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Wednesday, October 9, 2019 FOOTBALL Safar 10, 1441 AH German WC winner GULF TIMES Schweinsteiger hangs up his boots SPORT Page 2 OOREDOO HONOURS BARSHIM, SAMBA AND MANSOUR

orld high jump athletes with a token of apprecia- champion Mutaz tion on behalf of Ooredoo. Barshim, 400m hur- Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al- Wdles bronze-winner Kuwari, the Second Vice-President Abderrahman Samba and former of the Qatar Olympic Committee sprint legend Talal Mansour were and President of Qatar Athletics honoured for their outstanding Federation (QAF), was also present contribution to sport by Ooredoo on the occasion. Chairman HE Sheikh Abdulla bin HE Sheikh Abdulla also thanked Mohamed al-Thani at the com- Mansour, the Qatari sprinter who pany’s headquarters in West Bay. holds an Asian indoor record for Qatar’s leading telecommunica- the men’s sprint, for his contribu- tions operator was a National Part- tion to the fan experience at Doha ner of the IAAF World Champion- 2019. ships which concluded on Sunday. Mansour received the Chair- In the presence of Sheikh Saud man’s recognition for his eff orts bin Nasser al-Thani, CEO, Ooredoo behind the scenes to report on all Group, Waleed al-Sayed, CEO, the action, with Sheikh Abdulla Ooredoo Qatar and a host of noting his dedication in providing senior executives from Ooredoo, exclusive and breaking news from HE Sheikh Abdulla commended behind the scenes to his many both athletes for their outstand- followers and sports fans in Qatar ing commitment and dedication, and the wider Gulf region. His noting they achieved their feats enthusiasm motivated many other despite having just recovered social media influencers to cover from injuries which had caused the event, HE Sheikh Abdulla said. them to miss almost the whole HE Sheikh Abdulla added: “It gives athletics season prior to the Doha us great pleasure to be able to Worlds. recognise the eff orts and achieve- Barshim defended his world title ments of our national sports stars with a leap of 2.37m at the Khalifa who made world records and International Stadium on Friday, represented our country in the becoming the first high jumper to best possible image. L to R: Former Asian sprint champion Talal Mansour; CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, Waleed al-Sayed, hurdler Abderrahman Samba, Second Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic do so at the IAAF World Champi- “We thank them all for proudly Committee and President of Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Ooredoo Chairman HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed al-Thani, world onships. flying the flag for Qatar and champion high jumper Mutaz Barshim and Ooredoo Group CEO Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al-Thani pose during the felicitation ceremony. At bottom, Ooredoo Chairman HE A few days earlier, Samba had look forward to more sporting Sheikh Abdulla with Barshim and Samba. claimed bronze in the 400m achievements in the near future. hurdles which included a top field We’re proud to have been National including Karsten Warholm and Partner for the IAAF World Athlet- Benjamin Rai, who took gold and ics Championships, and delighted silver respectively. to have contributed to the success Sheikh Abdulla presented both of this prestigious event.”

BOTTOMLINE Sanchez: Working at Aspire shaped me as a person

By Sports Reporter process and that he was the lucky coach knowledge that help us to be able to with coaches coming from diff erent Doha to be there at the time of triumph. In compete in the best shape.” Asked if it countries, so they are also well prepared many ways the progress of Qatar’s play- would be an advantage that most play- when they move from the Academy to ers resembles the development of his ers have known him for many years, he the senior teams of their clubs, where n the fi rst Star Chat of Day 2 of the own career as a coach. agreed that stability is always a good they also get to work with a lot of for- “Aspire Academy Global Summit” After working with small clubs in thing in football. eign coaches.” in Football Performance and Sci- Spain and in the academy of FC Bar- “The players that have worked with In terms of inspiration, he is not lim- Ience, the delegates had the oppor- celona, he joined Aspire Academy as a me for many years know, of course, iting it to the recent success of Qatar’s tunity to get an insight into the work of youth coach in 2006, later got the op- what I expect from them. But the most football national team, he also thinks Felix Sanchez, head coach of Qatar’s portunity to train youth national teams important relationship is the one the that Aspire Academy graduate and high national football team, that won the of Qatar and step by step worked his players have on the pitch. And the fact jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, who just AFC Asian Cup title earlier this year. way up from age group to age group that a lot of them have played together won a gold medal for Qatar at the recent Asked if this success signifi cantly before being put in charge of the senior at Aspire Academy and in youth na- 2019 IAAF Athletics World Champion- changed something for him, he said that national team in 2017. tional teams make things easier for us ships in Doha, can be a role model for with success and responsibility go hand “I would not be here today if I had coaches.” his team and future national team play- in hand and that it meant for the team not joined Aspire all those years ago. It Refl ecting on his early days in Qatar ers. to keep up the good work and to push is a project that is unique in the world he stressed the importance of getting a “It shows that someone coming from themselves even more in the future. and working here and being exposed to deeper knowledge of the environment a small country like Qatar can set him- “In times of success it’s important some many great people from all over fi rst. “I think when you get outside of self high goals and also reach them. In to set yourself clear targets to keep up the world also shaped me as a person.” your own country, you should use the football it’s quite similar. All of us, the the motivation and for us, these targets Sanchez also stressed the impor- fi rst year to fi nd out more about the lo- Qatar Football Association, Aspire were the Copa America and the Asian tance to create a good environment, so cal culture and try to understand the Academy and the clubs are working to- Cup qualifi ers,” Sanchez said. a team can fl ourish on the pitch. “The mentality of a place. You can still bring wards the same target, which makes our Speaking about the role he played coach is the one people see, but there in your ideas, but you also have to adapt daily work much easier. We all have the on the way to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup are so many more people working with them accordingly. passion to do something big for Qatar in victory, the Spaniard stressed that this the team. We are very fortunate to have “The players at Aspire Academy on 2022 and have a competitive team at the achievement was the result of a long a group of professionals with excellent the other hand, have always worked World Cup.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FRIENDLY Illness and injury hinder Germany for German W Cup star Messi-less Argentina

AFP Reus. Dortmund As a result, Loew has called up defender Robin Koch from Freiburg and midfi elder Sebas- ermany are set to hand tian Rudy, who played a key role Schweinsteiger out several debuts with in Hoff enhiem’s shock win at Joachim Loew missing Bayern Munich on Saturday. a host of fi rst-choice With defenders Matthias Gin- Gnames for today’s friendly ter, out with a shoulder injury, against an Argentina without Li- and Jonathan Tah, who has a onel Messi. cold, also missing, Loew will test Like the Germans, Argentina new players. must do without some big names Hertha Berlin defender Niklas hangs up his boots in Dortmund, where only two Stark will start, as will Freiburg thirds of tickets have been sold forward Luca Waldschmidt, in for the friendly. for fi rst-choice striker Timo His next challenge may be helping Germany boss Joachim Loew as a trainee coach The match is a repeat of the Werner, who has a cold. 2014 World Cup fi nal, but Ar- There will be much attention gentina’s Manchester United on Barcelona goalkeeper Marc- defender Marcos Rojo is set to be Andre ter Stegen, who will start the only survivor. with German captain Manuel Angel Di Maria and Sergio Neuer on the bench. Aguero have been left out of the Loew has said Neuer will re- Argentina squad while play- turn for Sunday’s Euro 2020 maker and captain Lionel Messi qualifi er at minnows Estonia, but is suspended. there are calls for Ter Stegen, 27, The 32-year-old superstar is to usurp Neuer, 33, as fi rst choice. serving a three-month ban after “I don’t feel under any more accusing governing body CON- pressure than usual,” said Ter MEBOL of “corruption” at the Stegen in Dortmund. Copa America, where his team “I want to do my best, as al- fi nished third. ways, just like everyone else in The German camp has been the team. forced into a reshuffl e with 13 “I think that despite the with- players dropping out for illness drawals, we’re still bringing a lot or injury. of quality.” “It will be diffi cult to expect In the Argentinian camp, great things when it comes to coach Lionel Scaloni will be the line-up, but you can expect without River Plate and Boca seriousness and commitment,” Juniors players involved in the assured Loew. semi-fi nals of the Copa Liberta- Loew admitted wanting to use dore. the Argentina match to test out Rising talents Nicolas Ta- combinations with an eye on gliafi co (Ajax), Matias Vargas Euro 2020, “but we won’t be able (Espanyol Barcelona) and Lau- to do that now”. taro Martinez (Inter Milan) are Key midfi elders Toni Kross set to get their chance. of Real Madrid and Manches- Experience will come from ter City’s Ilkay Gundogan are Man City’s Nicolas Otamendi both injured, while a knee knock (Manchester City), Angel Correa means there is a question mark of Atletico Madrid or Paulo Dy- over Dortmund captain Marco bala of Juventus.

In this file photo taken on August 28, 2018 former Bayern Munich’ midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger poses in front his winning trophies prior to the his farewell match between his former teams Bayern Munich and Chicago Fire in Munich. Schweinsteiger, 2014 world champion with Germany and then captain of the Mannschaft, announced his retire- ment yesterday on social media.

