MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07 It’s (Phillip Island circuit) one of my favourite tracks. I enjoy a MotoGP world FOOTBALL CRICKET lot, riding there. Long corners, champion EPL: Sheffield United vs Arsenal South Africa vs India MLS: Minnesota United ICC World Test Championship traction, very fast corners. Marc Marquez

Yamaha normally are very fast there. ACTION vs LA Galaxy 3rd Test, Day 3 in Ranchi TODAY’S Thomas holds off Lee to win second CJ Cup title

REUTERS off with a five-under 67 for a prematurely last Sunday and SEOUL winning total of 20-under 268, is in an incubator. while Lee carded 69 to finish “Before I tee off my very Inaugural champion Justin in second place to the first tee shot on Thursday, if Thomas staved off a challenge American. someone’s going to give me by Danny Lee to claim his “It was a very, very tough solo second, I would take it in second CJ Cup title in three day,” Thomas said after his 11th a heartbeat. It is a good week, years with a two-shot victory PGA Tour victory. but also very disappointing,” over the Korean-born New “Danny made it extremely he said. Zealander at Nine Bridges difficult. He really made a lot Hideki Matsuyama (65), yesterday. of putts, a lot of unbelievable Gary Woodland (66) and The overnight leaders were up and downs to kind of keep Cameron Smith (69) shared level for the first 13 holes before me from getting all the third place at 15-under. Thomas surged ahead with a momentum. I really, really A further three shots behind birdie on the 14th, while Lee played solidly today.” was Jordan Spieth, who returned bogeyed the 15th and 16th to It has been a difficult week 71, while fellow American Phil Justin Thomas of the US poses with the trophy after winning effectively drop out of for Lee whose second child, Mickelson finished with 68 to be the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges Golf Club in Jeju Island, yesterday. contention. originally due closer to joined by Australian Jason Day Thomas eventually signed Christmas, was born (71) at seven-under. Dominant Boks end Japan’s dream run

