SPORT Monday 27 August 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 US Open: Djokovic Ferreira wants Al eyes title as ‘Big Four’ Sadd’s ‘best’ in first reunited leg : Haroun and Elseify clinch gold; Ogunode bags silver ARMSTRONG VAS Hamad Al Thani. “I would like to won the silver medal in men’s THE PENINSULA dedicate this medal to our Amir, 100m. On Saturday, Faris Has- the Olympic Committee, souna won the silver medal men’s : QATAR won two gold my Federation, my coach, and my 94 kg weightlifting while Hamad medals and one silver on a very team. My next championship will Al Marri captured the bronze busy day at the 2018 Asian Games be the Word Continental Cham- medal in the double trap in yesterday. pionship and I have to add competition. Abdalelah Haroun Hassan another medal and make my Qatar now have won two started the gold gush by clinching people and Qatar proud.” gold, two silver and one bronze. the top spot in the in Elseify was delighted to ’s Su Bingtian was 44.89 seconds, while Ashraf clinch the gold medal. crowned Asia’s fastest man yes- Elseify won Qatar its second gold “Gold medal! Thank God, I terday, justifying the hype sur- medal in the Men’s Hammer can’t describe how happy I am. I rounding him by winning the blue Throw despatching the hammer was able to get this achievement riband gold in throw to a distance of 76.88 only after hard work and per- an Asian Games record time. meters. sistent. Thanks for all the support Su became the first Asian- “It feels really amazing to win from the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim born sprinter to run the distance a medal. As a team we had set a bin Hamad Al Thani, H E Sheikh in under 10 seconds in June when goal for this Games and we are Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Dr he clocked 9.91 twice in the space so glad that we have achieved it! Thani Al Kuwari, our team of eight days, matching the Asian It took us a lot of hard work and manager Khalifa Abdul-Malik record held by Qatar’s Femi Gold medallist Abdalelah Haroun Hassan (centre) of Qatar, silver medallist Yahiya training,” Haroun said and everyone in the athletics fed- Ogunode. (left) of India and bronze medallist Ali Khamis of pose with their medals after the 2018 Asian “The atmosphere while eration. My brother Ahmed was Yesterday, he held off his Games Men’s 400m final at the GBK Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. warming up for the race was also competing with me, it felt opponents with a late burst of great, but things did not go as special and I’m happy for what speed to win the event in 9.92 Asia’s fastest woman. Bahrain’s hold on the women’s born Abraham Cheroben won the smooth when the race started. he achieved here.” seconds, ahead Tosin Ogunode, Chand was cleared to race in 400m, following in the footsteps gold and silver respectively in the The humidity in the air affected ’s Dilshod Nazarov who clocked 10.00, on a hot and 2015 following a Court of Arbi- of Kemi Adekoya, who won the men’s 10,000m. the race as I was hoping to run a came in the second place and humid night in the Indonesian tration for Sport ruling on gender event in , , India’s Govindan Laksh- better time, but I was able to won silver with a throw of 74.16 capital. testing guidelines. four years ago. manan won the bronze but was advance in the last 250m so it meters. Uzbeki athlete Sukhrob “It wasn’t about the time, it The Lausanne-based court The Nigerian-born Naser, later disqualified for stepping off turned out great,” he added. Khodjaev was the third with a was about getting the win,” Su, suspended the governing Inter- who won silver at the world the track during the race. Haroun dedicated his win to throw of 74.06 to take bronze. 28, told reporters. national Association of Athletics championships last year, com- Jung Hye-lim won the the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Elsewhere, Tosin Ogunode “I knew that if I got a good Federations’ regulations fortably won in an Asian Games women’s 100m hurdles to give start then I can’t be beaten.” regarding hyperandrogenism, a record time of 50.09. India’s South Korea their first Asiad gold Japan’s Ryota Yamagata condition which produces high Hima Das, the under-20 world in athletics in eight years. Silver was credited with the same time testosterone levels allowing champion, won silver while Elina medallist Emilia Nova became as Ogunode and won bronze. Chand to compete again after a Mikhina claimed bronze for the first Indonesian woman to Indonesian teenager Lalu year sat out. Kazakhstan. win a track medal since Supriati Muhammad Zohri ran a per- Pre-race favourite Wei Yongli Women’s world Sutono’s 5000m gold in 1998. sonal best of 10.20 but it was of China, who recently became champion Gong Lijiao and Gao “This silver medal means a good enough for only seventh the first Asian woman to break Yang made it a one-two for China lot. Two weeks ago my hip flexor spot. the 11-second barrier, had topped although Gong’s distance of hurt but the past week I managed The crowd at the Gelora the timings in Saturday’s heats 19.66m was over two metres the pain. Because of the Asian Bung Karno Stadium was in for and also the semi-finals but had more than her compatriot. China Games, I just ignored the pain,” a surprise in the women’s 100m to be satisfied with a bronze. has now won gold in the women’s Nova said. final when Nigerian-born Earlier, Hassan gave