DPA for their support!” time to lift the World Cup. produced.” Of the 2014 World however, did not work out as Berlin His last game was for Chicago He played 121 times for his Cup winners, former striker Schweinsteiger was dropped Fire in the MLS on Sunday, a 5-2 country and scored 24 goals. He Miroslav Klose has already been from the squad by manager Jose victory away to Orlando City. went on to marry tennis star Ana part of Loew’s coaching team. Mourinho when he replaced ermany World Cup- The sporting case for contin- Ivanovic. Bayern hailed their former Louis van Gaal — who signed the winning midfi elder uing in Chicago, after three sea- “Saying goodbye as an active player with a string of tweets, midfi elder after working with Bastian Schweinsteiger sons, was limited after the team player makes me feel a little nos- labelling him “legend”, “always him while coach of Bayern. retired from football missed out on the play-off s for talgic, but I am also looking for- one of us” and “football god”. That prompted a 2017 move Argentina’s Lucas Alario (L) and Roberto Pereyra arrive for a training Gaged 35 yesterday and has al- the second successive year. ward to the exciting challenges Schweinsteiger made his debut to Chicago and though the Fire session in Kamen, western Germany, yesterday. ready been off ered the chance Schweinsteiger is most closely that await me soon. for Bayern in 2002 after coming reached the play-off s in his rstfi to join the national side’s back- associated with home club Bay- I will remain faithful to foot- through the club’s youth system. season, they were eliminated in room team. The former Bayern ern, where he won eight Bun- ball,” his statement continued. He went on to play 345 Bun- the opening round and struggled FOCUS Munich and Manchester United desliga titles and seven German His next challenge may be desliga games, scoring 45 goals for the next two campaigns. player said on Twitter: “The Cups. He lifted the Champions helping Germany boss Joachim and making 70 assists according “He’s a leader, a great team- time has now come: I would like League as part of the 2013 treble Loew as a trainee coach. to the team. mate and a generational player to thank both you and my teams under coach Jupp Heynckes. Loew told a news confer- He was inducted as the 18th who put Chicago Fire on the US women fi ght @FCBayern, @ManUtd, @Chi- A year later in Rio de Janeiro, ence before the announcement: member of Bayern’s hall of fame world map. I’d like to say, on be- cagoFire and @DFB_Team and Schweinsteiger played a heroic “There is always a place for him in 2018, three years after he left half of the Club: Danke, Basti,” of course battling role as Germany de- with us. He was certainly one of the club for Manchester United. Chicago Fire owner Joe Man- against governing @AnaIvanovic and my family feated Argentina 1-0 after extra- the greatest players Germany has The spell at Old Traff ord, sueto said. body’s pay claims BOTTOMLINE

Reuters atives were able to earn more to- New York tal compensation than members of the (Men’s National Team).” Those four players — Meg- S women’s national an Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Alex Ibrahimovic says statue proves soccer team players Morgan and Becky Sauerbrunn pushed back in a court — would have earned far more Ufi ling on Monday under the men’s team’s pay rate against claims by the US Soccer policy, the plaintiff s argued in Federation that some members the fi ling. ‘that everything is possible’ earn more than their male coun- A spokesman for US Soccer terparts, as they argued for class said members of the men’s na- DPA to the city of Malmo. The foot- action status in the latest chap- tional team have the chance to Stockholm baller is the fi rst living person to ter of their closely-watched legal earn larger bonuses, but they do have a statue erected in Malmo, fi ght. not receive guaranteed money Sweden’s third largest city. All 28 member of the US in their “pay-for-play contract wedish footballer Zla- “I will play as long as I feel women’s national soccer team structure.” tan Ibrahimovic’s status physically good,” Ibrahimovic sued the US Soccer Federation “Our men and women’s na- as one of the country’s said, adding: “I don’t see many for gender discrimination in tional teams have diff erent pay greatest players was ce- 38-year-old professional play- March in a lawsuit that included structures, not because of gen- mentedS yesterday when a 3-me- ers that do what I do. complaints about wages and der, but because each team chose tre high statue of him was un- I said I will stop when I’m on working conditions. to negotiate a diff erent compen- veiled in his home city of Malmo. top, and I still feel my game is on Mediation between the two sation package with US Soccer,” “The statue is a symbol that top.” He added that he missed parties broke down in August, the spokesman said. everything is possible,” Ibra- European football, where he had weeks after US Soccer’s Presi- The US women’s team suc- himovic told reporters shortly made his mark. dent Carlos Cordeiro said in an cessfully defended its World before the unveiling, saying he In a tweet, he had earlier en- open letter that the organisation Cup title in July in France, de- believed it could inspire others couraged fans — especially has paid more to the women’s feating the Netherlands in the “in whatever you do.” youngsters — to attend, writing: team than the men’s in recent fi nal. The team has four women’s The golden statue showed a “Zlatan has given all Malmo’s years. A week ago, the organisa- World Cup titles, more than any bare-chested Ibrahimovic with school kids time off to partici- tion said it opposed the women’s other nation. raised arms after scoring a goal. pate at the ceremony.” players bid for class action status Players from the US men’s “Some players get trophies, Despite Ibrahimovic’s star in their suit. squad threw their support be- some others they get statues, status, his message did not “Over the class period, the hind their female counterparts and some they get both,” Ibra- count as an offi cial excuse to skip (Women’s National Team) has in July and accused US Soccer of himovic said.”This is the biggest class, said Sara Wettergren of the played far more games than not paying a fair share of gener- thing that can happen to a per- Sweden’s biggest football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic poses next to the 2.7m bronze statue of him near the Malmo city council in charge of the (Men’s National Team) and ated revenue to national team son, especially when it’s placed stadium where he made his professional debut in his hometown of Malmo in southern Sweden. school issues. amassed a far higher win per- players. The dispute has at- in your home town.” “Those who opt to go will centage, including earning two tracted international attention, “I’m super proud, it means I ward Ibrahimovic, who also Ibrahimovic was cheered Peter Linde, city mayor Katrin be marked as bunking off from World Cup championships,” the with numerous celebrities, ath- have done something that no- played for Inter Milan and Man- by over 1,000 fans, including Stjernfeldt Jammeh, and Hakan school, the same rules apply as suit’s plaintiff s said in Monday’s letes and politicians backing the body else has. This is the credit,” chester United among a string of school kids, who chanted “Zla- Sjostrand, secretary general of for those who take part in school court fi ling. “This is the only women’s players amid renewed he added. other top European clubs, is ad- tan, Zlatan” at the ceremony. the Swedish Football Associa- strikes for the climate,” she told reason why the four (Women’s conversation over pay equity in The statue of LA Galaxy for- jacent to Malmo stadium. Also present were sculptor tion which donated the statue daily Sydsvenskan. National Team) class represent- the United States. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 9, 2019 3 SPORT

QATAR PLAYERS TRAIN AHEAD OF BANGLADESH CLASH

Qatar players train yesterday at the Al Janoub stadium, on the eve of their matches against Bangladesh and Oman in the joint qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Coach Felix Sanchez has announced a 26-member list. Al Annabi will travel to Bangladesh for October 10 match before hosting Oman on the 15 of the same month. Qatar opened their campaign in Group E with a 6-0 victory against Afghanistan before they were held to a goalless draw by India. Qatar lead the group with four points from two matches.

