SPORT Sunday 16 September 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 27 Hamilton sparkles Barcelona fight to claim pole in back to beat Singapore Real Sociedad Sjostrom, Chupkov seal Cluster 1 wins as Hosszu dazzles with seven golds FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA YESTERDAY’S PODIUM WINNERS Men’s 400m Individual Medley : Three new World Cup 1: David Verraszto (HUN) 4:13.44 records, another brace of titles for 2: Maksym Shemberev (AZE) 4:13.61 Sarah Sjostrom, and three more 3: Tomas Peribonto (ECU) 4:17.02 gold medals for Katinka Hosszu Women’s 800m Freestyle highlighted the eventful final day 1: Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 8:34.58 of FINA Swimming World Cup 2: Chanzhen Zhou (CHN) 8:35.67 2018 Doha edition at the Hamad 3: Andrea Zapatero (ESP) 8:43.99 Aquatic Centre, yesterday. Swedish sprint queen Sjostrom Women’s 100m Butterfly and Russia’s Anton Chupkov 1: Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 56.46 emerged as the Cluster 1 winners 2: Kimberly Buys (BEL) 58.23 3: Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 59.40 after the second leg as hosted the event successfully for Men’s 50m Butterfly the seventh consecutive year. 1: Andrii Govorov (UKR) 22.82 Fans who turned out in good 2: Michael Andrew (USA) 23.21 numbers at the iconic Doha pool, 3: Ryan Coetzee (RSA) 23.54 couldn’t asked for more thrilling action on the last day which Women’s 200m Backstroke 1: Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 2:11.00 started with a record 2: Kira Toussaint (NED) 2:13.24 performance. 3: Yuru Jiang (CHN) 2:14.54 Hungary’s David Verraszto set a World Cup record in first race of Men’s 100m Backstroke the day, racing to victory in men’s 1: Mitchell Larkin (AUS) 53.68 400m IM, clocking 4.13:44. He 2: Michael Andrew (USA) 54.11 The FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 Doha edition cluster 1 winners, Swedish sprint queen Sarah Sjostrom and Russia’s Anton Chupkov 3: Vladimir Morozov (RUS) 55.07 lowered his own record of 4:14.89 (third left) pose for a photograph with the President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation Ali Al Hitmi (right) during the presentation ceremony he registered at his home event in at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha yesterday. PICTURE BY: HUSSEIN SAYED Women’s 50m Breaststroke 2015. 1: Yuliya Efimova (RUS) 30.43 “I never expected that time, 2: Vitalina Simonova (RUS) 32.01 and I am very happy with the while another home swimmer South African star Chad Le in Kazan, I’m really happy with the 3: Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 32.81 result. Revenge, was in my mind Omar Ashraf took 5:16.34 to com- Clos, returning to action after drop in time… and hopefully it in the last 50 meters because I lost plete the distance. fever, took 5th position with a time didn’t really take too much out of Men’s 200m Breaststroke the last race,” Verraszto said. After setting a new World Cup of 23.80. me,” she said after her victory.” 1: Anton Chupkov (RUS) 2:08.77 Azerbaijan’s Maksym Shem- record in women’s 50m butterfly Meanwhile, Chupkov’s gold The Hungarian star then 2: Arno Kamminga (NED) 2:11.21 3: Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 2:11.61 berev clocked 4:13.61 for second on Friday, Sjostrom lowered her medal in men’s 200m breaststroke claimed women’s 200m back- place, while Ecuador’s Tomas Per- own Kazan record in women’s was enough to give him victory in stroke and 200m individual Women’s 100m Freestyle ibonto was third with a time of 100m butterfly, marking 56.46 to the first cluster. medley titles to complete her set 1: Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 53.13 4:17.02. Qatari swimmer Mohamed win the title. In Kazan, she posted “The race was very difficult of 7 gold medals in the three-day 2: Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 53.29 Mahmoud finished on a creditable a time of 57.42. and I think I did well. I enjoyed leg. 3: Femke Heemskerk (NED) 5th spot with a time of 5:04.08, The Swedish star then claimed first cluster and swimming in Meanwhile, Aussie Mitchell victory in women’s 100m freestyle It was very busy the last Qatar. Thank you, Doha for your Larkin also secured a gold medal Men’s 200m Freestyle 1: Blake Pieroni (USA) 1:47.20 Swedish sprint queen Sarah in 43.13 for her 5th gold medal in couple of weeks, 10 gold hospitality,” Chupkov said. on the last day by winning the Sjostrom, Hungary’s David 2: Kyle Stolk (NED) 0.70 1:49.45 Doha and 10th title in Cluster 1. medals in two legs, I am Hosszu finished the Doha men’s 100m backstroke, clocking 3: Lorenz Weiremans (BEL) 1:49.68 Verraszto and Ukraine’s “I am very much happy meeting as the most decorated 53.68. America’s Michael Andrew very happy: Sjostrom Andrii Govorov set new because I was a lot faster than a swimmer, winning a total of 7 gold (54.11), and Russia’s Vladimir Women’s 200m Individual Medley few days ago in Russia. I was tar- and 3 bronze medals. ‘The Iron Morozov (55.07) were second and 1: Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 2:11.57 World Cup records at the geting to be faster in Doha, than Lady’ also claimed a silver and a third respectively. Qatari 2: Yuliya Efimova (RUS) 2:13.60 Hamad Aquatic Centre. in Kazan and I am happy that I record of the day. He held the bronze medal in team events. swimmer Abdulaziz Al Obaidly 3: Sishi Zhang (CHN) 2:14.23 have achieved that,” said Sjostrom. record of 22.87 he recorded in She clinched her first gold finished 6th with a creditable time Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay “It was very busy the last Kazan. medal of the last night by winning of 1:01.87. Katinka Hosszu finishes 1: The Netherlands (Kira Toussaint, Arno couple of weeks, 10 gold