Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford with Juventus PAGE 18 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018

Last-gasp captain Mauro Icardi header grabs AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PAGE 18 Inter winner in Milan derby PERSEPOLIS FC VS AL SADD (3.30PM)

CRUCIAL AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS SECOND LEG TODAY

Al Sadd players at a training session at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, ahead of their AFC Champions League second leg match. Al Sadd, unbeaten till the semis, lost the opening leg in Doha to the Iranian side 1-3. Al Sadd look to turn the tables on Persepolis FC in Tehran

AFC.COM Both Persepolis’ shots on to add to their tally at home TEHRAN target in the first leg came in the first leg, the first time from one source, striker Ali Jesualdo Ferreira's men fail Ferreira hopes for fortune to favour Wolves PERSEPOLIS will look to de- Alipour. The 22-year-old was to score at Jassim bin Hamad fend a 1-0 lead when they wel- the side's main attacking out- Stadium in the 2018 AFC IKOLI VICTOR ers and what we need now is come Al Sadd in the second let, and with five minutes left Champions League, and it DOHA the focus. We know that the leg of the West Asia semi-final on the clock, he broke free cost them the result. match will be really tough for of the 2018 AFC Champions down the middle, outpacing The 2011 champions face AL SADD head coach Jesu- us and for the opponent. It is League on Tuesday. his marker and rounding the a difficult task to come away aldo Ferreira has labelled well known that Iranian foot- Persepolis had become the goalkeeper who had no op- with a result from Azadi Sta- the Wolves’ AFC Champions ball is developing well and the first team to defeat Al Sadd at tion but to bring him down dium, but they are all too League semi-final clash with evidence for that is the last Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in inside the box. familiar with how to make Persepolis as a must-win World Cup, which saw play- the 2018 edition, after weath- it happen, having defeated game at the 100,000-capacity ers from Persepolis take part. ering an avalanche of Qatari Persepolis' arch rivals, Es- Azadi Stadium on Tuesday. They have more experience attacks for 85 minutes and teghlal, 3-1 in Tehran in the Al Sadd narrowly lost 1-0 than my players.” then hitting on the counter, quarter-final first leg, before at home against the Iranians a Ferreira went on to prom- forcing goalkeeper Saad Al settling for a 2-2 draw in fortnight ago. The 2011 cham- ise a fighting spirit from Sheeb to concede a penalty Doha to advance to the next pions face a gruelling task to his players. that resulted in the winner. step. pick away a result, but Al Sadd “You will see our team After successfully negoti- The star of the two quar- are quite familiar with the ter- fight on the pitch to get the ating a tricky two legged tie ter-final legs was 21-year-old rain, having defeated Perse- win, I just need you to trust in the quarter-finals against Akram Afif, the midfielder on polis’ arch-rivals Esteghlal 3-1 them and you will see all the previously unbeaten Al Du- loan from Spanish side Villar- in Tehran in the quarter-final players as warriors. hail, Persepolis found them- real, who scored a goal apiece first leg. “We will play offensive selves up against another in each leg and was brought Speaking at the pre-match football in order to win, and Qatari side in the semi-finals. down inside the box for the press conference as reported Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira with player Hamza al Sanhaji at the that’s the only way. When This time, it was their group penalty that allowed Baghdad by the club’s website, Fer- pre-match conference in Tehran on Monday. the players feel the pressure stage opponents, Al Sadd. Bounedjah to equalise in the reira said, “In the first match, to win, they will give every- Branko Ivankovic’s men first leg. we weren’t bad and we gave GAME OF OUR LIVES: SANHAJI thing they have. Everyone seemed to have learnt their Converting from the The Qatari international everything we had, just as must know now that we are lesson from the 3-1 defeat spot, Alipour registered his has been key for Al Sadd’s Persepolis. We just were not AL SADD forward Hamza al Sanhaji has described the upcoming preparing the players well against Al Sadd on Matchday fifth strike of the campaign. journey to the semi-finals, lucky. I hope that we will be AFC Champions League clash as “the game of our lives.” and giving them instructions Two, as they built their match Among the four semi-final- starting 10 of their 11 games better than we were in the With Persepolis leading 1-0 from the first leg, Al Sadd face a but when the game starts, we plan around a sturdy defence. ists, only Baghdad Bounedjah in the competition and con- first leg and that fortune will tough task in the second leg at the Azadi Stadium but Al Sanhaji have to wait and see what will They ceded possession and Dejan Damjanovic have tributing two goals and three favour us. But we also need to stressed that the Wolves will fight in order to win and clinch a happen because the ball is at in Al Sadd's favour, and more goals than the Persepo- assists. consider the fact that Al Sadd final spot in the continent’s most prestigious club competition. the players’ feet.” banked on efficiency instead. lis forward. A repeat of his perform- and Persepolis are among the “We will play the game of our lives,” said the forward. “We know The coach concluded by It proved to be a winning bet Prior to the semi-finals, Al ance against Esteghlal at Aza- best four teams in Asia, so how difficult this game is but there is no option for us except to telling the Iranian media: as they secured a 1-0 win de- Sadd had scored 20 goals in di Stadium on Tuesday would the refereeing should be at a give our best and win to clinch and go through to the final.” “You are expecting qualifica- spite enjoying just 33 percent the competition, more goals go a long way towards help- good level and better than in “All the players are prepared for this match and we will work on tion to the final but you should of play and having only two than any of the other three ing Al Sadd turn the tables the first leg. putting up our best performance,” Sanhaji added. (TNN) know that I want that too and I shots on target. semi-finalists, but they failed on Persepolis. “What I ask from the play- came here to achieve it.”

