SPORT Wednesday 3 October 2018 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 India eye Windies Kane plans to boost ahead of emulate Messi’s Australia tour goal spree

Road to 2022: Al Khor’s unique Al Bayt Stadium getting into shape

A: Construction work under way at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. The stadium, which will host matches A right through to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, has started giving a look of bayt al sha’ar – tents historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the Gulf region. Fans arriving at this 60,000-capacity arena will have never seen anything like it. The stadium design honours Qatar’s past and present, while keeping one eye on the future of the community. With the sustainability goals of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy firmly in mind, its creation will be a model of green development. Facilities for the community will spring up around it. As well as providing a first-class venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, this arena will become a shining example for future stadium construction. B: A computer-generated picture showing how Al Bayt Stadium will look after the completion. C: A computer-generated picture showing the inside view of the unique World Cup 2022 venue. C B

ACL semi-final: CSKA Moscow shock Real Persepolis edge Madrid; City earn late win Al Sadd in first leg THE PENINSULA The first half then turned out to be a cagey affair with AGENCIES DOHA: ’s Persepolis took very few noteworthy attempts early advantage in the 2018 AFC at either end. However, Afif MOSCOW: Defending cham- Champions League semi-final, remained a lively threat for Al pions Real Madrid suffered a securing a 1-0 victory over Sadd on the left and in the 43rd shock defeat at the UEFA Cham- Qatar’s Al Sadd in the first leg minute, his low drive at goal pions League as they fell to CSKA at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, was kept out by a fingertip save Moscow 1-0 in a group G clash yesterday. from the diving Beiranvand. in Moscow, yesterday. A late penalty helped the In the second half, Al Sadd Toni Kroos gifted the hosts visitors clinched the crucial came out of the tunnel looking their goal in the second minute away victory while Xavi-led Al to finally open the scoring in with a terrible backpass that was Sadd now face an uphill task in front of their fans but Persepolis picked up by Nikola Vlasic, on the return leg on October 23 in were determined to make it dif- loan from Everton, and he fired . ficult for them. The visitors past Keylor Navas from the edge Ali Alipour scored the all- managed to frustrate the Al of the penalty area. important goal of the high Sadd forwards, with tour- Karim Benzema, Casemiro octane match between the two nament top scorer Baghdad and Mariano hit the woodwork top Asian clubs. Bounedjah kept silent by a res- for Real, as the Spanish side, The game got off to a cau- olute backline marshalled by without the injured Gareth Bale, tious start from both sides and captain . pushed for an equaliser. it took until the 16th minute for The status quo remained as CSKA goalkeeper Igor the first dangerous chance of it was until the 86th minute, Akinfeev was sent off four the game. Al Sadd forward when Persepolis finally broke minutes into injury time for two Akram Afif got into the box and the deadlock against the run of yellow cards in quick succession had a go at goal but Persepolis play. After a quick counter for dissent. CSKA Moscow’s Croatian midfielder Nikola Vlasic (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand attack, Al Sadd custodian Saad Nevertheless, the hosts held goal against Real Madrid CF in Moscow, yesterday. was on hand to safely gather the Al Sheeb brought down Alipour on to the top of Group G above ball. in the box. The striker stepped Real, who dropped down to opening week Group F defeat at any competition so far. Normal month’s 2-0 win over Valencia, Two minutes later, Perse- up to take the penalty himself second. home by Olympique Lyonnais, service was quickly resumed, missed his first game since polis wasted a golden oppor- and made no mistake. Meanwhile, Manchester City were rocked by an Ishak Belfodil though, when a fine ball from Silva joining the Turin club in July but tunity to take the lead. After Afif had the ball in the net overcame a first-minute setback goal after just 44 seconds. found the outstanding Leroy Sane, Juventus made light of his Bashar Resan crossed the ball deep into added time but the to relaunch their Champions Sergio Aguero’s equaliser who picked out Aguero to bundle absence as they cantered to their in from the left, Godwin Mensha effort was ruled out by the League campaign with a 2-1 seven minutes later seemed to home his eighth goal in 10 ninth straight win of the season somehow skied the ball over the referee for a foul, confirming a victory at Hoffenheim, clinched have set them back on course as matches this season. in