Champions Who Find a Way to Glory

WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07 It’s important to have targets. There are clear targets for this Qatar coach Felix Sanchez RUGBY team. The plan for the players says during his speech at RUGBY is to arrive for the 2022 FIFA “Aspire Academy Global Rugby World Cup: Rugby World Cup: World Cup in the right shape. Summit.” Argentina vs USA Scotland vs Russia ACTION TODAY’S ‘Terrific trio’ of Doha Worlds: Barshim, Kipruto and Edris Champions who find a way to glory

IAAF Despite all that – or, per- but it was Lemecha Girma who Barshim faced strong oppo- Conselsus Kipruto and Mutaz Essa Barshim provided DOHA versely, could it be because of took the biggest hit. nents, men not inclined to wonderful examples one after the other on day eight all that – Kipruto somehow got He had gained the upper concede him either victory or of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019. himself to the line centimetres hand once he and Kipruto got even misplaced sympathy. He Each of these champions came to Doha facing uphill One characteristic of champions ahead of a despairing El Bakkali. past the Moroccan athlete down was here to be beaten and it battles to retain their titles. Injury had laid both low is that they often find a way to Nobody saw that coming, least the back-straight. seemed any number might do win, even when they shouldn’t. of all El Bakkali, whose arms He led at the water-jump, it. in recent times. Both faced stern competition from Goals against the run of play, the were spread acclaiming a led at the final hurdle. Then Qualifying brought a sea- worthy opponents. Yet both won. passing shot at full stretch on victory which had just evapo- Kipruto really got to work, son’s best of 2.29m, a mark that match point, willing oneself rated before his own eyes. grinding down his opponent was improved to 2.30m in the across the line or over the bar. At the Khalifa International stride by stride and diving des- final after first-time clearances not match him, Barshim had to take out the win. Conselsus Kipruto and Stadium, El Bakkali was once perately to get to the line a hun- at 2.19m, 2.24m, 2.27m and secured a victory which, even a When things were going Mutaz Essa Barshim (pictured) again one of KiprutoKipruto’s s ‘victims‘victims’,, dredth of a second to the good.good. 2.30m.2.30m. Things then started toto fewf days ago, looked out of his wrong, when team-mate and providedprovided wonderful examples This all came after an injury-injury- unravel, or at least show signs reach.r perennial rival Will Claye was oneone after the other on dadayy eieightght blightedblighted build-up which theythey might.might. Barshim needed all There have been other way out in front, Taylor still ofof thethe IAAF WorldWorld AthleticsAthletics restrictedrestricted Kipruto to just fourfour three tries to get over 2.33m,2.33m, a examplese here. Kelsey-Lee found a way to win. ChampionshipsChampionships Doha 2019. races thisthis year: two DNFs, a ffifthifth heightheight MiMikhailkhail AkimenkoAkimenko andand BarberB had endured a mediocre So, too, did Muktar Edris in EachEach of these championschampions came andand a seventh.seventh. MaksimMaksim NNedasekauedasekau cclearedleared qualifyingq competition and five the 5,000m. The man who too Doha facing uphill battles to Barshim’s problem was the first-up.first-up. mediocrem throws in the final closed the Mo Farah era by retaretainin theirtheir ttitles.itles. seriousserious ankle ininjuryjury he suffered BarshimBarshim nownow ttrailedrailed aandnd bbefore she produced a gold defeating the great Briton in the InjuryInjury had laid both low in mid-2018mid-2018 which required had to onceonce again ggoo mmedal throw on the final 5,000m in London two years recentrecent times.times. BothBoth facedfaced sternstern surgerysurgery and lengthy rehabili-rehabili- higherhigher than he attempt.a ago had done precious little this competitioncompetition from worthworthyy oppo-oppo- tation.tation. HHee was competing on hadhad all season Coach and husband Michael year. nents.nents. YYetet bothboth won. hhomeome soil in Doha, but if hhee wawantednted to BarberB had suggested she He faced opposition from Kipruto, at least, is making cacameme intointo thethe com-com- win. lengthenl her run-up for the final younger team-mates Selemon a habit of this. Last year he won ppetitionetition with a ToTo the throwt and not over-reach. Barega and Telahun Bekele, as thehe IAAF DiamonDiamondd League ffinalinal season’s bbestest ooff ddelightelight of a “Trust the feel. Trust the well as Norway’s Jakob Inge- inn Zurich, again snatching 2.27m.2.27m. ppackedacked rhythm,”r was the mantra. brigtsen and Canada’s Mo victoryvictory from what sstadium,tadium, BarberB did and leapt from fifth Ahmed. seeseemedmed inevitableinevitable BaBarshimrshim tot first and a gold medal. A little more than three defeat.defeat. boomboomeded Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce seconds covered the first six in That over wonw her fourth world 100m title a blanket finish. nightn ight 2.332.33mm here.h The Jamaican star wasn’t Yet it was again Edris who KiprutoKipruto onon thethe returningr from injury but from prevailed. He found a way to get beat finalfinal childbirth.c She met strong oppo- to the line first, when form and nents,n took their best, and came logic said he shouldn’t have. attempt,attempt, then outo on top with a world-leading Again, give the last word to got 2.35m at the 10.71.1 Conselsus Kipruto. first.first. Christian Taylor also won a “At championships, I always He had the lead,lead, but fourthf world title in the triple believe that experience counts SoufianeSoufiane ElEl BakkaliBakkali ddespiteespite llostost it aagaingain as AAkimenkokimenko jump.j He fouled his first two for a lot,” he said. losingosing a shoe on the first retained his pperfecterfect record with jumpsj and even with his third “It’s not about shape. I set lap,ap, twice conceding a a first-time clearance.clearance. gotg not much closer to the take- my mind and my heart very breakbreak to hhisis oppopponent,onent, BarshimBarshim had to ddoo it all ooverver offo board than being in the same well. When I got to the start line, losingosing ground at the finalfinal again at 2.37m. He did, againagain stadium.s His next effort was a I told myself, ‘I’m going to do it’. water-jumpwater-jump and trailing off soaring clearclear withwith room to 17.86m1 which put him into the This strong mentality helped me thehe final hurdle.hurdle. spare.spare. When Akimenko couldcould leadl and he improved to 17.92m with the race.” Raptors down NHL: Texier’s strike powers Blue Rockets in Japan Jackets to victory over Sabres preseason game REUTERS COLUMBUS AFP netted a game-high 34 points SAITAMA, JAPAN and Centre Clint Capela added Alexandre Texier scored 2:08 12 for Houston. into overtime and the Columbus The NBA champion Toronto Ibaka opened the game with Blue Jackets overcame two Raptors won a preseason game a double for the Raptors, but the blown leads on Monday night to against the Houston Rockets Rockets quickly took the lead as beat the visiting Buffalo Sabres 134-129 in Japan yesterday, a Harden sank a dynamic 4-3 for their first win of the match-up overshadowed by a 3-pointer. season. controversial tweet from a He hit another late in the With 13:14 left in the third, Houston executive that angered second quarter, ending the first Nick Foligno put Columbus up China. half 85-73 to the Rockets. 3-2 with its second power-play Pascal Siakam, the 2019 Ahead of the game, NBA goal of the night, thanks to some Most Improved Player, scored commissioner Adam Silver said relentless pressure on Buffalo 24 points for the Raptors as the organisation would continue netminder Linus Ullmark (40 Serge Ibaka added 18 and guard to “support freedom of saves). Fred VanVleet, 16. Three-time expression and certainly However, Columbus’ Boone Alexandre Texier scores the winner to secure victory for All Star Marc Gasol stayed on the freedom of expression of the Jenner took a penalty for pushing Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday in Columbus, Ohio. Tronto bench. NBA community.” the puck with his hand off a face- Former NBA Most Valuable The Raptors last season off with less than two minutes in Player Russell Westbrook, became the first league regulation. traded from the Oklahoma City champion from outside the Victor Olofsson then con- Oliver Bjorkstrand, who had a second period. Johansson nailed have earned points in their first Thunder, made his Rockets United States by dethroning the verted Buffalo’s second power- career-high 23 goals last season, a quick one-timer from the right three games this season (2-0-1). debut by scoring 13 points. defending titleholders Golden play goal of the game, and the gave his team a 1-0 lead when circle. Jordan Binnington stopped 32 Rockets star James Harden State in the finals. team’s sixth of the season, with he sent home a backhanded The visitors made it 2-2 with shots. a blast from right circle to make rebound of Seth Jones’ shot that 8:02 left in the second when Frederik Gauthier and it 3-3 with 1:14 left in deflected off both a Sabers player Skinner picked the pocket of William Nylander scored for regulation. and the back boards. Columbus defenseman Ryan Toronto, which has dropped two Marcus Johansson and Jeff Less than a minute later, Murray. straight (2-1-1). Frederik Skinner scored second-period Columbus made it 2-0 with the After stealing the puck, Andersen finished with 26 saves. goals as the Sabres, trying to start man-advantage. Skinner turned and blasted a The Blues scored the decisive 3-0-0 for the first time since the Off a face-off, Alexander shot past Jackets netminder goal at 7:51 of the third when 2008-09 season, tied the game Wennberg got the puck behind Joonas Korpisalo (15 saves) for David Perron found a pinching at 2-2. the net and found Cam Atkinson, his second goal of the season. Pietrangelo, who beat a down- However, the hard-working who drilled one top-shelf by Meanwhile, Alex Pietrangelo and-out Andersen from a tight Texier kept the pressure on Ullmark with 55 seconds left in scored the tiebreaking goal in the angle at the bottom of the faceoff Ullmark and rewarded the the first. third period, leading the St. Louis circle for his second of the Jackets with the winner in It was the second of the Blues to a 3-2 victory over the season. overtime after being outscored season for Atkinson, who Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday Pietrangelo also earned his Toronto Raptors Serge Ibaka (left) dribbles 11-3 while losing their first two recorded a career-high 41 goals night. 400th career point and 23rd the ball past Houston Rockets PJ Tucker games. in 2018-19. Oskar Sundqvist and game-winner to break a tie with during their game yesterday. Playing in his 200th NHL Buffalo, though, cut the Brayden Schenn also scored for Al MacInnis for the most by a game, Columbus’ deficit in half just 1:32 into the the defending champions, who defenseman in franchise history. 08 SPORT WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2019

