SPORT Friday 17 August 2018 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Chinese swim England yet to decide sensation Sun eyes on Stokes’ inclusion Asian sweep in third India Test Qatari flag raised at the 2018 Athletes’ Village

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Qatari flag was raised in the Athletes’ Village at the Asian Games 2018 yesterday, welcoming Team Qatar and marking the start of the team’s highly anticipated competitions. The Athletes’ Village hosts competitors from 45 Asian nations in what is known to be the largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics. The National anthem of the State of Qatar was played, fol- lowed by the flag hoisting cer- emony in the presence of H E Qatar’s Ambassador to Indonesia The Qatari delegation Ahmed bin Jassim Al Hamar and attending the flag raising Vice Presidents of the Qatar ceremony at the Athletes’ Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Village of 2018 Asian Saud bin Ali Al Thani and Dr. Games yesterday. Thani Al Kuwari, QOC Secretary General Jassim Rashid Al Buainain along with members of the as a team, we all aim to represent multi-sport event, he said: “It is their best performances and we administrative delegation. Qatar in the best possible way. We incredible seeing all of these ath- wish them all the best of luck in On his visit to the Athletes’ are very proud of our athletes letes coming from all around Asia their competitions.” Indonesian Village, Al Buenain said: “We are and look forward to supporting to compete at one prestigious The Athletes’ Village at soldiers so happy to see the flag of Qatar them as they compete in Indo- event. Being part of Team Qatar Kemayoran, North Jakarta, will hoist the raised in the Athletes’ Village of nesia in the next two weeks,” the and representing our country is a accommodate 14,500 athletes and Qatari flag at the Asian Games in Jakarta. Our QOC Secretary General said. huge responsibility, but I’m excited officials, while the Athletes’ the Games participation at the games is a The energy of Asia can be felt to go head-to-head with Asia’s best Village inside the Jakabaring Village of part of our strategy to ensure that in the Athletes’ Village as 45 par- athletes and make Qatar proud” Sports City at Palembang will 2018 Asian our athletes have the opportunity ticipating nations were welcomed Chef De Mission, said: house 3,000 athletes and officials Games to participate in as many multi- and, during the next two weeks, “Seeing the Qatari flag fly high in for the 11 sports disciplines. during a sporting events and champion- athletes will have the opportunity the Athletes’ Village was a very Fans can follow Team Qatar’s ceremony ships around the world.” to share their diverse cultures, proud moment for all of us. competitions and performances held in “We believe this will provide languages and histories. Qatar’s participation at the Asian at the Asian Games 2018 on Team Jakarta, them with valuable experiences Qatari swimmer Abdelaziz Al Games 2018 marks another mile- Qatar’s social media channels and Indonesia they need to improve and Obaidly commented on his first stone for our country in sport. Our the official website www. yesterday. enhance their performances. And participation at an international athletes are determined to give Olympic.qa/AsianGames2018

Handball: Qatar meet Iran in battle for top spot in Group B

THE PENINSULA out after Asian heavyweights Uzbekistan defeated Al Annabi 6-0 at JAKARTA: Qatar’s will meet Iran in the Pakan Sari Stadium yesterday. their final; Group B match of the The Qatari team is now ranked in preliminary round of the 2018 Asian the last place with one point while Games handball competition today. Uzbekistan tops the group with 6 points Both Iran and Qatar have qualified and qualified to the next round. for the main round after the third team Qatar will need to beat Bangladesh of the group, Malaysia lost both of their on Sunday if they are to reach the first round matches. Round of 16. Qatar handball team opened its Meanwhile, Qatar basketball Asian games campaign on high note, players also failed to impress yesterday, thrashing their Malaysian opponents and lost to Japan 82-71. 