ATHLETICSATHLETICS| Page 2 RUGBY | Page 3 Farah’s absence Early blitz makes 5,000m lift s very diffi cult to win over to predict Georgia

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 FOOTBALL Muharram 25, 1441 AH Neymar winner GULF TIMES sends PSG three points clear SPORT Page 7

SPOTLIGHT Messi, Rapinoe crowned world’s best by FIFA AFP Milan

ionel Messi won the FIFA Men’s Play- er of the Year award yesterday with Megan Rapinoe bagging the women’s prize to cap a historic year for the UnitedL States’ World Cup icon. Barcelona striker Messi’s victory in Milan was a surprise as he edged out Virgil Van Dijk, who won the UEFA player’s award last month after helping Liverpool to the Champions League last season. Both Messi and Van Dijk are now in the running for the coveted Ballon d’Or which will be announced on December 2. Juventus’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo had also been shortlisted for the award. Rapinoe beat fellow World Cup winner Alex Morgan and ’s Lucy Bronze to the women’s title. The 34-year-old won the Golden Boot for being top scorer and the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup, and also be- FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (L) with the Best FIFA Men’s player award came the face of the tournament for her out- Lionel Messi (L) shakes hand with US and Reign FC midfielder Megan Rapinoe as Best FIFA as presenters Ilaria D’Amico and Ruud Gullit look on in Milan yesterday. spoken views on US president Donald Trump. Women’s Coach, USA’s Jill Ellis, looks on in Milan yesterday.

ATHLETICS Russia to miss Doha Worlds aft er IAAF ban is extended ‘The responsibility of an international federation is to maintain Another feather in where possible the level playing field in competition’ Qatar’s sporting cap

Reuters Doha

ussia will miss the IAAF World Championships for the second time in a row after the sport’s governingR body the IAAF ex- tended the ban against country’s he president of the sive sporting cap, following federation yesterday. International Associa- the 2006 Asian Games, worlds The IAAF confi rmed the de- tion of Athletics Fed- in handball (2015), boxing cision four days before the start erations, Sebastian (2015) cycling (2016), gymnas- of the competition in Qatar af- T Coe, praised Qatar’s organisa- tics (2018), and the upcoming ter hearing a report from its Task tional capabilities as they get swimming worlds in 2023. Force (TF) overseeing Russia’s re- ready to host the 2019 World The Aspire Sports Academy in instatement eff orts. Athletics Championships. Doha is a popular training site Earlier yesterday, the World Coe said yesterday that for athletes and teams from Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Doha has a strong history within the country and abroad. revealed that historical data sup- of hosting major sporting Arguably Qatar’s best-known plied by the country’s anti-dop- events. He expressed con- athlete is Mutaz Essa Barshim, ing authority contained “incon- fidence that Doha will once the reigning high-jump world sistencies”, also putting Russia’s again deliver an outstanding champion and 2016 Olympics participation at the Tokyo Olym- event. About 2,000 athletes silver medallist. pics under threat. from 209 countries are taking Barshim will be a medal hope “We are aware of the allegations part this year. The champi- along with 400m hurdler Ab- of manipulation of the data and onships will be broadcast derrahman Samba, one of only that an investigation is ongoing,” to about one billion people three men to have run faster said Rune Andersen, head of the around the world. than 47 seconds over IAAF Task Force. “In the light of “Doha is well-prepared for the distance. that the task force recommended the event. I spoke to the head The biggest event in the coun- that RUSAF (the Russian athletics of the Local Organising Com- try is, however, still to come, federation) not be reinstated and mitteee Dahlan al-Hamad the 2022 FIFA World Cup. the IAAF council unanimously and my competition team Doha was awarded the athlet- agreed.” here. Everything is in place,” ics showpiece in November Some Russians with no dop- Coe said. “Now it’s up to the 2014 ing history, including high jumper athletes to excel. I hope they Qatar’s climate with intense Maria Lasitskene who is Russia’s will inspire a whole genera- summer heat has led to the only track and fi eld athlete cur- tion of young athletes in the championships being held rently holding a world title, have region.” The very late in the season, and been cleared to compete interna- chief welcomed the athletes and race walks in tionally as neutrals. International Association of Athletics Federations president Sebastian Coe (L) and the head of IAAF Inspection Team, Rune Andersen, address to Doha, expressing his belief the city will start just before However, the Russian fl ag can- the media ahead of the IAAF World Championships yesterday. The IAAF said it would maintain a ban on the Russian athletics federation that Doha 2019 World Athlet- midnight local time. not be fl own nor the national an- pending analysis of data from the Russian anti-doping laboratory covering the 2011-2015 period when state-sponsored doping was prevalent. ics Championships will be an In the stadium, cooling sys- them be played. IAAF president event to remember. tems will ease the heat prob- Sebastian Coe said that feeling mendation we have probably had missioned by WADA found evi- with anti-doping procedures and banned Russian coaches were still He expressed his excite- lem for athletes and fans was “very strong” among coun- thus far that the Russian federa- dence of widespread doping in the covering up positive tests. working with athletes would be ment to be introducing the Successful worlds, and then cil members that the suspension tion remain suspended.” sport. Russian authorities have Eff orts to have the federation investigated. sport to a new audience in the football World Cup, could should continue. “No one coun- “The responsibility of an inter- denied the existence of a state- reinstated have been hindered by In September last year, WADA the Middle East, and reserved also bring Qatar closer to the try is bigger than the champion- national federation is to maintain sponsored doping programme in reports of mismanagement and voted to reinstate the Russian special praise for Khalifa ultimate goal of hosting the ships,” he told a media conference. where possible the level playing the country but have accepted doping violations. Anti-Doping Agency RUSADA, International Stadium. Olympics, after unsuccessful “It does not remotely surprise fi eld in competition.” that some senior offi cials were The IAAF previously extended clearing the way for the country The championships are the lat- bids for the 2016 and 2020 me that the council unanimously RUSAF was suspended in No- involved in providing banned Russia’s suspension in June and to compete at the Olympic games est feather in Qatar’s impres- Games. endorsed the strongest recom- vember 2015 after a report com- substances to athletes, interfering said a Reuters report that showed in Tokyo next year. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 24, 2019 ATHLETICS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Women runners set for Farah’s absence midnight test in a world fi rst

IAAF this year, and ’s Doha best of 2:24:27 is only marginally makes 5,000m slower than the defending cham- pion’s. t will be the women mara- Given their greater experience thon runners who are fi rst to of weather conditions in the re- experience unique circum- gion, you have to say that Bah- stances for a championship rain’s runners have very strong Irace in Doha. credentials for making the po- At midnight on day one, a fi eld dium. diffi cult to predict of about 70 runners will set off That said, two familiar groups under fl oodlighting on a looped head up this year’s world list – course along the waterfront of the Kenyans, and the Ethiopians. Several athletes will also be doubling up in either the 1,500m or 10,000m Doha’s famous Corniche con- Kenya’s 25-year-old Ruth necting Doha Bay and Doha City Chepngetich won this year’s Centre, set against the capital Dubai Marathon in 2:17:08 – the city’s towering skyline. third fastest time ever recorded The temperature by that time behind Paula Radcliff e’s world is expected to have dropped from record of 2:15:25 and the 2:17:01 the predicted daytime range of recorded by Kenya’s Mary Kei- 35C and above. tany in winning the 2017 London Many of the runners will be Marathon. used to running in hot condi- Her teammates can also shift. tions, but none will have run a Visiline Jepkesho has run 2:21:37, championship marathon at such and 2:22.58, while Kiplagat, who a time, fi nishing in the early has a best of 2:19:50, is back to hours of the morning. Mentally, seek a third world title at the age physically, physiologically it is of 39. going to be a new test for all. Ethiopia is represented by the What can be predicted with runners who stand third and some reasoning, however, is that, fourth on the entry list behind similarly to the men’s race, the Chepngetich – Ruti Aga, who has women’s contest at the IAAF run 2:20:40 this year and has a World Athletics Championships best of 2:18:34, and Roza Dereje, Doha 2019 is most likely to be who has run 2:20:51 this year and won by an African or Asian run- has a best of 2:19:17. ner in a time that will not be near And the third Ethiopian se- the top of the year’s world list. lected, Shure Demise, has run Tactics, not times, are the key on 2:21:05 this season. these occasions. Israel’s sole entrant is also a In the past decade, the fastest runner to be noted – 30-year- time in which a women’s world old Lonah Salpeter, who won the marathon title has been won is European 10,000m title in Berlin 2:25:15, recorded by China’s Bai last summer and has a best of Xue in Berlin 10 years ago. 2:19:46. Kenya’s Edna Kiplagat ap- Namibia’s Helalia Johannes proached that speed in taking the is also one to watch. She has set 2013 title in Moscow in 2:25:44, road PBs this year of 30:59 for having won the previous version 10km, 1:10:30 for the half mara- in Daegu in 2:28:43. thon and 2:22:25 for the mara- The last two winning times in thon. More importantly, though, this race have been only margin- she has experience of running Telahun Haile Bekele leads this year’s world ally swifter – Ethiopia’s Mare a championship race in searing list following his 12:52.98 victory at the IAAF Dibaba ran 2:27.35 in Beijing and heat: she won the Common- meeting in Rome. At bottom, Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo won in wealth title on Gold Coast last his compatriot Selemon Barega. London two years ago in 2:27:11. year in 27C heat. Chelimo is back to defend her Japan and China should never title, and looks one of the favour- be ruled out of any women’s IAAF three days later with another his only 5000m race of the year, Filip, the world bronze med- ites, although it will be worth championship marathon race. Doha sub-13-minute clocking to win he fi nished 18th in Lausanne in allist over 1,500m, is also a con- watching all three of her team- Japan’s selected runners have all Hengelo, but was then beaten in 13:29.53, but he showed slightly tender and will be buoyed by mates, two of whom have run run personal bests this season his other races at the distance, better form in Szekesfehervar setting a Norwegian mile record faster than her personal best of – Madoka Nakano has clocked henever Mo Farah fi nishing third in Lausanne and four days later to fi nish sec- of 3:49.60 at the IAAF Diamond 2:24:27. 2:27:39, Ayano Ikemitsu 2:26:07 was due to com- fourth in Zurich. ond over 3000m, beating Haile League meeting in London. Desi Mokonin has a best of and Mizuko Tanimoto 2:25:28. pete over 5,000m The Ethiopian’s only prior Bekele in the process. Paul Chelimo may not have 2:23:39, and perhaps signifi cant- China’s trio of Ciren Cuomo, Li at a major champi- major championships expe- Ethiopian athletes may top won any races this year – he was ly has run 2:23:44 this season. Dan and Ma Yugui also produced onships,W you’d at least have an rience was last year’s World the entry list in this event, but even beaten at the US Cham- Shitaye Eshete has run 2:22:39 their best ever times this year. idea of how the race would play U20 Championships where he there is another nation – cor- pionships – but having earned out. But in Doha, in what will be fi nished fi fth, albeit against a rection: family – who is capable medals at the 2017 World the fi rst World Championships stacked fi eld. of challenging the East African Championships and 2016 Ol- 5,000m fi nal since 2005 with- Compatriot Selemon Bar- nation. ympic Games, he can never be out the six-time world champi- ega hasn’t won any races over All three Ingebrigtsen broth- discounted. on, the men’s 5,000m is diffi cult 5,000m this year but has con- ers – Henrik, Filip and Jakob Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew will to predict. sistently featured near the front – are entered for the 5,000m return to the track on which Yomif Kejelcha and Joshua of the pack, placing second in and the younger two will be he won the Asian 5,000m title Cheptegei – the only men to win Shanghai, Rome and Lausanne doubling in the 1,500m. The earlier this year. Since then, he more than one 3,000m/5,000m before fi nishing fi fth at the precocious Jakob, the youngest has clocked a PB of 12:56.26 in race on this year’s IAAF Dia- IAAF Diamond League fi nal in of the Norwegian trio, perhaps Rome but was a distant 16th in mond League circuit – will be 12:59.66. carries the family’s strong- Lausanne and 10th in Zurich. focusing on just the 10,000m in Barega, who is also entered 5,000m season’s best of 12:54.92 est medal hopes. The typical Kenya hasn’t won the men’s Doha, which throws the 5,000m for the 10,000m in Doha, is a in Rome and ran a 10,000m PB championship middle-distance world 5,000m title since 2005, even more wide open. much improved athlete since of 26:48.95 in Hengelo to win race perfectly suits his racing but 20-year-old Nicholas Several of the athletes en- his fi fth-place fi nish in the the Ethiopian Trial race and style, as he showed when racing Kimeli will be hoping to end that tered will also be doubling up in 5,000m as a 17-year-old at the guarantee his selection for that to senior European 1,500m and drought. He has performed well either the 1,500m or 10,000m, 2017 World Championships. He discipline too. After taking 5,000m titles last year at the age on the circuit this year, topped but the 5,000m comes fi rst on has set PBs at 3,000m (7:32.17) world silver in 2013 and bronze of 18. by a 12:57.90 PB in Hengelo. He the schedule, meaning everyone and 10,000m (26:49.46) this in 2015, the 25-year-old Ethio- Jakob fi nished a close second is joined on the Kenyan team by will be going into it fresh. So year and, with a lifetime best pian will be keen to complete to Gebrhiwet in London in July, two other relative newcomers: that’s something. of 12:43.02 from 2018, has the his set of medals with gold in clocking a PB of 13:02.03, his Michael Kibet and Daniel Simiu Telahun Haile Bekele leads fastest PB of the fi eld. Doha. Muktar Edris isn’t quite third European U20 record of Ebenyo. Australia’s Stewart this year’s world list follow- Apart from his lap-counting in the same form that carried the season following his 3:30.16 McSweyn, Canada’s Mo Ahmed ing his 12:52.98 victory at the blunder in Lausanne, Hagos him to a surprise gold in London run over 1500m in Lausanne and Britain’s Andrew Butchart IAAF Diamond League meet- Gebrhiwet has also had a con- two years ago, ending Farah’s and 3:51.30 performance in the should all also feature in the fi - ing in Rome. He followed it sistent season. He clocked a streak of major track titles. In mile in Stanford. nal. Rose Chelimo of Bahrain.