Formula One Points Leaders 1. Lewis Hamilton, 322. Cycling: RAM League starts 2. Valtteri Bottas, 249. 3. Charles Leclerc, 215. 4. Max Verstappen, 212. off in explosive fashion 5. Sebastian Vettel, 194. 6. Pierre Gasly, 69. 7. Carlos Sainz Jr, 66. THE PENINSULA Jones (Velostar), first senior man, Riders in seen in action at the Al Thakira Road DOHA and Jaco Anderson (Rasen) third 8. Alexander Albon, 52. Race ﬁnish line. place and first 50+ age grouper. 9. Lando Norris, 35. Qatar national team riders were Sophie Clarke (Rasen) was 10. Daniel Ricciardo, 34. at the forefront at the first road first woman, ahead of Lisa 11. Nico Hulkenberg, 34. race of new the Royal Air Maroc Dunne (Team Al Jassra) with one 12. Daniil Kvyat, 33. Cycling League held at Al Thakira of the favourites, Julie Melville 13. Sergio Perez, 33. Youth Centre over the weekend. (Rasen), out of contention after 14. Kimi Raikkonen, 31. It was a hotly contested a puncture in the first lap. 15. Kevin Magnussen, 20. event in more ways than one – Women’s riding has had a the first outing of the season was boost this year with rider initia- 16. Lance Stroll, 19. eagerly awaited and attracted a tives to introduce new faces. 17. Romain Grosjean, 8. large turnout of 120 riders and, Three TriClub Doha riders held 18. Antonio Giovinazzi, 4. due to high temperatures and their own in Race C field, fin- 19. Robert Kubica, 1. humidity forcing a short 65-km ishing with the bunch and 20. George Russell, 0. route. But still the competition Sondra Hope claiming a top 20 was fierce. placing to earn her first place in Competitive spirit is boosted Women B Grade. F1 winners this season this season by the emergence of Friday’s winners will pull on March 17 - Australian Grand Prix (Valtteri Bottas) new teams like Qatar Army and the Scarlet Jersey as new leaders March 31 - Bahrain Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) the adoption of Qatari squad April 14 - Chinese Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) riders by established teams. against Chris Murrin (Velostar), April 28 - Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Valtteri Bottas) “For the first time, we have Efram Ellenbogan (Team Al May 12 - Spanish Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) local riders competing against Jassra) and Bilal Al Saadi May 26 - Monaco Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) each other and forming alliances (national team). June 9 - Canadian Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) with the strongest racers. This Race B is a springboard into can only be a positive devel- the Senior Team for Qatar’s June 23 - French Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) opment for cycling in this younger riders. Nayef Al Mes- June 30 - Austrian Grand Prix (Max Verstappen) country,” an official said. salam (Qatar national team) kept July 14 - British Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) In Race A, it was Abdullah Al his powder dry while the guapos July 28 - German Grand Prix (Max Verstappen) Jaaidi (Qatar national team) who of Los Gauchos made repeated Aug. 4 - Malaysian Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) dominated. strong moves to spit the field, Sept. 1 - Belgian Grand Prix (Charles Leclerc) Breaking clear of the field and danger-men Fabian Escomel Sept. 8 - Italian Grand Prix (Charles Leclerc) and finishing clear with a lead of and Max Caparanga (Rasen) Sept. 22 - Singapore Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) two and a half minutes over forged breakaways. Sept. 29 - Russian Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) Mouhcine Rhaili (national With just a few kilometers to Oct. 13 - Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka,. coaches), in an average speed of go though, the bunch of 50 riders just under 40kph. was all together and had slowed Oct. 27 - Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City,. Unable to form an effective to cruising speed in anticipation Nov. 3 - US Grand Prix, Travis County, Texas. chase, Marwan Al Jalham (Rasen of the finish. It was Al Messalam’s accessibility of bike racing in of the Royal Air Maroc League at Nov. 17 - Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo,. Adventure Shop) triumphed in sprint that proved strongest. It is Qatar that Nayef was also first the second race in Al Guwayriyah Dec. 1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi,. the battle for the bronze medal a testament to the broad junior rider. Second-placed Dave at the start of November.