all competitions. crossbar. narrow win for Persepolis. by a late David Silva winner, they dominated the opening half Raheem Sterling, after a Juve went ahead after five yesterday. but the Bundesliga side, bold and lightning end-to-end break, and minutes with the simplest of The Premier League cham- enterprising, held on until Silva Aguero went close to putting City goals. Defender Leonardo pions and current leaders, cashed in on a late defensive ahead as they piled on the Bonucci sent a long ball looping urgently needing a win after their error. pressure. over a flat Young Boys defence Hoffenheim’s home debut in Yet after the break, 31-year- and Dybala timed his run per- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS the Champions League group old Julian Nagelsmann’s side, fectly to volley gently past David stages started perfectly for the reflecting the enterprise of the von Ballmoos. Man City bt Hoffenheim 2-1 high-flying ‘village club’ who youngest manager in Champions Dybala hit the inside of the Juventus bt Young Boys 3-0 have come so far so quickly in League history, held on staunchly post after the restart and although Benfica bt AEK Athens 3-2 the Bundesliga, with Algerian as City ramped up their attacks. Young Boys then enjoyed another Belfodil latching on to a neat In another match, Juventus good spell, they were caught out B’ Munich draw with Ajax 1-1 through ball from Kerem playmaker Paulo Dybala flour- again in the 69th minute. S’Donetsk draw with Lyon 2-2 Demirbay to slot home. ished in the absence of sus- Juan Cuadrado was released CSKA Moscow bt R’ Madrid 1-0 The quickest goal City had pended yes- on the right and his ball into the Persepolis’ Ali Alipour (right) celebrates with team-mate

Roma bt Viktoria Plzen 5-0 ever conceded in the competition terday, scoring a hat-trick to give area was touched in by Dybala Goodwin Mensha after scoring during the AFC Champions

was another shock to their the Serie A champions a 3-0 win who became the fourth Juventus League semi-final first leg against Al Sadd at the Jassim Bin Man United draw with Valencia 0-0 system after their loss to Lyon, over Young Boys. player to score a Champions Hamad Stadium in Doha, yesterday. their only defeat of the season in Ronaldo, sent off in last League hat-trick. 26 SPORT WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER 2018 Poor fitness main reason for Pakistan woes, says Hamid RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA HOCKEY Germany, the Netherlands and DOHA: Pakistan players must Malaysia at the World Cup to be improve their overall fitness held played from November 28 levels ahead of this year’s Field to December 16 in India. Hockey World Cup to be played Hamid said: “Pakistan in December, retired great Khalid hockey team has very remote Hamid has said. chances to reach in the semi- A hockey giant for over three finals (of the World Cup) but still decades, Pakistan finished a there are two months to go dismal fourth at the Asian Games before the start of the World Cup. in Indonesia in August. I feel our players are very tal- In the third-place play-off ented and in this short span of Pakistan - eight-time gold med- time only hard physical fitness allists at the Asian Games - lost Khalid Hamid training can help to improve to arch-rivals India who bagged their ranking in the World Cup.” the bronze medal. He added: “PHF fully sup- “Although Pakistan Hockey ports the players to build a good Federation (PHF) have hired a team for which it has already Dutch coach and a physical spent a huge amount, hiring a trainer from Australia but Dutch coach and a physical Pakistan team was lacking in There was a time trainer from Australia as well.” physical fitness at the Asian when we were the Hamid, who also featured at Games,” Hamid, a member of Asian, World and the Seoul Olympics in 1988, said Pakistan’s 1984 gold-winning Olympic champions Pakistan had kicked off their squad at the ‘84 Olympic Games, Asian Games in punishing form said in an exclusive interview but now we have to but the loss against Japan in the Pakistan players during their group match at Asian Games 2018 in August, in this file photo. with The Peninsula. play qualifying rounds semi-finals was unexpected. “I observed that in the both just to qualify for the “Japan achieved their biggest crucial games - against Japan in participation in these success in the Asian Games “The Indo-Pak encounter is 2020 Tokyo Olympics’. which a strong domestic set-up the semi-finals and against India hockey by defeating Pakistan by always anticipated by the hockey “There was a time when we at the grass-root levels is in the bronze medal clash - top events: Khalid a solitary goal,”Hamid said about lovers all over the world and the were the Asian, World and required. If you don’t have the Pakistan disappointed because Hamid the semi-final loss. match at the Asian Games lived Olympic champions but now we nursery, how you will get a rea- of poor physical fitness,” Hamid