s Doha as “the world capital of welcome the 206-member As- Since then, it’s not only been a Now Barshim is determined best to win the Diamond League sports events” and said the Asian sociation of National Olympic battle to get fi t for the 28-year-old to make history at his home turf. title last month. Games in 2030 would strengthen Committees for the inaugural but also reclaim his rightful place “I’m a person that loves sports. I Then there’s Bogdan Bondar- the partnership between the QOC ANOC World Beach Games from at the top. Barshim made a win- really love track and fi eld. I like enko, the 2013 world champion, and the Olympic sports move- October 12-16 followed by the ning comeback at Sopot Grand to be active. It was a big chal- who topped 2.31m earlier this sea- ment in Asia and the world. ANOC General Assembly and Prix Athletics in Poland in June lenge having to do the most, son despite continuing struggles “This is the start of a new, ex- Awards on October 17-18. with a modest jump of 2.27m, with the least training. But hey, with injury. Syria’s Majd Eddin citing chapter in Qatar’s sports Further ahead is the FIFA before fi nishing second with the I’m here though! We’ve got one Ghazal, the world bronze medal- journey,” he told the OCA Execu- World Cup in 2022, when Qatar same mark at the London Dia- more target to go, at the World list, is piecing together a season of tive Board members during the will present eight futuristic sta- mond League in July. But a 2.20m Championships. I hope for the fi rsts which he hopes to add to in meeting at the City Centre Ro- diums to welcome the world’s at the Diamond League fi nal in best then,” added Barshim. Doha: jumping at Khalifa Stadi- tana Hotel. football fans to the Middle East. Zurich, where he fi nished a dis- One thing that will favour um, he took his fi rst Asian title in The presentation highlighted The sports development has tant 10th, shows it will take some Barshim is the overall level of the Doha in April at 2.31m and in July the enthusiasm for sport at all been accompanied by transport time before Barshim attains his event at the moment. Nineteen topped 2.30m in London to secure levels, from community pro- infrastructure projects such as peak. entrants in Doha have topped his fi rst career IAAF Diamond grammes to foster a healthy and the airport and Metro. The later-than-usual sched- 2.30m or better this season, but of League victory. active population to the world- In welcoming the OCA EB uling of the World Champi- those, only four have successfully Others to consider include 2018 class sports and support facili- members to Doha, the OCA onships at his home turf has sailed over 2.33m. On only one Diamond League winner Brandon ties in Doha to the major interna- President Sheikh Ahmad al-Fa- given Barshim an extra time occasion has a championships- Starc of Australia, who has topped tional events to have been hosted had al-Sabah said: “We have a and cushion to defend his title. eligible jumper who has topped 2.30m twice, most recently in by Doha. lot of nice and great memories of It will be foolhardy to rule out 2.31m not emerged from a com- Zurich; China’s Wang Yu, who These included the Qatar Ol- Doha. It is always a very suitable Barshim winning any silver- petition victorious. topped 2.31m and 2.30m for vic- ympic Academy, Aspire Acad- city for sports events and we will ware this Friday. However, it So a jump of 2.30m, or even tories in Shanghai and Nanjing; emy, the Aspetar sports science never forget the Asian Games in will be interesting to see how 2.29m, might be enough for 2016 world indoor champion and medicine centre, the com- 2006 as one of our great games. I he tackles the qualification to- Barshim to reach the podium Gianmarco Tamberi, who is also mitment to the development of am very happy and proud to see a day, where the mark to qualify at the World Championships. on the rebound from injury; and women and sport and the anti- lot of legacy in the city. Doha has for the final is set at 2.31m. He But the Qatari will have enough 22-year-old Cuban Luis Zayas, doping lab. become one of the main destina- would also sail into the final competition to counter this who topped 2.30m to take the “Regarding major sports tions in the world of sport.” if he is one of the 12 best per- time. Pan-American Games crown. events, the Asian Games in Doha (Olympic Council of Asia)

REPORT Liu leads a Chinese sweep of 20km walk IAAF American record-holder Erica De was struggling to match the pace metre of 4:09, giving her a fi nal Doha Sena of Brazil. of the leaders and the Colombian 5km split of 21:51. Shortly before seven kilo- started to drop away from the Liu crossed the line victori- metres, Australia’s rising talent pack. Qieyang, meanwhile, con- ous in 1:32:54 to win a record aving only just returned Katie Hayward was the fi rst race tinued to lead with her Chinese third world 20km race walk ti- this season from a two- walker to be shown their fourth teammates close by. tle. Qieyang (1:33:10) and Yang year maternity break, red paddle and she was duly dis- The racing ramped up at about (1:33:17) completed the historic 32-year-old Liu Hong qualifi ed. 17km when Qieyang and Liu start- podium sweep for China. Fol- Hlanded her third world 20km race The lead pack started to thin ed to pull away slightly from the lowing the country’s 1-2 fi nish in walk title, looking every bit as out after eight kilometres, which others. De Sena started to show her the 50km event 24 hours prior, it dominant as she did when win- was covered in 38:31. A few fi rst signs of distress, while Yang meant China won fi ve of the six ning her previous major gold minutes later, Liu, Qieyang and Liujing and Yang Jiayu didn’t seem medals on off er in women’s race medals. Morejon moved to the front and capable of matching the speed walking events in Doha. It was also the fi rst time one stretched out the pack, leav- their compatriots were producing. As was the case at the 2017 nation had swept the medals in ing just nine women in the lead Liu made her fi rst bid for glory World Championships in Lon- a women’s race walking event group as they reached the half- with a lap to go, having covered don, De Sena and Arenas fi nished at the World Championships as way point in 47:51. the 18th kilometre in 4:24. Mo- fourth and fi fth respectively. her Chinese teammates Qieyang De Sena was next to make a ments later, Yang Jiayu was dis- Japanese duo Kumiko Okada Shenjie and Yang Liujing fol- move, darting into the lead as qualifi ed and had to step off the and Nanako Fujii worked togeth- lowed her across the fi nish line. they approached 11 kilometres, course, ending her hopes of a er throughout the second half of But it was only in the last few forcing Germany’s Saskia Feige second successive medal. the race to advance through the kilometres that the Chinese trio off the back of the pack. The It left three Chinese women fi eld, eventually fi nishing sixth emerged as the likely medallists Gold medallist Hong Liu (centre) of China poses with compatriots and silver medallist Shenjie Qieyang Chinese quartet soon caught up out in front with De Sena trying and seventh. European champion as they had several other athletes and bronze medallist Lijuing Yang during the medal ceremony for the women’s 20km race walk at Khalifa with De Sena, but it soon became her best to stay close to third- Maria Perez also fi nished strong- for company up until that point. International Stadium yesterday. (Reuters) clear that the pace wasn’t going place Yang Liujing. As the fi nal ly, taking eighth place. Unsurprisingly, the pace for the to drop and the race was turning lap progressed, the gaps be- Despite the 31C heat and 75% opening laps of the two-kilometre pack of about 20 women passed fourth Chinese race walker, Yang da Morejon of Ecuador, Turk- into a war of attrition. tween the leading trio opened humidity, 38 of the 46 athletes circuit on Doha’s Corniche was through fi ve kilometres in 24:01. Jiayu, a wild card entrant as the ish teenager Meryem Bekmez, The next few kilometres were up, thanks in part to Liu’s pe- completed the race. Three were comfortable for most of the lead- Liu, Qieyang and Yang were defending champion, along with Pan-American champion Sandra each covered within 4:40. With nultimate kilometre of 4:17. She disqualifi ed and three did not ing contenders and a large lead joined in that lead pack by a the likes of world leader Glen- Arenas of Colombia and South 15km reached in 1:11:02, Arenas closed with an even quicker kilo- fi nish. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 1, 2019

