topscores for Hong Kong as minnows give India a big scare PAGE 19 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Real begin UEFA Champions League title defence against Roma PAGE 18 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REAL MADRID VS ROMA (8 PM) Al Sadd’s semis with Persepolis will be like a final, says Ferreira

AFC.COM DOHA

AL Sadd coach Jesualdo Fer- reira didn’t hide his relief after a 2-2 draw at home with Es- teghlal in the second leg of the 2018 AFC Champions League quarter-finals on Monday sent his team to the last four of the competition. The 2011 winners advanced to the next stage on the back of a 5-3 aggregate win, having de- feated the Iranian team 3-1 in Coach Talk the first leg in Tehran. We played them (Persepolis) earlier (in the group stage), but this time it will be completely different. We saw how they overturned the result against Al Duhail. We need to be at our best when we play them, and that match is going to be like a final. Al Sadd coach Akram Afif extended that advantage for Al Sadd by open- Jesualdo Ferreira ing the scoring at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. However, Es- be tough,” admitted Ferreira. teghlal threatened to derail the “We played them earlier (in hosts’ party after Rouhollah the group stage), but this time Bagheri and Morteza Tabrizi it will be completely different. struck either side of half-time We saw how they overturned to put them within a goal of ty- the result against Al Duhail. ing the aggregate score. We need to be at our best when Esteghlal defender Rouz- we play them, and that match beh Cheshmi was dismissed The 2011 winners advanced to the next stage on is going to be like a final. for a second bookable of- the back of a 5-3 aggregate win, having defeated “Now, we need to focus on fence almost immediately af- Iran’s Esteghlal FC 3-1 in the first leg in Tehran. our game against Al Rayyan in ter Tabrizi’s goal to halt their the league and then we will be momentum, but it took a last- able to properly think about minute penalty from Baghdad Al Sadd players celebrate making the AFC Champions League semis after a 2-2 draw against Esteghlal FC at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Monday. (AFP) the semi-final. I'm sure that Bounedjah to calm the Qataris' we have enough experience to nerves and confirm their qual- with the aim of making up for the game would go on to extra- lot of chances to score but we they are a strong team but we Iranian side in the semi-final deal with the tough matches ification to the semi-finals. the two-goal deficit from the time and penalties but we were weren’t able to benefit from showed our strength as well by after Persepolis booked their that are coming up, both at “The game in Tehran was first leg. able to maintain the scoreline them. When you play against a reaching the semi-finals.” spot following a sensational home and in Asia.” easier than this one,” said Fer- “They almost scored a and then scored a late goal to team with 10 men, it doesn't al- With the quarter-final be- comeback win over Al Duhail. The semis first leg will be reira. “Esteghlal came at us at third goal in the latter stages go through to the semi-final. ways mean that they are weak. hind them, Al Sadd will now “There’s no doubt the played in Qatar on October 2 full strength and they played of the game. We feared that “It is true that we got a “Esteghlal showed that look ahead to facing another game against Persepolis will and the second in Iran on 23rd.

MESSI MAGIC IN UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Asia Cup: Sarfraz, Rohit promise blockbuster India-Pakistan clash