Cancer-hit badminton ace Lee hoping to make comeback Cricket corner AFP A return to the game would Sri Lanka Cricket’s chief finance officer KUALA LUMPUR be a remarkable feat for Ma- arrested for suspected TV rights fraud laysia's best known sports star, MALAYSIAN badminton star The recovery process has who has already had to fight his COLOMBO: Police arrested the chief financial officer of Sri Lanka Lee Chong Wei has said he is been good so far but I still way back up the world rankings Cricket on Monday for suspected financial misappropriation linked recovering well and hopes to need rest. Once I am given after being hit with a doping with awarding telecast rights to Sony TV, police said. The International make a comeback following the green light to make a ban in 2015. He tested positive Cricket Council (ICC) said this month that its anti-corruption unit was nose cancer treatment in Tai- comeback, I will. I thank for a forbidden anti-inflam- investigating serious allegations in Sri Lankan cricket and had pro- wan, a report said on Monday. matory drug at the 2014 world vided a detailed briefing to the country's president, prime minister and The world number five everyone who stood by me. championships and many sports minister. “Following the investigation the CID arrested the main and three-time Olympic silver feared it would end his career. suspect. He is the chief financial officer of Sri Lanka Cricket,” Police Malaysian badminton star Reuters medallist also posted pictures Lee Chong Wei The Badminton Associa- spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara told , naming him as 42-year on social media of himself and tion of Malaysia (BAM) an- old Wimal Nandika Dissanayake. Dissanayake’s lawyers were not imme- his wife smiling and holding nounced last month that Lee diately available for comment. He was arrested after the SLC's chief ex- their children to mark his 36th paper, Lee said that “my health had been diagnosed with ear- ecutive officer lodged a complaint to the police over financial fraud, the birthday on Sunday. is my main priority right now. ly-stage nose cancer. police spokesman said. “The complaint says the SLC’s television rights Lee returned to Malaysia “The recovery process has BAM had said in July that have been going to Sony since 2013. At the last South African tour, this on October 7 after treatment been good so far but I still Lee was suffering from a respi- main suspect asked Sony to deposit 15 percent of the television rights for early-stage nose cancer in need rest. Once I am given the ratory-related disorder. He is a fees to a private account in America.” He said the amount of money Taiwan, but he has put public green light to make a come- superstar in his homeland after misappropriated on South African tours was more than $187,000. appearances on hold to focus back, I will. I thank everyone his long run of success at bad- Sony became suspicious when this suspect informed it (of the require- on his recovery. who encouraged and stood by minton’s highest levels, despite ment) for a deposit of 50 percent of television rights fees from an ongo- In comments published in Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei posted his pictures with wife me in my most difficult time,” his oft-lamented failure to win a ing England tour and it informed Sri Lanka Cricket.” (REUTERS) the New Straits Times news- and kids on social media on his 36th birthday on Sunday. (TWITTER) he added. world or Olympic title. Sports Tuesday, October 23, 2018 17 Kimi foils Hamilton in Texas Finn Raikkonen wins first race in over five years; Hamilton can win title with at least 7th place in Mexico Mercedes Injured gaffe Wawrinka O Hamilton, on pole on the Circuit of Americas, was withdraws overtaken at the start by Raikkonen on ultra-soft from Basel tyres and indicated Mercedes got their tyre AFP strategy wrong in qualifying BASEL, SWITZERLAND and perhaps during the A back injury suffered dur- race, making two stops to ing a Sunday practice session Raikkonen’s one. with compatriot Roger Federer forced Stan Wawrinka to pull out of the Swiss Indoors tourna- Mercedes Lewis Hamilton on the The day’s other big win- ment in Basel on Monday. podium during the United States ner was second-placed Max "I turned my back, and re- Formula One Grand Prix. (AFP) Verstappen, who was 15th in tiring was the only decision I qualify after a suspension is- could make," said the three- DPA sue and bumped down a fur- time Grand Slam champion, AUSTIN, TEXAS ther three places for a late adding that he will end his sea- gearbox change. son early and not play at the LEWIS Hamilton was unable “It’s brilliant," said Red Paris Masters next week. to wear the traditional Texan Bull team principal Christian The withdrawal of Wawrin- cowboy hat to celebrate a US Horner. “I mean what a drive, ka, ranked 68th in the world Grand Prix victory, but surely from 18th, I think he came out as he continues to fight to fully the 33-year-old Briton will the first lap in ninth, and he’s recover more than a year after have a winning sombrero at beaten the pole position man. two knee surgeries, comes after the ready in Mexico on Sunday To be racing for the lead at Federer made an injury confes- when his fifth Formula One ti- the end of the race, defending sion of his own. tle beckons. from Lewis on a much better Federer revealed in the After finishing third at tyre. What a drive.” run-up to the start at the St Ja- Austin in a race won by Fer- It was another unhappy kobshalle that he had been suf- rari’s Kimi Raikkonen, the ICEMAN: Finnish Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen of Scuderia Ferrari celebrates with the trophy after the United States Formula One Grand weekend for Vettel, who was fering since the summer with a Mercedes driver now needs Prix race at the Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) slapped with a three-place hand injury, which the 20-time five points in Mexico to grid penalty after failing to Grand Slam winner insisted wrap up another F1 title and osport wrote. “Eleven years tle is Hamilton’s. Should Vet- victory in Mexico as he did tween a first and last career slow sufficiently during a red- was fine now. draw level with Juan Manuel since he won the first world tel win, seventh place - worth in 2017 when finishing only win - 15 years and 212 days flag period during practice, Federer, the holder, is seek- Fangio on five, behind only championship title with the six points - would suffice for ninth, saying at the time it was since his first triumph in the and again came off worse in a ing a ninth title at the event German great Michael Schu- Rossa in Brazil, the ‘Iceman’ the defending champion. “a horrible way” to do it. 