SPORT Wednesday 24 October 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 29 Manny Pacquiao Du Plessis braced signs new deal for hostile reception with PBC Down Under

Bayern Munich 2 - 0 AEK Athens ACL: Persepolis Young Boys 1 - 1 Valencia Ajax 1 - 0 Benfica Manchester City 3 - 0 Shakhtar Donetsk reach final after 1-1 Hoffenheim 3 - 3 Lyon Roma 3 - 0 CSKA Moscow draw against Al Sadd Real Madrid 2 - 1 Viktoria Plzen Juventus 1 - 0 Manchester United AFP after that and began to test the Al Sadd defence. TEHRAN: Iran’s Persepolis In the 14th minute, Ali advanced to the final of the AFC Mosleh was unable to connect Champions League (ACL) for the after Mensha had headed the first time with a 2-1 aggregate ball across the goalmouth fol- victory over Qatar’s Al Sadd lowing a corner. following a 1-1 draw in their Three minutes later, semi-final second leg in the Bounedjah’s goal came after a Iranian capital yesterday. rare lapse by the Persepolis Persepolis edged the first leg defence as the star striker in Doha 1-0 earlier this month, latched on to a Hasan al-Haydos but a Baghdad Bounedjah strike pass with two players marking in the 17th minute yesterday him failing to anticipate the gave Al Sadd the lead and raised situation. hopes of an upset victory in Bounedjah, the top scorer front of a capacity crowd at the in the tournament with 13 goals, Azadi Stadium. finished off with a fine first-time However, Siamak Nemati shot past the outstretched arms equalised for Persepolis in the of Beiranvand. 49th minute off a pass from Beiranvand though pulled Godwin Mensha and the Qatar off a vital reflex save to keep out giants were unable to find the a Xavi header in the 86th net a second time which would minute as Persepolis sealed have sent them through on their spot in the final where they away goals. take on either Japan’s Kashima Al Sadd had threatened as Antlers or South Korea’s Suwon early as the third minute, but Bluewings. Abdelkarim Hassan’s shot was Kashima won the first leg Juventus’ Paulo Dybala scores their first goal against Manchester United during their UEFA Champions League Group H match at pouched by Persepolis goal- 3-2, with the second match to the Old Trafford in Manchester, Britain yesterday. keeper Alireza Beiranvand. be played today at the Suwon Persepolis tightened up World Cup Stadium. Dybala nets winner for Juventus at Old Trafford REUTERS a 2-1 win against to Viktoria Plzen yesterday, snapping a run Bayern edge LONDON: Juventus beat of five games without victory and Manchester United 1-0 at Old easing the pressure on coach out AEK to Trafford yesterday to take charge Julen Lopetegui. of Champions League Group H Karim Benzema headed stut- move atop with a maximum nine points tering triple European champions from three games. Real ahead early in the first half Group E Paulo Dybala’s 17th-minute but they were fortunate not to goal, a simple conversion after a concede an equaliser before the AFP low cross from the right by break as they leaked three former United favourite Cristiano glaring chances which the Czechs Ronaldo, proved decisive but the failed to capitalise on. ATHENS: Quick-fire goals Italian champions could have Real’s Brazilian left back by Javi Martinez and Robert returned home with a much more Marcelo got the second goal with Lewandowski yesterday convincing margin. a coolly-taken dinked finish in moved Bayern Munich top United’s Spanish keeper the 55th minute and they then of their Champions League David De Gea made a series of missed a glut of chances to group with a 2-0 win at good saves including an excellent extend the lead, which was cut AEK Athens, as they made effort to keep out a second-half by an ice-cool finish from Plzen’s it back-to-back victories strike from Ronaldo. Patrik Hrosovsky in the 78th. after a difficult start to the Paul Pogba struck the post Real held on for a far-from season. with a left-foot effort from convincing win which takes Dogged defending by outside the box in the 75th them joint top of Group G with the reigning Greek cham- minute but Jose Mourinho’s side AS Roma on six points after pions left Bayern facing a struggled to create openings three games but failed to frustrating draw until against a superb Juve defence. answer serious questions about Martinez finally broke Elsewhere, in Madrid, Real their form ahead of Sunday’s through with an hour gone Madrid calmed tensions over ‘Clasico’ away to arch rivals at AEK, who travel to the their dire recent form by earning Barcelona. Allianz Arena in a fort- night’s time. The result leaves Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema (right) celebrates Bayern top of Group E and after scoring against FC Viktoria Plzen yesterday. puts pressure on nearest rivals Ajax, who earned a 1-1 draw in Munich three weeks ago, to beat Benfica in Amsterdam later on Tuesday and join the Germans on seven points, while AEK remain bottom after three straight defeats. Elsewher, in Group E, Guillaume Hoarau's second-half penalty earned Young boys their first Champions League point yesterday after a 1-1 draw with Valencia in Bern. 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER 2018

