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Home , Anoeta Stadium, Mosaddek Hossain, Simon Yates (cyclist)

Liverpool and Chelsea maintain perfect starts in English Premier League; Man City in touch PAGE 18

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

Hamilton takes stunning pole at Singapore Grand Prix PAGE 30 ITALIAN SERIE A JUVENTUS VS SASSUOLO

2018 FINA Swimming World Cup Doha Sjostrom torches 100m fly record; Hosszu enjoys more golds rush Three WC records sink on final day of Doha meet; Chupkov, Sarah emerge as Cluster 1 champions

VINAY NAYUDU DOHA Results

Men’s 400m Individual Medley SWEDEN’S Sarah Sjostrom 1. David Verraszto (HUN) 4:13.44 and Russian Anton Chupkov 2. Maksym Shemberev (AZE) 4:13.61 emerged as the Doha leg and 3. Tomas Peribonto (ECU) 4:17.02 Cluster 1 winners of the 2018 Women’s 800m Freestyle FINA Swimming World Cup 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 8:34.58 Series which concluded with 2. Chanzhen Zhou (CHN) 8:35.67 splashing success at the Hamad 3. Andrea Zapatero (ESP) 8:43.99 Aquatic Centre on Saturday. Women’s 100m Butterfly Three World Cup records 1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 56.46 were broken on the exciting 2. Kimberly Buys (BEL) 58.23 third and final day of the meet 3. Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 59.40 even as ‘Iron Lady’ Katinka Men’s 50m Butterfly Hosszu continued to mesmer- 1. Andrii Govorov (UKR) 22.82 ise a packed house claiming 2. Michael Andrew (USA) 23.21 another three golds, besides a 3. Ryan Coetzee (RSA) 23.54 bronze. Her total haul in Doha Women’s 200m Backstroke stood at seven golds, three 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 2:11.00 bronze and one silver if you add 2. Kira Toussaint (NED) 2:13.24 the team mixed medley relay. 3. Yuru Jiang (CHN) 2:14.54 The night, however, be- Men’s 100m Backstroke longed to the under water 1. Mitchell Larkin (AUS) 53.68 sprinting queen, Sjostrom, who 2. Michael Andrew (USA) 54.11 was well ahead in the race to 3. Vladimir Morozov (RUS) 55.07 emerge as the cluster queen and Women’s 50m Breaststroke she did it in style; first breaking 1. Yuliya Efimova (RUS) 30.43 the World Cup Record in the 2. Vitalina Simonova (RUS) 32.01 100m butterfly -- now having 3. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 32.81 done so in all three of her swims Men’s 200m Breaststroke on the circuit – and later win- Cluster 1 winners Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom and Ryssia’s Anton Chupkov pose for photographs after receiving their cheques at the Hamad Aquatic Centre on Saturday. 1. Anton Chupkov (RUS) 2:08.77 ning the 100m freestyle gold. 2. Arno Kamminga (NED) 2:11.21 The 25-year-old Swede 3. Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 2:11.61 blazed her way to the gold in a Women’s 100m Freestyle new record of 56.46. 1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 53.13 At the first stop in Kazan 2. Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 53.29 (Russia) Sjostrom had tied the 3. Femke Heemskerk (NED) record of 57.56 set by Japan’s Men’s 200m Freestyle Rikako Ikee in 2015 in the pre- 1. Blake Pieroni (USA) 1:47.20 lims, and then took just over a 2. Kyle Stolk (NED) 0.70 1:49.45 tenth off of second in the final 3. Lorenz Weiremans (BEL) 1:49.68 to win gold in 57.42. Women’s 200m Individual Medley On Saturday, she took 1 Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 2:11.57 nearly a full second off that 2. Yuliya Efimova (RUS) 2:13.60 record. Yet she didn’t seem 3. Sishi Zhang (CHN) 2:14.23 that satisfied. “I am so happy Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay with that. I did it so much 1. The Netherlands (Kira Toussaint, Arno faster than a few days ago in Kamminga, Mathys Goosen, Femke Russia. I’m very, very pleased Heemskerk) 3:49.18 2. China 9Yuru Jiang, Zhihao Zhang, with that. I wish I could have Sishi Zhang, Zheqi Lin) 3:58.36 gone one sec more lower,” she 3. Hungary (Katinka Hosszu, David exclaimed soon after the win. Verraszto, Daniel Dudas, Zsuzsanna Jakabos) 3:59.43 Sjostrom later scooped the 100m freestyle gold to wrap up her delightful show in Doha. 5:04.08secs, and Abdulaziz al This was her fifth gold of the Obaidly came a creditable sixth competition, also winning the in the men’s 100m backstroke 50m freestyle, 200m free and Swimmers pose on the podium after a medal ceremony at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire Zone on Saturday. Sarah Sjostrom acknowledges the crowd after winning a race on Saturday. (1:01.87secs) against some 50m butterfly which made it challenging competition. a total of ten golds in the first The others to break World in the event this year contin- The Day 3 show, in fact, standard of 4:14.77, while claim the mixed 4x100m med- The Doha leg concluded cluster of two meets. Cup records were Ukrainian ues, as he’s now been under began with a record breaking Tom Peribonio improved his ley relay bronze. Cluster 1 comprising long For Chupkov too (on his Andrii Govorov, who won the 23 seconds on eleven different race when Hungarian David Ecuadorian Record by a few Hosszu’s total haul at the course contests, with the re- first visit to Qatar), it was a men’s 50m butterfly in a time of occasions. “It’s nice to increase Verraszto lowered his own tenths in 4:17.02. meet was a whopping seven maining