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Friday, October 4, 2019 ATHLETICS Safar 5, 1441 AH Holloway’s long GULF TIMES 2019 road ends with hurdles gold in Doha SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT Barshim poised for giant leap to high jump greatness HE IS THE ONLY HIGH JUMPER TO GO SIX STRAIGHT YEARS WITH A 2.40M-PLUS EFFORT SINCE 2013

By Mikhil Bhat beri – Barshim has always had derrahman Samba’s bronze in a Doha a spotlight ever since he won a high-quality men’s 400m hur- bronze in 2012 London Olympic dles fi nal on Monday, the hosts Games. have gotten their hopes high for t some point during the In January last year, the 2016 yet another moment of glory. qualifying rounds on world indoor champion Tamberi, “I always want to win, it does Tuesday, a camera fo- also known for sporting a distinct not matter where it is. Every ath- cused on Qatar’s Mutaz half beard at major competitions, lete wants to compete at home, so AEssa Barshim as he lied down on wrote in the IAAF magazine it is special,” Barshim said after the pink track at the Khalifa In- about how his “friend Mutaz” the qualifi cation round. ternational Stadium safe in the taught him the importance of “It is really great to jump in knowledge that he has a foot in in jumping “for yourself, in your front of the home crowd when today’s high jump fi nal. own time”. you have your family, wife, in the Barshim glanced at the camera As Tamberi cried behind stands and it was very important and winked with a hint of smile. closed doors following his dis- for me. I just want to do this for Given his demeanour and the mal performance in Paris in 2017 them. It defi nitely makes these ease with which he cleared 2.29m when he could not even clear the Championships special to me without any faults for a shot at opening height, Barshim told the and it gives you extra motiva- defending his world title, one Italian, “Don’t try to rush it. You tion.” could be forgiven for assuming had a big injury, you’re already Only two other athletes – au- that it must have been just as se- back in the Diamond League. No thorised neutral athletes Ilya rene and calm on the inside, as it one expected that. But now you Ivanyuk and Mikhail Akimenko looked from the outside. need to take your time, don’t – boasted a perfect card in the “I was pushing myself the expect too much too early from qualifi cation round. whole season to jump well at yourself. Just see what happens.” Belarussian Maksim Ne- home. Despite the fact that the The 28-year-old has had to dasekau has this year’s world people are sometimes very criti- apply the same maturity as he leading eff ort of 2.35m, but cal, I am happy to compete here,” made his return to competition struggled before fi nally clearing Barshim said after he sailed over from his ankle injury. And by the 2.26m on Tuesday. the bar four times on Tuesday for looks of it, he has. Even though many have a a spot in the medal round. Barshim missed the Asian higher season’s best eff ort, no Much has been spoken and championships in April even one apart from Barshim has written about the 2017 Athlete of though he “really wanted to do tasted the air 2.40m above the the Year’s injury last year. In his it” because circumstances de- ground in their careers. eff ort to set a new world record, manded he give his body some As for Tamberi, he was just Barshim had the bar pushed up more time. glad “to compete with my good to 2.46m in Hungary in July last Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim talks with Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi during high jump qualifying on Tuesday. He has had a few weeks more friend Barshim” in today’s fi nal. year, but was instead left clutch- ahead of this year’s World Cham- “I am happy he is back at this lev- ing his ankle after one of the at- and bulk of the Diamond League Olympic medallist even as he he is the only high jumper to go calm and cool highly-marketable pionships given that Doha 2019 el. I wish him all the best. He de- tempts. He missed the rest of the season, before making a return in stayed away from competition six straight years with a 2.40m- endearing persona on and off the began later than the usual slot. serves it considering everything season, the start of the World Sopot with a 2.27m this year. to recover from a serious ankle plus eff ort since 2013 and has fi eld, or even his relationships And by the way things turned he has been through,” Tamberi Championships season, the And yet the spotlight has never injury. come closest to Javier Sotomay- with fellow athletes – ask Italian out on Tuesday, it’s working out said after he too jumped a best of Asian championships at home, defl ected from the two-time Whether it is his capability – or’s 2.45m world record, or his high-jumper Gianmarco Tam- fi ne for the Qatari star. After Ab- 2.29m on Tuesday.

BOTTOMLINE Asher-Smith graduates with world honours

AFP Doha

essica Ennis-Hill’s hep- tathlon gold medal on ‘Su- per Saturday’ at the 2012 Olympics inspired a young kitJ carrier that night to pursue her dream of becoming a cham- Asher-Smith at the medallists tears in the aftermath of her vic- pion — on Wednesday it came press conference. tory, said the little girl who fi rst true for Dina Asher-Smith. “It is no secret that I admire went to an athletics track would The 23-year-old wrote another Jess and Christine immensely. have a hard time believing the page in British athletics history by “What they achieved is an in- older version was now a world delivering their fi rst world gold in spiration to me and to other wom- champion in faraway Doha. the 100/200 metres as she pro- en. Chrissie has even been texting “She would not believe me at duced a dominant performance in me every day giving me encour- all, said Asher-Smith. the 200m to win in a new national agement.” “I was saying earlier weirdly record of 21.88 seconds. Asher-Smith has come a long enough I used my younger self Asher-Smith said in the past way since she had to be bribed as a reference when I was in the standing in the Olympic Stadium with the off er of an ice cream by warm-up area and began to get and watching Ennis-Hill — who her parents — who were in the nervous. “I recalled my fi rst was one of three British victors crowd at the Khalifa Stadium — to championships in Moscow (2013 that night along with Greg Ru- keep going in a cross country race worlds) at the age of 17. therford in the long jump and Mo at primary school. “I was literally so scared I was Farah in the 10,000m — inspired However, she is now seen as a holding the relay baton but my her to want to enjoy similar suc- trailblazer for British women in hands were so sweaty I thought cess. Thus it gave exra satisfac- sprinting, though, she liked to see it would fall out which is not very tion for the erudite Asher-Smith it as a broader picture than that. glamorous! — who achieved a history degree “It feels good,” she said. “I swore to myself I was never whilst she was also focusing on “In many walks of life women going to be that inexperienced her athletics career — her fi rst try and push boundaries and re- ever again. global title comes at the same age defi ne what is possible. “Tonight she would not believe as both her British idols Ennis- “Whether it is British women me at all.” Asher-Smith, who also Hill (2009 world title) and 400 or Allyson Felix and Shell-Ann won silver in the 100m on Sunday, metres star Christine Ohuruogu Fraser-Pryce sportswomen in said despite her parents support (2007 world title). general are also trying to do that she would dedicate her gold to her “It means a lot to be even men- in sports.” coach John Blackie, who was also tioned in the same sentence,” said Asher-Smith, who burst into in the crowd with his wife. Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 4, 2019

SPOTLIGHT Ambassador lauds German athletes’ performance ‘Doha Worlds is a unique experience for all of us and we are excited to be a part of this great event’

By Amjad Vanimal Doha

he Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the State of Qatar Hans-Udo Muzel has lauded German athletes for Ttheir performance in the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha. “Sports bring people together, es- pecially young ones. It’s amazing that our German athletes has got a chance to meet with many international ath- letes in Doha,” the envoy said yesterday during a grand meet-and-greet session with athletes at the Marriott Marquis City Center Hotel Doha. Ambassador Muzel and chairperson of the Parliamentarian Sports Com- mittee, Dagmar Freitag, welcomed the German team. Many German and Qatari sports en- thusiasts had an exciting opportunity to meet some of the top German ath- letes, including Gesa Felicitas Krause, who claimed bronze in the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase to win Ger- many’s fi rst medal of the champion- ships in Doha on Monday. The 27-year-old from the western city of Trier ran a German record time of 9 minutes, 3.3 seconds, to come in third, behind the new champion and world record holder, Beatrice Chepk- oech, of Kenya, with 8:57.84, and de- fending champion Emma Coburn of the United States. Krause came in a surprise third in the same event in Beijing four years ago, but this repeat achievement is less of a surprise after a period of intense prep- German ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel (third from right) poses with the athletes and off icials during the meet-and-greet session with the German contingent taking part at the Doha Worlds. PICTURE: Jayaram aration saw her break her own German record back in August. Doha. I’m satisfi ed with my perform- athletics association in the world but see Doha hosting many international nifi cance of the co-operation between be a part of this great event. We keep Her time in Doha makes her the sec- ance and so pleased that I could set a also larger than Germany’s Football As- sport events. Also it’s beautiful to see Qatar and the Federal Republic of Ger- our fi ngers crossed for the German ond-fastest female European steeple- national record as well,” said Kraus. sociation, among others. many regional and international ath- many in various fi elds including sports athletes and look forward to witness- chaser in history, after Russia’s Gulnara The German Athletics Association Commenting on the successful host- letes gather in one place with strong and infrastructure development. ing outstanding athletic achievements Galkina, who ran a then-record 8:58.81. (DLV) is an 850,000-members strong ing of world sports events in Doha, am- sportsman spirit, thereby spreading “The IAAF World Athletics Cham- and great sportsmanship,” the envoy “I’m really happy and proud that I association made up of over 7,700 bassador Muzel said, “Capacity build- peace and humanity globally.” pionships in Doha is a unique experi- told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the won a bronze medal for my county in clubs, making it not only the largest ing is nation building; it’s amazing to The Ambassador highlighted the sig- ence for all of us and we are excited to felicitation ceremony.