Denmark’s Caroline Mayweather rematch closer to reality Wozniacki celebrates her win against Czech Republic’s as Pacquiao signs new deal with PBC Petra Kvitova yesterday. AFP happen in January, possibly in Las willing to accept a challenge to fight “underdog”, but he rolled back the Vegas. against McGregor’s MMA conqueror years to register a 60th win and take MANILA: A potential blockbuster “Pacquiao’s first defense of the Khabib Nurmagomedov. the Argentine’s WBA welterweight rematch between Manny Pacquiao World Boxing Association welter- The deal with Haymon reprerepre-- belt. and Floyd Mayweather moved a step weight world title will kick off the sents a nnewew cchapterhapter fforor thethe 39-year-39-year- closer as the Filipino icon confirmed new partnership,” Haymon’s PBC old Pacquiao,quiao, wwhoho hashas bbeeneen ppro-ro- he has signed with Al Haymon’s said in a statement without giving moted foror the mamajorityjority of his 20-20-yearyear Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). further details. professionalional career by Bob Arum’s Eight-weight world champion “The new alliance will have team Top Ranknk organisation. Pacquiao said he would close out his Pacquiao and Haymon work “I wwishish him the best of luck, a storied career by facing “top PBC together to navigate the remainder tremendousdous warrior, and whatever fighters” in announcing late Monday of his illustrious career,” it added. he’s doingoing in the future, he the tie-up with influential May- The deal could pave the way for deserves,”es,” Arum said of Pacquiao weather adviser Haymon’s a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch of on Fighthubthub TV in Las Vegas at tthehe organisation. the 2015 megafight which generated weekend.nd. “My team will work closely with a record 4.6 million pay-per-view Pacquiaoquiao pumped new life into Al Haymon for the remainder of my buys earning $600m and ended with his storiedied career in JulyJuly whenwhen hehe career to deliver the most antici- the American winning on points. delivereded hhisis ffirstirst kknockoutnockout in ninninee WTA Finals: pated fights with the top PBC Unbeaten Mayweather, who years againstgainst LucasLucas Mat-Mat- fighters,” Pacquiao said in a hasn’t fought since knocking out thysse ooff Argentina.Argentina. statement. mixed martial artist Conor McGregor Aheadad of the fifightghtt Defending champ “Those are the fights the fans last year, said in September he againstt big- want to see and the ones I want to would come out of retirement to face punchingng MatMat-- have to close out my career,” he Pacquiao later this year. thysse, Pac-Pac- Wozniacki gets 1st added. The American, 41, has since quiao saidaid hhee Pacquiao said last week that he hinted at taking a warm-up fight consideredered was “90 percent” sure a bout with first, talking on social media of a himselflf win in Singapore former four-division world “huge boxing event” in Tokyo and thee Manny Pacquiao AFP champion Adrien Broner would then last week said he would be

SINGAPORE: A tenacious Caroline Wozniacki revived her WTA Finals title defence with a third set masterclass against Petra Kvitova yesterday, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) scores leaving the former Wimbledon champion’s Spurs rally against Phoenix Suns during their NBA game at Oracle Singapore campaign in ruins. Arena in Oakland, USA on Monday. Rebounding from a disappointing opening to keep James’ defeat against Karolina Pliskova, Wozniacki wore down Kvitova to triumph 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 in two hours and 19 minutes. Lakers winless Kvitova has now lost both her matches and needs results to go her way in the White Group to stay afloat in the season-finale. AP Kvitova mixed trademark power with exquisite touch but was matched by Wozniacki’s dogged LOS ANGELES: LeBron James hit the tying counterattacks. 3-pointer late in regulation. He led a Lakers The Dane recovered from an injury scare, lineup of three second-year pros and a where she needed taping to her left knee early in rookie making his NBA debut to a 142-136 the second set, and showcased her athleticism in lead with 55 seconds left overtime. a dominant third set to outlast Kvitova. James was then reminded in spectacular Kvitova attacked the net in an effort to shorten fashion that nothing will be easy in this West the points against the fast-moving Wozniacki and Coast chapter of his career. earned two break points in the match’s opening Patty Mills hit a go-ahead jumper with game. 6.8 seconds left and the San Antonio Spurs But Wozniacki held and opportunities to break kept the Lakers winless with LeBron, ral- were scarce with both players serving strongly in lying from a six-point deficit in the final a high-quality contest. minute of OT for a wild 143-142 victory The Australian Open champion finally broke Monday night. in the ninth game -- her first of the tournament James tied it on a magisterial 3 with 2.4 after botching 10 break points against Pliskova. seconds left in regulation, and he finished Wozniacki couldn’t serve it out though, with his second Lakers home game with 32 points, Kvitova saving a set point with a booming forehand 14 assists and eight rebounds. winner down the line. But the superstar missed two free throws In a topsy-turvy affair, Wozniacki earned the with 12.8 seconds to play before Mills coolly crucial break in the 12th game to draw first blood. put the Spurs ahead. James then missed a There were three breaks to start the second step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer, thor- set before Kvitova held and unleashed a roar as oughly deflating Staples Center as the Lakers she skipped out to a 3-1 lead. fell to 0-3. Wozniacki needed a medical timeout and the After cooling down, LeBron did not seem six-minute break seemingly halted Kvitova’s discouraged by the Lakers’ last-minute momentum but the Czech regrouped and levelled failure against a quality opponent - and it up emphatically with a sliced backhand winner. while Los Angeles was missing suspended The match took a turn in the third with Woz- starters Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram. niacki breaking immediately and then wearing “It’s not” discouraging, James said. down a fading Pliskova, who at one point threw “I know what I got myself into,” he her racquet in disgust. added. “It’s a process. I get it, and we’ll be Wozniacki broke a four-game losing streak to fine. I didn’t come here thinking we were Kvitova with her last victory being at the WTA going to be blazing, storming right out of Finals in 2014. the gate. It’s a process, and I understand that.” Curry, Durant lead LaMarcus Aldridge had 37 points and 10 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan added 32 Wawrinka withdraws points and 14 assists before Mills made the biggest shot. Warriors past Suns from Swiss Indoors The Australian guard did it while playing AP Tony Parker’s traditional role on a familiar