SPORT

Thursday 7 September 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Injured Murray Kohli fires India ArgentinaA and Chile likely to miss to seven- stumble again as rest of season victory Uruguay on brink Sanchez hails Qatar’s show against China

Agencies “And also there was the match against Syria where we were leading atar national football team until the last minute. We lost four points coach Felix Sanchez said his in these two matches. If we had them, team played a strong match We have a lot of very we would have qualified as the second against China in the final young players, we will in the pool.” Qround of the 2018 World Cup “What we have witnessed is the qualifiers despite a 1-2 defeat at Khal- keep working with improvement of the Chinese team, both ifa International Stadium. in quality and points. You could tell Speaking during his post-match them, says Qatar’s from this match. press conference, Sanchez said China coach Felix Sanchez “When I took over we had almost started the match with high pressure no hope of qualifying at all.... but we against Qatar and the first 15 minutes fought until the end and I hope we keep were tough but the Qatari players improving so we can have a good result relaxed after that and scored a goal at the Asian Cup.” before the visitors equalised and scored The Asian Cup in the United Arab Paris Saint Germain’s Qatari President Nasser Al Khelaifi (left) and their a second goal. tual group winners Iran in Tehran. Emirates in early 2019 will be the next new forward Kylian Mbappe hold a jersey during his presentation at Asked about carrying on with the “Now, looking back we deserved a major test for China and the side will the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris yesterday. The 18-year-old striker national team, Sanchez said he will win in the game against Qatar as we hit be positive about their pros- moved to PSG in a season-long loan deal with a €180m buy-out clause continue to work withith thethe playersplayers not thethe wowoodworkodwork tthreehree ttimes,imes, anandd theitheirr pectspects with LippiLippi ddueue attached, making him the second most expensive player of all time just for 2022 but alsoso for other com-com- goalkeepergoalkeeper was also outstandinoutstanding,”g,” to remain at the behind new team-mate Neymar. petitions, adding that the team World CuCup-winnerp-winner LiLippippi said of helm.helm. showed a competitivetive spirt despite a 0-0 draw with the Gulf side in the loss. KunmingKunming in NNovember,ovemberr, wwhichhich Sanchez was positivesiitive despitedespiitte Tues-Tues- waswas hihiss ddedebutbbut as CChinahina ccoach.oachh. Mbappe says change of day’s outcome of thee match, and said He said China managed 12 that there is a lot of youngoung plaplayersyers which pointspoints from six matches, which, could boost Qatar’sr’s hopeshopes in he added, is a ggoodood result but heart triggered PSG move future. lamented the results againstagainst “We have a lot ofof Qatar in the home leg of the tie very young players,, andand ffailingailing to bbeateat Syria in tthehe Paris family and I took the decision to join we will keep eighth round of the qual-qual- AFP PSG,” said Mbappe, who comes from working with ifiers results thatthat the Paris suburbs. them,” the Qatar wowoulduld hahaveve ssentent ylian Mbappe revealed a change He insisted he had not fallen out coach said. ChinaChina to tthehe finalsfinals in of heart prompted him to join with the Monaco ownership and China’s coach Mar-ar- Russia.Russia. KParis Saint-Germain from praised the club’s Vice President cello Lippi said his sidsidee French champions Monaco in a deal Vadim Vasilyev, but told reporters: created a numberr ooff poised to become the second most “There were some things that hap- chances in the first halfalf expensive transfer in history. pened that I will talk about, you’ll hear but the players starteded The 18-year-old France striker soon.” to feel tension andnd said at the end of last season he had Mbappe, speaking as he was offi- lacked organisation onon decided to stay with Monaco, but con- cially unveiled at the Parc des Princes, the pitch. After tthehe fessed yesterday that “certain events said it had been vital for him to stay in break, he added, the happened which made me change my France despite strong interest from players doubled ttheirheir mind”. Real Madrid. efforts and were ableble to Mbappe completed a move to PSG Mbappe’s arrival in the capital score twice. last Thursday on an initial season-long follows the world-record signing of The win was thehe team’s loan as part of an agreement that Neymar from Barcelona, and the third in a five-gameme run that includes an option to buy the teenager Frenchman is eager to continue his saw China lose just ooncence - to eveneven-- Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez for €180m ($215m). development alongside a highly “I discussed it in depth with my accomplished cast of players. QEF delegation Ul Haq shines as Qatar reach semi-finals