two clusters of the memorable evening as the 22.82, breaking his own record your times from cluster to clus- mark to win the men’s 400m The crowd favourite, Hoss- golds, three bronze medals in- World Cup now to be competed 21-year-old Russian claimed of 22.87 set in Kazan. ter. I’ve been really excited to be individual medley, clocking zu reigned supreme in three dividually and one bronze for on short course. the men’s 200m breaststroke The 26-year-old had tak- here and race fast. Next for me 4:13.44 to knock off his mark events on the final day winning her team. Cluster 2 includes Eind- gold to add to his bronze on en out the previous mark of is to work towards long course set three years ago. the women’s 800m freestyle, Meanwhile Qatar swim- hoven (Netherlands) and the opening day. Given Chop- 23.23 in Kazan, set by South world championships. The same race also saw 200m backstroke and 200m in- mers too excelled much to the (Hungary) meets kov’s top show in Kazan, it was African Chad Le Clos in Char- “Thank You Qatar. It’s really Maksym Shemberev broke his dividual medley. She claimed a home crowd’s delight with while legs in Beijing (China), enough for him to emerge as tres in August, 2015. felt nice to have been welcomed Azerbaijani National Record bronze in the 50m breaststroke Mohamed Mahmoud finishing Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore the cluster winner. Govorov’s impressive run here,” said the Ukrainian. in 4:13.61, lowering his old besides helping team Hungary fifth in the men’s 400m IM in form Cluster 3. Umm Salal pick maximum points away at Gharafa

Umm Salal scored against lovely pass over the defence held on to move up to seventh Moutouali shines the run of play through Ma- by the enterprising Mawas, hit in the league. with two goals in was. The Syrian, off a run his volley on the run just be- down the pitch, found some fore half time. Ahli come through Al Ahli victory in space and sent his right-footer Umm Salal scored the po- Elsewhere, Mohsine Mou- from the edge of the box curl- tential winner three minutes touali scored a brace as Al Ahli QNB Stars League ing past the outstretched into the second half. Ismail beat a stubborn Al Kharaitiyat Yousef Hassan. Mahmoud rifled home from 3-2 at the Al Ahli Stadium. AYENI OLUSEGUN The Cheetahs equalised close range off a Sagbo re- The Moroccan scored his first DOHA minutes later as Amro Seraj bound. league goal for Al Ahli in the latched on to a loose ball in Al Gharafa pressed for an 35th minute, hitting a rising AL Gharafa fell 3-2 at home to the box. Some brilliant wing equaliser and Amro saw his effort from 25 metres out. Umm Salal in Week Five ac- play by Weiss saw the ball shot flash wide after a brilliant Moutouali turned provid- tion of the QNB Stars League come to Sneijder and before turn to shrug off his marker. er as the The Brigadiers made on Saturday. the Dutchman was brought The Cheetahs continued it two on the stroke of half The seven-time league down in the box, the ball went to ask questions and substi- time when Majed Mohammed champions dominated pro- to Amro who wasted no time tute Alaeedin came close to blazed home from Moutoua- ceeding but goals from Mah- to find the net. an equaliser but his looping li’s pass. moud Mawas, Yannick Sagbo Sneijder put the hosts header cannoned off the bar. Two second half goals and Ismail Mahmoud con- ahead from the penalty spot, Weiss saw his close-range from Hamroun Jugurtha and demned the sixth-placed drilling hard and low to the shot beat off by Basel Samih Mohammed Abdulraab gave Cheetahs to their second bottom corner with five min- before the goalkeeper parried a glimmer of hope to the visi- league defeat. utes left in the first half after Mehdi Taremi's goal-bound tors but Moutouali capped Despite controlling pro- Yousuf Muftah was fouled. effort to maintain Umm of a man-of-the-match per- ceedings, Gharafa failed to The goal flurry continued Salal's lead. formance with a stunner, get off the mark as Sneijder as Yannick Sagbo's volley lev- In added time, Saeed Alhaj beating two defenders before swung a free-kick just wide elled proceedings. The big Ivo- Al Gharafa attacker Vladimir Weiss (right) tries to beat Umm Salal’s Husam El Said during their QNB Stars headed wide from inside the drilling low and hard past off the mark. rian striker, picked out with a League match at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Saturday. six-yard-box as Umm Salal Ahmed Sufyan. Sports Sunday, September 16, 2018 17 Hamilton takes stunning pole at Singapore GP after qualifying scare