New Golden State starting AFP San Antonio play. NBA RESULTS center Damian Jones dunked “It’s always good when you make shots OAKLAND: Stephen Curry Orlando 93 Boston 90 three times in the initial 4:03 BASEL, SWITZERLAND: A back injury suffered or make an impact,” Mills said. “Other than scored 15 of his 29 points in Toronto 127 Charlotte 106 - a pair of them on alley-oops during a Sunday practice session with compatriot that shot, it was a team victory. It was a gutsy the third quarter and also had Milwaukee 124 New York 113 - and Durant had one in tran- Roger Federer forced Stan Wawrinka to pull out win. Everyone participated.” eight assists, leading the Minnesota 101 Indiana 91 sition, too. Phoenix called of the Swiss Indoors tournament on Monday, while Kyle Kuzma had 37 points and eight Golden State Warriors past the Dallas 115 Chicago 109 timeout down 12-7 at the 7:34 Marin Cilic eased into the second round in Basel. rebounds for the Lakers, and Josh Hart added Phoenix Suns 123-103 on Memphis 92 Utah 84 mark after KD’s slam. “I turned my back, and retiring was the only 20 points and 10 rebounds. Monday night. Washington 125 Portland 124 Jones also added an early decision I could make,” said the three-time Grand James’ dramatic 3 from a full step beyond Kevin Durant scored 22 Golden State 123 Phoenix 103 three-point play on a putback Slam champion, adding that he will end his season the arc capped the Lakers’ improbable rally points and Draymond Green San Antonio 143 LA Lakers 142 and finished with 13 points. He early and not play at the Paris Masters next week. from an eight-point deficit in the final 1:04 dished out eight of 35 assists had nine and four rebounds The withdrawal of Wawrinka, ranked 68th in of regulation. for the two-time defending in the opening eight minutes. the world as he continues to fight to fully recover The Lakers then took a 142-136 lead late NBA champions. Coach Steve came after a one-point win Devin Booker scored 28 more than a year after two knee surgeries, comes in overtime with huge contributions from Kerr had been disappointed Friday at Utah. points, TJ Warren had 27 off after Federer made an injury confession of his own. unsung rookie big man Johnathan Williams, in his team’s passing, rushed The Warriors won a 16th the bench and Deandre Ayton Federer revealed in the run-up to the start at who played important minutes in his NBA shots and ball movement so straight against Phoenix, their added 20 points and 14 the St Jakobshalle that he had been suffering since debut after JaVale McGee fouled out. far. longest unbeaten run against rebounds for Phoenix. the summer with a hand injury, which the 20-time But the Lakers sputtered and the Spurs “I’d like to get great shots a single team in franchise “We are playing the best Grand Slam winner insisted was fine now. rallied. Rudy Gay’s 3-pointer cut the Lakers’ instead of decent ones,” Kerr history. Golden State’s 14 team in the world,” Suns Federer, the holder, is seeking a ninth title at lead to 142-141, and James missed his free said. “Right now we’re settling straight home victories versus coach Igor Kokoskov said. the event where he got his start in the sport as a throws before the jumper by Mills, who had for decent ones.” the Suns is a new franchise Curry shot 11 for 18 with teenage ballboy. 12 points. Kerr might be pleased mark, as well. six 3-pointers. He had scored Wawrinka has been playing in fits and starts “I like the direction we’re going in,” with the progress: The War- Klay Thompson scored 16 30 or more points in each of this season, losing in the Shanghai first round this James said. “Obviously it’s not resulting in riors shot 51.1 percent in the points but missed his initial his initial three games this month after reaching the semi-finals in September wins right now, but it’s a long process. We second of a back-to-back fol- four 3-point tries and finished season but didn’t play the in St Petersburg. had our chances. We was up six with a lowing a two-point loss at 1 of 6 from deep, making him entire fourth quarter on Wawrinka, twice a semi-finalist in Basel, was minute to go, with less than a minute to go, Denver on Sunday, which 3 for 22 through four games. Monday. to have faced Adrian Mannarino in the first round and just couldn’t get a stop.” today. WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 29 Warne says Sri Lanka hand England heaviest Australia need a ‘kick up the ODI loss as visitors claim series 3-1 backside’ REUTERS AFP

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s top- SYDNEY: Shane Warne has order batsmen put up a solid dismissed Australia’s struggling display and were ably aided by Test side as “ordinary” and said their bowlers to help their side they needed a “kick up the thump England by 219 runs for backside” after their series flop the touring side’s worst against Pakistan. one-day international loss by Australia suffered a runs in the rain-shortened fifth 373-run defeat against and final match yesterday. Pakistan in the second of the England had come into the two-Test series last week after match with an unassailable 3-0 a familiar batting collapse, fol- series lead and opted to make lowing a fightback to secure a three changes to their bowling draw in the first Test. attack with regular captain “It’s been pretty ordinary, Eoin Morgan also resting hasn’t it?” the Australian spin himself and handing the reins legend told reporters on to Jos Buttler. SCOREBOARD Monday. The weakened bowling SRI LANKA “We all support the Aussie attack seemed to have aided N. Dickwella c Root b Ali ...... 95 side as we do but they need a Sri Lanka as they put up a Sri Lanka’s captain Dinesh Chandimal takes a catch to dismiss England’s Moeen Ali during their S. Samarawickrama b Ali ...... 54 kick up the backside at the massive 366-6, buoyed by fifth One-Day International (ODI) match in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday. D. Chandimal c Roy b T. Curran ...... 80 moment because they’re not quickfire half-centuries from K. Mendis c Stokes b Plunkett ...... 