THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 I just wanted to tell you I’m Roger Federer says so excited to come back to about his scheduled FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Argentina to play my good exhibition match against UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa League, friend Juan Martin del Potro at Juan Martin del Potro on Group K: Wolverhampton Group L:

Parque Roca. November 20. ACTION United vs Astana

Wanderers vs Braga TODAY’S Osaka thrashes Tomova to Federer, Del Potro to play in Buenos Aires storm into quarter-finals exhibition match

AFP Pan Pacific Open AFP He is expected to make his PARIS comeback at the ATP tour- Japanese tennis superstar Naomi Japan’s Naomi Osaka hits a return nament in Stockholm, which Osaka beat qualifier Viktoriya against Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova Roger Federer (pictured) and runs from October 14 to 20, and Tomova of Bulgaria in straight in their round of 16 match at Juan Martin del Potro, who is set is also scheduled to compete in sets yesterday to reach the Pan the Pan Pacific Open in Osaka, to return next month from a the following week. Pacific Open quarter-finals. yesterday. knee injury, announced they will The match in Buenos Aires Making her first appearance play an exhibition match in will take place at the same time at the tournament following a Buenos Aires on November 20. as the revamped 18-team Davis first-round bye, top seed Osaka “I just wanted to tell you I’m Cup finals, to be held in Madrid outclassed Tomova, ranked 181st so excited to come back to from November 18 to 24. in the world, 7-5, 6-3 in Osaka, Argentina to play my good Meanwhille, Federer said he western Japan. friend Juan Martin del Potro at will soon decide if he will play “I was a little nervous at the Parque Roca,” Federer said in a at next year’s Tokyo Olympics. beginning,” admitted Osaka, video on Del Potro’s Twitter Speaking ahead of the Laver seeking to clinch her first victory account. Cup team competition he at the home event after being The Parque Roca co-owns, Federer said he is runner-up in 2016 and 2018. has a capacity of around 15,500 “very excited about the Osaka, who crashed out of and is primarily used for Davis prospect” of Tokyo. this month’s US Open in the last Cup ties. In an interview broadcast by 16, started slowly, losing the first Del Potro, the 2009 US Open Swiss public television, he says three games in the first set, but championampion from ArArgentina,gentina, has “II jjustust have to see how is tthe later found her rhythm with solid nott pplayedlayed since ffracturingracturing hhisis family,family, hhowow is mmyy bbodyody ddoing.”oin serves and crisp volleying to rightht kkneenee in tthehe Wim-Wim- FedererFederer iiss a four-fou secure the first set. bledonedon tune-up at timetime Olympian.Olympian. He Tomova’s quick court cov- for her lowly opponent, serving world rankings to number four. Angelique Kerber of Germany Queen’seen’s in JJune.une. met hishis wifewife at tthe erage caused Osaka difficulty a succession of rapid aces. Osaka had already caught downed unseeded Nicole Gibbs TheThe injury- 2000 SSydneyydn throughout the match but in the The 21-year-old, who was the tennis world by surprise of the US 6-2, 6-4 following her plaguedagued 30-year-old30-year-old GamesGames and twicetw end the two-time Grand Slam born in the city, said the cheers when she announced she was first-round bye. wasas forcedforced to missmiss carriedcarried Switzer-Switze champion had too much power of her hometown fans helped parting ways with coach Sascha “It’s tough. She played really thiss yyear’sear’s US Open lland’sand’s flag at her put in a solid Bajin, who had overseen her well,” Kerber said. afterer finishfinishinging runner- openingopenin Making her first performance. stunning rise to win two Grand Madison Keys, the 2017 US up to Novak DjokovicDjokovic ceremonies.ceremonies. appearance at the She will take on either Rus- Slams -- the US Open in 2018 Open runner-up, came from in tthehe 2018 final. tournament following a sia’s Varvara Flink or Yulia and the Australian Open title in behind to narrowly beat Kaza- Putintseva of Kazakhstan in the January. khstan’s Zarina Diyas 5-7, 6-0, first-round bye, top seed quarter finals. Her main challengers in the 6-4. Osaka outclasses her Last week, Osaka announced Japan event will be fellow top-10 The fifth seed American lost Bulgarian opponent 7-5, she was splitting with her coach, players Kiki Bertens from the the first set but found her form 6-3 in Osaka, western her second break-up this year as Netherlands and US sensation in the second to shut out the Japan. she battles for form and slips from Sloane Stephens. unseeded Diyas before sealing the number-one position in the Former world number one the win in the deciding set 6-4. EWF handed Stroman stars as New York two-year suspension Mets beat Colorado Rockies New York pull within four over doping AP Melville into the left field bleachers DENVER games of Chicago and for his 13th home run and a 2-0 Milwaukee for the second NL lead. One out later, Nimmo tagged REUTERS Marcus Stroman provided a boost wild-card berth. The Mets the first pitch he saw for his TOKYO to the New York Mets’ flickering have 11 games left in the seventh of the season. Melville got play-off hopes. regular season. Jeff McNeil to fly out before Alonso, The Egyptian Weightlifting Stroman pitched seven shutout getting the green light on a 3-0 Federation (EWF) has been innings, Amed Rosario, Brandon pitch, connected for his 48th home suspended for two years for Nimmo and Pete Alonso all many games as we possibly can,” run. The ball landed among the various doping-related offences, homered in the sixth to break open Alonso said. stand of evergreens beyond the the International Weightlifting a scoreless game and the Mets beat “Every win matters and we’re center field fence, and Melville was Federation (IWF) said yesterday. the Colorado Rockies 6-1 on going to keep trying to play our relieved by Philip Diehl. The ban will prevent Egypt Tuesday night. best coming down the Alonso, who added an RBI from competing at the World “We show up with the same stretch.” single in the Mets’ eighth, is one Weightlifting Championships confidence every day,” Stroman Stroman (9-13) allowed four homer shy of tying Mark McGwire that began yesterday in Pattaya said. hits, struck out seven and walked for the second-most home runs by and the Olympics in Tokyo next “I think we can rattle up some one in helping the Mets bounce a rookie in a season. The New York year if it is upheld. wins here. We can get hot. I think back from consecutive losses. Yankees’ Aaron Judge hit 52 home “The Independent Member everyone believes that, so it’s just Tim Melville (2-3) had put up runs as a rookie in 2017. Federations Sanctions Panel a matter of going out there and zeroes right along with Stroman, Charlie Blackmon homered off (IMFSP) has suspended the doing it.” facing the minimum through five Luis Avilan with two outs in the Egyptian Weightlifting Feder- New York pulled within four innings with an assist from his ninth for the Rockies’ lone run. ation for a period of two years,” New York Mets starting games of Chicago and Milwaukee defense, which turned three double Stroman, acquired from Toronto the IWF said in a statement. pitcher Marcus Stroman for the second NL wild-card berth. plays while he was on the mound. in a July 28 trade, improved to 3-2 “The IMFSP has the sole pitches in the first inning The Mets have 11 games left in the But Todd Frazier singled to with a 3.86 ERA in his nine starts for authority to impose sanctions on against the Colorado regular season. start the sixth and Rosario followed New York. The