FORMULA 1 | Page 4 TENNIS | Page 7 Hamilton still Japan star ‘split’ about Osaka says team-ordered stellar run due win in Russia to better focus

Friday, October 5, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 25, 1440 AH ‘He’s the best’: GULF TIMES Magical Messi rocks sloppy Spurs SPORT Page 2

CHESS Qatar’s Zhu Chen elected FIDE treasurer QNA elections held in the Geor- developing the game and im- Association President Mo- Batumi, Georgia gian city of Batumi where the proving the fi nances of the in- hamed al-Medaihki, expressed World Chess Olympiad is be- ternational federation. his happiness at Zhu’s election, ing held. The Qatari thanked the Qa- saying it was a big honour for ormer world champion Russian Arkady Dvorkovich tar Olympic Committee, the Qatar as well as the region. Zhu Chen of Qatar was elected new President of Ministry of Culture and Sports Other elected offi cials are has been elected treas- FIDE with a total of 103 votes and the Qatar Chess Associa- Bachar Kouatly, Deputy Presi- urer of the World Chess against 78 votes for Greek tion for their support, saying dent; Sewa Enyonam Fumey, FederationF (FIDE), it was an- Georgios Makropoulos. her position will give Qatar a General Secretary; Mahir nounced here yesterday. Zhu expressed her happiness signifi cant role in the develop- Mammedov, Vice President; Woman Grand Master Zhu at winning the position and ment of chess. and Julio Granda Zuniga, Vice was elected during the FIDE said she would work towards Her husband, Qatar Chess President.

HORSE RACING Qatar Arabian trophies to fl ag off Arc weekend today Exciting race card at Saint-Cloud will prime the race-goers for this weekend’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meet

By Sports Reporter Netherlands. Doha In the 2000m race for fi llies, Fourcy has decided to take Al Qatari presence at Purebred Arabian Sales Shaqab Racing’s Gtnah out of the day before the racing contention, while Borkowski has action shifts to a newly- supplemented Awasef Al Khal- renovated Longchamp ediah. in Paris, Saint-Cloud, The latter has two victories in nearA the French capital, will serve Poland, including a Group 2 at up a taster, including Purebred Wroclaw over a mile from July, Arabian racing, today. and will be making a debut in Ten horses will line up for the France today. Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pou- Fourcy still has another Al lains (Group 1 PA for three-year- Shaqab Racing fi lly, Al Haff anah, old colts) at Saint-Cloud today, to be helmed by Julien Auge, and while nine entries remain for the Douhha Al Cham, to be ridden Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouli- by Jerome Cabre, in the race. ches (Group 1 PA for three-year- Al Haff anah has won her only old fi llies). outing in France, shedding her His Highness Sheikh Abdul- maiden status at La Teste Buch lah bin Khalifa al-Thani-owned early August. Trainers and owners from Qatar take part in Arqana Purebred Arabian Sale at Saint-Cloud yesterday. Marid and Neef will line up His Highness Sheikh Abdul- with Olivier Peslier and Pierre- lah’s Adiba, fourth behind Al Charles Boudot as their respec- Haff anah, won her second outing tive partners in the 2,000m race at Mont de Marsan earlier in Sep- for the colts. tember and will have Peslier for While Antoine de Watrigant- company. While it’s a step up for trained Marid won a Group 1 PA Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim will ride Al Shaqab Racing’s Shalaa in wards of Fourcy and Guillemin, it over the distance at Deauville on the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Group 1 PA for three-year-old should throw up some interest- his last outing, it will be a step up colts) at Saint-Cloud, France, today. PICTURES: Juhaim ing action today. for Didier Guillemin-schooled Ali Hamad Al Attiya-owned Neef, who had won a Group 3 at Faleh Bughanaim partnering the Sahm Al Khalediah, who has Mashael will line up for E. Mikha- La Teste Buch over 1900m earlier Dahess colt. three victories from last fi ve out- lides under Aurelien Lemaitre. in September. Guillemin also has Deryan in ings including a Polish Group 1, The race is also a step up for Thomas Fourcy will have Al the race, while Damien de Watri- in the card, while GT Zoetelief Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte- Shaqab Racing’s Shalaa, who gant has two entries — Bel’Izam has supplemented Probat T, a trained Baseel, who has three has run just once so far, in the and Sea Bird Al Maury. 1300m sprint winner in victories from as many races, but race with talented Qatari jockey Trainer Michal Borkowski has Duindigt, none at the Group 1 level.

Al Wasmiyah Farm team at Saint-Cloud yesterday.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Rajeh had won the 2017 edition of the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Group 1 PA for A horse on auction is taken around the ring during the Arqana Purebred Arabian Sale yesterday. three-year-old colts). Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 5, 2018 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Nice coach Vieira sidelines misfi ring Balotelli

Nice coach Patrick Vieira left misfiring striker Mario Balotelli out of his squad for a league visit to Toulouse today. Former Inter Milan and Manchester City striker Balotelli relaunched his stutter- ‘He’s the best’: Magical ing career with the southern side, to the extent it earned him a recall to the Italy squad. But the former bad boy of English football has yet to find the net this season. Asked why Balotelli was left out, former Arsenal defender Vieira replied: “Coach’s decision.” Messi rocks sloppy Spurs Vieira was appointed as Nice coach this season after his spell as New York City manager. Balotelli missed pre-season with Nice as his future with the club was Messi’s brace was just reward for an irresistible display from the Argentina legend unclear as he returned not fully fit.