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP AC Milan sack coach Need to help players Giampaolo aft er dismal start C Milan sacked coach leave (and) I was right to leave Marco Giampaolo after Madrid. Right now I’m where I the team lost four of want to be, and I am very happy. to rediscover the soul their fi rst seven Serie My idea was to leave, play and A games of the season, the club enjoy football. Over the past two said yesterday. Giampaolo was years I have not done that. I was appointed in June and tasked right to go seeing as I’m in the with trying to end the club’s Spain squad.” eight-year trophy drought and Ceballos joined Real Madrid take them back to the Champi- from Real Betis in 2017, but he of football: Crespo ons League after a six-season failed to establish himself as a absence. key player under Zinedine Zi- Yet his tenure got off to a dane in his fi rst spell at the club. The former Argentine international described as loosely based on providing terrible start and he was ousted When the French coach returned despite the club ending a three- in March, Ceballos was again players with choices and ability to make them on the pitch match losing streak with victory surplus to requirements and over Genoa on Saturday. “AC moved to Arsenal on loan in July. ormer Argentine and Parma Milan announces it has relieved striker Hernan Crespo believes Mr. Marco Giampaolo from his GRIEZMANN ALL SMILES today’s football players have lost position as coach of the First AT BARCELONA: LENGLET their focus and are distracted by Team. The Club is grateful to Antoine Griezmann is just as offF -fi eld issues. He was speaking at the Marco for the work carried out happy playing for Barcelona as 5th edition of the ‘Aspire Academy Glo- and wishes him all the best to he is for France despite rumours bal Summit’ on Football Performance and come in his professional career,” of dressing room unrest amid Science in Doha yesterday. the club said in a statement. an underwhelming start at the “We need to help players get back the Italian sports daily La Catalan giants, his club and soul of football once again. The busi- Gazzetta dello Sport reported national side teammate Clement ness around and accruing from playing that Giampaolo would be re- Lenglet said yesterday football such as advertising, commercial placed by former Lazio and Inter “I am with him at the club and marketing and social media following Milan coach Stefano Pioli. Pioli’s he is very happy there too. He’s means that the player’s focus is no longer last job was at Fiorentina, whom someone who is smiling every only on football and maybe we should go he left in April during his second day and that doesn’t change back to the principal goal of playing foot- season in charge. Seven-times when he arrives in the French ball”, said Crespo, who was until recently, European champions AC Milan team,” Lenglet told reporters manager of Argentine premier division won the last of their 18 Serie A ahead of France’s Euro 2020 team, Club Atletico Banfi eld and is well titles in 2011. qualifi ers against Iceland and known for scoring goals for fun with Ital- Turkey. “He makes the most ian Serie A club Parma, his fi rst club in I WAS RIGHT TO SWAP of everything, he loves mak- Europe when he left River Plate in 1996. MADRID FOR ARSENAL, ing jokes and he doesn’t change After that he had successful spells with SAYS CEBALLOS whether he’s with the French clubs such as Lazio, Inter Milan, AC Mi- Arsenal midfi elder Dani Ceballos team or Barcelona.” lan and Chelsea. believes he was right to join the Griezmann was left on the The former Argentine international club on loan from Real Madrid, bench for Barca’s 4-0 drubbing shared his coaching philosophy, which where he had not been enjoying of Sevilla on Sunday after failing he described as loosely based on pro- his football. Ceballos has played to live up to his 120 million-euro viding players with choices and abil- 11 times for the Gunners in all price tag in the opening weeks of ity to make them on the pitch. “A player competitions, scoring one goal the season, scoring three goals must build good decision-making abili- and assisting two others, earning in nine games. Lionel Messi has ties and feel confi dent to execute them Former Argentine striker Hernan Crespo speaking during the 5th edition of the Aspire Academy Global Summit on Football himself a call-up to the Spanish also denied suggestions of a rift keeping in mind the consequence from Performance and Science in Doha yesterday. national team. between him and the French- among others his teammates, media, Moreno has selected the man, who joined from Atletico fans club president and his friends and it’s 5-0 to me and he carried on saying the and experts in the world. He went on to night with them, but I refused and instead midfi elder in the squad to face Madrid in July, as he struggles to family. Coaches don’t make a player, but same to Thuram and when coach called say a coach should not feel that he is more would go home and rest as well as sleep Norway and Sweden in Euro fi nd a settled position in Ernesto it’s what the player has inside him, that for round 6 while he was still talking, I set important than the players and ought to early. It’s the determination and goals that 2020 qualifying fi xtures on Sep. Valverde’s three-man forward coaches work with and refi ne, polish and off and beat him. I told him 1-0 and we act normally around players and team. you set yourself that will help you defi ne 12 and 15 respectively. “I’m at line. Griezmann was replaced in help to become outstanding. The attitude went on to run the rest of the rounds and “You should see your role as that of your stance and modus operandi. Arsenal right now and I feel very Barca’s starting line-up against to what you do is important as far as l am Cannavaro won the rest. At the end he helping players develop their skills and “In Argentina we have a saying that good,” Ceballos told reporters in Sevilla by another French for- concerned. If you focus and give of your said to me “Hey Crespo, the score is 9-1”, when you manage to get them to do that goes like, ‘Expertise is like a hair comb for Madrid, where the Spanish team ward, Ousmane Dembele, who best, fully aware of your capabilities as an but I said to me its 1-0, so that one mo- as a collection you begin to reap from that you to look good.’ Football has given me are training. scored before being sent off for individual that is commendable.” ment he wasn’t fully focused I made the which you have given and planted into so much and it’s time for me to give back “I knew I defi nitely wanted to dissent late on. Crespo told a story from his days at most of it and won and that’s the picture I your coaching”. as a coach. I played in three World Cups Parma to illustrate his philosophy. “We chose to take with me from the exercise,” Crespo said being disciplined in his and achieved many dreams. I am still pas- had to run 10 rounds and Fabio Canna- said Crespo. work ethics helped him in his career. sionate about this game and want to take varo was faster than Lilian Thuram and Crespo was speaking at one of the big- “There were times I was on the bench and the same attitude into my coaching ca- I. After 5 rounds he turned to me saying gest gatherings of football youth coaches my friends would ask me to come out at reer,” concluded Crespo.

FOCUS Tottenham confi rm Lloris out for rest of the year AFP badly as he conceded Brighton’s opening rently in a brace and will now undergo a Argentine stopper Paulo Gazzaniga London goal at the Amex. period of rest and rehabilitation under will now assume the role of Pochettino’s “Hugo Lloris has undergone further the supervision of our medical staff at fi rst-choice goalkeeper for the forseeable assessment this morning after sustaining Hotspur Way.” future. Lloris will also miss Euro 2020 ottenham Hotspur goalkeeper a dislocated elbow in our match against The news is another hammer blow to qualifi ers for France against Iceland, Tur- Hugo Lloris will be sidelined for Brighton on Saturday,” Tottenham said in Tottenham’s hopes of turning around a key, Albania and Moldova. the rest of the year after suff er- a statement. poor start to the season. “It is diffi cult to say exactly how long ing a dislocated elbow in a dismal “The fi ndings have shown that al- Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won he will not be available,” said France boss Tdefeat at Brighton on Saturday. though surgery will not be required, our just three of their opening 11 games in all Didier Deschamps on Monday. Lloris was stretchered from the fi eld club captain has suff ered ligament dam- competitions and were thrashed 7-2 at “What matters to us right now is that screaming in pain after dropping a cross age and is not expected to return to train- home by Bayern Munich in the Champi- he will not be with us for this round of Marco Giampaolo was appointed as AC Milan coach in June and before falling backwards and landing ing before the end of 2019. Hugo is cur- ons League last week. games or for the next.” tasked with trying to end the club’s eight-year trophy drought. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT All Blacks preparing for desperate Italy in Boks overwhelm ‘do-or-die’ game

Reuters sity that will come, then we’ll Tokyo get smacked.” Adding to Italy’s desperation is the fact they have a crisis in their front row. he All Blacks face a des- Andrea Lovotti and Nicola Canada to storm perate Italian side with Quaglio were both suspended quarter-fi nal ambi- for three weeks following an ugly tions in their fi nal Pool tip tackle on South Africa’s Du- TB match in Toyota City on Sat- ane Vermeulen on Friday, while urday, assistant coach Ian Foster Simone Ferrari (hamstring) and said yesterday. Marco Riccioni (concussion) The All Blacks are expected to were both injured in their 49-3 beat Italy to advance to the quar- loss. into quarter-fi nals ter-fi nals alongside South Af- “There’s no doubt that they rica, although the Italians could will feel a little bit wounded,” ‘We want to put our best performance out and we really want to get a result out of that’ still make the knockout phase Foster said. “They’ve had a lot if they score four tries and beat of disruptions and probably had New Zealand by more than seven a pretty tricky week, balancing points. players coming in and out.” That scenario would give Ital- Foster refused to address any ian coach Conor O’Shea’s team speculation on the composi- 15 points and leave the All Blacks tion of New Zealand’s side for on 14. the clash, with the team hav- “They can still reach the quar- ing mixed and matched players ter-fi nals,” Foster told report- against Canada and Namibia. ers at the team hotel in Tokyo. They are, however, forecast to “We’re expecting an Italian team fi eld their strongest possible se- to bring everything they’ve got lection against Italy, and Foster because it’s a do-or-die game for said he believed the team would them. lift a level after they were given “And if we don’t respect that, a dressing-down by coach Steve and don’t understand that de- Hansen at halftime against Na- gree of desperation and inten- mibia on Sunday.

