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Monday, September 24, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 14, 1440 AH Neymar gets Paris GULF TIMES Saint-Germain back on track SPORT Page 4 Centurions Rohit, Dhawan beat Pakistan in 210-run partnership between the openers set up India’s second victory over Pakistan in the tournament

Scorecard

PAKISTAN Extras (lb5, w3) 8 S. Dhawan run out 114 Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Chahal 10 Total (for 7 wkts; 50 overs) 237 A. Rayudu 12 F. Zaman lbw b Yadav 31 Fall of : 1-24 (Imam), Extras (w1) 1 B. Azam run out 92-55 (Zaman), 3-58 (Azam), 4-165 Total (for 1 wkt; 39.3 overs) 238 (Ahmed), 5-203 (Malik), 6-211 (A. S. Ahmed c Sharma b Yadav 44 Ali), 7-234 (Khan) Fall of wickets: 1-210 (Dhawan) India’s Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma (right) celebrate after scoring their respective centuries during the Asia Cup Super Four match against S. Malik c Dhoni b Bumrah 78 Bowling: Bowling: Amir 5-0-41-0, Shah Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) Kumar 9-0-46-0 (2w), A. Ali b Chahal 30 Bumrah 10-1-29-2, Chahal 9-0- 6-0-42-0, H. Ali 9-0-52-0, Nawaz 7-0-35-0, Khan 8-0-54-0, Malik S. Khan b Bumrah 10 46-2, Yadav 10-0-41-2 (1w), Jadeja AFP second best in all India-Pakistan ball 78 after winning the toss and off Shadab Khan. 4.3-0-14-0 one-day internationals. batting but it proved too little for Dhawan matched his skip- 9-0-50-0, Jadhav 3-0-20-0 Dubai M. Nawaz not out 15 RESULT: India win by nine That super eff ort from the the strong Indian batting line. per shot for shot, fi ring 100-ball INDIA H. Ali not out 2 wickets openers saw India overhaul the Pakistan could have got Sharma 114 with 16 boundaries and two R. Sharma not out 111 peners Rohit Sharma target with 10.3 overs to spare. out in the sixth over but Imam- sixes as Pakistani bowlers had no and Shikhar Dhawan The Super Four win is the sec- ul-Haq dropped an easy catch off clue to the rasping and fl owing hit punishing centuries ond for India over arch-rivals Shaheen Shah, giving the colour- strokes of the Indian openers. was through a run out. man (31) and Babar Azam (run Pakistan’s fi nal score depend- to steer an imperious following their easy eighth wick- ful Indian power to smash seven Pakistan’s pace spearhead The best opening stand in In- out for nine) in an unimpressive ed on Malik who crucially fell in IndiaO to a nine win over a et win in the fi rst round. boundaries and four sixes. Mohamed Amir, brought back in do-Pak one-day internationals start to their innings before Ma- the 44th over, caught behind off a listless Pakistan in the Asia Cup The win is India’s high- Sharma, who scored back to one of two changes after dropped was 224 by Mohamed Hafeez and lik and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed leg-side edge off Jasprit Bumrah. match in Dubai yesterday. est against Pakistan in terms of back fi fties in the last two games, for the match, went Nasir Jamshed at Dhaka in 2012. added 107 for the fourth wicket. Asif Ali smashed two sixes Sharma notched 119-ball 111 not wickets, improving on the eight also became the ninth Indian wicketless for a fi fth match in a Earlier, Malik scored a 90-ball Sarfraz scored a slow 66-ball in his 21-ball 30 before he was out for his 19th one-day hundred wicket win over Pakistan in Mel- batsmen to complete 7,000 one- row, leaving the much vaunted 78 with four boundaries and two 44 with only two boundaries be- bowled by leg-spinner Yuzven- while Dhawan made a 100-ball 114 bourne in 1985. day runs in his 187th match when Pakistan bowling biteless. sixes, but India kept a tight check fore he became one of two Kul- dra Chahal who took 2-38 in his for his eighth century as the pair Pakistan were steered to 237-7 he reached 94, soon after he was Even when Dhawan got out in on Pakistan’s progress. deep Yadav’s wicket who fi nished nine overs. Bumrah fi nished with put on 210 for the opening stand — by Shoaib Malik who made a 90- dropped on 81 by Fakhar Zaman the 34th over with 38 needed it Pakistan lost Imam (ten), Za- with 2-41. 2-29 in his ten overs.

COMMENT Al Sadd coach Ferreira surprised by facile win over Al Rayyan

By Sports Reporter tween teams like Al Sadd and Al so as to focus on the AFC Cham- This gets rid of fatigue because is to always give our best in Doha Rayyan.” pions League, Ferreira said: “Al of the desire of the player to per- every game. Regardless of the He added: “We were better Sadd is thinking about the AFC form at his best. And so, fatigue result, the match was very enter- than Al Rayyan and dominated Champions League and the had no real eff ect on the players taining.” l Sadd head coach Jesu- the fi rst half completely. In the league at the same time. We have in today’s game and the proof is Added Afi f. “Some might think aldo Ferreira couldn’t fi rst ten minutes of the second a delayed game to be played now the 5-0 win.” it was easy, but on the contrary, it hide his surprise after half, we almost fell asleep. Al and if more matches are delayed, Finally, he remarked: “Also, was very diffi cult. We took to this Ahis team outclassed Al Rayyan exploited that and con- I don’t know when we will play playing with long balls helped game with a specifi c strategy in Rayyan in the QNB Stars League trolled proceedings then but we them. us to overcome fatigue. This is mind, and this helped us to gain on Saturday. managed to score and I think that “From my point of view, I a philosophy that we use when the upper hand.” Thanks to Al Sadd’s ruthless after the fourth goal, we found think it’s better not to call up the we have to deal with such situa- Afi f also remarked that Al Sadd domination the Qatar Clasico that Al Rayyan had surrendered. Al Sadd players for the national tions throughout the course of a are taking each game at a time turned into a hopelessly one- This helped us to get a result like team’s international friendlies to season.” and that the team was moving sided aff air with the Wolves win- that. reduce the strain no them. They Al Sadd forward Akram Afi f ahead step by step. ning 5-0 at the Sheikh Jassim bin “The 5-0 result does not re- are performing a national duty by also expressed his happiness at “We have now closed the Al Hamad Stadium. fl ect what happened in the game competing for the AFC Champi- his team’s victory Rayyan chapter and we will now Speaking at the post-match because there was a competitive ons League title.” “Congratulations to the fans look ahead to our next game press conference, Ferreira said: nature to it during some parts. As for the eff ect of fatigue on for the big win,” he said. “We against Qatar SC in the league. “When the Clasico ends in a 5-0 But in the end, Al Sadd’s attack his players, the coach said: “The will continue working hard to al- After that, we will step up our result, it’s tough to say that it is was always dangerous.” Clasico games are always a treat ways make them happy in all the preparations for the big game a Clasico. It is diffi cult to have a Asked if he would want to for the players because they are games, be it in the AFC Cham- against Persepolis in the AFC scoreline like that in a game be- postpone Al Sadd’s league games played in front of a lot of fans. pions League or in the QSL. Our Champions League semifi nals.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, September 24, 2018 SPORT

CRICKET MOTOGP Marquez Afghanistan fall holds off short once again Dovizioso to Bangladesh win by three win in Aragon runs in a Super Four thriller in Asia Cup against Afghanistan

Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez celebrates his win in the MotoGP of Aragon on the podium at the Motorland circuit in Alcaniz, Spain, yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters began to pull away after the half- Bengaluru way mark. Marquez took the lead on the 14th lap, but Dovizioso regained otoGP world cham- the upper hand two laps later be- pion Marc Marquez fore Marquez made the decisive moved a step closer move with three laps remaining. to retaining the title “Marc is very strong here,” Mafter winning the Aragon Grand Dovizioso said. “The real sur- Prix for Honda yesterday to ex- prise is we’re fi ghting with Marc, tend his lead at the top of the so I’m so happy about the work standings to 72 points. we did during this season, to Marquez, who started third on come here in this moment of this the grid, outfought Italian An- championship very strong. drea Dovizioso after pole-sitter “We were fi ghting for victory Jorge Lorenzo crashed out on the on a bad track for us. This is good opening turn to claim his fi rst for this championship and also victory in fi ve MotoGP races. for the future.” Marquez changed to a soft rear Dovizioso now has 174 points Bangladesh team (right) celebrate their victory over Afghanistan in the Asia Cup Super Four match in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) tyre just before the start of the to Spaniard Marquez’s 246 with race and took control in the last fi ve races remaining. (Reporting Agencies with two sixes and an equal number of three laps, fending off the Ducati by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru Abu Dhabi Scorecard fours to keep the scoreboard moving. rider Dovizioso to win his home Editing by Toby Davis) Nabi was the sixth Afghan batsman to Grand Prix. BANGLADESH AFGHANISTAN get out, losing his wicket with the team “Today, I took a risk, a gamble,” RESULTS requiring 12 runs in nine balls for victory. fghanistan lost their second L. Das c Janat b Rashid 41 M. Shahzad b 53 Marquez said. “I put the soft rear 1. Marc Marquez (Honda) 41:55.949 close match in three days, fail- And although Samiullah Shinwari had tyre because during the weekend 2. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) ing to make eight runs off the N. Hossain c Rahmat b Alam 6I. Janat c Hossain b Rahman 8given Nabi good support, eventually fi n- every time I put the hard I felt +0.648 last over against Bangladesh in M. Mithun lbw b Mujeeb 1R. Shah run out 1ishing with a 19-ball 23, he couldn’t hit a okay, but I didn’t feel good. 3. Andrea Iannone (Suzuki) +1.259 theirA Super Four match of the Asia Cup four off the last ball bowled by Mustafi zur “Sometimes I put the hard to M. Rahim run out 33 H. Shahidi b Mortaza 71 4. Alex Rins (Suzuki) +2.638 here yesterday. Rahman as Afghanistan again fell agoniz- be safe, but today I said, ‘okay, 5. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) +5.274 Chasing 250 for victory, Afghanistan Shakib Al Hasan run out 0A. Afghan c Mahmudullah b Mortaza 39 ingly short. I’ll take a risk’. I was riding really 6. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) +9.396 could only manage 246 for 7 as Bang- I. Kayes not out 72 M. Nabi c Nazmul b Shakib 38 Earlier, Mahmudullah Riyad and Ima- good, really smooth in the begin- 7. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati ladesh clinched a three-run victory to Mahmudullah c Rashid b Alam 74 S. Shinwari not out 23 rul Kayes knocked half centuries to lift ning. Pramac) +14.285 move to second spot behind India in the Bangladesh to a fi ghting 249-7. “I was able to follow Andrea in 8. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) M Mortaza c Shahzad b Alam 10 R. Khan c and b Rahman 5 Super Four standings. Riyad scored 81-ball 74 with two sixes a good way, and we were fi ghting +15.199 On Friday, Pakistan had beaten Afghani- M Hasan not out 5G. Naib not out 0and three boundaries while Kayes — re- in the end, a great fi ght. Really 9. Jack Miller (Ducati Pramac) stan by three wickets in a tense match with Extras (b1, lb2, w4) 7 Extras (lb3, w5) 8 called as a back-up to strengthen the top movement at the limit, I was +16.375 Shoaib Malik hitting a six and four in the batting — made 89 ball 72 not out to help one time in the green, was com- 10. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) Total (for seven wkts; 50 overs) 249 Total (for seven wkts; 50 overs) 246 last over to post an unbeaten 51. Bangladesh recover from a precarious pletely at the limit, but I enjoyed +22.457 The Bangladesh win meant India sailed Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Hossain), 2-18 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Janat), 2-26 (Shah), 5-87 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. a lot.” into the September 28 fi nal in Dubai while (Mithun), 3-81 (Das), 4-81 (Shakib), 5-87 3-89 (Shahzad), 4-167 (Afghan), 5-192 Opener Liton Das scored 41 and Mush- Suzuki’s Andrea Iannone briefl y OVERALL STANDINGS Pakistan and Bangladesh meet in Abu (Rahim), 6-215 (Mahmudullah), 7-236 (Shahidi), 6-238 (Nabi), 7-244 (Khan) fi qur Rahim made 33 but Bangaldesh — threatened to make it a three-way 1. Marc Marquez (Honda) 246 pts Dhabi on Wednesday to decide the sec- (Mortaza) Bowling: Mortaza 10-0-62-2 (2w), Hos- who won the toss and batted — owed their fi ght for fi rst place but settled for 2. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 174 ond fi nalist. Bowling: Alam 10-0-54-3, Mujeeb sain 8-0-29-0 (1w), Rahman 9-1-44-2 total to a solid 128-run stand for the sixth third ahead of Alex Rins. 3. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 159 Yesterday, the Afghans hung on despite 10-0-35-1 (1w), Naib 9-0-58-0 (1w), Nabi (2w), Hasan 9-1-36-0, Shakib 9-0-55-1, wicket between Riyad and Kayes. Lorenzo crashed for the sec- 4. Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati) 130 losing two wickets for 26 to run Bang- 10-0-44-0 (2w), Khan 10-0-46-1, Shinwari Mahmudullah 5-0-17-1 Kayes gave good support to Riyad as ond race in a row after drifting 5. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) 130 ladesh close with wicket-keeper and 1-0-9-0 RESULT: Bangladesh win by three runs the two built the innings after Bangla- wide in the fi rst corner, and was 6. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) 119 opener Mohamed Shahzad scoring 53 off desh’s star batsman Shakib Al Hasan was left with a dislocated toe. 7. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati 81 balls and belt- run out for nought. Dovizioso, who started second Pramac) 119 ing 71 off 99. Shahzad. wicket to keep Afghanistan in the hunt. Kayes hit six boundaries as Bangladesh on the grid, had a slender lead 8. Johann Zarco (Yamaha Tech3) Shahidi, who had missed his century But after Shahzad was bowled by Mah- Shahidi however departed in the 44th played the dangerous spinning duo of over Marquez after Lorenzo’s 112 by three runs against Pakistan, put on a muduallah, Shahidi and over with Afghanistan needing 58 for vic- and who crash, with a bunch of riders 9. Andrea Iannone (Suzuki) 108 63-run stand for the third wicket with added a further 78 runs for the fourth tory but Mohamed Nabi hit 38 off 28 balls managed a wicket each. close behind, but the two leaders 10. Alex Rins (Suzuki) 92