Fast bowler Misbah searches for answers after second loss Behrendorff AP Sri Lanka’s inexperienced to undergo LAHORE batsmen - Danushka Gunath- ilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa - spinal surgery Top-ranked Pakistan is facing a who smashed half centuries rare 3-0 whitewash in a which lifted Sri Lanka’s totals to AP Twenty20 bilateral series when 165 and 182, respectively. SYDNEY it takes on an inexperienced Sri And legspinner Wanindu Lanka side in the third and final Hasaranga dominated Pakistan’s Australia fast bowler Jason match today. brittle batting lineup when he Behrendorff (pictured) is to Sri Lanka’s key players opted claimed three wickets in four undergo spinal surgery and out of the series due to security balls with perfect googlies, will miss all of the 2019-2020 concerns, but the visitors haven’t including the dismissals of Akmal home season. missed them as they registered and Shehzad. White ball specialist two emphatic victories in Lahore, Pakistan won 25 Twenty20s Behrendorff played the most- with Pakistan choosing to exper- and lost only four in 2017 and recent of his 11 one-day inter- iment rather than fielding tried- 2018. It has lost five out of six nationals and seven T20 and-tested players. T20s this year. internationals in England this Recalled Umar Akmal and No. 1 batsman Babar Azam year. Ahmed Shehzad failed in both had been providing solid starts He hit form during the matches, with Akmal getting with Fakhar Zaman in the top Cricket World Cup in England golden ducks and Shehzad scores order, but Babar’s failure in both in June, taking a career-best of 4 and 13 before he was clean matches against Sri Lanka has 5-44 against the hosts at bowled both times. Pakistan’s captain Sarfraz Ahmed is bowled as Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka (left) exposed Pakistan’s Lord’s. “If they weren’t able to looks on during the second Twenty20 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Lahore on Sunday. deficiencies. He returned to Australia perform what can be done?” “Yes, we are the No. 1 team in increasing pain from a questioned a frustrated-looking in the world, but mostly our lumbar stress fracture which head coach and chief selector, by sections of home supporters second match by 35 runs. whichever format he played, was strength has been standing on has troubled him since 2015. Misbah-ul-Haq, after his team or former Pakistan cricketers. “Alarmingly poor were Pakistan among the good ones. Babar Azam scoring runs and After discussions with lost on Monday. “Pakistan T20 season has - again!,” he posted on Twitter. “It is unfortunate that in our with him not scoring in two specialists and Cricket Aus- “Obviously I am answerable, begun on a sour note under new But Misbah said he had to try circuit, there is no other batsman games, we are exposed badly,” tralia medical staff Behren- but to build up a team, you need team management. It had to. If out Akmal and Shehzad against in T20s who had performed Misbah said. dorff has chosen to travel to to do some experiments to get you select recycled known Sri Lanka, especially after both better than them. “We need to find six or more New Zealand to have surgery your answers. mishits what else do you expect. batsmen scored heavily over the “Players who have per- match-winners. next week under spinal “When you play someone in Absolutely horrendous selection. last year in domestic cricket. formed in domestic cricket “We need to have more surgeon Rowan Schouten. international cricket, with a I ask: Why fix it if it’s not broken,” “Both these players have surely deserve a chance, and dependable batsmen. We need “After a lot of thought and couple of games you understand tweeted former captain Ramiz performed well wherever that’s why we offered them.” powerhouses in the top and discussion we’ve decided that the utility of a player. We need Raja after Pakistan lost the first they’ve played in the last year,” Pakistan’s experienced top- middle. And in bowling, we need surgery is to show some patience.” match last Saturday. he said. “Ahmed’s performance order batting lineup struggled in to take wickets up front and in the best The recall of Akmal and And Ramiz was equally dis- in PSL was remarkable enough both matches against spin and the death overs, and we need to oppor- Shehzad was not well received paraging after Pakistan lost the for a chance, while Umar, seam. It was in sharp contrast to have good finishers.” tunity to find a more per- manent Smith, Warner make T20 return as Australia eye Cup fix,” Behren- AFP on next year’s World Cup, which will be Ashton Turner returns from a finger dorff said SYDNEY held in Australia. injury to bolster the batting, while Adam yesterday. “It is almost a year to the day until Zampa edged out Nathan Lyon as the pre- “I’m feeling good about Steve Smith (pictured) and David Warner Australia hosts the men’s Twenty20 World ferred spinner. the surgery,” he told reporters completed their return from the Cup and we have selected this squad with Cummins and Mitchell Starc will likely yesterday. wilderness yesterday when Australia that in mind,” he said. open the bowling attack, backed up by “ I’ve spoken to a number recalled them to a 14-man Twenty20 “We have looked to put a squad Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Billy of Aussie and Kiwi bowlers squad to play Sri Lanka and Pakistan with together that we think can take us through Stanlake. who’ve had a similar surgery a firm eye on next year’s World Cup. to that tournament.” The three-match series against Sri and they were all very pos- The star batsmen were both banned Despite their success in other formats, Lanka will begin in Adelaide on October itive about the results. for a year for their roles in a ball-tam- Australia have never won a Twenty20 27, followed by another three Twenty20s “This particular procedure pering scandal but have returned to Aus- World Cup, with an appearance in the against Pakistan opening on November 3 has had good success rates in tralia’s Test, one-day and now Twenty20 2010 final their best showing. in Sydney. other professional pace sides. highest ever T20I runs scorer. He was also They are currently ranked fifth in the Australia: bowlers with similar reoc- “We are delighted to welcome Steve the leading runs scorer at this year’s world but will be desperate to succeed on Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex curring issues.” Smith and David Warner back into the Indian Premier League with Sunrisers home soil in October-November next year. Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Behrendorff’s Australia T20 international fold,” chief selector Hyderabad.” Aaron Finch retains the skipper’s McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve teammate Pat Cummins is Trevor Hohns said. The Twenty20 squad named Tuesday armband, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, among those who has bene- “Steve is a world-class batsman in all will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in coming and paceman Pat Cummins sharing vice- Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David fited from the surgery. formats, while Warner is Australia’s weeks but Hohns said the focus was firmly captain duties. Warner, Adam Zampa. WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 09 Murray to make Grand Slam Global piracy will burst media rights return at Australian Open ‘bubble’, says beIN AFP MELBOURNE Andy Murray of Britain hits a return REUTERS against Fabio Fognini of Italy during In 2013, Andy Murray became the LONDON Andy Murray will make his their match at the Shanghai Masters first British man to win Wimbledon yesterday. Grand Slam return at the for 77 years, ending the nation’s The sports media rights “bubble” is about to burst because of global Australian Open in January, a broadcast piracy and the business model will have to be over- year after career-saving hip obsession with finding a champion hauled, the head of Qatar- surgery, tournament organisers to follow in the footsteps of Fred based beIN Media Group said announced yesterday. Perry. He repeated the feat in yesterday. The British three-time major Chief executive Yousef Al winner has been slowly working 2016, adding to a glittering career Obaidly (pictured) told the his way back to fitness and is that also includes the 2012 US Leaders Week Sport Business now ranked 289th, up from Summit in London that beIN 503rd just a week ago. Open, two Olympic gold medals now regarded all sports rights Murray, 32, won his opening and 45 ATP crowns. as non-exclusive, and future match at the Shanghai Masters commercial offers would on Monday, beating Argentine reflect that. qualifier Juan Ignacio Londero “I’m here to tell you how in three sets, following a quarter- the endless growth of sports final appearance in Beijing last Murray beaten rights is over,” he said. “Not week. only that, but in certain cases, With his confidence seem- by Fognini in rights values are going drop ingly growing by the day, Aus- off a cliff, and the very eco- tralian Open organisers said the three bruising nomic model of our industry former world number one had is going to be rewritten. committed to extending his sets in “Any rights-holders who comeback into the majors in called him “a champion on and over Londero that his movement Shanghai think that the technology companies of the (US) West Coast are January. off court”. on the court felt like it was their financial saviours are going to be swiftly disappointed.” “Confirmed: Andy Murray Players also farewelled him steadily improving. The broadcaster has invested more than $15bn in sports rights, will