16 SPORT FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2017 Duhail ready for debut as QSL begins

TODAY’S FIXTURES New Kings coach Gabriel Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli at Al Gharafa Stadium Calderon said the QSL is going Laudrup expects tough (6pm) to be a tough challenge for his Umm Salal vs Al Kharaitiyat at Al Gharafa Stadi- side.

um (8:10pm) “I am happy to be coaching challenge from Al Khor in the QNB Stars League. We Al Duhail vs Qatar SC at Al Duhail Stadium (8:10pm) have had a good two months of preseason and the team is pre- The Peninsula opponent, they caused us plenty Fawad Hussain pared. It will be a real challenge of trouble last season. We will The Peninsula against the former champions l Rayyan will be target- have to be patient and I hope but confidence is high and moral ing full points when they our team can give a perform- is good in my team.” Awill meet Al Khor in their ance that our fans deserve after l Duhail are looking “We will have to start at a opening QNB Stars League our preseason.” to overcome Qatar high tempo and impose our match tomorrow. “Al Rayyan are not the only SC as the newly- game on our opponent. This will Al Rayyan head coach side who is fighting for the title. formed side make be tough against Duhail, but I Michael Laudrup is confident Al Sadd and Al Duhail have fur- their QNB Stars feel that is we do this we have his team will start well in the ther added to their squads this LeagueA (QSL) debut at Duhail every chance of causing an QSL. season. They will also be in the Stadium today. upset” added the experience “We have had many new title fight, whilst Al Gharafa The opening day of prestig- Argentinian coach on the pros- players join us in preseason. It have added well to their team. ious league will see three pect of surprising Al Duhail. is important that they all accli- We need to play a few games matches being played but Al Qatar SC player Mohammed matise to our style and get first to decide who will be look- Duhail - formed after merger of Omar said the side is in good settled in order to do their best ing to win the league” he added. giants Lekhwiya and El Jaish - spirits heading into the first for the side. This is a gradual Meanwhile, Al Khor coach will be in focus on the inaugural match of the season. process but I feel our team is Laurent Banide said: “Al Rayyan day. “We are working well as a ready for the match against Al are one of the best sides in Al Duhail consist majority of team in training, the coach has Khor,” Laudrup said ahead of Qatar and this will be a real test Lekhwiya players, who won the lifted our confidence levels. We the match. of our training so far. Presea- previous season of the QSL feel that we can do well this sea- Laudrup also added he is son went well overall with all under the guidance of head son in the league.” expecting a tough test against of the players playing well. Now Al Duhail’s head coach Djamel Belmadi, speaks at a pre-match coach Djamel Belmadi. Earlier, the first match of the away from home. we have to put this into prac- press conference ahead of his team’s opening QNB Stars The Algerian coach will season will see Al Gharafa take “Al Khor are a tough tise against Al Rayyan.” mentor the new side too and League game against Qatar SC. on Al Ahli while the second Pictures: Baher Amin/The Peninsula he must be eyeing a winning match of the day will be played start in the league, which is between Umm Salal take and Al expected to be the toughest contest of all previous the ‘favourites’ tag. Kharaitiyat. editions. “The squad has only been The team combination improved with the signings in makes Al Duhail, one of the title the summer. I now have to man- favourites along side Xavi’s Al age these expectations over the Sadd and Michael Laudrup’s Al season, my aim is to always win Rayyan, but Belmadi is advising and I feel we can achieve some- We are a confident his ranks to be cautious in their thing with this side.” group of players opening game. Duhail winger Ali Afif said “I am expecting an interest- his team will be targeting the and have been ing game against Qatar SC QSL title, terming the opening together for a because they have been pro- game crucial. moted and I don’t have too much “We are a confident group number of years. information on the side,” Al of players and have been We must start Duhail coach said at a pre-match together for a number of years. press conference. We must start well, and take the well, and take the “I feel that they have a good season game by game.” season game by coach and will do well in the Qatar SC, who are returning game: Afif league this season” noted Bel- to the QSL after missing the last madi when asked about his season due to relegation, are Al Duhail’s winger Akram Al Rayyan SC Coach Michael Laudrup, addressing the media opponents. banking on their preseason Afif speaks during the press Belmadi said his players are preparations for a good start in at a press conference at the Al Gharafa SC yesterday. conference. Picture: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula starting with no pressure under the league. Losail to kick start QREC continues to back big races