64-11 in their opening game. Qatar are now second in Group C Qatari shooters and archers pose for a photograph with officials upon their arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday. Meanwhile, in the football compe- behind Japan, and will face Chinese Taipei tition, Qatar are in danger of missing in their last group match on August 25. Eyeing medals, Qatari shooters and archers arrive in Indonesia THE PENINSULA place in Jakabaring Sports City in Pale- begin their quest for gold in Group F, mbang, while the bow and arrow com- which also includes India, Maldives and JAKARTA: Qatari shooters, led by petitions will be held at the Gelora Bung Hong Kong. London bronze Karno in Jakarta. The Qatari volleyball players will medallist Nasser Al Saleh Al Attiyah and Qatar Shooting and Archery Asso- start their campaign against Maldives archers yesterday arrived in Jakarta ciation has the maximum number of on August 20. ahead of the 2018 Asian Games which athletes (27) at the Games followed by Team Qatar forms a strong team and kicks off tomorrow. Qatar Athletics Federation (26). is eager to return home with many The two-time Dakar Rally winner, Meanwhile, Qatar Volleyball Team medals. There will be 222 athletes who is taking part in his sixth Asian also departed for the Indonesian capital proudly representing Team Qatar at the Games, will be looking for his third gold of Jakarta yesterday from Chinese continental championship. medal at the Asiad. Taipei, a day after winning the Asian The diverse and ambitious team Al Attiyah heads a strong Al Annabi Volleyball Confederation Cup. includes 29 females who will take part squad of 20 shooters who will be seen The Qatari team was crowned the in new and exciting sports, everything in action in the continental. Asian Championship on Wednesday, from shooting to taekwondo. Qatar are taking part in 31 events after beating Iran three sets for two The 18th edition of the Asian Games Qatar’s Khaled Abdelbaset (centre) is blocked by Japan’s Shogo Tamaki (left) out of the 54 in the shooting compe- (23-25, 21-25, 25 22, 25-18, 15-10) in the will be held in the cities of Jakarta and and Naoto Tsuji during their Group C preliminary round match of the 2018 tition in Palembang. final match. Palembang in Indonesia and will con- Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. Shooting competitions are taking During the 2018 Asiad, Qatar will clude on September 2 FRIDAY 17 AUGUST 2018 SPORT 17

Five stars set to make a splash Chinese swim sensation at the Asian Games pool Sun eyes Asian sweep AFP JAKARTA: Five athletes who AFP Lacourt sniffed that Sun “pees countryman Daiya Seto breathing could light up the Asian purple”. down his neck. Games compe- JAKARTA: Brash, belligerent and Sun then escalated the war of Japan also have high hopes for tition, which begins on often painted as swimming’s big, words by accusing Horton of “dirty Rikako Ikee, who swept to gold in Sunday in Jakarta: bad wolf, Chinese giant Sun Yang tactics” after losing his Olympic the women’s 100m butterfly at last will be looking to savage his rivals 400m title to the Australian. week’s Pan Pacific championships. SUN YANG (CHINA) at the Asian Games. Prowling the pool deck in bling The 18-year-old also took silver The beefy Chinese has The triple Olympic champion is gold headphones before his races, in the 200m freestyle in Tokyo, two won three Olympic freestyle poised to swim the men’s 200m, the Chinese star could face less years out from the 2020 Olympics gold medals and is almost 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle resistance in his bid to win a fistful in her home city. Ikee will contest unstoppable when he’s in the in Jakarta -- and it would take an of gold in Jakarta with Hagino the 50 and 100m fly, 50 and 100m mood. Tough as nails, Sun astonishing upset to deny him a failing to qualify for Japan in the free and at least two relays at the bounced back from losing his gold medal sweep. 200m free. Asian Games. Olympic 400m title in Rio two No shrinking violet, Sun trig- “I can’t relax for a second,” Japan could sweep the men’s years ago with an emotional gered a diplomatic row at the admitted the 26-year-old Sun, who through Yasuhiro victory in the 200m free after by completed a hat-trick of 400m world Koseki and , with being accused by rivals of slamming Japan’s national titles last year in Budapest. Kazakhstan’s going being a “drug cheat”. Few anthem as “ugly” after “If you stop pushing, that’s when off the boil since claiming a shock would bet against him being ambushed by Kosuke the problems start,” he told Chinese Olympic title in the 200m. scooping a fistful of gold in Hagino in the 200m free in media. “Rest and recuperation can Meanwhile, Singapore expects Jakarta. Korea. wait.” Joseph Schooling to retain his 100m Sun was banned for three China’s support cast is led by butterfly crown after stunning months in 2014 for taking tri- teenager Li Bingjie, who medalled American legend Phelps to win Rio (JAPAN) metazidine, prescribed for in the women’s 400m and 800m gold. A man on a mission after a heart condition and which freestyle in Hungary, and charismatic “Everyone has dips in form, it’s American Chase Kalisz’s had only been included on backstroker Fu Yuanhui, a double about performing in that precise recent rise, the Japanese is the World Anti-Doping Asian Games winner in 