FOCUS TODAY’S FINALS AT DOHA WORLDS

MEN’S HIGH JUMP 8:15pm WR: 2.45 Javier Sotomayor, Cuba, July 27, 1993, Salamanca Poland’s Fajdek in a class of his own YB: 2.35 Maksim Nedasekau, Belarus DC: Mutaz Essa barshim, Qatar IAAF OC: Derek Drouin, Canada Doha FA: Mutaz Essa barshim, Qatar; Maksim Nedasekau, Belarus; Mikhail Akimenko, neutral athlete

awel Fajdek of Poland may not WOMEN’S DISCUS 9pm be able to win Olympic med- WR: 76.80 Gabriele Reinsch, Germany, July 9, 1988, Neubrandenburg als in the hammer but he can’t YB: 69.39 Yaime Perez, Cuba stop winning world titles. The DC: Sandra Perkovic, Croatia P30-year-old from Swiebodzice became OC: Sandra Perkovic, Croatia the fi rst man to collect four world golds in FA: Yaime Perez, Cuba; Denia Caballero, Cuba; Perkovic, Croatia the discipline on Wednesday night with a best eff ort of 80.50m in the fourth round. WOMEN’S 400M HURDLES 9:30pm France’s Quentin Bigot took silver with WR : 52.20 Dalilah Muhammad, United States, July 28, 2019, 78.19m ahead of Hungary’s Bence Halasz, Des Moines who had a best of 78.18m. Fajdek, who YB: 52.20 Dalilah Muhammad, United States began the season with injury problems, DC: Kori Carter, United States started as he meant to continue on day six OC: Dalilah Muhammad, United States at the IAAF World Athletics Champion- FA: Dalilah Muhammad, United States; Sydney McLaughlin, ships in Doha, establishing a fi rst-round United States; Zuzana Hejnova, Czech Republic lead of 79.34m that would have been suf- fi cient to win on its own. MEN’S 3,000M STEEPLECHASE 9:45pm Wojciech Nowicki, who beat his fel- WR: 7:53.63 Saif Saeed Shaheen, Qatar, September 3, 2004, Brussels low Pole to the European title last sum- YB: 8:04.82 Soufiane el Bakkali, Morocco mer, fi nished fourth overall with a best of DC: Conseslus Kipruto, Kenya 77.69m. However, the Polish team then OC: Conseslus Kipruto, Kenya lodged a protest, claiming Halasz had FA: Conseslus Kiprutu, Kenya; Benjamin Kigen, Kenya; Soufiane El touched the ground outside the circle Bakkali, Morocco on his fi rst attempt. The jury of appeal concluded that irregularities in the con- MEN’S 400M 10:20pm duct of the competition disadvantaged WR: 43.03 Wayde van Niekerk, South Africa, August 14, 2016, Rio Nowicki and, in fairness to both athletes, YB: 43.45 Michael Norman, United States decided to award bronze medals to both DC: Wayde van Niekerk, South Africa Nowicki and Halasz. Poland’s Wojciech Nowicki claimed a fourth consecutive hammer throw world title on Wednesday night. (Reuters) OC: Wayde van Niekerk, South Africa “It was a very diffi cult season with a FA: Fred Kerley, United States; Steven Gardiner, Bahamas; Kirani very good end,” Fajdek said. “I had to go On what the gold medal means for him to get more of it – like a vampire wants Cut to the following year’s Rio Olym- James, Bahamas from zero to 100 per cent in just one year, and for Poland, Fajdek said: “It’s a nice more and more blood.” pics, where the good news was that he coming back from injury. I basically had day to be a world champion. I’ve done Fajdek’s mighty feat has been consecu- recorded a mark in Olympic competition MEN’S 20KM WALK 11:30pm only seven months for the preparation. I it four times now and made history, and tive. The fi rst of his golds came in Mos- but the bad news was that it wasn’t suf- WR : 1:16:36 Yusuke Suzuki, Japan, March 15, 2015, Nomi had some back problem, knee problems, that means a lot. I had a really big injury. I cow six years ago, as he beat Olympic fi cient to get him into the fi nal. YB: 1:17:15 Toshikazu Yamanishi, Japan but that is our job to deal with it. It is nor- was training since March so it is impres- champion Krisztian Pars of Hungary to And skip to London in 2017, where he DC: Eider Arevalo, Colombia mal. Now, taking the fourth world cham- sive for me, and maybe for everyone.” gold with an eff ort of 81.97m. Fajdek, ca- retained his world title with an eff ort OC: Wang Zhen, China pionship title – it is very emotional for Bigot, meanwhile, was colourful on lamitously, had failed to record a mark in of 79.81m ahead of authorised neutral FA: Toshikazu Yamanishi, Japan; Massimo Stano, Italy; Cai Zelin, me and I feel very proud tonight. Next – the subject of how it felt to make his London. Two years later in Beijng he re- athlete Valeriy Pronkin, who recorded China hard work in the following two years until breakthrough at a major championship: tained his title with an eff ort of 80.88m, 78.16m, and his fellow Pole Nowicki, who WR: World Record; YB: 2019 year’s best (as of September 22); the Eugene World Championships…” “When you get your fi rst medal, you want two metres clear of his nearest rival. took bronze with 78.03m. DC: defending champion; OC: Olympic champion; FA: favourites

Ortega awarded bronze aft er second appeal Doha: ORLANDO ORTEGA has been awarded a However, their persistence paid off after appeal- bronze medal in the men’s 110 metres hurdles after ing for a second time yesterday. “The Jury of Appeal appealing for a second time over interference by reconsidered the case and in view of the obstruc- Jamaica’s Omar McLeod in Wednesday’s final at the tion by athlete Omar McLeod, which impeded the World Athletics championships. Spanish Athlete, the Jury accepted the Appeal and The 28-year-old Cuba-born naturalised Spaniard — directed that Spanish athlete Orlando Ortega also be an Olympic silver medallist in 2016 — was in third po- awarded a bronze medal,” read the jury’s statement. sition when he had to resort to pushing 2017 world Ortega will join fellow bronze medallist Pascal champion Omar McLeod to get him out of his lane. Martinot Lagarde of France, silver medallist Sergey Ortega finished fifth — McLeod came to grief at the Shubenkov and the new champion Grant Holloway final hurdle — but immediately appealed through of the United States for the medals ceremony later American Dalilah Muhammad is one of the favourites for the Team Spain only for the appeal jury to reject it. last night. women’s 400m hurdles title. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, October 4, 2019 3

SPOTLIGHT Holloway’s long 2019 road ends with hurdles gold A self-confessed student of the sport, Holloway recalls poring over hours of videos of hurdles greats

IAAF Doha

espite the IAAF World Athlet- ics Championships Doha 2019 being just the fourth com- petition for Grant Holloway sinceD joining the professional ranks, the American’s success in a dramatic and incident-packed men’s 110m hurdles fi nal on Wednesday night did not hap- pen by sheer fl uke. A University of Florida student up until June – when he became the fi rst athlete to win three successive NCAA indoor and outdoor sprint hurdles titles – the engaging, articulate and highly- motivated Holloway had set up a me- ticulous and clear-eyed plan to target and succeed in Qatar. “It has always been the goal (to win gold in Doha),” explains Holloway. “When I started this season in a Uni- versity of Florida uniform, I think in the back of coach (Mike) Holloway’s (no relation) mind and my mind we would make it through to October (and the World Championships). The blood, sweat and tears, it has been a long grind. We had a goal with NCAA indoors and then transitioning to out- doors. Then after the (college) outdoor season ended we talked about what we should do.” Holloway, who originally hails from Chesapeake, Virginia, has always been a highly-driven individual. A self-con- fessed student of the sport he recalls poring over hours of videos of hurdles greats such as four-time former world champion Allen Johnson, former US record holder David Oliver and two- time world indoor 60m hurdles cham- pion Terrence Trammell. “I have also watched plenty of YouTube videos of these people to my left and right (he said of the World Championships silver and bronze med- allists Sergei Shubenkov and Pascal Martinot-Lagarde),” he adds. “Study- Grant Holloway (right) of the US sprints to victory in the men’s 110m hurdles final during the World Athletics Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Wednesday night. (Reuters) ing the game is how I can be better and get on the podium.” and they asked me, ‘do you want to be Olympic sprint medallists Bernard has gone swimmingly for the American 110m hurdles fi nal being Holloway 49th 0.05 clear of Shubenkov, the 2015 World His proud mum, Latasha, herself a an NFL player or an Olympian?’ In my Williams and Tony McQuay – has ena- hurdler. At the US Championships in competition (including heats) this year champion and Martinot-Lagarde of former college hurdler, who attended heart, I wanted to be an Olympian. bled Holloway the athlete to fl ourish. Des Moines he had to concede defeat to - he has competed over 60m, 200m, France (13.18). the post-race press conference, recalls: “I wanted to do both when I got to Smashing former world record- Daniel Roberts – whom he had beaten 60m hurdles, 110m hurdles, long jump, “I had no idea what was going on (in “As a sophomore at high school he was the college level but my coach (Mike holder Renaldo Nehemiah’s 40-year- to the NCAA title. 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay - he the race),” he explains. “Coming into concerned about his diet. He knew he Holloway) said if you want to be the old collegiate record when recording Then on his IAAF Diamond League was able to perform when it counted. the fi nal I had laser focus and my goal shouldn’t drink soda because of the best person on the track that you can, a blistering and world leading mark of debut in Paris, after making a blistering With Roberts suff ering a disquali- was to get out and stay out and that is sugar, he said ‘that’s what athletes did’. stick with me and I promise that by the 12.98 in June to secure a hat-trick of start he fl oundered over the fi nal few fi cation in the heats for clobbering a exactly what I did. I watched a replay It is very rewarding to see the fruits of next Olympics I will have you ready. Me NCAA 110m hurdles titles in Austin - hurdles and faded to sixth as Roberts hurdle in an adjacent lane, Holloway of the race and there is a lot of stuff go- his labour.” and coach Holloway make an awesome his 110m hurdle talent is undisputed. once more took the victory. kept his head when others crumbled ing on back there. I just had laser focus Recruited by the University of Flor- team. However, such are his rich all-round “At times things got rough but I in an incident-packed fi nal in Doha. over my ten barriers and I executed to ida to not only compete in track and “American football is also very un- athletic gifts, Holloway is also a 8.17m couldn’t have done it (win the world Benefi ting from a turbo-charged start, the best of my ability.” fi eld but also as a gifted wide receiver forgiving on the body. The question I long jumper and a 6.50 60m sprinter title) without my inner circle who the dynamic American held a clear lead Victory in Doha is a rich reward for and defensive back he never stepped always say is do I want to walk when I (recorded when winning the NCAA in- stayed with me,” he recalls. “I’ll give a throughout with 2017 champion Omar the sacrifi ces he has made over many on to the American football fi eld. Once am 30 and be in wheelchair by the age door title in March). He also helped the big shout out to both parents (Stan and McLeod clipping several hurdles before years. “When I was younger I always again demonstrating a great clarity and of 35? I’ll take my chances going over University of Florida to NCAA silver in Latasha), my coach, and my awesome tumbling to grief after hurdle ten, badly missed junior team by one spot but I maturity he opted instead to focus on some hurdles.” the 4x400m relay courtesy of a scintil- girlfriend, who all kept me calm. I ran impeding the challenge the Olympic dreamed of holding the American fl ag. athletics. “Coming into college it was Holloway – a former coach to world lating 43.75 split. crappy at the US Champs, I ran crappy silver medallist Orlando Ortega. It just shows when you put your mind one of the decisions I needed to make and Olympic 400m hurdles champion But since turning pro, where he has in Paris but they kept me calm.” Yet Holloway was unaware of the to something, hold yourself account- (do I play American Football or track),” Kerron Clement, 2003 world 200m continues to be coached by Holloway And despite opening this competi- misfortunes behind as he serenely able and never give up on your goals, he explains. “I talked to my parents champion John Capel and world and in Gainesville, Florida, not everything tive year back in January and the men’s powered home to strike gold in 13.10 – what you can achieve.”