medals “It’s nice to increase your the women’s 800m freestyle, Swimmers will return to action Kamminga, Mathys Goosen, Femke the Doha meeting as the in two legs, I am very happy,” she times from cluster to cluster. I’ve racing to victory in 8:34.58. She at the third leg of FINA Swimming Heemskerk) 3:49.18 most decorated swimmer, said. been really excited to be here and overcame ’s Chanzhen Zhou, World Cup 2018, which will be 2: China (Yuru Jiang, Zhihao Zhang, Sishi Zhang, Zheqi Lin) 3:58.36 winning a total of 7 gold Ukraine’s Andrii Govorov bet- race fast. Next for me is to work who came in second with a time held in Eindhoven, Netherlands tered his own record to win the towards long course world cham- of 8:35.67, while Spain’s was third from September 28 to 30. All the 3: Hungary (Katinka Hosszu, David and 3 bronze medals. men’s 50m butterfly with a time pionships,” the Ukrainian with a time of 8:43.99 remaining five meetings will Verraszto, Daniel Dudas, Zsuzsanna Jakabos) 3:59.43 of 22.82, for third World Cup swimmer said. “Twelve seconds faster than feature short course events. Umm Salal pick up points with thrilling win over Al Gharafa THE PENINSULA Salal stunned Al Gharafa by pro- Just when everyone thought ducing the first goal of the match both teams would walk off the DOHA: Umm Salal fought back with a slick finish. Al Mawas, pitch with Al Ahli leading 1-0 at in style yesterday beating former unmarked with acres of space, halftime, Hassan made it 2-0 in champions Al Gharafa 3-2 in their curled in from outside the box to injury time with a shot that hit round five clash of the QNB Stars beat Al Gharafa’s U-23 keeper the top of the net. League (QSL). Yusuf Hassan Ali with a pacy shot. In the 56th minute, Al Mahmoud Almawas (28), In the 36th minute, Al Gharafa Kharaitiyat reduced the deficit Yannick Sagbo (44) and Ismail produced the equaliser thanks to when Jugurta converted an easy Mahmoud (48) scored the goals fast legwork from Sneijder. The penalty, firing the ball to the left for Umm Salal at Al Gharafa former Dutch international of Al Ahli keeper Yazan Naim. Stadium. For the home team, weaved his way into the Umm Ten minutes later, Moutaouali Umm Salal’s Ismail Mahmoud (not in picture) scores their third goal against Al Gharafa during the QNB Amro Seraj (36) and Wesley Sne- Salal box but in an effort to take unleashed a powerful drive from PICTURE: MOHAMED FARAG ijder (40) scored the two goals. aim at the goal, he slipped. Amro Stars League Riund five match played at the Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. long range but this time keeper Al Gharafa captain Wesley Seraj, however, quickly recovered Sufyan blocked the shot. Sneijder, leading the Al Gharafa to fire a left-footed drive into the jumped to a 3-2 lead after a bullet Abdulraab Al Yazidi (70) at Al Ahli Sofyan produced a full-length However, Al Kharaitiyat’s hard team, kept the Umm Salal net. Four minutes later, Sneijder drive from Mahmoud from inside Stadium. dive to his right but the angle of work finally bore fruit in the 70th backline busy and tense with converted an easy penalty to give the Al Gharafa box. In the 35th minute, Al Ahli the ball beat him easily. It was minute. Substitute Al Yazidi corner and free kicks in the next Al Gharafa a 2-1 lead. It was Sne- Elsewhere, Al Ahli relied on broke the deadlock with a slick Moutaouali’s first goal of the flicked one above the heads of few minutes but the boys in white ijder’s third goal of the season. a Mohsine Moutaouali double to finish. After lapping up a cross season. everyone in the Al Ahli box off an held firm to kill all the moves. In A minute before the first-half beat Al Kharaitiyat 3-2 from the flank, Moutaouali Three minutes from the indirect corner kick for his side’s the 16th minute, Sneijder curled whistle, Umm Salal captain Sagbo yesterday. launched a brutal drive from first-half whistle, Al Ahli second goal. in a curling free-kick that sailed beat a couple of defenders for Moutaouali (35 and 78) and outside the box. The ball smashed defender Ali slipped in a near- In the 78th minute, Mouta- just inches past the Umm Salal pace before he drilled one from Magid Mohamed Hassan (45 + 3) into the goalpost but to the perfect cross to team mate Ali ouali put Al Ahli ahead for the goalpost with keeper Basel the edge of the box to get his draw scored the goals for Al Ahli. For dismay of Al Kharaitiyat sup- Fereydoun who failed to deflect second time in the match, this Zaidan beaten by the pace on the level at 2-2. It was Sagbo’s fourth Al Kharaitiyat, the goals were porters, the ball went into the net. the ball into the net from close time finding the net despite being ball. goal of the season. Three minutes scored by Hamroun Jugurtha (56, In an effort to block the shot, range with only goalkeeper shadowed by three Al Kharaitiyat In the 28th minute, Umm into the second half, Umm Salal penalty) and Mohammed Al Kharaitiyat keeper Ahmed Sofyan at his mercy. defenders. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 Large turnout expected at FIG Worlds in Doha THE PENINSULA Aspire Academy in helping us in “The Women’s Sports Com- expected to attend and the media the same,” Al Muftah said. mittee has also facilitated the pro- centre will be equipped with the DOHA: Fans will be in for a treat Sure of delivering an out- vision of two additional rooms in all the services needed.” when the global stars will be in standing event, he said the Qatar keeping with the standards of the The smooth work towards action in Doha during the 48th Gymnastics Federation was in a It is a catalyst for International Gymastics Feder- the organisation has been a FIG World Artistic Gymnastics near-ready state. “We have com- us to organise the ation (FIG). We are happy to do result of the seamless Championships which will be pleted almost all arrangements. 