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Saturday, September 22, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 12, 1440 AH Arsenal, Chelsea GULF TIMES win as Rangers hold Villarreal SPORT Page 4 ASIAN TEAM SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP Babar shines as Pakistan beat India in fi nal By Sports Reporter Doha India 1’s Malkeet Singh Pakistan 1’s Babar Masih lines up a shot in the final. n in-form Babar Masih in action during the led Pakistan 1 to a Asian Team Snooker thrilling Asian Team Championship final Snooker Champion- against India 1 at the Aship victory in the fi nal against QBSF Hall yesterday. India 1, comprising Pankaj Ad- PICTURE: Ram Chand vani and Malkeet Singh, at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Fed- eration Hall yesterday. Pakistan 1 — Masih and Mo- hamed Asif — had earlier halted the unbeaten run of the Chinese teenaged duo — Wu Yize and Pang Junxu — in the semi-fi nals, with a 3-1 win. In the fi nal, 32-year-old Masih, powered by an 81-point break in the opening frame against Advani, gave his team a 1-0 lead. Singh, with a 51-point break restored parity, taking the frame from Asif 81-47. In a thriller of a doubles frame, the Indians gave away a healthy lead as Asif-Masih eked out a 72- 70 win for a 2-1 lead. However, Advani found the and up to Masih and Singh. again, Masih got going for a game with authority with black dia vs Pakistan encounter of the into the evening yesterday. Chandra-Advani combine right time to power back into Singh had taken a slight 17-8 43-point break taking a 63-18 in the pocket, a smile on his face, day with Advani-Singh going India 1 comprised Manan had won the inaugural IBSF- the game with a 68-point lead when he missed the four- lead. a clenched fi st and a celebratory past Pakistan 2’s Mohamed Ma- Chandra, besides Advani and ACBS World Team Snooker Cup, break. A 107-5 win over Asif ball. A bit later in the frame, A few trades later, Masih was yell. jid Ali and Mohamed Bilal 3-2 in Singh, with the latter two play- beating the Asif-Masih team in sent the game into the decider, when Singh missed the brown at it again, this time ending the The game was the second In- the semi-fi nal that lasted well ing yesterday’s games. March this year.

FOOTBALL/QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Sadd and Rayyan set to thrill fans in ‘Qatar Clasico’ With both clubs boasting some of the most passionate fans in the country, sparks are expected to fly at Al Sadd Stadium

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Rayyan and Al Sadd will add another chapter to their famed rivalry when they Aclash in the fi rst of their two ‘Qatar Clasico’ matches in the QNB Stars League today. The match begins at 5.55pm. With both clubs boasting some of the most passionate fans in the coun- try, sparks are expected to fl y at Al Sadd Stadium where the Xavi-led hosts will be without Hassan al-Haydos because of injury. National captain al-Haydos had been a key player in Al Sadd’s con- quests for several years, but coach Jesualdo Ferreira was adamant that his absence won’t be felt that much be- cause of the team’s ‘balance’. “Hassan al-Haydos has been injured since the beginning of the season and we played a lot of games without him. The most important thing now is the Clash of tactics: Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena (L) and his Al Sadd balance in the team despite the ab- On a high: Al Sadd sealed their semi-final spot in the AFC Champions League earlier this week. opposite number Jesualdo Ferreira. sences and that is what we are trying to achieve,” said Ferreira at his pre-match ternational commitments. We need to game. We will face one of the best and weaknesses, but we will primarily the players because,” said Maaloul. succeeded in the fi rst half when we press conference. fi eld players in such a way that they teams in the QNB Stars League, which focus on our ability.” “Now we are in the QNB Stars pushed Almoez Ali against the Iranian The veteran Portuguese tactician is don’t pick up injuries.” is a strong competition in Asia. We Al Rayyan also have injury problems League and we are still missing Luis team’s defence. enjoying his stint in Qatar, even going Ferreira also appealed to Al Sadd respect Al Sadd, but we will play the with new Brazilian striker Luca and Martin due to his injury. But we have “Our plan surprised the rivals, but on to say that the ongoing season has fans to turn up at the stadium in large game in our style and we hope to suc- defender Gonzalo Vieira doubtful. a strong pool of young players who individual mistakes in the second half been the best for him. numbers. ceed,” said Arruabarrena. In today’s other important match, can satisfy our fans by helping win the deprived us of success. I have a strong “This season is the best for me with “It is going to be a great encounter “I also hope the game will be played Al Duhail will be aiming to bring some league championship. squad at my disposal and it will come Al Sadd for many reasons. There is and I urge all our fans to be at the sta- in a good atmosphere, true to the spirit cheer to their fans after their heart- “The most important thing we are good,” said Maaloul. great harmony between the players, dium to cheer us on. Both teams are of Qatar Clasico, and fans will enjoy breaking exit from the AFC Champions thinking about now is the result of the Al Gharafa, who lost to Umm Salal for one. Also, the new additions to the looking to win in order to take the lead the action when both teams will fi ght it League when they meet Al Gharafa. game against Al Gharafa although we last week and are placed six in the squad have been excellent and to top it in the standings and the game will be out on the fi eld. Duhail were beaten by Iran’s Perse- have to be at our best. We talked a lot standings, are desperate for a turna- all we are in the semi-fi nals of the AFC open.” “We are at the top of standings now, polis 3-2 on aggregate earlier this week to the players in order to help them get round. Coach Christian Gourcuff said Champions League,” said Ferreira Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabar- which means we have to win the games in Tehran, the top Qatari side also out of the psychological blow.” the team were still hurting from the However he stressed that he needed rena is also looking for a win as it will to stay there. The leaders at this stage missing out on the AFC Champions Maaloul was asked to explain his defeat. to keep the players safe from injury as help them overtake Al Arabi and lead need not fi nish the tournament in the League record of 10 successive victo- decision not to start with star striker “We did not deserve to lose to Umm they are playing too many matches. the standings. same position. ries in the process. Youssef El Arabi in the match against Salal in the last round in terms of per- “I hope none of our players gets Al Arabi have 12 points from six “I do not have anything to worry “It is a tough game, especially psy- Persepolis. formance. I have tried my best to pre- injured due to the fatigue that they matches while Al Rayyan are second about before the game, but I know chologically, after our AFC Champions “Against Persepolis, we put our pare the team in a better way. We had suff ered of late. Our players are over- with 11, one more than Al Sadd. we’re also going to face one of the best League exit in the quarter-fi nal stage. spearhead Yousef El Arabi on the bench better avoid the mistakes we commit- worked as they also have a lot of in- “We are going to play an important teams in Asia. We know their strengths We are trying to boost the morale of because we had a plan in place and that ted against Umm Salal,” he said. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 22, 2018 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Euro 2024 bidders Germany, Turkey Sailiya rally twice praised by UEFA

AFP and this tournament can create Lausanne an enduring legacy for European football.” “All political and football struc- ermany and Turkey, tures are in place in Germany with to beat Al Ahli the two candidates to a long and stable history of suc- host Euro 2024, were cessful events,” the report said. both praised in a UEFA Germany off ered “ten existing Sagbo nets brace as Umm Salal edge past Al Kharaitiyat Greport published yesterday a and operational stadiums” the week ahead of the vote on where report said, though it added that the 24-team tournament will be all would have to “undergo spe- staged. cifi c upgrades”. Germany’s bid was of “the For its part, Turkey “not only highest quality” while Turkey’s off ers teams and spectators the was “in line with the long-term best conditions, but brings peo- objectives of UEFA”. ple together by promoting an The 42-page report analy- intercultural dialogue thanks to ses each bid for vision, security, its location between three con- transport, fi nance, stadiums and tinents”. “political, social and environ- “The key motivation is clearly mental aspects”. stated, strong, and in line with The executive committee of UEFA’s long-term objectives,” the governing body of European the report said. football will vote on the Euro “Its specifi c focus is on the 2024 hosts next Thursday at economic and social eff ects of UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, the tournament, as well as on Switzerland. promoting values such as inclu- West Germany hosted Euro sion, diversity and accessibility.” 1988, which was won by the “The Turkish bid proposes ten Netherlands, and also the 1974 stadiums of which seven are ex- World Cup. Unifi ed Germany isting and operational stadiums, hosted the World Cup in 2006. requiring upgrades only,” the re- Turkey, a candidate for the port said. fourth time, lost to France in the It cited the support of Turk- race to host of Euro 2016. ish president Recep Tayyip Er- The vote follows a World Cup dogan, but warned that “recent in Russia which ended with the economic developments in the German squad mired in contro- country may put planned public versy over the treatment of two investments under pressure”. players of Turkish origin, Ilkay The next Euros, in 2020 break Gundogan and Mesut Ozil. with tradition and will be played Germany’s vision, said the in 12 cities in diff erent countries, report, “is rooted in the belief with the semi-fi nals and fi nal in that football can unify society London.

FOCUS Tabarez renews with Uruguay until Qatar World Cup Al Sailiya players celebrate their victory over Al Ahli in the QNB Stars League yesterday.

By Sports Reporter free-kick by Majdi that bent around the Doha wall and into the far corner. It did not take long for Al Ahli to get their noses in front again with, Mohsine Moutaouli sending another through ball in l Sailiya twice came from be- to Meshaal who dispatched his second of hind to win 4-2 against hosts Al the evening. The real turning point came Ahli in Week 6 of the QNB Stars in the 82nd minute when Al Sailiya were League yesterday. awarded a penalty, despite the protests AGoals for the home side came through from the visiting side, which Abdulqadir Majdi Siddiq (68th minute), Abdulqadir stepped up to bring the scores level. Adam (82nd), Abdulkareem al-Ali (87th) With the clock ticking down Abdulkar- and Rachid Tiberkanine (92nd). eem drove towards the goal and unleashed Al Ahli’s both strikes came from Me- a powerful shot from distance that took a shaal Abdulla in the 54th and 74th min- ricochet past the unfortunate opposition utes. On the balance of play, a draw may goalkeeper. have been a fairer result as Al Ahli were not The moment of the night was saved rewarded for their endeavour. until injury time when Abdulqadir fed Ti- In spite of Al Ahli’s half chances, it was berkanine on the edge of the area, with the Al Sailiya who came closest to breaking Moroccan teeing the ball up on his right the deadlock deep into the fi rst half, with foot before striking a beautiful volley to Abdulkareem fi ring narrowly wide from seal all three points. distance. In the second match of the day, Umm The game had a completely diff erent Salal defeated Al Kharaitiyat 2-1, thanks to narrative in the second half, starting with two goals from Yannick Sagbo. Meshaal running onto a through ball and Mohamed Razzaq gave Al Kharaitiyat sending his half volley past the stranded a fi fth-minute lead, but Sagbo’s eff orts in keeper. Al Sailiya got back on level terms Umm Salal’s Yannick Sagbo (L) is congratulated by Talal al-Shila after he scored the 20th and 24th minutes sealed three within 10 minutes following a spectacular against Al Kharaitiyat. points for Umm Salal.

