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Sunday, September 1, 2019 FORMULA 1 Muharram 2, 1441 AH Leclerc leads GULF TIMES Ferrari front row lockout in Belgium SPORT Page 3

TENNIS Townsend extends run, Wozniacki crashes out AFP New York The 23-year-old Townsend is en- acki 6-4, 6-4. joying her deepest run, surpassing her “I think I played great tennis. I’m third-round showing on debut at the really pleased with my performance,” merican qualifi er Taylor 2014 French Open, and will play 15th said Andreescu, also into the second Townsend vowed to ride her seed Bianca Andreescu for a quarter- week of a major for the fi rst time. surprise US Open run “all the fi nal spot. The 19-year-old, a winner at Toronto Away” after reaching the last 16 “I made third round before but it was and Indian Wells this season, improved yesterday ahead of a blockbuster show- in another country. I got a lot of mes- to 30-4 for the year despite missing down between defending champion sages. It was a lot of love. My phone much of the clay and grass portion with Naomi Osaka and teen phenom Coco started dialling 911 by itself, I don’t a shoulder injury. Gauff . know what that was about. I just tried “I think everything is just clicking Townsend, ranked 116th, followed up to keep my head on straight.” with me,” she said. “I’ve been through her shock win over reigning Wimble- “I’m going to take it as far as I can,” a lot with injuries and have just taken don champion Simona Halep by beat- she added. We’re going to ride this everything I’ve learned from the past ing another Romanian, Sorana Cirstea, thing all the way.” couple of years and brought it into this 7-5, 6-2. Canadian teenager Andreescu con- year.” “I didn’t know that many people had tinued to make serene progress on her Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens my phone number,” Townsend said fi rst Flushing Meadows main draw ap- swept into the fourth round for a sec- when asked how she coped in the wake pearance as she brushed past two-time ond year running with a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of her Halep upset. US Open runner-up Caroline Wozni- of Germany’s Andrea Petkovic.

FOOTBALL / QNB STARS LEAGUE TRAGEDY French driver Hubert killed in Bounedjah’s four F2 crash during as al-Haydos hits Belgian Grand Prix 100th goal for Sadd

By Sports Reporter Doha Track marshals lift the damaged car of BWT Arden’s French driver l Sadd continued from Anthoine Hubert (bottom) onto a truck at the Spa-Francorchamps where they left off as circuit in Spa, Belgium, yesterday. they beat Al Shahania A7-1 in the QNB Stars League at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah led Al Sadd’s scoring act with four goals (eighth, 17th, 28th and 72nd minutes). Boualem Khoukhi (24th), Abdelkarim Hassan (34th) and Hassan al-Haydos (44th minute) were The Wolves’ other scorers. Ali Ferydoon scored Shahania’s only goal in the 75th minute. Al-Haydos thus recorded his 100th goal for Al Sadd with his Al Sadd’s Hassan al-Haydos is tossed in the air by teammates after he scored his 100th goal for the club yesterday. At bottom, Baghdad DPA junior second tier to Formula strike yesterday. Bounedjah is congratulated by his teammates. Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium One — but was not involved in Al Sadd remained on top of the accident. the QNB Stars League standings “We are still at the start of the when Abel pounced on a faulty FIA said it was “providing with six points. They had beaten season. We are on the top but it’s clearance by defender Hamad rench driver Anthoine support to the event organisers Al Wakrah 4-1 in the opening just the beginning and we must al-Abidi off a cross from the Hubert has been killed in and the relevant authorities, and round. Al Sadd dominated the continue in order to reach our right by captain Nabil El Zhar. a crash in the Formula 2 has commenced an investigation ball with 60 per cent possession. objectives. I have a lot of confi - El Zhar had a goal disallowed Frace at the Belgian Grand into the incident.” They led 6-0 at half-time. dence in all the players, includ- for off side 10 minutes into the Prix, motorsport governing body The crash happened at the As expected, Al Sadd were in ing Jung Woo-young who al- match. FIA said yesterday. high-speed Raidillon turn when their element. On the contrary, ways gives good performances. Al Sailiya’s Senegalese de- The accident shortly after the Hubert, who is part of the Re- Al Shahania could not off er their Mistakes can always happen in fender Serigne Mbodji, who start of the race at the Spa-Fran- nault junior programme and in best levels against a maraud- football. Jung helps us start at- showed enterprise in moving corchamps circuit involved the his debut F2 season, ing Al Sadd side, who were also tacks with his great passes,” he forward to the goal, was off -tar- BWT Arden of 22-year-old Hu- crashed into a wall and his car helped by the good form of Qatar added. get, and Al Ahli’s Majed Mohm- bert, Sauber Junior Team’s Juan catapulted back onto the track. international striker Akram Afi f, Asked about the change of med and Abel missed the mark Manuel Correa and the Trident Correa struck Hubert’s car at a with the latter working in tan- position for Boualem Khoukhi, as the fi rst half ended in a one- of Giuliano Alesi. high speed and turned over while dem with Bounedjah. Xavi said: “Khoukhi is a versatile goal advantage for Al Ahli. “As a result of the incident, Hubert’s car broke into several Al Sadd are now the only side player; he can play in many posi- Al Sailiya were desperate to the FIA regrets to inform that the parts. in the 12-team competition with tions. I am very happy with him. neutralise their opponents’ driver of car #19, Anthoine Hu- Emergency teams attended the an all-win record. Al Shahania Today, he scored a beautiful goal. He is an unbelievable player, the bi in Week 1. edge and their players showed bert (FRA), succumbed to his in- scene and the other cars returned have yet to open their account I wanted to take off Khoukhi, captain of the national team and On the other hand, Al Sailiya more enthusiasm, but it was Al juries, and passed away at 18:35,” to the paddock, with organisers and are lying at the bottom of Abdelkarim and Akram in order he always works for the team,” would rue the lost points as Ahli who struck two more goals. a FIA statement said. cancelling the race. the table. to give them some rest. I am re- Xavi said. they were locked in a 1-1 draw Al-Ahrak only had to tap in the Ecuador-born US driver Cor- Hubert was lying eighth in the Sadd head coach Xavi Her- ally happy with all the players in Meanwhile, Al Ahli piled more with Al Khor in their opener. ball to an open goal from close rea, 20, is in a stable condition in championship and had scored nandez was delighted after a the team and I am very lucky to pressure on Al Sailiya, defeat- The Peregrines, who fi nished in after El Zhar did all the hard hospital in Liege. two wins this season, in Monaco dominant win. “I am very happy have them.” ing them convincingly by a 3-0 a creditable third position last work through the left fl ank. The Alesi, the son of former F1 rac- and France. with the performance and the The former Barcelona mid- margin at the Al Janoub Sta- season, have yet to settle into winger even evaded goalkeep- er Jean Alesi, underwent a medi- Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes huge result. We excelled in the fi elder congratulated al-Hay- dium. their stride this time after mak- er Khalifa Aboobacker before cal check and was declared fi t, team said in a statement: “The fi rst half and scored six goals. dos, who scored his 100th goal Abel Hernandez (40th and ing many changes to the squad. crossing the ball to al-Ahrak. Al the statement added. entire Mercedes family sends its In the second half, Shahaniya for the club. “I am delighted 71st minutes) and Abdullah al- Al Ahli dominated their rivals Ahli put it beyond Al Sailiya’s Germany’s Mick Schumacher, deepest condolences to the fam- defended well and prevented us that al-Haydos scored his 100th Ahrak (66th minute) scored for and had more of the opportuni- reach when Abel nodded in a the son of record Formula One ily and friends of Anthoine Hu- from scoring more,” the Span- goal. Congratulations to him. He Al Ahli, who collected their fi rst ties in the fi rst half. The Briga- headed cross by Mohamed al- champion Michael Schumacher, bert, and his Arden and Renault iard said. is an example for all the players. points, having lost 1-3 to Al Ara- diers were rightly rewarded Abbassi from the right. was taking part in the race — the teams on this tragic day.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, September 1, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Serena juggles motherhood, Djokovic rolls fashion while chasing history