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix race incident. where he got his start in the macher on seven wins the US Grand Pfrix Hamilton, on pole on the “We’re going to Mexico for McLaren - beating a record “I imagine if Sebastian had sport as a teenage ballboy. “Mercedes outplayed in ahead of Max Verstappen and Circuit of Americas, was over- next; it’s such a beautiful held by Schumacher. not spun out in lap one then He begins on Tuesday night thriller to postpone Hamilton’s Lewis Hamilton.” taken at the start by Raikko- place, but I haven’t always The Finn admitted that he probably would have won against Serb Filip Krajinovic. crowning,” Britain’s Guardian Hamilton now has a nen on ultra-soft tyres and had the best results there, so “just proving some people the race easy,” Mercedes team Wawrinka has been playing headlined, while the Italian 70-point lead over Ferrari’s indicated Mercedes got their I definitely want to win that wrong is enough fun for me” boss Toto Wolff said. in fits and starts this season, los- press celebrated a first victory Sebastian Vettel, who cut a tyre strategy wrong in quali- race,” he said. but otherwise remained true Vettel said Ferrari showed ing in the Shanghai first round for Raikkonen since Australia dejected figure after finish- fying and perhaps during the Raikkonen meanwhile to his taciturn nature. it had good race pace but there this month after reaching the 2013 and his first since he re- ing fourth, the German’s race race, making two stops to could enjoy the winner’s cel- “It’s not a big deal for were lessons to learn. semi-finals in September in St joined the Italian team for the compromised by a first-lap Raikkonen’s one. ebration after an unexpected me, it’s a much bigger deal “It has not been an easy Petersburg. start of the 2014 season. spin in touching the Red Bull However the F1 title should victory for the 39-year-old, for a lot of the people,” he time for me lately and bad re- Wawrinka, twice a semi- “Kim Raikkonen brings of Daniel Ricciardo. be a formality with three races who leaves Ferrari at the end said. “If it comes, it comes; sults are part of the game, but finalist in Basel, was to have Ferrari back to the highest Anything but a victory for remaining, the Mercedes driv- of the season for Sauber. if it doesn’t, it really doesn’t I believe it’s always possible to faced Adrian Mannarino in the step on the podium,” Tutt- Vettel in Mexico means the ti- er now hoping to seal overall It was the longest gap be- change my life one bit.” overcome issues,” he said. first round on Wednesday.

Revitalised Garcia delights Nuggets hold off Warriors, Relentless Bertens in ‘dream’ stuns Kerber while Valderrama Kings spoil Westbrook return Stephens prevails over treble AFP LOS ANGELES Osaka at WTA Finals AFP SOTOGRANDE, SPAIN JUANCHO Hernangomez came DPA began her campaign at the up with the game-saving block SINGAPORE WTA Finals with a hard- SERGIO Garcia said it was a Sunday as the Denver Nuggets fought 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 win “dream come true” to win a held off the two-time defending KIKI Bertens battled back over US Open champion third Valderrama Masters title NBA champion Golden State from a set down to defeat Naomi Osaka. on Monday, as the Spaniard Warriors 100-98 in a thriller in top seed Angelique Kerber It was an error-strewn continued his strong end to an Denver. 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the WTA Fi- contest from both play- otherwise difficult year. The unbeaten Nuggets nals on Monday. ers, with a combined total The 38-year-old has been handed the Warriors their first Bertens, who entered of 77 unforced errors and revitalised since being named defeat of the young season, the tournament as the only 11 of 31 break points as a wildcard pick for Europe’s staking their claim to contender lowest-ranked eighth seed converted as Stephens triumphant Ryder Cup team, status in Western Conference. after world number one particularly struggled with posting his first top-10 finish The Warriors weren't the Simona Halep pulled out double-faults. since July in Portugal before only Western power laid low on with a back injury, hit 33 Stephens broke winning three matches against Sunday as the Los Angeles Clip- winners to help her suc- through at 6-5 before com- the United States in Paris. pers held on for a 115-112 vic- ceed in two hours. pleting the first set on serve. He was at his very best tory over the Houston Rockets. It wasn’t all plain sail- She double-faulted to trail during the weather-hit tourna- Less than a week into the ing for Bertens, though, as 4-2 in the second, then got ment in Andalusia, holding off a season, the Nuggets top the Germany’s Kerber raced the break back, but another Shane Lowry charge with a two- West with a perfect 3-0 record. Russell Westbrook (centre) of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around Willie Cauley-Stein and De’Aaron through the first set, and double fault led to a third set under 69 in the third and final Denver led by as many as 11 Fox of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of their NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in 12 double-faults and three where Stephens raced off to round to win by four shots on points in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Sunday. (AFP) breaks of her own serve in 4-1 before prevailing after 2 12-under-par overall. the Warriors, led by 30 points the final set made her look hours and 24 minutes. “To be able to win three from Stephen Curry, whittled Warriors coach Steve Kerr ris said. “We stuck through to Kings who came up with their vulnerable. “Naomi is a really con- times here in Valderrama is a the deficit, knotting the score at said his team is not yet firing on the end, we played til the last first win of the season 131-120 But the 26-year-old fident player so it’s re- dream come true,” said Garcia, 97-97 with 1:29 remaining. all cylinders buzzer.” in Oklahoma City. Dutchwoman relentlessly ally good to come through who has won the event the last Three missed free throws “We’re not where we need Russell Westbrook showed Iman Shumpert scored 26 attacked Kerber’s serve a competitive match,” three times it has been played, by the Nuggets in the final 1:18 to be,” said Kerr, whose Warri- little sign of rust in his NBA points for the Kings, one of sev- as the reigning Wimble- 2017 US Open champion after victories in 2011 and 2017. opened the door for the War- ors led by as many as 12 in the season debut but his 32 points, en Sacramento players to score don champion crumbled Stephens said. “I never gave “It’s so difficult, this golf riors, but the visitors couldn't first quarter, and by two at half- 12 rebounds and eight assists in double figures. to surrender five straight up and I knew I was going course is so challenging. For me take advantage. time, but were out-scored 33-21 weren't enough to lift Okla- Elsewhere, the Cleveland breaks of her service from to have to play some really to be able to shoot three rounds Draymond Green had a in the third period. homa City to a first win of the Cavaliers remained without a 4-3 down in set two to con- good tennis to beat her.” under par with the positions we chance to tie the game when he A day after his impressive young campaign. victory since the departure of cede defeat. The four players form played all week, all the rain we missed one of two free throws triple-double against Phoenix, Former NBA Most Valuable superstar LeBron James, who Bertens is the first wom- the round-robin red group, had... I’m very proud of that.” with 10 seconds remaining and Nikola Jokic scored 23 points Player Westbrook had missed landed with the Los Angeles an from the Netherlands to with the top two advancing The former Masters cham- the Warriors trailed by two on with 11 rebounds and six assists the first two games of the sea- Lakers via free agency after last break into the world’s top to the semi-finals. They will pion went into Monday’s restart their final possession. for Denver. son as he continued his return season. 10, at number nine, since then play the best two from with a three-shot lead over Lee Curry drove to the rim, Gary Harris added 28 from arthroscopic knee surgery The Cavs, who have played Brenda Schultz-McCarthy the white group before the Westwood after seven holes of drawing two defenders, and points and the Nuggets forced on September 12. in the last four NBA finals and in 1996. WTA Finals champion is his round. passed to Damian Jones. 18 turnovers in a solid defensive He started in his customary won the title in 2016 with James Earlier, Sloane Stephens decided on Sunday. But while former world As Jones rose for the shot, effort against the prolific War- spot and played 35 minutes -- leading the way, dropped their number one Westwood fell Hernangomez dived in to bat riors. the most of any Thunder starter home opener to the Atlanta away, Irishman Lowry stormed the ball away from behind. “We fought through,” Har- -- but it was the Sacramento Hawks 113-111, falling to 0-3. out of the pack with three bird- ies in a row to get to nine-under for the tournament and only one stroke off the lead. NBA suspend Ingram, Rondo and Paul after punch-up

AFP the altercation and throwing a and making contact with the nical fouls - one for push- NEW YORK punch in the direction of Paul, face of Rondo, and throwing ing Harden and the other for confronting a game official in multiple punches at him.” punching an unsuspecting THE NBA came down hard on a hostile manner, and insti- Paul was to begin serving Rockets player from behind as Los Angeles Lakers forward gating the overall incident by his suspension on Sunday, he charged back into the ker- Brandon Ingram on Sunday, shoving Rockets guard James when the Rockets played again fuffle. suspending him four games Harden. at Staples Center against the Paul and Rondo also trad- while banning teammate Ra- “Rondo has been suspend- Los Angeles Clippers. ed blows, Paul claiming that jon Rondo three games and ed for instigating a physical Ingram and Rondo will be- he had shaken his finger in Rockets guard Chris Paul two altercation with, and spitting gin serving their suspensions Rondo’s face after the Lakers for their roles in a fourth- and throwing multiple punch- on Monday, when the Lakers player spit at him. Spain’s Sergio Garcia kisses his quarter melee. es at, Paul,” the statement host the San Antonio Spurs. The extraordinary scenes trophy after winning the Anda- The league said in a state- from executive vide president The fight erupted with 4:13 overshadowed LeBron Netherlands Kiki Bertens celebrates after defeating Germany’s lucia Valderrama Masters golf ment that Ingram “has been of basketball operations Kiki left to play and the Rockets James’s home debut with the Angelique Kerber during their singles match at the WTA Finals in tournament in San Roque, Cadiz, suspended for aggressively VanDeWeghe said. “Paul has leading 109-108. Lakers, which ended in a 124- Singapore, on Monday. (AFP) on Monday. (EPA-EFE) returning to and escalating been suspended for poking at Ingram received two tech- 115 Rockets victory. 18 Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Sports