BOTTOMLINE Ingebrigtsen takes global ambitions to Qatar

IAAF nance,” he told the Norwegian daily partner, and the man who took silver there or thereabouts in major champi- Doha Dagbladet in Berlin. “Filip has taken a behind him in London two years ago, onships, having won world indoor gold step into that company with his World remains the clear favourite for the title in 2014 and world bronze a year earlier. Championships medal last year, so given his transcendent form in the past Europe’s challenge will not rest t seems wrong to describe Nor- we are on our way.” The late news that two years. solely on Jakob’s young shoulders, of way’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen as a Kenya’s Elijah Manangoi will be unable He heads the 2019 world list with the course. His 26-year-old brother Filip, wunderkind, because even though to defend his title at the IAAF World 3:28.77 he recorded in beating young who heads to Doha with a season’s best he only turned 19 on 19 Septem- Athletics Championships Doha 2019 Ingebrigtsen in Lausanne, and he is on of 3:30.82, has had a smooth prepara- Iber, he has the attitude – and indeed after injuring an ankle in training has a long winning run. tion and has already broken into the competitive record – of a highly expe- altered the complexion of the event – Kenya will also be represented by the global medals, having taking bronze in rienced senior athlete. but it is still a fearsomely competitive enigmatic Ronald Kwemoi, who has London two years ago. He won the European 1,500m and one. run 3:33.99 this season but clocked the Britain’s Jake Wightman, who has a 5,000m titles in masterful style in Ber- Manangoi’s younger brother George, world’s fastest U20 time of 3:28.81 in 2018 best of 3:33.96, already has Com- lin last summer, and added continental born just over a month later than Inge- Monaco fi ve years ago. monwealth and European bronze med- 3,000m gold and 1,500m silver at this brigtsen, will carry the family name in Naturally there will be other African als and would love to add a global medal year’s European Indoor Champion- Doha. He has a best of 3:31.49, as com- contenders for one of the prized gems to his collection. ships in Glasgow. pared to Ingebrigtsen’s best of 3:30.16, in athletics. Uganda’s Ronald Musagala The United States will be repre- And the youngest of the three Inge- set earlier this season at the IAAF Dia- is third in this season’s world list with sented by a quartet including Olympic brigtsen brothers who have adorned the mond League meeting in Lausanne. But a personal best of 3:30.58. Ethiopia champion Matt Centrowitz. track in recent years – Filip and Hen- he knows how to beat his young Nor- will be fi elding world indoor champion Meanwhile, Poland’s fl ag will be rik preceded him as European 1500m wegian rival, having taken 1500m gold Samuel Tefara, still only 19, who is sev- fl own by the wily competitor that is champions – is unequivocal about his ahead of him at last year’s IAAF World enth on this year’s list with 3:31.39. Marcin Lewandowski, who outfoxed new ambitions. They’re global. U20 Championships in Tampere. And it never does to rule out Dji- Ingebrigtsen to the European indoor “I defi nitely hope that Team Inge- Meanwhile Timothy Cheruyiot, the bouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman, fi fth on the 1,500m gold earlier this year. No runner brigtsen can break the African domi- current world champion’s training 2019 list with 3:30.66, who is always can relax with him in the fi eld. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen (R). Gulf Times Tuesday, September 24, 2019 3

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Scots lose fl anker Watson to injury Early blitz lift s “While there is a high prob- AFP Tokyo ability of picking up injuries during a Rugby World Cup, it is always disappointing to see cotland fl anker Hamish someone having to head home,” Watson has been ruled said Townsend. out of the Rugby World “We feel for Hamish, who had Cup after suff ering a knee worked so hard for this oppor- six-try Wales to Sinjury, further compounding the tunity, and wish him well in his misery for the Scots who were recovery.” disappointing in their opening The Scots came into the loss against Ireland. Rugby World Cup full of opti- Coach Gregor Townsend has mism and hoped to turn over Six called up back-row Nations rivals Ireland in their Magnus Bradbury, who was al- opening Pool A clash, with the ready in Japan as injury cover, Irish back line missing three star win over Georgia to replace Watson in the 31-man players. squad. But were poor on a The news came as little sur- wet night in Yokohama and ran ‘WE SCORED A FEW NICE TRIES AND WE’RE HAPPY WITH THE BONUS POINT’ prise after Watson had to be out 27-3 losers. stretchered off the fi eld clearly in A disconsolate Townsend said AFP a huge amount of pain. A post- his team must get “much, much Toyota City, Japan match scan revealed he could better” and quickly if they are to take no further part in the tour- progress in a pool that also in- nament, the Scotland camp said cludes hosts Japan and the dan- ix Nations champions in a statement. gerous . Wales opened their Rug- by World Cup campaign with a bonus-point 43- 14S victory over Georgia in Toyota City yesterday. The victory not only sent out a signal of intent to main Pool D rivals Australia, who beat in their opener, but also dispelled any doubts there might have been of a hangover in the Welsh camp over the sending-home of assistant coach Rob Howley amid allegations of illegal bet- ting. Four slick fi rst-half tries from Jonathan Davies, , and Liam Williams ensured the bonus point for Wales, who were given a stern examination by a strong Geor- gian scrum that came to life in the second period. “It was a good fi rst half for us and we were pretty happy at half-time,” said Wales coach . “A little bit messy in the sec- ond half but the ball was quite slippery out there and it was hard to hold on to it. We scored a few nice tries and we’re happy with the bonus point.” There were barely two min- utes on the clock when centre Davies was played in under the posts after a rocket of a pass by scrum-half and namesake Ga- reth, decoys and Hadleigh Parkes bamboozling a leaden-footed defence. Biggar’s conversion surpris- Hamish Watson is helped off the pitch after sustaining an injury ingly came back off the posts, during their Pool A match against Ireland at the International Sta- but the fl y-half redeemed him- dium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, on Sunday. (AFP) self with a penalty shortly after- wards. Another well-drilled midfi eld move saw winger Adams split All Blacks take top ranking back the defence before offl oading to after win over South Africa Gareth Davies. The scrum-half was brought down short, but New Zealand returned to the In the event, the world champi- Tipuric was on hand to swoop top of the world rankings after ons beat the Springboks 23-13 for the ball and sidestep in- their opening World Cup vic- while Ireland cruised past the side Giorgi Tkhilaishvili to run Wales’ Alun (centre) in action with Georgia’s and during their Pool D match at City of Toyota tory over South Africa ended Scots 27-3. through unmolested for Wales’ Stadium, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters) Ireland’s two-week stay at the New Zealand went into the second try, Biggar converting. summit. tournament as clear favourites, The third came soon after, by hooker Shalva Mamukashvili, making no mistake to stretch the Pearce who had no option but to gia when he bombed over from The All Blacks’ decade-long regardless of what the rankings Adams running in from almost Gareth Davies twice on hand score out to 29-0. yellow card to the replacement short range, but Wales had the reign at the world’s number said, although the changes at halfway after an inside Biggar with tapdowns to halt the foray. The Georgians opened the hooker. last word when North fi nished one ranked team came to an the top added to the wide- pass off a lineout, with the Geor- Skipper , second-half exactly as coach A raft of replacements dis- well after some neat footwork end last month, first losing the spread belief that this World gian defence glaringly absent. matching Gethin Jenkins’ record would have liked rupted the fl ow of the game, and an offl oad from Tomos Wil- mantle to 2019 Six Nations Cup is the most open since the Biggar hit the extras and it was of 129 Wales caps, and No 8 Josh them, hooker Mamukashvili enabling Georgia to weather the liams. champions Wales and then to first one three decades ago. a point a minute after 22 min- Navidi were at the heart of the bundled over from an attacking 10-minute sin-binning without “I think we came out of the Ireland.According to the intrica- South Africa’s defeat pushed utes, the 35,545-strong crowd at eff ective Welsh rush defence to line-out for a well-received try conceding any points. Despite box as we went out into the fi rst cies of how the standings are them down to fifth, below a sultry City of nullify the threat from the ‘Le- that con- their far more combative half, half but I’m disappointed if I’m calculated, New Zealand would Wales who start their World scenting a rout. los’. verted. it was replacement scrum-half honest with the second half,” have returned to the summit Cup campaign later yesterday And it was instead Wales who Wales roared back with their who chased said Jones. with a win over their Rugby against Georgia. France’s dra- ‘OUT OF THE BOX’ had the last word of the fi rst 40 own driving maul, but fresh-on- down a grubber “We let a couple of tries in Championship rivals, regard- matic victory over Argentina The sole bright spark for Georgia minutes, Liam Williams scoop- the-fi eld manip- for Wales’ fi fth. and we didn’t really continue in less of how Ireland did against pushed them ahead of Scotland in a grim fi rst-half display saw ing up Jonathan Davies’ pass to ulated it to a juddering halt, his Toulon prop Levan a similar vein. It’s a good result Scotland, World Rugby said. into seventh spot. a rare break into Welsh territory dot down in the corner, Biggar dark art spotted by referee Luke Chilachava responded Geor- but it’s plenty to work on.