AFP ABU DHABI

RIVAL captains Sarfraz Ahmed and Rohit Sharma played down the hype surrounding the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in Dubai on Wednesday, insisting that the Asia Cup is much more than a contest be- tween the arch-rivals. But despite their claims, millions of fans across the border and elsewhere in the world will be watching the Group A clash, with a sold out 25,000-crowd expected at Du- A 2006 file photo of fans holding the Pakistani and Indian bai Stadium. flags during the first day of the Test match played at the Gaddafi Sta- The game is the first be- dium in Lahore. Sparks generally fly when India take on Pakistan in tween the sub-continent rivals cricket, and the Asia Cup clash on Wednesday will be an emotionally since Pakistan thumped In- charged fixture as always.(AFP) dia by 180 runs in the final of the Champions Trophy at The competition to help his aching India have won the event Oval in June last year. back after a gruelling tour of – which started in 1984 – six The two teams are facing England. But Sarfraz refused times, while Pakistan have each other for the first time in to accept Kohli's absence will been champions twice. the UAE since 2006, the last make much difference. Two teams from each of their regular matches which “No doubt he (Kohli) is group will qualify for the Super Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) kicks the ball and scores during the UEFA Champions’ League Group B match PSV were also held in Sharjah be- their and a world-class Four stage, with the top two to Eindhoven at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on Tuesday. (AFP) tween 1984-2000. batsman but I think they (In- reach the September 28 final. Sarfraz, who led Pakistan dia) have a good team even So barring any upsets in that memorable Champions without Kohli. “They have against Hong Kong, India Lionel scores hat-trick as Barcelona drub PSV 4-0 Trophy triumph, denied that good players who have done and Pakistan will also face off his team will have a psycho- well for India. So I don’t think again in the Super Four on AFP the edge of the area nestling in erable World Cup trying to re- side beat Tottenham 2-1 on logical advantage. it will make much difference September 23. BARCELONA the top corner, exactly where it trieve the irretrievable Argen- their return to the Champions “We will not take that Cham- to India. Their is very India skipper Sharma was intended. tina, Barcelona's now-captain League after a seven-year ab- pions Trophy win in our minds,” strong so I can say that it will said his team will be looking LIONEL Messi pictures the Messi would have his second proved his quality again to any sence. said Sarfraz on Monday, a day be a good match.” beyond Pakistan. “It’s always Champions League ending and third before the end, but the doubters that are left. Christian Eriksen’s deflect- after his team thumped quali- Sarfraz has told his players exciting to play Pakistan, but with him hoisting the trophy game was up by then thanks to a Four goals already in La ed strike gave Spurs a 53rd- fiers Hong Kong in their first just to enjoy the occasion. it's not about one team as well. and it began with him scoring superb strike from the excellent Liga, seven overall, neither minute lead at the San Siro, and match of the tournament. “My message to the play- There are other teams also eye- a hat-trick on Tuesday as Bar- Ousmane Dembele. age nor Cristiano Ronaldo's the visitors looked comfortable. “That was a different at- ers is not to bother about the ing the title,” said Sharma, who celona put four goals past PSV Only when Barca were three departure from Spain appear But Argentinian striker Icardi mosphere (in London) and result and do (their) best and has the rare record of scoring Eindhoven. ahead was Samuel Umtiti sent to have taken the edge off. hammered home a magnifi- conditions. It was a year ago so when you do that you get a three ODI double hundreds. An early kick-off at Camp off for a second yellow card, and cent volley in the 86th minute that's history so we will enter positive result in all matches All six teams have to en- Nou meant that before most with 10 men, Messi completed Inter’s late comeback to draw Inter level, and Matias the ground with a new strategy because there are five other dure extreme hot conditions of the tournament's teams had his hat-trick for a 4-0 win. stuns Spurs Vecino took advantage of some and passion.” teams as well,” he said. in the UAE, with the tempera- even named their line-ups, Dembele’s goal was worthy A stunning Mauro Icardi volley slack Tottenham defending at India’s regular captain and Five-time Asia Cup champi- ture scaling to over 40 degrees Messi was up and running, of deciding any match but this sparked a stunning late Inter a corner to nod in a dramatic world-class batsman Virat ons Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Celsius and expected to rise his sumptuous free-kick from was Messi's night. After a mis- Milan comeback as the Italian injury-time winner. Kohli has been rested for the Afghanistan are in Group B. further in the coming days. Sports Wednesday, September 19, 2018 17 Tennis comes to US sports-crazed city of Chicago in form of Laver Cup

breakout year, steadily climb- Chicago will host ing from a world ranking of 50 the second edition in January to world number 16. He reached the semis at of the Laver Cup, the Australian Open, the finals in Morocco and defeated both pitting Europe’s Djokovic and Goffin in Madrid. best male tennis Kyrgios returns as a World Team player and will be joined players against by John Isner and Jack Sock of Team World the United States, Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartz- DPA man of Argentina and Kevin WASHINGTON Anderson of South Africa. John McEnroe, whose THINK of tennis venues in the long-time rival Bjorn Borg is United States and Flushing the coach of Team Europe, Meadows in New York City and called last year’s event “a hell Indian Wells near Palm Springs, of a three days.” California come to mind. Borg predicted Team Eu- Chicago? That’s a football- rope would be “a force to be baseball-ice hockey kind of reckoned with” in Chicago as place. the team defends its our title. True, but Roger Federer He called it “an extraordinar- believes there’s room for ten- ily strong team” and that was nis. Namely at the United South Africa’s Kevin Anderson and Alexander Zverev of Germany during a practice session. before Djokovic claimed his Center, an arena that seats 14th grand slam on September 23,500 that’s been the home of Patrick McEnroe, and now The second edition in Chi- bledon champion Novak Djoko- 9 in New York, bringing Team the city's professional basket- the American brothers return cago might help answer that vic of Serbia, Alexander Zverev Europe's collective grand slam- ball and ice hockey teams for as the captain and vice-cap- question. The third-largest city of Germany, Grigor Dimitrov of title number to 34. That com- more than two decades. tain of Team World. in the US after New York and Bulgaria, David Goffin of Bel- pares with Team World's one. It has been selected to host Federer was thrilled with Los Angeles has 2.7 million gium and Kyle Edmund of Brit- But Chicago, home of the the second edition of Federer’s the outcome in Prague when people, millions more when its ain on Team Europe. Cubs, who became baseball’s pet project, the Laver Cup, this NBA and Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen and Roger Federer at he capped Team Europe’s win sprawling suburbs are included. Notably missing is world champions in 2016 after a coming weekend. the United Centre ahead of the 2018 Laver Cup in Chicago. with a dramatic defeat of Team It should not be too much to number one Rafael Nadal of 108-year drought, might be The inaugural event was World’s Nick Kyrgios. Europe ask of that fan base for 20,000 Spain, who retired with knee just the place to show the val- held last year in Prague, with worldly enough to host the team go sports fans” the Laver Cup’s claimed the trophy 15-9. or so people to turn out each pain last week in the semi-final ue of patience and persistence Federer and Team Europe cel- comprising players from the website promises. He called it “an amazing, day to see some of the world’s round of the US Open. The in sports. ebrating a victory. This year's US, Australia, Argentina and Chicago has not hosted a fun week,” and said he was best players in action over the selection of Edmund for the It will be up to the stars edition gives the “home court” South Africa. major tennis event in more “proud it worked as well as it three-day Laver Cup. final spot on the team was an- playing in the Laver Cup to advantage to Team World - That team can “count on the than 25 years. One of the did,” adding that time will tell This year Federer will play nounced August 21. prove definitively that that ap- Chicago having been deemed energy of the passionate Chica- last was between John and how big the event will become. along side US Open and Wim- The Briton has enjoyed a plies to tennis as well. Trubisky, Bears defence Brewers’ Yelich collects second cycle outmuscle Seahawks

