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Wednesday, August 21, 2019 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 20, 1440 AH Juve gamble on Sarri GULF TIMES delivering another style of Serie A title SPORT Page 7

FOOTBALL Al Sadd coach Xavi ready for QNB Stars League challenge He has already guided the Wolves to the quarters of AFC Champions League and last week won his first title as coach

By Sports Reporter Doha

f 20 years from now Xavi Hernandez is counted among football’s great coaches, he would be proudly reminisc- Iing about the fi rst step in that direction he took with Al Sadd of Qatar. After winning all he had hoped for as a player – the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the Euro- pean Championship in 2008 and 2012, not to speak of four Cham- pions League titles, eight La Liga crowns and the QNB Stars League – the Spaniard will lead his side Al Sadd in the fi rst match of the new league season today at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. He has already guided Al Sadd to the quarter-fi nals of the AFC Champions League and just last week won his fi rst title as coach when the Wolves beat their chief rivals in Qatar Al Duhail in the Sheikh Jassim Cup.

My philosophy, which I learned while playing for Barcelona and Spain, Al Sadd coach Xavi addresses a press conference yesterday ahead of their QNB Stars League opening match against Al Wakrah. (Right) Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil and Twitter is to have possession ‘ “Al-Wakrah is a very strong phy, which I learned while play- and always makes the difference we’re coming from the second was a success, we did a great job players missing due to injuries. of the ball. The players are applying it and I hope they team and has excellent players, ing for Barcelona and Spain, is to in attack. There are many other division and we’re facing reign- with the players and I’m happy “We’re ready to face Qatar SC. continue to learn both local and foreign. I know have possession of the ball. The excellent players in the team ing QNB Stars League champions with the response they’ve shown. We will start the competition in a — Xavi, the Al Wakrah coach (Marquez players are applying it and I hope who can create opportunities Al Sadd fi rst. We worked to pre- Now they know my style of func- new tournament. We miss some and we don’t just depend on one pare for this match with the play- tioning. We played four friendly players, but we will have 11 play- Al Sadd head coach Lopez) well; he has an off ensive they continue to learn.” style similar to Al Sadd’s. We As for the constant pressure on player.” ers physically and psychological- matches during our pre-season ers on the pitch who will do their must continue working and be Al Sadd, Xavi remarked: “Pres- Finally, he concluded by say- ly, and we hope to bring out our camp and we won three of them, best to collect full points, so that The start of his coaching jour- ready to give our best.” sure brings titles. This is what ing: “I feel satisfi ed with the best,” said Lopez. which was good. we make a strong start to the ney couldn’t have been more en- “We are going to play at our happened in the previous sea- team’s performance in attack and “We’re waiting for a diffi cult “We’ve players who were with league,” said Al Duhail coach Rui couraging but Xavi said the Qatar home stadium. We have stud- son, when we won the league. I we will continue working on it. confrontation against Al Sadd, us last season and they know Faria. Stars League would have its own ied Al Wakrah well and we hope am happy to coach this group of Baghdad won’t play (due to sus- which is a well-known team that very well what I seek from them. “We will sorely miss Luis Mar- challenges. there won’t be any surprises. players. I am a positive man and pension), and Nam Tae-hee will always achieves positive results. There’re new players in the team tin, Assim Madibo, Mohamed “We are very happy with our The start is very important in I know that pressure will help us also be unavailable due to a mus- Plus they have already played and they also know about our Moussa, Ahmed Yasser and Me- performance in the AFC Cham- the league.” to win titles, and we’re training cle injury.” three big matches (two in the strategy. There’ll some changes hdi Benatia.” pions League and the Sheikh Xavi also pointed out that all hard to achieve that.” Meanwhile, Al Wakrah coach AFC Champions League and the according to the requirements of Jassim Cup. The league is a new the teams have improved this Asked about the absence of Marquez Lopez said his side Sheikh Jassim Cup fi nal) so far.” matches and that’s normal. We TODAY’S FIXTURES tournament and Al Sadd have season, considering the new suspended striker Baghdad will be facing a tough challenge He concluded by saying his can deal with it.” 5.20pm: Al Sadd vs Al Wak- important targets to meet, as we signings and pre-season prepa- Bounedjah, the coach said: against the defending champi- players were keenly looking In the second match of the rah, Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium look to win titles,” he said at his rations. “Baghdad is an unbelievable ons. ahead despite the challenges. day, Al Duhail will take on Qatar 7.30pm: Qatar Sports Club vs pre-match press conference He further said: “My philoso- player in terms of performance, “Our task is diffi cult because “Our pre-tournament camp Sports Club with several of their Al Duhail, Al Janoub Stadium

ATHLETICS Mcleod confi dent of making magic happen at Doha 2019 crappy, inconsistent and made the feat all the more im- “The situation I’m in is almost need to be honest with myself out-of-character; Omar pressive is that it came one day like boot camp. We’re in a dorm and pull off the win.” McLeod’s races for the after the death of his aunt, one of and all we do is eat, sleep and On 30 September – exactly fi rst half this season were his closest relatives. train. It’s a good situation be- six weeks from today – McLeod Sessentially a refl ection of the dif- But as the season progressed, cause I want to go out there and will line up for the 110m hurdles fi culties he has faced throughout McLeod started to struggle and train, I’m eager to be around my heats at the IAAF World Athletics the year. was beaten in Nanjing, Rabat, teammates, I’m eager to listen Championships Doha 2019. Two The Jamaican has been the Stanford and London. Never be- to my coach and do whatever he days later, he hopes to be stand- stand-out performer in the fore in his professional career had tells me to do. I’m happy.” ing on the top step of the podium sprint hurdles in recent years, he suff ered four successive defeats. McLeod’s season up until now at the Khalifa International Sta- winning the world indoor and “I was going through the sea- hasn’t exactly been plain sailing, dium. Olympic gold medals in 2016 fol- son feeling unsure about a lot but the 25-year-old is relishing “Winning the world title lowed by the world title in 2017. of things: I lost my aunt, things getting back into a champion- would mean a huge deal,” he says. McLeod won 21 of his 25 races – went downhill, I was unsure of ship setting among the rest of the “I’m a championship performer, including heats – between April my situation, I was getting hurt. I world’s best. I know exactly what it takes to 2016 and May 2018, having been just didn’t think I was in the best “I’m the defending champion win a title. under the tutelage of Edrick Flo- situation to defend my (world) ti- and I’ll be up against the same “I know me so well that if I’m real for most of that period. tle and run fast,” he said. people I run with every year,” in the right situation with a coach But McLeod picked up a mid- “I had to tell myself, ‘you’re the says McLeod, who, as defending that knows what he’s doing and season injury in 2018, then later defending champion, you need champion, will have a wildcard has confi dence in me and trusts that year Floreal moved from to act like that, and you need to entry to the IAAF World Athlet- that I can get the job done and I Kentucky to take on a new coach- put yourself in the best situation ics Championships Doha 2019. have equal trust in him, then we ing role in Texas. McLeod had to to go defend that title and don’t “They’re all getting stronger can do magic, we can win what- make some changes and decided have a pity party for yourself.” Jamaica’s Omar McLeod (right) on his way to men’s 110m hurdles final at the Diamond League Birmingham and stronger. Most of them, like ever title. to move to Florida to be coached Few athletes make changes to Grand Prix on Sunday. (Reuters) Shubenkov and Ortega, are ap- “I don’t take my competi- by Tony Ross. their coaching set-up in the mid- proaching 29 which are like the tors for granted, they’re all great McLeod’s 2019 campaign dle of the season. For McLeod, relocated to Germany, Reider’s Olympic triple jump champion 2014 European 200m cham- peak years. athletes,” he adds. “But I know started promisingly enough, though, his move to Rana Reider temporary summer base, where Christian Taylor, triple Olym- pion Adam Gemili, Asian 200m “But I can’t really watch that, me and I can only stick to what I winning his fi rst IAAF Diamond seems to have already lifted a he now trains alongside an all- pic sprint medallist Andre De record-holder Xie Zhenye and I just need to stick to what works know. I know that if I’m healthy League race of the season with a weight off his shoulders. star multi-talented group that Grasse, two-time world indoor double German sprint champion for me. I know myself so well, I and happy, I’m unstoppable.” 13.12 clocking in Shanghai. What Just two weeks ago McLeod includes the likes of world and 60m hurdles champion Nia Ali, Tatjana Pinto. know what works for me, I just (IAAF) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 21, 2019 CRICKET

ASHES COMMENT Kohli feels Test Championship the Waugh wowed by way forward to keep format alive