Mets have gone 6-3 member federations, in line with Rockies on Tuesday. “We’re going to try to grab as by driving a 1-1 offering from with Stroman on the mound. Article 12 of the IWF Anti- Doping Policy, which was approved by the IWF Executive Board in order to ensure greater independence and Curry looks to take part in Olympicsympics transparency.” The country’s governing REUTERS body was informed of the NEW YORK Team USA is coming off an Olympic team. I’ve been on two Middleton,ddleton, Harrison mitment’smitment’s beenbeen decision on September 12 and embarrassing seventh-place World Cup championship gold- Barnesrnes anandd MMylesyles there,there, aandnd I were given three weeks to finish in the FIBA World Cup. medal teams. But the Olympics Turner.ner. thinkthink it’llit’ll be appeal.It was reported in 2017 Golden State Warriors star The US team had won 58 is the experience that I want. “We’re stillstill tthehe ththereere next year,year,”” that five Egyptian teenagers, Steph Curry (pictured) is consecutive tournament games And next year will hopefully be best,”t,” said Curry,Curry, before hehe added. including two girls aged 14, and planning to be part of the team in FIBA and Olympic compe- it,” said Curry. addingding a caveat.caveat. two 20-year-olds, failed doping that will represent the United tition with NBA players dating The American squad had to “If“If we get thethe guys tests at the African Youth and States at the 2020 Olympic to 2005 coming into the tour- cope with more than two dozen thatt are supposed to Junior Championships in 2016. Games in Tokyo. nament, but left without a gold defections from NBA stars who be there,there, in Under IWF rules, any “That is the plan, for sure,” medal for the first time since backed out of their commitment termsms of, youyou country returning three or more Curry told ESPN’s Rachel 2006. to play before the know,ow, reprep-- positive tests within a year faces Nichols. Curry has been on two of tournament. resentingenting a range of sanctions and in “You know, obviously the World Cup teams during Of the 35 players named last us iinn thethe serious cases can be suspended knock on wood, you don’t want that stretch, but has yet to summer as possible members Olympicy mpic from the sport. any injuries or things like that compete in the Olympics. of the roster, only four made it stagege and to interfere.” “I’ve never been on the to China: Kemba Walker, Khris the comcom-- 08 SPORT THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2019

MotoGP: Team KTM F1: Hamilton hopes to shine replaces unhappy Zarco with Kallio under Singapore floodlights for end of season AFP REUTERS nothing for granted in our Ferrari, on a high after hard for victory in Hungary Alexander Albon, who has PARIS SINGAPORE approach to the weekend.” winning two races on the trot and was runner-up to the made a strong start to his Red Hamilton, who leads with the second of those in Briton last year, will be eyeing Bull career, will also aim to The KTM MotoGP team abruptly ended their Formula One world champion team-mate Valtteri Bottas by front of their passionate home Sunday as an opportunity to impress in the closest race the troubled relationship with Johann Zarco (pictured) 63 points with seven races left, fans in Monza, could face a go one better. British-born Thai has to a saying they would replace the French rider can return Mercedes to the top is tied with Ferrari rival reality check. His rookie team-mate home appearance in Asia. with Finnish veteran Mika Kallio for the of the podium this Sunday Sebastian Vettel for most Sin- Their hopes could rest on Aragon Grand Prix this weekend. with an unprecedented fifth gapore wins. the weather or a safety car, STATISTICS FOR THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX “We want to express gratitude to Johann win around the floodlit streets The only drivers of the which has made an for his effort since he joined our ambitious Lap distance: 5.063 km. Total distance: 308.706 km (61 laps) of Singapore. current crop to have tri- appearance in every race Sin- project in November last year,” KTM mot- Winners of 10 of the sea- umphed in the city-state have gapore has hosted since it 2018 pole: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes, one minute 36.015 seconds orsport boss Pit Beirer said. son’s 14 races so far, Mercedes each won four times. joined the calendar in 2008. 2018 winner: Hamilton Zarco joined the Austrian team before suffered a double defeat in Two of Hamilton’s wins Vettel who was involved Race lap record: Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Haas, 1:41.905 this season but had struggled to adapt. Belgium and Italy to Ferrari have come in the last two in a multi-car start line crash Start time: 1210 GMT (2010 local) The team announced in August that they with the fast straights of Spa- years. Another victory on that cost him victory in 2017, SINGAPORE had granted his request to terminate his con- Francorchamps and Monza Sunday will see the five-time will have to stay out of trouble. Sunday’s race is the 12th in Singapore, the first night-time grand prix upon its tract after this season, saying it was the giving the Italian team a rare champion secure his third in The German four-times introduction in 2008. rider’s decision. edge. a row and hand Mercedes champion was sanctioned Only two current drivers have won at the 23 corner circuit -- Hamilton (2009, The 29-year-old Zarco finished 11th in The Marina Bay layout, theirt e fourth ou t successsuccessive ve SSin- afterate spinning sp g out out and 2014, 2017, 2018) and Vettel (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015). the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday while winding through the heart of gapore success. rejoiningrejoining the track in a dan- Mercedes have won the race four times, Red Bull three and Ferrari twice. Red Bull the other KTM rider, Spaniard Pol Espargaro, the glitglitteringtering ccityity state, has gerousgerous manner in ItaItalyly and is have finished second for the past five years. was seventh. With six races left, Espargaro more corners (23) than any nownow only three penaltypenalty ppoints No team has ever scored a one-two finish in Singapore. is 11th in the overall standings with 77 points, circuit, however, and should awayaway from a one-race ban.b Hamilton and Vettel have each been on pole four times in Singapore. The race Zarco, the most successful Frenchman in restorerestore Mercedes’Mercedes’ statusstatus as “After“After two ppositiveos the history of MotoGP is 17th with just 27. has been won from pole position on eight occasions. the team to beat after wins weekendsweekends in BeBelgiumlgium and Zarco’s best result is 10th place in Catalonia The lowest winning grid position was Fernando Alonso, who came from 15th in at ssimilarimilar vvenuesenues likelike Italy,Italy, the race ini Sin- in June. andand Hungary.Hungary. gapore ddoesn’toesn’ look a now-notorious 2008 race where Brazilian team mate Nelson Piquet crashed his Re- Zarco was world champion in Moto2 in “For a longlong time, Sin-Sin- as goodgood on paperpap for nault deliberately on team orders. 