Al Attiyah Reigns Supreme in Morocco the PENINSULA Bed Crossings and Everything That of Morocco

SPORT Wednesday 10 October 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 31 Muguruza Saha backs to focus on Mourinho, rescuing season chastises Pogba Al Attiyah reigns supreme in Morocco THE PENINSULA bed crossings and everything that of Morocco. I’m so happy with navigator Alexandre Winocq the team needed to shake down our performance here and our down the order. FES, MOROCCO: Qatar’s Nasser its fleet of Toyota Hiluxes before new car has been really strong Ten Brinke teamed up with Adel clinches Saleh Al Attiyah stayed clear of January’s Peruvian challenge. all week.” Frenchman Xavier Panseri for problems through the final stage The success marked a hat-trick The French crew of Ronan the first time and started strongly. to claim his fifth successive of wins for Al-Attiyah with the Chabot and Gilles Pillot produced Small navigational errors and a third place in T2 victory in the gruelling Rally of Toyota. one of their best ever perform- light roll hampered their progress Morocco and give Overdrive Al Attiyah and his French ances to seal an impressive fifth and the Dutchman reached the Racing and the Toyota Gazoo navigator Matthieu Baumel dom- overall in the second of the Over- finish in Fes in sixth place after Racing South Africa Team a inated the race from the start and drive Racing Toyotas. passing Jean-Pascal Besson on major boost as preparations overcame their fair share of It was an action-packed the last stage. Qatar’s Adel Abdulla continue for the 2019 Dakar minor problems and delays to event for South Africa’s Giniel de The Dutch crew of Erik van in action during the Rally. earn a winning margin of 16min Villiers and Dutchman Bernhard Loon and new co-driver A demanding six-day event 41sec over the newly-crowned Ten Brinke in the second and Harmen Scholtabers were Rally of Morocco that ran with a new organising FIA World Cup champion Jakub third Toyota Gazoo Racing South running strongly inside the top yesterday. team under the leadership of Przygonski and his Belgian nav- Africa cars. De Villiers broke a 10 until they suffered a heavy former Dakar organiser and navigator Tom Colsoul. wishbone and suffered exhaust impact on the fourth stage that igator David Castera featured Al Attiyah said: “It’s unbe- issues that ultimately cost him damaged the car’s differential THE PENINSULA 1,362 kilometres of tricky navi- lievable that we’ve been able to additional time penalties and and the resultant time penalties Al-Shegawi’s success means gation, dunes, rocky terrain, river win our fifth consecutive Rally pushed him and French incurred for reaching the that he has provisionally bivouac by road dropped Van FES, MOROCCO: Adel Abdulla retained the FIA T2 World Loon down at the finish. recovered strongly from missing Championship. Russian G-Energy driver two days of the Rally of Morocco Adel, driving a Nissan Patrol Vladimir Vasilyev and navigator with ECU issues and carded the Y62 as part of the QX Rally Konstantin Zhiltsov lost their second quickest time on the Team with French navigator slim chance of overhauling Prz- final selective section between Jean-Michel Polato, finished the ygonski to snatch a second FIA Erfoud and Fes yesterday. event in third place behind the World Cup title when trans- But the massive time pen- Russian driver Andrey Titov, mission issues sidelined their alties that the Qatari had who won the last stage in a time Toyota. incurred for missing Satur- of 3hrs 30min 57sec. Adel Al Attiyah clocked the day’s and Sunday’s routes ulti- Abdulla had the consolation of quickest time of 8min 27sec mately cost him dearly and he finishing as runner-up in the T2 through the opening 10km Pro- was unable to prevent Ahmed World Championship after a logue stage at Fes. The Qatari Al-Shegawi from claiming the long campaign, which was beat Martin Prokop by nine category victory for T2 series marred on more than one seconds and Jakub Przygonski production cross-country occasion by cruel luck. by 23. vehicles. Adel said: “We finished the Ovedrive Racing colleagues On arguably the toughest race in third position after all De Villiers, Vasilyev, Ten round of the FIA World Cup for the problems we had at the end Brinke, Van Loon and Chabot Cross-Country Rallies, which of day two. There was nothing were fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth ran with a dynamic new organ- we could do about it. The ECU Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action and 14th. Seaidan lost 13 isational team spearheaded by burned. There were no mistakes during the Rally of Morocco yesterday. minutes on the Prologue and former Dakar organiser and by the team and we must just stopped the clocks in 21min navigator David Castera, teams accept that. We fought hard to 04sec after rolling his Toyota faced daunting dunes, pun- continue the race and we fin- and Domzala also suffered a ishing heat, rocky tracks and ished on the podium. This was minor technical issue. difficult navigation. important.” Al Rayyan appoint Uygun as head coach THE PENINSULA

DOHA: A day after parting ways with Argentine Rodolfo Arrua- barrena, Al Rayyan have announced experienced Bulent Uygun as their new head coach who will take the charge soon, Qatar’s top football club announced yesterday. Uygun, a former professional footballer from Turkey, will be arriving in Doha soon to oversee Al Rayyan’s preparations for QATAR WIN SILVER AT ASIAN PARA GAMES Round 9 of the QNB Stars League (QSL). Arruabarrena resigned as Qatar’s Sara Masoud (left), silver medal winner in women's shot put F33 at the Asian Para Games coach in the aftermaths of Al celebrates during the award ceremony in Jakarta Indonesia yesterday. Batoul Jahangiri of Iran took Rayyan’s shock defeat against Al the gold while the bronze medal went to Emirati Sara Al Senaani. Khor in the QSL last week. The Former Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, who resigned loss followed Al Rayyan’s 5-0 from his post, bidding farewell to players of Al Rayyan. drubbing to Al Sadd last month in Qatar Clasico. The former QSL champions, who started this he spent most of his club season as main title contenders career, apart from playing for Doha hosts coaches conference along with reigning champions the Turkey national team 18 Al Duhail and Al Sadd, are on 4th times. THE PENINSULA spot with 14 points. The Turk is expected to start conference which will be held further develop the sport in the ‘The Lions’ will be hoping for his Al Rayyan campaign against until October 12. region. a reverse of fortunes under his former ranks Al Gharafa on DOHA: The 2018 ITF West & Hosted by the Qatar Tennis, Belgium’s Ruben Neyens, a Uygun, who is no stranger to the October 19 at Al Sadd Stadium. Central Asia Regional Coaches Squash and Badminton Feder- very inventive coach, who QSL as he coached Al Gharafa to Al Duhail are leading the QSL Conference will kick off with a ation (QTSBF), the conference designs physical development an impressive 4th position last points standings with 19 points, spectacular opening ceremony will highlight a number of issues programmes that keep young season. followed by Al Sadd (17) and Al at the Al Dana Club in Doha including the strategies and players interested and motivated He was also at Umm Sailiya (16). today. plans to develop tennis and Emma Doyle from Australia Salal’s helm during 2013-16. Meanwhile, Arruabarrena Over 130 coaches, including worldwide and the latest training are among the eight experts Bulent had made it big at the held a farewell meeting with Al 70 from several West and methods and programmes espe- from the ITF who will be deliv- Bulent Uygun the new Al Rayyan club and country levels as an Rayyan’s players and officials Central Asian countries and 55 cially for young players. ering a series of theoretical and coach. attacking midfielder. He had exchanging good wishes, before other coaches from Qatar, are The event will also focus on practical lectures for participants captained Fenerbahce, where his departure back home. participating in the three-day female tennis and strategies to at the event. 