SOME ATHLETES FEAR FOR LIVELIHOOD FOCUS WITH DIAMOND LEAGUE EVENTS AT RISK Pole vault trio delight with camaraderie Doha: Before he began compet- ridiculous,” the Swede said. at the end of each season, it ing in lucrative Diamond League Christian Taylor, four times added. For many events there DPA meetings, Norwegian discus triple jump world champion, are no other meetings that bring Doha thrower Ola Stunes Isene moved said the Diamond League was together the best athletes and back to his parents’ home with his livelihood. “I can speak up yield significant prize money. his girlfriend because he could but there are people at the table “With the financial aspect he camaraderie was re- not make a living from the sport. who do the voting at the end and the prize money, it’s a markable as Sam Ken- “That’s not the best thing to do of the day,” he said. “Hopefully competition that you can’t make dricks, Armand Du- when you are in a relationship,” they can hear our cry.” up for by doing other meets,” plantis and Piotr Lisek completedT a classy world cham- the hulking 24-year-old told Diamond League champions American discus thrower Valarie Reuters. in every discipline receive prize Allman said of the Diamond pionship pole vault fi nal in this Having earned 10,000 euros money of $50,000. Eighth-place League. order on the podium. ($10,990) at Diamond League finishers in the Diamond League Olympic champion shot Every time one of the three meetings this year, Stunes Isene final go home with $2,000. The putter Michelle Carter predicts cleared a height in the deciding will move out again when he re- winners of Diamond League an exodus from her discipline stages of the competition the turns to Norway from the World events leading up to the final if it is cut from the Diamond other two would be on hand to Athletics Championships in each receive $10,000, down League programme. “It’s going congratulate and embrace him. Doha, yet his financial freedom to $1,000 for the eighth-place to be really hard to keep women In the end it was the Ameri- might not last. finishers. The prize money at in the sport if they cannot finan- can Kendricks, 27, to retain his A new Diamond League for- non-Diamond League meetings cially provide for themselves, title, on countback against the mat, which will be announced in varies greatly depending on which has always been an issue 19-year-old US-born Swedish detail later this month, will see the country where the event is for field events,” said Carter, sensation the number of events brought held. Yet winners of events on who was competing in the Duplantis, after both had down from 32 to 24 in an eff ort the IAAF World Challenge circuit women’s shot put final in Doha cleared 5.97m. Lisek took bronze to create a faster-paced meeting make $5,000 — half of what a last night. with 5.87m. It was the best win- that is more palatable to televi- first-place finisher at a Diamond Carter is one of the field ning height at the worlds in 18 sion viewers. League event receives. athletes who has embarked on years and the fi rst time that a Winner Sam Kendricks (right) of the US, runner-up Sweden’s Armand Duplantis (left) and bronze Speculation is rife that field The IAAF, the global govern- projects on the side that could jump of 5.97m was not good medallist Poland’s Piotr Lisek share a light moment after the pole vault final. (Reuters) events such as the discus and ing body of athletics, said it had support her if she loses her Dia- enough for gold. triple jump could be sidelined, held a series of meetings with mond League income. She gives But the big heights were no as enemies, but as rivals and said. “I am young, I have a lot happy, “very glad I managed and some of the world’s top ath- athletes so they “could express public speeches and runs a girls’ surprise as the illustrious trio friends.” more opportunities. Sam had a to confi rm that I belong to the letes are objecting. “Next year their views and ask questions sports camp aimed at empower- had pushed each other all year, Kendricks readily named Du- fantastic performance, he de- world class of the pole vaulters.” they could remove my biggest about the changes to the Dia- ing young athletes. with Kendricks soaring 6.06m plantis the future of the sport, served the gold today. He is the The three will now go their income,” Stunes Isene said. “I’m mond League next year”. On her website, the American in 2019, Lisek 6.02m and Du- and the Swede, who had risen to better man, no shame in saying separate ways to prepare re- not mad at them but I hope they “The aim is to enhance the sells necklaces engraved with plantis 6.00m. stardom at last year’s European that.” suming their duels in the next can understand throwers too.” commercial and fan appeal of “I can” like the one she wears in “I am elated, stunned, ex- championships by raising his Duplantis also said him and Olympic season, but not after Discus world champion Dan- our global series, which ulti- competition. “If need be I’ll have cited all at the same time. It’s personal best by 12cm to 6.05m Kendricks clearing some of the ending 2019 in their very own iel Stahl was equally frustrated mately will benefit the athletes,” to really attack those to make almost hard to take it in. To have for gold, was far from disap- heights in their fi nal attempts unique style. “As for celebrat- at the prospect of the discipline the IAAF said in a statement. up for the income but I hope I three men over six all going for pointed of having missed out only added to the drama and ing, I guess Sam, Piotr and I will being removed from the Dia- The format of the Diamond won’t have to until I retire,” she it — the Titans of the event this this time. “makes for a lot more entertain- do something together here in mond League. “I think that it’s League would be reviewed said. (Reuters) year — made it such a memora- “I cannot complain about the ment than a fi rst attempt.” Doha, one last night together,” ble night. We weren’t duelling silver medal, I am grateful,” he Lisek was also more than Duplantis said. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 4, 2019 CRICKET

FIRST TEST COMMENT Kirsten ideal candidate to coach Agarwal double ton England: Atherton