Qatar its shot put at each Edidiong Odiong of Bahrain was first gold medal at the 18th Asian of the last 11 Silver medallist Qatar’s Tosin adjudged the winner in a photo- Games in the men’s 400m, fin- Asian Games, Ogunode celebrates during finish over India’s Dutee Chand, ishing ahead of India’s dating back to the victory ceremony for who lost her lead in the last few Muhammed Anas in 44.89 1978. the men’s 100m athletics metres. seconds. Ali Khamis won the China also event during the 2018 Asian The 21-year-old Odiong bronze for Bahrain. took the top two Games in Jakarta, yesterday. clocked 11.30 to be crowned Salwa Naser maintained positions in the men’s long jump when Wang Jianan and Zhang Yaoguang won Thank God, I can’t “It feels really the gold and describe how happy I amazing to win a silver medals am. I was able to get medal. As a team we respectively. Qatar’s Ashraf Elseify Bahrain also celebrates after this achievement only had set a goal for this had their competing in the final after hard work and Games and we are one-two MEDALS TABLE of the Men’s Hammer persistent. My brother so glad that we have moment on the Throw athletics Rank Country G S B Medals Ahmed was also achieved it! It took night when 1 China 78 59 37 174 event during the Moroccan-born 2 Japan 40 34 48 122 2018 Asian Games competing with me, it us a lot of hard work Hassan Chani 3 Rep of Korea 27 30 37 94 4 IR Iran 14 14 12 40 in Jakarta, yesterday. felt special: Elseify and training: Haroun and Kenyan- 5 Indonesia 12 13 25 50 6 DPR Korea 11 5 7 23 7 Thailand 9 9 31 49 8 Chinese 8 11 14 33 9 India 7 10 19 36 SCHEDULE DAY 9 10 6 11 11 28 11 Kazakhstan 5 8 28 41 Beach Volleyball: Qatar face (Doha time) 12 Bahrain 4 3 2 9 1 Equestrian 4:00 Show Jumping – individual & 13 Hong Kong, China 3 7 15 25 teams Sheikh Khaled Al Thani + Hamad Al Attiya + 14 UAE 3 6 3 12 Salmeen Al Suwaidi + Basem Mohamed 15 Mongolia 3 2 5 10 Indonesian hurdle in title clash 16 Philippines 3 0 10 13 2 Karate 6:00 Karate – 75kg Qassim Gholam 17 Kyrgyzstan 2 5 9 16 THE PENINSULA 3 Sailing 7:00 Laser Standard Waleed Al Sharshani 18 Malaysia 2 5 5 12 Meanwhile in the In volleyball, Qatar 4 Sailing 7:00 Laser 4.7 Abdulrahman Al Nasr 19 2 2 9 13 boxing competition, team beat Myanmar 3-0 5 Squash 8:30 Teams Qatar Vs Thailan 20 Qatar 2 2 1 5 DOHA: Qatar beach Qatar’s Thulasimaaran (25-21, 25-18 and 25-20). 21 Jordan 2 1 7 10 6 Squash 14:30 teams Qatar Vs Indonesia 22 Cambodia 2 0 1 3 volleyball duo of Janko Tharumalingam qual- The equestrian events 7 Handball 10:00 Men’s handball - semifinals Qatar 23 Kuwait 2 0 0 2 Ahmed and Samba Cherif ified for the quarer- will continue today at the Vs South Korea 24 Vietnam 1 7 12 20 defeated Chinese pair of finals in the Men’s Asian Games and the 25 Macau, China 1 2 1 4 8 Athletics 14:45 Javelin Throw Ahmed Bedeir + Mo- 26 Lebanon 1 1 2 4 Gao Peng and Li Yang Welter (69kg). Qatari jockeys will par- hamed Qaida 27 Iraq 1 1 0 2 2-0 to book a place in the Thulasi defeated ticipate in the teams’ 9 Athletics 15:00 400m hurdles - finals Abderrahman 28 Korea 1 0 1 2 final of the Asian Games Nepal’s Bishnu Prasad jumping competitions. Samba 29 Lao PDR 0 1 2 3 event. 5-0 and qualified for the 29 0 1 2 3 10 Athletics 15:00 High jump - finals Hamdi Al Ameen 31 Saudi Arabia 0 1 1 2 In Palembang, Qatar next stage where he will who topped the Men’s 11 Athletics 15:30 3000m Steeplechase Yasser Mubar- 32 Tajikistan 0 1 0 1 won 21-18 and 26-24 and face Jordan’s Zeyad 400m hurdles heats with Qatar’s Janko Ahmed (left) and Samba ak + Hashem Salah

33 Myanmar 0 0 2 2 will take on Indonesia in Eashash on Tuesday. a timing of 49.34secs will 12 Athletics 16:05 800m - semifinals Jamal Hairan +

33 Pakistan 0 0 2 2 Cherif celebrate their win in the semi-

35 Afghanistan 0 0 1 1 the gold medal match In Basketball 3x3, be seen in action in the final yesterday. Abubaker Haidar tomorrow. Qatar lost to China 21-18. final round today. MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2018 SPORT 17

HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY NINE OF THE 18TH ASIAN GAMES

REUTERS

JAKARTA: Highlights of day nine of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang yesterday ANOTHER GOOD DAY FOR CHINA CHINA extended their lead at the top of the medals table with fine performances in athletics and basketball. The Asian giants added six more gold medals to their tally yesterday and comfortably lead Japan and South Korea. CHINA’S SU, BAHRAIN’S ODIONG WIN 100M GOLD CHINA’S Su Bingtian crossed the finish line in 9.92 seconds to capture the men’s 100m gold medal and set a new Asian Games record. Qatar’s Tosin Ogunode won silver ahead of Japan’s Ryota Yamagata who took bronze. In the women’s event, Bahrain’s Edidiong Odiong bagged the gold finishing in 11.30 seconds, ahead of India’s Dutee Chand and China’s Wei Yongli. 1436 JAPAN’S USHIRO WINS Ashraf Elseify of Qatar, who won gold in JAPAN’S Keisuke Ushiro defended his decathlon title after the Men’s in action during finishing with a total of 7878 points. Kazakhstan’s Dmitriy the 2018 Asian Games at the GBK Main Karpov (2006 and 2010) and Taiwan’s Yang Chuan-Kwang Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. (1954 and 1958) are the only other athletes to have won the event in successive editions. 