BOTTOMLINE

Modric, Ronaldo, Salah vie for FIFA award Oscar Tabarez has led Uruguay for 185 games. (AFP) AFP tion of Uruguayan players, nota- DPA ance in a World Cup fi nal. Montevideo, Uruguay bly strikers Luis Suarez of Barce- London France’s World-Cup win- lona and Paris Saint-Germain’s ning captain Hugo Lloris of Edinson Cavani, as well as the Tottenham Hotspur; Belgium’s espite failing health the now-retired Diego Forlan before uka Modric looks to once Thibaut Courtois, who moved veteran coach Oscar that. again get the better of from Chelsea to Real Madrid Tabarez has signed a The announcement comes at Cristiano Ronaldo and this summer; and Denmark and four-year contract ex- the end of a trying few weeks for Mohamed Salah when Leicester City’s Kasper Sch- tensionD to remain at the Uruguay the Uruguayan federation fol- LFIFA announces its Best Men’s meichel are the top goalkeeper helm until the end of the 2022 lowing the sudden resignation Player on Monday. fi nalists. World Cup in Qatar, the South of Wilmar Valdez as president in The three are fi nalists for the Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and American country’s football fed- July, one day before he was due annual honour, which will be Germany’s Dzsenifer Marozsan eration said yesterday. to stand for re-election, due to presented at the world govern- of European and French cham- Tabarez, who suff ers from a some compromising audio re- ing body’s Best Football Awards pions Lyon and Marta, who cap- nerve disorder that forces him to cordings. in London. tained Brazil to the Copa Ameri- use crutches to walk, has been in That plunged the federation It’s the second piece of silver- ca Feminina title, are fi nalists for charge of Uruguay since 2006. into chaos and led football’s ware the trio has vied for in 2018 the top women’s player award. He was also the coach from 1988 world governing body, FIFA to after Modric captured the UEFA Sarina Wiegman, the 2017 to 1990 prior to that. take over its running a month men’s player of the year award winner after leading the Neth- The 71-year-old has led Uru- ago. last month. Luka Modric (left), Mohamed Salah (centre) and Cristiano Ronaldo. erlands to the European cham- guay for 185 games, a record for The continued stability of Modric teamed up with Ron- pionship, looks to repeat as top any international coach. Tabarez’s leadership of the team aldo last season to help Real Ma- Germany captain Oliver Kahn in all of its incarnations. Champions League fi nal and led women’s coach against Reynald He has also taken the coun- presents is widely seen as a wel- drid capture its third consecu- said on FIFA’s website. His fi rst came in 2008 with Egypt to its fi rst World Cup ap- Pedros, who guided Lyon to the try to four World Cups, another come boon for Uruguayan foot- tive Champions League title. “Luka Modric won the Cham- the FIFA World Player of the pearance since 1990. European/French double, and “record for a coach with a single ball. He then was the driving force pions League and also put in Year, which was followed by the While none of France’s World Asako Takakura, who oversaw national team,” said the federa- Tabarez’s next matches in as Croatia reached the World some unbelievable perform- Ballon d’Or in 2013 and 2014. Cup-winning side were nomi- Japan’s run to the Asian Cup tion. charge will be October friend- Cup fi nal, winning the Golden ances at the tournament, both The trophy then became part nated for the player award, the championship. Uruguay reached the semi- lies against Japan and South Ball as the tournament’s top physically and in terms of his of the FIFA Best Awards in 2016 man who led them to victory is The men’s and women’s fi nals of the 2010 World Cup in Korea. player. play. and he’s been the only winner among the top coach fi nalists. player and coach awards will be South Africa and the quarter- He previously coached AC Mi- The midfi elder’s performance “He’s the favourite to win it since. Didier Deschamps is up decided in a vote of the captains fi nals in Russia earlier this year. lan and Cagliari in Italy while in in Russia makes him the choice this year for me.” Salah is another worthy fi nal- against last year’s winner Zin- and coaches of national teams In 2011, Tabarez led them South America he led giants Boca of one former World Cup stan- Ronaldo, who joined Italian ists after topping the Premier edine Zidane, who orchestrated worldwide, along with media to the Copa America crown in Juniors to the Argentine Aper- dout. champions Juventus over the League with 38 goals last season, Real Madrid’s European title and an online public ballots, neighbouring Argentina. tura title in 1992 and Uruguayans “Croatia were the surprise summer, is no stranger to the his fi rst with Liverpool. run, and Zlatko Dalic, who guid- while the goalkeeper winner is Tabarez’s spell in charge has Penarol to their last Copa Liber- package at the World Cup,” ex- honour, having won it fi ve times He also helped the Reds to the ed Croatia to their fi rst appear- chosen by a select FIFA panel. coincided with a golden genera- tadores success in 1987. Gulf Times Saturday, September 22, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Van Dijk eyes silverware as Liverpool chase history Only four clubs in the Premier League have opened a campaign with six straight wins. Liverpool can join the list today

AFP London Man City’s record scorer Aguero extends contract irgil van Dijk has chal- lenged Liverpool to use AFP “I didn’t convince him, he de- their blistering start London cided himself,” said Guardiola to the Premier League at his Friday press conference. Vseason as fuel to fi nally end their “So I say thanks for the trust he trophy drought. anchester City’s has shown in us, like Vincent Jurgen Klopp’s side will aim to record goalscorer Ser- Kompany and David Silva.” maintain their superb form in a Mgio Aguero extended Guardiola, though, believes potentially historic meeting with his stay with the Premier that Aguero — who earns a Southampton at Anfi eld today. League champions yesterday, reported £220,000 ($288,000) Only four clubs in the Pre- signing a one-year contract a week — staying 10 years at mier League era have opened a extension. the same club will be a thing of campaign with six consecutive The 30-year-old Argentina the past. victories — Newcastle in 1994, international — who broke the “Before it was easier to find Manchester City two seasons ago record last season and whose players to stay their whole and the Chelsea sides of 2005 and tally stands at 204 — put pen career in the same club,” said 2009. to paper on a deal that will see Guardiola. Now, second placed Liverpool, him through to the end of the “They want to live new who trail leaders Chelsea on goal 2021 season and postpones experiences, and it’s not bad diff erence, can join that list with his stated desire to finish his if they want to discover new a victory over Southampton. career with Independiente languages and learn other A win would also mark the fi rst back in his homeland. cultures. time since 1990-91 that Liverpool “I am happy for this additional “It happened with Sergio: have opened the league season year,” said Aguero in a club Argentina, then Madrid and with seven successive victories. statement. then here. He’s an important Liverpool’s impressive start, “My idea was being here for 10 player for the club, not just for which also includes their thrill- years. I’ve been here for seven the team.” ing midweek Champions League years, it’s going to be 10 when Txiki Begiristain, Manchester victory over Paris Saint-Ger- the contract expires. City’s director of football, said main, has convinced Dutch de- “This was the main reason Aguero retained his status as fender Van Dijk that his club are I signed. I’m very happy one of the club’s most pivotal ready to win their fi rst silverware because they have treated me players. since the 2012 League Cup. very well since the first day I “He has been so important “It’s a great time to be a Liv- got here.” to this club since his arrival erpool player, you want to play Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (right) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Champions League Group C match against Paris Saint-Germain in City manager Pep Guardiola in 2011 and he remains at the these clubs we are going to face,” Liverpool on Tuesday. (Reuters) — who has left Aguero out at forefront of what we are want Van Dijk said. “I want to win times in the past two years to achieve in the coming things, I want to create memo- chettino may stall this season. games because it is normal when Hazard’s superb form has been hold the ball and we can go in with young Brazilian Gabriel years,” said Begiristain. ries here and write history as well A third straight year of Cham- you don’t win the atmosphere key to Chelsea’s fl ying start un- deep with him, so for us it’s a Jesus getting the nod — said he “We are fortunate to have had with all these boys. pions League action started with a and the energy is diff erent but der new boss Maurizio Sarri, but pleasure to play with him.” had not needed to change the one of the best strikers in the “You need to have ambitions, painful late defeat at Inter Milan on that happens,” Pochettino said. the Belgium playmaker is happy Pep Guardiola returns to the striker’s mind about delaying world at our club for so many and with the size of this club, Tuesday, while losses to Liverpool “Sometimes it is good to feel to give credit to team-mate Ol- touchline for Manchester City’s his return to Argentina. years.” with the people around here and and Watford already leave Spurs the pain of defeat, not only one ivier Giroud. visit to Cardiff looking for his the history of the club, we want trailing Chelsea by six points. but two or three. Giroud off ers a more robust team to recover from the shock to try and win everything.” “After we beat Manchester presence than the diffi dent Al- Champions League defeat at season, putting the onus on the Cardiff v Manchester City Tottenham manager Mauri- ANXIOUS SPURS United the perception was com- varo Morata, who has endured a home to Lyon. champions to bounce back in Crystal Palace v Newcastle cio Pochettino goes into today’s Throw in reports that some Tot- pletely diff erent, now after three wretched fi rst year with Chelsea, Guardiola watched in horror south Wales. Fulham v Watford (1130 GMT) clash at Brighton under pressure tenham players are tired and un- defeats all seems diff erent but and Hazard is thriving on the ex- from the Etihad Stadium stands Leicester v Huddersfield for the fi rst time in his four-year happy with Pochettino’s intense not under my eyes.” tra space and service provided by on Wednesday as he served a FIXTURES (1400 GMT unless Liverpool v Southampton reign following a run of three training sessions and it’s easy to Chelsea head across London to the France striker. one-match ban for being sent to stated) Manchester United v Wolves straight defeats. see why the Argentine needs a face West Ham, with Eden Hazard “Olivier’s a target man, maybe the stands in last season’s quar- SATURDAY SUNDAY That dismal streak comes positive result to lift the gloom. well rested after being left at home the best in the world; I think so,” ter-fi nal defeat to Liverpool. Brighton v Tottenham (1630 Arsenal v Everton (1500 GMT) amid wider concerns that the “The group is, of course, a lit- for the Blues’ Europa League win Hazard said. In his absence, City produced GMT) West Ham v Chelsea (1230 undoubted progress made by Po- tle bit anxious about winning at PAOK on Thursday. “When he gets the ball he can their worst performance of the Burnley v Bournemouth GMT)

