TENNIS | Page 3 FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 4 ‘Best yet’ Rosberg must To Advertise here Murray poised be accurate, Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 to pounce at punchy to US Open beat Hamilton

Friday, August 26, 2016 CRICKET Dhul Qa’da 23, 1437 AH Dizzy Roy GULF TIMES sets up win over Pakistan SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL star Dejagah says Qatar can qualify for 2018 W Cup ‘Qatar national team have improved so much over the last four years since we played them in the 2014 qualifiers. They now pose a threat to all other Asian sides. They have a number of good players almost all of whom play in the ’

Sc.qa than Dejagah’s Al Arabi teammate and Doha fellow winger , who has found the net four times for Qatar Qatar win Thai friendly during their second round qualifying ran vice-captain Ashkan Dejagah campaign. has joined his national coach Car- “I know Boualem well as a person,” los Queiroz in talking up Qatar’s said Dejagah. “We have been teasing Ichances of booking a direct berth each other about this game from the in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and com- time the draw was made and I am glad plimented the 2022 hosts on their re- I will be facing him. I wish him the best. cent progress. He is a great talent, a very clever player. The two teams will face off in their I will update my coach and teammates opening Group A third round qualifi ers about his strengths, especially the dan- in ’s iconic on 1 ger he poses from set-pieces and free- September. kicks.” Al Arabi midfi elder Dejagah, who is Dejagah will hope that Khoukhi and one of the very few current Asian inter- his other Qatari friends will turn well- nationals with a top European league ti- wishers should Iran qualify for the fi rst tle under his belt, exclusively told www. ever FIFA World Cup in the region. “I sc.qa that ‘Al Annabi’ have improved have been talking to a lot of friends here enormously and can challenge his team about the 2022 World Cup prepara- for a direct entry to Russia. tions,” he said. “Qatar national team have improved “It is too early to talk about my in- so much over the last four years since volvement as a player. I am now focus- we played them in the 2014 qualifi - ing on the 2018 World Cup. Once that is ers. They now pose a threat to all other over, I will try to do my best during the Asian sides. They have a number of 2022 qualifi ers so that my nation can good players almost all of whom play in qualify and I can be part of a historic the Qatar Stars League. Football in Qa- tournament in a country where I have tar is more competitive and a lot diff er- many friends. I am glad that Qatar are ent now,” said the 2008-09 preparing seriously for the World Cup winner with Wolfsburg. so early. I have been witnessing all the In April, when the third round draw buzz and following the news through was made, Queiroz had tipped opposite media.” number José Carreño’s side along with Dejagah will be hoping he will have continental heavyweights South Korea played at three FIFA World Cups come as the main Group A challengers block- November 2022, but memories of his ing Iran’s progress to their second suc- Iran vice-captain fi rst one in Brazil will linger long. Es- Qatar’s Hassan Haydos (top left) and Ali Assad (bottom centre) battle for the cessive FIFA World Cup. Ashkan Dejagah pecially the moment when he outwit- ball during their friendly against Thailand in Doha yesterday. Haydos scored in Dejagah, who plied his trade in the ted Pablo Zabaleta of Argentina, the the 8th and 77th minutes while Rodrigo Tabata added one in the 62nd to give English for two seasons Manchester City right-back who had the hosts a 3-0 victory. Qatar are gearing up for the crucial final round of Asian with Fulham before joining Al Arabi won the English title only a month ear- qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. in 2014, gave further credence to his lier, during a 1-0 Group F defeat in Belo coach’s analysis. Stadium against Qatar in a third round draw in front of 100,000 people with Horizonte but went down in the box. He added: “Qatar have the ability to qualifi er for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Dejagah coming on as a second half “It was a big game against Argentina,” qualify for Russia. South Korea are the which ended in a 2-2 draw. substitute. he recalled. “I have faced Zabaleta many frontrunners. China can be a tough side “Though we could not win, it was a “I have put that game to the back of times in the Premier Leaguewhile at at their home. Uzbekistan can be tricky. memorable occasion for me as I scored my mind,” he said. “I am now focusing Fulham. For me it was an obvious pen- So there will not be any easy matches both our goals in my fi rst international on the 2018 qualifi er. Qatar are a tough alty. But then this is football. Referees for us in the group.” game,” continued Dejagah. “It will be a team and will give us a fi ght again. have a tough job – they have less than The latest edition will add to Dejag- great feeling to face Qatar again in front However, this time they will also be un- a second to make a decision. Our fans ah’s indelible memories of previous Iran of our home crowd.” der pressure as they will be looking at have never forgotten the way we fought vs Qatar contests. Iran’s best ever left- Four months after his debut, Qatar three points. We are confi dent we can against a huge team. Neither have I.” winger, who usually plays on the right again came calling to the iconic Azadi do our best to make our people happy.” Qatar fans will certainly be hoping for for Al Arabi, made his international this time for a fourth round 2014 quali- Standing in the way of that mission Dejagah and Iran to have a not-so-good debut in February 2012 at the Azadi fi er. ‘Team Melli’ were held to a goalless are a few familiar faces, none more so day at the offi ce on 1 September.

BOTTOMLINE

Pakistan to play day-night FOCUS Kuwait sacks heads of Test against W. Indies Olympic committee, Schedule: AFP The series, which runs from ing an international match with the 20-September WI v ECB XI warm-up T20 Karachi September 23 to November 3, new pink balls used in the day-night football federation includes three Twenty20 inter- Test last year. Dubai nationals and as many one-day The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) 23-September 1st T20 Dubai AFP ciation. akistan yesterday announced and Tests, the highlight being said in a statement it “will host its fi rst 24-Septemeber 2nd T20 Dubai Kuwait City The move comes 10 months after the schedule for their series the day-night Test in Dubai in ever day-night Test match from Oc- 27-September 3rd T20 the Gulf state was suspended by the against the West Indies in the October tober 13-17 to be played with the pink 30-Septemeber 1st one-day International — International Olympic Committee and United Arab Emirates begin- ball under lights at the Dubai cricket D/N Sharjah uwait announced yesterday FIFA over government interference in ningP next month, including their fi rst- working hours. The International stadium”. The West Indies will tune up that it had sacked the board of sports. 02-October 2nd one-day International — D/N ever day-night Test. Cricket Council (ICC) is attempting to for the day-night Test with a three- Sharjah directors of both its Olympic Several other international federa- The series, which runs from Sep- revive waning interest in the fi ve-day day side game in Sharjah, also under 3-4 October WI v ECB XI two-day warm-up committee and football as- tions have also blacklisted Kuwait, and tember 23 to November 3, includes game with the day-night innovation, lights. sociation.K the country missed the Rio de Janeiro match Dubai three Twenty20 internationals and as and termed the Adelaide Test a “big The PCB had off ered to host the The country’s General Commission Olympics due to suspension. 05-October many one-day and Tests, the highlight success”. Australia will also host two Twenty20s in Pakistan, but the West 3rd one-day International — D/N for Sports announced it had named a Sports organisations have demanded being the day-night Test in Dubai in day-night Tests against South Africa Indies refused on security fears. Abu Dhabi new head and deputy head for both or- Kuwait amend its laws to prevent inter- October. and then Pakistan during their home Pakistan has not hosted any inter- 07-9 October 3-day match — WI Vs. PCB ganisations. ference. Australia hosted the fi rst-ever day- season, starting in November. national cricket — barring three one- Patrons XI — D/N Sharjah Sheikh Fahd Jaber al-Ali has been In June, Kuwait’s parliament agreed night Test at Adelaide against New Pakistan’s plans to host the day- days and as many Twenty20s against 13-17 October 1st Test Match — D/N Dubai named as the new head of the Olym- sweeping amendments that gave the Zealand in November last year, with night Test were made after they agreed minnows Zimbabwe in May last year 21-25 October 2nd Test Match Abu Dhabi pic committee, replacing Sheikh Talal government the right to dissolve the high attendance fi gures as it drew fans to play Australia. The West Indies Test — since an extremist attack on the Sri 30-October-3 November 3rd Test Match Fahad al-Sabah. Fawaz al-Hassawi has Olympic committee and local federa- who could watch the match after their will give them their fi rst taste of play- Lankan bus in March 2009. Sharjah been chosen to lead the football asso- tions. Gulf Times 2 Friday, August 26, 2016 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT West Indies, India enter new world Dizzy Roy sets in the United States

West Indies captain up England win Carlos Brathwaite over Pakistan ‘I had a headache, felt a bit dizzy, they got the physio and the doctor on, they told me to get some sugar on board. I was able to get my bearings, settle and re-set myself...’