1354 CHINA’S WANG LEAPS TO LONG JUMP GOLD CHINA won their fourth gold medal of the day through Wang Jianan in the men’s long jump competition. His effort of 8.24m Indonesia’s giant killer Ginting was the best by an athlete in the Games since 1994, when compatriot Huang Gang won gold with a leap of 8.34m. 1321 CHANI LEADS BAHRAIN ONE-TWO IN 10,000M RACE HASSAN Chani helped Bahrain clinch their fourth straight sails into badminton semis Asiad gold in the men’s 10,000m event. His compatriot Abraham Cheroben was second. India’s Lakshmanan Govindan AFP Sindhu, Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting came in third but was later disqualified to hand China’s Zhao who was (bottom) hits a return againts China’s Changhong the bronze medal. JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Anthony recently listed Chen Long during their men’s singles HISTORIC GOLD FOR COMBINED KOREAN TEAM The unified Sinisuka Ginting extended his as the world’s quarter-final badminton match at Korean team sealed their first gold medal in a multisport event giant-killing spree on the seventh the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, on Sunday, with their canoeists winning the women’s 500 badminton court with a stunning highest paid yesterday. metre dragon boat race. victory over the reigning sportswoman “WE showed the power and courage of the Korean people to Olympic champion in the Asian by Forbes, got the world,” To Myong-suk, who served as a drummer, said. Games quarter-finals yesterday. past Thai- “Although we didn’t have enough time, we were all united and Ginting beat Chen Long land’s achieved a big thing after 20 days.” The team had won the 21-19, 21-11 to sail through to the Nitchaon Jin- bronze medal in women’s 200 metre competition on Saturday. semis, guaranteeing Indonesia dapol 21-11, GONG EXTENDS CHINA’S SUPREMACY IN WOMEN’S SHOT PUT a medal in the men’s singles 16-21, 21-14 in CHINA’S Gong Lijiao bagged the gold medal in the women’s event in Jakarta. the last-eight shot put event with an effort of 19.66m. The Asian giants have The 21-year-old, fresh from match. triumphed in the competition at every Games since 1978. victory against Japanese world But the HASSAN CRUISES TO MEN’S 400M GOLD champion Kento Momota on lanky Indian ABDALELAH Hassan secured Qatar’s first gold medal at the Saturday, brought the curtains -- who is these Games, winning the men’s 400m event ahead of India’s down on China’s medal hopes ranked third Muhammed Anas Yahiya and Ali Khamis of Bahrain. Bahrain’s after Shi Yuqi’s swift exit in the in the world -- Salwa Naser won gold in the women’s race. India’s Hima Das first round. admitted to making mistakes in fourth-seeded Ratchanok recently lost the gold to Nehwal was second ahead of Kazakhstan’s Elina Mikhina. The new Indonesian poster the second game, saying she was Intanon of Thailand 21-18, 21-16. in the Commonwealth Games. DAVID WINS SQUASH GOLD ON 35TH BIRTHDAY boy will now face Taiwan heav- nervous. It is the first time in 36 years “Definitely hoping to get the MALAYSIAN squash great Nicol David defeated compatriot Sivas- yweight Chou Tien Chen, who “I made unforced errors. I that India will be getting an indi- best. Not just the medal but it angari Subramaniam in the women’s singles final to win a record- battled past NG Ka Long Angus felt that I could have finished off vidual badminton medal at the should be a gold. It’s not over yet extending fifth Asian Games gold medal on her 35th birthday. of Hong Kong 21-18, 21-18. in two sets but I think due to my continental games since the late and I have to keep going,” she KUWAIT OPEN ACCOUNT WITH SHOOTING GOLD World number 10 Kenta easy errors I gave her the second Syed Modi’s gold in 1982. added. KUWAIT’S Mansour Alrashidi secured the country’s first medal Nishimoto kept up the Japanese set,” Sindhu told reporters. The Indian shuttlers will go Nehwal will face the world at these Games by winning the men’s skeet shooting compe- fight after defeating Korea’s Son “I was leading and then I head-to-head if they win their number one from Taiwan, Tai tition. China’s Jin Di claimed silver while Saif Almansoori of Wan ho in straight games and started giving off points and then respective semis on Monday and Tzu Ying, who knocked out 2017 the United Arab Emirates took bronze. 0921 will meet Indonesia’s Jonatan I was nervous. I thought nothing Sindhu is looking forward to the World Champion Nozomi DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR PHILIPPINES IN GOLF The Philip- Christie in the final-four clash. is going on, nothing happening challenge. Okuhara of Japan 21-15 21-10. pines claimed their second Asian Games gold medal in golf by In the women’s draw, India’s with my strokes. They were “Hopefully if that happens Sindhu will play world winning the women’s team event. Yuka Saso, who also won Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu simple errors but I began to get then it is very good for Indian number two Akane Yamaguchi the individual competition, Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye assured their country of at least more nervous,” she said. badminton. Proud moment for of Japan, who won her match Go teamed up to finish ahead of South Korea and China. a bronze after making the Earlier Sindhu’s teammate the country. Two singles players against Chen Yufei of China INDONESIA SURPASS 1962 GAMES GOLD MEDAL TALLY semi-finals. and rival Nehwal got past in the finals,” said Sindhu, who 21-19, 21-11. INDONESIA surpassed their pervious record gold medal tally dating back to the 1962 Jakarta Games by winning their 12th gold on Sunday. Aqsa Sutan Aswar won the jetski endurance runabout to beat their previous record, which was matched earlier on Sunday when Rifki Ardiansyah Arrosyiid claimed the men’s 60kg karate event. Indonesia are on course to reach their pre-Games target of 16 golds. THAI SHOOTER SUTIYA MAKES IT THIRD TIME LUCKY AFTER finishing third in the last two editions, Thai shooter Sutiya Jiewchaloemmit won gold in the women’s skeet compe- tition. China’s Wei Meng won silver. South Korea’s defending champion Kim Min-ji settled for bronze. 