LA LIGA SERIE A Dembele, Messi partnership Tearful Ronaldo picks himself fuelling Barcelona goal rush up for Juve trip to Frosinone Reuters Barcelona AFP learn how to win even without Milan Mauro. We can’t have the same ionel Messi’s blossoming XI in every game.” partnership with electric Roma — last year’s Champi- winger Ousmane Dem- ristiano Ronaldo picks ons League semi-fi nalists — are bele has helped Barcelona himself up and gets reeling from their defeat to Real Lto four straight wins at the start back to business in Se- Madrid. of the Liga season and the pair rie A against promoted Eusebio Di Francesco’s side will be gunning for more goals at FrosinoneC tomorrow after his have not won since their opening home to fellow Catalan side Gi- return to Spain in the Cham- game against Torino in August, rona tomorrow. pions League ended in a tearful and travel Sunday to Bologna. While some concerns remain sending off against Valencia. “I’m concerned but I’m not about Barca’s away performanc- The former Real Madrid star pessimistic,” said Roma sport- es, following scrappy wins at Real collapsed dramatically on the ing director Monchi. Valladolid and Real Sociedad, Er- pitch after being handed a con- “I remain confi dent that the nesto Valverde’s side have been troversial red card just days after coach will fi nd the right path.” frighteningly good at home this his fi rst goals for Juventus saw the Serie A runners-up Napoli, season, scoring 15 goals in three champions keep their 100 percent three points behind Juventus, games at the Nou Camp. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) and Ousmane Dembele. (Reuters) record to pull three points clear at visit Torino after a lacklustre Messi and Dembele have been the top of the Serie A table. European stalemate in Belgrade. the architects of their dominance. villa while striking the second sation for the plans to take the Juventus beat Valencia any- “It’s a tie that leaves us bit- Messi typically hogged the goal which killed off PSV. corresponding fi xture in January way thanks to two Miralem ter, but there’s no reason to be headlines after scoring a record “Dembele is doing well and is to Miami rather than the club’s Pjanic penalties. dramatic, there are another fi ve eighth Champions League hat- scoring important goals but that Montilivi stadium. And after securing a winning games to go,” said Napoli coach trick in a 4-0 win over PSV Eind- comes from hard work,” Barca Real Madrid will be looking start to the European campaign Carlo Ancelotti. hoven on Tuesday but the bigger coach Valverde said after the win to return to winning ways when which is their focus this season, Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo gestures after receiving a red card Lazio host Genoa after their surprise was the performance of over PSV. they host Espanyol on Saturday the Turin giants look to keep during the UEFA Champions League match against Valencia CF on Europa League win over Apol- Dembele. “He’s working hard, trying to after losing their perfect start their quest for an eighth straight Wednesday. (AFP) lon Limassol at the Stadio Ol- The Frenchman has enjoyed a help the team and is a player who by drawing 1-1 at Athletic Bil- domestic title on track with a impico, with AC Milan hosting superb start to the season and has is able to unbalance the opposi- bao. Atletico Madrid face a short trip to Frosinone. last weekend. poli playing out a goalless draw Atalanta after Gonzalo Higuain already matched his goal tally from tion. He’s got that continuity in trip to Getafe, targeting a win to Coach Massimiliano Allegri “He’s picked up an adductor at Red Star Belgrade. scored the only goal against the whole of the last campaign by the side now, which is helping, kickstart their season after fall- is confi dent that Ronaldo, 33, injury from virtually his fi rst Luciano Spalletti’s Inter Dudelange in Luxembourg. scoring fi ve times in six games. but he has earned that.” ing well off the pace and slipping will be back to business against sprint,” said Allegri. “Unfor- scored two goals in a seven- SPAL — who are three points With his last campaign marred The form of Dembele and Mes- down to ninth in the standings. a side from outside Rome who tunately I was expecting this minute spell, sparked by cap- behind Juventus in second — by injury problems and struggles si is likely to make Girona wary of are second from bottom of the because the last few days have tain Mauro Icardi who scored host Fiorentina, with Sassuolo, to adapt to his new surroundings a repeat of the 6-1 thrashing they FIXTURES (all times GMT) league with one point. been draining for him mentally. his fi rst goal of the season on his in sixth, hosting Empoli in Fri- after a big-money move from were subjected to on their last SATURDAY “He was upset and he needs “When these things happen, Champions League debut. day’s early match. Borussia Dortmund, Dembele visit to the Nou Camp, although Rayo Vallecano v Deportivo time to calm down. He needs to the risk of injury is very high. It Inter — fl oundering in 15th has been playing with renewed Eusebio Sacristan’s side have Alavés (11:00) rise above it and focus on Sun- was a tactical decision that he in Serie A with just four points FIXTURES (all times GMT) confi dence and is having a huge made a strong start to the season. Celta de Vigo v Real Val- day, even if these things leave a would only come on for the last from four games — head to SATURDAY impact this term. Under former Barcelona player ladolid (14:15) bitter taste in the mouth,” said 20 minutes, but that was still fourth-placed Sampdoria look- Parma v Cagliari (1300) The Frenchman’s bursts of and reserve team coach Sacris- Eibar v Leganés (14:15) the coach. enough for him to get injured.” ing for just their second win in Fiorentina v SPAL (1600) pace and his ability to dance past tan, Girona pulled off a spirited Getafe v Atlético Madrid The champions will be with- the fi fth round of action. Sampdoria v Inter Milan defenders have given Barca an 3-2 win over Celta Vigo on Mon- (16:30) out German midfi elder Sami ‘SELF-BELIEF’ “This result gives us self-be- (18:30) outlet they have lacked since the day, having snatched a surprise Real Madrid v Espanyol (18:45) Khedira who suff ered a thigh Inter Milan also return from lief around the work we are do- SUNDAY departure of Neymar to Paris St 1-0 victory at Villarreal in their SUNDAY muscle injury in Spain. Champions League duty on a high ing. Getting players like Icardi to Torino v Napoli (10:30) Germain last year. previous outing. Levante v Sevilla (10:00) Douglas Costa also suff ered after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Tot- break their ducks is fundamen- Bologna v AS Roma He has also proved decisive, Girona will be supported by Villarreal v Valencia (14:15) an adductor injury, but the Bra- tenham in their return to Europe tal, as we need his goals,” said Chievo v Udinese scoring winning goals at Val- 1,200 travelling fans who took Real Betis v Athletic Club zilian would have missed Sun- for the fi rst time since 2012. Spalletti. Lazio v Genoa (13:00) ladolid and Sociedad and in the advantage of an off er of free (18:00) day’s league game as he sits out But Roma fell 3-0 to holders “We have many great players, AC Milan v Atalanta (16:00) Spanish Super Cup win over Se- tickets to the game in compen- Barcelona v Girona (18:45) a four-match ban for spitting Real Madrid in Spain with Na- though and sometimes we must Frosinone v Juventus (18:30) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 22, 2018 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Barcelona model Arsenal, Chelsea inspires British billionaire’s win as Rangers sports dream AFP it made me think Bristol could do Bristol, United Kingdom a similar thing.” Lansdown has already seen handsome returns on his invest- hen British billion- ment. Bristol Bears returned to aire Steve Lansdown the English Premiership this got fed up with his season and Bristol City reached hold Villarreal home town of Bris- the League Cup semi-fi nals last Wtol being treated as a sporting term, where they put up a spir- joke he set out to put that right ited fi ght against Manchester Marseille, last season’s runners-up, slumped to a 1-2 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt – modelling his vision on mighty City, and are riding high in the Barcelona. second-tier Championship. The 66-year-old, who made his fortune in fi nancial services, ‘NO REGRETS’ said his main motivation for buy- Lansdown wants to get Bristol- ing football club Bristol City, rugby based businesses involved in side Bristol Bears and basketball sponsoring and supporting the outfi t Bristol Flyers was that he clubs but also wants to see local was fed up with the teams being sporting talent fl ourish. ridiculed even by the locals. “Making Bristol Proud is one But Lansdown has an even of our hashtags and you make more ambitious long-term plan them proud by being successful. – hoping that sporting success “That is by giving people the can enable the city in southwest opportunity to be successful and England to compete with major for that you have to create a path- provincial hubs further north. way from a young age to profes- Bristol slipped down the peck- sional ranks through to retirement. ing order as a trading and busi- “We want to encourage young ness centre during the Indus- people to participate in sports trial Revolution and the sporting and, if they are good enough, achievements of cities such as play for one of the three teams.” Liverpool and Manchester have The businessman said not enabled them, as Lansdown puts enough sports clubs devote them- it, to stay in another “league”. selves to nurturing young local “The fundamental reason I talent. “A lot of clubs are bringing bought the clubs is I got really in players from outside and as a re- fed up with sport in Bristol not sult you are blocking young play- being taken seriously and being ers from coming through. ridiculed by people in Bristol,” “There is nothing better I think Lansdown told AFP at the im- than if you have an 18-year-old pressive 27,000-seater Ashton player on your books and a decade Gate Stadium. on you can look back and see what “I’d like to think that is not the he did for the Bears and England.” case now and they are taking it Lansdown’s ambitions are for seriously and backing it. the Bears to win the Premiership “Local politicians and local and be crowned kings of Europe. councillors are always saying Bris- His hopes for City are a little tol should be like Manchester, Liv- more modest but he would like to erpool or, dare I say it, Cardiff . see the club return to the Premier “We haven’t been in their League – they have not played in league but sport would help push the top fl ight of English football us into that league.” for nearly 40 years. Lansdown, whose favourite Lansdown, one of the more sport is football, said the idea of notable fi nancial heavyweights forming umbrella organisation to favour Britain’s withdrawal Bristol Sport came to him on a from the European Union, said visit to Barcelona, home to one of that, despite the personal cost, Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a shot at goal during the Europa League Group E match against FC Vorskla Poltava of Ukraine in London on Thursday. (Reuters) the most iconic sporting institu- he is enjoying the ride. tions in the world. “Like all journeys they are AFP eyang told BT Sport. fi rst appearance in the group 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig. Gonzalo Higuain. “It was a chance trip going to never smooth and there is never Paris “We have to improve and try stage of a European competition Marseille, last season’s run- Record fi ve-time winners the Nou Camp and the museum a straight line,” he said. “There to fi ght not to concede a goal like since the 2010-11 Champions ners-up, slumped to a 2-1 home Sevilla launched their Group and expecting to see all the tro- have been awkward times along we did in the last minute.” League, as they came away with defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt in J campaign with a 5-1 rout of phies of the football club,” said the way but I wouldn’t change it. ierre-Emerick Au- Premier League leaders Chel- a 2-2 draw against Villarreal. Group H as Luka Jovic grabbed Standard Liege, as Ever Banega Lansdown. “I have no regrets whatsoever. bameyang struck twice sea made a winning start to A disastrous start for the an 89th-minute winner for the and Wissam Ben Yedder both “But it was much more than Things have come together and as Arsenal defeated their Group L campaign as Wil- Glasgow side saw Carlos Bac- reigning German Cup champions. netted twice for the Spaniards. football. There was the basket- all the hard work and aggro have Ukraine’s Vorskla Polta- lian’s seventh-minute eff ort was ca fi re Villarreal ahead inside Lucas Ocampos opened the ball and water polo and so on and been rewarded.” Pva 4-2 in the Europa League on enough to see off PAOK at a hos- 60 seconds, but Scott Arfi eld scoring early for Marseille, who SELECTED RESULTS Thursday, while in-form Chel- tile Toumba Stadium. turned home a cross from Daniel were playing behind closed Ludogorets (BUL) 2 (Ke- sea began their campaign with a Eden Hazard was omitted Candeias to level on 67 minutes. doors at the Stade Velodrome seru 8, Marcelinho 31) Bayer 1-0 win away to PAOK in Greece. from the Chelsea squad at his Gerard Moreno put the hosts after numerous crowd incidents Leverkusen (GER) 3 (Havertz 38, Aubameyang has struggled own request due to fatigue, but back in front almost immediately, last season. 69, Kiese Thelin 63) to hit top gear in the Premier manager Maurizio Sarri fi elded only for Kyle Laff erty to again hit But Lucas Torro levelled on 52 Celtic (SCO) 1 (Griff iths 87) League so far with just one goal a strong side as the Blues ex- back for Rangers as Gerrard’s men minutes for Eintracht before Jo- Rosenborg (NOR) 0 in fi ve starts, but the Gabon tended their winning run to six made a solid start in Group G. vic’s late strike won it. Arsenal (ENG) 4 (Aubam- striker opened the scoring in games in all competitions. Dudelange, the fi rst Luxem- eyang 32, 56, Welbeck 48, Ozil London after 32 minutes of the “We were in control of the RED BULLS COLLIDE bourg team to play in the Europa 74) Vorskla Poltava (UKR) 2 Group E encounter. match for 90 minutes. We had a Leigh Griffi ths hit a late winner League group stage, made sev- (Chesnakov 77, Sharpar 90+4) Danny Welbeck nodded in a lot of opportunities. We missed for Celtic in a 1-0 home victory en-time European champions Dudelange (LUX) 0 AC Milan second just after half-time and them and so I’m very happy with over Rosenborg, a team Brendan AC Milan work hard for a 1-0 (ITA) 1 (Higuain 59) Aubameyang curled in the Gun- the three points, very happy with Rodgers’ side knocked out in win in Group F. Villarreal (ESP) 2 (Bacca ners’ third, with Mesut Ozil also the performance, but not very this season’s Champions League Luxembourg’s Grand Duke 1, Gerard 69) Rangers (SCO) 2 on target before a lapse in con- happy with the result,” said Sarri. qualifying rounds. Henri and Grand Duchess Mar- (Arfield 67, Laff erty 76) centration saw Vorskla hit back “When it’s time to kill the Salzburg triumphed in the ia Teresa were in the crowd as Marseille (FRA) 1 (Ocampos with two late goals. match, we have to kill the clash of Red Bulls in the other Dudelange, who have a dozen 3) Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) 2 “I think we played well in the match.” Group B fi xture as Fredrik Gul- non-professional players in (Torro 52, Jovic 89) In this January 9, 2018, picture, Bristol City manager Lee Johnson and fi rst half and in the beginning Steven Gerrard’s Rangers ac- brandsen scored a minute from their squad, succumbed to a PAOK (GRE) 0 Chelsea (ENG) his players go to their supporters after the League Cup semi-final first of the second as well,” Aubam- quitted themselves well on their time to give the Austrian club a defl ected second-half goal by 1 (Willian 7) leg match against Manchester City in Manchester. (AFP)

