SPORT Friday 14 September 2018

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Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu on her way to win the women’s 200m butterfly event during the opening day of the FINA Swimming World Cup in yesterday. Pictures by: Hussein Sayed

‘Iron Lady’ Hosszu shines on day one

FAWAD HUSSAIN YESTERDAY’S PODIUM WINNERS THE PENINSULA Women’s 400m Freestyle 1: Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 4:10.02 DOHA: Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu stole 2: Femke Heemskerk (NED) 4:12.56 the limelight on the opening day of 3: Chanzhen Zhou (CHN) 4:13.62 FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 Doha edition, claiming three podium finishes Men’s 400m Freestyle 1: Blake Pieroni (USA) 3:53.98 including two gold medals at Hamad 2: Lorenz Weiremans (BEL) 3:54.94 Aquatic Centre yesterday. 3: Yuhang Wu (CHN) 3:55.57 Russia’s Vladimir Morozov and Swedish sprint queen Sarah Sjostrom, Women’s 50m Backstroke who are leading the men’s and 1: Kira Toussaint (NED) 28.01 women’s rankings respectively, also 2: Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 28.49 lived up to expectations by winning 3: Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 28.57 the 50m freestyle to keep their chances of wins in cluster 1 intact. Men’s 200m Backstroke Hosszu, famous as ‘The Iron Lady’ 1: Mitchell Larkin (AUS) 1:57.45 2: Manuel Bacarizo (ESP) 2:02.52 took part in all the five races in 3: David Verraszto (HUN) 2:07.08 women’s field yesterday, winning women’s 400m freestyle and women’s Women’s 200m Butterfly 200m butterfly titles. She also clinched 1: Katinka Hosszu(HUN) 2:09.26 third position in women’s 50m 2: Zsuzsanna Jakabos (HUN) 2:10.34 backstroke. 3: Carina Brand (RSA) 2:35.58 “I am happy with my performance. It’s always good to win races and I have Men’s 100m Butterfly enjoyed the opening day in Doha,” 1: Michael Andrew (USA) 51.83 Olympic Committee Vice President Sheikh Saoud bin Ali Al Thani shakes hands with double gold medallist on the Hosszu said. 2: Ryan Coetzee (RSA) 52.20 opening day of the FINA Swimming World Cup in Doha, Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu at the Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday. 3: Mathys Goosen (NED)52.99 “I am trying to keep the right balance. My message for young Women’s 200m Backstroke swimmers is to enjoy your swimming,” 1: Yuliya Efimova (RUS) 2:23.55 she added. Ranomi Kromowidjojo to win Dutchwomen as Ranomi Kromowidjojo 2: Vitalina Simnova (RUS) 2:24.06 Morozov, who broke a World Cup women’s 50 m freestyle clocking finished second with a time of 28.49. 3: Alba Vazquez Ruiz (ESP) 2:30.33 record in 50m freestyle, overcame a 23.99. Heemskerk (24.54) and Kro- Hosszu took the bronze with a time of stiff challenge from American teenager mowidjojo finished second and third 28.57. Men’s 100m Breaststroke Michael Andrew and his compatriot respectively. Australia’s Mitchell Larkkin 1: Felipe Lima (BRA) 59.61 Blake Pieroni to win, clocking a time “I was expecting this victory. I am recorded a win, securing the men’s 2: Arno Kamminga (NED) 59.74 of 21.80. happy to continue winning this event 200m backstroke title with a time of 3: Anton Chupkov (RUS) 59.89 “I am happy to win the race. I am and I am looking for some more vic- 1:57.45, ahead of Spain’s Manuel Women’s 50m Freestyle targeting a total of three gold medals tories in Doha,” Sjostrom said. Bacarizo (2:02.52) and Hungary’s David 1: Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 23.99 in Doha,” the Russian said after his Pieroni and Andrew also recorded sealed win in 51.83 with South Africa’s Verraszto. 2: Femke Heemskerk (NED) 24.54 victory. a victory each on the first day. Ryan Coetzee (52.20) and Dutchman Brazil’s Felipe Lima was the winner 3: Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 24.62 “However, two wins in Doha Pieroni topped the men’s 400m Mathys Goosen (52.99) second and in men’s 100m breaststroke with a time should be enough for me to secure freestyle race in 51.83 followed by Bel- third respectively. of 59.61. Men’s 50m Freestyle cluster 1 win,” he added. gium’s Lorenz Weiremans and Wu Kira Toussaint won the women’s A total of 10 titles will be decided 1: Vladimir Morozov (RUS) 21.80 As expected, Sjostrom comfortably Yuhang of China. 50m backstroke clocking 28.01, in on the second day of the three-day 2: Michael Andrew (USA) 21.95 defeated Femke Heemskerk and World junior champion Andrew top-two podium finish for the event today. 3: Blake Pieroni (USA) 22.17 QSL Round 5: Arruabarrena wary of Al Arabi threat

