GGOLFOLF | Page 5 | Page 7 Johnson Barcelona win downs Spieth third Super in Northern Globe; Al Sadd Trust playoff fi nish fourth

Tuesday, August 29, 2017 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 7, 1438 AH Real Madrid’s GULF TIMES streak halted by Valencia draw SPORT Page 2 / ENG VS WI, DAY 4, 2ND TEST Ali assault puts England on top in second Test Left-hander’s 84 propels hosts to 490-8 dec; West Indies face challenging target of 322 runs for victory on final day

AFP England resumed on 171 for three Leeds, United Kingdom after the West Indies had made 427 in their fi rst innings following hundreds from (147) and Brathwaite oeen Ali’s rapid 84 helped (134). England turn the tide on Root, dropped in the gully on 10, the fourth day of the sec- was 45 and Malan, who had a ond Test against the West lucky break on four when the West In- MIndies at Headingley yesterday. dies opted against reviewing a potential At stumps, the West Indies were fi ve catch, was unbeaten on 21. without loss in their second innings, Root, dropped on eight en route to needing a further 317 runs to reach a 59 in England’s fi rst-innings 258, com- challenging victory total of 322. pleted his second fi fty this Test in 87 Only one side have made more in the balls after he edged two fours off Kemar fourth innings to win a Test at Head- Roach. ingley, with Australia’s celebrated ‘In- But the breakthrough the West In- vincibles’ scoring 404 for three at the dies so badly needed came when Root, Leeds ground in 1948 thanks mainly cramped for room trying to cut Gabri- to opener Arthur Morris’s 182 and an el, steered the ball to gully where Shai unbeaten 173 from Donald Bradman, Hope, succeeding where brother Kyle widely regarded as cricket’s greatest had failed on Sunday, clung on to a jug- batsman. gled catch. West Indies did make 344 for one to But fi rst slip Powell missed Malan, beat England in a Test at Lord’s in 1984, then on 32, although the blame lay with with opener making -keeper Dowrich for bailing out 214 not out, but they will likely need a late on. similarly brilliant innings from one of their current top order if they are to SCORECARD level this three-match series at 1-1. ENGLAND 1st Inn 258 It was fresh evidence of England’s WEST INDIES 1st Inn 427 strength in depth that No 8 Ali ENGLAND 2nd Inn (o/n 171-3) top-scored and put on 117 for the eighth A. Cook c Dowrich b Holder 23 wicket with No 9 Chris Woakes, the re- M. Stoneman b Gabriel 52 called all-rounder himself making 61 T. Westley c Dowrich b Holder 8 not out before England J. Root c S Hope b Gabriel 72 declared with his side on 490 for eight. D. Malan b Chase 61 That left the West Indies with a B. Stokes c Brathwaite b Chase 58 tricky six overs to bat until the close but J. Bairstow b Chase 18 openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran M. Ali c Brathwaite b Bishoo 84 Powell survived. C. Woakes not out 61 The whole day’s play represented a S. Broad not out 14 remarkable turnaround in the match Extras (b13, lb5, w9, nb12) 39 given the West Indies had a fi rst-in- Total (8 wkts dec, 141 overs) 490 nings lead of 169 runs — a testament to Fall of : 1-58 (Cook), 2-81 (West- a vastly improved batting and bowling, ley), 3-94 (Stoneman), 4-212 (Root), if not fi elding, display after their em- 5-303 (Stokes), 6-312 (Malan), 7-327 barrassing innings and 209-run defeat (Bairstow), 8-444 (Ali) in the fi rst Test at Edgbaston. Bowling: Gabriel 26-3-125-2 (10nb, 9w); Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel proved Roach 24-8-95-0; Holder 33-10-95-2; expensive, however, yesterday, his 26 England’s Moeen Ali (left) bats on the fourth day of the second Test against the West Indies at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds, England, yesterday. (AFP) Chase 32-5-86-3; Bishoo 25-1-67-1 (2nb); overs costing 125 runs — including nine Brathwaite 1-0-4-0; wides and 10 no-balls. exactly 100, plus a painstaking 61 from was summed up when Ali was reprieved It seemed almost cruel that the West out off Bishoo in sight of his sixth Test England had started yesterday’s play Dawid Malan laid the platform for Ali’s on 32. Indies, who had dropped several catch- hundred. WEST INDIES 2nd Inn (target: 322) just two runs ahead and already three late-order assault. He bottom-edged a catch off leg- es this Test at a potentially match-los- Off-spinner Roston Chase (three K. Brathwaite not out 4 wickets down. Left-handed batsman Ali faced just spinner Devendra Bishoo and was ing cost of 238 runs, should have their for 86) removed Stokes, Malan and K. Powell not out 1 But brisk fi fties from Root (72)— his 93 balls and hit 14 fours. superbly caught by wicket-keeper best eff ort of the game chalked off this Jonny Bairstow in quick succession Extras 0 second of the match on his Yorkshire Shane Dowrich only for Indian um- way. before tea but that simply paved the Total (0 wkts, 6 overs) 5 home ground — and Ben Stokes (58), ALI REPRIEVE pire S Ravi to make a desperately tight Ali, whose elegant cover-driven way for Ali and Woakes’s quickfire Bowling: Anderson 3-2-3-0; Broad 2-1-1- following up his fi rst-innings score of A dispiriting day for the West Indies no-ball call. four off Gabriel saw him to fi fty, holed stand. 0; Ali 1-0-1-0

CRICKET / BAN VS AUS, DAY 2, 1ST TEST Shakib’s fi ve-for leaves Australia reeling

AFP in their second innings,with opener 25 in the evening session and then had A. Agar not out 41 Dhaka on 30 and nightwatchman caught by Imrul Kayes P. Cummins b Shakib 25 Taijul Islam yet to score. at short leg to end Australia’s innings J. Hazlewood c Kayes b Shakib 5 Slow left-armer Ashton Agar ended and complete his 16th fi ve-wicket haul Extras (b15, lb3, w5) 23 hakib Al Hasan claimed fi ve a confi dent 43-run opening stand when in Tests — at least one against each of Total (all out; 74.5 overs) 217 wickets to help dismiss Austral- he had Soumya Sarkar (15) caught by the nine Test teams he faced. Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Warner), 2-14 (Kha- ia for 217 and give Bangladesh Usman Khawaja at long-on after sev- But the left-handed Agar frustrated waja), 3-14 (Lyon), 4-33 (Smith), 5-102 the upper hand on the second eral attempts. the Bangladesh bowlers during a 97- (Handscomb), 6-117 (Renshaw), 7-124 dayS of the opening Test yesterday. Australia also had Agar to thank for ball stay at the crease that included two (Wade), 8-144 (Maxwell), 9-193 (Cum- Australia, who resumed the day on a helping get them close to Bangladesh’s fours and a six. mins), 10-217 (Hazlewood) precarious 18-3, were bowled out early fi rst innings total of 260 after their The 23-year-old took the attack to Bowling: S Islam 6-0-21-0, Hasan 26-6- in the fi nal session for 217 to hand the regular batsmen struggled against spin. the opposition but ran out of partners. 62-3, Shakib 25-7-68-5, T Islam 8-1-32-1, hosts a 43-run fi rst-innings lead. By Agar, batting at number nine, made Rahman 8-3-13-0, Hossain 1-0-3-0 stumps they had increased that to an an unbeaten 41 and shared a crucial SCORECARD 88-run advantage for the loss of one stand of 49 with Pat Cummins, tak- BANGLADESH 1st inn 260 BANGLADESH 2nd innings wicket. ing Australia past the 200 mark after AUSTRALIA 1st inn (o/n 18-3) T Iqbal not out 30 Shakib, who fi nished with 5-68 and Shakib and Mehedi had the visitors on D. Warner lbw b Hasan 8 S Sarkar c Khawaja b Agar 15 also top-scored in Bangladesh’s fi rst the ropes. M. Renshaw c Sarkar b Shakib 45 T Islam not out 0 innings with 84, was ably supported by Agar and Cummins came together Bangladesh’s (second from left) celebrates the wicket of Australia’s U. Khawaja run out (Rahim/Sarkar) 1 Extras 0 off -spinner Mehedi Hasan. after Mehedi had Matthew Wade plumb Matt Renshaw on second day of the first Test in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) N. Lyon lbw b Shakib 0 Total (one wicket, 22 overs) 45 Mehedi claimed three wickets for 62 leg-before for fi ve and Shakib drew S. Smith b Hasan 8 Fall of wickets: 1-43 (Sarkar) including the prized scalp of skipper Glenn Maxwell forward for a stumping When he was on 11 Cummins sur- prieved by the third umpire after being P. Handscomb lbw b T Islam 33 Bowling (to date): Hazlewood 3-1-3-0, Steve Smith for eight. on 23 to leave Australia struggling on vived a dropped catch by Shafi ul Islam given out caught behind. G. Maxwell st Rahim b Shakib 23 Cummins 2-0-5-0, Lyon 9-3-11-0, Max- The hosts reached 45-1 at stumps 144-8. at cover off Shakib and was then re- Shakib fi nally bowled Cummins for M. Wade lbw b Hasan 5 well 3-0-17-0, Agar 5-0-9-1 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Bale may be running out of time at Real streak halted Real Madrid Madrid: Change happens in the in this squad,” Zidane told blink of an eye at Real Madrid reporters. “Gareth is Gareth. and time may be running out We will keep working, and keep for Gareth Bale. The Welsh counting on Gareth, like all the forward netted the team’s others. That’s all.” first goal of the league season However, it is diff icult not to against Deportivo La Coruna look past the French coach’s by Valencia draw as the European champions words and Madrid-based put in a commanding perform- newspaper Marca published a ance to win 3-0 on the opening column yesterday headlined weekend. “Five days to sell Bale”. The Asensio curls home a free-kick seven minutes from time as Real escape with draw Seven days later, however, article said Madrid should “take Bale was whistled off by fans advantage of the good press AFP at the Santiago Bernabeu after Bale has in Britain and take ad- Madrid Zinedine Zidane substituted vantage of the crazy, runaway Madrid’s record signing against and false transfer market”. Valencia with the scores level Bale has always insisted he eal Madrid needed a late strike at 1-1 as they chased a winner in wants to stay at Madrid, happy from Marco Asensio to prevent the final 15 minutes. to finally take part in a pre- a shock defeat but still saw their The supporters were frus- season campaign, something relentless winning streak ended trated at Bale’s limp display in he has been denied in previous byR Valencia in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the which he missed a clear chance years due to injury. “I’m happy Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night. when he headed the ball into I’m playing football, I’m winning Asensio had got the hosts off to the the ground and over the bar trophies, so yeah, I don’t want perfect start after just 10 minutes, but as Los Blancos failed to turn to move. There’s not really Carlos Soler rounded off an excellent their superiority into goals and much more I can say,” Bale said. Valencia team move to level shortly af- drew 2-2. However, if Madrid take ter. Valencia stunned the Bernabeu when While Bale struggled, the action, he may not be aff orded Geoff rey Kondogbia, who joined the club Bernabeu’s new darling Marco much say in the matter. Premier this week on a season-long loan from Asensio shone. The 21-year-old League clubs would jump at , swept home Rodrigo’s cross winger scored both Madrid’s the chance to bring him back from the edge of the area. goals, continuing his blister- to England and with Asensio However, like on so many occasions ing start to the season. Bale, demonstrating his quality, Bale last season, Madrid had a late reply as who apart his strike against is no longer essential at the Asensio curled home a free-kick seven Deportivo, has off ered little in Bernabeu. minutes from time. the league or either of Madrid’s He helped Real win their A draw ends Real’s eight-game win- Super Cup wins, has been first league title in five years ning run stretching back to May and sees singled out for criticism by fans last season, as well as three the European champions fall two points and media alike. Champions League crowns behind rivals Barcelona after just two Zidane is renowned for his since joining them in 2013, a games of the season. man management and avoided strong trophy haul which would “I can’t be happy with the result, but putting pressure or blame on ensure he could depart with his the performance was excellent and we Bale. “He is an important player head held high. deserved more today,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. “That’s football, you can’t always win. We’ve lost two points, but I am very proud of my players.” Valencia have endured two dreadful years, fi nishing 12th for the past two sea- sons, but there were further encouraging signs of a revival under new coach Marce- lino Garcia Toral after their opening day win over Las Palmas. Valencia’s Alvaro Medran (left) vies for “It was a great spectacle,” said Marce- the ball with Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio lino. “A draw was a fair result, although during the Spanish La Liga match at the either side could have won. I am sure the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid fans will be proud of their players. You on Sunday night. (AFP) can see what we are working on and that we want to be a solid and bold team.” Madrid were without the suspended open the Madrid defence down Valencia’s fore Keylor Navas produced a stunning Elsewhere on Sunday, there was a trio of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos left and ’s cross was turned in by save from Dani Parejo’s free-kick. 1-0 away wins for Sevilla, Leganes and and their presence at both ends of the Soler. Isco and Karim Benzema twice then Valencia thought they had secured Athletic Bilbao. fi eld was felt in a wide open game fi lled passed up huge chances with just Neto to their fi rst win at the Bernabeu since 2008 Sevilla got their fi rst league victory with chances at both ends. Another Real beat as Real ended the half fi rmly on top. when Kondogbia swept home Rodrigo’s of the season thanks to Paulo Henrique win looked on the cards when Asensio Madrid’s pressure continued after the cross from the edge of the area 13 minutes Ganso as his sensational fl icked fi nish pounced on a slack pass from Kondogbia break as Casemiro and Luka Modric saw from time. But Asensio rescued Madrid with the outside of his left foot saw off to fi re into the bottom corner just 10 min- long-range eff orts tipped wide by the when his free-kick wrong-footed Neto. Getafe. Leganes moved up to fourth with utes in. impressive Neto. However, Valencia were And they should have snatched all a surprise win at Espanyol thanks to Mar- Yet, Valencia showed they are made of also posing a threat on the counter-at- three points when Benzema fi red wide tin Mantovani’s solitary goal. And veteran sterner stuff this season in their reaction tack as Simone Zaza headed over a golden from point-blank range before being de- striker Aritz Aduriz edged a Basque derby to going behind as a fi ne team move cut chance when unmarked 10 yards out be- nied by Neto once more in stoppage time. Athletic’s way at Eibar.