FOCUS Local Organising Committee statement on Khalifa Stadium attendance “After two solid days of attendance, (70% on Day 1 and 67% on Day 2), numbers were down on our expectations on Day 3, under 50%, which coincided with the start of the working week in Qatar. Sprint legend Lewis’ We are confident that our renewed eff orts will encourage the lo- cal community to come and witness the stunning performance of the world’s best athletes. “The challenge we face with a competition schedule that is geared to support global TV viewership, is that some finals are not starting until the late evening. This impacts on the number of spectators remaining until the end of the session. We know it is a advice: Focus on balance and we are pleased global viewers can tune in to watch the live action from Doha. We are confident with our additional communications, we will see more attendees for longer periods. “The pattern of the attendance so far follows the interests of the local community, with middle and long distance races pulling in the biggest crowds, rather than traditional sprint events, and we would like to thank all the fans that have supported these athletes. timing, not medal “Our vision was for a first world championship in the Middle East. An IAAF World Athletics Championship that would welcome the ‘I don’t think it’s more competitive at the championship level than it was back (then)’ world and connect to new fans. Despite facing unique challenges as hosts, in terms of the political blockade, that ambition remains. By Sahan Bidappa To date we have witnessed over 80 diff erent nationalities in the Doha stadium, the vast majority enjoying athletics for the first time. The athletes competing at Khalifa International Stadium and fans attending have all relished the experience. The controlled illipo Tortu fi nished sev- temperature conditions on the track have been ideal and fitting enth in a high quality for world-class performances and will remain so. Whether it is 100m fi nal at the IAAF understanding athlete performances in endurance events or World Championships stadium design, this championship is benefiting world sport and fiF nal in Doha on Saturday. But important progress is being made.” the Italian has fi rmly set his sights of winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics next year. The 21-year-old is the na- ACHIEVEMENT tional record holder in the 100m with a time of 9.99 — the fi rst ever Italian to dip below 10 sec- onds for the distance. While a India’s Annu shatters medal in Tokyo would be a far- fetched thought considering the high-quality fi eld he will own national record come up against, Tortu might just spring a surprise if he fol- lows the advice of a certain Carl to reach javelin fi nal Lewis. Yesterday, Tortu was rapt in attention as he sat next to American legend Lewis, who was the centre of attraction at an event organised by the Interna- tional Sports Press Association (AIPS) in collaboration with the Qatar Sports Press Committee at the Torch tower. Lewis, voted in 1999 as the International Olympic Com- mittee’s ‘Sportsman of the Century’, boasts ten Olympic medals — nine of them gold — over four Summer Games dur- ing a legendary 17-year career. The 58-year-old, who serves as an assistant track coach at his (From left) Former American sprinters Leroy Burrell and Carl Lewis, International Sports Press Association (AIPS) president Gianni Merlo and alma mater, the University of Italian athlete Fillipo Tortu at an AIPS event in Doha yesterday. Houston, reminisced about his incredible successes and shared going to have to make sacri- spectacular, they take care of on today’s sprint events, com- prize money and every year the some valuable tips with Tortu. fi ces. So now you are in profes- every little detail,” said Lewis, paring it to his times. “It’s ob- athletes get less. So 30,000 is IANS tance of 62.43m in the second “You can clock the fastest sional track and fi eld you have to who equalled Jesse Owens’ leg- viously very, very competitive the value of gold medal now,” he Doha round. time which you may have tar- think like a professional. Think endary performance by winning but I don’t think it’s any more said. She fi nished third in her group geted before the race but still of what you can do and what four golds in a single Olympics competitive at the champion- Also on the panel, which by throwing 60.50m in the third you may end up losing. Don’t you and your manager can do to at the Los Angeles Games in ship level than it was back when was moderated by AIPS Presi- ce Indian javelin throw- and fi nal round. Annu Rani target the medal, focus on your maximise this moment because 1984. we were competing. I think it’s dent Gianni Merlo, was Lewis’ er Annu Rani yester- fi nished behind Asian Games timing, your performance and you are going to build a brand,” “Even things like... why are just competitive throughout the compatriot Leroy Burrell, who day smashed her own champion Liu Shiying (63.48m) forget about the rest,” Lewis told added Lewis. we still putting numbers on our season. So with all the technol- twice set the world record national record during of China and Ratej Martina Tortu, with the silver medallist Over the course of interac- chests? They put numbers with ogy and all the high perform- for the 100m sprint. Burrell theA qualifi cation round of the (62.87m) of Slovenia. at the 2016 World U-20 Cham- tion, which lasted for one hour, pins? If we were thinking of tel- ance tracks and everything else, dwelled on the future legacy of World Athletics Championships Those who touch the auto- pionships paying attention to Lewis touched base on many evision, we would take that off we could have had second and athletics. here to fi nish fi fth overall and matic qualifying mark of 63.50m detail. topics, including the need for so that you will see the uniform third 30 years later,” the Ameri- “Well, having been compet- become the fi rst Indian to reach or the 12 best performers from “Focus your goal having it world athletics governing body, on TV. We are just not progress- can noted. ing thirty years ago with timings the medal round in the women’s Group A and Group B taken to- clear and without being afraid IAAF, to improve in the way it ing, we are just doing the same He also complained about that are still among the top three javelin throw event at the Worlds. gether qualify for the fi nal round, to tell it loud. This is your objec- runs the sport. thing over and over. If you go to the less prize money for the of the world means that athlet- Annu bettered her own national which will be held today. tive and you work with it always Lewis felt athletics has not other sports, every little detail athletes. “My issue is that they ics is still a human sport. What record of 62.34m set in March Meanwhile, Archana Su- in your mind. Think of yourself evolved like other sports such as is taken care of and there is en- pay $60,000 for the winner. We it’s important to think about, during the Federation Cup in Pa- seentran fi nished last (8th) in as a business for your long term football, basketball and cricket. tertainment. These sports they were paid $60,000 for the win- more than focusing on past tiala by throwing the javelin to a women’s 200m Heat 2, clocking career and your training for your “If you look at the way every become television shows they ner in 1997. So if you look at it in years mistake is that we leave the distance of 62.43m on Monday. 23.65s. She is out of contention short term career; so fi gure out single popular sport is run, it’s strived to get better and better,” US Dollars - a cost of living in- sport better than it was and eve- The 27-year-old opened the for a berth in the semi-fi nals. how you are going to maximise diff erent. The stadium looks he added. crease - it should be 93,000 this rybody can do this part for this,” fi rst qualifi cation round in Group Anjali Devi also met the same this time. In anything you are spectacular the presentation is Lewis also shed his thoughts year. So they are paying the same Burrell said. A with a 57.05m throw before fate as she fi nished 6th (out of 8) sending the iron spear to a dis- in Heat 6, clocking 52.33s.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT 1956 Olympic-winning spike joins collection, Abdalla regrets not as Coe and Bach visit Heritage Exhibition reaching 800m fi nal embers of the the collection of Roberto Gesta IAAF Council and De Melo. the IOC Board led “The exhibition is very in- by their respec- spiring with so many heroes of Mtive presidents, Sebastian Coe athletics brought to life,” Bach and Thomas Bach, visited the said. “For me it brings back so IAAF Heritage World Athletics many great memories because Championships Exhibition in it allowed me to relive all the Doha recently. amazing world championships The focus of the official visit that I attended. And it was great was the long-term loan to the to see my Olympic hero Wilma IAAF Heritage Collection of Rudolph represented, she was the spikes (right shoe), which the athlete who fi rst inspired my Brazil’s Adhemar Ferreira da love of the Olympic Games.” Silva wore when winning the The men’s triple jump is well 1956 Olympic Games triple represented in the exhibition. jump title in Melbourne, Aus- One of the 1995 (current) world tralia. Fittingly, the left shoe record bib numbers of Jonath- rests in The National Sports an Edwards, the 2003 World Museum at the Melbourne Championships kit of Christian Cricket Ground where those Olsson and a pair of bespoke Games took place. spikes from three-time world QNA that he gained a huge amount of Da Silva, who had previously and two-time Olympic cham- Doha experience by competing with won the triple jump gold medal pion Christian Taylor are among so many world champions, not- four years earlier at the Olympic the artefacts on display in Doha. ing that this is his fi rst time at Games in Helsinki, was a fi ve- The IAAF Heritage World atari athlete Abubak- the world championships. The time world record holder and Athletics Championships Exhi- er Haydar Abdalla Qatari athlete added that he was is widely recognised as South bition, whose six-month display expressed his regret rather fast in the fi rst lap, which America’s greatest ever track was inaugurated on April 18, at failing to qualify for led to him slowing down mark- and fi eld athlete. 2019, by Coe, is open from 10am theQ fi nal of the 800m race at the edly in the fi nal 200 meters. The spike shoe was presented IAAF President Sebastian Coe (right) and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach (left) to 10pm every day (until mid- IAAF World Athletics Champi- He wished his teammates luck to Sebastian Coe by its owners tour the IAAF Heritage Exhibition at the City Center Mall in Doha. (Getty Images for IAAF) night on Thursday, Friday and onships Doha 2019. in getting to the podium and Wilfred and Rosemary Mula, Saturday) and closes at the end Speaking to Qatar News Agen- adding medals to Qatar’s total. who are close friends of the Da panied by Thomas (Bach) and of whom are featured in the ex- and 1956 Olympic uniforms and of Monday, October 7. The ex- cy, he said that the competition He also expressed hope that his Silva’s family. athletics legends Lasse (Viren), hibits and displays of our World gold medals which are already hibition is located in 400 square was very intense and lamented participation in the Tokyo 2020 Coe said: “It was good to step Sergey (Bubka), Gail (Devers) Athletics Heritage Exhibition.” on display in the Heritage Ex- metre space on the third fl oor of his bad luck at the beginning Olympics will see him make an back in history today accom- and Nawal (El Moutawakel), all The shoe joins Da Silva’s 1952 hibition, thanks to a loan from the City Center Mall. (IAAF) of the race. He did say however improvement. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 1, 2019 3

SPOTLIGHT SCANDAL Russian anti-doping chief calls for Fraser-Pryce’s dismissal of state sports offi cials