MotoGP season Doha to, adding that Qatar sponsorship QNA and participation in this event is Paris Thailand, with the Chang part of its position on the world QNA International Circuit in atar sponsors many of the stage. Buriram penning a three- world’s largest horse races, He said Arabian horse racing osail International year deal with Dorna Qwith the Qatar Racing and has a great heritage in the State of Circuit topped provi- following the British Grand Equestrian Club (QREC) sponsor- Qatar, and Qatar has made Arab Lsional 2018 MotoGP Prix. ing the most prestigious races in horse races of international char- calendar, which was The inaugural Thai- France and Britain, as well as the acter after the introduction of the announced by MotoGP land Grand Prix will take signing of agreements with a Triple Crown in three countries: bosses yesterday, reveal- place on October 7, with number of international institu- Britain, France, Qatar. ing a 19-race schedule that the Japanese, Australian tions in the field of horse racing, The first Qatari sponsorship of will begin on March 18, and Malaysian events still such as the Curragh Racecourse in the international races was the though no venue for the forming a triple-header Ireland to sponsor the race Phoe- sponsorship of the most prestig- British Grand Prix. run from October 21 - nix Sprint and also the partnership ious festival in France, the The season will begin November 4. with Breeders’ Cup in the United Qatar-Arc de Triomphe, which has at the Losail International The longest season in States. been held annually for more than Circuit in Qatar with the the Grand Prix history is The QREC is preparing to 100 years. Qatar has successfully race schedule on March 18. set to conclude on Novem- organise the Qatar Festival of the won the sponsorship of the race The most notable ber 18 at the Ricardo Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which annually since 2008 and until change to next year’s cal- Tormo Circuit in will be held at the end of this month 2022. endar is the inclusion of Valencia. and will continue until October 1, The past years have seen a starting with the horse auction and major development in this race, MOTOGP CALENDAR then the start of the races at the which takes place on the Long- Saint-Clair in Paris and then mov- champ track in Paris before moving 1- QATAR GP, Losail International Circuit, (MARCH 18) ing to Chanti. to Chanti last season due to the 2- ARGENTINA GP, Termas de Rio Hondo, APRIL 8 Director General of QREC maintenance and modernization 3- AMERICAS GP, Circuit of the Americas, APRIL (22) Nasser Sherida Al Kaabi said of the Longchamp track. 4- SPANISH GP, Circuito de Jerez, (MAY 6) Qatar’s sponsorship of foreign This August 2016 file photo shows a race action during Qatar- This sponsorship has had a sig- sponsored Goodwood event. 5- FRENCH GP, Le Mans, (MAY 20) races has had a significant impact nificant impact on the development on the development of local eques- of the equestrian level within 6- ITALIAN GP, Autodromo di Mugello, (JUNE 3) trian events and has been a world through its external partic- under the new 10-year partner- Qatar. The festival has become a 7- CATALUNYA GP, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, (JUNE 17) defining feature of Qatari eques- ipation, and a lot of owners and ship between Qatar and the global forum of Qatari excellence 8- DUTCH GP, TT Circuit Assen, (JULY 1) trian. It has also helped the trainers attend the auctions and put Goodwood track. in all fields. It has also been a strong 9- GERMAN GP, Sachsenring, (JULY 15) presence of a large number of their eyes on the production of Al Kaabi said the Qatari attach- announcement of the level of 10- CZECH GP, Automotodrom Brno, (AUGUST 5) famous horse owners in France Qatar, and there are those who ment to Goodwood is very Qatari horses. 11- AUSTRIAN GP, Red Bull Ring - Spielberg, AUGUST 12) and Britain in the international want the Qatari production specif- important, especially since the two Besides the high level of horses races organised in Qatar. ically for its global fame. partners are involved in a multi- among Qatari owners, which was 12- BRITISH GP, Circuit to be announced, (AUGUST 26) He pointed out that there are Al Kaabi pointed to the increase centuries-long event. reflected positively on the level of 13- SAN MARINO GP, Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, (SEPT 9) many benefits that the Qatari in sales of Qatari horses He declared that horse racing local races. Thus, there was a 14- ARAGON GP, MotorLand Aragon, (SEPTEMBER 23) equestrian gained through the significantly. is the second largest sport after remarkable development on the

15- THAI GP, Chang International Circuit, (OCTOBER 7) organisation of foreign races. The director revealed that the football in England, and the Qatar local level, thanks to the plans set The Qatari horses have taken sponsorship of the Qatar for Good- Goodwood Festival is a unique by the Board of Directors of the a great reputation around the wood was first announced in 2015 event that everyone looks forward Racing Club and Equestrian. FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 17