CHINTHANA WASALA but they came back strongly. In to climb up in the points table with advantage of their weaknesses,” when his team meets The Lions at QNB STARS LEAGUE THE PENINSULA the process, Al Arabi also showed a win today. Aurrabarrena said. their own backyard. ROUND 5 FIXTURES they can score many goals. They “However, we do not lag On the other hand, their oppo- “We were training without DOHA: Qatari football giants Al are playing the way we also want behind. In fact, the difference nents, will be looking to continue two main players (Qatar interna- Today: Rayyan will not take Al Arabi to play at the moment. We can between top team Al Sadd and us their momentum but coach Luka tional Fathy and Iraq’s Ibrahim). It AL ARABI VS AL RAYYAN lightly when the two teams meet expect a tough fight. They is only two points. You must show Bonacic was not happy about the is good that they came back without At Al Arabi Stadium (6.00pm) in their QNB Stars League (QSL) already have nine points and that patience especially at the start of break after the fourth round. any injury. AL SHAHANIA VS QATAR SC fifth round clash today. is how you start a league com- a league competition and wait for “We have been in great form. “After the big defeat to Al Sadd At Al Arabi Stadium (8.10pm) The eight-time QSL cham- petition,” the Argentinian tac- good results to come. We registered three victories as in the second round, we showed pions will be looking to fire on all tician said. “All our players are ready and well. We are in the fourth position remarkable improvement and that Tomorrow: cylinders against Al Arabi in Al Arabi lost to Al Sadd by a I will decide on the playing eleven also. Of course, the break was not has reflected on our performances. AL GHARAFA VS UMM SALAL search of full points at the Al Arabi record margin of 10-1 in the based on the fitness and form of good for us as we were main- I am expecting a good game against At Al Gharafa Stadium (6.00pm) Stadium. second round of the League, but the players on the match day. The taining a good momentum. But we Al Rayyan. I wish my boys will go AL AHLI VS AL KHARAITIYAT Speaking to the media ahead managed to win both their same is applicable in the case of have to honour FIFA commit- out and bring out their best,” he said. At Al Ahli Stadium (8.10pm) of the encounter, the Lions’ matches that followed. That also new recruit Jonathan Menendez ments,” Al Arabi’s Croatian coach Al Arabi have collected nine coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena said included an impressive 5-1 win also. I have players who play with said yesterday. points thanks to three wins out of Sunday: (kick-off times to be confirmed) that a tough battle can be against Umm Salal. great energy and passion. We will He was happy to receive two their four appearances in this AL SAILIYA VS AL DUHAIL expected today. However, Al Rayyan, who fin- not change altogether just for one of his key players Ahmed Fathy year’s League while Al Rayyan At Al Ahli Stadium “We are into a big match ished third in the previous QSL match. Our system is for the and Ahmed Ibrahim who were on remained fifth in the table with AL KHOR VS AL SADD against Al Arabi. They had suf- season behind champions Al entire season. We study our national duty and Bonacic will eight points with two wins and At Al Khor Stadium fered a setback against Al Sadd, Duhail and Al Sadd, will be looking opponents and try to take look to get the most out of them two draws. FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 17 FIG Worlds: Abeer strives to achieve desired goals in Doha THE PENINSULA am very proud to be representing the The national competencies (of both Organising Committee at this champi- men and women) in the organisational DOHA: For the first time in the history onship. I also feel responsible as a aspect has reached global levels and we of the organisation of a world woman representative and strive to Such a grand tournament will leave have been happy to receive continues gymnastics championship, a Qatari achieve the desired goals and aspira- a legacy for future generations praise from the International Gym- woman has assumed the chairmanship tions. We are sure of delivering another and not just in sports but nastics Federation (FIG). We consider it of one of the sub-committees for the top world level sports event in line with culturally too with the vision as a catalyst for us to continue to work 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World what has already made Qatar a capital of our wise leadership which is more strongly and we aspire to achieve Championships Doha 2018 to be held at for global sporting events and the hub always motivating our people to maximum success through this tour- the Aspire Dome in Doha from October of major tournaments in the region and nament, which comes at a very 25 to November 3. the Middle East. achieve success at various levels: important time for our nation. We shall While Jana Elkeky will be repre- “I am also happy that the woman Abeer Ali Al Buainain be fully ready to show Qatar’s cultural senting Qatar at the worlds as a gymnast, component is strongly present in various image to the world.” Abeer Ali Al Buainain is taking care of committees which reflects the culture Abeer also pointed out that the the organisational aspect as the Director of the country’s global organisation, and between the various committees under- cooperation between the various com- of Operations, Planning and Human we are proud of our cadres in different lines our aim of achieving maximum mittees and ministries, especially the Resources at