New Zealand’s Kieran Read attends a training session at the Arcs Urayasu Park in Urayasu, Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi (centre) runs with the ball during their Pool B match against Canada at the Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) Organisers tight-lipped AFP from a 63-0 loss to reigning performance out and we really S’busiso Nkosi at the corner. half Peter Nelson’s cross-kick just over typhoon plans Kobe, Japan champions New Zealand, avoid- want to get a result out of that,” Then came Reinach’s hat-trick, metres out. ed a whitewash thanks to fl anker said Ardron. spanning the 10th-21st minutes. It Matt Heaton’s try.This bonus- started with a superb solo eff ort, ROLLING MAUL Rugby World Cup off icials both into the quarter-finals as outh Africa’s Cobus Re- point victory should see two- BONUS-POINT SCORE the scrum-half breaking from a Canada’s night went from bad to said yesterday it would be group winners — with France inach scored the fast- time world champions South Erasmus made 13 changes to the ruck inside his own 22, chipping worse when English referee Luke inappropriate to reveal their also through as runners-up but est hat-trick in Rugby Africa into the last eight after an side that overwhelmed Italy 49-3 over the last defender and regath- Pearce showed Larsen a red card contingency plans should Scotland eliminated. Earlier in World Cup history as the opening Pool B defeat by the All last time out. ering before sprinting clear. for a shoulder charge to the neck “Super Typhoon Hagibis” cause the tournament, when another SpringboksS all but assured them- Blacks, with hosts Japan — who But they still proved far too Snyman and fellow lock Franco of Springbok prop Thomas du disruption to next weekend’s typhoon threatened a match in selves of a place in the quarter- stunned the Springboks 34-32 at strong for Canada, with the Mostert then combined to send Toit. final group of pool fixtures. Fukuoka, organisers said they fi nals with a 66-7 hammering of the 2015 World Cup in England Springboks opening the scoring in Reinach, capitalising on some And on the stroke of half-time, The fierce tropical storm, would have used an alternative Canada in Kobe yesterday. — now looming as possible op- in just the third minute under the weak tackling, for the bonus- Frans Steyn scored his fi rst Test predicted to be the most violent venue. However, in a statement The Springboks ran in 10 tries, ponents. closed roof of the Kobe Misaki point score. try in seven years. But the biggest to hit Japan this year, appears issued yesterday they would including seven in a fi rst-half “It was scrappy in stages but I Stadium. And with Canada reeling, Rein- cheer of the night came when to have changed direction and not elaborate as to whether that featured scrum-half Rein- can’t moan about 10 tries,” said Quick ball saw them across the ach had his third try. Canada prevented a whitewash in is now predicted to strike the they would try to do the same ach’s 11-minute treble. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. gainline, with RG Snyman burst- Jantjies’s cross-kick was pulled the 46th minute. Tokyo area — where England are this weekend. “Public and That was quicker than Aus- “Obviously they got a red card ing through on a pass from fl y-half down by Warrick Gelant, the wing Canada captain Tyler Ardron due to play France on Saturday team safety is our number one tralia fullback Chris Latham’s that made it a little bit easier Elton Jantjies. fi nding de Allende who in turn re- won a line-out and set up a rolling while Japan take on Scotland on priority. While we have robust 25-minute hat-trick in a 142-0 for us. So overall, not too bad.” The lock was hauled down short leased the onrushing Reinach. Ge- maul, with wing Jeff Hassler just Sunday, both in Yokohama. contingency plans in place for thrashing of Namibia at Adelaide Canada, who have appeared in of the line but the ball came back to lant himself went over in the cor- short. But openside fl anker Hea- Tournament rules state that pool matches, such plans, if during the 2003 World Cup. every World Cup, have one more outside centre Damian de Allende, ner after a fi ne pass from Jantjies. ton eventually forced his way over any pool game that cannot be required, will only be actioned South Africa led 47-0 at the chance for a win at this edition one of two Springboks to keep his A spirited Canada, roared on by for a try converted by Nelson. played is not rescheduled and if the safety of teams, fans, and break against an outclassed Can- when they face fellow minnows place in addition to captain Siya a sporting crowd, then came close There was still time, however instead is recorded as a 0-0 workforce can be guaranteed. ada, who had to play more than Namibia in Kamaishi on Sunday, Kolisi, for a try under the posts. to a try. But South Africa-born left for three more Springbok tries, draw, with no bonus points It would be inappropriate to half the match a man down after a game captain Tyler Ardron de- Jantjies then kicked the fi rst of wing DTH van der Merwe, making including a fi rst in Tests for Dam- available. Such an outcome, comment on any contingency replacement lock Josh Larsen scribed as “hugely important.” eight successful conversions. a Canada record 15th World Cup ian Willemse, only recently ar- however unlikely, would suit plans at this stage,” the was sent off . “It’s a game we’ve really tar- More good handling saw fl anker appearance in his fi rst Test against rived in Japan as a replacement England and Japan, sending statement said. Reuters But Canada, just six days on geted. We want to put our best Kwagga Smith send in left wing the Springboks, knocked on fl y- for the injured Jesse Kriel.

PREVIEW Scotland’s Reid relishing Russia tighthead challenge Reuters break down at the World Cup, for their group match against Warren Gatland’s side are not Shizuoka, Japan with Ireland only securing the Fiji today, assistant coach Robin taking the Fijians lightly, howev- crucial bonus point in the fi - McBryde said. er, and have made only two back nal quarter of their match last Wales have not been in ac- row changes from the starting cotland prop Gor- Thursday. tion since edging Australia in 15 that fended off the Wallabies don Reid is savouring While Scotland’s meeting the heavyweight Pool D clash 29-25. every moment of what with Japan in Yokohama on on Sept. 29 and bring a clean bill Loose forward Ross Moriarty Sis likely to be his last Sunday is likely to determine of health into the match at Oita has been promoted from the Rugby World Cup and says he which of them goes through to Stadium as they look to sew up a bench and will start at number is relishing the prospect of fac- the quarter-fi nals from Pool A, quarter-fi nal berth. eight, while James Davies makes ing a player whom coach Gregor the players have been at pains “We’re in a good place, obvi- his World Cup debut at openside Townsend described as one of to stress how important it was ously a 10-day break, so we’ve fl anker in place of the rested Jus- the best tightheads at the tour- to focus on today’s clash with been able to get recharged,” tin Tipuric. nament. Russia. forwards coach McBryde told Wales beat Fiji 23-13 in a pool Reid, 32, has come off the Reid, who is behind Allan Dell reporters at the captain’s run clash four years ago in the World bench in Scotland’s two previ- in the loosehead pecking order, yesterday. Cup in England but their de- ous matches in Japan but will said he has loved his time with “From a forwards point of fence was often shredded by the start against Russia in Shizuoka. the squad in Japan. view we’re in a better shape than fast Fijian backs. It is a game the Scots must win “I just said I wanted to go we ever have been, really. Moriarty missed that pool with a bonus point to give them and have fun, fun in training “Everyone’s fi t and well, 18 game but was part of the their best chance of reaching the and spend time with the boys players, ready to go. We’ve ben- Gloucester side that mounted quarter-fi nals. and have a laugh and enjoy my efi ted from these days off and are a terrifi c comeback from 18-0 “Their tighthead is a big rugby,” added Reid, who has ready for the fi nal push in these down to beat a touring Fiji team strong boy and, given an oppor- displayed his sense of humour big two games.” 31-29 in 2012. tunity, he can cause a bit of dam- through his social media videos. Victory over Fiji would guar- “I was fortunate to play for age,” Reid said of Kirill Gotovt- antee a quarter-fi nal spot, while Gloucester ... against Fiji when sev, who had Olympic ambitions WALES FORWARDS another win against emerging I was about 18 which was a bit as a wrestler and bobsledder be- IN BEST SHAPE Rugby nation Uruguay in their of an eye-opener,” said the fore switching to rugby in 2014. Recharged and refreshed from fi nal pool game on Oct. 13 would 25-year-old. “He’s a bit like myself,” he a long break between Rugby ensure they fi nish top of the “Being on this stage now is added, pausing for comedic ef- World Cup games, Wales’ for- group, securing what should be bigger. I’m just excited to get fect. “In stature.” wards have never been more a kinder route through the quar- on the pitch and show everyone Scotland players take part in a Captain’s run training session at the Sizuoka stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka, Japan, Russia have proved tough to ready for battle as they gear up ters. what I can do.” yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, October 9, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB FOCUS China row threatens to upstage NBA Yanks fi nish sweep return to Japan