Reuters statement. It gave Russia three Doha weeks to explain. ‘long journey’ has Ganus said the situation showed Russian sport had he head of Russian been betrayed by those meant anti-doping agency to reform it. RUSADA has called “We were betrayed, we were for a full overhaul in taken away the right to be Tthe country’s sports manage- on the side of truth,” Ganus ment that would include the wrote. golden ending dismissal of state offi cials in- “It was taken away by those volved in an ongoing doping responsible for getting sport scandal, a letter seen by Reu- out of the doping crisis.” ‘Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I knew how I felt and I was not ready to go. I had ters shows. The laboratory data, which RUSADA fi nds itself on is not under RUSADA’s ju- something left to do, so I focused on the dream and set my sights on the target’ the brink of suspension for risdiction, is needed to open the second time over alleged doping cases from major manipulation of anti-doping events including the 2014 laboratory data which has Sochi Olympics, where anti- sparked concern that the doping offi cials said Russian country’s participation in next authorities took part in an year’s Tokyo Olympics could elaborate scheme to cover up be at risk. doping tests. In a six-page open letter Russia has denied running dated Monday, RUSADA Di- a state doping programme but rector General Yuri Ganus said has acknowledged that offi - the situation around Russian cials were involved in covering sport was tragic and that ma- up doping cases. jor changes in management Ganus said the approaches were needed. and methods used by Russian “Our sport deserves full sports authorities are “weigh- membership in the interna- ing down on the situation”. tional sports family, but fi rst “We must urgently change we need to remove the unac- them by carrying out the re- ceptable approaches, methods placement of all those who and people who have driven it were involved in this,” he into a dead end and discred- wrote. ited it in the eyes of the world,” Ganus has previously called Ganus wrote, without naming for the dismissal of sports of- the offi cials he would like to fi cials, including the head of see dismissed. Russia’s athletics federation, RUSADA was reinstated by to ensure the country’s track the World Anti-Doping Agen- and fi eld athletes can compete cy (WADA) last year after hav- at next year’s Tokyo Games, ing been suspended since 2015 but this has not resulted in any over evidence it was enabling management changes. drug cheats in athletics rather Russia’s athletics fed- than stopping them. eration has been suspended But last week WADA said it since 2015, but some athletes had uncovered inconsisten- have been cleared to compete cies in data from the Moscow internationally as neutrals af- anti-doping laboratory that ter demonstrating that they had to be turned over as a train in a doping-free envi- condition for RUSADA’s rein- ronment.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

Tuesday’s four finals at the Republic IAAF World Athletics OC: Sara Kolak, Croatia Championships in Doha (in FA: Lyu Huihui, China; Barbora GMT), with world records (WR), Spotakova, Czech Republic; Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce celebrates after winning the women’s 100m final at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. (AFP) 2019 world best results (YB - as Kelsey-Lee of September 22), defending Barber, Australia AFP of 10.71 seconds. However, she lift weights on my back so doing ‘I WAS NOT READY TO GO’ telling them they too can suc- world champions from 2017 Doha revealed afterwards that hav- a lot of hand weights it was Fraser-Pryce, who has been ceed – said her victory was one (DC), 2016 Olympic champions Men’s 800m at 1910 ing Zyon – who was born in Au- defi nitely a long journey phys- labelled the greatest female for all mothers. (OC), and favourites (FA). WR: 1:40.91 David Rudisha, gust 2017 the day after the world ically.” sprinter of all time by American “For Zyon to witness tonight is Kenya, August 9, 2012, London helly-Ann Fraser-Pryce championships fi nished in Lon- Fraser-Pryce – who along with legend Michael Johnson, was a moment to cherish,” she said. Men’s pole vault at 1705 YB: 1:41.89 Nijel Amos, Bot- held her son Zyon proud- don – had taken its toll. her two brothers was brought up delighted to celebrate her victory “He reminded me of how hard WR: 6.16 Renaud Lavillenie, swana ly in her arms as she “It is defi nitely harder coming in poverty in Kingston by her with Zyon in the sparsely-popu- I had to fi ght especially as many France, February 15, 2014, DC: Pierre-Ambroise Bosse, celebrated winning her back,” she said. single mother Maxine – also had lated Khalifa stadium. see that for a woman a baby Donetsk France fourthS world 100 metres title but “It is defi nitely one of those should not be till you are fi n- YB: 6.06 Sam Kendricks, United OC: David Rudisha, Kenya confessed coming back after his moments that I am very proud ished. States FA: Donovan Brazier, United birth had been a long journey of,” she said. “But I had other plans.” DC: Sam Kendricks, United States; Adam Kszczot, Poland; both mentally and physically. “For athletics and women it is Fraser-Pryce said she was States Emmanuel The 32-year-old Jamaican hard to come back to sprinting. pleased to have proven the OC: Thiago Braz, Brazil Kipkurui Korir, Kenya sprint legend – who also has “I remember in 2018 when I doubters wrong. FA: San Kendricks, United two Olympic 100m titles – had was getting back I did not have “I just did not listen. I am one States; Armand Duplantis, Men’s 200m at 1940 been written off by some when enough power coming out of the of those people who doesn’t read Sweden; Piotr WR: 19.19 Usain Bolt, Jamaica, she became pregnant and then blocks and over the fi rst 30 me- too much,” said Fraser-Pryce, Lisek, Poland August 20, 2009, Berlin launched a comeback last year a tres. who will run the 4x100m relay YB: 19.50 Noah Lyles, United few months after giving birth. “When I was having my son I her doubts in the immediate af- “It stressed me out and took a but not contest the 200m. Women’s javelin at 1820 States Fraser-Pryce – who sported was trying to have him naturally termath of Zyon’s birth. lot of work to put it right.” “Everyone is entitled to their WR: 72.28 Barbora Spotakova, DC: Ramil Guliyev, Turkey an exotically coloured wig and (she was in labour for 13 hours) it “Mentally it was even harder Fraser-Pryce – who spends opinion. I knew how I felt and I Czech Republic, September 13, OC: Usain Bolt, Jamaica promised a diff erent one later in was not happening. because you are 30, you are wor- a lot of her free time talking to was not ready to go. 2008, Stuttgart FA: Noah Lyles, United States; the week – silenced those doubt- “I was really scared having a ried about coming back and not poor children from the area she “I had something left to do, so YB: 67.98 Lyu Huihui, China Ramil Guliyev, Turkey; Andre de ers as she stormed to victory in a C-section. being really at the same level,” was brought up in warning them I focused on the dream and set DC: Barbora Spotakova, Czech Grasse, Canada. world leading time for the year “I was off 10 weeks unable to she said. about the dangers of drugs and my sights on the target.”

SPOTLIGHT With world 100m silver in hand, Asher-Smith goes global IAAF gold in 10.71. “I’m not a negative in an event that globally I’m less that she will be seen as a trail- made a huge diff erence to my Doha person so I’ve never carried any comfortable over means a lot blazer for future British success running.” bad feelings through from those to me.” In fi nishing second, Asher in the event. “I think she’ll inspire results,” said Asher-Smith. “I’m Smith claimed Great Britain’s a lot of athletes in Great Britain,” NEXT UP, 200M or the past few years, just proud of myself because I’ve 100th medal in the history of the Fraser-Pryce said. “It’s inspiring Despite achieving a long awaited Dina Asher-Smith has defi nitely taken my time and IAAF World Championships. She for other British athletes to know fi rst major medal, the 23-year- knocked on the door of worked my way up from being a becomes the fi rst British woman to that the best in this event doesn’t old says she will not aff ord her- world class, falling ago- relay runner to where I am now. win a world championship medal have to just come from the USA self even a mild celebration. She nisinglyF short of the major global It’s been a lot of hard work over in the short sprints since Kathy and Jamaica; they can come from has her sights fi rmly set on rep- outdoor medal she has craved for many years that I’m proud to see Cook in the 200m in 1983 and the somewhere else too.” licating her achievement over so long. Having fi nished fi fth at reward for tonight.” fi rst ever to do so over 100m. Asher-Smith graduated from 200m later in the week, with the both the IAAF World Champi- “That’s super cool. I was just King’s College in London in 2017 fi rst round heats taking place on onships Beijing 2015 and Olym- ‘I NEEDED TO TAKE IT UP focusing on my performance so with a fi rst class honours degree Monday. “There will be abso- pic Games Rio 2016 over 200m, ANOTHER NOTCH’ it’s very easy to forget the gravity in history. While she describes lutely no celebrations. I’ve got she battled back from breaking The 23-year-old enjoyed a very of the situation. It makes me feel herself as somebody who loves to get back, sleep, recover and be her foot to fi nish fourth over the successful 2018, claiming 100m super proud to have achieved a studying and is passionate about ready for the 200m heats.” same distance in front of her and 200m gold at the European silver medal, a national record reading, she admits that fi nish- In the absence of world leader home crowd at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin, clock- and to have done something no ing university has allowed her Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Ba- Championships London 2017. ing 10.85 and 21.89 in the process. British woman has done before breathing space over the last hamas, Asher-Smith is consid- All those frustrations were laid However, despite running such over 100m. “I’m not very up to 2 years, something which she ered among the favourites over to rest on Sunday night when the blisteringly fast times, she didn’t date with the stats and that’s not considered necessary for her to the longer distance. However, British athlete claimed the silver consider herself a truly world something I want to be carrying reach a global podium. despite being the favourite with medal over 100m at the IAAF class athlete until she secured with me when I run. But now “My life has changed a lot the bookmakers, she is fi rmly World Championships Doha some metal around her neck. Silver-medalist Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith on the 100m podium of the that the race is over, it’s great and since I have left university. I’ve playing down such expectations. 2019. In her fi rst ever appear- “My target for the 100m this IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha yesterday. (Reuters) it means a lot to me.” been able to train like a profes- “That’s the British bookies,” ance over the shorter sprint dis- year was to come away with a sional athlete since 2017 which is said Asher-Smith with a gentle tance at a global championship, medal of any colour. European the world. Last year I was in great other girls. I still needed to take FRASER-PRYCE IMPRESSED really paying off for me. I’m able laugh. “Honestly, there’s always Asher-Smith broke her own gold was fantastic but it’s diffi - shape, ran some great times, but it up another notch and I’m very Her historic achievement was not to train at diff erent times of the going to be a bias there.” national record, clocking 10.83, cult to transition onto the global racing wise I didn’t think I was happy to have done that now. lost on the woman who denied her day, I can do so with more inten- On the basis of Sunday’s per- fi nishing behind Jamaica’s Shel- stage and I wanted to push my- quite there yet. I didn’t feel I was “I was always a 200m girl so top spot on the podium, Shelly- sity, and I don’t have any exam formance, not too many will be ly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who took self into the top three women in of the same calibre as some of the to come away with a silver medal Ann Fraser-Pryce, who believes periods to battle through. It has taking her advice. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Sights from Day 4 of the World Championships

Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba celebrates his bronze medal in the men’s 400m hurdles final yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris celebrates after winning the men’s 5,000m final yesterday. (AFP)

Ukraine’s Yuliya Levchenko in action during the women’s high jump final at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. (Reuters)

Fans enjoy the IAAF World Athletics Championships action at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. (Reuters)

Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi (right) celebrates and dances with compatriot Winnie Nanyondo after winning the women’s 800m final yesterday. (AFP) Sweden’s Daniel Stahl in action during the men’s discus throw final yesterday. (Reuters) Ethiopia’s Telahun Haile Bekele (foreground) competes in the men’s 5,000m final yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, October 1, 2019 5 SPORT

NFL MLB Cardinals crush Cubs to claim Patriots and Chiefs NL Central title

AFP Los Angeles

ack Flaherty threw seven solid innings as the St. Louis stay unbeaten with Cardinals claimed the National League Central title with a dominating 9-0 Major League Baseball victory Sunday over the struggling Chicago Cubs. ‘To go on the road JFlaherty improved to 11-8 on the season and needed just 69 pitches to record his 21 outs. He struck out six batters and al- and beat a team that’s lowed just two hits and one walk. The Cardinals will face the Atlanta Braves in the best-of-fi ve 3-0 is pretty good’ NL division playoff series that begins Thursday. road victories The second-place Milwaukee Brewers will face the Washing- ton Nationals in the wild-card game Tuesday, with the winner to meet the Los Angeles Dodgers in another NL division series matchup. “We underper- RESULTS formed the fi rst half of the season and Cardinals 9-0 Cubs everybody knew Nationals 8-2 Indians that,” said Cards pitcher Adam Wain- Rockies 4-3 Brewers wright. “I just said Rangers 6-1 Yankees be patient, it’s going Dodgers 9-0 Giants to come because we Red Sox 5-4 Orioles had good players. “This year we got Blue Jays 8-3 Rays all the pieces. We Astros 8-5 Angels just got to go out and Mets 7-6 Braves perform.” The third-place Mariners 3-1 Athletics Cubs ended a disap- D’backs 1-0 Padres pointing season with Royals 5-4 Twins a one-sided loss for manager Joe Mad- Marlins 4-3 Phillies don, whose was let Reds 3-1 Pirates go by the team ear- White Sox 5-3 Tigers lier Sunday after fi ve seasons at the helm. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt hoped to save Flaherty for the fi rst game of the playoff s, but elected to start him Sunday with the division title up in the air. After fi nishing the second half of the season with an 0.91 earned-run average, Flaherty is expected to start game two against the Braves.

NATIONALS PULL AWAY TO BEAT INDIANS Kurt Suzuki hit a two-run homer in the third inning and the Washington Nationals added four more runs in the sixth on Sun- day on their way to an 8-2 win over the Cleveland Indians for their eighth straight win. Suzuki gave the Nationals a 3-1 lead when he hit his 17th home run of the season, a two-out, two-run blast to also score Adam Eaton, who had walked. In the sixth, Brian Dozier gave the Nationals some breathing room with a single that scored Michael A. Taylor and Victor Robles to extend the lead to 5-1. Ger- ardo Parra added a two-run double later in the inning to make it 7-1, and he singled home the Nationals’ fi nal run in the eighth. Cleveland right-hander Mike Clevinger (13-4) went 5 2/3 in- nings, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks. He struck out four. When the Nationals scored in the fi rst inning, they end- ed Clevinger’s scoreless innings streak at 18. John Ross (4-4) gave up only one run in six innings to get the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass the ball during the first Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passes during the fourth quarter win. He allowing four hits and two walks, while striking out eight quarter against the Buff alo Bills at New Era Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports The Nationals had 14 hits to the Indians’ six. Juan Soto’s double off the right fi eld wall in the rstfi inning over the brutal helmet-to-helmet hit de- moved past Tony Gonzalez for second on brought home Trea Turner for Washington’s 1-0 lead. Soto’s 110 AFP RESULTS New York livered by New England’s Jonathan Jones the NFL’s all-time receptions list with his RBIs in a season are the second-most in Nationals/Expos his- Tennessee 24-10 Atlanta on Buff alo quarterback Josh Allen that 1,326th career catch in a 27-10 home loss tory, behind Vladimir Guerrero’s 131. Francisco Lindor tied the knocked the signal caller out of the game to Seattle. Fitzgerald, 36, trails only Jerry game when he blasted a 1-0 pitch into the second deck in right New England 16-10 Buff alo eigning Super Bowl champion in the fourth quarter and into the NFL’s Rice’s all-time record of 1,549 catches. fi eld for his 32nd home run. Jake Bauers scored Cleveland’s other New England and the Kansas Kansas City 34-30 Detroit concussion protocol. The Seahawks, who had a 27-yard in- run on a wild pitch by Nationals reliever Aaron Barrett. City Chiefs managed narrow Oakland 31-24 Indianapolis “There’s no room in football for a play terception return touchdown from Jade- The Nationals (93-69), who clinched home fi eld advantage for road triumphs in battles between like the hit on Josh Allen,” McDermott veon Clowney, improved to 3-1, as did the the NL wild-card game after beating Cleveland 10-7 Saturday, Chargers 30-10 Miami NFLR unbeatens on Sunday to remain per- said. A penalty against Jones was off set Chicago Bears, who had three Eddie Pi- will host Milwaukee on Tuesday. Cleveland (93-69) was elimi- fect through four games this season. Giants 24-3 Washington by another on the Bills, but Buff alo de- neiro fi eld goals in a 16-6 home win over nated from postseason contention on Friday after a loss to Wash- Tom Brady threw for only 150 yards but Cleveland 40-25 Baltimore fender Micah Hyde said his unit would Minnesota. ington, combined with Tampa Bay’s win at Toronto. The Indians New England intercepted four passes, Carolina 16-10 Houston have gotten a harsher fate had one of them aren’t in the postseason for the fi rst time since 2015. two by JC Jackson, and Matthew Slater delivered such a hit to 42-year-old RAMS, COWBOYS DEFEATED returned a blocked punt 11 yards for a Seattle 27-10 Arizona Brady, winner of a record six Super Bowl Also falling from the unbeaten ranks were touchdown in a 16-10 Patriots victory at Tampa Bay 55-40 Rams crowns. the Los Angeles Rams, who lost to visiting Buff alo. “To go on the road and beat a team Chicago 16-6 Minnesota “One of us did that to 12, we wouldn’t Tampa Bay 55-40, and the Dallas Cow- that’s 3-0 is pretty good,” Brady said. have been in the game anymore,” Hyde boys, who lost 12-10 at New Orleans. “We can certainly play better than we Jacksonville 26-24 Denver said. Buff alo running back Frank Gore, in Jameis Winston completed 28-of-41 did. We’ve got to get in the red area (at New Orleans 12-10 Dallas his 15th NFL season, became the fourth passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns or inside the opponent’s 20-yard line). player in league history to rush for 15,000 for the Buccaneers in the victory while the We missed some opportunities there. down pass for only the fourth time in his career yards, cracking the barrier on a Rams’ Jared Goff hit 45-of-68 throws for We’ll go out and try and do a better job career while Detroit’s Matthew Staff ord 41-yard run. Only record-holder Em- 517 yards and two touchdowns with three next week.” completed 21-of-34 passes for 291 yards mitt Smith (18,355 yards), Walter Payton costly interceptions in the loss. Patrick Mahomes drove the Chiefs and three touchdowns in a losing cause. (16,726) and Barry Sanders (15,269) have At New Orleans, Wil Lutz kicked four 79 yards in 13 plays and Darrel Williams “They found a way to take away some carried for more yards and Gore is on track fi eld goals, the last of them from 26 yards made his second 1-yard touchdown run of the stuff we like to do,” Mahomes said. to pass Sanders later this year. to put the hosts ahead for good, and the of the fourth quarter with 20 seconds “They hadn’t lost a game for a reason.” Gore, who ran 17 times for 109 yards Saints won without scoring a touchdown remaining to give Kansas City a 34-30 The Chiefs and Patriots became the fi rst in the loss to stand on 15,021 yards, has for the fi rst time in 21 years, dropping the triumph at Detroit. NFL teams to reach 4-0 while the Bills fell played for San Francisco, Miami and Indi- Cowboys to 3-1. Lutz also kicked fi eld St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty pitches during Mahomes completed 24-of-42 passes to 3-1 and Detroit slid to 2-1-1. anapolis as well as the Bills. goals of 19, 40 and 42 yards in the second the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. for 315 yards but went without a touch- Bills coach Sean McDermott was upset Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald quarter. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS Universities basketball to begin on October 6 By Amjad Vanimal for developing players who want of the community – especially ing structured in a way to further Doha to compete at the highest level young people – to incorporate boost the development of sport while attending university at the regular physical activity in their of basketball in Qatar. same time in Qatar.” routines.” “We have been trying to part- he third edition of the The competition, which is Also present at the press con- ner with both government bod- Qatar Universities Bas- open for both men and wom- ference were Samuel Rico, QBF ies and organisations in a way to ketball Cup (QUBC) will en, will have seven teams for Head of Marketing and Events, further strengthen the sport of be held from October each division. Two games will Anastasios Magoulas, QBF Tech- basketball in Qatar. We hope this T6 with all universities in Qa- be played in the evening, four nical Advisor, Hamad al-Shaiba, collaborative initiative will bring tar participating, offi cials an- nights a week, over a period of Sports Programming Specialist the sport to new heights. nounced yesterday. eight weeks. The men’s group is at QF, and Amy Johnson, Com- “On a more positive note, a The eight-week long champi- scheduled to compete on Sun- munity Engagement and Opera- number of new partners and onship, which is being organised days and Tuesdays while the tions Projects Director at QF. sponsors have already shown by the Qatar Basketball Federa- women’s teams will play on interest to co-operate with the tion (QBF) in collaboration with Mondays and Wednesdays. NEW HEIGHTS federation to further strengthen Qatar Foundation (QF), will be The teams will play in a round Qatar’s investments in infra- the sport by hosting an array of held at QF’s Multaqa – Educa- robin before the qualifying teams structure and sports facilities basketball events,” al-Malki told tion City Student Centre. enter the playoff rounds. The have cemented its reputation as Gulf Times. Announcing the new edition, winners of the best of three semi- a destination for major inter- “Similar to Qatar Universities QBF Secretary General, Ali al- fi nals series will advance to the national sporting events, with a Basketball Cup, we are planning Malki said, “We are extremely fi nal of the championship title. strong uptick in sports contests to organise as many events as proud to be hosting the third Mohamed Fakhroo, Executive in recent years. possible. One of them will be a edition of the Qatar Universities Director of Outreach and Insti- Keeping this in mind, the Qatar 3x3 university basketball cham- Basketball Cup with Qatar Foun- tutional Advancement at QF, Basketball Federation is posi- pionship,” al-Malki added. dation. The championship will said, “Our partnership with QBF tioning itself at the forefront see students go up against each refl ects a wider commitment to of basketball promotion. QBF other to prove their basketball creating a sports-loving soci- Secretary General al-Malki in- QBF and QF off icials at the press prowess – it is the best measure ety, and encouraging members sisted that the federation is be- conference yesterday. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 1, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY WORLD CUP COMMENT Japan’s pace could be hard to match: Scotland keep WC All Black’s Hansen