Starting grid lap felt like magic I don't know Hamilton has where it came from but it all 1st row came together,” Hamilton Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Wow, wow, that was a hard now clinched his Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) said. 2nd row qualifying session. That lap “It was really special, I seventh pole Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) felt like magic I don’t know don’t think there was a bad this season, his Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) where it came from but it all moment in the lap, it was just 3rd row came together. perfect.” fourth in Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) Mercedes team principal Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) Lewis Hamilton Toto Wolff said: “Yeah it’s 4th row stardust ... I can’t explain what Singapore and Sergio Perez (MEX/Force India-Mercedes) Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) happened on that (Hamilton) his 79th in all 5th row nussen, Toro Rosso’s Brendon lap. He’s just an exceptional Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) Hartley, Stoffel Vandoorne in individual and an exceptional DPA Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) a McLaren and the Williams driver." SINGAPORE 6th row pair Sergey Sirotkin and Lance Vettel said of his third Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren-Renault) Stroll went out. place: “It’s not ideal obvi- THE Mercedes driver put Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) The second session then ously. We wanted to get pole down a scorching 1 minute 7th row saw Vettel in trouble after and didn’t. It was a messy 36.015 seconds in his first lap Charles Leclerc (MON/Sauber-Ferrari) Ferrari started on ultra- qualifying session and there in the final qualifying session Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber-Ferrari) softs, which were clearly off 8th row was too much time missing so on the Marina Bay Street Cir- Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda) the pace. we didn't get any better than cuit, 0.319 seconds faster that Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) After switching to hypers, third.” Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. 9th row team-mate Raikkonen man- Raikkonen will line up on Formula One champion- Brendon Hartley (NZL/Toro Rosso-Honda) aged to set the fastest time the third row alongside Daniel ship rival Sebastian Vettel in a Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren-Renault) while Mercedes this time had Ricciardo in a Red Bull, while Ferrari was 0.613 seconds off 10th row both Hamilton and team-mate the remaining top 10 positions Hamilton’s pace for third spot, Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Williams-Mercedes) Valtteri Bottas comfortably were filled by Sergio Perez in and will start Sunday’s race in Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) through. McLaren’s Fernan- a Force India, Romain Gros- the second row alongside the do Alonso, Renault’s Carlos jean in a Haas, Esteban Ocon Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas. themselves an extra set of Sainz, the Sauber duo Charles in a Force India and Nico Hamilton had come close fresher, faster hypers in Q2 Leclerc and Magnus Ericsson, Huelkenberg in a Renault. to going out in the first ses- almost went spectacularly and Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly Verstappen, who had com- sion in a qualifying marked by wrong, with world champion went out. plained at the start of qualify- tyre tactics after Mercedes had Hamilton only scraping into The stage was then set for ing about engine performance, gambled on saving their faster the second qualifying in 14th Hamilton to set a blistering said that finishing second hyper-soft tyres for Q2. Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton reacts after winning the pole position during the qualifying session place. time in Q3 - praised as “epic” “feels like a victory.” Vettel also had to sweat in ahead of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Saturday. (AFP) “Rears are done, man. You in a message from his engi- He added: “We just have Q2 in the night-time session guys need to listen some more, neer over team radio - which to make sure we have a clean after Ferrari started it with fic for sixth place. now clinched his seventh pole ner aims to repeat his 2017 I told you I couldn’t go any none of his rivals came near to start then after that everything ultra-softs before switching Hamilton, who has a this season, his fourth in Sin- victory on the circuit. faster,” a frustrated Hamilton matching. is possible. We need to sort out to the hypers, leaving the Ger- 30-point lead over Vettel in gapore and his 79th in all as Mercedes’ gamble with said over the team radio. “Wow, wow, that was a the engine but I'm very happy man scrambling through traf- the drivers’ standings, has the three-time Singapore win- ultra-soft tyres in Q1 to give Haas driver Kevin Mag- hard qualifying session. That with the car.” Briton Yates set to secure Tour of title as Mas wins Stage 19 AFP COLLADA DE LA GALLINA, ANDORRA

BRITAIN'S Simon Yates all but secured the Tour of Spain over- all title on Saturday ahead of the final day 'parade' to , meaning British riders will have won all three of cycling's Grand Tours this season. The astonishing victory for the 26-year-old Mitchelton- Scott team rider Yates is a form of redemption after he led the Giro d'Italia for two weeks in May, only to lose over 40 min- utes on the 19th stage - vow- ing however to "come back stronger". His success follows that of Bangladeshi batsman celebrates after scoring 100 runs during the one-day international (ODI) Asia Cup match against Sky's in the Tour Sri Lanka in Dubai on Saturday. (AFP) of Italy in May while another member of the Sky team Ge- raint Thomas won the in July. Ton-up Mushfiqur inspires Yates was third on the day in a short but mountainous run behind 20th stage winner Quick Step's 23-year-old to rout of Lanka and Astana rider Miguel Angel Lopez, just 24, who climbed AFP SCOREBOARD Mortaza took two