the Organising Committee categories. success.” Ministry of Culture and Sports, as well for the world gymnastics. “Such a grand tournament will leave “It also emphasises that Qatar is not Abeer Ali as the continuous cooperation with Empowering women has always a legacy for future generations and not only good at hosting major sports events Al Buainain Qatar Olympic Committee confirms that been one of Qatar’s aims and these two, just in sports but culturally too with the but is also known for leaving a memo- everyone has a common goal and an as athlete and office-bearer, highlight vision of our wise leadership which is rable impression in the minds of people extraordinary organisation of the event. the high levels of competency among always motivating our people to achieve for long even after these events are 85 countries participating. Certainly, we “The International Gymnastics Fed- women in Qatari society. success at various levels,” she added. over,” Abeer said. have made the appropriate strategic eration has seen the latest preparations Committed and confident, Abeer is Elaborating on the preparations, On Operations, Planning and Human plans for this level of hosting, and we at all levels. Qatar in producing this sure that the forthcoming champion- planning and challenges, Aabeer said, Resources front, she said all efforts are were delighted to welcome many of version in the most beautiful manner ships will once again prove the capabil- “The organising committee has stepped being made to bring all those with a those wishing to work with the Organ- and we will continue from the start of ities of Qatar, its openness and the abil- up the pace of work extensively with single-minded approach together. ising Committee during the tournament. the countdown to the completion of the ities of Qatari women. the approach of the launch of the cham- “Everyone knows that this edition The number of volunteers in the early championships. We are ready now for Speaking of her role and goals pionships. And the fact that there is of the world gymnastics will see the stages is already nearly 500. And the this event, according to the time ahead, she said, “At a personal level, I absolute cohesion and cooperation largest participation in its history with number is still growing,” Abeer said. schedule specified,” Abeer said.

Al Sadd players vote for FIFA FIFPro World11 Manchester City break £500m revenue barrier

AFP

LONDON: English champions Manchester City posted record revenues of £500.5m ($652m) in a record- breaking 2017/18 campaign on the pitch as Pep Guar- diola’s men romped to the title amassing 100 points. City reported profits of £10.4million, a fourth con- secutive year of profitability, with wages to revenue ratio falling to 52 percent. “Our journey is not complete and we have more targets to fulfil,” said chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who recently celebrated a decade since an Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of the club transformed City’s fortunes. “There should be no doubt that we are looking forward to the challenges of the new season and those beyond it Al Sadd’s defender Hamid Ismail casts his vote at the Al Sadd Sports Club yesterday with equal commitment and determination to the 10 to select the FIFA FIFPro World11. FIFPro, the worldwide players’ union, and FIFA have seasons that came before.” announced the 55 names in contention for the FIFA FIFPro World11 2018. The FIFA Before Sheikh Mansour’s takeover, City’s revenue was FIFPro World11 is decided by the players, for the players and involves votes from a mere £87m for the 2007/08 season. almost 25,000 professional footballers from 65 different countries. LEFT: Al Sadd’s Huge losses of over £584m followed during the first skipper captain Xavi Hernandez casts his vote. six years of their ownership due to massive investment in the playing squad and facilities, including the £200m Etihad Campus training ground. La Liga: Barca and Real’s PSG unveil new Jordan Brand jerseys perfect records at risk REUTERS Barca will benefit from stadium since it was reno- extra rest for talisman vated to get rid of a running BARCELONA: Real Madrid Lionel Messi, who sat track and bring the stands and Barcelona’s flying starts out ’s recent closer to the pitch. to the La Liga season will be international friendlies, Barca often struggle in put to the test tomorrow and defender Gerard the first game back after an when they both travel to the international break but this Basque country. Pique, who has retired time they will benefit from Real play Athletic Bilbao from the Spanish extra rest for talisman Lionel while Barcelona visit Real national team. Messi, who sat out Argen- Sociedad in fixtures that have tina’s recent international often proved to be among friendlies, and defender Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari President Nasser Al Khelaifi (Right) their hardest away trips over opening three league wins Gerard Pique, who has shakes hands with the Jordan Brand’s President Larry Miller the last decade. but have only picked up one retired from the Spanish