Reuters “Nationality is immaterial; London skills as communicators, man- managers and expertise in tech- nique are all-important... they ormer South Africa bats- (coaches) are facilitators, teach- guides India to 502 man Gary Kirsten would ers and enablers, trying to help be the perfect candidate to improve the lives and careers to replace Trevor Bayliss of players,” he said. “He (Kirsten) Fas England coach and the coun- would make a fi ne choice. There try’s cricket board should not are those who will frown upon hesitate to make another over- another overseas appointment... seas appointment, former cap- I’m not of that number.” tain Michael Atherton said. Atherton said Kirsten’s imme- against South Africa British media reported that diate focus would be to provide former India coach Kirsten has the structure needed to improve ‘We are very happy with the way we have played but there is no room for complacency’ emerged as the leading contender fourth-ranked England’s stand- to take over from Australia’s Bay- ing in test cricket. AFP liss, who departed after the Ashes “The one-day team is in good Visakhapatnam, India series against Australia following shape and runs itself under Eoin their maiden 50-over World Cup Morgan, while the test team are triumph earlier this year. in need of some tender loving pening batsman May- Atherton said that the 51-year- care,” Atherton added. ank Agarwal complet- old’s experience of guiding India “The captain, Joe Root, (is) in ed a double century to the 2011 World Cup title and need of a coach to apply greater yesterday as India put coaching South Africa to the top structure than the free-wheeling SouthO Africa’s bowlers to the of the test rankings a year later Bayliss was apt to do. South Afri- sword in the fi rst Test. had given him the advantage over cans love a bit of structure.” Agarwal made 215 out of In- English candidates for the role. Kirsten’s former South Africa dia’s 502 for seven declared in “It’s dangerous to fall into the team mate Lance Klusener, who Visakhapatnam. South Africa trap of thinking a foreign accent was named Afghanistan head then lost cheap wickets before makes you a better candidate, coach last week, echoed Ather- the second day ended, reaching but no English coach has such ton’s views. 39 for three at the close, with an impressive CV as Kirsten’s,” “He brings winning, so that Ravichandran Ashwin leading a former opener Atherton wrote in for me is vitally important,” spin rout of the top order. the Times newspaper. Klusener told the BBC. Ashwin bowled Aiden If appointed, Kirsten would “He’s one of those guys that Markram for fi ve and Theunis be only the fourth foreigner to when he does stand up and de Bruyn caught behind for four. coach England in a list that also speak, people tend to listen, and Nightwatchman Dane Piedt was includes Zimbabweans Duncan he’s had that ability since I used bowled middle stump by Ravin- Flecther and Andy Flower. to play with him.” dra without scoring. Scorecard Opener Dean Elgar, on 27, and INDIA 1st innings Temba Bavuma, on two, were (overnight 202-0, M. Agarwal 84, R. at the crease, with their side Sharma 115) Haynes, Simmons in shortlist needing another 264 to avoid M. Agarwal c Piedt b Elgar 215 for next West Indies coach a follow-on. The 28-year-old Agarwal put on a record 317- R. Sharma st de Kock b Maharaj 176 Former teammates Desmond Haynes and Phil Simmons are run opening stand with opening C. Pujara b Philander 6 among three candidates shortlisted for the role of head coach for partner Rohit Sharma to set the V. Kohli c & b Muthusamy 20 the West Indies team, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced. tone for India’s dominance. West Indies appointed Floyd Reifer as their interim head coach in “We are very happy with the A. Rahane c Bavuma b Maharaj 15 April, replacing Richard Pybus as part of a series of administrative way we have played in the fi rst R. Jadeja not out 30 changes less than two months before the World Cup in England. innings but there is no room for H. Vihari c Elgar b Maharaj 10 Reifer, who played six tests and eight one-day internationals for complacency,” Agarwal told re- West Indies, is also in the race for the position. porters. W. Saha c Muthusamy b Piedt 21 “I am pleased to see such high quality West Indian talent and “We are going to make sure R. Ashwin not out 1 experience in the shortlisted candidates for the head coach posi- that since we have the upper EXTRAS (b4, lb1, nb2, w1) 8 tion,” CWI President Ricky Skerritt said. hand we will keep coming back “I believe that any one of the three finalists would be an excellent TOTAL (7 wickets dec, 136 overs) 502 keep putting the pressure on choice as head coach, and I wish them every success at the final South Africa.” FALL OF WICKETS: 11-317 (Sharma), stage of interviews.” He added: “It was great bat- 2-324 (Pujara), 3-377 (Kohli), 4-431 (Ra- ting alongside him (Sharma). It hane), 5-436 (Agarwal), 6-457 (Vihari), was good that we can get these 7-494 (Saha) big partnerships for India early BOWLING: Philander 22-4-68-1, Rabada SPOTLIGHT on. It’s nice obviously... getting a 24-7-66-0, Maharaj 55-6-189-2 (nb1), 300-run partnership feels great.” Piedt 19-1-107-1, Muthusamy 15-1-63-1 The right-hand batsman (w1, nb1), Elgar 1-0-4-1 smashed six sixes and 23 fours QNCA coaching in a 371-ball knock, using the reverse sweep to good eff ect as SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings he made his mark in just his fi fth D. Elgar not out 27 clinic from next week Test. Agarwal eventually fell A. Markram b Markram 5 to part-time spinner Elgar be- tion to impart quality coaching T. de Bruyn c Saha b Ashwin 4 By Sports Reporter fore leaving to handshakes from Doha to young players so that a strong South African players. He said D. Piedt b Jadeja 0 talent base can be created, ac- that “long-distance running” T. Bavuma not out 2 cording to QCA Operations and batting for long hours in the he Qatar National Crick- Manager Manzoor Ahmad. nets during practice was the rea- EXTARS (lb1) 1 et Academy will begin The training programme is son behind his marathon knock. TOTAL (3 wickets, 20 overs) 39 its clinic for local young aimed to hone individual skills Sharma fell for 176, stumped FALL OF WICKETS: 1-14 (Markram), 2-31 players at the Asian Town and improve physical capa- off Keshav Maharaj before TCricket Stadium next week. bilities of the participants. The (de Bruyn), 3-34 (Piedt) lunch. Sharma, who resumed Aftab Ahmad, a qualifi ed Level players will also be off ered regu- the day on 115, smashed the ball BOWLING: Sharma 2-0-8-0, Shami 2-2- 2 coach with a huge experience of lar net practice and competi- to all parts of the ground. India 0-0, Ashwin 8-4-9-2, Jadeja 8-1-21-1. 16 years of coaching in modern tive cricket opportunities. Apart then suff ered two quick blows. academies in Pakistan, will im- from the sustained training, the Cheteshwar Pujara went for six Indian opener Mayank Agarwal celebrates scoring 200 runs during the second day’s play of the first Test against South Africa at the Dr. Y.S. part the coaching to the academy players will also be given lectures and skipper Virat Kohli for 20. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP) trainees who will be divided in for acquiring leadership qualities Paceman Vernon Philander three groups – 9 to 11 years, 12 to and team work spirit. bowled Pujara on the fi rst de- out, and wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhi- “I think it was probably one of the tough- up because of the heat around, so there is 16 years and 16 to 19 years. For more details, interested livery of the second session. man Saha, who hit 21, gave useful support est surfaces I bowled on in terms of it being a little of bit of assistance now opposed to Along with Aftab Ahmad, players and their parents may Debutant spinner Senuran in building up the huge total. Maharaj took a lot slower and not biting as much,” said when we fi rst started off .” three local ICC-certifi ed coaches contact Jamshaid Ahmad at Muthusamy had Kohli caught three wickets from 55 overs of left-arm spin Maharaj. “Obviously you get slow turn, but The pitch had started turning as India will also join the programme. the QCA Offi ce through call and bowled as his maiden Test and said it was among the “toughest” con- I just felt the ball didn’t really kick off the sent in Ashwin and Jadeja to make quickfi re Ahmad has recently been roped +97466949928 or e-mail: crick- wicket. Jadeja, who made 30 not ditions he had bowled in. wicket.“But the cracks have been opening strikes on the South African batsmen. in by the Qatar Cricket Associa- [email protected]

THE HUNDRED Stokes wins players’ award Stokes joins Northern Superchargers aft er World Cup heroics Ben Stokes has been voted the Professional Cricketers’ Reuters for the World Cup-winning all- for Manchester Originals. The Association players’ player of the year after starring London rounder, the Rockets chose Root remaining places in the 15-man in England’s maiden World Cup win and repeating over seamer Stuart Broad. squads will be fi lled via a full his heroics during the Ashes series. Somerset’s Tom “Obviously I have been associ- draft on October 20, with West Banton picked up the PCA young player of the year ngland’s Ben Stokes will ated with Yorkshire and that part Indies opener Chris Gayle and award, while England bowler Sophie Ecclestone col- play for Northern Super- of the world for a long period of former Australia captain Steve lected the women’s prize. Highlights of the English chargers in The Hundred, time, it’ll always be home to me,” Smith among those who have cricket season for Stokes included an unbeaten 84 with the Leeds-based Root told BBC Sport. made themselves available for in the World Cup final and a sensational 135 not out franchiseE snapping up all- “But I have big connections the tournament. to win the third Test against Australia at Headingley. rounder ahead of Yorkshire pair with Nottingham too – my dad The eight women’s teams have All-rounder Stokes, 28, was England’s top run-scorer Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow in played there as a Colt and in the signed two players each from the in the Ashes, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Speaking the opening player picks for next junior teams and second team 21 who are centrally contracted to at the PCA awards ceremony in London on Wednes- year’s new competition. and I’ve always loved playing England. The women’s competi- day, Stokes told the Press Association: “In terms of The new 100-ball format tour- there too. It’s a great venue to be tion will run alongside the men’s reflection, I think there will come a time where I will nament was launched yesterday, involved in – the wicket there is under the same team names, with be able to take it all in but I don’t think that will come with eight new city-based teams fantastic, there are nice, small England captain Heather Knight until I retire really because it all comes so thick and offi cially named and the fi rst boundaries so it’s come together representing London Spirit, fast. “This will definitely be a summer that I will be batch of players allocated, in- nicely in many ways.” while Professional Cricketers’ able to look back on forever.” He added: “Winning the cluding England’s red-ball con- England fast bowler Jofra Association women’s player of World Cup was an amazing feeling to be a part of – tracted players. England’s Test Archer will represent Southamp- the year Sophie Ecclestone will seven weeks of hard toil to then walk away with the captain Root will play for Not- ton-based Southern Brave, while play for Manchester Originals. World Cup was brilliant, and then a great Ashes series tingham-based Trent Rockets, Sam Curran joins his brother The tournament will be played to be part of.” England Test skipper Joe Root paid while Bairstow was picked up by Tom at Oval Invincibles. Eng- during the English summer tribute to his “awesome” teammate, who is the Test Welsh Fire in Cardiff . land’s leading test wicket-taker starting July 2020. Teams will vice-captain. “He’s a massive driving force of this team, The geographical element to James Anderson and Broad were play each other once, apart from one of the senior players across the board,” Root said. the draft meant Stokes was only not chosen. World Cup-winning their paired ‘rivals’, whom they Young player of the year Banton has been included in eligible for the Supercharg- captain Eoin Morgan was picked meet twice – home and away. England’s Twenty20 squad for the winter tour to New ers – who could pick Yorkshire by London Spirit, all-rounder There will be a total of 32 league Zealand after amassing more than 1,000 runs across and Durham players – and when Moeen Ali joined Birmingham matches, with the top three com- the two domestic limited-overs competitions. coach Darren Lehmann opted Phoenix and Jos Buttler will play peting in the Finals Day. England all-rounder Ben Stokes. Gulf Times Friday, October 4, 2019 5 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Goffi n advances to Japan Open Osaka sets up last quarter-fi nals