48th FIG World our best and seek the best,” he co-ordination. staged from October 25 to All championship apparatus will Artistic Gymnastics added. “The Qatar Olympic Com- November 3 at Aspire Dome. be installed at the championship Championships in To ensure that all areas with mittee and Qatar Gymnastics The organisers are finalising hall by on September 28 and the regards to the tournament are Federation are in constant the arrangements to host a mem- venue will be fully equipped,” he a distinctive way well provided for, the organisers contact with FIG and there is a orable event while the Director assured. which reflects Qatar’s have also sought co-operation great deal of cooperation which of Facilities of the Organising “I would like to thank the capabilities in hosting from the swimming federation reflects the confidence of the Committee for the champion- great support we have received world events: Al Muftah and the water sports international federation in the ships, Abdulrahman Al Muftah from the Organising Committee Abdulrahman Al Muftah committee. Qatari organisation. There are expects a large turnout at the first towards attaining our goals. We “We have succeeded in coop- specific requirements as needed worlds of the Middle East. have been keen on accomplishing catalyst for us to organise the “The tournament will be held erating with other federations, by FIG, but we have succeeded “We are expecting a large the tasks quickly and accurately. event in a distinctive way which at the Aspire Dome, and we are such as the Qatar Swimming in providing for all that, and audience during this tournament. It is the biggest meet in terms of reflects Qatar’s capabilities in providing four training halls and Association and the Water Sports have added more to achieve We have therefore increased the participation, the largest in the hosting world events,” Al Muftah a warm-up hall, besides the cham- Committee to ensure best greater success,” Al Muftah said. seating capacity to accommodate history of world gymnastics said. pionship hall. We have full coop- arrangements for all participating Over 700 gymnasts from 85 around 6,000 spectators. We Championship and we are proud Going into details of how eration of all officials from various delegates and the media,” he said. countries will be seen in action at appreciate the efforts and the that this extraordinary edition will everything is meticulously sub-committees for the champi- “More than 300 journalists the world gymnastics, the largest cooperation of the officials at the be unveiled in Qatar. It is a being attended to, he explained, onship to be able to provide this.” from all over the world are in the tournament’s history.

DGC presents world-class Doha Sports Park Drewitt, Bae and Prugh

David Moreland (left), Sports Director of Doha share lead in Web.com Golf Club (DGC), explains the features of the Doha Sports Park during a presentation at the Tour Finals event Qatar Golf Association (QGA) headquarters yesterday. The members of the media were AP also addressed by QGA General Secretary Fahad Al Naimi, General Manager Gary McGlinchey and QGA Executive Director IDAHO: Brad Drewitt shot an 8-under 63 on Friday for a Mohammed Faisal Al Naimi (right). Situated share of the lead with Sangmoon Bae and Alex Prugh in at the famous Doha Golf Club, the world the Albertsons Boise Open, the third of four Web.com Tour Finals events. class sporting facility offers state-of-the- Two-time PGA Tour winner Bae had a 67, and Prugh art football pitches and is also the home shot a 65 to match Drewitt at 10-under 132 at Hillcrest of the Doha Pearl Academy. The Sports Country Club. Fabian Gomez (68) and Henrik Norlander Park is available for hosting a wide range (67) were a stroke back. of sports events as well as non-sporting Prugh earned a PGA Tour card with a top-25 finish on the events. BOTTOM: The general view of one Web.com Tour’s regular-season money list. He made $23,143 of the six pitches of the new Doha Sports in the first two events in Ohio to jump from 18th to 12th. Park at the Doha Golf Club. “It means a lot to be in the northwest,” said Prugh, from PICS: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA Spokane, Washington. “It was only a 41-minute flight for me, and I have a lot of friends and family that are around. It’s nice seeing a bunch of friendly faces around and Boise puts on a great golf tournament here.” Bae and Drewitt are fighting to earn PGA Tour cards by finishing in the top 25 on the series money list. Bae made $38,156 in the first two events, with Seamus Power taking the final card last year at $40,625. Drewitt, from Australia, earned only $2,925 in the first two tournaments. Roberto Diaz (66) and Max Homa (66) were two strokes back at 8 under. First-round leader David Skinns followed his opening 64 with a 72. The Web.com Tour Championship is next week at Atlantic Beach Country Club in Florida. Japan preserve top tier status with 3-0 win against Bosnia