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2018

Photo released by the Olympic Information Services (OIS) of the International Muguruza Olympic Committee (IOC) of Chilean Ashly Catalina Marin Torres warming up ahead of the Roller Speed Skating Women’s Combined at the Bosques won’t be de Palermo, Green Park, during the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday. celebrating, to focus on rescuing season

AFP

HONG KONG: Former world number one Garbine Muguruza said she had put her birthday celebrations on hold as she battles to rescue a disappointing season by winning the WTA Hong Kong Open. Muguruza, who has slumped from top of the rankings in 2017 to world number 13, turned 25 on Monday but said celebrations had been low key the night before her first round clash with fellow Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo. “It was a very simple cel- ebration, we went to dinner with the team, but honestly, if you’re competing the next day it’s very hard to think about something else,” she said. “I’m sure I will have more time after here to do Tokyo Olympics: Costs hit something more fun.” Muguruza cruised through 6-3, 6-1 but insisted the clash had not been plain sailing. almost $25bn - may go higher “It’s not easy to play a Spanish player -- because I know her -- but I’m happy AP from the budget. The report said these I’m in the second round.” came to about 650bn yen ($5.6bn) and The former French Open TOKYO: The price tag keeps soaring for included things like: repairs to existing and Wimbledon champion, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite local buildings; security costs; the cost of who enjoys playing at the net, organizers and the International Olympic running doping facilities. added: “(Sorribes Tormo) is Committee saying that spending is being It said the organizing committee’s very talented so she managed cut. December budget did “not reflect all the to put me in trouble and give A report just released by the national costs related to the operation of the me difficult balls, so I think it government’s Board of Audit shows Japan event.” was very competitive.” is likely to spend $25bn to prepare the About 80 percent of the $25bn will be Earlier yesterday Chinese Games, and the final number could go taxpayer money. The rest - about $5.3bn number one Wang Qiang, even higher. - comes from the privately funded oper- currently enjoying the hottest This is nearly a four-fold increase over ating budget. This budget receives $1.7bn streak of her career, cruised Tokyo’s winning bid in 2013, which the from the IOC with the rest coming from to a straightforward 6-0, 6-2 report said projected costs of 829bn yen, sponsors, merchandising and ticket sales. victory over Hong Kong’s or $7.3bn at the current exchange rate of Tokyo organizers say they have saved Zhang Ling. 113 yen to the dollar. billions in the last several years by using After her latest win Wang Tracking Tokyo costs is getting more existing venues, holding shorter test -- who is even being touted difficult as work speeds up, deadlines events and by making other cuts in as a potential successor to near, and disputes arise about what are - construction. double Grand Slam champion and what are not - Olympic expenses. The IOC has also tried to promote fru- and China tennis icon Li Na Complicated accounting also makes it dif- gality, aware that hidden and soaring costs -- said she was playing the ficult to figure out who pays for what, and have driven away many possible Olympic best tennis of her career, who profits. The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach gestures bidders - particularly for the Winter adding she felt more “confi- “It’s the most amazing thing that the during the 133rd IOC session held on the sidelines of the on-going Youth Olympic Olympics. dence” on court and was Olympic Games are the only type of meg- Games in Buenos Aires, yesterday. Three bidders remain for the 2026 hitting the ball more aproject to always exceed their budget,” Winter Olympics: Calgary, Canada; aggressively. Bent Flyvberg, an authority on Olympic This raised the overall costs to 2.16tn back in December. Stockholm, Sweden; Milan-Cortina, Italy. Japan’s Nao Hibino, budgeting, said in explaining his research: yen, or about $19.1bn. This brings total spending to 2.81tn Several others dropped out. ranked 125 in the world, “The Oxford Olympics Study 2016.” The IOC and local organizers dispute yen, or just under $25bn, with suggestions Organizers of the recent Winter bundled out 2011 US Open Flyvberg said the study failed to “find these are Olympic expenses, describing it could reach 3tn when the games open Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, champion Samantha Stosur even one” Olympics that came in on or them as “regular administrative costs” that in just under two years. reported a budget surplus of $55m this in straight sets. The Aus- below budget. fall “outside the overall games budget.” The report said “a large amount of week. Meanwhile, the provincial gov- tralian, who is still ranked 69, Tokyo is a case study. Flyvberg credited organizers of recent spending was expected to continue after ernment is complaining about paying mil- went down 3-6, 3-6. In December, the Tokyo organizing Olympics with trying to control costs, but 2018 leading up to the event.” lions for upkeep on empty venues, with Meanwhile Australia’s committee said the Olympic budget was tight Olympic deadlines make it difficult. The report urged organizers, the the national government unwilling to Daria Gavrilova backed Roger 1.35tr yen, or about $12bn. Other large building projects can be Tokyo city government, central gov- assume the costs. Federer after the Swiss great This consisted of equal contributions pushed back a few months. Not the ernment, and local agencies to increase There is talk of razing several empty warned temperamental of 600bn yen ($5.3bn) from the organ- Olympics. transparency. venues. tennis star Nick Kyrgios he izing committee and the Tokyo metro- He also said it was inefficient for dif- In a statement yesterday, local organ- “Even though