AFP Napoli charged by UEFA London aft er fans set off fl ares

auricio Pochettino admit- Napoli have been charged by UEFA ted Tottenham had only after fans set off flares during the team’s themselves to blame for 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions Lionel Messi’s mesmer- League in Naples. Lorenzo Insigne’s late Mising masterclass in Barcelona’s 4-2 winner sent Carlo Ancelotti’s side top Champions League win at Wembley. of Group C after two games, one point Pochettino’s side found it impossi- ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Liver- ble to subdue Messi as Barcelona end- pool. But the Italian side were charged ed their three-match winless streak in by European football’s governing body emphatic style. for breaching disciplinary regulations, The Spanish champions punished with fans allegedly setting off flares in a howler from Tottenham goalkeeper the home end. Paris Saint-Germain have Hugo Lloris to take a second minute also been charged after fans set off lead through Philippe Coutinho. Ivan flares and for crowd trouble in the game Rakitic volleyed a stunning second against Red Star Belgrade. goal for Barcelona before Harry Kane reduced the defi cit after the break. That set the stage for Messi to seize Mourinho should stay at the spotlight once again as he netted Man United, says Giggs twice either side of Erik Lamela’s de- fl ected eff ort for Tottenham. Messi’s Wales boss Ryan Giggs said that Jose brace was just reward for an irresist- Mourinho should remain as Manchester ible display from the Argentina legend. United manager despite the mounting Messi already has fi ve goals in the crisis at the club. Mourinho is under Champions League this season after increasing pressure at Old Traff ord hitting a hat-trick against PSV Eind- with United a lowly 10th in the Premier hoven in Barcelona’s group opener. League and winless in four games in all But Tottenham boss Pochettino competitions. claimed his side had made it easy on Giggs, who played almost 700 games Messi with the error-prone start that for United and was at Old Traff ord on forced them to throw players forward, Tuesday for a 0-0 draw against Valencia leaving spaces at the back that the in the Champions League. “I said that deadly Messi was able to exploit. last time: where do they go?” Giggs said “Messi doesn’t surprise me. We when asked about United at a press conceded the fi rst goal and it is very conference to announce his Wales diffi cult because that sets the game. squads for matches against Spain and We paid for that,” Pochettino said. Ireland. “We had to give spaces when we were looking for a result. What happens is players like him can fi nish you off . Injured Costa misses After 45 minutes we didn’t concede out on Spain squad one chance to Messi. Of course in the Barcelona’s Argentinian striker Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League at Wembley Stadium in London. (AFP) second half when it’s 2-0 and you give Diego Costa was left out of the Spain more space, it’s so diffi cult to stop this It’s hard to assess the game. When you now there are must-win games.” with the way Barca stood up to late Group B: At Eindhoven, Netherlands: squad announced by coach Luis type of player. play a team like Barcelona you cannot After three La Liga games without Tottenham pressure. “The game was PSV Eindhoven (NED) 1 (Rosario 27) In- Enrique yesterday, ahead of games “He is the best in the world. With a aff ord to concede these type of chanc- a win, including a shock loss to lowly very intense. When it was 3-2, Totten- ter Milan (ITA) 2 (Nainggolan 44, Icardi against Wales and England. Costa sus- lot of space it is unbelievable how he es. But for me, most important was the Leganes, this was a morale-boosting ham made it very diffi cult for us,” he 60); At London: Tottenham Hotspur tained a thigh strain playing for Atletico runs and dribbles. In the second half second half. We did everything to come success for Barcelona. Another set- added. “We had a few problems in the (ENG) 2 (Kane 52, Lamela 66) Barcelona Madrid against Club Brugge in the he was decisive. He’s got that capacity back. We showed character and I’m so back would have added to the sudden game but we solved them and we just (ESP) 4 (Coutinho 2, Rakitic 28, Messi Champions League on Wednesday. Isco, and hunger for scoring.” proud of the players.” sense of crisis around the club. want to continue like this. I’m very 56, 90) Dani Carvajal, Inigo Martinez and Sergi Pochettino was frustrated that Tot- Tottenham’s hopes of qualifying And relieved Barcelona boss Ernesto happy with the players. Today’s game Group C: At Paris: Paris Saint-Germain Roberto are also injured. tenham gifted the initiative to Barca for the last 16 from Group B are now Valverde admitted he was pleased with was key for us.” (FRA) 6 (Neymar 20, 22, 81, Cavani Wolves defender Jonny Otto, on loan so easily, but he took heart from the his side’s stylish response to their re- in grave danger after two successive 37, Di Maria 41, Mbappe 70) Red Star from Atletico, received his first interna- way they pushed their star-studded defeats. Having lost to Inter Milan cent woes. “It’s true that after a few tional call-up while there were returns UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS Belgrade (SRB) 1 (Marin 74); At Naples, opponents harder in the second half. and Barcelona, Pochettino knows Tot- bad results it was very important to to the squad for Real Betis defender Group A: At Dortmund, Germany: Italy: Napoli (ITA) 1 (Insigne 90) Liver- “Against a team that needed to win, tenham must win their next Euro- do well today and we responded very Marc Bartra, Borussia Dortmund for- Borussia Dortmund (GER) 3 (Bruun pool (ENG) 0 to concede after two minutes, it de- pean fi xture at PSV Eindhoven later well,” he said. “We want to always ward Paco Alcacer, who is on loan from Larsen 51, Alcacer 72, Reus 90+2) Mo- stroyed the plan,” Pochettino said. in October. “We still need to play four dominate and we did. Our response Group D: At Moscow: Lokomotiv Mos- Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid’s Koke. naco (FRA) 0; At Madrid: Atletico Madrid “After making those mistakes, the games. We are going to have it in our was very strong and eff ective. It was cow (RUS) 0 Schalke (GER) 1 (McKennie Koke was not picked for the games (ESP) 3 (Griezmann 28, 67, Koke 90+4) fi rst half was diffi cult for the team to be hands to be in the next stage,” he said. a great game against a diffi cult team.” 88); At Porto, Portugal: FC Porto (POR) 1 against Croatia and Spain last month Club Brugge (BEL) 1 (Groeneveld 39) confi dent and play the way we planned. “Of course it will be tough because Valverde was especially impressed (Marega 49) Galatasaray (TUR) 0 but has been in fine form for Atletico.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Napoli striker Milik No one to blame but ourselves, says Klopp robbed at gunpoint AFP aft er Liverpool win Naples, Italy iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his side could only blame themselves after the last year’s Champions League runners-up Lwere overrun by Napoli before Lorenzo Insigne’s late winner gave the Italians a 1-0 win to go top of Group C on Wednes- day night. “We were not good enough and if you are not good enough, you’ll lose and that happened to us tonight. That’s it,” said Klopp. “Napoli made a really good game, we didn’t, and that’s why they deserve the three points.” Lorenzo Insigne scored after 90 min- utes in a game Napoli dominated from the start with substitute Dries Mertens also rattling the crossbar. The hosts had the better chances throughout as Insigne, Jose Callejon, Fabian Ruiz and Arkadiusz Milik all threatened under-pressure Liv- erpool goalkeeper Alisson. Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis — who hired three-time Champions League AFP him to hand over his Rolex Day- winning coach Carlo Ancelotti this sea- Naples, Italy tona watch worth 7,000 euros. son in place of Maurizio Sarri — hailed The robbers then sped into the success at their Stadio San Paolo. the countryside towards Licola, “Big win against a great team! Ancelotti Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne (right) scores against Liverpool in the Champions League in Naples, Italy, on Wednesday night. (Reuters) apoli’s Polish striker police said according to the AGI worthy of his fame,” wrote De Laurentiis Arkadiusz Milik was news agency. As soon as he re- on Twitter. after their opening match ended 0-0 at no attempt on target (for us)... I don’t re- Wijnaldum said it was a “reality check” robbed at gunpoint on covered from the shock, Milik Last season Napoli’s style of football Red Star Belgrade. Liverpool, meanwhile, member when that happened last. I am before next Sunday’s his way home after his went to the nearest police station under Sarri impressed against Manches- played as if they would settle for a point really fi ne to give the credit to Napoli, but top-of-the-table clash with Manchester Nteam’s Champions League win to report the crime. ter City but the team lost 4-2 at home be- after they beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-2. I think we had a big part in it as well.” City. “We have three days to recover and over Liverpool, Italian police said Attacks on professional play- fore exiting the competition in the group The Reds’ strike force of Roberto Liverpool were also handicapped by then we will face Man City,” added Ger- yesterday ers in the southern Italian city stage. Insigne’s winner ensures they are Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio an injury to Guinean midfi elder Naby man Klopp. The 24-year-old was in his are frequent. Italian internation- top of Group C with four points, one more Mane were a shadow of the trio who ter- Keita inside the fi rst 20 minutes. “We had “It would have been diffi cult at any car heading towards his home at al Lorenzo Insigne was robbed than Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. rorised Europe last season, with Napoli prepared the match well,” said Ancelotti, time in the season. Now, let’s have a look Varcaturo on the Domitian Coast of jewellery, cash and a luxury “I think we timed it well,” said former goalkeeper David Ospina not called upon “then it’s all about the performance and afterwards, how the players are, what 20km west of Naples at around watch in 2016 and the club’s Slo- Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Ancelotti. for a single save. the guys played it well and we were re- happened in the game, injury-wise, little 2am when his car was stopped vakian captain, Marek Hamsik, “If Mertens had scored a few minutes ear- Liverpool’s best eff ort came when warded with this victory that keeps us in knocks and stuff like that. Then we will by a high-powered motorcycle was held up at gunpoint in the lier, it would’ve been more time suff ering. Egyptian Salah shot wide after the break. the group. The team did well throughout prepare for Sunday. Then we have our blocking the road. The two as- centre of the city four years ago. We interpreted the game well. We had an “It’s always a bad sign if you have to say the game, we never lost control, were crowd in the back. You could see tonight, sailants — whose faces were en- Napoli beat last year’s Cham- extra central defender and were able to your goalkeeper was your best player, but always very focused, above all when de- Napoli used the atmosphere and we tirely covered by helmets — ap- pions League fi nalists 1-0 with a build the game from the back. There was that was obvious tonight,” said Klopp. fending and allowed Liverpool practically couldn’t calm it down with our perform- proached the footballer’s car and 90th-minute Insigne goal to go a perfect balance.” “The fi rst half was kind of OK, but sec- nothing.” ance. But on Sunday that — at least — will pointed a gun at him, ordering top of Group C. Napoli needed a win on Wednesday ond half was not good enough. Obviously Liverpool’s Dutch midfi elder Georginio be 100% diff erent.” Gulf Times Friday, October 5, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE EUROPA LEAGUE Arsenal ease Al Gharafa aim to past Qarabag for eighth win in row By Amy Lawrence Sokratis, who gladly if slightly end losing streak The Guardian inadvertently snaffl ed his fi rst goal for the club. There might have been more arabag on a Thursday as Arsenal enjoyed space down night might not have the left side, with Alex Iwobi and been the kind of trip Smith Rowe linking up well. At that players would be the other end, however, the back against Al Arabi queueingQ up to take part in. Last three was not an instant fi x as season Arsene Wenger was in the Qarabag had their share of fi rst- habit of leaving his entire fi rst XI half chances. at home for Europa League group Innocent Emeghara appealed Gourcuff ’s men, who are in seventh spot, have suff ered three successive defeats games to conserve energy for for a penalty, gesticulating furi- Premier League assignments. ously by tugging at his shirt to By Sports Repoter But sees each suggest some guilt on the part of Doha game – no matter where or . But as the fi rst half against whom – as a stepping developed they gained the confi - stone towards the improvement dence to run at Arsenal in num- l Gharafa coach Christian Gour- he craves. This latest win was bers. Mahir Madatov danced into cuff was confi dent his team can notable for the fact three diff er- the box to test Leno. The German cut down on errors when they ent players – Sokratis Papastath- made an excellent refl ex save to face Al Arabi today in the QNB opoulos, and beat away Filip Ozobic’s fi erce StarsA League. Al Gharafa are coming off Matteo Guendouzi – collected shot before half-time. after three successive defeats and are ea- a fi rst goal for Arsenal to think Emery reverted to a back four ger to turn it around. about on the long journey home at the break, but that did not ease Gourcuff ’s men had lost to Al Kharaiti- from Azerbaijan. the defensive lapses and Qarabag yat 0-2 last week and are seventh in the Eight consecutive wins, found the net only for the cel- standings with seven points from two a steady start in the Europa ebrations to be curtailed by an wins and a draw. Gharafa are sorely miss- League, a fraction outside the off side fl ag. ing the services of star Dutch attacking Premier League top four on goal The front players seized their midfi elder Wesley Sneijder, who is nurs- diff erence, a new goalkeeper in opportunity, and it was a special ing a muscle strain, while Diego Amado is who looks full of moment for Smith Rowe to clip suspended. smart saves, fi rst senior goals for home his fi rst senior goal for his Ahmed Alaaeldin is back in train- two diff erent teenagers in Baku: boyhood club. Danny Welbeck ing, but is a doubtful starter for today’s what’s not to like about Arsenal’s won possession and the pur- match. The good news was that goal- fresh start under Emery at the poseful Iwobi moved play on ex- keeper Yousef Hassan has returned from moment? pertly, delaying his pass to make his injury. Well, here’s the bizarre rub. it as easy as possible for the teen- “We are suff ering from the absences For all the positives, and there are ager to score. and it undoubtedly aff ects any team,” said plenty, there is still something Then, with 11 minutes to go Gourcuff yesterday. “At the same time, it inescapably incoherent about Guendouzi showed clever feet will give opportunities to other players, the way they are playing. They to fi nd the room to score his especially youngsters. We are trying to get going in fi ts and starts, but fi rst goal across the keeper. The rectify the mistakes that we have made. defensively they remain uncon- choice to bring such a strong We will defi nitely fi nd solutions to them. vincing enough to routinely gift substitute’s bench ensured the All is well with the team despite some their opposition a bunch of clear win, and Qarabag ran out of legs negative results and the management is chances every match. Qarabag once the likes of Mesut Ozil, Al- very supportive of us. There is no prob- were not short of opportunities. exandre Lacazette and Lucas lem with us off the fi eld. Our problems are Arsenal took a fourth-minute Torreira came on. Now to pick it on the pitch,” he added. lead as Guendouzi fl oated in a up again, after a long journey and Al Gharafa have scored 12 goals in the corner for Nacho Monreal to head brief recovery, for the midday season so far but have conceded 14, which goalwards. The ball skimmed off kickoff on Sunday at Fulham. has made things diffi cult so far. “We are in a diffi cult stage. We need to play with Al Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff speaks during a press conference ahead of the Al Arabi match. determination and make less mistakes. The onus is on our youngsters to grab the his team will overcome the disappoint- on four points from one victory and a fi rst six matches,” he said. chances with both hands,” Gourcuff said. ment of losing to Sailiya. “We will try draw, while Al Kharaitiyat are 11th with “Now, we are against direct opponents The Gharafa manager was still opti- to get back to winning ways with a vic- three points. as we face Qatar SC. They had prob- mistic of fi nishing in the top four. “Our tory against Al Gharafa. At the same time, But Kharaitiyat registered their fi rst lems in some games, but they cannot be ambition is to be in the top four, but now, Gharafa had lost in their last three games win against Gharafa 2-0 last week, to col- written off . We didn’t deserve to lose six we aim to provide a good game to regain and will come hard at us. We must be lect their fi rst points. Striker Abdulhadi games on the trot. Some of our defeats the confi dence. We have to get into our wary of them,” Bonacic said. Amin scored both their goals. While Qa- were accidental. We did not concede any style and fi ght our way back into the tour- “We have to get back our winning tar SC were beaten 5-1 by A Sadd in the goal for the fi rst time and that itself was a nament,” said Gourcuff . mentality. We hope to put up our best. We previous round. good thing,” El Amri added. Meanwhile, Al Arabi too are looking to must be prepared for all scenarios. I can Kharaitiyat coach Abdelaziz El Amri Qatar SC have only their upset win over be back to winning ways after they had make physical and tactical changes, but I said his team was hungry for more vic- Gharafa in the opening week and draw suff ered a defeat at the hands of Al Sailiya cannot change the mentality of the play- tories. “The most important thing for with Al Khor to show for their eff orts. last week. Al Arabi are sixth in the points ers. We play one or two games very well, us at the moment is to get more points. Cameroonian star Samuel Eto’o leads table with 12 points from four victories. and then fare badly in one or two games,” We were delighted with our fi rst victory. Qatar SC’s charge. Al Kharaitiyat will Mailson de Farias and Mohammed El Neel he added. More importantly, we could arrest the mainly rely on Algerian attacking mid- will to lead Al Arabi’s challenge. In the day’s another match, Qatar SC slump. The win against Al Gharafa was fi elder Jugurtha Hamroun and Abdulhadi Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe scores against Qarabag in the Europa Arabi coach Luka Bonacic was hopeful will take on Al Kharaitiyat. Qatar SC are actually a lifeline for us after losing the Amin to deliver the goods. League in Baku, Azerbaijan, yesterday. (Reuters)