Reuters cally important to adhere to Saitama, Japan those values,” he said, stress- ing the NBA’s commitment to freedom of expression for its he NBA returned to employees. of Twins, Cardinals Japan for the fi rst time Silver said he would travel in 16 years on Tues- to Shanghai as planned on day, with preseason Wednesday and attend the Taction between the Houston Lakers-Nets game on Thurs- Rockets and the Toronto Rap- day night. ‘I compete everytime, it doesn’t tors – but it was the league’s “It’s my hope when I’m in growing crisis in neighbour- Shanghai, I can meet with the matter who is pitching’ ing China that demanded appropriate offi cials and dis- edge Braves much of the attention. cuss where we stand and can NBA commissioner Adam put those remarks from Daryl Silver opened a pre-game Morey in an appropriate con- news conference talking text,” he said. about the future of basketball Rockets star James Harden in Japan before being pep- brushed off the situation. pered with questions about “It’s not a distraction. the uproar over a tweet by We’re focusing on our team the Rockets’ general manager and getting better. We have a in support of pro-democracy great opportunity ahead of us protests in Hong Kong. and honestly we’re focused General manager Daryl Mo- on every single day,” he told a rey apologised on Monday for post-game news conference. any hurt caused by the tweet, “Our sole focus is on the which he deleted over the Rockets.” weekend after drawing swift But Houston head coach condemnation from China’s Mike D’Antoni had a much government, fans and the testier response for a reporter team’s partners. after the game, in which the But the damage was already Raptors beat the Rockets 134- done, with Houston losing 129. sponsors and broadcasts in a “I know you have your job key market for the National to do and ask questions. I’m Basketball Association. here to play basketball and In the latest fallout, Chi- coach basketball. That’s what nese state television said yes- we did tonight. And that’s terday it would not air NBA what we will comment on,” he exhibition games played in the said. country this week. “And if we don’t have any Silver said he had issued more questions we’re good.” an additional statement on In the United States, several the China row yesterday in lawmakers took to social me- part because of CCTV’s an- dia to side with the protesters nouncement that it would no in Hong Kong. longer be airing the preseason “The people of Hong Kong games between the Los Ange- have risked much more than les Lakers and the Brooklyn money to defend their free- Nets. dom of expression, human “It’s not something we ex- rights, and autonomy,” tweet- pected to happen. It’s unfor- ed Senate Majority Leader tunate,” Silver said of CCTV’s Mitch McConnell. “I hope decision. the @NBA can learn from “But if that’s the conse- that courage and not abandon quences of us adhering to our those values for the sake of values, we still feel it’s criti- their bottom line.” New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres celebrates his double during the seventh inning of game three of the 2019 ALDS playoff series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP fun. We got a young team they are pumped to advance in the playoff s. The Cardinals 72 of his total 109 pitchers for strikes and Washington up about moving on.” pulled level at 2-2 in the series with the walked three. Dodgers relief pitcher Julio New York starts the AL Championship fi nal game on Wednesday in Atlanta, the Urias took the loss, giving up three runs on Series on Saturday, at home against the winner advancing to the National League three hits and getting just two outs. leyber Torres clubbed a sec- Tampa Bay Rays or at the Houston Astros. Championship Series. Left hander Rich Hill started the game ond inning home run and made Earlier on Monday, Tampa Bay’s Kevin St. Louis second baseman Kolten Wong for Los Angeles and was followed by fi ve a couple of clutch defensive Kiermaier smashed a three-run homer to doubled down the left-fi eld line off At- relievers including Urias. Hill lasted just 2 plays as the New York Yankees help power the Rays over Houston 10-3 to lanta reliever Julio Teheran in the 10th and 2/3 innings. The Dodgers loaded the bases Gpunched their ticket to the American sustain their title hopes. Marcell Ozuna, who hit two home runs, in the seventh, but their rally was snuff ed League Championship Series by sweeping The host Rays pulled within 2-1 in the reached on a fi elder’s choice that moved out when Joc Pederson grounded out to the Minnesota Twins in three games. series and will host game four on Tues- Wong to third. second base to end the inning. Torres, of Venezuela, started things off day, when Houston’s Justin Verlander will Molina, who had singled in the tying The Dodgers are trying to book a third with a homer in the second and belted two pitch on short rest to seek a series-win- run in the eighth inning, then blasted a straight trip to the NL Championship se- doubles as the Yankees sent the Twins ning victory. sacrifi ce fl y to left fi eld, sending Wong to ries. crashing out of the Major League Baseball Houston’s Jose Altuve opened the scor- home plate for the winning run. playoff s with a dominant 5-1 win on Mon- ing on Monday with a fi rst-inning solo “I was ready to hit the fastball and he PLAYOFFS RESULTS day night. homer but Kiermaier’s blast in the second gave it to me right down the middle,” said (all series are best of five games) “I compete everytime, it doesn’t matter inning put the Rays ahead to stay. Molina, in his 93rd career playoff start. Division Series who is pitching,” the 22-year-old Torres “Running around the bases not feeling “We put some good at-bats together in National League said. “I just try to focus and do my job, go- my feet hit the ground was a great feeling,” the last inning and we got the win.” At St. Louis ing to home plate, getting a really good at Kiermaier said. St. Louis Cardinals 5 Atlanta Braves 4 (10 bat, and keeping it simple.” Tampa Bay pitcher Charlie Morton, a SCHERZER SHINES innings) The Yankees advanced to the ALCS for 35-year-old American right-hander who Elsewhere, Max Scherzer pitched seven (Series level 2-2) the second time in three years as they out- played with Houston the past two seasons, quality innings on a short rest and the At Washington scored the Twins 23-7 in the best-of-fi ve struck out nine batters while issuing only Washington Nationals routed the Los An- Washington Nationals 6 Los Angeles series. Didi Gregorius hit two RBI singles three hits and two walks over fi ve innings. geles Dodgers 6-1 to even their series 2-2. Dodgers 1 for the Yankees, who extended their play- Morton improved to 4-0 in career play- The 35-year-old Scherzer allowed (Series level 2-2) off winning streak over the Twins to 13 off elimination games. just one run on four hits and struck out American League consecutive games. “Nothing ever bothers him. He’s so seven for the Nationals, who forced a de- At St. Petersburg, Florida “Our pitching did a great job,” said Yan- composed,” Kiermaier said. cisive game fi ve Wednesday in southern Tampa Bay Rays 10 Houston Astros 3 kees outfi elder Brett Gardner, who added In St. Louis, catcher Yadier Molina California. (Houston leads series 2-1) NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a news conference an RBI single. “Anytime we get a little drove in the tying and winning runs to Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run At Minneapolis before the NBA preseason game between Houston Rockets and lead and turn it over to our bullpen we feel rally the Cardinals past Atlanta 5-4 in 10 homer and Anthony Rendon drove in New York Yankees 5 Minnesota Twins 1 Toronto Raptors at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, good about our chances. “It is just a lot of innings and force a one-game showdown three runs. Right hander Scherzer threw (New York wins series 3-0). yesterday. PICTURE: Kyodo/Reuters

NFL Unbeaten 49ers crush turnover-prone Browns Reuters scored on a 5-yard pass from Garoppolo of their off ense going forward after full- Los Angeles later in the fi rst quarter. back Kyle Juszczyk reportedly injured his The 49ers went 90 yards on the fi rst left MCL in the win. possession of the second half, with Ga- NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero report- att Breida set the tone with roppolo throwing 22 yards to George ed the initial diagnosis yesterdat morn- a long run as part of his 114- Kittle for a touchdown and a 28-3 ad- ing and said Juszczyk will have an MRI to yard night, and the San Fran- vantage. San Francisco rushed for 185 determine the severity of the injury. The cisco 49ers dominated the fi rst-half yards, so it didn’t matter that three-time Pro Bowl selection appeared Mvisiting Cleveland Browns in a 31-3 vic- Garoppolo had thrown for only 46 yards. to injure his left leg while blocking for tory Monday in Santa Clara, California. Mayfi eld was intercepted and lost a Matt Breida late in the third quarter of Teammate Tevin Coleman added 97 fumble in the fi rst 11 1/2 minutes before against the Browns. yards on the ground. San Francisco quar- he completed a pass. The 49ers failed to Juszczyk immediately grabbed his terback Jimmy Garoppolo completed 20 convert after the second of those turno- knee and was attended to by training of 29 passes for 181 yards and two touch- vers when Robbie Gould’s 47-yard fi eld- staff on the fi eld. After being examined in downs. goal attempt drifted wide right. the sideline medical tent, he was carted The 49ers (4-0), the only unbeaten Cleveland broke through early in the to the locker room. team in the NFC, held Cleveland to 180 second quarter, with a 10-play drive re- Juszczyk, 28, helped the 49ers rack up total yards. San Francisco defensive end sulting in Austin Seibert’s 30-yard fi eld 185 rushing yards in the fi rst half Mon- Nick Bosa recorded two sacks. goal. The Browns moved into scoring day. He also caught two passes for 20 Quarterback Baker Mayfi eld threw for position on their next possession, but yards. 100 yards, completing just 8 of 22 throws Antonio Callaway failed to make a catch As one of the few NFL teams to em- for the Browns (2-3), who committed at the goal line and the batted ball was ploy a fullback, the 49ers (4-0) lead the four turnovers. For Mayfi eld, a second- picked off by K’Waun Williams and re- league with 200.0 rushing yards per year pro, it marked his fi rst career start turned 49 yards. game. without a passing touchdown. He was The 49ers made the most of the turn- Juszczyk has appeared in 98 games intercepted twice. over on Coleman’s 19-yard touchdown with the 49ers and Baltimore Ravens Breida ripped off an 83-yard touch- run. He fi nished with 16 carries. Mayfi eld (2013-16), catching 166 passes for 1,484 down run on the 49ers’ fi rst off ensive had 80 passing yards in the fi rst half. yards and seven touchdowns and rush- San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman (right) is congratulated by running back Matt Breida after rushing for snap on the fi rst of his 11 carries. He also The 49ers could be without a key piece ing 23 times for 92 yards and a score. a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 SPORT

CRICKET FORMULA 1 W Series could link up with F1 in North Indian pacers can America next year