0630 WEN CLINCHES KARATE GOLD FOR TAIWAN TAIWANESE karateka Wen Tzuyun defended her 2014 gold medal in the women’s 55kg category. Iran’s Taravat Khaksar won silver while Indonesia’s Cokorda Istri Agung Sanistyarani took bronze. 0556 JAPAN’S NOGUCHI CLIMBS TO GLORY AKIYO Noguchi claimed Japan’s first gold medal in sport climbing at the Asian Games with an assured performance in the women’s combined event. CHELIMO HANDS BAHRAIN FIRST GOLD AT GAMES World champion Rose Chelimo gave Bahrain their first gold medal at the 18th Asian Games by easily winning the women’s on Sunday. The Kenyan-born runner’s winning time of two hours, 34 minutes and 51 seconds was the slowest at the Games since China’s Zhao Youfeng won clocked 2:35:19 in in Qatar’s Mariam Farid competes in a heat of the women’s 400m hurdles athletics event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta in

1990. Keiko Nogani won silver for Japan by finishing in 2:36:37,

Indonesia, yesterday. Right: Nepal’s Bishnu Prasad Ghale Gurung (in red) competes against Qatar’s Thulasimaaran Tharumalingam in while North Korea’s Kim Hye Song took bronze. their men’s light (69kg) round of 16 boxing match at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, yesterday.

Family affair as N Korea’s Rim follows little sister to gold

AFP “I was a bit nervous after my Un Sim said: “I was so happy for heavyweights China, who topped smile and waved to the packed Later another Uzbek, Rio sister won, just hoping I could do the ‘Onni’ (‘big sister’). I knew she the Incheon weightlifting medals crowd containing a large North Olympic champion Ruslan JAKARTA: Rim Jong Sim bagged same,” said a delighted Jong Sim, 25, could win but I couldn’t hold with seven golds, and Kaza- Korean delegation including the Nuridinov, went one better and North Korea’s seventh weight- who was watched by her sister Un back when I thought of her and khstan currently under a doping sports minister. A few minutes smashed two Asian Games lifting gold of the Asian Games Sim as she further extended North my country.” suspension, the North Koreans earlier, South Korea’s Mun records on his way to gold in the in Indonesia yesterday to Korea’s record weightlifting haul at It was a sentiment echoed have dominated the event. Min-hee had screamed with men’s heavyweight 105kg class. complete a remarkable family the Asian Games. by Jong Sim. “This gold is not just Rim was so in control that delight after personal bests of The Olympic record holder double, just a day after a victory The sisters couldn’t hold for me but for my country,” she her opening weights in each dis- 106kg in the snatch and 130kg in broke the long-standing clean by her little sister. back their emotions after Jong told reporters. “I cried when I cipline would have been enough the clean and jerk had propelled and jerk mark of Qatar’s Assad Like her 22-year-old sibling Sim was presented with her gold thought about my country. I can’t to win, and she used the rest of her into the silver medal position Saif Assad set at the 2002 Asiad Rim Un Sim in Saturday’s 69kg medal by North Korean Sports wait to go back home now.” the competition like a training on 236kg. But Uzbekistan’s in by 5kg with his second category, the reigning Olympic Minister Kim Il Guk and the North Korea’s previous best exercise with a flawless series Omadoy Otakuziyeva, who had lift of 230kg. champion enjoyed a comfortable secretive country’s anthem performance at the Games had culminating in a snatch of 116kg one lift remaining, increased her That also gave him an Asian margin of victory in the 75kg played for the seventh time in been four weightlifting golds at and clean and jerk of 147kg. clean and jerk lifetime best by Games record total of 421kg, class -- this time by a massive seven days of competition. the Incheon Asiad four years ago. After her sixth and final suc- 6kg to leapfrog Mun and snatch eclipsing Assad’s old mark by 26kg. After wiping away her tears, But with regional cessful lift she broke into a huge the silver by just 1kg. 4kg. 18 SPORT MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2018