AFP on while Serena New York hile Serena Wil- liams chases ten- nis history at the US Open, she’s also Wplanning a fashion show and spending as much time as she breezes at Open can with baby daughter Olympia. The 37-year-old American advanced to the fourth round at ‘I didn’t know how my body would react. That was nice’ Flushing Meadows on Friday by defeating Czech Karolina Mu- AFP ranked Czech Karolina Muchova chova 6-3, 6-2 in only 74 min- New York 6-3, 6-2 in 74 minutes. utes. “I had a lot of intensity today, Williams, seeking her 24th which is really good for me,” said Grand Slam title to match the op-ranked defending Williams, whose next opponent all-time record set by Margaret champion Novak Djoko- is Croatian 22nd seed Petra Mar- Court, will play Croatian 22nd vic rolled into the US tic. The 37-year-old American, a seed Petra Martic on Sunday for Open fourth round on six-time US Open champion, last a quarter-fi nals berth. FridayT while Serena Williams won a Slam at the 2017 Austral- But she’s spending precious cruised into the last 16. ian Open and hasn’t won the US rest time preparing for her cloth- Djokovic, champion in four of Open since 2014. ing line’s presentation at Fashion the past fi ve Slams and 16 overall, Russian fi fth seed Daniil Week, next week’s apparel spec- was less bothered by left shoul- Medvedev made an obscene ges- tacular in New York. der pain that nagged him in the ture during his 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 7-6 And the six-time US Open second round in defeating 111th- (9/7), 6-4 victory over Spain’s champion fi nds that the feel- ranked American Denis Kudla Feliciano Lopez. ing of missing her daughter is 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The ATP Cincinnati winner tougher than what opponents “That I managed to play al- was booed by the crowd repeat- put her through. most pain-free, that’s a big im- edly after holding an upraised “The toughest thing right now nis court. “In the beginning she provement from last match ob- middle fi nger aside his head for is being away from my daugh- would really be upset when I left. viously,” Djokovic said. “I didn’t stadium cameras but away from ter. That’s the only thing that’s And now she’s a little bit better. know how my body would react. chair umpire Damien Dumusois tough,” said Williams, who often I think I’m a little more upset,” That was nice.” after receiving a code violation. trains early to spend the rest of Williams said. Djokovic, who needed treat- “It was tough,” Medvedev said. her day with Olympia. “It’s hard. Sometimes my ment throughout his second- “I was in the heat of the moment “In tournament schedule, it’s heart literally aches when I’m not round triumph, skipped practice and started losing the momen- totally diff erent, so I’m kind of around her. But it’s good for me, Thursday in favour of shoulder tum so... was tough. I don’t re- pushed out of my usual day-to- I guess, to keep working — and treatment. ally remember but I paid for it the day life — ‘Oh, my God, I’m not just to all moms out there that it’s “I’m not going to go into the whole match after.” with her,’” Williams said. not easy. It’s really kind of painful medical details,” he said. “But it Reigning French Open cham- “That has been the most, I sometimes. Sometimes you just defi nitely was bothering me in pion Ashleigh Barty, the Aussie mean ‘the’ toughest, thing I’ve have to do what you have to do.” the past couple weeks.” second seed, and Czech third ever dealt with in my career.” This week, that means work The 32-year-old Serbian, a seed Karolina Pliskova, chas- Two years ago, Williams suf- matches around New York Fash- three-time US Open winner, ing her fi rst Slam title, also ad- fered a lung blood clot during la- ion Week plans for her clothing booked a Sunday showdown vanced. bour while giving birth to Olym- brand. with three-time Slam winner Pliskova, the 2016 US Open pia, sparking major concerns and “I’m obviously super hands- Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss 23rd runner-up, outlasted Tunisia’s a signifi cant hospital stay. on,” she said. “Right now I’m seed who eliminated Italian Ons Jabeur 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 while “I don’t really think about it, actually working on the order I lucky loser Paolo Lorenzi 6-4, Barty dispatched Greek 30th but it’s cool,” she said. “I think want the outfi ts to go down (the 7-6 (11/9), 7-6 (7/4). seed Maria Sakkari 7-5, 6-3. two years ago I had things at- runway), which is shocking. Last “There’s something with him Pliskova next plays British tached to my arm, IVs, and it was night I was making notes on al- that when I get into my best 16th seed Johanna Konta while a miracle that happened, having terations on the fi t model. game, I know that it’s going to Barty, a possible Williams quar- my baby. It was really a great day “I’m like, ‘OK Serena, make have some big rallies and I’m go- ter-fi nal foe, meets Chinese 18th for me. sure you stay focused on your ing to play good tennis,” Wawrin- seed Wang Qiang. “Then it all went downhill. It tennis.’ But also, I do want to ka said. “It’s going to be an incredibly all went downhill after that for a have a successful brand.” Djokovic, no worse than a Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot against Denis Kudla of the United States on day five of the US physical match,” Barty said. good fi ve days. But I’m here and “I’m defi nitely dedicated to US Open semi-fi nalist since a Open on Friday. Barty and Pliskova are battling I’m going to be refl ecting on my tennis, but I’m defi nitely going to third-round exit in 2006, leads top-ranked defending champion opponent more than anything.” go home and I have a huge board Wawrinka 19-5 in their all-time the 2016 US Open fi nal. here,” Djokovic said. “Let the for a 24th career Grand Slam ti- Naomi Osaka to be world number Now Williams feels sadness where I’m going to lay out the or- rivalry, but they haven’t met “We’ve had some great bat- better player win.” tle to equal Margaret Court’s all- one at the end of the Flushing at leaving her baby for the ten- der of the show.” since Wawrinka beat Djokovic in tles over the years, but especially Williams continued her quest time record by crushing 44th- Meadows fortnight. Coco wins in doubles, gets Late bloomer Koepfer in awe of ‘unreal’ US Open run boost for Osaka showdown

AFP doubling his career prize mon- compatriot Tommy Haas, a $300,” Koepfer said. New York ey at the very least. former world number two, as a “It’s not easy to pay your Koepfer, who turned profes- hero of his in his youth. coach every week and travel sional in 2016, had pocketed “I met him at Indian Wells expenses, hotels, food, rent ominik Koepfer ar- $332,732 prior to the year’s fi - this year, went there and didn’t back home in Tampa. It defi - rived at the US Open nal Grand Slam but is guar- get in, which was a bummer,” nitely takes a lot of pressure. with just two career anteed to collect a check for a he said of the Masters event It’s unreal, it should cover the tour-level wins, but minimum of $280,000 follow- last March. next year or two.” theD German has eclipsed that ing Friday’s 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, Life on tour for those in the Koepfer and South Korea’s total in New York alone with 6-1 win over Georgian 17th lower echelons of the sport Chung Hyeon are the lone his stunning run to the last 16. seed Nikoloz Basilashvili. can be tough. While there is a qualifi ers remaining in the Koepfer, 25, spent four years “It’s obviously great to be concerted behind-the-scenes men’s draw. studying for a fi nance degree here. Qualifying for the fi rst push for increased prize money Despite the extra workload, at Tulane University, in New time and playing it, winning that fi lters further down the Koepfer insists he still feels Orleans, twice earning All- three rounds now — I didn’t rankings, Koepfer admits his “pretty good” as he bids to American honours as one of expect that, to be here two bumper US Open payday is a become just the third qualifi er the nation’s top collegiate ten- weeks. It’s amazing, it feels un- huge source of relief. to make the US Open quarter- nis players. real. I can’t believe it. I’m kind “Obviously the money takes fi nals — after Nicolas Es- This time a year ago Koep- expected success at Flushing of speechless,” Koepfer said. a lot of pressure off me. It’s not cude (1999) and Gilles Muller fer, currently 118th, was ranked Meadows will easily propel him Koepfer is based in the Flori- easy playing challengers, los- (2008). outside the top 200 but his un- into the world’s top 100, almost da sunshine in Tampa and cites ing fi rst round — you get like

BOTTOMLINE New York: US teen sensation Gauff and McNally won last Coco Gauff prepared for her year’s US Open junior girls Federer irked by claims of schedule favouritism US Open third-round show- doubles title and united for down with top-ranked defend- their first WTA doubles crown AFP Danny is, like, a little bit frus- be going through that match ing champion Naomi Osaka by earlier this month at Wash- New York trated.” than me so it’s understandable.” joining partner Caty McNally ington. Federer, though, bristled at Evans was beaten by Federer in for a first-round doubles vic- “I dream of winning singles the notion he asked for the noon three tight sets at January’s Aus- tory on Friday. and doubles Grand Slam oger Federer said he start at Arthur Ashe Stadium. tralian Open but was no match Gauff , a 15-year-old who titles,” Gauff said. was “sick and tired” at “I know there was questions for the 20-time Grand Slam reached the fourth round She’s hoping to make a dream suggestions Friday he to have a preference. But that champion at Flushing Meadows. last month at Wimbledon in come true this week. dictated the scheduling doesn’t mean like, ‘Roger asks, “I was fatigued,” he said. “I her Grand Slam debut, joined “We’ve had a good chemistry atR the US Open after thrashing Roger gets.’ Just remember that, thought it was pretty tough I was 17-year-old compatriot Mc- since the first match,” said Mc- Britain’s Dan Evans, who was because I have heard this shit too fi rst up after playing yesterday, if Nally to beat Germany’s Julia Nally, a second-round singles hampered by a quick turnaround often now,” he said. I’m being brutally honest. It was Goerges and Czech Katerina loser to Serena Williams. between matches. “I’m sick and tired of it, that a bit disappointing. Siniakova 7-6 (8/6), 6-2. “The sky is the limit for us.” Five-time champion Federer apparently I call the shots. The “Just to try and beat him feel- Gauff , the youngest player in Gauff says being teens helps motored into the last 16 by blow- tournament and the TV sta- ing tired, stiff , playing four sets the US Open third round since their on-court bond. ing Evans away 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in tions do. We can give our opin- yesterday, it’s near on impos- Russia’s Anna Kournikova in “We’re both young and still only 80 minutes, the Swiss third ion. That’s what we do. But I’m sible. But I actually thought he 1996, said the doubles helped learning,” Gauff said. seed taking full advantage as just still going to walk out even if played pretty much, you know, prepare her for the challenge “We can relate to each other one of fi ve men who benefi ted they schedule me at 4:00 in the no-error tennis.” of 21-year-old Japanese star on and off the court and our from a rest on Thursday. you could defi nitely argue that Pouille. morning.” “I actually thought I was fi rst Osaka, the reigning US and communication is really Evans, on the other hand, the scheduling was not in his fa- “The problem already starts Evans questioned that idea on today because I had doubles,” Australian Open champion. good.” complained of fatigue and stiff - vour,” Federer said. there. That’s tennis. It’s enter- and the world number 58 criti- Evans added. “I actually asked “I think it helped me a lot to A huge crowd watched the ness as he returned to the court “But it’s anyway not fair for tainment, and the show must go cised organisers for sticking him the ATP guy and that wasn’t the practice several serves,” she match on an outer court, Gauff barely 18 hours after his four- me to play my match under the on,” he added. up fi rst in the day session. case. It would have been nice to said. having become a fan favourite set win over Frenchman Lucas roof, get it done, sit back, relax “I’ve lost maybe matches this “That wouldn’t be the fi rst be second or a night match. I’m “You have to hit a lot of diff er- quickly. Pouille in the second round. the next day while he’s battling way. I’ve won some this time. time the higher-ranked player not sure who plays Novak (Djok- ent shots in doubles. I think it “Both of us were really feeding “I have been there. I know out a four-hour or a three-hour Luck was on my side. There you has had pull,” Evans said. “The ovic) but someone’s going to get will come in handy tomorrow.” on the crowd,” Gauff said. what you’re talking about. Yeah, match, whatever it is, against have it. So, yeah, I understand if tournament would rather Roger the short straw and it was me.” Gulf Times Sunday, September 1, 2019 3 SPORT

F1 MOTORSPORT Ferrari speed advantage at Belgian Leclerc leads Ferrari GP ‘ridiculous’ – Mercedes chief

AFP front row lockout in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

oto Wolff was blown away by Ferrari’s speed advantage over his Mercedes Formula One team yesterday after Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel secured a front row lockout for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. TLeclerc grabbed his third pole of the year with a lap that was seven-tenths of a second faster than the best from teammate Belgian GP qualifying Vettel, leaving Lewis Hamilton third ahead of fellow Mercedes man Valtteri Bottas. ‘Ferrari have done a great job and I hope we can bring the fight to them’ “It’s 1.3 seconds to Leclerc. We knew it would be diffi cult and probably third and fourth was what we expected as the opti- mum result,” said Mercedes head Wolff . “I think it could have been second, but if we have (power) defi cit anyway with our package. That (defi cit) is enormous and the power is just ridiculous from Ferrari on these kind of tracks. You have just got to do everything right – and we didn’t do that today.” Wolff ’s disappointment followed a session in which the Mer- cedes pair almost collided during their warm-up laps for the third round of qualifying as they jostled for slip-streaming po- sitions ahead of their ‘hot laps’. “Of course, we know that the ‘tow’ is important, but today we tripped over our own feet,” he said. “You want to do it extra perfect and then you are looking like an idiot. And this is what happened twice today.” ut then the cold probably gives them an advantage. “The straight line speed ... They haven’t got it available like they have in qualifying. It’s a totally diff erent ball game.” Despite his frustration, he said he was still optimistic about Sunday’s race. “I think there is everything to play for tomorrow. We have a strong race car and we know that they have suff ered more in the races.” Reigning champion Hamilton, who forced his team into two hours of repairs after a heavy crash in yesterday morning’s fi nal practice session, said he was nonetheless happy to qualify on the second row. “It’s so painful because you know many people work so hard to build those parts and how hard the guys work to put the car together – and I knew that it was going to be a tough challenge,” he explained. “I was just trying to pay them back with a good qualifying so considering I missed all of P3 – and a lot of P1 too actually – I am grateful to be up here.” After eight wins from the opening 12 races this year, the fi ve- time world champion has a comfortable 62-points lead ahead of team-mate Bottas in the drivers’ championship with nine races to go.

Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (also inset) competes during the qualifying session of the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa yesterday. (AFP)

AFP It was Ferrari’s fi rst lockout session for me and it’s painful be- Mercedes power-unit failure. It Kubica 20th. After another delay, SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium since the Bahrain Grand Prix in cause I know how much it takes was the second stoppage of the Q2 began with everyone on softs March and the 63rd in the team’s to build the part and put the car day following Hamilton’s crash and Hamilton setting the early F1 history, one fewer than Mer- together. in third practice, an accident that pace before Leclerc and Vettel harles Leclerc claimed cedes. “Ferrari have done a great job resulted in high-speed repairs on took overs. Romain Grosjean of pole position for today’s Defending fi ve-time world and I hope we can bring the fi ght his Mercedes as it was fi tted with Haas, Lando Norris of McLaren, Belgian Grand Prix with champion and series leader Lewis to them.” new front wheels, a new nose, Lance Stroll of Racing Point, Red a dazzling lap in a dra- Hamilton was third for Mercedes Nico Hulkenberg was seventh bargeboards and fl oor. Bull new boy Alex Albon and Gio- maticC qualifying session yester- ahead of his teammate Valtteri in the second Renault ahead of The session resumed after 10 vinazzi were all eliminated, the day as Ferrari delivered a domi- Bottas, Max Verstappen, who was Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo, minutes, with Hamilton imme- last two without managing fur- nant front row lockout. fi fth for Red Bull, and Daniel Ric- Sergio Perez of Racing Point and diately back in action courtesy of ther laps. The Monegasque, who was ciardo of Renault. Kevin Magnussen of Haas. the unexpected extra time. The Q3 shootout began with quickest in two of the three “That felt good,” said Leclerc. Hamilton has won eight of this He responded with a fast lap. Ricciardo fi rst out ahead of a cu- practice sessions and is seeking We were struggling a little bit year’s 12 races to date to lead Bot- That was, topped immediately by rious bunching of the top drivers his maiden victory in Formula more for race pace and we need tas by 62 points in the champion- Bottas and then the two Ferraris. as they jockeyed for best ‘hot lap’ One, clocked a fastest lap in one to work on that, but I am sure we ship. Q1 ended when Antonio Gio- positions, Hamilton braking hard minute 42.519 seconds. He was will be strong.” On a near-perfect day in the vinazzi pulled up in his Alfa to avoid hitting his teammate. 0.748sec clear of his Ferrari team- Vettel was left frustrated by Ardennes forests, the air tem- Romeo at the exit of La Source, “This is aff ecting the out lap,” mate Sebastian Vettel. traffi c on his fi nal run. “At the perature was 31 degrees cen- preventing any late laps and con- he said. “Ridiculous.” It was his third pole of the sea- end, it’s good we secured the tigrade and the track 42 as the demning Carlos Sainz to elimina- On their fi rst runs, Leclerc son after successes in Bahrain and front row, but to fi ght for pole I session began, the session was tion in 17th between the two Toro took advantage with a best lap in Austria, but he goes into the race was in the queue!” halted after fi ve minutes when Rossos of Pierre Gasly and Daniil 1min 42.644sec to go six-tenths seeking to claim his maiden vic- Referring to his big crash in Robert Kubica pulled up with Kvyat. clear of Hamilton with Vettel Third-placed Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton leaves tory, having been left frustrated fi nal practice in the morning, fl ames pluming from the rear The two Williams were last, two-tenths back in third ahead of his car after the qualifying session at the Spa-Francorchamps at both previous races. Hamilton said: “P3 was a terrible of his Williams as another new with George Russell in 19th and Bottas. circuit in Spa yesterday. (AFP)

CYCLING Arndt survives rain in Spain to snatch stage win AFP Asgreen wins stage three in Germany I stayed back to save my legs. He Igualada, Spain was ahead so I could sit back. Kasper Asgreen claimed victory duo were caught 25km from “The team was super good. I got on the third and penultimate the finish. my chance and my win.” unweb rider Nikias Arndt stage of the Tour of Germany in Stuyven now leads Italian survived a late downpour Eisenach yesterday as Belgian Sonny Colbrelli by 13 seconds ‘THE RAIN CHANGED and treacherous condi- Jasper Stuyven grabbed the in the overall standings and THE GAME’ tions to snatch victory overall lead. now looks set to take victory, Tushveld was one of several casu- inS stage eight of the Vuelta a Es- alties on the fi nal downhill, land- Denmark’s Asgreen, who won ahead of bigger names includ- pana as Nicolas Arndt took over the Tour of California in May, ing former Tour de France ing heavily after his bike wheels as overall leader. edged out Stuyven after the champions Geraint Thomas and slid from underneath him. A tel- The 27-year-old Arndt was a pair had broken clear near the Vincenzo Nibali. evision motorbike also crashed as part of the main breakaway and, end of the 189km ride from “We protected Jasper as much the rain turned the roads slippery as the rain hammered down, he Goettingen. as we could on the penultimate and produced a hectic run-in. came through in the fi nal sprint The Deceuninck Quick-Step climb and then he was in the “The rain came and changed to claim the victory in Igualada, man and Trek-Segafredo’s Stuy- 25-rider group to get in with the game,” said Trek’s Pe- near Barcelona, at the end of a ven finished 17 seconds ahead Asgreen,” said Stuyven’s team- ter Stetina who was also a part 166.9 kilometre ride from Vals. of a group of 15 riders. mate Julien Bernard. of the breakaway. “The riders In the sprint, the German Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe, “For tomorrow, it’s going to be a were risking life and limb on the edged out Spaniard Alex Aran- who thrilled the home crowds big fight.” downhill, there were guys throw- buru (Caja Rural), who fi nished at the Tour de France before Today’s final stage keeps the ing themselves left and right.” second, and third-placed Bel- finishing fifth last month, led peloton in the Thuringian forest Zdenek Stybar was the fi rst to gian Tosh van der Sande (Lotto- for long periods on Saturday with an undulating course to test the resolve of the breakaway Soudal). with Mads Pedersen before the Erfurt. but, ultimately, it was Arndt who “I always said I wanted to win had the legs to punch through a stage and now I have won at in the fi nal 200 metres to claim the Vuelta,” said Arndt, who also dt, now leads the Belgian Dylan the mountains of Andorra. But the win. Today’s ninth stage in won a stage of the Giro d’Italia Teuns (Bahrain-Merida) by two it turned in to a dramatic day’s Andorra will be brutal with fi ve three years ago. minutes 21 seconds with Lopez a racing which rewarded the riders categorised climbs in less than Frenchman Edet, who was further 40 seconds back in third. prepared to take a risk in the wet 100 kilometres and an off -road the best climber at the Vuelta in The largely fl at stage, which conditions. When the initial 21- section close to the fi nish. 2013, took advantage of a general featured just one signifi cant man breakaway set off , the main “Tomorrow I want to come apathy among the favourites to climb in the last 30 kilome- GC contenders resisted the urge through,” Arndt told Eurosport. fi nish nine minutes ahead of the tres, was seen as something of a to follow. Arndt tucked in and “I will enjoy tonight but to- peloton and so take the red jersey breather between a hilly seventh allowed his teammate Martijn morrow is another day. But I from Miguel Angel Lopez. stage on Friday, when Lopez Tusveld to take the strain. have good legs, my teammates Edet, who fi nished 11th on the took the red jersey off Teuns, “We were in communica- have good legs, I think we will Team Sunweb rider Germany’s Nikias Arndt celebrates as he crosses the finish line and wins the eighth day with the same time as Arn- and Sunday’s brutal stage in tion,” said Arndt. “He went and come through.” stage of the 2019 La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain in Igualada yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, September 1, 2019 SPORT

BASKETBALL FOCUS Medard: France World Cup opener Rubio stars as Spain ‘all or nothing’

AFP names his fi nal 31-man squad Paris on Monday with six players missing out who have been part of the set-up during three ull-back Maxime Me- warm-up Tests in August. shrug off slow start dard says France’s “Everyone worked hard, opening Rugby World everyone trained, everyone ‘They don’t have some of the Cup game against Ar- sacrifi ced a lot and frankly it’s gentinaF will be ‘an all or noth- a shame for some of them,” players but they still have a ing match’ if either side hope Medard said. to reach the quarter-fi nals. “If we have a good World great, great team with great Medard, 32, won his 59th Cup it will be thanks to them cap as Les Bleus ended their also because it’s a squad which to World Cup players, great coach’ preparation for the competi- has lived together. We told tion with a convincing 47-19 each other, we can’t forget the victory over Italy on Friday. guys who will have to stay at They face the Pumas, 11th home,” he added. in the world, on September 21 before playing lower-ranked RETIREMENT RUMOURS United States, Tonga and then Medard is expected to be in- fi nishing their pool stages cluded in the squad for the against in-form England. tournament along with fellow Only two sides from the 32-year-old and club team- group will advance to the last mate Yoann Huget but denied eight. The Toulouse stal- they were planning to retire wart drew comparisons with from Test rugby after the tour- the World Cup eight years nament. ago when France opened up “We have said nothing about against weakest side Japan be- our future in the blue shirt but fore sliding to a heavy defeat certainly we live these mo- against New Zealand. ments in the blue shirt to the Argentina are far from a maximum,” he said. weak touch in 2019 but the “Because we haven’t got pressure of winning that many of those left, we have to opening game remains the make the most of them,” he same. added. “It’s an all or nothing match. Medard, who is known for In 2011 we faced Japan simi- his thick dark sideburns, akin larly in our fi rst match, even if to fi ctional character Wol- we found it hard. We then con- verine, jokily said he hopes to ceded 40 points against the All go one better after losing by Blacks,” Medard said. a point to New Zealand in the “We have to beat Argen- 2011 fi nal. tina or England. If we can start “World champion. I’m ex- with a win it’s cool. I don’t pecting to be world champion. think it’s going to be a ‘fi nal’ No, really, I’m expecting to but it will be knock-out, it’s have an exceptional experi- winner takes it all,” he added. ence and go right to the end,” Head coach Jacques Brunel he said.