AFP Japan’s Ben McLachlan (top) and Yasutaka OSAKA: Japan preserved Uchiyama (bottom) their status in the Davis serve against Bosnia Cup’s top tier yesterday by and Herzegovina’s powering to doubles Tomislav Brkic and victory in their World Nerman Fatic during Group play-off against their doubles tennis Bosnia and Herzegovina. match at the Davis Cup Despite the absence of World Group play-off Japanese talisman Kei in Osaka yesterday. Nishikori, the home side took an unassailable 3-0 lead in Osaka after Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka France’s Nicolas Mahut (left) is watched by team-mate Julien Benneteau Uchiyama thrashed as he plays a return during their doubles match of the Davis Cup semi- Tomislav Brkic and final tennis against Spain at Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France yesterday. Nerman Fatic 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. Japan, beaten 3-1 at home by Italy in the World Group first round in Feb- Champions France cruise past ruary, completed a fourth consecutive playoff success to extend their Spain into Davis Cup final five-year stay at the Davis AFP Cup’s top table. of the man set to retire after the final. “We were sweating blood for After Naomi Osaka’s Davis Cup rookie Benoit Paire every point and in the end it was stunning US Open victory LILLE: Defending Davis Cup cham- gave France a winning start on Friday decided on minor details,” he over Serena Williams last pions France took an unassailable when the bearded 29-year-old explained. weekend, it was McLach- 3-0 semi-final lead over Spain enjoyed what he termed “a dream” “So all I can do is congratulate lan’s turn to shine a light yesterday when Nicolas Mahut and 7-5, 6-1, 6-0 defeat of Pablo Carreno them, we did absolutely everything on Japan’s mixed-race Julien Benneteau beat Feliciano Busta. we could have done.” athletes. Lopez and Marcel Granollers 6-0, Lucas Pouille’s nerve-jangling Croatia could clinch their final The 26-year-old, who 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in the third of five five-set victory -- 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, ticket in Saturday’s doubles in Zadar was born in New Zealand rubbers on the Lille hardcourt. 2-6, 6-4 -- over Roberto Bautista-Agut in which Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic but whose mother is Jap- took control of the tie on United States, will be the France, captained by 1983 French in the following match made it 2-0. will face Mike Bryan and Ryan anese, fired down several Friday when American- main draw at next week’s Open winner Yannick Noah, will Spain coach Sergi Bruguera said Harrison. huge serves at key born Taro Daniel crushed Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. meet either Croatia or the United he was very proud of his team despite Some fans in the Lille stadium moments -- not least to Brkic 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 and Nishikori fell to States in the final in late November. the scoreline. where France hosted Spain wore secure the first and second Yoshihito Nishioka upset eventual champion Novak “The way my guys played today “It was a difficult scenario and black t-shirts as a form of ‘mourning’ sets. Mirza Basic 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. Djokovic in the men’s - they were so good,” said Noah. we didn’t take full advantage of our as the Davis Cup is in its final year Japan tend to struggle Osaka, who is of semi-finals in New York, “Benneteau was probably the opportunities,” he said. before becoming the Tennis World without US Open semi- Haitian-Japanese descent four years after reaching best player on the court and his “Mahut and Benneteau played a Cup. A large banner was unfurled finalist Nishikori but they and was raised in the the final. attitude was unbelievable,” Noah said fabulous game,” he said. reading “Change it Back”. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 27

Mushfiqur EPL: Chelsea and Liverpool helps Bangladesh maintain lead over Man City thump AFP ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE own title chances. Pep Guardiola Sri Lanka started Leroy Sane for the first English Premier League results yesterday: AFP : Chelsea and Bournemouth 4 (Fraser 19, 37, King 41-pen, time this campaign and last sea- Liverpool continue to throw Smith 81) Leicester 2 (Maddison (88-pen, Al- son’s Premier League Young down the gauntlet to Premier brighton 89) Player of the Year looked more DUBAI: Senior batsman League champions Manchester Chelsea 4 (Hazard 37, 44, 80-pen, Willian 83) like his old self as Fulham were Mushfiqur Rahim smashed a City as all three were victorious 1 (Bamba 16) put to the sword. brilliant career-best hundred on their return to Premier Huddersfield 0 Crystal Palace 1 (Zaha 38) Sane tapped home Fernand- to steer Bangladesh to an League action yesterday. Manchester City 3 (Sane 2, Silva 21, Sterling 47) inho’s inviting cross inside two emphatic 137-run victory Liverpool showed their cre- Fulham 0 minutes before Silva smashed his over Sri Lanka in the opening dentials in targeting a first title Newcastle 1 (Clark 90+1) Arsenal 2 (Xhaka 49, 50th Premier League goal and Asia Cup match in Dubai since 1990 are for real and such Ozil 58) Sterling completed the rout. yesterday. was the Reds’ dominance the Tottenham 1 (Lamela 90+3) Liverpool 2 (Wi- Sarri is still to taste anything The former captain’s 150- scoreline did not do Jurgen jnaldum 39, Firmino 54) but victory in English football, ball 144 with 11 fours and four Klopp’s men justice in winning Watford 1 (Gray 65) Manchester United 2 (Lu- but had a scare early on at home sixes lifted Bangladesh from 2-1 at Tottenham. kaku 35, Smalling 38) to Cardiff when Sol Bamba put a precarious 1-2 in the first Chelsea also made it five Today’s matches the visitors in front at Stamford over to 261 after they won the wins from as many games under Everton vs West Ham (1500 GMT) Bridge. toss and batted in the Group Maurizio Sarri thanks to the bril- Wolves vs Burnley (1230 GMT) However, Cardiff’s failure to B match. liance of Eden Hazard, who Tomorrow’s matches significantly strengthen over the Sri Lanka, who have won