LIGUE 1 Mbappe watches from bench Zielinski scores screamer as Mertens-inspired Napoli win AFP men made it two from two. For the second week as Monaco maul Marseille Milan in succession, Milan youngster welcomed a assist, the Spaniard picking the AFP youngster out at the back post on 10 minutes to Paris iotr Zielinski hit a second-half screamer guide the ball past Alessio Cragno. Joao Pedro hit as Dries Mertens inspired Napoli to a 3-1 a 56th-minute leveller for the Sardinians. win over Atalanta on Sunda nighty, while But Suso, a part of Montella’s side before Mi- ylian Mbappe was left on the bench newcomers SPAL claimed their fi rst goals lan spent close to 200mn euros ($239mn) in the as Radamel Falcao scored twice in andP fi rst win since coming up to Serie A. summer transfer market, sealed the points with Monaco’s 6-1 trouncing of Marseille Looking to keep pace with six-time cham- a superbly-hit free-kick. Sampdoria stunned in on Sunday night. Four of pions Juventus after a Paulo Dybala hat-trick Fiorentina 2-1 in Florence with Fabio Quagliarel- Kthe goals came in the fi rst half at the Stade pushed the Turin giants to a 4-2 comeback win la’s 35th-minute penalty ultimately proving the Louis II, with captain Falcao’s brace falling in over Genoa on Saturday, Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli diff erence. The defeat put pressure on Fiorentina between strikes from Kamil Glik and Adama dominated Atalanta for long spells. coach Stefano Pioli. Sacked by Inter three games Diakhaby. But after Bryan Cristante’s header from an before the end of last season, his new side now Djibril Sidibe and Fabinho, with a pen- Alejandro Gomez corner stunned the San Paolo prop up the fl edgling table. alty, completed the rout after the break. The into silence on 15 minutes, it took until Zielinki’s Earlier on Sunday hit a stunning reigning champions have won four out of four superb 56th-minute strike from outside the area early candidate for Serie A’s goal of the season as games to start the season and sit second on for Napoli’s confi dence to return. “Zielinski’s goal Torino romped to a 3-0 home win over Sassuolo. goal diff erence behind leaders Paris Saint- changed the game for us,” said Atalanta coach Gi- There was further drama with league newcom- Germain, the only other team with a perfect anpiero Gasperini. ers SPAL hitting their fi rst Serie A goals in nearly record at the end of August. Napoli were transformed, with Allan chipping 50 years, and claiming their fi rst win of the cam- Monaco’s record-breaking run of victo- up a pass for Lorenzo Insigne to nod across the paign, with a 3-2 defeat of Udinese in Ferrara. ries in ’s top fl ight now stretches to face of goal where Mertens volleyed home for Na- Strikes by recent signing Marco Borriello and 16, and they have scored 18 goals in their last poli’s second. That goal took the wind out of Ata- Manuel Lazzarri, who has been with the club four games against Marseille, winning the lot. lanta’s sails and Napoli secured the points with a since their days in Serie D, had SPAL 2-0 up by the Marseille, for whom Remy Cabella grabbed a fi ne passing move that saw Mertens set up Marko interval. Udinese saw goals from Bram Nuytinck consolation, had not lost in 14 Ligue 1 match- Rog with a deft touch to turn in at the far post and French veteran Cyril Thereau, with an 87th- es but they were outclassed by a Monaco side from 10 yards. The win saw Napoli join Juventus, minute penalty, pull them level late on. But Luca clearly not perturbed by the speculation sur- Inter Milan, AC Milan and Sampdoria in amassing Rizzo, who had come off the bench, stunned the rounding Mbappe’s future. a maximum six points from two matches this sea- visitors with a 94th-minute winner. Borriello’s The 18-year-old French international son. Spanish forward Suso struck to hand AC Mi- opener meant he equalled a Serie A record of striker, one of the stars of last season’s run lan a 2-1 win over Cagliari as Vincenzo Montella’s scoring for 12 diff erent top flight teams to the title, is on the brink of completing a Monaco’s forward Radamel Falcao (left) is overjoyed after scoring his second goal during the much talked about move to PSG that would French Ligue 1 match against Marseille at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. (AFP) end a summer-long transfer saga. “The most important thing at Monaco is the team. We health nevertheless. Polish centre-back Glik Sidibe stooped to head in the fi fth midway Napoli’s Piotr don’t usually think that one individual player turned in a Thomas Lemar free-kick for the through the second half after Glik had headed Zielinski (right) is more important,” said Monaco coach Leon- second-minute opener, with Steve Man- against the post from a Joao Moutinho ball in, celebrates after ardo Jardim. danda turning a Diakhaby eff ort onto the post before Cabella converted a driven ball across scoring against “Kylian is a star and a top-level player. But moments later. goal by Florian Thauvin to pull one back. Atalanta. (AFP) for six months last year we often played with- Monaco were 2-0 up in the 20th minute But it ended in a tennis score as Hiroki out him and won. He is a Monaco player. That as Falcao converted a penalty awarded for a Sakai’s foul on Jorge allowed Fabinho to is why he was on the bench. But after it went Jordan Amavi foul on Fabinho, another player smash in another penalty and make it 6-1. 4-0, I didn’t need him.” closely linked with a move to PSG. Colombian “I never thought against OM, who are A deal for Mbappe could be worth as much star Falcao then headed in to make it 3-0 af- stronger than last year, that we could win as 180mn euros ($215mn), making him the ter Diakhaby had helped on a free-kick in the 6-1,” added Jardim. PSG eased to a 3-0 win second most expensive player in football his- 34th minute, and it was four on the stroke of over third-placed Saint-Etienne on Friday, tory behind Neymar, who joined PSG from half-time as superb play by Rony Lopes left with Edinson Cavani scoring twice either side Barcelona for 222mn euros earlier this month. Diakhaby with a tap-in for his fi rst goal since of a Thiago Motta goal at the Parc des Princ- The principality club have also lost Tie- signing from Rennes. es. Earlier on Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa’s Lille moue Bakayoko, Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Unhappy Marseille fans tried to invade the stopped the rot after back-to-back defeats as Mendy and Valere Germain since their stun- pitch at the Stade Louis II after that goal, and Nicolas de Preville’s superb strike gave them a ning title win, but they look to be in rude the misery continued after the break for them. 1-1 draw at Angers. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 29, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Asian WC qualifying comes to the boil in decisive week Iran have already, while nine countries still have a chance, however slender, of claiming a ticket to Russia World Cup