Reuters also a chance they could fi nish Oita, Japan runners-up and meet his side in Tokyo. “It’s important at the Rugby he speed at which Japan World Cup that you don’t think hopes alive with attacked Ireland would too far ahead as plans change all be hard to live with for the time,” Hansen said. any team and the All “If we have to play Japan then ‘We’ve two games to go and TBlacks will need to learn how to we will prepare accordingly and combat their style of play if they we’ll expect what we saw the if we play like we did tonight, meet in the quarter-fi nals, New other day, them coming at us 100 Zealand coach Steve Hansen said miles an hour and wanting to we’re very much in this WC’ yesterday. turn opportunities into fast ball. Samoa win Japan caused an upset of the “We’ll have make plans to same proportion as their win make sure they can’t do that.” over the Springboks four years Hansen, who is stepping down ago when they defeated Ireland after the tournament after 16 19-12 in Shizuoka on Saturday. years with the team as an assist- The match could have reper- ant and head coach, added that cussions for the All Blacks, who Japan coach Jamie Joseph could could potentially face the hosts potentially take control of the All in the quarter-fi nals and while Blacks one day. Hansen said he was only focuss- “Jamie Joseph’s a very good ing on their Pool B game against coach, but he didn’t become Canada tomorrow, he was still one overnight just because he impressed by Japan’s win. coached Japan to beat Ireland,” “They did give us plenty to Hansen said of his fellow New think about,” Hansen told re- Zealander. “I always fi nd it porters at the team hotel in amusing, you beat someone and Beppu. “Their speed of ball was all of a sudden you’re a super great, their line speed was awe- coach. I hold the world record for some, they just kept coming, the most losses in a row and the time after time after time. world record for the most wins in “We like to play fast, I don’t a row, so what sort of coach am I? know if we want to play that fast “Coaching’s a lot more than or if we can play that fast in the just the results. Is he good humidity we’re playing in. enough to be an All Black coach? “It certainly aff ected the Irish, I think he is one day. that speed of the game.” “Am I picking the next coach? Hansen added the hosts’ win No. So there’s not much point was good for the tournament even asking what my opinion is and while they could still win because those people who are Pool A and avoid the All Blacks appointing him won’t take any in the knockout phase there was notice of it anyway.”

Scotland’s Grant Gilchrist (middle) runs with the ball during their Pool A match against Samoa at the Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Scotland secured the four-try hooker Motu Matu’u after the Russell made a darting break Fidow to the sin-bin — Samoa’s Kobe, Japan bonus point with two penalty pair received three-game bans before fi nding the recalled Jamie third yellow card in two matches tries, Ed Fidow shown a pair of for shoulder-led hits in a bruising Ritchie. — for collapsing the maul. Samoa yellow cards that meant the Sa- 34-9 win over Russia. The openside fl anker’s clever reserve scrum-half Pele Cowley cotland revived their moa wing saw red six minutes It looked as if Laidlaw’s ninth- inside pass released Laidlaw, who then came off the bench to play Rugby World Cup cam- from time. minute penalty would be the lone fended off a poor challenge from against his cousin Maitland for the paign with a decisive “We’re all delighted to get that score of a fi rst half where both Samoa fullback Tim Nanai-Wil- fi rst time in a Test but could not 34-0 win over Samoa bonus point. It means we’re still sides struggled to hold on to the liams before crossing by the posts inspire his lacklustre side. inS Kobe yesterday that saw the in this World Cup,” said Scotland ball in humid conditions under for a try he converted. Instead Scotland had their sec- Pacifi c islanders fi nish a man coach Townsend. the closed roof of the Kobe Mis- Then, with nothing else on, ond penalty try when Fidow went down. “We’ve two games to go and if aki Stadium. In the error-strewn Hogg dropped a goal from wide in knees fi rst as Maitland tried to The bonus point win for Gregor we play like we did tonight and early exchanges, the biggest cheers out on the left from just inside slide in at the left corner only to Townsend’s men could prove vital improve a couple of aspects, we’re went to a spectator playing the halfway, a distance of some 50 lose possession under the illegal in a tight Pool A that also involves very much in this World Cup.” bagpipes, a traditional Scottish metres with the angle, to make it challenge. Gauzere showed Fidow Ireland and hosts Japan. The Scots were in desperate instrument. 20-0. a second yellow card and then a Victory was all but assured after need of a victory to have any hope It was Scotland’s fi rst drop goal red. a burst of 17 points in eight min- of reaching the quarter-fi nals af- DARTING BREAK in an international since Duncan Scotland next face outsiders utes late in the fi rst half left Scot- ter starting this World Cup with a But the character of the match Weir’s match-winner against Italy Russia in Shizuoka on October land 20-0 ahead at the interval. woeful 27-3 loss to Ireland — who changed on the half-hour mark in March 2014. 9, with Samoa playing Ireland in Scotland wing Sean Maitland were in turn the victims of a shock when Scotland became the 20th — Scotland, who have now won all Fukuoka three days later.Samoa and Greig Laidlaw scored tries, 19-12 defeat by hosts Japan that and last — team at this World Cup four of their World Cup matches coach Steve Jackson insisted his both converted by the fl y-half who threw Pool A wide open. to score a try. Fly-half Finn Rus- against Samoa, went further team were not out of the competi- also kicked an early penalty, before The Ireland reverse led sell’s superbly-judged cross-kick ahead before the hour. tion yet, with a tough game against fullback Stuart Hogg landed the Townsend to make wholesale was caught by Maitland, who held Following a catch and drive off a Japan in only four days. Scots’ fi rst Test-match drop goal changes, including fi elding an off opposing wing Belgium Tuata- close-range line-out, French refe- “If we get a result against Japan, for more than fi ve years with an entirely new back-row against galoa for a try in the left corner. ree Pascal Gauzere, after consult- we are right back in it. By no means audacious eff ort from just inside Samoa. The Pacifi c islanders were Scotland had their second try ing the television match offi cial, do we think we are down and out,” New Zealand’s head coach Steve Hansen (left) and assistant coach the halfway line. without centre Rey Lee-Lo and just four minutes later. awarded a penalty try and sent he told reporters. Nic Gill take part in a team training session in Beppu, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS Injured Halep ousted from China Open, Andreescu advances Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova and do some treatment.” Doubles defeat for Djokovic ahead of Japan singles upset sixth seed Simona Halep Fifth seed Bianca Andreescu in straight sets in the second survived a second-set AFP Earlier this month, Djokovic round of the China Open onslaught from Aliaksandra Tokyo was forced to pull out of his US yesterday, recording a 6-2 6-3 Sasnovich to win her first Open fourth-round clash with win in Beijing for her first top- match since her US Open orld number one Stan Wawrinka due to a nagging 10 victory of the season. triumph. Her 6-2 2-6 6-1 victory Novak Djokovic, injury in his left shoulder. Wimbledon champion Halep over the Belarusian set up a forced out of the His return means he could was troubled by the back injury third-round clash with Elise WUS Open with play out the season and hold off that forced her to withdraw Mertens. A poor service a shoulder injury, suff ered a a challenge to his number one from last week’s Wuhan Open, game from Andreescu, which doubles defeat at the Japan ranking from US Open winner dropping serve six times in the included six double faults, gave Open yesterday, but proved his Rafael Nadal. 63-minute encounter against Sasnovich 16 break points but recovery is on track. Later in the day, 2014 US her unseeded opponent. the unseeded 25-year-old was Bruno Soares of Brazil and Open champion Marin Cilic of “It was a pretty tough match able to convert only four. Mate Pavic of Croatia beat the Croatia downed Japan’s Yuichi but I think she didn’t play that Third seed Elina Svitolina won 32-year-old Serbian star and Sugita 6-4, 6-4 in the fi rst well,” Alexandrova said. “I two tiebreaks to dispatch his countryman Filip Krajinovic round. remember when we played China’s Wang Yafan 7-6(5) 7-6(1) 6-2, 4-6, 10-4 to progress to the It was their fi rst tournament last time in Cincinnati, it was while Belinda Bencic battled quarter-fi nals. match after the two practised tougher than today. back from a set down to beat The doubles experts survived together at a tennis academy in Halep showed no signs of veteran Venus Williams 3-6 Djokovic’s powerful serves with Italy. the injury in her first-round 6-3 7-5. crisp volleying as their quick “It was a good match. Unfor- straight-sets victory over Defending champion Caroline court coverage overwhelmed tunately one of us has to win,” qualifier Rebecca Peterson but Wozniacki sailed into the the Serbian pair’s bold shots. Cilic said. admitted she now needed to second round with a 6-1 6-3 Top seed Djokovic will make The Croatian added that he take a break from the tour to win over American Lauren his Japan Open singles debut has to “be ready to play well” fully recover. Davis. German second seed today playing Alexei Popyrin, a in the second round, when he “I didn’t recover well after my Alexander Zverev carried his 20-year-old Australian, at the will face either Lorenzo Sonego first match,” Halep said. “So it Laver Cup winning form into Ariake Coliseum, a venue for the of Italy or South Korean Chung was very tough for me to play the China Open as he sailed Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Hyeon. Sugita’s defeat is a dis- and she played really well. The into the second round with a His main challengers in the appointment for local fans af- injury from Wuhan, it’s getting 6-3 6-2 victory over wildcard Japan event will be second seed ter Japanese star Kei Nishikori worse, so I have to go home Frances Tiafoe in Beijing Mate Pavic hits a return against Novak Djokovic and Filip Krajinovic in their doubles round match at the ATP Borna Coric of Croatia and Bel- pulled out of the tournament and take an MRI... take a break yesterday. Japan Open Tennis tournament in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) gian third seed David Goffi n. due to injuries. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 1, 2019 7 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS India look to Sharma to seal Test record Pakistan beat Lanka against South Africa