return to compete at the in an emotional video screened “In the beginning I didn’t AFP including the English Premier League and other major soccer #AusOpen in 2020,” they on centre court after he lost an necessarily feel good, but last SHANGHAI leagues and tournaments around the world. tweeted. epic five-setter to Roberto couple of weeks have been I It has urged sports bodies to take legal action against the BeoutQ The official Australian Open Bautista Agut, with most think much improved,” he said Andy Murray went down channel which carries pirated broadcasts of global sports events website said Murray “will return believing his Grand Slam career yesterday. scrapping in a bruising three- to which beIN Sports holds the rights. to the main draw with a pro- was over. In 2013, Murray became the set defeat to 12th-ranked BeoutQ emerged in 2017 after Saudi Arabia and its allies tected ranking of number two “It’s very sad that you have first British man to win Wim- Italian Fabio Fognini yesterday launched a diplomatic and trade boycott of Qatar. and restored physical powers”. to take that position, but some- bledon for 77 years, ending the at the Shanghai Masters. The channel is widely available in Saudi Arabia but Riyadh has He has made the final five times life is not perfect,” Rafael nation’s obsession with finding In a bad-tempered match previously said it is not based there and that Saudi authorities are times at Melbourne Park, losing Nadal said. “I just want to say a champion to follow in the foot- that stretched past three hours, committed to fighting piracy. four times to Novak Djokovic thanks for the things that you steps of Fred Perry. the two players confronted one BeIN Sports said in February it had not renewed its Formula and once to Roger Federer. gave to our sport.” He repeated the feat in 2016, another near the end at the One contract for the Middle East and North Africa as a result of However, arguably his most But the match against adding to a glittering career that crossover. piracy. heartbreaking moment at the Bautista Agut rekindled Murray’s also includes the 2012 US Open, Fognini plays the unseeded The sport is now broadcast free to air in the region under a season-opening Grand Slam competitive spark and he opted two Olympic gold medals and 45 American Taylor Fritz or five-year deal with MBC Group. came not on the court but at an to fight on and undergo hip ATP crowns. Russian seventh seed Karen Al Obaidly told the summit that the industry was refusing to emotional press conference resurfacing surgery. Australian Open organisers Khachanov in the last 16 after confront the “piracy elephant” in the room and make attempts to before this year’s tournament. American doubles legend hope there will be another blast a 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) tackle the problem. Murray broke down in tears Bob Bryan had endured the pro- from the past if Belgium’s Kim victory. “The glorious media rights bubble is about to burst. And... the describing how the pain in his cedure -- which involves Clijsters can meet her goal of It came hours after the Aus- truth is that our industry is completely unprepared,” he said right hip, which had been inserting an artificial hip implant taking to the court again in tralian Open officials said the yesterday. operated on six months earlier, with a rod that goes right down January after an absence of more former number one Murray “If you don’t get your house in order and quickly, the sports had become unbearable. to the femur -- and warned than seven years. will make his return to Grand rights market will disintegrate beyond recognition. In fact, winter “I can play with limitations. Murray there would be no easy A crowd favourite in Mel- Slam tennis there in January, a is already here.” But having the limitations and road back. bourne, the 36-year-old retired year after a career-saving hip the pain is not allowing me to “No one’s ever come back to have a family but made a sur- operation. enjoy competing or training,” he with this surgery on the singles prise announcement last month The 32-year-old Briton said, later revealing that even court,” he said at the time, adding that she was making a comeback says that his hip is now fine but walking his dog had become a that if anyone could do it a in 2020. he needs to build up his match gruelling ordeal. renowned fighter like Murray Clijsters has won four Grand fitness and speed across the Tributes flowed for the well- was prime candidate. Slams, including the 2011 Aus- court. liked Scot, with Billie Jean King Murray said after his win tralian Open. The three-time Grand Slam winner will be pleased at how Djokovic he was able to go toe-to-toe Roger Federer advances with Fognini even as the match heaps praise Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates clock ticked past three tough after winning against Albert Ramos-Vinolas hours on court. on ‘very of Spain during their second-round singles But he will be kicking match at the Shanghai Masters in Shanghai himself for failing to put Fognini away when he was yesterday. Federer, 38, won 6-2, 7-6 (7/5). complete’ serving for the match at 6-5 in the third set. Medvedev The 32-year-old Fognini and Murray had a lengthy AFP exchange at the net and bad SHANGHAI blood boiled between them throughout. Doha set to host exciting World number one Novak They shared the briefest of Djokovic hailed Daniil Medvedev handshakes at the end. skateboarding drills at as a “very complete player” Murray, who generally yesterday, having lost to the looked more relaxed than he young Russian in their last two did in victory on Monday, was the ANOC Beach Games matches. two points from winning the The 23-year-old Medvedev first set. THE PENINSULA is at a career-high fourth in the But the colourful Fognini DOHA world and reached the final at fought back to level the set at the US Open, only to be on the 6-6, then edged the tie break. Skateboarding is one of 13 sports that is included in the 1st ANOC end of an agonising five-set loss He appeared to switch off World Beach Games Qatar 2019 (Oct 12-16). to Rafael Nadal. in the second set, allowing Skateboarding exploded on the scene during the 1950s when Medvedev has won three Murray to level. Californian surfers took to dry land for ‘sidewalk surfing’ when the titles this year including beating The deciding third set was seas were calm. Djokovic on the way to claiming punishing, taking 22 minutes It hasn’t looked back, and has gone from being a popular pastime victory at the Masters in to play just two games. for streetwise kids to becoming an official part of the Tokyo 2020 Cincinnati in August. Despite the defeat, Mur- Olympic roster, helping the International Olympic Committee to “The last several months he’s ray’s comeback is going better reach out to a whole new generation of young fans. been playing the tennis of his than even he expected. It’s inclusion in the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games Qatar life,” Djokovic said at the He reached his first singles 2019 was a natural choice and we can expect 41 of the world’s best Shanghai Masters, where he is quarter-final in a year at last to make their mark ahead of next summer’s Olympic the defending champion. week’s China Open, defeating introduction. “He’s played finals at least in 13th-ranked US Open semi- The 2019 world champion Haymana Raynolds from USA and every event in the last whatever, finalist Matteo Berrettini on the the bronze medallist Sky Brown from GBR will compete at the Aspire five, six events, which is that backhand, it’s very flat. He world, pulled out of Shanghai way. Zone Skateboarding Park from October 14-15. amazing.” doesn’t make many mistakes because of a wrist problem. But Two weeks ago in Zhuhai, The skateboard ‘decks’ are usually made of maple plywood, but The 32-year-old from Serbia, and he can hit anything he wants Djokovic is primed for a battle southern China, Murray won can also be constructed of aluminium, nylon, Plexiglas, fiberglass, who could again face Medvedev from that corner. with the 19-time Grand Slam his first ATP Tour singles match foam, and other artificial materials. in the Shanghai semi-finals, said “Forehand maybe has been champion for the year-end since surgery. They are usually decorated by screen printing. it was hard to find a weakness his weaker side, but now he’s number one spot. Earlier yesterday, Ruthless Among the popular manoeuvres is the ‘Ollie’, created by Alan in the Russian’s game. improved that, so he’s a very “I have been in this position Roger federer claimed victory Ollie Gelfand in 1978. “He’s improved his complete player.” many times before, obviously,” in his Shanghai Masters opener Big names of the sport include Tony Hawk who was the first to movement, his fitness. He’s got Medvedev, seeded three, he said. “Rafa has had an with a straight-sets win over skateboard on the White House grounds, and Patti McGee, who was the big serve, he’s got the height starts his Shanghai Masters later amazing year so far and I have Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas. the first female professional skateboarder to be inducted into the and he uses angles very well,” Tuesday against Britain’s to do well here in order to really The 38-year-old Swiss won Skateboarding Hall of Fame. said Djokovic. Cameron Norrie. have a chance or go toe to toe 6-2, 7-6 (7/5). The sport is credited with increasing concentration as well as “Backhand -- hard to break Nadal, ranked second in the with him in the indoor season.” improving hand-eye coordination, metabolism and balance. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2019