Reuters Sydney footballers head to

reams will be fulfi lled and others Malaysia for Syria match dashed across the continent as a large part of the Asian contingent : The Qatari football team for next year’s World Cup fi nals concluded training at the Khali- inD Russia is decided in the last two rounds fa International Stadium before of qualifying over eight days from today. heading to Malaysia yesterday Iran qualifi ed with three rounds re- for the 2018 World Cup quali- maining while Iraq and Thailand can no fiers against Syria. The team’s longer advance, but nine countries still training sessions were moved have a chance, however slender, of claim- from Aspire to Khalifa stadium ing a ticket to Russia for next year’s fi - at the request of Spanish coach nals. Of those, Japan, , Saudi Felix Sanchez. Arabia, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar has two matches Uzbekistan and Syria could still clinch remaining in the World Cup the direct qualifi cation that comes from qualifiers – against Syria on fi nishing in the top two in each of the two Thursday and against China third round groups. on September 5. Interim Qatar Qatar, the hosts of the subsequent World coach Felix Sanchez, who took Cup in 2022, and ambitious China will be over the reins after Jorge Fos- playing long odds to secure third place in sati resigned abruptly, is trying Group A and the tricky play-off route to out new players for the upcom- football’s global showpiece that goes with ing qualifiers. it. The third placed teams in each group Qatar, the hosts of the subse- play each other in a two-legged playoff in quent World Cup in 2022, and October with the aggregate winner facing ambitious China will be playing the fourth-placed team from the Central long odds to secure third place and North America (CONCACAF) quali- in Group A and the tricky play- fying in November. Qatar, who face Syria in Melaka, off route to football’s global While United Arab Emirates and Saudi Malaysia, on Thursday, will be showpiece that goes with it. Arabia kick off just over a week of crunch playing long odds to secure third The third placed teams in each Interim Qatar coach Felix ties in Al Ain today, Japan have the best place in Group A and the tricky group play each other in a two- Sanchez is trying out new chance of being the fourth team to reach play-off route to football’s global legged playoff in October with players in the WC qualifiers. the fi nals when they host Asian champions showpiece that goes with it. the aggregate winner facing Australia on Thursday. A point clear of the the fourth-placed team from Defeat would end Qatar’s Saudis and Socceroos in Group B, victory the Central and North America slender hopes of a third-place in Saitama will secure Samurai Blue a spot (CONCACAF) qualifying in finish and consign them to at the fi nals for the sixth successive tour- November. the ignominy of becoming the nament going back to 1998. promised his team will be ruthless against Defeat would end Qatar’s slender hopes fi nal qualifi er next week. The UAE, who The Uzbeks are third in first World Cup hosts not to Their South Korean neighbours have China, who need a win to stay alive, as they of a third-place fi nish and consign them to conclude their campaign in Jordan against Group A, a point behind have previously qualified for a an even longer pedigree and can clinch look to set up a winner-takes-all clash the ignominy of becoming the fi rst World Iraq next week, still have a mathematical South Korea, and targeting a tournament. a ninth straight appearance if they beat against the South Koreans in Tashkent on Cup hosts not to have previously qualifi ed chance of a top-two fi nish but are sweat- first appearance at football’s Qatar’s national team re- Iran in Seoul on Thursday and Uzbekistan Aug. 31. The Uzbeks are third in Group A, for a tournament. Saudi Arabia have the ing on the fi tness of inspirational mid- global showpiece. Syria, who turned from England following lose to Marcello Lippi’s China in Wuhan. a point behind South Korea, and target- strongest chance of representing the Ara- fi elder Omar Abdulrahman ahead of their have been playing their home an extensive training camp in Qualifi cation has not run smooth for ei- ing a fi rst appearance at football’s global bian Gulf in Russia as they look to reach match against the Saudis. matches in Malaysia because Birmingham, during which they ther of the East Asian powers, however, showpiece. Syria, who have been playing the fi nals for the fi rst time since 2006. Australia, who have appeared at the last of the civil war, are three points played three friendly matches. with coach Vahid Halilhodzic under heavy their home matches in Malaysia because Their tie against their Emirati neigh- three fi nals, are without injured skipper behind Uzbekistan but are still The first one saw them beat pressure in Japan and South Korea under of the civil war, are three points behind bours gives them a chance to move to the Mile Jedinak for their fi nal two qualifi ers in with a shout of automatic Leeds United 2-0, they then the new management of Shin Tae-yong Uzbekistan but are still in with a shout of top of the group pending the Saitama clash but will be happy to take a point home qualification if they beat Qatar lost to Nottingham Forrest 1-2, after the sacking of Uli Stielike last month. automatic qualifi cation if they beat Qatar and they have the comfort of knowing they from Japan ahead of next week’s clash with in Melaka on Thursday. before piping Andorra 1-0. Uzbekistan coach Samvel Babayan has in Melaka on Thursday. will host the Japanese in Jeddah in their group whipping boys Thailand.

FOCUS OPTIMISTIC Lippi tells QNB Stars Chelsea agree £35mn fee with Arsenal China League logo ‘impossible released to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may happen’ By Dominic Fifield in London that his preference was to seek a new his midfi eld options with a Champi- AFP The Guardian challenge. Arsenal are not prepared ons League campaign ahead. Shanghai to lose all of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Oxlade-Chamberlain could yet be Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez under joined at Stamford Bridge by Leicester helsea have kickstarted a freedom of contract next summer and, City’s Danny Drinkwater, with talks arcello Lippi says he frantic scramble for rein- given the lack of suitors for the Ger- ongoing between the clubs. is desperately short forcements in the fi nal week man and the hierarchy’s intransigence There is interest, too, in Ross Bar- of options up front of the summer transfer win- over the prospect of selling Sanchez kley at Everton – the attacking mid- but China’s veteran Cdow by agreeing a £35mn fee with Ar- this summer, that always left the Eng- fi elder is in rehabilitation from a torn MItalian coach has told his players senal for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, lishman as the likeliest to depart. hamstring and will not be available not to give up hope of reaching with the player potentially the fi rst of Liverpool had also been interested until the new year – and Swansea City next year’s World Cup. China are three England internationals destined in Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had are braced for a bid for the for- bottom of their qualifying group for Stamford Bridge before the cut-off been secured from Southampton in ward Fernando Llorente. with just one victory in eight By Sports Reporter on Thursday. 2011 for £15mn, but the 24-year-old’s Chelsea’s young forward Jeremie games and must win both their Doha Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has en- preference was always to remain in the Boga has signed a new three-year remaining matches if they are to tered the fi nal 12 months of his con- capital. contract and become the 28th player stand any chance of making it to tract, had been off ered new and im- Personal terms are unlikely to prove to be loaned out by the club this sum- Russia 2018, starting at home to he new logo of Qatar’s premier proved terms to commit his future to an issue, with Antonio Conte hoping a mer, joining Birmingham City in the Uzbekistan on Thursday. football tournament was released Arsene Wenger's Arsenal but made versatile player will challenge Victor Championship for the remainder of The 69-year-old Lippi, who yesterday at a press conference clear towards the end of last week Moses at right wing-back and bolster the season. masterminded Italy’s 2006 held at the Torch Doha. The logo World Cup triumph, says his Thas been designed by the Al Kass chan- much-derided side can upset nel’s creative team. TRANSFER the odds. “We must keep on im- The tournament, previously known as proving, constantly upping our the Qatar Stars League (QSL) has been re- game and sometimes the im- branded as the QNB Stars League follow- possible may happen,” he told ing the bank’s new six-year agreement to Titan Sports weekly ahead of the sponsor most of the football tournaments Leipzig’s Keita to join Liverpool next year must-win game in Wuhan. in Qatar. “It’s a fact that the Chinese QNB Stars League CEO Hani Ballan, By Andy Hunter in Liverpool have accepted a deal that will allow for Sunday’s 4-0 win over Arsenal, team has improved. In the past marketing and communications director The Guardian them to retain the player for their de- manager Klopp said after the Anfi eld the team was very despondent, Hassan al-Kuwari, competitions director but Champions League season while drubbing. Mignolet’s omission from never winning and the youth Ahmed al-Adsani, Al Kass’ Essa Ali al- earning more than his eventual re- the matchday squad raised some teams weren’t producing good Hitmi and QNB’s senior executive Salem iverpool have agreed a club lease clause. eyebrows but Klopp explained that players. We are improving in al-Nuami were present at the press con- record deal to sign Naby The 22-year-old, who had a medi- the Belgium international was still terms of mentality and organi- ference yesterday. Keita from RB Leipzig next cal in Wilmslow yesterday and is his fi rst choice and had been left out sation.” “Our partnership with the QNB is a summer and are also inter- expected to fi nalise the move at Mel- to keep him fresh. “Intensity for a Lippi has been at the helm for very important one and will help in the Lested in prising Thomas Lemar from wood, will offi cially become a Liver- goalkeeper is diff erent,” Klopp said. 10 months and will reportedly development of football in Qatar,” Ballan Monaco before the transfer deadline pool player on 1 July 2018. Liverpool “It’s not a physical intensity, it’s a keep his job even if China fail to said at the press conference. “ on Thursday. Keita, Jurgen Klopp’s are keen to add Lemar to their squad mental intensity. We said we wanted qualify for Russia — they were Our league is one of the most competi- prime midfi eld target for this sum- in this window, although they are yet to have three really strong goalkeep- all but out of the reckoning for tive in the region with teams of a very high mer, underwent a medical in Eng- to make a bid for the 21-year-old. ers, that’s our situation now. That 2018 when he arrived. His high- quality,” he added. land yesterday after Liverpool fi nally Arsenal have been long-term ad- means you cannot deal with it like profi le appointment is part of Last week, a sponsorship agreement reached agreement with Leipzig over mirers of the France international but you do when you have a clear number a Chinese government eff ort to was signed by President of the Qatar the terms of his transfer. Liverpool have been informed by Monaco that three, a clear number two – yes, Si- markedly improve the fortunes Football Association (QFA) Sheikh Ha- are to activate the £48mn release he is not for sale. That stance may mon is a clear number one, but the of a country ranked a lowly 77th mad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani and clause in the midfi elder’s contract – remain unchanged in the face of Liv- others are not clear number twos and in the FIFA rankings and an em- QNB Group CEO Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari. a clause that comes into eff ect at the erpool’s interest but the club are ex- number threes, they are really strong barrassment to the nation. Clubs Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari said on the oc- end of this season – and will pay a pected to test Monaco’s resolve with goalkeepers.” in the domestic Chinese Super casion: “We believe that QNB Group is premium to secure the deal now. a club-record off er worth around Mignolet was handed the gloves League have spent huge sums to aware of its national duty towards society, Barcelona have been among the £60mn, with the possibility of Di- at the start of the season, playing in bring in overseas players, par- and there is no doubt that this continued rival clubs linked with the Guinea vock Origi heading the other way. liverpool’s 3-3 Premier League draw ticularly strikers such as Hulk at support is the result of our understanding international and Liverpool have Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper at Watford, the 1-0 home win over Shanghai SIPG, which Lippi says of this role, which is part of our commit- moved to ensure Klopp will get his Simon Mignolet will start the club’s Crystal Palace and both legs of their has had a knock-on eff ect. “We ment to achieve Qatar National Vision man. Leipzig have refused to con- next Premier League match against 6-2 aggregate Champions League have a very severe problem, we 2030.” sider selling Keita in this window but Manchester City after being rested qualifying win over Hoff enheim. don’t have strikers,” he said. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT WC QUALIFIERS Loew I’m no Neymar, insists defends Neuer omission