Fiji down Tonga in World Cup warm-up Fiji tuned up for the rugby Piutau said mistakes allowed World Cup with a hard-fought Fijian flair to prevail. win over Tonga at Auckland’s “I’m proud of the eff ort the Eden Park on Saturday, while boys put in but obviously they Samoa overcame a New made too many errors and Zealand Heartland XV at they capitalised on it,” he said. the same venue. The Fijians “You can’t do that against a Spain’s Ricky Rubio (centre) dribbles past Tunisia’s Salah Mejri (left) and Michael Roll (right) during their Basketball World Cup Group C game in Guangzhou yesterday. (AFP) scored five tries to three as quality side like Fiji.” they combined trademark Both sides ended with 14 men AFP clocking up a leading nine as- RESULTS - still packed with NBA talent - counterattacking prowess after Fiji number eight Peceli Guangzhou sists. remain the side to beat in China. with stalwart defence to down Yato and his Tonga counter- “Always the fi rst game is a lit- Group A Group C “I am not thinking about the their Pacific rivals 29-19 de- part Maama Vaipulu were sin- tle tricky, you don’t know how Poland 80 Venezuela 69 Puerto Rico 83 Iran 81 USA team,” Djordjevic said. “I do spite Tonga dominating pos- binned over an exchange of hoenix Suns star Ricky it will go,” said the 28-year-old China 70 Ivory Coast 55 Spain 101 Tunisia 62 respect them, I think they are the session. “We were trying to punches in the final minutes. Rubio led Spain with 17 point guard, who joined the Suns biggest favourites.” put together our phases and It was Fiji’s final match before points as the title con- this summer, adding his team Group B Group D “They don’t have some of the work as a team,” Fiji captain the World Cup in Japan, while tenders made a slow had not been aggressive enough Russia 82 Nigeria 77 Italy 108 Philippines 62 players but they still have a great, Dominiko Waqaniburotu said. Tonga will face a stern Test Pstart to their Basketball World at the outset. great team with great players, Argentina 95 South Korea 69 Serbia 105 Angola 59 “I think we’ve done pretty well next week when they face de- Cup campaign in a 101-62 vic- “Playing with the nation- great coach.” given that Tonga threw eve- fending World Cup champions tory over Tunisia yesterday. al team is diff erent (from the Guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, rything at us.” Tonga coach New Zealand in Auckland. The Olympic bronze medal- NBA),” he added. towering front court of three similarly ruthless start to their of the NBA team Sacramento Toutai Kefu said before the Earlier, Samoa finished lists have been touted as a threat “You play with your friends, seven-footers - Yi Jianlian, Zhou World Cup assault, thrashing Kings, led the way for Olympic match that it was the strong- strongly in a 36-19 win over to reigning two-time champions for your country, and for your Qi and Wang Zhelin - were in Angola 105-59 in the opening and world silver medallists Ser- est side he had fielded in his a New Zealand Heartland XV the United States, who are with- family too. danger of getting swallowed up match of the tournament. bia, scoring 24 points against the four years in charge. They had made up of provincial players, out their big names in China. “It’s huge.” by high expectations. Serbia were strong favourites wilting Angolans. the ball for much of the first after leading 15-14 at half time. But the Spanish were not at Hosts China suff ered a fright But China pulled level 29-29 against Angola in the south- “Serious game, serious ap- half and were rewarded with Captain Jack Lam said his their best in the fi rst half against against the Ivory Coast before at the break and willed on by the ern city of Foshan and wasted proach, serious preparation,” tries to Siale Piutau and Paula side needed to improve to minnows Tunisia despite boast- battling to victory against the home crowd suff ocated the Ivory no time stamping their mark said the stern Djordjevic. Nagauamo. But Fiji hit back be competitive in their final ing Marc Gasol, the 34-year-old lowest-ranked in the 32-team Coast into submission, 70-55. on the World Cup. The United “It’s our trademark all these each time with intercept tries warm-up against Australia centre who played a key role in competition. There was disappointment for States, who have named a young years - playing together, we like to Jousa Tuisova and Vereneki in Sydney next week. “We’re the Toronto Raptors’ historic run A rabid sell-out crowd at visiting President Rodrigo Du- side, open their title defence on to share the ball, we like to pass, Goneva, then took a 17-12 lead happy to get the win in the to the NBA crown. Wukesong Arena in Beijing was terte of the Philippines, whose Sunday in Shanghai against the we have a lot of guys who are not into the break when Semi Ku- end but they scored 19 points Spain led by just three points silenced as the Ivorians, ranked side were well beaten 108-62 by Czech Republic. selfi sh. natani scored after their first and there’s a lot to work on at half-time and there was the a lowly 64th in the world to Chi- Italy. The Americans are without “This is really great for a period of sustained pressure. this week before the Wallabies whiff of a huge upset, but they na’s 30th, took a shock lead into the likes of LeBron James, but coach, I’m proud when I see that, Tonga continued to graft in because they’re on a diff erent stepped on the gas after that the second quarter. SAVAGE SERBIA Serbian coach Sasha Djordjevic it’s the trademark of Serbian the second half but skipper level at the moment,” he said. in Guangzhou with Rubio also The home side, who boast a Strongly fancied Serbia made a said that Gregg Popovich’s team basketball.”

RUGBY Ireland deny Gatland winning home farewell AFP It wasn’t perfect at times but our the 52nd minute. Cardiff , United Kingdom defence was good against a qual- The Irish camped in the Welsh ity Welsh outfi t.” fi ve metres and referee Romain The consolation for Gatland - Poite eventually lost patience ales head coach who according to team members and awarded the Irish a pen- Warren Gatland lost was a bit ‘choked up’ when he alty try to give the visitors a 22-3 his last home Test spoke to them at the team hotel lead. in Cardiff as Ireland - was the performance of Rhys The Welsh got back into the Wbounced back from their thrash- Patchell. game or at least off ered them- ing by England last week to edge He looks sure to be the back- selves some hope as Owen the hosts 22-17 at the Principal- up fl y-half to Dan Biggar when Lane - who had a rough time in ity Stadium yesterday. the squad is announced on Sun- the fi rst-half with Stockdale - The Irish, beaten 57-15 by day after having come on at half- side-stepped two tacklers and England, won in Cardiff for the time he almost propelled the touched down. fi rst time since August 2015 after hosts to an unlikely win having Patchell converted brilliantly scoring three tries in the Rugby trailed 22-3. from the touchline for 22-10 World Cup warm-up match, two Irish fl y-half Carty opened the with 15 minutes remaining. for Jacob Stockdale and a pen- scoring in the ninth minute with Ireland had Luke McGrath - alty try bringing Wales’ 11-game a sweetly-struck penalty from nick-named ‘The Ferret’ - to home winning streak stretch- 40 metres out. Jarrod Evans lev- thank for denying Elliot Dee ing back to November 2017 to an elled with a penalty on the quar- his fi rst Test try as he dislodged end. ter-hour mark. the ball from the replacement The two teams meet again However, the visitors regained hooker’s hand as he stretched to next Saturday in Dublin and the advantage with a superb touch down. the defeat will rankle more with team try in the 18th minute. Patchell had transformed the Gatland as he remains bitter Prop Dave Kilcoyne brushed Welsh side in the second-half about the manner in which he aside Josh Navidi, Carty offl oad- and he deservedly got a try him- was dismissed as head coach by ed to Conway who made huge Ireland’s Jacob Stockdale scores their second try against Wales during their World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff , yesterday. (Reuters) self with less than fi ve minutes the Irish in 2001. inroads breezing past several remaining sidestepping Ringrose “It was massive for us,” man of Welsh defenders. the wing let out some of the pent Stockdale grabbed his second ed with a backhand pass which was unable to convert. to touch down and converting the match Jack Carty told Chan- The 28-year-old wing could up emotion from heavy criticism when he showed his poaching went to ground and the Ul- The Irish put a lot of pressure for good measure. nel 4. have gone for glory on his own of his defence last weekend by qualities shortly before the half ster star pounced to kick ahead on the Welsh scrum in the sec- However, the Irish forced one “We were all hurting during but unselfi shly passed to Stock- beating his chest and pulled on hour mark. handed off Hallam Amos and ond-half and replacement prop more turnover and secured a the week but we came together. dale who ran in to touch down - the Irish badge. Aaron Shingler over elaborat- touched down - Carty this time Leon Brown got sin-binned in much-needed victory. Gulf Times Sunday, September 1, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Study links NFL Betts homers in career length to cognitive health 1st, 15th as Red Sox problems

AFP tigator Andrea Roberts. His 15th-inning homer, his New York, United States “Our results underscore the importance of preventing con- 23rd of the year, came on cussions, vigilant monitoring FL players with longer of those who suff er them and the 473rd pitch of the game careers are at greater fi nding new ways to mitigate the edge Angels risk of developing seri- damage from head injury.” ous cognitive problems For the study, former NFL Nsuch as confusion, memory loss, players were asked about the depression and anxiety, accord- number of seasons they played ing to a new survey. in the league, their positions and The study, based on a survey any history of blows to the head of nearly 3,500 former NFL play- or neck which led to symptoms ers, is believed to be the fi rst of of concussion including dizzi- its kind to examine the links be- ness, confusion and loss of con- tween career longevity and posi- sciousness. tion with cognitive and mental Overall, one in eight players health outcomes. (12%) had reported signs of se- The report, published on Fri- rious cognitive problems, com- day in The American Journal of pared with around 2% of people Sports Medicine, revealed that in the general population. players who experienced con- Those players surveyed with the cussions had an increased risk of longest careers — 10 seasons or serious cognitive problems. more — were twice as likely to have The analysis by investigators reported cognitive problems when at Harvard TH Chan School of compared to players who played Public Health revealed that play- a single season in the league by a ers who had reported the most margin of 12.6% to 5.8%. concussion symptoms were 22 The position of individual times more likely to have experi- players was also a factor, with enced long-term cognitive prob- kickers, punters and quar- lems and six times more likely terbacks reporting the fewest to have reported depression and symptoms per year, followed by anxiety symptoms. wide receivers, defensive backs, “Our fi ndings confi rm what linemen and tight ends. some have suspected — a con- Positions which involve mul- sistently and persistently el- tiple collisions per game — run- evated risk for men who play ning backs, linebackers and longer and who play in certain special teams players — had the positions,” said study lead inves- highest number of symptoms.