Boxing: Golovkin ready to hit Davis Cup: Confident France the jackpot in Las Vegas take on Serbia in the semis Las Vegas AFP Paris beaten in the fourth round at the France’s captain ennady Golovkin is AFP US Open. Yannick Noah (right) undaunted by the chal- A similar note of caution was and Jo-Wilfried lenge of fighting for the annick Noah’s France sounded by Noah ahead of the G Tsonga in Lillee first time in Las Vegas, saying take on star-starved tie being held on the same clay defending his titles against Serbia and 28-time where France lost the 2014 final yesterday. Canelo Alvarez will be like champions Australia to Roger Federer’s going on a date with a beau- face Belgium in the Switzerland. tiful girl. DavisY Cup semi-finals this “We are sufficiently intelli- Three belt champion weekend. gent to know that it’s going to be Golovkin will be the under- Lucas Pouille leads hosts a difficult match,” the 1983 dog when he faces Mexico’s France into battle in Lille against French Open winner said. hard-hitting Alvarez tomor- Dusan Lajovic in today’s open- “Even if their players aren’t row night in a 12-round mega ing singles. at the top of the rankings they’ve world title fight at the That’s followed by French got nothing to lose. We won’t be T-Moblie Arena. number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga playing an exhibition match this “It is like you are going crossing swords with Davis Cup weekend.” with your new girlfriend, Oh debutant Laslo Djere, the high- Serbia won their sole Davis yeah,” he said of his excite- est-rated Serbian at No.80 in the Cup title in 2010, beating France ment about the fight for world. in Belgrade 3-2. middleweight supremacy. Noah’s team are favoured to France, who secured their The 35-year-old from progress to the final against a ticket to the semi-finals after Kazakhstan told reporters at Serbian side sorely missing seeing off Great Britain 4-1 in the Aussie coach Lleyton Hewitt been working round the clock to teenager Andrey Rublev 7-5, 7-6 a news conference yesterday injured former world No.1 and last eight, are seeking a 10th title explained the switch, telling the ensure Goffin’s presence after (7/5) in the fourth round. at the MGM Grand Hotel and 12-time Grand Slam winner but first in 16 years. Davis Cup’s official website: the Belgian star injured his left Next up on the indoor clay Casino that he doesn’t con- Novak Djokovic, Viktor Troicki In Brussels, Belgium’s David “John is match hardened, he’s knee at the US Open. court in the Belgian capital Aus- sider himself an underdog and Janko Tipsarevic. Goffin (ranked 12 in the world) played a lot of five-set tennis, “I feel good, everything’s tralia’s gifted but combustible against Alvarez, who is eight But Pouille insisted despite will be out to embellish his phe- particularly in New York. We OK,” Goffin told Belgian radio Nick Kyrgios (20th) faces years his junior. their rankings superiority the nomenal record in the have full belief in that he can do RTBF. 33-year-old Steve Darcis (77). “This is my game, my semi-final was no foregone con- competition against 185th the job for us.” “My knee hurt after the US Kyrgios, who helped Aus- fight” he said. “I am the boss. clusion for France. ranked Australian John Goffin, ranked No.12 in the Open, but day by day it got bet- tralia beat the US in the quarters, I am the champion.” “We are not over confident, Millman. world, has won 13 of his 14 Davis ter so I told (coach) Johan Van was picked by Hewitt despite his Golovkin has waited a we’ve got an enormous amount Millman’s appearance in the Cup matches, the lone loss com- Herck that I was 100 percent first round exit at Flushing Mead- long time to get his first fight of respect for this team (Serbia) opening singles represented a ing in the 2015 final to Britain’s available for the team.” ows. The victorious semi-finalists on the boxing’s biggest stage which has a lot of very good surprise with the slot expected Andy Murray. Goffin, the ninth seed in New will meet in the 2017 final sched- in the United States. He is players,” said Pouille, who was to go to Thanasi Kokkinakis. Belgian’s medical team have York, was stunned by Russian uled for the end of November. undefeated with a 37-0 record and has fought in 22 cities and seven different DAVIS CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAWS Dodin out of countries but never in Sin City. Quebec City “The biggest day is com- At Lille (clay court, outdoor) ing. This is a true fight, there France v Serbia WTA event is a lot of money coming,” Golovkin said. Friday (from 1100) Several years ago Lucas Pouille (FRA x22) v Dusan Lajovic (SRB x80) Montreal Golovkin hired a much Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x18) v Laslo Djere (SRB x95) AFP French’s captain younger Alvarez to be one of his sparring partners at a Saturday (from 1200) Yannick Noah and efending champion Oceane training camp in Big Bear, Nicolas Mahut/Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) v Nenad Serbia’s captain Dodin of France withdrew California. Zimonjic/Filip Krajinovic (SRB) Nenad Zimonjic. Dfrom the WTA tournament So there is some famili- in Quebec City yesterday com- arity between the two but Sunday (from 1100) plaining of dizziness. Golovkin expects Alvarez to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x18) v Dusan Lajovic (SRB x80) The sudden departure of the come into the fight with a few Lucas Pouille (FRA x22) v Laslo Djere (SRB x95) Second seed Zhang beaten by second seed, ranked 48th in the new wrinkles in his game world, saw American Caroline plan. At Brussels (clay court, indoor) qualifier in Tokyo Dolehide, ranked 161st, secure a “He might bring some Belgium v Australia quarter-final berth by new ideas to this fight. I am Tokyo walkover. ready for anything,” Golovkin Friday (from 1200) AFP Dodin began warming up said. “I am ready to fight. It is David Goffin (BEL x12) v John Millman (AUS x185) about an hour before the sched- a first class fight.” Steve Darcis (BEL x77) v Nick Kyrgios (AUS x20) hina’s Zhang Shuai became the latest seed to exit the uled start of her match, but soon Alvarez, who has only lost Japan Women’s Open yesterday when she was ambushed decided she couldn’t play. once in 51 fights (49-1-1), said Saturday (from 1300) Cby Kazakh qualifier Zarina Diyas. Three other matches were he trained 10 weeks for this Arthur De Greef/Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) v Jordan The 23-year-old Diyas, ranked 72 places below Zhang at completed, with third-seeded bout. Thompson/John Peers (AUS) 100th in the world, thrashed the second seed 6-4, 6-2 in Tokyo, Timea Babos of Hungary battling “I just want to say I am meaning only two of the top eight-ranked players in the tour- past Naomi Broady of Britain 6-2, prepared. I know it is going Sunday (from 1200) nament have survived to reach the quarter-finals. 5-7, 6-2. to be a tough fight,” Alvarez David Goffin (BEL x12) v Nick Kyrgios (AUS x20) Eighth seed Yulia Putintseva made it a red letter day for Broady broke serve in the 12th