Flag Ronaldo returns to Old kick Chelsea coach Ianni charged over Mourinho fracas Trafford with Juventus LONDON: Chelsea assistant coach Marco Ianni has been charged with improper conduct in a touchline flare-up with Jose Mourinho that led the Football Association to remind the Lopetegui in must-win game for Real against Plzen; Cristiano says he is an ‘example’ amid rape allegations Manchester United manager of his responsibilities. Tensions escalated in front of the Stamford Bridge tunnel DPA/AFP after Ross Barkley’s equaliser deep into stoppage time saw BERLIN/LONDON Chelsea secure a 2-2 draw on Saturday. Former Chelsea manager Mourinho was angered by the CRISTIANO Ronaldo and Paul way Ianni, an assistant to current Blues boss Maurizio Sarri, Pogba face their former clubs celebrated in front of the United bench. when Manchester United take Portuguese coach Mourinho leapt from his seat and had to on Juventus in the Champions be restrained by security staff as a melee ensued. League on a matchday where Both Ianni and Sarri have since apologised to Mourinho, Real Madrid coach Julen Lo- with the United manager saying he now considers the matter petegui is condemned to win closed. against Viktoria Plzen. Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford has electrified fans Frankfurt will sign five-goal sensation ever since the group draw, hav- Jovic permanently from Benfica ing won the first of his five titles in the elite event with United in FRANKFURT: Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Luka Jovic, who 2008, the year before he moved scored five goals in a weekend Bundesliga match, will be on to Real. signed permanently by the Bundesliga club, sports director Tuesday is Ronaldo’s sec- Bruno Huebner confirmed on Monday. ond trip back to United, the Jovic, 20, is in Frankfurt on a two-year loan since 2017 first being with Real in 2012-13, from Portugal’s Benfica. Frankfurt can complete a full transfer and Juve goalkeeper Wojciech of the Serbian forward for an estimated 10 million euros (11.5 Szczesny knows it will be an- million dollars). other special occasion for the “We will take the option. He will be an Eintracht Frankfurt Portugal star. “We all know player some day,” Huebner told reporters. “It is a really good how important things he has deal for Eintracht Frankfurt.” done there, but he is now a Ju- Jovic has been in a fine form lately and capped it Friday ventus player and we are also night in a 7-1 demolition of Fortuna Dusseldorf, becoming the really appreciating what he is first Frankfurt player to score five goals in a league match. doing here,” Szczesny said. “It will be a great Champi- Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho (centre) during a training session at the Carrington Training complex in Manchester on Monday, ons League night, United are ahead of their UEFA Champions League group match against Juve. (AFP) Iniesta still adapting to his stint with strong, and like us they will also Japanese football club try to win.” The three-time reigning Dortmund and 2014 and 2016 Juve hope finally to lift the champions are winless in five Matches today runners-up Atletico Madrid go- TOKYO: Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta said on Monday that trophy again after losing finals games overall and have lost the AEK Athens vs Bayern ing into their clash in Germany. he was still adapting to Japanese football and J-League club in 2015 and 2017, and Ronal- last three, including their last Young Boys vs Valencia “We are ready for Atletico Vissel Kobe, which he joined in July, and admitted the team is do’s arrival from Real is a clear Group G outing, 1-0 at CSKA Madrid,” vowed Dortmund’s not in its best phase. At a promotional event here, the former signal of intent. The Italians top Mowcow. But Lopetegui insist- Benfica vs Hoffenheim Germany forward Marco Reus, Barcelona midfielder took stock of his first few months in the group H with a maximum six ed after Saturday’s 2-1 league Lyon vs Shakhtar and their England teenage sen- J-League, in which his team has been faring badly despite the points from United who have home loss against Levante: “I Man City vs Roma sation Jadon Sancho insisted high expectations his arrival had generated, reports Efe. “My goal four. Both sides played to draws have more desire than ever to CSKA Moskva vs Roma that “we have big ambitions. in this new season is to help the team reach a champion level, on the weekend, with Juve sur- continue because the team gave Real Madrid vs Viktoria Plzen At the other end of the spec- but all changes are difficult and require a process of adaptation,” prisingly held 1-1 by Genoa and everything.” trum Tottenham must finally Iniesta said during the event organised by a Japanese sports- United conceding a stoppage- Real’s next league match is Man United vs Juventus deliver when they visit PSV wear brand, with whom he has a sponsorship deal. Iniesta said time equalizer at Chelsea. Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo. (AFP) a visit to Barcelona Sunday for Eindhoven for a duel of zero- his experience in Japan so far had been great thanks to the love “We need to focus on and the season’s first Clasico which Gerard Pique and Clement points teams in the Barcelona he had received from the locals and added that he hoped to be we need to win because it is im- Pogba will want to show his like Barca’s Group B topper Lenglet in centre defence with group. And in Group C three- able to respond to that on the field. Since his arrival, Iniesta has portant to win our home games class against the side he played Wednesday against Inter Milan Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel time Champions League win- played in nine matches and scored two goals for his team, which in the Champions League,” for between 2012 and 2016 be- will take place without Lionel Umtiti still out. ning coach Carlo Ancelotti is at is currently placed 11th in the J-League. United’s Luke Shaw told club fore returning to Old Trafford. Messi who broke his arm in Sat- Inter could miss key mid- his former side Paris Saint-Ger- TV. Former Spain coach Lo- urday’s 4-2 league win against fielder Radja Nainggolan, who main with leaders Napoli. The two sides have not met petegui is far worse off than Sevilla. was substituted in Sunday’s Meanwhile, Cristiano Ro- Italian federation elects Gravina as new since 2003, with United win- Mourinho as anything but a vic- But coach Ernesto Valverde Milan derby Inter won in stop- naldo stated on Monday he is president on second attempt ning the last three of their 12 tory against the Czech minnows is not concerned, saying: “There page time from captain Mauro an “example” in his behaviour games overall. The Chelsea Plzen would very likely spell are games when he has not Icardi. on and off the field amid allega- ROME: Italy’s football federation (FIGC) elected a new presi- draw further eased the pressure the end of his term at Real who played from the start and we Also tied on a maximum six tions of rape made against the dent at the second attempt on Monday when Gabriele Gravina on coach Jose Mourinho, and have been struggling since Ron- have played with the same idea. points are high-flying unbeaten five-time Ballon d’Or winner in was chosen to replace Carlo Tavecchio who resigned last year the French world champion aldo’s summer departure. Valverde will continue with Bundesliga leaders Borussia the United States. over the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup. Gravina, 65, previously the head of the third tier Serie C, was the only candidate and received 97.2 percent of the vote at the FIGC assembly in Rome, the federation said in a state- ment. A previous attempt to elect a new leader in January had failed after four rounds of voting when none of the three Primeiro take slim lead to Esperance candidates, including Gravina, was able to muster more than 50 percent of the votes. Since then, the FIGC had been under the leadership of a commissioner. AFP second legs, with the other one the side of glory-seeking Ango- “To be elected with 97.2 percent is very satisfying but it’s JOHANNESBURG pitting twice title-holders lan clubs. also a big responsibility,” Gravina told the assembly. “It means Entente Setif of Algeria In now defunct com- that Italian football has gained awareness of the need for PRIMEIRO Agosto take a 1-0 against record eight- petitions, the Tunis change.” “Fans, managers and members expect concrete and lead into the second leg of a time champions Al outfit beat Petro 2-1 correct answers, it will be a race against time.” CAF Champions League semi- Ahly of Egypt, who on aggregate in the final against Esperance in Tu- lead 2-0. 1997 CAF Cup final nisia on Tuesday hoping to be- Primeiro coach and Primeiro 4-2 come the first Angolan finalists. Zoran Manojlovic overall in the Afri- The closest a club from the believes Zambian can Cup Winners oil-rich southern Africa state referee Janny Sika- Cup final one sea- has come to reaching the tile zwe will play a cru- son later. decider was Petro Atletico get- cial role in a second Transformed ting to the 2001 semi-finals be- leg as Esperance Ahly take a seven- fore losing on penalties. seek overall victory match unbeaten Reaching the penultimate under a new handler. Champions League record into stage of the elite African club “The first leg referee was the return match at a ground competition this year is a re- terrible and hurt us a lot,” the where they fell 2-0 to Setif in markable achievement by Pri- Serb told AFP. “I do not fear the semi-finals 30 years ago. meiro, whose financial backers Angola’s Primeira Agosto players celebrate a goal recently. They take Esperance in Tunisia, only Setif went on to win the include the Angolan military. 1-0 lead into the second leg of the CAF Champions League semis other factors such as the match 1988 tie after a penalty shoot- They scraped into the group against Esperance of Tunisia in Tunis on Tuesday. officiating. out, then trounced Iwuan- phase on penalties and scored Esperance fired Khalid Ben yanwu Nationale of Nigeria in eight minutes into stoppage Cabaca saving two second-leg Cabaca could be the busi- Yahia after a domestic loss fol- the final to be crowned African time to snatch a crucial mini- penalties. est footballer in Rades as two- lowing the defeat in Angola and champions for the first time. league victory. Mazembe also had two time champions Esperance elevated his assistant, Moin Ahly are favourites to go The greatest achievement goals disallowed as Primeiro seek to overcame a 1-0 first- Chabani, into one of the hottest through this time, though, with was stunning five-time cham- rode their luck to dump one leg loss with Luvumbo ‘Bua’ seats in African football. French coach Patrice Carteron President of the Italian Lega Pro Gabriele Gravina, delivers a pions TP Mazembe of the of the title favourites out of a Pedro scoring eight minutes Chabani will want to ensure guiding the Cairo ‘Red Devils’ speech during the elective assembly of the Italian Football Democratic Republic of Congo competition with a $2.5 million from time. that 1994 and 2011 champions to six wins and a draw since re- Federation (FIGC) in Rome on Monday. (AFP) in the quarter-finals with Adao (about 2.2 mn euros) first prize. AFP Sport previews the Esperance remain a thorn in placing Hossam el Badry. Last-gasp Icardi header grabs Inter winner in Milan derby