56 performing well.” their top four batsmen, after D. Shanaka c Roy b Rashid ...... 18 Warne also took aim at winning the toss and opting to knee by a delivery while England’s captain Eoin T. Perera c Hales b T. Curran ...... 11 Mitchell Marsh, questioning Morgan poses with the D. de Silva not out ...... 19 bat. batting, scored 67. A. Dananjaya not out ...... 18 why he was selected as Fast bowler Dushmantha Earlier, Niroshan Dickwella winner’s trophy after they Extras (b4, lb3, w8) ...... 15 vice-captain. Chameera then took three top-scored with 95 and added defeated Sri Lanka by 3-1 in Total (6 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 366 “I hadn’t even thought wickets in his opening spell to 137 with opening partner their ODI series. Did not bat: D. Chameera, C. Rajitha, L. Sandakan before that series that he had derail England’s chase while Sadeera Samarawickrama, Fall of wickets: 1-137 (Samarawickrama), 2-168 (Dickwella), 3-270 established himself in the Akila Dananjaya spun a web who made 54 for his maiden (Mendis), 4-300 (Shanaka), 5-328 (Chandimal), 6-328 (Perera) team,” Warne said. Bowling: Wood 8-0-55-0 (w5), S. Curran 6-0-46-0, T. Cur- around their middle and lower half-century, to set the tone for ran 8-0-71-2, Ali 8-0-57-2 (w1), Rashid 10-0-52-1, Plunkett “I don’t think he’s order batsmen to restrict the the Sri Lankan innings. 5-0-44-1 (w1), Stokes 5-0-34-0 (w1) cemented a spot and that’s why touring side to 132-9 before Sri Lanka captain Dinesh it was a strange selection for rain put an end to their misery. Chandimal then notched up 80 ENGLAND (target 367) me as vice-captain. England were 219 runs while number four Kusal J. Roy b Rajitha ...... 4 “He only averages 25 or 26 behind Sri Lanka at that stage Mendis ended a run of low A. Hales c Mendis b Chameera ...... 0 in Test cricket.” J. Root c Samarawickrama b Chameera ...... 10 under the Duckworth Lewis scores with a 56, the duo J. Buttler c Dickwella b Chameera ...... 0 The outspoken cricket scoring method which is used adding 102 for the third wicket. B. Stokes c Perera b Dananjaya ...... 67 great said he was a “huge fan” in rain-shortened fixtures. England drafted in pace M. Ali c Chandimal b Dananjaya ...... 37 of the Marsh brothers Mitchell England’s worst margin of bowlers Liam Plunkett, Sam S. Curran c Sandakan b De Silva ...... 2 and Shaun, but that “they need defeat in the 50-over format Curran and Mark Wood in the A. Rashid b Dananjaya ...... 4 to perform”. previously was 165 runs. side for Morgan, Chris Woakes L. Plunkett lbw b Dananjaya ...... 5 “If Mitchell Marsh comes Dananjaya was the most and Olly Stone. It was the first T. Curran not out ...... 1 out and makes some hundreds, Extras (lb1, w1) ...... 2 successful bowler for the hosts time the Curran brothers - Total (9 wickets, 26.1 overs) ...... 132 pick him. If Shaun Marsh with 4-19 while Chameera, Sam and Tom - were making Did not bat: M. Wood makes some hundreds, pick who came into the side for their England appearance Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Roy), 2-4 (Hales), 3-4 (Buttler), 4-28 (Root), 5-107 him. If they don’t, then pick the Lasith Malinga, took 3-20. together. (Ali), 6-121 (S. Curran), 7-122 (Stokes), 8-129 (Rashid), 9-132 (Plunkett) guys who are in form.” England all-rounder Ben The two sides will next play Bowling: Rajitha 5-0-21-1, Chameera 6-0-20-3 (w1), Perera 2-0-18- Warne told the Australian Stokes, who was limping a lone Twenty20 match on Sat- 0, De Silva 4-0-18-1, Dananjaya 6.1-0-19-4, Sandakan 3-0-35-0 Broadcasting Corporation yes- Result: Sri Lanka won by 219 runs (D/L method) during the latter part of his urday before a three-test series Series: England won the five-match series 3-1 terday that cricket in Australia, knock after being hit on his starts in Galle from Nov. 6. left reeling by a ball-tampering scandal earlier this year, was struggling and needed to return to its grassroots. Du Plessis braced for hostile reception Down Under “I think in any business you need the foundation to be REUTERS strong, and the foundation of Cameron Bancroft, received bans Du Plessis has twice before myself being aatt the forefore-- Australian cricket has always from Cricket Australia. been found guilty of ball-tampering front of it, butt we been grassroots cricket, club JOHANNESBURG: South African The Australian team bemoaned himself, including on a test tour of see it as part andnd cricket, and first-class cricket, captain Faf du Plessis said his team the treatment they received from Australia in 2016 when he was parcel of touringng Sheffield Shield cricket,” he said. were braced for a hostile reception South African supporters during that accused of using sugary saliva after Australia.” “I don’t think there’s from supporters and the media test tour and Du Plessis said his side sucking a sweet to change the con- “I do thinknk tthishis enough first-class cricketers when they travel to play their would likely face a backlash. dition of the ball. time round thereere may getting into school cricket and “favourite” opposition Australia for “Australia is our favourite team “It will be nice and hostile. We be one or twowo more Faf du inspiring people and talking to a limited overs tour next month. to play against, all the stuff that are not expecting anything less. traps for the playersayers to try Plessis young boys and girls to say It will be South Africa’s first trip comes with playing them, on and Zunaid our security officer has been and stay away from.from. At the cricket’s a great game and this Down Under since the ball-tam- off the field, I love that and I feel working hard in the gym. end of the day we want to is why, teaching them pering scandal earlier this year, that brings the best out of us as a “We expect them to try and go there andd playplay a techniques. when Australia captain Steve Smith, team,” Du Plessis told reporters unsettle us as a team when it comes brand of winningning “It just doesn’t happen and batsmen David Warner and yesterday. to the media space, obviously with cricket.” anymore.”