Rockets, Gordon agree to extension: reports Reuters New York, United States

uard Eric Gordon and the Houston Rockets Ghave agreed on a multi- year contract extension. While multiple reports pegged the deal at four years Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts hits a solo home run against the LA Angels during the first inning of their MLB game on Friday in Anaheim, United States. (USA TODAY Sports) for $76mn, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported it is a Angels’ eighth pitcher as well. making 76 pitches. He struck three-year contract guaranteed Reuters OTHER RESULTS Minnesota 13-5 Detroit New York, United States JD Martinez had a home run out two. at $54.5mn beginning in the and a double for Boston, which C Cubs 7-1 Milwaukee Atlanta 10-7 C White Sox Nathan Eovaldi, making just 2020-21 season. remained 5 1/2 games behind the his third start since returning The fourth season in 2023- NY Mets 11-5 Philadelphia Texas 6-3 Seattle ookie Betts’ two-out Oakland A’s in the race for the from a three-month absence 24 would be guaranteed at home run in the top American League’s second wild Washington 7-6 Miami Baltimore 14-2 Kansas City caused by elbow surgery, held $20.9mn should Gordon make of the 15th inning card. Oakland 8-2 NY Yankees Pittsburgh 9-4 Colorado the Angels scoreless until Good- the All-Star team or the Rockets snapped a tie and Albert Pujols had four hits, win hit his fi rst homer of the win the NBA championship Houston 7-4 Toronto Arizona 5-4 LA Dodgers Mlifted the Boston Red Sox to a 7-6 and Brian Goodwin hit two night in the third inning. over the course of the deal, win over the Los Angeles Angels home runs for the Angels, who Tampa Bay 4-0 Cleveland San Francisco 8-3 San Diego Eovaldi was done after four Wojnarowski said, citing league on Friday night/Saturday morn- lost for the seventh time in eight innings, allowing the one run sources. points in the 2018-19 season. ing in Anaheim, California. games and fell a season-worst on three hits and one walk with Gordon, 30, is entering the final Never an All-Star, Gordon won It was Betts’ second home run eight games under.500 (64- don Workman into right fi eld for a 1-0 lead. Boston added a run eight striekouts. year of his contract and will the 2016-17 Sixth Man of the of the game — he also went deep 72). Shohei Ohtani had a rough an RBI single that made it 6-5. in the second inning on Brock After Pujols’ two-run single earn $14mn in 2019-20. Year award. in the fi rst inning, on the fi fth game, going 0-for-8 with four And when Martinez booted Holt’s two-out RBI single. cut the Red Sox’s lead to 4-3 in Heading into his 12th NBA sea- The Rockets now have Gordon, pitch of the game. His 15th-in- strikeouts. the ball in right fi eld for an error, In the third, Martinez put the fi fth, the Red Sox responded son and his fourth in Houston, guards Russell Westbrook and ning homer, his 23rd of the year, The Red Sox took a 6-4 lead Ohtani was able to come around Boston up 4-0 with a two-out, with two runs in the sixth on an Gordon has career averages of James Harden, and centre Clint came on the 473rd pitch of the into the bottom of the ninth, but and score from fi rst on the play, two-run homer, his 33rd of the RBI double by Martinez and a 16.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and Capela under contract for three game. the Angels rallied to tie the game tying the game at 6-6. season. sacrifi ce fl y by Andrew Benin- 2.9 assists in 629 career games seasons as they pursue their Andrew Cashner (11-7), the and send it into extra innings. The Red Sox took a lead al- Suarez managed to get tendi for a 6-3 lead. (496 starts). He averaged 16.2 first NBA title since 1995. last of eight Red Sox pitchers, Pujols, who had a two-run sin- most immediately, as Betts through fi ve innings for just Goodwin’s second homer of did not allow a hit in four score- gle in the fi fth inning, had the jumped on a fastball from Angels the second time in his past nine the night — his 15th of the sea- less innings to get the win over key hit of the inning, slapping an starter Jose Suarez and belted it starts, giving up four runs on son — got the Angels within 6-4 Trevor Cahill (3-9), who was the 0-2 off -speed pitch from Bran- over the fence in left fi eld for four hits and one walk while in the seventh. UPDATE NFL ROUND-UP NHL won’t seek early Edelman injury reportedly not deemed serious end to labour deal ew England Patriots ROOKIE ANDERSON TEARS Reuters and, most important, our fans.” wide receiver Julian ACL? New York, United States The announcement does not Edelman is expected Cincinnati rookie running back ensure long-term labour peace, to be fi ne after initially Rodney Anderson is believed however. The NHL Players’ As- Ninjuring his hand during the to have torn his right ACL on he NHL, satisfi ed with the sociation must decide by Sep- team’s fi nal preseason game, per Thursday night in the Bengals’ current labour situation, tember 15 whether it plans to re- a published report on Friday. fi nal preseason game, according announced on Friday that open the CBA, which then would NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport to multiple reports. it won’t reopen the col- expire on September 15, 2020. reported that Edelman is ex- The reports added he likely Tlective bargaining agreement The NHLPA said in a state- pected to be no worse for wear will miss the season. He left the (CBA) with its players next year. ment, “Today the NHL advised after landing awkwardly on his game, a 13-6 loss to Indiana- Facing a September 1 deadline the NHLPA that the league will left hand following a 20-yard polis, in the fi rst quarter after a to decide whether to opt out of not exercise its early termination reception early in Thursday’s four-yard run. the last two years of the CBA, the right under the CBA. The NHLPA preseason 31-29 loss versus the league issued a statement indi- now has the same option. We will New York Giants. NFL REINSTATE MCCLAIN cating it plans to leave the deal continue to discuss this matter Edelman was seen consulting The NFL conditionally reinstat- in place. with players as our September 15 with trainers while sitting out ed linebacker Rolando McClain, “Based on the current state of decision approaches.” the remainder of the game. a former No. 8 overall pick who the game and the business of the According to ESPN.com, the hasn’t played in three seasons, game, the NHL believes it is es- players have several issues they OAKLAND SIGN HUDSON according to multiple reports. sential to continue building upon want to address that could lead Oakland signed centre Rodney Drafted by the Oakland Raid- the momentum we have created to a request to reopen the CBA. Hudson to a multiyear contract ers in 2010, McClain was sus- with our Players and, therefore, The players reportedly want to extension. And while the team pended indefi nitely in 2016 after will not exercise its option to be guaranteed the right to partic- didn’t announce terms, a pub- he repeatedly failed drug tests. reopen the CBA,” commissioner ipate in the 2022 Beijing Olym- lished report said the deal will He last played in 2015 with the Gary Bettman said in a state- pics after the NHL barred them make him the NFL’s highest- Dallas Cowboys, who hold his ment. “Rather, we are prepared from participating in the 2018 paid centre. rights. to have the current CBA remain Pyeongchang Olympics. Also, NFL Network reported that NY Giants’ Julian Love (right) tackles New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman during the first half of their in eff ect for its full term — three ESPN reported that the players Hudson agreed to a three-year, pre-season NFL game in Foxborough, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) LA’S OKUNG OUT OF OPENER more seasons through the con- are unhappy that part of their $33.75 mn contract extension, Los Angeles left tackle Russell clusion of the 2021-22 season. salaries goes back to the owners with $24.4mn in guaranteed contract extension with centre Network’s Ian Rapoport. fensive linemen. Jones was a Okung will not play in the sea- “It is our hope that a contin- to cover possible shortfalls. money. Ben Jones, who has started 80 Jones, 31, has played in all fourth-round pick of the Hou- son opener against Indianapolis. ued, sustained period of labour The NHL has endured fi ve sig- consecutive games in the past possible 112 games in his seven- ston Texans, spending four sea- Chargers general manager peace will enable us to further nifi cant work stoppages related TENNESSEE AGREE EXTEN- fi ve seasons. year career, tied for the longest sons with the franchise before Tom Telesco announced the grow the game and benefi t all to labour disputes since 1991-92, SION WITH JONES The extension is for two years active streak with Kansas City’s signing as a free agent with the Week 1 status of Okung on constituent groups: NHL Play- including the cancellation of the Tennessee agreed to terms on a and $13.5mn, according to NFL Mitchell Schwartz among of- Titans in 2016. Thursday, per ESPN. ers, Clubs, our business partners entire 2004-05 season. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, September 1, 2019 SPORT

CRICKET / ASHES GOLF McIlroy falters late Marsh ‘good option’, as Romero regains lead in Swiss Alps