first half after tangling with AC a breakthrough in the first campaign and spark jubilant Gattuso’s AC Milan are winless in midfielder Lucas Biglia. half, with Ivan Perisic seeing a scenes among the Inter fans in “Nainggolan has been header palmed away by Don- the stands. the last five league derbies chopped down,” added Spal- narumma and Stefan de Vrij “We lost the game togeth- letti. “We have to take him to striking the crossbar with a er, not because of Donnarum- AFP fourth last term to qualify for the hospital and see. He won’t twisting volley. ma,” insisted Milan boss Gat- ROME the Champions League for be with us for a while.” Out of nowhere AC Milan tuso. the first time since 2011-12, AC Milan remain down in thought they had taken the “We lost because we didn’t CAPTAIN Mauro Icardi struck moving to within six points of 12th after seeing their eight- lead shortly before half-time, play with the right courage, we a dramatic injury-time winner leaders Juventus, after their game unbeaten run in all com- but it was Mateo Musacchio’s were distracted and conceded as Inter Milan stunned AC Mi- 1-1 home draw with Genoa on petitions ended. turn to be denied by the lines- a naive goal.” lan 1-0 in the derby at the San Saturday. Icardi had the ball in the man’s flag. Earlier on Sunday, late Siro to retake third place in Se- “I came here to win, not to net early on, but the striker’s Inter had a couple of goals from Ciro Immobile and rie A on Sunday. just sit on a bench for a season effort was ruled out for offside second-half chances from Joaquin Correa gave Lazio a The Argentinian pounced and try to bring home a sal- after a check with VAR. set-pieces, with Matias Ve- 2-0 win at Parma. on a mistake by goalkeeper Gi- ary,” former Roma coach Spal- Although the opening stag- cino nodding over and Perisic Promoted in each of the anluigi Donnarumma to nod letti told Sky Sport Italia. es of the game were not over- seeing a thunderous strike three seasons since their bank- home in the second minute “I came here to organise flowing with attacking qual- blocked. ruptcy, Parma have impressed of added time after an other- the future of Inter and the ity, there was plenty of niggle, The game appeared to be this season but their late ca- wise forgettable match, leav- players must do the same. Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi celebrates after scoring the winning goal with Biglia left incensed after petering out into a goalless pitulation saw the visiting Ro- ing Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan “I liked that after the final against AC Milan in their Italian Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza he was booked despite appear- draw, but Donnaruma came man outfit into the top four. without a win in the last five whistle, Icardi said we must Stadium in Milan on Sunday. (EPA) ing to have been stamped on and failed to claim a specula- Ex-Italy boss Gian Piero league derbies. find consistency and keep by Nainggolan before the Bel- tive right-wing cross from Ve- Ventura returned to coaching But Inter continued their pushing. Inter chose us to There was an injury blow against Barcelona, though, gian hobbled off. cino, and Icardi headed into but failed to guide tailenders recent resurgence under Lu- bring this side back to the level for Inter ahead of Wednes- with Radja Nainggolan sub- Nominal home side Inter the unguarded net to score Chievo to their first win of the ciano Spalletti after finishing that the fans deserve.” day’s Champions League clash stituted midway through the looked the more likely to find his fourth league goal of the season. Sports Tuesday, October 23, 2018 19 FIG officials impressed with Doha Worlds facilities at Aspire

Organisers sign US gymnast Morgan Hurd. deal with Defending TaiShan for champion equipment Hurd has great TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK but different DOHA expectations A delegation of International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK officials visited the Aspire DOHA Dome on Monday to have a first-hand experience of the SO much has changed for US arrangements made by the gymnast Morgan Hurd since Organising Committee for she won the world all-around the 48th Artistic Gymnastics title last year that she consid- World Championships Doha ers the 48th FIG Artistic Gym- 2018 to be held at the Aspire nastics World Championships Dome from October 25 to as an entirely new reality, re- November 3. ports worldgymdoha18.com. The FIG officials were ac- “I have different expecta- companied by Ali al Hitmi, tions for myself because I’m a Executive Manager of the different person and a differ- Organising Committee & ent gymnast than I was a year President Qatar Gymnastics ago,” said the 17-year-old in a Federation. recent media conference call. The delegation was im- Hurd’s updated perspec- pressed by the arrangements tive should help her cope with made including training halls, two game-changing dynamics warm-up areas and the main that were not part of the pro- competition hall. gramme at last year’s Worlds Earlier, on Sunday, the in Montreal, Canada. They are Organising Committee signed the team competition and the an agreement with TaiShan of presence of Hurd’s team-mate, China who have installed the three-time world all-around equipment for the event. champion Simone Biles. Biles is making her re- turn to international com- petition here after her quad- ruple gold medal-winning performance at the 2016 Rio Gymnasts train at the Aspire Dome ahead of the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 which begin on Thursday (October 25). Olympic Games. Medal design Hurd is eager to compete to her full potential, regardless The Organising Committee will of these aspects that were not be unveiling the specially part of her 2017 conquest. designed medals for Doha “It’s a completely different Worlds on the sidelines of a energy because you’re compet- reception for the participating ing not only for yourself but delegations. The medals have for five other girls,” she said. been designed in Arabic and “It’s going to be so include Islamic inscriptions much more exciting. I just reflecting the culture of Qatar. want to focus on doing my absolute best.”