Chinthana Wasala meet officials in The Peninsula atar reached the semi-finals of the ICC World Uzbekistan QLeague Division IV Tourna- ment after skipper Inam Ul Haq Tashkent led a formidable reply against QNA Guernsey to secure a three-wicket win at the Willowmoore Park in delegation from Qatar and Asian equestrian feder- Benoni, South Africa yesterday. ations visited Uzbekistan after an official invitation Chasing a target of 232 to win, Aof the Uzbek government. Qatari team got off to a brilliant During the visit, the qatari officials also met with Dep- start by skipper Ul Haq and uty Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Ibrahimov Ghulam Jan, Qalandar Khan. as well as a number of officials of the Uzbek The Qatari openers were Government. involved in a 112-run partnership The President of the Asian and Qatari equestrian feder- before Khan departed for 56 in ations Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah said that the visit of the 22nd over. His 64-ball knock Qatar cricket team and officials pose for a photograph after winning their third Group match the delegation of the Qatari and Asian equestrian federations included nine hits to the bound- against Guernsey at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa yesterday. to Uzbekistan came at the official invitation of the Uzbek gov- ary. Muhammad Tanveer joined ernment, adding that the delegation met during the visit with Ul Haq after the departure of with a boundary, securing their swell their total which proved to against Group B’s second placed the most prominent governmental and sports personalities. Khan and continued to swell the place in today’s semi-finals. be not enough at the end against team Vanuatu. Al Attiyah also pointed out that the delegation discussed total. The skipper faced 83 deliv- Earlier, Qatari skipper won the the strong Qatari side. The final of the tournament, how to develop equestrian sport in the Asian region, and eries for his 63-run knock and hit toss and elected to field first. Left-arm orthodox spinner as well as the play-offs will take discussed ways of cooperation between the national fed- nine boundaries before he was Guernsey, the island nation just Mohammed Nadeem bagged three place on Saturday. erations and how to exchange experiences. dismissed by David Hooper. Tan- off the coast of Normandy, France, for 49 to lead the Qatari Brief scores: He also said that there was a discussion on how to veer scored 47 and hit six amassed a total of 231 for the loss attack while leggie Tamoor Sajjad Guernsey: 231 for 9 (Oliver benefit from the great equestrian experience in Qatar and boundaries. of nine while Oliver Newey took two for 33. Muhammad Tan- Newey 80, Josh Butler 36, Ben Far- Uzbekistan, as well as the support of the Asian Equestrian Qatar lost seven wickets dur- top-scored with well-compiled 80 veer and Iqbal Hussain bagged a brache 34, Tom nightingale 31; Federation there, adding that another meeting was held ing their run chase while runs before he was caught and wicket apiece. Mohammed Nadeem 3 for 49, with the Vice President and Minister of Agriculture and Mohammed Rizlan and Awais bowled by Tamoor Sajjad. Qatar will now meet Jersey Tamoor Sajjad 2 for 33) the President of Equestrian Federation, and it was a fruit- Malik were at the crease Josh Butler (36), Ben Farbrache who remain unbeaten in Group B. Qatar: 234 for 7 (Inam Ul Haq ful meeting bringing together members of the Uzbek with 22 and 10 runs respectively. (34) and Tom nightingale (31) also The other semi-final will see 63, Qalandar Khan 56, Muham- Equestrian Federation. Malik finished the game in style made valuable contributions to Group A leaders Italy, playing mad Tanveer 47) SPORT THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2017 21 Venus beats Kvitova to meet Stephens in semis

New York Andy Murray AFP

even-time Grand Slam DJ Forbes Injured champion Venus Wil- liams became the oldest semi-finalist in All Blacks Murray likely US Open history at Sage 37 on Tuesday by defeat- ing two-time Wimbledon Sevens legend to miss rest champion Petra Kvitova 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2). Forbes retires US ninth seed Williams, of season seeking her third US Open Wellington crown, advanced to today’s AFP matchup against 83rd-ranked London compatriot Sloane Stephens for Venus Williams of the United ew Zealand rugby AFP a spot in Saturday’s final. States in action against Petra sevens legend DJ “I’m so fortunate to have Kvitova of the Czech Republic NForbes ritain’s Andy Murray said yes- won that match. It came down during their US Open - Quarter- announced his retire- terday that he is unlikely to play to the wire,” Williams said. “I final match played in New York, ment yesterday after a Bagain this season due to a nag- try to tell myself enjoy the USA on Tuesday. Williams defeated record-breaking 11-year ging hip injury that forced him to pull competition, enjoy the battle two-time Wimbledon champion career in the shortest out of the US Open. and I think I was able to do Kvitova 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2). form of the game. Murray, recently nudged off the that.” “The last 11 years top of the world rankings by Spain’s In the men’s event, South with the All Blacks Sev- Rafael Nadal, has been struggling with Africa’s Kevin Anderson She was runner-up this US OPEN by ousting Argentine 29th seed ens has been an the injury since a five-set French reached a Grand Slam semi- year at Wimbledon and the Diego Schartzman 6-4, 6-4, awesome ride that I’ve MEN’S QUARTER-FINALS Open semi-final loss to Switzerland’s final for the first time where he Australian Open and could 6-2. loved every minute of,” Stan Wawrinka in June. will face Spain’s Pablo Carreno reach three Slam finals in a Kevin Anderson (RSA x28) bt Sam “Incredible,” Carreno Busta Forbes, 34, told the New The 30-year-old Scot played at Busta who will also be appear- year for the first time since Querrey (USA x17) 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (9/11), said. “It’s something that I Zealand Rugby Wimbledon in July but lost in the ing in his maiden last-four at 2002. 