IANS “People have been talking North Sound, Antigua about Test cricket not being rel- deceptive Archer’s evant or dying down. For me, the competition has gone up two- ndia captain Virat Kohli has fold in the last couple of years. ‘He has that deceptive pace and has a said that with the inception “It’s up to the players to take of the World Test Champi- the challenge and go for victo- wicked bouncer so that is something onship, competition among ries. That’s going to be the es- Iteams will shoot up and it will sence of this Test Championship our team will have to analyse’ bring more purpose to the long- as well. There will hardly be any ‘X-factor’ est format of the game. boring draws, there will be ex- “The games are going to be citing draws, because everyone Reuters much more competitive and it will want those extra points,” he London brings a lot of purpose to the explained. Test matches you play. It’s the India will open their account right move and at the absolute in the World Test Championship ngland fast bowler Jofra right time,” Kohli said during the against the West Indies tomor- Archer has the “X-fac- West Indies Players Association row. tor” that unsettles op- awards night on Monday. “I don’t think us batsmen have position batting lineups, The fi rst edition of the World lived up to the standard,” Kohli saidE former Australia captain Test Championship will see the said, urging the batsmen to step Steve Waugh who believes the teams — Australia, Bangladesh, up to the plate. evenly-balanced Ashes series England, India, New Zealand, “Batsmanship will always be would be decided by a few key Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lan- hard at the Test level, but even moments. ka and the West Indies — fi ght harder now with the Champion- Archer made his Test debut for top honours across 71 Test ship where every decision you in the drawn second match at matches in 27 series over the next make counts in the larger scheme Lord’s and produced several two years. of things,” he added. spells of menacing quick bowl- ing, hurrying the Australian batsmen up and forcing them into evasive action from deliv- eries that averaged more than 145kph. He was also involved in the Test’s major talking point when Steve Smith was felled follow- ing a sickening blow in the neck from an Archer bouncer. He also hit Marnus La- buschagne, who replaced Smith on the fi fth day and became the fi rst concussion substitute in Test cricket, in the face grill of his helmet. “It gives you the X-factor, knowing that you have that sort of bowler in your lineup when you can intimidate the opposi- tion,” Waugh told a Cricket Aus- tralia podcast. “You can make things happen on a fl at pitch and potentially get wickets in clumps. some of the fastest bowlers in bouncer so that is something “He’s a real asset to England.” the world like Malcolm Marshall our team will have to analyse and Waugh did not fi nd any prob- and Shoaib Akhtar in a career work out to play him.” lems with Archer’s stamina ei- that netted more than 10,000 While Australia had won the ther after the Barbados-born Test runs, said that Archer had fi rst Test at Edgbaston by 251 24-year-old bowled 44 overs one of the more economical runs, the way England fought and took 5-91 at Lord’s. bowling actions he had seen. back in the second Test at Lord’s “If he plays four Test matches “I can’t say I have ever seen indicated how close the Ashes Captain Virat Kohli poses with the trophy after India won the third in a row that will test him out,” anyone bowl like that,” he said. series would be. and final ODI against West Indies at Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain, Waugh said. “He ambles in, gets very close to “It really depends on who Trinidad and Tobago, last week. (AFP) “So far he’s come through the crease, makes the most of his wins the big moments,” Waugh with fl ying colours. (He bowled) height. said. 40 overs and each one was as “He has got a very simple ac- “It will come down to who SPOTLIGHT quick as the previous one. tion and in a lot of ways a similar is consistent. I think we can “He had an impressive debut action to (Australian fast bowl- win the series and England will but Test cricket is about lon- er) Glenn McGrath in that it’s probably say they think they gevity and how you back up and very repeatable. I can’t see too can. NZ captain fi rst to how you handle conditions. But much going wrong with it. “It will make for a great last from England’s point of view, so “His control is very good for three Test matches.” far so good.” that reason. He has that de- The third Test starts at Head- England’s Jofra Archer (also above) during nets at Headingley in benefi t from new Waugh, who stared down ceptive pace and has a wicked ingley in Leeds tomorrow. Leeds, England, yesterday. (Reuters) maternity provisions APPEAL FOCUS NZ’s Williamson, Smith decision to miss third Ashes SL’s Dananjaya Test a no brainer, says Langer reported AFP two in the world batting rankings London — was pictured with his head in his hands and Langer looking glumly at the ground. for suspect ustralia’s star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of KEY INNINGS bowling action the third Ashes Test begin- Smith, whose two centuries in the ning tomorrow after suf- fi rst Test were pivotal in Australia feringA concussion, a decision which taking a 1-0 lead, returned to bat on Reuters Bengaluru, India coach Justin Langer said was a “no Saturday despite the blow to the side brainer”. of the head that felled him. He added The 30-year-old Smith — who has 12 runs before being out. ew Zealand skipper Kane Williamson scored two centuries and 92 in his However, he was unable to play on and Sri Lankan spinner Akila Danan- three innings in the fi rst two Tests — the fi fth and fi nal day on Sunday as he Reuters “This means she’ll be paid her jaya have been reported for suspect was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer awoke feeling “groggy”. Australia held Wellington, New Zealand full retainer throughout and, al- bowling action after the fi rst Test on Saturday in the fi rst innings of the on to draw the Test with his concus- though possibly fulfi lling some betweenN the two nations in Galle that fi nished second Test at Lord’s. sion substitute Marnus Labuschagne off -fi eld contractual obligations, on Sunday, the International Cricket Council Smith’s absence will be a huge blow playing a key innings. he captain of the New will not be required to train or (ICC) has said. to Australia who hold a 1-0 lead in the The Ashes series is the fi rst be- Zealand women’s crick- play.” While Williamson is a part-time spinner who fi ve Test series and for whom victory Australia’s Steve Smith looks on as ing played under the International et team Amy Satter- Like their male counterparts, bowled only three overs, Dananjaya bowled 62 at Headingley would ensure they re- teammates take part in a nets session Cricket Council’s new concussion thwaite will become the the White Ferns are guaran- overs in the match, picking up fi ve wickets in tained the Ashes. substitute regulations, as part of the Tfi rst player to benefi t from new teed an annual retainer based in Leeds, England, yesterday. (Reuters) the fi rst innings to set up Sri Lanka’s victory. Their other batsmen have not inaugural World Test Championship. contract conditions that guar- on a sliding scale and can earn “The match offi cials’ report, which was looked convincing — experienced best bowler and we’re going to lose The regulations allow players who antee her core salary while on between NZ$44,000 and handed over to the management of both teams, opener David Warner has totalled just arguably our best batsman for this have suff ered head or neck injuries to be maternity leave, the country’s NZ$64,000, with match fees of cited concerns about the legality of the bowling 18 in his four innings — with Smith Test match,” said Langer. replaced fully by a substitute, who was governing body (NZC) said. up to NZ$16,000 ($10,283) on actions of both players,” the ICC said in a state- being the lynch-pin. “It is always a blow. No doubt about previously restricted to fi elding alone. The 32-year-old, who is mar- top. ment yesterday. “Williamson and Dananjaya “When we followed the protocols that. When you take your best players During Saturday’s play Smith was ried to team mate Lea Tahuhu, is As captain, Satterthwaite is will now undergo testing within 14 days from he was probably a couple of days off out it always has an impact. wearing a helmet without the ad- due early next year and will miss likely to be at the top end of the the reporting date (18 August) and during this being fi t to be selected,” said Langer at “We have to make sure our senior ditional stem guard neck protection the women’s World Twenty20 pay scale. period both will be permitted to continue bowl- a press conference. players and the younger guys step introduced following the death of his tournament in Australia that Satterthwaite said she and Ta- ing in international cricket until the results of “It was really a no-brainer. He felt a up and fi ll what are almost unfi llable former Australia team-mate Phillip runs from February 21-March 8. huhu were excited to start a new the testing are known.” bit better yesterday but he’s not going shoes because he’s the best player in Hughes who was hit by a bouncer in New Zealand Cricket said Sat- chapter and that she was aiming Dananjaya, 25, was similarly reported follow- to have enough time to tick off every- the world.” a domestic Sheffi eld Shield match in terthwaite would take a leave of to return to the fi eld for the 2021 ing a Test match against England in Galle in No- thing he’s got to do.” The team doctor Richard Saw had Sydney in 2014. absence and, under the terms of womens’ World Cup. vember last year and subsequently suspended Langer, who replaced Darren Le- the fi nal say on whether Smith played Australia, bidding for their fi rst a recently agreed new collective “I am very lucky to have great after an independent committee deemed his hmann as coach when the latter re- or not and he was seen speaking with Ashes campaign triumph on English agreement, she would be named support from NZC with regard to action illegal. signed following the ball-tampering him during team training yesterday. soil in 18 years, lead the series thanks as a centrally contracted player taking a break from the game to However, his ban was lifted in February by scandal that blew up on the tour According to the Cricket Australia to a 251-run win at Edgbaston a fort- and receive her full annual re- have a family,” Satterthwaite said the ICC and he was allowed to resume bowling of South Africa in 2018, said losing website vice-captain Pat Cummins night ago. tainer. in an NZC statement on Tuesday. in international cricket after remedial work and Smith was as big a blow as England patted Smith on the shoulder and Smith has two weeks to be ready for “She will be the fi rst player to “I feel I still have a lot to give a reassessment of his action. losing leading wicket taker Jimmy coach Justin Langer wrapped his arm the fourth Test in Manchester, which benefi t from the new pregnancy to the game and look forward to The second Test of the two-Test series, which Anderson in the fi rst Test. round the former captain as the rest of starts on September 4, with a three- leave provisions included in the working my way back with an eye are part of the newly launched World Test “It’s not unlike England losing the squad trained without him. day tour match in Derby from August new agreement,” NZC Chief Ex- on the 2021 ICC Women’s World Championship, begins in Colombo today. James Anderson. He’s arguably their Smith — who has risen to number 29-31. ecutive David White said. Cup held in New Zealand.” Gulf Times Wednesday, August 21, 2019 3 SPORT

Qatar’s West Asia youth athletics medallists return GOLF Tiger leaves door open to playing on Presidents Cup team

Reuters Apart from his win at the New York Masters for his 15th major title, the 43-year-old had a relatively quiet season, which petered out S Presidents Cup cap- with a whimper amid physical tain Tiger Woods said and emotional fatigue. on Monday he may Woods missed the chance to select himself to play defend his Tour Championship forU the team in December but he title when he could only man- would need to see how sharp his age to tie for 37th at the BMW game is before making the call. Championship on Sunday, far Woods was not among the top from the sixth-place fi nish he eight players to automatically likely needed to qualify for the qualify for the squad after he fi n- season-ending event. ished 13th on the points list but Woods said his Presidents Cup he has the power to name himself decision will depend on how he to the roster with one of the four fares in informal rounds against captain’s picks for the event at players preparing for the fall sea- Royal Melbourne. son as well as his performance at “My job as the captain is to the Zozo Championship in Octo- put together the best team pos- ber in Japan. sible, to try to put together the “It’s practising, it’s play- best 12 guys,” he told reporters ing, it’s staying sharp,” he said on a call. when asked what he needs to “We’ll have open communi- do to make the US side, which cation with our top eight guys has dominated the International and my vice captains and we will team since the biennial event’s certainly talk about whether I inception in 1994. should play or not play,” he said. The only US loss came in Mel- “Ultimately it is going to be my bourne in 1998 with a team that Team Qatar contingent for West Asia Youth Athletics Championships got a heroes’ welcome at Doha’s Hamad International Airport on their return from Beirut, Lebanon. The call,” added Woods. included Woods. contingent bagged 14 medals in all, including four gold medals, four silver and six bronze.