at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris yesterday during the Real were held to a victory in their last eight national team. presentation of PSG’s UEFA Champions League new jerseys goalless draw at the famously league visits to Real Socie- Real Madrid players fea- made in partnership with the Jordan Brand, created by the atmosphericat osp e c San Sa Mames Ma es dad’sdad s Anoeta oeta stadstadium, u , finally a y turedtu ed heavily eav y in SpaSpain’s s 6-060 Chicago Bulls’ basketball legend. RIGHT: PSG’s French forward stadiumstadium llastast seasoseasonn aandnd hhaveave snappingsnapping an 11-y11-yearear winless drubbingdrubbing of Croatia on Kylian Mbappe poses with a news jersey onlyonly won two ooff theirtheir ffiveive runrun therethere bbyy coming fromfrom TuesdayTuesday anandd tthehe impressiveimpressive lleagueeague visits to tthehe groungroundd two goagoalsls ddownown to win 4-2 in displaydisplay ooff mimidfielderdfielder DaDanin sincesince it was built in 20132013,, and January.January. CeballosCeballos mamayy see him forforcece theythey willwill ffaceace a typicatypicallylly ThingsThings hishis way into thethe startingstarting Iran’s Esteghlal arrive in Doha hostile atmosphere as theythey coucouldld be eevenven line-upline-up in Bilbao.Bilbao. chasechase a fourthfourth winwin afterafter toutoughergher than Real forwardforward MarcoMarco seeingseeing offoff Getafe,Getafe, GironaGirona usuausuall fforor AsensioAsensio willwill alsoalso bebe feelingfeeling and Leganes.Leganes. ErnestoErnesto Val-Val- confidentconfident after plaplayingying a partpar ChampionsChampions Barca, verde’sverde’s sideside inin ffiveive ooff SSpain’spain’s sixsix ggoalsoals meanwhilemeanwhile,, have as RRealeal againstagainst Croatia, while GarethGareth scoredscored 12 goalsgoals SSociedadociedad will BaleBale wiwillll bbee llookingooking to exteextendnd inin thetheirir bbee pplayinglaying fforor hishis run ooff scoring in six concon- the firsfirstt titimeme secutivesecutive LLaa LigaLiga games,games atat ttheirheir hhavingaving

scored a wonder ggoaloal in WWales’ales’ 4-1 win over the RepublicRepublic ofof IreIreland.land. Elsewhere,Elsewhere, AtleticoAtletico The players and officials of Iran’s Esteghlal FC pose for a photograph upon their arrival at the Hamad Barcelona’s MadridMadrid hhostost EibarEibar whwhileile International Airport in Doha yesterday, ahead of their AFC Champions League quarter-final - second leg Argentinian ValenciaValencia will be out to rectrectifyify forward theirtheir poor recorrecordd ooff two clash against Qatar’s Al Sadd. Al Sadd holds a 3-1 advantage as the two teams vie for a semi-final spot at LioneMessi points fromfrom threethree gamesgame the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. whenwhen ttheyhey hhostost RealReal Betis.Betis. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2018 Vettel needs to find a way India’s Shastri to hit back in Singapore under fire after AP England series

SINGAPORE: Sebastian Vettel AFP needs a return to form at the Singapore Grand Prix, the night race where his Formula One NEW DELHI: India coach Ravi Shastri has come under fire for championship challenge started his side’s humiliating 4-1 Test series loss to England -- a second crumbling last year. consecutive away defeat for the world’s top-ranked side. Vettel was perfectly poised The thrashing in England, following the loss in South Africa to regain the overall lead from earlier this year, piles pressure on Shastri ahead of a tour to Aus- Lewis Hamilton at the Marina tralia in November and next year’s World Cup -- as well as a Bay street circuit last year, but massive clash with arch-rivals Pakistan next week. caused a multi-car crash from Critics and former captains have rounded on the coach, par- pole position and spiraled out of ticularly for his mid-series claim that his team is the best to come the race. out of India in 15 years. Hamilton avoided the first- “Self-belief is a wonderful quality; but being caught in the lap chaos and, despite starting bubble of your own publicity is self-defeating,” said Sambit Bal, fifth, went on to win. chief editor of cricket website Cricinfo, on Twitter. The crash affected Vettel’s “India had their moments but the scorecards say 4-1 and India momentum badly. Hamilton weren’t as good as they should have been,” said noted commen- won two of the next three races tator Harsha Bhogle. “This is two overseas disappointments in a and sealed the title by a com- The Marina Bay street circuit is illuminated row now.” fortable 46 points. at dusk in Singapore in this September Prior to the final Test at the Oval -- which India lost by 118 runs It could be deja vu for the 17, 2013 file photo. The Singapore Grand -- Shastri had raised eyebrows with lavish praise for his side. German driver as he already Prix night race will take place this Sunday. “If you look at the last three years, we have won nine matches trails Hamilton by 30 points Picture taken with a fish-eye lens. overseas and three series. I can’t see any other Indian team in the heading into Sunday’s race. last 15-20 years