people try to bring down needed to work harder to politan government, with another 150 ferent cities to keep organizing the games. izers again disputed what should be called costs, it’s very difficult,” Flyvberg said. realise his potential. billion yen ($1.3bn) coming from the “All you can do when problems begin Olympic costs. “But there is some progress. But not nearly The 20-time Grand Slam national government. - and problems always begin on projects Spokesman Masa Takaya said expen- as much as for other types of champion offered the tough But a month later, Tokyo Governor of this size - is to throw more money at ditures listed such as “inbound tourism, megaprojects.” love to Kyrgios after the Yuriko Koike said the city needed to chip the project,” Flyvberg said. road constructions, subsidy for creating Flyvberg added that “for a city and 23-year-old made yet in an added 810bn yen ($7.2bn) “for Another Tokyo cost increase popped a hydrogen society, and even improving nation to decide to stage the Olympic another contentious exit from projects directly and indirectly related to up a few days ago. accuracy of weather forecasts with better games is to decide to take on one of the the Shanghai Masters on the games.” She said this included building A 178-page report by the Board of satellites,” should not be considered most costly and financially most risky type Monday. barrier-free facilities for Paralympic ath- Audit said the national government’s Olympic expenses. of megaproject that exists, something that Kyrgios’ first-round letes, training programs for volunteers, share of spending had increased to 801bn The audit report also faulted Tokyo many cities and national have learned too defeat was marred by a and advertising and tourism plans. yen ($7.1bn) from the $1.3bn estimated organizers for excluding other expenses their peril.” running argument with the chair umpire who suggested his efforts were “borderline”. Federer described Kyrgios as “a great player” but added he Senegal to host needed to develop a work ethic to go with his talent. Gavrilova, the second- 2022 Youth Games ranked Australian woman, AA said the government-backed bid said: “I’m pretty sure Roger is includes a $150 million budget, a spot on.” She added: DAKAR: The International 50,000-seat Olympic stadium, a “(Kyrgios) is definitely one of Olympic Committee has chosen railway link and an Olympic the most talented players out Senegal to host the 2022 Youth village. there and I love watching Olympic Games - making it the Last month, IOC President him. I don’t know what hap- first African host of any Olympics. Thomas Bach said “it is time for pened in Shanghai but... The other bidders were Africa” after the committee’s Exec- hopefully he can make a Nigeria, Botswana and Tunisia. utive Board recommended breakthrough and win a few The announcement was made Senegal over the other three bids. slams.” late Monday by IOC Vice President “Africa is a continent of youth,” Gavrilova, the world Ugur Erdener in Buenos Aires, he stressed. The Senegal 2022 number 34 who is seeded FROM LEFT: Senegal’s President Macky Sall, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Argentina. Youth Games will be hosted in seventh at the Hong Kong Thomas Bach and the mayor of Dakar Soham El Wardini, pose for pictures following Dakar’s Senegalese President Macky three cities: Dakar, Diamniadio Open, booked her place in the naming as 2022 Youth Olympic Games host city, during the 133rd IOC session in Buenos Aires. Sall, who was present at the event, and Saly. second round after a fiery Senegal will become the ﬁrst African nation to host an Olympic event. three-set victory over the Kazakh Zarina Diyas. WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 29 It’s better late than never for Pakistan’s Asif

AFP Zaheer Abbas, Ijaz Ahmed, Malik and Haris Sohail. DUBAI: Ten years ago Bilal During his one-day stint Asif had almost quit cricket in Zimbabwe his bowling by joining his father in action was reported as illegal, Kuwait to work as an elec- but on assessment it was trician, but a change of heart cleared -- another tough brought about by ex-Pakistan phase of his career. captain Shoaib Malik has paid Last year he was included dividends. in Pakistan’s squad for the Yesterday, Asif became two-match series against Sri the latest spinning bete noire Lanka, but did not feature as for Australia, snatching 6-36 team management thought in the first Test in Dubai to he was still not ready. trigger a spectacular collapse Asif’s chance finally came for the Baggy Greens, who as Pakistan deemed him lost 10 wickets for 60 runs as useful against Australia’s they slumped from a soild three left-handers in the top Pakistan’s Bilal Asif (centre) bowls during the third day of ﬁrst Test against Australia in Dubai, yesterday. 142-0 to 202 all out. order in the Dubai Test. That gave Asif third best Asif said his success was innings figures on Test debut a reward for hard work and for a Pakistani bowler behind patience. Asif’s six-for rocks Australia Mohammad Asif (7-64) and “Being a professional Mohammad Nazir (7-99). cricketer, you have to be The 33-year-old made tough mentally. I always kept his international debut when working hard. I didn’t think he played three one-dayers whether I would get a chance as Pakistan take command for Pakistan in Zimbabwe in or not,” said Asif, who over- 2015, but had to wait another shadowed his more illus- three years for a Test role. trious spin partner Yasir AFP SCOREBOARD bowler to take five or more Asif, however, said it had Shah, who went wicketless wickets in an innings on Test been worth the wait, praising in Australia’s 202 all out. DUBAI: Test debutant Bilal Asif Pakistan 1st innings ...... 482 (Siddle), 10-202 (Lyon) debut. former skipper Malik for Pakistan, having gained snatched six wickets to spark a Australia Ist innings Bowling: Abbas 19-9-29-4, Riaz 11-2-39-0, Yasir Before Asif’s brilliance Abbas some timely advice. a lead of 280 in the first spectacular Australian collapse Usman Khawaja c Imam b Asif ...... 85 28-6-80-0, Hafeez 3-1-2-0, Asif 21.3-7-36-6, Azhar had forced Finch to drive straight Back from Kuwait innings, closed the third day from 142-0 to 202 all out and put A. Finch c Shafiq b Abbas ...... 62 1-0-3-0 into the hands of Asad Shafiq at “It’s an old story that I at 45-3 in their second Pakistan in firm command of the S. Marsh c Shafiq b Asif ...... 7 Pakistan 2nd innings short mid-on. went to Kuwait to help my innings, an overall lead of 325 first Test in Dubai yesterday. M. Marsh lbw b Abbas ...... 12 Imam-ul-Haq not out ...... 23 Khawaja hit eight fours father, but Malik advised me runs. T. Head c Sohail b Asif ...... 0 M Hafeez c Labuschagne b Holland ...... 17 The 33-year-old off-spinner before miscuing a premedi- to return and fight hard for a “I was out of the team M. Labuschagne c Imam b Asif ...... 0 Bilal Asif c Head b Lyon ...... 0 overshadowed his more expe- T. Paine c Imam b Asif ...... 7 Azhar Ali lbw b Holland ...... 4 tated sweep and was caught at place in the Pakistan team,” since 2015. I was at the rienced team-mate Yasir Shah M. Starc c Sarfraz b Abbas ...... 