said. Steve Darcis (BEL x77) v John Millman (AUS x185) Kazakhstan against Chinese opponents by ousting Han Xin- game of the second set to force a Alvarez’s trainer Eddy yun, who retired with a hip injury when trailing 6-2, 2-0. deciding set, then won the first Reynoso said training camp game of the third. was a success and his fighter is in top condition. “We had a great prepara- tion, more than 14 years to prepare for this fight,” Rey- noso said. “We had a great Alonso still unsure about his future camp, no injuries, everything went well.” Golovkin’s trainer Abel Sanchez said the two fight- Singapore first and only priority so I will wait to “The priority is Formula One... and the ers’ punching power will AFP make a decision on that before making Triple Crown is in the background. make for an interesting decisions on other series. “I’m waiting for my current team to contest. ernando Alonso (pictured left) yes- “At the same time I want to give time make their decisions and after that, to “We look for a dramatic terday said he’d give McLaren a to my team. After the last three years, the negotiate.” fight, an explosive fight,” F chance to settle their plans before struggles we went through together, to He added: “For my fans and for mot- Sanchez said. “These two making a decision about his future -- but have time for them to make decisions, to orsport lovers, they will have a fantastic guys have the styles that are warned that he wouldn’t stick around in see the future, next year’s car. And after 2018 season. The plan is ongoing and very going to give us a fight we will a losing car. they take decisions I will take mine.” good news is coming.” remember for a long time.” The frustrated two-time world cham- Alonso’s comments appear to hint that Alonso last month denied telling Golovkin might not want pion has been making noises all season he will stay at McLaren next year if they McLaren he’d quit if they don’t ditch to admit it but Sanchez says about quitting the British team, who are axe Honda, which is strongly rumoured Honda. Multiple reports say Honda will that it bothers him that as the widely expected to dump their misfiring to happen before Sunday’s race. open a partnership with Toro Rosso, World Boxing Council, World Honda engines and go with Renault Alonso, 36, is one of the oldest driv- whose driver Carlos Sainz is tipped to join Boxing Association and Inter- instead. ers on the grid, and he also hankers after Renault as part of the deal. national Boxing Federation Alonso’s car has failed to complete six becoming only the second man after Gra- Sainz said he couldn’t comment on middleweight champion he races this season, and his best finish so ham Hill to complete motorsport’s Triple the rumours but he added: “My ambition is not favored to win. far is sixth. He said he had “many options” Crown -- winning the Monaco Grand Prix, is to try and be a world champion one day. “People are picking both inside and outside of Formula One, Indy 500 and Le Mans. Whatever path there is, I will take the Canelo and that motivates but added that “very good news is Alonso last year skipped Monaco to shortest path.” him more.” coming”. race the Indy 500 but he seemed hope- World championship leader Lewis Sanchez said Golovkin “Whatever I do next year is because I ful that he would contest the famous street Hamilton, who has won two of his three lost some of his popularity want to win. I will not be around in any Grand Prix next season. drivers’ titles since leaving McLaren for after his last fight in March series to be fighting for top 10 or top 15,” “If I remain in Formula One it is Mercedes in 2013, said: “Formula One is because he had to go the dis- he told reporters ahead of the Singapore because I can believe that I can win next like a game of chess. tance to beat Daniel Jacobs Grand Prix. year. So that will make the decision a lot “It’s really about picking your moves instead of knocking the chal- “There are many options out there easier because I will be in Monaco because at the right time and hopefully you have lenger out. that I’m looking at. Formula One is my I won’t want to lose any points,” he said. enough options.” 18 SPORT FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2017