that has had the same run in such a short time,” Hamilton has won three of the he said. past four races and outscored Considering Hamilton has team because Kimi Raikkonen Hamilton’s No. 2 at Mercedes, India have won two recent series in Sri Lanka and one in the Vettel 93-55 during that span. won six races to Vettel’s five, the was on pole in Monza. Then, and he drove like that in Monza West Indies. Still, Vettel is confident he margin between them should be Raikkonen held his ground at the to help Hamilton overtake But his comments rankled former star players. can turn the situation around - much closer. But, just like in start and didn’t let Vettel past, Raikkonen. Sourav Ganguly, who was part of the committee that appointed providing he keeps his 2017, Vettel has been throwing even though Vettel is much “Valtteri’s been in a position Shastri last year, dismissed the coach’s claims as “immature”, telling composure. away points and his composure better placed for a title push. to help in different scenarios,” Indian television Shastri must improve the team. “The biggest enemy is me. is again being called into Unable to pass, Vettel then Hamilton said. Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that Indian teams of the 1980s had We have a great car,” Vettel said question. got in a tangle as Hamilton was The situation at Ferrari, won series in England and the West Indies -- as well as a series yesterday. “Obviously, (Ham- The slump started when the overtaking him and spun off the however, is more confusing. victory in England as recently as 2007. ilton) is ahead at the moment, Ferrari driver crashed in the rain track. Vettel clawed back to This was compounded this “The best travelling teams are made by performances on the the one to beat, but we have all while leading the German GP in fourth, but Hamilton won to week when Ferrari chose not to ground and not by sitting in the dressing room and talking about the chances. We need to look July, then botched qualifying - extend his title lead on a track extend Raikkonen’s contract for it,” added former Test opener Virender Sehwag. after ourselves and if we do that again in the rain - at Hungary where Ferrari should have next year and instead promoted Captain Virat Kohli leapt to his coach’s defence following the we have a good chance to do despite being faster than Ham- helped Vettel close the gap on 20-year-old Charles Leclerc final Test on Tuesday. well.” ilton’s Mercedes. the British driver. from the Sauber team. Leclerc Asked about Shastri’s pre-match comments, Kohli said: “We The sweltering heat and “For sure, the worst one was The fact he did not also is a promising driver who came have to believe we are the best side, why not?” humidity makes for grueling Germany,” Vettel said. “(But) underlines how Ferrari has through the Ferrari academy but In a tetchy exchange, Kohli turned the question on a journalist, driving on Singapore’s sinewy there’s not much point trying to seemed in a state of flux at times. he is inexperienced. who responded “I am not sure”. Kohli hit back: “You’re not sure. street track - even late at night. dig into the race again.” Given Vettel’s need to pressure Raikkonen has been com- That is your opinion. Thank you.” “I think it’s the toughest race Although he beat Hamilton Hamilton, it was logical to petitive with six podiums in the Shastri now has to immediately lift the side for the six-nation we have all year, mentally and at the Belgian GP, after Hamilton impose team orders and tell past seven races to reach 100 Asia Cup starting in the on Saturday -- physically,” Vettel said. “You took pole, familiar problems Raikkonen to let Vettel past him. podiums overall. But the without the brilliant Kohli, who is being rested. have a feeling you can never be resurfaced for Vettel and Ferrari Ferrari has never officially 38-year-old Finn is going to The whole country will be watching as they take on arch- prepared enough.” at the Italian GP two weeks ago. established a 1-2 hierarchy in the Sauber next year, back to where rivals Pakistan on September 19, with Rohit Sharma to lead He will need to be on Ferrari secured a front row team, and neither has Mercedes. he started his F1 career in 2001 the side throughout the 50-over contest. India then have Sunday, given how many points 1-2, with Hamilton third, but But it is seemingly evident to and a clear demotion in terms two Tests at home to West Indies before four Tests in he’s thrown away this season. Vettel was unhappy with his observers that Valtteri Bottas is of prestige. Australia. F1 star Hamilton energised by hectic round-the-world jaunts

AFP