Liverpool must raise their game Mariners confirm offer for Red Star visit: Van Dijk to Olympic champion Bolt REUTERS progression” in his time at the Gosford-based REUTERS League - the best competition in SYDNEY: Olympic sprint champion Usain club and they were looking at ways to give Europe apart from the Premier Bolt has been offered a professional contract him “more individual intensive training and LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s League - and it will be a hard by Australian A-League outfit the Central competitive game time” but that it would defender Virgil van Dijk has said game,” the Dutchman told the Coast Mariners but a deal is unlikely without have to be away from the A-League. he and his team-mates need to Liverpool website. an external third party financial contri- The club statement said the other main improve their form as they “We will need to be 100 bution, the club said yesterday. discussion point in negotiations was around prepare to host Red Star percent and I think we will be. The 32-year-old Jamaican, a passionate commercial matters. Belgrade in the Champions “Against Huddersfield, we football fan, has been on trial at the club Football Federation Australia (FFA) has League today. should have done even better. since August as he attempts to make an made it clear that the “marquee” money They go into the game after Obviously we kept a clean sheet, audacious switch to a second professional that has in the past helped Australian clubs a 1-0 Premier League win at which is all good, but we could sport after one of the most decorated lure the likes of Italian forward Alessandro Huddersfield Town in which have made it easier for careers in athletics. Del Piero to the A-League would not be they were not at their best and ourselves. “The club can confirm that a contract available to sign Bolt. often found themselves on the “It’s another Champions proposal has been offered by the Central Home crowds for the Mariners last back foot against lowly League night at Anfield and I’m Coast Mariners and negotiations remain season averaged just over 7,000 but the club opponents. sure we will recover from Hud- ongoing with Usain Bolt and his man- said that while they would need third party Today’s clash at Anfield is dersfield and make sure we are agement regarding his football future,” the help to fund a deal, media reports that it also a chance for Liverpool to ready.” Mariners said in a statement. could be worth as little as A$150,000 get their European campaign Napoli lead the group on “The Central Coast Mariners want to ($106,185) a season were “inaccurate”. back on track after a late 1-0 four points ahead of Liverpool ensure that Usain Bolt is given every chance According to Forbes, eight-times defeat by Napoli in their pre- and Paris St-Germain with three, possible to fulfil his dream to become a pro- Olympic gold medallist Bolt was earning vious Group C encounter. so getting maximum points from fessional football player.” upwards of $20m a year mostly from Despite Red Star not having the double header with Red Star Despite two goals in one pre-season endorsements before his retirement from won yet on their return to the over the next two weeks could friendly, Bolt’s performances for the Mar- athletics in 2017. group stage of Europe’s elite be crucial for the English side’s iners have not been overly impressive and Last week, he turned down an offer of competition, Van Dijk was not bid to qualify for the last 16. manager Mike Mulvey suggested at the a two-year contract from Maltese outfit Val- underestimating the Serbian The Reds reached the final weekend that the Jamaican would not on letta FC and his representatives have made club. of last year’s competition but lost Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk current form be worth a place in his side. it clear that he is the subject of interest from “They are in the Champions 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev. The club said Bolt had made “great other European clubs. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER 2018 Atletico out to stop Dortmund; Barcelona missing Messi AP Ousmane Dembele, the club’s most expensive signings, will be asked to PSG coach Thomas Tuchel gestures PSG favourites BERLIN: Although Borussia make up for the Argentine’s absence, during a training session at the Camp Dortmund is scoring at a remarkable teaming up with Luis Suarez in des Loges on the eve of their champions rate, Atletico Madrid have the attack. league match against SSC Napoli. for Champions defenders to stop that flow of goals. With Messi absent, another The teams, one with the best Argentine will be looking to shine for League title, attack in Germany and the other with Inter. Mauro Icardi hopes to make it the tightest defense in Spain, will three out of three in the Champions meet Wednesday in the Champions League after scoring in his debut in says Houllier League with both sides coming off the competition, a 2-1 win over Tot- AFP opening wins in Group A. tenham, and netting the winner Dortmund is unbeaten so far this against PSV Eindhoven. season and is scoring an average of The 25-year-old Icardi has six MONACO: Former Liverpool manager 3.4 goals per game in the Bundesliga goals in his past seven matches, Gerard Houllier has praised Jurgen Klopp - even with sparing use of record- including a stoppage-time winner in for his work at the Anfield club said he feels breaking signing Paco Alcacer. The Sunday’s city derby against AC Milan. Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites to Spain striker has only played one full PSV hosts Tottenham in the other win the Champions League this season. game for Dortmund since arriving group game. Houllier has a close affinity to both clubs, from on loan from Barcelona - Christian Eriksen could return to who are in the same group in this season’s scoring one goal in a 3-0 win over Tottenham’s starting lineup. The Champions League, with Liverpool beating Monaco - but he has scored every 18 Denmark playmaker was a late sub- PSG 3-2 when the sides met at Anfield in minutes in the Bundesliga, where he stitute over the weekend in the September. has a record seven goals in four Premier League after being out for a Now 71, Houllier is working as an advisor appearances. month with an abdominal injury. for Lyon, but earlier in his career he coached “It’s not in question that we’re GROUP C Carlo Ancelotti returns PSG in the 1980s, leading them to the first satisfied beyond measure with Paco,” to Paris Saint-Germain, where he will French title in their history in 1986. Dortmund chief executive Hans- hope for better luck with Napoli than After a spell in charge of France, he later Joachim Watzke told the local Ruhr on his previous visit to the team he took over at Liverpool in 1998, lasting six Nachrichten newspaper. coached from 2011-13. years on Merseyside, with the highlight Alcacer also scored in both his Just over a year ago, Ancelotti 23 ) ,!. * $"45"6 coming in 2001 when he won a treble of recent appearances for Spain, was fired as Bayern Munich coach UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup.      meaning the 25-year-old forward has after a 3-0 loss at Parc des Princes. 