Southampton vs Brighton (1900 GMT) scored a hat-trick in a con- summer means they are liable five Asia Cup titles, had lost vincing 4-1 win over Cardiff to to being outclassed at this level half of their side for 60 in the edge ahead of Liverpool on goal and were undone by the bril- 17th over before being difference. Wijnaldum looped a header over liance of Hazard. bowled out for 124 in 35.2 City remain just two points the line before Vorm could “I thought that Hazard was Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku overs, succumbing to their back, though, and looked back scramble clear. one of the best players in Europe. celebrates scoring their first goal second-worst defeat against to their best in tearing apart Roberto Firmino tapped But now I change my mind during their English Premier League Bangladesh in 45 one-day Fulham 3-0 thanks to goals from home a second nine minutes into because maybe he is the best,” match against Watford at the Vicarage internationals. Leroy Sane, David Silva and the second-half and Liverpool said Sarri. The diminutive Road, in Watford, Britain yesterday. Sri Lanka’s worst defeat Raheem Sterling. should have added to their lead Belgian scored twice in seven against Bangladesh was a Liverpool’s first win away at as Sadio Mane and Naby Keita minutes to send Chelsea in ahead 163-run loss at Dhaka earlier Tottenham in four attempts for were denied by Vorm. at half-time and completed his this year. Klopp was another sign of the However, the visitors had to hat-trick from the penalty spot Dilruwan Perera (29), progress made under the see out a nervy final few seconds before Willian added a fourth. Upul Tharanga (27) and German, particularly as they suf- when Erik Lamela skillfully vol- Mesut Ozil quietened his Suranga Lakmal (20) were fered a 4-1 thrashing at Wembley leyed home from a narrow angle critics with his first goal since the only batsmen to offer any last season. and Son Heung-min had a February as Arsenal continued course for a third straight win victory over 10-man Leicester resistance as Bangladesh Spurs paid a heavy price for penalty appeal waived away to creep up the table with a 2-1 before Ozil compounded New- with Ryan Fraser scoring twice. bowled superbly from the the absence of captain Hugo with the final attack of the game. win at Newcastle. castle’s misery as the Magpies And Wilfried Zaha under- start. Mustafizur Rahman, Lloris through injury as stand- City and Chelsea await in The Gunners are still not remain rooted in the bottom lined his importance to Crystal Mehidy Hasan and skipper in goalkeeper Michel Vorm Liverpool’s next three league firing on all cylinders under new three. Palace with the only goal in his Mashrafe Mortaza took two flapped at a corner six minutes games and secured comfortable boss Unai Emery, but Granit Bournemouth moved up to return from injury in a 1-0 win wickets apiece. before the break and Georginio home victories to boost their Xhaka’s free-kick put them on fifth with an impressive 4-2 at Huddersfield. But it was Rahim who gave a treat to a packed 25,000-capacity stadium, most of them Bengali expats working as labourers. Rahim added 131 for the Barcelona fight back to beat Real Sociedad third wicket with Mohammad Mithun (63) to lead the AFP hard-fought 2-1 win. “The LA LIGA RESULTS denied by Barca keeper recovery after recalled Sri Barcelona league is defined by these Spanish La liga results on Saturday: Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Lankan paceman Lasith forward MADRID: Barcelona came kind of games,” Suarez said Atletico Madrid 1 (Garces Moreno 90+4) Within minutes, they Malinga removed Liton Das Lionel Messi from behind to beat Real afterwards. Eibar 1 (Enrich 87) were behind, as two crosses and Shakib Al Hasan for gestures Sociedad yesterday as “Last year we also came Real Sociedad 1 (Elustondo, 12) Barcelona 2 caused havoc in Real ducks. Rahim bettered his during the Atletico Madrid lost further back from 2-0 after many (Suarez 63, Dembele 66) Sociedad´s defence, with previous ODI best of 117 he Spanish ground in the La Liga title years without winning here. Today matches Suarez and Dembele perfectly scored against India at Fat- League match race by drawing at home to The reaction says a lot about Leganes vs Villarreal (1000), Espanyol vs placed to pounce. Barca ullah four years ago, helping against Real Eibar. this team.” Atletico rallied too, Levante (1415), Real Valladolid v sAlaves coach Ernesto Valverde had his team to add 63 in the last Sociedad at Seven points is now the Borja Garces equalising with (1630), Sevilla vs Getafe (1845) made the surprise decision to ten overs. the Anoeta gap between Atleti and Barca, virtually the last kick of the Tomorrow’s matches omit Sergio Busquets from his Mithun hit five fours and

Stadium in who were in danger of game, but there were no cel- Girona vs Celta Vigo (1900) starting line-up, presumably two sixes in his 68-ball enter- San Sebastian slipping up themselves when ebrations at the Wanda Met- with Tuesday´s Champions prising knock, his first ODI yesterday. Aritz Elustondo put Real ropolitano. Garces’ strike was League opener against PSV fifty. Malinga finished with Sociedad in front at Anoeta. enough only to rescue a 1-1 have dropped points too had Eindhoven in mind. But it was 4-23 in his first match in 13 But the hosts missed a draw for Diego Simeone’s their opponents been more testament to the hosts’ per- months. Afghanistan are the series of excellent chances side, who had looked on clinical. Mikel Oyarzabal and formance that Busquets was third team in the group. and paid the price, as two course for defeat when Theo Hernandez both could called upon in the second Pakistan meet qualifiers goals in three minutes from Eibar’s Sergi Enrich bundled have made it 2-0 after half- period after Philippe in Group A, which Luis Suarez and Ousmane home in the 87th minute. time but the former blazed Coutinho had also been intro- also features defending Dembele clinched a Barcelona might easily over and the latter was duced at half-time. champions India.