Reuters nity. London “Nothing’s decided quite frankly, but what you’ve sug- gested I absolutely am keen on,” he all-female W Series he added. deliver on any is discussing a move Both races would have space outside Europe, and a on their support schedule, un- potential North Ameri- like others that host junior series Tcan double-header supporting such as Formula Two and For- Formula One races in the United mula Three, and follow on from States and Mexico, as part of an the end of the regular European expanded second season. season. Former F1 race winner David This year’s inaugural W Series, track: coach Arun Coulthard, who heads the ad- won by Britain’s Jamie Chad- visory board for the series and wick, featured six races in Eu- ‘Our fast bowlers have done extremely well over the last couple of years’ is a long-time friend of chair- rope and ran from May 4 to Aug. man and major shareholder Sean 11 alongside the DTM (German IANS Wadsworth, said talks with For- Touring Cars) championship. Pune mula One were ongoing. The top 12 in this year’s stand- “Along with the great support ings are qualifi ed automatically we’ve had from the (governing) to return, alongside fresh talent ndia bowling coach Bharat Arun yes- FIA, Formula One are keen for us selected after trials in Spain. terday said that all the pacers in the to be operating on their platform W Series founder Catherine team have the ability to reverse the as well,” the Scot told a diversity Bond Muir said in August that Iball on wickets which off er it, a rea- forum at the Leaders Week Lon- she hoped to add at least two son for their success in Test cricket. don sports business event. races next year, most likely in India rode on Mohamed Shami’s bril- “We have to take it step by step Europe before a possible inter- liant spell in the second innings of the of course because of the fi nancial continental expansion into the fi rst Test on a docile pitch in Visakhapat- constraints, but we very much United States and Asia in 2021. nam when he claimed a fi ve-wicket haul hope to be able to announce that Coulthard said some Formu- to help the hosts beat South Africa by 203 we’ll be at some grands prix in la One races with government runs. “South Africa batted exceptionally the near future,” he added. funding, such as the Australian well in the fi rst innings. In the second in- The W Series, which uses Grand Prix in Melbourne, were nings, there was assistance to Shami’s identical 1.8 litre Formula Three also interested in a link up. kind of bowling. And then he came up with cars, aims to help female racers “Part of it is that it (the W a magnifi cent spell,” Arun told reporters climb the male-dominated mo- Series) does tick the box, quite two days ahead of the second rubber here. torsport ladder towards Formula frankly, but equally they (the Chasing a 395-run target, the Proteas One, which last saw a woman promoters) really believe,” he lost early wickets and were on the verge start a race in 1976. said. of losing the match by a margin of over Asked by Reuters about a pos- “They are motorsports festi- 250 runs. Dane Piedt (56) and debutant sible link up with grands prix in vals. Whether they’ve got tour- Senuran Muthusamy (49 not out) though Texas and Mexico City, sched- ing cars or Formula One, they stitched together a 91-run stand for the uled for Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 next want every form of motorsport ninth wicket and extended India’s stay year, Coulthard said that “could available because it attracts and on the fi eld. Muthusamy latter joined be a logical and great opportu- entertains a wider audience.” hands with Kagiso Rabada to add another 30 runs for the last wicket. But their ef- fort was not enough to force a draw and they lost the match to be 0-1 in the three- match series. “Also if you look at how Dane Piedt kept ninth wicket stand and last wicket too... it shows their resistance. “It was a magnifi cent spell by Shami that put us back in the game. Otherwise given the conditions, it would have been very diffi cult. We were aware we needed to work really hard to get the result. On that wicket it needs lot of patience,” Arun said. Asked about turning tracks testing the skill of the quicker bowlers, the In- India bowling coach Bharat Arun (left) with pacer Mohamed Shami. dian bowling coach heaped praise on his bowlers and domestic cricket for allowing them to learn the art. Stokes’ wife laughs off reports of altercation with cricketer “Our bowlers are skilful at reverse swing as when they play domestic crick- The wife of England cricket star Ben Stokes has FileINJURY photo of SCAREAlice Powell of Great Britain (centre) celebrating et, wickets generally are fl at. The outfi eld dismissed reports of a physical altercation between winning the W Series race with Emma Kimilainen of Finland (left) and is also not at times great. For a bowler to the couple after pictures emerged which appeared Beitske Visser of the Netherlands in Brands Hatch, Britain, on August be successful, he needs to learn how to to show her husband grabbing her face during last 11, 2019. (Reuters) reverse the ball and that’s where our do- week’s Professional Cricketers’ Association awards. mestic cricket contributes a lot.” Clare Stokes defended her husband in a Twitter Elaborating on why India’s bowling bat- post which included a photo of her pushing the tery is so successful, Arun said: “There is cricketer’s face in apparent mockery of the images Qatar handball team defi nitely a chance for the pacers on any that surfaced from the awards night, held in London track provided they have the necessary on Wednesday. beat Iran 36-18 skills, and our fast bowlers have done ex- “Unbelievable what nonsense these people will tremely well over the last couple of years, make up!” she said. “Me and Ben messing about Qatar handball team beat Iran second half to seal the win in abroad and at home. “Indian wickets most squishing up each other’s faces cos that’s how we 36-18 in a friendly match held the end by 18 goals diff erence. of the times assist spin and that’s when they show aff ection and some pap tries to twist it into a yesterday at Duhail Sports The two teams will meet in become more conducive for reverse swing. crazy story! And all before we then have a romantic Hall in the framework of their a second match tomorrow, All our bowlers are pretty good at reverse McDonalds 20 mins later!” preparations for the Asian which will be the final test of swing and that’s why we are so successful.” The New Zealand-born cricketer responded to his qualifiers for the Olympic the Qatari team before the Arun also said that the team manage- wife’s tweet with a face blowing a kiss emoji. Games (Tokyo 2020), which qualifying matches for the ment never dictates the kind of wickets to The 28-year-old Durham man won the players’ will be held in Doha from Olympic Games. The Qatari be prepared as their aim is to be success- player of the year award at the ceremony. October 17 to 26. team will play in the qualifying ful on any given track. “We don’t ask for The all-rounder played a starring role in England’s Qatar handball team imposed first group which includes the kind of wickets we get. For us to be a maiden World Cup win in July, hitting an unbeaten its superiority throughout Saudi Arabia, India and Hong number one team in the world, we’ve got 84 in the final. He repeated his heroics in the Ashes the game, where the Qatari Kong, while Iran will play in the to accept and play on any wicket that’s on with a sensational 135 not out to win the third Test team finished the first half by second group against Kuwait, off er. Even when we go abroad, we hardly against Australia at Headingley. Ben Stokes and his wife Clare Ratcliff e 16-11 and moved further in the Bahrain and South Korea. QNA look at the wicket.

BOTTOMLINE Smith, Warner make T20 return as Australia eye WC AFP that we think can take us through to that England launch action plan Sydney tournament.” to boost women’s cricket Despite their success in other formats, Australia have never won a Twenty20 World England cricket chiefs have England and Wales Cricket teve Smith and David Warner com- Cup, with an appearance in the 2010 fi nal launched an action plan to Board managing director of pleted their return from the wilder- their best showing. transform women’s cricket, with women’s cricket Clare Connor ness yesterday when Australia re- They are currently ranked fi fth in the the aim of making it a gender- welcomed a coordinated called them to a 14-man Twenty20 world but will be desperate to succeed on balanced sport. approach. squadS to play Sri Lanka and Pakistan with a home soil in October-November next year. Funding of £20mn ($24mn) “We have an amazing fi rm eye on next year’s World Cup. Aaron Finch retains the skipper’s arm- will be provided over the next opportunity to make cricket The star batsmen were both banned for band, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey and two years, with the ambition of the sport we want it to be — a a year for their roles in a ball-tampering paceman Pat Cummins sharing vice-cap- investing £50mn over five years. sport that is modern, innovative scandal but have returned to Australia’s tain duties. Forty full-time professional, and inclusive,” she said in a Test, one-day and now Twenty20 sides. Ashton Turner returns from a fi nger inju- domestic contracts will be statement. Connor told the “We are delighted to welcome Steve ry to bolster the batting, while Adam Zampa funded in addition to the Press Association: “Over the last Smith and David Warner back into the T20 edged out Nathan Lyon as the preferred existing central contracts. five years, Australia have made international fold,” chief selector Trevor spinner. The plan focuses on five key similar investments which we Hohns said. Cummins and Mitchell Starc will likely objectives including increasing are about to make. “Steve is a world-class batsman in all for- open the bowling attack, backed up by An- the number of women and girls “There’s no getting away from mats, while Warner is Australia’s highest drew Tye, Kane Richardson and Billy Stan- playing cricket recreationally the fact we do need to close ever T20I runs scorer. He was also the lead- lake. and boosting the profile of the gap, certainly around the ing runs scorer at this year’s Indian Premier The three-match series against Sri Lanka the women’s game through number of female players who League with Sunrisers Hyderabad.” will begin in Adelaide on October 27, fol- The Hundred and the England can make a living playing the The Twenty20 squad named yesterday lowed by another three Twenty20s against women’s team.The Hundred, game.” will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in coming Pakistan opening on November 3 in Sydney. starting next year, will see eight England women’s captain weeks but Hohns said the focus was fi rmly women’s teams taking part in Heather Knight said: “We need on next year’s World Cup, which will be held AUSTRALIA SQUAD a new 100-ball competition more young girls to be inspired in Australia. alongside a separate event for to play and those young girls Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex “It is almost a year to the day until Aus- men. England’s women are the need to be able to see a clear Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben tralia hosts the men’s Twenty20 World Cup reigning world champions but pathway above them that McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, and we have selected this squad with that in were well beaten by Australia in encourages them to continue Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, mind,” he said. this year’s Ashes competition. pursuing the game.” Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa. “We have looked to put a squad together File photo of David Warner (left) and Steve Smith. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 9, 2019 7 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT Murray to make Grand Slam return at Australian Open ‘Regardless of his ranking currently, he is a great champion and one of the greats of this game’