0 Extras: (lb 1) ...... 1 short leg while Finch had five recalled Asif. National Cricket Academy by finishing with 6-36 as his P. Siddle b Abbas ...... 10 Total: (for three wkts; 16.2 overs) ...... 45 boundaries and a six in his “It was a worthy return.” camp where I worked with efforts, the third best figures for N. Lyon c Azhar b Asif ...... 6 Still to bat: Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, knock. The tall and energetic Asif head coach Mushtaq Ahmed. a Pakistani bowler on Test debut, J. Holland not out ...... 0 Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Wa- Leg-spinner Yasir was hails from a small town of I got the reward for that hard derailed Australia on a pitch Extras: (b 6, lb 7) ...... 13 hab Riaz unlucky not to be amongst Allo Mahar Sharif, close to work,” said Asif, who was which started to assist spinners Total: (all out; 83.3 overs) ...... 202 Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Hafeez), 2-38 (Asif), 3-45 wickets, having dropped Sialkot in the northeast dismissed for a duck after on the third day. Fall of wickets: 1-142 (Finch), 2-160 (S. Marsh), (Azhar) Mitchell Marsh off his own Punjab which has produced being sent in at number three Despite being jolted by 3-167 (Khawaja), 4-171 (Head), 5-171 (Labuschagne), Bowling: Starc 3-1-9-0, Lyon 8-1-23-1, Siddle 2-1- bowling for two and wicket- players like batting great to see out in Tuesday’s play. spinner Jon Holland’s two key 6-183 (M. Marsh), 7-183 (Paine), 8-191 (Star), 9-202 3-0, Holland 3.2-1-9-2 keeper Sarfraz Ahmed missing wickets of Mohammad Hafeez a stump in the first session with Bilal Asif (17) and Azhar Ali (four), Pakistan Khawaja on 17. leaves the closed the day on 45-3, having wickets on debut, it’s a tre- Abbas removed Finch following Yasir went wicketless after an overall lead of 325 with seven mendous feeling,” said Asif. an opening stand of 142. 28 probing overs. ground after second-innings wickets intact to “I was struggling a bit in the In a spell of 22 balls Asif took Earlier in the day, Finch was Australia force a win. first session, but all my team- four wickets as Australia more confident as he punched were bowled Opener Imam-ul-Haq was mates and coaches gave me con- slumped to 180-5 by tea. two boundaries and a six off out in Dubai, unbeaten on 23 while night- fidence and that increased my The second session belonged Yasir before sweeping Asif for a yesterday. watchman Asif was dismissed energy which helped me get six to Asif, who dismissed Khawaja, boundary to reach his for nought, unable to guard wickets.” Shaun Marsh (seven), Travis half-century. Azhar from coming to bat in a By lunch Australia were Head (nought) and Marnus Khawaja, the Pakistan-born crucial stage. well-placed at 137 without loss Labuschagne (nought) in the batsman, improved upon his But it was a day highlighted with Usman Khawaja (85) and space of 29 runs. previous best score in Asia of 26, by Asif who triggered a memo- debutant Aaron Finch (62), but Asif’s feats on debut had made against Sri Lanka at Galle rable Australian collapse against the slump followed shortly after only been bettered by fast in 2011, by reaching his 13th Test spin in Asia to mark a long- as the Baggy Greens lost all 10 bowler Mohammad Zahid (7-66 half-century. awaited Test debut. wickets for just 60 runs. vs New Zealand in Rawalpindi The second and final Test “I knew that my chance Asif, who had previously in 1994) and spinner Mohammad starts in Abu Dhabi from October would come, so I waited and played three one-day interna- Nazir (7-99 against New Zealand 16. Both teams will also play waited and thanks God I have tionals in 2015, came into his in Karachi in 1969). three Twenty20 internationals done myself proud by getting six own after pacer Mohammad Asif is the 11th Pakistani after Tests. ODI series: England ‘happy favourites’ as hosts SL warn of ‘mystery spinners’

AFP ODIs including defeats to Bang- ladesh and Afghanistan in last DAMBULLA: England are “very month’s Asia Cup. happy” being favourites for the Very happy being Chandimal, who missed the one-day series in Sri Lanka but Asia Cup and the preceding ODI are aware that past tours have favourites. It shows series against South Africa due been “tricky”, Jos Buttler we’ve been doing to injury and suspension, cau- (pictured) said yesterday on the good stuff and I like tioned that home pitches had “a eve of the first match in being favourites: lot of spin”. Dambulla. “Especially for the batters it’s Sri Lanka’s captain Dinesh England batsman Jos not easy to play... We have some Chandimal warned meanwhile Buttler mystery spinners as well. that conditions were “very dif- “They got all the experience ferent” to England, with some and talent and we have to “mystery spinners” who could He added that being the pushing the boundaries.” compete with them. When the pose problems for Eoin Morgan’s number-one ranked one-day Buttler said the World Cup situation comes we have some batsmen. side ahead of next year’s World was in the back of everyone’s game plans which we will have “Very happy being Cup on home soil brought its mind, but they were taking every to execute.” favourites. It shows we’ve been own pressures. series one at a time and hoped Chandimal said he hoped to doing good stuff and I like being “There is always pressure to build a core group of players improve the team’s fielding. “In favourites,” Buttler told being number one. Once you get for next year’s championship. the last few days, we worked reporters, saying the team were there, I think that’s when the “It’s about trending in the really hard on our fielding indi- “very confident” and aiming to hard work really starts. You’ve right way and being able to build vidually and as a group,” he said. be “pushing the boundaries”. got a bit of a target on your back. a core group of players -- a “That’s the biggest change The batsman added “It is down to you to keep squad of 15, 16, 17 guys -- who we are trying to make in this however: “We’re very aware of improving and try to stay there. we can call upon hopefully for series -- give priority to our England captain Eoin Morgan looks at the winged termites flying Sri Lanka’s qualities in these That’s the challenge and it has the World Cup,” he said. fielding and give it a lot of around him during a practice session ahead of their first ODI in conditions. They have some its own pressures. I think in the Underdogs Sri Lanka are still attention.” Dambulla, yesterday. Monsoon rains may affect the five-match experienced players... It’s been dressing room we have a good reeling from the axing of captain The five-match one-day series. England’s final warm-up match on Saturday in Colombo tricky in the past for England understanding... and know that Angelo Mathews after a dismal series is followed by three Tests was washed out. sides to come here.” we need to keep improving and run of 30 losses in their last 40 in November. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2018

Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return against Jeremy Chardy of France during their ﬁrst-round match at the Shanghai Masters yesterday.