SINGAPORE: Lewis Hamilton insisted yesterday that he had been energised by racking up the air miles while his title rivals were preparing for the toughest race on the calendar in Singapore. In this file photo taken on June 22, 2018, Indian cricket team head The Mercedes driver coach Ravi Shastri (left) speaks as captain Virat Kohli looks on stretched his lead over Fer- rari’s Sebastian Vettel to 30 during a press conference in New Delhi. Shastri is under fire for points with his victory at the calling his side ‘the best to come out of India in the past 15 years’ Italian Grand Prix at Monza as they fell to a humiliating defeat in the England Test series. two weeks ago. Hamilton then jetted off on a frantic time zone-hopping All-rounder Collingwood schedule that took him to fashion shows for his new calls time on career clothing range in Shanghai and REUTERS New York before landing in Singapore. The English four- time world champion denied LONDON: Former England captain Paul Collingwood will retire his hectic off-track life was an from professional cricket at the end of the current season, his unwelcome distraction, instead County Championship side Durham announced yesterday. claiming it actually helped him Collingwood, 42, became the first England captain to win a win races. trophy at a global tournament when he guided them to the ICC “I get a lot of energy from World T20 in 2010. He was part of three Ashes series wins over these different things that I do,” Australia before retiring from international cricket in 2011. Hamilton told reporters at Sin- “I knew this day would eventually come but it hasn’t made it gapore’s Marina Bay Street any easier - although it’s an emotional decision, I know that the Circuit. “I find it stimulating Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (centre) and Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas speak with time is right and I’m comfortable knowing that I have given every and I think you’ll see that my three-year-old fan Leila during a ‘meet and greet’ event at a shopping mall ahead of the Singapore last ounce of energy to the sport,” Collingwood told the club’s results have shown that for the Grand Prix in Singapore yesterday. website. past several years.” “I have achieved so much with both Durham and England, far By contrast, title rival Vettel said he had focused for the Grand Prix weekend, which any other track, should favour Ferrari and more than I ever imagined and I feel extremely privileged to have enjoyed “a quiet couple of weeks” since begins with Friday’s two practice sessions. Red Bull. But Hamilton won a year ago from had such a long and rewarding career Monza, spent entirely on preparing for what “I’ve got, obviously, other things that I’m fifth after both Ferraris crashed on a rain- “I am excited about what the future holds for me and am looking he called “the toughest race of the season”. doing. And in between trying to fit in the soaked first lap. “I feel optimistic coming into forward to new challenges.” Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, runner-up training, for example, in the last week has this weekend,” said Hamilton. “I’m really Collingwood scored close to 17,000 runs in first-class cricket in Singapore in each of the past three races, not been easy,” admitted Hamilton. hopeful that we can still fight with them.” since making his debut 22 years ago. He made 1,000 Champi- said all he had done since Italy was hit the “I’ve travelled a lot more than I have all Hamilton’s Mercedes has won three of onship runs in 2017 and became the oldest player to make a T20 gym in “seven layers of clothes” to get accli- year long in these two weeks. There’s not a the last four races to open up the biggest lead hundred and Durham’s first century-maker in that format, against matised for the steamy, draining race which single moment that I’m not thinking about of the season despite Ferrari’s apparent per- Worcestershire at New Road. Aged 41 years & 65 days, Collingwood normally lasts close to the maximum two racing, not thinking about the championship, formance advantage. “We do expect there’s beat ex-Worcestershire player Graeme Hick (41y 37d) who struck hours. how I want to arrive.” going to be some difficult races up ahead,” 110 against Northamptonshire in 2007 Hamilton conceded it had been tricky to On paper, Singapore’s unique city centre conceded Hamilton, who is expecting the He made 4,259 runs in 68 Tests and will play his final game fit in his preparation, but said he was fully track with its gruelling 23 turns, more than Marinello team to bounce back. against Middlesex starting on September 24. FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 19

Nissan joins Japan’s Osaka not saddened top brands to sign Osaka REUTERS by Serena row in Open final YOKOHAMA: Japan’s Nissan Motor Co has signed US Open champion Naomi Osaka as its REUTERS time divided next brand ambassador, the tennis and trig- automaker said yesterday, YOKOHAMA: Naomi Osaka said gered a debate tapping the tennis star’s Serena Williams’s row with the about sexism in youth, drive and Japanese umpire during the US Open final the sport, fuelled roots to appeal to younger had not altered her feelings by Williams’s customers. about winning a Grand Slam assertion that The deal further raises the largely because she had no idea Ramos would profile of the 20-year-old how she was supposed to react, not have dealt Osaka, who shot to interna- the Japanese said yesterday. with a male tional fame when she Osaka’s breakthrough player in the defeated American Serena triumph in New