PREVIEW Coach reminds Samoa of opportunity to create legacy Reuters but we’ve got to treat every game Pacifi c Island nations is that we Kumagaya, Japan like it’s a rugby World Cup fi nal,” won’t go away,” the former New Jackson told a news conference. Zealand Maori said. “We’ve seen over the last few “We’ll keep on battling. We amoa are determined to go days there have been quite a few always go out there to give it our beyond the World Cup pool teams have been a little bit nerv- best and you’ll see nothing diff er- stages for the fi rst time in ous and we’ve just told our player ent tomorrow night against Russia over 20 years, coach Steve to go have some fun and enjoy and from us in this whole tourna- JacksonS said yesterday, as he chal- themselves to take that nervous- ment.” lenged his players to create their ness away from them. Our boys are With memories of the Brian own legacy to match the Samoan excited and they can’t wait to play.” Lima-inspired Samoan team of quarter-fi nalists of 1991 and 1995. Jackson was forced into a late the 1990s still fresh in fans’ minds, The Pacifi c Islanders begin their change yesterday after winger Jackson wants the island nation’s campaign today and assuming Ah See Tuala was ruled out with 200,000 people to remember his they avoid an upset against Russia, a slight calf strain. side just as fondly in another 20 they must get past hosts Japan and shifts out wide in a reshuffl ed years. eighth-ranked Scotland to progress backline with Rey Lee-Lo moving “It’s a huge opportunity for us, through Pool A, likely alongside to outside centre and Henry Taefu and although we remember the overwhelming favourites Ireland. coming in at number 12. past and the players that have worn Japan looked vulnerable in their Taking nothing for granted the jersey and they have done some opening victory over the surpris- against a Russian team whose set special things, we’re here to make ingly stubborn Russians and Scot- piece and kicking game impressed our own legacy,” he said. land were disappointing in their the New Zealand-born coach, “We want people to remember 27-3 battering by Ireland on Sun- Jackson hopes to take inspiration this Samoan team, as we have in ‘91 day, potentially putting the Samo- the barnstorming performance of and ‘95 but also understand that in ans right in the mix. fellow Pacifi c Islanders Fiji that the professional era, the game is a “As a group we said from day one nearly toppled Australia and neigh- lot harder to compete... What bet- that we just don’t want to be in- bours Tonga, who caused England ter stage though to put Samoa rug- volved in pool play, we want to go some problems too. by back on the map than at a rugby Samoa’s head coach Steve Jackson (left) speaks with flanker Afa Amosa during the Captain’s Run at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in beyond and that’s still on our minds “One thing you’ll fi nd from the World Cup.” Kumagaya, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 24, 2019 TENNISSPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Whitfi eld heads list of Canadian Olympic Kvitova, Sabalenka Hall of Fame inductees

Reuters London Olympics were awarded Toronto several years after the compe- tition when athletes who had initially placed ahead of her were ormer triathlon cham- disqualifi ed for doping. through to last-16 pion Simon Whitfi eld and Now a passionate advocate diving standout Alexan- for anti-doping in sport, Girard dre Despatie are among shares her story and is actively ‘I’m happy with my win. It was a tough thisF year’s class of nine inductees involved in discussions with do- to the Canadian Olympic Hall mestic and international anti- one and I’m glad that after everything of Fame, the Canadian Olympic doping advocates. Committee announced yesterday. “These individuals remind us I’ve been through, it’s a good start’ Whitfi eld, who announced his that the Olympic Movement is in Wuhan retirement in 2013 after 16 years about more than just victory,” Agencies racing for Canada, unexpectedly COC President Tricia Smith said Wuhan won the inaugural Olympic tria- in a statement. “It’s about mak- thlon event at Sydney in 2000 ing an indelible impact on our and added a silver eight years communities, our nation and the wice Wuhan Open later in Beijing. next generation.” champion Petra Kvi- In Sydney, Whitfi eld was in The women’s ice hockey team tova and holder Aryna the middle of the fi eld after the that conceded just two goals en Sabalenka moved into swimming and cycling legs but route to a gold medal at the 2010 Tthe last-16 after recording used his sprint speed to pass the Olympics and women’s soccer straight sets victories in the sec- leader, German Stephan Vucko- team that in 2012 won Canada’s ond round yesterday. vic, less than 300 metres from fi rst Summer Olympic team Czech Kvitova, who won the the fi nish line before pulling sport medal (bronze) since 1936 title in 2014 and 2016, needed away for the victory. are also being inducted. one break in the second set Whitfi eld’s triumph is credited Hiroshi Nakamura, who is re- against Slovenia’s Polona Her- with sparking a massive growth sponsible for the establishment cog to wrap up the match 7-6(6), in the sport across Canada. of judo as a competitive sport in 6-3 after the opener went with Despatie became the fi rst Ca- Canada and served as head coach serve. nadian man to reach an Olympic at fi ve Olympics is also being in- Although Kvitova had six podium in diving when he won a ducted. double faults, the world number silver medal in the individual 3m Jack Poole, who played a key seven won 75% of her fi rst serv- springboard at the 2004 Athens role in bringing the Olympic ice points and also saved two Games. He repeated the feat four Games to Vancouver in 2010 as break points to win in one hour years later in Beijing. chairman of the bid corporation, and 42 minutes. Emilie Heymans, who became and Randy Starkman, an award- “I’m happy with my win,” the fi rst female diver in the world winning journalist known for his Kvitova told wtatennis.com. “It to win medals at four consecu- coverage of amateur sports, will was a tough one and I’m glad tive Olympics, and Christine both be inducted posthumously. that after everything I’ve been Girard, who is Canada’s fi rst ever The induction ceremony will through, it’s a good start.” Olympic weightlifting champi- take place in Toronto on Oct. 23 Kvitova will play either former on, rounded out the four athlete and individual inductees will be US Open champion Sloane inductees. Girard’s bronze medal commemorated with murals that Stephens, seeded 10th, or Wang from the 2008 Beijing Olympics will appear in their respective lo- Yafan of China in the next round. and gold medal from the 2012 cal communities across Canada. Wuhan is one of Kvitova’s happiest hunting grounds, hav- ing won two titles here – in 2014 and 2016 – from the fi ve previ- ous editions of the tournament and amassing an impressive 14-3 record. That makes it the perfect Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic hits a return against Polona Hercog of Slovenia during their second round match at the Wuhan Open in place for the Czech lefty to re- Wuhan yesterday. (AFP) gain her rhythm: after a red-hot fi rst half of the year, highlighted her post-match press conference. by lifting trophies in Sydney and “I’m not pretty sure how, but Stuttgart as well as an appear- I think I was just really going for ance in the Australian Open fi - every shot. That’s probably what nal, she’s stalled out a bit during made the diff erence in the first the North American hardcourt set and of course was the key for swing as she’s struggled with a the second as well.” forearm injury. She played only Back into the third round in two tournaments, falling the Wuhan, Kvitova awaits the win- opening round of Cincinnati and ner between former US Open second round of the US Open. champion Sloane Stephens, the In Wuhan, Kvitova had to No.10 seed and China’s Wang weather a high level from Hercog Yafan for a spot in the quarter- during a tightly contested open- fi nals. Belarusian Sabalenka ad- ing set – where there were no vanced with a 6-1, 6-0 victory break points on off er at all – and over Danielle Collins, dispatch- Former triathlon champion Simon Whitfield. edge through in a tiebreak be- ing the American in 51 minutes. fore taking control of the match, “Defi nitely the tiger was here winning 7-6(6), 6-3. today,” said Sabalenka, who has Barty’s No 1 spot under pressure from Pliskova Kvitova and Hercog’s second- now dropped just four games round clash unfolded in a similar across her two matches in Wu- Ashleigh Barty remains the Barty has held the number fashion to the pair’s lone previ- han. “I’m happy with the level world number one for another one spot since the beginning ous meeting more than seven that I showed today. It was, I week, according to the latest of September having also years ago, when Kvitova took don’t know, I just played really WTA rankings released occupied it in July and August. down Hercog 7-6(6), 6-1 at the Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return against Danielle Collins of US during their second round match well today.” yesterday, but the Australian Pliskova of the Czech Republic 2012 US Open. Much like that at the Wuhan Open in Wuhan yesterday. (AFP) At this time last year, Sabalen- faces a tough battle in Wuhan if has not reached number one match, both players were dialled ka was making a name for herself she is to stay on top. since summer 2017. There were in from the start and neither er – even holding a set point at she defi nitely has a better fore- Slam winner across the net. with a string of stunning wins Barty heads into her first round no changes in the top 10. player allowed the other any 6-5. But Kvitova quickly fl ipped hand,” Kvitova explained. Kvitova earned her fi rst break en route to her fi rst Premier 5 ti- match against Caroline Garcia Top 10: 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) break chances. the script to get them back level, “So I just tried it... Once I chance at 1-0 before converting tle. After lifting her fi rst trophy at the Wuhan Open with a 6,446 pts, 2. Karolína Plískova Kvitova, who was serving sec- and a Hercog double fault hand- nearly missed it in the tiebreak, at 4-2. Kvitova closed out the at New Haven, Sabalenka took 321-point lead over Karolina (CZE) 6,125, 3. Elina Svitolina ond, faced scoreboard pressure ed her the set point at 7-6. The in the second point which was match on her third match point, down the likes of Elina Svitolina, Pliskova in the rankings. (UKR) 5,160, 4. Naomi Osaka as the set continued to unfold, Czech employed a rare serve and going out, but I was still trying to serving out the victory in an Ashleigh Barty, Dominika Ci- The 27-year-old Pliskova is in (JPN) 5,011, 5. Bianca Andreescu trailing in her service game at volley tactic to take the set after play it. Which was pretty stupid, hour and 43 minutes. bulkova, Carla Suarez Navarro, form having won in Zhengzhou (CAN) 4,835, 6. Simona Halep 5-4 and recovered from 0-30 a hard-fought 62 minutes. but okay. Luckily I was happy to- “It was a good performance, and Anett Kontaveit to claim the earlier this month, unlike Barty (ROU) 4,803, 7. Petra Kvitová down a game later as she held for “You know, I thought that es- day that it worked.” defi nitely, especially in the fi rst biggest title of her career. who has struggled since her (CZE) 4,326, 8. Kiki Bertens 6-6 to force a tiebreak. pecially for Polona, when I hit It was one-way traffi c for the set when I was on serve and then “It seems like I like to play in outstanding start to the season (NED) 4,225, 9. Serena Williams Hercog continued to apply the a really good serve to her back- Czech in the second set – al- I was down in the tiebreak but I China!” Sabalenka said. “Every when she won the French Open (USA) 3,935, 10. Belinda Bencic pressure, and stayed toe to toe hand it’s a good chance for me though Hercog did well to stay was still able to make it some- time I’m here I show my best and in Birmingham. (SUI) 3,738. with Kvitova during the decid- [to serve and volley], because apace of the two-time Grand how,” Kvitova told journalists in level.”