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) always dreamed about but website. quarter-finals to American Sam a major. Kvitova battled back from Pablo Carreño-Busta (ESP x12) bt something I never thought was Derek Jamie “DJ” Querrey. Stephens, who missed 11 a five-month absence after a Diego Schwartzman (ARG x29) 6-4, going to arrive here. It’s a great Forbes made his debut “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to months with a left foot knife-wielding home intruder 6-4, 6-2 feeling.” for the All Blacks Sevens compete in the upcoming events in injury before returning at injured her left hand last WOMEN’S QUARTER-FINALS With Anderson standing 6ft in 2006, appearing in a Beijing and Shanghai, and most likely, Wimbledon, matched her December. Venus Williams (USA x9) bt Petra Kvi- 8in (2.02m) and Querrey 6ft record 89 world sevens the final two events to finish the sea- best Grand Slam showing by “I’m glad I’m still able to tova (CZE x13) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2) 6in (1.97m), it was the tallest series tournaments and son in Vienna and Paris due to my hip outlasting Latvian 16th seed compete on the high level Sloane Stephens (USA) bt Anastasija matchup ever so late in any playing a record 512 injury which has been bothering me Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, against the top players which Sevastova (LAT x16) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4) Slam. matches, scoring 153 the last few months,” the three-time 3-6, 7-6 (7/4). I hope will give me some con- Sevastova, who matched tries and winning six Grand Slam champion said on his “This is just incredible,” fidence to continue to play her best major run from last World Series titles. Facebook page. Stephens said. “When I started well, to know that it’s still there Slam finalist. year at New York by ousting He also captained “Having consulted with a number my comeback at Wimbledon I somewhere,” Kvitova said. South African 28th seed Maria Sharapova to reach the New Zealand to gold at of leading hip specialists over the last could never have dreamed of If Americans Madison Keys Anderson downed 17th-seeded last eight, led 3-1 in the third the 2010 Common- week, along with my own team, we coming back and having these and CoCo Vanderweghe win American Sam Querrey 7-6 set before Stephens rallied. wealth Games and the have decided that this is the best deci- results. It’s indescribable.” their quarter-finals, they will (7/5), 6-7 (9/11), 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) “I just told myself to keep 2013 Sevens World Cup. sion for my long-term future,” the Stephens has won 13 of her produce the first all-American to book a berth in Friday’s fighting and stay consistent,” “Sevens means world number two said. past 15 matches and matched US Open semi-finals since semi-finals. Stephens said. “I knew if I just you’re on the road a lot,” “Although this has been a frus- her 2013 Australian Open 1981. Anderson, the first South stick with it and stayed in every said Forbes. “I want to trating year on court for many semi-final run for best Slam “That would be huge,” Wil- African in any Slam semi-final- point I’d have my opportunity thank my wife and kids reasons, I’m confident after this effort. liams said. “I’d love that.” ist since Wayne Ferreira at the and I did.” and family and friends extended period of rest and rehabil- Williams, who improved to “This is amazing,” Stephens 2003 Australian Open, will In the tie-breaker, for their enormous sup- itation that I will be able to reach my 2-4 all-time against the Czech said. “I hope there are four meet Spanish 12th seed Car- Stephens took four of the last port, and I am looking best level again and be competing for 13th seed, will return to the Americans in the reno Busta, who has not five points, three on Sevastova forward to being around Grand Slam titles next season. world top five for the first time semi-finals.” dropped a set, for a place in errors before hitting a down- a lot more. “I will be beginning my 2018 sea- since January 2011, a span that Legends Roger Federer and Sunday’s final. the-line backhand winner “Today starts my son in Brisbane in preparation for the saw her diagnosed with the Rafael Nadal each practiced “To play in one of the most ensured her win to reach the new life after footy,” he Australian Open.” energy-sapping disease ahead of Wednesday quarter- famous courts in the world at top 35 in next week’s added. Sjogren’s Syndrome. finals in which wins by each night and to get through, it feels rankings. “I’m looking forward Williams, the oldest Slam would set up their first US fantastic,” said Anderson. Sevastova admitted nerves to finishing my Master’s semi-finalist since Martina Open meeting in an epic Fri- Carreno Busta, the first got to her in the tie-breaker, degree... and my goal is Querrey satisfied Navratilova at Wimbledon in day men’s semi-final. player in any Grand Slam to saying, “It’s normal. You play to one day coach a 1994, won the 2000 and 2001 The other half-bracket, face four qualifiers, cruised for semi-finals of US Open. I’m national side.” despite narrow US crowns. however, will offer a first-time into his first Slam semi-final not a robot. Sorry.” New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew paid quarter-final loss tribute. “His knowledge of Anderson ends Querrey’s US Open run sevens and calm wisdom Reuters will be sorely missed.”