York was over- same way. Williams on Saturday to shadowed by an explosive row Much of the become the first Japanese between her opponent Williams criticism of Wil- player to claim a Grand Slam and umpire Carlos Ramos which liams has singles crown. resulted in the 23-times Grand centred on how “Growing up, my dad Slam champion being docked a her actions had drove a Nissan, so being able game and fined $17,000. spoiled a pre- to be a brand ambassador At Flushing Meadows on Sat- cious moment now, it feels like I’ve come urday, the 20-year-old was for Osaka, who full circle,” Osaka said, reduced to tears during the pres- was even moved speaking mainly in English entation ceremony but on her to apologise for at a contract signing event at arrival back in Japan yesterday, beating the Nissan’s headquarters in she said she had not been sad- home favourite Yokohama. dened by the incident. to a New York Nissan said the passionate “For me, I don’t feel sad crowd angrily videogame player and because I wouldn’t even know booing Ramos. Beyonce fan would appear in what I’m expected to feel,” she In becoming US Open champion Naomi Osaka attends a contract global promotions and adver- told a news conference in her country’s signing ceremony at Nissan’s global headquarters tising in its three-year con- Yokohama ahead of the Pan first ever Grand in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday. tract, in something of a Pacific tournament that begins Slam singles branding departure for a firm on Monday. champion, whose popular GT-R sports “Because it was my first final Osaka, the daughter of a Haitian emergence of more ethnically kind of Japanese so I guess there model for young Japanese car attracts men aged 40 and and my first Grand Slam victory, father and Japanese mother, is mixed celebrities, especially in is that. But if you were talking children. “I have definitely been older. overall I felt really happy and I also helping break new ground sport, is helping. about my tennis, I think my thinking about if little kids were Glowing media reports know that I accomplished a lot. in Japan as her biracial identity For her part, Osaka is not tennis is not very Japanese.” watching and they wanted to called her a new heroine for “I don’t think I even thought challenges the country’s self- thinking too much about how Osaka, currently ranked play tennis too,” she said. Japan. about feeling sad because there’s image as a racially homogenous her identity is perceived. seventh in the world, is aiming “I’ve always thought that Kei Nissan joins a growing no experience for me to draw on society. “For me, I’m just me,” said to qualify for the WTA Finals in (Nishikori) is a super good role number of companies to sign (from) any other Grand Slam Public attitudes are slowly Osaka, when asked whether she Singapore at the end of the model on the men’s side and I her up for endorsements, final.” changing as Japanese society represented a ‘new Japan’. season. Furthermore, in wish that there was one on the such as Adidas AG, Yonex Co, One of the most contro- becomes more integrated with “I know the way that I was embracing her new high profile, women’s side. So hopefully I can Nissin Foods Co, Wowow Inc versial Grand Slam finals of all the global economy, and the brought up, people tell me I act Osaka wants to serve as a role be that role model.” and Citizen Watch Co. Argentina Europe are Ryder change three for key Cup favourites, Wallabies clash says star Reed REUTERS AFP HONG KONG: Ryder Cup holders the United States will go into GOLD COAST: Argentina this year’s meeting with Europe as underdogs, claims Masters have made three changes for champion Patrick Reed, as the country’s golfers seek to end their their clash with the Wallabies overseas-winning drought in Paris. tomorrow, with Gonzalo Reed will be a key member of Jim Furyk’s team as the Amer- Bertranou returning at icans seek to defend the title won in commanding fashion at scrum-half as they look to Hazeltine National two years ago. bounce back from defeat to The 28-year-old Texan, however, believes the odds will be in the All Blacks last weekend. Europe’s favour when the clash tees off at Le Golf National course The Pumas went down in two weeks’ time. 46-24 to New Zealand in “We feel great and we can’t wait to get over there and try to Nelson and while it was a end the drought of not winning overseas,” Reed said via video link spirited performance their to promote his participation in this year’s Hong Kong Open. scrum was “torn apart”, Britain’s Prince William holds an official rugby ball for the 2019 World Cup at the official opening “I feel that kind of takes a little bit of pressure off us and puts according to coach Mario more pressure on the European team because they’re the ones of Japan House in London, Britain, yesterday. Ledesma, himself a former that have had so much success overseas, that everyone thinks hooker. we’re going to come in and they’re going to win the Cup again. In a bid to fix their “So were going to go in and feel like we’re the underdogs and problems for the Gold Coast Springboks desperate