onto the virtual podium in sec- DUBAI apiece. ond and third place. BANGLADESH: But it was Rahim who The men who had been sec- Mitchelton-Scott’s British cyclist Simon Philip Yates crosses the finish SENIOR batsman Mushfiqur retd hurt 2 SRI LANKA: starred as he added 131 for the ond and third overnight Span- line of the 20th stage of the 2018 “La Vuelta” Tour of Spain cycling Rahim smashed a brilliant c Mendis b Malinga 0 U. Tharanga b Mortaza 27 third with Mohammad ish veteran race, a 97,3 km hilly route from Les Escaldes to Collada de la Gallina b Malinga 0 K. Mendis lbw b Mustafiz 0 career-best hundred to steer Mushfiqur Rahim c Mendis b Perera 144 K. Perera lbw b Hasan 11 Mithun (63) to lead the recov- and Dutchman Steven Kruijsw- in Andorra on Saturday. (AFP) Bangladesh to an emphatic c M Perera b Malinga 63 D. de Silva lbw b Mortaza 0 ery after recalled Sri Lankan ijk, both struggled on the final 137-run victory over Sri Lanka c de Silva b Aponso 1 A. Mathews lbw b Hossain 16 paceman Lasith Malinga re- climb and fell to fifth and fourth Yates took the overall lead two days to Spanish outsider Je- in the opening Asia Cup match Mosaddek Hossain c M Perera b Malinga 1 D. Shanaka run out 7 moved Liton Das and Shakib Al respectively. c and b Lakmal 15 T. Perera c Hossain b Hasan 6 on the Vuelta from the ninth sus Herrera, was always in pole in Dubai on Saturday. c Tharanga b de Silva 11 D. Perera st Das b Mosaddek 29 Hasan for ducks. The disappointment in stage, and while he gave it up for position to win from that time. The former 's 150- lbw b de Silva 2 S. Lakmal b Mustafiz 20 Rahim bettered his previ- Spain at Valverde dropping ball 144 with 11 fours and four run out 10 M. Oponso c sub (Shanto) b Shakib 4 ous ODI best of 117 he scored from second to finish off the po- Top 10 Overall Standings sixes lifted Bangladesh from Extras: (lb4, nb1, w7) 12 L. Malinga 3 against India at Fatullah four dium on what could be his final Total: (all out; 49.3 overs) 261 Extras: (lb1) 1 a precarious 1-2 in the first Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Das), 2-1 (Shakib), 3-134 Total: all out, 35.2 overs 124 years ago, helping his team to chance, was made up for with 1. Simon Yates (GBR/Mitchelton) 79hrs 44mins 30sec over to 261 after they won the (Mithun), 4-136 (Mahmudullah), 5-142 (Hossain), Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Mendis), 2-28 (Tharanga), 3-32 add 63 in the last ten overs. the euphoria at the emergence 2. Enric Mas (ESP/QST) 1min 46sec. toss and batted in the Group B 6-175 (Hasan), 7-195 (Mortaza), 8-203 (Hossain), (de Silva), 4-38 (K. Perera), 5-60 (Shanaka), 6-63 Mithun hit five fours and of Mas, who was fourth in the 3. Miguel Ángel López (COL/AST) 2:04. match. 9-229 (Mustafizur) (Mathews), 7-69 (T Perera), 8-96 (Lakmal), 9-120 (D two sixes in his 68-ball enter- this year. Bowling: Malinga 10-2-23-4 (nb1, w3) Lakmal 10-0- Perera) 4. (NED/LNL) 2:54. Sri Lanka, who have won 46-1 (w1) Aponso 9-0-55-1, T. Perera 7.3-0-51-1 (w1), Bowling: Mortaza 6-2-25-2, Mustafizur 6-0-20-2, prising knock, his first ODI fifty. French climber Thibaut five Asia Cup titles, had lost half M. Perera 3-0-25-0, D. de Silva 7-0-38-2 (w1), M Hasan 7-1-21-2, Shakib 9.2-0-31-1, Hossain 4-0-18- Malinga finished with 4-23 Pinot, who won two mountain 5. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) 4:28. of their side for 60 in the 17th Shanaka 3-0-19-0 1, Mosaddek 3-0-8-1. in his first match in 13 months. stages on this Vuelta, came 6. (FRA/FDJ) 5:57. over before being bowled out Afghanistan are the third sixth, Colombia's Rigoberto 7. Rigoberto Uran (COL/EFD) 6:07. for 124 in 35.2 overs, succumb- team in the group. Pakistan Uran seventh and Movistar 8. (COL/MOV) 6:51. ing to their second-worst defeat Sri Lanka's worst defeat year. meet qualifiers Hong Kong in man Nairo Quintana, the 9. Jon Izagirre (ESP/BAH) 11:09. against Bangladesh in 45 one- against Bangladesh was a 163- Mustafizur Rahman, Mehi- Group A, which also features pre-race favourite, finished day internationals. run loss at Dhaka earlier this dy Hasan and skipper Mashrafe defending champions India. eighth. 10. Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) 11:11. Dominant France cruise past Spain to advance to Davis Cup final

DPA Feliciano Lopez. France were handed a Benneteau’s cross court LONDON The Frenchmen raced break early in the second set backhand opened up a 5-3 through the first two sets in as a volley from Grannollers lead in the breaker but Spain DEFENDING Davis Cup an hour and even though sailed long and Benneteau's saved match point at 6-5 to champions France are Spain saved two match points, fantastic flicked effort between make the French fans wait a through to their second suc- France would not be denied his legs opened up a 4-2 gap. little longer. cessive final after they claimed on the third. Mahut then hit an un- Another match point an unassailable 3-0 win over In the other semi-final, forgiving smash to double chance passed by France with Spain in the semi-finals at the Croatia are also one win away France’s advantage. a net error but Spain's error Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille from meeting France as they Spain hit back in the third on the third match point con- on Saturday. lead the United States 2-0 in set as they surged 4-1 in front firmed France's