Barca new boy Dembele AFP Berlin Dembele expects to learn firsthand from Messi, who he described as the best player in history ermany head coach AFP to leave. The attendance was also well Joachim Loew said he Barcelona down on the 50,000 fans that welcomed is not prepared to risk Neymar on his presentation four years captain Manuel Neuer ago. “With a player like Ousmane we Gfor their World Cup qualifi ers de- rench wonderkid Ousmane have a competitive team that can aim, spite grumblings from the goal- Dembele shrugged off compari- like every year, for the greatest success,” keeper, who is back after injury. sons with Neymar and insisted said Bartomeu. Neuer was unhappy about being he still has much to learn, de- Dembele fi nally emerged in Barca’s omitted when Loew named his spiteF becoming the second most expen- famous red and blue strip, sporting the squad for the Russia 2018 quali- sive player in history as he was present- number 11 jersey vacated by Neymar. fi ers against the Czech Republic ed by Barcelona yesterday. However, he will have to wait until at in Prague on Friday and The 20-year-old’s 105 million-euro least September 9 to make his debut four days later in Stuttgart. ($125mn) transfer from Borussia Dort- when Barca host Espanyol in a Catalan “It would have been nice to be mund could rise to 145mn with add-ons derby. Dembele announced himself as there and it wasn’t my decision,” depending on his performance, as Barca one of Europe’s top prospects with a complained Neuer at the week- splashed out to fi ll the gap left by Ney- stellar season at Dortmund, scoring 10 end. However, the 31-year-old mar’s own world record 222 million- goals, after joining from Rennes for just world-class goalkeeper admits it euro move to Paris Saint-Germain. 15mn euros a year ago. However, he had was a “logical decision” having “I’m not here to replace Neymar,” said been suspended by Dortmund since only returned for Bayern Munich the Frenchman. “I will try to make good he boycotted training on August 10 in on Saturday after fracturing his progress. I am only 20 years old and protest after the German club rejected foot in April. have a lot to learn. That’s why I came to Barca’s fi rst bid. Like Neuer’s club teammate this big club.” Dembele becomes Barca’s fi fth sign- Jerome Boateng, who is working Dembele will form a fearsome for- ing of the summer after Marlon Santos, on his fi tness after a thigh injury, ward line alongside fi ve-time World , Nelson Semedo and Loew says it is not worth risk- Player of the Year Lionel Messi and Paulinho. And the Catalan giants in- ing Neuer. “Like Jerome Boat- Luis Suarez as Barca aim to wrestle the tend on completing at least one more eng, he’s not 100%. Maybe he Champions League and La Liga titles deal before the transfer window closes can take advantage of the next back from rivals Real Madrid. on Thursday with Liverpool’s Philippe two weeks,” Loew said yesterday And Dembele expects to learn Coutinho top of their wish list. with Neuer expected to work on fi rsthand from Messi, who he described Coutinho, 25, hasn’t played for Liver- his fi tness. “It would be fatal to as the best player in history. “It’s an pool since submitting a transfer request put him at risk now.” honour to be a part of Lionel Messi’s to try and force through a move earlier are on the verge of team,” added Dembele. “He’s a great this month. “My intention is that an- qualifying for next year’s World player, the best player in the world, the other player will come, if possible two,” Cup. With six wins out of six, best in the history of football and I am said Barca sporting director Robert the 2014 world champions can very happy to play in his team. I will Fernandez. Barcelona’s new signing Ousmane Dembele poses with young fans at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday. (AFP) secure their passage to Russia learn, watch how he plays, and how he with three points in Prague, as is on and off the field.” long as group rivals Northern Dembele’s Barca career got off to an BARCELONA STILL CHASING LIVERPOOL STAR COUTINHO Ireland fail to win both of their inauspicious start as his presentation outings against San Marino and in front of 18,000 waiting fans at the Barcelona: Barcelona remain hopeful played for Liverpool since submitting need to improve with the departures summer on Friday after Marlon Santos, the Czechs. Camp Nou was delayed for nearly two of securing a deal with Liverpool for a transfer request to try and force there have been.” Gerard Deulofeu, Nelson Semedo and With Neuer absent in Prague, hours due to a paperwork issue in re- Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, through a move earlier this month. Barca have been forced into a last Paulinho. And Fernandez admitted his either Barcelona goalkeep- leasing his registration from Dortmund. Barca sporting director Robert Fernan- “In the few days that remain we minute shopping spree after Ney- intention is for two more players to er Marc-Andre ter Stegen, With the supporters’ patience tested dez confirmed as the club presented hope to reach an agreement and be mar’s decision to leave the club for a arrive at the Camp Nou before Friday. Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno or Par- there were whistles during the delay 105mn euro ($125mn) capture Ous- able to present a new player,” said world record 222mn euros earlier this “My intention is that another player is Saint-Germain’s Kevin Trapp and chants for Barca president Josep mane Dembele yesterday Fernandez when asked how negotia- month. Dembele, whose fee could yet will come, if possible two,” he added. will be between the posts. Loew Maria Bartomeu to resign. Barca’s board The Catalans have until Friday when tions for Coutinho were developing. rise to 145mn euros depending on However, Fernandez categorically has called up 17 of the squad has been under huge pressure due to the the Spanish transfer window closes to “We know the profile and above all the add-ons related to his performance, ruled out a move for Nice midfielder which won the Confederations club’s fading fortunes on the fi eld and agree a deal for Coutinho, who hasn’t position of the player we want, and we became Barca’s fifth signing of the Jean Michael Seri. Cup in July and only seven which being caught cold by Neymar’s decision won the 2014 World Cup.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Seri blasts Nice over broken Barca dream Buff on slams VAR ice midfi elder Jean Michael Seri between 25 ($29.8m) and 30mn euros. as Serie A struggles has blamed the French club’s Yarmolenko had been at Dynamo since greed for the breakdown of his 2008, scored 137 goals in 339 matches dream transfer to Barcelona and was voted Ukraine player of the year with technology Nin an explosive interview with Catalan three times in a row between 2013 and sports daily Mundo Deportivo. 2015. His signing comes after confusion AFP Seri’s move to the Catalan giants broke reigned on Saturday when head coach Milan down after Nice’s Champions League Peter Bosz wrongly confi rmed interest in qualifying defeat to Napoli last week Ajax’s Kasper Dolberg. amid reports Nice had upped their asking Dortmund are doing well without uventus and Italy goal- price due to interest from Paris Saint- Dembele and Yarmolenko will have to keeping great Gianluigi Germain. “After the match (against fi ght for a place. They have won both Buff on has slammed the Napoli) I met with Barcelona’s directors league games so far to top the Bundesliga “misuse” of the video as- for more than an hour and they didn’t table on goal diff erence from defending sistantJ referee (VAR) system, tell me anything about not going through champions Bayern Munich with US in- saying that it makes Serie A with signing me,” said the Ivorian. “I ternational Christian Pulisic impressing “ugly”. The VAR, footage which went home really happy; then the next in Dembele’s place on the right wing. can be consulted by the referee day I read the news. I was stunned to see on the touchlines to rule on key the move had broken down in an incom- DE JONG ENDS NEWCASTLE incidents, is being used in Serie prehensible manner for me. NIGHTMARE, RE-SIGNS FOR AJAX A for the fi rst time this season “I went to the Nice offi ces to see the Dutch international Siem de Jong ended ahead of its World Cup debut in board and fi nd out what happened. I his injury-plagued three-year spell at Russia next year. exploded! The walls shook. They didn’t Newcastle United by re-signing for But while several VAR deci- say anything to me, they didn’t look me Dutch giants Ajax, the English club sions have been vindicated over straight in the eye. It was clear what had announced. The 28-year-old attacking the opening two weekends, mis- down fi ve minutes later thanks to happened. They had promised me one midfi elder — who suff ered a collapsed takes have been made and Buf- a dubious penalty decision. thing, but didn’t keep their word and lung and a ruptured thigh muscle among fon, along with Roma midfi elder Match referee Luca Banti asked for more money.” other injuries after moving to England Diego Perotti, is among its big- failed to spot Genoa striker An- Relations between Barca and PSG have for £6million in 2014 — joins French gest critics. “If you ask me, the drey Galabinov being off side been strained by Neymar’s world record striker Emmanuel Riviere in being moved VAR is being misused, and out before he was fouled, clearly, by 222mn euro ($265mn) move to the French on by Magpies manager Rafael Benitez. of proportion,” Buff on said Sat- defender Daniele Rugani. Juve side, whilst Barca have sued the Brazilian De Jong made just 26 appearances for urday after helping Juventus should have been awarded a free- star for breach of contract. Barca have Newcastle and spent last season on loan launch a 4-2 comeback victory kick, but Galabinov succeeded already reinvested a large proportion of at PSV Eindhoven. at Genoa. “We were told it would where Diego Farias failed for their windfall from Neymar’s departure Spaniard Benitez hopes that by off - be used sparingly, in a fair and Cagliari a week earlier in beating by making French winger Ousmane loading players he will be allowed to logical manner. Instead, it’s like Buff on with a penalty that should Dembele the second most expensive bring in new faces before the transfer we’re playing water polo. It’s not have been awarded. Juven- player ever in a 105mn euro move that window closes. Benitez has been engaged making the game ugly.” tus eventually clawed their way could rise to 147mn depending on Dem- in a tussle with Newcastle’s controversial A World Cup-winner, Italy’s back thanks to a Paulo Dybala bele’s performance. Seri remains hopeful owner Mike Ashley over transfers during current caps record holder (169), hat-trick, one of his goals com- he could yet be a Barcelona player before Ivorian midfielder Jean Michael Seri’s move to Barcelona broke down amid reports the close season, expressing his frustra- and a losing Champions League ing from a VAR-inspired penalty the transfer window closes this week, Nice had upped their asking price due to interest from Paris Saint-Germain. (AFP) tion at missing out on several targets. fi nalist twice in the past three decision following an acciden- but insists he is also wanted by a host of years, Buff on’s goalkeeping cre- tal handball in the fi fth and fi nal other top European clubs if Barca’s inter- Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe is expected to However, that fee would be lowered ABERDEEN’S MACKAY-STEVEN dentials don’t need debating. minute of stoppage time added est fades. “I want to be optimistic and complete a move to Paris Saint-Germain, if Soualiho Meite moved in the other RESCUED FROM RIVER And when it comes to VAR, he to accommodate for the consul- think that there is still a chance for the initially on loan, before the transfer win- direction. Midfi elder Meite was bought Scottish Premiership footballer Gary has direct experience. tations with technology. two clubs to get back around the table dow closes on Thursday. by Monaco earlier this summer from Mackay-Steven had to be treated for The 39-year-old was part of Roma midfi elder Perotti was and reach an agreement,” he added.”We Monaco have not yet made an offi cial another Belgian club, Zulte Waregem, for hypothermia after being pulled from Serie A VAR history, stopping a livid after not being awarded are not taking about any other club. “Big announcement on the deal for Jovetic, 8mn euros. a river by emergency services, his club fi rst-half penalty in a 3-0 sea- a penalty decision after being European clubs like Juventus, PSG, Ar- who has also played for Fiorentina and Aberdeen confi rmed yesterday. “The son-opening win at Cagliari last clearly fouled by Inter’s Skriniar senal, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool Manchester City. DORTMUND SIGN YARMOLENKO club can confi rm Gary Mackay-Steven week when referee Fabio Maresca as Roma led 1-0. A corner was want to sign me.” Sources close to the principality club TO REPLACE DEMBELE was involved in an incident in the River used it for the fi rst time in Italy’s given, and eventually Inter Milan also revealed that Dendoncker, 22, will Borussia Dortmund wasted no time in Kelvin on Sunday morning,” Aberdeen top fl ight. Juve coach Massimil- went on to prevail 3-1. “It was a MONACO SIGN JOVETIC, join from Anderlecht, following the path signing Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmo- said in a statement. iano Allegri called for “patience” clear penalty, everyone saw it,” CLOSE IN ON DENDONCKER taken by his compatriot Youri Tiele- lenko yesterday— the same day Ousmane “He was treated for hypothermia, but as the football world gets ac- said Perotti.”They gave a cor- Monaco have completed a deal to sign mans earlier this summer. Dendoncker’s Dembele offi cially joined Barcelona. is now at home and recovering well. The customed to what some experts ner, but he (Skriniar) didn’t even Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic and agent, who also represents Tielemans, “Andriy is a player who we have been fol- club extends its thanks to the emergency believe is the biggest change in touch the ball. After this, I don’t are set to wrap up the transfer of Belgium met with representatives of Monaco and lowing for a long time and who has been services involved.” Scottish media re- the game for decades. But Allegri have much faith in VAR. If we’d midfi elder Leander Dendoncker from Anderlecht at a hotel in the principality playing at a high level for both his club ports said Mackay-Steven, 26, had been could soon see his own patience scored from the penalty we’d Anderlecht, sources said yesterday. The last Thursday, the day of the draw for the and country,” said Dortmund’s director rescued from Glasgow’s River Kelvin being tested. have been 2-0 up and it was game 27-year-old Montenegro captain Jovetic, Champions League group stage. of sport Michael Zorc. after a night out with a fellow player. With Genoa leading 1-0 Ju- over. I watched Genoa versus Ju- who had a spell on loan at Sevilla last Earlier reports indicated that Monaco The 27-year-old has signed a four- He had sat on the bench for Aber- ventus in the opening minute ventus earlier and the foul on me season from Inter Milan, is set to take would pay 21mn euros ($25.2mn), not year deal after joining from Dynamo deen’s 4-3 win over Glasgow club Partick thanks to Miralem Pjanic’s own seemed clearer than either of the the number 10 shirt worn up to now by including bonuses, for Dendoncker. Kiev and reportedly cost Dortmund Thistle on Saturday. goal on Sunday, Juve went 2-0 penalties awarded.” Gulf Times Tuesday, August 29, 2017 5 SPORT