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh Teenager Tamim Iqbal (not out) ...... 2 ParisLongchamp set for top class Liton Das c Mendis b Malinga ...... 0 Diaby on Shakib Al Hasan b Malinga ...... 0 Mushfiqur Rahim c Mendis b Perera ...... 144 target as PSG Mohammad Mithun c M Perera b Malinga ...63 action as Qatar Arc Trials return Mahmudullah c de Silva b Aponso ...... 1 Mosaddek Hossain c M Perera b Malinga ...... 1 cruise to win THE PENINSULA the running. Aiden O’Brien will have last Mehidy Hasan c and b Lakmal ...... 15 REUTERS Frenchman Alban de year’s St Leger victor Capri Mashrafe Mortaza c Tharanga b de Silva ...... 11 DOHA: Less than three weeks Mieulle would fancy his making a return from a long Rubel Hossain lbw b de Silva ...... 2 :PARIS Saint Germain’s before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc chances with Yazeed, who has absence. Mustafizur Rahman run out ...... 10 teenage winger Moussa Diaby de Triomphe returns to a been a bit unlucky past couple Charlie Appleby’s charge Extras: (LB4, NB1, W7) ...... 12 scored his first goal for the club to revamped ParisLongchamp, so of times going up against Brundtland will make a bid for Total: (all out) ...... 261 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-134, 4-136, 5-142, complete a 4-0 rout of St Etienne do the Qatar Arc Trials. Smart’s wards, but the H E the Qatar Prix Niel (Gr2) as he 6-175, 7-195, 8-203, 9-229 and make it five wins in five Ligue With top quality Arabians Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al looks to keep his racing record Bowling: Malinga 10-2-23-4 (nb1, w3) Lakmal 1 games for the leaders ahead of all set to put up a show today Thani-owned colt had finished clean having already won both 10-0-46-1 (w1) Aponso 9-0-55-1, T Perera 7.3- their Champions League clash at in the Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon a credible second last year on the races he has raced in so far. 0-51-1 (w1) , M Perera 3-0-25-0, D de Silva 7-0- Liverpool on Tuesday. (Gr1), the Thoroughbreds will a comeback from a foot niggle. The O’Brien-trained 38-2 (w1), M Shanaka 3-0-19-0 Julian Draxler, Edinson Cavani be vying for honours in the With Olivier Peslier set to be in Hunting Horn will line up too Note: Tamim Iqbal retired hurt on two before and Angel Di Maria were also on Qatar Prix Vermeille (Gr1) the saddle on Yazeed, Pierre- (Gr3) at Deauville last month, on his return from the United returning after the fall of ninth wicket target in the absence of the banned besides other Group races. Charles Boudot will helm the Andre Fabre-saddled Kitesurf States. The 3yo is yet to win in Sri Lanka Kylian Mbappe and rested Neymar Last year’s Prix Dragon 2017 Qatar International Stakes had topped the Darley Prix De France, having finished sixth U Tharanga b Mortaza ...... 27 as PSG moved six point clear of winner, Ebraz, is not in the topper Tayf. Pomone (Gr2) a week later at Chantilly earlier this year. K Mendis lbw b Mustafiz ...... 0 Dijon and Toulouse at the top of card, but the colours of H E Thomas Fourcy will hope over the same distance. The two Gr3 races on the K Perera lbw b Hasan ...... 11 the standings before the rest of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa that Al Shaqab Racing’s Zikreet Worth Waiting’s Prix day are the 1,400m Qatar Prix D de Silva lbw b Mortaza ...... 0 A Mathews lbw b Hossain ...... 16 weekend fixtures. Al Thani will be represented by will add to his wins tally with Minerve rival Zarkamiya will Du Pin and the 1,000m Qatar D Shanaka run out ...... 7 With Mbappe serving the first the impressive Gazwan and Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim line up again today under Prix Du Petit Couvert. While T Perera c Hossain b Hasan ...... 6 game of a three-match suspension Aaley Al Magam, both trained astride. Christophe Soumillon. Qatar 11 runners will line up for the D Perera st Das b Mosaddek ...... 29 following his red card against Nice by Julian Smart. British runners Worth Prix Foy (Gr2) will see three former, the sprint will see 13 S Lakmal b Mustafiz ...... 20 and Brazil forward Neymar given While Cristian Demuro, Waiting and Kitesurf would Fabre wards lining up, with contestants. M Oponso c sub (Shanto) b Shakib ...... 4 a rest, Germany winger Draxler who had guided Gazwan to His be keen to get add to their Waldgeist and Talismanic The card will open with L Malinga (not out) ...... 3 started on the left of a three-man Highness The Amir’s Sword respective Group victories in looking promising. The former the 1,850m Qatar Prix Du Tro- Extras: (LB1) ...... 1 attack and was soon on the (Gr1 PA) victory earlier this Deauville on their last outings has a hat-trick of victories cadero with seven runners Total: (all out) ...... 124 scoresheet. He found the net in the year in Doha, will be back on when they line up for the coming into today’s run, while 16 runners will go for Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-28, 3-32, 4-38, 5-60, 22nd minute, controlling Marco the 7yo, JP Guillambert will 2,400m Qatar Prix Vermeille including a C&D Gr3 victory the mile-long Qatar Prix Du 6-63, 7-69, 8-96, 9-120. Verratti’s lofted pass with his head partner Aaley Al Magam. (Gr1). from May this year. Cloth of Palais Garnier. The mile-long Bowling: Mortaza 6-2-25-2, Mustafizur 6-0- 20-2, Hasan 7-1-21-2, Shakib 9.2-0-31-1, Hos- before deftly nodding the ball over The Qatar-based trainer While the David Lanigan- Stars will be the third horse to Qatar Prix De l’Opera Bastille sain 4-0-18-1, Mosaddek 3-0-8-1 onrushing goalkeeper Stephane also has Sheikh Khalifa Bin trained Worth Waiting had be saddled by Fabre in the will be the last race of the day Result: Bangladesh won by 137 runs Ruffier. Mohammed Al Thani’s Reda in won the 2,500m Prix Minerve race. with 14 runners. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 25