merican Sam Querrey put on New York moved 5-2 up in the tiebreaker a brave face after his US Open Reuters but Anderson then played more Atitle dream was ended by South freely and won five points in a Nibali slashes Africa’s Kevin Anderson in a quarter- evin Anderson spoiled the row to take the lead. final which finished just before 2 a.m. American party at the US There was an early exchange yesterday. KOpen when the big-serv- of breaks in the second set with Froome’s Anderson fired 66 winners, ing South African beat local Querrey opening a 6-1 lead in the including 22 aces to win 7-6(5), 6-7(9), favourite Sam Querrey 7-6(5), tiebreak before suffering another Vuelta lead 6-3, 7-6(7) and deny Querrey a place 6-7(9), 6-3, 7-6(7) to reach his first meltdown and finding himself in back-to-back grand slam semi- Grand Slam semi-final on trailing 8-7. Madrid finals, claiming a place in the last four Tuesday. This time, however, the 17th Reuters of a slam for the first time himself. Anderson’s win ended the US seed regrouped and equalised on “(I’m) pretty happy,” Querrey said. presence in the men’s draw while his eighth set point when Ander- uelta a Espana overall “At the beginning of the week, if you Sloane Stephens and Venus Wil- son returned long, triggering a leader Chris Froome said I would have made quarters, I liams have both qualified for the huge roar from the crowd. Vlost a huge chunk of his probably would have signed up for that. last four in the women’s draw. But the stands gradually advantage on stage 17’s steep “I know that bottom half of the The 17th-seeded Querrey can cleared up as the match was sent final climb, with Austrian Ste- draw was open, but you can’t say 63 blame himself for a meltdown in deep into the night. fan Denifl showing grit to win guys blew an opportunity. Only one the first set tiebreak, where he lost Anderson got a decisive break yesterday. guy can go through, and Kevin’s five points in a row to allow in the sixth game of the third set Britain’s Team Sky rider pretty tough.” Anderson into the lead under the as Querrey struggled with his first Froome struggled on the spe- Querrey led the first-set tiebreak lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium. serve and the South African held cial category climb to Alto de 5-2 only to lose it and even after win- The 31-year-old Anderson, twice, finishing it off with a fore- los Machucos, with Italy’s Vin- Kevin Anderson of ning a dramatic second-set tiebreak, seeded 28th, will face Spanish hand winner down the line to lead cenzo Nibali cutting his overall always seemed second best as Ander- South Africa serves to 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta for two sets to one. lead by 42 seconds to 1:16. son went for broke. Sam Querrey of the a spot in Sunday’s final. The fourth set was tightly Veteran Spanish rider “He’s tough to play against,” US during their 2017 Anderson also became the contested again and went into Alberto Contador came in sec- Querrey said. “He’s so overly aggres- US Open Men’s Singles first South African player to reach another tiebreak. ond, clawing back over a sive. A lot of his balls were landing quarter-final match at the last four of the US Open since Querrey saved a first match minute on Froome to keep the (just) in. It’s just tough. Just a couple the USTA Billie Jean King tennis turned professional in point with an ace at 6-5, set up a race for the red jersey alive, points here and there. I thought he National Tennis Center 1968. set point at 7-6, which Anderson after the Briton’s impressive played really well in the big points.” in New York on Tuesday. The two big servers could not staved off by forcing his opponent time trial performance on Tues- “Even though I won that set, he... Anderson beat Querrey manage a break in the opening to slice a backhand into the net. day seemed to have ended it. just had three great service games, 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 6-3, set and Querrey, who was hop- The second match point was Aqua Blue Sport rider boom, boom, boom, and it kind of 7-6(7) to reach his first ing to be the first American male good enough for Anderson, who Denifl beat Contador by 28 sec- takes away your momentum a little Grand Slam semi-final. to make it to the last four here dominated the rally until Quer- onds on the 180.5km run from bit,” he said. since Andy Roddick in 2006, rey’s forehand sailed long. Villadiego to Los Machucos. 22 SPORT THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2017 Bangladesh strike back after Warner ton Chittagong, Bangladesh SCOREBOARD balls. AFP This was Warner’s 20th Test Bangladesh (I innings): ...... 305 century and second in succes- Test format being strangled by avid Warner hit his Australia (I innings): sive innings, having made 112 in second hundred in M Renshaw c Rahim b Mustafizur ...... 4 the first match. a row before Bang- D Warner c Imrul b Mustafizur ...... 123 He was dismissed by left- S Smith b Taijul ...... 58 ‘weed’, says Holding ladesh fought back arm paceman Mustafizur, who with quick strikes P Handscomb (run out) ...... 82 was celebrating his 22nd Don a rain-hit third day of the G Maxwell c Rahim b Mehedi ...... 38 birthday. London and your strength of charac- second Test against Australia H Cartwright c Soumya b Mehedi...... 18 The century saw Warner Reuters ter over an extended period. M Wade lbw Mustafizur ...... 8 yesterday. join a select group of 12 Austral- “If you go through the A Agar b Shakib ...... 