SPOTLIGHT Gulf Lights win cricket tournament opener

By Sports Reporter scorer with 24 runs (2 sixes). 18.3 overs, with Ashfaq scoring Doha Firnas and Waqar were the other 20 runs (two sixes and a four) in batsmen who registered double 14 balls. Mahaveer and Jignesh digit scores. took two wickets each. ulf Lights defeated Talib For Gulf Lights, Mohamed In reply, Jignesh shone with XII by seven wickets in and Ibrahim scalped three wick- the bat too scoring an 18-ball 36 the inaugural match of ets each in the allotted three (three sixes and two fours), while the Zaff ran Cafe Cricket overs. Shariq and Mohan took Vimal added 28 runs (three sixes) GTournament 2018 at the West two wickets each, while Nadeem in 18 balls, as Oryx reached the Bay Cricket Complex. claimed one wicket. target in 12.4 overs for the loss The tournament is being In reply, Gulf Lights breezed of two wickets. Jignesh was ad- played with new rules, including past the target in the 10th over judged Man of the Match. the introduction of Powerplay for the loss of four wickets. Adam Also on the day, Allianz B de- for fi rst six overs in the Veteran’s was the top-scorer with 25 runs feated McDonald by 17 runs. Af- Cricket. (three sixes, one four) from 11 ter putting 157 runs on the board, After winning the toss, Talib balls. Baba contributed 22 runs Allianz B managed to bundle out XII Maqsood elected (three sixes), while Sabir and McDonald for 140 runs in 19.3 to bat, but were rocked by Gulf Mohamed scored 12 runs each. overs. Sandesh was the pick of Lights captain Mohamed, who For Talib XII, Ehsan took 2 the players for Allianz B, scor- took three quick wickets. In the wickets, while Feroz and Abid ing 24 runs before scalping three Powerplay, Talib XII scored 30 scalped a wicket each. wickets for 15 runs to pick up the runs for the loss of four wickets. For his all-round performance, Man of the Match award. Gulf Lights bowlers never al- Mohamed of Gulf Lights was ad- Zaff ran Café Business Devel- lowed Talib XII batsman to score judged Man of the Match. opment manager Siddiq Fahad freely and took wickets at regu- In the other match played on inaugurated the tournament in lar intervals. Talib were fi nally the day, Oryx Challengers de- presence Qatar Veterans Cricket bowled out for 90 runs in the feated IIS by nine wickets. Oryx offi cials, players and match of- Zaff ran Café Business Development manager Siddiq Fahad inaugurates the Zaff ran Cafe Cricket Tournament 2018 in presence Qatar Veterans 18th over. Feroz was their top- bundled out IIS for 103 runs in fi cials. Cricket off icials, players and match off icials at the West Bay Cricket Complex. Gulf Times Monday, September 24, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Gerrard’s Rangers Arsenal ride their move ahead of beaten Celtic AFP They have now scored just six Glasgow times in their opening six games luck as Lacazette and rarely looked like adding to their lead before Chris Burke angers’ rise under Ste- fi red in off the post from 20 yards ven Gerrard continued to bring Kilmarnock level. Celtic with a 5-1 thrashing of continued to dominate posses- St Johnstone to move sion without seriously threaten- intoR second in the Scottish Pre- ing, and were caught again by a miership, while Celtic slipped to sucker punch in the 93rd minute gem sinks Everton sixth after a 2-1 defeat at Kilmar- when Findlay stooped to head nock yesterday. Burke’s corner into the far cor- Stuart Findlay’s header deep ner, sparking wild scenes of cel- into stoppage time at Rugby Park ebration from Killie boss Steve A first clean sheet of the Emery era was a welcome sight for the Arsenal manager compounded Celtic’s awful start Clarke. to the campaign. A second defeat In four meetings with Rodg- AFP in the Scottish champions’ fi rst ers since Clarke took charge just London six league games, after also fail- under a year ago, Kilmarnock ing to qualify for the Champions have now beaten and drawn with League, leaves Celtic six points Celtic twice. Rangers took full lexandre Lacazette fi red Arsenal behind early leaders Hearts. advantage to close to within fi ve to a fourth successive Premier “When you are a huge club, the points of Hearts as they showed League win as the French for- demand is to win,” said Celtic no hangover from an impressive ward’s superb strike inspired a manager Brendan Rodgers 2-2 draw at Villarreal in the Eu- hard-foughtA 2-0 success against Everton “In the last couple of years ropa League on Thursday. yesterday. ’s side rode their we’ve done that really well and Captain James Tavernier luck in the fi rst half at the Emirates Sta- playing in a style that is syn- curled home a free-kick to open dium as Everton wasted a host of chances onymous with the club. It hasn’t the scoring before Alfredo More- to punish a sloppy opening from the Gun- been the same but we have to los doubled the hosts’ advantage ners. But Lacazette ensured that lethar- work to make it better.” at Ibrox. gic spell wouldn’t prove costly when he Rodgers made six changes Scott Arfi eld, Kyle Laff erty smashed a sublime opener in the second from the side that laboured to and Daniel Candeias were also on half. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dou- a 1-0 Europa League win over target after the break, while Blair bled Arsenal’s lead moments later when Rosenborg in midweek. Leigh Alston scored a consolation for the Gabon forward was allowed to slot Griffi ths was recalled to the the Saints from the penalty spot. home despite being clearly off side. starting line-up after coming That controversial eff ort shattered off the bench to grab the winner RESULTS Everton’s resolve as Arsenal celebrated a against the Norwegian champi- Kilmarnock 2 (Burke 64, Findlay fl attering victory that lifted them to sixth ons and his diving header put the 90+3) Celtic 1 (Griff iths 34); Rang- place in the Premier League. The north visitors in front 11 minutes before ers 5 (Tavernier 9, Morelos 34, Londoners have now won their last fi ve half-time. games in all competitions, yet, not for the Celtic posted a record turnover Arfield 52, Laff erty 74, Candeias fi rst time, this was a far from convincing of £100mn ($130mn) this week, 79) St Johnstone 1 (Alston 77-pen) display. A fi rst clean sheet of the Emery but their failure to strengthen in Played Saturday: Aberdeen 1 era was a welcome sight for the Arsenal the transfer window despite sell- (Wilson 6) Motherwell 0; Dundee manager, but he will know there is still ing star striker Moussa Dembele 0 Hibernian 3 (Kamberi 51, Boyle plenty of room for improvement in all to Lyon is already being exposed 54, Agyepong 88); Hamilton 3 areas. Everton, without a win in their last in their bid for an eighth straight (Brustad 36, Miller 40-pen, 66) St 25 visits to Arsenal, could consider them- Scottish title. Mirren 0; Hearts 0 Livingston 0 selves unlucky, but their fi rst half profl i- gacy proved decisive. Marco Silva’s team have lost their last two matches and have won only one of their six league games this season. After a laboured start from Arsenal, they fi nally pieced together an incisive raid when Hector Bellerin’s cross found Aubam- eyang at the far post. Aubameyang scuff ed the ball back to Nacho Monreal and the Arsenal defend- er saw his strike pushed away by Ever- ton keeper Jordan Pickford. If that move show-cased the best of the attack-mind- ed Bellerin, Everton’s next chance under- lined the Spaniard’s defensive frailties. A long pass into Richarlison should have been easy for Bellerin to subdue, but he allowed the Brazilian forward to turn away from him far too easily, and it took a good save from Petr Cech to spare his teammate’s blushes. Richarlison, back after serving a three-match ban, was a constant menace to the ponderous Ar- Arsenal’s French striker Alexandre Lacazette (right) scores against Everton during the English Premier match in London. (AFP) senal defence and he went close again with a low curling eff ort from the edge to that total just before half-time. Sprint- But, having escaped without punish- for his second goal of the season. There of the area. There were plenty of empty ing onto Gylfi Sigurdsson’s pass, Walcott ment for their tepid fi rst half, Arsenal was worse to come for Marco Silva’s side seats around the Emirates and, with Ar- had a clear sight of goal but shot straight seized the lead in the 56th minute. three minutes later as Arsenal scored a senal struggling to fi nd any rhythm, those at Cech in a familiar sight to Arsenal fans Lucas Torreira stole possession in dubious second to seal the points. Mesut who had shown up were growing restless who endured the winger’s erratic displays midfi eld and quickly recycled the ball to Ozil surged away down the right fl ank by the time Lucas Digne’s free-kick was for so long. Arsenal lost Greek defender Aaron Ramsey, whose pass found Laca- and when the Arsenal midfi elder’s pass tipped over by Cech. Sokratis to injury, leaving the Gunners zette in space on the left side of the area. reached Ramsey, he fl icked the ball to the Theo Walcott scored 56 times at the even more vulnerable to Richarlison, Lacazette had been anonymous until off side Aubameyang. The linesman’s fl ag Emirates during his 12 years with Arsenal who immediately seized on Sigurdsson’s that point but, taking a touch to size up stayed down and Aubameyang did the and the Everton winger, making his sec- pass and unleashed a powerful drive that his options, the French forward guided a rest, planting a cool fi nish past Pickford ond return to his old club, almost added forced Cech to save. majestic curling shot into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season. Rangers manager Steven Gerrard. (Reuters)