That felt like magic. It was 3.30PM 10:45PM really special, I don’t think Lewis Hamilton FOOTBALL FOOTBALL there was a bad moment in Formula One driver Wolverhampton Sevilla the lap. It was just perfect Wanderers vs Burnley LIVE ON vs Getafe Live on beIN HD 2 TUBE Live on beIN HD 2 Hamilton sparkles to claim pole AFP succession. “Honestly this feels SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX like a victory,” said the delighted Grid for today’s Singapore Grand Prix after SINGAPORE: Formula One Dutchman. qualifying at the Marina Bay Street Circuit yes- championship leader Lewis “The amount of problems we terday: Hamilton scorched to Singapore have had in qualifying with the 1st row Grand Prix pole position with a engine, to be second is unbe- Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) “magic” lap that left title rival lievable and that shows we have Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) Sebastian Vettel down in the an amazing car.” Verstappen said 2nd row dumps yesterday. that with a good run to the first Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) Max Verstappen of Red Bull corner when the lights go out on Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) will start on the front row for Sunday he could put himself in 3rd row tpday’s race alongside Hamilton with a chance of winning. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) after crossing the line 0.319sec “We just have to make sure Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) behind the Englishman’s blis- we have a clean start then after 4th row tering 1min 36.015, but an exas- that everything is possible,” he Sergio Perez (MEX/Force India-Mercedes) perated Vettel could only said. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) manage third. “We need to sort out the 5th row “That felt like magic,” said a engine but I’m very happy with Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) beaming Hamilton of his the car.” Hamilton’s teammate Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) stunning lap record at the Marina Valtteri Bottas will join Vettel on 6th row Bay street circuit -- an aston- the second row of the grid. Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren-Renault) ishing 3.476 seconds quicker “Everyone knows it’s going Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) than last year’s pole effort by to be difficult to overtake here,” 7th row Vettel. said Bottas, who predicted a Charles Leclerc (MON/Sauber-Ferrari) Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton competes during the qualifying session ahead of the Singapore “It was really special, I don’t three-way tussle to the cheq- Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber-Ferrari) Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, yesterday. think there was a bad moment uered flag between Mercedes, 8th row Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda) in the lap. It was just perfect,” he Ferrari and Red Bull. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) added. wanted to get pole and didn’t,” flying Hamilton on one of the smooth as it should’ve been, “All three teams will be close 9th row “I don’t know where it came Vettel scowled. most difficult overtaking tracks other people did better than us. and find it difficult because we’re Brendon Hartley (NZL/Toro Rosso-Honda) from but it all came together. It’s The German is running out if he is to close the gap, as both There was a lot of other cars all going for the same thing.” Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren-Renault) one of the best laps I can of time to make inroads into men chase their fifth drivers’ around but you can’t blame it on Kimi Raikkonen was fifth in the 10th row remember. I am overwhelmed.” Hamilton’s lead and Ferrari had world championship. that. Both laps weren’t great. I second Ferrari and a visibly Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Williams-Mercedes)

Ferrari’s Vettel, who is 30 points targeted Singapore with its - Gone in 60 minutes - “It think we have a good car so let’s upset Daniel Ricciardo, who has Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) behind Hamilton in the title race twisty, high downforce layout as was a messy qualifying session see.” Verstappen had complained finished runner-up for the past with seven races to go, cut a glum a place they could turn the tables and there was too much time about a lack of power all through three years in Singapore, was figure after encountering traffic on Mercedes, a team that usually missing so we didn’t get any Saturday’s third practice session sixth fastest in his Red Bull. both first practice on Friday and on his flying laps and only man- struggles in the Lion City. better than third,” he fumed. in his Red Bull, so the 20-year- The Australian was at a loss the first qualifying session, only aging a best effort of 1:36.628. But now Vettel will have to “For sure I’m not happy with old was excited to be on the front to explain his lack of per- to see his victory hopes virtually “It’s not ideal obviously, we find a way past the today. Qualifying wasn’t as row for a second year in formance after being fastest in gone in 60 minutes. Springboks upset world champion All Blacks AFP