Reuters ting a good night’s sleep,” he said. Crans-Montana, Switzerland “Still, a good front nine tomor- says Aussie chief row and I’ll still be in it.” Along with his two closing ory McIlroy said his bogeys, McIlroy also recorded a recent exertions had poor bogey at the par-fi ve 14th, caught up with him af- made all the more disappoint- ter a sloppy bogey, bo- ing by a 400-yard-plus drive geyR fi nish left him three strokes that rolled nearly 100 yards after behind leader Andres Romero in landing on a downhill section of ahead of fourth Test the third round at the European the fairway. Masters in the Swiss Alps yes- But left with only a fl ick into terday. the green, he pushed his subse- Marsh top-scored with 74 in Australia’s 338-5 declared in Derby McIlroy hit a poor fairway quent wedge into a pond. bunker shot over the green at the As McIlroy faltered, Romero AFP “He played very well that in- 17th hole and then, from another did quite the opposite, rolling in Derby, United Kingdom nings he made a hundred,” said fairway bunker at the par-four a long eagle at the 14th, part of former Australia leg-spinner 18th, found a greenside pond at a four-hole stretch he played in Hohns. “Unfortunately, things Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club. fi ve under. ustralia’s chairman of have not quite gone his way He had to sink an eight-foot The Argentine carded 66 to selectors Trevor Hohns since then. That will certainly be putt to avoid dropping more than set the pace at 14-under 196, one said Mitchell Marsh an area we are having a look at.” one shot in Crans Montana. stroke ahead of Australian Wade had “given us a good “I felt a little fl at out there, a lit- Ormsby (67), while Englishman option”A ahead of the fourth ‘AGGRESSOR’ tle tired, maybe it just all caught up Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Ma- Ashes Test against England after Old Traff ord is expected to pro- with me,” the Northern Irishman laysian Gavin Green (69) were the all-rounder impressed in a vide the quickest pitch of this said after a one-under-par 69 that two behind with one round left. comfortable victory over Der- Ashes, which could boost Starc’s left him equal fi fth. Romero, coming off a 61 on byshire. chances of a recall. McIlroy has had to adjust to a Friday, endured a poor start to Marsh top-scored with 74 “We all know he is an ag- six-hour time change from last the third round, with a bogey at in Australia’s 338-5 declared in gressor, so we can’t expect him week, and also come down from the second hole and a double at Derby. to change the way he bowls too the emotional high that accom- the fi fth, but a birdie at the next He then took two wickets in much,” Hohns said of Starc, who panied his victory and FedEx Cup settled his nerves. three balls as Derbyshire were took 4-39 in the second innings, title at the Tour Championship in “After a lot of pressure at the skittled out for 112 in their sec- including two in two balls to end Atlanta on Sunday. beginning I’m happy with the ond innings before lunch on the match, against Derbyshire. “Looking forward to getting way I reacted,” said the two- Saturday’s third and fi nal day as “But he is doing everything he into bed early tonight and get- times European Tour winner. Australia won by an innings and possibly can to bowl in the right 54 runs. areas.” The 27-year-old Marsh has As for the remarkable fi nish at SPOTLIGHT yet to feature in this fi ve-match Headingley, where England all- Ashes series which is now locked rounder Ben Stokes’s superb 135 at 1-1 after England’s dramatic not out snatched victory from one-wicket win in the third Test the jaws of defeat, Hohns said: Green seizes LPGA at Headingley. “It was an amazing innings. Although England’s top order “No one could have played failed again during a woeful 67 an innings like that. He won the lead with 63 as Kim all out in their fi rst innings in game virtually single-handedly, Leeds, Australia didn’t bat the and what a wonderful player he is. hosts out of the match in their “England in the past have had chases with 61 second innings. In this March 2, 2018, picture, Australia’s Mitchell Marsh (right) celebrates a half-century during a Test some very good all-rounders, Australia are set to recall Ste- match against South Africa in Durban. (AFP) (Ian) Botham then (Andrew) ve Smith, who made 23 against Flintoff and now Stokes. Derbyshire, for the fourth Test at ‘DIFFICULT AT THE TOP’ much concerning, it’s been diffi - Starc without worrying the left- “They are very lucky to have Old Traff ord starting Wednes- One way of getting star batsman cult for both teams up the top of arm fast bowler might otherwise someone like that.” day after he missed the Head- Smith, whose scores this series the order so once again that’s an prove too expensive as one of Hohns insisted Australia ingley match with concussion are 144, 142 and 92, back into the area we’ll be looking at,” Hohns just three pacemen. could put the stunning loss be- suff ered when struck by a Jofra side would be to drop struggling said after yesterday’s close. Wade, a former wicketkeeper hind them as they bid to win Archer bouncer in the drawn opener Marcus Harris and pro- “Mitchell Marsh has certainly turned specialist batsman, made their fi rst Ashes series in Eng- second Test at Lord’s. mote Usman Khawaja to the top given us a good option.” a second-innings hundred in land for 18 years. Marnus Labuschagne’s place of the order. If Marsh was included instead Australia’s 251-run win in the “We certainly had our chanc- appears secure given he has Khawaja averages 96.8 in the of Matthew Wade, he would give fi rst Test at Edgbaston but he es,” he said. “We can’t be blam- made three successive Test fi f- seven Test innings in which he Australia an extra seam bowling has struggled since with three ing anyone but ourselves. We ties since coming in as a concus- has opened. option himself and potentially single-fi gure scores in his last have to dust ourselves off and sion substitute for Smith. “The area up the top is, not so free them up to play Mitchell four innings. come up for the next game.”

Feels good to get Pujara as my fi rst Test wicket: Cornwall

IANS returned with figures of 1 for Cornwall also took a couple Kingston, Jamaica 69 from his 27 overs on the of catches at slips to remove first day. India openers Mayank Agarwal “Good feeling to get him (Pujara) and KL Rahul off the bowling est Indies all-rounder as my first Test wicket. It was of skipper Jason Holder. “Our Rahkeem Cornwall is nothing new to me but it was a seamers bowled well and when Whappy after claiming good feeling,” Cornwall told the I was asked to bowl, I had to do his first Test wicket as the off - media after the first day’s play. the same,” he said. spinner dismissed Cheteshwar “Making my Test debut was a “We felt the pitch had a lot of Pujara on Day 1 of the second good feeling. I think the ball moisture... So we thought once and final Test here on Friday. came on really nice in the we get to bowl first, we can get Cornwall, who at 140 kg beginning. I have to work hard early wickets. The toss went in became the heaviest cricketer and put the ball into the right our favour. It was a good day of to play international cricket, areas,” he added. Test cricket,” Cornwall added.

Australia’s Hannah Green in action during the second round of the LPGA Cambia Classic in Portland, United States, on Friday. (AFP) SECOND TEST AFP six and seven, 10 and 11 and 17. Los Angeles, United States She hit 16 of 18 greens in regu- lation and needed just 27 putts — Vihari nears hundred as India close on big score including her eagle bomb. annah Green fi red an “I had like a 30-foot putt so I AFP helped Vihari in putting on 38 eagle and seven birdies wasn’t thinking about holing it Kingston, Jamaica runs for the seventh wicket. in a nine-under par 63 too much, just wanted to make However, he struggled to curb on Friday, seizing the sure if I did miss it I gave myself his natural tendency to attack Hsecond-round lead as low scores a tap-in. anuma Vihari was and perished for 16 attempting abounded at the LPGA Portland “I had the fl agstick in and it grinding his way to- to hoist the persistent Cornwall Classic. just knocked in.” wards an elusive maid- over long-on, Darren Bravo tak- Green’s round, following on Kim surged up the leaderboard en Test hundred as In- ing the comfortable catch to the heels of a fi rst-round 64, was with 11 birdies and no bogeys — a diaH reached 336 for seven at lunch earn the newcomer a deserved the lowest of her career and gave 10-stroke improvement on her on the second day of the second second wicket. her a 17-under total of 127. opening 71. and fi nal Test against the West The burly Cornwall should But it was just one of the siz- “I wanted to shoot low be- Indies at Sabina Park yesterday. have had the all-important wick- zling eff orts at Edgewater Coun- cause yesterday I wasn’t playing Dismissed for 93 on the last et of Vihari as well shortly after try Club, where Kim Sei-young good,” she said. “So I wanted to day of the fi rst Test a week ear- but John Campbell could not hold posted a tournament record bounce back today. I tried to keep lier in Antigua, the 25-year-old on to the opportunity diving full- 10-under 61 for a share of second going, focus whatever happened. right-hander was on 84 at the length to his right at slip. on 132. She was tied with fellow “I’m very happy 11-under. It’s interval, doubling his overnight On 68 when he benefi ted South Korean Park Sung-hyun, my lowest score ever in my golf score on another sultry morning from that let-off , Vihari was who carded a 65. life. So I’m very honored.” where he needed more than just then thankful to be reprieved “I don’t really feel like I’ve shot World number two Park, a little luck to survive the con- by technology ten runs later as nine-under, I feel like I’ve maybe meanwhile had two eagles in her stant probing of the West Indies an lbw verdict against him off shot fi ve or six — which is nice,” seven-under eff ort. on a challenging pitch. Holder was reversed on review said Green, who made her fi rst It was a further stroke back He will resume in the after- of the television replays. LPGA win a major title at the to South Korean Chun Youngin, noon session in partnership with Sharma also enjoyed good for- Women’s PGA Championship in South African Lee-Anne Pace and Ishant Sharma after home cap- tune as he could have been run out June. It “means I’m probably not Americans Angel Yin and Yealimi tain Jason Holder and debutant on two occasions but for wayward too nervous.” Noh sharing fourth on 133. off -spinner Rahkeem Cornwall throws from the infi eld. Green made a strong start with A group of seven players on off ered the Caribbean side hope Given their struggles against a birdies at the fi rst and third — 134 included American Sarah of limiting India’s total. quality Indian pace attack in the and said she could easily have Schmelzel who produced a spar- Following on from an out- fi rst Test, the task for the hosts af- been three-under through the kling 62. standing fi rst day’s work when ter lunch is to not only to deny Vi- fi rst three holes. Green said her aim heading his fi gures of three for 39 off 20 hari a Test ton but also to prevent “I actually missed a short putt into the weekend was not to “get overs stood out in the West In- the visitors getting closer to the on two for birdie,” she said. “But too ahead of myself”. dies eff ort in the fi eld, Holder 400-run mark in the fi rst innings. I just gave myself really good op- “Obviously this is quite new struck with the very fi rst ball of portunities all day. to me, shooting such low scores day two, breaching the defence BRIEF SCORES (at lunch): India “I think when I had the eagle back-to-back,” she said. “(I’m) of Rishabh Pant to give the hosts 336-7 (H. Vihari 84 not out, V. on fi ve, that’s when I was like ‘OK going to keep the same game plan Hanuma Vihari of India celebrates his half century on second day of the second Test against West Indies an immediate boost. Kohli 76; J. Holder 4-62, R. Corn- I think I can go low again today,’” (keep) doing everything much at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. (AFP) New batsman Ravindra Jadeja wall 2-97) vs West Indies said Green, who added birdies at like I have.” Gulf Times Sunday, September 1, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT LIGUE 1 PSG beat Metz to Union Berlin upset go top of table AFP the lead. After 20 minutes, the Metz, France game was interrupted. Home fans unfurled a four-part, 25- word home-made, hand-written epleted Paris Saint- banner. It complained that they Germain gave debuts wanted the French league (LFP) Dortmund for fi rst to two teenagers but to allow them to aim homopho- still won 2-0 at Metz on bic chants at PSG. Referee Frank FridayD night in another Ligue 1 Schneider halted play, but as the game interrupted by fan banners. teams headed for the sideline, Angel Di Maria and Eric Maxim the banner vanished. Choupo-Moting scored the goals The game restarted after the visitors needed to win an un- three minutes with a drop ball. Bundesliga victory distinguished game and move On Wednesday, referee Clem- to the top of the table. Neymar, ent Turpin took the players off who reportedly wants to return for more than 10 minutes in re- to Spain, was again left out of the sponse to homophobic chants Perisic bags his first goal as Bayern Munich rout hapless Mainz 6-1 squad as negotiations over his in Nice during a home loss to potential transfer drag on. Marseille. After play resumed, AFP Another player who has be- Idrissa Gueye hit the Metz bar Berlin come the centre of speculation, with a close-range header. The goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, home team’s marking had not dropped to the bench. Areola, a improved when Choupo-Moting nion Berlin pulled off perhaps France international, is report- barely had to jump to head the the biggest victory in their tur- edly set to go to Real Madrid in second goal in the 43rd minute. bulent history, defeating Borus- a swap for veteran Costa Rican Metz gave PSG uncomfort- sia Dortmund 3-1 at the Sta- Keylor Navas. PSG also started able moments in both halves, but Udion An der Alten Foersterei yesterday. without the injured pair of Kylian could not force Bulka to make a Dortmund came into the match heavily Mbappe and Edinson Cavani. diffi cult save. favoured to win and reclaim their place Marcin Bulka started instead on top of the table but struggled to match of Areola, making his senior pro- FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS Union’s enthusiasm in sweltering condi- fessional debut. The 19-year- Lyon 1 (Depay 32) Bordeaux 1 tions in the German capital. old Pole arrived in the summer (Briand 67); Metz 0 Paris Saint- Union were 1-0 up in the 22nd minute, after spending three seasons in with Marius Buelter scoring the side’s the Chelsea youth system. PSG Germain 2 (Di Maria 11-pen, fi rst ever top-fl ight goal at home. Buel- also gave a debut to midfi elder Choupo-Moting 43) ter latched onto a corner which had been Adil Aouchiche. At 17 years and Playing today: (1800 GMT un- struck low and fast, hammering the ball six weeks, he was their youngest less stated): Reims v Lille, Rennes into the bottom right of the net. The goal ever Ligue 1 starter. v Nice (both 1300), Strasbourg v stung Dortmund into action, who equal- Di Maria smashed home an Monaco (1500), Marseille v Saint- ised just two minutes later through Paco 11th-minute penalty to give PSG Etienne (1900) Alcacer. Dortmund coasted through the remainder of the fi rst half, dominating possession and territory as they went in search of what seemed like an inevi- table second. It was Union who would score next however, with Buelter grab- bing a second by pouncing on a desperate clearance from Dortmund keeper Roman Buerki. Sebastian Andersson added an- other on the 75th minute to put the home Union Berlin’s Sebastian Andersson (second left) is ecstatic after scoring against Borussia Dortmund yesterday. (AFP) side 3-1 up to claim their fi rst ever win in the top division. taken volley which recalled his stunning ing Hertha Berlin at Gelsenkirchen’s BUNDESLIGA RESULTS Bayern Munich new boy Ivan Perisic 2018 World Cup strike against Argen- Veltins Arena. Berlin scored own goals Bayer Leverkusen 0 Hoff enheim 0; bagged his fi rst goal for the champions as tina. Alaba gave Bayern the lead with a either side of half-time through Niklas Schalke 3 (Stark 38-og, Rekik 48-og, Kenny they romped to a 6-1 win over a hapless brilliantly taken free kick just before the Stark and Karim Rekik. English defender 85) Hertha Berlin 0; Wolfsburg 1 (Brekalo Mainz at the Allianz Arena. Bayern show- break, and the rout was completed in the Jonjoe Kenny added a third in the 86th 56) Paderborn 1 (Souza 12); Freiburg 1 (Czi- cased their attacking brilliance through- second half. The win sees Bayern move up minute to make it 3-0 — the fi rst goal by chos 40-og) Cologne 2 (Modeste 52, Skhiri out, with six diff erent players getting on the table to joint-second, behind leaders a Schalke player this season — to put the 90+2); Bayern Munich 6 (Pavard 36, Alaba the scoresheet. RB Leipzig whose 3-1 win over Borussia game beyond doubt. Wolfsburg and Pad- 45, Perisic 54, Coman 64, Lewandowski 78, Robert Lewandowski scored his sixth Moenchengladbach on Friday means they erborn fought out a fi rey 1-1 draw at the of the season in just three games, while have won three out of three. Volkswagen Arena. Newly-promoted Pa- Davies 80) Mainz 1 (Boetius 6); Union Ber- Benjamin Pavard, David Alaba, Kingsley In Freiburg, Cologne’s Ellyes Skhiri derborn went ahead through Cauly Souza lin 3 (Bulter 22, 50, Andersson 75) Borussia Coman and Alphonso Davies also scored. scored the winner in second-half in- in the 12th minute, before Josip Brekalo Dortmund 1 (Alcacer 25) Mainz took a shock early lead when Jean- jury time to secure the visitors a 2-1 vic- equalised in the 56th minute. At the Ba- Playing today: Werder Bremen v Augs- Paul Boetius fi nished a superb sixth- tory. Freiburg claimed the advantage in yArena, visitors Hoff enheim ended Bayer burg (1330 GMT); Eintracht Frankfurt v minute counter attack, giving the visitors the 40th minute through an own goal by Leverkusen’s 100 per cent start to the Fortuna Duesseldorf (1600 GMT) hope that they might be able to pick up Rafael Czichos, before Cologne fan fa- season as the sides fought out a 0-0 draw. their fi rst point of the season. vourite Anthony Modeste equalised in The visitors had to endure a six-minute Played Friday: Borussia Moenchenglad- However Pavard equalised for the hosts the 52nd minute. Schalke picked up their spell of injury time but held fi rm against bach 1 (Embolo 90) RB Leipzig 3 (Werner PSG’s Angel Di Maria (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a half an hour later through an expertly fi rst win of the season over a disappoint- a luckless Leverkusen attack. 38, 47, 90+4) goal against Metz during the French Ligue 1 match on Friday. (AFP)