POGBA NOT AS SELFISH AS SPOTLIGHT PEOPLE THINK: DESCHAMPS London: France manager Didier Sarri sets sights on Liverpool aft er West Ham draw Deschamps believes the out- side world has the wrong image AFP of Paul Pogba, who played a London key role in leading Les Bleus to winning the World Cup. At club level the Manchester United aurizio Sarri laughed off sug- midfielder hasn’t lived up to gestions that next week’s expectations since his then summit meeting with Liv- world record £89mn ($116mn) erpool is a ‘must-win’ game Mafter seeing Chelsea’s 100% Premier move from Juventus in 2016, al- though his performances have League record ended by stubborn West picked up in recent weeks. Ham in a 0-0 draw yesterday. Off the field, Pogba has at- Chelsea had won all fi ve of their league tracted criticism for spending matches before the weekend, going toe to too much time on social media toe with Liverpool, who beat Southamp- and frequently changing his the prominent role he took ton on Saturday to make it six wins out of hairstyle than concentrating on during a team talk at half-time six. The visitors enjoyed 72% of posses- his football. However, he shone in the final. “He prepared to win. sion at the London Stadium but failed to for France in Russia, often He took on the mantle of lead- break down a determined West Ham side, sacrificing the attacking side ership both on and off the pitch. who created enough clear-cut chances to of his game for the good of the He took on the role of spokes- win the game themselves. team, before scoring in the final man, he can do that because he Sarri said West Ham, who beat Ever- against Croatia. is a good speaker,” added Des- ton last week after losing their fi rst four West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski makes a save against Chelsea yesterday. (Reuters) “The rest of the world had champs, who believes Pogba is league games of the season, had been an image of Pogba which now more calm when it comes tough opponents, adding that his team The Chelsea boss said he was unsure Felipe Anderson was quick to seize on a sion. The French World Cup winner was didn’t really reflect who he is,” to dealing with press scrutiny of needed to fi nd a way to move the ball how many changes he would make for loose ball and played in Michail Antonio, replaced 20 minutes into the second half Deschamps told FIFA’s coaching his performances. more quickly. Turning his thoughts to the midweek third-round League Cup who blasted over with his left foot. That by Morata, who went close to breaking conference to review the World “You can be criticised, the Saturday’s match against Liverpool at tie, also against Liverpool. Olivier Gir- chance breathed new life into the home the deadlock moments after coming on Cup yesterday. “He’s always press can be tough on you. Stamford Bridge, Sarri, in his fi rst season oud won his battle with Alvaro Morata crowd and the players and Antonio drew only to see Lukasz Fabianski pull off a thinking about the collective. Once you take that on board, in the job, said it would be tough to com- for a starting spot up front for Chelsea, a smart save from Kepa Arrizabalaga in stunning stop from close range. There is an image of him that I think you can become more pete with a side that had been developing keeping his place for the second Premier the West Ham goal just two minutes later With about 13 minutes to go West Ham he is very individualistic, a bit calm. He has taken that on for three years under Jurgen Klopp. League match in succession. after a fi ne run from Andriy Yarmolenko. had a wonderful chance to win the match, self-centred, but that’s not the board and it has had an impact “They are a step forward than us in this But Marko Arnautovic, West Ham’s N’Golo Kante nearly gave Chelsea the when the unmarked Yarmolenko headed true Paul at all.” on him on and off the pitch. I moment,” he said. “We have started to leading goalscorer this season, missed out lead with a headed eff ort but the sides just wide at the far post. Fabianski pulled Pogba’s importance as a think it gave him some respect, work all together 35, 40 days ago. So for after failing to recover from an injury he were goalless at the break. The match fell off another fi ne save as the clock ticked leader of the French side was and that respect he has gained us I think it’s a bit early. We have to work. sustained in the victory against Everton into a similar pattern in the second half, into injury time, diving to his left to revealed in a behind the scenes on the field has also had an We need to improve and then maybe in last week. Despite Chelsea’s control, the with Chelsea dominating possession, but deny substitute Ross Barkley and Willian documentary, which showed impact on him as a person.” one year we will be at the same level of home side could have taken a lead against Giroud — picked for his more physical blazed wide as Chelsea applied intense Liverpool.” the run of play just before the half hour. threat — struggled to make an impres- late pressure. Gulf Times 4 Monday, September 24, 2018 SPORT

LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA Havertz Playmaker Neymar strike breaks Leverkusen’s losing streak

AFP gets PSG back on track Berlin

ising Germany star Kai Havertz ‘He was great again, a goal and some great passing, a top performance’ ended Bayer Leverkusen’s mis- AFP erable losing start to the season Paris with a second-half winner to sealR a 1-0 victory over Mainz and escape the Bundesliga’s bottom three. Havertz, rom a deeper than usual play- 19, who made his Germany debut in the maker role Brazil’s Neymar 2-1 friendly win against Peru earlier this pulled the strings as Paris month, claimed his fi rst Bundesliga goal Saint-Germain came from of the season with a powerful header behindF to beat Rennes 3-1 in Ligue 1 midway through the fi rst half. yesterday, helping to dispel midweek After losing their fi rst three games of memories of a European fl op at Liv- 2018/19, Leverkusen climbed up to 15th, erpool. Hosts Rennes took a surprise leaving bottom side Schalke, who were 11th minute lead when PSG midfi elder beaten 2-0 at home by league leaders Adrien Rabiot nodded past his own Bayern Munich on Saturday, as the only ‘keeper, Gianluigi Buff on, from a cor- team in Germany’s top fl ight to have lost ner before goals from Angel Di Maria, all four games this season. Thomas Meunier and Eric Maxim However, Leverkusen made hard Choupo-Moting gave them a hard- work of the win at their own BayArena. fought sixth straight Ligue 1 win. Only an intervention by the video as- Later last night Lyon, who stunned sistant referee denied Mainz the open- Manchester City in the Champions ing goal just after the break when their League in midweek, were playing Sweden striker Robin Quaison, who had against bitter rivals Marseille. just come on, headed the ball into the PSG critics have suggested the net, but replays showed the ball clipped French giants had overspent on strik- his hand in the build-up. ers and forgotten about the midfi eld After the let off , Leverkusen took after a tame 3-2 defeat in the Cham- their chance to claim their fi rst win of pions League at Anfi eld this week. the season when Havertz headed home With superstar striker Kylian Mbappe a cross from his Germany team-mate sitting out through suspension, there Julian Brandt on 62 minutes. Ridle Baku, was room for both Di Maria and Ger- 20, fi red wide with a late chance for man winger Julian Draxler in the start- Mainz, who suff ered their fi rst defeat of ing line up, with Neymar pulled into the season to drop to seventh. the No. 10 position, where his passes In the other game yesterday, RB Leip- were a sight to behold, behind Edind- zig settled for a 1-1 draw at Eintracht son Cavani. Frankfurt which left them in 10th place A young fan ran on to the pitch as on fi ve points, one ahead of Eintracht. Neymar was leaving as a late substitute Leipzig needed an Emil Forsberg penal- and the youngster crumpled in tears as ty in the 53rd minute to cancel out Ein- his hero hugged him and gave him his tracht’s fi rst-half lead through Gelson shirt in touching scenes that are likely Fernandes. Both teams have won just to go viral on social media. one league game this season. After Rabiot’s earlier upset Ney- mar seemed to be at the origin of al- BUNDESLIGA RESULTS most everything the visitors threw at Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Havertz 62) Mainz Rennes, including when Cavani hit the 0; Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Fernandes 26) post from a sumptuous piece of play. Paris Saint-Germain’s Angel Di Maria (left) celebrates with Neymar after scoring against Rennes in the French Ligue at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes. (AFP) On the stroke of half-time Draxler RB Leipzig 1 (Forsberg 53-pen) cut back from the byline and Cavani’s second half as Rennes playmaker On Saturday, Jonathan Ikone’s scorching, dipping 25-yard shot past FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS Played Saturday: Hoff enheim 1 (Joelin- dummy set up Di Maria to fi re a precise Clement Grenier fed the speedy Sen- thunderous strike earned Lille a 2-1 Ciprian Tatarusanu. Guingamp 1 (Thuram 70) Bordeaux 3 ton 44) Dortmund 1 (Pulisic 84); Hertha shot into the bottom right-hand cor- egalese strike-pair M’Baye Niang and victory over Nantes that sent them Nantes grabbed a consolation (Kamano 53, Karamoh 80, De Previl Berlin 4 (Ibisevic 31, 63, Lazaro 34, Duda ner from a good 25 metres out. the 20-year-old Ismaila Sarr. Rennes second and maintained their strong through Kalifa Coulibaly as Lille, who 90+5); Rennes 1 (Rabiot 11-og) Paris 73) Borussia Moenchengladbach 2 (Haz- Neymar, 26, was then at the root of coach Sabri Lamouchi threw on ex- start to the new season after narrowly fi nished just above the relegation play- Saint-Germain 3 (Di Maria 45, Meunier ard 29-pen, Plea 67); Augsburg 2 (Max both Meunier’s 61st minute goal and PSG midfi elder Hatem Ben Arfa for one avoiding relegation last term. off place last season, won for the fourth 61, Chupo-Moting 83) 47, Koo Ja-cheol 45+3) Werder Bremen Chopo-Moting’s fi rst goal for the Pa- last roll of the dice but PSG went home Portugal defender Jose Fonte scored time in six games to draw to within two 3 (Kruse 34, Eggestein 36, Klaassen 75); risians since joining from Stoke. “We with all three points and ideas about a his fi rst Lille goal since joining from points of defending champions Paris Played Saturday: Lille 2 (J. Fonte 9, VfL Wolfsburg 1 (Mehmedi 61) Freiburg did well to come back into it,” said PSG new format for coach Tuchel. China’s Dalian Yifang in July with a Saint-Germain. Ikone 68) Nantes 1 (Coulibaly 82); 3 (Sallai 7, Petersen 21, Frantz 50); Nu- handler Thomas Tuchel, who instead Pointless Guingamp were left rock looping header on nine minutes at the Montpellier climbed to third as Gae- Reims 0 Dijon 0; Strasbourg 3 (Lala 48, remberg 2 (Waldemar 76-og, Knoell 77) of praising Neymar singled out Meu- bottom of Ligue 1 yesterday when they Stade Pierre-Mauroy. tan Laborde’s fi rst-half tap-in secured Corgnet 66, Adenon 86-og) Amiens Hanover 0; Schalke 0 Bayern Munich 2 nier. “He was great again, a goal and were beaten 3-1 at home by Bordeaux, Midfi elder Ikone doubled Lille’s lead a 1-0 win over Patrick Vieira’s Nice, 1 (Krafth 45+2); Angers 0 Toulouse 0; (James 8, Lewandowski 64-pen) some great passing, a top perform- who thereby climbed out of the drop with a magnifi cent goal on 68 min- while Toulouse are level on points in Montpellier 1 (Laborde 35) Nice 0; Saint- ance.” zone with just their second win from utes, taking a delightful fi rst touch to fourth following a 0-0 draw at Angers. Etienne 2 (Khazri 48-pen, Kolodziejczak Played Friday: VfB Stuttgart 0 Fortuna Buff on had his work cut out in the six outings. control a high ball before unleashing a 66) Caen 1 (Fajr 31) Dusseldorf 0