India opener Dhawan to Waqar joins Islamabad United miss three Australia ODIs Islamabad room greatly.” Waqar, also Former Agencies present at the press conference, Pakistan coach New Delhi echoed Misbah’s thoughts. Waqar Younis AFP ormer Pakistan fast “Misbah and I relied on and (left) is seen bowler and two-time helped each other out in the low- ndia opening batsman with retired head coach of the est of times for Pakistan cricket. Shikhar Dhawan has been Pakistan Test Pakistan team, Waqar Having been through the expe- released from the team for skipper Misbah I Younis, has been rience we had from 2010 to 2012 the first three one-day inter- F appointed bowling coach and is something that will always be Ul Haq (right) nationals against Australia to Director Cricket by Pakistan with me, so it feels great to be and Islamabad tend to his unwell wife, the Super League franchise Islama- reunited with someone I have United team country’s cricket board (BCCI) bad United. worked with so much over the owner Ali said yesterday. The director’s role was pre- past seven years. Naqvi. “Dhawan has requested viously held by Wasim Akram. “When I used to see PSL from to be released from the team Waqar and Akram had earlier the outside, Islamabad United for the first three ODIs... to been touted for a reunion on the seemed like a family to me and attend to his wife, who is Multan Sultans coaching staff, I am thrilled to be a part of it. We unwell,” the BCCI said in a but it hadn’t materialised. all want the PSL to come back to statement. The announcement was Pakistan and we are on the right The hosts would not made by Islamabad United team track.” name a replacement for the owner Ali Naqvi, and captain Waqar had two stints as head left-handed batsman, with Misbah-ul-Haq. coach of Pakistan, which fol- Ajinkya Rahane and KL Rahul Misbah said, “For any cap- lowed two stints as bowling Naqvi said there were “no found the ideal man for this role. lone IPL season, with the both able to play at the top. tain who is a batsman it is coach after his international issues” between Akram and the Not only does he have years of Hyderabad team, his team fin- Virat Kohli’s India will advantageous to have a coach retirement. This will be his first franchise. coaching experience with the ished with the best bowling face Australia in the first ODI who is a great bowler, someone foray as a coach in the PSL, but “Wasim Akram was a great national team - both as a bowl- numbers in the tournament pro- in Chennai on Sunday before he can trust and who commands he has experience in franchise teacher for our bowlers. There ing coach and a head coach - but vided enough evidence for us to matches in Kolkata and respect both with the local play- cricket from his time as bowling were no issues with him. We are a lot of his success has been with go after him.” Indore. ers and the foreign players. coach of the Sunrisers Hydera- thankful for his services. Wasim many of our current players, Islamabad United had begun Dhawan is expected to Having worked with Waqar bhai bad during the Indian Premier worked with Rumman Raees and especially Misbah. the last edition of the PSL as return for the final two games before, I think his appointment League in 2013. taught him swing. Now we have “Furthermore, as a team that defending champions, and were in Bengaluru and Nagpur is a great one for Islamabad The Sunrisers had finished Waqar Younis who will teach believes in numbers, the fact that eliminated in the second quali- before the two teams take United, and one that will bene- with the best economy rate that him toe-crushers.” along with his great numbers fying play-off by the Karachi part in a three-match fit our bowlers and our dressing year. “I think in Waqar we have with the national team, in his Kings. Twenty20 series. Golf: Spieth ‘excited’ as Bruce, Perez star FedEx Cup battle heats up for the Indians New York AFP BASEBALL RESULTS La Dodgers 4 San Francisco 1 Chicago third in the Cup AFP standings ahead ay Bruce and Roberto Perez La Angels 9 Houston 1 of Matsuyama each homered as the Cleve- Arizona 8 Colorado 2 wo runner-up finishes in the US PGA and Rahm. J land Indians set an American Cincinnati 6 St. Louis 0 Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs have only “They’re League record with their 21st Milwaukee 8 Pittsburgh 2 whetted Jordan Spieth’s (pictured really good consecutive win, a 5-3 victory T Minnesota 3 San Diego 1 right) appetite for a victory at this week’s players at a very over the Detroit Tigers BMW Championship. early age,” John- yesterday. Chicago Cubs 17 NY Mets 5 The third leg of the playoffs tees off at son said. “I like The 2002 Oakland Athlet- Seattle 8 Texas 1 Conway Farms near Chicago. seeing it. The ics previously held the AL Oakland 7 Boston 3 His two second-place finishes in the first game needs it, record with a 20-game winning Baltimore 2 Toronto 1 two legs of the four-tournament series have and it pushes me streak. Spieth atop the playoff standings -- with the to keep working The Indians are also tied Atlanta 8 Washington 2 series winner after the concluding Tour harder. So I like with the 1935 Chicago Cubs for Philadelphia 8 Miami 1 Championship lifting the FedEx Cup and its it.” the second-longest winning Chicago White Sox 5 Kansas City 3