AFP Match data, however, pro- Tokyo vided proof that Goffi n kept an edge above his opponent, landing 70 percent of his fi rst avid Goffi n of Bel- serves, against 52 percent by eight clash with gium advanced to the Shapovalov. Japan Open quarter- Meanwhile Asian rising star fi nals after squeezing Chung also submitted fi ery byD Canada’s Denis Shapovalov tennis against the veteran 7-6(7/5), 7-6(7/2) yesterday. Croat, with an early break in Both men kept all of their the fi rst set giving him a head service games - with Shapo- start toward victory. valov nailing 10 aces against The 23-year-old aced 11 Andreescu in Beijing third-seed Goffi n’s four - in times and logged one dou- the close match that lasted ble fault, while Cilic suff ered ‘We’re kind of like the next generation. I’m really excited’ nearly two hours. seven double faults with eight Goffi n, winner here in 2017, aces. used his footwork to survive Chung was on fi re through- two break points while the out the match, having scored big-serving Canadian kept up points on 90 percent of all of the pressure. Goffi n will now his successful fi rst serves. face Chung Hyeon of South In the rest of the tourna- Korea, who pulled an upset ment, Japanese wild card Taro victory against sixth-seed Daniel defeated Australian Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. rival Jordan Thompson 6-4, “It was tough. We were 7-6(7/3). He will next face both really solid on our serv- Australian qualifi er John Mill- ice games,” Goffi n said of his man, who defeated South Af- match. rican Lloyd Harris 6-3, 6-2. “But he (Shapovalov) was World number one Novak serving so well. A lefty, serving Djokovic, returning from a everywhere. Great second serves shoulder injury, is scheduled as well. So it was tough to break to play French fi fth-seed Lu- him today. So I had to fi ght.” cas Pouille today.

SPOTLIGHT Fourth RAM Cycling League from today

Naomi Osaka of Japan waves to the crowd after winning her third round match against Bianca Andreescu of Canada hits a return during her singles third round match against Alison Riske of the US at the China Open in Beijing yesterday. (AFP) Jennifer Brady of the US yesterday. (AFP)

AFP “I noticed that she seems to be very... But Osaka, a former world number one, MEN’S HOLDER EXITS Beijing just focused.” Andreescu, on a winning is also in form, yet to drop a set in three In the men’s draw, the title-holder Nikoloz streak of 17 matches, returned the praise matches in Beijing and fresh from winning Basilashvili of Georgia was on course to By Sports Reporter The league consists of seven with gusto. “I know she’s an aggressive the Pan Pacifi c Open in Japan. pull off a surprise against Stefanos Tsitsi- Doha races in three categories all S Open champion Bianca An- player. She has similar traits to Serena as The two-time Grand Slam champion pas of Greece. around Qatar with the ever- dreescu paid Naomi Osaka the well,” said the world number six. said she was “angry relaxed” after a domi- But the 21-year-old Tsitsipas, ranked popular fi nale held on Al Bidda ultimate compliment on the eve “Big serve, big groundstrokes. She nant 6-4, 6-0, win over unseeded Ameri- seventh, came back to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 he fourth edition of Park’s ‘Red Road’. of their fi rst match, saying the moves pretty well, too.” can Alison Riske. and will play big-serving John Isner of the the Royal Air Maroc “The growth of cycling in UJapanese player’s game has similarities Andreescu, whose ascent has been so Osaka, ranked four, reeled off 10 games United States in the quarter-fi nals. (RAM) Qatar Cycling Qatar has given rise to some with that of Serena Williams. fast that she did not even feature at the in a row to seal victory. Isner sent down 21 aces in defeating League will start with new teams this year. Doha Cy- Two of the most exciting talents in ten- China Open a year ago, added: “She’s do- “I’m relaxed, but I’m a little bit angry, Britain’s Dan Evans in two sets. Tthe Royal Air Maroc Al Tha- cling, Qatar Army and Team Al nis clash today in the quarter-fi nals of the ing incredible, especially at such a young it’s an angry relaxed,” said Osaka when Also on Friday, former number one khira Road Race today. Jassra has join the established China Open in Beijing. age as well. It’s nice to play another player asked what was behind her recent success Andy Murray steps up his return from The above information was teams of Rasen Adventure Ahead of what could be the start of a that’s close to my age. “We’re kind of like in Japan and now China. Also into the last a career-saving hip operation when he given by Qatar Cycling and Shop, Qatar Chain Reaction, long rivalry, the 21-year-old Osaka called the next generation. I’m really excited.” eight in hot and hazy Beijing was reigning plays top seed Dominic Thiem. Triathlon Federation in a press TriClub Doha and Velostar to the 19-year-old Canadian Andreescu “an Andreescu, playing her fi rst tourna- champion Caroline Wozniacki, another It is the three-time Grand Slam cham- release issued yesterday. name just a few. A new team amazing player” and said “I have to learn ment since stunning Williams in the fi nal former world number one. She faces Rus- pion’s fi rst ATP singles quarter-fi nal for a “We are excited to an- competition sponsored by from her”. at Flushing Meadows last month, thrashed sia’s Daria Kasatkina. year. nounce the fourth year of the Rasen will create rivalries in The Japanese, on the upswing after American qualifi er Jennifer Brady. Another in action on Friday is current Alexander Zverev, the German second RAM league, supported again the peloton,” the release added. a slump following her triumph at the The teenager started with intent, women’s number one Ashleigh Barty of seed, eased into the next round with a 6-3, by Royal Air Maroc, Rasen Ad- Lee Jones won the men’s Australian Open at the start of the year, breaking Brady’s fi rst service game on the Australia, who plays the seventh seed Pet- 6-1 victory over another teenage Cana- venture Shop and Rayyan Nat- ‘A; category race of the last smiled: “I’m older than her, very much so. way to a brutal 6-1, 6-3 win in 68 minutes. ra Kvitova of the Czech Republic. dian, Felix Auger Aliassime. ural Water,” the release said. edition.

MLB Diaz strikes quick, leads Rays to wild-card win over A’s AFP Cash said. “Because we get the 1-nothing San Francisco lead a young pitcher in that situation, that environment, how loud it got, you just won- der how he’s going to handle that. andy Diaz hit two of Tampa Bay’s “But Charlie, he’s a veteran. Charlie four home runs on Wednesday as wasn’t at his best today, but he certainly the Rays beat the Oakland Athletics made his best pitches when they counted the 5-1 to advance in the Major League most.” BaseballY playoff s. With the victory in the The Rays were undaunted by a crowd of winner-take-all American League wild card 54,005 - a record for an MLB wild card con- game, the Rays booked a Division Series test. clash with the Houston Astros. Diaz - who started at fi rst base after spec- Diaz, who returned at the weekend after ulation he’d be limited to a designated hitter being sidelined since late July with a broken role - became the fi rst leadoff hitter in MLB left foot, homered to lead off the game and history to homer in each of his fi rst two at- homered again in the third inning. bats of a single post-season. Avisail Garcia belted a two-run homer in Things only get harder from here as the the second and Tommy Pham added a solo Rays tackle the Astros, the 2017 World Series shot in the fi fth. The off ensive support was champions who won an MLB-leading 107 more than enough for Rays starting pitcher regular-season games. Charlie Morton, who struck out four in fi ve The Astros feature a talent-laden pitching solid innings. staff that includes Justin Verlander, Gerrit Morton needed 32 pitches to get through Cole and Zack Greinke. But the Rays took the the fi rst inning, but he got Jurickson Profar regular-season series against Houston 4-3. to fl y out with the bases loaded to end the “Look, they’re better than us. Their pitch- threat. Morton worked his way out of an- ing is better, their hitting is better,” Rays other couple of jams, allowing just one un- principal owner Stuart Sternberg admitted earned run as he became the fi rst pitcher in before Wednesday’s game as he looked ahead MLB history to win three winner-take-all to a possible match up with Houston. games. “I feel pretty strong that over a fi ve- or “You know what, the fi rst inning I kind seven-game series we’re going to be involved of said to myself we’re lucky to have Charlie in a bunch of one-run, two-run games, and Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz is greeted by shortstop Willy Adames after hitting his second home run of the game against the Oakland Athletics Morton on the mound,” Rays manager Kevin those games you can be on either side of it.” during the third inning in the 2019 American League Wild Card playoff game at RingCentral Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 4, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY WORLD CUP MOTORSPORT New Spanish-based team likely to enter Slack Ireland beat F1 under 2021 rules