SERIE A Insigne brace inspires Napoli, Valencia winless aft er dull draw Roma crash in Bologna AFP at Villarreal, Sevilla rout Levante Milan DPA Barcelona orenzo Insigne bagged a brace to inspire Napoli to a 3-1 win over Torino and join Juventus at the top of Serie A yesterday, alencia saw Dani Parejo as Roma plunged further into crisis with a sent off as their poor L2-0 loss at Bologna. Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli have start to the season con- 12 points from fi ve games, equal with champions tinued with a 0-0 draw Juventus who can pull ahead again when they Vat Villarreal that leaves them travel to promoted Frosinone later last night. 15th and without a win in La But Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco is un- Liga. Earlier Wissam Ben Yedder der increasing pressure after a fourth league struck a fi rst-half hat-trick as game without a win sees last year’s third-placed visiting Sevilla thrashed Levante team slump to 12th with fi ve points from as many 6-2 to go provisionally sixth. games. Federico Mattiello and Federico Santander Villarreal striker scored in either half to give Bologna, who occupy spurned a good chance in the the fi rst relegation spot of 18th position, their fi rst fi rst half with a mis-hit, one of goals and win of the season. “I’m not the type to the few openings in a dour game look for excuses, I need solutions and I can not Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne. (Reuters) on Spain’s east coast. Parejo was fi nd them,” said Di Francesco. “The facts condemn dismissed just before the hour us, they condemn me.” goalkeeper Alisson to Liverpool with midfi elders mark after a studs-up challenge In Turin, Ancelotti switched things around fol- Radja Nainggolan and Kevin Strootman also exit- on which also lowing Napoli’s uninspiring goalless draw at Red ing the Italian capital. led to his coach Marcelino being Star Belgrade in the Champions League midweek. Mattiello curled in Bologna’s fi rst goal of sent off for his protests. Insigne played a more central role along with Dries the season after 36 minutes with Paraguayan Valencia came the closer to Mertens as defender Sebastiano Luperto got his Santander adding the second after 59 minutes. breaking the deadlock in the fi - fi rst start for the Serie A runners-up. Roma — last year’s Champions League semi- nal stages with Denis Cheryshev The Italian international got the fi rst after just fi nalists — also fell 3-0 at Real midweek, seeing his fi erce eff ort from dis- four minutes when poor Torino defending saw and have not won a league game since their fi rst tance tipped behind by Sergio Emiliano Moretti clear to Nicolas N’Koulou with game against Torino. Asenjo. Funes Mori was fortunate Wissam Ben Yedder (left) struck a first-half hat-trick as visiting Sevilla thrashed Levante 6-2. (AFP) the rebound favouring Insigne, who fi nished off Next weekend Roma face bitter city rivals Lazio, to avoid a red card himself after a Sevilla 6 (Yedder 11, 35, 45, Carrico under the crossbar. who saw off Genoa 4-1 on Sunday with Ciro Im- high, ugly challenge on Goncalo moved further ahead when Pablo Later last night, Athletic Bil- Simone Verdi added the second with a half-vol- mobile scoring a double, to move up to fi fth place. Guedes as the match petered out. Sarabia robbed Nikola Vukcevic bao were hosting Real Betis and 21, Andre Silva 49, Sarabia 59); ley on 20 minutes, with Torino pulling one back Before the derby Roma will try to boost morale Sevilla’s clash at Levante and teed up Ben Yedder for his champions Barcelona welcome Villarreal 0 Valencia 0 after the break when Andrea Belotti slotted in a against Frosinone midweek with Lazio heading started at a hectic pace with Ben second. Girona in a Catalan derby at Played Saturday: Rayo Valle- penalty. But Insigne restored Napoli’s two-goal to Udinese, who won 2-0 at Chievo. Inter Mi- Yedder’s 11th minute opener im- On the stroke of half-time the Camp Nou. On Saturday, Real cano 1 (De Tomas 30) Alaves 5 lead after 59 minutes when a Jose Callejon shot lan snatched a late 1-0 win against Sampdoria in mediately cancelled out by Roger French forward completed his Madrid moved top of La Liga af- (Ximo Navarro 8, Gomez 34, 77, bounced off the inside of the far post and into the Genoa on Saturday to move up to ninth. Marti at the other end. Daniel hat-trick, his fourth for Sevilla ter Marco Asensio’s goal proved Calleri 56, Burgui 90+5); Celta path of the Italian forward. Carrico headed the Andalusians and the seventh of his career, the diff erence in a scrappy 1-0 Vigo 3 (Aspas 5, 54, Gomez 9) It gives Napoli a boost ahead of next week’s trip ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS back ahead at the Ciutat de Va- from close range after Levante win over Espanyol. Their victory Real Valladolid 3 (Plano 39, Unal to reigning seven-time champions Juventus. “We lencia after 22 minutes before goalkeeper Oier Olazabal spilled at the Santiago Bernabeu may Torino 1 (Belotti 51-pen) Napoli 3 (Insigne 4, 59, 65, Suarez 90+4); Eibar 1 (Kike won there last season and still fi nished second,” Jose Morales missed a penalty for the ball. Andre Silva converted only give Madrid 24 hours above Verdi 20); Bologna 2 (Mattiello 36, Santander 59) 52) Leganes 0; Getafe 0 Atletico said Insigne. “If we don’t win the midweek game the hosts. the fi fth and Sarabia made it 6-1 Barcelona, who have their perfect Madrid 2 (Soria 14-og, Lemar with Parma, then the result with Juve is irrelevant, Roma 0; Chievo 0 Udinese 2 (De Paul 76, Lasa- Aleix Vidal fouled Enis Bar- after good work from Ben Yedder record still intact. gna 90); Lazio 4 (F. Caicedo 7, Immobile 23, 89, 60); Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 41) so we have to take it one at a time.” Torino are in dhi but Sevilla goalkeeper Tomas as Pablo Machin’s side extended Espanyol 0 13th position with fi ve points from as many games. Milinkovic-Savic 53) Genoa 1 (Piatek 46); AC Milan Vaclik continued his superb start their advantage, with Simon SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS In Bologna, Roma plunged further into crisis 2 (Higuain 2, Bonaventura 61) Atalanta 2 (A Gomez to the season by diving low to Kjaer’s late own goal pulling one On Friday: Huesca 0 Real Levante 2 (Marti 12, Kjaer OG 90) after a summer which saw Di Francesco’s side lose 54, Rigoni 91) repel Morales’s spot kick. Sevilla back for Levante, 15th. Sociedad 1 (Mikel Merino 64) Gulf Times Monday, September 24, 2018 5 SPORT

NFL Browns to name Mayfi eld starting quarterback AFP the team convenes to prepare for a potential 75-yard touchdown Wash., starting Week 1 at Den- Detroit a Week 4 game at Oakland. four minutes into the game. ver. The Seahawks, meanwhile, “It is impressive what he did Per ESPN Stats & Info, Tay- are reportedly considering a last night; there’s no way around lor was the fi rst QB to throw for sizeable fi ne for Thomas after he he Cleveland Browns that,” Jackson said. “It was a fewer than 20 yards on 14-plus missed two practices this week will anoint rookie No. short week, not a lot of practice attempts in the fi rst half of a for personal reasons, accord- 1 overall pick Baker time, and you would think he game since 2011. ing to ESPN. Thomas did attend Mayfi eld the starting took all the reps.” Saturday’s walkthrough and quarterbackT today, according to Rookie cornerback Denzel COWBOYS STILL PURSUING plans to play vs. the Cowboys. ESPN. Ward, the No. 4 overall pick EARL THOMAS As for a potential trade, NFL Mayfi eld gave Cleveland just of the Browns, told the “Dan Earl Thomas remains a trade tar- Network pointed out Sunday its second win in 38 games on Patrick Show” on Friday that get of the Dallas Cowboys, who there is precedent for such a Thursday night, relieving a con- he expected Mayfi eld to be the are hoping a little face time with deal to come together. Last sea- cussed Tyrod Taylor and rallying starter in Week 4. Mayfi eld en- Seattle Seahawks offi cials this son, the Seahawks acquired left the Browns from a 14-point def- tered the game with the Browns weekend might rekindle talks of tackle Duane Brown after Seattle icit past the visiting New York down 14-0 and 1:42 remaining a deal. Previous talks between played the Houston Texans – the Jets for a 21-17 win – ending a in the fi rst half after Taylor was the two sides never advanced team for which Brown played at 19-game winless streak. hurt. The rookie completed his beyond the Cowboys’ off er of the time. Since the end of last Mayfi eld, in his NFL debut, fi rst three passes for 47 yards a second-round pick, but NFL season, defensive player sala- fi nished 17 of 23 for 201 yards in and led the Browns to a fi eld goal Network reported Sunday the ries have escalated and the Sea- a little over one half of work for for a 14-3 halftime defi cit. Cowboys are planning another hawks, in the middle of a recon- the Browns (1-1-1), who tallied After another fi eld goal by new run at the Pro Bowl free safety. struction of their defense, might their fi rst victory since Dec. 24, Browns kicker Greg Joseph cut Thomas is in the fi nal year of choose to invest in quantity. 2016. Afterwards, Browns coach the defi cit to eight, Hyde scored his existing contract and be- The precedent that could be Hue Jackson wasn’t ready to from a yard out to make it 14-12 grudgingly reported to the team more important to the Seahawks proclaim him the starter just yet. with 47 seconds left in the third only after a holdout that spanned is the haul the Oakland Raiders Jackson said Friday all players quarter. Mayfi eld caught a pass point conversion to tie it at 14. good to see,” said Jackson. as the Browns punted on their the off season and training camp. received for 27-year-old line- were given the weekend off , and from wide receiver Jarvis Landry “Once Baker got in the game at Taylor went 4 of 14 for 19 fi rst six possessions. Taylor un- Thomas was ready to go when backer Khalil Mack from the no personnel decisions would be on a variant of the Eagles’ fa- quarterback, you just saw a dif- yards, taking three sacks and an derthrew wide-open rookie he fi nally made it to Seahawks’ Chicago Bears, which included a made until at least Monday when mous “Philly Special” for a two- ferent rhythm, which was good, intentional-grounding penalty wideout Antonio Callaway for team headquarters in Renton, pair of fi rst-round picks.