22 The visitors were 377-9 ian cricketers who have scored est match cricket faces a short forms of the game you P Cummins lbw Mehedi ...... 4 when bad light stopped play S O’Keefe (batting) ...... 8 20 or more Test tons, with his bleak future with the will see how many bad teams with 13 overs remaining after N Lyon (batting) ...... 0 skipper Steve Smith the most Tsport’s administrators beat the good teams. In test rain washed out the entire first Extras (B-8, LB-3, W-1) ...... 12 recent to achieve the feat. failing to control the ‘runaway match cricket you hardly ever session at the Zahur Ahmed Total (for 9 wkts) ...... 377 “It is satisfying for myself weed’ of the hugely popular see a bad team beat a good Chowdhury stadium in Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-98, 3-250, 4-298, 5-321, but at the end of the day we’re Twenty20 format, former West team.” Chittagong. 6-342, 7-346, 8-364, 9-376. here to win games,” Warner said Indies pace bowler Michael Holding, who was part of

Australia now lead by 72 Bowling: Mehedi 38-6-93-3; Mustafizur 20-2- after the third day’s play. Holding (pictured) said. a great generation for West

runs with Steve O’Keefe on eight 84-3 (w1); Shakib 30-2-82-1; Taijul 21-1-78-1; “I’m doing myself and the The England and Wales Indies when they dominated and Nathan Lyon, who was yet Nasir 6-2-14-0; Mominul 2-0-6-0; Sabbir 1-0-9-0. team as much favours as I can Cricket Board (ECB) the game in the 1970s and to open his account, at the by trying to put on runs, as eve- announced its 2018 schedule 1980s, said only a two-division crease. Bangladesh, who elected ryone else is. on Tuesday and despite seven system would work as the to bat first, made 305. put on 152 runs for the third “At the moment we’ve got a tests being included none of increased risk of prostate can- International Cricket Council and wicket. lead of 72 ... so we’ve got to try them will take place in June or cer in black men. (ICC) looks to expand the Mehedi Hasan took three wick- The left-handed Warner and capitalise on that tomorrow July when one-day matches “No, the administrators number of test-playing ets each to bring Bangladesh showed remarkable patience morning to push forward for against Australia and India keep talking about preserving nations. back into the contest after during his uncharacteristically maybe a hundred (run lead),” he take centre stage. test match cricket but you “There has to be conse- Warner and Peter Handscomb sedate 123 that came off 234 added. Holding said it was an name me one thing that they quence and relevance to test Warner, who resumed the example of the five-day for- have done to preserve it. Next match cricket, but it will never day on 88, received good sup- mat playing second fiddle year (England) are having happen,” the 63-year-old said. port from Handscomb, who despite a thrilling second test seven test matches. Two in “Money is all that matters made 82 off 144 balls before between England and West May and none in June and July. to the administrators. The being run out by a sharp throw Indies at Headingley provid- “The best part of the sum- game doesn’t matter. I from at ing five captivating days for mer will be all rubbish wouldn’t get rid of Twenty20 midwicket. large crowds. “A strong future (Twenty20 cricket). I don’t but I would limit it to domes- Handscomb responded to a for ? I don’t think even call that cricket. It’s Bar- tic cricket. The trouble is it’s call for a single that would have so,” Holding told Reuters at a num and Bailey circus difficult to change now completed Warner’s century but Prostate Cancer UK event to entertainment. Test match because it’s like a weed run was sent back from halfway raise awareness of the cricket is a test of your ability wild.” down the pitch. Bangladesh were then frus- trated as Mehedi dropped on 10 at gully off Mustafizur. Mehedi put down Hilton Cartwright off his own bowling on six, before making amends by having the same batsman caught at slip by for 18 on the stroke of tea. Mehedi removed Maxwell (38) and Pat Cummins (four) after the break and Shakib bowled Ashton Agar for his only wicket of the day. Bangladesh’s Mustafizur did not rule out the chance of a win for his side, who hold a Bangladeshi cricketer delivers 1-0 lead in the two-match a ball during the third day of the second Test series. against Australia at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury “The game still has two more days left. If we can do Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite (left) takes part in a training session at Lord’s cricket ground something good, anything is possible,” he said. in London, yesterday, ahead of the third Test match against England which starts today. T20: Kohli fires India to Buoyant West Indies eye seven-wicket victory England Test series win Colombo AFP London his maiden Test century with a match- side. “Home conditions, he (Roland- kipper hit a blazing half- AFP clinching 118 not out in the second Jones) obviously knows the surfaces century as India completed their rout innings. and is bowling very well at the Sof on this tour, winning the est Indies go into today’s After the fourth day of a match of moment,” Root told reporters at one-off Twenty20 by seven wickets in third and deciding Test at fluctuating fortunes, ex-England cap- Lord’s yesterday after announcing his Colombo yesterday. WLord’s with the chance to tain Nasser Hussain, a former Essex team. The visitors remained unbeaten in their complete a dramatic turnaround and team-mate of West Indies coach Stu- “It’s obviously very difficult to nine