BUNDESLIGA Clock ticking for Schalke’s Tedesco as Bayern await

Reuters award but that already feels like Tolisso and Rafi nha. their opening three games of the Berlin a lifetime ago after Schalke lost However, Niko Kovac has been season. their fi rst three Bundesliga games boosted by the surprise resurgence to sit bottom of the standings of one player after Portuguese FIXTURES (all times GMT) omenico Tedesco’s on zero points alongside Bayer prospect Renato Sanches fi nally SATURDAY second season in charge Leverkusen. rediscovered his form in Bay- Hoff enheim v Borussia Dort- of Schalke 04 has got off The Royal Blues’ Champions ern’s 2-0 Champions League win mund (13:30) to a disastrous start and League return proved a marginal over Benfi ca on Wednesday. The Hertha BSC v Borussia withD Bundesliga champions Bay- improvement with a 1-1 draw at 21-year-old midfi elder joined Bay- M’gladbach (13:30) ern Munich visiting today, the exit home to Porto on Tuesday but ern two years ago but after a fruit- Augsburg v Werder Bremen door could soon be opening for the Tedesco knows they need to sig- less fi rst season was loaned out to (13:30) 33-year-old coach. nifi cantly raise their game if they Swansea City. Wolfsburg v Freiburg (13:30) Tedesco was a surprise choice are to replicate last season’s exem- “All players who played in Lisbon Nürnberg v Hannover 96 when he was appointed last sea- plary run. are fi t. Thiago will also complete our (13:30) son, arriving with limited coaching “The game against Porto was fi nal training,” Kovac said. Schalke 04 v Bayern München experience in the second division a crucial step in the right direc- Kovac said Sanches’ performance (16:30) and no professional playing career tion,” Tedesco said. “It was a posi- in Portugal will earn him more play- SUNDAY prior to that, leaving Schalke fans tive signal. It was important to see ing time in that midfi eld role. Bayer Leverkusen v Mainz 05 unsure of what to expect. that kind of mentality and attitude “What we wanted to do is start (13:30) He made an instant impact, from my players.” strong in the Bundesliga and in the Eintracht Frankfurt v RB Leip- however, steering them to second Nothing would speed up the Champions League and we have zig (16:00) place and a return to the Cham- process of reviving their fortunes succeeded in doing that,” Kovac Tuesday pions League after a three-year more than a win over the Bavari- said. “Now we have to stay focused Werder Bremen v Hertha BSC absence, also winning over fans ans, who top the standings on nine because we know we are the ones (16:30) when the team rallied from 4-0 points but have injury concerns. being hunted.” Bayern München v Augsburg down against arch-rivals Borussia While Thiago Alcantra will be fi t Borussia Dortmund, in sec- (18:30) Dortmund to draw 4-4. for today’s match after overcom- ond place on seven points, travel Hannover 96 v Hoff enheim The comeback earned Tedesco ing a toe injury, concerns remain to fellow Champions League side (18:30) a sensational man-of-the-match about Kingsley Coman, Corentin Hoff enheim, who have lost two of Freiburg v Schalke 04 (18:30) Gulf Times Saturday, September 22, 2018 5 SPORT

BASEBALL Red Sox beat Yanks for third straight AL East title Betts tied a season high with five RBIs to help the Red Sox win their 10th division crown

Reuters Boston

ookie Betts helped the Bos- ton Red Sox clinch their third straight American League East title by col- Mlecting four hits, including a towering three-run homer off Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning of an 11-6 vic- tory over the host New York Yankees on Thursday night. Betts tied a season high with fi ve RBIs to help the Red Sox win their 10th division crown. Per Elias Sports Bureau, it marks the fi rst time the Red Sox ever clinched a division by beating the Yankees. “To be able to do it here, obviously, I know the history. It feels great,” Red Sox fi rst-year manager Alex Cora said. Luke Volt homered and Giancarlo Stanton hit a grand slam for New York, setting a franchise single-season mark with 247 homers this season. The Yankees saw their lead over the Oakland A’s reduced to 1 1/2 games in the race for the top AL wild card. “Winning a division isn’t easy,’’ JD Martinez said. “It’s tough to do. This all started in spring training with the mindset we had right off the bat. The goal here is to win. We’re ob- viously not done. But it’s the fi rst step, and we’re proud of it.’’ The Red Sox (104-49) now can turn their attention to setting up their postseason rotation and resting regu- lars while trying to maintain their com- petitive edge heading into October. Barring an abrupt turn of events, they will face either the Yankees or the Oak- land Athletics, who are separated by 1½ games in the wild-card race, in the AL Division Series opener at Fenway Park on Oct 5. “It’s your rival, so you don’t want your rival to come in here and get Boston Red Sox’s Andrew Benintendi (left), Jackie Bradley Jr. (centre) and Oscar Hernandez celebrate after their win over New York Yankees on Thursday night. (USA TODAY Sports) to pop bottles at your fi eld,” Yankees fi rst baseman Luke Voit said. “But they ond American League wild-card spot. Oakland to a blowout of visiting Los 13 in seven innings and now has 290 upper deck in right in the seventh. Mi- Brandon Barnes, ending the inning. did, and credit to them. They’re a good Angeles. Marcus Semien collected three strikeouts this year. However, Scherzer ami was held to seven hits — six singles team. Hopefully we get to face them BRAVES 8, PHILLIES 3 hits and fi ve RBIs as the A’s amassed a gave up two homers and three runs and and one double. TIGERS 11, ROYALS 8 later on down the road.” Dansby Swanson and pinch hitter Lu- season-high for runs en route to their left trailing 3-2. New York starter Jason Christin Stewart hit the fi rst two hom- cas Duda ripped back-to-back doubles second straight win. Vargas outduelled Scherzer. The vet- WHITE SOX 5, INDIANS 4 ers of his career during the fi rst two BLUE JAYS 9, RAYS 8 in the seventh inning to put Atlanta Mike Trout hit his 36th homer for the eran gave up two runs on three hits and Matt Davidson singled home the go- innings and drove in six runs, power- Justin Smoak hit his third career walk- ahead and send the Braves to victory Angels, who were outscored in the se- struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings. Both ahead run with two outs in the top of ing host Detroit to victory over Kansas off home run to complete a seven-run over visiting Philadelphia. ries’ last two games 31-3. Los Angeles’ starters fi nished with a no-decision. the 11th inning as Chicago defeated City. Stewart hit a two-run shot and ninth inning, and Toronto came back to The Braves added four runs in the Francisco Arcia became the fi rst player host Cleveland. The White Sox avoided a three-run blast and added a bases- stun visiting Tampa Bay after the Rays eighth inning to put the game away and in the modern era (since 1900) to catch, REDS 4, MARLINS 2 not only a sweep of the three-game se- loaded walk for Detroit. took an 8-2 lead into the ninth. lower their magic number to win the pitch and hit a home run in the same Scooter Gennett, bidding for a National ries, but also a sweep of the games be- Nicholas Castellanos tripled, Toronto’s winning inning began with National League East to four. game, per Elias Sports Bureau. League batting title, homered, doubled tween the teams played at Progressive homered and scored twice, while JaCo- consecutive double by Dwight Smith Jr. Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 6 1/2 and drove in four runs to lead Cincin- Field this season. by Jones had two hits and also scored and Rowdy Tellez, who also had a two- games. The Braves are 8-5 against the METS 5, NATIONALS 4 nati to a win at Miami. Gennett, who is The White Sox fi nished 1-8 in Cleve- two runs. Zac Reininger (1-0) collected run homer in a three-RBI game, and Phillies; the two teams meet six more Jose Lobaton delivered a sacrifi ce fl y in now hitting.318 and trails only Milwau- land. The Indians, who rallied from a his fi rst major league win while giving was capped by back-to-back homers times over the next two weeks. the top of the 12th inning that gave New kee Brewers outfi elder Christian Yelich 4-0 defi cit to eventually tie the score up two runs in 2 1/3 innings of relief. by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Smoak. York an extra-inning win at Washing- (.319), went 2-for-3. in the eighth, nearly won it in the 10th. Jorge Bonifacio, Brian Goodwin, CJ Cron had three RBIs and Tommy A’S 21, ANGELS 3 ton. Nationals starter Max Scherzer He hit a two-run, two-out double With two outs and runners at fi rst Hunter Dozier and Adalberto Mondesi Pham had three hits and two RBIs for Stephen Piscotty, Nick Martini and broke the team’s record for strikeouts that one-hopped the wall in left-centre and second, Jason Kipnis hit a ball that homered for the Royals. the Rays, who dropped to 6 1/2 games Chad Pinder smacked home runs to in a season — a mark that he set two fi eld in the third inning, then hit a two- appeared headed for right fi eld. Whit Merrifi eld supplied three hits behind Oakland in the race for the sec- highlight a 22-hit assault, powering years ago. The right-hander fanned run, two-out homer that landed in the However, the ball struck runner and two runs.