SERIE A Barca off er for Neymar has not Calhanoglu on target as Milan squeeze past Brescia met PSG demands: Leonardo Barcelona: Paris St Germain has always been clear: if a AFP Italian Dimitri Bisoli missed a chance to are not close to reaching a deal satisfactory off er arrives then Milan equalise, sending a shot over the bar with with Barcelona that would take he could leave but that is not Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma Neymar back to the Spanish the case. The negotiations have denying Ricardo Rodriguez’s defl ected champions as the Catalans not broken down but there’s no urkey midfi elder Hakan Cal- shot before the break. have not met the French club’s agreement for now because our hanoglu claimed AC Milan’s fi rst Piatek come on for the last half an hour asking price for the Brazil demands have not been met.” three points of the season scor- in place of Andre Silva, with Paqueta re- forward, PSG’s sporting director Leonardo did not hide the ing the only goal in a 1-0 win over placing Calhanoglu fi ve minutes later. Leonardo said on Friday. fact that Neymar is keen to Tpromoted Brescia in yesterday’s Lom- The hosts came to life in the fi nal ten Barca’s attempt to re-sign move from PSG, but said the bardy derby in the San Siro. The 25-year- minutes with Piatek missing a chance to Neymar two years after he Brazilian’s position was not old connected with a cross from Spanish get a second goal for Milan, then setting joined PSG for a world record helped by his staggering price winger Suso to head in after 12 minutes up Paqueta who also drew a blank. 222mn euros ($247.40mn) has tag. “Neymar has always made after Milan had lost their opener to Udi- Despite a less than convincing per- dominated sports headlines for it clear that he wants to leave nese last weekend. formance for new coach Giampaolo’s months, but time is running out but no-one has enough money New Milan coach Marco Giampaolo, side, Milan avoided back-to-back defeats to strike a deal before the trans- to buy him. And if an off er who was named boss as part of a ma- in their fi rst two matches of the season fer window shuts on Sept. 2. doesn’t arrive which we think is jor backroom re-shuffl e after last sea- in a decade. Juventus were taking on Na- Speaking after PSG’s 2-0 worth it, he will stay,” he added. son which also saw former players Paolo poli later last night in a clash between last win at Metz on Friday, which “He’s an extraordinary player Maldini and Zvonimir Boban given po- season’s top two teams in Turin. Neymar missed, Leonardo said but his relationship with the sitions at the club, made three changes the Ligue 1 champions would club isn’t the best right now.” from the side that fell in Udine. ITALIAN SERIE A RESULT only sell the player at the right Barca coach Ernesto Val- Poland forward Krzysztof Piatek, third AC Milan 1 (Calhanoglu 12) Brescia 0 price, which Barca have yet to verde said earlier that he had in Serie A’s scorers chart last season with come up with. “The first time grown tired of the negotiations 22 goals, Lucas Paqueta and Fabio Borini Playing today: Lazio v Roma (1600 GMT), we received a proposal from over Neymar and would be all started on the bench for the side who Atalanta v Torino, Cagliari v Inter Milan, Barcelona for Neymar was on glad when the transfer window have been banned from this season’s Eu- Brescia’s Dimitri Bisoli (right) and AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu vie for the ball. (AFP Genoa v Fiorentina, Lecce v Verona, Sassuolo August 27. They have not yet closed. “I am really looking for- ropa League for fi nancial fair play rules. v Sampdoria, Udinese v Parma (all 1845) given us an off er which has met ward to that day — September Former Milan forward Mario Balotelli receiving a red card. Algeria midfi elder advantage. Brescia had been boosted by a Played Friday: Bologna 1 (Soriano 90+3) our demands,” Leonardo said. 2 — so that we can all get some is yet to make his debut for his hometown Ismael Bennacer got his fi rst start and 1-0 win over Cagliari in their return to “PSG’s position on Neymar rest,” Valverde said. SPAL 0 club Brescia as he serves a suspension for good work by Suso ensured Milan an early Serie A last week after eight seasons. But

FOCUS Icardi treated correctly, insists Inter’s Conte

AFP who replaced Luciano Spalletti train with the fi rst team, but is ling the team. Inter beat Lecce Milan as boss ahead of the new season. not allowed to take part in full 4-0 in their season opener and “There are no disturbances in tactical sessions. head to Cagliari today, with new the changing room, we’ve been Icardi was the joint top-scorer Manchester United signing Alex- ntonio Conte insisted talking about this aff air for eight in the 2017-18 Serie A campaign is Sanchez set to make his fi rst yesterday aggrieved In- months and I don’t want to get with 29 goals, but managed just appearance. Conte said Sanchez ter Milan striker Mauro into it. We have to be focused on 11 last term having spent 53 days was determined to impress after Icardi has been treated this season, but instead I see that on the sidelines after being re- two diffi cult seasons in the Pre- correctlyA by the Serie A giants others remain the protagonists placed as skipper by goalkeeper mier League side. with new Chilean forward Alexis rather than those who are play- Samir Handanovic. “He’s a really good forward, Sanchez set to make his debut ing.” Inter Milan endured a topsy- both in terms of his fi nishing against Cagliari. The Argentinian — who was turvy Serie A campaign last sea- and the assists he provides,” said Icardi has started legal action stripped of the captaincy last son, only securing fourth place Conte. “He’s an important play- against Inter, demanding to re- season amid a long contract dis- and Champions League qualifi - er, I’m sure he’ll integrate well turn to full training and 1.5mn pute — has been told he is no cation on the fi nal day. Spalletti into the team and his numbers euros ($1.6mn) in compensation. longer part of the club’s plans left his role in May, with former speak for themselves. He his re- “Icardi? Everything was done as under new coach Conte. The Juventus, Italy and Chelsea boss ally enthusiastic and wants to do Inter Milan’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte. (AFP) correctly as possible,” said Conte, 26-year-old has continued to Conte taking over and remodel- well here.”