AFP was dismissed for a duck on the Visakhapatnam, India second ball he faced in a practice game against the South Africans.

ne-day big hitter Ro- NATURAL RUNS in historic Karachi hit Sharma will stake a India batting great V V S Lax- claim to become India’s man said Sharma needs to stick fi rst-choice opening to his natural fl air while open- OTest batsman when they start a ing in the longer format. “If you series against South Africa look- tweak your natural game too ing for a record-breaking win. much, then you will not get the Victory in the three-match results as your mind gets clut- series would see India break the tered and you tend to lose your ODI, take series lead record of 10 straight home series rhythm,” said Laxman, a middle- wins they currently hold with order batsman who was forced to ‘Lanka fought back hard and we did not get wickets through our spinners in middle overs’ Australia. open for India. Much focus in the fi rst Test in “I can admit that my fl ow was AFP Visakhapatnam will be on the aff ected when I opened. Rohit is Karachi 32-year-old Sharma — a star of a rhythm-based player and if his India’s limited-overs teams as touch gets aff ected, then it will well as skipper of the Mumbai be diffi cult.” Virat Kohli’s India akistan rode on a bril- Indians who won this year’s In- registered their 10th home series liant century from Ba- dian Premier League Twenty20 win with a 2-0 sweep over the bar Azam and fast bowl- tournament. Sharma has not West Indies last year. They have er Usman Shinwari’s been a Test regular, however. The not lost a home series since 2013. Pfi ve wickets to beat Sri Lanka last of his 27 Test caps since 2013 India will be without premier by 67 runs in the second day- was in Australia last year. paceman Jasprit Bumrah because night international yesterday as He now has a new chance, re- of a stress fracture of the back, Karachi staged its fi rst ODI in a placing the out-of-form Lokesh but the hosts are still favourites decade. Rahul, as the opening positions against an inexperienced South Azam, currently one of the remain a problem for India. “He Africans led by Faf du Plessis. best batsmen in limited overs has worked so hard and if he gets Vernon Philander, who took cricket, smashed a solid 105-ball an opportunity, I am sure he will Sharma’s wicket in the three-day 115 to lift Pakistan to 305-7 after do well,” vice-captain Ajinkya practice match, is confi dent of a the home team won the toss and Rahane said of Sharma. good show in South Africa’s fi rst batted. Shinwari then knocked “We all know the quality he game in the World Test Champi- off the top-order in fi gures of has. He is simply special.” The onship. India won a four-match 5-51 as the visitors — depleted new Sharma experiment has had series 3-0 with one draw when by the withdrawal of 10 top a disastrous start, however — he South Africa last toured in 2015. players who refused to tour over security fears — were bowled out for 238 in 46.5 overs. The win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the fi rst ODI rained off in Karachi on Friday. The third and fi nal match is also set for the same venue tomorrow. Sri Lan- ka were down and out at 28-5 before youngsters Shehan Jayas- uriya and Dasun Shanaka staged a fi ghtback during their record 177-run stand — an ODI record for this wicket for Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya missed his maid- Pakistan’s batsman Babar Azam plays a shot during the second ODI at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi, yesterday. (AFP) en hundred by four runs while Shanaka notched his highest File photo of India’s batsman Rohit Sharma. (AFP) ODI score of 68, but both fell in Scorecard the space of three balls to sur- PAKISTAN ov), 5-261 (Babar Azam, 45.5 ov), 6-278 W. Hasaranga c Iftikra b Shadab 30 render the fi ght. Jayasuriya hit (Wasim), 7-305 (Riaz) seven boundaries and a six in his F. Zaman c Udana b Hassaranga 54 I. Udana c Sarfaraz b Shinwari 1 Al Shaqab rider excels at World 107-ball knock while Shanaka Imam-ul-Haq lbw b de Silva 31 Bowlers: Jayasuriya 10-1-48-0, Pradeep 9-0- L. Kumara lbw b Wahab 1 59-0, Udana 9-0-60-1 (2w), Kumara 10-0-59-1, Endurance Championship had six fours and two sixes in his B. Azam c Hasaranga b Kumara 115 N. Pradeep not out 0 80 balls. Pakistan captain Sar- Gunathilaka 2-0-8-0, Hasaranga 10-0-63-2 Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Team, Al Shaqab’s Endurance H. Sohail run out 40 Extras: (b1, lb 15, w 5) 21 faraz Ahmed praised Sri Lanka’s (1nb). Foundation, was in the spotlight Department has a squad of fi ghtback. S. Ahmed run out 8 SRI LANKA Total: (all out; 46.5 overs) 238 once again when a member of 12 riders including two junior “Sri Lanka fought back hard I. Ahmed not out 32 D. Gunathilaka c Wasim b Amir 14 Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Samarawickrama), 2-22 the Al Shaqab Endurance team riders — and 130 horses. The and we did not get wickets claimed a top 10 place at the team participates in national, I. Wasim c Fernando b Udana 12 S. Samarawickrama b Shinwari 6(Gunathilaka), 3-22 (Avishka), 4-22 (Thir- through our spinners in the imanne), 5-28 (Oshada), 6-205 (Jayasuriya), FEI Meydan World Endurance regional, and international middle overs,” said Sarfaraz. W. Riaz run out 2 A. Fernando c Fakhar b Shinwari 0 7-205 (Shanaka), 8-211 (Udana) Championship — Young Horses endurance events. All of the “We batted well with Babar and 2019 that concluded recently horses that participated in the Extras (lb 8, nb 2, w1) 11 O. Fernando lbw b Wasim 1Bowling: Amir 7-1-21-1 (2w), Shinwari 10-1- Fakhar doing well.” Sri Lankan in Italy. FEI Meydan World Endurance Total (for seven wkts; 50 overs) 305 L. Thirimanne c Sarfaraz b Shinwari 0 51-5 (1w), Wasim 7-1-38-1, Wahab 9-0-27-1 skipper Lahiru Thirimanne Al Shaqab rider Mohamed Championship — Young Horses Shadab 9.5-0-76-2 (1w), Iftikar 4-1-9-0 (1w) praised Jayasuriya and Shanaka. Fall of wickets: 1-73 (Imam), 2-104 (Zaman), S. Jayasuriya c Sarfaraz b Shinwari 96 Khalifa al-Sowaidi and his horse, 2019 were bred at Al Shaqab’s “It was a great eff ort by She- 3-215 (Sohail), 4-242 (Sarfaraz Ahmed, 43.6 D. Shanaka c Zaman b Shadab 68 Result: Pakistan won by 67 runs. Sa’ada Al Shaqab, earned 7th state-of-the-art equestrian han and Shanaka,” said Thir- place in the event, which was facility. imanne. “Disappointing the way in Lahore. International cricket watch the return of ODI cricket Jayasuriya and Shanaka bettered ODI runs in 2019 — behind In- aimed at 7-year-old horses. Endurance horse racing is a we batted in the fi rst 10 overs remained suspended in Paki- to their city, weathering heat and the previous best sixth wicket dia’s duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Taking on competitors from niche equestrian sport that is but the two youngsters showed stan for six years before Zim- various security check-posts, stand of 159 between Chamara Sharma, and Australian couple several countries, al-Sowaidi rapidly growing in popularity. us how to bat and led our fi ght.” babwe became the fi rst team using special shuttles to reach Kapugedera and Chamara Silva Aaron Finch and Usman Khawa- and Sa’ada Al Shaqab covered Al Shaqab’s Endurance The match marked the fi rst to play here in 2015. Pakistan the National stadium. Shinwari against the West Indies at Port of ja. Openers Fakhar Zaman (54) a distance of 120km. In total, Department was developed ODI cricket to be played in Ka- also hosted a World XI (three dismissed Sadeera Samaraw- Spain in 2008. and Imam-ul-Haq gave Paki- four horses and riders from to further promote Qatar’s rachi since the same two teams Twenty20s), Sri Lanka (one T20 ickrama (six), Avishka Fernando It was Azam who treated the stan a solid start of 73 before Sri Al Shaqab competed in the equestrian heritage and to raise played here in January 2009, international) and the West In- (nought) and skipper (Lahiru fans in the afternoon.Azam, Lanka’s best bowler, leg-spinner prestigious championship. and nurture the country’s next on the tour when the visitors’ dies (three T20) in the last three Thirimanne (nought) to rattle Sri when on 54, became the fi fth Wanindu Hasaranga, trapped Home of the Qatari National generation of riders. bus was attacked by terrorists years. A crowd of 12,000 came to Lanka to 22-4 by the eighth over. batsman to complete 1,000 Imam for 31.