Italy’s Pavan British Moto claims Czech Vettel wins in Belgium GP cancelled Masters title due to rain REUTERS to cut Hamilton’s lead AFP AFP PRAGUE: Italy’s Andrea : The British Grand Pavan won his maiden Prix was cancelled after European Tour title at SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, torrential rain caused the Czech Masters BELGIUM: Sebastian Vettel “unsafe” track conditions at yesterday, closing with a trimmed Lewis Hamilton’s Silverstone yesterday. five-under 67 to seal a championship lead to 17 points With heavy rain lashing two-shot win over three- yesterday as he steered his down throughout the time major champion Ferrari to a convincing victory weekend, the MotoGP race Padraig Harrington. in a crash-hit Belgian Grand Prix. had been brought forward Pavan shared the Hamilton, who started from from its original 1200 GMT lead with Harrington a Belgian record fifth pole start time to 1030 GMT in a after the third round at position, came home a well- bid to beat the weather. the Albatross Golf Resort beaten second for Mercedes, But the rain continued to near Prague, but fell having been unable to threaten pour yesterday morning, behind as his Irish rival his German rival, who notched forcing officials to delay the took a three-stroke lead his third win at the majestic start and then cancel the at the turn to close in on Ardennes circuit and Ferrari’s event for safety reasons. a 16th Tour title. first since 2009. After several false starts The 29-year-old It was Vettel’s fifth win this in which a provisional start Pavan fought back, season, equalling Hamilton’s time for the race was set and however, with five tally, and the 52nd of his career, then scrapped, a meeting birdies on the back nine. surpassing the 51 of four-time between officials and the He finished on 22-under world champion Alain Prost, and teams was convened. for the event to eclipse achieved with reasonable ease It was quickly agreed that Belgian Thomas Pieters’ as he came home 11.061 seconds the track wasn’t fit for com- Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel (second right) celebrates with third placed Red Bull Racing’s effort from 2015 by two ahead of the Briton. petition given the high risk on Dutch driver Max Verstappen (right) and second placed Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton strokes. “More wins than Alain? the rain-sodden surface. “It’s amazing, it’s Whoah,” said Vettel. (left) on the podium after the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in A press conference was massive,” Pavan said. “I was lucky with the traffic Spa, Belgium, yesterday. scheduled for 1515 GMT to “I’ve won four times today and I could see that Lewis discuss the situation, with on the Challenge Tour eased off for the final 15 laps. I finished ninth ahead of Swede opening lap was red-flagged fol- lap 14. By then, Verstappen had doubts over whether the race but it was a long time had a great start and as soon as Marcus Ericsson. lowing the accident behind them climbed to third, passing both would be rearranged after ago. I’ll enjoy this I was ahead I relaxed. It was a The race began with a dra- at the hairpin. Force Indias to the delight of an MotoGP said there was “no because it’s hard to get very smooth race.” Vettel cut matic first-lap collision involving The Safety Car was deployed estimated 50,000-strong option” to hold it today. and I’ll just keep working seven points from Hamilton’s German Nico Hulkenberg of and stayed out for four laps, but ‘orange army’ in the crowd. MotoGP race director on the stuff that seems to lead going into next weekend’s Renault and the retiring in the immediate aftermath of After trimming Vettel’s lead, Mike Webb admitted the new be working and enjoy the Italian Grand Prix. Spaniard Fernando Alonso, the crash Hamilton was passed Hamilton was the first to pit on surface at Silverstone, which success. Pavan said his “Congrats to Seb - I did eve- whose McLaren was sent spi- by Vettel who drafted past on the lap 22 and switched from super- was laid in February, was to first European Tour win rything I could and we ultimately ralling airborne over the halo- Kemmel Straight to take the softs to softs, rejoining third. blame for making the track was extra special. did well, but he drove past me fitted cockpit of Monegasque lead. Ferrari responded by bringing unsafe for racing. “I’m going back like I wasn’t even there on the Charles Leclerc’s Sauber. When the race resumed, Vettel in and he returned as “We’ve had a number of home tomorrow and straight, said the British driver. None of the drivers were Vettel resisted an immediate leader, but with his lead cut years’ experience here in very we’re having a second “They’ve got some trick things injured, but all were forced out attack from Hamilton and then ahead of Verstappen and wet conditions recently with baby, a little girl is going on in that car and we have of the race, along with Renault- built a lead of three seconds by Hamilton. the old surface and have been coming on Wednesday. got to just keep working.” bound Daniel Ricciardo of Red The defending champion able to run races,” Webb said. We’re really excited Local hero Belgian-born Bull and luckless Finn Kimi passed the Dutch youngster “This year, with the new about that and I can’t Dutchman Max Verstappen fin- Raikkonen in the second Ferrari, before Les Combes and then surface, is the first time we’ve wait to celebrate with my ished third for Red Bull ahead of who had also collided. began his chase after the encountered quite so much family.” Valtteri Bottas, who started from Hulkenberg missed his German. As the pit-stops con- standing water in critical places Harrington nearly the ninth row of the grid in the braking point and rammed into It was Vettel’s fifth tinued, Bottas rose to fifth behind on the track. So yes it’s a direct shot a hole in one on the second Mercedes, and Sergio Alonso’s car, which flew nar- win this season, Perez and then, when the result of the track surface. 