MLB ROUND-UP NBA King joins Dodgers ownership group Laker LeBron already in Reuters Los Angeles ‘mid-season’ form, says Magic Reuters with Lakers in the 1980s, said at Javale McGee and Rajon Rondo nternational Tennis Hall of Famer Los Angeles a press conference. “He’s shoot- as well as the sharpshooting Billie Jean King and partner Ilana ing fade aways and three pointers Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Kloss have become members of the Los from almost half court,” he said. Johnson said he especially Angeles Dodgers’ ownership group, the os Angeles Lakers presi- “You’re sitting there saying man, hoped James’ infl uence would Iteam announced on Thursday. The Dodgers dent Magic Johnson on ‘thank god we signed him’. It’s rub off on second-year point plan to introduce the tennis icon King and Thursday said newly- just beautiful to watch.” guard Ball. The Lakers fi rst pick Kloss during a press conference at Dodger acquired forward LeBron Johnson said the Lakers, who in the 2017 draft was under- Stadium today. LJames is in excellent shape ahead have missed the playoff s for the whelming in his rookie season The 74-year-old King, who won 12 Grand of next week’s training camp and last fi ve seasons, will look to push but Johnson said he has been Slam singles titles and 39 overall in a legen- will lead an up-tempo off ense as the basketball up the court this working hard during the off sea- dary career on and off the court, grew up as the franchise attempts to return season as they try to unseat the son to improve his game and phy- a Dodgers fan in Long Beach, Calif., and ex- to NBA relevancy. similarly speedy reigning cham- sique. “He has been in the weight pressed her excitement to become minority Johnson said the three-time pion Golden State Warriors. room because we asked him to owners along with her partner Kloss. NBA champion, who parted ways “It’s going to be exciting be- get stronger,” said Johnson. “He’s “I’m totally going to pinch myself... I’m with the Cleveland Cavaliers cause the pace will never stop,” starting to understand that he pinching myself already,’” King told the Los over the summer to make the he said. “It’s going to be running, has to be better. But he under- Angeles Times from her New York residence. move out west, is a player-coach running and more running.” stood that right after the season,” “When you’re born and raised a South- who has already set an example James, 33, will be surround- he said. The Lakers kick off their ern California kid, you dream your dreams for the team’s young core with ed by 20-year-old Lonzo Ball, season on Oct. 18 with a visit to of coming back, but how could I have ever his relentless work ethic. 22-year-old Kyle Kuzma and the Portland Trail Blazers before dreamed of something like this? Joining the “LeBron is already in mid- 23-year-Josh Hart. He will also playing their fi rst home game at Dodgers is my life coming full circle.’” to breaking barriers, inclusion and winning, day portrayed manager Don Mattingly’s job season form,” Johnson, who won have the help of some savvy vet- the Staples Center against the In a statement released by the Dodgers, and we’re looking forward to them continu- as safe for the 2019 season. When asked by fi ve championships as a player erans including NBA champions Houston Rockets on Oct. 20. King praised the organisation for being a ing to promote these attributes within our reporters before Miami’s home game against franchise that demonstrated inclusion, from organization.” the Cincinnati Reds about his skipper’s job breaking the colour barrier with Jackie Rob- In addition to joining the Guggenheim status for next season, with the team enter- inson and the team’s many foreign player Baseball Management Group headed by ing Thursday owning a 59-92 record, Jeter additions through the years. Walter and including Lakers legend Magic replied, “Is he going to be back in 2019? He’s “(Dodger Owner & Chairman) Mark Wal- Johnson, King and Kloss also hope to be- under contract. Yeah.” ter and the entire Dodger organization are a come members of the LA Sparks’ ownership Next year marks the fi nal season of Mat- fi rst-class operation that have proven to be group, pending WNBA approval. tingly’s four-year contract. In his three leaders in sports on and off the fi eld of play,” King’s younger brother, Randy Moffi tt, seasons, the Marlins have not fi nished with she said. “We share a commitment to equal- pitched 12 major-league seasons, 10 of them a winning record. However, expectations ity and inclusion, including the LGBTQ with the rival San Francisco Giants from entering this season were lowered after an community, and we hope to further expand 1972-81. He also pitched for the Houston off season spent shedding higher-priced the team’s eff orts in those areas as we move Astros and Toronto Blue Jays and went 43- veteran players as the organization under- forward together.” 52 with a 3.65 ERA and 96 saves. went a rebuild. “We’re excited and proud to welcome two “I’ve been preaching patience,” Jeter said. trailblazing athletes, social advocates and MARLINS’ JETER SAYS MATTINGLY “I’ve been fi nding I don’t have much of it. businesswomen, Billie Jean King and Ilana WILL RETURN IN 2019 But we’re making progress and we’re taking Kloss, to our ownership group,” said Walter. With the Miami Marlins trying to avoid steps in that direction. It was an organiza- “Just like Billie Jean and Ilana, the Dodger their third 100-loss season in franchise his- tion that had been broken. We have to fi x franchise has a history of and commitment tory, CEO/part-owner Derek Jeter on Thurs- that. I’d like for it to happen overnight.” Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson speaks during a press conference. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 22, 2018 SPORT

BOXING BADMITNON Ginting stuns Chen Long; Joshua adds weight for Sindhu, Srikanth lose

Agencies title fi ght against Povetkin Changzhou, China ndonesian shuttler Antho- ny Ginting’s dream run in the China Open continued ‘He’s going to be quick, he’s going to be fast. That’s why I’ve got to put on my dancing shoes’ yesterday as he dispatched Ihome favourite Chen Long in the Reuters quarter-fi nals. London Just one day after eliminating top seed Viktor Axelsen, Gint- ing’s good form continued as he eavyweight world champion beat two-time world champion Anthony Joshua hit the scales Chen 18-21, 22-20, 21-16 follow- nearly two stones heavier than ing an epic one-hour-and-25- Russian opponent Alexander minute battle. HPovetkin as the two weighed in for to- Ginting’s reward is a semi- day’s title fi ght at Wembley Stadium. fi nal appearance against fi fth The Briton, who holds the WBA, IBF, seed Chou Tien Chen, who beat WBO and IBO belts, stepped off with a fourth seed Son Wan Ho 21-17, measurement of 17 stones eight pounds 21-14. The second semi-fi nal and fi ve ounces compared to the smaller will see second seed Shi Yuqi Russian’s 15 stones and 12 pounds. take on third seed Kento Momota Joshua, undefeated in his profes- in a blockbuster clash. sional career with 20 knockouts in 21 Shi had too much fi repower fi ghts, had been four pounds lighter for for Angus Ng Ka Long, win- his previous title bout against New Zea- ning 21-17, 21-15, while Momota land’s Joseph Parker at Cardiff ’s Princi- thumped Srikanth Kidambi 21- pality Stadium last March. 9, 21-11. Povetkin, the mandatory WBA chal- In the women’s draw, second lenger and like Joshua a past Olympic seed Akane Yamaguchi set up gold medallist, had weighed in for his a semi-fi nal meeting with fi fth previous fi ght against Britain’s David seed Chen Yufei. Yamaguchi de- Price at 16 stones fi ve pounds. feated He Bingjiao 21-19, 21-16, “He’s going to be quick, he’s going while Chen edged PV Sindhu 21- to be fast. That’s why I’ve got to put on 11, 11-21, 21-15. my dancing shoes and be sharp with my After losing the fi rst game, feet,” said Joshua after the last face-to- Sindhu bounced back in style face appearance between the two before but failed to match the pace of they meet in the ring. her opponent in the third game “I’m a physical, strong guy. I know and thus lost the issue. Sixth how to box. So it will be a good com- seed Carolina Marin will take on petitive fi ght,” added the 28-year-old, eighth seed Nozomi Okuhara in who is 10cm taller than his Russian op- the other semi-fi nal. ponent. World Champions Marin beat Povetkin, 39 years old and with a 34-1 China’s Gao Fangjie 21-10, 24- record, will be fi ghting in front of an 22. After dominating the fi rst 80,000 strong crowd at a stadium that game, Marin was given a tough Joshua calls home. He said he felt great fi ght by Fangjie as she made a about it. “The very least I will do is give dramatic comeback from 6-11 everything I have. I do think it’s one of to level it at 21-21. However, she my last big chances,” said the Russian, failed to handle the pressure in speaking through an interpreter. the tiebreak and lost 24-22. Joshua said on Thursday he expected Povetkin to be his toughest fi ght since Ukrainian giant Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua knocked out Klitschko at Wem- bley in April 2017 and the 2012 Olympic champion has not fought at the stadium Anthony Joshua (left) and Alexander Povetkin pose for a photograph during their weigh-in in London yesterday. (Reuters) since then. Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic super-heavyweight champion, lost to That Britain’s Tyson Fury, himself a said. “That’s the reality. You’re calm at Wembley and Joshua said: “Coming ua, but Povetkin is convinced he is now Klitschko in Moscow in 2013. former world heavyweight champion, is and collected but underneath it all it’s back is a blessing — it’s time to put on a a stronger fi ghter than the one beaten by Many boxing fans had hoped this set to meet Wilder in Las Vegas in No- the reality. We both know what we are in performance. This is not new to me, this Klitschko. “Joshua is one of the strong- weekend would see Joshua up against vember, as he continues his comeback for. It’s the same with every fi ght. What feels like home.” est in the division,” said Povetkin. “An- World Boxing Council heavyweight to the ring is a reminder that Joshua is more can I do than give my best? I’ll go The night Joshua outpointed Parker thony is a very strong fi ghter but I am champion Deontay Wilder. Negotia- not the ‘only show in town’, either do- out there and fi nd a way to win.” at Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium, Pov- just as strong. When I fought Klitschko tions with the American’s camp have mestically or internationally. Joshua added: “I know I have a lot of etkin demonstrated his considerable I was much weaker and in worse shape proved fruitless, although whether Joshua’s last fi ght saw the 28-year- fi re in my belly; that’s just as important punching power on the undercard, with than I am now.” that’s the fault of Joshua’s promoter old taken the distance for the fi rst time as skills. Skills and technique apart, we a fearsome fi fth-round knockout of Joshua’s trainer, Rob McCracken, was Eddie Hearn, Wilder’s management or in his professional career, but he se- both have a big heart and can dig deep. Britain’s David Price. in no doubt of Povetkin’s class. Kento Momota of Japan beat some combination of both — the of- cured a unanimous decision over New We both showed that against Klitschko The only blot on Povetkin’s 35-fi ght “This is a fi ghter from a diff erent lev- India’s Srikanth Kidambi in ten protracted nature of talks before a Zealand’s Joseph Parker in Cardiff in (who beat Povetkin on points). The one professional record is the 2013 defeat by el, with respect to Parker and (Carlos) straight games in the ‘mega fi ght’ actually takes place makes March. “There’s loads of pressure; tons who’s toughest will come out victorious.” Klitschko. He will be giving away several Takam,” he said. “Povetkin comes from quarter-finals of the China Open it diffi cult to say. of pressure,” Joshua told a Wembley A crowd of some 80,000 is expected inches in height and reach against Josh- the top level.” yesterday. (AFP)