HORSE RACING QREC’s vision is to promote Qatar as a leader in the pure Arabian breed: al-Mohannadi

By Sports Reporter through continued coordination Doha between us at QREC and France Galop,” said QREC chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohan- he scene is all set for the nadi. “In fact, we seek maximum 2019 renewal of the Qa- benefi ts from this sponsorship in tar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- accordance with the set objec- Tomphe weekend, which tives and our eff orts to achieve will take place at ParisLong- the QREC’s strategy and vision of champ from October 5-6. promoting Qatar as a world hub A number of associated events for horseracing and a leader in will be staged prior to the prestig- the pure Arabian breed. “Qatar’s ious weekend with the Arqana Ara- horses have been running and bian Sale organised at Saint-Cloud performing actively in the inter- on Thursday. The same racecourse QREC chairman Issa bin national races we sponsor over- will host a race day with two Qatar- Mohamed al-Mohannadi. seas for several years now. Several named races for three-year-old memorable successes were real- Arabians the next day. minutes before the mega Arc race, ised in the recent years, includ- On Saturday and Sunday, the the Qatar Arabian World Cup will ing the Al Shaqab Racing-owned truly spectacular ParisLong- see the world’s top purebred Arabi- TREVE’s stunning victories in champ will be the scene of ac- an runners contesting for the cov- the 2013 and 2014 editions of the tion for the iconic event, which eted title. The venue and the timing Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. has been Qatar-sponsored since of running the most prestigious “In addition, Qatar excelled 2008 under the partnership racing events for pure Arabians and dominated the previous edi- agreement between the Qa- have been a very positive develop- tions of the Qatar Arabian World tar Racing and Equestrian Club ment in enhancing the standing of Cup, which have been landed (QREC) and France Galop. Sat- Arabian racing worldwide. several times by horses owned urday will have a nine-race card, The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- by His Highness Sheikh Abdul- including six Group 1 and 2 races omphe captures the attention of lah bin Khalifa al-Thani, His High- involving a Group 1 race for four- the world’s horse owners, train- ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa year-old pure Arabian mares. ers and jockeys. As a highlight of al-Thani and Al Shaqab Racing. ing events, which we sponsor but rather to gain the benefi ts of committed to highlighting and leader in the pure Arabian breed. The day will conclude with the the world’s horseracing calendar, We look forward to maintaining overseas, including the Qatar such presence. We, at QREC, val- promoting Arabian racing world- “Moreover, the cooperation Arqana Arc Sale for the thorough- the mega event attracts dozens of success this year, not only at the Prix de l’Arc de Triumphe,” he ue such events as they promote wide and stressing its presence between us at QREC and the bred horses. Following the annual thousands of racegoers as well as organisational level, but also in added. Qatar and its equestrian sport at in such international gatherings. other Qatari institutions, such tradition, action will culminate on millions of TV viewers worldwide. terms of excellence at the races.” “In line with the State’s ap- high-profi le international gath- This is a main eff ort in support- as Qatar Airways and Manateq, the fi rst Sunday of October with Al-Mohannadi: We look for- proach, our strategy, in this re- erings with the intensive cover- ing the Arabian breed, which is which are associated with us the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triom- ward to maintaining success. CLEAR-CUT OBJECTIVES spect, is to realise the aims be- age they receive. closely associated with our local in sponsoring this event, leads phe day, which will include seven “We have been preparing for “We have clear-cut objectives hind such sponsorship so that it “Through the QREC-spon- heritage and is based on QREC’s eventually to optimum integra- Group 1 races out of eight. Only 40 this event for a long time now through the international rac- would not be a mere presence, sored events and festivals, we are vision to promote Qatar as a tion and outcome.”

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Pochettino seeks win over Bayern to ease Spurs’ European progress

Reuters cember. “Last season we would have innovative solutions on the pitch — like says that,” he said. “If I don’t do it next year we are going London all signed up for the same campaign in deploying midfi elder Moussa Sissoko Meanwhile, Manchester City manag- to try again. Sometimes you take a few the Champions League,” the Argentine as an emergency right back when Serge er Pep Guardiola said failing to win the years, sometimes you take longer.” told reporters yesterday. “I hope to win Aurier was sent off against Southamp- Champions League this season would City host Croatian side Dinamo Za- eating Bayern Munich in the tomorrow to be in a better position than ton at the weekend. not be a disaster. greb in their second Group C match on Champions League today will last season. Last season we only had one “It’s not going to change this season... City have reached one Champions Tuesday and Guardiola has problems help Tottenham Hotspur avoid point after three games. This is not new for us,” he said. “What is League semi-fi nal since Guardiola’s ar- in defence, with defenders John Stones Ba repeat of last season’s late “Nobody believed in us, but we went new for the club is... seven years ago, we rival and were knocked out in the quar- and Aymeric Laporte injured and make- scramble to qualify for the knockout on to reach the fi nal of the Champions were playing... in the Europa League but ters by Liverpool and Tottenham Hot- shift centre back Fernandinho a doubt rounds, manager Mauricio Pochettino League. That is why in football it’s im- now, for the fourth season in a row, we spur in the last two seasons. for the game. said. portant how you start, but it’s more im- are playing Champions League. Guardiola’s team won an unprece- Nicolas Otamendi is the only senior Tottenham fi nished runners-up to portant how you fi nish. In a long season “(We’re) playing Barcelona, Inter Mi- dented domestic treble last season and, central defender available and Guar- Liverpool in Europe’s elite club com- you need to be calm and strong in your lan, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid or while Europe is the fi nal frontier left to diola said he could deploy youngsters petition last season but only narrowly mentality.” Manchester City. That changed a lot. conquer, Guardiola said failing to do so Taylor Harwood-Bellis (17) or Eric made it into the last 16 after losing their Pochettino pointed out that he had This type of circumstances changes a again this season would not “change his Garcia (18), who played in City’s 3-0 fi rst two group games against Inter Mi- turned Spurs into Champions League lot for the club but my circumstances, life”. League Cup win at Preston North End lan and Barcelona. regulars, with the club in their fourth poor circumstances, didn’t change from “Of course, I’ll try but I won’t live last week. Spurs kicked off this season’s Group consecutive season in the competition fi ve years ago to today.” the next 10 months thinking it will be “Taylor is quite good with the ball but B campaign with a draw at Olympia- despite operating on a smaller budget Bayern, he added, were always one of a disaster if I don’t win the Champions likes to win duels and fi ght long balls,” kos and Pochettino wants his team to than their main rivals in England and the favourites for the title. League,” he told a media conference Guardiola added. “Eric is so clever, his register their fi rst win against leaders Europe. “They are a club that every season, yesterday. build-up and quality of the pass... he Bayern, whom they visit in the reverse Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian head Their straitened circumstances, he they prepare themselves to try to win “I want to win it but if I don’t... I’m is top. They are there because they can, fi xture in their fi nal group game in De- coach Mauricio Pochettino. added, had forced him to come up with the competition because the history not going to kill myself. after that it depends on selection.”