AFP lead to 10-0 early in the sec- of MLB season; Dodgers back on top CHICAGO ond quarter before Seattle got their first points on the board MITCHELL Trubisky threw with a monster 56-yard field REUTERS Hendricks gave up one run on for two touchdowns as the goal from 40-year-old veter- MILWAUKEE three hits with eight strikeouts Chicago Bears’ defense ran- an Sebastian Janikowski on and one walk. He has a 1.76 sacked Russell Wilson in a the stroke of half-time. CHRISTIAN Yelich became ERA in 13 September starts the 24-17 victory over the Seat- It was a miserable first the fifth major-leaguer to hit past three seasons. tle Seahawks at Soldier Field half for Wilson, who was for the cycle twice in the same on Monday. sacked five times in the open- season, leading the Milwaukee Cardinals 11, Braves 6 Bears quarterback Tru- ing two quarters by a ram- Brewers to an 8-0 victory over Kolten Wong had three hits, bisky made 25 of 34 passes pant Bears defense. the visiting Cincinnati Reds on including one of the team's four for 200 yards as the Sea- Newly acquired Bears de- Monday night. homers, to help St. Louis earn a hawks slid to their second fensive star Khalil Mack was Wade Miley (5-2) lowered win at Atlanta. loss of the season. in the thick of the action, re- his ERA to 2.08 with five shut- Wong had a single, a dou- Receiver Trey Burton cording one of his team's six out innings for the Brewers, ble, his ninth homer and three opened the scoring for the sacks on the night. who remained 2 1/2 games RBIs. Paul DeJong, Harrison Bears midway through the After a scoreless third behind the first-place Chicago Bader and Yadier Molina also first quarter, darting through quarter, the Bears bagged Cubs in the National League hit homers for the Cardinals. a gap in the Seattle defensive their second touchdown Central. Yelich hit for the cy- Miles Mikolas (16-4) got the line after a clever three-yard when Trubisky rolled out cle on Aug. 29 during a 6-for-6 victory after allowing two runs shovel pass from Trubisky. left before picking out An- performance, also against the on four hits in five innings. He A 25-yard Cody Parkey thony Miller in space in the Reds. He singled in the first in- struck out six and won his third field goal stretched the Bears end zone. ning Monday, doubled in the straight decision. In three starts third, hit a two-run home run in September, Mikolas is 3-0 in the fifth and lashed a two- with a 3.38 ERA. run triple in the sixth, complet- ing the cycle in just four plate Mariners 4, Astros 1 appearances. Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers hits a home run in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Daniel Vogelbach clubbed The last major-leaguer to Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday. (AFP) a pinch-hit grand slam in the have two cycles in the same sea- eighth inning, and Seattle ex- son was Aaron Hill of the Dia- homer as Los Angeles moved this three-game series. Rockies plete game as Chicago posted a tended its winning streak at mondbacks in 2012. The only back into first place in the Na- shortstop Trevor Story left in victory over Arizona in Phoenix. Minute Maid Park to five games others to have a pair of cycles in tional League West with a vic- the fourth inning after a swing- Baez's homer, capping a with a victory over host Hou- the same year were John Reilly tory over visiting Colorado. and-miss against Ryu. The three-run sixth inning for a 3-0 ston. (1883 Reds), Tip O'Neill (1887 Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched Rockies announced after the lead, was his 32nd of the season Astros reliever Hector Ron- St. Louis Brown Stockings) and seven scoreless innings as the game that Story left because of and gave him an NL-leading don (2-5) recorded the first Babe Herman (1931 Brooklyn Dodgers and Rockies traded right elbow soreness and will 105 RBIs. Bryant put the game two outs in the eighth courtesy Robins) -- but no one did it places in the NL West stand- be re-evaluated Tuesday. out of reach with a two-run, op- of two splendid diving catches twice against the same team in ings for a third consecutive posite-field homer into the pool from center fielder Jake Maris- a season before Monday. day. The Dodgers moved into Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 1 area in the eighth inning. nick. But after getting ahead in first place Saturday, the Rock- Javier Baez and Kris Bry- Hendricks (12-11) fell short the count 1-2 against Denard Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson gets sacked by Chicago Dodgers 8, Rockies 2 ies regained the lead Sunday ant hit two-run homers, and of his third career shutout Span, Rondon fired three suc- Bears linebacker Aaron Lynch during the first half of an NFL game in Joc Pederson hit two home and the Dodgers moved back Kyle Hendricks finished one out when A.J. Pollock homered cessive fastballs out of the zone Chicago on Monday. (AP) runs and Max Muncy added a on top after the first game of short of his fourth career com- to lead off the ninth inning. to load the bases. Members of WADA athletes’ commission Golf boosted by Tiger effect, oppose Russia agency approval says PGA Tour Commissioner

DPA RUSADA compliant,” a state- AFP Woods back on the PGA Tour Tiger in the mix with a TV rat- FRANKFURT ment said. ATLANTA has been tremendous and sig- ing that Sunday in St. Louis of On Monday, the umbrella nificant,” said Monahan. a 5.4 then that is a 75 percent SEVEN members of the ath- group of national anti-doping PGA Tour Commissioner Jay increase in the ratings. That letes’ commission in the World agencies also criticized RUSA- Monahan believes the return of While Woods has yet to is more people seeing Brooks, Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) DA’s possible reinstatement. a fully-fit Tiger Woods has had hearing Brooks and learning have come out against the re- “Any reasonable person a “tremendous and significant” taste a tournament victory about Brooks talent. instatement of Russia’s Anti- would conclude that Russia impact both on and off the golf this year, Monahan said he “So, if people ask me if that Doping Agency (RUSADA). has not yet fulfilled its obli- course. has a huge impact, boost- is a good or a bad thing my an- “It should not be possible gations to the global sporting Woods will bring the cur- ing television ratings and swer is that Tiger’s return has to commit the biggest doping community,” the Institute of tain down on a largely success- indirectly raising the profile been so positive as you only scandal of the 21st century, National Anti-Doping Organi- ful comeback this week when have to witness the fan reaction then be reinstated without sations said in a statement. he tees off in the season-ending of other players on tour. at the tournaments Tiger has completing the conditions set,” gramme. Both organisations would be sufficient to justify “WADA must make its Tour Championship at East elected to play this year.” a statement said Tuesday. had agreed to a series of condi- reinstatement,” it said. decisions based on consistent Lake in suburban Atlanta. Monahan said at the Val- Monahan was speaking WADA’s compliance re- tions as part of their pathway to However, seven of the application of principles and It is the first time that spar Championship, where at the confirmation of major view committee (CRC) recom- reintegration. 17 members of the athletes' not simply out of expedience Woods has qualified for the elite Woods finished runner-up be- changes to the 2018/19 PGA mended last Friday that the The CRC said that it was commission said Russia had pandering to the will of a pow- 30-strong event since a 22nd hind Paul Casey, ratings had Tour schedule with the Play-Off RUSADA should be reinstated. satisfied that Russia had ful- not yet accepted the McLaren erful nation.” place finish in 2013. increased from a figure of 3.2 Series to be reduced from four WADA's executive committee filled “two outstanding crite- report, which said more than Russia’s athletics ban While Woods has yet to to 5.1. to three events and with a new is to meet on Thursday to de- ria” required for reinstatement. 1,000 Russian athletes had dates from 2015 and the taste a tournament victory this “That is a lot more people final event scoring system. cide whether to accept the rec- Russia had “acknowledged been helped by state-spon- fall-out from the Sochi Win- year, Monahan said the former seeing Paul Casey and hearing There will be a 50 percent ommendation. the issues identified” and that sored doping or allowed ac- ter Olympics of the previous world number one had nev- his story and the other players increase in prize-money, with The Russian Athletics Fed- it “accepted that the new com- cess to thousands of samples year. WADA investigator ertheless had a huge impact, in the mix,” Monahan said. the winner receiving $15 mil- eration (RUSAF) was banned mitment to provide access to in the Moscow laboratory. Richard McLaren spoke of a boosting television ratings and “Also, if you are Brooks lion as FedEx Cup champion alongside RUSADA nearly the data and samples in the “It is for RUSADA to be sophisticated programme to indirectly raising the profile of Koepka and you win back-to- while the FedEx Cup bonus three years ago for its part in Moscow laboratory to WADA compliant, not for WADA to help Russian athletes top the other players on tour. back US Opens and then win pool is being increased from a state-supported doping pro- via an independent expert change its conditions to make medal table. “To have a fully-fit Tiger the PGA Championship with $25m to $60m. 18 Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Sports