place in the After Benoit Paire and Lu- Zadar. but France responded to level Davis Cup final. cas Pouille won both singles It took the hosts just 18 at 4-4. The final on November 23 on Friday, the pairing of Nico- minutes to claim the first set Feliciano Lopez helped will be team captain Yannick las Mahut and Julien Ben- as Spain were completely his side escape another break Noah’s last game in charge France’s Nicolas Mahut (left) and teammate Julien Benneteau wave to supporters after their doubles victory neteau completed the victory overwhelmed by Mahut and with an ace as the two na- before Amelie Mauresmo against Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Feliciano Lopez in the Davis Cup semi-final at Villeneuve-d’Ascq, with a 6-0, 6-4, 7-6 result over Benneteau with their rapid tions battled into a crucial tie- takes over for the new cam- northern France, on Saturday. (AFP) Spain’s Marcel Granollers and serve and volley tactics. break. paign in 2019. 18 Sunday, September 16, 2018 Sports Liverpool and Chelsea maintain perfect starts; Man City in touch

DPA improving," he said. "Today was a com- LONDON petitive game you can win or you can lose. Liverpool were There are lots of games ahead. CHELSEA and Liverpool kept their per- "There are lots of things to assess and good value for fect records intact after fifth straight wins analyse - it's early in the season and this on Saturday, while champions Manches- is a moment to be cool and calm. Is this a their win at ter City stayed in touch. tough time? Listen, don't worry about me." Liverpool won 2-1 at Tottenham in the Cardiff took a surprise lead at Chelsea early kick-off through through Sol Bamba but Hazard quickly Tottenham, goals by Georginio wiped out the advantage and then added a Wijnaldum and second before half-time. surviving a late Roberto Firmino. Hazard's third goal came from the pen- Chelsea then alty spot 10 minutes from time after Wil- scare to continue came from be- lian was fouled by Bamba. hind to beat Willian, who came on with just over 20 Cardiff 4-1 minutes to go, then added a fourth to com- their best start to at Stamford plete the victory, with manager Maurizio Bridge, with Sarri singing Hazard's praises. a Premier League Eden Hazard "Eden Hazard is unique," he said. "I scoring a hat- thought he was one of the best in Europe - season trick. but now I am changing my mind as maybe The two sides now he is the best in Europe." are level on 15 Leroy Sane, restored to the Manches- points, ter City starting line-up, opened the scor- with ing against Fulham, with David Silva and fit-again Raheem Sterling finishing off the win. "After an international break it's al- ways a mystery how you'll come back, and Fulham asked us a lot of questions," City manager Pep Guardiola said. Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (left) celebrates with teammates Mohamed "They will have a good season and I Salah (right) and Naby Keita after scoring their second goal during the English Premier want to give Fulham a lot of credit. But we League football match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Wembley Stadium in London on were aggressive when we had the ball and Saturday. (AFP) we created chances." United were 2-0 up at Watford within Chelsea sitting in first place ed by goalline technology - and Firmino an hour through Romelu Lukaku and thanks to a marginally scored from inches out nine minutes into Chris Smalling. better goal the second period after good work from But though Andre Gray pulled one Sadio Mane. back, it was too little too late to pre- Eric Lamela pulled one back for Spurs vent Watford's first dropped points of the in injury time but Liverpool held on. season. Chelsea’s Belgian midfielder "That was very, very good," Liver- Ryan Fraser scored twice as Bourne- Eden Hazard celebrates his pool manager Juergen Klopp said. "It mouth continued their fine start to the goal during the English Premier was an intense job to do and the boys season with a 4-2 win over Leicester, who League football match against did it. had Wes Morgan sent off in the second Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge in difference. "We deserved to win that game today. half. London on Saturday. The pair are two points better off than Over 85 minutes we were really domi- Joshua King and Adam Smith had the champions Manchester City, who beat nant. That was our best game of the season hosts four up before the 10 men cut the Fulham 3-0, but Watford, the other team and the performance was much better than deficit through James Maddison and Marc who began the day with maximum points, the result." Albrighton. lost 2-1 at home to Manchester United. Tottenham, who won their first three Granit Xhaka and Mesut Oezil were Liverpool were good value for their games, fall to sixth, six points behind Liv- on the scoresheet for Arsenal as they won win at Tottenham, surviving a late erpool, but manager Mauricio Pochettino 2-1 at Newcastle despite Ciaran Clark's late scare to continue their best start to a said there was no reason to get downheart- consolation. Premier League season. ed. Crystal Palace moved away from trou- Wijnaldum headed them in front "Of course I am disappointed with ble thanks to Wilfried Zaha earning a 1-0 late in the first half - a goal award- the result but we must keep working and victory at Huddersfield.