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE/ MATCH STARTS 6.30PM SALA CASE Cardiff told Confi dent Al Sadd to pay Nantes take on Saudi’s Hilal 6mn euros

AFP Lausanne with eye on Asian fi nal ardiff City must pay French club Nantes an initial 6mn euros ‘We must take the opportunities we have. We have to keep our character and winning mentality’ ($6.5mn) in their dispute overC the payment of the transfer By Sports Reporter Al Hilal’s opponent in the next fee for Emiliano Sala, FIFA said Doha stage; this time it was two-time yesterday AFC Champions League win- The amount corresponds to the ners Al Ittihad. fi rst instalment of the 17 million- an Al Sadd go all the The fi rst leg in Jeddah ended euro fee Cardiff had agreed to pay way and capture the goalless, and Al Ittihad took an Nantes before Sala died in a plane AFC Champions early lead in the reverse fi xture. crash on January 21 while travel- League title like they Razvan Lucescu’s men showed ling to join his new club. Clast did in 2011? immense mental strength to Cardiff had previously resolved With just Saudi Arabia’s Al turn the tie through and earn a not to pay any of the money even Hilal standing in the way of 3-1 victory to set up the semi- though the transfer had been their fi rst appearance in the fi nal fi nal clash against Al Sadd. completed before the accident. since that eventful year, Xavi’s Despite a wealth of attack- In relation to the remainder of Al Sadd will be fancying their ing talent at Xavi’s disposal, the initially agreed fee, FIFA told chances of winning yet another left-back Abdelkarim Hassan AFP: “For confi dentiality reasons, continental crown and fl y the remains one of the most infl u- we cannot comment at this stage fl ag for West Asian club football. ential fi gures in the side. on potential future instalments or The two sides are named do- The role of the 2018 AFC other conditions of the transfer mestically as ‘Al Zaeem’ which Player of The Year in providing agreement.” translates as ‘The Boss, as the width is doubly as important in The announcement from world most decorated in their respec- the absence of right-back Pedro football’s governing body fol- tive nations. Miguel. lowed a meeting by its Players’ They also boast a proud con- Hassan is also an attacking Status Committee. tinental history, having won threat from set-pieces as dem- In a statement, FIFA said it had Asia’s prime club competition onstrated by his thunderous “never lost sight of the specifi c on two occasions each. free-kick goal against Al Duhail and unique circumstances of this “It’s going to be a tough in the Round of 16. tragic situation during its delib- match but we are well prepared. Since his arrival at Al Hilal, erations on the dispute at stake.” Everyone knows Al Hilal are one coach Lucescu has made Mo- Both clubs can appeal the deci- of the strongest teams in the re- hamed Kanno the centrepiece of sion to the Swiss-based Court of gion, but we have confi dence in Al Sadd coach Xavi speaks to his players during a training session yesterday. At his side. Arbitration for Sport, although in our abilities,” Xavi told journal- bottom, he addresses the media during his pre-match press conference. The midfi elder combines a statement Nantes said they were ists at his pre-match press con- physical presence, positional “pleased with FIFA’s decision. ference. awareness and technical abili- Cardiff must honour their com- Xavi asked Al Sadd fans to the most of them. We have to easy; in fact, the Qataris started a 1-1 draw in Doha until the fi nal ties, enabling him to contribute mitments and the rule of the laws throng the stadium in large keep our character and win- their campaign with a 2-0 de- half an hour. to both the attacking and defen- of sport,” the club’s lawyers wrote numbers and support the team. ning mentality that we have. We feat against Saudi Arabia’s Al Al Sadd pulled through as sive phases of play. in a text message sent to AFP. “Our fans have helped us sail must handle pressure, whether Ahli before recovering to col- goals from Hassan al-Haydos When the team push forward “Above and beyond the hu- through to this stage with their we are playing at home or away.” lect 10 points over the next four and Baghdad Bounedjah sealed in numbers as they often do, man tragedy of Emiliano Sala’s support. Their presence is very If Al Sadd go on to win the Group D fi xtures. victory and a semi-fi nal ticket Kanno fi nds that balance be- death which touched everyone in important to galvanise the play- tournament, they will fi nd A 2-0 last matchday reversal for the Qataris. tween anchoring midfi eld or ar- the sport, FIFA have provided a ers,” added the Spain and Barce- themselves in the semi-fi nals at Persepolis didn’t matter as Al Al Hilal, despite being drawn riving late into the fi nal third to reminder that the commitments lona great. of the Club World Cup in Doha Sadd progressed as group lead- in a so-called ‘Group of Death’ create an additional outlet. made by clubs when they sign Xavi said he learnt a great in December against English gi- ers. alongside Al Ain, Al Duhail and Al Sadd will be eager to show players obviously must be re- deal about the Asian Champi- ants Liverpool. Next up was a date with Al Esteghlal, stormed to the next they have learned from last spected.” ons League while playing for Al “We have a long way to go for Duhail in the Round of 16. round with a game to spare, col- year’s semi-fi nal exit, where a Nantes had previously ap- Sadd as a player. that but our attitude whether Akram Afi f scored in both legs lecting 13 points in the process. 1-0 fi rst leg defeat at home left pealed in February over Cardiff ’s “When we crashed out in the we play Barcelona or Liverpool as a 1-1 draw was followed by a Awaiting them in the Round them needing an improbable failure to pay the 17mn euros they semi-fi nals last season we were will be the same.” 3-1 home win over their domes- of 16 were Al Ahli, who were win at Azadi Stadium. said was owed because Sala had devastated. It was very diffi cult Al Hilal’s two triumphs came tic rivals to send Al Sadd into the brushed aside on their own soil They will be encouraged by already signed for the Welsh side. to deal with it. But this time the in the Asian Club Champion- quarter-fi nals. 4-2, making their 1-0 return leg a look at the history records, “The International Transfer situation is diff erent and we will ship in 1992 and 2000, while Al Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr pro- win in Riyadh merely a consola- which show Al Hilal have only Certifi cate, delivered by FIFA, es- not repeat the same mistakes. Sadd won it in 1989 before lift- vided a stern test at the last tion as Al Hilal advanced to the managed one win in their last tablished that, on the day of the “We must take the oppor- ing the 2011 AFC Champions Al Sadd’s path to a second eight stage, beating Xavi’s men quarter-fi nals. eight visits to Qatari opponents accident, Emiliano was a Cardiff tunities we have and make League title. consecutive semi-fi nal was not 2-1 in Riyadh and holding out for Another domestic rival was in the AFC Champions League. player,” Nantes added.

BOTTOMLINE Qatar sees wide use of climate-controlled stadiums in the future

Reuters made to resemble the sail of a dhow, just the fl ow from a control room. new metro system will further cut Doha or traditional wooden sailboat, was When asked the price tag of the emissions. opened last May and has the new cooling system, Abdul-Ghani said: “a Abdul-Ghani said the system, cooling system. good amount of money”, without pro- which has been left unpatented for n a late September evening in “You’re living inside a micro, cli- viding a fi gure. others to adopt, requires about a fi fth Qatar a persistent 35 degree mate-controlled bubble,” said Saud Doha has put the tournament at of the energy typical to cool spaces of Celsius heat hung outside Abdul-Ghani, a Qatar University me- the centre of a national development the same size, such as airport termi- the 2022 World Cup host’s chanical engineering professor who plan aimed at diversifying its energy nals or closed baseball fi elds, because newlyO-built Al Janoub stadium, but led the design, as he waved a bright economy and projecting itself on to it continuously recycles air into small down on the pitch the temperature was orange thermometer to demonstrate the world stage through sport. zones. a cool 21 degrees. the roughly 14-degree drop. Thani Khalifa al-Zarraa, the project “The Americans, Mexicans and Qatar says it has designed an ener- The stadium was the fi rst of seven manager for Al Janoub Stadium, said Canadians will surely look at this be- gy-effi cient cooling system that can in Qatar to be completed ahead of the the cooling system increased the cost cause of thermal stress on players,” make its open-air stadiums usable tournament. The other six are slated of construction by two to three times, Abdul-Ghani said, referring to the even in summer temperatures that to be ready by the end of 2020 and to around $6,000-7,000 per seat, host nations of the 2026 World Cup. soar well into the 40s. an eighth, Khalifa International Sta- suggesting a stadium cost of about Candidate cities include Miami, At- Soccer’s next global showpiece dium, was renovated and opened in $240-280 million. Despite the chilled lanta, Orlando, Dallas, Houston and tournament was moved to November 2017. stadiums, Qatar has said its World others which are notoriously hot and and December to avoid Doha’s intense Along the pitch dozens of soccer Cup will have the smallest carbon humid in the summer. summer heat, but Qatar decided to A view of air-conditioning vents ball-sized nozzles blow out chilled footprint of any before it. “With global warming, Paris was stick with the chilled stadiums in or- used to blow cold air at Qatar’s new air, while tiny angular ducts beneath Nasser al-Khater, CEO for FIFA 40 plus, the UK 35 plus, so even the der to have future venues that would Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. the seats keep the stands at 24-26 World Cup Qatar 2022, said Doha’s Europeans need to look at this care- be usable year-round. degrees. Sensors around the stadium compact tournament will eliminate fully,” Abdul-Ghani added, referring Al Janoub, a 40,000-seat venue keep track of diff erent zones and ad- the need for domestic fl ights and a to this summer’s heat-wave.