AFP played just three Tests, 14 ODIs Fort Lauderdale, United States and eight Twenty 20s. In contrast, the team’s super- star Chris Gayle has 103 Tests, est Indies face India 269 ODIs and 50 T20s to his in two Twenty20 in- name as well as a host of batting ternationals in Flor- records. ida at the weekend India, meanwhile, have no Win a litmus test for both crick- worries over their confi dence et’s future in the US and Carlos levels heading into the weekend. Brathwaite’s credentials as Car- They have enjoyed a solid run ibbean skipper. in T20 series in recent times, After India cruised to victory winning in Australia, Sri Lanka in the Test series and in the af- and claiming the Asia Cup before termath of the Caribbean squad’s recovering to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 latest round of blood-letting, the in June. sides head for the sport’s new- Twelve of the 14-man Test est outpost, the Central Broward squad will be in Florida with Regional Park, the only purpose- skipper Virat Kohli handing over built cricket stadium in the US. leadership duties to Mahendra Six matches in the recent fran- Singh Dhoni. chise-based Caribbean Premier They will have revenge on their England’s Jason Roy celebrates his half-century League were played at the $10mn minds having lost to the West against Pakistan at The Ageas Bowl cricket arena while the fi rst full interna- Indies in the semi-fi nals of this ground in Southampton on Wednesday. tional matches, two Twenty20 year’s World Twenty20. games between New Zealand and A crowd of 15,000 is expected Sri Lanka, were staged there in in Florida over each of the two 2010. days including vast numbers of Saturday and Sunday’s back- expatriates. to-back fi xtures come at a crucial “India is a like the rock star time for the West Indies. of cricket,” Rizwan Mohamed They may be the reigning told the Sun Sentinel newspa- world champions in the format per whose reporter went to great having triumphed in India ear- lengths to demystify the sport for lier this year, but that didn’t save his American readership. Darren Sammy’s job as skipper. “Instead of four bases there He was sacked in what he are two wickets bracketing a rec- claimed was a “30-second phone tangular 22-yard-long dirt pitch call” and replaced by Brathwaite at the centre of an oval ground,” AFP fore completing a 43-ball fi fty also fea- who etched his name into West wrote the paper’s correspondent. Southampton, United Kingdom SCORECARD turing fi ve fours. Indies cricket folklore by smash- “The 11 fi elders have various But his innings ended when a lofted ing four sixes in the fi nal over ways of getting the batter out, Pakistan B. Stokes not out ...... 15 drive off spinner Mohamed Nawaz was against England to win this year’s including striking the wicket be- ason Roy overcame a dizzy spell to Azhar Ali c Ali b Rashid ...... 82 Extras (lb6, w7) ...... 13 brilliantly caught just inside the bound- World T20 fi nal in Mumbai. hind the batsman with a bowled lead England’s charge to a 44-run Sharjeel Khan c Buttler b Wood ...... 16 Total (3 wkts, 34.3 overs) ...... 194 ary by Babar, running round from long- “I think a team like this will ball or catching a batted ball on win under the Duckworth/Lewis Mohamed Hafeez c Hales b Root ...... 11 Did not bat: J Buttler, M Ali, C Woakes, L off .Root, England’s star batsman in all be pretty easy to lead, from the the fl y.” Jmethod in a rain-marred fi rst one- Babar Azam lbw b Rashid ...... 40 Plunkett, A Rashid, M Wood three formats, was untroubled while hit- point of view that the dressing day international against Pakistan in Sarfraz Ahmed c Wood b Woakes ...... 55 Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Hales), 2-116 (Roy), ting six fours in 72 balls. room is a fun place to be,” said West Indies squad: Carlos Southampton on Wednesday. Shoaib Malik c Rashid b Plunkett ...... 17 3-158 (Root) But when Morgan dropped the ball into Brathwaite. Brathwaite (capt), Andre Surrey opener Roy’s quickfi re 65 fi red Mohamed Nawaz not out ...... 17 Bowling: Wasim 5-0-23-0; Amir 6-0-33-0; the off side and set off , Root failed to beat “I don’t think it’s a case where I Fletcher, Andre Russell, Chris England towards an initial victory target Imad Wasim not out ...... 17 Gul 6-0-46-1 (2w); Riaz 6-0-30-0 (5w); Azhar’s direct hit. have to negotiate too many egos.” Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, of 261 after Pakistan had made 260 for Extras (lb1, w4) ...... 5 Nawaz 6.3-0-31-1; Malik 5-0-25-0 Earlier, Azhar won the toss and led His fi rst job will be to intro- Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, six, captain Azhar Ali top-scoring with Total (6 wkts, 50 overs) ...... 260 Result: England won by 44 runs (D/L from the front in an innings where duce stability into the engaging Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, 82. Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Sharjeel), 2-52 method) Ahmed made 55 and Azam was unluckily but often frustrating nature of Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree, But following a third and fi nal rain (Hafeez), 3-113 (Babar), 4-178 (Azhar), 5-224 Man-of-the-match: Jason Roy (ENG) lbw for 40. West Indies’ short-form cricket Sunil Narine interruption of this day/night fi xture at (Malik), 6-226 (Ahmed) Series: England lead five-match series 1-0 Pakistan were going well at 173 for — before they won their second India squad: MS Dhoni (capt), 9:37 pm local time (2037 GMT), the um- Bowling: Woakes 10-2-43-1; Wood 10-0- Toss: Pakistan three after 35 overs but then lost Azhar World T20 in four years, they lost Ajinkya Rahane, Amit Mishra, pires eventually called the game off with 57-1 (3w); Plunkett 10-0-52-1; Root 4-0-26-1 Umpires: Simon Fry (AUS), Rob Bailey and the skipper felt his side had fallen to Afghanistan in the qualifying Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit England 194 for three. (1w); Ali 7-0-30-0; Rashid 9-0-51-2 (ENG) short with the bat. round. Bumrah, KL Rahul, Mohammed Eoin Morgan, the England captain, was TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) “300 obviously, we always look to Despite his heroics in Mum- Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, 33 not out and Ben Stokes 15 not out. England Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) score 300, but defi nitely 280-290.” bai, 28-year-old Brathwaite is Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, Roy and Joe Root (61) took England to J. Roy c Babar Azam b Mohamed Nawaz . Remaining Fixtures “One of your top order has to score and a lightweight when it comes to Shikhar Dhawan, Stuart Binny, the brink of victory with a second-wicket ...... 65 Aug 27: 2nd ODI, Lord’s bat long, triple fi gures would be nice and international experience, having Umesh Yadav, Virat Kohli stand of 89 in 14 overs. A. Hales c Mohd Hafeez b Umar Gul...... 7 Aug 30: 3rd ODI, Trent Bridge (d/n) you always build a total when the top or- The 26-year-old Roy sparked Eng- J. Root run out (Azhar Ali)...... 61 Sep 01: 4th ODI, Headingley der perform,” said the opener. land’s chase with three fours in four balls E. Morgan not out 33 ...... Sep 04: 5th ODI, Cardiff Azhar, however, was twice dropped on Goodbye ‘Dilscoop’, Dilshan to retire off Umar Gul. nine. Hales fl oored a relatively routine But there was a worrying moment chance in the gully before wicket-keeper after Australia series when Roy, on 20, needed several minutes’ added.Meanwhile opening partner Alex luck continued Wednesday. Jos Buttler could not hold a more diffi cult on-fi eld treatment for a dizzy spell. Hales, who managed just 145 runs dur- Roy, on 24, skied left-arm quick Amir left-handed catch down the legside. Reuters, Colombo: Sri “It was a case of not having enough ing the preceding 2-2 drawn Test series high on the legside and appeared to be Babar was given out lbw to leg-spinner Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan sugar on me apparently, that’s it plain against Pakistan, again fell cheaply. heading straight to Gul at square leg. Adil Rashid by Australian umpire Simon will quit international cricket and simple,” Roy told reporters. Hales was out for seven when he guid- However, wicket-keeper Sarfraz Fry, even though replays clearly showed after the ongoing limited overs “I had a headache, felt a bit dizzy, they ed Gul straight to Mohamed Hafeez at Ahmed called for the catch, only to make an inside edge. series against Australia, the got the physio and the doctor on, they slip. insuffi cient ground and drop the chance But by that stage Pakistan had used up swashbuckling opener an- told me to get some sugar on board. Mohamed Amir had fi ve catches despite getting both gloves to the ball. their lone review of the innings. nounced yesterday. “I was able to get my bearings, settle dropped off his bowling during the Test Roy swept left-arm spinner Imad Azhar pressed on to a relatively sedate “I have decided to retire from and re-set myself and just go again,” he series and the Pakistan paceman’s bad Wasim for the fi rst six of the match be- 84-ball fi fty before upping his tempo. the ODIs after the third match in Dambulla (on Sunday) and will play the two Twenty20s BOTTOMLINE and then retire completely,” Dilshan told local media. After the conclusion of the the very best in his future five-match ODI series, Sri Lanka endeavours,” Sri Lanka Cricket Australia captain Smith to return home from Lanka and Australia will play two president Thilanga Sumathipala Twenty20 matches on Sept. 6 said in a statement. Reuters big summer with South Africa long run a little bit of a break will ing him from bowling at match Australia, the panel wanted to and Sept. 9. According to media reports, the Colombo and then six Tests at home then do me the world of good.” intensity,” Australia physiother- keep that consistency heading Inventor of the famous former captain was persuaded limited-overs matches against Australia were hammered 3-0 apist David Beakley said. into these two matches,” na- “Dilscoop” ramp shot, Dilshan to retire as Sri Lanka build a New Zealand,” Smith told re- in the Test series, fi nding it dif- “He will now return to Perth tional selector Marsh said. played the last of his 87 tests in new team under Angelo Math- ustralia captain Steve porters after his side lost the fi cult on the turning pitches in for further investigation which “Both Chris and Glenn are 2013 before quitting the longer ews with an eye on the 2019 Smith is to leave the second one-day international Sri Lanka, but achieved a three- will determine the extent of the dynamic players who are both format with 5492 runs and 39 World Cup. tour of Sri Lanka and against Sri Lanka by 82 runs in wicket win in the fi rst one-day injury and possible return to capable of winning a game from wickets. Dilshan made his one-day Areturn home to rest Colombo on Wednesday. international in Colombo. play timelines.” their own bat and they also bring A wily off -spinner and one debut against Zimbabwe in ahead of their limited-overs se- “It was talked about that they Fast bowler Nathan Coulter- Peter Nevill, Australia’s wick- that x-factor in the fi eld.” of the most agile Sri Lankan 1999 and went on to play 329 ries in South Africa before they give me a little break at some Nile has also been ruled out of etkeeper for tests, will replace fielders even at the age of 39, ODIs, amassing 10248 runs that host the Proteas at the start of a point. We had a few discussions, the remaining three ODIs in the Matthew Wade for the two T20 T20 squad: David Warner Dilshan scored 22 and 10 in the included 22 hundreds, with an heavy home schedule. myself, (coach) Darren (Leh- Sri Lanka tour with a lower back matches with batsman Chris (captain), Scott Boland, James first two one-dayers of the on- 86-plus strike rate. Vice-captain David Warner mann) and Rod (Marsh), who injury and will not be replaced in Lynn and all-rounder Glenn Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John going five-match series against He has also scored 1884 runs will lead the side for the remain- also consulted with the other the squad, Cricket Australia said Maxwell also joining the 13-man Hastings, Travis Head, Moises world champions Australia. in 78 Twenty20 Internationals ing three one-day internation- selectors.” in a statement. squad for the shortest format. Henriques, Chris Lynn, Shaun “I together with my committee and was Sri Lanka’s top scorer als and two Twenty20 matches “It took a bit of convincing “Nathan had been experienc- “Peter is the incumbent wick- Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Peter wish to extend our sincere ap- in this year’s World Twenty20 against Sri Lanka. to get me over the line because ing a gradual increase in lower et-keeper in the T20 side and Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Adam preciation and wish him in India. “It’s obviously going to be a I hate missing cricket but in the back pain which is now prevent- had a very good World T20 for Zampa. Gulf Times Friday, August 26, 2016 3 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Eager Federer ‘Best yet’ Murray planning January return aft er 2016 poised to pounce injury pause DPA for.” New York The Swiss characterised his ‘Seven finals in a row, you know. progress as positive: “I’m do- ing well. I’ve been training as Won Wimbledon again, the hile he will miss the much as I possibly could to re- US Open due to his strengthen my quad and my Olympics. It’s been really good’ recovering left knee, body to keep it in shape,” said the at US Open Roger Federer said player who had knee surgery the Won Wednesday he is working week after the Australian Open AFP fl at-out for his scheduled Janu- after an innocent movement New York ary return to tennis. while bathing one of his children The 17-time Grand Slam win- damaged his knee. ner, who fl ew to New York for “I never thought I’d have a ndy Murray admits he’s playing a presentation of the new 2017 year like this. I’ve learned a lot the best tennis of his life as he Laver Cup team event to be from this year. It’s painful being looks to capitalise on the grow- staged next September in Prague, here in New York.” ing frailties of his rivals and is due to make his return at the “When I head back into the captureA a second US Open title. start of the year at the Hopman gym for full-on fi tness in the Ahead of Monday’s start to the sea- Cup for Switzerland before play- next couple of months, I’ll be son’s fi nal Grand Slam in New York, the ing the Australian Open. ready for it. I just hope to be su- 29-year-old Scot is the sport’s man of the “I don’t see it as the end of per-strong when I come back.” moment. something. I see it as a beginning Federer’s 2016 season to for- Since losing the French Open fi nal to to something I’m working for,” he get has included absences at the Novak Djokovic in June, Murray has won said, referring to his return at the French Open and the Rio Games Queen’s Club, a second Wimbledon title Hopman Cup and the Australian and a Wimbledon semi-fi nal loss and successfully defended his Olympic Open. “That’s what I’m working to Milos Raonic. crown in Rio. His career-best 22-match win streak came to a halt at the hands of Marin Cilic in the Cincinnati fi nal last weekend when he simply ran out of gas. But that hasn’t dented his confi dence that he can claim a second US Open, four years after his breakthrough in New York saw him become the fi rst British man in 76 years to win a Grand Slam title. “I think I’m playing my best tennis just now... the last four, fi ve months are not even close to anything else I had done be- fore,” said Murray, who is chasing a fourth career major. “It was way, way better. Seven fi nals in a row, you know. Won ob- viously Wimbledon again, the Olympics. It’s been really good.” Murray has played in all of the fi rst three fi nals of the majors in 2016, losing to world number Djokovic in Melbourne and Paris before putting Milos Raonic, one of the sport’s widely-hyped new generation, in his place in a straight sets spanking in the Wimbledon fi nal. The only worry for Murray is his rela- tively mediocre record in New York in the years since his fi rst win – runs to the quarter-fi nals in 2013 and 2014 were fol- WTA CONNECTICUT OPEN lowed by a fourth-round exit to Kevin Anderson of South Africa 12 months ago. Murray’s consistency on the tour in recent weeks is in stark contrast to the Italy’s Vinci cruises rollercoaster fortunes of Djokovic, the defending champion in New York. After he won a maiden French Open into quarters to complete the career Grand Slam, all talk was of the Serb going on to defend his Wimbledon and US Open titles and AFP game for a 4-2 lead. Vinci then clinch a calendar Grand Slam. New Haven seized control of the match. Vinci next faces Johanna Lars- DJOKOVIC BURDEN son, a lucky loser in qualifying That’s a feat so rare that only two men taly’s Roberta Vinci got who defeated wild-card entrant have ever achieved it with Rod Laver the off to a dominating start at Shelby Rogers 7-6 (1), 6-4 for a most recent in 1969. the WTA Connecticut Open berth in the quarter-fi nals. The expectations proved too heavy a on Wednesday by routing The most impressive perform- burden when the 12-time major winner ICroatian Ana Konjuh 6-2, 6-2 to ance of the day was provided by Murray’s career-best 22-match win streak came to a halt at the hands of Marin Cilic in the Cincinnati final last weekend when he was dumped out of Wimbledon in the simply ran out of gas. reach the quarter-fi nals. sixth-seeded Petra Kvitova, who third round for his earliest loss at a major The 18-year-old Konjuh is took out Canada’s Eugenie Bou- in seven years. champion Roger Federer, who has played schedule of 13 matches in 12 days in Bra- should also not be discounted. ranked 100th in the world and chard 6-3, 6-2 for a berth in the Although he then won a record 30th every US Open since 2000, called time on zil and then Cincinnati caught up with had to get through three rounds quarter-fi nals. Masters trophy in Toronto, a shock fi rst- his season after a fi ve-set defeat to Raonic him when he lost in the third round in the RECENT US OPEN MEN’S CHAMPIONS of qualifying to reach the main Kvitova, a three-time Con- round loss at the Olympics to a rejuvenat- at Wimbledon. The 35-year-old aggra- American city. 2015: Novak Djokovic draw at the New Haven, Con- necticut Open champion, is ac- ed Juan Martin del Potro and a withdraw- vated a knee injury in that defeat. Other contenders are likely to be world 2014: Marin Cilic necticut tournament. tually the third-highest seed in al from Cincinnati with a wrist injury Fellow old-stager Rafael Nadal, the number three Stan Wawrinka, a two- 2013: Rafael Nadal At the beginning of the match, the tournament as three of the suggested all is not well with the 2011 and 2010 and 2013 US Open champion, won time semi-fi nalist, sixth-ranked Raonic, 2012: Andy Murray Konjuh had two break points on top fi ve seeds withdrew. 2015 US Open winner. gold in doubles at the Rio Olympics but who has yet to get past the last 16, and 2011: Novak Djokovic Vinci’s serve, but the Italian sec- Kvitova next plays Olympic However, Djokovic’s form in 2016 re- lost the singles bronze medal play-off to world number seven Kei Nishikori, the 2010: Rafael Nadal ond seed held on. doubles gold medallist Ekaterina mains impressive with a win-loss record Kei Nishikori. 2014 runner-up. 2009: Juan Martin del Potro Konjuh double faulted twice Makarova, a player Kvitova beat of 51-5 and seven titles; Murray is 50-7 The Games were his fi rst outing since Marin Cilic, the surprise 2014 2008: Roger Federer in the sixth game, helping Vinci in the Olympic singles tourna- with four trophies. an injury-enforced early withdrawal champion and 2009 winner Del Po- 2007: Roger Federer break serve at love in the sixth ment. Outside of the top two, fi ve-time from the French Open and the punishing tro, the runner-up at the Olympics, 2006: Roger Federer