matches against Sri Lanka as they won win their first series in England in art Law, said the tourists were flagging leave somebody like Chris out, he’s the Test and one-day series 3-0 and 5-0 almost 30 years. because the physical demands of a been a consistent performer in Test respectively. Chasing 171 for victory, India The Caribbean side last triumphed Test match were greater than that of cricket for England. rode on a 119-run second-wicket stand in England in 1988 when a team Twenty20 cricket. “But this is a team I think is going between Kohli (82) and Manish Pandey (51 boasting a clutch of all-time greats A satisfied Law said: “People to win this week,” star batsman Root not out) to achieve their target with four including , Viv make assumptions all the time.” added. balls to spare. Kohli remained calm in a Richards, Malcolm Marshall and “But he (Hussain) doesn’t know England still have doubts about tricky chase with Pandey for company after Curtly Ambrose romped to a 4-0 win. the characters that are inside that their problem top-order batting posi- India lost their openers for 42 runs in the The West Indies dominated Test dressing room -- he doesn’t even tions with number three Tom Westley sixth over. Rohit Sharma fell to veteran cricket for two decades but their know me and I played with him at under most scrutiny after a run of sin- paceman for nine and Indian cricket Virat Kohli decline has been precipitous and they Essex,” the former Australia batsman gle-figure scores. Lokesh Rahul was done in by a superb catch poses with the trophy after winning are currently languishing at eighth in added. “That extra pressure will find by Dasun Shanaka at short cover off the Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka the world rankings, with just Bang- “Not a lot of these players play out a bit more about people’s char- . But Kohli took the at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, ladesh and Zimbabwe below them. T20 cricket anyway. I think it was acter and things like that so it attack to the opposition with 7 fours and a yesterday. Having dusted down the “obitu- great we sent a big humble pie to go should be an exciting week,” said six during his 54-ball aries” after the series opener at and chomp on in the commentary England spearhead James knock before falling SCOREBOARD Edgbaston -- when the visitors box.” Anderson. to with slumped to a defeat by an innings and England even took the risk of Having gone wicketless on the last India requiring 10 SRI LANKA Bowling: Kumar 4-0-36-1, Bumrah 4-0-38-1, Chahal 209 runs -- few pundits gave Jason dropping in-form seamer Toby day in Leeds, Anderson arrives at runs to win. N Dickwella b Bumrah ...... 17 4-0-43-3, Patel 4-0-30-0, Yadav 4-0-20-2. Holder’s novice West Indies side any Roland-Jones, whose three Tests this Lord’s still three away from becom- Pandey finished U Tharanga b Kumar...... 5 INDIA chance of a revival in Leeds. season have yielded 14 wickets, for ing the first England bowler to take D Munaweera b Yadav ...... 53 R Sharma c Perera b Malinga ...... 9 off the game with a A Mathews st Dhoni b Chahal ...... 7 L Rahul c Shanaka b Prasanna ...... 24 Yet despite being set more than the Headingley Test, bringing in Chris 500 Test wickets. boundary that A Priyanjan (not out) ...... 40 V Kohli c Shanaka b Udana ...... 82 300 to win in the fourth innings fol- Woakes for his first Test of the home “To be honest, I do try to put it brought his maiden T Perera b Chahal ...... 11 M Pandey (not out) ...... 51 lowing a declaration by England campaign after injury, seemingly to to the back of my mind,” Anderson T20 fifty in 36 balls. D Shanaka b Chahal ...... 0 M S Dhoni (not out)...... 1 captain Joe Root, the tourists showed get some overs under his belt ahead said. Earlier leg-spinner S Prasanna c Kohli b Yadav ...... 11 Extras (B-1, NB-1, W-5) ...... 7 true grit to win by five wickets. of the upcoming Ashes tour of “We desperately need to win this I Udana (not out) ...... 19 Total (for 3 wkts in 19.2 overs) ...... 174 Shai Hope became the first bats- Australia. Test match to win the series so I’m played his part by Extras (LB-4, W-3) ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-42, 3-161. man in history to score hundreds in The home side, however, have going to be focused completely on Total (for 7 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 170 Bowling: Mathews 3-0-33-0, Udana 4-0-36-1, Mal-

claiming three wick- Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-46, 3-62, 4-99, 5-113, 6-113, inga 4-0-31-1, Prasanna 3-0-25-1, Dananjaya 4-0-28- both innings of a match at Heading- recalled Roland-Jones on his Middle- doing my job for the team when we ets to restrict Sri 7-134. 0, Perera 1.2-0-20-0. ley, putting his side in a strong sex home ground and dropped get out there.” Lanka to 170-7. position with 147 before following up Woakes in the only change to their THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 23

Disappointed Argentina and Chile stumble Aussies still dreaming of Russia ticket