2014. moment,” said Schooling, already another who captured gold Agency’s list of illegal Wang Shun, bronze medallist looking ahead to the Tokyo Olympics. in Rio, winning the men’s substances four months behind Michael Phelps and Hagino “Look at Michael Phelps -- he got 400m individual medley and earlier. in the 200m individual medley at the seven golds in Athens in 2004 and taking silver behind Michael Rival swimmers tore Rio Olympics, will have hopes of wasn’t on the radar in 2006,” added Phelps in the 200m IM into Sun at the Rio upsetting his Japanese rival. the 23-year-old, who is set to swim despite struggling with an Olympics in 2016, where But Hagino, who captured in the 50 and 100m fly, the 50m free elbow injury. Hagino will be China’s swimmer Sun Yang leaves the swimming Australian Mack Horton Olympic gold in the 400m medley, and a couple of relays in Jakarta. favourite to do the medley pool after a training session during the 2018 Asian labelled him a “drug cheat” will be favourite to complete another “But everybody knows what double for the second suc- Games in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday. and Frenchwoman Camille Asian Games double, despite having happened in 2008.” cessive Asian Games and restore dented confidence.

RIKAKO IKEE (JAPAN) Preperations for Opening Ceremony in full swing With her ultra-bright Indian skipper Chhetri rues smile and tendency to sob tears of joy after winning races, Ikee is her country’s football team’s Games snub new darling of the pool. The 18-year-old Tokyo Olympic hope melted hearts when she IANS I hope we can rectify things,” Chhetri snatched Pan Pacific gold in added. the 100m butterfly earlier this KOLKATA: India captain Sunil Chhetri The IOA decided against sending month. Ikee will be buzzing yesterday said the football team needs the football teams to the Asian Games after also taking silver in the to be given a chance to perform after starting tomorrow in Jakarta and Pale- 200m freestyle and is poised the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) mbang. As per IOA regulations, only for a big week in Jakarta. decided not to allow the side to partic- those national teams which are ranked ipate in the upcoming 2018 Asian between 1-8 at the continental level, JOSEPH SCHOOLING Games. were cleared for the Games. (SINGAPORE) “Suddenly India is not going to This will be the first time since the After bursting onto the win medals. You got to give them a 1994 Hiroshima edition that an Indian scene by winning gold in the chance to do that. In future, I just team will not take part in the football 100m butterfly at the last hope in future all authorities can help competition of the Asian Games, which Asian Games in 2014, in that and the boys get enough is an Under-23 event with three over- Schooling stunned Phelps in opportunity, especially the U-16 team age players being allowed. the 100m fly at the Rio as they are really good,” Chhetri told Chhetri heaped praise on the India Olympics in the great Amer- reporters on the sidelines of the Cal- Under-16 team which recently stunned ican’s final individual race cutta Sports Journalists’ Club annual reigning Asian champions Iraq for the before retiring. His form has awards. first time at the West Asian Football dipped since but his bronze Workers prepare signages ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the 18th Asian Games in The 34-year old, who is India’s Federation (WAFF) Tournament. medal at last year’s world Palembang, Indonesia yesterday. The 2018 Asian Games kicks off tomorrow. all-time highest scorer, was awarded “I am very hopeful about the U-16 championship will have acted Best Sportsperson of the Country. team. Against Iraq, we had more ball as a wake-up call for Singa- “This is the government thing, not possession. We had more attacks. pore’s most famous athlete. in my hands. If the boys would have (Coach) Bibiano (Fernandes) is doing got a chance, it would have been a great job and the U-16 team has DMITRIY BALANDIN lovely. Any tournament the under-age potential to do great things in future. Games flame to be handed (KAZAKHSTAN) teams play is great and I just hope in We have to preserve them,” the Indian Following a breakout the future we can neglect these things. captain expressed. over to Indonesian President breaststroke treble at the 2014 Asian Games, Balandin became Kazakhstan’s first- IANS north, west and central municipalities, Xinhua ever Olympic swimming IOC provisionally lifts Kuwait news agency reported. The Asiad flame's cross- champion when he won gold JAKARTA: The Asian Games flame arrived in the nation relay began from Yogyakarta province on in the 200m two years ago. Indonesian capital of Jakarta with a torch relay July 18. The flame was lit in India’s Dhyan Chand However, he has suffered a ban two days ahead of Asiad run planned to circle around the city before being Stadium in New Delhi that hosted the first Asian hefty Rio hangover and the handed over to President Joko Widodo on Inde- Games in 1951. It arrived in Yogyakarta airport 23-year-old native pendence Day today. after being flown from New Delhi on July 15. will need to rediscover his REUTERS The IOC said the reasons for the Through a series of relay runs, the flame was Before being lit in the Asian Games opening mojo to hold off Japanese pair suspension remained valid, “in par- scheduled to pass through landmark places and ceremony on August 18, the flame will be kept in and Ippei BERLIN :The International Olympic ticular the need to protect the tourism spots in each of Jakarta's east, south, Indonesia’s Presidential palace. Watanabe in Jakarta. Committee (IOC) yesterday provi- Olympic movement in Kuwait from sionally lifted a ban on Kuwait two undue government interference”. days before the start of the Asian But it noted progress in the dis- Games, allowing the country to cussions with Kuwait and the participate under its own flag. agreement of a road map for fresh Kuwait’s national Olympic com- elections of all sports organisations mittee (KOC) has been banned since in Kuwait and potential amendments October, 2015 after the government to the controversial sports law. was accused of interference with a Talks in the past years had failed new sports law. to yield a result and Kuwait in 2016 As a result, Kuwaiti athletes had repeatedly sued the IOC unsuccess- to compete under the Olympic flag fully for 1 billion dollars as compen- at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016 sation for the ban. and they have no access to IOC Kuwait said at the time the ban funds. was unjustifiable and unfair and the “In the interest of Kuwaiti ath- IOC had not conducted “an appro- letes and as a gesture of goodwill to priate investigation”. Kuwait had recognise the progress accom- also been suspended in 2010 over a plished, the IOC Executive Board has similar dispute but was reinstated decided to provisionally lift the sus- before the 2012 London Olympics. pension of the KOC with immediate The country has had more than effect,” the IOC said in a statement. 15 national sports bodies suspended An Indonesian runner carries the 2018 Asian Games torch in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday. The 18th Asian Games will The Asian Games in Indonesia in the past years, including its officially kick off in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia tomorrow. start tomorrow. football federation. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 17 AUGUST 2018

Spain’s Sainz Jr to replace Haase stuns Zverev; Tsurenko sends Alonso at Muguruza packing McLaren Djokovic advances in Cincinnati AP REUTERS REUTERS WOKING, ENGLAND: MASON, OHIO: Dutchman Wozniacki retired shortly Carlos Sainz Jr (pictured Robin Haase upset German CINCINNATI: Ukraine’s after Bertens captured the below) will leave Renault fourth seed Alexander Zverev Lesia Tsurenko stunned opening set in 62 minutes. to drive for McLaren in 5-7, 6-5, 7-5 at the Cincinnati defending Cincinnati “It’s never nice to win Formula One next year Masters on Wednesday and Masters champion Garbine when someone has to as a replacement for Wimbledon winner Novak Muguruza as the world’s top retire,” Bertens said. Fernando Alonso. Djokovic cruised into the third players faced difficulty “I felt she was struggling McLaren said it round before rain interrupted during a rain-shortened a bit with her serve. She signed the 23-year-old play. second round on seemed to struggle with her Spaniard to a “multi- Haase, who last week kicked Wednesday. movement as well.” year” deal without giving off his North American hard- Tsurenko took down the Fourth seed Angelique further details. court swing by reaching the seventh-seeded Spaniard Kerber also had a difficult “I’ve been a McLaren Toronto quarter-finals, con- 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the early outing, having to battle back fan for as long as I can verted six of seven break point match, which was a preview to outlast Anastasia Pavly- remember. It’s a great opportunities to get by world of the challenges faced by uchenkova 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. name in the sport with an number three Zverev in a match top seeds during the day. Next up for Tsurenko is incredible heritage,” lasting two hours and 25 World number one a clash with Ekaterina Sainz Jr said. minutes. Simona Halep fell down a Makarova after the Russian “The list of drivers World number 55 Haase set but rallied against Aus- topped Frenchwoman Alize that have raced for improved to a 2-2 career record tralia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, Cornet 6-2, 6-0. McLaren over the years against Zverev, including vic- and was leading 4-6, 6-3, Joining Tsurenko in the are among the heroes of tories in their last two meetings. 4-3 when her match was third round was US Open Formula 1. Fernando is “We’ve played four times Robin Haase of the Netherlands celebrates his win against suspended due to rain. champion Sloane Stephens, of course one of them, so now,” Haase said. Alexander Zverev of Germany during the Western & Southern Second seed and Aus- who enjoyed a routine 6-3, it’s particularly special “The first time he literally tralian Open champion 6-2 win over German Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on Wednesday. that I’ll be taking his kicked my ass... That was the Caroline Wozniacki lasted Tatjana Maria. seat.” tournament where he actually will face Pablo Carreno Busta in and with the help of the doctor just one set against Kiki Stephens will next face Alonso - a two-time came up. And, yeah, since then the third round after the Spanish and God, I’m just happy that I Bertens before retiring due Elise Mertens after the 15th- F1 champion - said on he’s come a long way. 13th seed beat Bradley Klahn managed to overcome the to a left knee injury. The seeded Belgian earned a 3-6, Tuesday he was leaving “And now I was there twice 6-4, 6-4. challenge.” match was delayed by rain 6-2, 7-6 (1) win over Swedish F1 at the end of the physically, mentally and game- Zverev’s older brother Djokovic returned to wrap for over three hours and qualifier Rebecca Peterson. season after 32 wins, 22 wise I was there. And we have Mischa fell to defending up the second set and raced into pole positions and fin- to be a little bit lucky, as well, Cincinnati champion Grigor a 5-0 lead in the decider before Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine in action ishing F1 runner-up against these top guys.”Haase Dimitrov 7-6 (5) 7-5 in a match serving out the match. Djokovic on Wednesday. three times. delayed by rain. will next face fifth seed There is speculation Djokovic, who needs the Dimitrov. that McLaren will enter Cincinnati title to complete his Former champion Marin IndyCar with Alonso as collection of ATP World Tour Cilic of Croatia, competing in one of its drivers. Masters 1000 trophies, rallied Cincinnati for the first time since Alonso ran the Indi- Djokovic, who needs to defeat Frenchman Adrian lifting the trophy in 2016, beat anapolis 500 last year the Cincinnati title Mannarino 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Romanian qualifier Marius Copil and was in position to to complete his The 10th-seeded Serb, who 6-7 (4) 6-4 6-4. win the race until his has reached the final five times, Sixth seed Kevin Anderson engine failed. collection of ATP suffered stomach problems overcame Jeremy Chardy 7-6(6) Alonso also ran the World Tour Masters during the match and was 6-2 while Swiss wildcard Stan Rolex 24 at Daytona as a 1000 trophies, rallied tended to by a doctor during the Wawrinka knocked out Japan’s warm-up for the 24 to defeat Frenchman second set. “I didn’t have a great Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-4. Hours of Le Mans in June, night and wasn’t feeling that Fourth seed Juan Martin Del in which Alonso was part Adrian Mannarino well for the first set and a half,” Potro had his match against of the winning team. 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Djokovic said. South Korean Chung Hyeon Sainz Jr is the son of “I kind of made it through, postponed due to rain. two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz. He will likely race alongside Belgian driver Stoffel Vandoorne, England yet to decide on Stokes’ although McLaren has England’s Ben yet to confirm its driver Stokes bowls lineup. during nets at McLaren chief exec- Trent Bridge inclusion in third India Test utive officer Zak Brown in Nottingham, AFP has high hopes for Sainz yesterday. take place before tomor- was added to the squad Jr. row’s first day in after the not guily verdict, “We’ve been NOTTINGHAM: England Nottingham. Bayliss said: “It was a col- assessing him for some have yet to decide if Ben Given they are 2-0 up lective decision. Myself, the time now and rate him Stokes will make his return in a five-match series, It’s a good position management, the captain, very highly among the to international action in the England face a more than to be in. Whether Andy Flower, the oard -- next generation of young third Test against India at usually tricky decision over Stokes plays or everyone had a bit of a say talent,” Brown said. Trent Bridge later this week. whether to change a not we’ve got and basically thought for his There has been a The all-rounder was winning side. (Stokes’s) own wellbeing it flurry of recent activity acquitted of affray at a trial “It’s good to have him some guys in good was good to get him back in F1, with Australian in Bristol on Tuesday, back around the squad. I’m form in the team: around the cricket. driver Daniel Ricciardo having missed England’s happy for Ben and glad it’s England coach “There’s nothing auto- leaving Red Bull to join innings and 159-run win in all over,” Bayliss told Trevor Bayliss matic about selections, we’ll Renault next year. the second Test at Lord’s reporters at Trent Bridge see how he is mentally as Ricciardo was widely last week because it clashed yesterday. well as physically. He’s not expected to sign a new with his court case. “I haven’t actually “It’s a difficult decision played for a couple of contract with Red Bull England coach Trevor spoken to him since...but whoever misses out, weeks. It’s a difficult and his move to Renault Bayliss welcomed Stokes’s I’ve got the next two days to whether it’s Ben or anyone decision to make.” - where he will drive return to the squad assess where he’s at.” else. It’s a position we’ve Although cleared by the alongside Nico yesterday. The Australian added: been trying to get into for a court both Stokes and Hulkenberg - effectively But neither England nor “It’s a good position to be in. while. England team-mate Alex pushed Sainz Jr out of the India are obliged to confirm Whether Stokes plays or not “We have some good Hales remain subject to a French team. their XI until the toss which, we’ve got some guys in good young players coming in.” Cricket Discipline Com- It also led to specu- weather permitting, should form in the team. Explaining how Stokes mission investigation. lation Sainz Jr who came through the ranks with Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s feeder team, could swap Former India captain Ajit Wadekar dies at 77 in for Ricciardo. Instead, the vacant AFP Red Bull seat could be with Indian Prime Minister triumphs, Wadekar also In this file photo taken on November 28, 2003, former taken by promising Narendra Modi hailing him served as India’s first ODI Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar (right) stands poised French driver Pierre MUMBAI: Ajit Wadekar, the as “a great batsman & won- captain and as manager of with a clapper board at the Muhurat (opening shot) Gasly, who has man who led India to their derful captain”. the team during Mohammad of the film ‘Silence Please...The Dressing Room’ at the impressed for Toro Rosso first series triumphs in “He led our team to some Azharuddin’s tenure as Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. this season. England and the West Indies, of the most memorable vic- captain in the 1990s. died on Wednesday at the tories in our cricketing The Board of Control for age of 77, the Press Trust of history”, Modi tweeted. Cricket in India (BCCI) hailed India reported. India coach Ravi Shastri his multifaceted career, Wadekar died at a hos- also paid tribute, tweeting a which also included a stint pital in Mumbai after battling photo of Wadekar during his as the chairman of selectors. a prolonged illness, the news heyday as a cricketer. “With heavy heart, we agency said. The former “Sad moment for Indian bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. batsman, who led India to vic- cricket to lose one of its most The former India captain is tories in England and the West successful captains. Shrewd no more. Cricketer, Coach, Indies in 1971, scored 2,113 to the core. Condolences to Manager and Chairman of runs in just 37 Test matches, the entire family #TeamIndia Selectors - Mr Wadekar including one century. #RIPAjitWadekar,” Shastri served Indian cricket in Tributes poured in on tweeted. many different ways,” the social media for Wadekar, In addition to his Test BCCI wrote on Twitter. FRIDAY 17 AUGUST 2018 SPORT 19 Qatar SC eye Al Sailiya scalp as Eto’o makes QSL debut FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Fulham target DOHA: Qatar SC are eyeing full points against Al Sailiya today in good show their third round tie, what will be the debut QNB Stars League FIXTURES against Spurs (QSL) match for new signing TODAY REUTERS Samuel Eto’o at Al Sadd Stadium. 5:25pm: Umm Salal vs Al Ahli Coach Abdulla Mubarak is hoping for a significant at Al Sadd Stadium LONDON: Fulham will draw improvement in his ranks fol- 7:35pm: Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya on their experience of playing lowing the addition of Eto’o. Tottenham Hotspur in the FA The former Cameroon at Al Sadd Stadium Cup last year as they prepare captain, a four-time African foot- TOMORROW: for tomorrow’s Premier baller of the year, joined Qatar 5:25pm: Al Khor vs Al League clash against a largely SC earlier this week. unchanged team, manager He is Cameroon’s all-time Shahania at Khalifa Slavisa Jokanovic (pictured) leading goalscorer with 56 goals, International Stadium said yesterday. and twice an African Cup of Harry Kane’s hat-trick Nations winner. Eto’o has also 7:35pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al helped Spurs beat their played with Spain great Xavi at Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o Arabi at Khalifa International London rivals 3-0 in February attends his presentation after signing Barcelona and Netherlands play- Stadium last year, and the striker will maker Wesley Sneijder at Inter a one year contract to play for Qatar again lead the attack when Milan. Sports Club football team, in Doha SUNDAY the teams meet at Wembley “Now, we have the full team on August 14, 2018. 5:25pm: Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa Stadium. against Al Sailiya with the “We have experience addition of Samuel Eto’o,” at Al Sadd Stadium playing against them in the Mubarak said on the eve of the Both the teams are entering Meanwhile, Al Sailiya coach SC. We will concentrate more on 7:35pm: Al Duhail vs Al Rayyan FA Cup a year ago and it match. the match with 3 points each Sami Trabelsi was also aiming our finishing. We missed a lot of at Khalifa International wasn’t an easy day for us,” “We felt the absence of a from their previous two games for nothing less than a win in scoring opportunities while Jokanovic told reporters. strong striker and we have got and the Qatar SC coach was today’s game. losing to Al Gharafa in our last Stadium “But they haven’t changed that in Eto’o. He is a great player expecting a tough battle. “We lost the second match match. It was not just our strikers much and we might see a who can guide fellow players. I “This is a very important and our target now is to get back who missed chances. Our mid- Hussein Ali, and we have to be similar starting 11 for Spurs.” am sure Eto’o will be a special game for us. Al Sailiya are a good to winning ways. Qatar SC did fielders too were found wanting careful not to let them have a Spurs, who are preparing to help for our young attackers. side. They are consistent in their very well in their first match when it came to finishing. free run,” he said. move into their new 62,000- “We now have more options performance even though they against Al Gharafa. Though they “We have good strikers in In today’s other match, Al seater stadium, did not sign in attack. Our defence is also lost to Al Gharafa in their last lost to Al Ahli in Week 2, we are Rachid Tiberkanine and Ahli will take on Umm Salal. Al any players in the close good. We chose players match. We have assessed them wary of them,” he said. Abdulqadir Ilyas. We are aware Ahli are on 6th spot while Umm season transfer window. according to our requirements,” and know their strengths and “We will try to put up an that Qatar SC have fast players Salal are struggling on 10th However, Jokanovic he added. weaknesses,” he said. organised game against Qatar such as Osama Omari and position with just one point. expects a tough start with the pressure on him after a 2-0 opening weekend loss to Crystal Palace. “This is a tough game Lahm to be figurehead if Captain Messi to miss ahead of us,” he added. “But it’s a great oppor- Argentina friendlies tunity for us to test against Germany host Euro 2024 one of the top teams. “We are returning to AFP REUTERS Former Germany player in the World Cup, where Wembley as a Premier Philipp Lahm with the they were eliminated at the League team. We worked BERLIN: Former World Cup World Cup trophy at BUENOS AIRES: Argentina last 16 stage by eventual well this week, building our winner Philipp Lahm will be the the Luzhniki Stadium, captain Lionel Messi has winners France. spirit and working on the way head of the organising committee Moscow, Russia in this ruled himself out of two He will not go to Los we want to play football.” if Germany win the bid to host July 15, 2018 file photo. friendlies in the United Angeles for the September Jokanovic will be without Euro 2024, it was confirmed States next month, a source 7 match against Guatemala Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson yesterday. at the Argentine Football or to New Jersey to face in defence through injuries, Germany and Turkey are the Association (AFA) said on Colombia four days later. while Denis Odoi is serving a only two candidates bidding to Wednesday. It is not the first time two-game suspension after host the European champion- The source, confirming Messi has decided to take his red card in the playoff ships in six years time with a widespread reports in time out from international final victory over Aston Villa decision by European football’s Argentine media, said the duty. He retired after last season. governing body UEFA set to be Barcelona forward would Argentina lost the 2016 made on September 27. miss the games against Copa America final, their Lahm, 34, stepped down from Guatemala and Colombia third defeat in a major final international duty after leading and possibly more. on three years, but he Germany to the 2014 World Cup “We don’t know what changed his mind two This is a tough game title and retired from all football interesting opportunity to do just countdown to the decision. will happen after but for months later. ahead of us. But it’s in May 2017.