ATP WINSTON-SALEM OPEN Gasquet wins all-French aff air to advance

AFP against wild card Bjorn Fratan- Los Angeles gelo. Taiwan’s Lu Yen-Hsun ad- vanced to his fourth straight op seeded Richard Gas- Winston-Salem quarter-fi nal quet defeated French with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Argen- compatriot Stephane tina’s Diego Schwartzman. Robert in straight sets “Fortunately I played really T6-1, 6-3 to reach the quarter-fi - well on game points and on break nals of the ATP Tour’s Winston- points,” Lu said. “My serve was Salem Open on Wednesday. there when I needed it, and that Gasquet saved seven of eight helped me a lot today.” break points and broke the un- Next up for Lu will be number seeded Robert’s serve fi ve times two seed Roberto Bautista Agut, in the hardcourt tournament in of Spain, who defeated Cyprus’ North Carolina. Marcos Baghdatis 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. “I’ve known Stephane for a Fifteenth-seeded Fernando long time now, so I know how Verdasco fi red 10 aces as he dangerous he can be,” Gasquet rolled over fourth seeded Ameri- said. can Steve Johnson of the Unites “He likes to play close to the States 6-4, 7-6 (7). baseline. We’ve practised to- In the quarter-fi nals, Verdasco gether often, so I know his game will face Serbia’s Viktor Troicki, and he knows mine. I didn’t who toppled American Sam make many mistakes today, and Querrey 6-2, 7-6 (5). that was the diff erence.” Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia Gasquet will next face Aus- advanced when Jiri Vesely of the tralia’s John Millman, who came Czech Republic retired at 5-5 in Richard Gasquet of France serves to compatriot Stephane Robert during their Winston-Salem Open from behind to win 5-7, 6-0, 6-3 the fi rst set. match in Winston Salem, North Carolina, on Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Friday, August 26, 2016 SPORT