Djokovic storms into third round

AFP 2017 and had elbow surgery in February. “I think I’m a completely different when he plays fourth seed Alexander Meanwhile Tianjin, fourth seed But he has burst back to form and fitness player than I was in first five, six months Zverev at the Masters 1000 event today. Aryna Sabalenka took down American SHANGHAI: Imperious Novak Djokovic since the summer, winning Wimbledon, of the year,” he said. “Hopefully the Basilashvili’s victory over an under- Sofia Kenin 7-6(4) 4-6 6-0 in the first declared that he was “a completely the US Open and the Masters 1000 outcome can be different as well.” the-weather Del Potro at the weekend round of the Tianjin Open yesterday, as different player” from the first half of Cincinnati in a terrific run, and says he In the absence of the injured Nadal, was just his second ATP title, the first the Belarusian maintains slim hopes to this year after he beat France’s Jeremy is back close to his best. holder Roger Federer is the top seed in coming in Hamburg in July. Del Potro, secure a spot at this month’s WTA Finals. Chardy 6-3, 7-5 to roll into the Shanghai Djokovic, who is eyeing Rafael Shanghai and the Swiss great starts his the Shanghai third seed who was suf- Every win in the WTA international Masters third round yesterday. Nadal’s number one ranking, said: “I campaign today against Russia’s Daniil fering with a cold and flu in Beijing, tournament counts for Sabalenka, who The rejuvenated Serbian second haven’t won too many matches the Medvedev. meets France’s Richard Gasquet. along with Karolina Pliskova, Sloane seed has now won all 12 matches against beginning of the year. After the surgery Nikoloz Basilashvili showed that his A press conference for the Argentine Stephens, Elina Svitolina and Kiki Chardy and this victory was never in I was not managing to play my best, and China Open triumph at the weekend was yesterday was cancelled at the last Bertens, is fighting for the three available doubt. that has changed, so obviously the more no fluke as he brushed aside the prom- moment, however, which suggests that spots left for the season-ending event The 31-year-old Djokovic had to you win, the more comfortable and ising Denis Shapovalov. The Georgian, he could still be unwell. Austria’s in Singapore. contend with a more stubborn Chardy more confident you feel on the court.” up to a career-high 23 in the world fol- Dominic Thiem became the biggest cas- Wuhan Open winner Sabalenka, in the second set, before the world The Serb will play either Italy’s lowing his victory over Juan Martin del ualty so far when the sixth seed was currently 10th in the Race to Singapore number three’s superior shot-making Marco Cecchinato or South Korea’s Potro in Beijing on Sunday, beat the stunned by Matthew Ebden in a thrilling leaderboard, must win in Tianjin this won through in 83 minutes. Chung Hyeon next -- he lost to both teenage Canadian 6-2, 6-2 in just 57 three-set contest. The Australian finally week, and also needs help from other The 14-time Grand Slam champion during his darker days in the first half minutes. The 26-year-old Basilashvili emerged 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/4) for the results from Pliskova and Bertens to missed six months of competition in of the year. will now have another upset in his sights biggest scalp of his career. keep her qualifying bid alive. Serena confirms SHANGHAI: Tennis players need to Respect ball kids, respect ball boys and ball girls, Roger presence at the Federer said in the wake of a row following Fernando Verdasco’s rant over Federer tells a sweaty towel. Australian Open Spaniard Verdasco was cast as a villain on social media last week after appearing to berate a ball boy for not AFP tournament was gearing up to fellow pros bringing his towel quickly enough welcome back Azarenka and during a semi-final defeat at the MELBOURNE: Seven times Williams -- and their children. Shenzen Open. champion Serena Williams will “Vika (Azarenka) is also a A video of the world number 30 be back at the Australian Open new mum to toddler Leo and impatiently gesticulating and appearing in 2019 having missed her title I’m looking forward to showing to rant at the youngster swiftly circu- defence this year after giving her, and Serena, our new creche lated on social media, leading to a raft birth, organisers said yesterday. facilities,” said Tiley. “I’m sure of criticism from fans and pundits. The 23-time Grand Slam they’ll be appreciated.” Federer yesterday stopped short of winner, who won on her last Six-time men’s winners criticising Verdasco -- acknowledging appearance in 2017 while Novak Djokovic and Roger that nerves can become ragged in com- pregnant, will be joined in Jan- Federer, who captured his 20th petition -- but he did stress the need to uary’s tournament by double Grand Slam title in Melbourne respect ball kids. Melbourne Park champion Vic- in January, look to be among “Sure you always want to respect toria Azarenka who was forced the players to beat again in the ball kids for who they are and the to withdraw from the 2018 2019. Tiley was also looking great job that they’re doing,” the Swiss event because of a custody forward to the return of Brit- said, adding “but it’s not easy for each battle with her baby’s father. ain’s Andy Murray, the five- Roger Federer of Switzerland arrives for a and every player to control their emo- Australian Open tour- time losing finalist who missed training session at the Shanghai Masters. tions exactly.” nament director Craig Tiley said this year’s event with injury. Federer, who himself acted as a ball yesterday he was expecting a “With his incredible work boy in his youth, said he felt most of the full contingent of the top 100 ethic and competitive spirit it young helpers understood the pressure men and women players in would be foolish to underes- players are under, but that it was vital Melbourne next year. timate him,” he said of the Scot. RF warns Kyrgios they enjoyed a good experience at “I’m delighted to announce Tiley said prize money at tournaments. that Serena Williams will return the January 14-27 tournament “The ball kids are really important to the Australian Open in will be increased to A$60.5m to us because they are also maybe the January,” Tiley said while ($42.9m) from A$55m in 2018 over work ethic future of our game,” the Swiss, in launching the 2019 event at Rod -- split equally between men’s Shangahi for the Masters tournament, AFP Laver Arena. and women’s tournaments. The “We don’t really know and I don’t said. “We last saw Serena here 2018 singles winners Federer think he really knows exactly what his “I was happy when I left a tennis in Melbourne as our champion, and Caroline Wozniacki both SHANGHAI: Roger Federer warned potential is. And only through under- tournament, I felt like, ‘oh man, it was holding the Daphne Ackhurst picked up cheques for A$4m temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios standing work ethic and scheduling and just all good’,” he said of his time as a Memorial Cup in 2017. Of ($2.83m). yesterday that he would never fulfil his whatever it might be, creating the right ball boy. course what we didn’t know at The tournament will also potential without the work ethic to go team around himself, only then can you “There were no negatives, so you the time was that she was introduce a 25-second serve with his talent. unlock the potential really.” don’t want to have them leave feeling already eight weeks pregnant clock to speed up play, after the The 23-year-old Kyrgios made Kyrgios, who this week lost his