BASEBALL GOLF Johnson downs Spieth in Northern Nelson shines as Trust playoff Brewers down ‘He pitched beautifully. No hits through five innings. We probably should’ve escaped Dodgers with just giving up one run’

Agencies Los Angeles

ilwaukee pitcher Jimmy Nelson’s two-hit gem saw the Brewers down the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 on MSunday, the Dodgers’ fi rst back-to- back defeats in fi ve weeks. Nelson took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before it was broken up when pinch hitter Chase Utley singled with one out. He allowed two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking two. “Jimmy was really good,” Brew- ers manager Craig Counsell said. “He pitched beautifully. No hits through Dustin Johnson (L) shakes hand with Jordan Spieth after winning the first playoff fi ve innings. We probably should’ve hole in the final round of The Northern Trust golf tournament at Glen Oaks Club. escaped with just giving up one run. on Sunday. PICTURE: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports He pitched beautifully.” The Dodgers, who own the best AFP “Getting a win here today gives me a record in baseball at 91-38, hadn’t lost New York lot of confi dence going into next week consecutive games since July 20-21. and the rest of the playoff s.” Los Angeles activated Yu Darvish He fi red a fi nal round 66 on Sunday from the disabled list on Sunday and orld number one Dus- for 13-under 267 in the fi rst of four the Japanese pitcher allowed three tin Johnson hunted down events in the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup runs in fi ve innings in his fourth start Jordan Spieth with a bo- playoff s. since he was acquired from the Texas Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson (52) throws in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wgey-free round, and then Spieth closed with a 69. The leading Rangers. Dodger Stadium. PICTURE: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports beat the reigning British Open champi- duo were four shots in front of Ven- on with a birdie at the fi rst playoff hole ezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas, who carded “He was trying to fi nd a rhythm INDIANS 12, ROYALS 0 of the Northern Trust on Sunday. a 65 in the fi nal round, and Spain’s Jon and some consistency. Toward Yan Gomes capped a nine-run, Johnson, who started the day three Rahm, who signed for a 68. the end of the game, he felt three-homer second inning with a shots behind overnight leader Spieth, Spieth was in control most of the more comfortable and slowed grand slam as Cleveland completed a set himself up with a monster drive at day, and led by as many as fi ve on the the game down a little bit” three-game sweep of Kansas City. the fi rst playoff hole and fi nished off front nine. Francisco Lindor and Carlos San- the win with a three-foot birdie putt. But he and Johnson were tied for Darvish, who landed on the DL tana also homered in Cleveland’s sec- He had tucked his approach in close the lead heading to the par-three 17th, with a sore back, threw 95 pitches and ond inning, when the Indians sent 12 for an almost-certain birdie, so the where both were in a bunker. worked to get out of several jams. He men to the plate. writing was on the wall when Spieth Johnson blasted out to within four was done after striking out seven and The Indians shut out Kansas City was unable to make his long birdie at- feet of the hole. Spieth’s shot skipped walking three. in all three games of the series: 4-0, tempt from the fringe. 18 feet from the hole — but he stepped “The overall stuff was really good 4-0, and 12-0. The Indians have won The two stars had duelled down the up and made the putt to stay tied. and the fastball had life,” Dodgers four games in a row. Cleveland pitch- back nine at Glen Oaks Club in Old At the next, Johnson was in dense manager Dave Roberts said. “I think ers, who lead the major leagues with 15 Westbury, New York. rough off the tee and opted to lay up, in talking to Yu and talking to (pitch- shutouts, have pitched 28 consecutive Johnson drained a 17-foot downhill leaving him his testing par putt as Spi- ing coach) Rick (Honeycutt), there scoreless innings, their longest such putt for par at the 72nd hole of regu- eth two-putted from 75 feet for par. was a mechanical adjustment he’s streak since a 31-innings scoreless lation to force the playoff , and then “I thought that was a fun show,” Spi- been working through over the last 10 New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) scores a run against streak in June 2008. claimed his fi rst victory since a back eth said of the back-nine duel. “I was days with his bullpens. To take it from Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) at Yankee Stadium. PICTURE: Noah K. The Royals, who have lost four in a injury suff ered in a fall forced him out hoping it wasn’t going to be that much a bullpen to a game, obviously things Murray-USA TODAY Sports row, have gone a franchise-record 34 of the Masters in April. fun.” speed up. consecutive innings without scoring Until the injury, he’d been on a roll in Spieth opened the door with a dou- “He was trying to fi nd a rhythm and After Stanton’s homer put Miami history with a three-homer game. a run. 2017, winning three tournaments to as- ble-bogey fi ve at the par-three sixth some consistency. Toward the end of up 4-2, the Marlins added two more Gibson (8-10) allowed seven hits, cend to the top of the rankings. hole, where he was in the water off the the game, he felt more comfortable runs in the inning. Christian Yelich one walk and two runs while striking YANKEES 10, MARINERS 1 “I feel the game’s fi nally back in tee. and slowed the game down a little bit.” grounded a triple and scored on a out seven in 6 2/3 innings. One of the Starlin Castro went 4-for-4 and form like it was leading into the Mas- He bogeyed the ninth before a throwing error by Carlos Asuaje on a hits was a solo homer by Norichika New York scored six runs in the fi rst ters,” Johnson said. “I’m swinging blemish-free inward run that included MARLINS 6, PADRES 2 relay play. It was Yelich’s fi rst triple Aoki. inning when Seattle committed fi ve everything really well, got a lot of con- back-to-back birdies at 13 and 14. Giancarlo Stanton belted his 50th this year. Two batters later, Derek Di- ORIOLES 2, RED SOX 1 errors. trol over the golf ball and I’m feeling “I didn’t lose the tournament,” Spi- homer of the season, a two-run, go- etrich drilled his eighth homer of the Wade Miley’s eff ective start and It was the 16th career four-hit game really good. eth said. “He won it.” ahead shot in the eighth inning, as the season and his second in two games. timely hits by Adam Jones and Trey for Castro and helped the Yankees win Miami Marlins completed a three- Mancini helped Baltimore complete a for the ninth time in 13 games. New game sweep of the San Diego Padres TWINS 7, BLUE JAYS 2 three-game sweep of Boston at Fen- York is 2 1/2 games behind Boston and LPGA with a 6-2 victory at Marlins Park on Byron Buxton hit a career-best three way Park. 3 1/2 games ahead of Minnesota for the Sunday afternoon. home runs and had fi ve RBIs, Kyle Miley (8-10) worked fi ve innings, fi rst American League wild-card spot. Stanton had three RBIs and has a Gibson pitched into the seventh inning surrendering one run, seven hits and Seattle’s Jean Segura was charged team-high 108 for the season. He went and Minnesota defeated Toronto. three walks with four strikeouts. Brad with three errors, becoming the fi rst US Open champion 3-for-3 with a walk to raise his bat- Buxton added an RBI single in his Brach got the fi nal fi ve outs for his 17th shortstop to make three errors in an ting average to.296. He leads the Na- four-hit game as the Twins took the save. inning since Castro did for the Chica- tional League in extra-base hits and rubber match of the three-game se- Jones and Mancini each had one RBI go Cubs on April 25, 2011 at Colorado. Park wins Canadian OPS, and he needs 10 more homers to ries. With homers in the fourth, for the Orioles. Rafael Devers doubled The Mariners are 1 1/2 games be- become just the sixth player in major seventh and ninth innings, Buxton twice and drove in the Red Sox’s only hind the Twins for the second wild league history with 60 in a season. become the eighth player in Twins run. card. Pacifi c Open by two