FORMULA 1 SETBACK Hamilton to Rosberg must be take engine accurate, punchy to grid penalty AFP Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

orld champion- ship leader Lewis outgun Hamilton Hamilton yester- day confi rmed he Wexpects to be taking a full engine German is remarkably measured in everything... He needs more than that now’ change grid penalty at this week- end’s Belgian Grand Prix. By Giles Richards The 31-year-old Briton, who The Guardian leads his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg by 19 points in this year’s title race with nine races re- here are few better circuits for maining, said he would do his best Formula One to begin the second to limit the damage and hoped to half of the season than the glori- fi nish as high as fourth if he start- ous Spa-Francorchamps, where ed from the back of the grid. Tthis weekend breathtaking speed will be The defending three-time balanced by testing corners and spectac- champion has already used his ular changes of elevation. This year the fi fth and fi nal turbo and MGU-H Ardennes will attract more fans than ever (motor generator unit-heat) and because the number of tickets has been will automatically take a penalty Hamilton faces a penalty situ- increased to accommodate the Dutch, as soon he has moves to take his ation after a series of engine fail- who are coming en masse to support Max sixth unit. ures early in the season. Verstappen in his fi rst race at the track as “As far as I am aware we will be Asked if he blamed the team both a Red Bull driver and a grand prix taking the penalty this weekend,” for this, he said he always felt he winner. he told reporters at a pre-race was part of the team. They are eager now the mid-season news conference, the fi rst since “It is a team sport, so we win break is over to go racing again but while Formula One’s traditional Euro- and lose together as a team — Verstappen is a draw for many perhaps pean summer break. sometimes it is not just a mis- the question looking to be answered at “Naturally, we’ve already dis- take, just a thing that happens. Spa is at the sharp end. What can Nico cussed engine penalties that will “I don’t look at it as incom- Rosberg do to defeat his Mercedes team- come into play, for sure, but I will petence at all. I look at it as a mate Lewis Hamilton? do everything I can to minimise learning experience because The momentum shift towards the Brit- the impact. we learned from the issues and ish driver in the latter part of the fi rst 12 “Otherwise, beyond that pen- they won’t happen again,” added races was remarkable. Hamilton was 43 alty, that I will eventually take, Hamilton, who also said he had points behind Rosberg, who had won the I think I will be able to continue travelled to at least “six or seven” opening four races of the season, after with the momentum I had before diff erent countries during his the fourth grand prix in Russia but now the break.” three-week holiday. leads by 19 points, having triumphed in Hamilton reeled off four wins Asked if he could win Sunday’s the past four races. Defeated in the world in a row in July before the sum- race from the back of the grid, he championship twice since Mercedes mer holidays and has won six of said: “Very diffi cult...Not likely. brought their dominant car to the fi eld in the last seven races. He said he But never say never...So I am go- 2014, Rosberg needs to race better than he will aim to do his utmost. ing to go for it!” ever has before, take the fi ght to Hamilton “I think, in terms of winning, If he did win the 60th running and, crucially, make a step up he has not that is the goal, but it will be very, of the Belgian Grand Prix it would managed previously against his team- very hard — the gap has closed be his 50th victory — a landmark mate. In short he needs to be punchy and, between other cars, we are in the feat that he said he would never with the Mercedes threat of severe sanc- third year of this evolution of the have dreamed of when he was tions on the drivers should they clash on cars and I think Red Bull are very falling in love with Formula One the track, deadly accurate. quick, same as Ferrari. as a TV-watching child. Rested after the summer vacation then, “It will be harder than it was “I never expected this or to be are the feet moving fast? Well, cursory last year, or the year before, to even thinking about a 50th win inspection suggests Rosberg is coming climb up through the fi eld so and I still pinch myself every day out from his corner of the garage hungry it will be about minimising the that I am here in Formula One,” at least, with much being made of an in- damage of taking a penalty.” said Hamilton. terview published by ESPN. In it Rosberg Rosberg (left) had won the opening four races of the season and led Hamilton by 43 points. However, the momentum shift in the last questioned Hamilton’s concerns over eight races has given the Brit a 19-point lead in the standings. safety when the German had won pole af- CYCLING ter slowing what was adjudged to be just steel in the challenger’s gloves. That means up to now he has done a bet- It was in Hungary when the lead fell to enough when going through waved dou- In reality this was barely sparring. The ter job … We are very close on points, so Hamilton. Rosberg’s composure had tak- ble-yellows at the Hungaroring. Hamil- bulk of Rosberg’s comments were far it will keep being a good battle all the way en a beating, the reality of what had hap- ton had backed off under the agsfl drop- more indicative of how controlled he is to the end.” pened in such a short time had sunk in Yates wins stage six, ping his quick lap in the process. away from the emotional atmosphere of Something on Rosberg’s mind again, and he appeared somewhat shellshocked. “I just think it’s interesting to see how the track and perhaps, even, of what he is back in July before his defeat by Hamilton Normal service has long since resumed. he’s become such a safety freak all of a lacking. in Hungary. “He’s done some great things He needs more than that now, with Atapuma retains sudden,” Rosberg said. “That right after His relationship with Hamilton was, and he’s been beating me. I have to fi ght nine races remaining, and even given the a double-yellow fl ag he decides to go to he continued: “Up and down. It’s always back and that’s the awesome challenge,” engine penalty Hamilton will have to take the people in charge and discuss it.” Add- going to be diffi cult. We have the neces- he told McRae. – likely now at Spa – the usual answers Vuelta red jersey ing pointedly: “He’s not known for being sary respect and it’s a good battle.” If that Which is becoming as recognisable as have just not served. “I just want to beat such a safety freak.” sounds familiar, it is. Not least from July was his refrain before the points gap was him in as many races as possible and then The intimation aimed at Hamilton and this year when he told the Guardian’s Don- overcome that his lead proved he had we will see where we are,” Rosberg told Reuters jersey in the best possible way,” his intentions was interpreted as another ald McRae: “I have huge respect for him but been the better driver thus far in the sea- ESPN. Madrid Atapuma said. salvo of the psychological battle between we’re not best friends at the moment.” son. A line long since dropped. Careful, controlled, considered – but “I’m going through a good the pair and the beginning of the resump- More was to come in Wednesday’s in- The diffi culty is Rosberg is remark- that is not the fi ghting talk he needs and spell and I want to take advan- tion of their hostility for the run-in to the terview and again, it was also familiar. ably measured in everything. If he has a from which evidence Hamilton need not riton Simon Yates pow- tage of this. But we are taking it championship. Battle renewed with new “He is now ahead of me at the moment. new plan it will not be given away lightly. fear a knockout blow. ered away to a solo vic- one day at a time.” tory in stage six of the Spaniard Alejandro Valverde is Tour of Spain yesterday, 28 seconds adrift while Sky rider Ba 163.2km ride from Monforte de Chris Froome, winner of the Tour BOTTOMLINE Lemos to Luintra. de France and bronze medallist With 3.6km remaining, the in the Olympic time trial, is third Orika-BikeExchange rider went overall. clear and rode to the fi nish 20 Today’s stage seven is a seconds ahead of Spaniard Luis- 158.5km ride from Maceda to Alonso praises McLaren as Leon Sanchez of Astana. Puebla de Sanabria. The race fi n- Italian Fabio Felline was third, ishes on September 11 in Madrid. 22 seconds adrift of the winner. “I managed to take my op- STAGE 6 RESULTS portunity,” an elated Yates told 1. Simon Yates (Orica) 4:05:00” Honda introduce engine upgrades Spanish TVE. “I managed to 2. Luis L Sanchez (Astana) +20” come down perfectly and I timed 3. Fabio Felline (Trek) +22” my attack to perfection.” 4. Ben Hermans (BMC Racing) AFP end mean that Alonso has now taken his The victory lifted Yates into 5. Kenny Elissonde (FDJ) Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium fi fth and fi nal permissible set of compo- 10th place in the general stand- 6. Daniel Moreno (Movistar) nents for all six parts of his power unit. ings, with Colombian Darwin Ata- 7. Mathias Frank (IAM cycling) Meanwhile, Alonso added that he be- puma (BMC team) fi nishing safely 8. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) ernando Alonso has heaped lieves the regulations overhaul for 2017 in the pack to retain the leader’s +29” praise on his McLaren Honda may give McLaren a chance to take a big jersey for a third successive day. 9. Romain Hardy (Cofidis) team, which is introducing up- step forward. “We’ve defended the leader’s 10. Simon Clarke (Cannondale) graded engines at this weekend’s “If we stayed with the same regulations BelgianF Grand Prix, and described them as this year, probably not, because even as the best team of his career. if we had the same power as Mercedes, Two-time world champion Alonso and Mercedes is clearly ahead of everyone in his teammate Jenson Button, the 2009 terms of aerodynamics and everything,” champion, are both struggling to make he said. any impression in this year’s title race but “But the change opens up a hope for all the Spaniard insists there are plenty of of us, not just McLaren.” reasons to be cheerful. He said this season is best regarded as a “We are in the right direction — the transitional one, with 2017 “the priority”. team is strong, the technical people we “We are concentrated on being world have. We are united. There is a good bal- champions, which requires a big im- ance in the team, in the staff and in the provement for next year. A lot of eff ort is design group,” he said ahead of Formula being made this year for next year’s car.” One’s return after a break during the Eu- The identity of his teammate for 2017 ropean summer. remains unconfi rmed and, ahead of the “For me, it’s probably the best team Belgian race, McLaren racing director I’ve been with in my career. we had to fi nd a direction. In terms of the seven of the team’s remaining 11 develop- Eric Boullier said the decision will be “We are not competitive now because team, the structure and the organisation, ment tokens for this year. made without allowing any emotions to we have had a lot of problems to solve this is the best group that I’ve been work- The team will introduce tweaks to the interfere. from last year. We weren’t ready to com- ing with.” combustion chamber, turbo and com- It boils down to a choice between Button pete at this level and we had to make sure Both Alonso and Button will run with pressor and both drivers will have use of and rising Belgian star Stoff el Vandoorne. the reliability was in place, the power, upgraded power units this weekend, with all the new components at a Spa circuit “We need to be rational about what we drive-ability and aerodynamics. Honda having given their approval for the where engine power is a key factor. want to achieve at McLaren this year, next Orica-Bikeexchange’s British cyclist Simon Yates celebrates winning “Everything had to change a lot and use of new parts — and the spending of The power unit changes for this week- year and in the following years,” he said. the sixth stage of Tour of Spain in Luintra, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, August 26, 2016 5 SPORT

BASEBALL RUGBY All Blacks planning, Cards’ off ense, desire to improve, in focus against Wallabies