‘Ignorance makes you very bold’: Ramos slams Griezmann attitude Ex-Liverpool player Darby retires due to motor neuron disease MADRID: Sergio Ramos has launched a scathing attack on Antoine Griezmann's attitude after LONDON: Bolton Wanderers defender Stephen Darby, 29, announced his retirement from profes- the French forward said he has his eye on the Ballon d'Or this year and is on a par with Lionel sional football on Tuesday after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease. Darby started his Briefly Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In an interview with AS on Monday, Griezmann admitted he was career with Liverpool, and played six games with his hometown club after making his debut in the disappointed not to be nominated for the Best FIFA Men's Player award and regarding the Ballon UEFA Champions League in 2008, reports Efe news. "It is with great sadness that I announce d'Or prize, he said: "I have it in my head and there are three months to give everything". Asked my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of motor neuron if he considered himself in the same class as Ronaldo and Messi, the Atletico Madrid player disease," Darby said in a statement on the Bolton Wanderer's website, which explained that a said: "Yes I think so and I know other players are going to come for sure. specialist had recently made the diagnosis.

FIFA President UEFA Champions League Infantino expresses doubt over La Liga game in Miami

participate, and Toronto is the Barca and current champion, and also in Canada there is another pro- Girona have fessional league." agreed to play in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver all compete in the the US on Jan 26 MLS but play home fixtures in their own cities, in Canada. AFP Infantino also confirmed BARCELONA the plan will need approval from the Spanish and US FIFA President Gianni Infan- Football Federations, as well tino has expressed concern as UEFA and CONCACAF, the about La Liga's proposal to governing bodies in charge of stage a fixture between Girona European and North Ameri- and Barcelona in the United can football respectively. States. He added: "FIFA should The two clubs have each also express a view on the approved a request submit- matter, not least since it would ted to the Spanish Football have implications for football Federation for the match to at a global level as well." be played at the Hard Rock La Liga is discussing play- Stadium in Miami on January ing one game per season in the 26. It was originally scheduled US as part of a 15-year agree- as a home game for Girona, at ment with the media company their Estadi Montilivi. Relevent. Girona supporters have been offered a "compensation Against package", which is believed to include free flights to the US, soccer ethics as well as 5,000 tickets for the O “I think I would prefer to reverse fixture at the Camp (From left) Real Madrid’s Marcelo, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Alvaro Odriozola during a training session at the Valdebebas training ground in Madrid on Tuesday. (AFP) Nou later this month. see a great MLS game in The offer to play the game the US rather than La Liga abroad has been accepted by being in the US. In football, Girona, who have described the general principle is that it as "a great opportunity to Real begin title defence you play a ‘home’ match at expand and grow, not only for ‘home’, and not in a the club but also for our city foreign country.” and our territory". Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said on Friday: The idea has proven con- "Everything is still far away. against Roma in Madrid troversial. Girona would be It has been discussed with surrendering the advantages the players and there is an of playing at their own home intention (for the match to ground, which in theory could be moved)." Lopetegui’s first game will also be Real Madrid’s first in Europe without Cristiano Ronaldo benefit Barcelona. Real Madrid coach Julen Infantino said on Tues- Lopetegui believes moving the DPA drid trailing Barcelona by two day: "I think I would prefer game would undermine the BARCELONA points. The pressure is already to see a great MLS game in equality of the league. on and although Roma's do- the US rather than La Liga "I'm not in favour of it," REAL Madrid coach Julen Lo- mestic form has not been good being in the US. In football, Lopetegui said on Friday. "I petegui will have mixed emo- they will still represent a test for the general principle is that think we should all play in the tions going into his first Cham- the coach's Champions League you play a 'home' match at same conditions, on the same pions League game in charge of debut at his new club. 'home', and not in a foreign pitches - that's what makes the the club on Wednesday. As well as Lopetegui's first country." league equal." He knows La Liga is Real game it will also be Real Ma- La Liga president Javier La Liga has said the match Madrid's priority this season. drid's first in Europe without Tebas responded on Twitter. is part of a long-term project, But he also knows the club's Cristiano Ronaldo. He wrote: "I will remind the "targeted at promoting foot- so-called favourite competition The baton has been passed president of FIFA that in the ball in the United States and cannot be ignored, especially to Gareth Bale and Karim Ben- MLS, three teams of Canada Canada". with the prospect of a fourth zema. They delivered in last straight European Cup up for season's final scoring the goals grabs. that saw Real Madrid beat Liv- Madrid finished 17 points erpool 3-1 in Kiev. behind Barcelona last season But Ronaldo had already and a repeat of that awful do- become competition top scorer, mestic campaign would almost something he had also achieved certainly cost Lopetegui his job. in the two previous seasons. Real Madrid have only For Lopetegui winning won the league twice in the last the Champions League would 10 years and the 52-year-old be some compensation for knows he has been brought in not winning, and not even be- to improve that poor domes- ing given the chance to win, tic return. But the Champi- the World Cup with Spain in ons League, where Real begin Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini (centre) takes part with teammates in a training session at the Trigoria training Russia. against visiting Roma in Group ground in Rome on Tuesday. (AFP) He announced that he had G, remains the competition agreed to join Real Madrid on that most inspires Real Madrid And he also knows the club time competition record of five Getafe, Leganes and Girona, the eve of the tournament and supporters. will go past the achievements of straight successes from 1955 to but stumbled away to Athletic was promptly sacked by Span- "We are obliged to try to Ajax and Bayern Munich, who 1960. Bilbao and in the UEFA Super ish Football Federation presi- win everything," Lopetegui both lifted the European Cup in Real Madrid have not been Cup against Atletico Madrid. dent Luis Rubiales. told UEFA in an interview last three successive seasons, if they entirely convincing at the start "Madrid can never accept a Asked if he regretted the month. He knows that eas- win the final next year to make of the season. "Big rival means draw," Lopetegui said on Satur- move last week he said: "No. ing up in Europe to bolster the it four in a row. small Madrid" read one Marca day after dropping two points We did what we thought was FIFA President Gianni Infantino says that the idea of having La Liga push for the league title is not Success would take Real headline. It was a reference to in Bilbao. the most honest thing. I would matches played abroad is against the principle of the game. an option. Madrid close to their own all- the team having easily beaten That result left Real Ma- do exactly the same again." Man City have best players in the world: Arteta Arsenal chief executive

REUTERS any others because they are he wanted to make the step up Gazidis to join Milan LONDON fantastic." to manager in the future. "I'm Real, who sold Cristiano privileged to be where I am AFP Gazidis, 54, has reportedly MANCHESTER City assistant Ronaldo to Juventus before in football right now," Arteta LONDON been offered £3.6 million ($4.7 coach Mikel Arteta believes the season started, have won added. million) a year – a £1 million the Premier League cham- the Champions League three "If you're asking will I be ARSENAL chief executive Ivan increase in his present salary pions have the best players years in a row, but City are a coach one day in the future Gazidis is to leave the club – and an equity stake in the AC in the world but that holders the bookmakers' favourites the answer is probably yes, but to take up a similar post at Ital- Milan by the American owners Real Madrid are favourites to this year despite falling at the I feel lucky to be in this job and ian giants AC Milan, the Pre- Elliott Management, who took win the Champions League quarter-final stage last season. there's still a lot of room for mier League club announced over in July. again this season. "It's a surprise to be made this club to grow." on Tuesday. Gazidis, who will leave Ar- Arteta, who will lead City favourites when there is a Guardiola is serving a Speculation that Gazidis senal by the end of October, has in their Champions League team out there that has won touchline ban for coming on to -- who oversaw Unai Emery's worked for the Gunners since opener against Olympique the competition three times in the pitch to remonstrate with appointment to replace Arsene 2009 and has been behind a Lyonnais on Wednesday be- a row," Arteta added. "Even if the referee during his side's Wenger in May -- will depart radical change in management cause manager Pep Guardiola they have lost Cristiano Ronal- quarter-final defeat by Liver- for Italy has been rife for some structure at the Emirates. is suspended, also said that do, I'd still make Real Madrid pool last season, but Arteta is time. Now the move has been He played a major part in his team were better placed the main favourites because of (From left) Manchester City’s John Stones, Kyle Walker, David Silva, determined to do his best to confirmed, with Raul Sanllehi, introducing roles such as San- to challenge for top European their history and experience. Vincent Kompany and Oleksandr warm up at City Football Academy in make sure the manager's ab- currently head of football rela- llehi's, as well as that of head honours this season. But I do think the Champions Manchester, on Tuesday. (AFP) sence is not felt. tions at the Emirates Stadium, of recruitment – a post held by "For me we have the best League is going to be quite "Obviously (Guardiola) to become head of football Sven Mislintat. players in the world at this open this season. have been and the way we play linked to the coach's job at is disappointed not to be as when Gazidis heads to Milan. Those appointments wres- club," Arteta told a news con- "Other people think we are against big teams. Our aim is Arsenal in the close season involved, but he had a reac- Arsenal's chief commercial tled some power away from ference on Tuesday. "I see candidates to compete against to win the Champions League before the London club ap- tion in the last game and we officer Vinai Venkatesham will Wenger, whose 22-year tenure them every day in training and the best teams in Europe be- and we feel we are improving.” pointed Unai Emery as Arsene respect UEFA's decision," take over the role of managing came to a close at the end of I wouldn't change them for cause of how consistent we The Spaniard, who was Wenger's successor, also said Arteta said. director at the same point. last season. Sports Wednesday, September 19, 2018 19