Hamid, who lives in Doha as up to the high billing,” said the have to play qualifying rounds just sonable pool of players? Their added. potential. I believe there is still the Country Manager of Pakistan former Olympian. to qualify for the participation in should be domestic tournaments “In both games, the team enough time to improve the International Airlines, said the Hamid said returning from these top events,”he said. all over the country. PHF can played better in the first and fitness level ahead of the World Indo-Pakistan clash at the Asian the Asian Games without a medal “A team cannot be prepared hunt for good talent by holding second quarters but struggled Cup,” Hamid told The Peninsula. Games had everything to meant Pakistan ‘has to play qual- overnight, it takes time to have such kind of domestic events,” after that. The players have good Pakistan are in Group D with entertain the hockey fans. ifying round to qualify for the a winning combination for Hamid said

Reed slams India eye Windies boost US team selection ahead of Australia tour after rout AFP AFP

NEW DELHI: Stung by defeat in NEW YORK: Patrick Reed England and heading to Australia has criticised the leadership for a tough tour next month, of the United States’ Ryder Sam Curran India’s cricketers are looking for Cup team in the wake of their some confidence-boosting home thrashing by Europe. wins Young victories against the West Indies In comments reported by from tomorrow. the New York Times, Reed Cricketer The number one Test side slammed the decision to split and the winner of last week’s up his previously successful award Asia Cup start as favourites partnership with Jordan against the eighth-ranked West Spieth and suggested that AFP Indies in the series of two Tests, “egos” had scuppered the US five one-day internationals and challenge in France. LONDON: England three twenty20 games. The USA were thrashed all-rounder Sam “West Indies doesn’t have a 17.5 to 10.5 on Sunday, Curran (pictured, team to compete against India. ensuring that the long wait for above) won the They don’t stand a chance at all,” an American victory on Cricket Writers’ Club veteran India spinner Harbhajan European soil would ‘Young Cricketer of Singh said ahead of the first Test continue. the Year’ award in Rajkot starting tomorrow. As Europe basked in the yesterday while his But India may not find it so afterglow of victory, however, Surrey team-mate easy, with series defeats this year Reed took aim at the “buddy Rory Burns was in England and South Africa system” which he claimed named ‘County revealing some serious chinks influenced the US loss. Championship Player in India’s armour, at least away The 28-year-old Masters India’s captain Virat Kohli (centre) waves to fans after winning the third Test against Englandin of the Year’. from home. champion said he had wanted Nottingham, in this August 22, 2018 file photo. Curran, 20, made India, under talismanic to play with Spieth but saw his Test debut against captain Virat Kohli, have new his wishes go ignored. Pakistan in June and faces in uncapped batsman powerhouse have been bolstered “The issue’s obviously ended up as England’s Mayank Agarwal and fast bowler by the return of experienced Aussie spinners show form with Jordan not wanting to man-of-the-series in Mohammed Siraj. quick bowler who play with me,” Reed told the a 4-1 success over Siraj will bolster the pace will join fellow pacemen Holder Times. India. attack led by Mohammed Shami and . in drawn warm-up game “I don’t have any issue He is averaging an and Umesh Yadav who could “We have played some really with Jordan. When it comes impressive 36.50 with trouble the relatively young good cricket in recent times. AFP BRIEF SCORES right down to it, I don’t care the bat and 23.23 with West Indian batting line-up. Quite a few of our guys stood out if I like the person I’m paired the ball after five Meanwhile, spinners Rav- individually and we have to keep DUBAI: Australia’s second Pakistan ‘A’ 278 (Abid Ali 85, Sami Aslam 51; with or if the person likes me, Tests, with a highest ichandran Ashwin, Ravindra that collective strength,” Holder spinner, Jon Holland, grabbed N. Lyon 8-103) and 261-7 (Asad Shafiq 69, as long as it works and sets score of 78 and best Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are was quoted as saying by The five wickets in the drawn Abid Ali 52; J. Holland 5-79) up the team for success. bowling figures of a formidable force on home Hindu newspaper. four-day match in Dubai Australia 494-4 (M. Marsh 162, S. Marsh 94, “He and I know how to