Qatar to play friendlies against SPOTLIGHT Iceland and Switzerland in November Doha: Ahead of next year’s D, which saw them pitted Southgate rewarded for WC run with new contract Asian Cup, Qatar has sched- against Croatia, Argentina uled two more international and Nigeria. The international AFP also awarded a new contract, and the on loan from Premier League giants friendlies against Iceland and friendly will serve as another London players performing on the pitch. Chelsea. Switzerland later this year, the episode of Qatar’s friendly se- “I must acknowledge the hard work and Maddison was selected after a fi ne start Qatar Football Association an- ries against top-50 ranked sides commitment of my staff and the players with Leicester in the Premier League this nounced yesterday. in the world. Last month Qatar areth Southgate has been re- over the last two years,” said Southgate. term after signing for the Foxes from Qatar will take on Switzerland defeated China and Palestine warded for guiding England to “I have learned a great deal from them Norwich. Southgate insisted he had no (ranked 8th in FIFA rankings) in two friendlies held at Khalifa this year’s World Cup semi- and their passion and professionalism in qualms in selecting youngsters for inter- on November 14 in Switzerland. international Stadium. fi nals with a new contract, the representing England has been an inspi- national duty. GFootball Association (FA) announced yes- ration to my own work.” Harry Winks, capped once by England, The Maroons will then travel Qatar will play two more to the Belgian city of Eupen friendly matches in October, terday. The 48-year-old’s new deal will was recalled after starting for Totten- to face Iceland on November against Ecuador on 12th in Doha see him through to the 2022 World Cup DORTMUND TEENAGER SANCHO ham against Barcelona in the Champions 19, the first meeting between and Uzbekistan four days later in Qatar and see his pay rise to a reported GETS ENGLAND SQUAD CALL League on Wednesday, while Chelsea’s the two sides since striker in Tashkent. £3mn ($3.9mn) per year. Borussia Dortmund teenager Jadon San- Ross Barkley could win his fi rst cap since Mohammed Muntari scored a Coach Felix Sanchez will “I am delighted to have the opportunity cho was a surprise selection as Southgate a friendly against Australia in May 2016. late equaliser for Qatar in a 1-1 be looking to test his players to lead the national team through the next named a 25-man squad for this month’s Injuries have led Southgate to make friendly draw last year. against formidable opposition two major tournaments,” said Southgate, Nations League matches away to Croatia changes to World Cup semi-fi nalists After making a splash in their in a bid to form a powerful whose previous deal was due to expire af- and Spain. England’s squad. Dele Alli has been side- first foray into international side in the build-up to the 2019 ter the Euro 2020 fi nals. “The job remains Mason Mount and James Maddison lined by a hamstring problem, while fi t- football tournaments in Euro Asian Cup set to take place an incredible privilege and a true honour. were also given their fi rst senior England ness doubts have seen the likes of Fabian 2016; Iceland (ranked 36th in next January in the United Arab Experiencing at fi rst hand how the nation call-ups by Southgate. The 18-year-old Delph, Adam Lallana and Jesse Lingard FIFA Rankings) made their first Emirates. In the 2019 Asian Cup, united behind the team this summer was Sancho was called up having already omitted. World Cup appearance last Qatar will be playing against something special and it will be great to land beaten 2-1 by Croatia in their fi rst played in the Champions League for Ger- England, second in group A4 of the Na- summer, but failed to progress Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and see how far this young squad can go in the World Cup semi-fi nal since 1990, said man club Dortmund, with Mount re- tions League, face third-placed Croatia in beyond the challenging Group North Korea in Group E. years to come.” he was fortunate to have a great back-up warded for some strong displays at Eng- Rijeka on Friday 12 October before playing Southgate, who ultimately saw Eng- team — his assistant Steve Holland was lish second-tier club Derby after joining leaders Spain in Seville three days later.

FOCUS France coach Deschamps unfazed by mounting Pogba-Mourinho feud AFP phere at the club, where a growing rift cent draw with Wolves by saying United through the French football ranks was with then-second division side Amiens Paris between Pogba and Mourinho saw the should attack more. rewarded with a fi rst call-up for France just over a year ago. In the time since France international stripped of the “There’s what’s happening at their as the World Cup winners prepare for he has joined Ligue 1 giants Lyon, has vice-captaincy last week. clubs but that doesn’t just depend on games against Iceland and Germany. had a taste of both the Europa League rance coach Didier Des- “I’m not worried at all. I’m defi nitely them,” said Deschamps. “You can’t Deschamps also recalled Crystal and Champions League and now has a champs insisted yesterday he not Jose Mourinho and I’m not going separate individual performance from Palace’s Mamadou Sakho, following chance to stake a claim for a place in the was not concerned by esca- to meddle in their relationship,” Des- a team performance with certain clubs his two-year absence from the squad, France team. lating tensions between Paul champs said. “Everything is clear with who can go through a spell where re- as he struggles with injuries in defence Deschamps largely kept faith with PogbaF and Manchester United boss Paul. He knows each time why he’s here sults aren’t as good. That goes for all with both Samuel Umtiti and Adil Rami the squad that secured France’s second Jose Mourinho after he named his latest and what I expect from him.” the players. You have to take that into among the players sidelined. World Cup title in Moscow, his only squad ahead of games against Iceland United are languishing down in 10th consideration, but the set-up is dif- France play Iceland in a friendly on changes due to injuries. Everton cen- and Germany. Pogba told reporters he place in the Premier League after seven ferent when they join us in the France October 11 and then Germany in the tre-back Kurt Zouma, 23, is called up was “not allowed” to talk as he passed matches, and suff ered a shock defeat squad.” Nations League fi ve days later, matches due to the absences of Umtiti and Rami. through the post-match mixed zone by second-tier Derby County in the in which Ndombele will be hoping to He has two caps already having played interview area following United’s 0-0 League Cup last week. Pogba, a key NDOMBELE GETS FIRST FRANCE claim some game time after stepping against Denmark, twice. draw with Valencia in the Champions member of France’s World Cup-win- CALL-UP AS SAKHO RETURNS in for the injured Bayern Munich star Zouma’s Everton teammate Lucas League on Tuesday. It was the latest ning side in Russia, also appeared to get Meanwhile, midfi elder Tanguy Corentin Tolisso. Digne is recalled after Benjamin Mendy episode in an increasingly tense atmos- under Mourinho’s skin after their re- Ndombele’s impressive ascension The 21-year-old midfi elder was still suff ered a foot injury. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 5, 2018 SPORT

F1 FOCUS Vettel denies Ferrari Hamilton still ‘split’ have ‘lost direction’ AFP every weekend — every weekend Suzuka, Japan is diff erent, the track is diff erent, the circumstances are diff erent. This is my favourite track in the ebastian Vettel has re- world, so I’d better enjoy it and jected the suggestion not spoil it by starting to count about team-ordered Ferrari have lost their way the things that are against me.” after being dealt a ham- Vettel, who like Hamilton has merS blow by Lewis Hamilton in won four times in Japan, remains the Formula One title race. upbeat despite the Briton’s con- The German, who has watched troversial victory in Sochi, where Hamilton win fi ve of the last six Mercedes ordered Valterri Bottas races, attempted to put a positive to allow Hamilton to pass. “In victory in Russia spin on a poor run of form fol- race pace we were a bit closer,” lowing his third-place fi nish be- said Vettel. “You can’t change hind the two Mercedes in Russia much in a week, let’s hope the Mercedes had ordered Bottas to allow Hamilton to pass in Sochi last weekend. track suits us more.” “We haven’t lost direction,” But the German, who has won AFP a defi ant Vettel said yesterday fi ve races to Hamilton’s eight this Suzuka, Japan ahead of the Japanese Grand year, gave a withering assess- Prix. “We have made progress ment of coming off second-best — the steps that were planned to his fi erce rival. “I’m sure he ormula One world champion were the steps that came. May- had more fun last weekend than Lewis Hamilton said yesterday he be they have made bigger or I had,” said Vettel, a four-time still had mixed feelings after be- smaller steps, but we are where Formula One champion with Red ing gift-wrapped a controversial we wanted to be,” added Vettel, Bull from 2010 to 2013. winF by Mercedes in Russia last weekend. who trails Hamilton by 50 points “It’s tough to have a wheel- The runaway championship leader with just fi ve races left this sea- to-wheel battle and it’s been stretched his advantage to Ferrari’s Se- son. “We have a strong car, but I intense, but I didn’t enjoy it as bastian Vettel to 50 points with just fi ve don’t think that we had a domi- much as he did. Naturally you races left this season after Mercedes or- nant car at any point this year. At enjoy it more when you come out dered Valtteri Bottas to allow Hamilton too many races, we haven’t been on top. Hopefully this week we to pass, sacrifi cing a rare victory for the close enough.” are a bit closer.” Finn. Vettel also went on the defen- Vettel had an even fruitier “I don’t think you get your mind sive when asked if this week’s reaction on the subject of DRS around it,” said Hamilton. “I am defi - Suzuka race was make-or-break (drag reduction system) in For- nitely split, just like all people have split in terms of his waning hopes of mula One — and whether Suzuka opinions about it,” added the Briton. “But pipping Hamilton to a fi fth world should have more than just one it’s happened, it’s done and dusted. You title. “I don’t like the now or nev- zone where drivers can push the have to accept it and move forwards.” er approach,” sniff ed Vettel. go-faster button. The decision by Mercedes to allow “I don’t think there’s much “I’m not a fan,” he shrugged. Hamilton to claim his eighth win of the sense in that. I didn’t know it “It’s artifi cial. Now we are in season sparked fresh debate over team was fi ve out of six,” he added, re- Japan, I think Mario Kart, if you orders in Formula One, with many fans ferring to Hamilton’s run of vic- remember — it might be more of the sport taking to social media to vent tories. “Now I know, so the secret fun to throw bananas out of the their anger. has been not to count. You attack cockpit. Maybe it’s a better idea.” Vettel called the move a “no-brainer” after fi nishing third in Sochi but Hamil- ton’s 70th Formula One victory left Mer- cedes squirming with embarrassment. After the race, Hamilton described it as “the strangest day” of his career and he was clearly still torn after arriving in Ja- pan. “But collectively as a team we’ve stayed quite united through the whole experience,” he said. Bottas was left fuming in Russia but the Finn was in a more charitable mood yesterday. “I just need to accept it now that I’m in this situation because of eve- rything that has happened earlier in the season,” he said. “I cannot fi ght for the championship anymore, Lewis is. I’m a team player and I’m willing to help.” Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton holds a baby during an autograph session at the Suzuka circuit yesterday, on the eve of Bottas insisted that he would not have the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix. (AFP) to wait for Hamilton to wrap up his fi fth Formula One title before being allowed to not done it. It will really be case by case.” about Mercedes is just jealousy,” said the week. “I was at the factory on Monday take the chequered fl ag. “I’m defi nitively Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said he Spaniard. “For them, what people say and I am sure 50% of the guys have the still allowed to win but it will all depend was “happy to be the baddie” in order to goes in one ear and out the other. They’re same vibe, but generally the support was on the situation,” he shrugged. strengthen Hamilton’s grip on the world not doing anything wrong.” quite amazing and also the respect for “I feel like a winner. Honestly I think last championship. And former world cham- Hamilton paid tribute to Bottas, point- Valtteri,” he said. “We all did a toast to weekend, if Lewis didn’t have the (tyre) pion Fernando Alonso backed the Aus- ing to the outpouring of love shown to Valtteri — 900 people or whatever it is blister, if he didn’t have that much pres- trian’s decision yesterday. his teammate on a visit to the Mercedes were standing there, it was pretty awe- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel gestures during a press conference ahead sure from Sebastian, the team would have “All the bad stuff people are saying factory in Brackley, England, earlier this some!” of the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Canadian group led by Stroll paid $117mn for Force India London: Racing Point, a consortium led by salaries, was 9.6mn with “no meaningful Indian banks seeking to recover about Lorenzo declared fi t to race in Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, paid income” forecast to be received. $1.4bn in loans made to Mallya’s defunct 90mn pounds ($117mn) to take over Formu- Santander had frozen the company’s Kingfisher Airlines obtained an order freez- la One racing team Force India in August, bank accounts on July 25. FRP said engine ing shares in the team’s holding company Thai MotoGP but still in pain an administrators report shows. The report providers Mercedes were owed 13.7mn last November. FRP said sponsor BWT pro- also revealed the parlous finances of the pounds while representatives of Mexican vided an immediate unsecured loan of five AFP Vijay Mallya-owned team at the time they driver Sergio Perez were demanding pay- mn pounds to ensure July wages were paid, Buriram, Thailand were taken into administration last July. ment of $4.1mn. Supplier Formtech was also a sum repaid by a further 15mn loan from The Silverstone-based team had only owed 2.3mn pounds. Indian businessman Stroll’s Racing Point following an exclusivity 240,000 pounds in its account on July Mallya, who is London-based and fighting agreement on Aug. 7. The administrators re- orge Lorenzo was yester- 27 while outstanding gross wages due to an extradition request from authorities in ceived more than 20 expressions of interest day declared fi t to race in be paid at the end of that month totalled India, previously owned 42.5% of the team in the team, and had needed to move fast Thailand’s inaugural Mo- 2.2mn pounds. The estimated funding with a similar shareholding in the hands of given the financial situation and approaches toGP after suff ering a foot requirement for August, including staff India’s Sahara Group. to key members of staff from rivals. injury,J despite the Ducati driver still feeling the eff ects of a crash in Aragon last month. The 31-year-old Spaniard dis- BOTTOMLINE located his toe at Turn One of the Aragon Grand Prix, a crash which undid his hard work to seal pole position. He blamed compatriot ‘Not a man’s world’: MotoGP riders and world champion Marc Mar- quez, who went on to win the race and inch closer to his fi fth MotoGP world title. Marquez is praise female superbike champ 72 points ahead of second-place rider Andrea Dovizioso, while AFP Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi, Lorenzo is in fourth. Buriram, Thailand who both trail Marquez on points going In a tweet yesterday MotoGP into Sunday’s race. Dovizioso called it said Lorenzo was “declared fi t” an “important result” while Rossi said for the weekend’s racing at the he world’s top-ranked MotoGP it was a “great achievement” that could Chang International Circuit in riders hailed yesterday the barri- inspire other women. Buriram. But Lorenzo, a three- er-breaking victory of Ana Car- “I hope that for Ana it is good for the time championship winner, was rasco, a week after the Spaniard future of her career,” Rossi said. “Maybe still using crutches yesterday to Tearned glory by becoming the fi rst wom- this result can push some other girl to keep the pressure off his dam- an to win a world motorcycling title. race.” When pressed if she could com- aged foot. The 21-year-old entered the record pete at the MotoGP level, Rossi said it “I am positive... Hopefully I Ducati Team’s Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo walks using crutches in books on September 30 when she won was a big leap but that the diff erence had will jump into ride tomorrow and the paddock area at Buriram Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. (AFP) by a single point in the Superbike Super- nothing to do with gender. “For me from I will have enough power,” he told sport 300 division on the French circuit the 300 (division) to the MotoGP is still a reporters of his chances of com- Buriram in northeastern Thai- tion of Muay Thai, the country’s of Magny-Cours. Riding a Kawasaki, long way,” he said. peting in Thailand, a day before land revs up for its biggest sport- traditional martial art. Riders Carrasco fought her way up from 25th to The riders also fi elded questions about the start of practice sessions. ing event. have not been on the track since fi nish 13th at the season decider, calling the hot weather and the new track, which Marquez called his compatriot Rows of tents also lined the February, and some have said the her achievement “unbelievable”. was built only a few years ago in Buriram, on Monday to discuss his con- outside of the track in fi elds to weather is a cause for concern at MotoGP’s three leading riders were a sleepy Thai town that is pouring in- dition but was coy on what was provide extra lodging for the the tail-end of Thailand’s rainy full of praise when quizzed about her vestment into sports. The Chang Inter- said between the pair, who will be more than 100,000 people ex- season, which leaves open the win ahead of the inaugural Thailand national Circuit is the only Formula One stablemates next year at Repsol pected to descend on the town possibility of slick and humid Grand Prix. “I was very happy, it was so grade track in the country. Honda. “I speak with him (only),” for Sunday’s race. Fans mak- conditions. important for the motorcycle world,” It will be put to the test this weekend Marquez told reporters. ing the fi ve-hour drive up from “It’s very very hot, and it can said MotoGP frontrunner and fellow for its fi rst hosting of the MotoGP, the Thailand is hosting the Mo- Bangkok passed by rice paddies rain every day,” Yamaha’s Valen- Spanish rider Marc Marquez. “It’s not a 15th leg in this year’s 19-race motorcy- toGP for the fi rst time, a big win and grazing water buff aloes, a tino Rossi said. “We hope fi rst of man’s world, women can be very fast on cling season. More than 100,000 peo- for a country with hopes of one landscape common to Thailand’s all for a dry race.” With the ex- the bike. It’s not only about the physical ple are expected to attend, straining the The 21-year-old Ana Carrasco entered the record day luring the Formula One. rural northeast. ception of a brief downfall yes- condition, also it’s about skill and men- resources of rural Buriram, where tents books on September 30 when she won by a single Preparations were in full swing The event will take on a lo- terday afternoon, the weather tality,” added Marquez. have been pitched near the track after point in the Superbike Supersport 300 division on yesterday, as the sleepy town of cal twist with a special exhibi- was clear but slightly cloudy. His sentiments were shared by Italians hotels quickly booked out. the French circuit of Magny-Cours. Gulf Times Friday, October 5, 2018 5 SPORT

FOCUS Durant lobbies for NBA’s return to Seattle Reuters riors deserve a team or the Los with the Northwest area, always But for now, today’s game at New York Angeles Lakers deserve a team, going up there with Nike KeyArena represents the fi rst Seattle is that same way. A team in Portland, making trips time an NBA game will be played has that same type of impact in to Seattle here and there, just in the city since the departure of evin Durant hasn’t for- the community. So (we have) knowing that I’m always going the SuperSonics. gotten where he began a lot of time in life before this to be a Sonic. I think no mat- The 30-year-old Durant has his NBA career, and whole thing is over, and I’m sure ter what jersey I put on, I think remained popular among Seattle that is providing a spe- we’ll see a team before it’s time.” those fans know that.” sports fans and is expected to re- Kcial feeling for today’s preseason Durant was the second overall Warriors coach Steve Kerr ceive a thunderous ovation. game in Seattle. pick in the 2007 NBA Draft and didn’t like it when the Super- “It means a lot,” Durant said of The Golden State Warriors played one season with the Seat- Sonics were allowed to move and playing in Seattle at last week’s star would also like to see an NBA tle SuperSonics before the fran- thinks it is a travesty that the team media day. franchise return to the Pacifi c chise departed for Oklahoma NBA hasn’t yet returned to town. “It means a lot. I spent a sea- Northwest city. City. He averaged 20.3 points “I think it’s a real shame – just son there, and the fans were “Most defi nitely. It’s a bas- and was named NBA Rookie of the fact that the Sonics don’t ex- amazing to me my fi rst year ketball city. It’s a sports town,” the Year. ist,” Kerr told reporters. there. It was very devastating Durant told ESPN in advance of He said he enjoyed his season “It’s one of the franchises in how we up and left in the middle today’s game against the Sacra- in Seattle and often wonders this league to me that not only of the night, and I know those mento Kings. how things would have worked makes sense and feels like the fans have been yearning for bas- “The brand of basketball in out if the team didn’t relocate. NBA... I think it’s a real black ketball for a long, long time. Seattle – just from how many “I had no control over it,” Du- mark on the NBA, and I’m hop- “Even though it’s just a pre- NBA players they have in the rant said. ing that the Sonics will be season game and it’s one game, NBA – they have a good repre- “Obviously, I look back on it back at some point in the near hopefully we can give them a sentation of basketball in and picture what it would have future.” nice little show for the night. the NBA from Seattle-born been like to live there and play The city of Seattle is on the But I’m looking forward to go- players, Washington state-born there, but I had no control. I verge of receiving an NHL ex- ing back and playing in front of players. spent some great, great years in pansion franchise, and a new that crowd again, and I know my “And I feel like that whole Oklahoma City, and that path arena plan has been hatched that teammates are going to be excit- brand deserves an NBA team. was perfect for me. may elevate the chances of get- ed as well. The energy is going to Just like the Golden State War- “But I still got a connection ting a new NBA franchise. be amazing in the building.” Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant.

MLB NBA Nowitzki sidelined to start 21st season Judge and Stanton Once the infl ammation goes Reuters Dallas away, Nowitzki won’t need a lot of prep time before he can play, Carlisle said. he start of Dirk Nowit- “I have to think that once we zki’s 21st season with the got him feeling signifi cantly bet- Dallas Mavericks will ter, there wouldn’t have to be a be delayed by a left foot lot of full live workouts to get power Yanks past A’s Tinjury. him in a game.” Nowitzki had off season sur- The unquestioned leader of gery on his left ankle, which has the Mavericks for years, Nowit- recovered. Now, tendons in the zki is expected to come off the foot are causing pain. bench this season. Newly ac- “Those tendons didn’t even quired DeAndre Jordan has get used for fi ve or six years be- been pencilled in as the starting cause of the bone spurs,” Nowit- center, with rookie fi rst-round in wild-card game zki told the Dallas Morning News draft pick Luka Doncic at power in China, where the Mavericks forward. ‘Obviously we’re very familiar with them. We know how good they are. I mean, we are playing two exhibition games Jordan is not with the team in this week. “Now they’re moving China, missing the trip to due know we have to play our best if we’re going to have a chance to beat them’ around and that’s causing the unspecifi ed personal reasons. soreness. The actual surgery area Forward Harrison Barnes also is fi ne.” stayed back as he battles a ham- Nowitzki took part in a scrim- string injury sustained in prac- mage with teammates last tice. month, but his foot and ankle Nowitzki has played in 1,471 swelled. He hasn’t been on the career games, starting all but 31. court since Sept. 21. Last season, he appeared in 77 The 40-year-old forward said games for the Mavericks and av- he’ll be out the rest of the pre- eraged 12.0 points – the lowest in season, but coach Rick Carlisle his career since his rookie season wasn’t as optimistic. in 1998-99. “He won’t do anything on this A four-time fi rst-team All- trip,” Carlisle said. “I can’t give NBA selection, Nowitzki is a you any kind of a soft timeline. 13-time All-Star and won the It’s weeks, not days, as far as get- 2006-07 Most Valuable Player ting on the court for live action. award. His 31,187 career points “He is making gradual are the most among active NBA progress. We’re just not at a players – LeBron James is just point where we can talk about a behind him with 31,038 – and hard timeline.” sixth all-time.

LeBron, Warriors top key rankings in GMs survey LeBron James is tipped to win retain their title, with the Boston New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (right) and left fielder Giancarlo Stanton celebrate during the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics in the 2018 American the NBA’s MVP award in his first Celtics and Houston Rockets League wild card playoff game at Yankee Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports season with the Los Angeles earning seven percent each. Lakers while the Golden State The Celtics are most executives’ Reuters “Obviously we’re very famil- innings while working around Rodney and Blake Treinen. straight winner-take-all game, Warriors are favourites to clinch favourites to face the Warriors iar with them,” Yankees manag- four walks. He escaped a bases- Judge opened the inning with ending a 97-win season with a third consecutive champion- in the NBA Finals, with 90% er Aaron Boone said of the Red loaded jam in the fourth by fan- a double down the right fi eld their second loss in as many ship, the league’s annual survey ranking Boston as the best team aron Judge hit a two- Sox. “We know how good they ning Marcus Semien but was line and scored on a double by tries in the wild-card game. of general managers revealed in the Eastern Conference. run home run in the are. I mean, we know we have lifted after allowing singles to Aaron Hicks. After Stanton Oakland batters struck out 13 on Wednesday. James meanwhile was also fi rst inning, and Gi- to play our best if we’re going to Jonathan Lucroy and Nick Mar- walked to end Rodney’s outing, times and fi nished 3-for-17 While James has cautioned that given high marks for his overall ancarlo Stanton later have a chance to beat them.” tini to open the fi fth. Luke Voit capped a nine-pitch with runners on base. it will take time to transform ability, topping the rankings as addedA his fi rst career posts- The Yankees never trailed “I think that was the plan, go at-bat against Treinen by rip- “I told them all in all, it was a the Lakers into a team capable the most versatile player and eason homer as the New York thanks to Judge, who hit a 2-1 four or fi ve good innings and af- ping a triple off the right eldfi great season,” Melvin said of his of challenging for silverware, the player with the best “basket- Yankees advanced to the Amer- fastball from Liam Hendriks ter that the bullpen is going to fence to make it 5-0. team. the 33-year-old remains the ball IQ”. ican League Division Series on (0-1) into the left fi eld bleach- go do their job,” Severino said. Voit made it 6-0 with a nice “I was proud of them and most popular pick to win MVP The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Wednesday night with a 7-2, ers. Judge’s 427-foot blast, his “And when I went into the fi rst slide on a sacrifi ce fl y by Didi hopefully this is just the start amongst the league’s 30 gen- Antetokounmpo was tipped as wild-card game victory over the fi fth postseason homer, stood inning, that was the mindset. Gregorius, and the crowd began for us. So we feel like with the eral managers. the most sought-after player, Oakland Athletics at raucous up thanks to the ability of New I went there and got my job chanting “We Want Boston.” group that we have here togeth- James, who made his Staples with 30% of managers saying Yankee Stadium. York’s pitching to escape occa- done.” Davis hit a two-run homer off er that we’re going to get better Center debut for the Lakers in he would be the top choice if The Yankees will face the Red sional trouble. Dellin Betances (1-0) struck Zach Britton with one out in the each and every year, and unfor- a pre-season game on Tuesday, they were attempting to build Sox beginning Friday in Boston. “It’s frustrating,” A’s man- out major league home run eighth. Britton walked Piscotty tunately it’s disappointing right was the pick of 30% of GMs a franchise. New Orleans’ It will be the fi rst postseason ager Bob Melvin said. leader Khris Davis on an 88 mph with two outs but ended the now but to keep their heads up.” while Golden State’s Kevin Du- Anthony Davis was second with meeting between the longtime “They got off to a good start cutter to end the fi fth and then threat by inducing a ground- Instead of using a traditional rant polled second with 27%. 23%. The survey was based rivals since the 2004 AL Cham- with the home run, and they struck out Stephen Piscotty and out from Laureano on the next starting pitcher, the A’s em- The Warriors meanwhile remain on answers to 49 diff erent pionship Series, when the Red ended up adding on. We just Ramon Laureano in a fl awless pitch. Stanton opened the bot- ployed the “opener” strategy by the overwhelming favourites to questions about teams, players, Sox became the fi rst team to didn’t do enough off ensively sixth. tom half of the frame with a utilising Hendriks. win a fourth title in five seasons. coaches and fans, with general overcome a three-games-to- tonight.” After Betances fi nished his long drive off Treinen over the The right-hander allowed Eighty-seven percent of GMs managers not allowed to vote none defi cit en route to their fi rst Yankees starter Luis Severino outing, the Yankees added four left fi eld foul pole to make it 7-2. two runs in the fi rst inning backed the Oakland outfit to for their own team or personnel. World Championship since 1918. allowed two hits in four-plus runs in the sixth off Fernando The A’s dropped their fourth while throwing 25 pitches. Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 5, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS Broncos get up close look at QB Darnold, Jets Reuters would have considered at No. 5. More than (Derek Carr). Since throwing three touch- New York fi ve months later, Joseph remains wary of downs in Week 1, he hasn’t found the end the rookie’s high ceiling. zone through the air, though he did have a “Obviously, he’s a young guy, so he’s rushing TD in Week 2. ith a slight twist of fate, Sam made some mistakes, but he can go hot “I don’t care how we get into the end Darnold might have been a and cold,” Joseph said. “If he’s hot, it’s go- zone,” Keenum said. “Obviously, I like Denver Bronco instead of a ing to be a problem.” throwing touchdowns. I like when those New York Jet. Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. guys are running them in, too.” WThe Jets traded up from No. 6 to No. 3 praised Darnold’s ability to extend plays, Rookie running backs Philip Lindsay in the draft order on March 17, about three comparing him to Chiefs quarterback and Royce Freeman have combined to weeks before the Broncos hosted Darnold Patrick Mahomes, whose fourth-quarter score fi ve times - three on the ground for on a pre-draft visit. heroics dropped Denver to 2-2 on Mon- Freeman, and one rushing and one receiv- “It was awesome,” Darnold recalled of day night. But Harris also has seen ways to ing for Lindsay. his trip to Denver. exploit the rookie, as Jacksonville did last The duo has been extremely effi cient, “It was cool to be able to meet those week in sending the Jets to 1-3. as Lindsay ranks third (5.9) and Freeman guys, and especially to meet John Elway “The Jaguars dropped about three picks ninth (5.0) in yards per carry among quali- and kind of understand his perspective on last week, so that’s something,” Harris fi ed leaders. “They run the ball very well,” football and life, what he dealt with as a said. “I defi nitely noticed that. He’s going Jets coach Todd Bowles said. “They’ve got rookie. to force it in there....That’s one thing you two explosive backs.” “...Talked some ball and was able to like from a rookie.” The Jets’ defense ranks seventh in yards throw it in front of them as well.” Both teams could use a pick-me-up, as per carry allowed (3.8), though it has al- Broncos head coach Vance Joseph liked the Jets have lost three in a row and the lowed four scores on the ground this year. what he saw. Broncos two. On a short week, the Broncos are a bit “At the workout, the things he can do “As a team, I feel like we are really close, nicked up. physically were really impressive,” Joseph and for me personally I feel like I’m just on Right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee), said Wednesday. “You watch him play the edge,” said Darnold, who has thrown defensive end Adam Gotsis (knee), line- now, he’s doing those same things. He can two touchdowns and four interceptions backer Todd Davis (shoulder) and punter make big plays down the fi eld.” since tallying two TDs and one pick in Marquette King (thigh) missed Wednes- Darnold, of course, went to the Jets Week 1. day’s practice due to injury. The Jets enter at No. 3 before the Broncos passed on a Case Keenum, meanwhile, has totalled much healthier, with only tight end Neal quarterback entirely, and reports after- six interceptions this season, one more Sterling (concussion) and wideout Char- ward said Darnold was the only QB Denver than Darnold and one off the NFL lead one Peake (hamstring) sitting out.

NFL SPOTLIGHT UK Sport announces plans to host decade Rams, Goff take aim at of sporting events

Reuters it was right to be more cautious London this time around. “Any FIFA World Cup bid needs to be an alliance between K Sport said on the associations and the gov- depleted Seahawks Wednesday that ernment. It is signifi cantly ex- holding the 2030 pensive, so it needs to be a part- ‘I feel pretty comfortable with the fact that I know I’ve got the trust coming from my teammates’ World Cup in Britain nership between both,” Britten Uwould be a “crowning achieve- said. Such a cost could be off - Reuters ment” to bookend a decade of set by the 2bn pounds that UK New York sport that includes plans to Sport said the programme of host the Ryder Cup, the world events has the potential to athletics championships and generate in economic impact his isn’t the week the the grand departs of the three as well as the possibility of at- Seattle Seahawks would major cycling tours. tracting more than Britain held have chosen to begin the British Prime Minister its fi rst world athletics champi- post-Legion of Boom era. Theresa May earlier this week onships last year in London and TWhen the Seahawks (2-2) play gave her backing to a potential there is a strong desire to host host to the Los Angeles Rams (4- World Cup bid, which is cur- it again with the event having 0) on Sunday afternoon at Cen- rently the subject of feasibil- broken attendance records. turyLink Field, they’ll be with- ity studies from the English “I would love to see the world out the last remaining member Football Association. UK Sport, athletics championships re- of their famed secondary, free the country’s governing sport- turn, personally,” Morton said. safety Earl Thomas. ing body, published a list of 54 “I think that event is under- He suff ered a broken left “mega” and “major” events it valued, the sport has had some tibia in last weekend’s victory said it would be interested in challenges but it is a truly global at Arizona. And they’ll be fac- hosting over the next 15 years to sporting event and good value ing a Rams off ense that leads showcase Britain to the world. for money for the country.” the league in total off ense (468.5 These also included the Morton was not daunted by yards per game) and ranks second women’s Rugby World Cup the potential impact that Brit- in both passing off ense (343.3 as well as the men’s edition, ain’s exit from the European yards) and points (35.0 ppg). which was hosted in England Union next year could have on In Thomas’ place this week and Wales in 2015, and the any bidding plans for sports stands Tedric Thompson, a multi-sport European cham- events. “We’re trying to see it as fourth-round pick in 2017 out of pionships, hosted in part this an opportunity, fundamentally, Colorado who has played just 66 year by the city of Glasgow. which is about how does the defensive snaps in his NFL career. A plethora of sporting events rest of the world see us,” he said. Thompson, who will be making are already scheduled to be “Really huge sporting moments his fi rst start, understands the hosted in Britain over the next can really shift the dial on that new guy wears a bulls-eye in the few years, with the Cricket sort of stuff ... so a lot of what NFL. He expects the Rams will World Cup, golf’s Solheim Cup sits behind this list is to think test him early and often. and the World Road Cycling about how we can use Brexit as “I expect everything,” Thomp- Championships, among oth- an opportunity.” son told The Seattle Times. ers, set to take place next year. With France having just “I feel pretty comfortable with “The biggest target on this list staged golf’s Ryder Cup, the the fact that I know I’ve got the is the football World Cup,” UK next available opportunity to trust coming from my team- Sport Chief Operating Offi cer host the biennial event would mates.” Simon Morton told reporters be 2026 or 2030. Morton said With K.J. Wright out with at Lord’s cricket ground when that a planned course in Bolton, a knee injury, fellow line- asked to assess which events England could be the venue for backer Bobby Wagner is the would constitute a successful either year. There are ambitions only remaining member of the programme. “If we bid for that to host the grand departs of the Seahawks’ defense that beat Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff . event, landing (it) would the cycling tours a lot sooner, with Denver in the 2014 Super Bowl crowning achievement on this, the country hoping to capitalise that takes the fi eld with Seattle son.” really nice job in general to slow fi ve touchdowns. That gave Goff quarter of the season.” almost irrespective of what on the fact that all three titles on Sunday. The Seahawks also will be (the Rams) down,’’ Seahawks a perfect 158.3 passer rating for The Rams, who won 42-7 in we’ve got. I think (securing) a are held by British riders — Chris “I think scheme-wise it without linebacker Mychal Ken- head coach Pete Carroll said. the night and he leads the league Seattle late last season to wrest couple of the Grand Tours that Froome (Giro d’Italia), Geraint doesn’t change,’’ Wagner said of dricks, indefi nitely suspended The Rams got a couple of ex- in that category. the NFC West title away from we’ve talked about (would be a Thomas (Tour de France) and Si- the defense without Thomas, a by the NFL this week after he tra days to prepare after playing “No moment is too big for the Seahawks, expect inside success).” mon Yates (Vuelta a Espana). six-time Pro Bowl selection. plead guilty to a felony insider in the Thursday night game last him,” Rams head coach Sean linebacker Mark Barron to make England, which hosted and Wales could host the Giro, “I think it’s more so just the trading charge in August. week, a 38-31 victory against McVay said of Goff . his season debut after recovering won the 1966 World Cup, failed while English county Yorkshire, player.... Earl’s a diff erent guy. Second-year pro Austin Cali- Minnesota. “And I think when your quar- from an ankle injury. in bids to host the event in 2006 which hosted the grand depart His range through the fi eld is tro, an unsigned free agent out of Quarterback Jared Goff was terback demonstrates that, you Los Angeles released Sam and 2018 with the latter cost- of the Tour de France in 2014, something off the charts, so that Villanova, will make his second named the NFC Off ensive Player feel like you’re in good hands. Ficken and signed kicker Cairo ing a reported 18mn pounds was being looked at as a desti- is diff erent. We’re extremely career start in Kendricks’ place. of the Week after completing 26 Certainly, he has done an out- Santos to fi ll in for the injured ($23.4mn). UK Sport’s Head of nation for the Vuelta, Morton confi dent in T-2, Tedric Thomp- “We are going to have to do a of 33 passes for 465 yards and standing job, really, this fi rst Greg Zuerlein (groin). Major Events Esther Britten said added.

Ducks pull away for opening win over Sharks Brandon Montour, Adam Henrique each scored goals for San Jose. Comtois then came in on a breaka- around and slid the puck through and Carter Rowney scored third- Martin Jones stopped just 10 of the way and fired a left wrist shot the legs of Cam Fowler and then period goals, and John Gibson 14 shots he faced. Karlsson, a two- through Jones’ pads. beat Gibson with a wrist shot past made 31 saves to lead the visiting time Norris Trophy winner obtained It was the sixth-fastest goal to open his glove side. Anaheim Ducks to a 5-2 victory in a trade with the Ottawa Senators an NHL career in modern-era histo- Anaheim came right back to tie it over San Jose in the season opener on Sept. 13, was paired with Marc- ry and the fastest since Oct. 5, 1989, 46 seconds later on a power-play for both teams on Wednesday Edouard Vlasic. He played 26:48 when Alexander Mogilny scored 20 goal by Rakell, who roofed a cross- night. and attempted one shot to go along seconds into his first game. ing pass through the crease from The result spoiled the Sharks debut with one hit and two blocks. Kane tied it seven minutes later Silfverberg into the left side of the of defenseman Erik Karlsson. Anaheim, swept by the Sharks in when he picked up the puck along goal. Rickard Rakell scored a goal and four games in the first round of the left boards and made a nifty Montour then scored what proved had two assists, and rookie left last season’s Western Conference move, sliding the puck through the to be the game-winner at the 8:02 winger Max Comtois also scored playoff s, needed just 49 seconds to legs of defenseman Josh Manson mark of the third period. His flutter- a goal for Anaheim, which won take a 1-0 lead. before firing a wrist shot from the ing backhander from the left side despite being outshot 33-15. Jakob The 19-year-old Comtois, a second- left faceoff dot through Gibson’s of the net went over the blocker of Silfverberg finished with three as- round pick in the 2017 draft, scored pads. Jones and under the crossbar. sists, and Ryan Getzlaf added two on the first shot of his NHL career San Jose took a 2-1 lead at the 17:14 Henrique doubled the lead assists for the Ducks. Henrique also after Henrique poke-checked the mark of the second period on a two minutes later, and Rowney had two points. puck from center ice to him at the short-handed goal by Hertl. He added an empty-net goal in the last Carter Rowney (No 24) of Anaheim Ducks and Evander Kane of the San Jose Sharks go for the Evander Kane and Tomas Hertl blue line near the right boards. stole the puck at center ice, spun minute. puck at SAP Center in San Jose, California. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Friday, October 5, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF Mickelson back in action as US PGA Tour begins AFP joins Mickelson as the only play- just seems to fi t my eye no mat- bevy of Web.com Tour graduates San Francisco ers who were in the Tour Cham- ter what’s going on and where my eager to cement their status on pionship fi eld to tee it up this game is coming into the week. the main tour. Golf fan struck by ball at Dunhill Links week. “It always brings out the best Long-hitting Cameron ith Europe’s Ryder Mickelson will be hoping a in me for some reason, so it’s nice Champ, 23, is among 21 US PGA London: A woman was injured when she was French city of Lyon that the loss of sight in her Cup celebrations return to his home state signals to be back.” Tour rookies this season, all of hit by a wayward shot from defending cham- right eye had been confirmed and that she had still in full swing and a turnaround after an 0-2 per- Steele is coming off a three- whom will be in action this week. pion Tyrrell Hatton at the Alfred Dunhill Links suffered a fractured eye socket and damaged Americans dissect- formance at the Ryder Cup. week break, having failed to make “I’m just going to try to go Championship on Thursday, less than a week eyeball. Wing a devastating defeat, the US Mickelson will play the fi rst it to the Tour Championship. about it the same as I did last after a spectator was blinded in one eye at the Koepka, who is also playing in Scotland this PGA Tour offi cially launches its two rounds alongside two-time After his promising start to year,” said Champ, who im- Ryder Cup. week, said he was heartbroken after learning 2018-19 season this week at the defending champion Brendan last season he fi nished on a down pressed as an amateur at the 2017 The woman was bleeding from a head wound of the extent of the injury at the Ryder Cup. Safeway Open in Napa, Califor- Steele and 2014 champion Bae note, missing four cuts in his last US Open. “(I’ll) just kind of fi gure after the incident, on the 15th hole at Kings- “Yesterday was probably one of the worst days nia. Sang-moon of South Korea. fi ve starts. out what kind of works best for barns, one of the three courses in Scotland of my life,” Koepka said in his pre-tournament The world’s best — including Steele is seeking to become the “I do love the fresh start here, me out here and the courses and used for the pro-am event. press conference on Wednesday. “I haven’t most who duelled in Europe’s fi rst player to win the same US being back to zero,” he said. whatnot, and then at the end of She was treated on the course by paramedics had too many tragedies in my personal family 17.5-10.5 triumph over the United PGA Tour event three years in a “Whether you’ve had a good year the day just play my own game.” before being taken by buggy to the medical where there’s been a loss or any kind of tragic States in the Ryder Cup in France row since Steve Stricker won the or a bad year, there’s something Also among the rookies aiming centre on site. accident so I’ve been lucky in that sense. last week — are still taking time John Deere Classic from 2009- really exciting about everybody to get out of the blocks quickly Frenchwoman Corine Remande suffered a “I wasn’t told until I got to the course — I’m not off after the rigours of the US 2011. starting from scratch again.” are 2018 Web.com Tour money serious eye injury after being struck by a shot the biggest person on social media — so when I tour’s FedEx Cup playoff s in Au- “Obviously very comfortable The string of events before list leader Im Sun-jae of South from American Brooks Koepka during last Fri- got here and had about seven missed calls and gust and September. getting back here,” Steele told re- the game’s biggest names launch Korea and Aussie Cameron Dav- day’s opening day of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf 25 text messages I was like, ‘What’s going on?’. Phil Mickelson is the only Ry- porters at Silverado Resport and their seasons — many at the is, winner of the 2017 Australian National, near Paris. Then I was told the news and obviously I am der Cup player to make the trip to Spa. “(I’ve) seen this place in a Tournament of Champions in Open. She told AFP on Monday at a hospital in the really heartbroken. My stomach sank.” California, and Patrick Cantlay lot of diff erent conditions and it January — opens the door for a

TENNIS INTERNATIONAL CROWN Korea off to fl ying start in Incheon Japan star Osaka didn’t contribute that much,” Reuters Seoul she told reporters. “When I was out of it, which was probably osts South Korea got three quarters of the day today, off to the perfect start Lexi was in there.” in the LPGA’s Inter- Thailand, who chose to split national Crown team up sisters Moriya and Ariya Ju- Hcompetition yesterday, winning tanugarn, top Pool B after beat- says stellar run both their matches against Tai- ing Japan in one match and wan, while defending champi- halving the other. ons the United States split the US Women’s Open champion points with Sweden. Ariya, the younger Jutanugarn, The four-day biennial event, said she tried to make partner which is being held at the Jack Sherman Santiwiwatthana- Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in phong loosen up a bit after their Incheon, west of Seoul, pits four fi rst tee shots. due to better focus players from eight countries “I’m like, our goal is we’re against each other in four-ball not going to be scared. We’re and singles formats. just going to hit, because I trust She is showcasing the ruthlessness that saw her beat Williams in the US Open final South Korea lead Pool A on you,” she said. “You have to trust four points, one ahead of Eng- me. Like, don’t be scared.” AFP more consistent.” side chair as he trudged off . land after their quartet of Char- World number one Park Beijing Osaka, who appears in- ley Hull, Georgia Hall, Bronte Sung-hyun partnered fellow creasingly at ease with the Law and Jodi Ewart Shadoff won major winner Kim In-kyung to media, joking and chatting one match and halved the other a 1-up win for the top-ranked er chopstick skills freely, said that she had also against Australia. Koreans before Chun In-gee and might not be the brought more consistency to Naomi Osaka of Japan serves Cristie Kerr and Lexi Thomp- Ryu So-yeon won their match best but Naomi her game. during her third round match son got the US on the board in 2-up. H Osaka says an im- “Not so many unforced er- against Julia Goerges of Pool B with a 2-up win over Big-hitting Park drove the provement in her focus is rors (compared to a year ago). Germany at the China Open Pernilla Lindberg and Made- green at the par-four 14th, behind a run of success that I’m not sure how many I hit tennis tournament in Beijing. lene Sagstrom but Sweden hit which measured 263 yards on culminated in winning the US today, but sometimes last year back through Anna Nordqvist Thursday, then holed her putt Open. I think I was hitting a lot.” and Caroline Hedwall, who beat for eagle to set Korea on their The 20-year-old, who Osaka, who has won 24 of Michelle Wie and Jessica Korda path towards victory. stunned Serena Williams to her last 28 games, meets un- by the same score. Organisers, concerned about win her maiden Grand Slam seeded Zhang next after the Kerr, who has played in the the impact of approaching Ty- last month, was devastating Chinese world number 45 two previous editions of the phoon Kong-rey, said on Thurs- against 10th seed Julia Goerg- emerged from a see-saw battle Crown, thanked her partner for day that the third round of es of Germany yesterday, win- with third seed Kerber. carrying the partnership as she matches would begin as soon as ning 6-1, 6-2 in 65 minutes Zhang, 29, grabbed the struggled with her swing. the second slate of ties had been to speed into the China Open first set 6-1, before reigning “It wasn’t pretty today, I completed today. quarter-finals. Wimbledon champion Kerber Osaka, the eighth seed in fought back to win the second Beijing, similarly thrashed 6-2. SPOTLIGHT unseeded American Danielle Zhang stepped up a gear Collins 6-1, 6-0 in the previ- in the decider, taking the set ous round and is showcasing with a comprehensive 6-0 to the ruthlessness that saw her thrill the home crowd. Holder Wozniacki, beat Williams in a controver- Kerber said that she had sial New York final. been troubled by a problem The Japanese will face home with her right knee, but re- Kvitova book WTA hope Zhang Shuai in the last fused to blame that for the eight in the Chinese capital defeat. today after Zhang pulled off a “I was not feeling the best Finals berths shock in defeating three-time at the beginning of the match, Grand Slam champion Angel- but then I was playing better ique Kerber. and better,” said the 30-year- China Open organisers have old. had the players competing in Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev a “chopstick challenge” and smashed his racquet in frustra- Zhang and the German Kerber tion after he was the victim of are currently winning. a surprise three-set defeat to Told that she was well be- world number 61 Malek Jaziri at hind both with her score, Os- the China Open. aka joked: “We’re not talking With his coach Ivan Lendl about that. looking on stony-faced, the “Come on, with Shuai, let’s German prodigy exited in the face it... But the thing is, I hold last 16 in Beijing, the indefatiga- chopsticks in a weird way any- ble Tunisian Jaziri winning 7-6 ways.” Turning more serious, (7/4), 2-6, 6-4. the world number six, said: Zverev, 21, the second seed “On the court I have to think touted as a future multiple ‘focus’ because it’s not some- Grand Slam winner, reacted by Reuters Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit at the thing that’s natural to me. whacking his racquet on the Singapore China Open in Beijing yesterday. “It’s something that I’ve fl oor, bending it badly out of Czech Kvitova, who won the been working on throughout shape. WTA Finals title in 2011, has qual- this whole year and I think it He then dished out more pun- TA Finals holder ifi ed for the fi rst time since suff er- finally clicked, or at least it’s ishment, fl inging it at his court- Caroline Wozniacki ing career-threatening injuries to and former cham- her left playing hand after a 2016 pion Petra Kvitova stabbing that kept her out for six Whave clinched places in this months. BOTTOMLINE month’s season-ending tourna- Kvitova, who lifted the Wim- ment in Singapore, the WTA an- bledon trophy in 2011 and 2014, nounced yesterday. required surgery after trying to Throwback Tsitsipas sets up Nishikori clash in Tokyo The pair join world number one protect herself from a man wield- Simona Halep, Angelique Ker- ing a knife who gained access to AFP Lennard Struff continued his dream run Barcelona and Toronto. quet in the last eight after the Frenchman ber and Naomi Osaka who have her apartment. Tokyo in Tokyo. But Tsitsipas will feel he has the weap- ousted Australian Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7/4), already qualifi ed for the Oct. 21- “It will be my fi rst time back Tsitsipas, ranked 15th in the world, is ons to upset Nishikori, despite squander- 7-6 (7/1). 28 tournament at the Singapore there (the WTA Finals) since I something of a throwback. ing two match points to surrender the “Kevin is a top 10 player and has been Sports Hub. came back to tennis so it means a jorn Borg lookalike Stefanos He bears more than a passing resem- second set. in the Wimbledon and US Open fi nals so I “Winning the WTA Finals last lot to me and has always been one Tsitsipas survived a mid-match blance to tennis legend Borg — from his “I expect a tough match against him,” have nothing to lose,” said Gasquet. year was a huge accomplishment of my big goals for the season,” meltdown to beat Australia’s Alex ice-cool demeanour down to the head- he said. “Obviously he’s playing at home “I know what I have to do to beat him for me and helped my confi dence Kvitova, who has won fi ve titles de Minaur 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 yesterday band and tight shorts. so he’s going to be super-pumped to do but I also know it will be very tough.” leading into this season,” Woz- this season, said. Band reach the Japan Open quarter-fi nals. His game also relies more on angles well. I need to be well prepared for that Struff , who dumped out top seed Marin niacki, who won the Australian The top eight singles players at The 20-year-old Greek will face local and touch than today’s power merchants, battle.” Cilic in the fi rst round, produced a gutsy Open in January, said. the $7mn prize money event will hero Kei Nishikori for a place in the last and the sweeping one-handed backhand Wimbledon fi nalist Anderson ulti- 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 win over French- “I look forward to coming back compete in a round-robin format four after the fi fth seed came through an Tsitsipas drilled past de Minaur for most mately had too much in the locker for man Jeremy Chardy. to Singapore to try and defend with the winner taking home the absorbing contest in two hours, 20 min- of their match has all the hallmarks of his young American Frances Tiafoe, pro- The world number 56 next faces Denis my title,” the 28-year-old Dane Billie Jean King Trophy. utes. idol Roger Federer. gressing with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 victory. Shapovalov after the Canadian knocked added. The top eight doubles teams Elsewhere, second seed Kevin Ander- He reached his fi rst two ATP fi nals this The South African, ranked ninth in the out three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wozniacki secured her the spot will compete for the Martina Na- son also advanced, while Germany’s Jan- year, losing both times to Rafael Nadal in world, will face eighth seed Richard Gas- Wawrinka late on Wednesday. after a routine 7-5 6-4 win against vratilova Trophy.

Friday, October 5, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Qatar delegation leaves for Buenos Aires Youth Olympics By Sports Reporter is the third edition of the Youth Doha Olympics following Singa- pore (2010) and Nanjing, China (2014). Qatar delegation has The Buenos Aires event will left Doha for Buenos open tomorrow at 8:00pm Aires to take part in the Doha time with a special cer- Youth Olympic Games emony. toA be held there from October 6 The sports contested at the to 18. Youth Games are the same as Abdullah Hashim is the ad- those scheduled for the tradi- ministrative director of the tional Games, but with some ad- delegation which includes ath- aptations, and a limited number letes Awab Baro, Ahmed al-Haj of disciplines and events. For and Abdul Aziz Mohamed and example, in aquatics, the IOC swimmer Yacoub al-Khulaifi . decided to include diving and They were selected on the ba- swimming events but excluded sis of their performances in sev- synchronised swimming and Australia’s Ned Middlehurst in action during a Climbing practice session eral international events. This water polo. ahead of the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Reuters)

CRICKET / IND VS WI, DAY 1, 1ST TEST SPOTLIGHT Embattled Young gun’s debut Ronaldo to miss Portugal ton puts India on top internationals, Shaw is youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut as hosts end Day 1 on 364-4 says coach AFP Scorecard Lisbon

INDIA 1st innings ristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Por- P. Shaw c & b Bishoo 134 tugal’s next four internationals, the national L. Rahul lbw b Gabriel 0 coach Fernando Santos said yesterday, days C. Pujara c Dowrich b Lewis 86 after rape allegations against the Juventus star resurfaced.C V. Kohli batting 72 Santos told a press conference that he and the presi- A. Rahane c Dowrich b Chase 41 dent of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) Fern- R. Pant batting 17 ando Gomes talked to Ronaldo and “we agreed that the player was not available for this or the next call up”. Extras (b9, lb1, nb4) 14 “I will not reveal the details of the conversation we Total (four wickets, 89 overs) 364 three had,” said Santos when pressed by reporters. Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Rahul), 2-209 The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner missed the two in- (Pujara), 3-232 (Shaw), 4-337 ternationals Portugal played in September. At the time, (Rahane) Santos suggested that the 33-year-old’s absence was temporary and intended to help the star attacker adapt Bowling: Gabriel 18-1-66-1 (nb2), after his move from Real Madrid to Juventus. Paul 10-1-41-0 (nb2), Lewis 12- “This is not what I am saying now,” Santos said yes- 0-56-1, Bishoo 30-1-113-1, Chase terday when asked if the explanation was the same. 16-0-67-1, Brathwaite 3-0-11-0 The omission comes as Ronaldo, one of the world’s most successful and highly-paid sportsmen, faces down allegations of rape. Last month, an American woman, Kathryn Mayorga, accused Ronaldo in a 32-page complaint fi led with a district court in Nevada, of raping her on June 13, 2009. Asked about the allegations, Santos defended the player. “I know Cristiano Ronaldo very well and I fully believe his word when he says he would never commit a crime like this.” Earlier Gomes also spoke up for Ronaldo. “I believe what he said... because I’ve known Ronaldo for many years and I can attest to his good character,” Gomes said. Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, will miss three Nations League games, against Poland on October 11 and against Italy and Poland in November and a friendly against Scotland later this month. Meanwhile, Eder, who scored the extra-time winner as Portugal beat France in the fi nal of Euro 2016 but was AFP for the Delhi Daredevils, as he and dia’s most successful batsman, was batsman after Shikhar Dhawan (85 dropped for the World Cup in Russia, returns to the 25- Rajkot, India Cheteshwar Pujara put on a 206- aged 17 when he scored 119 not out balls) and Dwayne Smith (93) to hit man squad. run second wicket partnership. against England in 1990, but that his debut ton in under 100 balls. “I was a bit nervous to start off was in his ninth Test match. Bangladesh batsman Mohamed SQUAD eenager Prithvi Shaw be- but when I got in, I got comfort- Shaw reached the landmark with Ashraful is the youngest debut Test Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Wolves/ENG), Beto (Goztepe/ came the youngest Indian able. I just tried to play my natural two runs off paceman Keemo Paul, centurion, followed by Zimbabwe’s patient 105-run partnership despite TUR), Claudio Ramos (Tondela) to score a century on Test game. I was just thinking that it’s punching his fi st in the air as the Hamilton Masakadza and Paki- West Indies bowlers keeping a tidy Defenders: Cedric Soares (Southampton/ENG), Joao debut as the hosts took another game for me and then it home crowd gave him a standing stan’s Salim Malik. line and length to check the fl ow of Cancelo (Juventus/ITA), Kevin Rodrigues (Real Socie- Topening day honours in the fi rst just happened,” said Shaw. ovation. Pujara also played an unchar- runs in the fi nal session of play. dad/ESP), Luis Neto (Zenit/RUS), Mario Rui (Napoli/ITA), match against the West Indies yes- “Playing for India, it was a big acteristically quick knock as he India raced to 232-3 at tea, Pedro Mendes (Montpellier/FRA), Pepe (Besiktas/TUR), terday. thing for me. I wanted to make this EARLY EXPERIENCE brought up fi fty off 67 deliveries, managing another 132 runs in the Ruben Dias (Benfica) Shaw, 18, also became India’s chance count. It was a good chal- “From the smaller age I used to but missed out on his hundred after evening session’s 38 overs with Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Sporting), Danilo Pereira second-youngest century maker lenge for me and I think I did well,” play a lot of school cricket, 30 or 35 being caught behind off debutant Kohli and Rahane batting cau- (FC Porto), Gedson Fernandes (Benfica), Pizzi (Benfica), after Sachin Tendulkar as he blast- he added. school games in a year,” said Shaw, paceman Sherman Lewis. tiously. Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich/GER), Ruben Neves ed his way to a century in 99 deliv- He led India’s fi ghtback after who had once scored a record 546 Kraigg Brathwaite, standing in as Kohli, who is the world’s number (Wolves/ENG), Sergio Oliveira (FC Porto), William Car- eries in Rajkot. they lost opener Lokesh Rahul for runs in school cricket. captain after Jason Holder suff ered one Test batsman, got to his half- valho (Betis/ESP) India were 364 for four at stumps nought in the very fi rst over off “I have played a lot of cricket a last-minute ankle injury, jug- century against Bishoo and was Forwards: Andre Silva (Sevilla/ESP), Bernardo Silva after electing to bat fi rst. Skipper Shannon Gabriel. in Ranji and it just keeps going on gled his bowlers but the absence of getting more dangerous with each (Manchester City/ENG), Bruma (RB Leipzig/GER), Eder Virat Kohli, on 72, and wicketkeep- Shaw was fi nally caught and with so much cricket around. All the experienced Kemar Roach and passing ball. (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia/ er-batsman Rishabh Pant, on 17, bowled by leg-spinner Devendra that experience has helped me,” Holder was painfully evident. Indian vice-captain Rahane ESP), Helder Costa (Wolves/ENG). were batting at close of play. Bishoo for 134 in the last over be- added the Mumbai-born Shaw. Roach is back in Barbados to at- though lost his cool against off - But the day belonged to Shaw, a fore tea. His knock came in 154 balls Shaw is the fourth-youngest in- tend the funeral of his grandmother. spinner Roston Chase to get caught diminutive right-handed opener with 19 boundaries. ternational batsman to score a cen- Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, who behind in the fi nal few overs of the and Indian Premier League star The now-retired Tendulkar, In- tury on debut. He is also the third made 41, took over from Shaw with a day.

Shaw’s maiden Test ton underlines child prodigy status Reuters lier this year, also became the 15th partnership of 664 in school to Shaw, who was a non-playing I was just thinking that it’s another Mumbai Indian to hit a century on debut. cricket with former India batsman squad member for the final two game and it just happened.” His breezy knock received praise Vinod Kambli. England Tests. Shaw’s attacking knock was, from Tendulkar, who was also Both Tendulkar and Shaw are short He could not have been more however, more reminiscent of Ten- ndia’s Prithvi Shaw has been known for dominating opposition in stature and baby-faced and have impressive in his maiden Test dulkar’s one-day opening partner compared to batting great bowlers as a young batsman. spent their formative years toiling knock, scoring his first runs with Virender Sehwag, who bludg- ISachin Tendulkar since he was “Lovely to see such an attacking on the pitches in Mumbai, known as a punch off the back foot through eoned the South African attack a 14-year-old schoolboy and the knock in your first innings, @ the breeding ground for producing covers off his second delivery, on his Test debut to score 105 in lofty parallels will intensify after prithvishaw! Continue batting future India cricketers. The similari- reminding everyone why he had Bloemfontein in 2001. the teenage prodigy made a spar- fearlessly,” Tendulkar wrote on ties do not end there. been tipped for a bright future in Shaw’s hunger for runs was kling hundred on his Test debut Twitter. Shaw scored a hundred in his national colours. evident when he stood rooted to yesterday. Like compatriot Tendulkar, Shaw first-class debut in a Ranji Trophy Shaw, who hit 19 fours, was often a his crease in disappointment after At 18 years and 329 days, Shaw shot to prominence from inter- semi-final for Mumbai in 2017 and tad flashy for an opening batsman his dismissal, tamely off ering leg- became the youngest Indian and school cricket when he smashed then became the youngest player with his shot selection but showed spinner Devendra Bishoo an easy fourth-youngest overall to score 546 off 330 balls for Rizvi Spring- to score a century on his Duleep stunning fluency in scoring on return catch. a ton on his Test debut during a field in a minors’ cricket competi- Trophy debut, a record previously both sides of the wicket. “I don’t think it was enough after knock of 134 off 154 balls against tion in Mumbai in 2013. He hit 85 held by Tendulkar. “First I was a bit nervous but when scoring that 100. The wicket was West Indies in Rajkot. fours and five sixes during that I got in I was quite comfortable good and I should have kept bat- The hosts reached 364 for four at knock. SHAW’S CHANCE and I was just trying to play my ting,” he said, dedicating his first the close after Shaw’s heroics put For his part, Tendulkar, who went Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan natural game, what I do in first- Test 100 to his father. India on course for a big first- on to become the most prolific opened for India at the start of the class cricket and in India A, and “I was very disappointed, there innings total in the opening Test. run-scorer in an international recent five-Test series in England I just kept on going,” Shaw told were only 10 minutes left for the In the process Shaw, who led India career spanning 24 years, once but both were overlooked after broadcaster Star Sports. “I was not tea break and you should be a to the under-19 World Cup title ear- held the record for the highest the 4-1 defeat, handing a chance thinking about it as my first game, little bit careful.”