Sunday, September 1, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Arsenal’s Monreal signs for Real Liverpool, City Sociedad, Elneny loaned to Besiktas

Reuters said a statement from Arsenal. London “We would like to thank Nacho cruise as United, for his contribution to the club and everyone at Arsenal wishes panish left back Nacho him the best for his future.” Monreal left Arsenal after Monreal, who began his career a six-year spell to join La with Osasuna, will be presented Liga side Real Sociedad as a Real Sociedad player tomor- whileS Egyptian midfi elder Mo- row. He has signed a two-year hamed Elneny has joined Turkish deal. Elneny, who joined Arsenal Chelsea fl op again side Besiktas on a season-long in 2016, has found himself on the loan, the Premier League club fringes of the squad since Unai said yesterday. Emery took over as coach last Liverpool have now won a club record 13 straight Premier League games Monreal, 33, joined Arsenal season. from Malaga in January 2013 The 27-year-old Egypt inter- AFP and went on to make 251 appear- national made only eight league London ances for the club, scoring 10 appearances last season and did goals. “During his time with us, not feature in their fi rst three Nacho played in his natural left- matches this season. “Mohamed iverpool maintained their 100% back position and also in central Elneny has joined Turkish Super start to the Premier League sea- defence. He won three FA Cups, Lig side Besiktas on loan for the son with a 3-0 win at Burnley to three Community Shields and rest of the season,” the club said. retake top spot from Manchester played a big part in our run to the “The loan is subject to the com- LCity, who earlier thrashed Brighton yes- Europa League fi nal last season,” pletion of regulatory processes.” terday. But Manchester United and Chel- sea lost further ground on the leaders in disappointing draws with Southampton and Sheffi eld United. Zidane happy with Madrid squad, Liverpool have now won a club record 13 straight Premier League games stretching says Perez relationship strong back to last season when they missed out on the title to City despite amassing 97 Madrid: Zinedine Zidane points. Another titanic title race between insists his relationship with Real the two looks on as Liverpool withstood Madrid president Florentino an early Burnley assault before two goals Perez is strong and he is happy in four fi rst-half minutes took the game with his squad ahead of the away from the Clarets. transfer window closing tomor- Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross looped row. Madrid have spent around in off Chris Wood for a fortunate opener, 300mn euros this summer but but Burnley were masters of their own Zidane has not selected a single downfall for the second as Bee Mee pre- new signing in his first starting sented the ball to Roberto Firmino and line-ups for the first two games the Brazilian teed up Sadio Mane to slot of the season. home. Firmino added Liverpool’s third Zidane hoped the club would himself 10 minutes from time. sign Paul Pogba, but Manches- City’s 4-0 victory came at a cost as ter United would not sell, and infl uential centre-back Aymeric Laporte sell Gareth Bale, but the Welsh- was stretchered off with a knee injury man remains determined to see that looks set to rule him out for the for- out his contract, which expires seeable future. “He has gone to the hos- in 2022. “The decisions that are pital. Tomorrow we will know exactly up to me are on the pitch,” said what he has. I think he will be out for a Zidane in a press conference, while,” said City manager Pep Guardiola ahead of today’s league game on Laporte’s injury. away at Villarreal. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring “My relationship with Floren- after just two minutes at the Etihad be- tino Perez has always been fore Sergio Aguero made the game safe very good, he will always be by blasting high into the net just before the president that brought me the break. The Argentine produced an- here and I will never forget that. other sublime fi nish to curl into the top Sometimes it is better to clarify corner for his second 10 minutes into the things and I say the relationship second-half before Bernardo Silva then is good, I don’t care what any- the match is tomorrow,” Zidane rounded off the scoring. one says. The important thing said. “I am proud of the players How United must wish they had some is my day-to-day work and that I have, for me they are the best of their local rivals’ fi repower as South- I have the chance to coach this players. Even when you say you ampton clung on for a 1-1 draw at St great team.” want to make some changes, Mary’s despite playing the last 17 min- Madrid have brought in Eden the important thing is when the utes plus stoppage time a man down after Hazard from Chelsea but the season starts, you are happy and Kevin Danso’s red card. Belgian has a thigh injury and I am happy. I cannot complain Daniel James had given the visitors the Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (right) reacts after being substituted off as manager Juergen Klopp looks on yesterday.(Reuters) will not return until after the about the squad that I have. If I perfect start with his third goal in four international break. Hazard complain, I can change jobs.” appearances for United, but Jannik Vest- Abraham. The Blades hit back at the start tinued with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS began training alone on Friday. Keylor Navas has fallen ergaard headed home an equaliser just of the second half through Callum Robin- Jamie Vardy scored twice and set up Youri Southampton 1 (Vestergaard 58) Manches- Real have also signed Eder behind Thibaut Courtois in the before the hour mark. Ole Gunnar Solsk- son and Kurt Zouma’s own goal a minute Tielemans for the Foxes’ second goal. ter United 1 (James 10); Chelsea 2 (Abra- Militao, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo race to be Madrid’s first-choice jaer’s men have now failed to win in their from time earned the visitors an unlikely Crystal Palace backed up their shock ham 19, 43) Sheff ield United 2 (Robinson and Ferland Mendy, with Zidane goalkeeper and is expected last three games and won just one of their point in a 2-2 draw. victory at Old Traff ord last weekend with 46, Zouma 89-og); Crystal Palace 1 (Ayew refusing to rule out further addi- to join PSG. “It could happen,” last 10 dating back to last season. “We have to take responsibility, we al- a 1-0 win over 10-man Aston Villa thanks 73) Aston Villa 0; Leicester 3 (Vardy 12, 73, tions before the window shuts. Zidane said. “Keylor will be “We’ve been dominating, creating lowed that to happen. It was on us to take to Jordan Ayew’s goal 17 minutes from Tielemans 41) Bournemouth 1 (Wilson 15); Neymar’s future at Paris Saint- with us for the game against chances and just haven’t been clinical in the game away from them and we allowed time to go fourth. Manchester City 4 (De Bruyne 2, Aguero Germain remains uncertain Villarreal and until the window front of goal to win the games,” said Sol- them to get back into it,” said Lampard. West Ham also have seven points from 42, 55, B Silva 79) Brighton 0; Newcastle 1 while Tottenham’s Christian closes, anything can happen.” skjaer. “It’s not a dip in form, (but) it’s a “If we can’t go on and get a third goal four games as goals either side of half- (Schar 41) Watford 1 (Hughes 2); West Ham Eriksen and Ajax’s Donny van Madrid started the season dip in results defi nitely.” that’s something we have to work on, this time from Sebastien Haller and Andriy 2 (Haller 24, Yarmolenko 56) Norwich 0; de Beek are also believed to be with an encouraging away win Frank Lampard is still waiting for his is the Premier League, it’s ruthless.” Yarmolenko secured a comfortable 2-0 Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 (Wood 33-og, Mane targets. “Until Monday at mid- at Celta Vigo but were held to a fi rst win at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea As United and Chelsea stumble, over Norwich. Watford got their fi rst 37, Firmino 80) night, everything can happen, draw at home to Real Valladolid manager after the Blues threw away a 2-0 Leicester are the closest challengers to point of the season, but remain bottom Playing today: Everton Wolves (1300 one surprise, two surprises, but last weekend. half-time lead given to them by Tammy the top two as their unbeaten start con- after a 1-1 draw at Newcastle. GMT), Arsenal v Tottenham (1530 GMT)

LA LIGA Barcelona pegged back by Osasuna despite Fati heroics

AFP display in the win over Real Betis last putting a simple pass out of play that Pamplona, Spain weekend but he was quiet again here persuaded Valverde to make a half-time and it remains to be seen whether the change. Fati came on for Semedo, with club’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu Sergi dropping into right back. nsu Fati became the third feels negotiations for Neymar should The goal came from that side too as youngest player to score in now be pushed over the line. Perez crossed and Fati rose high, hung La Liga yesterday but the Guillermo Amor, Barcelona’s direc- in the air and powered a header inside 16-year-old could not rescue tor of institutional relations, told Mo- the post. Transformed, Arthur came on BarcelonaA from being held to a 2-2 draw vistar on Saturday the deal is not dead. for Rafi nha two minutes later and with- away at newly-promoted Osasuna. “The market closes soon but we still in a minute, Barca scored again. Fati equalised fi ve minutes af- have a few days,” said Amor. “Nothing Perez provided the assist, freeing ter coming on at half-time and Barca is done and we are waiting to see what Arthur who used Jordi Alba’s overlap- looked likely to complete the comeback can happen. Of course, something ping run to cut inside and curl into the when Arthur Melo, also on a substitute, can happen at the last minute. We are far corner. The hard work looked done made it two 13 minutes later at El Sadar calm.” but Osasuna rallied. Stadium. Yet Roberto Torres, who had Roberto Torres also came through Juan Villar tested Marc-Andre ter given Osasuna an early lead, delivered a the ranks at Osasuna and has more Stegen and with nine minutes left, twist by scoring a late second from the than 200 appearances for the club. His Pique handballed, allowing Roberto penalty spot after Gerard Pique hand- double means they are unbeaten from Torres to slide in the penalty for his balled. As Barcelona refuse to give up their fi rst three games, having returned second of the game. Perez might have on their pursuit of Neymar before the to the top fl ight for the fi rst time since won it for Barcelona in the 88th minute. transfer window closes tomorrow, this 2017. Both teams stood for a minute’s He had only Osasuna’s Ruben to beat was another reminder of the talent that silence before kick-off in a show of but was caught in two minds and the already exists in their ranks. Coach Er- support for Luis Enrique, Barcelona’s chance was gone. nesto Valverde appears ready to look to former coach and player, whose daugh- the future rather than the past, with ter Xana died aged nine last week. Bar- SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS Carles Perez, a 21-year-old product of ca’s fans then chanted his name when Osasuna 2 (Torres 7, 81-pen) Barcelona 2 La Masia, also providing two assists on the silence ended. (Fati 51, Arthur 64) his second consecutive start. Barcelona started badly and got He should even have scored the win- worse in the second half, the opening 45 Barcelona’s Ansu Fati (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Osasuna during the Spanish La Liga Playing today: (times GMT) Valencia v ner but the concern will be that Barca minutes strewn with misplaced passes match at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) Mallorca (1500), Atletico Madrid v Eibar needed Fati and Perez at all, even taking and lacking a single chance for the (1700), Espanyol v Granada (1700), into account the injuries to Lionel Mes- visitors. Osasuna also forced the issue, Torres causing a raft of problems for the the right to leave Clement Lenglet on and Roberto Torres smashed home. Villarreal v Real Madrid (1900) si, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. pressing hard and showing more bite Barca back line. Their goal came from the fl oor. He sent a cross to the back Barcelona never found their rhythm On Friday: Sevilla 1 (Vazquez 81) Celta Antoine Griezmann put on a statement than Barca, with Brandon and Roberto Brandon, who twisted and turned down post where Nelson Semedo got caught and it might have been Sergi Roberto Vigo 1 (Suarez 84)