REUTERS the teams had gone in with only two points separating TOKYO them after an unconverted fourth-minute try by winger Makazole Mapimpi was countered by a Yu There was never any shortage of courage, but not Tamura penalty for Japan. even the bravest of blossoms could punch through But in the event, after an exhilarating first 40 Springboks brawn yesterday as South Africa reached minutes, the Japanese team ran out of energy, ideas the rugby World Cup semi-finals by beating Japan and, finally, hope. 26-3 and ending their dream run at their home tour- They had not been tackled as fiercely this World nament. Cup as they were on Sunday night. Nor had they faced In what was a first World Cup quarter-final for such a disciplined, well-organised defence. the Japanese, neither an entire nation seemingly now And where the South Africans had been careless besotted by rugby, nor a raucous 50,000 crowd early on - they could have gone in at halftime three packed into Tokyo Stadium, could carry the hosts to or four tries to the good - they tightened everything victory. up in the second period to devastating effect. It was always going to be an enormous ask for Man of the match Faf de Klerk, who had helmed Japan to replicate what has been their greatest the South Africans artfully throughout, added a second moment on a rugby field -- beating South Africa 34-32 try on 66 minutes and Mapimpi added his second four in a World Cup group stage match in Brighton, minutes later. England, four years ago. Pollard converted one try and slotted three pen- South Africa had been stunned by that ‘Miracle in alties in the second period, all unanswered. Brighton’ but with victories over both Ireland and Japan could never hope to maintain the frenetic Scotland this World Cup, Japan no longer held any pace with which they had harried South Africa early element of surprise. on and departed the tournament beaten but with a Lines were clearly drawn, with both Japan and whole new army of fans for their exciting, free-flowing South Africa knowing precisely what they had to do rugby. to reach next weekend’s semi-final against Wales - South Africa must now regroup for their this was always going to be a battle between the Boks’ Yokohama semi-final against Wales who earlier forwards and the Brave Blossoms’ lightning backs. recorded a 20-19 victory over 14-man France, who South African fly-half Handre Pollard (centre) runs with the ball past Japanese players during The first half was close -- mostly due to South had lock Sebastian Vahaamahina sent off at Oita the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo, yesterday. Africa’s profligacy with the line at their mercy -- and Stadium. Dramatic late try sends Wales Japan rugby in good place despite through to World Cup semis exit, says Joseph REUTERS Wales’ Dan Biggar converts a try during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against France in OITA Oita, Japan, yesterday. AFP TOKYO Wales advanced to their third World Cup semi-final when Ross Japan coach Jamie Joseph insisted rugby in the country was Moriarty’s late try gave then a 20-19 in a “good place” despite his team’s 26-3 defeat by South victory over a battling France team Africa that saw them exit the World Cup at the quarter-final who played the last half-hour with stage. 14 men after lock Sebastien The loss brought to an end the Brave Blossoms adventure Vahaamahina was sent off on home soil, with the Springboks going on to play Wales in yesterday. the semi-finals next weekend in Yokohama. France were leading 19-10 “I’m just really proud of the Japan team,” said Joseph, who when Vahaamahina had a moment used the last five minutes of the match as an example of how of madness - elbowing Aaron Japan was well placed. Wainwright in a maul - and though “We were down by 20-odd points and every guy showed they defended superbly after that, the ability to come back, to never lay down,” he said. “That will replacement number eight help us after the World Cup. Moriarty, who had been yellow- “I can’t tell you about what’s next. I know that Japanese carded himself earlier, won it six rugby is in a good place now.” minutes from time when he Joseph referenced the recall at the age of 38 of lock Luke grabbed a loose ball and forced his Thompson and James Moore’s transformation from average way over the line. Eight years ago club rugby player, allied with the “younger Japanese players an early red card for Wales captain have come through, that’s the future for Japanese rugby”. Sam Warburton played a key role “It’s been a lot of work by a lot of people.” as France triumphed 9-8 in their Joseph, whose side was only 5-3 down at half-time, said World Cup semi-final in Auckland. dynamism and total commitment. out of the tackle to , France responded by buckling they had expected an “attritional” battle with a tough Bok team. This time it was the Welsh who Vahaamahina bundled over for the and the unstoppable centre proved down and showing real aggression “They were able to snuff us out,” the former All Black said. benefited to reach the last four for first score before Damian Penaud just that. The halftime score of 19-10 in defence, giving up just one Biggar A ferocious Springbok defensive effort nullified Japan’s the third time, having lost to New set up the second by beating Liam was extremely kind to Wales and penalty in the next 25 minutes. But much vaunted attacking dangers that had helped them rack Zealand in 1987 and France in 2011. Williams in an aerial duel - which every player in both camps would just as it looked as if they might hold up wins over Six Nations giants Ireland, Scotland, Samoa and They will face either South Africa very few people can manage - to have been well aware that earlier out for a memorable victory, Russia to top their pool. who beat Japan later yesterday. set his backline moving and even- this year France led 16-0 at halftime replacement scrum half Tomos Wil- “We played really well in the last four games, but South The French will be furious that tually sent flanker in Paris but lost 24-19 as Wales liams stripped the ball from French Africa were another step up, you have to take your hat off, they allowed themselves to be over. completed the biggest comeback hands after a five-metre scrum and they’re a good side.” forced onto the defensive, having The first contribution of his in Six Nations history. Moriarty, villain turned hero, more Japan’s future, Joseph insisted, was bright although he ques- played superbly for most of the replacement Moriarty was a high Something similar then began than made up for his earlier yellow tioned whether the current structures of the Japanese Top opening 50 minutes. tackle that sent him straight back to look likely when Vahaamahina by grabbing it and diving over. League and university league might need an overhaul. The perennial question of off again for 10 minutes in the turned from hero to villain as he Biggar converted and Wales The lack of central professional contracts also meant it was ‘which France will turn up?’ was sin-bin. was shown a red card after ludi- controlled the remaining minutes “hard to maintain consistency in selection.” answered emphatically as they France duly took advantage crously smashing his elbow into the to record their eighth win in the “Everyone’s watching us, rugby hasn’t changed, it’s just roared into a 12-0 lead after eight with their third try as Penaud face of Wainwright in a maul right teams’ last nine meetings - and by that there’s an audience that has created a lot of noise for the minutes, playing with pace, managed to unload a diving pass on the Welsh line. far the most important. team,” he added. 08 SPORT MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2019 Murray wins first ATP title since March 2017 AFP this week.” Wawrinka, who ANTWERP, BELGIUM was also hunting a first title in over two years, was full of Andy Murray said he was “very praise for an opponent who in proud” after earning his first January tearfully revealed he Russia’s Andrey Rublev celebrates with his trophy after winning the ATP title since March 2017 was in constant agony from a Kremlin Cup tennis tournament men’s single final match against yesterday with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 hip injury. victory over fellow three-time Murray had announced at France’s Adrian Mannarino, in Moscow, yesterday. Grand Slam champion Stan an emotional Australian Open Wawrinka in the Antwerp final. news conference that he Former world number one planned to retire at Wimbledon Murray, who contemplated this year because of chronic hip retirement earlier this year pain. Rublev, Bencic before undergoing career- Fourth seed Wawrinka saving hip surgery, fought back broke Murray in his opening from a set and 3-1 down to serve game in Antwerp as he victorious at claim his 46th career title. secured the first set in this 20th “It means a lot. The last few meeting between the pair. years have been extremely dif- The Swiss again broke ficult,” Murray, who broke Murray early in the second but Kremlin Cup down in tears at the end, told the Scot hit back to level for 3-3 Amazon Prime. and then forced a deciding set AFP “Both me and Stan have as Wawrinka lost his serve for MOSCOW had a lot of injury problems in the second time. the last couple of years. It’s Wawrinka regained the Russia’s Andrey Rublev celebrated his 22nd birthday in style by amazing to be back, playing upper hand as he broke for 2-1 clinching the Kremlin Cup yesterday for his second career title. against him in the final like in the final set, but Murray The sixth-seeded Rublev eased past France’s Adrian Mannarino, that. I think it was a great responded immediately as the who was runner-up to another Russian Karen Khachanov last year, match.” players traded breaks for four 6-4, 6-0 in a one-sided final. “I didn’t expect to be in this consecutive games. Rublev, the world number 31, had won his first title in Umag in position at all. I’m happy, very With Wawrinka serving Croatia in 2017. happy,” added Murray, whose to stay in the match, Murray Before this week, he had never won a match at his hometown ranking has plummeted to 243 brought up championship tournament. in the world. point after almost two and a In the women’s final, Belinda Bencic fought back from a set Murray became the lowest- half hours and wrapped up down to beat home star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 6-1, 6-1. ranked ATP champion since his first title since Dubai in The victory came a day after the 22-year-old Swiss clinched No. 355 Pablo Andujar tri- 2017 when the Swiss strayed the final slot at the season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen, a tour- umphed at the 2018 Marrakech wide. nament boasting record $14m prize money. Open. Murray became the second Britain’s Andy murray celebrates It is the first time that Bencic has reached the WTA Finals where “I’ve really enjoyed my straight British winner of the with the trophy after winning against she will line up with Ashleigh Barty, Karolina Pliskova, Simona week here. The atmosphere the European Open, after Kyle Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka during Halep, Bianca Andreescu, Naomi Osaka, Petra Kvitova and Elina last few days has been Edmund defeated Gael Monfils their men’s final of the European Open Svitolina. amazing,” said Murray. in last year’s final for his ATP Antwerp, in Antwerp, yesterday. Earlier this season, Bencic won the WTA event in Dubai and “I’m very proud of the win maiden ATP crown. reached the final at the Mallorca Open. Ostapenko eases past Goerges to claim Luxembourg title