$10m bonus. Any player streak in major league history. Ny Yankees 3 Tampa Bay 2 “Very excited,” Spieth said yesterday. in the top five in The longest is 26 games by the “I’m in a great position, looking to obviously the standings 1916 New York Giants, although Cleveland 5 Detroit 3 stay in the number one spot. The FedEx Cup can claim the there was a tie game during that is a tremendous accomplishment, something bonus with a streak. 17th homer of the season in the I’m certainly striving for.” victory in the Mike Clevinger (10-5) gave eighth to tie the score. San At 24, Spieth already has the 2015 FedEx Tour Champion- up one earned run in 5 2/3 Diego stranded two more in the Cup on his resume, along with three major ship -- and only innings. Cody Allen pitched the eighth. titles -- the most recent at this year’s British the top 30 play- ninth inning to earn his 27th Dodgers 4, Giants 1 Open. ers will advance save. Cody Bellinger backed the His friend and fellow 24-year-old Justin to the season Twins 3, Padres 1 (10 strong pitching of right-hander Thomas, who won his first major at the PGA finale in Atlanta. innings) Yu Darvish with an RBI triple Championship in August, beat Spieth to the “I’ve won a Eddie Rosario’s two-run, and a two-run homer to help Dell Championship title in Massachusets two major,” 2016 US two-out homer in the 10th Los Angeles beat San weeks ago and comes into Conway Farms Open champion inning sent Minnesota past San Francisco. second in the standings, 27 points behind Johnson said. “I Diego. Darvish (9-12) pitched Spieth. haven’t won the Joe Mauer hit a one-out sin- seven shutout innings and com- World number one Dustin Johnson who FedEx Cup. To gle, and Rosario followed with bined with Brandon Morrow beat Spieth in a playoff in the Northern Trust, me, they pretty a towering homer to right field and Walker Buehler on a five- the opening playoff event in August, admit- much go hand- off rookie Phil Maton (3-1) on a hitter. The Dodgers, who sealed ted that tussling with the likes of Spieth and in-hand. It’s a big tournament where we get missed the cut at TPC Boston and is 51st in 2-0 count. Matt Belisle (2-2) a playoff berth with their vic- Thomas, not to mention 25-year-old Hideki paid very, very well if we win. So it means a the standings. pitched 1 2/3 perfect innings for tory, lowered their magic Matsuyama and 22-year-old Spaniard Jon lot.” This week’s tournament sees defend- Reigning Masters champion Sergio Gar- the Twins, who have won two number to win the National Rahm, can have him feeling all of his 33 ing FedEx Cup champion Rory McIlroy cia, currently 34th in the standings, needs in a row and five of their past League West to seven. years. fighting for his playoff life. an 18th-placed finish to advance, while a seven. The Giants advanced only “I wouldn’t say I feel old, but yeah, I’m The Northern Ireland star, desperately win would boost him into the top five in the The Padres left two runners one baserunner into scoring the oldest, for sure,” said Johnson, currently trying to salvage a season disrupted by injury, standings. on after Austin Hedges hit his position against Darvish. Wallabies, Pumas desperate for maiden win