Reuters ing properly before we seek more London teams,” Brawn said at the time. “I think 10 healthy teams in Formula One is actually enough, would-be Spanish- and if we do get any extra teams Russia 35-0 but based Formula One they’ve got to really add to the team said yesterday show,” added the Briton. they were planning an “We must remember the his- entryA under new regulations tory. So many small teams came from 2021, with former grand and went and didn’t really add to prix driver Pascal Wehrlein as Formula One.” part of their prospective lineup. The three new teams who en- Monaco-based MIM Group, tered in 2010, when a budget cap concerns remain linked to the Campos Racing was proposed but never hap- Team who compete in Formula pened, are now defunct. ‘We are delighted to get a good win and get back on the horse after last week’ Two and Formula Three, said in a One of them was Campos statement it had a team of former Meta, run by former grand prix F1 engineers working on a pre- driver Adrian Campos, who Reuters liminary study. struggled to fi nd funding and Kobe, Japan “The team is now at an ad- were sold before making their vanced stage of negotiations debut as Hispania, later HRT F1. with current Formula One Teams The most recent all-new en- reland began to put their and engine manufacturers to en- trants are U.S.-owned Haas, who World Cup back on track sure the best possible partner- made their debut in 2016 and after the shock loss to Ja- ship for a competitive Spanish have a close technical partner- pan but it took them over Formula One Team from 2021 ship with Ferrari. Ian hour to secure a bonus point and onwards,” it said. “Joining the Formula One and strengthen their quarter- The statement mentioned World Championship in 2021 fi nal chances in an unconvincing meetings in May and July with shall be a long-term project,” 35-0 win over a stubborn Russia Formula One chairman Chase said Campos co-owner and MIM yesterday. Carey and motorsport managing founder Salvatore Gandolfo in Ireland just need to beat Sa- director Ross Brawn. the statement. moa to reach the last eight and Brawn said in August that “a “We are aware of the big chal- can fi nish top of the pool if Japan surprising number” of entities lenges ahead of us, but we have a slip up but the fact Joe Schmidt’s had expressed interest in enter- team of experts working day and side struggled to put away such ing from 2021, when there is due night and the fi nancial solidity a limited team will do little for to be a budget cap and new rules required by the FIA to make this fans’ waning hopes of reaching a to make a more level playing fi eld project a success. fi rst semi-fi nal. He made clear, however, that “With the new budget cap, the “We are delighted to get a the bar would be set high and new distribution of incomes and good win and get back on the would-be entrants would have the new technical and sporting horse after last week. To pick to wait. regulations, there is a great op- up the bonus point was exactly “What we’ve said to these portunity for smaller teams to what we were looking for tonight teams is: let’s get these rules in- compete and ultimately to make and to keep them to zero,” Ire- troduced, let’s stabilise the situ- (Formula One) more interesting land captain Johnny Sexton said ation, let’s get everything work- and balanced again.” in a pitchside interview. “They’re a very well organ- ised team and they made it tough for us at times. The conditions were very diffi cult and the ball was very slippery so pleased to get the fi ve points but still lots to work on.” Only a command- ing win would have suffi ced with INJURY SCARE the shock in Shizuoka still rever- berating around the tournament and it looked on the cards when Rob Kearney, who scored in the 62-12 trashing of Russia in the 2011 World Cup, touched down after 90 seconds. Sexton, who was not risked against Japan due to a thigh in- jury, appeared to have Ireland rushing towards the bonus point Ireland’s Garry Ringrose in action with Russia’s Kirill Gotovtsev during their Pool A match at the Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe, Japan, when his textbook 13th-minute yesterday. (Reuters) dink through was carried over by fl anker Peter O’Mahony for just early on, Ireland could only enced opposing eight. fl attering look than the Russians’ there without conceding a try. his second try in 62 tests. manage a solitary Rhys Ruddock Though cooler in the stadium eff orts deserved but for Ireland, That is quite a performance for Yet Russia, who belied their try when Bogdan Fedotko and than when Samoa and Scotland it could not gloss over other col- us I can tell you. I’m delighted. lowly standing by giving Japan a Andrey Ostrikov were yellow struggled to hold onto the ball umns like the 23 turnovers they It’s a big day for Russian rugby.” fright and were mainly outdone carded either side of halftime for on Monday, the greasy surface conceded to Russia’s 14. “We are The win puts Ireland on 11 points, CYCLING by a short turnaround against The Bears. Sexton, captaining his played a part in Ireland’s scrap- delighted with our performance, while unbeaten Japan (nine) face Samoa, remained competitive country for the fi rst time, kicked piness before Andrew Conway we came here to make it really Samoa (fi ve) tomorrow. Scot- with Ramil Gaisin’s smart kick- fl awlessly before being replaced was put through for his second hard for Ireland to score the four land also have fi ve points and ing helping to keep Ireland at bay at halftime and Ireland’s focus try of the tournament on 62 tries. I’m so proud of the players, play Russia next Wednesday in for another 20 minutes. left with him in an error-strewn minutes. Centre Garry Ringrose they gave absolutely everything,” Shizuoka before ending the pool While some basic errors cost second half in which the Russian added his second try in as many Russia coach Lyn Jones said. phase against the tournament the world’s 20th-ranked side pack bossed the far more experi- games to give the scoreline a less “We played for 60 minutes hosts in Yokohama on October 13.

Fiji delighted with statement win over Georgia, says McKee

Fiji wanted to make a statement exit at the World Cup. McKee told a news conference. “Semi is a world class player,” or a month, we’ve been working after losing to Australia and Uru- However, with their fleet-footed “Very pleasing to see us finally McKee said. “Probably by his own on our scrum for a long time,” guay in their opening two World backs in full flight, the Fijians show some of our flair and talent standards he’s been a bit quiet at he added. “Our scrum matches Cup games, and a seven-try scythed through Georgia at will in at this World Cup. It was a great this World Cup so far, but today anyone in the world and you saw thrashing of Georgia was just the a stunning second half perform- team performance to finish he showed the quality he brings today we’ve got good depth as way to do it, coach John McKee ance at the Hanazono Rugby so strongly.” Former Australia to the game.” And while McKee well.” McKee said he was pleased said yesterday. The Pacific island- Stadium. “Very pleased with rugby league international Semi was delighted by the attacking to see Fiji show what they are ers had been heavily criticized the performance of the flying Radradra grabbed a brace and play of his back line he also paid truly capable of at the World Cup. after last week’s shock loss to Fijians today, we really countered helped set up scores for centre tribute to the forwards for match- “The boys were really hurting Uruguay. Defeat to the improving Georgia in their areas of strength, Waisea Nayacalevu, scrumhalf ing Georgia in the trenches, par- after the Uruguay game. They re- Georgians would have consigned it was a long arm wrestle in the Frank Lomani and his fellow ticularly at the scrum. Scrummag- ally wanted to make a statement them to yet another first round first half and into the second half” winger Josua Tuisova. ing doesn’t just happen in a week today,” he added. Reuters

PREVIEW Italian astronaut to watch World Cup match Kolisi backs ‘focused’ Etzebeth to help Springboks beat Italy from space Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano Reuters wrong-doing, but it is the their plans in the 23-13 loss Toit and Duane Vermeulen. will be cheering on his team from Fukuroi City, Japan last thing the Boks need to New Zealand in their They are up against Italian space when they take on South ahead of a match they must competition opener, but veteran Sergio Parisse, Jake Africa in their pivotal Rugby World win or face an embarrassing what was lacking against Polledri and South African- Cup clash. outh Africa cap- early exit from a tourna- the All Blacks was clinical born Braam Steyn. Parmitano will be watching tain Siya Kolisi says ment where they have been execution. “We have to make sure today’s Pool B match from the teammate Eben among the favourites. “We need to execute bet- we win turnovers, stay in International Space Station as it Etzebeth is focused “I don’t know what is ter with our plan, we had a our system and try to be as orbits some 400km above the solelyS on today’s crunch happening, the manage- great plan for the game and eff ective as we can,” the Bok earth. Italy are looking to upset Rugby World Cup Pool B ment is dealing with it, but did not execute it at all. We skipper said. “Their pack the Springboks and reach the clash with Italy despite from our side we are just made mistakes from which is very strong, hence that knockout stages for the first time. allegations of racial and here to play and I know they scored two tries. is why we have virtually a Parmitano, who has been in space physical abuse levelled at Eben is playing (today). We “It was not a great result, whole pack on the bench.” since July, had a message for the the giant lock. haven’t had any distraction but we can’t smash our- Kolisi believes the team’s Italian team. Etzebeth will likely be this week,” Kolisi told re- selves up about it. Italy are preparation has been thor- “You are a team and have to work the subject of a civil case porters yesterday. a great side and they beat ough enough and there all together to reach your goal, brought by the South Af- “We are just preparing us in the past. In a way we will not be much for him which is that of winning,” he said rican Human Rights Com- for the game, that is all we are fortunate that we get to tell the players in the in a video posted by the European mission (SAHRC) after an have been talking about. to play a ‘knockout’ game changeroom before the Space Agency and the Italian alleged incident outside We have got an important earlier than everybody else game. Rugby Federation. It is not the first a bar on Aug. 25, before match this week, if we slip and that is what we see this “It’s quite clear what we time Parmitano has broken new the Springboks left for Ja- up we are out the competi- game as.” need to do. It’s been a great ground in space. In August he pan, but remains part of tion, so that is all we are fo- The loose-trio tussle is week and each player knows became the first person to DJ in the squad and will line-up cusing on.” being billed as a key bat- what’s needed of him. We space when he played a set from against Italy. Kolisi adds the Boks will tleground with Kolisi part- have all worked so hard to South Africa’s S’Busiso Nkosi takes part in a captain’s run training session at the Ecopa the ISS for a club in Ibiza. Reuters Etzebeth has denied any not deviate much from nered by Pieter-Steph du get to the World Cup.” stadium in Shizuoka, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, October 4, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS United held by AZ Alkmaar Liverpool win 7-goal in Europa League