OLYMPICS NOCs confi dent Tokyo can overcome heat, water quality issues ‘Top athletes know that they have to perform in any circumstances’ Tiger Woods (right) of the United States talks with his caddie Joe Reuters LaCava during the final round of the BMW Championship in Medinah, Tokyo, Japan United States, on Sunday. (AFP)

earing heat and wa- ter quality issues have Guintoli in for injured Mir for dogged Tokyo 2020 or- ganisers in recent weeks Suzuki at Silverstone MotoGP butS delegates to a Chef de Mis- sion seminar yesterday said AFP they are confi dent their hosts Paris will fi nd solutions ahead of next year’s Summer Olympics. The three-day visit by the renchman Sylvain Guin- National Olympic Commit- toli will ride for Suzuki in tees (NOCs), which includes a Fplace of injured Joan Mir progress update and venue tour, at the British MotoGP on Sun- comes after recent test events day, the team has confirmed. highlighted potential problems Mir, 21, injured in a test ride at for next year’s Games, which the beginning of the month, kick off on July 24. was unable to ride but not re- Soaring temperatures have placed by the works team for twice for Suzuki this season killed at least 57 people across the Austrian GP on August 11. using “wild cards”, scoring Japan since late July, highlight- “His presence in England has three points with a 13th place ing the possible health threat to been ruled out because he is at the Catalan MotoGP in June. athletes and fans. still not 100%,” Suzuki said in a For Honda, Spain’s Jorge At the triathlon test event statement, referring to injuries Lorenzo, the triple former last week, the sport’s govern- he suff ered and general weak- world champion is back for the ing body reduced the distance of ness due to lack of training Silverstone race after missing the run segment in the women’s since the accident. the German, Czech and Aus- race because of heat concerns. Guintoli, 37, has already raced trian races through injury. The swimming segment of Saturday’s paratriathlon was Indian bowler Sreesanth’s ban cancelled altogether because high levels of E.coli bacteria were reduced, to end in September 2020 found in the water of Tokyo Bay. However, Dutch Chef de Reuters Mission Pieter van den Hoog- Bengaluru, India enband, a three-time Olympic gold medallist swimmer, said the NOCs were confi dent in To- ndian fast bowler Shan- kyo 2020’s ability to overcome thakumaran Sreesanth’s the issues. Iban for alleged spot-fixing “Of course we know there are has been reduced to seven some heat issues but overall, for Athletes start the swimming competition of 2019 ITU World triathlon mixed relay series Tokyo, a test event ahead of Tokyo 2020 Olympic years, with the sanction period all the diff erent teams, these are Games, at Odaiba in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday. (AFP) coming to an end on Sep. 13, the circumstances and we have 2020, the Board of Control for to deal with it,” said van den all that data to make it even more yesterday that South Korea’s nated by the Fukushima Dai- spond to them properly. We have Cricket in India (BCCI) has said. Hoogenbrand, who represented perfect... I was impressed with NOC had sent a letter to organ- ichi nuclear power plant that had no further questions (from The decision comes after the ulation of individual incidents the NOCs during a visit to the the way they handled things.” isers expressing concern at the was severely damaged by the South Korea).” Supreme Court of India set within a match which may Olympic Stadium yesterday. Single-layer underwater possibility of produce grown 2011 tsunami. Relations between the two US aside the life ban imposed on not aff ect the outcome of the “Top athletes know that they screens installed in Tokyo Bay in Fukushima prefecture being “Within our planning frame- allies are at their worst in years, Sreesanth by the BCCI and contest. have to perform in any circum- have helped reduce the bacteria, served to athletes in the Olym- work we will respond to them with a trade row rooted in a asked the board to reconsider Sreesanth along with his Ra- stances. Because of the test organisers have said, but triple- pic village. accordingly,” said Tokyo 2020’s decades-old dispute over com- the length of any fresh ban. jasthan Royals teammates Ajit events, we get a lot of information layer screens will be in place by South Korea says it is wor- Director of NOC Services Toru pensation for Koreans forced “I am of the view that banning Chandila and Ankeet Chavan and a lot of data and the way the the time the Games begin. ried that any food produced in Kobayashi. to work during Japan’s wartime Sreesanth from participating were arrested by Delhi police organising committee is taking Tokyo 2020 also confi rmed Fukushima could be contami- “We have said that we will re- occupation of South Korea. in any kind of commercial on suspicion of spot-fixing cricket or from associating during the sixth edition of the with any activities of BCCI IPL in May 2013. or its aff iliates, for a period The BCCI followed the arrest Former shot put world champion Storl turns focus to Tokyo 2020 of 7 years with eff ect from of Sreesanth with their own September 13, 2013,” BCCI charges against the player relat- he two-time shot That means the 29-year-old will together,” Storl said. Qatar. ombudsman DK Jain said in a ing to the match against Kings put world champion not compete at the world ath- Storl has been hampered by “Exactly because of this situa- statement. XI Punjab, played on May 9. TDavid Storl has ended letics championships in Doha back problems since injury in tion we have decided to focus “The date from which, the Sreesanth has maintained that his season prematurely due to from the end of next month. April and struggled to train on the Olympic Games next period of ban imposed by the all the charges against him are injury and will turn his focus to “Together with my coach Wilko daily in preparation for the year,” he said. Disciplinary Committee had false. He has played 27 tests, preparing for the 2020 Olympic Schaa and my medical team we recent German championships Storl won world championship commenced, will meet the 53 one-day internationals and Games in Tokyo, the German have analysed the current situ- where he finished third, without golds in 2011 and 2013 and took ends of justice.” 10 Twenty20 internationals, said yesterday. ation and decided on this step the qualifying standard for Olympic silver at London 2012. Spot-fixing involves the manip- claiming a total of 169 wickets. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 21, 2019 RUGBY

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Japan’s Hino joins Toulouse as All Blacks to fi eld World Cup cover

AFP up to France’s World Cup Toulouse, France squad. And new signing Jacobus Visagie from the Bulls in South rench champions Tou- Africa has yet to get a visa. strong side for fi nal louse have brought in Hino’s arrival follows the hooker Takeshi Hino signing of a partnership ac- from Japanese outfi t cord between the two clubs FYamaha Jubilo as short-term whereby Toulouse, missing cover during the upcoming several star players on duty rugby World Cup. with France, can bring in Hino, 29, ranked number Yamaha Jubilo players to fi ll four hooker in Japan and out the gaps during the Septem- World Cup warm-up of the running for the Japa- ber 30-November 2 World nese World Cup squad, will Cup. ‘We’d like probably most of the frontliners to get some form of game-time in the Tonga game’ make his debut in the opening Yamaha Jubilo’s Australian Top 14 game against Bordeaux lock Richie Arnold is already in Reuters on Saturday, his new club an- Toulouse as part of the scheme Wellington nounced. and two Toulouse youngsters, Toulouse are struggling for Yannick Youyoutte, 19, and cover at hooker after recently Karl-Robin Malanda, 20, have teve Hansen will not be losing Guillaume Marchand gone the other way. wrapping his players in with a broken cheek and his Winger Akihito Yamada, cotton wool ahead of the brother Julien with knee liga- who is hoping to secure a spot Rugby World Cup with ment damage. in Japan’s World Cup squad, theS All Blacks coach confi rm- They will also lose Peato has already joined another ing he will give his core group a Mauvaka who has been called French side, Lyon, on loan. run against Tonga in their fi nal match ahead of the global show- piece. The All Blacks, who name their 31-man World Cup squad on Aug. 28, play the Pacifi c Is- landers in Hamilton on Sept. 7 before facing South Africa in their opening Pool B clash two weeks later. Hansen said he was wary of his fi rst-choice players losing sharpness between last week- end’s 36-0 victory over Austral- ia at Eden Park and their World Cup opener. “We’d like probably most of the frontliners to get some form of game-time in the Tonga game, otherwise it’s too big a break before we play South Africa,” Hansen said in comments pub- lished by Stuff Media yesterday. Several of the players in the 34-man squad for the Bledisloe SELECTION Cup tests have been released to play in New Zealand’s provin- cial championship this weekend in order to give Hansen one fi nal France make four look at them before the squad for Japan is fi nalised. One player likely to be under changes for scrutiny is winger Rieko Ioane, who was dropped for Saturday’s match against the Wallabies af- Scotland re-match ter being a virtual fi rst choice since 2017. AFP being at fault for dangerous Ioane will play for Auckland Nice, France play in Saturday’s Test. against Bay of Plenty on Satur- Iturria comes back for day and while he is unlikely to François Cros, who earned miss out on the World Cup squad This photo taken on August 15, 2019, shows New Zealand All Blacks coach Steve Hansen (right) and sports psychologist Gilbert Enoka attend- rance have made four his fi rst cap against Scotland, his starting place is under pres- ing the team’s training session in Auckland. (AFP) changes for their second while goalkicker Ramos re- sure. World Cup warm-up places veteran Maxime Me- Hansen gave rookie wingers bate, with blindside fl anker Liam match against Scotland dard who scored two tries on George Bridge and Sevu Reece an Squire still in the frame if he inF Edinburgh on Saturday with Saturday. NZ PM responds to former Australia coach with Bledisloe Cup dig opportunity against the Walla- made himself available. captain Guilhem Guirado re- bies and both took their chance. Squire missed most of the Su- New Zealand’s Prime Minister row has raged on in the Aus- used to be closely linked to the turning to the side after injury. FRANCE TEAM V SCOTLAND “We saw lots of energy and we per Rugby season through injury Jacinda Ardern has spent the tralasian media and Ardern was Wallabies, so let’s just say I think Following Saturday’s 32-3 (15-1) saw lots of intent,” Hansen said and withdrew from contention best part of a week avoiding a asked about it again on Tuesday, that revenge is best served win over Scotland in Nice, Thomas Ramos; Damian of the duo. for the All Blacks due to a lack of slanging match with Australian three days after New Zealand through a Bledisloe Cup.” head coach Jacques Brunel also Penaud, Gael Fickou, Wesley “They were great under the match fi tness. commentator Alan Jones but thrashed their neighbours 36-0 Australia and New Zealand have brings in lock Felix Lambey, Fofana, Alivereti Raka; Camille high ball, great chasing kicks so Squire would be consid- could not resist a rugby-themed to win the Bledisloe Cup for a competed for the Bledisloe Cup backrower Arthur Iturria and Lopez, Antoine Dupont; it’s a bit of pressure on the other ered but he fi rst had to tell the dig at him on Tuesday. 17th straight year. since the early 1930s with the All fullback Thomas Ramos. Charles Ollivon, Gregory guys now to front up. There’s coach he was ready to return Jones, who coached Australia’s “I don’t have an opinion on Blacks enjoying much the better Brunel named the team 48 Alldritt, Arthur Iturria; Sebas- the old saying ‘never give a suck- to international rugby, Hansen Wallabies rugby team in the every single person who says of the rivalry. hours in advance “to allow tian Vahaamahina, Felix Lam- er an even break because he’ll added. 1980s before becoming an something about me. Particu- One of Australia’s few triumphs for best possible preparations bey; Rabah Slimani, Guihelm take it’. The All Blacks have met Tonga outspoken talk radio host, made larly given this is an Australian came in 1986 when a Wallabies time for the match,” according Guirado (cap), Jeff erson Poirot “Now we’ve got some genuine fi ve times previously, four of what he later admitted were commentator, we’ve got enough side coached by Jones secured to a statement from the team Replacements: Camille Chat, competition.” which have been at the World “careless” comments about Ar- of our own to occupy my time,” the symbol of trans-Tasman Sea management. Cyril Baille, Emerick Setiano, Hansen added that tight- Cup. dern’s views on climate change the Prime Minister told local TV rugby supremacy with an even Guirado replaces Camille Romain Taofifenua, Yacouba head prop, the midfi eld and the The only non-World Cup test last week. channel Newshub. rarer victory at Eden Park in Chat, while Lambey takes over Camara, Baptiste Serin, loose forward mix were areas ended in a 102-0 victory for the Although Jones apologised, the “I understand that he of course Auckland. from Paul Gabrillagues, who Romain Ntamack, Maxime that would create the most de- All Blacks in Albany in 2000. is at risk of a suspension after Médard.