2015 and 2016. He made a promising start gapore used to be one of us,”us,” said MonegasqueMonega The race is the longest on the calendar in terms of time taken to complete and in MotoGP for Yamaha satellite Tech3 with oourur weakest tracks,” said Charles Leclerc, winwinnern in runs close to the two-hour limit. three podium finishes and two pole posi- MMercedesercedes bosbosss TTotooto WWolff.olff. Belgium and Italy.Italy. The safety car has featured in all 11 editions of the race to date. tions in both 2017 and 2018, finishing sixth “We’ve made some “It“It might be a mmoreor dif- The winner in Singapore has been champion at the end of the season in seven of in the final standings both years. inroads into that and peper-r- ficult weekend for us,us, butb we the last eight years. The team said it needed to focus on the formedformed wellwell lastlast year.year. willwill ggiveive our aallll to hhaveave a good Vettel has been on the podium seven times to Hamilton’s six. development of its bike. “However, there are no result.”result.” Red Bull maymay be Mer- RACE WINS “We have to make decisions to ensure home runs at a track like Sin-Sin- cedes’cedes’ closest challengers.challenge Hamilton has 81 career victories and is closing the gap to Michael Schumacher’s that we use our resources in the best pos- gapore,”gapore,” aaddeddded thethe SingaporeSingapore hashas tendedtend to record 91. Vettel, third on the all-time list, has 52. sible way and we are currently in a positive Austrian.Austrian. suitsuit thethe team’s typicallytyp Vettel has not won since his victory at last season’s Belgian Grand Prix, more than direction with our MotoGP structure,” said “We“We taketake abso-abso- nimblenimble cchassis,hassis, with the a year ago. Beirer. lutely former championschampion fin- “We firmly believe that Mika can help Ferrari have won 237 races since 1950, McLaren 182, Williams 114, Mercedes 97 ishingishing secondsecon for us in this stage thanks to his knowledge and thethe lastlast five and Red Bull 61. Former champions McLaren and Williams have not won since 2012. background.” years.years. Hamilton has won eight out of 14 races so far this season and has a 63-point lead Kallio is KTM’s official test driver and Max Ver- over team mate Valtteri Bottas, who has won twice. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and has solid experience in lower categories with

stappen,s tap p Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc have also won twice. 16 victories and 49 podiums. Zarco did not whowho battledb Leclerc is chasing his third win in a row after Belgium and Italy. comment and has given no indication what HamiltonHam he plans to do next season. Thomas to lead Panda unveiled as the mascot for Britain at World Championships the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics AP history as the first ever, in AFP BEIJING Olympic history, to host both summer and winter editions A smiling panda and a of the ,” will lead Great Britain’s charge walking Chinese lantern will International Olympic Com- on home soil in both the road race and time be the mascots for the 2022 mittee president Thomas trial at the World Championships later this Winter Olympics and Para- Bach said at the ceremony. month. lympics in Beijing. Based on a traditional The 2018 winner will be The mascots were red lantern, Paralympic joined in the road race by , who won revealed at a ceremony at mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon the British national championships in June, the Shougang Ice Hockey creates the cheerful atmos- , and Tao Geoghegan Arena in the Chinese capital. phere of the Chinese Lunar Hart. Beijing Mayor Chen New Year, which will fall British time trial champion Jining described them as around the time of the will be the other home entrant in the time trial. adorable, unique and Winter Games, the organ- “We have such a talent pool of elite men’s exquisite. izing committee said. road riders in this country that final selection “In a visually appealing It sports a yellow scarf, a was quite tricky even though the course is so way, they epitomize our circle of yellow doves around challenging,” said ’s elite men’s aspiration for the Beijing its head and a traditional coach Matt Brammeier. 2022 Games, and extend our Chinese paper cutting. “Looking at the time trial, we have selected warm invitation to friends “Shuey” means snow in two very experienced time trial riders this year throughout the world,” he Chinese and the characters in G and Alex, both of whom suit the course said. for “Rhon Rhon” mean and as such we can expect to see good per- The panda, named Bing Artists and children perform during the mascots unveiling ceremony for the 2022 Olympic “inclusiveness” and “inte- formances from them both. Dwen Dwen, is the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games at the Shougang Ice Hockey Arena in Beijing. gration,” implying the world “G will then stick around to compete in the mascot. Colourful circles civilizations communicating road race on the Sunday, and will no doubt be around its face symbolise while Dwen Dwen means While many acclaimed Bing 2008 Beijing Summer among one another and a valuable asset to the team in the final laps,” skating tracks and 5G tech- sincerity, liveliness and Dwen Dwen for its cuteness Olympics, and it also was the living in harmony, the com- he said. nology, according to the health, the website said. on social media, some were symbol for the Asian Games mittee said. The 54 kilometre time trial will take place website of the Beijing organ- The choice of the iconic not impressed by the lack of in Beijing in 1990. The two mascots were on September 25 with the 280 kilometre road izing committee. Bing, the animal, considered the creativity in choosing a panda. “Today is an important selected from more than race from Leeds to Harrogate four days later. Chinese word for “ice,” national treasure, was not a The giant panda was one step on a milestone in Bei- 5,800 submissions from 35 shows purity and strength, surprise to people in China. of the five mascots for the jing’s journey to make countries. Harrington names Karlsson as first vice-captain for Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup captain REUTERS many years and I know he will age of 37 and helping Europe to Thomas Bjorn when Europe LONDON Padraig Harrington bring a wealth of experience to a nine-point victory at The K crushed the US in Paris last during a press the team,” the Irishman said. Club in Ireland. year. conference , yesterday. Europe captain Padraig “As a former Ryder Cup The Swede returned to Team “I’m really looking forward Harrington has named Sweden’s player and European Tour Europe in 2008, partnering Har- to playing my part for Team Robert Karlsson as his first vice- Number One, he commands the rington in both foursomes ses- Europe once again over the next captain for the 2020 Ryder Cup, respect of his peers and I know sions at the Valhalla Golf Club in 12 months. which will be held at Whistling I can count on him both in the Kentucky, when the US emerged “To be involved in what tran- Straits in Wisconsin. build-up to Whistling Straits and with a convincing victory. spired at Le Golf National was a Harrington made the during the week itself.” “It’s an honour to be asked dream come true and I believe announcement yesterday ahead Karlsson, 50, has repre- to be a vice captain by Padraig, the experience and continuity I of the BMW PGA Championship sented Europe twice at the someone I have known and can bring to the team this time at Ryder Cup Europe’s head- biennial team competition respected in the game for many around can be a big help as we quarters at Wentworth Golf Club. against the United States, years,” said Karlsson, who also aim to retain the trophy on “I have known Robert for making his debut in 2006 at the served as vice captain under American soil.” THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 09 Hosts Japan ready to face Russia in opener