FOCUS Anisimova sees dawn of new era in women’s tennis AFP from the US Open due to the “Oh yes, for sure, I think I can looking to be more selective with Wuhan, China sudden death of her father- do pretty well there, especially if her schedule. coach Konstantin Anisimov, but I have a good pre-season,” said “I think I over-trained my watched from afar as Andreescu the New Jersey-born player. body when I was young,” said merican youngster blasted through the draw to- Anisimova had only two Kuznetsova. Amanda Anisimova wards the title. practice sets prior to the Wu- “I understand (now) I cannot believes Bianca An- “I don’t think we should be han Open, and was pleasantly train fi ve hours a day. It’s impor- dreescu’s US Open vic- as surprised anymore [by young surprised with how well she tant to maintain my desire.” toryA is the dawn of a new era in players winning big titles],” said performed against Stosur yester- It was a good day for lucky los- women’s tennis, where the teens Anisimova, who enjoyed a winning day. ers in Wuhan as Tunisian Ons are ready to conquer. return following a seven-week ab- “I’m really happy to be back... Jabeur, who took Victoria Aza- Canadian 19-year-old An- sence from the tour by defeating I’m just focusing on having fun renka’s place after the Belarusian dreescu upset Serena Williams Guangzhou runner-up Sam Stosur this tournament. I really don’t withdrew with a shoulder injury, in the fi nal at Flushing Meadows 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the Wuhan Open have any expectations for my- upset No.16 seed Donna Vekic to become the youngest female fi rst round yesterday. self,” she said. 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Grand Slam champion since “I feel like there are so many Meanwhile, two-time Grand Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson re- Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2004. upcoming players and they’re all Slam champion Kuznetsova says placed Madison Keys — who has Anisimova, who turned 18 doing really well.” she’s searching for a “new bal- a left foot problem — in the draw less than a month ago, joins An- Anisimova, who next takes ance” as the Russian veteran and made the second round when dreescu as part of a strong gener- on world number two Karolina tackles the next chapter of her her opponent Camila Giorgi re- ation of teenagers coming up on Pliskova, feels ready to make her two-decades-long career. tired after the fi rst set of their tour, and made a splash with her own statement at the majors, A winner via retirement over encounter. run to the Roland Garros semi- and has her eye on next Janu- Yulia Putintseva in the open- Grand Slam champions Caro- fi nals in June, where she upset ary’s Australian Open, where ing round in Wuhan yesterday, line Wozniacki and Angelique defending champion Simona she hopes to do better than her Kuznetsova has dealt with a se- Kerber suff ered opening-round Halep en route. fourth-round appearance there rious wrist injury over the past exits to Hsieh Su-Wei and Mon- The world No.29 withdrew this year. couple of seasons and, at 34, is ica Puig respectively. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 24, 2019 5 SPORT