MLB NBA Wolves sign Towns Braves clinch NL to super-max deal East title with win ‘It’s awesome. We’ve clinched a spot. We still over Phillies have work to do’ Atlanta Reuters shooting guard Jimmy Butler. Reuters New York The 29-year-old reportedly has asked for a trade to a big-market tlanta starter Mike Foltynewicz franchise and will not be on hand opened the game with six no-hit arl-Anthony Towns when the team conducts its an- innings and the Braves survived has agreed to a fi ve-year, nual media day today. a late Philadelphia comeback for $190 million super- Menawhile Jimmy Butler has aA 5-3 win, clinching the National League maximum extension to received permission from the East title and sending them back to the stayK with the Minnesota Timber- Timberwolves to skip the team’s playoff s for the fi rst time since 2013. wolves, according to ESPN. media day today and he will not Foltynewicz (12-10) did not allow a hit The 22-year-old Kentucky be available for the start of train- until Odubel Hererra led off the seventh product has averaged 21.6 points, ing camp on Tuesday, The Ath- with a single. The right-hander worked 7 11.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in letic reported on Saturday. 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on two his fi rst three seasons since Min- Earlier this week, the four- hits and three walks. He struck out fi ve. nesota nabbed him with the No. 1 time All-Star guard reportedly Arodys Vizcaino pitched a perfect overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. requested a trade and expressed ninth inning earn his 16th save. It was The 7-foot, 248-pound centre interest in the Los Angeles Clip- his fi rst save since missing 55 games with was entering the fi nal year of his pers, New York Knicks and right shoulder infl ammation and being rookie contract. Brooklyn Nets. Butler, who activated from the disabled list on Sep- Towns told the Timberwolves turned 29 last week, appeared tember 14. His last save came June 17 on Saturday night that he would in 59 games last season for the against the New York Mets. sign the extension, sources told Timberwolves, averaging 22.2 The Atlanta off ense was led by centre ESPN. The team opens training points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists fi elder Ender Inciarte, who went 2-for-3 camp tomorrow. and 2.0 steals. and scored three runs. Freddie Freeman “On June 25, 2015, I was draft- He is entering the fourth sea- and Johan Camargo each drove in two ed and committed to the Min- son of a fi ve-year, $92.3 million runs. The Braves knocked out Philadel- nesota Timberwolves,” Towns contract he signed with Chicago phia starter Jake Arrieta (10-10) after two said in a statement provided to in 2015, but he can enter the free innings, the shortest start in his career. the network. “On September 22, agent market next summer by Arrieta allowed four runs on four hits and 2018, I made a recommitment to opting out of the fi nal year. He is three walks. He struck out two. the Wolves and have the same scheduled to earn a base salary of It was quite a reversal for Arrieta, who feelings of excitement that I felt $18.7 million in 2018-19. In July, had been 4-0 with a 0.68 ERA in his last back in 2015. Butler reportedly turned down four starts against Atlanta. He did not al- “I promise to the fans, my Minnesota’s four-year extension low a run in three of those four outings. teammates and the organisation off er worth $110 million. In the fi rst inning, Camargo slapped a to keep the vision of the man who Less than two weeks before two-run single to left fi eld, driving home drafted me, Flip Saunders, alive the fi rst preseason game, Sac- Ronald Acuna Jr. and Inciarte. The Braves and treat his dream of winning ramento Kings guard Bogdan made it 4-0 with two runs in the second. with respect and dignity. To the Bogdanovic injured his knee in Freeman singled to center to drive in Acu- fans from Day One and the Tim- international play for the Ser- na and Inciarte. The Phillies scored three berwolves fans, this is for you. bian national team. runs in the eighth. Maikel Franco sin- Thank you for believing in me.” Bogdanovic will undergo a gled with one out and Asdrubal Cabrera The signing affi rms Towns’ minor arthroscopic procedure walked, which signalled the end of the place as the face of the franchise in New York on Monday and is day for Foltynewicz. Reliever Jesse Biddle going forward. expected to make a full recovery. walked pinch hitter Jose Bautista and gave He made his fi rst All-Star He felt discomfort in his left up a two-run single to Cesar Hernandez. game last season and earned knee during a 91-65 win over Brad Brach entered and allowed a one- NBA Rookie of the Year honours Estonia in a World Cup qualifi er. handed RBI single to Rhys Hoskins. during the 2015-16 campaign. A fi rst-round draft pick Jonny Venters retired pinch hitter Aar- He helped Minnesota reach the by the Phoenix Suns in 2014, on Altherr on a fl y to left, which required Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (left) and shortstop Dansby Swanson celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia playoff s last season for the fi rst Bogdanovic made his NBA de- a nice running catch by Acuna, and got Phillies to clinch the National League East Division Title at SunTrust Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports time in 13 years. but with the Kings last season Carlos Santana on a grounder to short. As Towns commits to Min- and averaged 11.8 points, 2.9 The Braves got an insurance run in opportunity to chase the ultimate prize, solo homers by Hicks and Luke Voit in a nesota, the franchise must de- rebounds and 3.3 assists as a RESULTS the eighth when Kurt Suzuki dropped and we have that opportunity now,” Yan- span of three batters in the third off Bal- cide what to do with embattled rookie. a single into left fi eld, scoring Inciarte, kees manager Aaron Boone said. “There’s Braves 5-3 Philadelphia timore starter David Hess. Hicks reached going to be 18 other teams going home, so the second deck in right with his 26th against Seranthony Dominguez. Yankees 3-2 Orioles I think it’s really important that we ap- while Voit’s 11th with the Yankees hit a Devils re-sign Wood to 4-year, $11mn deal YANKS BEAT O’S IN 11TH, preciate it, never take it for granted. I’m A’s 3-2 Twins sign in the back of the New York bullpen CLINCH AL WILD CARD just really proud to be associated with Dodgers 7-2 Padres beyond the right-centre-fi eld fence. The New Jersey Devils signed what we are collectively building Aaron Hicks hit an RBI double with one these guys and the ups and downs we’ve Rockies 5-1 D’backs Voit’s latest homer was New York’s forward Miles Wood to a four- here in New Jersey, now and in out in the bottom of the 11th inning, and been through this year.” 251st of the season, 12 away from the all- year, $11 million contract, the the future.” the New York Yankees clinched a wild- Didi Gregorius started the 11th inning Indians 5-4 Red Sox time record set by the 1997 Seattle Mari- team announced Saturday. The 6-foot-2 Wood put together card spot with a 3-2 victory over the by singling on the second pitch from Cardinals 5-4 Giants ners. It occurred after Miguel Andujar Wood, who turned 23 on Sept. the best season in his three-year Baltimore Orioles on Saturday at Yankee left-hander Paul Fry (0-2). After Gian- Astros 10-5 Angels was thrown out trying to stretch a single 13, will earn an average of $2.75 NHL career last season, compil- Stadium. The Yankees (95-59) are as- carlo Stanton struck out, Hicks ensured into a double. The Orioles tied the game million per season over the ing career highs in goals (19) Cubs 8-3 White Sox sured of playing in the one-game playoff the champagne celebration in the club- when Breyvic Valera scored on a throw- course of the contract. The and assists (13). Wood had the on Oct. 3 for the second straight season. house by hitting Fry’s 2-2 breaking ball Pirates 3-0 Brewers ing error by catcher Gary Sanchez in the year-by-year breakdown, per Devils’ only hat trick in the 2017- They entered with a magic number of down the left fi eld line. Gregorius slid in Nationals 6-0 Mets third and rookie DJ Stewart had an RBI the team: Wood will make $2.5 18 season, scoring three goals two over the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost with the winning run headfi rst ahead of single in the fi fth. New York’s Lance Lynn million in each of the next three with one assist on Nov. 12 in a 7-5 Mariners 13-0 Rangers 5-2 to the Toronto Blue Jays in a game shortstop Jonathan Villar’s throw, and allowed two runs (one earned) on seven seasons, upping his salary to win at Chicago. that went fi nal while the Yankees were in Hicks was mobbed by his teammates be- Blue Jays 5-2 Rays hits in fi ve innings. Hess also went fi ve $3.5 million in 2021-22. In 137 career games, Wood has the eighth inning. tween second and third. Tigers 5-4 Royals innings, allowing two runs on four hits. “We are excited to have Miles 27 goals and 22 assists. New York still leads Oakland by 1 1/2 Tommy Kahnle (2-0) worked around a “It’s awesome,” Lynn said of the Yankees Marlins 5-1 Reds under contract for the next four Wood’s father, Randy, played 11 games for home-fi eld advantage in the two-out single to rookie Cedric Mullins heading to the postseason. “You come in years,” Devils executive vice seasons in the NHL for the New wild-card game. The A’s (94-61) beat the in the 11th after Jonathan Holder escaped of the franchise record for defeats in a every season trying to make the playoff s. president/general manager Ray York Islanders, Buff alo Sabres, Minnesota Twins 3-2 later Saturday. a bases-loaded jam in the 10th. season set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns, We’ve clinched a spot. We still have work Shero said in a statement. “With Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas “It’s a privilege to get an opportunity Baltimore (44-110) lost for the 16th who fi nished 64 1/2 games out of fi rst to do. We want to get that home-fi eld ad- his style of play, he’s a big part of Stars. to play postseason baseball and have an time in 20 games and moved within one place. The Yankees took a 2-0 lead on vantage for the wild-card game.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, September 24, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS Thiem clinches St Petersburg indoor title AFP Moscow Pliskova pummels tearful Osaka to win Tokyo crown Former world number one Karo- drop shot gifted her an easy op seed Dominic Thiem lina Pliskova stunned Japanese put-away. Moments later she de- of Austria beat Slova- tennis sensation Naomi Osaka livered the coup de grace with kia’s Martin Klizan in in straights sets to capture the a sixth ace which Osaka barely straight sets to secure Pan Pacific Open yesterday. wafted her racquet at. This third ATP title of the season The fourth seed took just 63 “I didn’t want to try to over- in the Saint Petersburg Open minutes to complete a clinical power her because she just yesterday. 6-4, 6-4 victory over the newly has more power than me,” said French Open runner-up crowned US Open champion Pliskova. Thiem prevailed 6-3, 6-1 in one in Tokyo, bringing Osaka’s “I just wanted to be patient and hour seven minutes to chalk up 10-match winning streak to a wait for my chances.” his fi rst win over unseeded Kli- shuddering halt. For Pliskova, it was a first tour- zan, the 2012 Saint Petersburg “I’m just happy it didn’t go to nament victory since Stuttgart champion. three sets,” said the Czech, who in April -- and the first since wed- This was the pair’s fourth had been taken the distance in Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic poses with her victory trophy ding long-time partner Michal meeting with 25-year-old Thiem her previous three matches. after defeating Naomi Osaka of Japan in the Pan Pacific Open Hrdlicka in the summer. capturing his 11th ATP trophy. “My serve is my biggest weapon final in Tokyo. (Reuters) “The first one this year was “It’s my fi rst indoor title and and it was key today,” added before the wedding,” smiled it’s really amazing,” Thiem said. Pliskova after scooping an 11th point and holding her first two slam singles champion but she the Czech, who reached the top “I felt myself a bit tired at the career title. service games to love. looked lost for ideas against spot in women’s tennis in July end but I’m really happy that I “Naomi was maybe a little bit But Pliskova slowly turned the Pliskova. The 20-year-old buried 2017. made it. It always means a lot to tired, you could see that. But screws and broke for 3-2 with a her head in a towel during the “I’m just happy that I also have a win a tournament. There’re not the future is bright for her and fizzing backhand which her op- changeover and things barely title as a married woman.” too many guys who win a tour- congrats to her for an incredible ponent swished well wide. improved in the second set, A tearful Osaka could barely nament every year so it’s really few weeks.” The world number eight was Osaka whacking her racquet bring herself to speak at the special. The players had split their previ- soon a set to the good after against her sneakers in anger at trophy presentation. “I’m happy that I won my fi rst Austrian Dominic Thiem poses with the trophy after winning the ous two meetings, but Osaka unleashing another brutal drive. her wastefulness. “I’ve literally never felt more indoor title in Saint Petersburg. I Saint Petersburg ATP Open in Saint Petersburg yesterday. (AFP) started the final as favourite Osaka was caught flat-footed As the strain began to show, a tired in my entire life,” she told couldn’t fi nd the better place to after her historic New York and dumped it into the net. dejected Osaka called for coach reporters, confessing that she win my fi rst indoor title,” said suddenly lost his nerve allow- hander, who has won all six his triumph. Osaka, the runner-up in Tokyo Sascha Bajin and groaned: “I feel needed some time off . Thiem, who promised to come ing Thiem, ranked eighth in the previous ATP fi nals, dropped his And the third seed began in two years ago, climbed to so stressed out!” “The chances of me playing in back to defend his title. world, broke twice to take the serve on two more occasions al- menacing fashion, thumping an seventh in the rankings after Sensing blood, Pliskova broke the next tournament are very The pair held their serves until opening set in 35 minutes. lowing Thiem to open his indoor ace down the middle on the first becoming Japan’s first grand for 5-4 after a poor Osaka low.” the seventh game when Klizan In the second the Slovak left- ATP title account.