Tamimi to join world squash stars at QSF No.1 in Doha TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

Ali al Hitmi, Executive Manager of the Organising Committee & President Qatar Ali al Hitmi, Executive Manager of the Organising Committee & President Qatar QATAR’S ace squash player Gymnastics Federation, and Gang Cui, Chairman, TaiShan, at the signing at Torch Hotel. Gymnastics Federation with International Gymnastics Federation officials at Aspire Dome. Abdulla Mohd al Tamimi – who clinched his biggest ever The signing ceremony was the venue. TaiShan are known completing the installation of many gymnasts from China, Federation who will bring this first world gymnastics champi- Professional Squash Associa- held at the Torch hotel be- to provide high level services the equipment according to Chinese, Taipei and Brazil al- tournament to a new level. onships to be held in the Mid- tion (PSA) title at the Malay- tween Ali al Hitmi and Gang for top events with their gym- the schedule specified and in ready here to train and accli- “We are sure the Organis- dle East. Competitions will be sian Open earlier this year will Cui, Chairman, TaiShan. nastics equipment. accordance with FIG require- matise, all training halls were ing Committee will present an in 14 disciplines (eight for men be among the mix of top stars Al Hitmi said the organis- “We appreciate the ef- ments,” said Al Hitmi. adequately equipped.” excellent event to the world and six for women) which will at QSF No. 1 event to be played ers are happy with TaiShan’s forts made by TaiShan and On the installation of the On his part, Gang Cui said, and we wish them all success.” be held at the Aspire Dome. at the Qatar Tennis, Squash & cooperation (one of the ac- extend our greetings to all equipment, he explained, “An “We are proud to be associated Over 600 athletes from The championships form Badminton Federation courts credited companies of FIG) the employees of the Chinese integrated team was provided with the world championships about 78 countries have arrived the first qualification basis for from November 10 to 14. and their installation works at company for their efforts in to check the devices. With through the Qatar Gymnastics in Doha to participate in the the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Tamimi, currently, World No.24 will be looking to per- form strongly in front of his home crowd. Egypt’s former World No.3 SHARSHANI SIXTH IN SPAIN Omar Mosaad will headline Superbike riders still have lots to fight a top-class draw for the QSF No.1 when the PSA World Tour Bronze tournament takes for under lights at Losail Intl Circuit place in Doha. Mosaad will be joined by some big names in men’s TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK squash, including Germany’s DOHA World No.19 Raphael Kandra, England’s former World No.9 THE title may have been de- Daryl Selby and Australia’s cided but it’s not all over going World No.23 Cameron Pilley. into the final in Doha from Oc- Meanwhile, the two wild tober 25 to 27 when the MO- card spots have been taken up TUL FIM Superbike World by World No.284 Hamad al Championship final round Amri and World No.414 Rash- of 2018 season will be staged id al Harib – who are both ris- under floodlights at the Losail ing talents in Qatari squash. International Circuit. They will face tough com- Already crowned 2018 petition from the likes of WorldSBK champion Jonath- Spain’s former World No.5 an Rea (Kawasaki Racing Borja Golan, Scotland’s World Team WorldSBK) will be No.34 Greg Lobban, England’s looking to break even more World No.39 Chris Simpson records, and the overall run- and Malaysia’s World No.42 ner-up will also be decided. Eain Yow Ng. Preparing to battle in the The final round of MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship 2018 will be staged under floodlights at the desert around the 5.3km circuit, Losail International Circuit from October 25 to 27.. the floodlit track will guide the riders towards the end of what then the double – for the first Ducati, the British rider will chance to win access the Grid has been a sensational season. time in Qatar last season, it’s want to pull out all the stops and the Pit Wall Canopy for all For Rea it’s no ordinary hard to look past Rea and his to end 2018 with a bang. WorldSBK races simply by pur- weekend, and he is on a winning ZX-10RR for the victory. With Holding a 24 point lead over chasing their ticket, then filling streak like no other. Taking his podium tally of seven out of third position Michael van der in a ballot which can be found 10th win in a row last time out the last eight, he’ll continue to Mark (Pata Yamaha Official at the LCSC official merchan- in Argentina, he is now look- be one to beat. WorldSBK Team), Davies will dising tent. Grandstand tickets ing to take the most wins in one Gunning for the runner- be hoping to repeat his per- cost QR100 for the 3 days with season (17), which is a record up spot in the championship formance from 2016 in Doha. free Paddock entry (children 11 that has stood since 1991. chase, Chaz Davies (Aruba. All fans can get closer to years-old and under are free) He is also hoping to beat his itRacing- Ducati) will be pre- the riders and teams in the and this year there is also the Team Qatar’s sailing star Waleed al Sharshani finished a own record of 556 points scored paring for his final race week- Paddock Show activities dur- possibility to buy one day ticket creditable sixth from among 68 participants at the Europa Cup in one season; on 16 wins and end with the Panigale R twin, ing the weekend as well as the only. On-line tickets can be Laser Tropy in Spain. Sharshani had topped both the races in 520 points it all seems possible ahead of the introduction of prize giving ceremony on Sat- purchased at www.lcsc.qa and Radial Laser class on the opening day of the event. for the 31-year-old. the V4 machine next season. urday at 9pm. during the event at the ticket Qatar’s ace squash player Securing the win – and A landmark event for Spectators will have the booths of the circuit. Abdulla Mohd al Tamimi.