1 * “Liverpool are not doing so well at the yet to play a game this season in Among the scorers that night was     '   moment, even if they are still winning which he hasn’t found the net. Edinson Cavani, who was Ancelotti’s   " $"   7 games,” Houllier told AFP on Tuesday on There’s little doubt that most expensive signing when he    7 the sidelines of the Sportel sports marketing Dortmund will make use of its option joined PSG from Napoli.     ""  5 $ and media convention in Monaco. to sign the former Valencia striker to Though Cavani is PSG’s all-time !    5 $ “Teams go through cycles in a season. a permanent deal after his one-year leading scorer with 176 goals, he has They are not doing so well now, but they are loan expires. No other player has fallen out of favor since the arrival    still getting through it,” added Houllier. made such a good start in the Bun- of coach Thomas Tuchel, who favors   #   7 7 Liverpool host Red Star Belgrade in the desliga since the league was formed Neymar in tandem with Kylian %&!   7 Champions League on Wednesday, fresh in 1963. Mbappe. '(   " $" !  5 $ from a narrow 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town Atletico will provide a stern test, Tuchel has given Cavani assur- )  " 5# $ at the weekend, their first victory in five however. The visitor’s wizened ances he still counts on him, and he games.    defenders have only conceded five is expected to start on Wednesday. They are second in the Premier League, goals in nine Spanish league games Cavani has a point to prove, which *!+,  $$ $ # "  behind leaders Manchester City on goal dif- so far. may not be good news for  '    ference, but are by no means certain to Diego Costa, out with a hamstring Ancelotti. '  ""$ $%# $ advance from Group C in the Champions injury picked up in the win over Club PSG, which started with a 3-2 loss -,!    5# " League after losing away to Napoli in their Brugge, could return for Atletico. at Liverpool, is looking for its second    last outing. GROUP A Dortmund and Atletico win. Despite that, Houllier added: “Klopp is ./  ""$  "  last met in the Champions League in Liverpool hosts Red Star Belgrade ')0   ! & "  a good fit at Liverpool thanks to his phi- the 1996-97 group stage with both in the other group match. losophy. “At Liverpool you have to attack,    '  ( sides recording away victories. The teams last met 45 years ago *0 !+  3!. with great forwards. They have had Rush,   ! $&% 5 $ Dortmund went on to beat Juventus when Liverpool lost both legs in the Fowler, Owen, Heskey and now they have in the final. second round of the European Cup.   Salah, Firmino, Sane, a magic trio. Club Brugge will host struggling The defeats to a technically gifted Red *'4 “They have already come close to Monaco in the other group game. Star team proved to be a wake-up 5-(()*3/ winning trophies, they have played in finals. Monaco is hoping for a resurgence call for Liverpool, which altered its '**(*2/* -( “When Klopp was still at Dortmund, I under coach Thierry Henry, who lost approach in Europe and went on to saw him at a coaches meeting at UEFA, he at Strasbourg 2-1 on Saturday in his become European champions four 1%--%- '28 '()  2 3 2'' was sitting next to me, and we spoke about debut. times in the following decade. (*'N',(( *' 21(( Liverpool, about the club. Monaco finished with 10 men, GROUP D Porto will visit Loko- -*. N/-(-01 /2)* * “When he was appointed, I thought it lost top scorer Radamel Falcao to motiv Moscow level on points with , **).)'.1 2-3  0-) was a great move, I was sure it would work injury, and slipped to 19th place in Schalke and one ahead of 67)( and it is working.” Liverpool go to PSG in the French league. Galatasaray, who meet in the other  (   ! " 6 --) late November and the presence of Napoli GROUP B After perfect starts, group game in Istanbul.  "#! #" /2 *" in the group means it is by no means a given Barcelona hosts Inter Milan without Lokomotiv lost 1-0 to a late $%&' $%!   1 " that both of Houllier’s old sides will reach Lionel Messi, who broke his right Schalke goal in its previous game, 1!. !  the round of 16. ! & "&!  "$ forearm in Saturday’s win over after losing 3-0 at Galatasaray in its ) ,!. ! #' His current club Lyon are also involved Sevilla. first. Another loss for the Russian  $ ! "7 * $  in the competition this season, but he Brazil midfielder Philippe champions would all but end their believes PSG have what it takes to go all the ')* +,  ) -' '   Coutinho and France forward hopes of making the knockout stages. way in Europe. Qatar eye full points against Chinese Taipei

THE PENINSULA we will be doing everything we Arab Emirates. Whatever can to get a positive result and happens in the other game JAKARTA: Qatar will be looking continue our development.” (between Qatar and Chinese to secure the three points against Meanwhile, Indonesia head Taipei) we simply must win.” Chinese Taipei which will keep coach Indra Sjafri has vowed that Indonesia approach the them in contention for a quarter- his players will fight until the end game with the dust still settling final berth in the AFC Under-19 to guarantee themselves a place on Sunday’s remarkable 6-5 championships. in the quarter-finals. defeat to Qatar, a titanic tussle “It is key to remember that With three points from their which has left Sjafri acutely we won the game with Indo- opening two games in Group A, aware that his side cannot afford nesia, and that we still have a the hosts head into Wednesday’s to repeat the errors which cost chance of advancing,” said crucial showdown with table- them dearly against the West assistant coach Lino Godinho, topping United Arab Emirates Asians. who will deputise for suspended knowing that nothing less than “We are guilty of making head coach Bruno Pinheiro, a win will suffice if they are to individual errors that allowed referring to the fact that Qatar realistically stand any chance of Qatar to score,” declared the were, at one stage, 6-1 up against progressing to the next phase. one-time Bali United coach. the Indonesians. Given that the Emiratis have “We have to ensure that “We must focus on the pos- impressed during their victories those mistakes do not happen itives that we saw in the last over both Qatar and Chinese in our next match. If we do, game and continue to do what Taipei, Indonesia’s task is indeed we still have a chance to we do well which is keeping the a sizeable one, although Sjafri qualify.” ball and creating chances. believes the host nation will lay Meanwhile, UAE head coach Qatar team players training in Jakarta, Indonesia “There are several plus everything on the line to secure Ludovic Batelli is hoping the on the eve of their AFC Under-19 match against points which we can take into the three points they so desper- 2008 champions, who defeated the game against Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei, ately crave. Chinese Taipei 8-1 last time out, and we will not change the way “There is still one more can add further momentum to a we play as we wholeheartedly to qualify for the last eight, for his side. “We struggled phys- issues when we play Qatar,” he group stage game to go and we campaign that has seen them believe in our methods.” Chinese Taipei’s Vom Ca Nhum ically in our last game against the said. have to be prepared to fight until underline their title With his team now unlikely is expecting another tough test UAE and we could face the same “But, we will see. Of course, the very end against the United credentials. WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 31