again as Uruguay on brink Melbourne AFP Montevideo allow us to qualify,” said Pizzi. AFP Although Chile have a diffi- oach Ange Postecoglou cult run-in against Ecuador and says his team will hit rgentina and Chile’s World Brazil, Pizzi said his side had not Cthe ground running in Cup qualification hopes lost hope. their arduous World Cup Awere left on a knife edge “There are two matches left, play-off against Syria, brush- on Tuesday after the South I’m going to fight and my play- ing aside frustration at failing American heavyweights slipped ers are going to fight, with all the to qualify automatically for up once again on the road to next force we have,” Pizzi said. Russia. year’s finals in Russia. Uruguay meanwhile moved The Socceroos beat Thai- Argentina needed a second- to the brink of qualification with land 2-1 in their final Asian half own goal to help them a typically combative 2-1 win qualifying Group B game on snatch a 1-1 draw against over Paraguay in Asuncion. Tuesday, but with Saudi Ara- already-eliminated Venezuela Paraguay, riding high after a bia upsetting Japan 1-0 it in Buenos Aires while Chile brilliant 3-0 win over Chile in consigned them to a danger- crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Santiago last month, were left ous two-leg play-off against Bolivia in La Paz. stunned by two opportunistic the war-ravaged Syrians. The results left 2014 World Uruguay goals. The winner of that tie will Cup finalists Argentina and Federico Valverde fired Uru- then battle North and Central reigning Copa America champi- guay into the lead with a America’s (CONCACAF) ons Chile outside of the deflected shot on 76 minutes fourth-placed qualifier in automatic qualifying places and before Luis Suarez then broke November for a spot at the sets up a nail-biting final two clear to set up the visitors global showpiece. rounds of matches next month. second. “It’s obviously a more dif- Argentina are fifth in the The Barcelona superstar ficult road,” said Postecoglou standings with 24 points from 16 rounded goalkeeper Anthony yesterday in Melbourne. games while Chile are sixth with Silva and then saw his shot hit “We’ve just got to switch 23 points. the woodwork only to rebound our minds and to getting pre- The Argentinians -- who into the net off Gustavo Gomez. pared for them ... we’ll get info would face a playoff against New Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) is marked by Venezuela’s Jhon Chancellor during their 2018 Angel Romero pulled a goal on the opposition, get organ- Zealand if they remain fifth -- back for Paraguay but hopes of ised logistically and hit the World Cup qualifier football match in Buenos Aires, on Tuesday. host fourth-placed Peru next a dramatic late fightback came ground running. month in Buenos Aires before an to nothing. “The players have been awkward final game at altitude in Barranquilla. A spectacular into the automatic qualifying settled.” “We must continue to The result leaves Uruguay fantastic throughout the against Ecuador. volleyed goal from Willian gave places following Chile’s defeat fight in attack and give strength second in the standings with 27 whole qualifying series,” he Chile meanwhile will face the Brazilians the lead on the earlier in the day. to the players.” points from 16 games. A win in added. “I see still a real deter- Ecuador in Santiago on October stroke of half-time before Sampaoli blamed poor first- Chile coach Juan Antonio Venezuela in their next game mination to see this through. 5, before heading to Brazil for Colombia clawed back a share half finishing for his side’s failure Pizzi echoed Sampaoli’s senti- would see them through to the As long as that’s there, we will their final qualifier five days of the points with a battling sec- to take all three points against ments after watching his side finals. continue down that path.” later. ond-half display capped by a the Venezuelans. slide to a dispiriting loss in La Seventh-placed Paraguay Syria earned their place At the top of the table, Brazil headed equaliser from Radamel “We have two games left Paz. still have an outside chance of in the play-offs with a 2-2 have already qualified and Falcao. against Peru and Ecuador and “We will fight, we will make qualification but will probably Group A draw with Iran in assured themselves of first place. In Buenos Aires, Argentina we need to win both of them,” the greatest effort possible, we need to beat Colombia in their Tehran, thanks to a stoppage- The Brazilians picked up another coach Jorge Sampaoli admitted Sampaoli said. “We had three believe that we have the ability next game before wrapping up time equaliser. point on Tuesday with a 1-1 draw his team had blown a golden chances to score in the first half to compete with the best and we their campaign against The first leg is on Octo- against third-placed Colombia opportunity to force themselves and everything could have been will try to obtain the results that Venezuela. ber 5, with Syria’s home venue yet to be decided, though they have been play- ing their ‘home’ games in Wood rescues Malaysia, and the return will be five days later in Immobile lifts Italy Australia. US with The Socceroos missed out to the Saudis on goal differ- Honduras draw ence, with their failure to put closer to World Cup more goals past the Thais San Pedro Sula, Honduras being criticised by two former AFP Reggio Emilia, Italy said coach Giampiero Ventura. Australian internationals -- AFP “We spent 80 minutes in the Mark Bosnich and Robbie amburg striker Bobby opposition half, although we did Slater. Wood scored a late iro Immobile’s second half not do well in the first half. It is Slater said it was time for Hequaliser to salvage a header got Italy back to a small step that should convince Postecoglou to go, tweeting crucial 1-1 draw for the United Cwinning ways in a 1-0 vic- us to do better.” that “we need a new States in their World Cup tory over Israel in Reggio Emilia Italy, without injured Gior- approach! Socceroos have qualifier with Honduras