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY Springboks recall Koch, include Team World storm uncapped Nel

AFP Wellington last weekend are Johannesburg missing. Injuries rule out centres Lukhanyo Am and Damian outh Africa recalled de Allende, fl anker Francois back to cut Europe’s prop Vincent Koch Louw is back at English club and included un- Bath and scrum-half Ross capped centre Ruhan Cronje has been dropped. NelS yesterday in a 30-man South Africa play Australia squad for home Rugby Cham- in Port Elizabeth on Septem- pionship Tests against Aus- ber 29 and New Zealand in tralia and New Zealand. Pretoria on October 6. Tighthead Koch, 28, plays New Zealand top the lead at Laver Cup for English Premiership club Championship standings Saracens and won the last of with 16 points, South Africa ‘It’s not easy playing one of the best players of all time, but what an amazing atmosphere’ nine Springbok caps in 2015. have 10, Argentina eight and Nel, 27, has starred for Australia fi ve with two rounds AFP July at Wimbledon. Western Province in the Cur- left. Chicago This was Anderson’s fi rst sin- rie Cup and while his pre- gles win over Djokovic in a dec- ferred position is centre, he SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD ade. can also operate at full-back Forwards (16): Schalk Brits, evin Anderson avenged On Saturday, they played the and on the wing. Eben Etzebeth, Steven a Wimbledon fi nals fourth 10 point tiebreaker of the His call-up was unexpected Kitshoff , Vincent Koch, Siya loss to Novak Djokovic tournament and it was the fi rst with coach Johan ‘Rassie’ Er- Kolisi (capt), Wilco Louw, as Team World domi- win for Team World. asmus saying: “Ruhan comes Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Knated the night session yester- Under the format being used with a lot of international Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Fran- day to climb back into conten- for the tournament, a tiebreak is experience with the Blitzboks co Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, tion at the 2018 Laver Cup. used instead of a decisive third (national sevens team). Sikhumbuzo Notshe, RG Anderson’s surprise win, set. “He has performed con- Snyman, Marco van Staden, combined with a doubles victory Anderson closed it out when sistently well for Western Pieter-Steph du Toit, Warren by World’s Jack Sock and Nick the Serb fi red a forehand into the Province so it will be good to Whiteley Kyrgios over Grigor Dimitrov net and the South African was see how he operates in the Bok Backs (14): Aphiwe Dyantyi, and David Goffi n, slashed Eu- mobbed by his teammates. environment.” Andre Esterhuizen, Elton rope’s overall lead to 7-5 heading “Kevin was so well prepared Full-back Willie le Roux Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin into third and fi nal day of the ex- for this, we needed this bad,” from English outfi t Wasps was Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Lionel hibition tournament. said World captain John McEn- a surprise inclusion after ini- Mapoe, Ruhan Nel, Sibus- Earlier Saturday, Roger Fed- roe. tially being unavailable for the iso Nkosi, Embrose Papier, erer and Alexander Zverev pow- “It was absolutely awesome.” fi nal two Tests of the Champi- Handre Pollard, Willie le Roux, ered Europe into a commanding onship season. Damian Willemse, Ivan van 7-1 lead by winning their singles FEDERER ON FIRE Four of the matchday 23 Zyl matches to set a daunting task World number two Roger Federer that stunned world cham- Coach: Johan ‘Rassie’ Eras- for the underdog World team in was barely ruffl ed as he cruised pions New Zealand 36-34 in mus (RSA). Chicago. to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Kyrgios. South Africa’s Anderson got “I felt good from the begin- the fi ght back started by upset- ning of the match and that’s not ting reigning Wimbledon and usual,” said Federer. Cards best way to change player US Open champ Djokovic 7-6, “Usually you need matches to 5-7, 10-6 to earn two points for get going and play your best in behaviour – World Rugby Team World at the United Center the third round or quarters of a World Rugby has called for ing player behaviour.” arena. tournament.” a greater consistency from The TMO (television match “We’ve had some really close Earlier, Zverev saved a match referees when they hand out off icial) and the disciplinary matches that haven’t gone our point to defeat John Isner in day red cards but will not ask process around the issuing way and I really wanted to put us two’s opening singles rubber. off icials to show too much le- of red cards have been under back in there,” said Anderson. Zverev, 21, dug deep to hold off niency, chief executive Brett heavy scrutiny with southern “It’s not easy playing one the big-serving Isner to win 3-6, Gosper said yesterday. hemisphere coaches query- of the best players of all time, 7-6 (8/6), 10-7. A crackdown on head-high ing decisions and criticising but what an amazing atmos- After dominating Friday’s tackles has seen a surge in protocols. phere. opening day, winning three out dismissals but opinions have SANZAAR, the southern “It’s just fantastic, for so many of the four matches, Europe’s been split on whether the hemisphere governing body, reasons. I felt I played a great progress looked to be checked punishments were often too have already admitted to match - beating Novak on any after Isner grabbed the fi rst set harsh. facing challenges during stage is great and here in Chicago against Zverev. “We’ve got to work on our the Super Rugby season makes it extra special.” But rising German star Zverev consistency but at the end and June international test Under the scoring system for showed great determination of the day, we’re trying to window. the Laver Cup, victories on day Kevin Anderson avenged a Wimbledon finals loss to Novak Djokovic at the Laver Cup yesterday. in saving a match point at 6-5 change player behaviour and The body’s chief executive two are worth two points each, down in the second-set tie- we’re trying to do that in the Andy Marinos said in July with victories on day three rising which is being held for the sec- partnered with Roger Federer in match, 14-time grand slam win- break to level the contest. best way we can, and cards they felt referees needed to to three points. ond time. doubles on Friday night where ner Djokovic held a 6-1 career Zverev then raced into the lead are the best way to change take control of games again, Defending champion Europe Djokovic, who was making they lost to Anderson and Sock. advantage, including a 6-2, 6-2, in the tiebreak before closing out player behaviour,” Gosper with the TMO providing needs 13 points to take the title, his Laver Cup singles debut, Heading into Saturday’s 7-6 (7/3) win over Anderson in for the win. told reporters in Sydney. “context to the off icials’ deci- “We’re trying to lower the sion making”. tackle height so we can Gosper said the process reduce the incidence of involving television match Bertens edges out Tomljanovic to claim victory in Korea concussion and injury, and off icials could see some we know from evidence that changes. “We had a work- Kiki Bertens showed plenty of the final six games to emerge Bertens started the week eighth hind Pliskova with both women winning five games in a row that’s what that does. ing group looking at that, grit and determination to rally with a 7-6(2) 4-6 6-2 victory in in the WTA Finals standings but competing in Wuhan next week. from 3-4 down in the second set “We just have to be consist- they’ll report into the Rugby past Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic a roller-coaster match lasting was overtaken by former world The Dutch woman was broken to first send the contest into a ent and make sure it’s very committee this week so we in the Korea Open final yes- two hours and 24 minutes. “It number one Karolina Pliskova, twice in the opener but man- decider and then surge ahead clear what we mean by a can’t share the results of that terday, keeping herself firmly feels great to be honest. To be who won a higher-level Premier aged to break back immediately in the third. Bertens dug deep head-high tackle or a tackle because Rugby committee in contention for a spot in the holding this trophy feels special. event in Tokyo earlier yesterday. each time to force a tiebreaker, to respond once more as the that’s too high... We’ll get haven’t discussed it yet,” season-ending WTA Finals with a Last year I won the doubles title The top eight players qualify for in which the unseeded Austral- 26-year-old won six games in there, but you always go he said. “There were some third title of the year. Playing her but this feels better,” Bertens Singapore. Bertens’ seventh WTA ian gave up six straight points to a row, sealing the title with a through this period of people discussions, there were fourth final of 2018, the second- said after collecting her trophy career title, however, leaves the hand her opponent the initiative. forehand pass on her second believing there are too many some sensitivities out here in seeded Dutch woman reeled off at the WTA International event. Dutch player just 69 points be- Tomljanovic came back strongly, championship point. cards because you’re adjust- particular.” Gulf Times Monday, September 24, 2018 7 SPORT