four for 74 with his turf. The -led West “India is the number one yesterday, sending a warning T. Head 90 not out) make each other better. We left-arm swing. Indies are arriving off the back Test team. They have played to Pakistan for the two-match Result: Match Drawn know how to get the job Surrey captain of a successful home season some good cricket despite their Test series. done.” Burns led from the where they drew a Test series last series (against England). It Pakistan ‘A,’ who had been Spieth, 25, was paired front with a tally of against Sri Lanka and then will be a good test for us,” facing an innings defeat, sal- again, Lyon took 1-54 to with close friend Justin 1,359 runs at an drubbed Bangladesh 2-0. Holder, captain in 26 of his 34 vaged a draw by reaching the finish with nine wicket in the Thomas, and they went 3-1 average of 64.71, Batsman Sunil Ambris has Tests so far, said. close on 261-7 in their second match but Holland -- who while Reed went 0-2 in two including four hun- already made his case for a place It will be West Indies’ first innings at the ICC Academy. played last of his two Tests outings with Tiger Woods. dreds, as the County in the team XI after his unbeaten India tour since the Caribbean Holland, a 31-year-old left- in Sri Lanka in 2016 - took Reed was left out of the title returned to the 114 in the tourists’ only warm-up side abandoned their 2014 trip armer, followed off-spinner regular wickets. pairings in the Friday and Sat- Oval for the first time game in India. due to a players’ pay dispute Nathan Lyon’s eight wickets in Skipper Asad Shafiq -- a urday afternoon sessions by since 2002. The erstwhile cricket with the national cricket board. the first innings with 5-79. regular Test batsman for captain Jim Furyk. The 28-year-old The pair will be lead Aus- Pakistan - fought hard a solid “For somebody as suc- finally forced his way SQUADS tralia’s spin attack in the first knock of 69, adding 84 for the cessful in the Ryder Cup as I into the England Test starting in Dubai on third wicket with Abid Ali, am, I don’t think it’s smart to squad, where he will INDIA Sunday. The second Test is in who followed a first-innings sit me twice,” Reed now have a chance to Virat Kohli (captain), Lokesh Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Abu Dhabi from October 16. 85 with 52. complained. fill a vacancy at the Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Australia had declared When Shafiq was caught Reed said the Americans top of the order fol- Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur their first innings at the over- behind by Tim Paine off had failed to take heed of lowing Alastair Cook’s WEST INDIES night score of 494-4 with Holland, Pakistan were on 213 their own inspirational mes- retirement from inter- Jason Holder (captain), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shane Travis Head unbeaten on 90, for four and, even though sages pinned up in the team

national cricket. Dowrich (wicketkeeper), Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, , , Sherman a lead of 216. Holland took three more room. “Every day, I saw Lewis, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph When Pakistan A batted wickets, held on for the draw. ‘Leave your egos at the door,’” Reed said. WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27

Kane plans CL: Barcelona memories of to emulate Messi’s Wembley highlight failure goal spree AFP AP LONDON: Harry Kane has MILAN: When Barcelona play set his sights on emulating the Tottenham today it will bring incredible goal-scoring feats back fond memories for the of Lionel Messi as the Catalan soccer giant. Tottenham striker prepares With continuing uncertainty for his shoot-out with the over when the rebuilding of Barcelona legend. White Hart Lane will be finished, Kane and Messi will be Tottenham is still playing its the leading men at Wembley home matches at Wembley - today when Tottenham host England’s national stadium. Barcelona in a crucial Cham- Barcelona won the Cham- pions League clash. pions League title at Wembley Messi has already scored in 2011, beating Manchester eight times this season, United 3-1. including a hat-trick in Surprisingly it has triumphed Barca’s European demolition in Europe just once since then - of PSV Eindhoven, taking his in 2015 - highlighting the failure career tally for the club to of Lionel Messi and its host of well over 500 goals. other stars to fulfill their Kane has been prolific for potential fully in the Champions Tottenham over the last four League. years, but he admits he needs Moreover, its bitter rival Real to become even more Madrid has won the title four ruthless with his finishing to times in the same period. approach the jaw-dropping Another Spanish side in statistics compiled by the action, Atletico Madrid, has lost Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Argentina forward. two of the past five finals - being Luis Suarez during training at “He set the standard, he beaten both times by Real Wembley Stadium, in London, and Cristiano Ronaldo have Madrid. It hosts Club Brugge. Britain, yesterday. gone above the normal Real Madrid’s final success standard, when they are last year came against Liverpool, scoring 50 or 60 goals a the English power that this week three successive matches. goals in two games against the recovers from a stomach injury twice in his first Champions season,” Kane said. travels to Napoli. Borussia Dortmund will be German side when the two met for the visit of Barcelona. Mid- League game with Liverpool two “As a striker I want to try Here is a look at the four in an even more buoyant mood in the Champions League quar- fielder Dele Alli has already been weeks ago, a stoppage time goal and match that. He’s defi- Champions League groups today: when it hosts Monaco, after terfinals in 2017. ruled out with a hamstring from Roberto Firmino sealed a nitely set the standard for the GROUP A seizing the Bundesliga lead from The current Monaco outfit is injury. 