on on Tuesday to move them closer gio Chiellini and suspended lost there (sic) way”. Tuesday. to the 2018 World Cup. Leonardo Bonucci, were far from Postecoglou brushed off Wood bundled in an After losing 3-0 to Spain at convincing after their demoli- the flak, saying he was “not 85th-minute leveller just 12 the Santiago Bernabeu on Sat- tion by Spain. everyone’s cup of tea”. minutes after coming on as a urday, Italy needed a win to Paris Saint-Germain mid- “What do you do? I took substitute to rescue a point for continue to aspire to first place fielder Marco Verratti, one of the the role to do it a certain way the Americans in sweltering in Group G, leading to automatic most prominent players in the and I’ll see it through,” he conditions at the Olimpico qualification. game against Spain, barely added. Italy’s forward Ciro Immobile controls the ball during the FIFA Metropolitano Stadium. Italy still have a remote improved his performance and “I’ve survived much The result means that chance of finishing first as they also picked up a yellow card that World Cup 2018 qualification match against Israel in Reggio worse than this and if any- Bruce Arena’s side still have sit three points behind Spain will prevent him from playing Emilia on Tuesday. thing it motivates me to keep automatic qualification in with two games left, but the against Macedonia in October. going because I want to make their own hands, with a home play-offs look increasingly He was jeered as he left the opened the scoring with a after his side were jeered by sure Australian football gets match against Panama next likely. pitch. header from an excellent centre home fans in Haifa on Saturday on the right path.” month followed by an away Spain top the table after The hosts who could have by Antonio Candreva. in a shock loss to Macedonia, Many in the Melbourne game against Trinidad & routing Liechtenstein 8-0. pulled ahead from the first “We needed a victory, it’s a suffered their fifth defeat of the crowd on Tuesday couldn’t Tobago. If the US win both of The three points in the Mapei minute with Torino forward positive thing, it’s a game that is campaign. believe the Socceroos only those games, they will be Stadium helped Italy consolidate Andrea Belotti sending right unlocked by scoring fast,” said Italy next have games managed two goals, with the assured of reaching next second place in Group G, six of Ariel Harush in the Israel Candreva. against Macedonia in Turin and team having 45 shots and hit- year’s finals in Russia. points clear of third-placed goal. “After the goal everything Albania away in October. ting the post three times. “That’s a huge point for Albania, who were held 1-1 by After the break Italy was easier.” The last time Italy had to go “If there was a more one- the US team,” US coach Arena Macedonia. improved, with a clear first Israel playing without cap- through play-offs was in 1997 on sided contest, I don’t think said afterward. “I’m really “It is clear that the result was chance for Immobile (48). Five tain Eran Zahavi who quit the road to the 1998 World Cup I’ve ever seen it,” said proud of our team,” he added. the priority, but I am happy,” minutes later the Lazio striker international football in disgust in France. Postecoglou. Arena insisted the team had not set out to play for a draw -- and added that the US path to Russia is still far from straightforward. “We didn’t come here to Egypt on verge of bagging ticket to Russia play for a point. We fell behind a goal and tried to get it back. The team deserves Johannesburg signing from AS Roma strike just utive clean sheets. of a fourth straight World Cup Leaders Ivory Coast suffered credit for getting a point,” he AFP six minutes into the Group E Egypt created most of the appearance alive with a 5-1 a shock 2-1 home defeat by said. clash. chances only to be regularly thrashing of Congo in Gabon in Group C, but the dam- “There’s not even a crack frican giants Egypt moved Salah sneaked behind the thwarted by 2016 Africa-based Brazzaville. age was lessened by open in the door to Russia for closer to a first World Cup defence and after goalkeeper Footballer of the Year Onyango. Egypt have nine points after second-place Morocco only us. There’s a lot of work to be Aappearance since 1990 Denis Onyango parried his first The Pharaohs host bottom four rounds, Uganda seven, drawing 0-0 with Mali in done.” when they defeated Uganda 1-0 attempt, he poked the rebound team Congo Brazzaville in Octo- Ghana five and Congo just one. Bamako. It was a lucky escape for on Tuesday thanks to an early into the net to decide the top-of- ber and visit third-place Ghana Although Egypt have been Axel Meye and recent South- the US, who had been beaten goal from Liverpool striker the-table showdown. in November and two victories the dominant African football ampton recruit Mario Lemina in their previous game on Fri- Mohamed Salah. It was the first goal conceded will ensure they qualify. force, winning the Cup of Nations scored within 10 minutes during day against Costa Rica and A near-capacity crowd in the by Uganda in 456 minutes of Atletico Madrid midfielder a record seven times, they con- the first half for the Gabonese, could not afford a second 85,000-seat Borg El Arab Sta- qualifying for the 2018 World Thomas Partey scored a hat- sistently struggle in the World who crumbled 3-0 at home to defeat here. dium in Alexandria saw the June Cup in Russia after five consec- trick as Ghana kept faint hopes Cup, qualifying only twice. the Ivorians three days ago.