BOXING Joshua overpowers Povetkin to retain world heavyweight titles ‘I realised he was strong to the head but weak to the body. I got my knockout streak back, I found my right hand again’

AFP London Joshua still fi ghting for his place in Boxing history ritain’s Anthony Josh- ua retained his world World heavyweight champion “With my critics, I look at them heavyweight titles by Anthony Joshua is unbeaten like my friends as they look at infl icting the fi rst stop- in 22 professional fights and the smallest things for me to be pageB defeat of Alexander Povet- on Saturday he stopped a man perfect,” said Joshua after com- kin’s professional career with a who had never been stopped ing through some testing early ruthless seventh-round fi nish at before. rounds to defeat Povetkin. Wembley Stadium on Saturday. And yet still the question lin- “The appeal is who is going to A previously close contest gers: Just how good is he? beat me – that’s what people turned in Joshua’s favour deci- The Briton’s rise through the are interested in. So it’s a tough sively when he sent the Russian Boxing ranks is one of the few old game. ‘Give Anthony the crashing to the canvas with a that merits the label “meteoric”. toughest of the toughest, get straight right hand and left hook. Having only taken up Boxing King Kong in there’ – that’s the Povetkin gamely beat the a decade ago, the 28-year-old thing in Boxing. count but Joshua piled in before Joshua, from Watford, north of He added: “They always say referee Steve Gray stopped the London, went on to win Olym- it’s one thing getting there and contest at one minute and 59 pic super-heavyweight gold on another staying there. seconds of the seventh round. home soil at the 2012 Games “A lot has been done in 10 years Victory saw Joshua extend his before turning professional. but there is a lot more to do.” unbeaten professional record to His brutal seventh-round Nor is Joshua obsessed with 22 wins from 22 fi ghts, with 21 stoppage of Russia’s Alexan- remaining unbeaten solely for knockouts, in front of a raucous der Povetkin in front of an the purpose of preserving a home crowd. estimated 80,000 crowd at perfect record if it means he “Povetkin is a very tough London’s Wembley Stadium misses out on major fights. challenger and he proved it to- was his 21st knockout in 22 Prior to the Povetkin fight, night,” Joshua told Sky Sports. professional contests and saw Joshua – displaying an impres- “I realised he was strong to Joshua retain the International sive knowledge of Boxing his- the head but weak to the body. I Boxing Federation, World Box- tory – said: “That fear of losing got my knockout streak back, I ing Association, World Boxing is always there. found my right hand again.” Organisation and International “Sugar Ray Robinson, the best Joshua was putting his In- Boxing Organisation belts. fighter of all time, can lose. ternational Boxing Federation, It was arguably Joshua’s most Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin World Boxing Association and impressive performance since Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Rob- World Boxing Organisation belts a courageous and skilled erto, Duran, Muhammad Ali, on the line against 39-year-old 11th-round stoppage of former Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Russian challenger Povetkin. champion Wladimir Klitschko (all lost). This fi ght was the latest in a at Wembley last year. “So who am I to go unde- line of professional heavyweight And it was a reminder too of feated?” title bouts, featuring the likes Joshua’s remarkably rapid rise. Meanwhile some of Britain’s of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier George Foreman, Mike Tyson, best boxers of recent times and George Foreman, between The undercard of that fi ght Lennox Lewis and Klitschko were in no doubt of Joshua’s two former Olympic champions, saw Povetkin serve notice of were all well-regarded heavy- quality. with Joshua having won gold his formidable punching power weight champions yet, unlike “For me, Anthony Joshua is in front of his home crowd at with a sickening knockout of Joshua, none held the title after carrying Boxing – the whole of the 2012 London Games – eight Britain’s David Price. so few fights, never mind with Boxing is on his back as an am- years after Povetkin stood atop Povetkin, who in 2016 was six defences behind them. bassador, which is an amazing the podium in Athens. given an indefi nite ban from No one, least of all Joshua thing,” former featherweight Joshua, 28, had a signifi cant boxing after testing positive for himself, has yet elevated him to world champion Naseem height and reach advantage of the banned substance meldo- the status of ‘all-time great’ and Hamed told the BBC. several inches over Povetkin. nium that was later cut to a year, nor can he be blamed if today’s Two-weight former world Friday’s weigh-in also con- had insisted in the build-up he heavyweight division lacks the champion David Haye was fi rmed a signifi cant size diff er- was a far stronger fi ghter than allure of the one in the 1970s impressed by the way Joshua ence, with Joshua tipping the the one beaten by Klitschko. where fighters of the calibre took his chance to finish the scales at 17 stone 8 pounds (111.5 of George Chuvalo and Earnie 39-year-old Povetkin. kilogrammes) compared to Pov- POVETKIN PRESSURE Shavers contended for, but “Joshua did what great champi- etkin’s 15st 12lbs. This fi ght saw And the fi rst round ended with never won, the world title. ons do and found a way. When Joshua returning to the scene of Povetkin, stooping low, rocking But it seems Joshua’s harsh- he saw an opening, it was all arguably his greatest triumph, Joshua with a right uppercut that est critics are unlikely to be over,” said Haye. an 11th-round stoppage of drew blood from the champion’s satisfied unless and until he “Once he gets you hurt, he gets former champion Wladimir Kl- nose. Joshua, who said Thursday beats World Boxing Council you out of there.” itschko last year. that “my well is deep, my heart champion Deontay Wilder in a Nevertheless, Haye did have Klitschko was the only man to can defi nitely go through hell Anthony Joshua celebrates his win against Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in London. (Reuters) much-anticipated heavyweight some words of warning, saying: have previously infl icted a blem- and back”, was certainly being title unification fight. “Joshua will need to get his ish on Povetkin’s now 36-fi ght tested in the opening exchanges, Joshua any closer to a fi ght with when asked about his next op- before becoming a world cham- Talks between the Joshua and defensive work a little tighter. record, with a points win back although he did start to respond World Boxing Council heavy- ponent. “May the champion pion for the fi rst time Wilder camps have stalled but “He can’t aff ord to get hit with in 2013. with some single-punch jabs. weight title-holder Deontay bring himself here and have a Whyte, who was among an es- this appears to be the kind of left hooks and right hands like Joshua, born in nearby Wat- And come the fourth round, Wilder, who next fi ghts Britain’s good old fashioned dust-up. timated 80,000 crowd at Wem- jousting common between he was tonight when he’s in ford but based in London, had Povetkin had a signifi cant cut former world champion Tyson “All I want to fi ght is serious bley, said of Joshua’s latest vic- rival promoters ahead of a there with Wilder.” been taken the distance for the above the left eye. Fury on December 1, remains to challengers. If Dillian (Whyte) tory: “He was patient and took ‘mega-fight’ that eventually But an exciting aspect of fi rst time as a professional in his Nevertheless, at the end of the be seen. wants to fi ght here he is also his time, he was jabbing to the gets made. Joshua’s Boxing future is that, last title defence – a unanimous sixth he was still in the contest “My number one would be more than welcome.” body and then brought the right Certainly there has been for all his considerable achieve- points victory over New Zea- only for Joshua to seal victory Wilder,” said Joshua, whose pro- Joshua beat compatriot Whyte into play which caught Povetkin no credible suggestion that ments, there’s still room for land’s Joseph Parker in Cardiff in barely two minutes later. moter Eddie Hearn has already with a seventh-round knockout by surprise.“Hopefully, it’s me Joshua is ‘ducking’ Wilder. improvement. March. But whether this win takes booked Wembley for April 13, in December 2015 - his last fi ght next, I’m here and ready to fi ght.”

GOLF Woods on the brink of ending title drought running.” Reuters SCORES FROM THIRD ROUND Cary, North Carolina Indeed he was, a blistering start reminiscent of his halcyon 198 - Tiger Woods 65-68-65 days as he notched six birdies in iger Woods stood on the 201 - Rory McIlroy (NIRL) 67-68-66, Justin Rose (ENG) 66-67-68 the fi rst seven holes after start- brink of his fi rst victory 204 - Kyle Stanley 69-68-67, Jon Rahm (ESP) 68-68-68 ing the day tied for the halfway for more than fi ve years 205 - Paul Casey (ENG) 68-71-66, Tony Finau 67-71-67, Billy Horschel lead with world number one after opening a three- 71-65-69 Rose. “I felt hot early for sure,” Tshot lead over Justin Rose and Woods said. 206 - Aaron Wise 70-69-67, Dustin Johnson 69-70-67, Gary Wood- Rory McIlroy in the third round land 66-72-68, Xander Schauff ele 68-70-68, Justin Thomas 67-69-70 “I was hitting it absolutely of the Tour Championship in At- 207 - Webb Simpson 69-70-68 dead fl ush, the putts I was hit- lanta on Saturday. 208 - Tommy Fleetwood 69-69-70 ting were going in and from there Woods exuded a sense of calm 209 - Hideki Matsuyama (JAP) 72-66-71 I just tried to hang in there.” as he contemplated his chances 210 - Marc Leishman (AUS) 73-69-68, Patton Kizzire 71-71-68, Jason He cooled off on the back nine of what given his 42 years and Day (AUS) 68-73-69, Rickie Fowler 65-72-73 en route to a 12-under 198 total, surgical history would be perhaps 212 - Bryson DeChambeau 71-75-66, Cameron Smith (AUS) 70-73-69, while Englishman Rose recovered his greatest triumph, at least out- Kevin Na 72-68-72, Patrick Cantlay 71-65-76 from a bogey, bogey start to card a side of his 14 major titles. 214 - Brooks Koepka 69-78-67, Francesco Molinari (ITL) 70-75-69 68. Woods led by fi ve strokes late And he had every reason to 215 - Keegan Bradley 73-73-69, Bubba Watson 70-72-73 on, but showed a hint of fragil- fancy his chances given his his- 218 - Patrick Reed 72-74-72 ity by fl uffi ng a pitch shot at the tory as a front-runner of the 221 - Phil Mickelson 73-72-76 par-four 16th, where he failed to highest order. carry his ball up the slope. But He has enjoyed the sole lead fi ve back. “I feel good about it. the British Open at Carnoustie with a double-bogey looming, 44 times entering the fi nal I’ve been playing well through- where he charged into the lead he regrouped to hit his next deli- round, and has converted all but out the entire summer, just piec- halfway through the fi nal round cate shot stone dead for a tap-in twice. And he has never coughed ing it together, building, building before faltering. bogey, before Rose sank an eight- up a lead of three shots or more. and building. “Finally I’ve come But he said he had felt com- foot birdie to cut the gap to three. “Simple math says that if I to a point where I’ve got control fortable on that occasion, even McIlroy, meanwhile, birdied the play a clean card the guys be- of the lead.” if he did not hoist the Claret Jug. 16th and 18th holes to join the hind me have to shoot 67, so that A victory on Sunday would “When I grabbed the lead at fray, setting up the prospect of a helps,” Woods told reporters af- be his 80th on tour – two short the Open Championship (it) Sunday to remember. ter a fi ve-under-par 65 at East of Sam Snead’s record – and his didn’t really feel abnormal, even Lake. fi rst since the WGC-Bridgestone though it’s been years since I’ve Tiger Woods of the United States “I don’t have to shoot 63 or Invitational in August, 2013. been in those spots,” he said. acknowledges the crowd on the 64 and hope I get help. That’s a Woods has not been the closer “Today was the same. I got off 15th green during the third round big diff erence. This is a spot I’d of old in his return this year from to just an ideal start... and the of the Tour Championship at East much rather be in than four or a spinal fusion, most notably at next thing you know I’m off and Lake Golf Club. (Getty Images/AFP)