WELLINGTON: pulled off a shock 36-34 victory over the world champion All Blacks in Wellington yesterday, steered home by the accurate boot of Handre Pollard. It was New Zealand’s first loss in the competition in three years, although they remain head of the table with two rounds still to play. The All Blacks outscored the Springboks six tries to five but South Africa’s Aphiwe Dyantyi is tackled pivot Beauden Barrett was suc- by New Zealand’s Aaron Smith during Australia’s Rory Arnold watches the ball with Argentina’s Pablo cessful with only two of six shots Matera during their rugby championship match at the Robina at goal, while Pollard landed five the rugby championship match at out of six. the Wellington Regional Stadium in Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia, yesterday. Pollard, replacing Elton Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday. Jantjies at flyhalf, also produced a stubborn defensive per- formance to shut off attacks Argentina hold close to the ruck, as South Africa returned to winning form fol- lowing back-to-back losses to Barrett did set up the replacement wing Cheslin Kolbe who missed four of six shots at off Wallabies Australia and Argentina. opening try with a neat flick pass picked off a pass from Anton goal, while referee Nigel Owens In a tense closing quarter to off his toes to put his brother Lienert-Brown to Ioane and did not react when advised by the Test between the traditional Jordie over the line. raced 40 metres to the line. an assistant referee in the dying for famous win foes, the visitors saw a 36-24 Ben and Aaron Smith com- When the All Blacks narrowed minutes of the game that two lead whittled down to a two- bined down the right wing for the margin to seven points with Springboks were offside in front AFP point margin. the second try with Ben Smith ’s scored try, South of the posts. their last six test matches. But with time on the clock, getting around Aphiwe Dyantyi Africa countered with a second try “We lost the game because In a match played in perfect and after a series of fruitless and drawing Willie le Roux to to Dyantyi. With the Springboks we allowed South Africa to score GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA: conditions, both teams forward drives at the line, New give Aaron Smith an open run to defence frustrating New Zealand’s 36 points and that’s something Argentina scored their first win attempted to play attacking Zealand moved the ball wide the line. Dyantyi and le Roux running game, the home side that we can control as a team. over Australia on Australian soil rugby throughout. only for Damian McKenzie to made immediate amends. resorted to forward power. It’s a team game,” coach Steve in 35 years when they downed But a host of handling knock on with the try line First, Ben Smith had to watch Codie Taylor and Ardie Hansen said after his world the Wallabies 23-19 on Queens- errors meant the second half in beckoning. Dyantyi run in for the Savea produced late tries from champions lost a rugby Cham- land’s Gold Coast on Saturday. particular lacked fluency and South Africa had done their Springboks’ first try, then a lineout drives but neither was pionship match for the first time After leading Australia 17-14 developed into an arm-wrestle best before the game to talk up botched quick throw in by Jordie converted. The All Blacks in three years. The All Blacks at the break, the held off between two evenly matched their opponents, with coach Barrett was snapped up by le blamed themselves and not the were overwhelming favourites a spirited comeback from the sides. saying he would Roux for the second. referee or poor kicking as they to win after South Africa arrived Wallabies to record a famous Australia had plenty of be satisfied with a “close loss”. extended the underwent an immediate review in New Zealand on a poor run of win. chances to win the match in the For the first 20 minutes it lead to 21-12 with a try from a following their shock loss to form following successive losses The Wallabies scored three second half but dropped the ball looked like even that was out of lineout drive and when sus- South Africa in Wellington on to Argentina and Australia and tries to two but were undone too many times to let the Pumas reach as the All Blacks raced to tained pressure by the All Blacks Saturday. having not beaten the All Blacks by their poor discipline, with off the hook. a 12-0 lead. produced a try to Rieko Ioane, Although the All Blacks out- in New Zealand since 2009. Nicholas Sanchez and Emiliano They should have scored But by half-time the South Africa responded with a scored the Springboks six tries Hansen put a positive spin Boffelli kicking three penalties the winning try after the siren Springboks had recovered from penalty to Pollard on the stroke to five, the South Africans came on the result saying it could between them. when the otherwise brilliant a slow start to lead 24-17, with of half-time. Immediately after from 12-0 down to post an upset benefit his side who remain at It was Argentina’s first win Israel Folau held onto the ball their confidence growing as they the resumption, the Springboks 36-34 victory. the head of the rugby Champi- over the Wallabies in Australia instead of passing to an punished New Zealand for mul- extended their lead to 31-17, It was an off night for New onship table with two rounds to since 1983 and consigned the unmarked Bernard Foley three tiple handling errors. again cashing in when Zealand kicker Beauden Barrett play. Wallabies to their fifth loss in metres from the line.