REUTERS “I will say that the players are TOKYO really excited, they have been waiting a long time, like eve- With the weight of an expectant rybody has in Japan, for the day nation on their shoulders and a to arrive.” governing body desperate for the Japan were naive in a 41-7 hosts to succeed in the first loss to South Africa in their last Rugby World Cup in Asia, Japan warm-up match, struggling to head into the tournament opener adapt to the Springboks’ suffo- tomorrow under arguably more cating defensive gameplan and pressure than any other team. leaving Joseph looking tactically Fortunately, head coach outclassed. Jamie Joseph probably could not Despite admitting that match have picked a better match-up was a wake-up call for his to begin their campaign as they players, against Russia he is likely prepare to face Russia, ranked to go back to the dynamic, 20th in the world and making attacking rugby that produced 14 only their second World Cup tries and 109 points in three finals appearance, at Tokyo matches during the PNC. Stadium. For their part, Russia will be A big win for the home side determined not to act as merely is likely to be welcomed by the sacrificial lamb to Japan’s World Rugby, who took a major slaughter as they aim to get their risk in awarding the tournament first ever World Cup win. to Japan 10 years ago, taking the They lost all four matches at World Cup out of the sport’s tra- the 2011 tournament during their Japan’s Shota Horie (right) and team-mates attending a gym training session yesterday, ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. ditional heartlands for the first only previous appearance at the time. finals and are only in Japan after They will be looking for a Japan now see themselves as their other Pool A opponents Joseph has been quick to favourites, simply because… we Romania and Spain were disqual- good early showing from Japan too good for many of the other Ireland, Scotland and Samoa will dismiss the favourites tag ahead have never been the favourites,” ified from European qualification to build further excitement in the Tier Two nations and are looking likely define Japan’s World Cup of tomorrow’s game, pointing out Joseph said yesterday. for fielding ineligible players. host country, who are already to disrupt the established world campaign, a big opening win in that Japan only managed to “We have got a lot of respect Russia, under the tutelage of optimistic following the Pacific order by reaching the quarter- front of an expected record tel- sneak a 32-27 win when they for Russia and we were very Welshman Lyn Jones, lost their Nations Cup (PNC) triumph last finals for the first time. evision audience will build belief faced Russia in November. lucky to win the last time we last warm-up match 85-15 to month. Although the results against that history can be made. “I never consider us to be the played them. Italy. Balance the Japan’s World South Africa plan aerial key for Flying Cup Fijians, says attack against All Blacks coach McKee AFP AFP TOKYO TOKYO REUTERS SAPPORO, JAPAN Japan aims to bring the Rugby World Cup to as wide an South African coach Rassie audience as possible and host cities stretch from the Erasmus predictably named his Fiji coach John McKee has said northern island of Hokkaido to Fukuoka, on the western tip number one side to face New the World Cup will be treated of the archipelago. Zealand in the marquee clash on to plenty of the flair associated The government is also hoping to breathe new life into the opening weekend of the World with the island nation’s rugby an area wrecked by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, cre- Cup. but this time it will be allied ating the only purpose-built stadium in a town destroyed He will roll out the same side with a firm focus on the basics by the disaster. that thrashed Japan in their final of the game. Here are the 12 stadiums hosting matches at the 2019 warm-up match before the tour- The Flying Fijians were the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off tomorrow (capacity in nament, a line-up that had only one last Pacific islands side to make brackets): change from the team that drew the knockout phase at the INTERNATIONAL STADIUM (72,327) 16-all with New Zealand last month World Cup when they upset The biggest stadium and the venue for both semi-finals when Siya Kolisi was injured. 38-34 to advance to the and the final on November 2. The Yokohama Stadium, just Between them, the Springboks last eight in France in 2007. south of Tokyo, is used to holding major sporting events, and All Blacks have won five of the McKee believes a rock-solid having hosted the final of the 2002 football World Cup eight World Cups and Erasmus has structure must be combined where Brazil beat Germany. been quite open about the game with their natural running game SHIZUOKA ECOPA STADIUM (50,889) plan needed to take down his arch- if they are to match that feat in Home to Japan’s most famous attraction, Mount Fuji, rivals in their Pool B clash at Japan, where they have drawn Shizuoka is also a breeding ground for sports stars in tennis Yokohama on Saturday. Australia, Uruguay, Georgia and and baseball. Against Japan, Springbok Wales in Pool D. TOKYO STADIUM (49,970) halves Faf de Klerk and Handre “We do need to play test Home to a J-League football team, this stadium was Pollard spent much of the time South African flanker Siya Kolisi (left) taking part in a training session match rugby but need to put the drafted in as emergency replacement for the proposed kicking the ball away so the South at the Arcs Urayasu Park in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, yesterday. icing on the cake with some national stadium, which was scrapped amid public outcry Africans could rehearse their Fijian talent and flair,” the New over its $2bn price tag. defensive lines ahead of the sus- Zealander said. TOYOTA CITY TOYOTA STADIUM (45,000) tained periods of attack they expect bigger forward pack handled the SOUTH AFRICA (15-1) “For us it’s about finding the The ‘City of Automobiles’ is a key engine room for rugby from the All Blacks. breakdown in the humidity as the balance to playing test match in Japan. The city’s rugby team has been crowned national “We’ve picked our best side,” game wore on. rugby.” Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo champions three times. The stadium, which has a retractable Erasmus said. “We’ve been working really Fiji have long been a global Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole roof, has hosted international rugby. “It’s going to be a massive chal- hard on that over the last six or power in sevens and played (41,410) lenge with the rain they’re pre- seven Test matches. It will be a Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, some breathtaking rugby to win The most northernly venue, Sapporo hosted the 1972 dicting. Everyone’s talking about massive challenge.” Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, gold in the inaugural Olympic Winter Olympics. But the Dome was only opened in 2001 the slippery ball and the wetness. With Kolisi restored to full Siya Kolisi (capt), Franco Mostert, Eben tournament in Brazil in 2016. for the 2002 football World Cup. It is also home to profes- Kicking is going to play a big part.” health he will form a powerful Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, The Fijians won four suc- sional baseball and soccer teams. Erasmus believed his backline loose forward trio with Duane Ver- Steven Kitshoff cessive Pacific Nations Cup OITA STADIUM (40,000) -- with a speedy outside trio of meulen and Pieter-Steph du Toit, Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai titles from 2015-18. Oita is famous for its hot springs and local delicacy, the Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am and with the tight five of Franco Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Fiji open their campaign poisonous fugu, or blowfish, which can only be prepared Makazole Mapimpi -- would match Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Mal- Francois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Francois against twice champions Aus- by specially licensed chefs. The stadium was built for the whoever the All Blacks put up but herbe, Malcolm Marx and Steven Steyn, Jesse Kriel tralia in Sapporo on 2002 World Cup, where it hosted three matches. the crunch area would be how his Kitshoff adding muscle. Saturday. KUMAMOTO ATHLETIC STADIUM (32,000) Blessed with national parks and the 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle, several top Japanese rugby players have come from Kumamoto. KOBE MISAKI PARK STADIUM (30,312) Kobe, which suffered a devastating earthquake in January 1995 that killed over 6,000 people, hosted 2002 football World Cup matches and previously played host to the 1985 Student Summer Games. OSAKA HANAZONO RUGBY STADIUM (30,000) Hanazono was Japan’s first purpose-built rugby stadium when it was completed in 1929, earning the city the nickname of “Rugby City”. KUMAGAYA RUGBY GROUND (24,000) Kumagaya is a suburb outside Tokyo and has earned the soubriquet of Japanese rugby’s ‘hallowed ground of the east’. It plays host to the spring all-Japan high school rugby championship. FUKUOKA HAKATANOMORI STADIUM (22,563) Known for its gourmet food and rugby, Fukuoka is the sports centre of Japan’s Kyushu island. KAMAISHI RECOVERY MEMORIAL STADIUM (16,187) The smallest but most emotive venue, as the town of Kamaishi was almost wiped off the map by the 2011 tsunami. The stadium, the only one purpose-built for the Rugby World Cup, is on the site of two schools devastated by the waves. Italian players taking part in a training session in Sakai yesterday, ahead of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup which will kick off tomorrow. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2019

Australia’s Moody named Kohli, bowlers star in India’s as coach of Oval team in T20 victory over South Africa The Hundred

AFP SCOREBOARD AFP CHANDIGARH South Africa India LONDON R Hendricks c Sundar b Chahar ...... 6 R Sharma lbw b Phehlukwayo ...... 12 Q de Kock c Kohli b Saini ...... 52 S Dhawan c Miller b Shamsi ...... 40 An unbeaten half-century from T Bavuma c Jadeja b Chahar ...... 49 V Kohli (not out) ...... 72 Former Australia all-rounder skipper Virat Kohli and disci- R van der Dussen c & b Jadeja ...... 1 R Pant c Shamsi b Fortuin ...... 4 Tom Moody and England World plined bowling helped India beat D Miller b H Pandya ...... 18 S Iyer (not out) ...... 16 Cup winner Lydia Greenway South Africa by seven wickets in D Pretorius (not out) ...... 10 Extras (LB2, W5) ...... 7 have been appointed as head the second interna- A Phehlukwayo (not out) ...... 8 Total (3 wkts) ...... 151 coaches of the Oval-based tional yesterday. Extras (LB5) ...... 5 Did not bat: H. Pandya, K. Pandya, R. Jadeja, W. men’s and women’s teams for Kohli made 72 off 52 balls as Total (5 wkts) ...... 149 Sundar, D. Chahar, N. Saini the new Hundred competition, India chased down their target Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-88, 3-90, 4-146, 5-129 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-94, 3-104 the England and Wales of 150 in 19 overs in Chandigarh Bowling: Sundar 3-0-19-0, Chahar 4-0-22-2, Bowling: Rabada 3-0-24-0 (w3), Nortje 3-0-27- Board announced yesterday. Saini 4-0-34-1, Jadeja 4-0-31-1, H Pandya 4-0- 0, Phehlukwayo 3-0-20-1 (w1), Pretorius 3-0-27- to lead the three-match series 31-1, K Pandya 1-0-7-0 0, Shamsi 3-0-19-0 (w1), Fortuin 4-0-32-1 The Hundred, starting in 1-0 after the opening game was 2020, is a new tournament con- washed out. sisting of eight city-based fran- But it was the bowlers led by complete his 22nd T20 fifty in 71 of South Africa’s T20 side, chise sides, breaking away from paceman Deepak Chahar who games, stood firm to see the smashed eight fours as he com- England’s traditional county set up the win after restricting team home with Shreyas Iyer, pleted his third fifty in the system. South Africa to 149 for five in on 16 as he hit the winning four, shortest format. Teams will bat for 100 balls their innings. at the other end. Paceman Navdeep Saini got each with overs, normally con- Kohli then anchored the Kohli, who became the the prized wicket of De Kock sisting of six deliveries, lasting chase, putting on crucial part- highest run-getter in T20 inter- with India Kohli taking a sensa- for 10 balls with bowlers either nerships including a 61-run nationals with 2441 runs, is tional one-handed running catch bowling five or 10 balls second-wicket stand with locked in a battle with teammate from mid-off. consecutively. opener Shikhar Dhawan, who Rohit Sharma who was out for Bavuma went on to make 49 Moody led Sri Lanka to the made 40 off 31 deliveries. 12 and has 2434 runs from 97 off 43 deliveries before 2007 World Cup final and Sun- The left-handed Dhawan fell matches. becoming Chahar’s second risers Hyderabad to the Indian to a spectacular catch by an air- Earlier South Africa skipper victim of the evening as South Premier League title in 2016. borne David Miller at long-on Quinton de Kock smashed 52 off Africa lost steam in the middle “Anything that is new and with left arm spinner Tabraiz 37 deliveries to give his team a overs. is innovative has an automatic Shamsi getting the brisk start before the Indian Unbeaten batsmen Dwaine appeal,” said Moody. breakthrough. bowlers struck back. Pretorius, on 10, and Andile “From a coaching per- Debutant spinner Bjorn De Kock, a wicketkeeper- Phehlukwayo, on eight, finished spective it presents new chal- Fortuin struck soon to get batsman, put on a crucial off in style with a six each to lenges to test yourself against wicketkeeper-batsman 57-run second-wicket stand make South Africa get 16 runs in a world-class environment. Rishabh Pant back in the with debutant Temba from the final over. “To be a part of the early India captain Virat Kohli plays a shot during the second Twenty20 pavilion for four as India Bavuma. The final match is on Sunday stages of a tournament where match of a three-match series against South Africa at Punjab Cricket slipped to 104 for three. The left-handed opener, who in Bangalore. you have the opportunity to set Association Stadium in Mohali yesterday. But Kohli, who went on to was recently appointed leader the tone around what the 100- ball format will look like is a unique opportunity.” The 53-year-old’s appointment is the final one Mahmudullah guides among the eight men’s outfits in The Hundred following the announcements of Stephen Fleming (Nottingham), Mahela Bangladesh into final Jayawardena (Southampton), Simon Katich (Manchester), AFP SCOREBOARD Gary Kirsten (), Darren CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH Lehmann (Leeds), Andrew Bangladesh Zimbabwe Najmul Hossain c & b Jarvis ...... 11 Brendan Taylor c Shakib b Saifuddin ...... 0 McDonald (Birmingham) and Mahmudullah struck a quick-fire Liton Das c Madziva b Mpofu ...... 38 Hamilton Masakadza b Aminul ...... 25 Shane Warne (Lord’s). half-century as Bangladesh beat Shakib Al Hasan c Williams b Burl ...... 10 Regis Chakabva b Shakib ...... 0 None of the coaches of the Zimbabwe by 39 runs to qualify Mushfiqur Rahim c Taylor b Mutombodzi ....32 Sean Williams c Afif b Shafiul ...... 2 men’s sides are English but of for the final of their Twenty20 Mahmudullah Riyad c Williams b Jarvis ...... 62 Tinotenda Mutombodzi c Najmul b Aminul ..11 the seven appointed so far for tri-series in Chittagong Afif Hossain c Taylor b Mpofu ...... 7 Ryan Burl b Shafiul ...... 1 the women’s teams, Greenway yesterday. Mosaddek Hossain c Chakabva b Jarvis...... 2 Richmond Mutumbami c Saifuddin b Shafiul 54 is the fourth from the host The hosts will face Mohammad Saifuddin (not out) ...... 6 Neville Madziva run out ...... 