Monday, September 24, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN 6 RED SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar’s Bukshaisha and Saif keep unbeaten streak going By Sports Reporter Doha

atar’s Mohsen Buk- shaisha and Ahmed Saif stayed unbeaten in their respective groups onQ Day Two of the Asian 6 Red Snooker Championship at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Fed- eration (QBSF) Hall yesterday. Both the players had registered a win each on the fi rst day of the competition, and added two wins each yesterday. A 55-point break by Nguyen Pham Hoai of Vietnam in the sixth frame tied the aff air with Bukshaisha at 3-all, but the 41-year-old from Qatar won the next two frames for a 5-3 win. Later in the day, Bukshaisha edged out Chau Hon Man of Hong Kong 5-4 to keep his group stage record intact. Saif blanked Mohomed Rikaz of Sri Lanka 5-0 in his fi rst match of the day, Qatar’s Ahmed Saif beat Sri Lanka’s Mohomed Rikaz and Iraq’s Ali Hussein in yesterday’s matches. (Facebook/QBSF) before easing past Ali Hussein of Iraq 5-1 in the evening for his Snooker Championship on Fri- eventually winning the game 5-2 stages unbeaten were India’s In the fi rst set of matches at spot in the last 16. day. Yesterday, Masih got off to a to keep his record intact in Group Varun Madan and Kamal Chawla 10am today, 12 players ranked 11- Compatriot Ali al-Obaidli had fl yer taking the fi rst two frames in C. Al-Obaidli will face Ali Hus- in Group A and F respectively, 22 after the group stages will play a clean slate on the fi rst day of the game against al-Obaidli yes- sein of Iraq today for a spot in the Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh and com- for six spots in the last 16. The the competition winning both terday. However, the 26-year-old last 16. patriot Hamed Zarehdoost in last 16 matches are scheduled his games, but was up against an from Qatar pulled two frames Asif too rounded up the stage Group D and E respectively, for 2pm, while the four quarter- in-form Babar Masih of Pakistan back to restore parity. with three victories in Group B, Thailand’s Thanawat Tirapong- fi nals will be played at 6pm. The in his fi nal group game yester- Thereafter Masih, armed with beating Hong Kong’s Fung Kwok paiboon in Group J, Hong Kong’s two semi-fi nals will be played day. Masih, along with Mohamed two big 50-plus breaks of 59 and Wai 5-3. Cheung Ka Wai in Group K, and tomorrow at 10am, while the fi - Qatar’s Mohsen Bukshaisha beat Vietnam’s Nguyen Pham Hoai and Asif, had bagged the Asian Team 68, gave al-Obaidli no chance, Others to fi nish the group Iraq’s Omar Ali in Group L. nal is scheduled for 4pm. Hong Kong’s Chau Hon Man. (Facebook/QBSF)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS QCTF launches registration World gymnastics process for cyclists By Sports Reporter ing back using the seaside and fi - Doha nally returning from the internal road to reach the fi nish line. Majid Shokari was the winner promotional event he Qatar Cycling and in category A Men with a time of Triathlon Federation 1:38:47 and an average speed of (QCTF) has started the 37km/ hour. Abdullah al-Jaidi registration process for came second with 18 seconds theT cyclists during the season- gap, while James Moff att fi nished opening race on Friday. third with a 21 seconds time gap. The road race was launched In the women’s category A, Ju- gets huge response from the Al Thakhira Youth Cen- lie Melville fi nished with a time tre to determine the categories of 1:53:50, the same as her fellow and to classify riders. rider Sophie Clark. Organising Committee off er free tickets at events, schools and through embassies Al Thakira race is considered In the second category B men, as an annual pre-step for the ac- Ali al-Nuaimi won the race in By Sports Reporter tual start of the league, where the 1:53:50 seconds The second place Doha rankings of riders are determined went to Mohamed Nabhan, while for the next stages of the league. the national team Rider Hamza Al Thakira race attracted the al-Qasim was third. In the wom- promotional gymnastics- participation of 162 male and fe- en’s B category, Daniella Spossi themed event conducted at male cyclists divided into three topped in a time of 2:12:43, While Mall of Qatar by the Organising categories. In Category A were 32 Boyce Aiofe came in second and Committee of the 2018 Artistic male and two female riders. The Elsa Cameron fi nished third. GymnasticsA World Championships Doha Category B included 44 male and In the category C, Meshaal 2018 on Friday got a huge public response fi ve female riders. As for the last al-Nuaimi won title place with with trampoline and fl oor exercises by Category (C) the largest number a time of 1:57. The second place gymnasts attracting big applause and of cyclists was included, with 79 was obtained by cyclist Marwan loud cheers. The event was held in the male riders taking part. al-Jalham and Rabea al-Adawy presence of the Qatar Gymnastics Feder- The atmosphere of the prelim- was third place. On 12th October ation President Ali al-Hitmi, who is also inary stage was strongly com- the fi rst phase of the National the Executive Director and Tournament petitive, as it classifi ed the riders Cycling Road League sponsored Manager of the Organising Commit- of each category from the very by the Royal Moroccan Airlines tee; Abeer al-Buainain, Director of Op- beginning of the season. (RAM) will be held. erations, Planning & Human Resources, The total distance of the race The Qatar National Bank and Maryam al-Mahmoud, Director of was 61kms, divided into two Group (QNB) will be this year’s Marketing and Communication, as part consecutive laps launched from offi cial sponsor of Qatar Cycling of preparations for the world champion- Al Thakira youth centre passing and Triathlon Federation, sup- ships to be held at Aspire Dome from Oc- through the city and then head- porting all its Road, Mountain, tober 25 to November 3. ing to Ras Laff an main road, go- and Triathlon Races. Impressed by the show and public par- ticipation, al-Hitmi said, “We are very pleased with what we have seen from the Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali al-Hitmi poses with young gymnasts during a promotional event conducted at Mall of great public turn-out. The performance Qatar by the Organising Committee of the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha. included special off ers that made the public know more about gymnastics. We success and keenness of the Organising public have participated in these shows. restaurants catering various cuisines to are inviting the audiences to attend the Committee to prepare for the champion- “There will be more such public com- suit the tastes of fans from all over the world championships at Aspire to see the ships in the best possible way. “We have petitions and the prizes will be free tick- world. Giving details, Maryam said, “The elite global stars compete and dazzle. been keen on making promotional off ers ets for the Artistic Gymnastics World world gymnastics will see more than 700 “The turn-out of people and the in- to the public in order to give them the op- Championships Doha 2018. Tickets will players from close to 85 countries, and tensity seen here to watch gymnastics is portunity to see the world championships also be off ered to children through vari- this leads us to provide restaurants and a positive indicator that a large number for gymnastics. The event turned out to ous schools and embassies in Doha,” add- cafes to suit all tastes. There will also be of people are keen to watch the Artis- be popular and the response was great. ed Maryam. sale of clothing and sports equipment at tic Gymnastics World Championships We are encouraged to fi nd more such pro- “Meanwhile those wanting to purchase the fan zone. 2018,” he added. grammes and off ers given the demand to tickets for the worlds can do so from the “The hosting of this edition of the Ar- Marketing Director Maryam al-Mah- repeat the same success,” said Maryam. Virgin and/or the offi cial website.” tistic Gymnastics World Championships moud said that the continuous success of “We have seen that there is a lot of in- The Organising Committee of world Doha 2018 is a challenge for us to empha- the promotional events for the fi rst mega terest in the activities that have been un- gymnastics is also keen on creating a fan sise Qatar’s image and the country’s or- gymnastics event in Qatar and the Mid- dertaken by Qatar gymnasts between the zone to run throughout the tournament. ganisational abilities which already has a Al Thakira race attracted the participation of 162 male and female dle East also refl ects the organisational ages of 6 and 12 as a large number of the The zone will also include a variety of global reputation,” she stressed. cyclists divided into three categories.

BADMINTON

Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting stuns Momota to clinch China Open Ginting celebrates after winning the China Open in AFP The fi rst game ended in an epic has already gained a reputation won Japan Open last week, gave Changzhou in China’s eastern Changzhou, China rally that saw Momota diving to as a giant slayer – en route to the a knockout blow in the second Jiangsu province. (AFP) save a shot right at the net – but fi nal, he beat top seed Viktor Ax- game when she won 12 consecu- Ginting placed his return at the elsen, number six Chen Long and tive points, leaving her opponent apan’s Kento Momota suf- back of the court. number fi ve Chou Tien Chen. bewildered. fered a shock loss in China The 22-year-old went on to The men’s doubles was won An all-Japanese women’s dou- yesterday as he was bested comfortably take the second by the Danish duo of Kim Astrup bles fi nal saw Misaki Matsutomo by Indonesia’s Anthony game, collapsing in joy when a and Anders Skaarup Rasmus- and Ayaka Takahashi defeat new- SinisukaJ Ginting in just two sets. miss by Momota sealed his win. sen, who beat Chinese duo Han ly-crowned world champions The third seed, who took the Ginting last beat Momota at Chengkai and Zhou Haodong in a Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Japan Open title on home ground the Asian Games in Jakarta last three-game match, 21-13, 17-21, Nagahara. last week, was beaten by world month. His spirited takedown 21-14. The badminton fraternity has number 13 Ginting 23-21, 21-19. of reigning Olympic champion Spain’s Carolina Marin beat also been reacting to Saturday’s In a closely fought fi nal, Mo- Chen Long also gave the Games China’s Chen Yufei 21-18, 21-13 revelation that one of its biggest mota had been leading in early some of its most riveting bad- in 47 minutes to take the wom- stars, Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei, moments but Ginting persisted minton. en’s singles title. has early-stage nose cancer and to bring the score to 21-all. Indonesia’s newest poster boy The Spaniard, who had also is being treated in Taiwan.