REUTERS Open final as she cruised past the in her second final of the year. United States in the Linz Open of her superb serve. “Of course “I enjoyed this week so LUXEMBOURG German 6-4 6-1 yesterday. Just when she looked like final last week. it’s great to finish the season with much. I think I played really well The 22-year-old Latvian, she was shedding the incon- But the Luxembourg wild winning a title, especially in the today. I just like to finish the year Former French Open champion who captured her first Grand sistency that has dogged her card was in no mood to let last tournament,” said this way. Especially after making Jelena Ostapenko proved too Slam title at Roland Garros in game in recent months, another opportunity slip by in Ostapenko, who fired six aces the final last week, I was much strong for defending champion 2017, won the third WTA crown Ostapenko was beaten by her final tournament of the year, and won 83% of points off her more confident in coming to this Julia Goerges in the Luxembourg of her career with a solid display 15-year-old Coco Gauff of the sealing the decider on the back first serve. tournament.” Quick bounces Teen Williamson excites NBA back as Kings like no rookie since LeBron rout Flames NEW YORK AFP REUTERS WASHINGTON But the 19-year-old US forward’s sprained in college when his Nike It was enough to convince the size -- 6-foot-7 (2.00m) and 285 shoe exploded during a game. Pelicans to select Williamson with Zion Williamson has excited NBA fans pounds (129kg) -- combined with his The shoemaker’s stock fell $1.1bn the top pick in June’s NBA Draft and Jonathan Quick made 23 saves, and the Los like no rookie since LeBron James, high-leaping heroics as well as speed the next day but Williamson’s stock trade Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Kings ended a three-game losing but knee injuries before his debut and power, has many worrying that has been rising since he turned high Angeles Lakers in exchange for young streak with a 4-1 win against the visiting have also brought worries about the nagging knee injuries will continue school stardom into a one-season run supporting talent that figures to blend Calgary Flames on Saturday night. New Orleans Pelicans teen star. and worsen unless he loses weight at Duke University -- where he well with Williamson. Quick, an NHL All-Star selection as An incredible pre-season run saw and improves his fitness. averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, “For me to be selected number recently as 2018, had allowed 19 goals in his Williamson average 23.3 points, 6.5 “He’s carrying so much weight. 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocked one, I can’t dream it no better than other three starts this season, leading him to rebounds and 2.3 assists a game in He’s so athletic. I think he’s going to shots a game. that,” Williamson said. serve as the backup the previous two games. four games for the Pelicans, sinking have to lose a little bit more weight,” His 68 percent accuracy rate was “I think we can build something. Jeff Carter had a goal and an assist, Tyler a staggering 71 percent of his shots says retired NBA star and television the best ever for a freshman in major I see myself trying to step into a Toffoli scored an early goal, Anze Kopitar and dominating inside. analyst Paul Pierce. US college basketball. leadership role. I have to under- scored short-handed and Ilya Kovalchuk “He’s a monster,” New York Williamson will miss the Pelicans’ “He’s too big, too strong. He’s stand my teammates and under- scored on the power play for the Kings, who Knicks coach David Fizdale said. NBA season opener Tuesday at going to continue to do that hope- stand where their heads are. It’s a were shut out in their previous two games. “He’s a beast. He’s just going to con- Toronto and at least a couple of fully over his whole career,” said New matter of us coming together, Mikael Backlund scored on a penalty shot tinue to get better and better. We weeks as a result of a right knee York Knicks rookie R.J. Barrett, for- making the same goals and just with 2:10 left in the game to prevent Quick’s understand that kid is a heck of a injury suffered in a pre-season game. merly Williamson’s roommate at willing to win, and I think we can 52nd career shutout. player.” It’s the same knee he famously Duke. do something special.” David Rittich made 24 saves for the Flames before he was replaced by Cam Talbot at the start the third period. Talbot finished with eight saves for Calgary, which had combined for eight goals while winning its previous two Badminton: Mashal of NVBS clinches a double games. Toffoli scored at 1:15 of the first period, THE PENINSULA marking the fourth time in the past seven DOHA games the Flames allowed a goal in the first 3:24. Toffoli also scored 2:53 into the first Mashal Sahibjan of New Vision Badminton Sport (NVBS) period of a 4-3 overtime win in Calgary on earned two titles at the junior open badminton tournament, Oct. 8. organised by the Larkspur Sports Academy in Doha yesterday. The Kings killed three power plays in the Mashal, an 8-year-old, won the Under-9 boys singles first period before Carter scored his first goal event by defeating Raj Shah 21-5, 21-7. In the Under-9 boys of the season 16 seconds into the second for doubles category, Mashal along with Shreyas Reddy won a 2-0 lead. Carter brought the puck down the the title getting past Aman Anas and Arjun Rao 21-9, 21-11, left side and took a sharp-angle shot. Rittich who also trains at NVBS. slowed the puck, but not enough to keep it In addition to his twin titles, Mashal, a 3rd grade student from crossing the goal line. at Kings College Doha, featured in Under-11 boys’ doubles Calgary went on its fourth power play at category final with Dilan Togi and lost in the title clash. 4:31 of the second, but it was Kopitar who In the under-9 girls singles; Adlyn Mary Sojan, of NVBS scored on a breakaway following a turnover lost to Thanima 21-14, 17-21, 21-16 in a closely fought match. in the neutral zone by Flames defenseman The winners from New Vision Badminton Sports, posing for a group photo along with the chief In the Under-17 boys final, Rajat Raj Remesan, a 13-year- Mark Giordano. The Kings then went on the coach. Manoj Sahibjan, coach Mohammed Rafi (extreme right) coach Salam and coach Aadharsh old of NVBS went down fighting to Rehan Arshad in the power play, and Kovalchuk scored to make it under-17 boys’ finals 21-10, 21-14. (extrme left). 4-0 at 8:58 of the second. MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 09

My most Sharma hits maiden double ton challenging Test knock, as India take command in Ranchi says star

India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates his double century opener AFP SCOREBOARD The senior batsman, during the second day of the third and final Test RANCHI India 1st innings playing his 30th Test, sur- AFP against South Africa in Ranchi, yesterday. M. Agarwal c Elgar b Rabada ...... 10 passed his previous best of RANCHI RohitR Sharma R. Sharma c Ngidi b Rabada ...... 212 177 on his debut against the strstrucku his maiden C. Pujara lbw b Rabada ...... 0 West Indies in 2013. Indian opener Rohit Sharma V. Kohli lbw b Nortje ...... 12 ddoubleoubl Test century A. Rahane c Klaasen b Linde ...... 115 Sharma, who has three yesterday described his maiden yesterdayyesterda to put India on R. Jadeja c Klaasen b Linde ...... 51 double centuries in his Test double century as “most top of theth third match W. Saha b Linde ...... 24 already illustrious one-day challenging” after he lifted India against SouthSout Africa after the R. Ashwin st Klaasen b Piedt ...... 14 career, smashed the ball all out of early trouble and put the hostshosts declareddecla on 497 for U. Yadav c Klaasen b Linde ...... 31 around the park as he hit 28 hosts in command of the third nine.nine. S. Nadeem not out ...... 1 fours and six sixes in his 255- match against South Africa. M. Shami not out ...... 10 SharmaSharma made 212 and Extras (b10, lb6, nb1) ...... 17 ball stay. Sharma made 212 as India was involvedinvolv in a 267-run Total (9 wickets dec, 116.3 overs).. 497 Rahane, who started declared their innings on 497 fourthfourth wicketwic partnership Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Agarwal), 2-16 (Pu- Sunday on 83, became for nine on a weather-inter- with AjinkyaAjinky Rahane to pul- jara), 3-39 (Kohli), 4-306 (Rahane), 5-370 Linde’s first Test victim and rupted day two of the final Test verise SouthSouth Africa’s bowling (Sharma), 6-417 (Saha), 7-450 (Jadeja), the only Indian wicket to fall in Ranchi. in Ranchi.Ranchi. 8-464 (Ashwin), 9-482 (Yadav) in the morning session. The in-form Sharma, who TheThe touriststo were in Bowling: Rabada 23-7-85-3 (nb1), Lungi Linde got good turn with hit twin centuries on his debut 20-5-83-0, Nortje 24.3-5-79-1, Linde 31-2- trouble at nnine for two, with 133-4, Piedt 18-3-101-1 his left-arm spin in an as Test opener at the start of the IndianIndian ffastast bowlers sending South Africa 1st innings extended afternoon session series, was involved in a crucial the oppooppositionsiti openers back D. Elgar c Saha b Shami ...... 0 as he claimed Ravindra 267-run fourth-wicket stand to thethe pavipavilionli in Ranchi. Q. de Kock c Saha b Yadav ...... 4 Jadeja for 51. with Ajinkya Rahane, who ZubayrZubayr Hamza, on Z. Hamza not out ...... 0 He returned figures of made 115. nought,nought, anandd skipper Faf du F. du Plessis not out ...... 1 4-133 while paceman Kagiso The hosts slipped to 39 for Extras (b4) ...... 4 Plessis,Plessis, on one, were at the Total (2 wickets, 5 overs) ...... 9 Rabada took three wickets. three on day one after an inspi- crease whenwh bad light To bat: T. Bavuma, H. Klaasen (wk), G. Linde, Yadav, coming in at rational spell of fast bowling by stopped playpla for the second D. Piedt, K. Rabada, A. Nortje, L. Ngidi number nine, played a useful Kagiso Rabada, who claimed successive day.d Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Elgar), 2-8 (de Kock) cameo of 31, hitting five sixes two early wickets before Pace spearhead Bowling: Shami 1-1-0-1, Yadav 1-0-4-1, during his 10-ball blitz. Sharma took charge. MohammedMohamme Shami struck Nadeem 2-2-0-0, Jadeja 1-0-1-0 Shami, on 10, and deb- “I (have) played only 30 withwith the secondse ball of the utant Shahbaz Nadeem, on Tests,” said Sharma. inningsinnings to geget the left-handed standing ovation from the one, were batting when “In terms of what was Dean ElElgargar caughtc behind for raucous home crowd. skipper Virat Kohli called thrown at me, I would definitely nought.nought. The in-form opener hit them back at the stroke of say it was probably the most UmeshUmesh Yadav joined another six off Ngidi before tea. challenging one.” forcesforces to sends Quinton de falling to Rabada and Earlier Rabada struck “Having played only three KockKock pacpackingki for four after returned to the pavilion with twice to reduce India to 39 Tests as an opener, I know I thethe bbatsmanatsman tried to fend off handshakes from the South for three after the hosts have a long way to go. Of course a bbouncerouncer that caught his African side. elected to bat first on Sat- I will take a lot of positives but glove and wwas safely taken Sharma -- who hit twin urday, which also saw a large I’m not reading too much into by wicketkeeperwicket Wrid- centuries in his debut as Test part of the final session lost it,” he added. dhdhimaniman SSaha. The day opener at the start of the to bad weather. The tourists were in trouble belonbelongedged tto Sharma who series -- pulled India out of India are aiming for a at nine for two, with Indian fast reacreachedhed 20200 with a six off early trouble with his mar- whitewash after taking an bowlers sending the opposition paceman LungiLu Ngidi in the athon stand with Rahane, unassailable 2-0 lead in the openers back to the pavilion. third over aafter lunch, to a who made 115. three-match series. Indian already have an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series. Lessons learnt for SA’s debutant Hussey joins Australia staff for Sri Lanka and Linde after four-wicket haul Pakistan home series AFP Linde got Rahane caught RANCHI behind in the morning session AFP and then hurt the middle order SYDNEY South Africa spinner George with the wickets of Wriddhiman Linde yesterday said he learnt Saha, for 24, and Ravindra Former middle-order batsman lessons during India’s 497 for Jadeja, for 51. Mike Hussey has been drafted I’m very excited nine declared as he claimed four “Obviously consistency is in by Australian coach Justin actually. I’m really wickets on debut in the third very important (in India),” said Langer to help mentor the side looking forward Test. Linde. during their upcoming to getting back in Linde returned figures of “We got it wrong on the leg Twenty20 home series against 4-133 with his left-arm spin, pro- side yesterday, today I was lot Sri Lanka and Pakistan. around the Aussie viding some support to paceman better, bit more on the off side.” He is the latest great to be team: Mike Hussey Kagiso Rabada who had put the Linde nearly got Sharma on brought into the fold after Ricky hosts in early trouble at 39 for 28 but Zubayr Hamza dropped Ponting joined the backroom “They have floated the pos- three on day one. a tough chance at forward short- staff at the one-day World Cup sibility of being involved closer “I didn’t expect to play Test leg and the bowler was not this year and Steve Waugh to the T20 World Cup (in Aus- cricket. So when I got the call-up complaining. helped out during the Ashes tralia next year) as well but it’s I was quite nervous but luckily I “Those catches, they stick or series in England. all pretty loose at the moment.” had a few days to just settle,” the they don’t. So unfortunately it “I’m very excited actually. Australia play back-to-back Cape Town-born Linde told wasn’t our way, it was Rohit’s,” I’m really looking forward to three-game T20 series against reporters. said Linde. I didn’t expect to getting back in around the Sri Lanka and then Pakistan play Test cricket. South Africa’s “Today few lessons learnt, “He played well, so well done George Linde Aussie team,” Hussey, who is starting next Sunday in Adelaide especially at the end. But I will to him.” So when I got the during the nicknamed “Mr Cricket”, told the to kick off their summer season. take four wickets on a debut.” South Africa were nine for call-up I was quite second day of Sydney Daily Telegraph Langer has also made Rohit Sharma, who made 212 two at close on another Ranchi Test. yesterday. former Test speedster Ryan -- his maiden Test double ton, shortened day due to bad nervous but luckily “They are going to be trying Harris bowling coach for the and Ajinkya Rahane, who scored weather, but Linde said I had a few days to to get strategies in place, develop series. He told the newspaper 115, put on 267 for the fourth “tomorrow is another day” and just settle: Linde a style of play and what players the presence of Ponting, Waugh wicket before Linde broke the team is up for the challenge they want and I love all that stuff and now Hussey was enormous through. today. -- planning for a big event. for his team. Campbell, McKeon roar into International Swimming League

AFP the Roar, the Katinka Hosszu- world record-holder Adam Peaty, James Guy and breaststroke. LA Current were LOS ANGELES led , the Los Angeles Peaty, they racked up 253 points Duncan Scott were among the in second place heading into day Current and the New York in 19 events on Saturday with Roar swimmers who missed the two on 234 points. Australian Olympic gold medal- Breakers. wins from McKeon in the 100m event in suburban Dallas Team Iron, paced by wins in lists Cate Campbell (pictured) The four teams took the butterfly and 200m freestyle because of a British national the men’s 50m breaststroke and and Emma McKeon made their stage after two meetings fea- and Campbell in the 50m free. training camp. 50m free by Russian Vladimir International Swimming League turing Energy Standard, Cali The two, who helped Aus- They’ll take the plunge next Morozov, were third on 186 with debuts, helping propel the Condors, DC Trident and Aqua tralia to gold in a world record week in Budapest in the series the fourth Roar to the lead on the Centurions -- events in which time in the 4x100m freestyle at designed to woo fans with an on 131. opening day of competition in Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom and the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, exciting finals-only format and The closing day offers plenty Lewisville, Texas. American were on the Roar team that won satisfy top swimmers with sig- of opportunity to challenge the The third stop on the starred. the 4x100m free on Saturday in nificant prize money. Roar’s lead with the triple- fledgling pro swimming circuit Although the Roar were 3:27.90, edging the club’s “B” The Roar also got an Aussie points “skins race” -- three saw four the league’s eight missing some of their British team -- led off by Bronte boost from Matt Wilson, who knockout heats of 50m free -- teams in action for the first time: stars, including breaststroke Campbell -- by 3.03sec. won the men’s 200m on the schedule. 10 SPORT MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2019 MotoGP: Marquez wins Japan title, snares constructors’ title for Honda

AFP Quartararo finished with his third narrow MOTEGI defeat to the championship winner in recent races but was left smiling after winning the MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez won Rookie of the Year award. the Japan Grand Prix yesterday to notch his “Marc was super fast today,” the Frenchman tenth victory of the season and earn Honda its said. fourth manufacturers’ title running. “I really pushed at my 100 percent to try to The Spaniard ran the race in 42min stay with him.” He was also fending off pressure 41.492sec, followed 0.870sec later by French from Dovizioso, whose late charge fell just short. rookie Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha-SRT and “Dovi was unbelievably fast. He was riding Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso 1.325sec later. more than a half second faster than me,” Quar- Marquez was unassailable from the second tararo said. lap in his first ever pole start at the Motegi Twin Dovizioso, marking his 100th career podium Circuit, with dry conditions after bucketing rains finish, said he struggled to find his form until during practice sessions on Friday and late in the race, where he could only compete Saturday. for the possible second. Quartararo managed to edge in front for a “I was pushing so hard, but it was a bit over brief moment shortly after the start, but the limit. I wanted to (win) second, but it was Marquez quickly regained the lead and shot not enough. We struggled a bit during the ahead with a one-second gap early in the race. weekend,” he said. “It was not easy. I was pushing from the Monster Energy Yamaha’s Marverick beginning because our strategy was clear,” Vinales finished fourth ahead of LCR Honda’s Marquez said. Cal Cruthlow and Quartararo’s teammate “This time I tried to open the gap from the Franco Morbidelli. beginning because I felt very strong in the warm Marquez said he was eager for next week- up.” He said he lost focus during the race when end’s race in Australia, where he won in 2017 he realised his bike was burning through fuel and 2015, but noted that Yamaha bikes tend to too quickly, forcing him to “play a lot with excel on the Phillip Island circuit. switches”. “It’s one of my favourite tracks. I enjoy a But Marquez was never directly threatened lot, riding there,” Marquez said. and enjoyed a two second gap ahead of Quar- “Long corners, traction, very fast corners. tararo through most of the second half. Yamaha normally are very fast there,” he added. He had already secured his season victory “Vinales is very normally very fast. Quar- by winning the Thailand Grand Prix earlier this tararo will be very fast.” month. Dovizioso is currently second in the world His victory at Motegi also secured Honda’s standings but missed the chance to lock in a 25th constructors’ championship overall and runner-up championship finish with three more its fourth on the trot. races left in the season. Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Marquez of Spain during the Japanese Motorcyle Grand Prix at the Twin Ring Motegi Circuit in Motegi, Tochigi prefecture, yesterday. Rooney falls in MLS farewell Mallorca claim as champs Atlanta advance stunning victory AFP over Real Madrid WASHINGTON REUTERS Former England star Wayne MALLORCA Rooney’s DC United were thrashed in his Major League Real Madrid’s unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt Soccer farewell match on and surprising end as Real Mallorca claimed a stunning 1-0 victory Saturday as Toronto FC won 5-1 at a rocking Son Moix on Saturday to climb out of the relegation in the first round of the play-offs. zone. Rooney, who turns 34 on The Balearic Islanders had only managed six goals in their Thursday, assisted on a second- opening eight games of their first season back in the big time, but half stoppage time equalizer that one was enough to down their illustrious visitors. forced 30 extra minutes, but It was a cracker too, thrashed home in the seventh minute by United surrendered two goals in Ivorian Lago Junior who with one swing of his right foot wrote his five minutes and never name into Mallorcan sporting folklore alongside tennis great Rafa recovered. Nadal who celebrated his wedding earlier. Toronto advanced to an Local boy Nadal is a Real Madrid fan but surely would have Eastern Conference semi-final raised a glass in honour of Lago Junior and the fighting spirit of a on Wednesday at East top seed team written off a relegation fodder before the season. New York City FC. Real Madrid, 5-0 winners on their most recent trip to the island Marco Delgado’s goal in the in 2012, were without several big names including Luka Modric, 32nd minute put Toronto ahead Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard, but could have no com- until Rooney crossed the ball into plaints as they failed to function. the heart of the box, Frederic DC United forward Wayne Rooney (centre) is pursued by Toronto FC defender Auro Jr (96) and Defeat cost them the chance of reclaiming top spot from Bar- Brillant got his head on it and defender Chris Mavinga (23) at BMO Field on Saturday. celona who won earlier in the day and they will have to bounce Lucas Rodriguez finished in the back quickly with a crucial Champions League clash against third minute of stoppage time to Galatasaray on Tuesday having picked up only one point in their equalize. was returning to England after Washington sports fans focused against Sunday’s winner opening two matches. In extra time, Toronto’s this season to be a player and on baseball’s World Series return between the Philadelphia Union A disgruntled Zidane refused to use the absentees as a reason scored in the 93rd assistant coach for Champi- to the US capitol next week for and New York Red Bulls. for the loss. minute, fellow Canadian onship club Derby County. the first time since 1933. In the Western Conference “These players are injured, and we have others who are good added goals in “He has been a big plus for Rooney had 11 goals in 28 playoff opener, Seattle too. But they must show that every time they play, that they have the 95th and 103rd minutes and this club,” United manager Ben matches this season, five of them hometown hero Jordan Morris the level to play for Madrid. Today we didn’t,” he said. Nick DeLeon netted another in Olsen said. game-winners and four of them scored his first MLS hat trick to “We must be more consistent if we are to do anything good this stoppage time after the first 15 “He has helped us in a big penalties. Last season, Rooney lead the Sounders over visiting year, have more life in our play. Today we didn’t have that. “Our minutes to seal United’s fate. way.” scored 12 goals in 20 matches. Dallas 4-3 after extra time. start to the game was very bad. United captain and top While Rooney’s arrival and In other games, Franco “Just being on your toes in “In second half we did not create many clear chances, we lacked scorer Rooney arrived in MLS in a new stadium created buzz Escobar scored in the 70th the box,” Morris said of his feat. a bit of everything today.” the middle of last season and around United, the team flopped minute as defending champion “I was on my toes and got some It was no smash and grab raid by Vicente Moreno’s Mallorca lifted the club from league in the playoffs, ousted by Atlanta United beat visiting New fortunate bounces.” Morris who produced a tenacious display full of energy to beat Real for the doormat to a playoff berth. Columbus last year on England 1-0. bounced in a header in the 113th first time since 2006, sparking wild celebrations. But the former Manchester penalties. The Five Stripes advanced minute for the deciding goal to Moreno led Mallorca back to La Liga via the playoffs in June and United player said in August he His exit also comes with into an East semi Thursday subdue stubborn Dallas. after an opening day win they have found it tough. City return to winning ways but Guardiola wants killer touch AFP a title challenge after two defeats Guardiola. “They are always so since September. City were post past a rooted Hennessey. to make the most of their few LONDON in four league games but pro- strong for the second ball. Unfor- quickly into their stride against They doubled their lead just opportunities to test City’s back duced some incisive football tunately, we could not convert ’s men, dominating two minutes later following a four. Jesus was preferred to Manchester City manager Pep without applying their usual the chances we had but it was an possession and forcing Palace speedy counter-attack. Sergio Aguero while Riyad Guardiola called on his side to killer touch. important three points after the onto the back foot but they did When the ball came to Mahrez was also missing from be more clinical after they City had 21 shots but Palace international break. not break the deadlock until Raheem Sterling he produced a the starting side, with Fern- brushed aside in-form Crystal goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey “Hopefully we can start from shortly before half-time. delightful chip from just inside andinho and Rodri at the heart Palace 2-0 on Saturday to kept his side in the game and the here and continue our good per- The visitors were rewarded the area into the path of David of defence. The second half fol- narrow the gap to Premier visitors had their own ‘keeper, formance. Their ‘keeper made a for their dominance in the 39th Silva, who watched it drop over lowed a similar pattern to the League leaders Liverpool to five Ederson, to thank for a couple of lot of saves but hopefully we can minute when Bernardo Silva his left shoulder before guiding first, with City in charge. Kevin points. outstanding saves at the other be more clinical.” He praised his whipped in a left-footed cross. it into the net. De Bruyne was denied a penalty The defending champions end. makeshift defence on a day Gabriel Jesus shaped to head the Palace occasionally looked after a VAR check backed up the travelled to London with ques- “We played good, created a when John Stones made his first ball but it came off his shoulder threatening, with Wilfried Zaha referee’s original decision not to tions over their ability to sustain lot of chances,” said City boss appearance, from the bench, and crept into the net off the far a flickering menace, but failed award a spot-kick. MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 11

Roma fans Man United end Liverpool’s aim racist abuse at winning run with 1-1 draw Sampdoria’s

AFP Vieira MANCHESTER possession without creating many chances. Indeed United REUTERS could have doubled their GENOA, ITALY Liverpool failed to record a advantage when Rashford and record-equalling 18th straight Fred fired shots just wide of Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo win, but Adam Alisson’s goal on the Vieira was subjected to racist Lallana’s late equaliser saved counter-attack. abuse from AS Roma fans during the European champions from Lallana had played just 10 a 0-0 draw in Serie A yesterday. a shock defeat at Manchester minutes in the Premier League Italian news network ANSA United in a 1-1 draw yesterday. this season prior to coming off reported that the 21-year-old Marcus Rashford’s contro- the bench 20 minutes from was targeted with monkey versial goal handed Ole Gunnar time. But he was in the right chants by travelling supporters Solskjaer’s struggling Red Devils place at the right time to make at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. a 1-0 half-time lead, but they a telling contribution in the title “I heard it but I don’t want could not hold out for a much- race as he tapped home at the to talk about it. This happens too needed victory as they left sub- back post from Andy Robert- often, it shouldn’t be this way,” stitute Lallana unmarked at the son’s cross. Vieira told Rai Sport. back post to level with five United were than camped The chants were heard minutes to play. inside their own box for five coming from the away end, Liverpool move six points minutes of stoppage time. occupied by around 2000 Roma clear of Manchester City at the Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain fans, during the first half. top of the table, but will still feel was inches away from a winner The abuse continued and this was a missed opportunity Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (right) scores the opening goal past Liverpool’s goalkeeper as his driven shot flew just wide was noted by fourth official to inflict more pain on a United Alisson Becker (left) during their Premier League match at Old Trafford, yesterday. and United had another VAR Antonio Giua. side sitting 13th in the Premier review go their way deep into Corriere dello Sport League, just two points off the added time when Fred was reported that an announcement relegation zone. welcome back goalkeeper the lead, even if fortune was change the pattern of the game adjudged to have played the ball was made on the stadium loud- The two most successful Alisson Becker for the first time also on their side for the goal to after the interval as Liverpool with his shoulder rather than speaker warning fans that the sides in English football could in two months after a calf stand. continued to dominate an arm inside the area. match would be suspended if the not have come into the game in injury, but the Brazilian was Victor Lindelof looked to chants continued. more contrasting form. rarely tested as United were have upended Divock Origi on Vieira was born in Guinea- However, United answered happy to sit back and halfway, but no foul was given Bissau but has represented Solskjaer’s calls to rise to the counter-attack. by Martin Atkinson and as England at youth level, having occasion. Solskjaer changed his for- United broke forward, Daniel moved to the country at a young Liverpool were without mation to a 3-5-2 in an attempt James’s cross perfectly picked age. Mohamed Salah through injury to limit Liverpool’s flying full- out Rashford to prod past He joined Sampdoria from and the Egyptian’s pace and backs Trent Alexander-Arnold Alisson. Leeds United in 2018. trickery was badly missed. and Andy Robertson and it was Liverpool manager Jurgen Last month, Roma banned a The visitors were able to largely effective as the hosts Klopp was furious on the fan for life for sending racist restricted the league leaders to touchline even before a VAR insults to defender Juan Jesus on Liverpool move precious few chances. review failed to overturn the social media. six points clear of Liverpool’s best opening decision. There have already been Manchester City at the before the break came when The visitors’ frustration several incidents of racism in top of the table, but Sadio Mane finally found some only grew moments later Serie A this season. will still feel this was a space to counter-attack, but when Mane outmuscled Lin- Inter Milan striker Romelu from his cut-back Roberto delof to turn in what he Lukaku received abuse from missed opportunity to Firmino fired too close to David thought was an equaliser, only Cagliari fans in September and inflict more pain on a de Gea. for VAR to this time rule the a game was briefly suspended United side sitting 13th United had not scored in goal out for a handball by the when Fiorentina defender in the Premier League, their two previous matches Senegalese. Liverpool’s Adam Lallana Dalbert said he had been just two points off the prior to the international break, Klopp sprinted down the celebrates after scoring a goal. racially abused by Atalanta relegation zone. but finally produced a moment touchline at the half-time supporters. of quality going forward to take whistle, but was unable to Inter Milan keep pace with Juventus as Ranieri’s Sampdoria hold Roma

AFP MILAN

Inter Milan held off a late Sassuolo surge to win 4-3 and keep pace with leaders Juventus in Serie A yesterday as Claudio Munich’s Ranieri settled for a goalless defender draw against former club Roma Niklas Suele in his first game as Sampdoria (centre) is coach. helped off Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro after an injury Martinez each bagged a brace for on Saturday. Inter in a seven-goal thriller to keep Antonio Conte’s side second, a point behind Juventus who beat Bologna 2-1 on Bayern Munich defender Saturday. The match at Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium was briefly inter- Suele out for months rupted before the break after a parachutist inexplicably landed following knee injury on the pitch just as Lukaku was about to take a penalty. AFP planning,” Loew told the website The man was quickly led off FRANKFURT of the German Football by security agents as players and Federation. fans looked on bewildered. Then A parachutist lands on the pitch during the match between Sassuolo and Inter Milan at Mapei Stadium Bayern Munich and Germany “I’m confident that he will the former Manchester United yesterday. defender Niklas Suele will be out work his way back into the team, striker slotted in to give Inter a for several months after tearing but we won’t be putting any 3-1 lead. “Once it goes to 3-1 and 4-1, in detail,” said Inter assistant off for a second yellow card. a knee ligament, the club said pressure on him whatsoever and Martinez had opened the it should be over,” said Lukaku coach Cristian Stellini speaking Roma fall to sixth in the table yesterday. will support him as best we can.” scoring after two minutes. He who has now scored five Serie A as Conte missed the post-match behind Cagliari who beat SPAL Suele suffered anterior cru- Suele’s pace, strength and added a penalty after 71 minute, goals in eight games. conference because of illness. 2-0 as Sampdoria stay bottom ciate ligament damage in his left ability to time tackles to per- following Lukaku’s quick-fire “In the first half, we did eve- “We did well, but we still but take their first point in four knee during Saturday’s 2-2 draw fection has led to him replacing double on 38 and 45 minutes. rything well. However, we have a lot of work to do.” games. with Augsburg. The 24-year-old the likes of Jerome Boateng and Inter were in control 4-1 with should have scored in the first 15 AS Roma’s injury crisis grew Ranieri said he had made limped off the field and later left Mats Hummels as first-choice 20 minutes to go, when Antonio minutes after the restart to really worse as they lost both Bryan progress. the stadium on crutches. centre-back for both club and Conte brought on winger Matteo kill off the match. Cristante and Nikola Kalinic “I’m satisfied especially after He was scheduled to country in recent months. Politano and midfielder Val- “The positive we take is that early as they settled for a fourth only a week training together undergo surgery later yesterday, But the player dubbed “Ger- entino Lazaro for their first we got the three points, but we draw in eight games against and against a very good ,” Bayern said in a statement. many’s Virgil Van Dijk” has appearances this season. need to defend better than that. Ranieri’s basement club said Ranieri, who turned 68 on Germany coach Joachim himself said he still lacks the Then Filip Djuricic (74) and “It was very important to get Sampdoria. Sunday. “Now let me have time Loew described the injury as “a assertiveness needed on the Jeremie Boga (81) hit back for the this win.” Edin Dzeko came on for to get to know the players and real blow” that “certainly affects pitch to be considered a real hosts to add to Domenic Sassuolo fell to their fifth loss Kalinic with his face protected then we will try to find solutions the ongoing development of our defensive leader. Berardi’s first-half goal. of the season and sit 16th just by a mask after breaking a to score.” young team.” Suele tore a cruciate lig- Inter held on for a win after above the relegation zone. cheekbone two weeks ago. Stefano Okaka’s header was “Niklas is one of the faces of ament in the same knee when consecutive defeats against Bar- “For more than an hour we The Romans also played the enough to give struggling this new generation and was no he was 19 and playing for celona in the Champions League played very well, then there was final five minutes a man down Udinese their second win of the doubt a central figure in our Hoffenheim. and Juventus in Serie A. a blackout that we will analyse after Justin Kluivert was sent season as Torino slipped to ninth. SPORT

PAGE | 07 PAGE | 10 Justin Thomas MotoGP: Champion holds off Lee Marquez snares to win second constructors’ title CJ Cup title for Honda

Monday 21 October 2019 ACL: Al Sadd face uphill task in Riyadh THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatari football giants Al Sadd will do everything they could when they face take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in their AFC Champions League (ACL) semi-final second-leg match at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh tomorrow. The kick-off is at 19:15. Al Sadd, the 2011 winners in the con- tinental showpiece, had lost the first leg in Doha by a 1-4 margin on October 1. Xavi Hernandez-coached side fin- ished the match with 10 men as left-back Abdelkarim Hassan was sent off for pro- testing the decision to book him towards the end of first half. Abdelkarim will sit out and so will be ace Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah, who is also suspended for the return leg. And Ahmed Sayyar is nursing an injury. That will make matters worse for Al Sadd in their bid to overturn a big deficit, Al Sadd’s coach Xavi Hernandez (left) and his players leaving for Riyadh via Kuwait yesterday. Al that too away from home. However, Al Sadd will face Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal tomorrow in their AFC Champions League semi-final Sadd players have enough experience second leg match at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh. PICTURES: TWITTER / @ALSADDSC on the big stage, so the unexpected can be expected. The squad that left for Riyadh Tae-Hee, Abdullah Ismail and Saoud Al quarter-finals after defeating fellow Al Sadd remain the last team from Muhammad Taqi Aljaafari of Sin- includes Saad Al Dossari, Meshaal Nasr. Qatari gianss Al Duhail 4-2 on aggregate, West Asia to lift the continental title. gapore will be the match referee in Barsham, Jehad Mohammed, Boualem The Wolves reached the semi-final while Al Nassr put it past the UAE’s Al The main scoring hope will rest on tomorrow’s game, with Koh Min Kiat Khoukhi, Yasir Abubakar, Hassan Al stage by defeating Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Wahda 4-3 on aggregate in Round of 16. Akram, one of Qatar’s heroes from their and Abdul Hannan bin Abdul Hasim Haydous, Salem Al Hajri, Akram Afif, 4-3 on aggregate, while Al Hilal pro- In the group stage, Al Sadd topped Asian Cup 2019-winning campaign. He (also from Singapore) his assistants. Pedro Miguel, Tarek Salman, Hamed gressed to the last-four stage after the standings with 10 points, whereas Al has seemlessly transferred his super- Ameer Dawood of Iraq will be the Ismail, Abdulaziz Al Ansari, Gabi Fern- putting it across Al Ittihad, also from that Nassr progressed to the knockout stage lative form from national team to club fourth official. Iraqis Muhannad Qasim andez, Ali Asad, Jung Woo-Young, country, 3-1 on aggregate. by becoming runners-up in Group A, also side at this year’s AFC Champions and Ali Qasim will be the additional Hashim Ali, Hussain Bahzad, Nam Xavi’s men booked their place in the with 10 points. League. referees.

Al Duhail’s celebrates after Al Duhail top QSL standings with win over scoring their winning goal against Umm Salal during the QNB Stars League Umm Salal; Hanni on target for Al Gharafa match played at the Al Arabi Stadium, THE PENINSULA Al Duhail players unleashed corner kick. The lanky striker’s QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS yesterday. DOHA shots after shots at the goal, under- volley hit the body of Yazan before lining their domination. sent going in. RANK/TEAM M W L D P Al Duhail beat Umm Salal 1-0 in a left-footer wide and then Yazan Umm Salal came closest to 1: Al Duhail 7 5 0 2 17 Week 7 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars blocked a Luis Martin shot. grabbing an equaliser, only for the League (QSL) at the Al Arabi On Umm Salal’s part, Ivorian left upright denying Syrian striker 2: Al Rayyan 7 4 0 3 15 Stadium on Sunday. striker Yannick Sagbo, coming from Mahmoud Al Mawas when Lecomte Mohammed Muntari scored the an injury layoff, skied the ball from was not in a position to make a save. 3: Al Gharafa 7 4 1 2 14 winner in the 65th minute. close on 30 minutes and Nasser Al Similarly, Al Duhail could have 4: Al Arabi 6 4 1 1 13 The Red Knights moved on to Nasr had his shot saved by Al Duhail doubled their lead had it not been 17 points, while The Orange Fortress goalkeeper Amine Lecomte. Muhanad Ali, who replaced an 5: Al Sadd 5 4 1 0 12 stayed on five. It was Al Duhail’s Muntari had a headed goal dis- injured Muntari soon after he scored 6: Al Ahli 7 3 3 1 10 fifth victory and Rui Faria’s boys allowed for offside. the goal, hitting his shot against the thus extended their unbeaten run, Meanwhile, Umm Salal’s Joao left post. 7: Al Sailiya 7 3 3 1 10 having drawn their other two Bruno made a goalline save off Later, at the same venue, 8: Al Wakrah 7 2 4 1 7 games. ’s half-volley in Algerian midfielder Sofiane Hanni Al Duhail attacked from the stoppage time as the first half drew scored in the 50th minute as Al 9: Umm Salal 7 1 4 2 5 onset, with Paolo Edmilson leading to a close goalless. Gharafa clinched a 1-0 win against 10: Al Khor 6 1 4 1 4 the charge. His long-ranger hit the On to the second half and Al Arabi. right upright before Umm Salal took over the main The win also promoted Al 11: Qatar SC 7 1 6 0 3 goalkeeper Yazan Naim, who had attacking duty of Al Duhail. He made Gharafa to the third spot on the a good day saving many shots, two serious attempts at the goal points table as Al Arabi suffered 12: Al Shahania 7 0 5 2 2 thwarted the Brazilian. before Muntari was on target off a their first loss of the QSL season. Tokyo 2020 qualifiers: South Korea, Bahrain win on day 4

A South Korean player prepares to shoot against Kuwait during their second match on the fourth day of the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) Men’s Asian Qualification Tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Al Duhail Indoor Arena, yesterday. South Korea won the match 36-32. RIGHT: A Bahraini player in action against Iranian counterparts. Bahrain won 29-26. PICTURES: TWITTER / @QATARHANDBALL