BOTTOMLINE Spain favoured to win FIBA EuroBasket title again

DPA spectators the past two years with Real Tel Aviv Madrid and will fi nally play for Slov- enia. The fi nalists the last two FIBA Euro- eigning champions Spain enter Baskets are Lithuania, who will be fac- the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 as ing off against Georgia, Germany, co- heavy favourites to win their hosts Israel, Italy and Ukraine in round fourth European title in the robin play in Group B in Tel Aviv. Rlast fi ve editions with the continental Georgia have played much better than championship tipping off in four cities their past results indicate and would like around Europe starting Thursday. Spain to fi nally take the next step this sum- are the betters’ choice to win the fi nal mer, while Germany offi cially start the FIBA EuroBasket in the biennial rhythm post-Dirk Nowitzki era, and Italy try to before the tournament will be played re-kindle past success with star coach every four years. The 2015 semi-fi nal- Ettore Messina and some strong veteran ists France and are considered leaders including Marco Belinelli. the teams most likely to grab the crown Joining Spain in Group C are , away from the Spanish. Czech Republic, , Montenegro AFP Overnight co-leader Nicole Broch Spain still have most of their core to- and co-hosts Romania with Croatia Ottawa Larsen was in a group sharing third place gether with the brothers Pau and Marc considered a dark horse led by the dy- on 274 after an even-par 71. She was Gasol as well as Juan Carlos Navarro, namic Dario Saric. Istanbul will host joined by China’s Feng Shanshan (68), Sergio Rodriguez and Rickey Rubio as Group D with Belgium, Britain, Latvia, outh Korea’s US Women’s Open South Korean Chun In-Gee (70), and well as the next up-and-coming Span- Spain’s Gasol brothers Pau, (L) and Marc. Russia, Serbia and Turkey. winner Park Sung-Hyun added Americans Marina Alex (68) and Cristie ish brothers Willy and Juancho Hernan- The Serbians will be missing play- another title to her rookie resume Kerr (69). Chun notched her sixth top- gomez. Romania, where action starts on the Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert while maker Milos Teodosic and some other on Sunday with a two-stroke win three fi nish of the season but couldn’t The Spaniards were hit hard by in- second day of the competition. The fi rst Tony Parker, Mickael Gelabale and leaders. But this is still the core that inS the Canadian Pacifi c Open in Ottawa. break through for her fi rst title of 2017. jury three weeks ago as star guard Ser- day sees Group A games in Helsinki and Florent Pietrus have all retired from the reached the fi nals of the FIBA Basketball Four off the pace to start the day, Park Mo Martin, who shared the overnight gio Llull went down with a torn anterior Group B contests in Tel Aviv. national team. World Cup 2014 and 2016 Rio Olympics. notched seven birdies in a seven-under lead with Larsen, carded a one-over 72 cruciate ligament. But Sergio Scariolo’s Group D action in Turkey also starts Greece could have been considered Turkey are hosting both a group stage as 64 to seize the victory with a 13-under- to join a group on 275 that also included team is a great mix of battle-hardened on Friday. Group A in Helsinki features dark horse title contenders but were well as the knockout games. And if his- par total of 271. South Korean Kim Hyo-Joo and Ameri- veterans and hungry-to-shine young- co-hosts Finland, France, Greece, Ice- dealt a major loss when NBA star Gi- tory is any indication then that means She was two strokes in front of compa- can Jane Park. sters, including fi ve players age 24 years land, and Slovenia. France have annis Antetokounmpo was ruled out Turkey could be playing a while as they triot Lee Mi-Rim, who closed with a 68 at Kim carded a 66, while Park produced a or younger. three podium fi nishes in the last three injured. Slovenia fans — as well as the reached the fi nals of the FIBA EuroBas- the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club. sparkling 65 for her share of eighth place. European basketball fans will have to FIBA EuroBaskets including the 2013 ti- rest of Europe — are anxiously awaiting ket 2001 and FIBA Basketball World Two eagles — including one at the 18th US star Michelle Wie withdrew prior to wait until Friday to see the holders as tle. And while Les Bleus still have plenty the national team debut of Luka Doncic, Cup 2010 in front of their home fans in — boosted Lee to her best result since her the start of the fourth round for an emer- Spain play in Group C in Cluj-Napoca, of talent, they are missing NBA stars the teenager superstar who has wowed Istanbul. victory in the KIA Classic earlier this year. gency appendectomy. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA ONE TAKING ISSUE Hamilton questions Force to safety car deployment rein in colliding teammates The pair had already been warned about their collision at the Azerbaijan GP

Reuters Spa, Belgium

orce India have vowed to rein in fractious Formula One drivers Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez Fafter more costly collisions be- tween the pair at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. Ocon accused his Mexican teammate of putting both their lives at risk when he squeezed the speeding Frenchman Winner Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on his car after towards the wall. the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in That incident left Perez with a blown Spa on Sunday. right rear tyre and Ocon with a shat- tered front wing, losing the sport’s Reuters settling down as before. fourth-ranked team precious points. Spa, Belgium The Briton told reporters that he The pair had already been warned had actually benefited from an error about their conduct after a collision at which left him in the wrong power the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku in ewis Hamilton took issue mode, allowing Vettel to pull level June when they were running third and with Formula One’s race at the first La Source corner but de- fourth. direction on Sunday, sug- nying the Ferrari driver a chance to “I have been very happy with our gesting the safety car was get a subsequent run at him down- overall performance during the 2017 deployedL for longer than necessary hill to Eau Rouge. season with both drivers scoring points at the Belgian Grand Prix to make Immediately after the race he for the team and racing freely,” said the race more exciting. suggested the safety car deploy- team principal Vijay Mallya in a state- The Mercedes driver won from ment had been a bit “like NASCAR ment. pole position, slashing the cham- where they keep pulling out the “However, as much as I support pionship lead of Ferrari’s Sebastian safety cars for no reason”. competitive racing, the repeated inci- Force India’s French driver Esteban Ocon drives ahead of Toro Rosso’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr during the Belgian Vettel to seven points. “I guess they (the stewards) dents between both our cars are now Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa on August 27. The safety car was deployed on wanted to see a race, so that’s for becoming very concerning. the 30th of 44 laps and stayed out sure the reason they did that be- “Under these circumstances I have brother. I’m disappointed. But the team wards the same wall on the approach ers. for four while marshals cleared up cause there was hardly any debris,” no choice but to implement a policy comes fi rst and that’s what we have to down to the famed Eau Rouge uphill “He’s supposed to be a professional debris from a collision between he said. Hamilton eased off a little of team orders in the interest of safety do,” he told reporters. sweep and was not amused. driver and he didn’t show it today. Force India’s Sergio Perez and on the criticism later. and to protect the team’s position in the Sunday’s collision, on the 30th of The fi rst clash, he said, had been “I will tell him the truth. I will not be Frenchman Esteban Ocon. “At the end of the day it doesn’t constructors’ championship.” the 44 race laps, brought out the safety both dangerous and unprofessional but scared of him, I will go and talk to him. The re-start proved a key mo- matter now, but there was no-one Chief operating offi cer Otmar Szaf- car due to the debris strewn across the he could understand it. The second one If it needs to be mean words, it will be,” ment of the race, with both Ham- in harm’s way on track,” he said. nauer said the rules of engagement track and left the two Force India driv- was altogether a step too far. added the 20-year-old Mercedes pro- ilton and Vettel on fresh tyres after “You could say the marshals had would be changed and the drivers told ers, who have an increasingly frosty re- “He just squeezed me into the wall at tege, who fi nished ninth. pitting but with the German on the to come on to clean up but they did to hold position in future. lationship, even more at odds with each 300kph risking my life, risking his life, Perez, 28, accepted blame for the fi rst faster ultra-softs that threatened it quite quickly. “I’m disappointed they couldn’t sort other. for no reason and costing a lot of points coming together and said he had not to give him an advantage over the “Then we did all those laps be- it out and the team has to now play big Ocon had earlier been squeezed to- for the team,” he told television report- seen Ocon trying to pass. softs. hind the safety car and it just “Why’s the Safety Car out?” opened up doors. Hamilton asked his team over the “At the moment I was frustrated. SPOTLIGHT radio. “There literally is no debris. I’ve led the race and it’s been this “That is a BS call from the stew- close and then we do that stop and ards,” he added. I’ve not got ultra-softs available to Hamilton managed to hold off me and it feels a little bit weighed Verstappen facing ‘bunch of penalties’ in Monza Vettel at the re-start, but only just, up against you. But it’s cool. I just and then pulled away with the race sucked it up and kept pushing.”

AFP viously he’s had Alain Prost come and Spa, Belgium apologise, Renault are going to apolo- More openside fl anker woes for All Blacks gise, but it doesn’t change the situation unfortunately. Reuters, Wellington: All Blacks “Matt Todd had a scan following ax Verstappen is set to take “I think that Renault are quite aware coach Steve Hansen will have to Sunday’s match against Otago, “a bunch of penalties” at that their reliability and product isn’t reassess his options at openside which has confirmed a fractured Monza after his Renault en- where it should be and that’s their busi- flanker after Matt Todd was ruled left hand,” the Canterbury Rugby gine failed again and forced ness to sort that out. out for four weeks with a broken Union said in a statement on himM to retire from Sunday’s Belgian “We’re a paying customer and it’s hand yesterday Monday. Grand Prix, his Red Bull boss Christian obviously below par — the service that With Sam Cane failing a head “He has been seen by a hand Horner predicted. we’re seeing at this point in time, be- injury assessment during Satur- specialist who, along with team Horner complained that Renault were cause of the reliability issues. We’re day’s Rugby Championship win medical staff , will continue to giving his team a “below par” service staring down the barrel at a bunch of over Australia, and Ardie Savea monitor his recovery. — for which the French constructor’s penalties at Monza.” the only other specialist number “Matt will be in a splint for four representative Alain Prost apologised Verstappen was fi fth and had com- seven, Todd had been expected weeks at which stage he will be personally to Verstappen — despite see- pleted just eight laps in front of an to be drafted into the squad as reviewed by the specialist before ing his teammate Daniel Ricciardo claim 80,000-strong Dutch army in a record cover for the Sept. 9 game against being cleared to play.” third behind race winner Lewis Hamil- crowd at the spectacular Spa-Francor- Argentina. After hosting the Pumas, the All ton.The team chief added that Verstap- champs — more than 265,000 packed However, the 29-year-old, who Blacks face South Africa in Auck- pen’s post-race outburst of frustration in during the weekend — before he lost has eight test caps, five of which land on Sept. 16. They then travel with the team, and thinly-veiled threat power and parked his car. came last year, broke his hand in to face Argentina on Sept. 30 and that he was considering his future, was Fans cheer Max Verstappen at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. It was his sixth retirement in 12 races. Canterbury’s national provincial finish their Rugby Championship to be expected. “I can understand his frustration, but championship clash with Otago in campaign in Cape Town against “He’s just enormously frustrated, as again, he’s in a great position and other engine issue. the majority of them have been beyond Christchurch on Sunday. the Springboks on Oct. 7. you can imagine,” said Horner. “Once through no fault of his own he’s had an- “Sometimes words escape you... ob- our control,” explained Horner.” Meads remembered as driven icon and family man Reuters 23 general election to attend. “Yep, Pinetree used to knit. He Wellington English, who launched the ruling knitted a jersey and a balaclava,” he National Party’s campaign in Auck- said, again to much laughter. land on Sunday, did not speak at the An emotional Brian Lochore, whose ll Blacks great Colin Meads funeral but said he had attended to pay career was intertwined with Meads, was a supremely competitive respects for what Meads had done for said New Zealand had lost a champion family man who was pas- New Zealand. for provincial rugby in the country. sionate about New Zealand “He represented something very The country’s amateur provincial rugby,A yet would faint at the sight of special about being a Kiwi,” English competition teams, made up of mostly blood and even learned to knit as a said in a statement before the service. rural provinces, play for the Meads child, his brother Stan said in a eulogy Meads’ coffi n arrived at the service and Lochore Cups. to the former lock yesterday. in a hearse decorated with a special- “Nobody has done more for New Meads, who in 1999 was named ised “Pine T” licence plate, a nod to Zealand rugby than Colin,” said the New Zealand’s greatest rugby player the moniker he preferred to be known fellow All Blacks great. “I’ve lost a of the 20th , was diagnosed by even after he received a knight- friend. New Zealand has lost an icon. with pancreatic cancer last year and hood. “He was the player of the century the former lock died in hospital in his Stan Meads said that while his older and I don’t think anyone would argue home town of Te Kuiti on Aug. 20. brother had always been physically with that. “Every fi bre in his body was com- strong, tough mentally and ultra com- “He was incredibly strong and mo- petitive,” Stan Meads, a fellow All petitive from a young age, he would bile for a man of his size. He was ahead Blacks lock, told a funeral service in faint at the sight of blood. of his time. No forward until that their home town on Monday. “Be it “He recognised that if he wanted point had ever run as well as Pinetree. marbles or when we were kids and to go far in rugby then he better sort He would be great in the modern era.” someone would say ‘I’ll race you to Grandchildren of New Zealand rugby union great Colin Meads speak during his funeral in Te Kuiti, New Zealand. it out,” he said to laughter from the While Meads was recognised for that tree there’, it was on. crowd. what he contributed to the All Blacks “He didn’t believe in coming sec- in the centre of New Zealand’s North Several hundred mourners packed ance. Their parents had tried to encour- legacy and global rugby, speakers also ond. That wasn’t part of Pinetree’s Island came to a virtual standstill for into the community’s Les Munro cen- Prime Minister Bill English and age them to read books as children, touched on his community work and makeup,” he added, referring to his the funeral, with politicians, former tre, with a large marquee set up across leader of the main opposition Labour but he refused to do so, so their moth- his devotion to his family. All fi ve of his brother’s nickname. All Blacks and administrators fl ocking the road to accommodate the overfl ow Party Jacinda Ardern temporarily sus- er had taught Colin to knit to keep him children and 12 of his 14 grandchildren The small town in the King Country to pay their respects to Meads. of roughly 3,000 people in attend- pended their campaigns for the Sept. occupied, he added. attended the funeral. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 29, 2017 7 SPORT