Bayern Munich edge Action in Leverkusen with Barcelona fight back to beat Suarez and goals from Robben, Dembele net goals for the Rodriguez Spanish giants AFP their Champions League debut BERLIN next week. AFP Alfredo Morales headed MADRID GOALS from Arjen Robben Duesseldorf ahead against the and James Rodriguez helped run of play on the stroke of BARCELONA came from be- Bayern Munich maintain their half-time. English youngster hind to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 grip on the top of the table as Reiss Nelson, on loan from on Saturday as Atletico Ma- they beat Bayer Leverkusen Arsenal, appeared to save his drid lost further ground in the 2-1 on Saturday, plunging team's blushes when he scored La Liga title race by drawing at their opponents into an early on debut to make it 1-1. home to Eibar. season crisis. The relief did not last long, Seven points is now the With three defeats in three, though, as Dodi Lukebakio gap between Atleti and Barca, Leverkusen have made their restored Duesseldorf's lead who were in danger of slip- worst ever start to a Bundes- from the penalty spot on 88 ping up themselves when Aritz liga campaign. minutes. Elustondo put Real Sociedad Leverkusen got off to a Germany international in front at . dream start when Thiago's Timo Werner scored twice But the hosts missed a se- handball gave them a penalty to inspire RB Leipzig to their ries of excellent chances and in the second minute. first win of the season in a 3-2 paid the price, as two goals Manuel Neuer initially de- thriller against Hanover. in three minutes from Luis nied Kevin Volland from 12 On his return to the start- Suarez and Ousmane Dem- yards, but the spot-kick was ing eleven, Yussuf Poulsen bele clinched a hard-fought ordered re-taken for play- nodded Leipzig ahead on ten 2-1 win. ers encroaching into the area minutes, before Niclas Fuel- "The league is defined by and Wendell smashed in the lkrug blasted in an equaliser these kind of games," Suarez retake. for Hanover a few minutes said afterwards. "Last year we Leverkusen's joy was later. Timo Werner twice also came back from 2-0 after short-lived, as Corentin Tolis- linked up with Sweden striker many years without winning so prodded in the equaliser Emil Forsberg on the counter- here. The reaction says a lot just four minutes later, and attack to put RB Leipzig 3-1 about this team." Robben fired Bayern ahead ahead, but the visitors were Atletico rallied too, Borja Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (right) celebrates with French defender Samuel Umtiti after scoring a goal during the Spanish with a superb volley on 20 uncowed, and Miiko Albor- Garces equalising with virtu- league football match agasint Real Sociedad at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on Saturday. (AFP) minutes. noz quickly pulled a goal back ally the last kick of the game, Leverkusen's fate seemed with a curling shot into the but there were no celebrations and the latter was denied by and sealed when Karim Bellarabi top corner. at the Wanda Metropolitano. Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Hosts Sociedad missed a series of excellent chances Diego Costa, however, were was sent off for a reckless chal- There was a flurry of Garces' strike was enough Stegen. and paid the price, as two goals in three minutes from both sloppy in the final third lenge on Rafinha ten minutes late goals for Wolfsburg and only to rescue a 1-1 draw for Within minutes, they were Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele clinched a hard- and Eibar might even have from time, and James Rod- Mainz, as Wolfsburg grabbed a Diego Simeone's side, who had behind, as two crosses caused fought 2-1 win. scored earlier, twice denied by riguez added Bayern's third in late draw against Hertha Ber- looked on course for defeat havoc in Real Sociedad´s de- the woodwork. the 89th minute. lin and Mainz scored twice to when Eibar's Sergi Enrich bun- fence, with Suarez and Dembe- It means Atleti have now Schalke have also lost snatch victory from the jaws of dled home in the 87th minute. le perfectly placed to pounce. But it was testament to the helped changed the dynam- recorded their worst league three out of three after they defeat against Augsburg. Barcelona might easily Barca coach Ernesto Val- hosts' performance that Bus- ics," Suarez said. start since 2009. were plunged further into cri- After an uneventful first have dropped points too had verde had made the surprise quets was called upon in the Simeone might also have "I would worry if we had sis in a 2-1 defeat to Borussia half, Javairo Dilrosun's well- their opponents been more decision to omit Sergio Bus- second period after Philippe liked to keep one eye on their not created those chances to Moenchengladbach in the late angled finish broke the dead- clinical. quets from his starting line-up, Coutinho had also been intro- Champions League game score," Simeone said. "The game. lock just after the hour mark, and Theo presumably with Tuesday´s duced at half-time. against Monaco on Tuesday, team also showed a reaction Promoted Duesseldorf before Yunnus Malli equalised Hernandez both could have Champions League opener "In the first half they closed but a victory was much-needed after their goal. We continued snatched a surprise 2-1 win from the penalty spot three made it 2-0 after half-time against PSV Eindhoven in us down well but Philippe following defeat to Celta Vigo to push forward and managed over Hoffenheim, who make minutes from time. but the former blazed over mind. coming on in the second half two weeks ago. to take a point." Sports Sunday, September 16 2018 19