9 nation. Aminul Islam (not out) ...... 0 Kyle Jarvis c Sub b Mustafizur ...... 27 Afghanistan in the final on Extras (LB3, W4) ...... 7 Ainsley Ndlovu b Mustafizur ...... 2 Greenway, who helped Tuesday in Dhaka, while Zim- Total (seven wkts) ...... 175 Chris Mpofu (not out) ...... 0 England win the Women’s babwe will finish their cam- Did not bat: Shafiul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman Extras (B1, LB1 W3) ...... 5 World Cup in 2009, said: “I feel paign against the same oppo- Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-55, 3-65, 4-143, 5-159, Total ( all out) ...... 136 extremely privileged to have nents on Friday. 6-169, 7-169 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-8, 4-35, 5-37 (Burl), this chance. It’s an opportunity Riding on Mahmudullah’s 62 Bowling: Ndlovu 3-0-32-0, Jarvis 4-0-32-3, 6-44, 7-66, 8-124, 9-136, 10-136 to work with the best players off 41 balls, Bangladesh posted Mpofu 4-0-42-2 (w2), Williams 4-0-26-0 (w2), Bowling: Saifuddin 4-0-14-1, Shakib 4-0-28-1, in the country and the best 175-7 -- the side’s highest total Burl 1-0-13-1 , Mutombodzi 3-0-17-1, Madziva Shafiul 4-0-36-3 (w1), Mustafizur 4-0-38-2 (w1) , players from around the world, 1-0-10-0 4-0-18-2 (w1) against Zimbabwe in which is really exciting.” -- before pacer Shafiul Islam and Sanjay Patel, managing debutant leg-spinner Aminul two years, claimed 3-36 while finish with 2-38 as Bangladesh director of The Hundred, said Islam shared five wickets to teenager Aminul also impressed, condemned Zimbabwe to their the list of coaches was a line-up Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah plays a shot during the fourth Twenty20 bowl out Zimbabwe for 136. taking 2-18. third consecutive defeat in the “bursting with quality”. international match of a tri-nation series against Zimbabwe at Shafiul, playing his first Mustafizur Rahman also took tournament, ending their The men’s player draft in nearly two wickets in the final over to chances of playing in the final. Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, yesterday. takes place on October 20. Guangzhou end Kashima’s reign as Asian champions

AFP second period to equalise. KASHIMA Leo Silva’s speculative shot AFC Champions was deflected past the unlucky League World Cup winner Fabio Zeng off another Brazilian, Cannavaro moved a step closer Serginho, who was credited with Chinese giants Guangzhou, to AFC Champions League glory the goal. who won the competition as his Guangzhou Evergrande Kashima needed to score in 2013 and 2015, go side stunned Asian champions again to keep their title defence through after drawing 1-1 in Kashima Antlers yesterday on alive and coach Go Oiwa threw Japan following a goalless away goals to reach the semi- on his dual attacking threat of stalemate in Guangzhou finals. Yuki Soma and Ayase Ueda three weeks ago. The Chinese giants, who won with 20 minutes to go as he the competition in 2013 and went all out in search of the 2015, go through after drawing winner. only to see it blocked on the line 1-1 in Japan following a goalless It almost paid off immedi- by a sprawling defender. stalemate in Guangzhou three ately as Oeda started a smooth It was hacked clear as the weeks ago. passing move that culminated in referee blew for full-time and Cannavaro, who lifted the Serginho rattling the crossbar the Guangzhou players to man 2006 World Cup as Italy’s with a superb 20-yard left-foot collapsed to the turf in relief captain, will be thanking his curler that had Zeng for once and a large contingent of trav- goalkeeper Zeng Cheng, who stranded. elling fans from the southern pulled off a string of world-class Kashima kept pressing and Chinese city danced in the Guangzhou’s forward Al Kesen (centre) shoots during the AFC Champions League saves to keep his side in the Guangzhou and Zeng desperately stands. quarter-finals second leg match against Kashima Antlers of Japan at the Kashima match after they grabbed the kept them at bay until a dramatic They go through to a semi- crucial away goal before Stadium in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, yesterday. fourth and final minute of added final against fellow two-time half-time. time. champions Urawa Red Dia- A cagey start and mostly minute. The bleach-blond Bra- Lacklustre Kashima had won served to wake the Japanese With just 10 seconds monds from Japan next month, tepid first half from the two zilian midfielder rose highest to their last six home games in the giants. remaining Leo Silva danced into with the winners meeting either renowned attacking sides meet Huang Bowen’s corner on knockout stages of the AFC They laid siege to the the box on the left flank, cut back Al Sadd from Qatar or Saudi Ara- sparked into life when Talisca the right and head home unstop- Champions League, keeping Guangzhou goal after half-time towards the penalty spot and bia’s Al Hilal in November’s two- put the visitors ahead in the 40th pably from close range. three clean sheets, and the goal and it took just six minutes of the beat Zeng with a right-foot shot legged final. THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Ajax’s emphatic QSL: Al Arabi, Al Gharafa look to win does not win many continue fine form in Round 4 plaudits REUTERS FAWAD HUSSAIN AMSTERDAM THE PENINSULA Round 4 QSL Fixtures Today 4:50pm: Al Arabi vs Al Ajax Amsterdam might have Al Arabi and Al Gharafa are occu- Shahania at Al Janoub made an emphatic start to their pying the top two spots in the Stadium Champions League group QNB Stars League (QSL), and 7:00pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli campaign by blitzing Lille 3-0 both the teams are aiming to at Al Sadd Stadium on Tuesday, but coach Erik ten continue their good start in the Hag was far from pleased with Tomorrow new season as they meet their 4:50pm: Al Sadd vs Umm Salal some aspects of their play. respective opponents in Round at Al Janoub Stadium Ten Hag said Ajax’s per- 4 matches today. formance could have been 7:00pm: Al Sailiya vs Qatar Al Arabi, who have 7 points better had they stuck to pre- SC at Al Sadd Stadium from two wins and a draw from arranged instructions before their first three games, are on top On Saturday the Group H game against last 4:50pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Khor of the standings and are ahead season’s Ligue 1 runners-up at at Al Janoub Stadium of Al Gharafa on basis of scoring the Amsterdam Arena. 7:00pm: Al Wakrah vs Al Duhail more goals as ‘The Cheetahs’ also “We could have been a lot at Al Sadd Stadium have two victories and a draw. Al Gharafa better organised. Lille played Al Arabi will meet struggling players celebrate very attacking and gave us a lot Al Shahania at Al Janoub Stadium after scoring of space for counter attacks,” while Al Gharafa will take on Al a goal during he told reporters afterwards. Ahli in today’s second game at the QNB Stars develop our overall level,” said “That’s when you need Al Sadd Stadium. League match in Al Gharafa coach. However, Al players to move up quickly Al Arabi coach Heimir Hall- this file picture. Ahli coach Ruben de la Barrera, towards their goal, but we did grimsson said his team was whose team jumped to 4th in it too quickly at times. We dis- looking forward to stay on top the standings with back-to- cussed beforehand that we of the standings. Al Arabi coach said his target determination. Even if we suffer he added. Meanwhile, Al Gharafa back wins, was upbeat ahead might need to put the brakes on “I know Al Shahania are a for the entire season was to a setback, we must come back coach Slavisa Jokanovic said his of the match. a bit so as not to lose possession good side but we’re targeting a maintain good form in all games strongly,” said Hallgrimsson. team was ready to put a good “Al Gharafa are a new chal- again and get caught out. top position in the standings. Our that will help his side finish On the other hand, Al Sha- performance against Al Ahli. lenge for us. A strong match and “That almost happened to goal is three points,” Hall- among the top four sides. hania coach Jose Murcia hoped “We play against a difficult I know the quality of Al Gharafa us in the last minute of the first grimsson said at a pre-match “We’re building a team for his team will rectify mistakes in and strong team, a good test for players and their coach. We have half and would have spoilt our press conference yesterday. the future and that’s one of my today’s encounter and will us. We have prepared for this won the last two games, which half-time lead.” priorities. I think it’s great if we bounce back strongly. match as usual. We will face a gave us more confidence to build Criticism was echoed by finish the season among the top “We’ve tried to correct the different team than the other on in the next game and we hope midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who four,” he said. mistakes we made in the past opponents we faced so far,” said to achieve a positive result,” said told Dutch TV there was too The former Icelandic player games and we’re trying to get Jokanovic De la Barrera. much showing off at times from I know Al Shahania said though Al Shahania have a positive result from this game “Al Ahli are strong in attack “Our new recruit Abel the youthful outfit, seeking to are a good side but lost all their first three matches in order to improve our and we are ready to put up a Mathias is starting to show his emulate their heroics of last we’re targeting a and are reeling on the bottom, position,” Murcia said good performance. We will see seriousness and he is the striker season when they went from top position in the his team cannot afford to take yesterday. what happens in the game,” he I was waiting for. The players the early preliminary rounds them lightly. “We must’ve a strong deter- added. must have more time for right through to the standings. Our goal “Every game is a test for us mination and positive spirit. We “The Al Ahli match, despite harmony among themselves, as semifinals. is three points: and I think it depends on the trained well though we had no its difficulty, is only about three well as get used to the atmos- “We did our thing, but Hallgrimsson mentality of the players and their special preparations. We’re points. We are ready to make an phere in the stadiums,” he sometimes we overdid it and at ambition. It’s mostly about taking this game very seriously,” effort to win. We are trying to added. times there was too much circus,” he said, referring to cute passing moves and Guangzhou’s midfielder attempted backheels that did Ter Stegen stakes Anderson Talisca (right) not work out for Ajax. heads to score a goal But Ten Hag described the in front of Kashima’s overall result as “fantastic”. claim to be goalkeeper Kuwon Sun-Tae “I saw a lot of good things during the AFC Champions in our attacking play. The League quarter-finals second goal from Edson second leg match against Alvarez, for example, was well Germany’s No. 1 Kashima Antlers of set-up,” added the coach. Japan and Guangzhou The Mexican scored early AP. Evergrande of China at in the second half, his goal DORTMUND, GERMANY the Kashima Stadium sandwiched between Quincy in Kashima, Ibaraki Promes’ 18th minute effort and Whether Germany coach People know what I’m prefecture, yesterday. the third from Nicolas Joachim Löw was watching or Tagliafico. not, Marc-André ter Stegen capable of. I just want delivered his message. to concentrate on my The goalkeeper work and show my produced a player-of-the-match capabilities to 100%. Inter’s Conte blames wrong kind of performance to help the Spanish team escape with a 0-0 draw at I think I managed that Borussia Dortmund in their today: Ter Stegen Champions League group football for European frustration opener on Tuesday. as he has been for every com- It was Ter Stegen’s first petitive international game since REUTERS game since he voiced discontent October 2017. MILAN Inter Milan’s Italian head coach Antonio with his backup role to Germany “It’s not easy to find an Conte reacts during the UEFA Champions No. 1 Manuel Neuer. explanation for it. I give my best Milan’s false start in the Cham- Ter Stegen saved a penalty in every game to make the pions League with a home draw League Group F match against Slavia Prague from former Borussia decision more difficult,” Ter against Slavia Prague has only on Tuesday at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. Mönchengladbach teammate Stegen said. strengthened the idea that coach Marco Reus and made a string “These international games Antonio Conte is good in Serie A of saves to deny the home side. were a tough blow for me.” but less so in Europe, which the Ter Stegen was already Bayern Munich goalkeeper Italian had dismissed as a cliche known for his prowess facing Neuer showed little sympathy before the match. penalties before he left Gladbach after his team’s 1-1 draw at After winning their first three for Barça in 2014. Leipzig in the German league on domestic league matches under His save against Reus - Saturday.“He never said any- Conte, Inter might have expected diving to his left, then calmly thing about it when we were on to cruise past the Czech cham- snapping up the rebound on the international duty. Basically I pions whose close season line before any of the onrushing think that we should always transfer spending of around Dortmund players could reach appear as a team, and I don’t eight million euros was around the ball - was his fourth from six know if this helps,” Neuer said. one eighth of what the Italian penalties he has faced in the “I’m a team player and side spent on forward Romelu Champions League. always think of what’s best for Lukaku alone. “People know what I’m the team.” Neuer referred to the Instead, Inter -- eliminated capable of. I just want to con- duel between Germany goal- in the Champions League group centrate on my work and show keepers and long- stage last season -- needed a my capabilities to 100%. I think time No. 1 Oliver Kahn before stoppage-time equaliser to draw I managed that today,” Ter the 2006 World Cup, and the 1-1, dropping two points they Stegen said. praise Kahn paid his rival for a could ill afford to lose in a group “Slavia Prague certainly Turin side ended in a quarter- “People live by cliches,” he Ter Stegen, undisputed No. brilliant performance in the that also includes Borussia played the European way, final and group stage said. “As soon as someone says 1 at Barcelona, is finding it much quarterfinal win over Argentina. Dortmund and Barcelona. attacking and playing with high elimination. something on the television, eve- harder to break through for Ter Stegen hit back at the Conte then offered the intensity and pressing. It was a similar story at ryone else starts copying it.” Germany. The 27-year-old goal- notion he wasn’t a team player. curious explanation that, basi- “In other matches, we have Chelsea where he won the Conte noted that every time keeper expressed disap- “If you think of the past cally, Inter’s opponents played played teams who have waited Premier League in his first he was in the Champions League pointment with his reserve role years, you can see how I’ve the wrong kind of football. in their half of the pitch, but season but saw his side knocked it was with a team still being put after last week’s European qual- carried myself. So these com- “This is not the kind of Slavia attacked us and we should out of the Champions League in together, a claim he could also ifiers against the Netherlands ments are not appropriate,” the football we train for,” he said. have found different the round of 16. make about the current Inter and Northern Ireland. German said. “I’m the one to blame solutions.” On the eve of Tuesday’s side on which over 150 m euros The 33-year-old Neuer, who Barcelona coach Ernesto because I didn’t make the right ]Conte made his name by match, Conte was asked about in transfers was spent in the is also Germany’s captain, kept Valverde thanked the goal- choices before the game and I winning three successive Serie his reputation of being a summer window alone. his place between the posts to keeper for “his outstanding didn’t correctly understand the A titles with Juventus but his two domestic, rather than European, “You have to work in the leave Ter Stegen on the bench, saves” against Dortmund, type of match I was going to play. European campaigns with the coach. Champions League,” he said. “ SPORT