RUGBY NHL All Blacks captain Mayfi eld ends Browns’ winless streak Read to sit out of Reuters punt set up Crowell’s 7-yard waltz on Cleveland the fi rst play of the second quarter, and he capped the next possession with a Argentina test 2-yard score. ookie No 1 overall pick Baker Mayfi eld entered the game with the Reuters Mayfi eld relieved a concussed Browns down 14-0 and 1:42 remaining Wellington Tyrod Taylor and rallied the in the fi rst half after Taylor was hurt. The Cleveland Browns from a rookie completed his fi rst three passes 14-pointR defi cit past the visiting New for 47 yards and led the Browns to a fi eld ew Zealand captain York Jets for a 21-17 win to break a 19- goal for a 14-3 halftime defi cit. Kieran Read will miss game winless streak Thursday night at After another fi eld goal by new the Rugby Championship FirstEnergy Stadium. Browns kicker Greg Joseph cut the defi - test against Argentina in Mayfi eld, in his NFL debut, fi nished cit to eight, Hyde scored from a yard out NBuenos Aires next week, instead 17 of 23 for 201 yards in a little over one to make it 14-12 with 47 seconds left in joining the team for their fi nal half of work for the Browns (1-1-1), who the third quarter. Mayfi eld caught a pass match of the competition in South tallied their fi rst victory since Dec. 24, from Landry on a variant of the Eagles’ Africa. 2016. It was just Cleveland’s second win famous “Philly Special” for a two-point “We always had a plan to manage in 38 games. “As corny as it sounds this conversion to tie it at 14. Kieran’s long-haul travel this year is how my whole life has gone. I had a The Jets went 65 yards in 12 plays for following his return to rugby after backup role and had to fi ght through a 28-yard Jason Myers fi eld goal to lead back surgery,” coach Steve Hansen some things and had to be mentally Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (left) throws a pass during the NFL 17-14 with 8:58 remaining, setting the said of the 32-year-old number ready to go,” Mayfi eld said. game against New York Jets on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) stage for the Browns’ winning drive. eight. “We don’t want to have him Mayfi eld basked in the spotlight lead- Taylor was concussed when his head hit sitting in a plane too long. When ing four scoring drives and coming out now I got to go do it. I felt that with bet- Hyde totaled 23 carries for 98 yards, the turf on a sack by Jets linebacker Av- you go to Argentina, then to South on top in a matchup against Jets rookie ter players around me, I should be able to and Jarvis Landry had eight catches for ery Williamson, but he might have been Africa, there’s a short turnaround standings on 16 points after four quarterback Sam Darnold. “I feel good. do it.” 103 yards. Darnold, whom many thought replaced even if healthy. and not a great ride from Argentina games, face Argentina in Buenos We fi nally put the pieces together,” said Running back Carlos Hyde’s second the Browns would take No. 1 overall in He went 4 of 14 for 19 yards, taking to South Africa. So the smart play Aires on Sept. 30 before meet- Mayfi eld. 1-yard touchdown, with 2:07 remain- the April draft, fi nished 15 of 31 for 169 three sacks and an intentional-ground- is to leave him at home and send ing the Springboks in Pretoria on “We had a couple things the last few ing in the fourth quarter, put the Browns yards and the two picks. He has thrown ing penalty as the Browns punted on him straight to Africa.” Oct. 6. They were beaten 36-34 weeks that cost us some games but you ahead for good at 21-17. Linebacker fi ve interceptions through three games. their fi rst six possessions. Taylor under- The side left New Zealand for by the Springboks in Wellington got to fi ght through the adversity.” Joe Schobert and cornerback Terrance The Jets (1-2) grabbed a 14-0 lead on threw wide-open rookie wideout An- Argentina yesterday and loose for- and Hansen said his team had not “I have always told myself that I am Mitchell intercepted Darnold on the next a pair of touchdowns by former Browns tonio Callaway for a potential 75-yard ward Vaea Fifi ta, who was not in lost in the fi nal few minutes when diff erent,” Mayfi eld said. “I got the plays, two possessions, sealing the game. running back Isaiah Crowell. A blocked touchdown four minutes into the game. the original Rugby Championship they were well-positioned to take squad, has been called in for the a match-winning drop goal oppor- South American leg of the trip. tunity, but probably earlier in the Hooker Dane Coles, who had game. Two new faces in Wallabies squad for South Africa, Argentina matches initially been targeted to return for “Our game management was the fi nal two games of the south- next to zero,” Hansen said. “It’s Sydney: The Wallabies named two ed a break after his stepfather died and It was their fifth defeat in the last to us now to get some good victories ern hemisphere championship, has partly the leadership, and it’s part- uncapped players in a 30-man squad his involvement in an ugly spat with a six Tests and left them last on the overseas and that’s going to come from also been left out of the squad. ly my fault because I haven’t given yesterday for their must-win Rugby fan last weekend. Backrower Pete Samu four-team Rugby Championship ladder consistency in the way that we play,” He has yet to play since ruptur- them enough understanding of Championship games against South also misses the trip due to a knee injury, ahead of clashes against the Spring- he said. ing knee ligaments against France what to do. All we had do was take Africa and Argentina as they look to while hooker Tolu Latu was overlooked boks in Port Elizabeth on September 29 “We have got some new additions to on New Zealand’s end-of-season a big breath, maybe take a shot at bounce back after slumping to their in favour of Brandon Paenga-Amosa. and Argentina in Salta a week later. the squad and these guys have shown tour last year. Brodie Retallick goal in the 66th minute, then score worst world ranking ever. The Wallabies’ alarming slide to seventh The under-pressure Cheika blasted plenty of grit and determination to get (shoulder) and Ngani Laumape a try, and that gives you the eight Flanker Angus Cottrell and scrum- in the world followed their shock 23-19 his players after the Argentina defeat an opportunity at a higher level. “We’re (knee), who were under injury points you need to get in front. No half Jake Gordon were the new faces home loss to Argentina on the Gold for their lack of enthusiasm and energy, very determined to make sure that we clouds, have also been omitted one is going to get hung out to dry named by coach Michael Cheika but Coast on Saturday — the Pumas first vic- and knows the time for excuses are repay the faith and show people what from the travelling squad. because of a loss. We’ve all got to there was no Lukhan Tui, who request- tory on Australian soil in 35 years. over. “There’s an opportunity presented we’re about in the way we play.” The All Blacks, who lead the learn from it, and move on.” Gulf Times Saturday, September 22, 2018 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS England’s Fisher cards Woods seizes share fi rst 59 in European Tour history

AFP that in the back of my mind and Vilamoura trying to remember that it could be worse,” he added. of early lead at Tour Fisher’s round gave him the nheralded English- clubhouse lead on 12-under for man Oliver Fisher fi red the tournament as he looks for the fi rst round of 59 in only a second European Tour ti- the European Tour’s tle, with the majority of players U46-year history on a remark- still on the course. He started the able second day of the Portugal day eight shots off the lead on Championship Masters yesterday. The 30-year- even-par, needing a strong round old tapped in for par on the fi nal just to make the cut. hole to complete an astonishing But Fisher poured in fi ve bird- 12-under-par round featuring ies and an eagle in a seven-under It is the second straight event in succession Woods has shared the first-round lead 10 birdies and an eagle, after his front nine of 28, before kicking long birdie putt for a 58 grazed off the second half with three the edge of the hole. consecutive birdies to raise hopes “It feels great, I started great of history. and I kept it going,” Fisher said. “Going out today I certainly “Just pleased I two-putted from didn’t expect to shoot such a low 40 feet on the fi nal green.” Fisher, score, but after the start, coming who was regarded as a possible onto the back nine it was in the future star as a teenage amateur, back of my mind,” Fisher said. is ranked down at 287 in the world “I said to my caddie on the 16th and had missed 11 cuts in his 22 green ‘(let’s) just to try and enjoy previous events this season. it and get those two drives away’, He also had to battle to save his and thankfully I managed to get tour card at the same tournament that lucky number.” two years ago, but scaled heights Two other men had come that thousands of players had close to the magical number at failed to reach before with his ef- the Portugal Masters, with Scott forts yesterday. “Two years ago I Jamieson and Nicolas Colsaerts was on the same green just trying both missing putts to break 60 in to keep my card, so I was keeping 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Oliver Fisher's 59 is the first sub-60 round in European Tour history. (AFP)

Tiger Woods plays a shot from the 17th tee during the first round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. (AFP)

AFP to the green,” said Woods. on the correct sides. Even the fairways I to a round of 71. Atlanta “Overall, I felt in control today. I had a missed, all were on the correct sides. The lot of control over my shots. The only hard shots I missed were on the greens, all had OPENING ROUND SCORES Garcia already in Ryder Cup part was getting my speed on the greens beautiful angles. All in all, I had a lot of 65 — Rickie Fowler, Tiger Woods iger Woods delivered easily the early. I missed every putt, blew it through control today.” mindset in Portugal loudest roar in ending his round the hole. I had fi ve, six feet coming back, Fowler capped his round with back- 66 — Gary Woodland, Justin Rose (ENG) with an eagle three to share the and once I fi gured out the pace of these to-back birdies at fi ve and six and while 67 — Justin Thomas, Tony Finau, Rory Vilamoura, Portugal: Sergio event for the ninth time and has lead on day one of the season-end- things, it was all good.” he dropped a shot on seven. The world McIlroy (NIR) Garcia admitted he was already the all-time points record for Ting Tour Championship in Atlanta. Woods Woods had begun his round with a bo- number nine birdied eight and then played 68 — Jason Day (AUS), Jon Rahm (ESP), planning his Ryder Cup strategy Europe in his sights. found the green with his second shot into gey but soon regrouped with birdies at the the 11th to 18th holes in three under. Xander Schauff ele, Paul Casey (ENG) for next week’s showdown After finishing three shots off the par-fi ve 18th and then brilliantly holed fi fth and sixth holes on a course where “It was a good day. I didn’t get off to 69 — Kyle Stanley, Webb Simpson, Brooks against the United States after the lead on Thursday, Garcia a just over 25 foot putt in a round of a fi ve- he claimed the FedEx Cup championship necessarily a great start on my swing but Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Tommy Fleet- carding an impressive five- was already picturing his Ryder under par 65 to tie fellow American Rickie trophy in 2007 and 2009. He then birdied I managed to kick my way around,” said wood (ENG) under par 66 in the first round Cup campaign. “On the last I Fowler. “I think I missed one fairway, Fowler in Thursday’s heatwave conditions the 12th and downhill 14th holes ahead of 70 — Cameron Smith (AUS), Francesco of the Portugal Masters. was thinking a little bit that this on the East Lake course. the eagle on 18 in a round that included which the ball was in the fi rst cut, and I Molinari (ITA), Aaron Wise, Bubba Watson The 38-year-old Spaniard was could be the kind of putt that It is the second straight event in suc- just 28 putts. “I played really well today think I hit every green from there on in. (USA) selected as one of four captain’s you could have next week on cession Woods has shared the fi rst-round and though it wasn’t exactly the start I Made it very stress free.” picks by European skipper the 18th to maybe win or halve lead after he and Rory McIlroy were tied at was looking for in taking the bogey at one, World No. 1 Justin Rose birdied his 71 — Patton Kizzire, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Thomas Bjorn for the Ryder Cup a match. It gave me a little bit of Horschel, Bryson DeChambeau the top with 62s on day one of the BMW I made two good putts there at fi ve and six closing two holes in a round of 66 to share at Le Golf National just outside nice motivation,” he said after Championship in Philadelphia. “To fi nish and got to under par, and then from there third place. FedEx Cup leading Bryson 72 — Hideki Matsuyama (JPN), Patrick Paris which starts on Sep- sinking a clutch putt on the last with an eagle was nice as I hammered that I hit it pretty good and made a few putts,” DeChambeau had an East Lake debut he Reed, Kevin Na tember 28. The 2017 Masters at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf drive up the left side, and it was nice to see said Woods. would rather forget in posting two dou- 73 — Marc Leishman (AUS), Phil Mickelson, champion will be playing in the Course. it not in the rough before hitting fi ve wood “But more than anything, I missed it all ble-bogeys over his opening nine on route Keegan Bradley