AFP thriller aft er stunning Paris anchester United stuttered to a drab 0-0 draw against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League group stage yesterday, while Steven Gerrard’s MRangers conceded an injury-time goal in a 2-1 loss at Swiss side Young Boys. Salzburg fi ghtback Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team again strug- gled badly in attack and failed to test Alkmaar ‘They made it a game for us but we are happy to get the three points. That’s the most important thing’ goalkeeper Marco Bizot to leave United still searching for a fi rst away win since March. AFP “The conditions were tough but I thought Paris we did very well. It puts us in a good position,” said Solskjaer, whose side have scored just fi ve goals in their last 10 away games. hampions League holders Academy product Brandon Williams was Liverpool came out on top handed his fi rst start for United, who saw of a 4-3 thriller with Salz- teenager Mason Greenwood denied by a su- burg on Wednesday after perb block from Ron Vlaar on 30 minutes. throwingC away a three-goal lead at The game was played in The Hague, on Anfi eld before Mohamed Salah’s an artifi cial surface described as “one of the winner, while Luis Suarez fi red Bar- worst” by Solskjaer, after a storm damaged celona to a comeback victory over Alkmaar’s home ground in August. Inter Milan. United were without Paul Pogba after the Salah won the Group E match for midfi elder aggravated an ankle injury against Liverpool with his second of the Arsenal on Monday. He was also left out of the night in the 69th minute, deny- France squad named yesterday by Didier De- ing Salzburg a point after teenage schamps. Since their 4-0 thrashing of Chel- sensation Erling Braut Haaland had sea on the opening day of the Premier League stunned the Reds when he complet- campaign, United have failed to score more ed an incredible fi ghtback with his than once in any match. 18th goal of the season. They rarely threatened in the Netherlands “When we were winning three, with substitute Jesse Lingard fi ring wide and we needed to score a fourth, fi fth Solskjaer reacting in disbelief when Marcus and sixth. It’s a little bit bad because Rashford appeared to be chopped down in the the human mind says ‘OK we are penalty area. going to win this’,” Salah told BT Owen Wijndal and Oussama Idrissi forced Sport. David de Gea into a couple of smart saves at The hosts looked to be cruising the other end as the draw left United level on in the 36th minute when Egyptian four points in Group L with Partizan Belgrade, Salah had added to goals by Sadio who won 2-1 away to Astana. Mane and Andy Robertson, but Colombian forward Alfredo Morelos put Hee-Chan Hwang’s brilliant strike Rangers ahead just before half-time in Bern, shortly before the break gave Salz- but Young Boys levelled through Roger Assale burg hope. before Christian Fassnacht grabbed a 93rd- Two goals in four second-half minute winner for the hosts. minutes from Takumi Minamino Goals from Jens Toornstra and Rick Karsdorp and 19-year-old substitute Haaland gave Feyenoord a 2-0 home victory over Porto left the home crowd stunned. in a clash of former European champions in However, Salah spoiled their the other match in Group G. evening with his sixth goal of the Wolves, in their fi rst European campaign season in all competitions, putting since 1980, rebounded from an opening loss Liverpool level with Salzburg on to Braga as Willy Boly’s stoppage-time goal three points, one behind Napoli af- earned them a 1-0 win at Besiktas. ter their disappointing goalless draw “It’s huge for us. We don’t want to make up at Genk. the numbers, we want to compete to win,” said “They made it a game for us but Wolves captain Conor Coady. we are happy to get the three points. “We would have liked to have played better That’s the most important thing,” today but we won and that’s the most impor- added Salah. tant thing.” Braga and Slovan Bratislava drew 2-2 to SUAREZ SINKS BRAVE INTER bump both sides up to four points at the top of Suarez saved Barcelona’s blushes at Group K, while Austrian debutants Wolfsberg the Camp Nou after Lautaro Mar- drew 1-1 at home to Roma in Group J. tinez had scored early for Inter, who Arsenal host Standard Liege in Group F later then failed to capitalise on their while Celtic take on CFR Cluj, the Romanians fi rst-half dominance in the Group F who ousted them in the third qualifying round clash and lost 2-1. of the Champions League. Barca moved up a gear in the sec- Five-time Europa League champions Sevilla ond half and were deservedly level are also at home to APOEL. when Suarez crashed home a superb shot just before the hour mark, and the Uruguayan was at his sharpest to win the match with six minutes Liverpool’s midfielder Mohamed Salah (right) celebrates with midfielder Roberto Firmino after scoring their fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League remaining. Group E match between Liverpool and Salzburg at Anfield in Liverpool. (AFP) Lionel Messi, a surprise inclusion from the start, suddenly warmed up it doesn’t work, but I always work Ondrej Kolar before rifl ing home the an incredible dipping strike on just thanks to Willian’s 78th-minute and skipped past two challenges be- hard. Don’t give up in diffi cult opener, and repeated the feat in the eight minutes, and Quincy Promes volleyed winner. fore laying on Suarez, whose perfect times.” 89th minute with a neat left-foot doubled their lead 11 minutes be- Tammy Abraham had given fi rst touch allowed him to sink Inter Dortmund came out on top at Sla- fi nish that made sure of the win. fore half-time with his second in as Frank Lampard’s side a deserved and draw Barca level on four points via Prague thanks to a pair of coun- many Champions League games, 22nd-minute lead with his fi rst ever with group leaders Borussia Dort- ter-attacking strikes from Achraf FLAMBOYANT AJAX punishing Daniel Parejo for smash- Champions League goal before more mund. Hakimi, whose clinical fi nishing led SHINE AGAIN ing a penalty high over the bar. slack set-piece defending allowed “Those are a big three points,” Lucien Favre’s side to a 2-0 win in Ajax took control of Group H with a Donny van de Beek sealed the Victor Osimhen to level not long af- said Suarez, who has recovered from the Czech Republic. big 3-0 success at Valencia that put points for last season’s semi-fi nal- ter, but the Ligue 1 outfi t are bottom a frustrating start to the season with The 20 year-old - on loan from them top with a perfect six points ists when he fi nished a beautiful without a point after two defeats. Manchester United’s Swedish defender Victor three goals in his last two games. Real Madrid - burst onto Julian and showed again that they could passing move in the 67th minute, Zenit St Petersburg top Group G Lindelof (left) fights for the ball with AZ Alkmaar’s “When you’re the number nine, Brandt’s pass in the 35th minute yet repeat last season’s heroics. putting Erik ten Hag’s side three after seeing off Benfi ca 3-1 in Russia, Dutch defender Ron Vlaar during the UEFA Eu- you always try to help the team and charged towards the goal, skip- Hakim Ziyech opened the scor- points clear of Valencia and Chelsea, level on four points with Lyon after ropa League football match at the ADO Stadium with goals and assists. Sometimes ping past Petr Sevcik and goalkeeper ing for the Dutch champions with who won a tough encounter at Lille their 2-0 win at RB Leipzig. in The Hague yesterday. (AFP)

QNB STARS LEAGUE Ali’s last-minute goal helps Duhail beat Sailiya By Sport Reporter Abdulrahman Mohamed moted side Al Wakrah have seven Doha scored Al Sailiya’s goal in the points and Al Gharafa 11. 34th minute. After Khaled put Al It was Al Wakrah’s fi rst draw in Duhail ahead with a long-ranger, this season’s QNB Stars League. l Duhail defeated Al Al Sailiya’s Iranian striker Karim The Blue Wave have two victo- Sailiya 2-1 during their Ansari drew a fi ne save from Al ries and three defeats too against QNB Stars League Duhail goalkeeper Amine Le- their name. Al Gharafa thus reg- match at the Al Duhail comte. The deadlock remained istered their second draw, having StadiumA yesterday. until the last minute of regular three wins and one defeat too. Al Duhail moved to 14 points time before Mohanad Ali, re- The Cheetahs went in front with their fourth victory, while turning from an injury, struck the through the brilliance of in- Al Sailiya stood on seven points winning goal. Al Duhail missed form forward Ahmed Alaaeldin, following their third defeat. the services of Ismail Mohamed who took his tally to six goals, The Red Knights thus main- and Asim Madibo due to injuries. one more than Al Sadd’s Alge- tained their unbeaten run. rian striker Baghdad Bounedjah. They had drawn their other two WAKRAH 3-3 GHARAFA Their joy was shortlived as Beny- games. Al Duhail defeated Qa- Al Wakrah and Al Gharafa played ettou put Al Wakrah on level tar SC 2-1, Al Wakrah 4-2 and out an entertaining 3-3 draw at terms and Khalid gave them the Al Shahania 1-0, but were held the Al Wakrah Stadium yester- lead on the half-hour mark. The by Al Arabi and Al Rayyan by day. Mohamed Benyettou (19th fast-paced action saw Guediou- an identical 1-1 score. Al Du- minute), Khalid Muneer (30th) ra equalise for Al Gharafa before hail, coached by Portuguese Rui and Ousmane Coulibaly (57th) going into half-time break. Al Faria, dominated Al Sailiya right scored for Al Wakrah. Wakrah too waged a spirited bat- throughout in their bid to stay in Al Gharafa’s goals were scored tle and they went in front again strong contention for the title. by tournament’s joint top scorer near the hour mark through Khaled Mohamed (24th Ahmed Alaaeldin (17th minute), Coulibaly, only to see Koo soon minute) and Mohanad Ali (90th Adlene Guedioura (41st) and Koo help Al Gharafa draw parity as minute) scored for the winners. Ja-Cheol (60th minute). Pro- the teams shared the spoils. Al Duhail’s Mohanad Ali (second left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Al Sailiya during their QNB Stars League match yesterday. Friday, October 4, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT 135 horses in Arqana Arabian Sale ahead of Arc weekend By A Correspondent Paris, France

n presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Arqana IArabian Sale was held at Saint-Cloud yesterday. The annual auction is considered one of the fi rst events associated with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe week- end. A large turnout of horse owners and breeders from Qatar, France and other countries were present. As many as 135 horses in training bin Mohamed al-Kuwari, QREC Racing were displayed in the sale. They were manager Abdulla bin Rashid al-Kubai- divided into three categories: two- si, Al Shahania Stud Director Abdul- year-olds (52), horses in training (38) rahman al-Mansoor, and the manager and breeding stock (45). The sale saw a of the QREC Chairman and CEO offi ces high percentage of purchases given the Hesham Mohamed al-Ali. high quality of the displayed horses. The Arqana Arabian Sale is held According to the rules of the sale, buy- every year in association with Qatar’s ers can run their newly bought race- sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc horses in races with eff ect from today. de Triomphe weekend. It has been mo- Present were the President of the tivated by Qatar’s commitment to the Qatar and the Asian Equestrian Fed- Arabian breed and Arabian racing both erations and Vice-Chairman of QREC in Qatar and overseas. Such commit- Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, ment is demonstrated by running the QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaa- Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA) just Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe kicked off with the horse auction held in Saint-Cloud, France yesterday in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa bi, QREC Board members Ahmed bin 40 minutes before the Qatar Prix de al-Thani (right), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani (left) and president of the Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations and Vice-Chairman of QREC Mohamed al-Abdulmalik and Abdulla l’Arc de Triomphe. Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah.