World Cup Computer-generated images of Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. winner Schweinsteiger announces retirement

REUTERS BERLIN

Germany’s 2014 World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger yesterday announced his retirement at the age of 35, following the end of the American MLS season. Schweinsteiger, who has played for Chicago Fire since 2017, is among the most decorated German footballers, having won many titles with Germany’s Bayern Munich and the national team over a 17-year professional career. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium: A new A midfielder, Schwein- steiger played for Bayern Munich from 2002 to 2015, winning eight league titles, seven German Cups and the chapter in World Cup history 2013 Champions League with the dominant Bundesliga THE PENINSULA The 40,000-seat Ras in other sporting or non-sporting waterfront development for local future use are the key ingre- team. DOHA Abu Aboud Stadium projects, setting a new standard people to enjoy. The venue’s dients in making a new stadium He then had a brief stint at in sustainability and introducing temporary nature and clever – and sporting mega-events Manchester United from will be one of the most Once ready, the 40,000-seat Ras bold new ideas in tournament modular design will mean that – sustainable. 2015-17 before joining Chicago Abu Aboud Stadium will be one unique stadium in the legacy planning. fewer building materials will be Fenwick Iribarren Architects Fire in the United States of of the most unique stadium in world. This stadium Located on the shores of the required than in traditional are the visionaries behind this America. the world. This one-of-a-kind will be the ﬁrst fully Gulf, looking across to Doha’s stadium building, helping to keep venue’s bold design. Excavations “Dear Fans, the time has stadium will be the first fully demountable stadium in dazzling West Bay skyline, Ras construction costs down. are complete and venue’s foun- now come, and I will be fin- demountable stadium in FIFA FIFA World Cup history. Abu Aboud Stadium will be a And with other projects dations are filled with reinforced ishing my active career at the World Cup history. spectacular venue for matches reusing the seats, roof and other concrete. Work on drainage net- end of this season,” Schwein- Constructed using shipping up to the quarter-finals of the components of the arena, parts works and other utilities has steiger said in a statement containers, removable seats and remarkable design, but it will be FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. of the venue will be utilised for begun. In the meantime, the posted on social media as he other modular ‘building blocks’, entirely dismantled and repur- Following the tournament’s years and even decades to come. shipping containers that will announced his decsion. not only will this innovative, posed after the FIFA World Cup conclusion, the stadium will be Minimising construction become the arena’s ‘building “I would like to thank both, 40,000-seat venue have a Qatar 2022. Its parts will be used dismantled and make way for a costs and ensuring regular blocks’ are being put together. you and my teams @fcbayern, @ manchesterunited, @chica- gofire and @dfb_team (German national team). You made this A computer-generated image of Ras Abu unbelievable time possible for Aboud Stadium. me!” “Saying goodbye as an active player makes me feel a little nostalgic, but I am also looking forward to the exciting challenges that await me soon. I will remain faithful to football.” Schweinsteiger also earned 121 caps for Germany, scoring 24 goals and crowning his international career with the 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil.

Schweinsteiger, who has played for Chicago Fire since 2017, is among the most decorated German footballers, having won many titles with Germany’s Bayern Munich and the national team over a 17-year professional career. Cahill praises Qatar’s ‘incredible’ progress in football