Qatar’s iconic sports venue ready to stage historic World Championships

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Trust Qatar to deliver on its promises. After years of meticulous planning and preparation, just one day remains for the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 to open at the world’s biggest indoor sports facility - the Aspire Dome. With a star cast to that would be hard to ignore, Doha is just hours away from adding another jewel in its sports crown. Having already hosted the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Cham- Japanese star Kohei Uchimura (left) and American Olympic champion Simone Biles headline the stellar line-up. pionships and the 2016 UCI Road World Championships, We are ready to stage successful this week’s gymnastics gala As many as 22 2012 and 2016 Olympic should go down as one of the Olympic and World Uneven Bars champion and World Championships. We have most followed global sports 2013 World champion on Organisers to host the infrastructure needed at the events staged by Qatar. champions will be Balance Beam in 2013, will highest level, stadiums and modern History will be created seen in action during also be seen in action. reception for visiting the nine-day event, facilities: QGF President Ali Al Hitmi when the 9-day event gets All of the Rio women’s under way as it is the first which will also serve event champions - Biles on delegations today time the Middle East is as qualifier one for Vault and Floor Exercise, hosting the mega event. 2020 Olympic Games. Mustafina on Uneven Bars THE PENINSULA Among the Asian countries, and Sanne Wevers (NED) the International Feder- only gymnastics power- on Balance Beam - and five ation and the Continental house China and Japan have In all, over 600 of the six men’s champions DOHA: The Organising Federations. had the privilege of hosting gymnasts from 78 - Max Whitlock on Floor Committee of the 48th FIG A short film about this prestigious countries are taking Exercise and Pommel Artistic Gymnastics World Qatar between the past competition. part in the important Horse; Eleftherios Championships Doha and present and the devel- Never did 22 World and competition being Petrounias (GRE) on Still 2018 today will hold a opment of gymnastics will Olympic champions Rings; Ri on Vault and Oleg special ceremony which be on display during the held for the first time assemble for a single event Verniaiev on Parallel Bars - will be attended by all the ceremony. before. In all, over 600 gym- in the Middle East. will be facing rematches in participating delegations Ali Al Hitmi, President nasts from 78 countries are Doha. at the Torch Ballroom at of the Qatar Gymnastics taking part in the important Three gymnasts On the women’s side, Aspire. Federation will address event, which serves as the including Ahmad Nabil, Floor Exercise champion Mai The ceremony which the members of delegation first qualifying event for Ahmed Al Dayani Murakami (JPN), will face will start at 6:30pm is and guests. FIG President Tokyo 2020 Olympics. and Jana Elkiky will tough challenges in intended to welcome all will also speak during the Qatar Gymnastic Feder- defending her title. delegations and guests. event. ation (QGF) President Ali Al represent hosts Qatar All of the reigning cham- The Organising Com- Meanwhile, the Hitmi, who is also Executive in Doha Worlds. pions in the six men’s events mittee invited all delega- medals for the prestigious Director and Tournament from Montreal will be back tions that arrived in Doha competition will also be Manager of the Doha 2016 Olympic all-around in Doha: Kenzo Shirai (JPN), as well as the members of unveiled today. Worlds, is confident of deliv- champions Simone Biles who won both Floor Exercise ering the memorable gym- (USA) and Kohei Uchimura and Vault; Whitlock on nastic fiesta. (Japan), who are leading the Pommel Horse; Petrounias sport including China’s Chen events, and Jana Elkiky, who “We are ready to stage stellar line-up. on Still Rings; Zou Jingyuan Yile, the gold medalist in the will compete in the floor successful World Champi- Reigning champions (CHN) on Parallel Bars; and women’s Aal-around and exercises and pommel in onships. We have the infra- Morgan Hurd of the USA and Tin Srbic (CRO) on Hori- Balance Beam at the Asian apparatus for women. structure needed at the Xiao Ruoteng – the Chinese zontal Bar. Games, and Britain’s The QGF is hoping that highest level, stadiums and star will also be defending Doha-fan favourite, Dominick Cunningham, who it’s relatively inexperienced modern facilities,” Al Hitmi their title. Uzbekistan’s Oksana Chus- won the only gold for the gymnasts will benefit from said in build up of the event. In addition to the all- ovitina – the seven-time host team at the European competing alongside the big “We are looking to make around champions from Rio Olympian – has also Championships in Glasgow, names. it as the best World Cham- and Montreal, nine of the 10 returned to Qatar as she where he won the gold “It’s a very tough event pionships ever and want to individual apparatus cham- promised during this March’s medal on Men’s Floor and our gymnasts will learn show the world how suc- pions from Rio and seven of FIG World Cup. Exercise. a lot from this competition,” cessful we can be in hosting the 10 from Montreal are on The 43-year-old will be The host country is also said Al Hitmi. big events,” he said. the roster for Doha. looking to shine at Aspire fielding three gymnasts - “We are not putting Qatar’s Jana Elkiky during a practice QGF seems to be on Elite gymnasts including Dome as she targets her Ahmad Nabil and Ahmed Al pressure on them, all we session at Aspire Dome yesterday. track in their bid to make Olympic Vault champion Ri eighth Olympic appearance. Dayani, who will compete want from them is they give this year’s edition as best Se Gwang (South Korea), The event is also fea- with the world champions their best,” the QGF pres- ever as the event has lured Aliia Mustafina (Russia), the turing rising stars of the in all six men’s apparatus ident said. Team Argentina flying high