Martinez click in Reuters Wellington

ll Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s long-term planning will again Acome into focus tomor- win over Mets row when they face Australia in the Rugby Championship, with St. Louis match season-high with 19 hits, including three homers, in 8-1 win his mantra of ‘raising the bar’ also likely to be tested. By David Wilhelm Hansen’s goal in 2016 has been Belleville News-Democrat (TNS) about ‘refreshing’ the team with an eye on becoming the fi rst side Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to win three successive World adier Molina was caught stealing Cups when Japan hosts the tour- World Cup winners may be sim- third and Randal Grichuk was nament in 2019, consistently im- ply to meet Hansen’s expecta- thrown out at the plate in the proving the team’s standard of tions of continually raising the second inning Wednesday. No play along the way. standard of play. Even Hansen biggie,Y as it turned out. The inclusion of uncapped would struggle to fi nd much to The St. Louis Cardinals matched a midfi eld back Anton Lienert- grumble about from last week’s season-high with 19 hits, three of which Brown for the clash at Welling- 42-8 victory over the Wallabies. were home runs, as they mauled the New ton Regional Stadium (kickoff Michael Cheika’s men have York Mets 8-1 at Busch Stadium. The 0735 GMT) is the latest selec- been pilloried by their own fans, Cardinals previously had 19 hits on April tion gamble Hansen has made on media and former players since 11 against Milwaukee. young players. that “Bledi awful” defeat, with Stephen Piscotty led the attack with The 21-year-old, who will be the side labelled as the worst three hits, including his 19th home run. the seventh debutant this sea- Wallabies team in a decade.” Matt Carpenter and Grichuk also homer- son, had been on the selectors’ Cheika, who has said the de- ed to back the fi ne pitching of Carlos radar since he was a student feat was the hardest he has had to Martinez. at Christchurch Boy’s High, endure as coach, has been ham- “We had everything rolling tonight,” Hansen said, though his eleva- pered by a raft of injuries to his right fi elder Piscotty said. tion came “probably a little ear- inside backs and a lack of depth It was the seventh win in nine games lier than expected”. in other areas. for the Cardinals (67-58), who are bat- “All of us knew who he was... That lack of depth has forced tling several opponents for one of the two and that’s why he’s here,” Hansen him to stick with largely the same wild-card spots in the National League. told reporters yesterday. “He’s side as last week, while injuries Most players insist they don’t pay good enough to be here and now have necessitated a recall for fl y- much attention to the standings, but in he gets an opportunity.” half Quade Cooper with Bernard August and September, the tone changes “We’re very confi dent that Foley shunted to inside centre. slightly. he’ll go out and do the job.” The mercurial Cooper, who “I sneak a peek here and there,” Piscotty Hansen’s planning was not once could turn a game on its said. “It’s tough. You have two teams going only evident with Lienert- head with his vision and passing, (to the playoff s) and you’re kind of compet- Brown’s selection, but also his has not been able to rediscover ing against four or fi ve clubs. It’s hard to decision to return Ben Smith to that same spark since suff ering follow. It’s not like last year, when we were fullback and move Israel Dagg to a knee injury at the 2011 World pretty much worrying about the Pirates. the right wing for the clash that Cup, and the New Zealand-born “I think it’s good that there’s more to doubles as a Bledisloe Cup game. fl yhalf has always struggled worry about, but you can’t worry about Hansen said one reason was against the All Blacks. it. We’ve just got to win every night. Every tactical — he expected the Walla- Despite the mounting prob- night you win and a couple of those teams bies to kick for territory more of- lems for the Wallabies, who lose, you feel like you’re gaining ground. ten, which would allow Smith to are now on a fi ve-match losing It’s a good feeling.” have more impact on the game. streak, Hansen was taking noth- Carpenter batted in the leadoff spot for The other was simply to test ing for granted and has made the fi rst time in nine games and did more out the combination. sure there is no complacency than set the table when he homered against “Both of them are world-class within the All Blacks ranks. Jacob deGrom (7-7) to start the game. fullbacks and Ben is a world class “They will be desperate to It was Carpenter’s only hit, but it set winger,” Hansen said. come out and redeem themselves the wheels in motion. “We think that we need to fi nd from last week,” Hansen said. “It “That leadoff home run set the tone for out if Izzy (Dagg) can start a test would be foolish to think they’re us, which is great,” Piscotty said. “It’s just there and do a job for us because not going to turn up and play re- great having him in the lineup because he further down the track it opens ally well.” can do damage at any time. He’s a tre- up more selection options.” “If we wait and sit back, then mendous hitter.” The biggest challenge for the Australia will smack us.” And Martinez (12-7) is developing into a tremendous pitcher. The 24-year-old right-hander limited the Mets, one of the teams chasing the Cardinals for a wild- card spot, to one run on four hits in eight innings. He walked three, struck out fi ve and induced inning-ending double plays in the sixth and seventh. Martinez, who lowered his ERA to 3.13, St. Louis Cardinals’ Stephen Piscotty (right) celebrates with catcher Yadier Molina after hitting a two-run home run off of New York has emerged as the Cardinals’ most de- Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (not pictured) during their game in St. Louis, Missouri, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) pendable starter and could be the odds- on favourite to start a potential wild-card one run in seven innings. In his last two 34 in 1978. Oakland 5 Cleveland 1 game. starts, he has permitted two runs on sev- “He’s one of my favourites,” Piscotty Chicago Cubs 6 San Diego 3 “I love how our starting pitching sets en hits in 15 innings. said of Martinez. “He works quick, so NY Yankees 5 Seattle 0 the tone,” said Matheny, who appreciated “His changeup and breaking ball were you’re not out on defence for a long, long Baltimore 10 Washington 8 Carpenter doing the same with his leadoff extremely good,” Matheny said. “Guys time. I think that helps the quality of our LA Angels 8 Toronto 2 homer into the St. Louis bullpen. “Right couldn’t necessarily think along with at-bats as an off ence because we’re kind Tampa Bay 4 Boston 3 (11 innings) from the beginning, Carlos was very what he was going to do because he could of conserving energy, in a way. We’re not Miami 3 Kansas City 0 good. He had almost a continuation of his throw anything at any particular time. getting worn out on the fi eld. So give him Texas 6 Cincinnati 5 last outing. It was a diff erent rhythm and He had good movement in the bottom of credit for what the off ence did.” Detroit 9 Minnesota 4 a diff erent idea of how he wanted to pitch, the zone and guys made the plays on the Philadelphia 5 Chicago White Sox 3 but he executed it all night.” ground balls.” RESULTS St. Louis 8 NY Mets 1 Martinez was coming off an 8-2 victory Martinez has induced 27 double plays, Houston 5 Pittsburgh 4 Arizona 10 Atlanta 9 (11 innings) over Houston on Aug. 17 when he allowed seven shy of John Denny’s club record of Milwaukee 7 Colorado 1 LA Dodgers 1 San Francisco 0

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen NFL Bosa’s former coach confi dent he’ll play this year Coyotes hire female skating coach AFP Los Angeles By Tim May up, playing the position he’s going to play.” The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio (TNS) Current Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard was Bosa’s understudy the past he Arizona Coyotes off icially added Dawn Braid to their two years, even taking his regular spot in hockey staff Wednesday making her the first full-time arry Johnson knows Joey Bosa the lineup when Bosa was suspended for Tfemale skating coach in National Hockey League history. well, having coached him on the the opener last year and then kicked out Braid has been helping the Coyote players with their skating on defensive line at Ohio State the of the Fiesta Bowl with Notre Dame after a part-time basis since last year. She has also worked with the past two years, and Johnson said a head-fi rst hit. Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Buff alo Sabres and Calgary LWednesday he’s confi dent the defensive “I’m pretty close with him, I know it’s Flames. end won’t sit out this NFL season, de- killing him because he loves playing foot- “It’s something that I’ve wanted to see happen,” she said in a spite the current contract impasse with ball,” Hubbard said. “And I’m sure he’s statement released by the Coyotes. the San Diego Chargers. just heartbroken by not being able to be “The fact that they respect what I do enough to name me as a full- “I don’t think that’s going to happen. out there.” time coach or to name me as the first female coach in the NHL, I I think he’s going to play, I do,” Johnson Recovering from surgery to repair a take a ton of pride in that. said after Ohio State’s practice Wednes- knee injury suff ered during his senior “I’ve worked very hard for this opportunity. It’s been going on for day. “I believe he’s going to camp and high school season in Fort Lauderdale, years and I just look forward to going even further with it.” play, or show up.” Florida, he has been on a limited schedule She also spent seven years with the Athletes Training Center as its That’s despite the case of Bosa and in practice the fi rst three weeks of presea- director of skating development, where she instructed a variety his contract holdout from the San Diego son camp. of skaters, including New York Islanders centre John Tavares. Chargers, who made him the third overall “We’re still monitoring him a little bit; “We feel Dawn can provide a real competitive advantage for our pick in this year’s NFL draft, taking an- I’ve got a head count in my mind of what team,” Coyotes general manager John Chayka said. other curious turn Wednesday when the Joey Bosa is working out at a Florida facility to stay in shape. (Columbus Dispatch/TNS) I want (him) to do in practice every day,” “The game is getting faster and it is all about skating. A lot of Chargers withdrew their latest off er and Johnson said. “I get to that number, I shut times, when you are drafting a young player, skating is the area said Bosa now likely won’t be ready for a understands the business side of the NFL. Asked whether he thought Bosa could him down. As we go through the week I they need to improve upon. Now we have someone who can help full season. But he wants to play, so he’s dying to get still have a good rookie year despite the increase that number, but right now I’m with that.” Johnson has spoken with Bosa, who is on the fi eld.” holdout that’s kept him out of almost the trying ... to get him ready for next week.” There have been several female skating instructors who have staying in shape working out at a Florida “But I can tell you that when he gets whole preseason camp and tune-up games, And does Johnson expect Nick Bosa to worked with NHL teams over the years, including Laura Stamm facility. there — he’s working hard. I talked to his Johnson said “If he goes in in great shape. play in the opener against Bowling Green and Barbara Williams, who became the league’s first female skat- “He’s doing good,” Johnson said. “His dad (John Bosa) today, he’s doing every- Other than (learning) the playbook and on Sept. 3? ing coach in 1977 when she joined the New York Islanders. spirits, he wants to play football, but he thing he can to get ready.” playing with grown men, yeah, he can catch “No question about it,” he said. Gulf Times 6 Friday, August 26, 2016 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA PREDICTION Rummenigge dampens Bayern’s Ancelotti’s Bayern treble dreams