THE PENINSULA Tim Cahill (right) over the last ten years, the DOHA attends the “Aspire understanding of infrastructure Academy Global and the long-term goal they’ve A familiar face, that has paid a Qatar should be Summit” yesterday. put in, not only in this team lot of attention in every session winning the Asian Cup or going of the Global Summit, is former very proud. A lot of to the World Cup, but underneath. Australian international Tim people are looking The layers and layers and layers Cahill, who is currently starting over Qatar with envy of everyone being on the same his coaching career at the and they are seeing page from the Qatar Football Asso- academy of Everton FC. ciation to Aspire Academy to eve- In the following interview he the layers starting to rything coming together to have reflects on his journey as a foot- show its true colours. the chemistry to really create an baller, that took him all over the They deserve all the opportunity that no other country globe, his approach to youth can do with the facilities, with coaching and sport science and credit, because they having the players full-time, which the rise of football in Qatar. really worked hard is a massive advantage. And also Q: Tim, you are currently for it: Tim Cahill what they have been doing over here in Doha at the “Aspire the last ten years, to win an Asian Academy Global Summit” on is nutrition, second is the basis Cup with this population, with the Football Performance & Science. of the physical output of what amount of children playing What role has sport science you put in and third is the sleep football, is incredible. And with played in your career as a element. I really feel it’s development for youth coming which brings a chemistry that is Australia, whether I was on the that dream alone it sets a whole footballer? important to have an under- into the first team has to be an very important. bench or on the pitch scoring different benchmark with which A: Sport science was very big standing of your body and take infrastructure with a philosophy Q: Qatar is hosting the FIFA goals, it was a privilege to be part comes pressure to perform at the for me as a player having played your own education as a player that starts on the top and feeds us World Cup in 2022, you have of this group for so many years, World Cup. But the measure of a really tough schedule interna- and also take as much from the all the way down. This is my quite a World Cup history breaking so many records and success is what they have done tionally, having to travel all over facilities and the people you have opinion. I feel when you have the yourself: You were the first Aus- being a pinnacle to young kids. over the last ten years and the the world and then also playing around you. same implementation of recovery, tralian to score at a World Cup, Q: You have heard a lot momentum they can kick on and in the Premier League made long Q: Since you were just philosophy and training Qatar is you played in three different edi- about the development of Qatar’s find new ideas and then integrate distance flights necessary. You talking about younger players, a very good example of this with tions. From your perspective, football over the last two days. the youngsters into these sorts play a game in England, fly on a here is a question that is quite the way they nurture the children what makes a World Cup such a What do you think about their of tournaments. Qatar should be Sunday or Monday to Australia, crucial. How can you, as a coach, and they bring them to ranks special event? approach to youth football very proud. A lot of people are play on a Wednesday and then support them in the best possible through their league or through A: For a player there is development and what do you looking over Qatar with envy and travel back to England to play on way to make the successful step their school or through their edu- nothing bigger than playing at a expect of Qatar’s national team they are seeing the layers starting a Sunday. Recovery is important, from youth to senior player in a cation and also with their national World Cup. You play for your at the 2022 FIFA World Cup? to show its true colours. They the aspect or the way to look at professional football club? team they have the same behav- country, you play for your badge. A: I think that people need deserve all the credit, because it is for me has three pillars: first A: Supporting the iours and habits and continuity I played for 28 million people in to understand the progression they really worked hard for it. WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 11 Rugby: South Africa crush Canada 66-7

AP to lift Canada for a period and KOBE the underdogs fought gamely in South Africa’s Frans a 20-minute spell either side of Steyn (centre) dives to Cobus Reinach scored the halftime. quickest Rugby World Cup hat- The Springboks only scored score a try past Canada’s trick in a whirlwind first 30 one try in that period and Canada Ciaran Hearn and Phil minutes from South Africa to won a sliver of pride when Mack during the 2019 demolish 14-man Canada 66-7 flanker Matt Heaton drove over Rugby World Cup, Pool yesterday. early in the second - when it was B, match between South The Springboks effectively 14 vs. 15 - for its one try. It easily Africa and Canada at the qualified for the quarter-finals, drew the biggest cheer at Kobe’s Kobe Misaki Stadium in with only a freakish result in the last game of the World Cup. Kobe yesterday. New Zealand-Italy game - with “The way the Springboks Italy needing to register a first started really took us by sur- ever win over the All Blacks and prise,” Canada coach Kingsley by 100-plus points - capable of Jones said. “Pace, physicality, we stopping that. couldn’t stay with it. That’s not going to happen. “There was a lot of thinking Reinach’s three tries came in to do there in the sheds. We an 11-minute spell from the ninth talked about the (first) 40 to the 20th minutes, beating minutes had gone, there wasn’t Chris Latham’s 25-minute hat a lot we could do about that 40 trick for Australia in a 142-0 win minutes. I thought the boys over Namibia in 2003, the World fought admirably in the second Cup’s biggest win. half with 14 players.” “I thought we were nice and The Springboks scored 10 clinical and decisive,” Springboks tries in all. Backline players coach Rassie Erasmus said. scored all seven in the first half That biggest margin at the and eight of the 10 as the Boks World Cup was a fleeting thought ran the Canadians off their feet for some at Kobe Misaki Stadium at times. But Canada also when South Africa had four tries reduced the two-time champions and a bonus point sealed inside to just three tries in the second. 17 minutes and was 33-0 up in That half finished 19-7 to South 21 minutes. Africa. The Boks slowed down, The humidity and the greasy strangely around the time ball under a closed roof at Kobe Canada had replacement lock Misaki Stadium may have con- from inside South Africa’s 22 for the second half, job done. “I was and were 47-0 behind at in the second half, though, Josh Larsen sent off for a tributed to the slow down. his hat trick, when Elton Jantjies just happy with the tries. I was halftime. underlining the gutsy work by shoulder charge to the neck of Center Damian de Allende dropped a crosskick over Can- trying to get my heartrate down Hooker Schalk Brits side- Canada after losing Larsen. South Africa prop Thomas du breezed through in the third ada’s backline, wing Warrick so I wasn’t counting anything,” stepped his way in on his South Africa is set to play Toit at a ruck. Larsen was the minute for the first try for South Gelant caught it and broke, and he said. “We went into the game 38-year-old legs to get South either Ireland, Scotland or host sixth man to be red-carded at the Africa, which started with 13 fed de Allende who found with the mindset of how we want Africa rolling again in the second, Japan in the quarters when that Rugby World Cup in Japan, reserve players. Wing Sbu Nkosi Reinach to race away and finish to play going forward. but only 15 minutes into the half. pool is decided. which was already the worst was in on the left for the second between the posts. “We delivered quite well in Fullback Damian Willemse, Canada faces its moment of tournament for reds. in the sixth. In between, Reinach sniped the first half. We let it slip a little called up to the squad as an truth against fellow Tier Two Canada was 40-0 down Reinach, South Africa’s third- over from close range. bit (in the second half).” injury replacement, scored his team Namibia on Sunday. Both when Larsen went five minutes choice No. 9, scored two “The moment he sniffs some Gelant and center Frans first test try from a set move and are winless, have been battered before halftime. scorchers. He broke, raced away, space he’s got exceptional Steyn also scored in the first half. a flicked pass from Steyn, and by some big scores by the Facing what threatened to be chipped over fullback Andre Coe speed,” Erasmus said. The Canadians were con- prop Malherbe ground over for Springboks and All Blacks, but the biggest beating of the World and collected with a little juggle Reinach was told he had the ceding far worse than a point a the last. can still leave with a World Cup Cup so far, the red card seemed for his first. He finished a move record after he was replaced in minute for the first 30 minutes The Boks weren’t as rampant victory.