status like, oh my god, like I was not appre- with baby Olympia,” said Tiley. innovation made its Slam debut another contentious exit from the as Australia’s number one to 33rd-ranked ciated or I was not liked or it was Williams needs one more at this year’s US Open. Shanghai Masters on Monday after a Alex de Minaur, has a chequered history actually a horrible thing, you know? Grand Slam singles running argument with the chair umpire in Shanghai. “So yes, it needs to be taken care of.” victory to equal Aus- who suggested his efforts were “bor- Last year he was fined after he Not so long ago the likes of Bjorn tralian Margaret derline”. The 38th-ranked Kyrgios was walked off mid-way through his first- Borg, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors Court’s all-time record on the end of a surprise first-round loss round match, and in 2016 he was sus- would fetch their own drinks and take of 24. to the American qualifier Bradley Klahn, pended and fined after being accused of care of themselves at changeovers. “Serena loves the world number 104 winning 4-6, 6-4, giving away points in another defeat. These days modern pampered coming to Melbourne 6-3. Federer, who admitted that the hard players plant themselves in a courtside and I know she’s It is the third time in as many graft did not necessarily come naturally chair and gesture for drinks, ice-packs, A ﬁle photo excited about Shanghai appearances that Kyrgios has to him either, backed Kyrgios to “win bananas, towels, new rackets and any- of Serena returning in January departed the Masters 1000 event under bigger tournaments and do all these thing else they may need. with her family, it’s Williams at a cloud. things”. The tide, though, may be turning. definitely a very the 2017 Speaking in Shanghai, where Federer “But there is still a process in place At next month’s Next Gen ATP Finals special place for her,” Australian is the top seed and reigning champion, that he needs to do like any other player in Milan -- the season-ending tour- said Tiley. “She’ll also Open. the 37-year-old Swiss great called Kyrgios needs to go through in order to be suc- nament for the best Under-21 male be super-focused on “a great player”. cessful,” he added. players -- players will be instructed to winning here, and But he also sounded a note of caution. Australian doubles great Todd Wood- use a towel rack at the end of the court equalling Margaret “I think it’s really up to him where he bridge said the scheduling of Shanghai, “to remove the onus on ball kids to Court’s record of 24 wants to go and what his potential really a compulsory tournament at the tail-end handle towels”. Grand Slam singles holds,” said the 20-time Grand Slam of the season, seemed to be a problem titles.” winner. for Kyrgios. Tiley said the WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 31 QSL Cup: Teams get ready for Round 2 THE PENINSULA Al Sadd vs Al DOHA: The 2018-19 season QSL Cup’s Round 2 games will be Duhail QSL played tomorrow and October 13, with three matches on each match day. Fixtures are scheduled rescheduled during international breaks THE PENINSULA when the QNB Stars League is stopped. The QSL Cup is also a great platform for clubs to DOHA: The Qatar Stars unearth new talents and they League Management (QSLM) give opportunities to as many has rescheduled the QNB Under-23 players as possible. Stars League Week 9 match Group A matches will be between Al Sadd and Al played tomorrow and Group B Duhail, which was to be on Saturday. played on October 21. The fixtures for tomorrow The rescheduling was are Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi done in view of Al Sadd’s AFC (17:35) at Al Arabi Stadium, Qatar Champions League second- SC vs Umm Salal (17:35) at Qatar leg semifinal against Iran’s SC Stadium and Al Duhail vs Al Persepolis at the Azadi Gharafa (19:45) at Qatar SC Stadium in Tehran on October Stadium. 23. On Saturday, it will be Al Ahli The new date will be vs Al Sailiya (17:35) at Qatar SC announced later. Stadium, Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan It may be recalled that the (17:35) at Al Duhail Stadium and QSLM had considered Al Shahania vs Al Khor (19:45) at rescheduling of this game if Al Arabi Stadium. either Al Sadd or Al Duhail Al Duhail are leading the qualified for the AFC Cham- Group A standings with three pions League semi-finals. points they collected from their Meanwhile, Umm Salal’s Action from last week’s match of the 2-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat in the Abdulaziz Al Yahri underwent QNB Stars League match between Al first round. an operation at Qatar’s ortho- Umm Salal also have three Gharafa and Al Arabi. paedic and sports medicine points from their 1-0 victory over hospital Aspetar to correct an Al Arabi and same goal dif- ankle injury. ference (+1), but Al Duhail occupy collected after playing out a 1-1 game. simultaneous kick-off with the The last match between Al Abdulaziz was out of the top spot having scored more draw. Al Sadd and Al Rayyan are Al Ahli vs Al Sailiya fixture. Al Shahania and Al Khor is also sure action for some time as he number of goals. Al Kharaitiyat and Al Arabi the first and second-placed team Sadd had defeated Al Shahania to be fought keenly. Al Khor are was nursing the injury. He is Qatar SC and Al Gharafa are face off with both looking to respectively in Group B. And they 3-0, while Al Rayyan got the third in the Group B table with to undergo a rehabilitation third and fourth respectively open their account and that lock horns each other in Satur- better of Al Ahli by the same three points as they had beaten programme before returning with one point they each should add excitement to the day’s first match that has a margin in Round 1. Al Sailiya 2-1 in their opener. to the field. Saha backs Mourinho, chastises Pogba for ‘attack’ comments

REUTERS This is my opinion and I would Mourinho was on borrowed time showed desire to come back in have said that to him, I would as United coach, especially after a difficult game. They showed LONDON: Former Manchester say ‘No, that’s not something to also being dumped out of the quality,” said Saha, who won two United striker Louis Saha say because you are not the League Cup by second-tier league titles at United. yesterday criticised French manager.’” Derby County. “So this is not a problem of midfielder Paul Pogba for Saha was speaking at the However, talk that he might only having big players, just speaking out and undermining Emirates Stadium on the side- be gone as early as last weekend having the right dedication and manager Jose Mourinho with his lines of the launch of the Asso- were allayed after a late 3-2 the right tools at the right recent “attack, attack, attack” ciation Football Development comeback win over Newcastle moment. comments. Programme Global, a social United at home in the league. “Sometimes we talk about Following United’s 1-1 home enterprise set up by former FIFA Saha said that Saturday’s philosophy, so many people say draw with Wolverhampton vice president Prince Ali Bin Al performance, the club’s first win ‘Attack, attack, attack’ - I get Wanderers in the Premier Hussein of Jordan. in five matches in all competi- that, because I was a forward. League last month, Pogba said When asked if Pogba should tions, showed that Mourinho is But some games are different United should be more attacking instead do his talking on the still the right man to lead the nowadays... Football right now at Old Trafford. pitch, Saha replied: “Exactly. You team. is not what it was before. Compatriot Saha, who should be like ‘I should score, The Frenchman, who “However, Gary Neville or played for the club between score, score. I should pass, pass, scored 42 goals across five the fans will sometimes say 2004-08, told Reuters the pass’... seasons at United, also urged (attack more) not knowing all the 25-year-old should keep his “So I don’t think it was more understanding from sup- factors. They have to really thoughts private. appropriate and I think (now) he porters and player-turned- understand that there has been “I think he (Pogba) has done understands that for sure. pundit Gary Neville, who has a change.” it on purpose, and I don’t think Whatever the situation, they been critical of his former side Fans’ patience will be that is right,” Saha, 40, said. have to sort it out because it’s since the beginning of the given a stiff test after the “It’s the wrong communi- not good for the club, it’s not season. international break when cation, it puts pressure on the good for themselves, it doesn’t “Yes (Mourinho can turn it United travel to Stamford manager... with those talks you give them any space for mistakes around). He’s a clever man, there Bridge on Oct. 20 to face should do it in the dressing room so people are going to be on their is definitely support within the in-form Chelsea in the league, Manchester United’s Paul Pogba reacts during the English Premier with your manager. backs.” club, there is definitely support before a home match against League against Newcastle United at Old Trafford, in Manchester, “You know that people will Following Pogba’s critique, from the players, they showed Juventus in the Champions question about it, so don’t do it. media reports circulated that that at the weekend. They League three days later. Britain on Saturday. SLeone files appeal against FIFA suspension AFP anti-corruption commission to Sierra Leone Football arrested in September 2016 over taken on the dimension of a sack SLFA president Isha Association President Isha alleged corruption offences. political emergency in the light FREETOWN: Sierra Leone has Johansen and general secretary Johansen attends a panel A year later, they were of the showdown with FIFA, appealed against its suspension Christopher Kamara during an discussion during the Anti- indicted by the anti-graft agency which threatens Sierra Leone’s by world football’s top body on ongoing probe into corruption Corruption Summit London on six counts of abuse of office participation in the Cup of charges of government inter- and mismanagement. 2016, at Lancaster House in and corruption. They deny any Nations. Bio, the opposition chal- ference. The meeting on Monday took central London in this May wrongdoing. lenger, narrowly won a hotly- After a crisis meeting on place in State House, the official 12, 2016 ﬁle picture. “I want us to resolve all out- contested presidential election Monday with the government, residence of President Julius standing issues before going to in March. the Sierra Leone Football Asso- Maada Bio, in the capital FIFA in Zurich or else it will be “We want to organise a high- ciation (SLFA) sent a letter to Freetown, ministers said. difficult to lift the suspension,” level delegation to FIFA with all FIFA asking it to lift the sus- “(The) government met with Johansen said after the meeting. critical football stakeholders pension so that the country can Isha and (her) secretary general Sierra Leone play away to involved,” Chief Minister David play Ghana in looming qualifiers so as to commence the mediation Ghana on Thursday, with the Francis, the country’s top min- for the Africa Cup of Nations. process for the lifting of the FIFA return match next Monday. ister, told reporters. It said it would dispatch a ban,” Sports Minister Ibrahim The crisis within Sierra “As a new government we delegation to FIFA headquarters Nyelenkeh said. Leone football has been rum- inherited the football problem,” in Zurich for talks. “We want FIFA to reverse the letter to FIFA, carried the SLFA had said that he had replaced bling on for years. Fifteen Sierra he said, and made a reference to The West African nation was suspension to enable us (to) par- letterhead and was signed by her. Leonean players and officials FIFA’s own scandal-ridden rocked last week when FIFA sus- ticipate in a CAF pending game Johansen, although it was In addition, Nyelenkeh said were suspended in July 2014 over recent past. pended it for government with Ghana this month,” he said. unclear whether she had been that both Johansen and Kamara suspect matches including a “We are also aware that FIFA interference. “We are very hopeful that reinstated to her job. will be part of the delegation 2010 World Cup qualifier against too have been embroiled in The bustup is rooted in a FIFA will lift the suspension after On September 20, her heading to Zurich. South Africa. series of corruption allegations,” move by the country’s our mediation process.” - The deputy, Brima Mazola Kamara, Johansen and Kamara were However, the scandal has he said. WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27 The manager can do so much, but then it is down to the players on Former Manchester CRICKET CRICKET the pitch to produce and probably United striker Wayne First Test, Pakistan vs First ODI: Sri Lanka vs collectively. The poor run of form is Rooney backs Reds a bit of everything coming together Australia, Day 4 in Dubai England in Dambulla

manager Jose Mourinho. ACTION but Jose is an easy target. TODAY’S

Smart, Smith Astros, Dodgers advance in fined for pre-season MLB play-offs; Red Sox roll scuffle AFP AFP George Springer smashed two solo home NEW YORK: Boston NEW YORK: Defending cham- runs in Houston’s 11-3 Celtics guard Marcus pions Houston and the Los Smart and Cleveland Angeles Dodgers advanced in the romp over the Cleveland Cavaliers swingman JR Major League Baseball (MLB) Indians, while Manny Smith were each fined on play-offs with lopsided road Machado belted a Monday by the NBA for triumphs on Monday while the three-run homer and a their roles in an on-court Boston Red Sox routed the New run-scoring double to altercation, the league York Yankees. power the Dodgers over announced. George Springer smashed Smart was fined two solo home runs in Houston’s the Atlanta Braves by a $25,000 for escalating 11-3 romp over the Cleveland score of 6-2. an on-court incident Indians, while Manny Machado during an altercation in belted a three-run homer and a Boston’s Brock Holt which he was ejected. run-scoring double to power the stars as the Red Sox Smith was fined $15,000 Dodgers over the Atlanta Braves for initiating the by a score of 6-2. hammered out 18 hits in a confrontation. And Boston’s Brock Holt hit 16-1 humbling of the host The incident took for the first play-off game cycle Yankees. place with 3:38 -- a single, double, triple and remaining in the first homer -- and drove in five runs quarter of Cleveland’s as the Red Sox hammered out 18 three-run homer in the seventh 113-102 home victory hits in a 16-1 humbling of the for a 6-2 lead and Dodgers closer over Boston late on host Yankees. Kenley Jansen baffled Atlanta Saturday. “It was a fun night,” Holt batters for the final outs. Smith and Australian said. Boston jumped ahead 3-0 forward Aron Baynes of Houston Astros centre fielder George Springer hits a home run in the fifth inning against the Cleveland “Offensively, we were after three innings before the Celtics became Indians during game three of the 2018 ALDS play-off baseball series in Cleveland on Monday. clicking on all cylinders. Tonight breaking open the game in the entangled and is a night I will remember