13th, but his effort was Perez in the leading ‘new’ Force rowly over Leclerc’s Sauber, equalling Hamilton’s Mexican pitted, he was fourth. “The staff have done an undone by a bogey on India. leaving black tyre smudges on At the front, Hamilton eased unbelievable effort over the the 15th. He finished the Frenchman Esteban Ocon, his halo protection. tally, and the 52nd of off to preserve his tyres and whole weekend to try and round with a three- whose future is uncertain fol- After Saturday’s rain-hit his career, surpassing allow Vettel to increase his lead make the track safe and until under 69. lowing Canadian billionaire qualifying session, the race the 51 of four-time of 4.4 seconds, suggesting the the last minute they were still Malaysia’s Gavin Lawrence Stroll’s takeover of began in dry conditions with an world champion Alain Briton was settling for 18 points. working, but unfortunately Green was third at Force India, came home sixth air temperature of 17 degrees Verstappen who finished 20 we couldn’t battle nature.” 17-under for the tour- ahead of another French driver Celsius, or 62 degrees Fahrenheit Prost, and achieved seconds behind Hamilton and Marc Marquez, who leads nament while England’s Romain Grosjean and his Haas and the track at 29, near perfect with reasonable ease more than 30 ahead of Bottas the standings, added: “We are Lee Slattery and Scot- team-mate Dane Kevin for spectators and teams. as he came home “We stayed out of trouble and it very sorry for all the fans, we land’s Scott Jamieson Magnussen. Hamilton made a clean start 11.061 seconds ahead was a bit boring, but I am happy are the first ones that we want were tied for fourth. Red Bull-bound Frenchman and resisted an attack from to be on the podium,” the to ride but safety is the Pierre Gasly of Toro Rosso Vettel at La Source before the of the Briton. Dutchman said. priority.” Four overs for one run: Pakistan’s Irfan US Open: Rejuvenated Djokovic breaks T20 record eyes title as ‘Big Four’ reunited

AFP AFP Wimbledon. Now 37, Federer would become the oldest New York PARIS: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan NEW YORK: From the pits of champion in the Open era should (pictured) bowled the most economical spell in despair in Paris, record-setting he lift the trophy again on Sep- Twenty20 history on Saturday, only conceding a Novak Djokovic now eyes a third tember 9 and second oldest of all run from his final ball. US Open title in New York where time. The giant 7ft 1in (2.16m) left-armer, playing for for the first time since Wimbledon But he was knocked out by 2009 Barbados Tridents against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots last year, the sport’s ‘Big Four’ will champion Juan Martin del Potro in in the Caribbean Premier League, also took the be reunited. the quarter-finals last year having wickets of the usually big-hitting West Indies inter- Djokovic became the first man had to negotiate two five-setters in nationals Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis. to win all nine Masters titles with the opening rounds. But Irfan ended up on the losing side anyway, victory over Roger Federer at Despite defending his Australian as after he had bowled his maximum four overs, Cincinnati on Sunday. Open title in January, Federer’s the Patriots chased down their target of 148 with Having captured, against all the hopes of a ninth Wimbledon were seven balls to spare to win by six wickets. odds, a fourth Wimbledon in July, blown apart in a five-set loss to “I’m really happy. I would’ve been happier if the the 31-year-old Serb suddenly finds Kevin Anderson in the team won, but I am happy that I bowled one of the himself as joint-favourite with world quarter-finals. best spells in T20 cricket,” said Irfan after the match. number one Rafael Nadal to triumph It was his earliest exit at the All “I liked bowling on the lively wicket, and I get at Flushing Meadows. England Club in five years. extra bounce Champion in 2011 and 2015, and Murray, the 2012 champion, is because of my a five-time runner-up, Djokovic sat In this file photo taken on August 19, 2018 Roger Federer of Switzerland set to play his first Slam since a hip height, so yes, a sat- out the 2017 US Open to nurse an (left) and Novak Djokovic of Serbia pose for photographers after their injury suffered at Wimbledon last isfying per- elbow injury. match during the men’s final of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner year. formance,” the fast His physical limitations were Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. His comeback has been far from bowler said. still evident when he slumped away smooth after spending almost a year The 36-year-old, from Roland Garros in June after a Djokovic who opens his US Open Nadal 27-25, Federer 24-22 and on the sidelines and has played only who hasn’t played shock quarter-final loss to jour- campaign against Hungary’s Marton Andy Murray 25-11. seven matches since his return. internationally for neyman Marco Cecchinato, threat- Fucsovics. World number one Nadal, who The former world number one two years, dismissed ening to skip Wimbledon to mend Djokovic’s Wimbledon triumph won the US Open last year to add to has even seen his ranking nosedive star man Gayle with his shattered self-confidence. took his Grand Slam title collection his 2010 and 2013 victories, skipped to 378 in the world -- making him the first delivery of Fast forward three months and to 13, just one behind Pete Sampras. Cincinnati after triumphing in Britain’s eighth-best player! Outside the innings. Djokovic is once again the man to