BOTTOMLINE RYDER CUP Rose will not wilt despite Captain Bjorn will do things his way becoming American target Reuters London AFP London homas Bjorn will not strike a ball in anger at Le ith his newly acquired status of world Golf National next week number one, Justin Rose will carry but he will be regarded the extra burden of being the man Teither as a mastermind or failure the US will target at next week’s Ry- depending on whether or not Eu- Wder Cup on the outskirts of Paris. Jim Furyk’s men rope regain the Ryder Cup. The know taking down the 38-year-old Rose will off er 47-year-old Dane knows that an extra bounty, rather than just a single point. too, but if anyone is equipped to Victory over the Europeans’ top dog would in- deal with the many impondera- ject confi dence throughout the American team bles he will wrestle with over the while at the same time testing the resolve of a Eu- weekend, it is him. ropean lineup boasting fi ve rookies and a couple Europe captain Bjorn will not of captain’s picks struggling for form. There will, have any trouble commanding then, be more pressure on Rose than in any of his the absolute respect of his players previous four Ryder Cup appearances. to win back the trophy against an American team having been part of triumphant The evidence of his career suggests the un- laden with major winners. Ryder Cup teams in 1997, 2002 fl appable Englishman will not wilt in the heat of The Dane is unconcerned that Rose might have and 2014 and being a three-time battle. At the 2013 US Open at Merion he went emptied the tank before even reaching Paris. vice-captain. European Ryder Cup team captain Thomas Bjorn is interviewed by journalists in Paris yesterday. (AFP) into the fi nal round with a two-shot defi cit and “Emotionally they go through a lot of things But for a greenside bunker on emerged to take his fi rst major title by two strokes. and when you get to world number one, you the 16th at Royal St George’s in Paul McGinley said. “He’s very Westwood and Robert Karlsson. before I started my captaincy In his previous Ryder Cups he has bagged 12 have got to look after yourself and keep pushing 2003 he would also be a major strong willed and will do things “I’ve been thinking about what’s journey, it wouldn’t have been far points for the Europeans, including three on his through the next few weeks,” Bjorn told the Ryder champion too. Until last year his way.” right for me and the team. A good away from this,” Bjorn said. “I’m debut in 2008 when he beat home talisman Phil Cup website. he was also the long-standing That was demonstrated when captain will surround himself very delighted with this team and Mickelson in the Sunday singles at Valhalla, albeit “And Justin’s a full-out professional and you chairman of the European Tour’s he announced his four “captain’s with people that he gets good I’m very proud to be captain for eventually ending on the losing side. can be very sure that he is capable of doing that. infl uential tournament commit- picks” with struggling Spaniard advice from. But I make the de- these 12 players.” And never was Rose’s resolve displayed “You’ve got to take all the positives from one of tee — a job involving dealing with Sergio Garcia given a place in- cisions,” 15-times European Tour Blending the old guard with the more vividly than at this year’s British Open in your players going to world number one.” the myriad gripes of pampered stead of highly-tipped Rafa Ca- winner Bjorn said when naming new will be Bjorn’s biggest chal- Carnoustie where, having holed the birdie putt he Europe’s 2010 captain Colin Montgomerie also Tour pros. brera Bello — Garcia becoming his vice-captains in May. While lenge — with his pairings over the needed just to make the cut on the 18th hole of his believes Rose has taken it “up a notch” and says he In short, Bjorn is a man who the fi rst man selected for a Ryder Bjorn describes his fi rst-timers fi rst two days crucial if Europe second round, he ended up in a tie for second. will thrive with the added responsibility of being gets things done. The volatile Cup having missed the cut at all — English duo Tommy Fleetwood are to take a lead going into Sun- Rose had fi nished inside the top 20 of every Europe’s top-ranked player. temperament that once earned four of the year’s majors. and Tyrrell Hatton, Swede Alex day’s singles when the Americans major this year and has been impressive on the “Some might think it could put a wee bit more him the nickname “Semtex” has Swede Henrik Stenson, who Noren, Spaniard Jon Rahm and could be at their most dangerous. PGA Tour, winning the Fort Worth Invitational pressure on him, but you only have to look at his mellowed with age, marriage and has struggled with injury this fellow Dane Thorbjorn Olesen — As so often proved by Europe in and losing a playoff to Keegan Bradley at the BMW history to dismiss this notion,” Montgomerie said. fatherhood, but Bjorn remains a season, was also picked by Bjorn as “fi ve great rookies” he knows the past, triumphant Ryder Cup Championship this month — a result that elevat- “Justin is proof that nice guys can come fi rst, tough cookie who will not allow while calls to select a French he needs battle-hardened warri- teams can often be greater than ed him to the top of the world rankings for the fi rst but believe it — there is steel in his competitive the egos of his players to divert vice-captain, perhaps Jean Van ors to triumph. the sum of their parts. With his time. This weekend he could strike an early psy- psyche. And the great strength of his game is that him from the task in hand. de Velde or Thomas Levet, to That is why he had no hesita- US counterpart Jim Furyk able chological blow for Europe by winning the Tour he has no weaknesses.” “He’s used to dealing with spike home interest also fell on tion selecting Garcia, a man he to call on a rejuvenated Tiger Championship in Atlanta and fi nishing top of the Montgomerie, whose team won narrowly at players from his years as chair- deaf ears. describes as the “heartbeat” of Woods, one of nine major win- FedEx Cup list. Celtic Manor in 2010, believes Rose and Rory man. He’ll have no problem Bjorn’s trusted lieutenants will the team, “Mr Ryder Cup” Ian ners in his side compared to Eu- His form will be reassuring to Europe’s captain McIlroy, who is also used to being a prized scalp, managing diff erent personalities be Luke Donald, Padraig Har- Poulter, Stenson and Paul Casey. rope’s fi ve, Bjorn will hope that Thomas Bjorn who faces a daunting task trying will need to score heavily for Europe to win. in the team room,” 2014 captain rington, Graeme McDowell, Lee “I had written down 12 names rings true again.

Saturday, September 22, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT England give Burns chance to fi ll Cook’s shoes

AFP this season, with Kent top-order Fellow opener Keaton Jennings His leg-spin bowling could 12 apiece for Warwickshire in the age his workload. shire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire, Nottingham batsman Joe Denly and Warwick- was retained despite struggling also prove useful in Sri Lanka, County Championship this sea- “There’s always a risk with any wkt), Stuart Broad (Nottingham- shire paceman Olly Stone the against Pakistan and India this where pitches often provide son. fast bowler, injuries can happen. shire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos other two uncapped players in season — he scored 192 runs in plenty of turn. He adds a measure of extra You want to take no risks, you Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran ncapped Surrey bats- the squad. six Tests at a meagre average of “I played with Joe Denly when pace to an attack set to be headed never select anyone for anything. (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Kea- man Rory Burns is Burns has been the leading 19.20. he was a very young man, you up again by James Anderson and “However, we believe there’s ton Jennings (Lancashire), Jack set to replace Alastair run-scorer in the English top “Like every opening batsman could see he was a fantastic nat- Stuart Broad. a way of managing his workload Leach (Somerset), Ollie Pope UCook at the top of Eng- fl ight this season, scoring 1,319 this summer Keaton Jennings ural athlete, a brilliant mover, But Smith insisted Stone had so we can get the best out of him (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), land’s order after being named in Championship runs at an average found opening the batting dif- talented batter, bowled leg-spin, not been selected to fi ll a per- without exposing him to unnec- Ben Stokes (Durham), Olly Stone a 16-man squad for the upcom- of over 69. fi cult. There’s no secret about everything came very easily to ceived need for a genuine fast essary risks.” (Warwickshire), Chris Woakes ing three-Test tour of Sri Lanka. “I think Rory Burns has im- that,” said Smith, a former Eng- him,” said former Kent captain bowler. Smith added: “It’s a bonus the (Warwickshire) Left-handed opener Cook, pressed everyone with the con- land batsman, who took over as Smith. And he stressed he had been in fact he’s got that pace. He’s not England’s all-time leading run- sistency of his run scoring. selection chief at the start of this “What’s happened to Joe is contact with Warwickshire coach there just because he’s fast, he’s FIXTURES scorer, retired from international “Not just this year when he’s season. he’s evolved into this really calm, Ashley Giles, who had warned there because he’s doing a re- Oct 30-31: Sri Lanka Cricket Board duty after bringing down the scored 1,300 runs and led Sur- “But when it comes to select- measured performer but that England to treat Stone “like a ally good job and obviously it’s a President’s XI v England, Colombo, curtain on his illustrious 12-year rey to the title — which are both ing a touring party we felt Keaton touch of class is still there.” Ferrari”. great asset he has that extra pace Nondescripts Cricket Club Test career with a farewell cen- signifi cant achievements — but was in our best squad to beat Sri Warwickshire paceman Olly “Obviously Olly Stone is a very as well.” Nov 01-02: SLC Board Presidents XI tury against India at the Oval this over fi ve years he has consistent- Lanka.” Stone was the third uncapped exciting talent and he has been England begin a three-Test v England, Colombo Cricket Club month. ly scored over a thousand runs (a The 32-year-old Denly re- player in the squad. troubled by injuries, there’s no series against Sri Lanka in Galle Nov 06-Nov 10: SRI LANKA v ENG- That left England with an season),” said Smith. turned to the England set-up for The 24-year-old Stone, who secret there,” said Smith. starting on November 6. LAND, 1ST TEST, Galle opening batsman vacancy. He was speaking to reporters the fi rst time since 2010, when was named in England’s squad “We want to catch him when Nov 14-Nov 18: SRI LANKA v ENG- They have now turned to at Trent Bridge yesterday after he earned nine one-day interna- for the fi rst time earlier this week he’s at his best, when he’s in Squad: Joe Root (Yorkshire, LAND, 2ND TEST, Kandy Burns, who captained Surrey to overseeing a selection meeting at tional caps and played fi ve Twen- for the preceding one-day se- form, bowling fast, bowling ac- capt), Moeen Ali (Worcester- Nov 23-27: SRI LANKA v ENGLAND, the County Championship title Nottinghamshire’s headquarters. ty20s. ries, has taken 37 wickets at just curately, with skill, but also man- shire), James Anderson (Lanca- 3RD TEST, Colombo