for a fourth. exchanged shoves, with long time.” from day one,” Holt said. “As moment. seventh put the Astros ahead 4-2 Holt and Vazquez singled Smart entering the Houston completed a sweep tonight shows, we can do some “Two good ball clubs facing and Springer’s solo blast began and Jackie Bradley walked to scuffle by pushing Smith of Cleveland in the best-of-five special things.” off in the championship. It’s a six-run eighth inning for load the bases, prompting New from behind. American League division series, The Astros outlasted the going to be great.” Houston, which also included a York to remove Luis Severino for Both Smart and holding the Tribe to six runs on Dodgers in a seventh-game Springer’s solo homers in the three-run homer by Carlos relief pitcher Lance Lynn, who Smith had to be 13 hits over three games. showdown to win last year’s fifth and eighth innings gave him Correa. walked Mookie Betts to plate restrained from esca- “It’s awesome, a great day World Series for their first cham- eight homers in nine play-off In Atlanta, the Dodgers took another Boston run. lating the situation. for us as a team,” Springer said. pionship and could yet face a games in a streak dating to last the lead in the first inning on Benintendi smacked his Smart was whistled “I’m happy to be heading rematch with Los Angeles. year’s title run, matching a major Machado’s run-scoring double. three-run double down the for a technical foul and home.” The Dodgers eliminated the league playoff record shared by The Braves answered in the right-field line and scored on a ejected. Smith was issued The Astros will face either Braves in four games and will Reggie Jackson, Jim Thome and fourth on a two-run single to Steve Peace single that set up a technical foul for the Red Sox or Yankees in the face the Milwaukee Brewers Carlos Beltran, who did it most left field by pinch-hitter Kurt Holt’s two-run triple for a 10-0 shoving Baynes. best-of-seven American League starting on Friday in the National recently in 2004. Suzuki. Boston lead. The Celtics, who were Championship Series with the League Championship Series to “Personal results don’t But Los Angeles reclaimed No team has rallied from ousted from the NBA winner advancing to the World decide the other World Series mean anything now. It’s all the lead at 3-2 in the sixth when more than an eight-run deficit playoffs by Cleveland in Series. berth. about how can I help us win,” pinch-hitter David Freese, the to win a playoff game in major last season’s Eastern Con- Andrew Benintendi smacked “Doesn’t get better than this,” said Springer. “It’s about having 2011 World Series Most Valuable league history and the Yankees ference final, will not face a three-run double to pace a said Machado, acquired at mid- fun and doing whatever it takes Player with the champion St. never threatened to be the first. the Cavaliers in the seven-run fourth inning for the season from major league-worst for us to win.” Louis Cardinals, smacked a Holt doubled in a run and regular season until Red Sox, who led New York 2-1. Baltimore. “Just enjoying every- A two-run double to left field two-run single to centerfield. completed his cycle with a November 30. “This was a special group thing. I just try to enjoy the by Marwin Gonzalez in the Machado blasted his two-run homer in the ninth. NFL: Brees passes Manning as Bergeron’s hat-trick all-time passing-yards king powers Boston Bruins REUTERS Brad Marchand each added REUTERS because as you can see I’m very three assists. Ryan Dzingel busy, I don’t have time to keep BOSTON: Patrice Bergeron scored twice for the Senators. NEW ORLEANS: New Orleans doing these videos for you, con- completed a hat-trick in the Dzingel was a game-time Saints quarterback Drew Brees gratulating you. third period and had an assist decision for the contest after became the NFL’s all-time “But, in all seriousness, as the Boston Bruins won their sustaining an undisclosed injury passing-yards leader in style on Drew, congratulations on this home opener, defeating the in practice Sunday. Monday night. record. You’ve done it the right Ottawa Senators 6-3 on Islanders 4, Sharks 0 A 62-yard touchdown pass way. All your hard work and Monday. Robin Lehner recorded 35 to rookie wide receiver Tre’Quan dedication have paid off.... Way Bergeron scored twice in saves in his first start for host Smith against the visiting Wash- to go. Proud of you. Good luck the first period before netting New York, which cruised to a ington Redskins allowed Brees the rest of the way.” his third goal on a backhander victory over San Jose. to pass Peyton Manning for the After the game, Brees got off an Ottawa defender at 4:38 Lehner, who signed with record. emotional during an on-field of the third period for his fourth the Islanders in July, recorded Drew Brees of The pass gave Brees 71,968 interview with ESPN, citing the career hat trick. his ninth career shutout in his the New Orleans passing yards for his career, influence of his late mother and David Pastrnak had two first start since undergoing including 228 on Monday. He Saints reacts after late grandfather. He added of the goals and two assists, and Chris alcohol rehab and being diag- was 13 of 15 with two touchdown throwing a 62 yard record, “I’ll be able to reflect on Wagner, a native of Wellesley, nosed with bipolar disorder fol- passes when he broke the record pass to take the it maybe a little bit more when Mass, scored his first goal for lowing his final season with the with 2:36 left in the first half, all time yardage my career is done. I still feel like the Bruins. Charlie McAvoy and Buffalo Sabres. giving New Orleans a 26-6 lead. record against there’s work to be done. But just Team-mates mobbed Brees the Washington really proud and very grateful. at midfield, and he took his Redskins in New “I love playing the game. I Orleans, Louisiana didn’t set out on this journey to on Monday. break these records. I just play because I love the game and I helmet off to salute the crowd Manning said in the video while love to compete and I love being while taking the game ball to the at a kitchen cutting board. part of this organisation.” I love playing the sideline. “And I gotta tell you, it’s been Brees, 39, is in his 18th NFL game. I didn’t set out He then greeted his family the greatest thousand days of my season. He played five years for on this journey to and got a hug from coach Sean life. And thanks to you, that’s the then-San Diego Chargers, Payton. ESPN’s microphones over now. You’ve ruined that for who made him a second-round break these records. captured him telling his sons, me. So thank you very much. I pick in the 2001 draft. Brees I just play because I “You can accomplish anything have nothing left to look forward signed a free agent deal with the love the game and I if you put your mind to it.” to except slicing my tomatoes, Saints in March 2006. Manning, via the Denver making dinner for my family, The 11-time Pro Bowl per- love to compete and I Broncos’ Twitter account, sent a putting together this wedge former was twice the AP love being part of this humorous message to Brees. salad. Offensive Player of the Year, in organisation: Drew “Drew, for a thousand days, “Also, let this serve as a con- 2008 and 2011. He guided New Boston Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron (right) celebrates with David I’ve held the record for all-time gratulations for (when you Orleans to a Super Bowl title Brees. Pastrnak after defeating the Ottawa Senators in Boston on Monday. passing yards in the NFL,” break) the touchdowns record after the 2009 season.