HANDBALL Barcelona win third Super Globe; Sadd fi nish fourth Catalans beat Fuchse Berlin in finale; HC Vardar finish third on their IHF Super Globe debut

Off icials, including Qatar Olympic Committee secretary general Dr Thani al-Kuwari and Qatar Handball Association president Ahmed Mohamed al-Shaabi, at the presentation ceremony after the Super Globe final yesterday.

line-up enough to earn the Asian side the upper hand. The hosts managed to close the gap however, and at the 10-minute mark Barcelona players celebrate their IHF Super Globe title win on the the podium yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil were within one goal at 4-5. The score remained with a one-goal advantage wo years after they were showed 10 minutes. Right back Marko began the diff erence stayed at two for for Vardar midway through the half knocked out of the trophy race Kopljar fi nally found the net again for Barcelona (22-20), before Gojun re- (7:6) before Al Sadd levelled the score. by Füchse Berlin in the penul- Berlin in 11th, but even then it was clear ceived his third two-minute suspen- Keeper Danijel Saric saved a penalty timate match, FC Barcelona they would have to work very hard for sion and therefore a red card. against Ivan Cupic and his team had the Tavenged their loss with a four-goal 29- every goal – particularly considering With the fi nal buzzer drawing closer chance to take the lead, but they did not 25 victory in the fi nal to claim the 2017 Perez de Vargas was in his best form. the record EHF Champions League capitalise on the opportunity and Vard- IHF Super Globe title yesterday. Berlin’s received his sec- winners pulled further away, leaving ar then reopened the gap. Earlier in the day, on their Super ond two-minute suspension as early as little doubt as the clock ticked down. The Champions League title hold- Globe debut, HC Vardar beat hosts Al the 14th minute, putting him in a dan- When Valero Rivera took Barcelona in ers took a four-goal advantage into the Sadd with a commanding 18-goal mar- gerous position with a seemingly in- front to 27-24 in the 59th, the trophy break, and when the match resumed, gin (37-19) that placed them third in the evitable red card waiting with just one was decided. showed their dominance as they tournament. bad move. The defending champions’ In the bronze-medal match, HC pushed ahead to fi nish with an 18-goal The fi rst goals in the fi nal came from coach Velimir Petkovic called the fi rst Vardar controlled the game from the margin in their favour. the team’s junior players, with Dika time-out of the match just as the clock fi rst whistle to the last, as they held Al Sadd’s young keeper Rasheed Yu- Mem scoring the opener for Barcelona reached midway (6-3 to Barcelona), the advantage from the beginning with suff came in to face a penalty shot in the before Kevin Struck added one for the though it did not swing the momentum only a brief comeback from Al Sadd 40th, and kept the score at 12-21 with a defending champions. Following his of the match. that threatened the European side. great save – but as Vardar led by 11 goals goal, Berlin could not beat Barcelona’s Barcelona hit 10 goals to Berlin’s fi ve Vardar took a 3-0 lead before Amine at that point the bronze medal was de- defence backed by Gonzalo Perez de in the 19th when Perez de Vargas scored Guehis added the fi rst goal for the cided. Vargas for eight minutes, while the Cat- a long-range shot into the German hosts after the end of the opening fi ve Vardar’s Daniil Shishkarev fi nished alan team scored two more goals before team’s empty goal – but it soon became minutes. With a 5-1 defensive system as top scorer of the match with seven they too were kept quiet by the German clear Barcelona could not get too com- with Timur Dibirov in front, Vardar’s goals, closely followed by his Russian side’s keeper Silvio Heinevetter. fortable yet. Through the last 10 min- defence was diffi cult to break through teammate Dibirov on six. (IHF) In the ninth minute Timothy utes of the fi rst period Berlin recorded a and even when the Qatari team found N’Guessan broke the drought with his 7-4 run that took the margin to three at their way, ever-reliable goalkeeper Ar- Al Sadd’s Hadi Hazem Hamdoon second goal, after which his French 15-12 by the time the half-time whistle pad Sterbik stood solid in goal. Al Sadd (centre) in action against HC Vardar teammate Mem tallied his second to sounded. also played 5-1 with Hamdi Hadjayed during their IHF Super Globe bronze pull Barca in front 5-1 as the clock As the last 10 minutes of the game in front, but it did not control Vardar’s medal match yesterday.

MOTORSPORT CRICKET NZ to host its fi rst Champion al-Attiyah aims to day-night Test in March

Reuters in its most modern and vibrant incar- Wellington nation; we can improve accessibility tighten grip on title in Poland for new audiences, and we can show- case Eden Park, Auckland and New Agencies Overdrive Racing’s CEO Jean-Marc ew Zealand will stage its fi rst Zealand to a truly global audience.” Szczecin, Poland Fortin said: “It has been very busy to day-night cricket Test next New Zealand played the inaugural get the cars ready for this important March after Auckland City day-night Test against Australia in Ad- round of the championship in Poland. Council approved the use of elaide in November 2015, and after wit- atar’s Nasser Saleh al-Atti- It’s a demanding event and one where NEden Park for the match against Eng- nessing the success of that match had yah will look to tighten his we have a strong entry and a large team land, the country’s board said yester- been hoping to host their own ‘twi- grip on the FIA World Cup to co-ordinate. It has been a busy few day. light’ fi xture. for Cross-Country Rallies weeks for everyone with the Silk Way The game, the fi rst of a two-match They had originally planned to face titleQ in Orlen Baja Poland, that starts Rally and Spain in July followed by series, will be played from March 22- South Africa under lights at Seddon on Friday. Hungary and Poland in August.” 26, with the second Test in Christch- Park in Hamilton earlier this year but Overdrive Racing will send a fl eet of The seven timed stages are centred urch from March 30 to April 3. trials in fi rst-class cricket found the six Toyota Hiluxes to this weekend’s around Dobra and Lubieszyn areas, The owners of Eden Park had to lighting was not strong enough. Orlen Baja Poland, round nine of the and the military fi ring range at nearby seek consent from the council due to Twilight Tests have proved success- FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Drawsko Pomorskie. The action gets restrictions on the number of events ful in Australia, while England’s fi rst Rallies. underway with the ceremonial start held at night at the venue in suburban day-night Test between the hosts and Based at Szczecin and taking place on the scenic Lasztownia island and Auckland. West Indies earlier this month attract- on September 1-3, the three-day event a timed Prologue stage of 7.08km on New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief ed 70,000 fans over the three days. has attracted one of the largest entries Friday evening from 18.00hrs. Operating Offi cer Anthony Crummy “This a very important outcome for in the cross-country calendar and 134 There will then two selective sec- said in a statement the match would lovers in New Zealand sim- cars, bikes, quads and trucks will take tions of around 215.90km apiece on help open up the sport to more people. ply because it allows us the opportuni- part on this occasion. Saturday (September 2) at the fi ring “NZC has a particular focus on im- ty to play the game at a time when more Apart from the defending champion range from 08.15hrs and 13.45hrs, re- proving access to cricket for everyone,” people can engage with it,” Crummy al-Attiyah, Overdrive Racing will have spectively. he said. added. the Dutch trio of Bernhard Ten Brinke, The remaining four timed sections “Being able to stage the Test as a “We’re sure it will be a very success- Erik Van Loon and Peter van Merkste- take place on Sunday. There will be day-nighter is a signifi cant step in the ful event, and that English and New ijn joining Dane Jes Munk and the host two passes through the 18.39km of right direction. Zealand fans alike will make the most nation’s Aron Domzala in the line-up. the Krzekowo stage at 08.40hrs and “This means we can promote cricket of the opportunity.” Al-Attiyah and French navigator 12.30hrs and a pair of runs through the Matthieu Baumel arrive in Sczcecin 10.50km of Lubieszyn at 09.35hrs and directly from competing in the Rally of 13.25hrs before the ceremonial fi nish and the Qatari currently has in Szczecin from 14.30hrs. Injured Chandimal out of India ODI series a 72-point lead in the drivers’ stand- ings. FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS batsman third of five matches in the series, by Victory in Poland — to follow fi ve COUNTRY RALLIES STANDINGS has been ruled out of the remaining six wickets to take an unassailable previous wins this season in Dubai, 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 210pts two one-dayers against India after 3-0 lead. Qatar, Kazakhstan, Spain and Hun- Nasser al-Attiyah (also inset) on his way to victory in Hungary earlier this month. 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL) 138pts fracturing his thumb while batting at The batsman would consult a spe- gary — would give al-Attiyah at least 3. Khalid al-Qassimi (ARE) 105pts Pallekele, his country’s cricket board cialist in Colombo to help the board an advantage of 81 points to take to could put us in a very strong position fi nishing in a similar position in Hun- 4. Yasir Saeidan (SAU) 96pts said yesterday. get an idea of the timeline of his the fi nal two rounds of the series in to retain the FIA World Cup title,” said gary earlier this month and claim- 5. Aron Domzala (POL) 86pts Chandimal, who was playing his first recovery, SLC added. Morocco and Portugal in October. Al- al-Attiyah. “It is not an easy rally and ing victory in Russia in February. The 6. Mohamed Abu Issa (QAT) 84pts match of the series Sunday, sustained The fourth one-dayer will be played Attiyah claimed his fi rst victory in Po- there is strong competition, particu- talented young driver again teams 7. Martin Prokop (CZE) 72pts the injury while negotiating a bouncer in Colombo on Thursday with the land last season. larly from the local drivers in Poland.” up with Szymon Gospodarczyk after 8. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE) 47pts from fast bowler Hardik Pandya. fifth and final match slated for Sun- “This is an important rally for me Poland’s Aron Domzala holds fi fth working alongside Maciej Marton on 9. Leeroy Poulter (ZAF) 42pts India won the day-night game, the day at the same venue. and the whole team and the outcome in the championship standings after the last few rallies in a second Toyota. 10. Mikko Hirvonen (FIN) 37pts

Tuesday, August 29, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Qatari jockey al-Yaefei wins Al Rayyan Cup in South Africa