HORSE RACING FOCUS Eight Qatari-owned fi llies declared for Six Qatari-owned Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches

By A Correspondent ome Cabre. The bay daughter of colts vie for Qatar Paris, France Dahor De Brugere won her fi rst two starts, She won the mile- long Prix Fedora at Toulouse in ight out of 13 entries June before landing the Qatar for the Qatar Arabian Coupe De France Des Chevaux Trophy Des Pouliches Arabes (Group 2 PA) over a mile (Group 1 PA) at Saint- at Chantilly later in the same CloudE today will represent the month. Finally, she was the Arabian Trophy colours of three Qatari owners. runner-up, behind Min’ha and His Highness Sheikh Moham- in front of Artemis (fi fth), in the ed bin Khalifa al-Thani has four French Arabian Breeders’ Chal- runners declared in the race re- lenge-Pouliches (Group 2 PA). His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Amyr Du Soleil and Methgal will served for three-year-old fi llies. UM TAJ will be partnered by The François Rohaut-trained Vincent Cheminaud. The grey be there partnered by Julien Auge and Maxime Guyon, respectively Min’ha will have François-Xavier fi lly of Al Mamun Monlau had Bertras in the saddle. The chest- a winning debut in Prix Djelfor By A Correspondent nut fi lly of No Risk Al Maury has over a mile at La Teste Buch in Paris, France remained unbeaten in her last May. Then she was the runner- two runs. She won the 2,100m up in a brace of races the Prix Prix Dahman at Dax in August Razzia III (Group 3 PA) over he fi nal declarations for the Qa- and the French Arabian Breed- 1,900m at La Teste Buch in July tar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains ers’ Challenge-Pouliches (Group and Al Rayyan Cup (Group 1 PA) (Group 1 PA) have been issued 2 PA) over 2,000m at Toulouse over 2,000m at Deauville in Au- featuring 10 quality colts, in- in early September. Mrs J F Ber- gust. She fi nished fourth, behind Tcluding six for Qatari connections. The nard-trained Artemis will be rid- Min’ha and Meethag and in front 2,000m black type race, for three-year- den by Jean-Bernard Eyquem. of ARTEMIS, in the French Ara- old colts will start at 2:24pm Paris time The bay fi lly of Azadi fi nished bian Breeders’ Challenge-Pouli- (3:24pm Doha time) at Saint-Cloud, fi fth, behind Min’ha, in Toulouse. ches (Gr2 PA) when she was last Paris, today, setting the mood for the In her previous run, she seen. 2019 renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de won the 1,900m Prix Mangalie Fourcy also has Sheail bin Triomphe weekend at ParisLongchamp. D’albret at La Teste Buch in July. Khalifa al-Kuwari-owned Lady His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin M. Janikowski-trained Dahra Princess in the race and she will Khalifa al-Thani’s Amyr Du Soleil and Pol will be partnered by Olivier be ridden by Christophe Soumil- Methgal will be there partnered by Julien Peslier. The grey fi lly of Mared Al lon. The bay daughter of GEN- Augé and Maxime Guyon, respectively, Sahra has had all her three runs ERAL remains unbeaten, having in the famous blue and white starred col- at Varsovie. She had an excellent won her two starts so far. In her ours. debut when she won a mile-long fi rst attempt, she won the seven- Thomas Fourcy-trained Amyr Du So- race in May. Then, she fi nished furlong Prix Djebella II at Tou- leil is coming to Saint-Cloud with two third over the same distance in louse in April. She confi rmed her victories under his belt. The grey colt July before she returned to the abilities when she won Al Rayyan of Amer has had three outings in his ca- winners’ enclosure in a 1,800m Cup (Group 1 PA), in front of Um reer so far. He had a promising debut race in August. Taj, last time. when fi nished second in 2,000m event Julian Smart-trained Mon’nia The remaining fi ve fi llies in- at Toulouse in June. He, then, remained will have Clement Cadel in the clude E. Dell’ova-trained Mzoon, unbeaten in his last two outings when he saddle. The bay fi lly of Amer who will be ridden by Antoine won the Prix Tidjani (Group 3 PA) over won her only run so far when she Hamelin. Charles Gourdain- 1,900 metres at La Teste Buch in July and scored the 2,000m Prix Mona trained Aya Taouy will be ridden the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge- Lisa at Mont-De-Marsan last by Valentin Seguy. She fi nished Poulains (Group 2 PA) over 2,000m at month. Trainer Thomas Fourcy fourth in a 1,500m race at San Toulouse in early September. will have three runners in the Sebastian last time. Julian Smart-trained Methgal is also a colours of Al Shaqab Racing. The other Gourdain ward is group winner. In his second and penulti- Al Efreeta, the grey fi lly of Qamriyah and she will be ridden mate call, the grey colt of TM Fred Texas Dahess who has fi nished second by Ioritz Mendizabal in the col- won the Diar International Stakes (Group in her two runs so far, will be rid- ours of Royal Cavalry of Oman. 3 PA) over 1,400m at Newbury in July. den by Julien Augé. The Philippe Sogorb-trained He fi nished fi fth behind Amyr Du Soleil Marid, winner of the 2018 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains. First she was the runner-up Piccola Py will have Jimmy Mar- when he was last seen in early September. behind Artemis in the Prix Man- tin as her partner. Bernard’s sec- Al Shaqab Racing’s Mounjared Al Mrs JF Bernard, will be ridden by Guil- he was last seen. in the saddle. The chestnut of No Risk Al galie D’albret and then behind ond charge is Salma Nour Grine Cham and Zalej Al Cham will have Vin- laume Guedj-Gay. The chestnut colt of The other four contenders include Maury has had three very good runs in Mon’nia in the Prix Mona Lisa. Mor who will have Maxime Guy- cent Cheminaud and Jerome Cabre in the AF Albahar was unbeaten in his most re- Bernard-trained Jarif, who will be ridden Morocco so far. Meethag will be steered by Jer- on astride. saddle. The two chestnut colts of Azadi cent two outings. He won the Prix Djour- by Jean-Bernard Eyquem. The bay colt of He was a winning debutant over are trained by Fourcy. man over 7 furlongs at La Teste Buch in Dahess ran once only when he fi nished 1,850m at Al Jadida in April. He then fi n- In his penultimate run, Mounjared Al August. Later, he won the Prix Saint- sixth behind Amyr Du Soleil in the French ished second over 1,750m at Casablanca Cham was the runner-up behind Amyr Laurent over the same distance at Dax in Arabian Breeders’ Challenge-Poulains May and returned in June to win at the Du Soleil the Prix Tidjani (Group 3 PA). September. (Group 2 PA). same distance and course in June. He then fi nished third in Al Rayyan Cup The Mohamed bin Fahad al-Attiyah- The Philippe Sogorb-trained Emporio GT. Zoetelief-trained Freddy Py will (Group 1 PA) over 2,000m at Deauville in owned and Francois Rohaut-trained will have Jimmy Martin as his partner. be steered by Antoine Hamelin. The bay August. Zalej Al Cham started his career Good Des Vialettes will have Francois- The chestnut colt of Josco Du Cayrou has colt of TM Fred Texas has fi nished fi fth, in July and it was a promising debut when Xavier Bertras astride. The grey colt of fi nished second in his two runs so far; in front of Methgal, in his second and pe- he fi nished second in the 1,900m Prix Nez AF Albahar scored in his second attempt, fi rst in the 2,100m Prix Dahman at Dax in nultimate run. D’Or at La Teste Buch. He returned to the winning the Prix Nez D’Or in front of August and fi nally in the French Arabian It was in the mile-long Qatar Coupe same venue later in the month to win the Zalej Al Cham and Battash De Faust in Breeders’ Challenge-Poulains (Group 2 De France Des Chevaux Arabes (Group 2 Prix Akbar over the same distance. July. He fi nished third behind Amyr Du PA) behind Amyr Du Soleil. PA) at Chantilly in June. He then fi nished Battash De Faust, owned by Abdullah Soleil in the French Arabian Breeders’ Al Noury Mor is Fourcy’s third ward in third behind Methgal in Diar Internation- bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and trained by Challenge-Poulains (Group 2 PA) when the race and will have Mickael Barzalona al Stakes (Group 3 PA). Al Haff anah, winner of the 2018 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches.