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Monday, September 19, 2016 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 17, 1437 AH Guardiola calm GULF TIMES and composed about fl ying start SPORT Page 3

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Rashidov, Romarinho help Jaish beat Wakrah

Watford’s French midfielder Etienne Capoue celebrates after scoring against Manchester United at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north of London, yesterday.

FOOTBALL/EPL

El Jaish players Mohamed al-Jabri (L) and Dami Terawari celebrate after their team’s win over Al Wakrah yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Jaish started the second half with Doha real intensity and could have doubled their lead just three minutes after Watford add to the restart. Rashidov’s powerful shot l Jaish registered a 2-1 victory crashed against the underside of the over a spirited Al Wakrah in cross bar. the Qatar Stars League to en- However, it wasn’t long till Jaish Esure they stayed on par with doubled their lead. title rivals Lekhwiya, Al Rayyan and El Jaish were awarded a penalty on Al Sadd after the fi rst round of action. the 49th minute after QSL debutant At the Lekhwiya stadium yesterday, Seidou Keita was pushed down in Mourinho woe, goals from Sardor Rashidov and Ro- the box by Ahmed Kahil. Romarinho marinho from the penalty spot were stepped up and calmly stroked the ball enough for the soldiers who had to into the bottom right hand side to give endure a nervy fi nal 15 minutes after Jaish a two-goal lead. Al Wakrah striker Pablo Olivera pulled Lamouchi’s side looked dangerous a goal back for his side. in the fi nal third and struck the wood- Sabri Lamouchi’s team enjoyed the work for the second time in the match. majority of the possession through- In the 57th minute, Romarinho’s ef- Spurs go third out the tie and looked sharp going fort from inside the box left Wakrah forward. They broke the deadlock on keeper Idriss scrambling. the 24th minute when a cross from Ali Al Wakrah eventually found their United were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City in their previous league game Sanad fell to the feet of Uzbekistan way back into the tie with playmak- international Rashidov and the Jaish er Mouhcine Moutouali pulling the AFP Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Ma- earlier been hurt in a clash of heads United in 30 years and saw them number 10 had enough time to con- strings in attack. His powerful run London rouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney and with Janmaat, and he left the pitch climb to ninth place. trol the ball before unleashing an un- and shot brought out a good save from Zlatan Ibrahimovic coming in. shortly after, with Ashley Young “It is a very important three points stoppable half-volley past Al Wakrah Jaish stopper Khalifa Ababacar. But once again United made a coming on. to give my players the confi dence to stopper Hassan Idriss. In the 73rd minute, Wakrah striker isfi ring Manchester sluggish start and they were given a Rashford, making his fi rst league go ahead,” said Mazzarri, via an in- El Jaish looked confi dent on the ball Pablo Olivera curled in a shot to give United crashed to a third big let-off when Odion Ighalo some- start of the season, equalised just af- terpreter. with Brazilian attacker Romarinho, his side a lifeline in the match with consecutive defeat yes- how curled wide of an open goal af- ter the hour, slamming in from close “We were playing well, we con- fresh from signing a new three year just 15 minutes to go. Team mate terday as manager Jose ter visiting goalkeeper David de Gea range after Ibrahimovic’s cross from ceded a goal and we stopped play- deal with the side, looking good lead- Mouhcine Moutouali held the ball up MMourinho saw his side deservedly dropped a high ball. the left bounced into his path. ing and we were afraid. But then we ing the Jaish attacking line. well and laid the ball off for Olivera, beaten 3-1 at Watford in the Premier Paul Pogba cracked a dipping shot But United were undone in the made the changes and everything Al Wakrah where reduced to long and his eff ort found the back of the League. against the bar moments later, but 83rd minute when Roberto Pereyra went the right way.” shots for the majority of the fi rst half. net for the Blue Waves, a perfect debut It is the fi rst time Mourinho has United fell behind in the 34th minute cut the ball back for substitute Zu- Tottenham leapt up to third place, A speculative eff ort from Moroccan for the Uruguayan hit man. lost three straight games within the when Daryl Janmaat cut the ball back niga, who exploited acres of space to four points below leaders City, after playmaker Mouhcine Moutouali saw Wakrah probed for an equalizer and same season since he was at Porto in for Capoue to sweep home his fourth curl a shot past De Gea with his fi rst bouncing back from their opening the ball balloon well over the crossbar. could have had one had Pablo Olivera 2002 and it left United six points be- goal of the campaign. touch after coming on. Champions League loss to Monaco The fi rst half ended with El Jaish going kept his shot down in the fi nal min- hind early pace-setters Manchester Mourinho felt that United should Deeney sealed victory in the fi fth by sinking Sunderland at White Hart into the break with a slender 1-0 lead. utes of the tie. City. have been awarded a free-kick for a minute of stoppage time, drilling a Lane. Tottenham Hotspur went third foul on Anthony Martial by Miguel penalty into the net after Fellaini had Kane settled the game in the 59th after beating Sunderland 1-0 with Britos in the build-up. caught Zuniga. minute, slotting in from close range a goal from Harry Kane, who later Martial landed heavily, having It was Watford’s fi rst victory over after Papy Djilobodji miscued an at- limped off . Crystal Palace crushed tempted clearance. Stoke City 4-1 and Southampton But there was bad news for man- edged Swansea City 1-0. RESULTS AND STANDINGS ager Mauricio Pochettino as Mousa “We started the season very well Dembele and Eric Dier were forced and had good results,” said Mour- Watford 3 Man United 1 3 Tottenham Hotspur 5 3 2 0 8 2 11 off with apparent hamstring injuries inho. Crystal Palace 4 Stoke City 1 4 Arsenal 5 3 1 1 12 7 10 before Kane hobbled off after seem- “I feel the fi rst moment we had a Southampton 1 Swansea City 0 5 Chelsea 5 3 1 1 10 6 10 ing to roll his right ankle. defeat, a diffi cult situation, some of Tottenham Hotspur 1 Sunderland 0 6 Liverpool 5 3 1 1 11 8 10 Sunderland winger Adnan Januzaj the boys are having a bit of diffi culty 7 Manchester United 5 3 0 2 8 6 9 was sent off in the last minute after coping with the negativity.” Saturday, September 17: 8 Crystal Palace 5 2 1 2 7 5 7 picking up a second yellow card. Marcus Rashford cancelled out Hull City 1 Arsenal 4 9 Watford 5 2 1 2 10 9 7 Crystal Palace rose to eighth place Etienne Capoue’s opener for Wat- Leicester City 3 Burnley 0 10 West Bromwich 5 2 1 2 6 5 7 after a breezy 4-1 win over bottom ford, but a late goal by Juan Camilo Manchester City 4 Bournemouth 0 11 Leicester City 5 2 1 2 7 7 7 club Stoke City. Zuniga and a stoppage-time Troy West Bromwich 4 West Ham United 2 12 Hull City 5 2 1 2 6 7 7 James Tomkins, Scott Dann, James Deeney penalty gave Walter Maz- Everton 3 Middlesbrough 1 13 Middlesbrough 5 1 2 2 5 7 5 McArthur and Andros Townsend zarri’s side the three points. 14 Southampton 5 1 2 2 4 6 5 found the net for Palace before Marko United were beaten 2-1 by Man- Friday, September 16: 15 Swansea City 5 1 1 3 4 7 4 Arnautovic claimed a consolation in chester City in their previous league Chelsea 1 Liverpool 2 16 Burnley 5 1 1 3 3 8 4 stoppage time. game and then went down 1-0 to 17 Bournemouth 5 1 1 3 3 9 4 Elsewhere, Southampton moved in the Europa League on P W D L F A Pts 18 West Ham United 5 1 0 4 7 13 3 out of the bottom three after Charlie Thursday. 1 Manchester City 5 5 0 0 15 4 15 19 Sunderland 5 0 1 4 3 9 1 Austin’s second-half volley secured a Mourinho made fi ve changes to the 2 Everton 5 4 1 0 10 3 13 20 Stoke City 5 0 1 4 3 14 1 1-0 win over Swansea. team that had lost in Rotterdam, with El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi reacts during the match. Gulf Times 2 Monday, September 19, 2016 FOOTBALL

SERIE A REACTION Some United players not coping with Perisic winner helps pressure: Mourinho

The Guardian Manchester

ose Mourinho admitted Inter stun Juventus, some of his players are un- able to cope with the pres- sure of playing for Man- chesterJ United at the moment and also stressed how they need to learn from their defensive mistakes after his side slumped to a third successive defeat on an boosts De Boer afternoon that ended with the Portuguese once again criticising the match offi cials. Inter put their Europa League shocker behind them with a battling performance at a Refl ecting on the way United’s United manager Jose Mourinho. fortunes have changed since packed San Siro to hand the champions their first defeat of the season winning their fi rst four games have to jump and go and press under him, Mourinho claimed he but, no, we wait. This is tactical AFP always realised there were issues but it is also a mental attitude. Milan to address, in particular in de- It’s something that you don’t go fence, where he suggested there there and in a couple of weeks was a mental as well as a tactical everything becomes perfect. So second-half winner by Ivan problem with the way his players we have to improve, no doubt, Perisic boosted Frank De Boer’s are reluctant to press. individually and collectively. survival prospects as Inter Mi- “I was completely aware that we And that’s my job because lady lan fought to a deserved 2-1 were not the perfect team, that we luck you don’t control and refe- ‘DerbyA d’Italia’ win over Juventus in Serie had lots of players who are not end rees mistakes you don’t control.” A yesterday. products and can make their own Martial clashed heads with De Boer, who succeeded Roberto Man- mistakes,” Mourinho said. “My Daryl Janmaat before Watford cini at Inter two weeks before the start only doubt was the way they can took the lead and he appeared of the season, was rumoured to be facing cope with the negative moments to be suff ering from concus- the sack after a midweek defeat to Hapoel that come sooner or later. I feel sion when he was taken off , four Beer Sheva followed a run of poor results that some individuals probably minutes later, raising questions in the league. feel too much pressure and that about why he had been allowed to But the former Ajax handler’s job responsibility. continue in the fi rst place. Mour- looks safe, for the meantime, after Inter “But from a collective point of inho claimed he did not know the put their Europa League shocker behind view, I only have good things to nature of the injury. “You are them with a battling performance at a say about them. If you analyse asking me things that I can’t tell packed San Siro to hand the champions our three defeats in the last week, you because I don’t know why he their fi rst defeat of the season. we were always the best team in came off , if he was injured in his Stephan Lichesteiner opened the scor- the second half. We didn’t start knee, in the ankle or his head,” he ing for Massimiliano Allegri’s visitors well today but then in the second said. “I promise you that I don’t against the run of play on 66 minutes, but half the players showed quality, know. I just know that in that Mauro Icardi continued his impressive intensity, desire, commitment moment he’s not in condition to form against Gianluigi Buff on by hitting and ambition. And we lost again carry on in the game.” the leveller just two minutes later. in our best moment. Perisic then came off the bench to “I can split this into three Scholes slams ‘sloppy’ nod the winner from Icardi’s deft cross factors: one is the referee’s cru- Man United 12 minutes from time to send Inter up to cial mistakes – that’s not in my seventh place in the table. control. Against Man City you Paul Scholes criticised Inter are now three points behind Na- know what happened in minute Manchester United’s “sloppy” poli, who, on 10 points, hold a one-point 55 [when Claudio Bravo made the display after their loss to Wat- lead on Juventus. challenge on Wayne Rooney], to- ford. Former United midfielder The goal-scoring prospects for either day you know what happened for Scholes, now a television ana- side looked bleak after goalless outings the fi rst goal, against Feyenoord lyst with BT Sport, didn’t spare against European opposition this week. you know that the goal was in his old side. “The quality on Juve were held to a scoreless draw by an off side position, so we were the ball was as poor as you’ve Europa League winners Sevilla in their punished by these mistakes and I seen from a Man United Champions League opener while Inter can’t do anything. team, and that’s just the way looked completely hapless on their way “The third thing is what is in it is at the minute,” Scholes to a 2-0 reverse against their Israeli visi- Inter Milan’s forward Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring during the Serie A match against Juventus yesterday. my hands, which is the improve- said. “You’re not sure what tors at the San Siro. ment of the team, the improve- you’re going to get. Rashford But the Derby d’Italia was the perfect straight at Samir Handanovic. Results after he rose above Mandzukic at a corner ment of individuals, trying to is probably the only shining chance for De Boer to convince his em- Inter went on the counter after Icardi to send a looping header over Buff on. stop with the defensive mistakes. light really and he didn’t have ployers, and the Dutchman didn’t disap- robbed Giorgio Chiellini, and the Argen- Udinese 1 (Zapata 25) Chievo 2 (Castro De Boer immediately replaced Eder I knew that I had a task because, his best game today, but he point. tine’s curling drive came off the far post. 82, Cacciatore 90+5) with Perisic and after Icardi saw claims for example, the fi rst Man City looked a threat. I just think in He dropped Marcelo Brozovic for dis- Juve threatened only three minutes af- Cagliari 3 (Borriello 8, 73, Sau 55) for a penalty waved away following a goal and this second goal to- possession Man United were ciplinary reasons and Perisic was initially ter the restart, Dybala fi ring a defl ected Atalanta 0 clash with Giorgio Chiellini, Allegri fi - day, you can fi nd an incredible really, really poor. only fi t enough to start on the bench. shot over. Crotone 1 (Trotta 23) Palermo 1 nally gave Higuain the nod. similarity, which is [Aleksandar] “Individually it wasn’t good Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, But it served only to spark Inter. (Nestorovski 66) The Argentine replaced Mandzukic for Kolarov has the ball in a diffi cult enough. In possession it meanwhile, kept star striker Gonzalo Hi- Eder’s defl ected shot from 25 metres Sassuolo 2 (Politano 58-pen, Defrel the fi nal quarter hour, but Persic’s infl u- situation in the corner and my wasn’t good enough. So guain on the bench, with Mario Mand- almost caught Buff on off guard and Ju- 66) Genoa 0 ence was quickly felt. players, instead of going up to sloppy, giving the ball away zukic partnering Paulo Dybala, although ventus breathed a huge sigh of relief after Torino 0 Empoli 0 When Ever Banega stole possession press, they decide to give space, all the time. Something’s not the Argentine striker was visibly frus- another counter saw Buff on at full stretch Inter Milan 2 (Icardi 68, Perisic 78) from Sandro he found Icardi in space at and today for the second goal, right there. The cohesion of trated as he sat on the touchlines. as Antonio Candreva’s crisp volley from Juventus 1 (Lichsteiner 66) the far post. [Nordin] Amrabat receives the the team isn’t there. He (Mour- Amid a nervous opening half Dybala Icardi’s delivery inched past the far post. The Argentine then delivered a deft ball and our left-back is 25 me- inho) needs to find the right had an early volley charged down before Inter looked to have the momentum cross with the outside of his boot for Per- tres distance from him instead mix of players.” setting up Alex Sandro in deep for the but two superb moves by Kwadwo Asa- give Lichsteiner a simple tap-in. isic to loop over Buff on after rising above of being fi ve. But even at 25, you Brazilian wing-back to deliver a great ball moah, who muscled past his marker, and Juve’s joy lasted barely two minutes, Andrea Barzagli. Now to see what hap- for Sami Khedira, who sent a free header Sandro carved open the Inter defence to Icardi sending the San Siro into raptures pens next for Inter. LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA Villarreal go sixth, High-fl ying Hertha down Schalke Valencia go bottom as crisis continues

DPA feat and left them bottom of La Madrid Liga with zero points - and with to maintain 100 per cent record Pako Ayesteran odds-on favour- ite to be the fi rst coach sacked. AFP Heidel after losing at Eintracht Results nbeaten Villarreal “We seem to have forgotten Berlin Frankfurt and being beaten at moved up to sixth in the how to play football at times,” home by Bayern. Augsburg 1 (Stafylidis 73) Spanish Liga yesterday the embattled Ayesteran said. “Three games, no points: Mainz 3 (Cordoba 7, Malli 75, with a 2-1 home defeat “But I think this is going to ertha Berlin main- that’s not Schalke,” fumed frus- Uof Real Sociedad. improve. The players are obvi- Muto 81) tained their 100 per- trated Brazilian defender Naldo. Alexandre Pato missed an ously frustrated because they cent Bundesliga record The Royal now badly Hertha Berlin 2 (Weiser 64, early penalty for Villarreal but have no points at all to show for with a 2-0 win over need wins at home to Cologne Stocker 74) Schalke 04 0 Nicola Sansone soon gave them all their eff orts.” HSchalke 04 yesterday to set up on Wednesday and away to Hof- a 2-0 lead with a quickfi re brace Valencia are now alone on a top-of-the-table clash on fenheim on Sunday. within three minutes midway the bottom as Celta Vigo earned Wednesday against leaders Bay- “Together with our fans, we This was Muto’s second goal off through the fi rst half. their fi rst point earlier Sunday in ern Munich. have to turn things around on the bench this season after he net- Yuri Berchiche pulled a goal a sterile 0-0 draw at Osasuna. Hertha’s victory means they Wednesday,” Naldo added. ted, with only his fourth touch of back for Sociedad, but Villarreal “It is good to fi nally get a are second in the table on goal Only goal diff erence keeps the game, late in Mainz’s 2-1 de- held out for the win without too point. We might have sneaked a diff erence behind Bayern with them off the bottom of the ta- feat at Borussia Dortmund on the many problems. win at the end, but I would not the only teams boasting a per- ble, one place ahead of Werder opening weekend. The Yellows are level on eight say that a draw was unfair,” Celta fect three wins from three in Bremen, who sacked their coach Mainz are in the Europa points with Atletico Madrid and coach Eduardo Berizzo said. Germany’s top fl ight poised to Viktor Skripnik on Sunday. League this season, draw- Sevilla. They are a point behind His Osasuna counterpart En- meet at Munich’s Allianz Arena “We are on the right path and ing their fi rst group game 1-1 leaders Barcelona, Real Madrid rique Martin said: “Every game in midweek. Hertha Berlin’s Mitchell Weiser (C) celebrates with teammates after we mustn’t let results drive us at Saint Etienne on Thursday, and Las Palmas. this season is going to be like a “We’re enormously happy scoring against Schalke yesterday. mad,” said Germany defender but this was their fi rst German Also yesterday, Valencia’s war for us... Our objective is to that we now have nine points, and Schalke captain Benedikt league win of the campaign after nightmare start continued with a get 40 points and survive, and but Bayern is a completely dif- by Weiser who volleyed home to clash and another test for Carlo Hoewedes. also drawing 4-4 with Hoff en- 2-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao. that is not going to be easy.” ferent opponent,” admitted the delight of the home fans in Ancelotti’s Bayern. Earlier, Japan striker Yoshinori heim last weekend, when they Youngster Alvaro Medran gave Osasuna are third bottom with Hertha’s left-back Marvin Plat- the 50,000-strong crowd on 64 The Italian’s illness-hit side Muto again came off the bench to squandered a 3-0 lead. Valencia an early lead by turning two points, one point and one tenhardt. “We’ll need a really minutes. had to come from behind to score his second goal in just three Augsburg had again threated in a centre from fellow newcom- place above Celta. good day.” Hertha doubled their lead in grind out a 3-1 win at home to Bundesliga games in Mainz’s 3-1 to share the points after Greece er Nani, but Bilbao’s ageless vet- Superb second-half goals emphatic fashion ten minutes Ingolstadt on Saturday. away win at Augsburg. defender Konstantinos Stafylid- eran Aritz Aduriz quickly turned Results from ex-Bayern midfi elder later when Weiser’s pass found The Berlin result means a third- Muto came on with 66 min- is equalised in the 73rd minute to the game on its head with an im- Mitchell Weiser and Swiss mid- Stocker in space behind the straight defeat for Schalke, the utes gone for Colombia striker make it 1-1. pressive brace. Osasuna 0 Celta Vigo 0 fi elder Valentin Stocker at Ber- Schalke defence and the Swiss in- only German league team still yet Jhon Cordoba, who had scored But a bullet-header from Mal- Valencia dominated the sec- Athletic Bilbao 2 (Aduriz 24, lin’s Olympic Stadium gave Her- ternational showed great control to score a goal this season. Mainz’s early opener, and li restored Mainz’s lead two min- ond half but lacked suffi cient 41) Valencia 1 (Medran 2) tha victory. before slamming his shot home. It is little short of disaster for stabbed the ball over the line utes later before Muto made sure craft and precision to create clear Villarreal 2 (Sansone 22, 25) A superb pass from Slovakia’s It means Berlin will head to new coach Markus Weinzierl nine minutes from time after of the three points to leave both chances to equalize. Real Sociedad 1 (Yuri 35) Peter Pekarik was met in mid-air Munich for a mouthwatering and director of sport Christian some good play by Yunus Malli. teams in mid-table. It was their fourth straight de- Gulf Times Monday, September 19, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT SCOTTISH Celtic denied by Fisher late show Guardiola calm AFP 17th minute when Celtic left- Glasgow back Kieran Tierney picked out Rogic to volley home his fi fth goal of the season. nverness Caledonian Thistle The hosts levelled 11 minutes substitute Alex Fisher struck later when loanee King cut inside an 89th-minute winner to Cristian Gamboa and dispatched deny a 25-yard drive that visiting and composed Ileaders Celtic victory in a 2-2 draw goalkeeper Dorus de Vries could yesterday. ’s only help into the net. Celtic, chasing a sixth successive Inverness had a penalty ap- title, were looking to bounce back peal turned down moments later from their humbling 7-0 demoli- when Ross Draper appeared to be tion by Barcelona in the Champi- brought down by Erik Sviatch- ons League on Tuesday. enko, only for referee Don Rob- They looked on course for ertson to wave play on. about fl ying start a fi fth consecutive league win Sinclair struck shortly after when Scott Sinclair restored the half-hour mark, seizing on their lead in the 34th minute af- the ball following an error by Josh ‘In our world with social media it’s better to stay back and don’t listen too much. I ter Australian midfi elder Tom Meekings and curling home. Rogic’s opener had been can- Celtic dominated the second know we are going to lose games and when that happens it’s important to be stable’ celled out by Billy King. half, but Inverness goalkeeper But with full-time beckoning at Owain Fon Williams repelled eve- the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, rything that came his way, saving Fisher headed home a last-gasp from Moussa Dembele, Tierney, equaliser to lift the Highlanders McGregor, Rogic and Sinclair. off the foot of the table. When Celtic did fi nd a way past Nevertheless, Celtic remain the Welshman, Sviatchenko saw three points clear of Hearts at the his header come back off the post. top of the table and also have a The home side landed a sucker game in hand. punch in the dying moments when Rodgers made two changes Fisher leapt to convert Greg Tan- from the thrashing at Camp Nou, sey’s cross with a header. with Rogic and Callum McGre- Tansey then curled a free-kick gor coming in for Nir Bitton and narrowly wide, while Celtic went veteran centre-back Kolo Toure. close to restoring their lead when Inverness made an assured Fon Williams had to save an in- start, but they fell behind in the jury-time header from Dembele.

Pochettino concerned by Kane injury Tottenham Hotspur striker disappointed with his injury. Harry Kane will undergo tests The image was a little bit today after injuring his right tough, but we need to assess ankle during his side’s 1-0 win tomorrow. We hope it’s not a over Sunderland yesterday, big issue for us.” manager Mauricio Pochettino Spurs also lost Mousa Dem- said. bele, who was making his Kane had to be stretchered return from a six-game sus- off after badly turning his pension, and Eric Dier, both of ankle in a sliding challenge on whom went off holding their Papy Djilobodji, having earlier hamstrings. scored the game’s only goal in But Pochettino played down the 59th minute. the severity of their problems. “We’ll see tomorrow how is “It’s a coincidence. They will his ankle,” Pochettino told Sky be available for the next few Sports. “I’m happy for him, but games.”

LIGUE 1 Nice second aft er Montpellier point Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gives a thumbs up from the touchline during the EPL match against Bournemouth.

AFP when you play in the Champions League I’m not going to accept now it’s so easy.” level. I am lucky and we are lucky to have Manchester those games are so demanding. City were inspired to their fi fth succes- him. We will take care of him and I hope “I am happy. We have won fi ve games sive league win by Kevin de Bruyne, who he will enjoy it with us to play his amaz- in the Premier League. scored the opening goal from a free-kick ing football.” ep Guardiola is refusing to get “In our world with social media it’s and then had a hand in each of the next Bournemouth’s third league loss of the carried away by Manchester better to stay back and don’t read and three from Kelechi Iheanacho, Raheem season made it a tough full debut for on- City’s outstanding start to the don’t listen too much. Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan on his fi rst loan Arsenal midfi elder Jack Wilshere. season and insists maintaining it “I know we are going to lose games and start for the club. But manager Eddie Howe claimed it Pwill not be easy. when that happens it’s important to be Apart from Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, was an unfair performance by which to City’s 4-0 demolition of Bournemouth stable like we are stable now. Guardiola believes De Bruyne deserves to judge the England international. took them fi ve points clear at the top of “When we win we are so happy, our be rated as among the world’s best players. “It was diffi cult for Jack. We want to the Premier League with a seventh suc- training sessions are better and the peo- “Maybe Messi can sit alone at the table. see Jack in the fi nal third to use his best cessive victory in all competitions mak- ple laugh more but we know that still we But that table aside, Kevin can stay there,” qualities,” said Howe. ing it the club’s best ever start to a season. have a lot of things to get better.” said Guardiola, who enjoyed many memo- “That was impossible today but when But Guardiola believes there is still Guardiola said that the season had rable moments with Messi at Barcelona. he can do that gets used to the way we room for improvement in a team he has barely got underway and he had had “I think he’s a special player - an out- play he will be a very good player for us. rejuvenated since arriving from Bayern enough warning prior to arriving at how standing player. He makes everything. “It was a diffi cult day for us. Our plan Nice’s French-born Moroccan midfielder Younes Belhanda (C) Munich earlier this summer. tough a title it is to win. “Without the ball he is the fi rst fi ghter wasn’t to sit as deep in the fi rst half but gestures after scoring a goal against Montpellier yesterday. “Numbers are numbers. One record “We are in September. It’s nothing. We and with the ball he’s clear. He sees ab- we ended up getting trapped. will be for another person to beat,” said have played absolutely nothing,” said the solutely everything. He decides what you “They were better than us but I’m dis- AFP A towering Radamel Falcao Guardiola. “The important thing is we 45-year-old Spaniard. have to do at the right moment every time. appointed with our performance. You Montpellier, France header helped send Monaco top won a game after a Champions League “I have heard from a long time ago that “Every time he makes the right deci- have to give them credit for the way they on Saturday while 20-year-old game. We had three days to prepare and the Premier League is the toughest ever so sion. That’s why he is a player at another played but we can do better,” he added. Thomas Lemar also scored twice ewly-recruited play- at the end of the game. maker Younes Bel- Falcao’s career has hit the BOTTOMLINE handa grabbed a point buff ers since quitting Atletico for Nice in a 1-1 draw at Madrid but on Saturday, the NMontpellier with a determined 30-year-old Colombian leapt late strike yesterday meaning high at the back post and pow- his side climb above champions ered in a header in the 42nd Paris Saint Germain into second minute to score his fi rst goal for place in Ligue 1. Monaco since August 2014 -- Wenger hails resilient Arsenal Having come fourth last sea- 755 days ago. son, Nice lost their coach Claude This was Monaco’s seventh AFP to, did he (Cazorla) tell Sanchez? victories. Puel to Southampton while Hatem consecutive win and followed a Kingston upon Hull I don’t know. On-going takeover talks and Ben Arfa moved on to PSG. slick 2-1 triumph over Totten- “As a manager, you ideally uncertainty over the future of But with highly-regarded ham in the Champions League in want all the things to happen in caretaker manager Mike Phelan, Swiss coach Lucien Favre now midweek. proud Arsene Wenger the way you decide, but we don’t who is yet to accept an off er to in charge, Nice are unbeaten in “The favourite to win the ti- praised his Arsenal live in an ideal world. The keeper take the job full-time, have con- Ligue 1 so far and have brought in tle, which will be a long haul, is side’s response to their made a good save.” tributed towards the downturn Belhanda on loan from Dynamo Paris,” warned Monaco coach “shock” start to the in results for the pre-season Kiev while snapping up Italian Leonardo Jardim. seasonA after they climbed into WALCOTT PRAISE relegation favourites, who had striker Mario Balotelli. “Nice, Lyon and Marseille have the Premier League’s top three Wenger singled out England pulled it back to 2-1 with a late The former Liverpool, Man also invested in their teams, but we with a 4-1 rout at Hull. winger Walcott, who scored for penalty from Scotland midfi eld- City and AC Milan striker sat are a better side this season, more The Londoners recorded three the fi rst time since the opening er Robert Snodgrass. out this encounter having played experienced and organised,” said consecutive league wins for the weekend defeat at home to Liv- Phelan is leaning towards tak- twice in four days, but will be the Portuguese coach whose side fi rst time since December as erpool, and young forward Alex ing the job, with an announce- back for Wednesday’s top of came third last year. Alexis Sanchez scored twice and Iwobi for special praise. ment expected by the middle of the table clash with pacesetters On Friday, Uruguayan striker Theo Walcott and Granit Xhaka “I started Alex last year be- next week. Monaco, who have 13 points to Edinson Cavani banged four goals also netted at the KCOM Sta- cause I’ve seen there is some The former Manchester Unit- Nice’s 11 and PSG’s 10. past Caen in a 6-0 win for PSG. dium on Saturday. quality, enough to give him a go,” ed assistant has been in charge Nice can thank a fi ne per- Lucas Moura and Jean-Kevin Confessing his side were not added Wenger. for almost two months since the formance from 22-year-old Augustin added the other two ready for the start of the cam- “He has a lot in the locker, departure of Steve Bruce, and he goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale for goals after the break as PSG end- paign when they took only a Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka (L) celebrates scoring their fourth goal. he’s only 20 years old. He has said: “My future is a lot brighter, several fi ne saves that kept them ed a run of three games without a point from their fi rst two match- gained in confi dence now and I think. in the game until his left back win in all competitions. es, Wenger said: “We had a big Sanchez has six goals in fi ve “I have to check that but I has gained power.” “I was off ered some terms 48 Malang Sarr gave away a penalty shock in our fi rst game and I said games against the Tigers and think Santi was at the head of Asked if this was a big season hours ago and due to this game on 67 minutes, duly converted by Results straight away we faced a mental could have claimed a hat-trick the list,” Wenger said after see- for Walcott, 27, he added: “He being quickly upon us I left it Ryad Boudebouz. test to see how we responded as regular penalty taker Santi ing his side fail for the second was infl uential in both halves of alone. Then Belhanda, one of the stars Montpellier 1 (Boudebouz 67- to that, and I think we have re- Cazorla looked on, but the Chile time from four penalty attempts the game with the quality of his “I’ve now got to read those of Montpellier’s staggering Ligue pen) Nice 1 (Belhanda 85) sponded well. forward saw his fi rst-half spot- this season. runs, he is very dangerous.” terms and have a good look at 1 title winning charge of 2012, “We were not ready physically kick saved after Hull defender Wenger refused to criticise Hull have taken one point them tomorrow. From there, I’ll crowned a solid performance with Saint-Etienne 1 (Hamouma at the start of the season, but Jake Livermore was sent off for Sanchez, adding: “We have three from three games since opening have a sit down with the owners a tap-in on 85 minutes after the 90+2) Bastia 0 this was a convincing win.” handball. players (takers). Did he not want the season with back-to-back to discuss it a little bit further. ‘keeper fumbled the ball. Gulf Times 4 Monday, September 19, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BUNDESLIGA Northern German giants struggling to Rooney’s years at fi nd their way Werder Bremen have dismissed coach Viktor Skripnik while SV Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia is under pressure aft er poor starts to the season by two of the top take their toll Bundesliga’s biggest names on United captain There is no point pretending all is right when the player in question has become a huge debate and it does seem that Mourinho might be more worried than he lets on

By Daniel Taylor, The Guardian London

ayne Rooney is at that point This file photo shows Bremen’s Ukrainian head coach Viktor Skripnik. of his professional life where he is fi nding out the hard DPA season they managed a respect- way, as most sportsmen do Berlin able mid-table fi nish under Lab- Wat one point or another, that age can of- badia. ten be the toughest opponent. They have never been relegat- History will remember Rooney as the emories of the glory ed, but the last of their six league man who took Sir Bobby Charlton’s 249- days are fading with titles though goes back to 1983, goal record as the most prolifi c scorer in every passing year the year they also won the Euro- the club’s history (he is currently three for Werder Bremen pean Cup. behind). He has already replaced Charl- Mand SV Hamburg. Labbadia, 50, knows Skrip- ton as England’s highest scorer and is The two northern German nik’s fate all too well, for he was nine caps short of ’s record football giants have won 10 in exactly the same position of 125, to go with fi ve Premier League league titles and nine German three years ago. titles, one Champions League, one FA Cups between them. After Hamburg had lost Cup and two League Cups. Whatever Both have European silverware the opening three Bundesliga you think of the modern-day Rooney, in their cabinets. matches of the 2013-14 season, however much time has passed since the Yet the last few seasons have he was relieved of his duties with crowds at United longed for the ball to be shown little indication more tro- immediate eff ect. at his feet, statues have been put up for phies will be coming any time Labbadia then returned to players of less achievement – including soon. Hamburg for a second spell in at Old Traff ord. Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Borus- April last year, when he managed At the same time, there is no point sia Moenchengladbach spelled to steer the club clear of relega- pretending all is right when the player the end for Bremen coach Viktor tion via the play-off . in question has become a national de- Skripinik, who left the club with In January, his contract was bate and it does strike me that Mourinho his coaching team after the team extended by one year until the might be more worried than he lets on. returned to the Weser Stadium end of the current season. Rooney turns 31 next month and in his early Sunday. profession that is not exceptionally old Bremen have begun with the Hamburg have had 15 by any means. He is younger, by eight three league defeats, conceded 12 coaching changes in the last months, than Cristiano Ronaldo. Ted- goals in the process, and crashed 10 years, and Beiersdorfer dy Sheringham was 33 when he fl icked out of the German Cup to third- will be loath to be hiring out a leg to score for United in the 1999 division Sportfreunde Lotte. and fi ring again for both Champions League fi nal and Rooney’s At fi rst it seemed 46-year-old fi nancial and continuity absence from Thursday’s defeat against Ukrainian Skripnik would keep reasons Feyenoord, with Mourinho stating his his job. captain needed some rest, did slightly Bremen are seen as a club that Hamburg have had 15 coach- jar with Zlatan Ibrahimovic being on the likes do things diff erently and ing changes in the last 10 years, trip, only a couple of weeks before his Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney remonstrates with referee during the match against Watford. not act hastily in times of trou- and Beiersdorfer will be loath to 35th birthday. ble. be hiring and fi ring again for both Yet, in football, it is not always as body is bound to crumble when you think he was restricted to running in straight and author with a large portfolio of Unit- But the days when a coach fi nancial and continuity reasons. straightforward as comparing one man’s of the equation, 60 games times 10 years, lines. He had to be substituted 10 minutes ed-related work, asked the other day. such as Thomas Schaaf could The many management and age with another. Rooney was 16 when with only three or four weeks off each into the second half and missed the fol- There is no easy answer but, looking serve for 14 years have gone: squad fl uctuations have neither he made his Premier League debut in summer.” lowing league game against Blackburn. back, it is diffi cult to imagine Manchester Skripnik is now the third to lose helped Hamburg balance the 2002 and has never gone a season with- Allardyce uses Joe Cole as an example What you might not realise, however, is City are too cut up about Rooney staying his job at Werder since Schaaf books nor brought sporting suc- out playing at least 42 games. It has been to make his point. “Maybe the wear and that Rooney, an incredibly selfl ess foot- at Old Traff ord after that brief dalliance, left in May 2013. cess. a long old slog and heaven knows how tear caught up with him,” he concludes. baller sometimes, agreed to give it a go in October 2010, when he asked United Skripnik was a skilful mid- The club last year had debts many marathons he has run in that time. “He was only 17 when he made his Pre- despite still being on crutches, wearing a for a transfer. Would City have signed fi elder who helped Bremen win estimated at some 89 million eu- The workload was always going to tell mier League debut and had played 150 protective boot, on his way to Old Traf- Sergio Agüero if, nine months earlier, the league and cup double in the ros, when it also posted a record eventually. Dick Allen, the old baseball games for West Ham by the time he was ford. Compare that with the suspicion in they had lured Rooney to the east side of 2003-2004 season, their last loss of 16.9 million euros and has player, had a neat way of putting it. “Your 21.” That is still a long way short of Roon- United’s dressing room last season that Manchester? Or – hypothetical, perhaps league title. made losses for fi ve successive body is like a bar of soap,” he said. “The ey, though. At 21, Rooney had made well one player had pulled out of a game be- – might Agüero have appeared on Unit- He played alongside both cur- years. more you use it, the more it wears down.” over 200 appearances for club and coun- cause he “didn’t fancy it” only to train ed’s radar if they needed someone to fi ll rent sports director Frank Bau- However, the fi nal say may That does not mean Rooney is ready try. Today, it stands at 718. And Rooney perfectly normally the following day. the void left by Rooney? mann and supervisory board not be the sport chief’s at a club for the knacker’s yard just yet but it does is not Ryan Giggs. He is built diff erently, Rooney has worn strapping on that All that really can be said is Rooney chief Marco Bode. where billionaire backer Klaus- make the questions legitimate about he has lived diff erently and, in his peak right ankle ever since and these are the would rather play in midfi eld and Mour- Yet camaraderie in football Michael Kuehne provided more whether he is capable any longer of win- years, he has run down his opponents details that sometimes go amiss when inho might eventually have to rethink the counts for little when survival is than 30 million euros (33.5 mil- ning games at high altitude. And if Mour- with uncommon levels of raw physical opinion turns against him. Perhaps, in situation. “His days as a centre-forward at stake. lion dollars) for pre-season inho isn’t worried, he probably should commitment. that respect, he is unfortunate that his are over,” Jamie Carragher observed re- That could also apply soon for transfers and will be wanting a be. The old Rooney could topple the Rooney has also put his body on the 14 years in the Premier League have taken cently. “Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford Hamburg coach Bruno Labba- return on his investments. very best. The modern version does his line, bearing in mind some new detail in the age of social media. Few things on and Anthony Martial are better options dia, a former player at Bremen’s “Let’s wait and see whether best work now at a lower level and, deep that I heard recently about the night in Twitter invite such a froth of condem- with United; [Harry] Kane and Daniel northern neighbours, who also coach Bruno Labbadia can bring down, I suspect the new England man- April 2010 when United faced Bayern nation as daring to type a few words of Sturridge are better options for England.” played alongside his sports di- the team in form,” Kuehne was ager knows it, too. “Most players per- Munich in the Champions League, 2-1 praise on his behalf. Except Mourinho has already made rector, Dietmar Beiersdorfer. quoted as saying before succes- form at their best for only a decade,” Sam down from the fi rst leg in Bavaria, and Rooney’s contribution in last season’s it clear he does not want Rooney trying Hamburg have just one point sive defeats Bayer Leverkusen Allardyce writes in his autobiography. the sheer desperation for him to play, FA Cup fi nal also seems to have been air- to be the next Ray Wilkins. Something in their fi rst three games, and on and Leipzig. “If you are in the team at 17, you tend to even with damaged ankle ligaments. brushed out of history by his more dedi- might have to give and, until then, there Saturday were trounced 4-0 at A trip to Freiburg tomor- start declining after the age of 27. There You might remember the shock when cated critics, many of them supporters will be more of the questions that used to home by promoted RB Leipzig. row and a home game Saturday are exceptions, but not many. A player’s Rooney was named in the starting lineup of his own club. “Why does he continue prick Ferguson’s temper, even if it is grey Like Bremen, Hamburg have against champions Bayern Mu- body suff ers throughout those 10 years, (the medical prognosis was he would be to be unloved and unpopular among so performances, rather than occasional red been fl irting in recent years with nich will make it a crucial week especially if you’re an international. The out for up to three weeks). On the pitch, many MUFC fans?” Sam Pilger, a writer mist, that is the issue these days. relegation danger, although last for all concerned.

BOTTOMLINE We deserved all those points, insists Klopp

The Guardian cause, as when Brendan Rodgers’s Klopp celebrated by hugging his “We had a very good attitude, London team came so close to winning the ti- players after the match in a manner not only physically but also tle in 2013-14, they have no European that is becoming increasingly familiar. mentally,” said Klopp. “That’s the football to distract them. They have “It makes football much more enjoy- only way to win here. We had a he league table may not lie, certainly made a virtue out of an ex- able when you really feel this together- few wonderful individual but sometimes it can be eco- tremely difficult fixture list. ness,” he said. “I’m really demanding performances and that led to a nomical with the truth. Liver- “We cannot have a wishlist and say: to be honest and I ask a lot of them. So really nice team performance” pool’s total of 10 points from ‘Come on, let’s play there fi rst,’ so we when I see how they fi ght, with the last Tfi ve games suggests a solid start to the have had diffi cult fi xtures,” said the drop of fuel in their machine, it’s easy us. I’m very happy to be here again, to season yet the reality has been much manager. “That’s how it is. We have to hug them.” play in these types of games – the best more impressive. The redevelopment deserved all these points: we played games in the world. I am just a bit sad I of Anfi eld means that four of their fi rst spectacular football against Arsenal, REALITY CHECK FOR CHELSEA didn’t start how I wished but now I am fi ve games have been away from home were really good and organised against The match was a reality check for Chel- looking forward to the next games – it – three of them against the best teams Tottenham, and Chelsea was a mixture sea, who had made a strong start to the never stops – and we need to improve to in London. of those two games.” season under their new manager, Anto- do better to win games.” As well as hammering the cham- The match was notable for Jordan nio Conte. “We are not happy with the Chelsea remain above Liverpool on pions, Leicester, 4-1 at home, Jürgen Henderson’s stunning second goal, result and especially with the fi rst half,” goal diff erence, but have a desperately Klopp’s side won 4-3 at Arsenal, out- yet it was Liverpool’s calm, mature re- said David Luiz, who rejoined the club tough run of fi xtures coming up, with played Tottenham in a 1-1 draw and beat sponse to Diego Costa’s second-half last month. “We controlled the game Arsenal, Leicester, Tottenham, both Chelsea 2-1 with another fi ne display at strike that could be of greater long- in the second half and almost scored Manchester clubs, Everton and South- Stamford Bridge on Friday night. Their term signifi cance. the second goal to draw but it was not ampton to face in the next nine games. 2-0 defeat at Burnley looks even less “We had a very good attitude, not a good night for us. They controlled the Liverpool have a much friendlier run fathomable with each passing week. only physically but also mentally,” said game in the fi rst half with a lot of pos- and will hope to build on their impres- The manner in which they have Klopp. “That’s the only way to win session and changing their positions; sive start. “For the moment it’s good,” conquered London has increased the here. We had a few wonderful individu- they were better than us. said Klopp. sense that they might be equipped File picture of Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp punching the air after al performances and that led to a really “We must pay attention to these type “We feel in a good way, but we have to to conquer England – especially be- the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool. nice team performance.” of things as they started better than prove it every day. That’s our job.” Gulf Times Monday, September 19, 2016 5 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT question All Blacks superiority he All Blacks’ easy canter ternational rugby, New Zealand to the Rugby Champion- have managed to bounce back Tship crown has triggered arguably stronger than ever, World record in concerns in New Zealand while the other three appear to about the state of the interna- have gone backwards. tional game, amid claims their “World rugby is in a parlous dominance is unhealthy. state,” wrote Rattue. “The All “Rugby was the loser,” wrote Blacks beat Argentina by about columnist Chris Rattue in the 30 points in a ‘close’ test, and New Zealand Herald yesterday they have now crushed the after the All Blacks beat South hopelessly naive Springboks sight for All Blacks Africa 41-13 in by a similar margin without to wrap up the title with two even playing well.” rounds of the championship The All Blacks, with away ‘It’s very satisfying. I guess wrapping up the Championship is more of a consequence of us still to be played. matches against Argentina “There is increasing daylight and still to come, playing some really good rugby and the way some of the other results have gone. Certainly between them and anyone claimed the quadrangular tour- else in world rugby,” said Radio nament for the fourth time in pleasing to have it done after four rounds, but in reality it doesn’t change much, does it?’ New Zealand’s Jamie Wall, a five years, with Australia taking sentiment rugby writer Gregor the crown last year. Paul echoed in the Herald. “It The All Blacks have now Reuters said of the record before adding their overall becomes increasingly apparent gone 15 games unbeaten and New Zealand captain Kieran focus was more long-term. “It’s about chal- the All Blacks’ greatest enemy Gregor Paul said “that makes it Read holds the Freedom Cup lenging ourselves to be the best we can be.” is themselves,” Paul wrote. hard not to think of this team after their win over South Fairfax writer Richard as shaping as one of the best he All Blacks’ ability to seal the Africa on Saturday. (AFP) Knowler likened the All Blacks in history. There’s no point Rugby Championship with two Injuries take toll on All Blacks superiority to that of “a cruel in pretending, the All Blacks rounds remaining highlighted New Zealand’s plans to reshuffl e their line- cat that likes to toy with a bird are some way the best side Tthe burgeoning gap between the up after wrapping up the Rugby Champi- with a busted wing”. in the world and it will take a world champions and the rest of the sides, onship may be forced rather than manu- Despite losing more than supreme eff ort to beat them.” though the team were not prepared to let factured because of a mounting injury toll. 800 caps worth of experience Eric Watson, owner of their fi nal games become footnotes. Aaron Cruden (groin) and Sam Cane after winning the World Cup the Warriors side in the rival Their 41-13 bonus-point victory over (hamstring) have already been ruled out last October — including Richie rugby league code, said the the Springboks in Christchurch on Sat- of the series while there is a question mark McCaw and Dan Carter, the All Blacks’ dominance of world urday gave them their 15th successive win over Jerome Kaino. Kaino damaged his All Blacks have barely broken was not “real stretching back to last year and the title left shoulder during Saturday’s 41-13 vic- a sweat in winning all seven sport” and the Australia-based was confi rmed when Australia beat Ar- tory over South Africa in Christchurch and Tests played this year. National Rugby League was gentina 36-20 in Perth later. may miss this Friday’s fl ight to Argentina In June, they swept the more “exciting”. The All Blacks, playing a fast-paced for their next Rugby Championship match three-Test series against Wales, But while the outcome of All and high skill style, have the maximum 20 on October 1. the Six Nations runners up, Blacks matches is at present a points from the four games, with Australia The thumping win over the Springboks and have romped to bonus foregone conclusion, Knowler second on nine points. The best total the gave the All Blacks an unbeatable lead in point wins in all four Rugby noted that it’s what their sup- Wallabies could fi nish with is 19. South the championship with their away match- Championship matches played porters appear to want. Africa have six and Argentina fi ve points. es against Argentina and South Africa still so far, racking up 24 tries in the “The Springboks were in the “It’s very satisfying,” assistant coach to come. process. fight at 15-10 early in the sec- Ian Foster told reporters yesterday. “I Kaino was injured when he fell awk- The southern hemisphere ond half, when the crowd, no guess wrapping up the Championship is wardly in a tackle, and assistant coach Ian championship comprises doubt to the disgust of the pur- more of a consequence of us playing some Foster said Sunday it would take a few days the four semi-finalists from ists, signalled their frustration really good rugby and the way some of the to know whether he would be fi t to travel. last year’s World Cup — New by executing a Mexican wave,” other results have gone.” “He will be in a sling for a few days. Zealand, South Africa, Australia he wrote. “That seemed to set “Certainly pleasing to have it done af- We will make a decision later in the week, and Argentina. the All Blacks off . Perhaps they ter four rounds, but in reality it doesn’t about whether he comes,” Foster said. “It While the post World Cup don’t like the human waves, change much, does it? We’ve still got two is the sort of thing that comes right pretty months produced the usual either”, as the response was games on the road, our expectations are quickly, but we just have to wait three or welter of retirements from in- four unanswered tries. high and I’m sure the public’s are too so four days for it to settle down.” we’ve got to keep going.” , who pulled a ham- The All Blacks travel to Buenos Aires string in the opening match against Aus- this Friday for their next match against tralia, and George Moala, who injured a Argentina on October 1 before they fi n- knee during the June series against Wales, ish the competition against the struggling are expected to travel. Springboks in a week later. The All Blacks, with a relatively stable If they win those two matches, they line-up, have dominated the series amass- would extend their winning run to 17 ing 24 tries with bonus point wins in all consecutive matches, equalling a world four matches, prompting head coach Ste- record amongst top-tier nations that was ve Hansen to say it was time to give more achieved by the Springboks from 1997-98 players international experience. and the All Blacks from 1965-69 and again Springboks coach at- in 2013-14. tributed the All Blacks’ domination of the The challenge of facing fi red-up Pu- game to their constant forward planning mas and Springboks sides in their own to have a succession line in place for any backyards aside, coach has eventuality. already said he is likely to shake up his se- Hansen said that policy was not about lections to ensure players do not burn out to change as the world champions faced the before the end of year tour. daunting prospect of seven Tests in seven Completing Of added signifi cance is that the Wal- Foster said the history was one of the countries over an eight-week period. “We’re schedule undefeated would also mean the labies have also halted two lengthy win- factors driving the team, though mak- getting to that point in the season where we third clash with Australia ning runs by the All Blacks in recent years, ing sure they improved each week was far have to roll the dice anyway,” he said without South Africa’s stands dejected after a New Zea- at on October 22 would take stopping their streak at 16 games in 2012 more important as they build towards the elaborating on the changes ahead. “You can’t land try during the rugby Test match between New Zealand on some actual meaning as the potential with an 18-18 draw. They then stopped the 2019 Rugby World Cup. keep playing the same athletes the whole and South Africa in Christchurch on Saturday. (AFP) record breaker. 2014 streak at 17 games with a 12-12 draw. “It sounds a little bit more interesting,” he time and expect to have that same zing.”

ROUND-UP Pocock breaks hand, out of Championship Tests

AFP Argentina fi nish off their Rugby Scotland’s Jones, Perth Championship with a home match star in against tournament leaders New Zealand on October 1 followed by a match against brilliant solo try by Scotland cen- allabies star forward the Wallabies in London a week later. Atre Huw Jones for Western Prov- David Pocock (pic) will ince and a stunning comeback by lead- miss the rest of the Rug- Ashton in spotlight ers were South Wby Championship after again over biting claim African Currie Cup round 7 highlights breaking his hand in Australia’s win this weekend. over Argentina in Perth on Saturday. aracens England discard Chris Jones, who scored four tries in a pre- Scans yesterday confi rmed the frac- SAshton could be facing a second vious round, eluded six to dot ture, ruling Pocock out of the Walla- long spell on the sidelines for a disci- down beside the post and help Prov- bies’ fi nal two Rugby Championship plinary off ence after it was claimed he ince win 31-23 as they seek a top-four Tests, against South Africa in Pre- bit Northampton’s Alex Waller in Sat- league fi nish and a semi-fi nals berth. toria and Argentina in London early urday’s Premiership clash. The 22-year-old Edinburgh-born next month. The setback continues The 29-year-old wing — who was back has notched six tries in the Currie Pocock’s wretched run with injuries omitted from the England squad to Cup this season, one less than leading during his chequered playing career, tour Australia earlier this year and then try scorer of Blue . which include two knee reconstruc- snubbed the second string Saxons tour Lowly, winless Pumas from north tions, ankle and calf trouble and a frac- angering head coach Eddie Jones — is eastern city Nelspruit proved unex- tured eye socket. alleged to have bitten prop Waller’s pectedly tough opponents at Newlands Team offi cials said Pocock has a hand when they were lying on the in for 33-time Currie Cup chance to play for the Wallabies in the ground during the fi rst-half. champions Province. third Bledisloe Test against New Zea- “He (Waller) just repeated what he It took the hosts until the closing land in on October 22. said to the referee (Greg Garner), in stages of the second half before Jan de Pocock, who is being played at No.8 that he had been bitten on the hand,” Klerk scored the fourth try that se- this season with Michael Hooper at said Northampton’s director of rugby cured a bonus-point victory. open-side fl anker, wanted to keep Jim Mallinder after his side had lost 27- Cheetahs, who have occupied fi rst going in Saturday’s Test against the 12. His Saracens counterpart Mark Mc- or second place throughout the season, Pumas, but Wallabies coach Michael Call said he knew of the claim against appeared likely to lose their perfect Cheika said he had to come off the field. second spot remains open. The Wal- want to show people how motivated “We started badly and were then Ashton, who burst onto the scene record when trailing 26-8 at home to “It was quite swollen, so it was hard for labies are currently second after their we are inside each individual.” disoriented on the fi eld and did not re- when he was at Northampton after title-holders . him to move his hand,” Cheika told re- back-to-back home wins over South act. We conceded 21 points to simple making the switch from rugby league. A Reniel Hugo try trimmed the defi - porters. “He wanted to play through Africa and Argentina. Argentina rue defensive moves,” Hourcade said after the match. “I have heard the accusation,” said cit to 11 points by half-time in Bloem- but I had to take him off .” Cheika is expecting the Springboks “We started well in the second half, but McCall. “I haven’t seen the incident. fontein and further tries from Shaun Australia’s 36-20 win over Argen- to be diffi cult to beat in the re- lapses for Wallabies loss then they also reacted. We had a bad These things will run its (their) course. Venter, Ryno Benjamin and tina after leading 21-0 in the opening turn match. Australia have lost each of ead coach Daniel Hourcade has defence and that was the key. Errors in I suppose there is a good chance that delivered a dramatic 37-29 triumph 12 minutes was Pocock’s last match at the six Tests they have played against Hlambasted Argentina’s defence for attack I can understand, but defensive Chris will be cited as a result, so we will and a semi-fi nals place. home ahead of his planned 2017 sab- the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld, in- conceding 21 early points in their Rug- mistakes and not paying attention, no. see what happens.” This was the third consecutive away batical from rugby. Sean McMahon cluding a horror 61-22 mauling in 1997. by Championship loss to the Wallabies They are basic errors that we cannot Ashton received a 10-week ban last loss for the defending champions, who and his Melbourne Rebels teammate “We have to work out a really good in Perth. The Pumas never recovered commit, we know that if you mess up season for making contact with the eye have been harder hit than any rivals Lopeti Timani are in line to take over plan against the South Africans,” Chei- from an opening salvo of three tries in at this level, you concede points.” area of Ulster back Luke Marshall dur- by Springbok call-ups for the rugby Pocock’s spot at the back of the Wal- ka said. “It will be a cauldron in Preto- the fi rst 12 minutes as the Wallabies Hourcade praised man-of-the-match ing a European Champions Cup game, Championship. labies’ scrum. ria. We are a team that enjoys going went on to win 36-20 in their last home Will Genia and his Wallabies scrumbase although he protested his innocence Backs , The Wallabies have a week off be- on the road. I have been really pleased Test for the year on Saturday. It left the partner Quade Cooper for their inventive throughout. and and forwards Mal- fore travelling to Pretoria to face South with the lads, even under fi re they have Pumas with one win from four encoun- attack that troubled the Pumas. “They If Ashton, scorer of 19 tries in his 39 colm Marx, , Africa on October 1. New Zealand been very solid. There is a good feeling ters in this year’s southern hemisphere make some really good movement, we international Tests, is cited for biting and were part of the have already secured this year’s Rugby in the camp and there always has been tournament ahead of their fi nal Tests were wanting to take it to them but we — and the charge is proved — he could squad that lost in Australia and New Championship title, but the battle for and that’s really positive for us. We against New Zealand and Australia. made silly mistakes,” he said. be looking at another long lay-off . Zealand. Gulf Times 6 Monday, September 19, 2016 SPORT

WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY FOCUS Crosby still the man for Canada at World Canada rout Czechs, Cup of Hockey

Reuters Olympic champions on their Toronto way. “It was the only chance I had at it so it is never a bad play to Europe stun US id may not be the Kid throw it in there. Even if it anymore but Sidney doesn’t go off him into the net, Crosby is still the man the puck is lying there with ‘It’s a spot we didn’t want to be in, it is a very dangerous spot but we are here’ leading Canada to an guys in front,” said Crosby, openingS game win at the World who won his second Stanley Cup of Hockey on Saturday. Cup with the NHL’s Pittsburgh The last time Crosby wore Penguins three months ago. the Maple Leaf on home ice “It was nice to see it go in after he scored the winning goal in missing that breakaway early. overtime of the gold medal “It was nice to get the fi rst game at the 2010 Vancouver one and build off that but I Olympics. thought we played hard and we The 29-year-old Canadian worked. captain was back leading the “It didn’t come easy we had charge again on Saturday scor- to work for that and we got re- ing a goal along with two as- warded.” sists as Canada opened their With two Stanley Cups, World Cup of Hockey account two Olympic gold medals, with a 6-0 blowout win over two NHL most valuable player the Czech Republic. awards and a world champion- “He (Crosby) was great,” ship gold, a World Cup title is praised Canadian defence- one of very few honours not in man Brent Burns, who had an Crosby’s crowded trophy case. assist in the rout. “He’s the But it is not like a World Cup best player in the world and he has eluded Crosby with the dominated tonight. last World Cup staged a year “That line was great, they before Pittsburgh made him were buzzing, they were work- the number one overall pick in ing and you have to do that to 2005. be the best in the world and I Crosby is also aware there is guess that’s why he is.” plenty of work ahead if he is to As always it was Crosby who hoist the World Cup trophy. set the tone when he broke in “We’ve got to get better and alone on the Czech goal soon improve, there are still things after the opening faceoff . we can improve on but to get While Crosby would be de- rewarded for our hard work nied by Michal Neuvirth that and some of the things we did time he would still open the out there,” said Crosby. “We scoring near the midway mark want to continue to build here. of the fi rst period when he “We understand the posi- took the puck from behind the tion we are in. We are at home net and cleverly fl icked it in off and there are high expecta- the back of the Czech goalie to tions but I think that is just send the two-time defending part of it.”

Michal Neuvirth of Team Czech Republic makes a save on his back while playing Team Canada during the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP)

Reuters nine periods (three games) and Toronto like everyone else we want to be playing next weekend, that was from the get-go the reason for dominant Sidney us to be here,” said Team Europe Crosby led Canada to a coach Ralph Krueger, who is also 6-0 win over the Czech chairman of English Premier Republic at the World League side Southampton FC. CupA of Hockey on Saturday fol- “We didn’t see ourselves as lowing Team Europe’s shock vic- just a sideshow ever.” tory over the United States in the Goaltending was expected to tournament opener. be the strength of the US team Crosby was easily the best but was shaky in the opener as player on the ice scoring a goal Quick allowed three goals on and adding two assists as Can- nine shots through two periods ada lived up to their billing as while European counterpart Ja- tournament favourites. roslav Halak stopped all 35 shots “I feel good,” said Crosby, who he faced. won his second Stanley Cup with The stunning loss means the the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins United States most likely need three months ago. to win both of their preliminary- “The fact I played late into round games and get some help June and you’re stepping into Jonathan Quick of Team USA looks back at the net following a first period goal by Marian Gaborik of Team to have a chance at reaching the this level I think that helps with Europe during the World Cup of Hockey tournament at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP) semi-fi nals. adjusting.” “This is not a marathon as The Canadian captain opened from injury and playing in his the group stage. Nino Niederreiter while French- coaches always talk about in the the scoring near the midway fi rst meaningful game since last Team Europe, a roster made up man Pierre-Edouard Bellemare NHL season, this is a sprint and mark of the fi rst period when he November, made 27 saves for the of players representing eight dif- added another with 1:28 left in we’ve put ourselves in a spot took the puck from behind the shutout while Patrice Bergeron, ferent countries, scored on their the period. now where we are chasing the net and cleverly fl icked it in off Jonathan Toews, and Alex Pie- fi rst shot when Slovakian Mar- Team Europe may be the old- tournament,” said US coach John the back of the Czech goalie to trangelo had the other Canadian ian Gaborik took a perfect feed est and slowest squad competing Tortorella, whose team resume send the two-time defending Ol- goals. from Denmark’s Frans Nielsen in the eight-team tournament play tomorrow against Canada. ympic champions on their way. The win leaves Canada tied and redirected it past US goalie and were a popular pick to fi n- “It’s a spot we didn’t want to Crosby then assisted on Brent atop the Group A standings with Jonathan Quick. ish last before the competition be in, it is a very dangerous spot Burns’ goal late in the fi rst pe- Team Europe following the lat- They added two more goals began, but they quickly sent a but we are here.” riod and had the helper when ter’s 3-0 upset win over a US in the second when Germany’s message that they have loftier Group A action resumes today Sidney Crosby of Team Canada celebrates a first period goal Joe Thornton made it 4-0 early team that were originally con- Leon Draisaitl fi nished off a ambitions. with Team Europe playing the against Team Czech Republic during the World Cup of Hockey at in the second. Carey Price, back sidered a lock to advance beyond give-and-go with Switzerland’s “We’ve come here to play Czech Republic. the Air Canada Center in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP)

DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR NEHA CRICKET Qatar to participate in four-nation quadrangular series, T20s in Kenya

By Sports Reporter The quadrangular series will in- Iqbal Chaudhry, Faisal Javed, Doha clude teams from Saudi Arabia, Muhamad Nadeem, Kamran Khan, Uganda and Kenya besides Qa- Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Noman Sarwar, tar. Qatar will play three matches Dharmang Hasmukh, Tamoor Saj- he Qatar national cricket against each opponent and three jad, Zaheeruddin Ibrahim, Qalandar Neha Shetty, representing Qatar Badminton Association (QBA), won the girls’ under-14 singles and doubles titles at the 3rd team left for Kenya yes- games of T20. Top two teams will Khan, Khalid Khatib and Imran IBAK-KBF GCC Invitational Badminton Tournament, which was held from September 9 to 11 in Kuwait. Neha, a Class 8 stu- terday to participate in a qualify for the fi nal. Ashraf. dent of DPS-MIS School, defeated Mona Tamer 21-13, 21-11 in the singles final. Neha then paired with Niyati Pradeep to win the 50-overs-a-aside quadran- Qatar team: Inam-ul-Haq (Captain, Coaches: Abdul Rehman and Tgular and Twenty20 bilateral cricket doubles title. They defeated Niveditha Karan and Hanah Marium Philip 21-13, 21-12 in the final. 50 overs matches), Awais Malik Shamsuddin. series to be played in Nairobi. (Captain T20), Rizlan (vice-captain), Trainer: Mohamad Jahangir. Gulf Times Monday, September 19, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB NBA Porzingis thrilled with Yankees’ hopes take hit his new teammates By Barbara Barker Newsday with 6-5 loss to Red Sox oments after drib- bling his way through a group ‘I don’t lose faith. That’s not who I am. I know some people do, but I don’t’ of knee-high day Mcampers, Kristaps Porzingis re- vealed that he has sky-high ex- By Erik Boland pectations for his Knicks team Newsday this season. The 7-3 Latvian stopped short of echoing new teammate Der- hursday night’s loss, rick Rose and calling the Knicks which ended on Hanley a “super team.” But he does be- Ramirez’s three- lieve that the Knicks now are tal- run homer off Dellin ented enough to beat any team in BetancesT with two outs in the the league. ninth inning, retired the trophy “That just shows his confi - for worst Yankees defeat of the dence, that he believes in us,” season. Porzingis said when asked about The No. 2 slot on that list is Rose’s comments. very much up for grabs, and “I don’t know what’s a su- Saturday afternoon’s 6-5 loss to per team and what’s not a super the Red Sox at Fenway Park put team, but what I think he meant itself fi rmly in contention as the was that we’re able to win every Yankees’ already waning playoff game. Not that we’re going to hopes took another signifi cant win 82 games with zero losses. hit. But every team that comes up, “A lot’s changed in the last we’re able to beat them because 48 hours, really,” Brett Gardner we have enough talent.” said in a quiet clubhouse. Porzingis made his comments “Thursday, we’re an out away Saturday at a two-day youth from being (two) games out in basketball camp event hosted the wild card, three games back by Pro-Camp at the House of in the division, and here we are Sports. seven games back in the division He revealed that the Knicks and I don’t even know where the squad – which includes several wild card stands at this point. key additions, including Rose But we have to win. We obvi- and Joakim Noah – has been ously put ourselves in bad posi- playing pickup games together tion the last couple days.” for several weeks. Training camp After blowing a 5-1 lead on does not offi cially start until Thursday night – and a 5-2 lead September 27. with two outs in the ninth in- Porzingis said he has been im- ning – the Yankees brought a pressed by Rose, whose health 5-2 lead into the bottom of the has been in question since he fi fth Saturday, thanks to Gard- fi rst injured his knee in 2012. ner’s RBI triple, Gary Sanchez’s Porzingis said Rose has been ex- two-run homer and Austin plosive. Romine’s two-run double off an “He’s still got it. He’s still ineff ective David Price. Derrick Rose,” Porzingis said. But the Yankees again could “I’m excited to play with him. He not hold off Boston’s potent draws so much attention. When lineup, and what proved to be he’s driving, he’s so dangerous. the winning run scored in the Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel pumps his fist after striking out New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner to end the game during the Boston Red Sox 6-5 win over I’m going to be wide open, and seventh on a two-out wild pitch the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports that’s what I’m looking forward by Adam Warren. to.” “I didn’t do my job,” said damaging, Starlin Castro, the cess, he’s been spotty against hit him. “The leadoff walk in the hit of the day and both run- completely out of it, but we Porzingis said Rose and Noah Romine, who repeatedly blamed club leader in homers with 21, the Yankees. The lefthander fi fth is what ultimately cost me,” ners moved up on Travis Shaw’s know it’s going to be tough.” bring a great win-now attitude himself for not stopping it. left in the fi fth inning with a entered the game 14-9 against Mitchell said. “Bogaerts put a groundout. to the team. He said he particu- The Yankees (77-71), who had strained right hamstring and them but had a 4.35 ERA. In pretty unbelievable swing on a With Sandy Leon at the plate, RESULTS larly likes Noah’s intensity. climbed within one game of the Jacoby Ellsbury left in the three starts this season, it was ball in off the plate.” Warren’s 1-and-1 pitch was in- Pittsburgh ...... 10 Cincinnati ...... 4 “He’s great. I love him,” Por- second American League wild eighth with a right knee injury, 1-2 with a 7.79 ERA, and he more Luis Severino, who had al- side and in the dirt, and when Boston ...... 6 NY Yankees .....5 zingis said. card after their seventh straight suff ered an inning earlier while resembled those numbers while lowed zero earned runs and fi ve the ball kicked off Romine up Atlanta ...... 7 Washington .....3 “The fi rst conversation we victory last Saturday, lost their he attempted to make a sliding allowing nine hits and fi ve runs hits in 182/3 innings in eight the fi rst-base line, Betts scored Milwaukee ...... 11 Chicago Cubs 3 had, I was in the training room, fourth straight game and sixth catch and hit the wall. in six innings. previous relief appearances, re- the go-ahead run. After Romine Cleveland ...... 1 Detroit ...... 0 he came in with his shirt off and in the last seven. They entered Girardi said both players are Two came on a mam- placed Mitchell at that point. He retrieved the ball, turned his (10 innings) I was like, ‘Oh, man, you’ve been the day four games behind the scheduled to undergo MRIs on moth homer by Sanchez onto escaped a bases-loaded jam in back to the plate and then Pittsburgh ...... 7 Cincinnati ...... 3 working out.’ He’s a really cool Orioles and Blue Jays, who were Sunday in New York. “Hope- Lansdowne Street in a three- the sixth by striking out Dustin looked down, Ramirez also tried Philadelphia ...... 8 Miami ...... 0 guy and we just started talking tied atop the wild-card stand- fully, they’re not too severe,” he run third inning that made it Pedroia looking, but Bogaerts to score and was tagged out by Tampa Bay ...... 5 Baltimore ...... 2 about the season. I told him this ings, with both teams having said. “I’m pretty worried about 3-0. It was Sanchez’s 15th hom- led off the seventh with a dou- Romine. NY Mets ...... 3 Minnesota ...... 2 was a big year for us and we kept games Saturday night. Castro and that hamstring, the er in 40 games and came in his ble on the ball to centre that Craig Kimbrel came in with (12 innings) talking and he just got so intense. “I don’t lose faith. That’s way he pulled up (between fi rst 152nd at-bat. Ellsbury couldn’t quite get to two outs and a runner on fi rst Kansas City ...... 3 White Sox...... 2 “He really feels like this is our not who I am,” Joe Girardi said. and second while running out a Mitchell took the mound in the triangle. Tommy Layne in the eighth and struck out all Oakland ...... 11 Texas ...... 2 opportunity and we have to give “I know some people do, but I double).” in the fi fth with a 5-2 lead but got David Ortiz to fl y to centre, four batters he faced for his 27th LA Dodgers ...... 6 Arizona ...... 2 it our all. That’s the type of guy don’t. Do you see them fi ght- Price came in 16-8 with a 3.81 walked leadoff man Jackie Bra- moving Bogaerts to third, and save. “Don’t expect this group Colorado ...... 8 San Diego ...... 0 you want on the team. He brings ing? They (his players) ain’t giv- ERA, including 7-0 with a 2.16 dley Jr and allowed a two-out, Warren allowed an RBI single by to give up until we’re eliminat- St. Louis ...... 3 San Francisco 2 that good energy. From the fi rst ing up.” ERA in his previous seven starts. two-run homer by Xander Mookie Betts that tied it at 5. ed,” Warren said. “I don’t think LA Angels ...... 6 Toronto ...... 1 time we got to talk, I fell in love Making the loss even more But for all of his career suc- Bogaerts on a pitch that nearly Ramirez singled for his third anyone in here thinks we’re Houston...... 2 Seattle ...... 1 with him.”

UIM H2O NATIONS CUP Al-Tayer and al-Qamzi set to represent Team

Agencies with Ahmed al-Hameli and last year and Roberto Lo Piano Shanghai Majed al-Mansoori leading the teams up with Stefani Paoletti, way for Team UAE in 2011, after who was fastest in qualifying they pipped Team Qatar by four last time out and won both the he UIM H2O Nations points at the inaugural event in Sprint and Match races to guide Cup returns to the in- Marina Bay, Singapore. Italy to the runner-up spot be- ternational powerboat Rashed al-Tayer and Majed al- hind Team Russia. racing calendar after an Mansoori teamed up to again pip Alfi an and Mohamed Aff endey Tabsence of just over 18 months, Team Qatar to UIM H2O Nations Bin Kadri will represent Team when Team UAE joins seven oth- Cup success in Khor Fakkan in Malaysia, who fi nished third in er teams for two days of racing in 2012. Rashed al-Qamzi and Mo- 2014. Team USA is also on the Shanghai on September 21-22. hammed al-Mehairbi represent- provisional entry list. Organised by H2O Racing, ed the UAE to give the country Each team runs identical boats the promoters of the UIM F1 a hat-trick of successes in the provided by race promoters H2O World Championship, the double-header in Qatar and at and this provides a level play- UIM H2O Nations Cup hasn’t their home venue in Abu Dhabi ing fi eld for everyone in each of run since March 2015 – when in 2013. the points-scoring disciplines. the now defunct Qatar Marine “The UIM H2O Nations Cup Boats will be assigned to teams Sports Federation ran a race is an important event in the UIM tomorrow (Monday, Septem- meeting in Doha Bay that was calendar and I am delighted that ber 19) and there will be two won by Team Russia. Team UAE will be represented free practice sessions tomorrow Eight teams will line up in one with a strong team and look- (September 20). of China’s most exciting cities to ing to claim a fourth victory,” Competitive action fi res do battle over two days and vari- said Salem al-Romaithi, as- into life with the time trials at ous racing disciplines to deter- sistant general manager of the 10.00hrs (06.00hrs UAE time) mine which team is the king of Abu Dhabi International Marine and the Match Race at 14.00hrs the UIM H2O Nations Cup for a Sports Club (ADIMSC). (10.00hrs UAE time) on Wednes- sixth time. “The boats are built to simi- day, September 21. Team UAE will be represented lar specifi cations and that levels After a further free practice by the two regular Team Abu the playing fi eld for everyone. session, there will be two races Dhabi drivers, Rashed al-Tayer The format is challenging, but to determine the winners of and Rashed al-Qamzi, both our team drivers are not short on the UIM H2O Nations Cup on drivers fresh from an outing in recent racing experience and I Team UAE in action during the last year’s UIM Nations Cup in Qatar. Thursday, September 22. Race France in the UIM F2 Champi- am sure that they will push hard one gets underway at 13.30hrs onship and both eager to contin- to bring the victory back to the tar in 2015. Their driver line-up Team Australia has entered for runs in tandem with rounds of the Dietmar Kaiser and Jorn Lassig (09.30hrs UAE time) and it will ue the remarkable run that the United Arab Emirates.” will consist of the experienced the fi rst time with the talented F1 H2O series and he heads the represent Team Germany, which be imperative that drivers do not United Arab Emirates has in this Competition will be intense: Roman Vandyshev – a winner young duo of Brock Cohen and CTIC F1 Shenzhen China team fi nished third overall in Doha in damage their boats, as the sec- prestigious racing competition. Team Russia will be making their with Team Belarus in 2014 – Corey Davoll. Wu Bingchen is that makes its UIM H2O Nations March 2015. ond race fi res into life two hours Team UAE has won the title third appearance and are out to Konstantin Ustinov and Andrey better known for his perform- Cup debut on home waters. Team Italy impressed in the later at 15.30hrs (11.30hrs UAE on three occasions in the past, defend the title they won in Qa- Panyushkin. ances in the UIM F4-S series that An all-new driver pairing of match and sprint races in Doha time). Gulf Times 8 Monday, September 19, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS IAAF chief Coe insists TUEs are a ‘good system’

Rio Paralympics AFP London

orld athletics chief Sebastian Coe has defended the system of “thera- Wpeutic use exemptions” (TUEs) after medical data involving dozens of top stages fi nal show in sportsmen was last week leaked by a cyber hacking group. Many of the targeted athletes have been revealed to have received TUEs for the use of substances that would usually be on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list. TUEs can be issued to athletes who have an illness or condition that requires the use of shadow of tragedy normally prohibited medication. Among those with a history of TUE use who have had their medical details leaked as a The upbeat mood in Rio has been darkened by the death of Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad result of a hack into the WADA system by cyber group ‘Fancy Bears’, which is believed to be based in Russia, are American tennis stars stars Serena and Venus Williams, American gymnast Simone Biles and British Tour de France-win- ning cyclists Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. There is no suggestion that any of the named athletes have done anything wrong. However, the leaking of their records has re- opened the debate about TUEs and in particu- lar whether the system is open to abuse from competitors gaining a performance advantage by taking banned drugs when they are not suf- fering from a relevant medical condition. But International Association of Athlet- ics Federations (IAAF) president Coe told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme yesterday: “I think the TUEs system is a good system. Do we have to make sure that it is not being abused? Yes, of course.” “There is potential for that (exploitation), but I don’t think it is commonly the case,” added British middle-distance great Coe, the Olympic 1500 metres champion at both the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Games. “Can the public have trust in it? Yes, I think they can, but it will need permanent vigi- lance,” explained Coe, who oversaw the IAAF’s decision to ban Russia from major track and field events following WADA revelations of AFP “state-sponsored doping”. Rio de Janeiro Cyclist's death casts pall of gloom at Games Coe also insisted the TUE process was sub- ject to detailed medical checks. “TUEs are only n Iranian Paralympic cyclist died on leg, took up the sport in 2002 and competed at given on the basis of an independent panel, it is io will close a Paralympic Saturday after an accident in the road race the London 2012 Paralympics. not a general practitioner signing them off .” Games that many feared Aon the penultimate day of the Rio Games. “This is truly heart-breaking news,” IPC presi- Coe, who used a spray to combat asthma would be a fi asco but which Bahman Golbarnezhad, 48, fell during the event dent Philip Craven said. “The Paralympic family during his own track career, said athletes turned into a triumph, and died of his injuries despite an attempt to take is united in grief at this horrendous tragedy, deserved to have their medical records kept thoughR marred in the fi nal hours by him to the hospital for treatment, off icials said. which casts a shadow over what have been confidential. “They have the right to the same the death of an Iranian cyclist. “He unfortunately passed away,” International great Paralympic Games here in Rio.” types of privacy that we all have around our Eleven days of competition where Paralympic Committee (IPC) spokesman Craig Brazil’s top off icial for the Rio Olympics and private medical information,” he said. “But it is China dominated the medals table, Spence said. Golbarnezhad’s accident occurred Paralympics, Carlos Nuzman, called it “very sad a diff icult area. It might be conditions that are followed by Britain, Ukraine and the during the more than two-hour C4-5 road race news for sport and for the Paralympic move- being treated around cancer or fertility issues. United States, will end with the last for athletes with varying disabilities but still able ment. Our hearts and prayers are with Bahman’s Should the athlete themselves be expected few events, including marathons and to bicycle. He was in the first section of a moun- family, his teammates and all the people of Iran”. to put that into the public domain? We wheelchair rugby. tainous descent when he fell. The Iranian flag was lowered to half-mast in should be very protective of this information At the closing ceremony in Rio de “The athlete received treatment at the scene the Paralympic Village, while the Paralympic flag because, as we’ve seen in the last year, it is Janeiro’s Maracana football stadium, and was in the process of being taken to the was to be at half-mast during yesterday’s sitting capable of being horribly interpreted.” Brazilian offi cials will offi cially hand athlete hospital when he suff ered a cardiac arrest,” volleyball gold-medal match between Iran and Meanwhile, Coe called for reform of WADA over to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic the IPC said in a statement. “The ambulance then Bosnia and Herzegovina. A minute of silence will to enable the global body to be eff ective in and Paralympic Games. diverted to the nearby Unimed Rio Hospital in be held during the closing ceremony. the ongoing campaign to rid sport of doping. The upbeat mood in Rio, however, Barra where he passed away soon after arrival.” “This is a very diff icult situation. We hope “WADA was created 17 years ago and it has was darkened late on Saturday by President Hassan Rouhani in a tweet in Farsi we can repatriate his body to his family soon,” done a phenomenally good job, but the world the death of Iranian cyclist Bahman said “the demise of our dear cyclist Bahman state television website IRIB quoted the head of has dramatically changed in that period,” Coe Golbarnezhad, 48 (pic above). The Golbarnezhad immersed us all in deep sorrow. Iran’s Paralympic committee, Masoud Ashrafi, as said. “The discussions should be focused on athlete, who wore a prosthesis on his Rest in peace.” saying. Golbarnezhad is survived by a wife and a the challenges of having an organisation that left leg, fell during a mountainous Paralympic off icials said Golbarnezhad’s fam- son, he added. has the dual policy of policing and regula- descent in the road race and died be- ily in Iran had been informed and the Iranian The British Paralympic team tweeted: “We are tion, whether it’s the same authority or same fore he could be treated in hospital. team was also told the news during a meeting devastated by the news of Bahman Golbarn- Iran team players observe a minute of silence while holding organisation that’s done that. “Don’t misun- Nevertheless, Rio is expected to at the Athletes’ Village. ezhad’s passing. Our thoughts are with our a photograph of late cyclist Sarafraz Bahman Golbarnezhad derstand me, WADA is here to stay. But what put on a dazzling show at the Marac- The cyclist, who wore a prosthesis on his left friends and colleagues from NPC Iran.” before their Sitting Volleyball gold medal match against Bosnia it needs is greater independence and actually ana, featuring Brazil’s rich music and and Herzegovina at the Paralympic Games yesterday. (Reuters) needs to look at its sources of funding.” dance culture to celebrate a far better Paralympics than many had believed wouldn’t be at all how the Rio Games ternational Paralympic Committee due to many tickets being sold for was actually faster than the winning possible. “This will be a time for cel- ended. Even before they started, the on the entire Russian team because as little as three dollars—or given to time by Olympic gold medalist Mat- ebration..., a fi nal act,” said the cer- Rio organizers’ woeful fi nances in of alleged state doping. school children in an international thew Centrowitz in the same stadi- emony’s producer Flavio Machado, the wake of the August Olympics and But then things got better. The fi ll the seats campaign. um a month earlier. However, Cen- who promised “many Brazilian mu- a stunning lack of interest in tickets opening ceremony moved viewers The gap between the Olympic and trowitz won in what was by Olympic sicians on stage.” raised fears of failure. with its exuberant set design and Paralympic performances is gradually standards a near record slow race, The Japanese say that the Rio Then on the eve of the Paralym- the unrestrained joy of the parad- blurring with disabled athletes break- meaning Baka’s outstanding time Games have set a high standard for pics, the Brazilian Senate pushed ing athletes. And while the stadiums ing records after records in Rio. Among was of mostly symbolic signifi cance. them to follow. “We have been im- president Dilma Rousseff out of of- and arenas were initially empty, the the stars were Brazil’s swimmer Daniel Once more it was China that pressed by our experience across fi ce in a bitter impeachment battle rhythm soon picked up, with noisy Dias who added four golds, three sil- dominated overall, with almost 100 both the Olympic and Paralympic that left the country more distract- and passionate Brazilian fans pro- vers and two bronzes to his existing medals more than its nearest rival, Games and inspired by the passion ed than ever. Her replacement and viding world class atmosphere. medal haul from Beijing and London Britain, which held a comfortable of the Carioca,” said Toshiro Muto, fi erce enemy Michel Temer came to By the end, offi cials said, they had which has won him descriptions as the second place. The big country miss- CEO of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing the opening ceremony on September sold 2.1 million tickets—less than Michael Phelps of the Paralympics. ing in the top section of the stand- Committee, referring to Rio resi- 7 and was booed by the crowd. London in 2012 but more than Bei- There was amazement in the ings, however, was Russia which dents by their nickname. There were also international ten- jing four years earlier. 1,500m track race when Algeria’s during the London Games won 102 There had been fears that this sions over a ban imposed by the In- Part of that success, however, was Abdellatif Baka set a new record that medals, including 36 golds. Five Paralympics highlights to remember High performance The Paralympics came right after the Rio Olympics, but the The Rio Paralympics featured thrilling victories, records, tears, and controversy. image of the disabled Games Here are fi ve highlights from the fi rst ever Games held in South America... being a poor cousin in terms of performance is starting to Big crowds at the 1984 Paralympics, fell while carrying team’s parade in the opening ceremony. change. Even with the absence the torch. She was using a walking stick and Adding to the acrimony, International of history making runner Os- There were big worries on the eve of the Paral- the ground had become slippery in an intense Olympic Committee boss Thomas Bach broke car Pistorius — who ran in both ympics that Brazilian organisers had run out of tropical rainstorm. But as soon as she fell, she with decades of tradition in not attending the the Olympics and Paralympics money and that almost no one would come to struggled back up, turning the gasps around Paralympic opening ceremony or even the before being convicted of mur- watch. Just a month ago, only 12% of tickets had the stadium into a roar of support. Games themselves — explaining that he had dering his girlfriend in South been sold. The first few days did feature embar- And in a moment that brought home the suf- prior commitments. Africa — there were plenty of rassingly empty stadiums. At some venues, fering that many disabled athletes go through, The Russia ban continued to have repercus- stunning athletic feats. people who showed up were asked to move Belgian wheelchair racer Marieke Vervoort sions in the closing hours of the Paralympics No competition epitomized seats so that they formed a more cheerful look- openly discussed the possibility that she will after hackers accessed medical records at the this gradual blurring of lines ing backdrop for television coverage. eventually seek to be euthanised. But in a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for dozens between able-bodied and However, the first weekend saw record press conference she denied reports that she’d of athletes who have been allowed to take disabled sport than the 1,500 numbers and the Games found their groove. wanted to die right after the Games, saying that normally banned substances under medical metres race won by Algeria’s Helping that were the strong performances by sport continued to give her a reason to live. exemptions. The hackers, calling themselves Abdellatif Baka. The first several star domestic athletes like Brazil’s multi- Vervoort won a silver medal. ‘Fancy Bears’, are allegedly linked to Russia. four runners in the race, with ple medal winning swimmer Daniel Dias. By the Baka’s twin brother coming end, ticket sales were rosy, with total numbers fourth, actually ran faster of 2.1mn reported by organizers on Saturday Russian shadow Boo than the gold medal winner surpassing the 2008 Beijing Games. There was The biggest controversy of the Games came There was trouble closer to home for Brazil, Matthew Centrowitz in the no chance, though, of catching up to the amaz- even before they started: the banning of all where the president has just been replaced in Olympics a month before. ing 2.8mn sales at London 2012. Russian athletes after evidence was published a nasty impeachment battle. At the opening The statistic was not as as- of a state doping program. The blanket ban was ceremony, top Olympics off icial Carlos Nuzman tonishing as it first appeared: in marked contrast to the decision by Olympics briefly had to stop his speech in the face of the Paralympians were Tears aplenty bosses a month earlier to allow in some Russian ferocious anti-government booing. When newly running flat out, with Baka There were few dry eyes at the September 7 competitors. A Belarussian off icial was expelled sworn-in President Michel Temer made a light- setting a new record, while opening ceremony in Rio’s Maracana stadium after he violated Paralympic rules against politi- ening quick statement to declare the Paralym- Centrowitz had won in an when Marcia Malsar, who won gold for Brazil cal protests by waving a Russian flag during his pics open he too was booed loudly. unusually slow Olympic race. Gulf Times Monday, September 19, 2016 9 SPORT

TENNIS Spain back where Mayer fi res Argentina they belong, says Nadal

New Delhi: Two years after into fi ft h Davis Cup fi nal Spain’s stunning fall from grace in Davis Cup tennis, Rafael Nadal has hailed his nation’s return to the World Croatia, the 2005 champions, booked their berth in the final with a 3-2 win over France in Zadar Group after victory in the playoff against India. AFP Nadal combined with Glasgow Marc Lopez in the doubles to overhaul Leander Paes and Saketh Myneni in four sets earful Leonardo Mayer fi red and complete a 3-0 victory in Argentina into the Davis Cup New Delhi on Saturday, end- fi nal yesterday after his victory ing Spain’s exile after an ac- over Dan Evans handed his side rimonious period. Yesterday Ta 3-2 victory over holders Great Britain. they won both the reverse The 29-year-old, a late replacement for singles to complete a 5-0 Juan Martin del Potro, secured Argen- whitewash. Marc Lopez beat tina’s place in their fi rst fi nal since 2011 Sumit Nagal 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 while with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win to clinch Ferrer outclassed Ramkumar the best-of-fi ve tie. Ramanathan 6-2, 6-2. Argentina, who have been fi nalists “For us, it was very impor- four times in the past 10 years, will at- tant after two years being tempt to win their fi rst Davis Cup when away from the World Group,” they travel to Croatia from November said the 14-times Grand 25-27. Croatia, the 2005 champions, Slam singles champion. “It’s booked their berth in the fi nal with a 3-2 important for us to come win over France in Zadar. back to where we think we Mayer’s victory, his 11th in 14 Davis have to be.” Cup singles rubbers, ends Britain’s The tournament’s domi- hopes of retaining the trophy they won nant power of the modern for the fi rst time in 79 years with a win era, Spain won five titles from over Belgium last year. It also justifi ed 2000-11 before decline set in captain Daniel Orsanic’s decision to rest following their tight loss in 27-year-old del Potro. the 2012 championship de- The hopes of the holders had been on cider to Czech Republic. With Evans, picked ahead of Kyle Edmund Nadal battling injury and his who lost his singles rubber on Friday, top team mates’ commitment after Andy Murray hauled Britain level wavering, Spain were turfed in the tie with a straight sets victory out of the World Group in over Guido Pella in the fi rst reverse sin- 2014 after being upset by gles on Sunday. lowly Brazil in a playoff , The world number ones hadn’t de- sparking then-captain Carlos feated Argentina in 88 years but their Moya’s resignation. hopes of ending that run were boosted Moya’s replacement Gala before Evans took to the court following Leon was sacked within a the news that he would be facing Mayer year after a players’ revolt instead of Del Potro. and Spanish tennis was However, Del Potro, still feeling his further embarrassed as way back after a series of wrist injuries the team crashed out to an pushed him to the brink of retirement, understrength Russia in the decided not to play in the match after Europe/Africa Zone Group I featuring in the doubles on Saturday last year under new captain due to concerns for his health following Conchita Martinez. a punishing summer schedule. Evans, Argentina celebrate after Leonardo Mayer beat Great Britain’s Dan Evans to book his team’s spot in the Davis Cup final in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. (Reuters) Former Wimbledon who has two decisive rubbers amongst champion Martinez, who his four Davis Cup singles wins, gave fi fth to canter to a 6-2 victory. The the previous two days, had to leave the gave them an unassailable 3-1 lead over overlooked by captain Yannick Noah also captains the women’s the home crowd something to cheer 26-year-old put up a greater fi ght in court for a medical timeout in the third nine-time champions France in Zadar. after struggling with back and chest in- Fed Cup team, has been at early on as he claimed an early break of the fourth set but the crucial moment set but returned to wrap up a 6-3, 6-2, Cilic bagged the all important point in juries, claimed the opening singles 6-2, pains to repair relations with serve on his way to winning the fi rst set. came in the fi fth game as Mayer broke 6-3 victory. It gave Britain hope of pull- the fi rst of yesterday’s reverse singles, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 against Borna Coric. her players and managed However, the British player had no the Evans serve before serving to take ing off a repeat of their win over Russia seeing off Gasquet 6-3, 6-2, 7-5. But world number 11 Cilic hit back to bring a strong team to answer to the Mayer serve in the sec- the set 6-4. in Coventry in April 2013 when they “When you look at the atmosphere, against Lucas Pouille 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), India to get the job done. ond set as he landed 17 of 18 of his fi rst Earlier in the day Murray had off ered came back from 2-0 down to win the it’s an incredible feeling. It’s been a 2-6, 6-2 to put the Croats level. Australia also has ambitions serves with the Argentine also twice Britain hope with a comprehensive de- tie 3-2. “I have a lot of sharp pain in my dream weekend for us,” said 2014 US Croatia had taken command of the of returning to its glory days breaking Evans to secure the set 6-3. feat of Pella. Murray, who partnered his right quad. I have to go and see what’s Open winner Cilic. “I played incredible tie in Saturday’s doubles when Cilic and and will keep their place in Mayer, who in June last year was big brother Jamie to doubles success on up and get some treatment,” Murray tennis. I produced a great performance Ivan Dodig downed top-ranked French the World Group after defeat- ranked 21 in the world, showed his ex- Saturday, made light work of Pella to said. “I need a break. I have played so for all the crowd.” pair Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nico- ing Slovakia 3-0 in Sydney. perience in the third set as he immedi- claim his 30th win from 33 Davis Cup much tennis, my body needs some rest.” Gasquet, 17th in the world, was las Mahut 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. Belgium, Canada and Japan ately broke in the fi rst game. singles matches in just over two hours. Meanwhile, Croatia sealed their drafted in after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Croatia’s previous Davis Cup success also booked their places in Evans’s hopes were then dashed as The world number two, who had ticket to the fi nal after Marin Cilic’s Gael Monfi ls pulled out with knee inju- came 11 years ago at the expense of Slo- the World Group next year. the Argentine repeated the feat in the played over eight hours of tennis over three sets victory over Richard Gasquet ries. The 30-year-old Gasquet, initially vakia

ITALIAN OPEN GOLF LPGA EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP Molinari ends four-year wait Record-breaking Chun AFP heads Korean lock-out Milan

AFP in claiming major titles for her fi rst two wins on n ‘exhausted’ Francesco Molinari Evian, France the LPGA Tour. As a 20-year-old rookie in 1998, ended his four-year wait for a win Pak, the woman who led the Korean revolution on the European tour with a one- in women’s golf, won the LPGA Championship stroke victory over England’s Mas- outh Korea’s Chun In Gee claimed her and US Women’s Open. World No 1 Lydia Ko, the tersA champion Danny Willett at the Italian second major title in record style with a defending champion, fi nished with a 73 and was Open yesterday. fi nal round 69 at the Evian Championship just outside the top 40 on two over par. But she Molinari, whose last EPGA win came at the yesterday. The 22-year-old led from start still had something to celebrate. Spanish Open in 2012, fi nished on 22 under toS fi nish and her 21 under par 263 total was two The winner of the ANA Inspiration in April, par at the par-71 Golf Club di Milano course. lower than the women’s major record. she collected the Rolex Annika Major Award for Willett, crowned Masters champion earlier And it was one better than the men’s record set the best overall performance in the season’s fi ve this year, fi nished one stroke behind with Na- by Jason Day at last year’s PGA Championship at majors. Chun is the second South Korean to win cho Elvira of Spain and England’s Chris Pais- Whistling Straits and then equalled by Henrik the Evian title since it became a major three years ley fi nishing tied for third at 18-under for the Stenson at this summer’s Open Championship at ago. Kim Hyo Joo was the 2014 champion. tournament. It was Molinari’s second Italian Royal Troon. Chun led by one after an opening 63, was two Open title, having won his maiden triumph Chun won the $487,500 top prize by four ahead at halfway and had a four shot lead going in 2006, and marks only his fourth victory on shots from another two South Koreans, Ryu So into the fi nal round. On a day marred by heavy the tour. It is also the 33-year-old’s fi rst vic- Yeon (66) and Park Sung Hyun (69). China’s rain, she never lost her overnight advantage. Se- tory since he became a father, but he admit- Feng Shanshan was fourth on 15 under after a 69. rene from start to fi nish, she birdied the third, ted the fi nal-round drama — which saw Wil- Winner of last year’s US Women’s Open, Chun eighth and 15th and her only bogey was a fi ve at lett launch an exciting challenge after cutting emulates her legendary compatriot, Pak Se Ri, the 14th. his defi cit to a shot with an eagle at the 14th — had taken all his strength. “At the last hole I was just exhausted. I South Korea’s In Gee Chun poses with the trophy didn’t have anything left. It was only the after winning the Evian Championship at the nervous energy that got me through,” said a French Alps town of Evian-les-Bains in France. (AFP) visibly weary Molinari. “I was hitting horrible shots but somehow I managed to bring it in.” He added: “It’s been a rollercoaster few days but I’m delighted. It’s wonderful. I want This is Francesco Molinari’s second Italian Open title, having won his maiden triumph in 2006. to dedicate this to my wife and to my kid, it’s my fi rst victory as a father.” Molinari was one He added: “I had the ideal start, I couldn’t Paisley 66 63 69 68 of several players who pulled out of the Rio start any better. When I birdied 12 I got four 268 — David Horsey 67 67 69 65, Richard Bland Olympics earlier this summer due to fears shots [clear] and thought maybe I could relax 67 67 65 69 over the zika virus. a bit, and I got punished straight away.” 269 — Tommy Fleetwood 68 71 66 64, Scott The London-based golfer has a toddler Both Molinari and Willett sprayed their tee Jamieson 65 71 66 67, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 68 son. But the Italian, who has fi nished runner- shots on the last, but the Italian, from under 68 66 67, Alejando Canizares (ESP) 67 67 66 69, up in fi ve events since his last EPGA win in the trees, produced a sensational approach Alexander Levy (FRA) 68 67 63 71 2012, had past form on his side. He had re- and Willett a brilliant clutch putt as both fi n- 270 — Thomas Linard (FRA) 69 65 69 67, Rikard corded four top eight fi nishes in his last nine ished par for the hole. It sparked emotional Karlberg (SWE) 64 67 71 68, Jeff Winther (DEN) appearances at his home tournament, and in celebrations, and made Molinari 500,000 69 68 65 68, Rafa Cabrera (ESP) 70 68 64 68 front of thousands of delirious fans Molinari euros richer, the prize money purse being in- Selected: 271 — Darren Fichardt (RSA) 70 69 66 held his nerve during a nervous fi nish to keep creased to over 3mn euros this year. 66, RIchard Green (AUS) 68 66 68 69 Willett at bay. The Italian boasted a four-shot FINAL SCORES 272 — Martin Kaymer (GER) 67 70 67 68 lead with six holes to play but Masters Tour- 262 — Francesco Molinari (ITA) 65 68 64 65 Missed the cut: 140 — Paul Lawrie 72 68, Padraig nament winner Willett went birdie-eagle on 263 — Danny Willett 66 64 67 66 Harrington 69 71; 141 — Lee Westwood 144 — the 13th and 14th to cut the gap to one. 266 — Nacho Elvira (ESP) 67 66 68 65, Chris Niclas Fasth (SWE) 71 73 Gulf Times 10 Monday, September 19, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Ambrose questions timing of Simmons’ No England ‘blacklist’ sacking St. John’s, Antigua: Former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose has ques- tioned the dismissal of Phil Simmons as coach on the eve of the teams series against for Morgan: Strauss Pakistan in all formats. Ambrose, who was fired as bowling consultant under the advice of Simmons in May Morgan and Hales have decided against travelling to Bangladesh this year, has criticised the timing as poor. Simmons, a former West Indies all-round- er, was fired hours before the players boarded a flight for the United Arab Emirates to play Pakistan in three T20s, three One-Day Internationals and three Test matches. “The timing is wrong, to firing of Simmons by the West be quite blunt,” Ambrose Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said on Saturday. “This hap- represents a threat to team pened when we went to Sri morale. Lanka last year as well when “The morale of the team Simmons made a statement can’t be good because when about interference in team you would have at least had a selection and, about two or camp and then you learn one three days before we left for or two days before departure Sri Lanka, they suspended that your coach isn’t going to him, which was wrong.” be around because he’s been Simmons’ sacking has fired, it must send the wrong triggered angry responses message,” he said. from an increasing number The WICB has said its of cricketers and off icials who decision to fire Simmons was have condemned the deci- based on public pronounce- sion. They include cricketers ments of the coach as well Kieron Pollard and Darren as diff erences in culture and Sammy, the former T20 strategic approach. “If you captain who was also sacked look back at the last 10 or 12 after leading the West Indies years or so, we had quite a to two T20 World titles, as few coaches who came and Andrew Strauss was unhappy that Eoin Morgan and Alex Hales were not prepared to accept Dickason’s assurances but respected how they had reached their respective decisions. well as commentator Fazeer went and the performances Mohammed, and Grenada’s have been the same, so I am AFP criminations,” Strauss told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sports- July which saw 20 hostages killed, including 18 foreigners. Prime Minister Keith Mitchell. not so sure if the coaching London week programme. However, the ECB gave the tour the go-ahead after an “If you weren’t happy with or the coach is the problem,” “It’s not like these guys are going to be black-listed and inspection visit to Bangladesh led by team security chief the things he said, why pull a said Ambrose. their names will not be put forward for selection. They Reg Dickason. Strauss was unhappy that Morgan and coach off a tour two or three “We need to look at the ngland supremo Andrew Strauss has said there absolutely will be,” England and Wales Cricket Board di- Hales were not prepared to accept Dickason’s assurances days before?” said Ambrose. players themselves and ask a will be no ‘blacklist’ for Eoin Morgan despite the rector Strauss added. “Both have done outstanding jobs but respected how they had reached their respective deci- “All they had to do was maybe few questions. Are these play- one-day captain opting out of the Bangladesh for England over the last 12 months, especially Eoin Mor- sions. “They were both very mature in the way they went send him some correspond- ers good enough to compete tour on security grounds. Morgan led the one-day gan whose captaining has been sensational.” about this,” Strauss said. “They took everything in and ence saying they were not with the top teams in the sideE to home series wins over both Sri Lanka and Pakistan “Of course, we can’t give any guarantees because the didn’t rush into a decision, but ultimately it came down to happy and they would deal world?” this season but, together with fellow batsman Alex Hales, situation might change on the ground in Bangladesh. them not feeling comfortable about going to Bangladesh. with it when he gets back and The team is under the has decided against travelling to Bangladesh for next Someone might come in and do unbelievably well, but I would have loved us to be in a situation where the whole now this time around, it’s the supervision of former West month’s series. the intention is for Eoin to come back in as captain and team made a combined decision to say ‘let’s go together’. same thing.” Indies fast bowler Joel Garner But former England captain Strauss said the decision Alex will be in the mix for selection as well.” We didn’t get to that situation and that’s a shame. But at The West Indies face Paki- along with assistant coaches would not be held against the pair, with Morgan set to lead England’s tour of Bangladesh, which begins on Sep- the same time every human being is diff erent and sees the stan next Friday in their first Henderson Springer and the one-day side on their subsequent tour of India. “Right tember 30 and will include two Tests and three ODIs, was world diff erently. They made their decision for what they T20. Ambrose believes the Roddy Estwick. from the start we said there are not going to be any re- called into question after an attack on a cafe in Dhaka in see as the right reasons and we’ll go on without them.”

ROUND-UP FOCUS Kiwi Ronchi warms up with Yorkshire’s Bairstow refused permission to play in fi nal ton in drawn tour game shire members, supporters and other centrally-contracted play- The Guardian London other stakeholders in the game ers who are soon to tour Bang- AFP will wonder why this permission ladesh and India with England, New Delhi has been refused.” have been allowed to represent New Zealand’s Luke he county champions “Having been rested for 16 their county in critical matches. Ronchi plays a shot Yorkshire have criticised days since he last played for Bairstow has played fi ve days of pener Luke Ronchi scored a blis- during a practice match the England and Wales England, Bairstow said he felt cricket in fi ve weeks since the Kia tering century as New Zealanders against Mumbai at the Cricket Board for refus- refreshed and wanted to play for Oval Test match, which fi nished were bowled out for 235 in their Ting a request for Yorkshire against Middlesex at on Sunday, August 14.” Ferozshah Kotla ground second innings against Mumbai in in New Delhi. (AFP) to play in their title decider Lord’s, where the club has the Meanwhile, has theO drawn tour game in New Delhi yesterday. against Middlesex next week. opportunity of winning three not been included in Yorkshire’s Ronchi, who opened the innings for the visi- Yorkshire were advised by successive County Champion- 13-man squad after he requested tors, struck a 112-ball 107 to counter Mum- England to rest Bairstow and Joe ships, a feat last achieved almost to be rested before a busy winter bai’s spin bowling that dominated the third Root following the end of the 50 years ago.” schedule with England. and fi nal day’s play at Feroz Shah Kotla. international summer and the “Although not a centrally The leg-spinner, along with Ronchi’s opening partner Martin Gup- county obliged by leaving both contracted player for the last fast bowlers Liam Plunkett and till fell for nought as the Kiwi suf- players out of their squad to take 12 months, Yorkshire required , was made avail- fered from lack of partnerships on a pitch on Somerset in their penultimate clearance from the ECB to play able by the ECB following his that seemed to be taking vicious turn. New County Championship fi xture. Bairstow. The club’s director of limited-overs commitments and Zealand innings folded in the fourth of the The county have since ap- cricket contacted played in the 10- defeat to mandatory 15 overs in the last hour of play, proached the ECB to ask if the the England hierarchy, but has Somerset that left Yorkshire nine but Mumbai did not take up the chase of 96 wicketkeeper-batsman Bairstow, been refused permission to play points behind leaders Middlesex in nine overs. who was named in England’s Bairstow by director of England in the title race. But his domes- The Aditya Tare-led Mumbai, who start- Test and one-day international cricket Andrew Strauss and Eng- tic season is now over following ed on their overnight score of 431 for fi ve, squads for next month’s trip to land coach Trevor Bayliss.” his decision to sit out Yorkshire’s declared their fi rst innings on 464 for eight Bangladesh, could play at Lord’s, “Moxon works closely with crucial fi nal match, which begins with Siddesh Lad unbeaten on 100. Earlier only to be told he remains una- England due to the fact that six on Tuesday. the visiting batsmen also got some crucial vailable. players from Yorkshire have rep- Captain Andrew Gale posted batting practice on the opening day with “The Yorkshire County Crick- resented their country regularly on Twitter: “Training all done, skipper Kane Williamson and Tom Latham et Club would like to express its over the last 12 months. Bayliss’ head down to Lords (sic) tomor- registering half-centuries. disappointment after the ECB approach has been to see how row, can’t wait. This squad is The two sides played with 15 members refused the club’s request for the player feels, and this was re- ready to run through a brick wall each, with 11 allowed to bat and fi eld in the Jonny Bairstow to participate spected when Bairstow said that for the county. Yes, he wants to only warm-up tie before the fi rst of the in the fi nal Specsavers County he needed a rest after the Royal rest. That’s his decision. I’ll take three Tests starting September 22 in Kanpur. Championship fi xture of the sea- London One-Day Series.” 11 lads on the fi eld who will give Brief Scores: New Zealanders 324/7 dec and son,” a statement read. “York- “To put matters into context, everything to win.” 235 all out in 66.4 overs (Luke Ronchi 107, BJ Watling 43; Parikshit Valsangkar 3-41) drew with Mumbai 464/8 dec (Kaustubh Pawar 100 retired out, Suryakumar Yadav 103, Siddhesh Lad 100 ; Ish Sodhi 2-132)

BCCI OPENS TENDER BIDS FOR IPL BROADCAST RIGHTS India’s cricket board yesterday opened the tender process for allocating broad- cast rights of the cash-rich Indian Premier League in the hope of securing billions of year period for $918mn. coach for the series against Pakistan in the dollars. The Board of Control for Cricket It signed a deal with Multi Screen Me- United Arab Emirates (UAE). in India (BCCI) announced the designated dia Pvt Ltd (MSM) making Sony the offi cial WICB CEO Michael Muirhead has said rights would be a 10-year period for televi- broadcaster. The contract was redone be- Radford has been hired just for the se- sion and fi ve for digital platforms. fore the 2009 IPL, with Multi Screen Media ries against Pakistan, which involves three The board’s current deal with Sony Pic- working out a $1.63bn deal for nine years T20Is, three One-Dayers, and three Test tures Network India (SPNI) expires after the with the BCCI. matches from September 23. The T20 play- 2017 IPL edition. BCCI president Anurag The IPL has emerged as one of the most ers, who have already arrived in Dubai, start Thakur called the bid ‘historic’ as he pre- popular Twenty20 leagues in the world with their tour with a warm-up game against sented the layout of the tender bid’s terms international stars participating in the tour- Emirates Cricket Board XI tomorrow. and conditions. nament played between April and May. Radford worked as assistant coach under “IPL is the most popular cricket league in former head coach Ottis Gibson when the the world...so it is very important for us to RADFORD RETURNS AS WINDIES West Indies fi rst won the World T20 in 2012. make it transparent when we announce the BATTING COACH FOR PAK SERIES He will work alongside Henderson Springer, next tender process,” Thakur told reporters The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has who has been appointed caretaker coach af- in New Delhi. World Sports Group bagged recruited the services of former Middlesex ter the controversial dismissal of Phil Sim- The England and Wales Cricket Board have refused Jonny Bairstow permission to play for Yorkshire the IPL television rights in 2008 for a 10- and Sussex batsman Toby Radford as batting mons last Tuesday. against Middlesex in the crucial last game of the county season. Gulf Times Monday, September 19, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS Formula One cannot be a dictatorship: new chairman ‘Realistically what I am doing in the next few months is probably more listening to what people have to say’

Reuters then fi nd a path,” added the American. London “That is not a task for a committee, as committees tend to become bureau- Supremo Ecclestone warns he could quit F1 cratic — but there also can’t be a dicta- ormula One cannot be run like a torship, even if probably here they are AFP sport. dictatorship, even if many peo- used to it.” Singapore “Well Max knows me very well,” ple in the sport are used to that, Carey, former executive vice-chair- Ecclestone said, adding that the Lib- according to the new chairman man of Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century erty purchase “shouldn’t make any appointedF to work with commercial Fox, said he would be working for For- ormula One supremo Bernie diff erence”. supremo Bernie Ecclestone. mula One and not Liberty. Ecclestone warned he could “They’ve asked me to stay on in my Chase Carey, who took on the role as He saw opportunities for stepping walk away from the sport he’s position, Chase is going to be chair- part of Liberty Media’s takeover of the up investment “in all sorts of areas” turned into a global phenom- man. I’ve no idea what his ideas are, sport this month, said also that For- including marketing and new dig- enonF if he doesn’t get his way under but it is diffi cult for him as he’s sort of mula One’s US expansion should ulti- ital platforms as well as making tracks new owners Liberty Media. been thrown in the deep end a bit. So mately look at big cities like Los Ange- more exciting. The British billionaire was speaking we’ll see,” he said. les, New York or Miami. Carey said he was too old to be an ap- at the Singapore Grand Prix, the fi rst Asked whether he might fi nd it prentice to Ecclestone, who has run For- race since F1’s sale was announced tough to work with Carey, Ecclestone “Bernie is the CEO, so Bernie is mula One for decades, but “hopefully by and which was also attended by its said: “The only thing I have to do is die going to lead it and I will work working together we can fi gure out how new chairman, Chase Carey. and pay my tax. Short of that I don’t with Bernie to establish some to get the best out of the sport.” In a Sky Sports interview aired have to do anything.” kind of strategic plan to where He reiterated that nothing was writ- yesterday, Ecclestone, 85, was char- But he added: “There is going to be you want to go,” new F1 chairman ten in stone. acteristically blunt when quizzed on no problem with Chase, we will work Chase Carey said “Bernie is the CEO, so Bernie is going whether he could quit the sport under together.” to lead it and I will work with Bernie to the American new regime. “He has got expertise that I haven’t. The primary concern, however, was establish some kind of strategic plan to “Thank God at the moment I don’t We need to be in America, he knows building long-term value and investing where you want to go,” he said. quite need the money, I don’t need a America, he knows television and he in the future. Ecclestone separately told Sky job and if by chance things aren’t go- can help us a lot. So I’m sure that is “Realistically what I am doing in the Sports television that he did not see a ing the way I think would be the right Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone (left) arrives at the paddock for a what is going to happen.” next few months is probably more lis- problem with the new chairman. way then I will disappear for sure,” he practice session ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday. (AFP) Ecclestone also said he had no im- tening to what people have to say,” he “We will work together. He has got said. mediate plans to retire, despite his ad- told the offi cial formula1.com website expertise that I haven’t, we need to Under the new deal, which values investors with his canny deal-making asked whether he had been engaged vanced age. “At the moment I am still before yesterday’s Singapore Grand be in America, he knows America, he Formula One at $8 billion, Eccle- over the past four decades. for another years, answering: “Let’s able to deliver. When I think I can’t Prix. “You cannot make everybody knows television and he can help us a stone remains as chief executive but US media mogul John Malone’s see, let’s see.” then I’ll stop,” he said. happy all the time, but you’ve got to lot. So I’m sure that is what is going to is joined by Carey, the mustachioed Liberty Media has a wide portfo- And he didn’t argue with comments And when interviewer Martin understand what everybody wants and happen,” said the 85-year-old. vice-chairman of 21st Century Fox. lio including Time Warner cable TV, from Max Mosley, ex-president of Brundle wondered if the situation was The diminutive but pugnacious the Atlanta Braves baseball team and governing body the FIA, who warned about to change for Formula One’s Ecclestone has built F1 into a global electric racing series Formula E. Ecclestone could “walk away” if Lib- “king of the castle”, Ecclestone re- powerhouse earning billions for its Ecclestone was equivocal when erty interfere with his running of the plied: “It probably won’t.”

FOCUS Wolff hails classic Singapore race

Reuters Singapore

ercedes boss Toto Wolff lauded Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix as a great ex- ample of how Formula One Mshould be, with the top three teams us- ing diff erent tyre strategies to keep the result in the balance until the last lap. Wolff was delighted to see his driv- ers fi nish fi rst and third after struggling at the circuit a year ago but race win- ner Nico Rosberg suff ered an almighty scare from a fast-charging Daniel Ric- ciardo with fresher tyres in his Red Bull. “It was so close at the end, how it should be in Formula One,” the Austri- an told reporters after Rosberg held on to win by 0.488 seconds and teammate Lewis Hamilton held off Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen for third. “Four really great cars, diff erent strategies and I must take my hat off to Red Bull with strategy by pitting him (Ricciardo), we couldn’t do that. Ric- ciardo was out of the blocks with amaz- ing pace and it was really exciting at the end.” Wolff said both Mercedes cars suf- fered brake issues but was full of praise “He (Rosberg) was really great all Wolff added. way to the last race in Abu Dhabi. for Rosberg, whose eighth victory of the weekend. They both struggled with While Rosberg has the momentum “They are so close together in terms season took him eight points clear of the brakes, we were probably a lit- after having won the last three races, of performance. One bad weekend is New Formula 1 chairman Chase Carey is animated ahead of the Singapore Grand triple champion Hamilton in the title tle bit too marginal. He got it under Wolff remained convinced that the enough and the other has an advantage. Prix on Sunday. (Reuters) race with six rounds remaining. control well and controlled the pace,” championship was likely to go all the It’s going to go down the wire,” he said.

BOXING Alvarez knocks out Smith for share of super welterweight title

AFP ending it at 2:28 of the ninth with an- improving to 48-1-1 with 34 knock- Los Angeles other big left hook to Smith’s right outs. side. He’s won six fi ghts in a row since “I felt he was very strong in the be- suff ering his lone defeat — a 12-round aul “Canelo” Alvarez knocked ginning, so I felt I had to put that body- majority decision loss to Floyd May- out previously unbeaten Liam work in so that slowly he would dwin- weather in 2013. “Beefy” Smith in the ninth dle and I did my job,” said Alvarez, who The announced attendance of 51,240 round Saturday to regain a share connected with a left to the body and bettered the 50,994 that turned out for ofS the super welterweight world title a right to the side of Smith’s head that Manny Pacquiao against Joshua Clot- before more than 51,000 at AT&T Sta- knocked the champion down in the tey in 2010, the fi rst of two world title dium in Texas. seventh. fi ghts featuring the Filipino star at the With most of the crowd behind him Smith, blood streaming from a cut venue. at the cavernous home of the Dal- near his right eye, kept coming, but Although Alvarez stepped down in las Cowboys NFL team, Alvarez was even his best shots weren’t enough to weight to take on Smith, fi ght fans still in control from round one against the slow Alvarez, and he went down again crave a clash between him and Kaza- gritty Smith. in the eighth after a crunching left hook khstan’s unbeaten Gennady Golovkin, Britain’s World Boxing Organization to his midriff . the undisputed middleweight world champion couldn’t match the speed “No excuses, but from my point of champion. or power of the Mexican star, a former view my timing was just so off ,” said Asked about that match-up — and World Boxing Council super welter- Smith, who was fi ghting outside Britain whether he was ducking the hard-hit- weight champ who was returning to the for the fi rst time. ting Kazakh — Alvarez said: “I fear no 154-pound division after claiming the “I couldn’t really land clean. I was one”. WBC middleweight crown last Novem- slow — didn’t even make him think.” “I was born for this,” Alvarez said. “A ber with a unanimous decision over Smith fell to 23-1 with one drawn and lot of people don’t like it, but I’m the Miguel Cotto. 13 knockouts. The Merseysider had won best fi ghter right now.” “I told you I was going to give you 18 fi ghts in a row over six years, winning a great fight and bring you the cham- eight in a row inside the distance over Canelo Alvarez celebrates after knock- pionship and here it is,” said Alvaro, the past three years. ing out Liam Smith during their bout at who put Smith on the canvas in both But Alvarez, 26, was the star of the the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the seventh and eighth rounds before show and he lived up to his billing, on Saturday. (AFP)

Monday, September 19, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FORMULA 1 FOCUS Swimming World Rosberg back on Cup returns to Doha for 5th top aft er thriller consecutive year in Singapore German goes eight points clear of teammate Hamilton in the standings

Reuters Singapore

ermany’s Nico Rosberg cel- ebrated his 200th Formula One race by retaking the champion- ship lead from Mercedes team- Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu has a storied history in the FINA Swimming Gmate Lewis Hamilton after a pole to fl ag World Cup, where she broke two world records and a championship win in Singapore yesterday. record in the 2014 edition. After a chaotic start that brought out a safety car on the opening lap, Rosberg By Sports Reporter compete in the fast waters of the stayed clear of Red Bull’s late-charging Doha Hamad Aquatic Centre. Le Clos Daniel Ricciardo at the fl oodlit Marina battled hard in the Rio 2016 Ol- Bay Street Circuit. ympic Games and took home two Triple world champion Hamilton com- fter an incredible 2015 silver medals in the 200m free- pleted the podium in third place. season that saw world style and 100m butterfl y – a re- “The whole car was on the edge, it al- records tumble across sult he will defi nitely be looking to ways is here in Singapore, so it’s very sat- the board, Qatar will build on in Doha. Hosszu mean- isfying to fi nish like that,” Rosberg told onceA again welcome the great- while won an incredible three gold reporters. est swimmers from around the medals and a silver, also setting a The German’s third victory in a row, world for the FINA airweave new world record and an Olympic and 22nd of his career, lifted Rosberg on Swimming World Cup 2016, record in Rio. These champions to 273 points, eight clear of Hamilton, which will be held at the fantastic are sure to make this year’s edi- with six rounds remaining and Australia’s Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha tion a sight to see. Ricciardo a distant third on 179 in the title from October 8 to 9. Le Clos recorded amazing per- race. The premier swimming event formances at Hamad Aquatic Rosberg’s win was his eighth of the will see newly-crowned Olym- Centre in 2014 and 2015. At the season and fi rst in Singapore, a grand prix pic champions take to the water FINA Swimming World Cup in that has only been won by world champi- of the Hamad Aquatic Centre, August 2014, he took home gold ons until now. following their successes at the in the 50m and 100m butterfl y, The German had started two points be- Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Swim- his signature events, as well as hind Hamilton and, despite leading com- ming fans young and old alike the 100m freestyle. Hosszu also fortably halfway though the race, crossed Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg celebrates winning the Singapore Grand Prix yesterday. (Reuters) can expect to see breath taking has a storied history in the FINA the line just 0.488 seconds ahead of Ric- performances, shattered world Swimming World Cup, where ciardo after having to complete the last 28 records and intense competi- she broke two world records and laps on the same soft tyres. tions over the two days of swim- a championship record in the Red Bull opted for a bold tyre strategy ming action. 2014 edition alone. to put pressure on Rosberg late on and Qatar Swimming Association Other swimming stars that Ricciardo was eating into the advantage president and Local Organising will head to Doha for the FINA at roughly three seconds a lap in the clos- Committee chairman Khaleel al- Swimming World Cup are Aus- ing stages but ran out of road before the Jabir said: “We will continue to tralians Brittany Elmslie and chequered fl ag. build on the massive momentum Madeline Groves who took home “Of course Daniel tried to pull one up that we have accrued over the the gold medal in a stunning on me with the pitstop at the end, we years. Qatar is once again more 4x100m freestyle relay fi nal in knew it was going to be tight but we got than ready to host the world’s the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. there so I’m very happy,” added Rosberg, greatest swimmers in its facilities World record holder in the 200m who opened a 43-point lead on Hamilton and welcome them once more breaststroke Rikke Moller Ped- at the start of the season before falling with our hospitality. The Qatar ersen from Denmark is also ex- behind when the Briton won six of seven Swimming Association strives pected to compete as well as races. to ensure that each edition of 100m breaststroke world record the FINA Swimming World Cup holder Alia Atkinson from Ja- OVERHEATING BRAKES improves upon the one before it maica and former world record Hamilton had his own private battle with and this year our approach is no holder Roland Schoeman from Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen behind the diff erent.” South Africa. leading duo, the Briton losing third place Fans are in for a special treat Tickets are available through to the Finn after a mistake on lap 34 but as FINA Swimming World Cup q-tickets.com and prices are set reclaiming the position with a timely pit Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg (centre) celebrates his win on the podium while teammate Lewis Hamilton (right) and Red Bull’s Daniel winners and reigning FINA at QR20 per person per session. stop to hold on to the fi nish. Ricciardo look on in Singapore yesterday. (Reuters) Swimmers of the Year, Chad Le Given this year’s stellar line up “This weekend has been a tricky one Clos (South Africa) and Katinka of athletes, be sure to book your for me but I’m just happy to get on the with Carlos Sainz’s Toro Rosso. made for a tactical and exciting race on a 5. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) +27.694 Hosszu (Hungary) will once again ticket well ahead of time. podium and get some points for the Rosberg got away cleanly to lead from circuit that off ers very few overtaking op- 6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +1:11.197 team,” Hamilton said. Ricciardo, with Hamilton in third and portunities. 7. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) +1:29.198 “The brakes were way overheating so I Raikkonen behind him after Verstap- Mexican Sergio Perez was eighth for 8. Sergio Perez (Force India) +1:51.062 had to slow down. Once I did my second pen suff ered a woeful start to slip back to Force India with Russian Daniil Kvyat 9. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) +1:51.557 or third stop we managed to sort it out.” eighth from fourth on the grid. ninth for Toro Rosso. 10. Kevin Magnussen (Renault) Last year’s race winner Sebastian Vet- The race restarted and Rosberg would Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen scored +1:59.952 tel drove brilliantly from last on the start- have been startled to see a marshal at the the fi nal point for Renault in only the sec- ing grid to claim fi fth place in the other end of the start-fi nish straight picking up ond fi nish in the points for the team this Drivers’s standings (top three) Ferrari, the German coming home ahead debris, the man just managing to get off season. 1. Nico Rosberg (GER) 273pts of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Fern- the circuit before the Mercedes reached 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 265 ando Alonso in a McLaren. him. SINGAPORE GP RESULTS (TOP 10) 3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 179 The safety car was deployed immedi- There were no more safety cars, 1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 1:55:48.950 Constructors’ standings (top three) ately after the start when Nico Hulken- throughout a 61-lap race that has yet to 2. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) +0.488 1. Mercedes 538.0pts berg’s Force India, eighth on the grid, suf- be completed without one, but the dif- 3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +8.038 2. Red Bull 316.0 Chad Le Clos fered a heavy crash after making contact ferent tyre strategies of the leading cars 4. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) +10.219 3. Ferrari 301.0

CYCLING A dream-come-true moment for Qatar coach Esmaili

By Sports Reporter “We’ll fi eld three cyclists at the 2002. I won the inaugural Qatar The Qatar team has been train- Doha 2016 Road Worlds. In addition to Armed Forces Cycling Champion- ing hard for the UCI Road World Elbourdainy, Farhan Farzi and Jas- ship that year. Qatar’s fi rst coach, Championships Doha 2016, at- sim Al Jabri will participate in the Czech Svato Buchta, approached tending summer training camps in hen the UCI Road Junior Individual Time Trial. Their me and said he wanted me in the three European countries — Slov- World Champion- focus will be on improving their national team. I readily agreed. enia, Croatia and Italy — and will ships Doha 2016 kicks personal best times and putting “I remember our team’s fi rst return home on October 1 to fi nalise off on October 9, it up a good show among Asian com- training camp. It was in Bern, preparations on home soil. Wwill be a proud moment for Qatar, petitors.” Switzerland, in June 2003. It was “We’ll come back and start a pe- the tournament’s fi rst-ever Mid- Esmaili said Elbourdainy could a totally new experience for us. I riod of acclimatisation. I’m hoping dle Eastern host. But for national put up a decent show in Doha. “He watched and learned from my fel- we’ll make good use of the home team coach Tareq Esmaili, October competed in the last two UCI Road low European riders. They helped advantage and adapt to the situa- 12 is an even more signifi cant date, World Championships (Ponferrada, instil in me a deep love for the tion faster. After the World Cham- as it will mark the completion of a Spain, 2014 and Richmond, USA, sport,” he said. pionships, we’ll also take part in dream that has been several years in 2015) and the experience will stand And now, more than a decade several Gulf, Arab and Asian com- the making. him in good stead in Doha. He’s later, his transformation from cy- petitions,” said the coach. The experienced former Qatar relatively young and has improved clist to coach is almost complete. Esmaili said the UCI Road World international, who is currently pre- much in recent years. I’m confi dent So which role does he fi nd more Championships Doha 2016 would paring the team at a camp in Italy, he’ll be able to manage the pressure challenging? The response was im- help popularise the sport not only spoke about the dream. of competing at home.” mediate. in the country, but the entire Mid- “On 12 October, Ahmed El- Cycling enjoys great popular- “Being a coach is infi nitely more dle East. bourdainy will step forward to ity around the world, and, in Qatar, diffi cult. When I was riding, I just “One always sees a surge in in- compete in the Elite men’s individ- it started sprouting wings in the had to train, remain healthy and terest when a major tournament ual Time Trial race. I’ve wanted to early 2000s. Esmaili, one of Qatar’s be ready for race days. After taking comes to your region. The Road coach the national team for as long fi rst-ever international cyclists, over the coaching reins, I’m now Worlds in Doha will highlight as I can remember. So it will be a re- fondly recalled the early days. responsible for my riders’ lifestyle, the sport better than ever before. alisation of that dream for me. It’s “The Qatar Cycling Federation nutrition, and training analysis. It’s Hopefully, a second generation of even more satisfying that I get to do was established in 2001 and they a tough job, but one which I’m im- Qatari cyclists will rise up to the it in front of home fans,” he said. formally launched a team in late mensely enjoying,” said Esmaili. challenge,” he signed off . Qatar national cycling team coach Tareq Esmaili leads his riders during a summer training camp.