48th Artistic Gymnastics Worlds Traditional reception being planned to welcome delegations TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Local Organising Com- mittee of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation for the forthcoming 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 is meticulously planning various aspects of the first event to be held in the Middle East with great care and in detail. Mohammed Abdullah Al Maraghi, Director of Institu- tional Support of the Organis- ing Committee informed that Mohammed Abdullah Al Maraghi, among other things a tradition- Director of Institutional Support, al reception for all delegations Organising Committee, 48th and athletes of 83 countries is Artistic Gymnastics World being planned for October 24. Championships Doha 2018. The world championships to be staged at the Aspire services, Al Maraghi pointed Dome will be held from Octo- out that the distribution of ber 25 to November 3. cards will be done in an accu- “A reception for delegations rate manner. participating on October 24 “There will be a large with representatives from each number of volunteers and country at the ceremony is be- staff at the distribution site ing planned, said Al Maraghi. to facilitate the process. The Providing details, he said, registration (for volunteers) Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan celebrates after scoring a century during the one-day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket match against Kong at the Dubai International Cricket “The ceremony will have a was opened well in advance Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday. (AFP) traditional welcome symbol- and will be closed on the 27th ising Qatar’s heritage, custom of this month. We are also and tradition. There will also cooperating with the security be a closing ceremony for the committee with regards to championship and we are this. The cards will be issued India foil HK upset bid working continuously for the after obtaining the approv- preparations to be complete as als,” he said. far as possible. Al Maraghi thanked the “We will also be provid- Higher Organising Committee ing all support to the sub- for its support and of all the committees, including the two sub-committees in ensuring after Dhawan’s hundred committees formed for the that the work is done in the registration cards and the re- best possible way. AFP used the game as good prac- ception. We will also facilitate “The Organising Commit- DUBAI tice ahead of the “match of access to delegations partici- tee includes Qatari cadres at the tournament” against pating through visas. the highest level. They have INDIA survived a scare arch rivals Pakistan, as he “In order to prepare in the great experience through against Hong Kong after punished the Hong Kong best possible manner, the Or- working in previous interna- Shikhar Dhawan’s hundred as bowlers at will. ganising Committee is putting tional sporting events. Our they battled to a 26-run win Dhawan hit 15 fours and its best foot forward and aims common goal is to achieve over the minnows in the Asia two sixes during his 120-ball to deliver a historic Qatar ver- success. We are working on Cup on Tuesday. knock. But once Dhawan sion that will witness record a given timeline and will do Chasing a big 286-run tar- and Rayudu fell, India lost unprecedented participa- everything in terms of insti- get, Hong Kong gave their il- their way with Mahendra tion in the number of nations tutional support. We hope the lustrious opponents a run for Singh Dhoni falling without and athletes. We are ready championship will be staged their money with an opening scoring. to present the best picture as in the best possible way and stand of 174 runs before col- It was left to Dinesh hosts,” he stressed. highlight Qatar’s global posi- lapsing to 259-8 in 50 overs. Karthik (33) and Kedar Jad- With regards to the ac- tion in organising top sports India were lifted to 285-7 hav (28 ) to ensure In- creditation cards for various events,” he said. by a punishing 127 by Dha- dia got beyond the 280-mark. wan -- his 14th one-day in- The total was much lower ternational hundred -- and than India’s 374-4 in the only an attractive 60 by the re- previous match between the called Ambati Rayudu at Du- Hong Kong batsman Nizakat Khan plays a shot as Indian wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks on two teams in Karachi in the Australian cricket needs bai Stadium. during their Asia Cup match in Dubai on Tuesday. (AFP) 2008 Asia Cup. The Group A match was Smith back, says Waugh expected to be a one-sided af- Chahal (3-46) and debutant September 28 final in Dubai. SCOREBOARD fair, but Nizakat Khan scored paceman Khalil Ahmed (3- Dhawan and the recalled AFP Cameron Bancroft was banned a brilliant 115-ball 92 with 12 48) were the pick of Indian Rayudu steered India to 285- INDIA: HONG KONG: SYDNEY for nine months. R. Sharma c Nizakat b Ehsan 23 Nizakat Khan lbw b Ahmed 92 fours and a six, with skipper bowlers. 7 in 50 overs after Hong Kong S. Dhawan c Afzal b Shah 127 A. Rath c Sharma b Yadav 73 “We need him back in adding 73 to It could have been the won the toss and opted to A. Rayudu c McKechnie b Nawaz 60 c Dhoni b Chahal 18 AUSTRALIAN cricket needs Australian cricket,” Waugh make India sweat for victory. second upset in successive field first. K. Karthik c Hayat b Shah 33 C. Carter c Dhoni b Ahmed 3 disgraced ex-captain Steve told Fox Sports Australia of Their stand is the best for days after five-time champi- India, resting KL Rahul, M. Dhoni c McKechnie b Ehsan 0 K. Shah c Dhawan b Chahal 17 Smith and he is likely to be 29-year-old Smith, who has K. Jadhav not out 28 Ehsan Khan c and b Ahmed 22 any by Hong Kong in ons Sri Lanka were sent pack- Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik B. Kumar c Rath b Shah 9 lbw b Chahal 0 welcomed back with open played 64 Tests. an ODI, bettering the 170-run ing out of the tournament by Pandya in anticipation of an S. Thakur c Carter b Aizaz 0 S. McKechnie st Dhoni b Yadav 7 arms, former skipper Steve “You can’t lose someone of stand for the fourth wicket by Afghanistan with a 91-run easy game, were helped to K. Yadav not out 0 Tanvir Afzal not out 12 Waugh forecast Tuesday, al- his quality overnight and ex- the same pair against Scot- win in Abu Dhabi. the total by an innings-build- Extras (lb2, nb1, w2) 5 Ehsan Nawaz not out 2 though it might be tougher for pect to replace it and he’s still Total (for 7 wkts; 50 overs) 285 Extras (lb4, nb3, w6) 13 land at Mongkok in 2016. Bangladesh and Afghani- ing 116-run stand between Fall of : 1-45 (Sharma), 2-161 (Rayudu), Total (for 8 wkts; 50 overs) 259 David Warner. only relatively young.” But both fell in successive stan have qualified for the Dhawan and Rayudu after 3-240 (Dhawan), 4-242 (Dhoni), 5-248 (Karthik), Fall of wicktets: 1-174 (Rath), 2-175 (Nizakat), 3-191 The pair are serving one- All three players accepted overs to give India a sigh of Super Four stage from Group skipper Rohit Sharma failed 6-277 (Kumar), 7-282 (Thakur) (Carter), 4-199 (Hayat), 5-227 (Shah), 6-227 (Aizaz), year suspensions from inter- responsibility for the scandal relief ahead of their high-pro- B, while Pakistan and India to capitalise on an inexperi- Bowling: Afzal 4-0-34-0, Nawaz 8-0-50-1 (1nb, 1w), 7-240 (McKechnie), 8-256 (Ehsan) national and state cricket over that rocked the sport, with Aizaz 8-0-41-1 (1w), Ehsan 10-0-65-2, Nadeem 10-0- Bowling: Kumar 9-0-50-0 (1w), Ahmed 10-0-48-3 file match against Pakistan joined them from Group A. enced bowling attack by fall- 39-0, Nizakat 1-0-15-0, Shah 9-0-39-3. (1w), Thakur 4-0-41-0 (3nb, 1w), Chahal 10-0-46-3, their part in the ball-tamper- Smith’s tearful apology on his on Wednesday, also in Dubai. The top two teams from ing on 23. Yadav 10-2-42-2 (1w), Jadhav 7-0-28-0. ing scandal against South Af- arrival back in Australia tug- Leg-spinner Yuzvendra the Super Four will play the But Dhawan ensured he rica in March, while opener ging at the heartstrings. Fans & media slam QATAR, JAPAN PLAY DRAW IN ASIAN YOUTH HANDBALL Lanka after cricket exit