3-2 win over Paris Saint- rest of us and he still is. Atletico Madrid has only lost Bayern on Saturday. a pale imitation, however, and Barcelona will be without the Germain at Anfield. “It motivates me to get once in nine matches across all While former midfielder Leonardo Jardim’s side heads to injured Sergio Roberto as well “To beat a great team like even better and improve and competitions this season. Sebastian Kehl said it was “too Dortmund bereft of confidence as defender Samuel Umtiti, who PSG fills you with confidence,” hopefully one day score as It won its Champions League early” for a title challenge, fans and unable to score, having suf- is suspended following his Alisson said. As does still being many, if not more, than he opener 2-1 at Monaco and is are dreaming of a repeat of the fered two straight defeats. sending-off during the 4-0 win unbeaten after seven games in has. coming off a satisfactory 0-0 glory days under former coach GROUP B over PSV Eindhoven, when Messi the Premier League. “It’s a great test for us. As draw at Real Madrid, extending Juergen Klopp, who led the side Tottenham and Barcelona scored a hat trick. Tottenham lost A daunting trip to PSG has players you want to play its run in La Liga to six consec- to back-to-back Bundesliga titles are meeting for only the third its opener to Inter Milan 2-1 after been made harder for Red Star against the best in the world utive visits to the Santiago before the Champions League time in a competitive match, the Italian side scored two late Belgrade, which will be without and Messi is certainly that, a Bernabeu without a loss. final in 2013. having previously faced each goals to complete a dramatic fans after trouble in the second fantastic player, and we will Goalkeeper Jan Olbak has They will also be hoping to other in the semifinals of the comeback. That reignited Inter’s leg of its playoff at Salzburg. do our best to stop him.” been particularly miserly of late, get their revenge, after a European Cup Winners’ Cup season, with Luciano Spalletti’s Red Star supporters have Tottenham lost their having not conceded a goal in rampant Monaco side scored six when the Catalan club advanced. side winning its next three Serie been banned for the club’s first opening European game at Facing Barcelona A matches and it will be hoping two away matches by UEFA, and Inter Milan, leaving the is more familiar ter- to continue that run at the Serbian team was fined Premier League side with no ritory for Tottenham Eindhoven. €30,000 ($34,700) for damages margin for error as they try manager Mauricio GROUP C caused, for the throwing of to qualify for the knockout Pochettino, who won Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson objects, and for the setting off of stages. only one of nine knows just how tough it will be fireworks.Considering PSG is If Mauricio Pochettino’s encounters while in at Napoli. Seven months ago heavy favorite to beat the team side are to make it to the last charge of Espanyol. before moving to England, from Serbia at Parc des Princes, 16, a victory over Spanish While Barcelona Alisson was part of the Roma PSG coach Tuchel may be champions Barcelona would rested Lionel Messi on side that won 4-2 in Napoli when tempted to pick young players be a major boost. the weekend, Tot- he had to save 11 of 13 shots on like defenders Colin Dagba and And to achieve that goal, tenham had a squad target. Stanley N’Soki, and forward they will need England depleted by injuries “It was one of the toughest Moussa Diaby. captain Kane at his lethal against Huddersfield games of the season for us in GROUP D best. but Harry Kane did Serie A,” Alisson recalled ahead After comfortably beating Kane, who finished as the score his first double of the trip back to Italy. Lokomotiv Moscow 3-0, Turkey’s World Cup’s top scorer earlier of the season in the However, Napoli has not Galatasaray knows it can take this year, is back in form, with Premier League shown the same attacking flare control of the group with another three goals in his last two victory. under Carlo Ancelotti as it did victory at Porto. games after a lethargic start Tottenham will under Maurizio Sarri - as exem- Badou Ndiaye is unavailable to the season. hope goalkeeper plified in the scoreless draw at after his red card in that match, Barca have wobbled Paris Saint-Germain’s German coach Thomas Tuchel (left) speaks with forward Hugo Lloris recovers Red Star Belgrade in the group while fellow midfielder Emre domestically of late, with two Kylian Mbappe during a training session on the eve of the Champions League from a thigh problem opener. It lost 3-1 to Juventus in Akbaba broke a metatarsal in Fri- draws and a defeat, to bottom match against Belgrad (Crvena zvezda)at the Camp des Loges in Saint-Germain- and playmaker the Italian league on Saturday. day’s win over Erzurumspor and side Leganes, in their last en-Laye near Paris. Christian Eriksen Although Alisson conceded will be out for some six weeks. three matches. Barca keep open possibility of January signings AFP not provide for it but we can find is expected to begin at the end of the ways to adapt. The message is that it season. Upgrades are due to include Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde during a press conference BARCELONA: Barcelona have left is not in our plans but if it is finan- a roof and increase capacity from at Wembley Stadium, in London, Britain, yesterday. the door open to buying a player in cially viable, we do not close the around 99,000 to 105,000, at a cost January despite not including mid- door.” President Josep Maria Bar- of 400m euros. season signings in the club’s budget tomeu wants Barcelona to record Meanwhile, Spain’s La Liga announced yesterday. revenues of 1 billion euros by 2021, remains committed to playing Bar- Barca announced record rev- an ambition that is shared by Real celona’s league match with Girona enues of 914m euros for last season, Madrid chief Florentino Perez. next January in Miami, despite oppo- with a net profit of 13m euros after Pogba cost Manchester United sition to the plans, the organisation’s tax. They are predicting another 105 million euros in 2016 but, it is president Javier Tebas said. revenue jump to 960m euros for thought, the World Cup winning mid- The Spanish football federation 2018-19. fielder would bring significant (RFEF) has put the brakes on the The budget does not anticipate revenue benefits. league’s plans by demanding more players joining in January but club Barca’s latest revenue rise for information on the game, which also chief executive Oscar Grau insisted 2017-18 was pushed by a boost of 155 must be approved by the United there is still a chance of new arrivals. million euros in transfer income. The States soccer federation and regional Barcelona have been heavily linked club sold Neymar to Paris Saint- bodies UEFA and CONCACAF. with a move for Paul Pogba, whose Germain for 222m euros in August “Playing in the United States is future is uncertain at Manchester 2017. vital to our strategy there, and we United. The wage bill for sport, which won’t relent on what is our right,” “This budget does not provide for had risen from 365m euros to 520m Tebas said in an exclusive interview any signings in January but as I euros last season, is expected to drop at La Liga’s headquarters on Tuesday. always say, a budget is a statement to 492m euros for 2018-19. This “If you want to make your of intent,” Grau said during the pres- follows a number of player depar- industry more global, as La Liga entation of the club’s economic tures in the summer, including wants to, if you want to be among report. Andres Iniesta and Paulinho. the biggest industries in world sport “If there is a demand, we will Barcelona also confirmed yes- then you have to be immersed in the study it carefully. The budget does terday that work on the Camp Nou US market. WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 25 It was a difficult start to the tournament for me. I served 10.00PM 10:00PM well, which is important for Juan Martin del Potro, FOOTBALL FOOTBALL my whole game, but I didn’t after winning his first feel with that strength during Borussia Dortmund vs PSV Eindhoven vs round match in China ACTION the game Monaco TODAY’S Inter Milan

JAPAN OPEN RESULTS Richard Gasquet (8), France, def. Denis Kudla, United States, 7-6 (8), 6-3. Osaka marches Frances Tiafoe, United States, def. Maxi Marterer, Germany, 7-5, 6-4. Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland, def. Taylor Fritz, United States, 6-3, 6-4. Jeremy Chardy, France, def. Damir Dzum- into third round hur, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Jan-Lennard Struff, Germany, def. Marin Cilic (1), Croatia, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1). AFP Serena Williams’s row with the playing at barely 50 percent Stefanos Tsitsipas (5), Greece, def. Taro