Sydney Marika Koroibete would become the Argentina for their last two matches in clash and selected Tomas Lezana, who first half last week. I think they’ll do Reuters 22nd new cap blooded in the last two the competition. Matches between the usually plays at flanker, as his fourth what they’ve done before, move the ball seasons if he comes off the bench. two countries are generally high-scor- number eight in as many matches. around, try and take us in the middle ustralia and Argentina are in the Cheika was left brooding in frustra- ing affairs with the points tally in last Australia number eight Sean McMa- first... then they’ll try and shift it to their process of rebuilding towards the tion in Perth last Saturday after his side year’s clashes, both won by Australia, hon is also more usually seen in a pace out wide.” A 2019 World Cup but test rugby is gave up a 20-10 second half lead over exceeding the 50-mark. number seven shirt but Cheika thought Lezana’s back row colleague Pablo a results-based business and both will the Springboks, having also seen an Like the Wallabies, after running Hourcade’s selection was more about Matera said the Pumas were wary of the be desperate for a first Rugby Champi- early 17-0 advantage disappear in a loss New Zealand close in Dunedin in round exploiting a perceived Wallabies weak- backline challenge they would face in onship win of the season when they to the All Blacks in their previous match. two, the Pumas have taken some ness at the breakdown. in-form centre Kurtley Beale, adding meet in Canberra tomorrow. He will certainly be hoping his encouragement from a battling defeat “You’d have to think, looking at the that it was essential that the visitors got Wallabies coach Michael Cheika improving Wallabies can keep their foot against the All Blacks in New Plymouth team they’ve picked, they’re going to go off to a good start tomorrow. might only have tinkered around the on the gas if they get in front at Can- last week. hard on the ball on the ground,” Cheika “I know they need to win, same as edges of the team that drew 23-23 with berra Stadium, especially as they will Coach Daniel Hourcade has never- told reporters in Canberra yesterday. us, it’s going to be a really difficult South Africa last week but winger be on the road in South Africa and theless re-jigged his backline for today’s “That wasn’t a strong area for us in the match,” Matera said. FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 19 Bundesliga: Bayern Barcelona emerge from Munich live up to FC gloom to set the pace Hollywood tag Berlin Lewandowski’s comments. But Madrid Reuters Hoeness felt that players should Reuters be able to think for themselves ayern Munich are again and suggested that Rum- arcelona have living up to their FC Hol- menigge had over-reacted. emerged from a cloud Blywood tag, as a In the midst of all that, Bay- of pessimism to make combination of lacklustre per- ern were humbled 2-0 by a perfect start to their formances, public Hoffenheim last Saturday, La Liga campaign and disagreements and talk of a increasing the pressure on Btravel to Getafe tomorrow look- successor to coach Carlo Ance- former Real Madrid and Chel- ing to stretch their advantage lotti (pictured) has provided an sea coach Ancelotti whose first over Real Madrid, whose early abundance of early-season season was regarded as under- optimism has been dampened. drama. whelming despite retaining the A pall of gloom hung over Bayern’s start to the season Bundesliga. the Catalans in the close season has not been particularly bad Former Bayern Munich following the departure of Ney- with two wins and a defeat in midfielder Mario Basler said in mar to Paris St Germain and the Bundesliga, and a 3-0 win a television interview that his other failures in the transfer over Anderlecht in the Cham- sources had told him that Ance- market, leading club members pions League on Tuesday. lotti would cut short his to sign a petition of no confi- But expectations are so high contract in January and go to dence against the club at the Bavarian club that even work in China - something the president. a minor slip-up, or failure to Italian quickly brushed aside. Yet their off the pitch prob- score five or six goals against “I prefer to speak about lems have seemingly had no supposedly inferior opponents, serious things, but that’s a joke,” effect on their performances. causes headlines. he said. Three wins from three has Forward Thomas Mueller The win over Anderlecht, put them top of the table and was the first to wash his laun- although comfortable, failed to with a four-point advantage Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring their third goal with Luis Suarez (left) and dry in public when he ease the pressure as Bayern’s over rivals Real, who have stum- Ousmane Dembele (right) during the Champions League match against Juventus at Camp complained about being left out performance was considered bled with two draws in their last Nou, Barcelona on Tuesday. of the starting line-up for the insufficient against opponents two games in the absence of the match against Werder Bremen who had Sven Kums sent off suspended Cristiano Ronaldo. emphatic 3-0 Champions to earth. They travel to high-fly- “Ronaldo is a key player for us, three weeks ago. after 10 minutes. Barca, fresh from Tuesday’s League victory over Juventus, ing Real Sociedad in Sunday’s late he’s always there and always Then it was Robert Forward Arjen Robben will have the chance provision- kickoff without the suspended scores,” Zidane said. Lewandowski’s turn. In a mag- admitted it was not good LA LIGA FIXTURES ally to move seven points clear duo of left back Marcelo and Ron- “I hope it’s the last game of azine interview, the Polish enough. of Real and Atletico Madrid and aldo, who serves the final match the season that we’re without forward criticised Bayern’s “We have to question our- All Times in GMT coach Ernesto Valverde has indi- of a five-game domestic ban for him. We’ve not got Cristiano nor refusal to match the huge trans- selves. We have to talk about Today cated he will give game time to pushing a referee. Benzema, but we will have other fer fees splashed out by the this and we have to improve it,” Eibar vs Leganes (1900) fringe players. Real, who are also without players and we’ll do well. likes of Paris St Germain and he said. Tomorrow “Up to now some players injured French striker Karim “We’ve won two trophies in Barcelona. Levante vs Valencia (1100) have played more than others Benzema, are desperately miss- spectacular fashion already and “If you want to compete at Getafe vs Barcelona (1415) but everyone will get their ing Ronaldo’s goalscoring we played well (in the 2-2 draw) the top, you need to have these chance,” he said. instinct. against Valencia. Against quality players,” he said. Real Betis vs Deportivo Coruna (1630) “I picked the best set of lads The Portuguese’s impor- Levante (1-1) we weren’t good Lewandowski was criti- Atletico Madrid vs Malaga (1845) to get the job done against Juve tance was further illustrated as and we weren’t against APOEL cised by Bayern’s chief Sunday and I’ll see who I think the best he scored twice in Wednesday’s in the first half either. Against executive Karl-Heinz Rum- Alaves vs Villarreal (1000) are for Getafe.” 3-0 Champions League victory Real Sociedad this weekend we menigge who in turn was Girona FC vs Sevilla (1415) Spanish and European over APOEL Nicosia. need to start in a different questioned by the club presi- Las Palmas vs Athletic Club (1630) champions Real Madrid began Sociedad sit alongside Barce- manner.” dent Uli Hoeness. the campaign by winning the lona at the top with nine points Atletico Madrid will play Rummenigge, like Hoeness Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid (1845) continental and Spanish Super from their first three games and their first game at their new a former Bayern player, said the Monday Cups to firmly establish them- Real coach Zinedine Zidane said Wanda Metropolitano stadium club had a “serious and suc-