AFP COLOMBO

SRI Lankan newspapers and fans lambasted the national cricket team on Tuesday after the former champions were dumped out of the Asia Cup by up-and-coming Afghanistan. “The flop of Asia,” ran the private Daily Mir- ror’s headline, while the state-run Daily News said one-day cricket had hit a “nadir”. The Island daily lamented the “sad night for Sri Lankan cricket”. Afghanistan demonstrated their rise in in- ternational cricket with their 91-run win over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Sri Lanka’s captain Angelo Mathews looks dejected after losing the Asian Cup cricket match to “Sri Lanka now require a great deal of Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Monday. (AFP) soul-searching to be a competitive outfit in white-ball cricket before the 1996 ball cricket before the 1996 World Champions World Champions become a laughing become a laughing stock in the world - if they stock in the world - if they aren’t that aren’t that already,” the Mirror said. already,” the Mirror said. Disappointed Sri Lankan fans took to social media to went their anger, with many memes ridiculing the national team. Sri Lanka needed to win the Group B match “We could have stayed in the Asia Cup at to stay in the tournament but were outwitted by least till India played its first match,” said one Afghanistan who put up a fighting total of 249 social media user. all out at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Another social media user ridiculed bats- Sri Lanka, who now have lost 30 of their 40 man Kusal Mendis who was out for a duck, matches since January 2017, had lost to Bang- saying there would have been more cheer if a ladesh by 137 runs in Dubai on Saturday at the different “Mendis” was included -- referring to opening match of the tournament. a popular alcoholic drink known as “Mendis The Mirror said the performance did not Special”. augur well for the World Cup in England and Another fan speculated tongue-in-cheek Wales next year. that the poor performance was all part of a strat- Qatar managed to play a 31-31 draw in their third and last Group D match in the Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship. With three points “Sri Lanka now require a great deal of soul- egy to dupe other teams into thinking Sri Lanka in three matches, Qatar finished third in the pool and failed to enter the main round. Iran and Japan qualified from the group,hile w two-time searching to be a competitive outfit in white- were weak before next year’s World Cup. champions Qatar will play for the 9 to 14 places.