CRICKET TENNIS Osaka below Malik the hero as Pak par but through

AFP survive Afghan scare Tokyo For Afghanistan, Hashmatullah Shahidi missed out on a maiden hundred by a mere three runs apan’s Naomi Osaka ex- uded a major champion’s aura yesterday as she dis- SCORECARD patched Barbora Strycova J6-3, 6-4 to reach the Pan Pacifi c Afghanistan Imam-ul-Haq run out ...... 80 Open semi-fi nals, despite being Mohamed Shahzad c Sarfraz b Nawaz Babar Zaman st Shahzad b Rashid .66 nowhere near her best...... 20 Haris Sohail c Ihsanullah b Mujeeb ..13 The third seed, who stunned Ihsanullah Janat c and b Nawaz ...... 10 Shoaib Malik not out ...... 51 Serena Williams to capture the Rahmat Shah c and b Nawaz ...... 36 Sarfraz Ahmed b Naib ...... 8 US Open title earlier this month, Hashmatullah Shahidi not out ...... 97 Asif Ali c Alam b Rashid ...... 7 failed to hit the same heights she Asghar Afghan b Shaheen ...... 67 Mohamed Nawaz b Rashid ...... 10 did on that historic night in New Mohamed Nabi c Hasan b Shaheen ..7 Hasan Ali not out ...... 6 York. Najibullah Zadran b Hasan ...... 5 Extras: (b2, lb2, w13) ...... 17 But she still had too much Gulbadin Naib not out ...... 10 Total: (for seven wkts; 49.3 overs) 258 fi repower for Strycova in Tokyo, Extras: (lb2, nb2, w1) ...... 5 Did not bat: Usman Shinwari, advancing to face Italy’s Camila Total: (for six wkts; 50 overs) 257 Shaheen Shah Giorgi in the last four. Did not bat: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Zaman), 2-154 Eighth seed Strycova had little Rahman, Aftab Alam (Imam), 3-158 (Azam), 4-194 (Sohail), answer to her opponent’s venom- Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Ihsanullah), 2-31 5-216 (Sarfraz), 6-226 (Asif), 7-242 ous hitting and the world number (Shahzad), 3-94 (Shah), 4-188 (Asghar), (Nawaz) seven bagged the fi rst set with a 5-200 (Nabi), 6-212 (Najibullah) Bowling: Mujeeb 10-2-33-2 (3w) Alam sledgehammer forehand that al- Bowling: Shinwari 10-1-58-0 (1nb), 9.3-1-64-0 (4w) Naib 10-0-61-1 (3w), most tore the racquet from the Shaheen 10-0-38-2, Nawaz 10-1-57-3, Nabi 10-0-50-0 (1w), Rashid 10-0-46-3 Czech’s hand. Malik 4-0-21-0, Sohail 6-0-30-0, Hasan (2w) The 20-year-old Osaka, con- 10-0-51-1 (1nb, 1w) Result: Pakistan win by three wickets testing her fi rst tournament since Toss: Afghanistan becoming Japan’s fi rst Grand Pakistan Umpires: Anil Chaudhry (IND) and Slam singles winner, never looked Fakhar Zaman lbw b Mujeeb ...... 0 Shaun George (RSA) back against a player 12 years her senior, with another forehand rocket bringing up a fi rst match match under control before Malik took for the fourth wicket with his skipper point. charge, the former captain eventually Asghar Afghan, who smashed fi ve sixes Strycova saved that one but scoring 51 not out to steer his team to and two fours in his 56-ball 67. moments later, Osaka fi red a victory. But it was Shahidi who held one end bruising serve into the body to ex- Pakistan’s Hasan Ali (L) celebrates with Shoaib Malik after beating Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi yesterday. For Afghanistan, Hashmatullah Sha- against Pakistan’s bowling in an innings tend her current winning streak to hidi missed out on a maiden hundred by which featured seven boundaries after nine matches. Agencies Afghanistan scored 257-6 in their 50 match with three balls to spare. a mere three runs but still steered Af- left-arm spinner Mohamed Nawaz (3- Giorgi, who knocked out Abu Dhabi overs which Pakistan chased down in Earlier, opener Fakhar Zaman was ghanistan to a challenging 257-6. 57) had put the brakes on Afghanistan’s top seed and defending cham- 49.3 overs for the loss of seven wickets out for zero but Imam-ul-Haq and Ba- Shahidi hit three consecutive bound- early progress. pion Caroline Wozniacki on at Abu Dhabi stadium. bar Zaman featured in a stand of 154 aries in the fi nal over off Usman Shin- Shahidi had added 63 for the third Thursday, was leading former hoaib Malik hit a six and a four It was three balls from the end runs to put Pakistan on course. wari, but failed to get to three fi gures off wicket with Rahmat Shah who scored a world number one Victoria Aza- in the last over as Pakistan that the match finally appeared to However, Imam was run out for 80 the last delivery after Afghanistan won measured 36. renka 5-3 when the Belarusian clinched a nerve-racking three- have swung decisively. Aftab Alam and Babar too followed him to the pa- the toss and batted in the Super Four The total was an improvement by retired with stomach pains. wicket win over Afghanistan in bowled two poor balls under extreme vilion after making 66 as the Pakistan clash. Afghanistan after scoring 249 and 255 Saint Petersburg: Stan Wawrin- aS Super Four match of the Asia Cup in pressure which the experienced Ma- innings wobbled. Shahidi fi nished with a brilliantly- in their previous two wins against Sri ka beat last year’s St Petersburg Abu Dhabi yesterday lik took advantage of to finish off the Afghanistan appeared to have the paced 118-ball 97 not out, and added 94 Lanka and Bangladesh. champion Damir Dzumhur in straight sets to reach the semifi - nals yesterday. BOTTOMLINE The 33-year-old Swiss wild card beat the Bosnian, who was seeded sixth, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 11 minutes to level their head- to-head record at one all. “The level of my play was good today and the win makes me feel Jadeja, Rohit power India to victory positive,” Wawrinka said. In the last four, Wawrinka will AFP against Sri Lanka, managed 21 Rubel Hossain not out ...... 1 face Slovak Martin Klizan, the Dubai while star batsman Shakib Al Extras: (b1, nb1, w1) ...... 3 2012 champion, who battled back Hasan failed yet again with 17. Total: (all out; 49.1 overs) 173 from a set down to beat seventh- It could have been worse had Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Das), 2-16 seeded Denis Shapovalov of pinner Ravindra Jadeja Mehidy not put on a fi ghting 66- (Nazmul), 3-42 (Shakib), 4-60 Canada 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. “I expect took four wickets and run partnership for the eighth (Mithun), 5-65 (Rahim), 6-101 an interesting match with Kli- skipper Rohit Sharma wicket with Mashrafe Mortaza (Mahmudullah), 7-101 (Mosad- zan in the semis,” Wawrinka said. smashed a successive who made 26 with two sixes. dek), 8-167 (Mortaza), 9-169 “We’ve played a couple of times halfS century to help India rout Top two teams from the Super in the past and it was always really (Hasan) Bangladesh by seven wickets in Four will play the fi nal in Dubai Bowling: Kumar 10-1-32-3(1w) tough.” Asia Cup match in Dubai yes- on September 28. Bumrah 9.1-1-37-3, Chahal 10-0- Metz, France: Gilles Simon terday 40-0, Jadeja 10-0-29-4 (1nb), fi nally managed to beat his fellow Jadeja fi nished with four for SCOREBOARD Yadav 10-0-34-0 Frenchman Richard Gasquet at 29 to help dismiss Bangladesh Bangladesh India: the ninth attempt with a 7-6 (7/4), for 173 in 49.1 overs at the Dubai Liton Das c Jadhav b Kumar .....7 R. Sharma not out ...... 83 6-2, victory in the Metz quarter- International Stadium. Nazmul Hossain c Dhawan b S. Dhawan lbw b Shakib ...... 40 fi nals yesterday. Sharma then launched an- Bumrah ...... 7 A. Rayudu c Rahim b Rubel ....13 Aside from Gasquet winning other assault on the bowlers Shakib Al Hasan c Dhawan b M. Dhoni c Mithun b Mortaza 33 every one of their eight previous during his 104-ball unbeaten Jadeja ...... 17 D. Karthik not out ...... 1 encounters Simon arrived in Metz knock which was studded with Mushfiqur Rahim c Chahal b Extras: (lb1, nb2, w1) ...... 4 out of sorts, with only a US Open three sixes and fi ve boundaries Ravindra Jadeja celebrates after he dismissed Bangladesh batsman Mohamed Mithun (not in picture) as Jadeja ...... 21 Total: (for three wkts; 36.2 fi rst round win since reaching the as India chased down the target Mushfiqur Rahim (L) looks on during their Asia Cup match in Dubai yesterday. Mohamed Mithun lbw b Jadeja .. overs) 174 last 16 at Wimbledon in July. The in 36.2 overs...... 9 Did not bat: K. Jadhav, R. two-time Metz winner was more Sharma put on 61 for the eased through their big match the squad as a replacement for ball 42 with two sixes and two Mahmudullah Riyad lbw b Jadeja, B. Kumar, K. Yadav, Y. aggressive in the fi rst set and opening stand with Shikhar against Pakistan by eight wick- all-rounder Hardik Pandya who boundaries. Kumar ...... 25 Chahal, J. Bumrah broke to lead 4-2, but was unable Dhawan (47-ball 40 with a six ets on Wednesday. was ruled out of the tournament Bangladesh, who were bowled Mosaddek Hossain c Dhoni b Fall of wickets:: 1-61 (Dhawan), to do the same when serving for and four boundaries) before eas- The arch-rivals meet again in with a back injury. out for a mere 119 against Af- Jadeja ...... 12 2-106 (Rayudu), 3-170 (Dhoni) the set at 5-4. ing towards the target with an- the Super Four match in Dubai Pacemen Bhuvneshwar Ku- ghanistan on Thursday, were Mashrafe Mortaza c Bumrah b Bowling: Mortaza 5-0-30-1 (1nb, In the tie-break, Gasquet, other 64-run stand for the third on Sunday. Jadeja, playing his mar (3-32) and Jasprit Bum- once again off to a disastrous Kumar ...... 26 1w), Mehidy 10-0-38-0, Rahman ranked 25th, took the fi rst two with Mahendra Singh Dhoni fi rst one-day international for rah (3-37) were also ruthless as start during which they lost half Mehidy Hasan c Dhawan b Bum- 7-0-40-0 (1w), Shakib 9.2-0-44-1, points but Simon fought back to who made 33. over a year, was at his best after Bangladeshi batting couldn’t get the side for just 65 runs. rah ...... 42 Rubel 5-0-21-1 clinch the set in 59 minutes. It was another comfortable India sent Bangladesh into bat going with tail-ender Mehidy Mushfi qur Rahman, who Mustafizur Rahman c Dhawan b Result: India win by seven He then rolled through the sec- victory for the title holders who on a fl at pitch. He only came into Hasan top-scoring with a 50- scored a brilliant hundred Bumrah ...... 3 wickets ond set without too many prob- lems.