“From the beginning that. Together with the bidding The DFB and the Turkish now (Messi) has told the Argentina will play four of my work as an ambassador for team, I will do everything in the Football Federation (TFF) got coaching staff that he will more friendlies in October a great opportunity the European Championship coming weeks to bring Euro 2024 into a war of words after Mesut not be part of the next and November. Their next for us to test 2024, it was my desire to take to Germany.” Ozil, who has Turkish roots, squad,” the source said. tournament will be in 2019 against one of the responsibility in the long term,” Tensions are already high resigned from Germany duty Reports said Messi was when they go to neighbours top teams: Slavisa said Lahm in a statement. “The between the German Football last month and accused DFB still disappointed over and arch-rival Brazil for the new role as head of the tour- Association (DFB) and their president Reinhard Grindel of Argentina’s poor showing Copa America. Jokanovic nament offers me a very Turkish counterparts in the racism. Real life post Ronaldo and Zidane starts badly REUTERS due to injury and four minutes AtAtleletiticcoo Madadririd’d’s plplayayerers anand played well, but they punished later Costa grabbed his second offifficciialals cec lelebrbratate wiwithth thehe us with their goals.” TALLINN: Life without Cristiano goal of the game to make it 2-2. ttrropophyhy aftefter wiw nnnnining ththe UEUEFAFA Lopetegui endured a tumul- Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane Saul Niguez and Koke struck SuSupeper CuCup inin Talallilinnnn, EsEstotoninia,a tuous summer after being sacked was already looking like a in the first half of extra-time as onon Weeddnenesdsdayay. as Spain coach on the eve of the struggle for Real Madrid after the Atletico finally get revenge on World Cup and faces an unen- triple Champions League holders Real in Europe after losing the viable task in following Zidane, lost the UEFA Super Cup to local 2014 and 2016 Champions who lifted a remarkable nine tro- rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 after League finals and being knocked phies in less than three years in extra time on Wednesday. out of the competition by their charge of Real, including three After falling behind to an neighbours in 2015 and 2017. consecutive Champions League early strike from Diego Costa, Above all, Real were lacking titles. goals from Karim Benzema and a talismanic figure like Ronaldo, But the coach said he was Sergio Ramos put Real back into their all-time top scorer who last certain the team were still full of a familiar winning position month ended a trophy-filled hunger to win silverware. against Atletico in European nine-year stay at the Santiago “It’s true they have won a lot games but they uncharacteristi- Bernabeu to join Italian cham- but we have to focus on the cally surrendered the lead. pions Juventus. season without thinking about Real, now led by former Real’s only signings have what has happened in the last Spain coach Julen Lopetegui, been defender Alvaro Odriozola, few years,” added Lopetegui, looked stronger and slicker than goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and whose side host Getafe on Atletico for large parts of the Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr. Sunday in their fist game of the game but failed to see it out, a Real forwards Gareth Bale, new La Liga season. marked contrast to many big Marco Asensio and Karim “We have to get the most out matches under Zidane, when Benzema are all highly talented of the team and start to lift our- they would often snatch victory footballers but they lack the played well while declaring that circumstances and Atletico are “We aren’t happy with the selves up now and start without playing particularly well. inspirational qualities the pro- Atletico were worthy winners. experts in doing that and they result, it’s not normal for us to thinking about a league season Real lost stability in midfield lific Portuguese oozes. “A final is typically won by deserved to win,” the Real coach concede four goals and we need which we are very excited when Casemiro was forced off Lopetegui insisted his side the team who capitalises on told reporters. to improve. I insist that we about,” he said.