AFP SPOTLIGHT Melbourne

ndy Murray will make Djokovic heaps praise his Grand Slam return at the Australian Open in January, a year after on ‘very complete’ career-savingA hip surgery, tour- nament organisers announced yesterday. Medvedev The British three-time major winner has been slowly work- AFP in the Shanghai semi-fi nals, said ing his way back to fi tness and Shanghai it was hard to fi nd a weakness in is now ranked 289th, up from the Russian’s game. 503rd just a week ago. “He’s improved his move- The 32-year-old won his orld number one ment, his fi tness. He’s got the opening match at the Shang- Novak Djoko- big serve, he’s got the height and hai Masters on Monday, beating vic hailed Daniil he uses angles very well,” said Argentine qualifi er Juan Ignacio Medvedev as a “very Djokovic. Londero in three sets, follow- Wcomplete player” yesterday, hav- “Backhand - hard to break ing a quarter-fi nal appearance ing lost to the young Russian in that backhand, it’s very fl at. in Beijing last week. With his their last two matches. “He doesn’t make many mis- confi dence seemingly growing The 23-year-old Medvedev takes and he can hit anything he by the day, Australian Open or- is at a career-high fourth in the wants from that corner. ganisers said the former world world and reached the fi nal at “Forehand maybe has been his number one had committed to the US Open, only to be on the weaker side, but now he’s im- extending his comeback into the end of an agonising fi ve-set loss proved that, so he’s a very com- majors in January. to Rafael Nadal. plete player.” “Confi rmed: Andy Murray Medvedev has won three ti- Nadal, ranked second in the will return to compete at the tles this year including beating world, pulled out of Shanghai #AusOpen in 2020,” they tweet- Djokovic on the way to claiming because of a wrist problem. But ed. victory at the Masters in Cincin- Djokovic is primed for a battle The offi cial Australian Open nati in August. with the 19-time Grand Slam website said Murray “will return “The last several months he’s champion for the year-end to the main draw with a protect- been playing the tennis of his number one spot. ed ranking of number two and life,” Djokovic said at the Shang- “I have been in this position restored physical powers”. hai Masters, where he is the de- many times before, obviously,” World number one Novak fending champion. “He’s played he said. Djokovic said it was “pleasantly fi nals at least in every event “Rafa has had an amazing year surprising” to see Murray back in the last whatever, fi ve, six so far and I have to do well here following hip-resurfacing sur- events, which is amazing.” in order to really have a chance gery. The 32-year-old from Serbia, or go toe to toe with him in the “Regardless of his ranking who could again face Medvedev indoor season.” currently, he is a great cham- pion and one of the greats of this game,” the reigning Austral- Murray accuses Fognini aft er bitter Shanghai exit ian Open champion said at the Shanghai Masters. A fuming Andy Murray accused at me, what are you looking at The former number one was put up a better fight in the “If he’s healthy, you can defi - Fabio Fognini of shouting dur- me for?’ also annoyed he repeatedly second set, forcing the tie break nitely expect him to play at the ing a critical point as the Briton “I was like, ‘I was just about to served for the match but failed and taking a 2-0 and then 4-1 highest level very soon. went down fighting in three bit- hit a shot and someone made a to win. lead. “I wish him that, it’s great to ter sets at the Shanghai Masters noise’. He then told me to “I want to say that’s the first But cheered on by his band of see him back.” yesterday Tuesday. stop looking at him,” Murray time ever in my career that local supporters, who held aloft Murray has made the fi nal fi ve The two players confronted one added. that’s happened,” Murray said. banners proclaiming their hero times at Melbourne Park, losing another in a lengthy exchange “The sound came from him, “I think it’s the first time I served “superhuman”, Federer won the four times to Djokovic and once by the net near the end of a bad- which you’re not allowed to do, for a match twice and not won.” tie break -- and the match -- with to Roger Federer. tempered match that stretched it’s against the rules, it’s hin- a forehand smash. However, arguably his most past three hours, with Murray drance, you shouldn’t do it.” FEDERER GETS REVENGE Federer said a loss to the Span- heartbreaking moment at the telling Fognini to “shut up”. The three-time Grand Slam Ruthless Roger Federer claimed iard in 2015 in Shanghai had season-opening Grand Slam The 12th-ranked Fognini plays winner was frustrated the chair victory in his opener with a driven him on. came not on the court but at the unseeded American Taylor umpire failed to intervene as straight-sets win over Spain’s “The truth, yeah, I was thinking an emotional press conference Fritz or Russian seventh seed the match turned increasingly Albert Ramos-Vinolas. about it, watched highlights,” before this year’s tournament. Karen Khachanov in the last 16 sour. Tuesday should have been The 38-year-old Swiss won 6-2, said the Swiss maestro. Murray broke down in tears de- after a contentious 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, a day for minor celebration 7-6 (7/5) and plays Belgium’s “Remember how it felt, I had scribing how the pain in his right 7-6 (7/2) victory. after the Australian Open said 13th seed David Goff in or Mikhail my chances. I won many more hip, which had been operated on But Murray, 32, on the come- that Murray will make his return Kukushkin of Kazakhstan in the points that time than I lost, so I six months earlier, had become back from career-saving hip to Grand Slam Tennis there in last 16. should have actually won that unbearable. surgery in January, said: “Some- January, a year after surgery. The third-ranked Federer is match.” “I can play with limitations. one made a noise, I didn’t know “Fabio wanted to engage with looking to end the season on Red-hot Daniil Medvedev, the US But having the limitations and who made the noise, I looked in me, I probably shouldn’t have a high with a fourth title of the Open finalist, got his tourna- the pain is not allowing me to the direction of where the noise done, but I am not having him year -- although he failed to win ment off to a flying start with a enjoy competing or training,” came from. talk to me like that on court,” a 21st Grand Slam this season. 6-3, 6-1 demolition of Britain’s he said, later revealing that even “He then told me, ‘Stop looking said Murray of their exchange. The 46th-ranked Ramos-Vinolas Cameron Norrie. walking his dog had become an ordeal. Tributes fl owed for the well- was a very emotional Austral- “In the beginning I didn’t nec- He repeated the feat in 2016, ary after an absence of more than liked Scot, with Billie Jean King ian Open for him and for many essarily feel good, but last couple adding to a glittering career that seven years. A crowd favourite in calling him “a champion on and tennis fans,” Djokovic added of weeks have been I think much also includes the 2012 US Open, Melbourne, the 36-year-old re- off court”. yesterday. “But it seemed like it improved,” he said. two Olympic gold medals and 45 tired to have a family but made Players also farewelled him in was too early to goodbye and it’s In 2013, Murray became the ATP crowns. a surprise announcement last an emotional video screened on great to have him back.” fi rst British man to win Wim- Australian Open organisers month that she was making a centre court after he lost an epic Murray said after his win over bledon for 77 years, ending the hope there will be another blast comeback in 2020. fi ve-setter to Roberto Bautista Londero in Shanghai that his nation’s obsession with fi nding from the past if Belgium’s Kim Clijsters has won four Grand Daniil Medvedev of Russia waves to the crowd after defeating Agut, with most believing his movement on the court felt like a champion to follow in the foot- Clijsters can meet her goal of Slams, including the 2011 Aus- Cameron Norrie of Britain during their second round match at the Grand Slam career was over. “It it was steadily improving. steps of Fred Perry. taking to the court again in Janu- tralian Open. Shanghai Masters in Shanghai yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Teenager Gauff makes most of second chance AFP Linz had been hectic. “We had gone back She praised Osaka for her kind treat- Linz, Austria to the hotel after morning practice,” she ment after their US Open clash. Osaka said. “We got the call and came straight insisted that the defeated Gauff remain back. on court post-match and take part in an S teen sensation Cori Gauff took “I was on court 40 minutes later and interview with her. full advantage of her lucky loser didn’t know much about my opponent. “In the moment I didn’t want to do it,” lifeline at the WTA tournament I got some info by word of mouth – but Gauff said. “I was trying to get out of it. in Linz yesterday as she ad- mostly it was me improving.” “But looking back, I’m glad she did that Uvanced to the second round. The victory was the fi rst indoors at the for me. It was good for the world to see. The 15-year-old lost in qualifying to WTA level for Gauff , already tipped as a “We both wanted to win, but when it’s start the week but was inserted into the major player for the future. She is com- over, we don’t hate each other. draw as a lucky loser after Greek Maria peting in the fi fth top-level tournament “We don’t like (opponents) when play- Sakkari quit before her fi rst-round match of her career. “I live in Florida and we ing, but it’s diff erent when it’s over. It’s with injury. don’t get indoors much. I enjoyed work- OK to be nice to your opponent. Sport is Number 110 Gauff , who got the spot as ing on my game,” she said. supposed to teach you things and teach the highest-ranked loser from qualify- Gauff needed to withstand a fi ght- the world everything.” ing rounds, produced a 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win back from Voegele in the second set after over Swiss Stefanie Voegele. the American won the fi rst. Gauff , who RESULTS “I had no expectations here, techni- trained prior to this week for a few days at 1st rd cally I had lost,” she said. “I’m not looking the Mouratoglou Academy in France, had Cori Gauff (USA) bt Stefanie Voegele (SUI) past my next opponent. “I want to keep to work to serve out the straight-sets win 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) playing my game and having fun – today after leading 5-2 and ultimately needing a Julia Goerges (GER x5) bt Margarita was my lucky day and I hope to take that tiebreaker to move through. Gasparyan (RUS) 6-4, 6-2 luck into the second round.” “I’m satisfi ed, I saw improvement Laura Siegemund (GER) bt Fiona Ferro The celebrated youngster who beat from yesterday (qualifying),” she said. (FRA) 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 Venus Williams in the Wimbledon fi rst “The indoor courts are faster, but I don’t Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Barbora Strycova round and was consoled at the US Open have to do much to adapt my game. “It’s (CZE x7) 6-4, 6-4 by winning opponent Naomi Osaka after not much diff erent here than an outdoor Elena Rybakina (KAZ) bt Nina Stojanovic their third-round match, said her day in hardcourt.” (SRB) 7-6 (7/5), 6-2. Cori Gauff of US reacts during her match against Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland in Linz yesterday. (AFP)

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Athletes arrive in Qatar for ANOC World Beach Games The first day of competition begins the day before the off icial opening this Friday FOCUS ANOC Beach Games will be amazing, says al-Hashmi