HISTORY Blood & sport: the samurai slashing that brought rugby to Japan AFP to pass the time. “They started while early match reports un- ing at the hands of England. Yokohama playing every afternoon because derlined the prevalence of drop- The World Cup has seen ex- the troubles subsided and so kicking in those days. “Mr Ab- treme highs and lows for Japan, they didn’t really have anything bott having caught the ball made from a record 145-17 loss to the hen 70,000 fans to do. a good run through his oppo- All Blacks in 1995 to the com- cram into Japan’s In December 1864, there’s ev- nents and, with a fi ne drop kick, petition’s greatest ever upset Yokohama stadium idence they were playing every scored a goal,” reads one report when the “Brave Blossoms” beat for the Rugby World afternoon with a few of the civil- from the 1873 Japan Weekly Mail. the mighty Springboks 34-32 in WCup fi nal, few will be aware of ians,” Galbraith told AFP. Rugby gained a more solid 2015 – dubbed the “Miracle of the area’s rich Rugby history Two years later, in 1866, more foothold in Japan at the turn Brighton.” which stretches back more than than 40 of these early Rugby of the century when two Cam- Organisers hope hosting this 150 years and includes one of the players banded together to found bridge University alumni, Ed- year’s competition will acceler- world’s oldest clubs. the Yokohama Foot Ball Club. A ward Bramwell Clarke and the ate the development of Rugby in It all started in the early 1860s Japanese newspaper report from Japanese player Ginnosuke Tan- Japan and Asia more widely, but when Britain sent troops to January 26, 1866, records the of- aka, introduced the game at Keio low attendances for club Rugby Yokohama to protect its subjects fi cial establishment. University in Tokyo. and the ejection of the Tokyo- after samurai warriors slashed “As we happen to have two With more Japanese taking up based Sunwolves from Super to death a British trader – and or three Rugby and Winchester the game, the sport’s popular- Rugby have raised doubts. some of their 19th century offi c- men in the Community, we may ity grew quickly with crowds of And what of Rugby now at the ers turned out to be Rugby fans. be certain that we shall have re- 20,000 attending matches in the Yokohama club, where it all be- According to historian Mike ally good scientifi c play,” said an early 1930s, according to Gal- gan? Galbraith, who has extensively editorial in the Japan Times. braith. “The status today is not so studied Japanese Rugby’s early This evidence leads Galbraith healthy,” sighs Galbraith speak- history, the fi rst mention of the to claim that Yokohama may be ‘NOT SO HEALTHY’ ing to AFP at the club, which game being played dates to 1863, one of the world’s fi rst “Open” This photo taken on June 25, 2019, shows Mike Galbraith, historian at the Yokohama Country and Athletic The Japan Rugby Football Union proudly displays Japan’s old- only 40 years after Rugby School clubs – meaning that unlike a Club, posing beside trophies at the club in Yokohama. (AFP) was formed in 1926 and a nation- est Rugby trophy and numerous student William Webb Ellis fa- university or school, anyone can al team played its fi rst overseas team photos on its wood-pan- mously “took the ball in his arms join. ‘VERY UNIQUE’ paper printed that very day de- played by professional athletes matches on a tour to Canada in elled walls. and ran with it”, giving birth to “The Yokohama Country and There are Rugby clubs that are scribing what time it was and on display during the Rugby 1930. In modern history, the Japa- A dearth of members from the sport. Athletic Club appears at present older, acknowledges Galbraith, who the key people were and World Cup, which culminates on nese team have been ever-present traditional Rugby-playing na- As military tensions eased, the to be the oldest open club in the but they lack such strong evi- what the motions were. That’s November 2 in Yokohama. at the Rugby World Cup since the tions has hit the club hard, he bored offi cers – many of them world with contemporaneous dence describing their creation. very unique,” he said. The founders of the Yokohama fi rst edition in 1987, where they says. “It’s more diffi cult to put from British public schools like documentary evidence of its “In the case of the Yokohama The game then was very dif- club proposed that “hacking”, or narrowly lost to the United States out a 15-a-side team to play Rugby – took to the oval ball founding,” he said. Foot Ball Club, there is a news- ferent to the fast-fl owing sport kicking opponents, be banned, before suff ering a 60-7 hammer- Rugby.” Gulf Times Wednesday, August 21, 2019 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Raiders WR Brown fi les new helmet grievance AFP haus said. “He’s a big target. You Cowboys’ Elliott upset by Jones’ ‘Zeke who?’ crack Los Angeles talk about how many catches he’s had over the last six years, for ex- ample, this is his life. He’s risking Dallas Cowboys holdout run- while hoping to land a contract impressive and would be in n the day Oakland Raid- everything. He’s got a family. He’s ning back Ezekiel Elliott is not extension. Thus far, he is sub- line to receive a lot of carries ers wide receiver An- had a concussion before. This hel- pleased at owner Jerry Jones’ ject to more than $900,000 should Elliott still be a holdout tonio Brown reported met has kept him safe. He’s had attempt to poke fun at him. El- in fines. at the outset of the season. back to work, multiple brutal hits. liott’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, Elliott, the fourth overall “He knows exactly what to do, mediaO outlets reported Monday “We’re just trying to fi nd a way told ESPN on Monday that selection by the Cowboys in and he knows how to do it, so that the veteran has fi led a new to work it out. We’ve worked very Elliott was not amused when the 2016 NFL Draft, is slated it is, he goes out there and he grievance with the NFL in order closely with the Raiders, we’ve Jones said, “Zeke who?” while to make $3.85 million in the plays to that level,” Jones said. to be able to wear the helmet of his worked very closely with the NFL, answering a question about upcoming season, and $9.10 “If he continues this through choosing. but I hope people can appreciate, rookie running back Tony Pol- million in 2020 on the fifth- the next several weeks, he’s Earlier Monday, Brown at- this is not a simple issue. The hel- lard after Saturday’s preseason year option. going to be right in the middle tended team meetings, although met is the most important piece of game against the Los Angeles The Ohio State product has of it early, and that will really a walk-through practice was ap- equipment, and he’s had the same Rams. started all 40 games he has complement what we’re doing parently cancelled, according to one every single snap he’s played “I didn’t think it was funny and played in over the past three with Zeke. Not replace that. numerous media reports. in his football career. This is a ma- neither did Zeke – we actually seasons, rushing for 4,048 And I mean that, not replace His attendance came the day jor issue for him.” thought it was disrespect- yards and 28 touchdowns. He that. Nobody’s getting cute after Raiders general manager The Raiders acquired the sev- ful,” Arceneaux said of Jones’ also has 135 catches for 1,199 here, but it’ll certainly be a Mike Mayock said it was time for Brown used social media to fi nd wear the helmet of his choosing en-time Pro Bowl selection from comment. yards and six more scores. great complement. ... the All-Pro wideout “to be all in a newer version of his favoured after it was found to be unsafe. the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade Jones said after his answer Elliott led the NFL with 1,434 “I can picture those guys same or all out.” model – the Schutt AiR Advantage Brown’s agent, Drew Rosen- in March and later signed him to a that he was “cracking a joke at rushing yards last season, the sets at the same times out Brown has had only one full- – it failed NFL testing. haus, told ESPN’s “Get Up!” on three-year, $50,125,000 contract. Zeke’s expense.” second time he has been the there and really giving those speed practice this preseason, He already has lost one griev- Monday that his client “wants to Brown, 31, caught at least 100 But Elliott isn’t laughing as his league leader. He rushed for defenses fits.” in part because he was recover- ance against the NFL to wear the be part of the team, he wants to passes and exceeded 1,200 receiv- holdout threatens to stretch six touchdowns. Pollard car- Pollard rushed for 941 yards ing from foot blisters caused by a helmet he has used his entire ca- practice, but he’d also like to do it ing yards in each of the past six into the regular season. ried five times for 42 yards and and nine touchdowns in cryotherapy mishap and lately be- reer. with the helmet he’s worn his en- seasons with the Steelers. Arceneaux said there has been a touchdown and also caught 40 games for Memphis. He cause of his helmet issue. The new grievance reportedly tire life.” He has appeared in 130 games no recent progress during his a 9-yard pass during Satur- returned seven kickoff s for His old helmet is no longer ap- centres on Brown maintaining “He’s a wide receiver. He gets with Pittsburgh from 2010-18, dialogue with ESPN. Elliott is day’s game. The fourth-round touchdowns, matching the proved for NFL use because it is he should be allowed the NFL’s hit across the middle. People are catching 837 passes for 11,207 training in Cabo San Lucas pick from Memphis has been NCAA career record. more than 10 years old, and when standard one-year grace period to trying to take his head off ,” Rosen- yards and 74 touchdowns.

MLB NFL Dolphins’ Stills: Jay-Z’s role ‘doesn’t Cards lose no-hitter sit right with me’

Reuters on Friday, Carolina Panthers New York safety Eric Reid kneeled in si- lent protest. After the loss to the Buff alo Bills, he slammed iami Dolphins Carter’s role. but shut out Brewers wide receiver “Jay-Z made a money move. Kenny Stills is the He’s capitalised on this situa- ‘It’s been a tight race since Day 1. Got to win them all’ latest high-profi le tion. Nobody to my knowledge NFLM voice to speak out against talked about social justice Reuters the role hip-hop entrepreneur before Colin started protest- Washington Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter wants ing,” said Reid, a former San to play in a partnership with Francisco 49ers teammate and the league. close friend of Kaepernick. akota Hudson held the visiting Stills, one of three NFL “That was not a topic of the Milwaukee Brewers hitless for 6 players who continue to kneel NFL off the fi eld. For Jay-Z to 2/3 innings Monday night, pro- during the national anthem come in and partner to address pelling the St. Louis Cardinals in a movement basically social justice, do it behind Co- toD a 3-0 victory. started by quarterback Colin lin’s back, get paid to do it ... I Hudson (12-6) exited with a no-hitter Kaepernick to protest social don’t have words.” intact with two outs in the seventh in- injustice, said Monday that Reid also suggested the NFL ning after walking Eric Thames with his Carter’s partnership with the is using Carter as cover for 111th pitch. Yasmani Grandal ended the league and the “we’ve moved Kaepernick still not having an combined no-hitter one inning later with past kneeling” comments the NFL job. a two-out double off reliever Giovanny rapper made during an intro- “The (injustice) that’s hap- Gallegos. Cardinals reliever Andrew ductory news conference last pened to Colin, they get to Miller got the last out in the eighth inning week don’t “sit right with me.” say, ‘Look, we care about so- with the bases loaded, then closed out the “He could have reached out cial justice, we care about the game in the ninth to earn his fi fth save. to Colin,” Stills said. “He could black community because The division-leading Cardinals won have reached out to me. Some we’re with Jay-Z,’” Reid said. for the eighth time in 10 games to move of the ways that he answered Carter defended the enter- three games ahead of the third-place his questions, talking about tainment deal his company Brewers in the National League Central. ‘We’re moving past kneeling’ made with the NFL last week The second-place Chicago Cubs, who – like he ever protested. He’s during a press conference with were idle Monday, are a half-game back. not an NFL player. He’s never commissioner Roger Goodell “It’s been a tight race since Day 1,” been on a knee. as the league makes Roc Na- Hudson said after the team’s third shut- “I wonder how many com- tion its “offi cial live music en- out in seven games. “Got to win them all.” mon people that he knows tertainment strategists,” with The Brewers have lost fi ve of their or that he’s spoken to,” Stills the group expected to play a past seven games. Hudson had seven continued. “I wonder if he’s major role in major events like strikeouts but allowed four walks, in- read my Facebook comments the Super Bowl halftime show. cluding two to Christian Yelich. or my Instagram comments or “We forget that Colin’s some of the things that peo- whole thing was to bring at- RESULTS ple say to me. ... To be able to tention to social injustice,” speak on it and say we’re mov- Carter said. “In that case, this Cardinals 3-0 Brewers ing past something – it didn’t is a success. This is the next Nationals 13-0 Pirates seem very informed.” phase. There (are) two parts Rangers 8-7 Angels Known for his work with of protesting. You go outside the community in past years, and you protest, and then the D’backs 5-3 Rockies Stills, a two-time Walter Pay- company or the individual Royals 5-4 Orioles ton Man of the Year nominee, says, ‘I hear you. What do we White Sox 6-4 Twins added, “I felt like (Carter) re- do next?’” ally discredited Colin and my- Regarding Carter, Stills Astros 5-4 Tigers self and the work that’s being added on Monday, “I’m going Padres 3-2 Reds done in our communities. to try to give this man the ben- Mariners 9-3 Rays What’s fuelling everything efi t of the doubt for now, but it now is division. I wish it was doesn’t sit right with me. It’s handled in a diff erent way.” not something I agree with or He has pitched 12 2/3 scoreless innings Before a preseason game respect.” in his past two starts. Yelich later got an intentional walk from Miller in the eighth inning to load the bases. He came into the game hit- Barea, rehabbing ruptured Achilles, ting .387 against the Cardinals with eight re-signs with Mavs homers and 19 RBIs this season, and .318 with 17 homers and 48 RBIs in 47 career Veteran point guard J.J. Ba- nesota include 9.0 points, games against them. rea re-signed with the Dallas 3.9 assists and 19.7 minutes After allowing 30 runs in their previ- Mavericks on Monday, the in 802 games (101 starts). ous two games, the Brewers needed bet- team announced. Contract He was a member of the ter starting pitching, and they got it from terms were not provided, but Mavericks in 2011, when they Zach Davies. St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dakota Hudson pitches during the seventh inning of their MLB game against the Milwaukee Brewers Barea told ESPN that it was won their first NBA title. He came off the injured list after recov- at Busch Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports a one-year deal. The 6-foot, A native of Mayaguez, ering from back stiff ness. 185-pound Barea sustained Puerto Rico, Barea, 35, was To accommodate his return, the Brew- bench in the sixth inning and struck out past eight games and have scored 62 runs pitch, and Juan Soto walked. Cabrera’s a season-ending ruptured signed by the Mavericks as ers optioned pitcher Aaron Wilkerson to as a pinch hitter. in their past fi ve games. sacrifi ce fl y made it 2-0 ahead of Adams’ right Achilles tendon in a a rookie free agent in 2006 Triple-A San Antonio. Davies (8-6) held Washington starter Joe Ross pitched 3 two-run shot, his 20th homer, making it Jan. 11 game against the Min- after getting bypassed in the Cardinals scoreless until the fi fth in- NATS HIT DOUBLE DIGITS AGAIN, 1/3 scoreless, three-hit innings before he 4-0 before Pittsburgh batted. nesota Timberwolves, but the NBA draft. He attended ning. BLOW OUT PIRATES left after getting hit in the right leg by a In the second, Yan Gomes walked. Ross he expects to be cleared to Northeastern, where he aver- Matt Carpenter drew a leadoff walk, The Washington Nationals continued Josh Bell comebacker. hit into a fi elder’s choice, but catcher for full participation during aged 21.0 points, 8.4 assists raced to third on Yadier Molina’s hit- their recent off ensive onslaught, smack- Javy Guerra (2-1) took over and was Elias Diaz’s throwing error left runners at training camp. A return by and 4.4 rebounds during his and-run single into right fi eld and scored ing four homers Monday in a 13-0 shel- perfect for 3 2/3 innings. Kyle McGowin fi rst and third. September would be con- senior season. when Kolten Wong grounded into a for- lacking of the host Pittsburgh Pirates. pitched a scoreless eighth, and Tanner Turner launched his 13th homer, to siderably sooner than most Meanwhile the Atlanta ceout. Trea Turner hit a three-run homer, Rainey tossed a scoreless ninth to fi nish left-center, to push it to 7-0. Two outs comebacks from such an Hawks announced that Travis Wong moved up on Hudson’s sacrifi ce Matt Adams and Asdrubal Cabrera each off the four-hit shutout. later, Soto singled up the middle and Ca- injury, which generally take Schlenk was promoted to bunt and scored on Dexter Fowler’s RBI hit two-run dingers, and Adam Eaton hit Pittsburgh right-hander Trevor Wil- brera walked. Adams followed with an a full year. In his 13th year in president of basketball opera- single to push the Cardinals’ lead to 2-0. a solo shot among the Nationals’ 15 hits. liams (5-6) had the shortest start of his RBI double for an 8-0 Nationals lead. the league, with all but three tions and general manager. Paul DeJong made it 3-0 with a solo Washington racked up 11 runs in the fi rst career. He allowed eight runs, six of them Against Montana DuRapau in the of those seasons in Dallas, “We are extremely pleased home run against reliever Devin Williams four innings. The Nationals’ big off ensive earned, and six hits in two innings, with fourth, Eaton walked, and an out later, Barea averaged 10.9 points with the direction that Travis in the sixth inning. It was his 22nd homer performance, in the opener of a four- three walks and a strikeout. went to third on Soto’s double. Cabrera and 5.6 assists as the Maver- and our entire basketball op- of the season. game series, came after Washington hit Washington got things going quickly. followed with a two-run double that was icks’ sixth man in 2018-19. erations team has us heading Brewers outfi elder Lorenzo Cain re- eight homers Sunday in a 16-8 win over Eaton hit a one-out solo homer in the just shy of a homer. Adams doubled home His averages during his as a franchise,” Hawks’ owner mained out of the starting lineup due to the Milwaukee Brewers. fi rst, his 11th. Anthony Rendon followed Cabrera for an 11-0 edge. Cabrera added a career with Dallas and Min- Tony Ressler said. an oblique muscle strain. He came off the The Nationals have won seven of their with a double and went to third on a wild two-run homer, his 13th, in the ninth. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 21, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Serena to begin 2020 season with Murray falls to return to Auckland

Reuters “Last time I was there I New York had so much going on and al- though I fought through to win my fi rst match, I know I didn’t ormer world number play to my level. Sandgren as singles one Serena Williams “I have such amazing mem- will begin her 2020 ories that are really special to season with a return me from Auckland,” she add- toF the Auckland Open in Janu- ed, referring to her engage- ary, her fi rst appearance at ment to Reddit co-founder the tournament since she was Alexis Ohanian days before the ousted in the second round in 2017 tournament. 2017. “I would really like to add comeback continues The Auckland Open serves some on court memories to as a warm-up before the year’s that list.” ‘So there’s some good things in there but also some stuff I would like to do better’ fi rst Grand Slam, the Austral- Williams, 37, is due to com- ian Open, which begins on Jan. pete at the US Open which be- 20 next year. gins next week but her prepa- On her last Auckland ap- rations for the fi nal Grand pearance, then top seed Wil- Slam of the year have been far liams hit 88 unforced errors from perfect with injuries lim- in windy conditions, losing iting her time on court. to compatriot Madison Bren- The 23-times Grand Slam gle, who was ranked 70 rungs champion retired from the lower. Rogers Cup fi nal in Toronto “Oh man, I want to win that earlier this month because of title so bad,” Williams was back spasms, which led to her quoted as saying by the tour- withdrawal from the Cincin- nament organisers. nati Masters.

Stephens splits with coach Groeneveld ahead of US Open Andy Murray’s match with American Tennys Sandgren lasted two hours 11 minutes. South Korea’s Lee Duck-hee becomes first deaf player to win an ATP main draw match. American Sloane Stephens “I wish you a strong @usopen, has parted ways with her you have all it takes, I believe AFP ter today I think,” Murray said. “I He clawed one back, and broke build my game up a little bit be- MUCHOVA ADVANCES, coach Sven Groeneveld less in you!” he wrote on Twitter. Washington was hitting the ball a bit cleaner again when Sandgren coughed fore I start playing on the tour ZHANG OUSTED than a week before the US than I did maybe in Cincinnati... up two double faults while serv- again,” he said. Czech Republic’s 10th seed Open gets underway, the ANISIMOVA WITHDRAWS I feel like I moved fairly well to ing for the match at 5-4. In other action on a day when Karolina Muchova beat Slova- former champion has said. FROM US OPEN ndy Murray on Monday some drop shots, which maybe But Sandgren broke Murray rain wreaked havoc on the sched- kia’s Viktoria Kuzmova 7-5 6-2 Stephens, who only teamed Rising American teenager fell in the fi rst round last week I wasn’t running to. again in the next game and then ule, South Korean Lee Duck-hee to move into the second round up with Dutchman Groe- Amanda Anisimova has with- of the ATP Winston- “So there’s some good things took full advantage of his second became the fi rst deaf player to of the Bronx Open while fourth neveld in May, has not drawn from the U.S. Open Salem Open, where the in there but also some stuff I chance, capping the match with win an ATP Tour match, beating seed Zhang Shuai was knocked announced a replacement following the death of her three-timeA Grand Slam cham- would like to do better.” a forehand winner on his fi rst Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen out in straight sets on Monday. ahead of the year’s final father and longtime coach pion was giving his surgically Murray did not even reach the match point. “Physically, (I’m) 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. Muchova, who reached her Grand Slam, which begins on Konstantin Anisimova, ESPN repaired hip just its second test court until after 10pm, thanks to OK considering - no pain, no “My message for people who fi rst Grand Slam quarter-fi nal at Monday. reported on Monday. in singles. a lengthy rain delay that pushed discomfort. Just a little bit more are hearing impaired is to not be Wimbledon last month, won an “After much thought, Sven The cause of death was Britain’s Murray, who feared back his start time by more than tired than usual,” Murray said. discouraged. If you try hard, you incredible 93% of her fi rst serve Groeneveld and I have decid- unknown. The world number in January that his hip trouble three hours. can do anything,” said Lee, who points. She did not face a single ed to go our separate ways,” 24 and 2017 US Open junior would end his career, accepted a Sandgren gutted out a tough LANDMARK FOR LEE will next face third-seeded Hu- break point in the match, wrap- 2017 champion Stephens said champion looked to be a dan- wild card into this week’s tour- service hold in an opening game Having said in Cincinnati he bert Hurkacz of Poland. ping up the contest in 69 minutes. in a tweet. ger in Flushing Meadows after nament in North Carolina after that went to deuce nine times, would discontinue doubles to Lee was two points from vic- The 22-year-old Czech will now “Change is never easy, but I’m she upset defending French falling in his singles comeback in saving one break point as they focus on returning to peak sin- tory when thunderstorms swept play American wildcard Kristie so appreciative of our time Open champion Simona Cincinnati last week. went to the fi rst-set decider gles form, Murray said he might through. When he and Laakso- Ahn who beat Switzerland’s Jil together. Onward!” Halep to reach the semi-finals He again showed glimpses of without a break of serve. consider playing an ATP Chal- nen returned some fi ve hours Teichmann earlier in the day. Groeneveld, who has previ- of that tournament earlier his once-dominant self, but was The American needed four set lenger Tour event before heading later, Lee quickly polished off a Zhang, another Wimbledon ously coached former world this year. Konstantin and wife inconsistent in a 7-6 (10-8), 7-5 points - and saved one - in tak- to Asia, where he is entered in win he admitted he hadn’t been quarter-fi nalist this year, was number ones Ana Ivanovic Olga moved to the US from loss to 73rd-ranked American ing the tiebreaker. A defl ated September’s Zhuhai Champion- expecting. “I thought that I was knocked out by Germany’s An- and Maria Sharapova, Russia in 1998 and under his Tennys Sandgren in a match Murray was quickly down 3-0 ships and the China Open. just going to do my best and try drea Petkovic, who broke the thanked Stephens for their guidance the 17-year-old rose lasting 2 hours and 10 minutes. with two breaks of serve in the “Maybe I need to play a level to stay focused,” Lee said. “But I Chinese fi ve times in a 6-3 6-4 time together. up the WTA ranks. “Some things were a bit bet- second. down to get some matches and came out a winner.” victory.

BADMINTON Prannoy stuns former champ Lin Dan to enter 3rd round IANS 21-11, 13-21, 21-7 in a match that Basel lasted for 62 minutes. The World No 30 didn’t break much sweat in the fi rst game and fter H S Prannoy won it rather easily. The Chinese stunned fi ve-time legend came back strongly in the world champion Chi- second game and showed his na’s Lin Dan to advance true class. He didn’t allow Pran- toA the third round of the BWF noy to take any advantage and World Championships yester- won the game 21-13. day, B Sai Praneeth also defeated However, in the decider, Pran- ace Korean shuttler Lee Dong noy took the lead from the very Keun in the second round to ad- beginning and made sure he vance to the next stage. didn’t let the opportunity slip of Praneeth defeated Lee Dong upsetting the fi ve-time champi- Keun in straight games 21-16, on. At interval of the third game, 21-15 in a match which lasted for Prannoy had a six-point lead 56 minutes. The Indian showed which he extended to 21-7 to seal his skill in the fi rst game with his the match and progress through quality strokes and took a 21-16 to the next round. lead in the opening game. The Prannoy had earlier defeated second game saw some errors Lin Dan at the 2018 Indonesia from Praneeth but he made a Open and the 2015 French Open strong comeback to win the sec- and now leads the head-to-head ond game 21-15. race at 3-2. In the fi rst round, Earlier, world No 30 H S Pran- Prannoy had come from behind noy, who is on a comeback trail to beat 93rd-ranked Eetu Heino after recovering from a stomach of Finland 17-21, 21-10, 21-11 and problem, yesterday registered set up the clash against Dan. one of his biggest upsets in re- cent times as he beat fi ve-time champion Lin Dan of China to India’s H S Prannoy in action advance to the third round of the during his second round singles ongoing World Championships. match against China’s Lin Dan Prannoy,who has a reputation at the 2019 Badminton World of producing big upsets when on Championships in Basel, song, defeated 11th seeded Dan Switzerland. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, August 21, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A ROUND-UP Dembele adds to Juventus gamble on Barca’s injury woes usmane Dembele, CHELSEA’S ZAPPACOSTA Barcelona’s French in- TO JOIN ROMA ON ternational striker, will SEASON-LONG LOAN miss fi ve weeks after Chelsea’s Davide Zappacosta suffO ering a hamstring injury, the is to join Roma on a season’s club said on Monday. The club loan, subject to a medical this Sarri delivering said in a statement that tests week, The Guardian reported. showed a “fi brillary lesion in the The defender has not played left thigh femoral biceps.” since Frank Lampard took over If Dembele is out for that long, as manager and made only four he could miss fi ve matches in Premier League appearances last La Liga as well as France’s Euro season. Zappacosta joined Chel- 2020 qualifi ers against Albania sea for an initial £23mn from another style of title on September 7 and Andorra Torino in 2017 and will have one on September 20. He suff ered year remaining on his contract at a similar problem in May at the the end of this campaign. Turin giants start their quest for a ninth consecutive title in Parma on Saturday end of an injury-ravaged fi rst The 27-year-old is in line to season in Barcelona. become the third experienced AFP He is the latest casualty in defender to leave the club since Milan a depleted Barcelona strike May, following David Luiz and force. Lionel Messi missed the Gary Cahill. Zappacosta has not Liga opener in Bilbao on Friday, held down a regular starting uventus begin their Serie A cam- which Barcelona lost 1-0, with place at Chelsea and most of the paign this weekend under new a calf problem. Uruguayan star right-back’s appearances last coach Maurizio Sarri as the mul- Luis Suarez limped off after 37 season under Maurizio Sarri tiple Italian champions gamble on minutes in Bilbao, also with a came in the Europa League. theJ veteran delivering another style of calf problem, and is expected to Serie A title. be absent for a month. The Turin giants start their quest for a Barcelona have loaned at- US WOMEN FOOTBALLERS’ ninth consecutive title in Parma on Sat- tacking midfi elder Philippe EQUAL PAY LAWSUIT TO GO urday but could be without Sarri on the Coutinho to Bayern Munich but TO TRIAL IN 2020 bench after the 60-year-old was diag- are reportedly in negotiations The equal pay lawsuit fi led by US nosed with pneumonia on Monday. to buy Neymar back from Paris women footballers against the Sarri returns to Italy after one turbu- Saint-Germain. US Soccer Federation has been lent season in the Premier League with scheduled to go to trial on May 5, Chelsea, having previously coached his ZOUMA RECALLS 2020, the players’ spokesperson hometown team Napoli for three seasons. ‘LONG JOURNEY’ BACK said. The gender discrimina- Chain-smoking Sarri’s appointment, in TO STARTING LINEUP tion lawsuit regarding unequal place of the clean cut Massimiliano Al- Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma pay and working conditions was legri who had delivered the last fi ve of says his return to the club’s fi led on March 8 by 28 players, their Serie A titles, is a break in tradition starting lineup is the culmina- and Monday’s trial date, set for Juventus. tion of a three-year struggle by US District Judge R. Gary But after also ditching their iconic when he was seriously injured Klausner in Los Angeles, comes black and white striped jersey last sea- and then sent out on loan to two a week after the players and the son, the club are looking for a change in Premier League clubs. federation reached an impasse in direction. Despite their success Juventus Zouma, who suff ered a knee mediation. have often been criticised for their bor- injury in 2016 that sidelined him The May date will put the jury ing defensive style of play. Club bosses for nine months, was loaned to trial amid the team’s build up want a more attractive eye-catching style Stoke City and Everton in the to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, of football in an attempt to increase their last two seasons before new although it remains possible a fan base outside of Italy. While Sarri’s Chelsea manager Frank Lampard settlement could be reached be- only major title was the Europa League made him a part of his fi rst team fore then. The issue was center last season with Chelsea, he promises to plans. stage as the United States tri- give serial Italian champions Juventus a “It has been a very, very long umphed in the Women’s World more dynamic style of play. journey,” Zouma told reporters. Cup in France in July, chants of Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on, return- “I don’t want to talk about that “equal Pay” raining down on the ing to Turin after a season at Paris Saint- now, because that is the past but champions after they defeated Germain, thinks the change of direction I fought very hard. People don’t the Netherlands in the fi nal. can pay off . “Those who follow the same know, people don’t see but I was US lawmakers have proposed path will always achieve the same re- in the shadow, working hard to legislation that would block fed- sults, so Juve are seeking the Champions get back because I had a very eral funding for the 2026 Men’s League and wanted to try breaking away bad injury. I was off for one year World Cup — to be hosted jointly towards pastures new,” said the 41-year- (away from the fi rst team) but by the United States, Mexico and old. “Sarri is not a revolution, nor a gam- people forget that. But I always Canada — until the federation ble. He simply represents an untested believed in myself. My fam- pays its women’s national team path, a whole other story.” ily was always there behind me “fair and equitable wages”. Among Juventus’s rivals this season and now I’m back here. I’m very A US Soccer spokesman said will be Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli and Inter Maurizio Sarri returns to coach Juventus in Italy after one turbulent season in the Premier League with Chelsea, having previously happy to play here, I just want to the federation was “continu- Milan, now coached by former Juventus coached his hometown team Napoli for three seasons. (Reuters) keep going.” ing to work to fi nd a resolu- boss Antonio Conte. But Juventus have Zouma has started the club’s tion” to the dispute. Federation spent big giving Sarri a stellar squad to star Aaron Ramsey, both acquired on free Juventus will be hoping these players I’ve heard a lot of good things about him fi rst three games of the season president Carlos Cordeiro issued target a 36th Scudetto and their fi rst transfers but on large salaries. For Juven- and their new coach can implement the and I like his footballing philosophy and and although he was below-par fi gures last month that he said Champions League title since 1996. tus sporting director Fabio Paratici all the ‘Sarriball’ football philosophy: a fast- how he prepares his defence.” in a 4-0 loss in the opener at showed US Soccer had compen- Cristiano Ronaldo, a player who Sarri pieces are in place for Sarri to deliver an- paced attacking style, that impressed Sarri described coaching Juventus as Manchester United, Lampard sated women more than men insists “will make the diff erence”, will other style of football. during his time with Napoli. Brazilian “the crowning” moment of his 30-year has shown faith in the 24-year- over the past decade, but the again be central to attack with newly- “We’re very happy with what has been left-back Alex Sandro insisted Sarri was managerial career. “I arrive surrounded old Frenchman as the London women players said the fi gures signed Dutch star Matthijs De Ligt the done. We bought de Ligt, who all the top already having an impact. “We can’t wait by sceptics, but then I always am. I had the side looks for its fi rst win. were misleading. jewel in defense alongside veterans Gior- teams wanted,” said Paratici. “We man- to start the season. We’ve already as- same at Empoli, Napoli and Chelsea. In gio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. aged to buy him, along with two big play- similated Sarri’s mentality and, we know football, I know only one way of removing De Ligt’s Ajax sent Juventus crashing ers on free transfers: Rabiot and Ramsey, what to do. We all still have to improve scepticism from the minds of people: by out of the Champions League last season. who were courted by many. Juve has very naturally, but we are on the right path.” winning convincingly. I haven’t won a lot, The midfi eld has been strengthened with high-level players in all departments, a De Ligt also praised Sarri. “He was one but I believe that having fun on the pitch PSG’s Adrien Rabiot and former Arsenal squad of absolute value.” of the reasons that I wanted to join here, doesn’t stop you winning.”

Allow Iranian women to attend matches: Asian football offi cial

Kuala Lumpur: Iranian women world soccer governing body risked arrest by donning fake with football, will there be other conservative countries such as should be allowed to attend FIFA find an “amicable solution” beards and wigs to attend a ripple eff ects, will other forces Saudi Arabia, which lifted a ban men’s World Cup qualifiers in that would allow them to attend major game in Tehran’s Azadi or entities now ask for the same on women attending matches the Islamic Republic later this future games. Stadium, while others travelled privilege,” said the No. 2 at the last year. year, a top Asian football off icial “Everybody needs to be to Russia for the World Cup, AFC. “A lot of things are on the FIFA has pledged to expand said yesterday, ramping up catered, it’s an inclusive game. plastering social media with table at the moment, we really women’s role in the sport, pressure on Tehran to end a Women play the game in Iran, photos of themselves cheering don’t know which direction it is appointing Fatma Samoura in long-running ban. men play the game, so every- on their team. going.” There were hopes that 2016 as its first female secretary Iranian women have long body should be able to watch,” FIFA wrote to the Iranian the breakthrough last Novem- general, and this year’s women’s been barred from watching AFC general secretary Windsor Football Federation in June ber would lead to a loosening World Cup drew record crowds men’s teams play, but Tehran re- John said. “For us at the end of asking it to provide a timeline of the ban, but female fans have and television audiences. laxed the rule last year to allow the day we respect the local law, towards women being able to been denied access to matches John said a Saudi woman hundreds of women to watch but we also want to promote buy tickets for the qualifiers, since. In June, some were de- would be appointed to the AFC the Asian Champions League the game,” he said at the AFC which begin on Sept. 5. John tained by security forces when committee overseeing the de- final organised by the Asian headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. lauded the access for Iranian they went to the Azadi Stadium velopment of women’s football, Football Confederation (AFC). Female football fans have women at the Asian Champions for a friendly against Syria. though he declined to identify The AFC, the Asian football long campaigned for the ban, League final last year, but said John said there was “huge the new member by name. “It’s governing body which has 47 imposed under Iran’s Islamic the current situation involved potential” for women’s foot- a huge, huge positive develop- members that includes Iran, law after the 1979 revolution, “diff erent scenarios”. ball to develop in Asia, with ment for football development said it was working to help to be lifted. Last year, some “(The concern is) if it starts attitudes changing even in in Asia,” he said. Barcelona’s France forward Ousmane Dembele suff ered a hamstring injury during the La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Suarez who? Carroll admits low football IQ AFP with his friends than following football never watch football. I never knew any Carroll whose career has been London off the pitch when he was making his players,” said Carroll, who earned his wrecked by injuries — even his Liver- name at his fi rst club Newcastle. record move to Liverpool after scoring pool debut was delayed due to an injury Carroll, who has returned to New- 31 goals in 80 appearances for the Mag- he had suff ered at Newcastle — also as- ndy Carroll has admitted his castle on a one year deal after being re- pies. sured the Newcastle faithful that he is football IQ was so low he had leased by West Ham over the summer, “I’d come in on the Friday or wake up no longer the wild man he was in his to use Google to fi nd out who had to Google Suarez while he was fl y- on the Saturday morning saying,’Who fi rst spell at the club. Luis Suarez was when he ing by helicopter to Liverpool to com- are we playing?’ I was completely ob- “I was daft when I was here before joinedA Liverpool in 2011. plete the transfer on the fi nal day of the livious to all the football that was go- and no doubt I was daft for a couple of Carroll moved to Merseyside for a January 2011 transfer window. ing on. When I was in the helicopter years after as well,” said Carroll. record fee for a British player of £35mn Suarez had signed just days before to Liverpool, I was like, ‘I know Stevie “But I met my missus (Billi Mucklow) ($42mn) and teamed up with the Uru- from Ajax for just over £22mn but Car- G (Gerrard), I know (Jamie) Carragher. and we’ve got four kids at home now. guyan superstar in attack. roll told the Newcastle United team Who else?’ My agent at the time had There’s no more behaviour like before. The 30-year-old former England website he had no idea who his future to tell me and I would get it on Google I was stupid, I was young, and I was international striker excused his igno- teammate was. and fi nd out the team. It’s bad because carried away with the lifestyle. Now rance by saying he meant no disrespect “When I was here (at Newcastle), I’d it’s Liverpool players, but it’s not disre- it’s completely diff erent. I’m a dad, I’ve In 2011, Andy Carroll became the most expensive British footballer of all time to Liverpool or Suarez. He said he was go home, mess about with my mates, spectful — I just literally didn’t watch grown up and got responsibilities. I’ve when he joined Liverpool for a club-record £35mn. just much more interested in going out play football, go out, whatever, but I’d football.” got a purpose.”