He also has 31 Masters, two back Toronto the week before. of the ‘Big Four’, Del Potro, at a Irfan ended with beat. from Nadal but four more than The Spaniard clinched an 11th career-high three in the world, figures of four “It’s a wonderful feeling. It’s Federer. French Open in June to take his remains a dangerman. overs, three been a couple of tough months for He will head for New York majors tally to 17 before falling to Amongst the widely-hyped ‘Next maidens, with two me with an injury but then winning buoyed by his dominance over his Djokovic in a five-set, 5-hour Gen’, world number four Alexander wickets for one run. Wimbledon and Cincinnati,” said three major rivals as well -- he leads 15-minute semi-final loss at Zverev is still a work in progress. MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2018 SPORT 19 Ferreira wants Al Sadd’s ‘best’ in first leg FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Al Duhail look to DOHA: Al Sadd, today will be up against Esteghlal, a side which will have an overwhelming fan support at their home turf in continue winning . They are the same team that knocked ‘The Wolves’ out of AFC Champions League two years ago and are in supreme run in quarters form in this year’s edition too. THE PENINSULA But, Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira feels his ranks have a chance to overcome the DOHA: Qatar football giants tough opposition and take first Al Duhail will be eager to leg advantage in the AFC Cham- continue their winning run pions League quarter-final at the in the AFC Champions today, provided League when they take on they give their ‘best per- Iran’s Persepolis in their formance’ in the match. quarter-final first leg “The match will be a difficult tomorrow at the Khalifa one against an excellent team,” International Stadium in Ferreira told a press conference Doha. in Tehran, yesterday. The reigning QSL cham- Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira (right) and Al Sadd full back Abdelkarim Hassan during a press “Two years ago, Esteghlal pions, under Tunisian coach conference in Tehran, yesterday. prevented us from reaching the Nabil Maaloul who replaced AFC Champions League (group Algerian Djamel Belmadi, are stage) after defeating us on pen- the first three matches of the AFC Champions League matches while losing two en the only side in this year’s alties. And so, we must be careful league,” he said. route to finishing second behind premier continental compe- Al Duhail coach Nabil Maaloul and give our best performance “Esteghlal have changed a lot last 8 (first leg): Iran’s Persepolis in Group C that tition with a 100 percent to get a positive result,” he in the last two seasons, espe- Al Sadd vs Esteghlal also consisted of Uzbekistan’s record. After eight victories added. cially with the change in coach Kickoff: Today at 7pm Nasaf and the UAE’s Al Wasl. from as many games, The Al Duhail are currently The Al Sadd coach said his and players. We know that we They beat Saudi Arabia’s Al Red Knights will equal 2012 second in the QNB Stars team will go into the match well have not reached our peak levels Ahli 4-3 on aggregate in the champions Ulsan Hyundai’s League standings behind Al prepared and with full of of preparedness but I think my arrival in Tehran on Saturday, Round of 16 to book their nine straight wins if they beat Sadd on goal difference, with confidence. team will be at their best in all Al Sadd were welcomed by rep- quarter-final berth for the first Persepolis at home. both teams collecting seven “We have had six weeks of departments during the game,” resentatives of Esteghlal. ‘The time since 2014. Esteghlal, on the The top Qatari team had points after three rounds. preparations since the start of he said. Wolves’ only had a single other hand topped a strong won all six matches in Group Al Duhail will be without pre-season and also played in Meanwhile, upon their training session at Azadi Group D. B, that also included the the services of forward Ismail Stadium, yesterday. The return leg will be UAE’s Al Wahda, Iran’s Zob Mohammed and midfielder While speaking to reporters, played on The return leg Ahan and Uzbekistan’s Loko- Karim Boudiaf as they both Al Sadd full back Abdelkarim between the two teams will be motiv, to finish with a perfect are recuperating after Hassan predicted an exciting played at the Al Sadd Stadium 18 points. surgery. However, they have first leg. on September 17. Al Duhail then registered the likes of influential South “The match will be intense an 8-3 aggregate victory over Korean attacking midfielder and exciting. The Al Sadd players the UAE’s Al Ain in the Round Nam Tae-Hee, Moroccan have enough experience and of 16 to book their quarter- spearhead Yousef El Arabi, confidence to peform well in dif- final dates with Persepolis. new recruit from Brazil Paolo ficuilt situations,” said Hassan. We know that we On the other hand, Perse- Edmilson, young striker The experienced Al Sadd polis underlined their cre- Almoez Ali and defender player was unperturbed over have not reached dentials by topping Group C Lucas Mendes. playing in Tehran where our peak levels of ahead of another top Qatari El Arabi was the QNB Esteghlal will have a huge crowd preparedness but I side Al Sadd, the UAE’s Al Stars League’s top scorer in support. think my team will Wasl and Uzbekistan’s Nasaf. the last two seasons. “The fans are part of the They booked a second