By Sports Reporter Doha

ith the Associa- tion of National Olympic Commit- tees (ANOC) World WBeach Games Qatar 2019 sched- uled to start on Saturday, excite- ment has reached a fever-pitch and all hands are on the deck to ensure an amazing experi- ence for all participants, Ishaq al-Hashmi, Director of Sports Committee for the LOC of ANOC Beach Games, has said. “We are really excited about hosting this event as it is an- other wonderful opportunity to host the world and showcase how Al-Hashmi noted that host- passionate we are about sports ing the event in Qatar will have in Qatar. All arrangements have tremendous impacts on beach been perfected to ensure a hitch- sports in the country as it has free event and, as usual, the world the potential of popularising the will witness Qatar at its sporting sports and at the same time at- best come October 12. This is an- tracts more participants. other history in the making and “One of the great legacies of it is a great privilege that we are hosting Qatar 2019 is the ben- the fi rst country in the world to efi ts to beach sports in Qatar. We Athletes arrive at the Hamad International Airport yesterday ahead of the first-ever ANOC World Beach Games to be held in Qatar from this Friday. be opportune to host an event of have beautiful beaches all around such magnitude,” he said. the country and I believe we’ll he arrival of some of the world’s from Europe represented, 21 from Asia, of anticipation and enthusiasm amongst The fi ve-day ANOC World be witnessing interests from the best beach athletes is generating 19 from the Americas, 17 from Africa and all stakeholders is palpable. The Games Beach Games, also known as populace in beach sports in Qatar considerable excitement in the 5 from Oceania. are connecting NOCs with an entirely Qatar 2019, will kick off with a going forward. Qatari capital ahead of the fi rst- The competition programme for the new set of elite national athletes and pro- spectacular opening ceremony at “We’ve been doing well in everT ANOC World Beach Games. Athletes Games includes a dynamic mix of beach, viding a global platform to connect these the Beach side of the Katara Cul- some of the disciplines like vol- will continue to arrive at the Athletes’ water and action sports, with 3×3 bas- new stars and new sports with a new gen- tural Village in Doha on Saturday. leyball and handball, where Village, located in the Ezdan Hotel, over ketball, kitefoil racing, open water swim- eration of sports fans. I would like to wish “Aside from having some of we’ve conquered the continent the coming days ahead of the start of the ming (5km), aquathlon, karate individ- the best of luck to all athletes, coaches the best sports facilities in the of several occasions, now it is the Games later this week. ual kata, beach wrestling, beach tennis, and offi cials involved in the Games.” world, organising mega sports time for us to have major impacts The Opening Ceremony will be held beach soccer, beach handball, beach vol- Fans will be able to watch live stream- events have almost become a in other disciplines as well and on this Saturday, October 12 as it will leyball, bouldering, skateboarding, wa- ing of competitions on the offi cial web- second nature to us in Qatar. We the competition will defi nitely mark the offi cial start of the Games, with terski jump and wakeboard all expecting site – www.awbgqatar.com – launched have held some of the biggest help us in achieving that,” he competitions running until October 16. world-class fi elds. for the event. The ANOC XXIV General events in global sports with great said. The fi rst day of competition begins the ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lind- Assembly will immediately follow the applause and the ANOC World ANOC World Beach Games day before the offi cial opening, on Friday, berg, said: “The arrival of some of the Games, with more than 1,000 delegates Beach Games comes as part of is featuring 13 sports across 14 11 October. Over 1,200 athletes from 97 best beach athletes in the world has cre- expected to attend the annual gather- our commitment to the devel- disciplines. Featured sports in- countries will compete in 14 disciplines ated a new level of excitement for the ing. The General Assembly will take place opment of sports worldwide as clude aquathlon, 3X3 basket- across 13 sports, with all 5 continents Games. It is now only a matter of days at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and well as promoting global peace ball, climbing bouldering, beach represented. There will be 35 countries until the start of the Games and the sense Convention Hotel from October 17-18. through sports,” al-Hashmi said. handball, karate kata individual, He added that with over 1,200 kitefoil racing, skateboarding, athletes from 97 NOCs, repre- beach soccer, open water 5km senting all the fi ve continents, swimming, beach tennis, beach OOREDOO CUP TO KICK OFF THIS FRIDAY participating at the event, Qatar volleyball 4X4, waterski, wake- 2019 is a sort of “Olympics for board and beach wrestling. Doha: The QNB Stars League has taken and Under-19 players can participate in and Al Wakrah, while Group B is made make up for the lapses and prepare for Beach Sports”. As per the schedule, aquath- a fortnight long break due to interna- the tournament. This season’s tourna- up of Al Duhail, Al Khor, Al Sailiya, Qatar the tough times ahead in the QNB Stars “As we all know, there has lon, 3X3 basketball, karate kata tional matches and Ooredoo Cup is all ment’s major highlight is that it would be SC, Al Arabi and Al Gharafa. The ranking League, where Al Duhail are leading the never been anything like this individual, kitefoil racing, beach set to steal the spotlight, with first round held under the patronage of Ooredoo, of clubs in the draw was based on their table, followed by Al Arabi, Al Sadd and in the history of beach sports. soccer, open water 5km swim- matches being played this Friday and one of the major national companies. final standings in the 2018-19 QNB Stars Al Rayyan in the top bracket. There’ve been several competi- ming, beach tennis and beach Saturday at the Al Ahli and Al Arabi Sta- The draw for the Ooredoo Cup was League. The fixtures are Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah tions at continental levels but wrestling will all take place at diums. The Ooredoo Cup, formerly QSL held at the Qatar Stars League’s head- l Gharafa are the reigning champions. (17:30) at Al Ahli Stadium, Al Ahli vs Umm never something that brings the Katara Beach while Al Gharafa Cup, provides younger players with more quarters in Al Bidda Tower on September They beat Al Duhail 1-0 in last edition’s Salal (19:40) at Al Ahli Stadium and Al whole world together for beach will be the venue for beach hand- playing time and exposure. The tourna- 1. All 12 QNB Stars League teams are final. Al Gharafa had triumphed in the Shahania vs Al Rayyan (19:40) at Al Arabi sports. It is a unique experience ball and beach volleyball 4X4. ment, which has a group-cum-knockout divided into two groups and the top four previous season as well. Even though the Stadium on Friday (Group A), Al Khor vs for us in Qatar and I believe the Climbing bouldering and format, off ers new opportunities for sides from each group will progress to teams will miss some of their interna- Al Arabi (17:30) at Al Arabi Stadium, Al eff ects of this event will last for skateboarding, on the other sponsors, partners and supporters to the knockout quarter-finals. tional players who will do duty for their Sailiya vs Qatar SC (19:40) at Al Arabi Sta- a long time not only in Qatar but hand, will be hosted at Aspire highlight their brands. Group A consists of Al Sadd, Al country during the break, the tourna- dium and Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa (19:40) the entire region as well. It is a Park and Ritz Carlton Canal will First-team players, Under-23 players Shahania, Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al Rayyan ment is a good opportunity for them to at Al Ahli Stadium on Saturday (Group B). thing of pride to us and to the re- take care of the waterski and gion,” he added. wakeboard events.

BOTTOMLINE GYMNASTICS Al-Jaaidi, Clarke win fi rst Biles earns 15th world title as US take gold AFP stage of RAM Cycling League Stuttgart, Germany Simone Biles of US in action during the World Gymnastics By Sports Reporter Championships in Stuttgart, Doha S gymnastics queen Simone Biles Germany, yesterday. (Reuters) insisted records were the last thing on her mind even after clinching a atar national team record-extending 15th world cham- riders stole the lime- pionshipU gold medal yesterday as the Ameri- light during the fi rst cans won the women’s team title in Stuttgart. stage of the Royal Air Biles, 22, collected her 21st medal at the MarocQ (RAM) Cycling League at championships to become the most deco- the Al Thakira Youth Centre last rated women’s gymnast in history, taking her Friday. one clear of Russia’s Svetlana Khorkina. She Qatar team’s Abdullah al- also moved to within two medals of the all- Jaaidi and Sophie Clarke of time record held by Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus, Rasen Adventure won the men’s a men’s gymnastics star in the 1990s. and women’s category ‘A’ races “I never think of records — I just go out respectively. It was a keenly there and do what I came to do,” said a de- contested event in more ways lighted Biles. It was her fourth team title in an than one with the fi rst outing of event the Americans have dominated for the the season attracting 120 riders, last eight years. “Every year it feels better and despite the high temperatures better, just because we’re adding to the legacy onship promise to perform it in “every com- she wished there was more competition. and humidity forcing a short (that we have),” said Biles. “It’s just so surreal petition” in Stuttgart. “Sometimes I wish there was somebody 65km route. to come out here and end up on top.” Her huge tally of 15.333 led a US clean sweep closer, but at the same time, I have to go up In the category ‘B’, a spring- The US women claimed gold with a tally in the fl oor exercise alongside teammates Jade there and do what I came to do,” she said. “I board for the young riders, of 172.330, well ahead of the Russians who Carey and Sunisa Lee, to hand the Americans still get nervous, no matter how far ahead I Nayef al-Mesallam of Qatar na- took silver with 166.529, while bronze went gold. “It’s the best routine I’ve done this week am.” tional team won the race ahead to Italy on 164.796. Biles played a key role in a so far, so it’s really exciting,” Biles said of her She is expected to add more medals to her of David Jones of Velostar and commanding performance by the USA, earn- fl oor display. dazzling tally as the favourite in the women’s Jaco Anderson of Rasen Adven- ing the most points in three of the four dis- Her teammates Grace McCallum and Kara all-around fi nal tomorrow and this weekend’s ture. The second stage of the ciplines — the vault, balance beam and fl oor. Eaker claimed team world gold for the sec- apparatus fi nals. “Probably not,” Biles replied league will be held in the fi rst Qatar’s Abdullah al-Jaaidi celebrates after winning the first stage She earned a loud cheer for landing the ond time after being part of the same unit as when asked if she can do better in the all- week of November at Al Gu- of the Royal Air Maroc (RAM) Cycling League at the Al Thakira “Biles II” skill — a triple-twisting double Biles in Doha last year. Biles, who was again around fi nal. “If I do the routine I did tonight, wayriyah. Youth Centre last Friday. back on the fl oor — keeping her pre-champi- streets ahead of her rivals on the fl oor, said I’ll be more than happy.”