South Africa’s RG Snyman and Canada’s Evan Olmstead in action during their Red-hot Reinach gives coach World Cup match in Kobe yesterday. headache after record hat-trick

REUTERS game-time since I have been said. The Boks were dominant KOBE coach, it has only really been in the first half as they ran in now at the World Cup.” seven tries and led 47-0 at the South Africa coach Rassie His effort beat the previous break, but found the going Erasmus has a potential selection record held by former Australia tougher in the second period headache after third-choice fullback Chris Latham, who took when they started making scrum-half Cobus Reinach 25 minutes to score three times unforced errors. scored the fastest ever Rugby in a 142-0 thrashing of Namibia Erasmus was hesitant to World Cup hat-trick in a dazzling at the 2003 tournament. suggest any of the side had put individual display during yester- Reinach, the son of former up their hand to make it into his day’s 66-7 Pool B win over Bok wing Jaco, who died in a car A-team ahead of the minnows Canada. accident in 1997, has watched as quarter-finals. The opposition may have Faf de Klerk and youngster Her- “We have to see who our been weak in comparison to schel Jantjies have been pre- opponents will be. what the Springboks will face in ferred in what Erasmus terms his “Japan and Ireland bring dif- the tournament’s knock-out ‘A-team’ that played against New ferent things - one is aerial, one stages, but Reinach’s clinical Zealand and Italy in the pool. is nice clean rucks, one is personal performance was eye- But his second try was one forward dominant. Scotland catching, and his 11-minute hat- of the best individual efforts of plays a different way as well,” trick showed off his all-round the competition so far as he he said. qualities. picked up the ball at the base of “So it is difficult to say this “We are fortunate to have the ruck in his own 22, made a person or that one has put up three quality nines,” Erasmus line-break and chipped the ball their hand. All Blacks set for desperate told reporters in Kobe over a lone defender before col- “And the moment the yesterday. lecting the kick and dotting decision-making time gets cut “Everybody knows Cobus’ down. down with quicker line-speed X-factor, I knew his dad well and “He is a guy that when he and pressure (against better Italy in ‘do-or-die’ game the moment he sniffs space, he gets space and is free, he has opponents) in the quarter-finals has got exceptional speed. good anticipation, he is away. He and semi-finals, things change REUTERS their 49-3 loss. “There’s no doubt that they will “He has not had a lot of is very opportunistic,” Erasmus as well.” TOKYO feel a little bit wounded,” Foster said. “They’ve had a lot of disruptions and probably Canada’s lock The All Blacks face a desperate Italian side with had a pretty tricky week, balancing players coming Evan Olmstead Canada, who came into this quarter-final ambitions in their final Pool B match in and out.” reacts during his match on a six-day turna- in Toyota City on Saturday, assistant coach Ian Foster refused to address any speculation on team’s World Cup round after being hammered Foster said yesterday. the composition of New Zealand’s side for the clash, match against 63-0 by the All Blacks, The All Blacks are expected to beat Italy to with the team having mixed and matched players South Africa in advance to the quarter-finals alongside South against Canada and Namibia. Kobe yesterday. yesterday had to play more Africa, although the Italians could still make the They are, however, forecast to field their than half the game a man knockout phase if they score four tries and beat strongest possible selection against Italy, and Foster down. They have yet to win a New Zealand by more than seven points. said he believed the team would lift a level after That scenario would give Italian coach Conor they were given a dressing-down by coach Steve match at Japan 2019 but will O’Shea’s team 15 points and leave the All Blacks Hansen at halftime against Namibia on Sunday. look to finish with a flour- on 14. “We’re doing what we need to do right now,” ish against fellow minnows “They can still reach the quarter-finals,” Foster Foster said. Namibia on Sunday. told reporters at the team hotel in Tokyo. “We’re “We’ve got to do the same again against Italy, expecting an Italian team to bring everything then we’ve got to rise because everyone else is they’ve got because it’s a do-or-die game for them. going to go up a cog”, he added. “We’ve planned for this “And if we don’t respect that, and don’t under- “What we’ve learned is your top players are game for a long while,” stand that degree of desperation and intensity that the guys you need to get a bit more out of when will come, then we’ll get smacked.” you go into those big matches. So everyone is said Canada coach Kingsley Adding to Italy’s desperation is the fact they focused on a bit of a growth and improvement Jones of the Namibia fixture. have a crisis in their front row. mentality.” “There’ll be a lot of rest and Andrea Lovotti and Nicola Quaglio were both Foster said that all of New Zealand’s 31-man recovery. I think it’s going to suspended for three weeks following an ugly tip squad were fit and available for selection and tackle on South Africa’s Duane Vermeulen on Beauden Barrett, who told a New Zealand media come down to the legs of the Friday, while Simone Ferrari (hamstring) and organisation on Monday that he was carrying a leg guys on Sunday.” Marco Riccioni (concussion) were both injured in “niggle”, would be fine. SPORT

PAGE | 08 PAGE | 10 Misbah searches Aussie legend Cahill for answers after praises Qatar’s second loss against ‘incredible’ progress Sri Lanka in football

Wednesday 9 October 2019 We have the tools we need, says Al Annabi coach Sanchez hails Qatar’s planning, wants team to be in ‘right shape’ for World Cup

RIZWAN REHMAT final to lift the Asian Cup title for tools to control the load of the Qatar's coach THE PENINSULA the first time. players. We know exactly what Felix Sanchez Sanchez - who has groomed they (the players) are doing. We (right) speaking Asian Cup winning coach Felix most of the senior team players have ways to follow other teams. on the second Sanchez (pictured) yesterday - also has managed the team at We have data. We have plans for day of “Aspire said Qatar’s main ambition is to the Copa America tournament in before or after training. Now- Academy arrive for the 2022 FIFA World Brazil in June this year. adays all this is very important. Global Summit” Cup ‘in the right shape’ . “It’s important to have Every small thing is important,” yesterday.

The gamegame’s s showpiece event targets.targets. There are clear targets for SanchezSanchez said.said. will be staged in Qatar in three this team. The plan for the players TheThe QQataratar Football PerPer-- yearsyears from now. isis to arrive for the 20222022 (FIFA)(FIFA) formanceformance CeCentrentre - whwhereere the In FebruaryFebruary thisthis year,year, World Cup in the rightright shape,” GlobalGlobal Summit is currentcurrentlyly tatakingking SanchezSanchez was at thethe hhelmelm Sanchez said on day two of thethe place - has set things in motionmotion of affairs “Aspire Academy Global Summit” for Sanchez and his taletalentednted whenwhen QatQatarar yesterday.yesterday. players.players. stunnedstunned “This“This is a ggoodood targtargetet ttoo “There can be nothing bebettertter World CupCup have,” the SpaniardSpaniard added. thanthan this. We have everythingeverything regulars “It’s“It’s not me alone working oonn here.here. This place is useful. It gives JapanJapan in this target. The whole country isis us a very big advantage (over(over the workingworking on a plan. They have otherother teams in terms of pprepara-repara- bbuiltuilt the Aspire Academy. So tions).tions). When you work at a place there is a pplan.lan. EveEveryoneryone is aware wherewhere yoyouu feel comfortable yyouou ofof the (new) target. It dodo well,” Sanchez said with a (FIFA(FIFA World Cup)Cup) is a smile.smile. very important compe-compe- SanchezSanchez refused to take all tition.tition. There is good credit for assistingassisting Qatar iinn futurefuture sports stars likelike Mutaz Essa running operations and it was a “I don’t know if they see me coordinationcoordination amonamongg QFA, winningwinning the 2019 Asian Cup.Cup. Barshim, who won theth high jump big project when I joined the as a father or a brother. If has thethe Aspire Academy aandnd “Always“Always it is the coach who goldgold medal at recentlrecently-concludedy technical staff. I worked on the been a long time. At the end of thethe footballfootball clubs,”clubs,” SancSanchezhez gets creditcredit bbutut ttherehere are a lotlot ooff IAAF WorldWorld AthleticsAthletics Champion- set up then but it is different now. the day, they are football players. noted.noted. peoplepeople worworkingking in my team. WeWe ships,ships, and feared strikerstri Almoez Things are better. I will not say it The confidence is there. They “Currently we have ((WorldWorld havehave a nice group of people who Ali,Ali, the ‘Most-Valuable-Player’‘Most-Valua was by chance. The way they run know who they are and what the CupCup and Asian Cup)Cup) qqualifiersualifiers to are veryvery professional and theythey ofof the 2019 Asian Cup.Cup things at U-16 or U-17, the way country wants. They have a better play and then the Copa (next have a lot of knowledge. We have “In“In 2006, I joinedjoin Aspire we were playing events. Every- atmosphere,” he added. year). These are good targets to assistant coaches, we have fitness Academy for age groupgro national thing was and is running well,” Sanchez said the gap between have,”have,” SSanchezanchez said. trainers,trainers, ggoalkeepingoalkeeping coachecoachess teams. It was a longlong process (to Sanchez recalled. Qatar and the top-ranked teams “We have a team to build for and the administrative staffstaff,, ththee startstart with the juniors)juniors and it is a “In my career it is obvious is narrowing. thethe World CuCupp withwith a compet-compet- teamteam manamanager.ger. TheTheyy proviprovidede bigbig honour to have thist kind of that I would not be here if I had “The gap is smaller between itiveitive edge,” he saidsaid.. whatwhat we need to be at our best,” process.process. To reach the senior team not joined Aspire Academy. Now Qatar and the rest. In the last Sanchez,Sanchez, wwhoho joinejoinedd Aspire SanchezSanchez said.said. is not usuausuall in ffootball,”ootbal Sanchez I am coaching the senior team. 10-15, years we have improved. AcademyAcademy to train youngyoung SanchezSanchez said his joujourneyrney said.said. At Aspire, there are many people We have tried to compete not just footballfootball players more thanthan a started at Aspire Academy,Academy, a “When I arrived iinn Qatar, the from many countries. Everybody against the top Asian teams but decadedecade ago,ago, is credited for placeplace wherewhere Qatar grooms its Aspire AcademyAcademy hadhad just begun contributed. I have been coaching against top Europeans also. We ggroomingrooming playersplayers of the this group since they were 15 or are closing but we need to cover cucurrentrrent seseniornior ssideide that 16 years of age. With some so much more. Our last expe- rockedrocked thethe continent in the players I have been working since rience was very good as to how 24-team24-team Asian Cup eightseights 2008 or 2009. They have been we played against the top Asian monthsmonths ago.ago. growing from different stages. I sides,” Sanchez said. ThThee Qatar coaccoachh revearevealedled It’s important to have targets. There are have supported and helped them “Now we know we don’t need hehe hashas a significantsignificant backroombackroom clear targets for this team. The plan for in their development,” he said. to win the first game. There is team membersmembers at hhisis ddisposal.isposal. “The players know their way trust, there is belief, and then SanchezSanchez saidsaid Qatar lleaveseaves the players is to arrive for the 2022 (FIFA) and the way we want to train. there is patience. This process is nothingnothing to chancechance wwhenhen it comes World Cup in the right shape. It’s not me That gives us the advantage. At what was the most important to ddevelopingeveloping tthehe countrcountry’sy’s alone working on this target. The whole the same time, the most thing for us. It takes time to build footballfootball teams at tthehe juniorjunior andand country is working on a plan. They have important relationship is with the a strong team,” Sanchez said. seseniornior lelevels.vels. game on the field. A lot of them “We play to win every single “I“I think we are in a plaplacece built the Aspire Academy. So there is a play together (at clubs). That game. If we lose its not the end of wherewhere wwee hahaveve a lot of facfacilities.ilities. plan. Everyone is aware of the (new) target: helps. They have trained together the world. We push and we focus WWee havehave the tools wwee nneed.eed. WWee Qatar coach Felix Sanchez for many years. They play and try to manage the emotions,” have a lot of staffersstaffers who havehave together at the clubs. he said. World-class athletes arrive for World Beach Games

THE PENINSULA wrestling, beach tennis, beach DOHA soccer, beach handball, beach volleyball, bouldering, skate- The arrival of some of the world’s boarding, waterski jump and best beach athletes is generating The arrival of some wakeboard all expecting world- considerable excitement in the of the best beach class fields. Qatari capital ahead of the first- athletes in the world ANOC Secretary-General ever ANOC World Beach Games. has created a new Gunilla Lindberg, said: “The Athletes will continue to arrival of some of the best beach arrive at the Athletes’ Village, level of excitement athletes in the world has created located in the Ezdan Hotel, over for the Games: ANOC a new level of excitement for the the coming days ahead of the Secretary-General Games. It is now only a matter of start of the Games later this week. Gunilla Lindberg days until the start of the Games On October 12, the opening and the sense of anticipation and ceremony will mark the official enthusiasm amongst all stake- start of the Games, with compe- represented, 21 from Asia, 19 from holders is palpable. titions running until October 16. the Americas, 17 from Africa and “The Games are connecting Athletes arrive in Doha for ANOC The first day of competition 5 from Oceania. NOCs with an entirely new set of World Beach Games, yesterday. begins the day before the official The competition programme elite national athletes and pro- opening, on October 11. for the Games includes a dynamic viding a global platform to connect Over 1,200 athletes from 97 mix of beach, water and action these new stars and new sports Fans will be able to watch live The ANOC XXIV General The General Assembly will countries will compete in 14 dis- sports, with 3×3 basketball, with a new generation of sports streaming of competitions on the Assembly will immediately follow take place at the Sheraton ciplines across 13 sports, with all kitefoil racing, open water fans. I would like to wish the best official website – www.awb- the Games, with more than 1,000 Grand Doha Resort and Con- 5 continents represented. There swimming (5km), aquathlon, of luck to all athletes, coaches and gqatar.com – launched for the delegates expected to attend the vention Hotel from October 17 will be 35 countries from Europe karate individual kata, beach officials involved in the Games.” inaugural event. annual gathering. to 18.