Agencies “This training course is part of QREC’s vision Scottsville, South Africa and strategy to develop the Qatari talent and to focus on developing equestrian sport in general and horse racing in particular,” he said. atari jockey Abdulla Saleh al-Yaefei “I’d like to congratulate jockey Abdulla Saleh steered Tropical’s Son to land the al-Yaefei on winning the race and all the par- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club ticipating Qatari jockeys for their brilliant per- (QREC)-sponsored Al Rayyan Cup formance.” inQ Scottsville, South Africa, on Sunday. The Eleven Qatari jockeys, aged between 15 and 1,200m handicap race was reserved for thor- 22 years old, are participating in the training oughbreds and Qatari apprentice jockeys. course in the South African Jockey Academy in Qatar’s ambassador to South Africa, Abdulla KwaZulu-Natal. Hussein al-Jaber, attended the race and pre- They are Abdulla Rashid al-Adgham, Ali Kha- sented the trophies to the winners, in presence lid al-Mosallam, Meteb Ali al-Marri, Abdulla of Abdulrahman Mohamed al-Naama, QREC Mubarak al-Maadeed, Saleh Salem al-Marri, head of Riding and Training Section, and Ali Abdulla Saleh al-Yaefei, Khalid Abdulaziz al- Mohamed al-Saaq, supervisor of the training of Kuwari, Saleh Hamad al-Marri, Rashid Ali al- Qatari jockeys in South Africa. Marri, Mohamed Rashid al-Mosallam and Ab- Saddled by Paul Laff erty, the AL Williams- dullah Hozam al-Marri. owned Tropical’s Son was led by al-Yaefei to They started the training course and perform- victory a length ahead of the runner-up. Eleven Qatari jockeys, aged between 15 and 22 years old, are participating in the training course in ing various training activities in early July and Jockey Saleh Salem al-Marri rode JV Borg the South African Jockey Academy in KwaZulu-Natal. will continue their course until early September. and Klawervlei Stud-owned Freddie Flint, also Qatari jockey Abdulla Saleh al-Yaefei (centre) Their training is overseen by senior specialised trained by Laff erty, to second place. Khalid Ab- “The race came at a very appropriate time proud of my participation in presenting the tro- celebrates his win on Tropical’s Son in Al Rayyan trainers in South Africa with daily direct follow dulaziz al-Kuwari helmed Melanie L Roberts- during the training camp for the Qatari jockeys phies to the winners after the race because the Cup in Scottsville, South Africa, on Sunday. up by al-Saaq. owned Dale House, trained by Michael Roberts, in South Africa,” ambassador al-Jaber said. Qatari presence was distinctive and it demon- QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al- complete the frame. “It was such a pleasure and it makes us feel strated the value and the standing of our state image was there during the trophy presentation Kaabi said, “We, at QREC and in Qatar, are proud The Al Rayyan Cup race was run in South proud because the citizens of Qatar are always worldwide whatever the circumstances might ceremony, which confi rms that we, even outside to have such young talent. They only need good Africa as part of the support and development ready under the leadership of His Highness the be. the borders, are all Qatar and are all Tamim,” al- preparation in a structured manner to reach the programme of youth by State of Qatar, through Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. “There is no doubt the Management of QREC Jaber said. highest levels. QREC, therefore, launched the the Minister of Culture and Sports, and as an “It was wonderful to see the fl ag of Qatar fl ut- did well by holding this training camp for the QREC chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mo- initiative to send these jockeys to acquire more initiative by QREC as part of their eff orts to tering and fl ying high in South Africa through Qatari jockeys in South Africa for nearly two hannadi commended the performance of the experience. No doubt the positive outcome of develop Qatari jockeys to compete in the most this group of Qatari jockeys who have presented months. I do encourage to organise such camps Qatari jockeys throughout the training course this course will refl ect in their participation in prestigious racing events in future. a brilliant image of the State of Qatar. I’m also regularly. I also noticed that Tamim al-Majd and in Al Rayyan Cup race. the coming racing season at QREC.”

TENNIS / US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Hand-me-down Muguruza advances, kid Tiafoe targets childhood hero Kvitova wears down Federer today

AFP Slam champion. New York At Cincinnati, in the run-up to the US Open, he defeated world number six Alexander Zverev, s a youngster, Frances just weeks after losing to the Jankovic in round 1 Tiafoe, the son of a Si- German in the Wimbledon sec- erra Leone immigrant, ond round. played tennis in hand- He has also already faced Fe- ‘I’ve been here so many times and I’ve never done very well. I will try again’ me-downA gear and dreamed of derer, losing in two tight sets at the day he’d face Roger Federer at Miami in March this year where AFP the US Open. “the ground shook,” the Ameri- New York Today, that wish, forged from can teenager remembered. hours of hitting a ball against the “What are the chances that a wall of a Maryland club where kid like me, a kid with immigrant eigning Wimbledon champion his father worked as a mainte- parents who picked up the game Garbine Muguruza was excited nance man, comes true in front the way I did, who came up how to reach the second round yes- of almost 25,000 fans on New I came up, would ever get the terday at the US Open while York’s showpiece Arthue Ashe chance even to lay eyes on Roger formerR world number one Maria Shara- Stadium. Federer?” pova was poised to swipe the Broadway It’s a long way from the days Federer, the 19-time major spotlight. when cash-strapped Tiafoe winner who is chasing a record Spanish third seed Muguruza matched practised with his twin brother sixth US Open title, said he was her best showing on the New York hard- Franklin at the College Park Ten- grateful that he had already got a courts in fi ve tries by defeating American nis Club. look at Tiafoe in Miami. Varvara Lepchenko 6-0, 6-3 for her fi rst “I played with hand-me- “Clearly he has nothing to lose triumph in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which down rackets and gear from my but everything to gain,” said the celebrated its 20th anniversary. wealthier peers, or used demo 36-year-old. Twice Wimbledon champion Petra rackets the club supplied,” A defeat for reigning Austral- Kvitova scraped into the second round by 19-year-old Tiafoe told theplay- ian Open and Wimbledon cham- beating former world number one Jelena erstribune.com. pion Federer today under the Jankovic of Serbia 7-5, 7-5. “While my dad worked, I Arthur Ashe lights would be a The Czech 13th seed, in search of top picked up the game during shock of seismic proportions. form after a mediocre build-up to the nights and weekends at the facil- He has never lost in the fi rst year’s fi nal Grand Slam, struggled to ity when the other kids weren’t round in New York. His earliest adapt to Jankovic’s counter-punching around. exit came on his debut in 2000, style but eventually wore down the 2008 “I’d hit against the wall by back when Tiafoe was still to runner-up to set up a meeting with myself, mimicking techniques I reach his second birthday. France’s Alize Cornet. had seen older boys at the acad- “He’s an aggressive baseliner Meanwhile, 23-year-old Muguruza emy do. I’d imagine I was playing like so many of the Americans,” improved to 17-2 since the start of her against Rafa or Roger in the US said Federer, who missed the London Grand Slam title run, a stretch Open, that those guys were just 2016 tournament through injury. that also included a crown at Cincinnati on the other side of the wall.” “Thankfully I played him in in the last major US Open tuneup. Garbine Muguruza of Spain in action against Varvara Lepchenko of the US during their US Open first round match at Flushing Tiafoe was just six months Miami this year so I have a little “Very happy I’m in the second round,” Meadows in Queens, New York, yesterday. (Reuters) old when Federer was winning bit of an idea of how he plays, and said Muguruza. “I’ve been here so many the Wimbledon junior title, the his patterns and what he prefers times and I’ve never done very well. I will and I had a big fi ght,” Muguruza said. “I give Sharapova, whose major titles include bledon semi-fi nals, each time after win- Swiss star’s fi rst step on the road to do. try again and hopefully it will happen.” everything I have on the court. I sweat and the 2006 US Open, tested positive for the ning the fi rst set, and to Muguruza in the to turning pro later that year. “I’m excited to play on centre Muguruza, who won last year’s French work hard on every point.” banned blood boosting drug meldonium Cincinnati fi nal. Now ranked at 70 in the world, court for the fi rst time with the Open and reached this year’s Australian Sharapova was set to face Romania’s at the 2016 Australian Open. German fourth seed Alexander Zver- Tiafoe has already illustrat- proper structure and roof now. I Open quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time, can second-ranked Simona Halep in the Her comeback began with an April semi- ev, who beat Roger Federer in the Mon- ed why he’s being talked of as missed it last year. I’m very ex- reach the New York third round for the night feature match, the Russian star’s fi nal run at Stuttgart but many rivals com- treal final earlier this month for his fifth America’s most likely next Grand cited.” fi rst time tomorrow by defeating either fi rst Grand Slam match since serving a plained about wildcard entries she received title of the year, faces Slam debutant US qualifi er Claire Liu or China’s Duan 15-month doping suspension. to assist her fi ght back to top form. Darian King of while Croatian Ying-Ying. “I don’t think any tennis fan in the Sharapova, ranked 146th, played only fifth seed Marin Cilic, the 2014 US After dominating the fi rst set, Mugu- world is not going to have that match on,” one hardcourt tuneup match before a Open champion, meets American Ten- ruza fought through most of the second said US 15th seed Madison Keys. “We all forearm injury sidelined her. nys Sandgren. before breaking 64th-ranked Lepchenko knew it was inevitable she would be back Halep enters the Open after her third Seven-time Grand Slam champion Ve- at love in the penultimate game. in majors and playing. I’m sure this fi rst loss in as many months with a chance nus Williams, this year’s Australian Open “She started a little bit nervous and I round is going to be interesting.” to claim the world number one ranking, and Wimbledon runner-up, was set to started very well. Then the match equalled Five-time Grand Slam champion falling in the French Open fi nal and Wim- face 135th-ranked Viktoria Kuzmova.

Japan’s ‘iron lady’ Date to quit game at 46

Japan’s Kimiko Date, the grand dame of added the eight-time WTA Tour singles age to remember me by.” women’s tennis, announced yesterday champion and former Wimbledon semi- Date, whose game is a throwback to that she will retire from the game a few finalist. a time when tennis was more about days short of her 47th birthday. “But it is time to put the punctuation lobs, dinks and clever use of spin than The former world number four said on point on my tennis career.” power-hitting, broke several records in her off icial blog that she will add the “full Date, a wiry 5ft 4in (1.63 metres), the sport. stop” to her career by retiring — for a underwent two knee surgeries since Most notably in 2009, Date became second time — after the Japan Women’s appearing at the 2016 Australian Open, the second-oldest player in the modern Open tournament, which begins in but defied the odds to return to action in era to win a WTA singles title after Billie Tokyo on September 11. May this year. Jean King when she captured the Korea “I have always been obsessed with The Kyoto native admitted she was still Open. competing,” said Date, who took a justing the length and intensity of train- nursing a sore knee and shoulder. Despite playing on until the ripe old age 12-year hiatus from professional tennis ing to look after my physical condition. “All my energy is focused on the Japan of 46, Date fell some way short of her after quitting at the peak of her powers “It has not been an easy decision to Open,” she said. “I hope many of those idol Martina Navratilova, who retired in 1996. sever the feeling that I want to get back who have supported me down the years a month short of her 50th birthday in “But increasingly I’ve found myself ad- on court and run around like I used to,” can come out to watch and have that im- 2006.