It was an easy race for the Khalifa bin Hamad al Attiyah-owned horse Rodess Du Loup claims President of UAE Cup (Gr1 PA) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Khalifa bin Hamad al At- tiyah-owned Purebred Arabian Rodess Du Loup won the Pres- ident of the UAE Cup (Gr1 PA) at Doncaster, UK on Saturday. Cantering in fourth position on the inside, jockey Christophe Soumillon waited until the last 200m to ask him to accelerate. He found an opening along the rail and won easily. His trainer Charles Gourdain wins the race for the second time. In 2017, he suc- ceeded with Nafees. He said: "We always thought he was as good as Nafees. He confirms today. His last run in Deauville upset us a little. But he really prefers good to soft ground, rather than very soft. He also likes races with rhythm, which did not help him today. “The jockey told me he had a hard time relaxing him. Winning while being nervous, proves how good he is, even more seen his nice end of race. Now we can think of the big race, on Arc day. But it is com- ing soon, he will only go if he proves he is at 100 percent." Rajeh finishes second, in front of Rjim, third. The Khalifa bin Hamad al Attiyah-owned Rodess Du Loup sprints to the finish line during the President of the UAE Cup Group 1 race for Purebred Arabians at Doncaster, the UK, on Saturday. Large turn-out expected for artistic gymnastics worlds in Doha

Over 6,000 fans ympic Committee and Qatar Gymnastics Federation are expected to watch in constant contact with the the event at FIG and there is a great deal of cooperation which reflects Aspire Dome, the confidence of the interna- says Muftah tional federation in the Qatari organisation. There are spe- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK cific requirements as needed DOHA by FIG, and we’re proud to say we have succeeded in provid- ALL arrangements for the ing for all that, and have added 48th Artistic Gymnastics more to achieve greater suc- World Championships, to be cess,” said Muftah. held at the Aspire Dome in Sure of delivering an out- Doha from October 25 to No- standing event, he said the vember 3, are near comple- Qatar Gymnastics Federation tion and a large turn-out of was in a near-ready state. “We spectators is expected at the have completed almost all ar- first worlds of the Middle East, rangements. All championship says Abdulrahman al Muftah, apparatus will be installed at the Director of Facilities of the the championship hall by on Organising Committee for the September 28 and the venue championships. Director of Facilities, Organising Committee for the 48th Artistic will be fully equipped,” he as- Providing details of how Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 Abdulrahman al Muftah. sured. Rider Cristian Demuro rides Gazwan to the glory in the prestgious Amir’s Sword Race (Group 1 PA) at the things are shaping up, he “We are also expecting Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club in New Al Rayyan in February this year. said, “First of all, I would like “The championships will be held at the Aspire Dome, a large audience during this to thank for the great support and we are providing four training halls and a warm-up tournament. We have there- we have received from the Or- fore increased the seating ca- ganising Committee towards hall, besides the main championship hall. We have full pacity to accommodate around attaining our goals. We have cooperation of all officials from various sub-committees 6,000 spectators. We appreci- Exciting Arabian, for the championship,” said Muftah been keen on accomplishing ate the efforts and the coop- the tasks quickly and accu- eration of the Aspire Academy rately. It is the biggest meet full cooperation of all officials “We have succeeded in get- in helping us,” he said. in terms of participation, the from various sub-committees ting cooperating from other With the countdown for Thoroughbred largest in the history of world for the championship.” federations, such as the Qatar the mega show having already gymnastics championship and “The Qatar Women’s Swimming Association and begun, Muftah said, “We all we are proud that this extraor- Sports Committee has also fa- the Water Sports Committee know that the tournament is dinary edition will be unveiled cilitated the provision of two to ensure the best possible ar- a challenge for all of us, so we in Qatar. It is a catalyst for additional rooms in keeping rangements for all participat- are working as one team with action in Qatar us to organise the event in a with the standards of the In- ing delegates and the media,” one goal of success. We assure distinctive way which reflects ternational Gymastics Federa- said Muftah, adding, “More everyone that we will be pre- Qatar’s capabilities in hosting tion (FIG). We are happy to do than 300 journalists from all senting a distinguished tour- world events.” our best,” he added. over the world are expected to nament that reflects Qatar’s Arc Trials today While giving details, he To ensure that all areas attend and the media centre excellence in hosting major explained, “The champion- with regards to the tourna- will be equipped with the all sports events.” ships will be held at the Aspire ment are well provided for, the the services needed.” Over 700 gymnasts from TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Last year’s Prix Dragon Qatar Prix Foy (Gr2) will Dome, and we are providing organisers have also sought The smooth work towards 85 countries