AFP becoming the fi rst German club to win the league title four years in a row. They then completed the do- n the eve of the new mestic double by also winning kick off eyeing German Bundesliga the German Cup. season, Bayern Munich But the Champions League is chairman Karl-Heinz the trophy Bayern fans crave the RummeniggeO has poured cold most and they will be dreaming water on their fans’ dreams of of a repeat of their treble-win- winning another treble. ning 2012/13 campaign under “Of course, I know that the . public is dreaming of the treble, Bayern have reached at least fi ft h straight title but we also know well enough the semi-fi nals of the Champi- how diffi cult and unpredictable ons League in each of the last fi ve the Champions League is,” Rum- seasons, exiting in the semis in ‘Our priority is to win the league. We’re looking forward to the start of the season and menigge wrote in the programme each of Guardiola’s three seasons for today’s season opener against in charge. we’re ready for the first game against Bremen’ Werder Bremen. Winning the Champions “Even perfect football, even League is the icing on the cake for AFP being the best team in Europe, any Bayern season, but winning Berlin they are no guarantees for win- a 27th German league title this ning this title.” season is Ancelotti’s main task. “The Champions League is a “Four titles in a row was a ayern Munich kick off the marathon.” milestone, but I think a handful, 2016/17 German Bundesliga sea- Under new coach Carlo An- one after the other, sounds much son at home to Werder Bremen celotti, Bayern will kick off the better,” added Rummenigge. today with their rivals out to stop 2016/17 season against Bremen “The German league title re- themB winning a fi fth straight Bundesliga with a sell-out crowd of around mains the most honest, the most title. Germany defender Mats Hummels 75,000 expected at the Allianz important.” and burly Portugal midfi elder Renato Arena as the defending cham- “Seeing FC Bayern stand on Sanches have been Bayern’s only off - pions begin their bid for a fi fth the town hall balcony in May (cel- season signings, but it’s all change behind straight league title. ebrating winning the league) is the scenes at the Munich giants. The Bavarian giants made his- a part of Munich as Oktoberfest Against Bremen, new coach Carlo An- tory last season under Ancelot- in the autumn and it’s a beautiful celotti will be in charge of his fi rst game ti’s predecessor by tradition we want to keep.” at the Allianz Arena as he becomes the fourth Italian to coach in the Bundesliga after , Nevio Scala and . Court throws out Real Madrid and “Our priority is to win the league,” An- Barcelona TV rights fines celotti said when he fi rst took over from Pep Guardiola. A Spanish court has over- Barcelona 3.6 million euros. “We’re looking forward to the start of turned a decision to impose Sevilla were fined 900,000 the season and we’re ready for the fi rst fines on media group Medi- euros and Racing Santander game against Bremen.” apro and four leading clubs 30,000 euros. Ancelotti has brought in an entire new including Real Madrid and But Spain’s top criminal court, backroom staff , including son Davide, Barcelona for breaching rules the National Audience, “an- while Bayern are without a sporting di- on the sale of television rights, nulled the case” as well as the rector since quit with the firm said yesterday. fines imposed on Mediapro health problems at the end of the season. Spanish competition regula- and the clubs, Mediapro said Security has been stepped up for the tor CNMC in December 2013 in a statement. season opener in Munich amid terror imposed fines totalling nearly The competition regulator had fears in Germany. 15 million euros on Mediapro ruled that the four-year con- Rucksacks over an A4 size and large and the clubs for what they tracts which the clubs signed bottles are banned with a crowd of described in a statement as with Mediapro to broadcast around 75,000 expected. “a very serious infraction” of their domestic league and cup Nothing short of three points will be the rules on the acquisition of matches was in violation of a acceptable for the defending champions football-related rights. three-year limit for such deals. who made history last season by becom- Mediapro, which operated a Mediapro and the clubs ing the fi rst club to win four consecutive pay-TV channel dedicated to argued the contracts were German league titles. football called Gol Television, signed before the limit of Bremen are without Germany striker were fined 6.5 million euros, three years was adopted by Max Kruse, who injured his knee in their Real Madrid were ordered the competition regulator in shock German Cup defeat to third-divi- to pay 3.9 million euros and April 2010 and did not apply. sion Sportfreunde Lotte last Sunday. This file photo shows Bayern Munich’s Italian headcoach arriving for a German Cup (DFB Pokal) match. Kruse has undergone an operation and will be out for the foreseeable future. “It’s a real blow because it looks like the summer. Spain defender Marc Bartra, Fixtures sure they are snapping at the heels of the 2018 WORLD CUP we’re going to be without a key player for France under-21 winger Ousmane Dem- Bundesliga’s top clubs. a good while,” coach Viktor Skripnik told bele, midfi elder Sebastian Rode, Portugal (all times 1330 GMT unless stated) Tomorrow night sees Borus- the club’s website. international left-back Raphael Guerrei- sia Moechengladbach host Bayer However Bremen, who narrowly ro and Germany winger Andre Schuerrle Today Leverkusen, two sides who fi nished in Lacazette, Fekir back avoided relegation last season, hope to are some of the new signings set to fea- Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen the top four last season and will represent have ex-Bayern striker and Peru veteran ture for ’s side. (1830) Germany in the Champions League. , who turns 38 in October, World Cup-winner Mario Goetze is Leverkusen will be without Javier Her- in France squad back from a thigh injury. also back in the yellow and black shirt af- Tomorrow nandez after the Mexico striker fractured Several Bayern stars who are coming ter three years at Bayern. Eintracht Frankfurt v Schalke 04, his arm at home on Monday and Lars back from injury will be missing includ- Having signed Germany and former Augsburg v Wolfsburg, Hamburg v Bender, who injured his ankle playing for ing Sanches, defender Jerome Boateng, Bayern striker Mario Gomez from Fioren- Ingolstadt, Cologne v Darmstadt, Germany at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics defender Holger Badstuber and winger tina, Wolfsburg open their campaign at v Mainz, Borus- in losing the fi nal. Arjen Robben. Augsburg, who have former Darmstadt sia Moenchengladbach v Bayer On Sunday, RB Leipzig, who are spon- coach Dirk Schuster in charge this season. Leverkusen (1630) sored by energy drinks manufacturer Red DORTMUND’S NEW EIGHT Alongside Gomez, Wolfsburg have Bull, make their debut in Germany’s top New-look Borussia Dortmund, who fi n- signed Stuttgart forward Daniel Didavi, Sunday fl ight at Hoff enheim, just seven years af- ished second to Bayern last season, open Spanish forward Borja Mayoral on loan Hertha Berlin v Freiburg, Hoff enheim ter they were founded. their campaign at home to Mainz tomor- from Real Madrid and Poland winger Ja- v RB Leipzig (1530) Leipzig and Freiburg are the new teams row having made eight new signings over kub Blaszczykowski as they try to make in the Bundesliga this season.

France’s coach Didier Deschamps during a press conference. AFP Eliaquim Mangala and Bacary Paris Sagna are all dropped while Kingsley Coman of Bayern Mu- nich is injured. yon duo Alexandre Laca- However, the most notable ab- zette and Nabil Fekir have sence is that of Patrice Evra, the are still recovering been recalled to the France 35-year-old Juventus left-back squad as the Euro 2016 who has won a total of 80 caps. Lrunners-up begin their qualifying Full-backs Layvin Kurzawa of campaign for the 2018 World Cup PSG, Djibril Sidibe of Monaco and in Belarus next month. Sebastien Corchia of Lille are all from a turbulent close season Lacazette was not included by included, though, and Real Ma- Reuters Inter have said that Thohir pre-season schedule, in particu- coach Didier Deschamps for the drid’s Raphael Varane is back after Milan will remain as president. lar a gruelling tour to the United European Championship despite injury ruled him out of the Euros. Dutchman De Boer, who is States where they played across fi nishing last season in prolifi c Of Evra’s absence, Deschamps still learning Italian, did not ex- the country in Oregon, Utah, form but he could no longer be said: “I need to look forward to nter Milan have eff ectively perience Serie A and its many New Jersey and North Carolina. ignored after netting fi ve times a World Cup that will be held in admitted that they were not idiosyncrasies as a player and “We took part in a tour where in Lyon’s opening two Ligue 1 two years.” ready for the new season will need time to adapt. we had only half of our squad matches this season. “He has his age. It’s up to him following their shock open- He has admitted prepara- and there was little time be- Fekir has not played for France to maintain the same level of Iing defeat by Chievo. tions for the new season were tween games and travelling to do since suff ering a serious knee in- performance he has now. But I Instead of building on last far from ideal, with a number any actual training,” he said. jury in a friendly in Portugal al- thought it was important to give season’s progress under Rob- of Inter’s players still recover- Inter made two major sign- most a year ago. playing time and responsibility erto Mancini when they fi nished ing after playing in Euro 2016 ings, Italy midfi elder Antonio “He is not at his best yet, like to younger players.” fourth, Inter endured a turbu- or the Copa America. Candreva and Argentina mid- before his injury, but I think he Also missing is Karim Ben- lent summer during which the “The best Inter players fi elder Ever Banega, and critics has been playing well,” said De- zema, despite the Real Madrid club changed hands and Mancini haven’t played in a full match all agree that, on paper, they have schamps of his decision to recall striker being, in theory, available departed by mutual consent two summer. They’ll have to work to a strong squad, especially after Fekir, France’s young player of for selection again after his ex- weeks before the kickoff . get in top condition in the com- they managed to hold on to their the year in 2014/15. clusion for the Euros. The words “transitional sea- ing weeks, but the league has best players. There are a total of seven Sidelined for his involvement son” are the last their support- started,” said De Boer, whose It is now up to De Boer to make changes to the France squad from in a blackmail scandal involving ers will want to hear as they en- side host Palermo on Sunday. sure they are ready. that which made it to the Euro team-mate Mathieu Valbuena dure their fi fth season without “Our physical condition is a “We need to fi ght as a team, all 2016 fi nal, losing 1-0 after extra and a sex-tape last year, Benzema Champions League football, but tricky question at the moment,” of us together, for our fans and time to Portugal at the Stade de has been struggling for fi tness at that is what they could get under he added. for the club. That’s fundamental France on July 10. the start of the new season. new coach Frank De Boer and “We have to improve on it and to any success,” he said. Goalkeeper and captain Hugo “Honestly, even if he had been owners Suning. the only way is by playing games “We have a quality team and Lloris, of Tottenham Hotspur, available today, I wouldn’t have Chinese electronics retailer and unfortunately we can only do we must fi ght for every ball and is injured so of included him because I don’t think Suning Commerce Group Co File picture of Inter Milan’s Dutch coach Frank De Boer. that in matches where there are every inch. You’ll see that on Paris Saint-Germain is called up. it’s the right moment for him to Ltd bought nearly 70 percent of three points at stake every time.” Sunday.” Manchester United’s Morgan come back,” Deschamps added. Inter for 270 million euros ($305 years after the club had been donesian business tycoon Erick Goalkeeper Samir “I want my team to play to win Schneiderlin, Lyon’s Christophe Les Bleus will face Italy in a million) in June, less than three sold to a consortium led by In- Thohir. Handanovic criticised Inter’s every game.” Jallet and Manchester City duo friendly in Bari next Thursday. Gulf Times Friday, August 26, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Maradona criticises Messi over international retirement Argentina great Diego Ma- Cup final to Germany. radona has criticised Lionel Maradona believes Messi Messi, suggesting that the Bar- spoke too rashly and upset celona star’s retirement from many people in Argentina international football, and with his comments. Lamouchi and subsequent change of heart, “He got annoyed for nothing. was “staged”. He wasn’t to blame for the “I don’t know whether this was defeat, others were. So why staged to make us understand did he announce his retire- that he’d lost three finals, but ment? He spoke too quickly, we never lost by big margins,” made everyone hold their said Maradona to radio station breath (on a potential return),” La Red. added Maradona, the star of El Jaish left to rue Messi announced his retire- the Argentina team that won ment from international foot- the 1986 World Cup. ball after Argentina lost the Earlier this month, the Copa America final to Chile 29-year-old confirmed he on penalties in June, with the would rejoin the national Barcelona forward crucially set-up after being convinced missing in the shoot-out. by new coach Edgar Bauza to “This is the end for me with make a comeback. a ‘very bad night’ the national team, it’s not for “A lot of things were going me,” said Messi at the time. through my head the day of “I think it’s best for everyone, the final, and I really thought ‘We made a lot of mistakes and Al Nasr scored all of their opportunities. Maybe we for me and for many people about stopping, but I love my who want it. The choice for me country,” said Messi when he had more opportunities but this is football. It was a very bad night, game and result’ is over, it is a decision.” announced his return. That defeat came after Messi is set to return to the Argentina lost the 2015 Copa fold when Argentina play America final to the same op- World Cup qualifiers at home ponents and the 2014 World to Uruguay on September 1. Dutch FA unveils new method for keeping hooligans away The Dutch Football Federation ment in the hope of making (KNVB) aims to use digital fin- the scheme obligatory for all gerprints and global position- those slapped with banning ing systems to keep hooligans orders. away from football grounds. More than 1,300 people in “The idea is that people who the Netherlands are currently are banned from stadiums banned from entering stadi- should have to identify them- ums, with 890 of those bans selves with their fingerprint being issued in 2015 alone. on a telephone that uses GPS But hundreds of those sup- before, during and after the porters are regularly able to match,” KNVB spokesman find a way around the bans Hans van Kastel told AFP. — ADO Den Haag are the That way authorities can know only club in the Dutch league that banned hooligans are not equipped with a biometric ver- in grounds. ification system for identifying The idea has been tested hooligans. over a period of a year using “We are not an airport and “several dozen” people as we can’t control everybody. volunteers and Van Kastel Coming to the stadium has to said the KNVB are now in remain a pleasant thing to do,” discussions with the govern- Van Kastel added.