Espanyol vs Celta Vigo (1900) selves as the country’s dominant his side will need to improve this as they host pointless Malaga cessful philosophy that has force, but their last two league weekend as he looks to compen- while Levante host Valencia in brought us big success.” results have brought them down sate for attacking absentees. the Valencian derby. He regretted

Ronaldo could Real Madrid’s forward Germans on top of rankings again have scored four Cristiano Ronaldo goals: Zidane applauds Zurich TOP TEN RANKINGS War-torn Syria, who have after the UEFA Reuters reached the Asian playoff stage Madrid Champions (Previous positions in brackets) in the World Cup qualifiers Reuters League match orld champions Ger- 1. Germany (2) 2. Brazil (1) 3. Portugal despite playing their ‘home’ against APOEL many pushed Brazil (6) 4. Argentina (3) 5. Belgium (9) 6. World Cup qualifiers in Malay- eal Madrid coach Zined- FC in Madrid on Wback into second Poland (5) 7. Switzerland (4) 8. France sia because of the security ine Zidane warned place to return to the top of the situation in the country, rose to

Wednesday. (10) 9. Chile (7) 10. Colombia (8) R defences around Europe FIFA rankings, which was pub- their highest-ever ranking of 75. that Cristiano Ronaldo is only lished yesterday. Three other teams reached just getting started when the Germany’s 2-1 win away their best-ever place - Peru Portuguese returned to action to the Czech Republic and their second in their World Cup (12th), Northern Ireland (20th) after a month by scoring twice 6-0 drubbing of Norway in the qualifying group behind and Luxemburg (101st) after in a 3-0 win over APOEL Nico- World Cup qualifiers lifted Switzerland. they held France to a 0-0 draw sia on Wednesday. them over the already-quali- In another surprise, Argen- away. Ronaldo coolly rolled Gareth later denied a hat-trick by an off- him, he always scores goals. We fied Brazil, who dropped tina are fourth in the rankings The rankings made disap- Bale’s cross into the far corner side flag. know what Cristiano offers.” points in a draw away to despite struggling to qualify for pointing reading for Asia with to score in the 12th minute and “If he had been in better Ronaldo was hit with a five- Colombia. the World Cup after drawing only three sides in the top 50 could have scored on three fur- shape he’d have scored four game domestic ban for pushing European champions Por- their last two games - away to - Iran, Japan and Australia. The ther occasions before he doubled goals,” Zidane told reporters. a referee in the Spanish Super tugal climbed three places to Uruguay and at home to next FIFA rankings will be Real’s lead from the penalty spot “He is the best in the world, Cup first leg against Barcelona third -- even though they are Venezuela. announced on October 16. in the second half, while he was he is always there when we want on August 13. What a difference a year makes for Arsenal and Chelsea

London The north London club three-match winning run fol- PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES Reuters came fifth, missing out on the lowing a shock opening-day All times in GMT Champions League for the first home defeat by Burnley. rsenal’s clash with Chel- time in 20 years, and thus go After their 6-0 victory at Today sea a year ago marked into Sunday’s showdown at home to woeful Azeri side Qara- Bournemouth vs Brighton and A the turning point in a sea- Stamford Bridge off the back of bag on Tuesday, Chelsea Hove Albion (1900) son that finished with the a Thursday night match against goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Tomorrow Premier League title heading to Cologne in the Europa League. said they were relishing the Crystal Palace vs Southampton (1130) Antonio Conte’s side at Stam- Chelsea, meanwhile, will prospect of facing the Huddersfield Town vs Leicester City (1400) ford Bridge. have had a four-day break fol- Gunners. Liverpool vs Burnley (1400) Arsene Wenger’s team lowing their Champions League “Sometimes it is good to face inflicted a 3-0 defeat on their mauling of Qarabag on Antonio Conte Arsene Wenger a big team early,” he said. Newcastle United vs Stoke City (1400) rivals at The Emirates that day Tuesday. “Last year it didn’t work out Watford vs Manchester City (1400) but Conte used the experience Although the circumstances Thursday night is no different Arsenal to avoid a third succes- against Liverpool and Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion vs to change his formation and are very different from this time for us, apart from the fact that sive league defeat on the road but this season we have already West Ham United (1400) Chelsea went on a 13-match last year, when Arsenal were in it’s a different competition, but having already come unstuck at won at Tottenham. It is good to Tottenham Hotspur vs Swansea City (1630) winning league run. the Champions League and when you play Wednesday-Sat- Stoke City and Liverpool, where face Arsenal now. Sunday For Arsenal, it was to be Chelsea were not even in urday it’s similar to they were thrashed 4-0. “We are doing well. After the Chelsea vs Arsenal (1230)

their only victory all season Europe, it is business as usual Thursday-Sunday,” the French- Chelsea, on the other hand, bad first half against Burnley, I

Manchester United vs Everton (1500) against any of the teams who for Wenger. man said this week. have once again learned from think all our performances have finished in the top four. “Wednesday night or The pressure will be on their mistakes to put together a been good.”