Iranian striker Ali Alipour footballing atmosphere. You be at their best in all successive quarter-final leads Persepolis’ charge. have to enjoy that. I don’t think departments during berth with a dramatic late The return leg will be The kits for two teams were put on display in Tehran yesterday. Al we will be pressured by the victory over the UAE’s Al played at the Azadi Stadium Sadd will play in their all-yellow third kit for the first time, while the game: Jesualdo crowd. It will be good for us.” Al Jazira in the last 16. in Tehran on September 17. Esteghlal are set to play in their all-blue kit. Sadd won four of their six Ferreira Dortmund come from a goal down to crush EPL: Late Newcastle own goal Leipzig in Bundesliga makes it three wins for Chelsea REUTERS Chelsea’s Belgian midfielder Eden REUTERS Hazard (foreground) celebrates after LONDON: Chelsea kept up their scoring the opening goal from the : Borussia Dortmund eased past RB Leipzig 100 percent start to the Premier penalty spot during the English 4-1 yesterday after coming from a goal down, to make League season by snatching a 2-1 Premier League match against a winning Bundesliga start under new coach Lucien win at a stubborn Newcastle United Newcastle United in Newcastle-upon- Favre and confirm their status as pre-season title yesterday, grabbing victory thanks Tyne, northeast England, yesterday. contenders. to a late own goal by DeAndre Following a nervous beginning during which Jean- Yedlin. Kevin Augustin scored for Leipzig after only 31 Eden Hazard had blasted seconds, Dortmund got down to business, grabbing Chelsea ahead in the 76th minute three goals in 22 minutes. from the penalty spot after Swiss Mahmoud Dahoud’s (pictured) acrobatic header defender Fabian Schar had tripped in the 21st minute pulled them level and Marcel Sabit- Marcos Alonso, allowing the visitors zer’s own goal after heading in a Marcus Reus free- a breakthrough after they had kick in the 41st put them ahead as Dortmund found monopolised possession. the rhythm and Leipzig struggled to keep up with the Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez pace. had played a dogged 5-4-1 for- New signing Axel Witsel, who had also scored in mation in an effort to shut out his the German Cup win last week, netted their third with former club. They created little at a bicycle kick two minutes later and captain Marco the other end, but they drew level Reus completed a quick break for his 100th Bundesliga when Spanish forward Joselu goal in second half stoppage time. headed in at the near post in the Dortmund, who will compete in the Champions 83rd minute. League group stage, needed to do little in the second Chelsea got back in front with half other than keep the visitors out of the box. a fortuitous goal four minutes later Leipzig were far too sloppy in their attacks and from Yedlin, who had stretched forward Timo his foot out to block a shot from nine points after three games while minutes. Newcastle protested with by. “The penalty was soft and Werner was denied Alonso which had looked to be Newcastle have one. some justification that Schar played changed everything as we had to by keeper Roman going wide. Hazard took the first of several the ball in his challenge on Alonso be more open. Buerki late in the Chelsea join Liverpool and painful knocks in the very first but Hazard nervelessly converted “We had five players out and game before Reus Watford at the top of the table on minute but remained a threat as the penalty. thought if we were compact we completed Dort- Chelsea achieved almost 80 percent Chelsea were equally upset with could maybe frustrate them. We mund’s winning start ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE of possession in the first half and the equaliser, claiming Giroud had wanted to stay in the game and try with a fine finish. increased that figure in the second. been elbowed before Yedlin crossed to take our chances and we were Champions Yesterday’s results Newcastle, although pushed for Joselu’s fine header. very close.” Bayern Munich Fulham 4 (Seri 4, Mitrovic 36, 38, Schurrle 83) back, had one excellent chance Then Yedlin became the fall- Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri kicked off their Burnley 2 (Hendrick 10, Tarkowski 41) before halftime when Salomon guy, deflecting Alonso’s shot in for was surprised that Newcastle season with a 3-1 win Newcastle 1 (Joselu 83) Chelsea 2 (Hazard Rondon, on loan from West Bro- the winner. played with five at the back. over Hoffenheim on 76-pen, Yedlin 87-og) mwich Albion, headed wide. “When they scored, I think eve- “I have never seen a Rafa Friday while last sea- He was replaced by Joselu after ryone was thinking of a draw,” Benitez side play with five son’s runners-up Watford 2 (Pereyra 53, Holebas 71) Crystal little more than quarter of an hour Hazard said. “But we are Chelsea, defenders,” he said. Schalke 04 slumped Palace 1 (Zaha 78) of the second half and after Chelsea we never give up. We created a lot “I think it is very difficult to play

to a 2-1 loss at VfL Playing today also changed a striker, Olivier of chances and did very well today.” here for every team -- not only us. Wolfsburg on Manchester United vs Tottenham (1900 GMT) Giroud replacing Alvaro Morata, the Newcastle manager Rafael We were a bit unlucky when they Saturday. game boiled up in the last 20 Benitez felt his side were hard done scored to make it 1-1.”