PUNISHMENT US Soccer slaps Solo with six-month suspension El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi reacts during his team’s AFC Champions League quarter-final match against UAE’s Al Nasr.

AFC after an hour we came back.” “We must fi nd a solution in the Doha “We made a lot of mistakes and Al Nasr middle [of the park], but not only scored all of their opportunities. Maybe there. We missed a lot of chances we had more opportunities but this is and it was totally wrong. We have l Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi was football.” one chance, not more. About this left to rue a “very bad night” as “It was a very bad night, game and re- chance, I need to see my team with the Qatari side suff ered a 3-0 sult. Nothing is impossible in football, a diff erent attitude” home reversal to Al Nasr in the but we must play with a diff erent attitude fiE rst leg of their 2016 AFC Champions and miss less. never give up.” League quarter-fi nal on Wednesday. “We must fi nd a solution in the mid- After an even fi rst half at Abdullah Bin NO HAMEDALLAH” dle [of the park], but not only there. We Khalifa Stadium, Wanderley gave the El Jaish went into the clash without the missed a lot of chances and it was totally Emiratis the lead on the stroke of half- injured Hamedallah Abderrazzaq, who wrong.” time, before Jonathan Pitroipa put the had notched four goals as the Qatar Stars If El Jaish are to upset the odds and visitors two goals to the good early in the League side advanced to last eight for the advance to the last four, they will need a second half. fi rst time. repeat of the performance that saw them And Wanderley’s second of the night And Lamouchi’s team rarely threat- claim a resounding 4-0 victory over with six minutes remaining then ensured ened the Al Nasr goal, even after the half- countrymen Lekhwiya in the fi rst leg of File picture of Hope Solo of the United States. El Jaish have a mountain to climb in Sep- time introduction of new signing Seydou their last 16 encounter in May. tember’s second leg if they are to reach Keita, whose late header was cleared off “We have one chance, not more,” con- AFP an example for future US female their fi rst ever semi-fi nal of Asia’s pre- the line by Ahmed Al Yassi to deny El ceded Lamouchi. Los Angeles players. mier club competition. Jaish a lifeline. “About this chance, I need to see my “I did the job of a pro athlete “I do not know what happened, we “We talked about Hamedallah’s in- team with a diff erent attitude.” the only way I knew how – with are really disappointed,” said Frenchman jury – of course it’s very bad for him and Jaish will truly have to produce a tre- SA women’s goalkeeper passion, tenacity, an unrelenting Lamouchi. “Of course it is a very bad re- a big diff erence for us,” added Lamouchi. mendous performance if they are to Hope Solo has been commitment to be the best goal- sult at home – we started not so well, but “Sometimes it is like this, but we will overturn this defi cit in the second leg. slapped with a six- tender in the world.... to elevate month ban from the the sport for the next generation Unational team for her comments of female athletes,” Sports Illus- GULF YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP in which she called the Swedish trated quoted her as saying. players “a bunch of cowards”, US This is not the fi rst time Solo Soccer announced Wednesday. has been suspended. The 35-year-old Solo made She was banned for 30 days in the comments after the Ameri- 2015 after an incident at one of the cans were eliminated in a penalty national team’s training camps. shootout from the Rio Olympics “Taking into consideration the Qatar juniors lose to UAE 1-0 women’s soccer tournament on past incidents involving Hope, as August 12. well as the private conversations By Sports Reporter “The comments by Hope Solo we’ve had requiring her to con- Doha after the match against Sweden duct herself in a manner befi t- during the 2016 Olympics were ting a U.S. National Team mem- unacceptable and do not meet ber, U.S. Soccer determined this atar juniors on the standard of conduct we re- is the appropriate disciplinary Wednesday lost to quire from our National Team action.” the United Arab players,” US Soccer president Solo labelled Sweden “cow- Emirates (UAE) 1-0 Sunil Gulati said in a statement ards” after the world cham- inQ their opening game of the Wednesday. pion Americans’ bid for a fourth Gulf Youth Championship. “Beyond the athletic arena, straight Olympic gold ended in The only goal of the match and beyond the results, the Ol- quarter-fi nal defeat. was scored by Faisal Ahmed in ympics celebrate and represent “We played a bunch of cow- the 76th minute after the two the ideals of fair play and respect. ards,” Solo said. “The better team sides produced an exciting We expect all of our representa- did not win today. I strongly be- battle on the pitch. tives to honor those principles, lieve that.” The visitors produced slick with no exceptions.” “I don’t think they’re going to football in the fi rst half. How- Solo wasn’t backing down make it far in the tournament.” ever in the second half, the home Wednesday and defended her Solo made the comments be- team dominated proceedings “coward” comments by say- cause she felt the Swedes were but failed to score a goal. ing the suspension wasn’t war- playing too defensively. Qatar’s Abdulrahman Mo- ranted. The defeat was the Americans’ hammed missed an easy “I am saddened by the federa- fi rst in 15 games at the Olym- chance to score in the 10th tion’s decision to terminate my pics and only their third ever in minute of the match as a poor contract,” Solo told Sports Illus- Games history having won four fi nish resulted in the home trated. “I could not be the player golds and a silver since women’s team failing to take lead early in I am without being the person football was introduced to the the game. I am, even when I haven’t made Olympic programme. A defensive error resulted in the best choices or said the right US Soccer said in the news re- the UAE side scoring the only things.” lease that Solo won’t be eligible goal of the match in the 76th Action during the Gulf Youth Championship match between Qatar Solo said she plays and speaks to try out for the national team minute. and UAE. This was the Qatar’s first match in this tournament. Qatar U-19 coach Oscar Cano with passion and is trying to be again until next February.