NFL MLB Springer, Astros beat Angels to Mahomes leads clinch AL West

Reuters tros’ fi fth dinger of the game. Houston Springer (3-for-5, four RBIs) and Diaz (3-for-4, three RBIs) tallied multi-hit and eorge Springer multi-RBI games, while rook- unbeaten homered in each of ie Yordan Alvarez fi nished his fi rst three plate 4-for-4 for his second four- appearances, shoul- hit game. Gdering the load until the Hou- Astros right-hander Justin ston Astros broke free with a Verlander (20-6) notched his ‘No one feels sorry for us, we six-run fi fth inning in their second career 20-win season 13-5 victory over the visiting despite labouring over fi ve don’t feel sorry for them’ Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. innings, allowing two runs over Ravens The Astros (102-54) clinched on six hits and two walks. He the American League West posted just fi ve strikeouts, with the win, their ninth full- leaving him six shy of 3,000 in season division title and third his career with just one start in a row. Houston completed left this season, but posted its home schedule with a club- two key strikeouts in succes- record 60 victories and fi n- sion in the fourth to strand ished 32-6 at home against AL Angels shortstop Andrelton West foes, with perfect marks Simmons at third base repre- against Seattle and Texas. senting the tying run. Springer slugged two home runs off RESULTS Angels right-hander Astros 13-5 Angels Jose Rodriguez (0-1) and a third off left- Red Sox 7-4 Rays handed reliever Jose Rangers 8-3 Athletics Suarez. He lined Indians 10-1 Phillies the fi rst pitch of the bottom of the Twins 12-8 Royals fi rst inning into the Marlins 5-3 Nationals Crawford Boxes in Brewers 4-3 Pirates left fi eld for his 12th leadoff home run Cardinals 3-2 Cubs this season and 36th Mets 6-3 Reds homer overall. Yankees 8-3 Blue Jays With the score knotted at 1-1 in the Dodgers 7-4 Rockies second, Springer Giants 4-1 Braves blasted a two-run Orioles 2-1 Mariners shot off Rodriguez, Tigers 6-3 White Sox driving home Aled- mys Diaz and giving Padres 6-4 D’backs the Astros the lead for good. YANKEES HIT 3 HOMERS, After the Angels (70-86) BLAST BLUE JAYS 8-3 clawed to within a run in the Luis Severino pitched fi ve top of the fourth, Springer dominant innings, and the matched Alex Bregman for the New York Yankees hit three club lead with his 38th home homers, recording an 8-3 vic- run in the bottom half of that tory over the Toronto Blue frame to extend the lead to Jays Sunday afternoon in their 4-2. Springer smacked three fi nal regular-season home homers in a game for the fi rst game at Yankee Stadium. time in his career and for the Severino (1-0) allowed 14th time in franchise history. three hits, struck out nine Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tim Williams and cornerback Brandon Carr defend during the second half at the Houston put the game out and walked none in his sec- Arrowhead Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports of reach in the fi fth, scoring ond start after being activated three runs off both Miguel from the injured list Tuesday. AFP RESULTS attempt was stopped and Kansas City re- third TD as the Cowboys beat the winless Del Pozo and Justin Anderson After throwing 67 pitches in Los Angeles covered an onside kick to seal the win. Miami Dolphins 31-6. The Bills remained while sending 10 batters to the four innings that day against Buff alo 21-17 Cincinnati The Chiefs improved to 3-0 in the perfect in the young season with a 21-17 plate. Bregman recaptured the the Los Angeles Angels, Sev- Dallas 31-6 Miami young season, as did the reigning Super victory over the Cincinnati Bengals while team lead with his 39th hom- erino was stretched out to atrick Mahomes dazzled in a duel Bowl champion New England Patriots, the Packers beat the Denver Broncos 27-16 er, a two-run shot to left that 80 on Sunday. He threw 54 Green Bay 27-16 Denver of young quarterbacks, throwing Buff alo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay at Lambeau Field. plated Michael Brantley, while of those pitches for strikes, for 374 yards and three touch- Indianapolis 27-24 Atlanta Packers and San Francisco 49ers. A sterling defensive eff ort lifted the Robinson Chirinos added a including the fi rst 11 of the downs to lead the Kansas City Kansas City 33-28 Baltimore Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw Packers, who sacked Broncos quarter- two-run single and Jose Altuve game. Aaron Judge hit a solo PChiefs to a 33-28 NFL victory over the for 306 yards and two touchdowns, pass- back Joe Flacco six times and forced three a run-scoring single. Diaz also homer, Brett Gardner added Minnesota 34-1 Oakland Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. ing Drew Brees for second place in career turnovers. scored on a passed ball. a three-run homer and DJ Mahomes, the reigning NFL Most Valu- New England 30-14 Jets TD passes in a 30-14 victory over the New San Francisco survived fi ve turnovers to Diaz delivered a three-run LeMahieu hit a two-run hom- able Player, led three second-quarter Detroit 27-24 Philadelphia York Jets. beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-20. homer, his eighth on the sea- er as the Yankees raised their touchdown drives, connecting on scoring Carolina 38-20 Arizona Brady’s fi rst-half scoring passes to Jimmy Garoppolo hit Dante Pettis with son, in the sixth for the As- season total to 298. passes to Demarcus Robinson and rookie Phillip Dorsett and Julian Edelman gave a fi ve-yard touchdown pass with 75 sec- Ecole Hardman. Mahomes’s 18-yard Giants 32-31 Tampa Bay him 524 for his career – two more than onds remaining to lift the 49ers to the win. scoring pass to Robinson in the corner Houston 27-20 Chargers Brees in NFL history trailing only now-re- The Steelers were without star quar- of the end zone was highlight reel mate- San Francisco 24-20 Pittsburgh tired Peyton Manning’s 539. The Patriots terback Ben Roethlisberger, who has been rial, Robinson stretching for a spectacular didn’t miss a beat after a tense week that ruled out for the season with an elbow one-handed catch as the Chiefs stretched New Orleans 33-27 Seattle saw controversial receiver Antonio Brown injury. While stand-in Mason Rudolph their lead to 17-6. Rams 20-13 Cleveland unceremoniously released on Friday amid couldn’t get it done against San Francis- LeSean McCoy and Darrel Williams an ongoing NFL investigation into allega- co, several other quarterback newcomers combined for 116 yards rushing and a TD “Patrick had another big day,” Chiefs tions of rape and sexual assault. made their marks. as the Chiefs managed admirably without coach Andy Reid observed. Rookie Daniel Jones, given the start- starting running back Damien Williams, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson NO ‘POOR PATRIOTS’ ing nod for the New York Giants in place number one receiver Tyreek Hill and and the Ravens kept the pressure on. Jack- Brady acknowledged that removal of a of struggling veteran Eli Manning, ran for starting left tackle Eric Fisher. son put the Ravens on the board fi rst with player expected to play a key role in the two touchdowns in a 32-31 victory over “Everyone gets reps with the starters, and a 14-play, 84-yard touchdown drive – al- off ence presented challenges, but said ad- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. guys just build that confi dence that they can though the two-point conversion attempt justing was “part of the challenge.” Kyle Allen, standing in for injured play,” Mahomes said of coping with unex- failed. “There’s no teams that are, ‘Man, poor Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, threw pected absences. “Whenever someone gets Trailing 23-6 at halftime, the Ravens Patriots,’” Brady said. “No one feels sorry for 261 yards and four touchdowns in the an opportunity they make plays.” scored 22 points after the break. for us, we don’t feel sorry for them. It’s Panthers’ 38-20 win over the Arizona Mahomes now has 13 games of at least That included Jackson’s run for a touch- just, we’ve got to go out there and try to Cardinals. New Orleans Saints’ Teddy Houston Astros left fielder Michael Brantley (left) and centre 300 passing yards, breaking Kurt Warn- down with just over two minutes remain- win a game.” Bridgewater, in for the injured Brees, fielder George Springer (centre) and right fielder Josh Reddick er’s mark for most in the fi rst 20 games of ing that cut Kansas City’s lead to 33-28. In Dallas, Dak Prescott passed for 246 threw two touchdowns in a 33-27 victory celebrate after the Astros defeated the Los Angeles Angels to an NFL career. But Baltimore’s two-point conversion yards and two touchdowns and ran for a over the Seattle Seahawks. clinch the AL West division. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS Brady hints Brown needed more support Reuters the family. Not only as members be looking for clarity on Brown’s thoughts on the matter and how New York of a community. availability. The league investi- the Brown situation is refl ective “But everybody has diff erent gation into sexual assault claims of today’s culture. challenges. I think you recognise against Brown by his former “It’s so easy for us to blame om Brady declined to those challenges, try to provide trainer is active, and he could and shame because everyone share specifi c personal them as best as possible, and go be a candidate for the Commis- has a voice now,” he said. “A lot feelings about the New to bed at night trying to do the sioner’s Exempt List if signed. of them can just be nameless, England Patriots re- best you can do. If things don’t “I do have a lot of personal faceless comments that are very Tleasing wide receiver Antonio work as you hoped, then abso- feelings – none of which I really diffi cult for people. You love too Brown, but hinted the team lutely when you put your heart care to share,” Brady said of the much, that’s a problem. You hate could have done more to support on the line, there’s emotions that move. too much, that’s a problem. You his teammate of a mere 11 days. come up. A lot of things are not “I’ve had a lot of teammates win too much, that’s a problem. “Everyone needs something a always in our control. But you over the years, so you invest – not You lose too much, that’s a prob- little bit diff erent. Everybody’s wake up the next day and try to just your head, but your heart. lem. Everything ends up being a upbringing was a little bit dif- fi nd hope and optimism.” You invest your soul. That’s what problem. ferent. Everybody’s emotional Brown was released Friday, makes a great team. That’s what “So you just have to focus on, states are diff erent,” Brady said likely losing his $9 million sign- makes a great brotherhood. So look at yourself, and ‘What do I Monday in a radio interview on ing bonus, and became a free I think in the end, the endear- believe in? What are my beliefs?’ WEEI in Boston. agent for the second time in 13 ing trait about sports for me is I’m responsible for my own be- “How do you contribute – days. Agent Drew Rosenhaus the relationships I get to build, liefs. I’m responsible for my own whether someone is hurting claimed Sunday morning that because they’re very meaning- actions. And I’m going to do the physically, mentally, emotional- teams have reached out regard- ful. That’s at the heart, I think, best I can do to contribute in the ly – how do you provide to them ing Brown. But Brown said via philosophically, (of) my life. It’s best way possible. I’m not going what they may need in order to social media he’s done with the really about great relationships to add on. I’m not going to be a support them to help us all grow NFL, criticising Patriots owner and seeing guys from all diff erent part of this culture that can be- and evolve. Not only as individ- Robert Kraft on his way out of backgrounds. I think it brings all come very negative, can become uals. Not only as members of the Boston. of us together in so many ways.” very blaming, very much point New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws the ball during the first-half against the New York team. Not only as members of NFL teams are also going to Brady did off er insight into his fi ngers.” Jets at Gillette Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 24, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT CRICKET England drop Bairstow from Test Ferrari’s Singapore squad for NZ series

AFP London

ngland have dropped one-two takes F1 Jonny Bairstow from their Test squad for the tour of New Zealand, Ewith paceman James Anderson unavailable for the two-match series due to a calf injury. Four uncapped players will be on the plane - Warwick- rivals by surprise shire opener Dominic Sibley, Kent batsman Zak Crawley out of the Test team but it’s an ‘It’s like all good knockout punches, nobody saw this coming’ and Lancashire pair Saqib opportunity for Jonny after a Mahmood and Matt Parkin- very busy summer, very hectic Reuters son. Batsman Jason Roy, who schedule, to reset, to work on Singapore starred in England’s World one or two things and to come Cup triumph, is another name back stronger,” he added. missing from the 15-strong “My prediction is he comes errari sprung a Singa- Test squad after a diffi cult back very strongly.” pore surprise on Sunday Ashes series, which ended 2-2 World Cup-winning cap- that blindsided not only last week. tain Eoin Morgan will captain their Formula One rivals Surrey batsman Ollie Pope, the Twenty20 team, with the butF left even the Italian team who played two Tests against fi ve-match series starting stunned. India in 2018, is back in the on November 1. Somerset’s Four-times world champion squad while Jos Buttler will Tom Banton and Mahmood Sebastian Vettel, ending a per- be the wicketkeeper in New have earned their fi rst Eng- sonal 13-month win drought, led Zealand due to Bairstow’s ab- land call-ups after impressive Charles Leclerc one-two in the sence. Bairstow, 29, scored white-ball summers, along city-state’s fl oodlit race. just 214 runs in the fi ve Ashes with Worcestershire seamer It was the fi rst time any team Tests during the English sum- Pat Brown and Lancashire had fi nished fi rst and second at mer at an average of 23.77. spinner Matthew Parkinson. the race since it fi rst featured in Anderson, England’s top 2008. Despite Leclerc’s back- Test wicket-taker, has been SQUAD to-back success in Belgium and out of action since the fi rst TEST: Joe Root (capt), Jofra at Ferrari’s home race in Italy, Test against Australia and is Archer, Stuart Broad, Rory only a brave punter would have targeting the South Africa Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Craw- put money on the red cars to tour, starting in December. ley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, achieve the feat before the week- The fi rst Test, at Mount Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, end started. Maunganui, starts on Novem- Matthew Parkinson, Ollie The circuit’s many cornered ber 21. The series is not in- Pope, Dominic Sibley, Ben layout was more likely to favour cluded in the new World Test Stokes, Chris Woakes Mercedes or Red Bull while Fer- Championship. Twenty20: Eoin Morgan rari had not won three races in a National selector Ed Smith (capt), Jonny Bairstow, Tom row since 2008. confi rmed Bairstow, who will Banton, Sam Billings, Pat “If you look at the hard facts, travel with the 15-man T20 Brown, Sam Curran, Tom then we came here after we got squad, had been dropped Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis completely destroyed in Hun- rather than rested. “This feels Gregory, Chris Jordan, Saqib gary,” said Vettel, referring to a like an opportunity for Jonny Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Matt similarly twisty race in August Second-placed Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (left) looks down at the podium as Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel (second to reset,” he said on Sky Sports. Parkinson, Adil Rashid, James where Ferrari fi nished more than right) walks on to the podium to celebrate his victory as third-placed Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen (right) looks on during Singapore “He’s not rested. He drops Vince. a minute behind Lewis Hamil- Grand Prix award ceremony at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on Sunday. (AFP) ton’s race-winning Mercedes. “To be in a position where we TRI-NATION SERIES FINAL were able to fi ght for pole yester- Vietnam ready to join Singapore in F1 fi rmament day and take control of the race, Vietnam Grand Prix organisers are confident the wayside after saying goodbye two years with Singapore and Malaysia. Ecclestone was that’s a team success,” added their race will join Singapore in lighting up ago. India (2011-13) and South Korea (2010-13) ousted in 2017 and a deal with Vietnam’s larg- the German. The Spa-Fran- the Formula One calendar for years to come, have come and gone, while plans for a flood- est conglomerate Vingroup JSC was signed Afghanistan sweat corchamps and Monza circuits, rather than adding to the list of Asian shoot- lit race in the Thai capital Bangkok never got last year. with their long straights and ing stars, after it debuts in 2020. off the ground. Chi said Vietnam would be “It’s obvious that tourism will benefit,” Chi fl at-out blasts, had been expect- As the sport said farewell to Singapore for more resilient. said of the race. “But there are other things over Rashid fi tness ed to play to Ferrari’s strengths another year on Sunday, it looked forward “We are not the shooting star,” she declared. that we think it will bring, such as investment, because their car has been fear- already to a return to the region in April for “We don’t just come on the scene to stay for promotion, technology, opportunities for AFP somely quick in a straight line. It the inaugural Vietnamese round in Hanoi. one year... in order for a grand prix to be suc- businesses in Vietnam to connect with busi- Dhaka helped that Mercedes messed up “Vietnam is the right country at the right cessful, you have to be sustainable. nesses in the world. their strategy in Singapore, but time in the right place,” Vietnam Grand Prix “How do you stay in the business? That’s “Besides all that, we also want to showcase to Leclerc still put his car on pole Chief Executive Le Ngoc Chi told Reuters. what we can learn from the unsuccessful the world that Vietnam and Hanoi can actu- fghanistan captain for the third race in a row. “(It’s) just the perfect time to join Formula ones.” ally organise a world-class event. Rashid Khan said “It’s like all good knockout One with our robust economics, with our Chi said the key lay in creating a satisfying “We want to showcase to the world that we he is unsure he will punches, nobody saw this com- traditions, with our culture, with our people, experience for fans and in the longer term are not just a country that got out of war play in the tri-nation ing,” 1996 world champion Da- Twenty20A international fi nal with our food, so everything is just right.” growing motorsport’s popularity among a anymore. We are developing, we are moving mon Hill told Sky Sports. “On Sat- Vietnam’s fast-growing and youthful local population more focused on soccer. forward very quickly, we are the new dragon against Bangladesh yesterday urday morning nobody saw any economy is attractive for sponsors as well “It’s just a sense of pride, it’s a sense of of Asia.” as he is nursing a hamstring signs of Ferrari winning this race.” as commercial rights holders Liberty Media, responsibility,” she said. “We have to deliver Formula One has long expanded from its Eu- injury. The Singapore one-two, who have spoken about adding ‘destination this event successfully.” ropean origins, with now-departed Malaysia Rashid left the fi eld injured achieved amid some contro- cities’ to the calendar. Formula One considered racing in Vietnam added in 1999 as a second race in Asia after against the same opponents in versy with Vettel benefi ting from Singapore - whose night race is now one of when Bernie Ecclestone was the sport’s Japan. their last match of the an earlier stop to leapfrog early the most glittering events of the season - was commercial boss but the Briton ruled it out, China joined the list in 2004, Singapore in league phase in Chittagong leader Leclerc, was Ferrari’s the only round in South East Asia in 2019, despite significant sums on off er, because 2008 and there are now also two races in the on Saturday, before returning Rashid said that if he even fi rst since the 2017 Hungarian with Malaysia joining a list of races to fall by he felt the region had enough races already Middle East. to bowl two overs and picking had a “10 percent chance” to Grand Prix. With Vettel mak- 2-27 in their four-wicket loss. take to the fi eld, he would give ing mistakes and struggling in “I can’t say anything right it a shot. recent races, the outcome made Even if they are well on their way away. “We’ve got to be worried season’s 15 races and are a com- our laurels from the beginning of now,” Rashid said yesterday “I saw how Asghar (Afghan) Mercedes - who started the year to a sixth title double with Lewis and on your toes all the time,” fortable 133 points clear of Fer- the season and on a solid point about his chances of playing came to play four days after with fi ve successive one-two Hamilton, the fear is of domi- said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff , rari in the overall standings with gap, because that can catch you in the fi nal. “I had some work his appendicitis operation in fi nishes -sit up and take notice. nance and momentum slipping whose team have won 10 of this six races left. “We cannot rest on out.” on my hamstring yesterday Zimbabwe... I love my coun- and today. We will decide to- try, and I want the country to morrow.” win, rather than myself.” GOLF Rashid said he would rather He said the team had other not have bowled in the previ- good bowlers to call on - such ous game, but the team need- as Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mo- ed his services. hamed Nabi and Sharafuddin “The main reason to come Ashraf - if he was ruled out of back to bowl was that I wanted the match. Munoz pulls out playoff win at to know the severity of the Rashid said also he was con- injury,” he said. “The physio fi dent Afghanistan would beat and coaches didn’t want me to hosts Bangladesh in the fi nal bowl. I was OK with the fi rst after winning four of the last two overs, but after going for a fi ve Twenty20 internationals Sanderson Farms Championship run it got worse. they’ve played. AFP had a 54-hole lead he fi nished tied for third “I think I shouldn’t have “I think the cricket we are Los Angeles at The Greenbrier in 2017. Munoz was in the bowled, but when the team playing, especially in T20s, fi nal group with his former teammate at the needs you, you have to be we are confi dent of winning University of North Texas Carlos Ortiz, but there. We give our all for the against any side if we are play- ebastian Munoz parred the fi rst play- the Mexican needed an eagle on 18 to get into country.” ing at our best,” he added. off hole on Sunday at the Sander- the playoff and settled for a par. Ortiz shot a son Farms Championship to beat Im fi nal round 71 to fi nish in a tie for fourth with Sung-jae and earn his fi rst USPGA American Kevin Streelman at 16-under 272, US gymnast Biles confi rms world TourS victory. two shots back of Munoz and Im. Munoz birdied the last hole in regulation championships berth to force the playoff then returned to 18 where LEADING SCORES he rolled in a four foot putt to pull out the Simone Biles won the all- among 15 gymnasts compet- victory over the 2019 Tour rookie of the year. 270-x-Sebastian Munoz (COL) 70-67-63-70, around competition at the US ing in Sarasota, Florida. The 26-year-old Munoz becomes the sec- Im Sung-jae (KOR) 68-69-67-66 selection camp on Sunday She opened on floor with the ond Colombian to win on the Tour, joining 271-An Byeong-hun (KOR) 66-66-70-69 to confirm her spot on a fifth “triple-double” tumbling pass, Camilo Villegas. Munoz fi red a closing round 272-Carlos Ortiz (MEX) 65-71-65-71, Kevin straight gymnastics World the never-before-seen move of 70 for a 270 total to tie Im, who closed with Streelman 72-67-69-64 Championships team. featuring two flips and three a six-under 66 on Sunday at The Country 273-Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 71-69-67-66, Bron- Biles, undefeated in off icial twists which she debuted at Club of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi. Im’s son Burgoon 69-69-70-65, George McNeill all-around competition for six the national championships South Korean compatriot An Byeong-hun 67-67-70-69, Harris English 65-71-68-69, years, will tie Kerri Strug as in August. fi nished in third, one shot back of the leaders Dominic Bozzelli 70-67-67-69 the only US women to com- Biles claimed the lone auto- after a three-under 69 in the fourth round. 274-Cameron Percy (AUS) 65-70-68-71, JT pete at worlds in five diff erent matic world championships Munoz’s three prior professional wins Poston 64-70-70-70, Lanto Griff in 71-67- years when she takes part team spot by winning the have all come in Colombia -- including the 70-66 in the 2019 championships all-around. The rest of the US 2016 Colombia Championship on the Korn 275-Zach Johnson 67-71-68-69, Brian Har- in Stuttgart, Germany, next team will be chosen by the Ferry Tour. He was coming off a tie for sev- man 71-69-68-67 month. selection committee. enth at The Greenbrier last week. 276-Cameron Tringale 70-68-69-69, Scot- Biles tallied 58.55 points to The World Championships, Munoz started the fourth round with a one tie Scheff ler 68-66-72-70 prevail by.35 over Sunisa Lee. which start on October 4, are shot lead and with the victory he becomes the 277-Fabian Gomez (ARG) 72-66-69-70, Sebastian Munoz of Colombia poses with the trophy after putting in to win in a Biles had the top score on the forerunner to the 2020 seventh fi rst-time Tour winner of this event Zack Sucher 69-69-70-69, Richy Werenski sudden death playoff during the final round of the Sanderson Farms Championship floor exercise and vault Tokyo Games. in the past eight years. The last time Munoz 69-68-70-70, Denny McCarthy 69-71-69-68. at The Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, September 24, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 LA LIGA Benzema leads Real to win over Sevilla Neymar sends PSG cost him the chance to lead Spain AFP at the World Cup. He insisted on Saturday there was no desire for revenge but it is hard to imagine eal Madrid eased the victory would not have brought a pressure on Zinedine little extra satisfaction. Zidane and delivered a Zidane was asked about his three points clear resounding response to own future as well, several times, theirR loss to Paris Saint-Germain and while he maintained he still by winning 1-0 away at high-fl y- feels the full backing of the club, ing Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday there was a warning too. If sup- It was Brazilian forward’s second winning goal in as many league games night. Karim Benzema headed in port dwindles, he said, “then it the decisive goal at the Ramon would probably be best to leave”. Sanchez Pizjuan to secure an But for all the problems — a impressive victory against a Se- dreadful pre-season, signings villa side that were unbeaten and and sales missed, poor perform- hoping to return to the top of the ances against Real Valladolid, table. Instead, it is Madrid that Villarreal, Levante and PSG — go level on points with Athletic Madrid now sit second, buoyed Bilbao in fi rst place after a con- by a display that may yet prove a trolled and determined perform- springboard for games to come. ance that was by some distance A frantic opening half an hour their best since Zidane’s return made for an engrossing con- as coach in March. “We have test but there were few chances, had a quite diffi cult time but the as Lopetegui earned himself a players reacted,” Zidane said. booking for beckoning Gareth His position had come under Bale to be shown a yellow card. scrutiny after Madrid’s woeful Real Madrid probably just 3-0 defeat by PSG in the Cham- shaded the fi rst period and had pions League on Wednesday, its two best chances as Eden a result that continued their Hazard was slipped in by Ben- bumpy start to the season, fol- zema, only to be denied by Tomas lowing a turbulent summer in Vaclik on the angle, before Dani the transfer market. But this win Carvajal was sent clear by James should do wonders for belief and Rodriguez but this time Vaclik’s leaves Barcelona as Spain’s chief right foot blocked the defender’s club in crisis, with Ernesto Val- fi nish. verde under pressure after they There was little in it, as Bale’s were beaten 2-0 by Granada on excellent cross almost found Saturday. Madrid are now four James at the back post shortly points clear of the Catalans after after half-time while Luuk de fi ve games played. Jong went close with a header, “I am very happy as people prompting Carvajal to hack the have been questioning us a lot,” ball clear at the far post. said Zidane. “But we don’t think Still, Madrid looked more much about that. We played 90 likely and so it proved as Rap- minutes at a very high level in a hael Varane won back possession diffi cult stadium. We must con- high up, allowing Bale to thread gratulate all the players.” Carvajal in behind. Not for the fi rst time this sea- He dug out a cross, which Ben- son, Zidane singled out Gareth zema met brilliantly, rising high Bale for praise. “Today hard work to head home his fi fth goal of the was the key,” he said. “The ef- season. Sevilla might have equal- fort made by James, Gareth, all ised but De Jong headed wide un- of them.” der pressure from Carvajal and Sevilla’s newly-installed then Javier Hernandez did score, coach Julen Lopetegui was in the 87th minute, poking in at sacked by Madrid 11 months ago, the near post, only for the assist- Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (second right) scores the winner against Lyon during the French Ligue 1 match in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, on Sunday night. (AFP) 139 days after taking the job that ant to raise his fl ag.

AFP side at the summit, and followed up their the clock, substitute Verratti found Ney- always responsible for bad results,” said Paris impressive midweek Champions League mar in the box who dribbled into space Jardim, who masterminded that run to victory over Real Madrid with the win in and fi nally beat Lopes to the keeper’s left the title in 2017 before being sacked in constant drizzling rain in Lyon. with a low shot. He celebrated by running October last year, only to return three eymar scored a fi ne late win- Sylvinho’s Lyon remain in ninth place towards the same corner of the ground months later after Thierry Henry’s ill- ner as Paris Saint-Germain and are without a win since mid-Au- where he had earlier been taunted by the fated spell in charge. “Now we have two beat Lyon 1-0 on Sunday night gust. PSG were without the attacking Lyon supporters. matches, against Nice and then against to move three points clear at trio of Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani Meanwhile, Monaco coach Leonardo Brest on Saturday, but there is always Nthe top of the Ligue 1 table. The Brazil- and Mauro Icardi due to injuries, while Jardim insists he is unfazed by the specu- pressure in football.” ian fi nally beat Anthony Lopes, who had midfi elder Marco Verratti started on the lation over his future as the 2017 French Monaco’s main problem this season pulled off numerous impressive saves, bench. champions go into a midweek derby has been their defence, while summer with three minutes of normal time to play The best of the early chances fell to against Patrick Vieira’s Nice still without recruits Wissam Ben Yedder and Islam at the Groupama Stadium. Neymar on 22 minutes but his eff ort was a win this season. Slimani have quickly forged a promising It was Neymar’s second winning goal superbly saved by Lopes. The principality club battled to a 0-0 partnership in attack. However, they kept in as many league games since being rein- Neymar was denied again by another draw in Reims at the weekend but have a a welcome clean sheet in Reims while stated to the team following a protracted tidy Lopes stop four minutes before the meagre three points after six games and Ben Yedder and Slimani were out injured. transfer saga which saw him attempt to break as the Portugal international tipped sit in the Ligue 1 relegation zone. After Both hope to return against Nice at the force through a return to Barcelona. the Brazil forward’s dangerous free-kick only just avoiding the drop last season, Stade Louis II. It also remains to be seen if “Neymar can do better,” said PSG over the bar. Monaco had been hoping to return to Cesc Fabregas will be recalled after being coach Thomas Tuchel. “It’s the second or PSG’s domination from the fi rst half challenging for Champions League quali- dropped at the weekend. third game in four months for him. He’s carried over into the second 45 minutes. fi cation this time around. Meanwhile, Nice make the short trip not at 100% capacity. He is not at his Abdou Diallo had the pick of the chanc- A reported 133mn euros ($146.1mn) has along the stunning Cote d’Azur fresh limit. He can do better, he will do better. es, using the wet conditions to glance a been invested in new signings, but they from winning four of their opening six He’s going to get to his best level, with header from a Neymar corner over the are already 12 points adrift of leaders PSG games. Danish striker Kasper Dolberg matches and decisive goals like that, it’s crossbar. The world’s most expensive and nine behind Nice in third. They have scored his fi rst goal in French football in going to help him.” player was targeted by home fans when won only once in 15 games since March Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Dijon follow- The Parisians sit top on 15 points af- taking set-pieces from the left-hand side and supporters called for the head of ing his 20.5mn euro move from Ajax, and ter Angers and Nice both won over the as they threw plastic bottles and rolled- Jardim during Saturday’s match. Nice can go provisionally level with PSG Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring a goal weekend to temporarily join Tuchel’s up bin bags at him. With 87 minutes on “It is nothing personal. The coach is if they win. during the Spanish La Liga match against Sevilla on Sunday. (AFP)

SERIE A ROUND-UP Ronaldo to miss Balotelli’s Brescia debut Hungary, Slovakia get stadium

AFP Milan bans for fans’ racist behaviour ungary and Slovakia doors for failing to control fans the Camp Nou today and at 10th ristiano Ronaldo will miss Mario will play their next in Group F games with Spain and placed Getafe at the weekend. Balotelli’s debut game for Brescia Euro 2020 qualifi ers Malta. Romania was sanctioned Valverde said his French with the Juventus star ruled out of behind closed doors for pitch invasions, setting off winger Ousmane Dembele would today’s match with a slight adduc- afterH both national federations fi reworks, throwing objects be returning from injury, naming torC injury. “Mario will be there Tuesday,” were sanctioned by European and racist behaviour by their him in his squad after a month confi rmed coach Eugenio Corini of the Ital- football’s governing body UEFA supporters, including off ensive on the sidelines. Lionel Messi, ian striker whose debut was delayed by a yesterday for racist behaviour by banners and chants. Luis Suarez and Antoine Griez- four-game suspension for former club Mar- their supporters. mann are all also available. seille. Riot police were called into TWO WINS WILL END OUR But Ronaldo may miss the date with Ju- action in Budapest after trouble CRISIS: BARCELONA BOSS BERNARDO SILVA UNDER ventus coach Maurizio Sarri revealing the erupted in the stands during Barcelona coach Ernesto Val- FIRE OVER MENDY TWEET Portuguese star had picked up a slight ad- Juventus’ star forward the Euro 2020 Group D quali- verde has demanded his side Manchester City midfi elder ductor problem. “Cristiano has a little fa- Cristiano Ronaldo has fi er between the teams on Sept. bounce back from the weekend’s Bernardo Silva has come under tigue to the adductors,” said Sarri. picked up a slight 9, which Slovakia won 2-1. In embarrassing away defeat when fi re from anti-racism body “I don’t want to take any risk with inju- adductor problem. (AFP) addition to the racism charge, they host Villarreal in La Liga Kick It Out after a Twitter post ries,” he added with two Serie A fi xtures this the Hungarian federation was today. The Spanish champions concerning team mate Benjamin week before hosting Bayer Leverkusen in the also sanctioned for their fans are in an unlikely eighth position Mendy that he deleted an hour Champions League on October 1. “Brescia was at this weight, I was at Manchester City.” Roma hosting Atalanta. At the bottom of the throwing objects and setting off after fi ve Liga games after the after posting. Silva, who scored are a dangerous team. The game is undoubt- Balotelli, who has 36 caps for Italy, has table Fiorentina chase their fi rst win against fi reworks and was fi ned 67,125 shock 2-0 defeat at promoted a hat-trick in Manchester City’s edly a tricky one and Balotelli’s debut can not crossed paths with Ronaldo in a decade Sampdoria who moved ahead of the Tuscans euros. Slovakia’s federation was Granada left the all-star outfi t 8-0 hammering of Watford give them an extra boost.” since the Portuguese was playing for Man- after beating Torino for their fi rst points this fi ned 20,000 euros. on seven points, their worst on Saturday, posted a message Balotelli, 29, has been getting fi t dur- chester United. But he insisted: “Ronaldo’s season. Torino want to avoid a third con- Slovakia’s next UEFA match is league start in 25 years. comparing Mendy to the charac- ing his absence as he looks to impress Italy presence doesn’t really interest me. I’ll try secutive league defeat at home against AC a Euro 2020 qualifi er at home to “In my job the only thing that ter used in the logo for Congui- coach Roberto Mancini and earn a spot in to score and play the way I will in any game.” Milan, who are 12th. Wales on Oct. 10 while Hun- counts is results and the coach tos, a brand of confectionary the Euro 2020 team. “My objective is to play The Italian won three Serie A titles with gary’s qualifi er against visiting is always in the fi ring line,” said popular in Spain and Portugal. for Italy at the Euros, but my main aim right Inter Milan and the Champions League in FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) Azerbaijan on Oct. 13 will also Valverde, who led the club to the Kick It Out said the FA had now is to get into shape as quickly as pos- 2010 before moving to Manchester City Today: Verona v Udinese (1700GMT), Brescia be played behind closed doors. Liga title in 2018 and 2019. “In been notifi ed and that they sible for Brescia,” Balotelli said. where he won the Premier League title in Slovakia and Hungary both have the past two seasons we were believe “retrospective action” v Juventus (1900) It will be Balotelli’s third time playing in 2012. Brescia were promoted to Serie A this nine points from fi ve games, one already ahead at this stage, but should be taken, including Italy after Inter Milan and AC Milan. “I’ve year, after being relegated in 2011, and are Tomorrow: AS Roma v Atalanta (1700), SPAL point behind Croatia and three we have started poorly and we “mandatory education”. Silva, worked harder in the last month and a half 11th in Serie A after two wins in four games. v Lecce, Genoa v Bologna, Parma v Sassuolo, ahead of Wales. need to put that right,” said the who deleted the post an hour than in a decade,” continued the former Liv- Juventus are trailing leaders Inter Milan Napoli v Cagliari, Inter Milan v Lazio, Fioren- The Romanian Football 55-year-old. after it was published, posted erpool striker. “I’m ready. I’ve only played by two points, but Antonio Conte’s side also tina v Sampdoria Federation was fi ned 83,000 Barcelona have yet to win another message saying “Can’t two friendlies, and have not played 90 min- face a tricky test against Lazio in the San On Thursday: Torino v AC Milan (1900) euros and ordered to play its away from home this season and even joke with a friend these utes, but I am in great shape. The last time I Siro. Napoli, in third, host Cagliari with AS next two games behind closed play seventh placed Villarreal at days....you guys.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Emblem launch another giant step on the road to 2022: Xavi ‘Qatar is rapidly developing with a strong commitment towards culture, sport and education as the basis of its progress’

x-Barcelona captain Xavi Her- nandez has won more than 30 major honours throughout his illustrious career – including theE biggest prize of all, the FIFA World Cup. The legendary midfi elder joined Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd in 2015, where he collected the league title in 2019. In the summer, he took over as head coach. He’s keenly involved in Generation Amazing’s football for development programme which uses football to edu- cate and inspire young people, ena- bling them to make long-lasting social changes in their communities. In 2016, Xavi’s fi rst act as an ambassador was to promote football for girls at a pitch in Al Baqa’a refugee camp in Jordan. Ex- cerpts from an interview with sc.qa.

Qatar has become home for you now – how can you describe the country, its people and most importantly, the party it will throw in 2022? I think Qatar is a country that is rapidly developing with a strong com- mitment towards culture, sport and education as the basis of its progress. Qatar’s population has a great respect and love for their Amir and for his way of managing the country. Its people are very welcoming, and I’ve been feeling that since I fi rst arrived back in 2015. After deciding it was time to retire at the end of last season, I have now taken up my fi rst coaching role, with Al Sadd – a challenge I am thoroughly enjoy- ing. My family and I are settled here. Both my children were born here and we are proud to call Qatar home. Over the next few years I’m sure the country will continue to build on the remark- able progress we all witness every day – not only on the visible infrastructure such as roads, stadiums and the metro, but also on the legacy and social devel- opment commitments; programmes such as Generation Amazing which I am proud to play a small role in. But yes, there is obviously a clear focus, which is the World Cup in 2022, Xavi is keenly involved in Generation Amazing’s football for development programme which uses football to educate and inspire young people. and all the country is committed to making the World Cup a true football area to enjoy sport together. Only sport we enjoyed many successes, in La Liga For those travelling to the tourna- of the action back many times, and of mentioned before, the size of the coun- party – I’m sure everyone who comes can bring this kind of gathering of peo- and in the Champions League – but the ment, without any doubt, being part of course, the tournament had some of the try and the distances between venues here over the coming years, and for the ple from around the world together in World Cup is special, it’s totally unique. the World Cup is a unique experience most iconic moments and goals. will enable fans to attend several games tournament itself, will leave with very one place at one time to enjoy a mutual Of course I will remember that night for any fan. If they have the opportu- The fi rst World Cup I could truly on the same day. Also, it’s going to be good impressions of the country and interest, and we have never seen this in Johannesburg for the rest of my life, nity to do so, I think that every football live and enjoy as a fan was Italia 90. diff erent because it’s the fi rst time a the region. at a World Cup before. I believe that and yes it’s true – whenever the World fan should live this experience at least I was ten years old and already com- country in the Gulf, in the Middle East, the images of fans from 10, 20 or even Cup comes around and I watch a fi nal, it once in their lives. pletely obsessed with the game at this hosts a World Cup, which will add cul- What makes this country an ideal 30 countries all enjoying the fan parks brings back many incredible memories. Regarding the second part of your point – all I can remember is watching tural touches never seen before in such host for the FIFA World Cup? together will be one of the defi ning im- question, many people have never been these games and hoping beyond any- an event. Since I have been living here I In my opinion, Qatar is an ideal can- ages of 2022. As a fan and resident of What does the World Cup mean to to Qatar. Some might have an opinion thing else that one day I would get the have fallen in love with the culture, the didate. As I said before, the passion of this country, that really excites me. fans that attend, and to those who based on some news in the media, but opportunity to take part in this magi- people, the architecture – both in the its people for sports and for football in have never been to Qatar – what do I’m convinced they will change their cal tournament. Fortunately for me stadiums and the buildings through- particular, their engagement and work As one of an elite few to have lifted you say to those planning to travel? views on the country once they know it 12 years later I was in Japan and South out Qatar. All of these things are unique that they are devoting to the organisa- the FIFA World Cup, how often do Simply put, it’s the biggest football better. I would like to encourage every- Korea with the Spanish national team, to this region of the world and all of tion of the fi rst World Cup in the region you think about that night in 2010? event there is. It’s the pinnacle – for one who has the opportunity to come to realising that dream. I am proud to have which will give this tournament its own and the size of the country is going to This is a memory that will always everyone involved; players, offi cials Qatar and enjoy the World Cup in 2022. been to four World Cups as a player, but characteristics. Every World Cup host make it a very special World Cup. For remain with me. I never dreamt I could and fans. But this last element is the of course, the best memories belong to brings its own sense of national iden- example, football fans in Qatar will be make it, and it is true that every four most important. The event is for the What are your earliest and favourite the one we won in South Africa in 2010. tity to the tournament and Qatar will be able to attend several matches in one years, even now as a fan, I enjoy the fans. As players it gave us joy to see the FIFA World Cup memories? no diff erent – I am certain of that. day. World Cup, and this wonderful memo- emotions our actions could bring to the My fi rst memories of the World Cup The emblem launch marks the fi rst It will be a World Cup like no other, I also think another very special el- ry always comes back. As a player I was millions of fans watching back home go back to 1986, but are a bit vague. I offi cial imagery of the World Cup and what excites me most is that this ement to the 2022 World Cup is the fortunate enough to play in many great and around the world. When everyone was six years old so I have small fl ash- 2022. How diff erent will the ‘look country will have the opportunity to ‘Olympic Games’ feel it will have to it teams and alongside many great players can come together, watch games, cel- backs of watching some games at home and feel’ of Qatar’s World Cup be to showcase itself to the world; an oppor- – where all the fans from all over the – some of the greatest players to have ebrate successes together – it’s when with my family as a very young boy. Ob- previous editions do you think? tunity it deserves and something I’m world will come together in one small ever played the game. During that time, club rivalries do not matter. viously since then I have watched much It is going to be diff erent, because as I sure it will grasp with both hands.

FIFA chief urges action aft er QNB STARS LEAGUE racist abuse halts Serie A game Milan: FIFA president Gianni In- Kessie have been targeted by Sadd eye top spot with win over Sailiya fantino said yesterday the prob- monkey cries during league lem of racism in Italian football games without any sanction By Sports Reporter has “not improved” after a Serie being taken. Last season, Blaise Doha A match between Atalanta and Matuidi, Kalidou Koulibaly and Fiorentina was halted for sev- Moise Kean were also victims eral minutes because of racist of the problem which has been l Sailiya have a tough task on abuse of Brazilian Dalbert. recurring for years in Italy. hand when they face reigning Fiorentina defender Dalbert, On the pitch, Atalanta res- champions Al Sadd in the QNB 26, asked the referee to halt play cued a 2-2 draw with two late Stars League at the Al Janoub StadiumA today. The game, originally after half an hour at the Stadio goals to avoid a second con- Ennio Tardini until a warning secutive defeat after their 4-0 scheduled for 15th September, was post- statement was read out by the Champions League thrashing poned due to Al Sadd’s Asian Champions stadium speaker to jeers and at Dinamo Zagreb in midweek. League second-leg quarterfi nal against whistles from the Atalanta fans. Franck Ribery scored his first Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, which was played Play resumed after three Serie A goal by netting Fioren- in Doha on 16th September. minutes with visitors Fiorentina tina’s second. And Al Sadd made it big by beating Al leading 1-0 after a goal from Ribery scored a sensational Nassr 3-1 to progress to the semifi nals of Federico Chiesa. “In Italy the second-half volley after Federi- Asian competition with a 4-3 aggregate situation has not improved and co Chiesa’s opener, but Atalanta score. The Qatari side had lost the fi rst leg this is serious,” Infantino, in Italy pulled one back through Josip 1-2 in Riyadh on 26th August. Al Sadd will for last night’s FIFA Best Awards, Ilicic with six minutes remaining face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the semi- told the Italian Rai2 channel. before Timothy Castagne vol- fi nals, scheduled for October 1 (Doha) and “Racism is fought through leyed in a 95th-minute equaliser. October 22 (Riyadh). Al Sadd, who are third in the table with nine points, are the only side with an all-win record. education, condemning it, talk- Fiorentina are now without Al Sadd are presently third with nine ing about it, we cannot accept a win in their last 18 Serie A points. They are the only side with an all- play these games in the required manner. a lean patch and could register their fi rst on hand and we’re ready for it,” he said racism in society and in football. games, the club’s worst run win record and a victory today will also We have a tough game coming up against victory only after three rounds. They yesterday. We have to identify those since going 21 matches without help them surpass Al Arabi and Al Ghara- Al Sailiya. It won’t be any less diffi cult started off with a 1-1 draw with Al Khor “We’ll push the players to perform to responsible and throw them out a victory in 1937/38. fa and lead the table. than the Umm Salal game. But I know and then lost 0-3 to Al Ahli. Sailiya will their potential against Al Sadd in order of the stadiums, we need clear Lazio moved into fifth with Coach Xavi Hernandez was not too that Sadd has the mentality to cope with be keen to again fi nish among the top four to come out with a positive result. We’re sentences, as in England, we a 2-0 win over Parma that took pleased his side’s 2-1 win over Umm Salal these games,” Xavi added. and cannot aff ord to drop points. They playing against Al Sadd and not against must not be afraid to condemn them to seven points but ahead but admitted it was bound to happen In contrast, Al Sailiya are ninth with too have the players to deliver the goods their big names. The confrontation is the racists, we must fight them of Atalanta and Bologna on goal after their Champions League show. “I four points. They defeated Qatar SC 1-0 and that should make the battle exciting. certainly diffi cult at the tactical level and to the end.” diff erence. Sampdoria earned am very happy with this win. We played last week, only through a goal scored in Trabelsi admitted to a tough challenge we’ll try to contain their attackers. We’ll Since the beginning of the their first points with a 1-0 home against a strong team. I am pleased with the penultimate minute of the match. For his side will be upto. “Playing against a also try to translate our opportunities season, Inter Milan’s Belgian win over Torino, while Franc- the result, but not the performance. It is Sailiya, the game certainly means a lot, so big club like Al Sadd isn’t easy. They’ve into goals. We’ve made great changes in striker Romelu Lukaku and AC esco Caputo scored twice in natural for the players’ levels to drop after it does for their coach Sami Trabelsi. an outstanding striker in Baghdad our squad and the players need more time Milan’s Ivorian midfielder Franck Sassuolo’s 3-0 win against SPAL. the Champions League game,” he said. The Peregrines, who earned the third Bounedjah and top-quality professional to gel well. We’re improving after every “Al Sadd have enough players who can position last season, are going through players. We know that we’ve a tough task game,” added Trabelsi.