PAGE | 07 PAGE | 08 Osaka beats Hamilton hopes Tomova to to shine under storm into Pan Singapore Pacific quarters floodlights

Thursday 19 September 2019 Di Maria shines as PSG crush Real; Atletico hold Juventus AHENCIES able to open a 2-0 lead with PARIS goals by Juan Cuadrado and Blaise Matuidi in the second Angel Di Maria produced a half. vintage performance with Sefan Savic pulled two goals to help Paris St Atlético closer in the 70th and Germain claim a 3-0 home Herrera got the equalizer win over Real Madrid in their with a late header. Champions League Group A In the other group match, opening game yesterday. Lokomotiv Moscow won 2-1 In the absence of the for- at Bayer Leverkusen. midable trio of Kylian Bayern Munich kicked off Mbappe, Neymar and their Champions League Edinson Cavani, Di Maria campaign by easing to a 3-0 provided two first-half goals victory over Red Star Bel- as PSG suffocated Real grade on Wednesday in a throughout and Thomas one-sided Group B Meunier added a third in encounter. stoppage time. Kingsley Coman headed Zinedine Zidane’s Real, them into the lead in the 34th who eliminated PSG in the minute from a fine Ivan last 16 in 2017-18 and were Perisic cross and the Bundes- also missing key players at liga’s leading scorer Robert the , failed Lewandowski slid in for the to muster a shot on target and second goal in the 80th. suffered their first defeat of Thomas Mueller, who the season. became the club’s record PSG lead the standings on Champions League three points, ahead of Club appearance maker when he YESTERDAY’SYESTERDAY’S RERESULTSSULTS Brugge and Galatasaray, who came on as a substitute for Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria celebrates after scoring against ClubCl b BruggeBruB ggegee 0-00-0 Ga Galatasarayalataasaaraay played out a goalless draw his 106th game in the com- Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions league Group A match played in Paris, yesterday. OOlymOlympiakospiakoss F FCC 2-22-2 TottenhamToTottennhnhan m HHotspurotsppur earlier yesterday. petition, volleyed in his first Elsewhere, in Madrid, goal of the season in stoppage AtleAtlAtleticoticot MadMMadriddrididd 2-22-2 JJuveJuventusuveveentuntusus Héctor Herrera scored in the time. minute after being carelessly and Galatasaray played out uneventful match BayeBBayeryer Le Leverkusenverkerkususen 1-21-2 Lok Lokomotivokoommototiv MMoMoscowoscoow 90th minute as Atlético Tottenham gave up a brought down by Yassine a goalless stalemate in their ahead of the BayeBBayernayea rnn Munich Municunu ch 3-03-0 CrvenaCCrvena ZvezdaZveezdzda Madrid salvaged a 2-2 draw two-goal lead and had to Meriah, and Lucas Moura opening Champions League much-awaited DinamoDiDinaD moo ZagrebZagreagrereb 4-0 Atal Atalantalantan a against Juventus. settle for a 2-2 draw against made it 2-0 four minutes Group A game at the Jan clash between Cristiano Ronaldo was Olympiakos. later with a strike from 20 Breydelstadion yesterday. Paris St Germainn andd PSGP G 3-0 RealRea MMadMadridrid held scoreless in his return Harry Kane scored a meters (yards). Both teams hit the Real Madrid in thee samesame Shak Shakhtarhtar Don Donetsketsk 0-30-3 Manc Manchesteranchesteer CCityity to Madrid, but Juventus was clinical penalty in the 26th Meanwhile, Club Brugge woodwork in an otherwise group.

Barcelona’s reacts as Getting two goals away he is being from home that’s not substituted due to , but overall we’re an injury disappointed because during this is the kind of Tuesday’s game we’d want to be match against winning: Tottenham Borussia Hotspur’s Harry Kane Dortmund. after drawing against Olympiakos

Olympiakos’ Portuguese midfielder Daniel Podence celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match against Tottenham Barca’s Alba Hotspur at the Stadium in yesterday. sidelined with It’s not about tactics, it’s not about quality hamstring injury players, it’s about the REUTERS quality of preparing Coach Hallgrimsson respects DORTMUND yourself to be ready to fight: Tottenham Barcelona defender Jordi Alba injured his manager Mauricio hamstring in the 0-0 draw at Borussia Khalfan's retirement decision Dortmund in the Champions League, his team Pochettino said in a statement yesterday, with Spanish THE PENINSULA In an Arabic message after he announced he was media reporting that the Spain international DOHA posted on Al Kass’ Twitter joining Al Arabi for the new will be out for around two weeks. handle, Ibrahim was quoted QSL season that kicked off The left back was forced off in the 40th Al Arabi coach Heimir Hall- as saying: “I am announcing last month. minute of Tuesday’s Group F game and grimsson yesterday said the my retirement from football. The 31-year-old was replaced by . club wished the retired I hope that everyone respects named the Asian Player of Barca’s statement did not say how long This is not the kind of Qatari great Khalfan Ibrahim my decision that I took after the Year in 2006, becoming Alba would be out, but newspaper AS said football we train for. (pictured) stayed with them, years of thinking. All due the first Qatari to win the he would be sidelined for two weeks, ruling I’m the one to blame instead of calling time on his respect to the clubs - Al Sadd, title. Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim him out of Barca’s games at Granada, because I didn’t make playing career. Al Rayyan and Al Arabi - that Hassan won the same award at home to Villarreal and away to Getafe. Speaking at a press con- helped me in my career.” last year. He is expected to return in time for the right choices ference ahead of their QNB “It’s the player’s decision Other top awards for Barca’s next Champions League game at before the game Stars League (QSL) Week 4 and we can’t interfere in it. Ibrahim include QSL Young home to Inter Milan on October 2. and I didn’t correctly match against Al Shahania, It’s unfortunate and I can’t Player of the Year 2006, Best Alba’s injury hands an opportunity to understand the type of the Icelandic tactician said go deeper because he’s the only Khalfan can make the Arab Player 2007 and Qatar Junior Firpo, the left back who joined Barca he and other team members decision-maker, but we best decision for himself,” Player of the Year 2013. from for €18m ($19.88m) in the match I was going to respect the former Qatari wished he stayed with us. We Hullgrimsson said. In 2011, Ibrahim won the close season but who has only played nine play: Inter Milan coach international’s decision to were hoping he would go Ibrahim’s surprise AFC Champions League title minutes of first team football so far. Antonio Conte retire. back on his decision. But retirement came just a week with Al Sadd. Barca are fifth in the La Liga standings on seven points after four games.