Friday, August 26, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MAN MANAGEMENT Coach Klopp tries to keep peace with Real drawn against frustrated Sturridge Dortmund; Man City to face Barca ‘There was a lot of anticipation ahead of the draw. We now have an appealing group. It’s diff icult but equally attractive. Matches against Real are becoming classics for Dortmund’ File picture of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. DPA Monaco AFP again, the German said there is no reason for Sturridge to see the role as a demotion. olders Real Madrid were drawn “The fi rst thing is I don’t want against Borussia Dortmund, iverpool manager Jurgen to play Daniel as a wide player Sporting Lisbon and Legia War- Klopp is trying to keep but of course he can start there saw on Thursday in the group the peace with Daniel and play there but in the decisive Hstage of football’s Champions League, Sturridge after the frus- moments he needs to be involved while Barcelona will face Manchester Ltrated striker complained about in all the fi nishing situations,” City and Bayern Munich will reencounter being played out of position. Klopp told reporters. old foes Atletico Madrid. Sturridge has been deployed on “I think both goals (against Real idol Cristiano Ronaldo – who the right wing rather than in his Burton) he scored inside the box scored the winning penalty in The preferred central striker’s berth in so he was not on the wing in this Whites’ fi nal triumph last season against his two appearances for Liverpool moment — that is fl exible football. neighbours Atletico – will this time face this season and he made it clear he “That is how football works, Sporting Lisbon, the team where he be- is unhappy Klopp has used him in it is not a fi xed position (where gan his illustrious career. the unfamiliar role. you) stay outside and wait until Ronaldo was yesterday named Europe The 26-year-old scored twice you get the ball — especially not best player by UEFA, for having guided in the 5-0 English Football in Daniel’s case. Real to triumph for a record 11th time last League Cup win at Burton Albion “Daniel is a very smart player in season – and for having captained Portu- on Tuesday but afterwards said: hiding himself in positions where gal to unexpected success at Euro 2016. “Of course it’s more diffi cult for it is not easy to defend and it is Sporting Lisbon and Legia Warsaw me to play wide because I am a very often in a wing position.” should give Real few problems, though centre-forward. Sturridge has been injured for Dortmund will certainly be a tough prop- “In the modern-day game you much of Klopp’s time at Anfi eld, osition. The Whites were eliminated by have to try and be fl exible, but but the German insisted his rela- Dortmund at the semi-fi nal stage in 2013, everyone knows my best position. tionship with the England inter- but took revenge a year later by beating “I’m a player who plays on in- national is still good. the Germans in the quarter-fi nals. stinct, and in the middle I have “We have still to work on a lot “There was a lot of anticipation in our clarity on movements and things of things. I know him and when camp ahead of the draw. We now have an that I have been doing for years. we have talks there is no issue,” appealing group,” Dortmund coach Tho- A general view shows the draw for the 2016/2017 UEFA Champions League being held at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum. “I am not saying I am happy to Klopp said. do it, I am saying I have to do a “It is only a starting position Draw results mas Tuchel said. Ronaldo crowned UEFA Best Player in Europe job for the team.” for the next off ensive move for “It’s diffi cult but equally attractive. Klopp was asked about Stur- my team. Group A: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Matches against Real are becoming clas- Real Madrid superstar Cristiano ridge’s comments yesterday and, “We don’t have these posi- Arsenal (ENG), Basel (SUI), Ludogorets sics for Dortmund. We are looking for- Ronaldo won the UEFA Best Player in although he didn’t rule out us- tions anymore where you say, Razgrad (BUL) ward to meeting the holders.” Europe Award yesterday after winning ing the former Manchester City ‘You play this all the time’, it is Group B: Benfica (POR), Napoli (ITA), The draw also brings coach Pep Guar- both last season’s Champions League and Chelsea player on the fl anks normal.” Dynamo Kiev (UKR), Besiktas (TUR) diola back to Barcelona, where he won and Euro 2016 with Portugal. Group C: Barcelona (ESP), Manches- so much, with his new-look Manchester Ronaldo, 31, received the accolade for ter City (ENG), Borussia Moenchengla- City side. the second time in his career after fin- LEAGUE CUP dbach (GER), Celtic (SCO) Guardiola coached Barcelona to ishing ahead of Real teammate Gareth Group D: Bayern Munich (GER), Champions success in 2009 and 2011, Bale and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Atletico Madrid (ESP), PSV Eindhoven but will have his work cut out now to Griezmann. (NED), Rostov (RUS) control the Spanish champions given the “I’m obviously delighted to receive this Middlesbrough Group E: CSKA Moscow (RUS), Bayer good form of South Americans Lionel award, it’s been an incredible season. 04 Leverkusen (GER), Tottenham Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar – who But these two other players deserve it Hotspur (ENG), Monaco (FRA) guided Barca to another Champions tri- as well,” said Ronaldo, who also won the and Burnley suff er Group F: Real Madrid (ESP), Borus- umph in 2015. prize in 2013-14. sia Dortmund (GER), Sporting (POR), The Barca-City group seems to be The award was voted for by journal- Legia Warsaw (POL) the much-feared ‘Group of Death’, since ists from each of UEFA’s 55 member shock exits Group G: Leicester City (ENG), FC the other members are former European associations. Porto (POR), Club Brugge (BEL), FC heavyweights Borussia Moenchenglad- Norway striker Ada Hegerberg won Copenhagen (DEN) bach and Celtic, both of whom qualifi ed the women’s award, ahead of France’s Group H: Juventus (ITA), Sevilla (ESP), this week through the play-off s. Amandine Henry and Dzsenifer Maro- Lyon (FRA), Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) “It is not a nightmare draw because we zsan of Germany. are in a wonderful competition – but it Matchday 1: September 13/14 is a very tough group,” City’s director of Matchday 2: September 27/28 football Txiki Begiristain said. ern Munich – whom Guardiola left for and Dynamo Zagreb. Matchday 3: October 18/19 “Pep (Guardiola) knows the group City in June – will again face Atletico Juventus midfi elder Sami Khedira said: Matchday 4: November 1/2 very well - obviously Barcelona but also Madrid, the team that ousted them in the “This is going to be very interesting. Matchday 5: November 22/23 Borussia Monchengladbach from his semi-fi nals last season. The draw has brought us trips to Spain, Matchday 6: December 6/7 time in Germany.” Meanwhile, 2015 fi nalists Juventus will France and Croatia. I can’t wait for the Meanwhile, German champions Bay- face Europa League winners Sevilla, Lyon tournament to start.”

BOTTOMLINE

Burnley’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson looks dejected at full time.

AFP equaliser in the 54th minute. Guardiola stands by Hart decision London Middlesbrough were unbeaten in their fi rst two Premier League AFP one!”, while a second-half cho- matches following last season’s Manchester, United Kingdom rus of “Stand up if you love Joe urnley suff ered an embar- promotion, yet Aitor Karanka’s Hart!” drew almost the whole rassing English Football side bowed out of the cup after stadium to its feet. League Cup exit against Danish midfi elder Lasse Vigen anchester City’s Hart likened his situation to a fourth tier Accring- Christensen struck with seven fans must accept “circus”, but he stopped short of ton,B while Fulham also claimed a minutes left in extra-time. hardnosed decisions criticising Guardiola. Premier League scalp with their Adnan Januzaj’s maiden goal like the sidelin- “We have a top manager that second-round win over Middles- for Sunderland secured the fi rst Ming of goalkeeper Joe Hart if the the club has wanted for a long, brough on Wednesday. win of David Moyes’ reign as the club are to make progress in the long time,” said the England Sean Dyche’s Burnley had en- Premier League side beat third Champions League, manager goalkeeper, who was making his joyed a surprise 2-0 win over tier Shrewsbury 1-0 at the Sta- Pep Guardiola has warned. fi rst competitive appearance of Liverpool in the Premier League dium of Light. City’s 1-0 win over Steaua the season. on Saturday, but they were Shrewsbury infl icted one of Bucharest on Wednesday sealed “He will have his opinion on brought down to earth in a 1-0 the most embarrassing defeats of their place in the competition’s things and outside of the cha- loss against their unheralded David Moyes’ career in the 2003 group phase, but supporters rade and all the rubbish that is Lancashire neighbours. FA Cup when the Sunderland used the game to voice dissent being talked, we are dealing with Accrington are currently 18th boss was in charge at Everton. over Guardiola’s treatment of it like men inside and we will in League Two, but they proved Having overseen two consecu- Hart. come up with a solution. stubborn opposition for Burnley tive defeats since succeeding The England goalkeeper, who “Tonight I played for Man and claimed a memorable victory Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of is due to be replaced by Barce- City and I enjoyed it and I have when Matt Pearson swept home Light, former Manchester United lona’s Claudio Bravo, was ser- done every time I have played for after a goalmouth scramble in boss Moyes had to wait until the enaded throughout, but Guar- Man City.” the last minute of extra-time at 83rd minute before he could relax diola said he had been hired by Asked what the future held the Wham stadium. as Shrewsbury, 20th in League City to make diffi cult decisions. File picture of Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola. for him, Hart told BT Sport: “It’s John Coleman’s team weren’t One, frustrated Sunderland. “I’m here to take decisions. I not for me to say. It is what it is.” the only giant-killers of the The breakthrough was provid- was honest with Joe, I was hon- my past, which is just one month their life gone more than the nich all my decisions were right. City’s win, secured by a 56th- evening as second-tier promo- ed by on-loan Manchester Unit- est with the club, I was honest here, and I’m pretty sure what I group stage, to the semi-fi nals. Time showed I made mistakes. minute Fabian Delph header, tion chasers Fulham advanced to ed forward Januzaj, who struck with all the players in the squad,” will do with this club. It was last year with Manuel But I have to take it. completed a 6-0 aggregate vic- the third round with an impres- with a fi ne fi nish from 20 yards. said the Catalan, whose name “Because there are a lot of (Pellegrini). “That’s why Manchester City tory. “It was a beautiful experi- sive 2-1 win against Middles- Marc Wilson’s fi rst goal for al- was also chanted by City’s fans. players who are so important. “So it’s not a club for the Eu- contacted me and asked me to be ence for us,” said Steaua coach brough at Craven Cottage. most six years clinched Bourne- “I have to take decisions and Guys like Yaya (Toure), like ropean history. These guys who the new manager. I accepted. If Laurentiu Reghecampf. David Nugent glanced Mid- mouth’s 2-1 victory over fourth- I can’t deny what I feel. When Samir (Nasri), like David Sil- were here create this step and I I accept, you have to follow me. “We have lots to learn. We dlesbrough into the lead with an tier leaders Morecambe at the the fans are unhappy, I can com- va, like Gael Clichy, like (Ale- respect (them) a lot. But I’m here You have to play the way I want have met one of the most pow- eighth-minute header, but an Globe Arena. pletely understand that. ksandar) Kolarov make this club and I have to take decisions. to play.” erful teams in Europe and I hope own goal from Belgian midfi elder Eddie Howe’s team are cur- “What Joe has made in this like this. “You can’t think when I was City’s fans sang “Don’t sell we will have a better route in the Julien de Sart, defl ecting in Scott rently bottom of the Premier club is much more than I did in “This club has just once in in Barcelona, in (Bayern) Mu- Joe Hart!” and “City’s number Europa League.” Malone’s shot, gave Fulham an League after successive defeats.