chair umpire in their New York because of the injury. Daniel, Japan, 6-1, 6-3. BEIJING: Naomi Osaka is the final, faces 10th seed Julia Three-time Grand Slam reigning US Open champion, the Goerges next at the China Open. winner Angelique Kerber is also first Japanese to win a Grand Osaka has booked her into round three, along with Slam singles title and a fast- spot in the season-ending reigning China Open champion rising star of tennis -- but do not WTA Finals Singapore for the Caroline Garcia of France. Top seed call her cool. first time, underlining her In the men’s draw, top seed Osaka bolstered her growing potential. Juan Martin del Potro called for Cilic crashes fame as she thrashed unseeded But the world number six on-court treatment but was American Danielle Collins 6-1, has appeared to struggle men- mostly comfortable in beating out of 6-0 in 53 minutes to saunter into tally with the fallout from the Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas round three of the China Open tempestuous final at the US 7-5, 6-2 in his opener. Japan Open yesterday. Open, where Williams branded “It was a difficult start to the Told afterwards that she had Carlos Ramos “a thief” and later tournament for me,” said the AFP been branded “Queen of Cool” accused him of sexism. giant Argentine, the losing US by an Australian tennis mag- Osaka says her break- Open finalist, adding that he TOKYO: Top seed Marin Cilic azine, the 20-year-old looked through victory last month was twisted his knee in the second crashed out of the Japan Open startled. “bittersweet”, but has refused to half of the match. in a shock 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 defeat “I don’t like the word ‘cool’ point the finger at the American “It was nothing dangerous,” to Germany’s Jan-Lennard because then I feel like when great. he added. Struff in the first round someone meets me, they’ll be Osaka was not the only “I served well, which is yesterday. disappointed or something,” handsome winner yesterday on important for my whole game, The former US Open Osaka told reporters in Beijing. Beijing’s outside hard courts. but I didn’t feel with that champion looked to be in “So they can use ‘expres- China’s on-form Wang strength during the game.” complete control after pock- sionless’ or something,” she Qiang continued her hot streak Del Potro, enjoying the best eting the first set with a brutal added with a smile, playing with with a 6-0, 6-0 thrashing of season of his injury-disrupted drive volley, but things the impression formed by some Latvia’s 2017 French Open career, faces Russia’s Karen quickly unravelled for the observers. champion Jelena Ostapenko. Khachanov next. Croatian when Struff sud- “I think actually I’m very Ostapenko, the 12th seed, Also safely into round two denly caught fire. emotional.” required treatment on her left is third seed Grigor Dimitrov, Naomi Osaka of Japan returns the ball during her second round After Struff, ranked a Osaka, whose maiden Grand wrist during the match and said who defeated the American match against Danielle Collins of the US at the China Open in Beijing whopping 50 places below Slam was overshadowed by afterwards that she had been Tennys Sandgren 7-5, 6-3. yesterday. Cilic at 56 in the world, had levelled the match, normal service appeared to have resumed in the deciding set. CHINA OPEN RESULTS Cilic, who reached the final of this year’s Australian Results from the WTA/ATP China Open in Federer focusing on future Open, broke for 3-2 with a Beijing yesterday (x denotes seed): peach of a backhand that Women dipped viciously onto Struff’s toes, but the German struck 2nd round with new sponsor Uniqlo back -- not once, but twice -- Sloane Stephens (USA x9) bt Zheng Saisai (CHN) 6-1, 6-3 to force a tiebreak. REUTERS Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 6-3, 6-3 very strongly as being very Struff smashed the important to their brand, even breaker, snaffling it 7-1 with Angelique Kerber (GER x3) bt Carla Suarez (ESP) 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 TOKYO: Roger Federer said though maybe my playing his ninth ace to complete a Naomi Osaka (JPN x8) bt Danielle Collins (USA) 6-1, 6-0 yesterday his decision to end days are going to come to an stunning turnaround after Wang Qiang (CHN) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x12) 6-0, 6-0 a 20-year association with end at some point.” By incor- two hours, 18 minutes. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) bt Garbine Muguruza (ESP x14) 7-5, 6-4 Nike and embark on a new porating Federer in their He next plays Frenchman chapter with Uniqlo was influ- LifeWear range, Uniqlo Jeremy Chardy, who edged a Caroline Garcia (FRA x4) bt Polona Hercog (SLO) 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 enced by the Japanese appear to see the Swiss as a war of attrition with Bosnian Katerina Siniakova (CZE) bt Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 clothing company’s brand off court as much as on Damir Dzumhur 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 Kiki Bertens (NED x11) bt Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) 6-1, 6-1 commitment to stay with him it. to reach the last 16. long after his playing days are One of Federer’s goals Fifth seed Stefanos Tsit- Anett Kontaveit (EST) bt Laura Siegemund (GER) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 over. after he retires is to develop sipas avoided a similar fate to Men While no financial details the charity work started Cilic as the Greek thrashed 1st round have been announced, media through his foundation, which Japan’s Taro Daniel 6-1, 6-3 reports have said the new deal aims to empower children in in the late match. Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG x1) bt Albert Ramos (ESP) 7-5, 6-2 would be worth around $30m poverty through education, Earlier, three-time Grand Roger Federer (left) of Switzerland shakes hands with Tadashi Filip Krajinovic (SRB) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) 6-1, 6-4 a year, compared with the and he said Uniqlo shared that Slam winner Stan Wawrinka Yanai, founder and president of Fast Retailing, known as the Fabio Fognini (ITA x4) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 $10m a year agreement vision. beat Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4 Federer had with Nike. Uniqlo brand, during a press conference at the Fast Retailing “Some people cannot go while eighth seed Richard Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Joao Sousa (POR) 6-0, 6-4 The 37-year-old, who has headquarters in Tokyo yesterday. to school, even though they Gasquet also advanced, the Marco Cecchinato (ITA x8) bt Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 won 20 Grand Slam singles want to, some people do go Frenchman ousting another Matteo Berrettini (ITA) bt Leonardo Mayer (ARG) 6-3, 6-2 titles -- a men’s record -- sig- shown in him by Uniqlo’s CEO will retire from tennis but I to school but do not get a American, Denis Kudla, 7-6, nalled the end of his associ- Tadashi Yanai and Executive will not retire from life,’” said quality education and so this 6-3. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x3) bt Tennys Sandgren (USA) 7-5, 6-3 ation with Nike in July when Creative Director John Jay had Federer, who was presented is where the Roger Federer Frances Tiafoe restored Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Jack Sock (USA x6) 6-7 (6/8), 7-5, 6-2 he walked out onto Wimble- been key. as Uniqlo’s new global brand Foundation has tried to some pride for the United

Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Gael Monfils (FRA) 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5) don’s Centre Court dressed in “John Jay in New York, ambassador. make a difference in the States by beating Germany’s Uniqlo apparel. where I had an event there, “Life will go on and Uniqlo region of Southern Africa,” Maximilian Marterer 7-5, Alexander Zverev (GER x2) bt Roberto Bautista (ESP) 6-4, 6-4 Federer said the belief said it very nicely: ‘One day I and Mr. Yanai believed in me he said. 6-4. Ryder Cup organisers helping spectator hit by Koepka drive AFP Koepka’s tee shot on the par- taken to hospital. “We have been following the incident. But four sixth hole veered left, in communication with the Remande said on Monday she PARIS: Ryder Cup organisers landed among a crowd of spec- family involved, starting with the planned to pursue legal action, said they will “continue to offer tators and hit her in the right eye. immediate on-course treatment claiming there was no warning support” to a fan who was Now recovering from and thereafter to provide from officials before the ball blinded in one eye after being treatment on a fractured eye support, helping with the hurtled into the gallery. hit by a tee shot from American socket and a damaged eyeball, logistics of repatriation, “Quite clearly, there is Brooks Koepka last Friday. Remande was set to consult a including providing a transfer for responsibility on the part of the Corine Remande, 49, had lawyer yesterday in a bid to the family from Paris to Lyon. organisers,” Remande told as she travelled to France from Egypt obtain damages. “We will continue to offer left the Croix-Rousse hospital in with her husband to watch the A Ryder Cup spokesperson support for as long as necessary. Lyon. biennial showdown between said: “It is distressing to hear that “We are hugely sympathetic and “Officials did not shout any Europe and the United States, someone might suffer long term will do everything we can to warning as the player’s ball went held at Le Golf National club in consequences from a ball strike. support the spectator, insofar as into the crowd.” She added: US golfer Brooks Koepka (right) reacts next to an injured spectator Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines just “The spectator hit by a ball that is possible under very dif- “More than anything I want them who fell during the fourball match on the first day of the 42nd outside Paris. at the sixth hole during Friday’s ficult circumstances.” to take care of all the medical But the avid golf fan’s play was treated by first US Open champion Koepka bills to make sure there is no risk Ryder Cup at Le Golf National Course at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, holiday ended abruptly when responders immediately and swiftly apologised to Remande of infection.” south-west of Paris on Friday.