to get try to play the best that we can.” Test, prop THE Americans have not won the Ryder Cup on foreign soil since replaces Garcia Botta and a 15-13 victory at The Belfry in 1993 and have only emerged victo- blindside flanker Pablo rious on European soil twice since the biennial competition was Matera returns to the starting World Cup build-up on track extended to include players from across Europe in 1979. line-up in place of Tomas The Americans’ win in 2016 ended a run of three straight suc- REUTERS Lezana. the Wallabies in Brisbane last week, have been cesses for the Europeans - who are captained by Thomas Bjorn After resting last dropped to the bench. “It’s going to be an uphill this time around. Reed feels he and his team mates will be bol- weekend, Bertranou is back WELLINGTON: South Africa coach Rassie battle against a team who is number one in the stered by their status as defending champions as well as by the at scrum-half with Martin Erasmus may have been exaggerating when he world, who dictate almost every facet of the game,” inclusion of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Landajo relegated to the said defeat to the All Blacks tomorrow could have Erasmus said. “I think the biggest thing is we finally got a taste of victory,” bench. him fired but the comments underscored how “But this team is pretty much our strongest he said of the Hazeltine win. The Pumas have lost 15 of desperate the Springboks are to be competitive available... I really think after this game we will “Having us in control of the Cup right now means we have the their last 16 Tests against Aus- at the World Cup. know where we stand.” confidence in ourselves. We’ve won, we feel great and the guys tralia, but after beating South Erasmus was given a six-year contract last All Blacks coach Steve Hansen also recalled on the team are playing really well. Africa last month there is a year to rebuild the fallen heavyweights but defeats several first-choice players after some of his less “To bring the dynamic of having Tiger and Phil back on the belief that the miserable run in the last two Rugby Championship tests by Aus- experienced squad members beat the Pumas team, and two rookies on the team in Bryson DeChambeau and can be brought to an end. tralia and Argentina have put him under pressure. 46-24 in Nelson last week. Tony Finau who have been playing really stellar golf throughout Argentina: (15-1) For all the pledges of support from the South He bulked up his loose forwards with Sam the year, it just feels like we have a lot of confidence in our guys.” ; Bautista Africa , that pressure will only ease Cane and Liam Squire returning, while first choice Reed, who secured his place on the team by finishing in fourth Delguy, Matias Moroni, Jer- with a strong showing against the champion All halfbacks Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett were place on the US’ points list, is relishing the opportunity to tee up onimo de la Fuente, Ramiro Blacks at Wellington Regional Stadium. also recalled. at his third Ryder Cup having made his debut in his country’s heavy Moyano; Nicolas Sanchez, “The moment you beat New Zealand in New Hansen’s midfield combination has again been defeat at Gleneagles in 2014. Gonzalo Bertranou; Javier Zealand you’re back to where you want to be and reshuffled with Ryan Crotty returning after he “I don’t really think it’s as much pressure as it is excitement,” Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, your planning is on track and you can tell yourself recovered from a nasty head clash with Jack he said. “It’s so different. It’s a great way to finish off the season ; Tomas you’re really contenders at a World Cup,” Erasmus Goodhue in the first game against Australia. and start rebuilding for next year’s season.” Lavanini, ; San- told reporters yesterday. Crotty has had a litany of head injuries in the tiago Medrano, Agustin “That’s how we see it.” last two years and concerns had been raised about Creevy (capt), Nahuel Tetaz With South Africa drawn in the same World his health, but the 29-year-old said he had con- Ryder Cup champions since 2002 Chaparro Cup group with New Zealand for the first time, vinced not only the doctors but also his mother 2002 Europe Replacements: Julian and their pool B opener in Yokohama just over a and sister. 2004 Europe Montoya, Santiago Garcia year away, little wonder Erasmus is looking ahead. “I’ve had to convince them (I’m) all right so, 2006 Europe Botta, Juan Pablo Zeiss, He named a strong starting side for tomor- no, they’re fine and they’re excited that I’m back 2008 United States Matias Alemanno, Juan row’s clash, restoring Handre Pollard to the pivotal out there,” Crotty said of his family. 2010 Europe Manuel Leguizamon, Martin flyhalf role and Malcolm Marx as starting hooker. “Honestly, there’s no stone left unturned 2012 Europe Landajo, Bautista Ezcurra, Flyhalf Elton Jantjies and hooker Bongi around head injuries these days, so the diligence 2014 Europe Juan Cruz Mallia. Mbonambi, who both started in the 23-18 loss to around that gives you confidence.” 2016 United States