will be seen in ac- DOHA see three Fabre wards lining four training halls and a warm- co-operation from the swim- the organisation has been tion at the world gymnastics, winner, Ebraz, is not in the up, with Waldgeist and Tal- up hall, besides the main ming federation and the water a result of the seamless co- the largest in the tournament’s LESS than three weeks before card, but the colours of ismanic looking promising. championship hall. We have sports committee. ordination. “The Qatar Ol- history. the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- His Highness Sheikh The former has a hat-trick of omphe returns to a revamped Mohammed bin Khalifa al victories coming into today’s Paris Longchamp, so do the Thani will be represented run, including a C&D Gr3 vic- Qatar Arc Trials. by the impressive Gazwan tory from May this year. Cloth Moeen Ali says With top quality Arabi- and Aaley Al Magam, both of Stars will be the third horse ans all set to put up a show to be saddled by Fabre in the Qatar, UAE to clash in he was called on Sunday in the Qatar Cup trained by Julian Smart race. – Prix Dragon (Gr1), the Aiden O’Brien will have 'Osama' by Thoroughbreds will be vying a credible second last year on last year’s St Leger victor Capri Asian youth h’ball today Australia player for honours in the Qatar Prix a comeback from a foot niggle. making a return from a long Vermeille (Gr1) besides other With Olivier Peslier set to absence. Group races. be in the saddle on Yazeed, Charlie Appleby’s charge TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK AFP Last year’s Prix Dragon Pierre-Charles Boudot will Brundtland will make a bid for DOHA LONDON winner, Ebraz, is not in the helm the 2017 Qatar Interna- the Qatar Prix Niel (Gr2) as he card, but the colours of His tional Stakes topper Tayf. looks to keep his racing record FORMER two-time champi- ENGLAND all-rounder Moeen Highness Sheikh Mohammed Thomas Fourcy will hope clean having already won both ons Qatar will clash with the Ali has said he was called bin Khalifa al Thani will be that Al Shaqab Racing’s the races he has raced in so far. United Arab Emirates in their "Osama" by an Australia represented by the impressive Zikreet will add to his wins The O’Brien-trained Hunt- opening Group D match of player during the 2015 Ashes Gazwan and Aaley Al Magam, tally with Qatari jockey Faleh ing Horn will line up too on his the 2018 Asian Men's Youth series. both trained by Julian Smart. Bughanaim astride. return from the United States. Handball Championship in Ali's allegation was made While Cristian Demuro, British runners Worth The 3yo is yet to win in France, Amman, Jordan on Sunday. in his autobiography, an ex- who had guided Gazwan Waiting and Kitesurf would be having finished sixth at Chant- Other two teams in the Qa- tract of which was published to His Highness the Amir’s keen to get add to their respec- illy earlier this year. tar’s group are twice runners- in Saturday's edition of The Sword (Gr1 PA) victory earlier tive Group victories in Deau- The two Gr3 races on the up Japan and Iran. Times newspaper. this year in Doha, will be back ville on their last outings when day are the 1,400m Qatar Prix As many as 14 teams have Cricket Australia has an- on the 7yo, JP Guillambert will they line up for the 2,400m Du Pin and the 1,000m Qatar been dived into four pools. nounced it is launching an partner Aaley Al Magam. Qatar Prix Vermeille (Gr1). Prix Du Petit Couvert. While Group A consists of defend- investigation, saying the com- The Qatar-based trainer While the David Lanigan- 11 runners will line up for the ing champions Bahrain, Sau- ment was "unacceptable". also has Sheikh Khalifa bin trained Worth Waiting had former, the sprint will see 13 di Arabia, China and Oman. Moeen, a practising Mus- Mohammed al Thani’s Reda in won the 2,500m Prix Minerve contestants. Group B has hosts Jordan, Qatar youth handball team players lim, said he was on the receiv- the running. (Gr3) at Deauville last month, The card will open with Chinese Taipei and Syria, ing end of the slur, a reference Frenchman Alban de Andre Fabre-saddled Kitesurf the 1,850m Qatar Prix Du while two-time winners South lung-opener on Sunday, they second teams from these two to terror leader Osama bin Mieulle would fancy his chanc- had topped the Darley Prix Trocadero with seven runners Korea, Iraq and India for will face Iran on Monday and groups will advance to the Laden, from an unnamed op- es with Yazeed, who has been De Pomone (Gr2) a week later while 16 runners will go for the Group C. Japan on Tuesday. semi-finals. ponent during his Ashes de- a bit unlucky past couple of over the same distance. mile-long Qatar Prix Du Palais Qatar, who figured in five The two teams from each Qatar, who have sent 17 but against Australia in Car- times going up against Smart’s Worth Waiting’s Prix Min- Garnier. The mile-long Qatar finals and were fourth in the pool will be placed into two players to the championship, diff three years ago - a match wards, but the His Highness erve rival Zarkamiya will line Prix De l'Opera Bastille will be last edition in Manama, will new groups to decide the have reached Amman already where he scored 77 runs in Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al up again today under Christo- the last race of the day with 14 play their group matches on quarter-finals line-up after and preparing for the opening the first innings and took five Thani-owned colt had finished phe Soumillon. runners. successive days. After the the matches. The first and game. wickets.