Wednesday, August 21, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FIFA allows Iraq to play 2022 WC United held by Wolves qualifying matches in Basra Baghdad: The International Football Federation (FIFA) aft er Pogba’s penalty woe has approved Iraq’s request to play FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 joint qualifying Pogba has now missed four Premier League penalties since the start of last season matches in the city of Basra. Iraq Football Association AFP (IFA) said in a statement yes- Wolverhampton terday that FIFA gave green signal to Iraq’s request for a World Cup qualifier in Basra. anchester United were The Iraqi team will start their forced to settle for a 1-1 qualifying campaign with a draw against Wolves after match against Bahraini coun- Paul Pogba’s penalty was terpart in Manama on Septem- Msaved by Rui Patricio at Molineux on ber 5 in Group C, which also Monday night. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s includes Iran, Cambodia and side took the lead through Anthony Hong Kong. Martial’s second Premier League goal of the season in the fi rst half. SALAH MAKES U-TURN Ruben Neves hit a brilliant equal- ON TEAMMATE’S iser for Wolves after the interval be- HARASSMENT SCANDAL fore France star Pogba was denied by Egypt and Liverpool star Patricio. It was a curious decision for Mohamed Salah has reignited Pogba to take the spot-kick as Marcus heated views about a sexual Rashford had scored a penalty in last harassment scandal involving weekend’s 4-0 victory over Chelsea and his national teammate Amr also memorably netted the Champions Warda in a CNN interview League last-16 winner from the spot which aired on Monday. against Paris Saint Germain last term. After Salah sent controver- Pogba has now missed four Premier sial tweets that demanded the League penalties since the start of last disgraced Warda be given a season. United would have gone top of “second chance” during this the table with a win, but instead they year’s Africa Cup of Nations were left to refl ect on an inconsistent held in Egypt, Salah directly performance that underlined why Sol- addressed his revised stance. skjaer still has a lot of work to do to turn “What I meant to say is his team into title contenders. that (sexual harassment) While there were moments of prom- happened before and is hap- ise in attack and defence, United didn’t pening now. He has to get take their chances and crumbled too treatment or rehabilitation easily when they came under pressure just to make sure that it is not in their second game of the season. going to happen again,” Salah At an average of 24 years and 173 days, told CNN. Solskjaer had picked United’s youngest Warda was kicked out of Premier League starting line-up since Egypt’s squad over multiple the fi nal day of the 2016-17 campaign. claims of sexual misconduct Daniel James made his maiden start that surfaced online in June for United after the close-season sign- but was reinstated at the re- ing from Swansea scored his fi rst goal quest of his teammates. Salah as a substitute against Chelsea. There denied having a role in Warda was no place in the matchday squad for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves (third right) celebrates after scoring against Manchester United during the Premier League match on Monday. (AFP) rejoining the team. Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, who has His wide-ranging interview, been linked with Inter Milan. past him. It was a warning Wolves failed ceived loud and clear, the Norwegian the fi rst half. But Wolves were revital- catching eff ort survived a VAR review which also took shots at Solskjaer has described James as to heed as United took the lead with an clapped approvingly on the touchline. ised after the interval by the introduc- for off side in the build-up and he cel- Egypt’s football federation, United’s ‘X-factor’, but the 21-year- incisive raid in the 27th minute. Martial’s goal took him to 50 for United tion of the speedy Adama Traore. Sud- ebrated his 10th goal from outside the attracted both supportive and old didn’t win any friends when he Breaking inside from left, Luke Shaw in all competitions since his move from denly, Maguire and company did not area since joining Wolves. United had a critical reactions. Salah, who was booked for diving in a failed at- found Jesse Lingard who moved the Monaco in 2015. Martial should have look so solid and Raul Jimenez glanced a chance to reclaim the lead when Martial helped Premier League giants tempt to win a free-kick from referee ball onto Rashford. Rashford slipped a doubled United’s lead on the stroke of free-kick against the far post with Unit- found Pogba in the Wolves area and the Liverpool win the Champions Jon Moss. United threatened for the perfectly-weighted pass to Martial in half-time when he pounced on Ben- ed keeper David De Gea rooted. France midfi elder was clipped by Conor League in June, reiterated fi rst time when another of their young the Wolves area and the French forward nett’s misplaced pass and eased past Wolves’ pressure paid off in the 55th Coady. Pogba and Rashford appeared to in the interview that “my guns Rashford spun past Ryan Bennett blasted a superb strike into the roof of Willy Boly, only to tread on the ball minute when a short corner was worked discuss who should take the spot-kick. position is still the same... the on the left side of the Wolves area and the net without breaking stride. when he seemed certain to score. Well to Neves on the edge of the area and the Whoever made the fi nal call, it proved a people misunderstand what I crossed towards Martial, who did not Solskjaer had called for Martial to marshalled by Harry Maguire, United Portugal midfi elder curled a sublime bad move as Pogba’s powerful drive was am saying”. make enough contact as the ball fl ashed be more clinical and, his message re- denied Wolves a single shot on target in strike into the top corner. Neves’s eye- superbly pushed away by Patricio.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Maguire calls for social media Bayern fans greet Coutinho and Cuisance; Sanches on way out? clampdown over Pogba racist abuse DPA anywhere in midfi eld,” Saliha- opening 2-2 draw with Hertha Munich midzic said of the Frenchman. Berlin. AFP “He is a creative player with a Leon Goretzka did not train London good left foot — it’s really quite having missed that match with hilippe Coutinho trained special. I am sure we will have a a thigh injury while Corentin with his new Bayern lot of fun watching him.” Tolisso worked alone in the gym. anchester United defender Munich teammates for Cuisance dismissed annoyance Portugal’s Renato Sanches could Harry Maguire called on social the fi rst time yesterday from former club Gladbach at his meanwhile be on his way out af- media giants Twitter and Insta- Pwith rain not putting off around move for a reported 10mn euros ter all as sporting director Hasan gram to be more pro-active to 1,600 fans who came to watch. (11.1mn dollars). “My fi rst year Salihamidzic did no longer guar- Mstop “pathetic trolls” after teammate Paul Along with the Brazilian, on- in Gladbach was very good, the antee that the 22-year-old would Pogba became the latest player to suff er rac- lookers were also able to get a second season diffi cult,” he said, defi nitely stay at Bayern. ist abuse online. glimpse of fellow new arrival adding he relied on performances The 22-year-old midfi elder Pogba was targeted after his penalty was Michael Cuisance in the session with the French under-20 side to Sanches, who came to Munich saved in United’s 1-1 draw at Wolves on which focussed on quick attacks. boost his confi dence. He was, in 2016 for 35mn euros from Monday just days after Chelsea striker Tam- Coutinho, 27, showed nice however, “thankful” to Gladbach Benfi ca and has a contract until my Abraham suff ered similar abuse. “Dis- touches throughout but appeared for his Bundesliga chance and at 2021, complained after the Her- gusting. Social media need to do something tired by the bounce game towards Bayern promised to “work hard, tha game that he was not getting about it,” Maguire, the world’s most expen- the end. After helping Brazil win improve and give everything to enough playing time. sive defender after an £80mn ($97mn) move the Copa America in summer, he help the team achieve its goals.” He was reportedly fi ned by the from Leicester earlier this month, posted resumed training late with Bar- Both Coutinho and Cuisance club for the remarks. on Twitter. “Every account that is opened celona before completing a loan could be considered for Bayern Munich offi cials in the should be verifi ed by a passport/driving li- move to Munich on Monday. The debuts at Schalke this weekend, pre-season rejected his request cence. Stop these pathetic trolls making nu- 20-year-old Cuisance was later though the later may struggle to move elsewhere but Saliha- merous accounts to abuse people.@Twitter introduced to the media along- for a consisting starting spot midzic said yesterday that “we @instagram.” side Bayern sporting director throughout the season. Ivan Per- will leave the door open on the United said they were “disgusted” by the Hasan Salihamidzic after joining isic, another loan signing from transfer market until September abuse and “utterly condemn” it. “The indi- from Borussia Moenchenglad- Inter Milan, is also available af- 2,” the day the window closes in viduals who expressed these views do not bach on Saturday. “He can play ter being suspended for Friday’s Germany. represent the values of our great club and it is encouraging to see the vast majority of our fans condemn this on social media also,” the club said in a statement. “Manchester Unit- ed has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing com- mitment to campaigning against it through our #AllRedAllEqual initiative. We will work to identify the few involved in these inci- Manchester United’s Paul Pogba reacts after his penalty is saved by Wolverhampton dents and take the strongest course of action Wanderers’ Rui Patricio (right) during the Premier League match. (Reuters) available to us. We also encourage social me- dia companies to take action in these cases.” creased by 43% last season. the haters” with his performances on the Many commentators argued that Pogba “The number of posts such as these since pitch. Chelsea banned a supporter for life in should have let Marcus Rashford take the the start of the season further highlights July for racially abusing Manchester City’s vital penalty at Molineux after the England how discriminatory abuse online is out of Raheem Sterling last season. international scored from the spot against control,” the body said yesterday. “Without Five others were excluded for periods Chelsea on the opening weekend of the immediate and the strongest possible action of between one and two years for abusive season. However, Rashford also showed these cowardly acts will continue to grow.” language. Ivory Coast international Meite his public support for Pogba. “Manchester Abraham missed the fi nal penalty in a missed a penalty in time added on for Read- United is a family @paulpogba is a huge part shootout as Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the ing on Sunday against Cardiff but his side of that family. You attack him you attack us UEFA Super Cup last Wednesday. The posts had the match already wrapped up at 3-0. all...” said Rashford. aimed at him were described as “abhorrent” Some of the tweets aimed at Pogba were As well as Abraham, Championship side by Chelsea and manager Frank Lampard said later deleted while several accounts ap- Reading’s Yakou Meite have suff ered similar he was “disgusted”. peared to have been taken down. Twitter’s abuse in the past week. Anti-discrimination Lampard also called for social media sites terms and conditions say it “takes action charity “Kick It Out” published a report in to do more to prevent players being abused against behaviour that targets individuals July that stated incidents of racist abuse in- while Abraham has said he wants to “silence with hateful conduct”. Bayern Munich’s Philippe Coutinho signs autographs for fans after a training session in Munich. (AFP)