THE PENINSULA the senior squad went to watch step in Dominici’s transfor- the women’s All-around final. mation into a genuine con- DOHA: Veteran Argentine “It was so good to be tender on the world stage. gymnast Ayelen Tarabini, in Individually I am there,” Dominici smiles, before And it surprised even her. Doha for her fourth World quickly adding: “But we didn’t “I went just for the expe- Championships, is seriously aiming to qualify for go to anything else because it rience, to get to know the excited about the long-term the all-around final clashed with training. We have Europeans and understand prospects for team-mate in Doha: Martina been so focused on this.” how they compete and then I Martina Dominici. Dominici The teenager is quietly ended up winning,” Dominici In the past 12 months, confident about her prospects says, laughing. Dominici has won the pres- at the World Championships For Tarabini, who is 10 tigious junior competition Top “Gymnastics in Argentina in Doha. years Dominici’s senior and Gym, claimed Argentina’s first is going through a very good It’s perhaps not a surprise says she feels like her “sister gold medal in women’s Gym- moment and it’s been really to hear her saying a spot in the or even mother”, Doha 2018 nastics at a South American helped by the YOG,” Tarabini top 24 of the team competition will be the first of many World Championships for 20 years, says. is well within Argentina’s grasp, Championships for the and reached the All-Around “Martina’s success is a but her next statement is indic- protégé. “She has a great final at the Pan American result of investment made in ative of just where she is at. future ahead of her, she is Championships. Gymnastics because of the “Individually I am aiming really that good,” Tarabini said. Not bad for a 16 year old YOG.” to qualify for the all-around “Already she is an inspi- and it is all thanks to the power Born in 2002, Dominici final in Doha,” she said. ration for the younger gener- of the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth was a year too old to compete The teenager’s triumph at ation, and her family are great Argentina’s Ayelen Tarabini (left) and Martina Dominici (ARG) pose after Olympic Games (YOG), in her home city of Buenos the 2017 Top Gym compe- too and really supportive, podium training at Aspire Dome, yesterday. according to Tarabini. Aires, but she and the rest of tition in Belgium was the first which is key.” WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27 I think the fact that he’s respected me since I was a kid 10.00PM 11:00PM FOOTBALL FOOTBALL and respected my opinions and on Caroline Wozniacki Barcelona vs India vs he could see that I could really his relationship with hold my own, I think has made Inter Milan West Indies his father-cum-coach ACTION our relationship this strong. TODAY’S Legendary tennis coach Bollettieri visits Doha THE PENINSULA motivating the players and raising their levels. DOHA: Legendary American The visit comes in light of tennis coach Nick Bollettieri the cooperation agreement The federation is arrived in Doha yesterday between the QTSBF and the keen to help its upon an invitation from the American coach to promote Qatar Tennis, Squash and tennis in the state of Qatar and players benefit Badminton Federation (QTSBF) improve the skills of national from the visit. It to hold some training work- teams’ players. shops in Qatar. For his part, Khalid Al hosts these type The training workshops is Khelaifi, Board Member of the of workshops attended by the players of QTSBF and the Chairman of the Qatar’s tennis national teams. National Teams Committee which feature the Bollettieri will also visit the stressed the importance of this participation of Qatari schools to hold similar visit in developing tennis in the workshops for their students. state of Qatar, as Bollettieri will notable tennis The program of the visit visit a number of Qatari experts: Al Khelaifi includes theoretical and prac- schools to speak with their Board Member of tical lectures and training ses- students. sions at the grassroots center “The federation is keen to Qatar Tennis, Squash Legendary American tennis at the Khalifa International help its players benefit from and Badminton coach Nick Bollettieri (left) Tennis and Squash Complex. the visit. It also used to hold Bollettieri will meet with these workshops which fea- Federation during a training workshop in Doha yesterday. the parents of national teams’ tures the participation of payers in an open day todayto notable tennis experts.” Al highlight the role of families in Khelaifi said. Squash: Stage set for Qatar Classic

THE PENINSULA World No.1 Mohammed El is something we are happy about. Shorbagy of Egypt is leading Ticket sales have been quite encour- DOHA: With less than four days to go, the pack of 48 players, aging and we believe Qatar Classic the final countdown has begun for the including most of the world’s 2018 will be the best ever,” says Tour- Qatar Classic 2018, the 16th edition of top 20, who will be competing nament Director Tareq Zainal. the annual premier squash tournament for the tournament’s total Fans can get their ticket s online which will be held from October 27 to at www.qatarsquash.org or at the ticket November 2. cash prize of $177,750 and booth located next to QTSBF gate The Khalifa International Tennis & trophy in Qatar. Squash Complex, venue of the event, is already wearing a new look with attractive branding reflecting the mood features the reigning PSA World Cham- of the tournament. pions together with the season’s World No.1 Mohammed El Platinum event winners and players Shorbagy of Egypt is leading the pack that qualify by placing high of 48 players, including most of the enough on the PSA Road to world’s top 20, who will be competing Dubai Leaderboard. for the tournament’s total cash prize Ticket sales are on and of $177,750 and trophy. more importantly, the best Squash fans will have the won- players are warming up derful opportunity of witnessing ahead of their big dash in their favorite stars on parade with Doha. stars including World No.2 Ali “There is a huge Farag, the in form Simon Rosner and expectation for this Miguel Angel Rodriguez among year’s tournament others. considering the Qatar’s Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi, caliber of players on Syed Azlan Amjad and Abdulrahman parade. We are Al Malki are leading the local delighted to play The Khalifa challenge. host to such a International Tennis As a PSA World Tour Platinum strong field. Fans & Squash Complex tournament, the winner of the event of squash in the has got a new look will automatically qualify for a coveted country are set ahead of the Qatar berth at the season-ending PSA World for a week-long Classic squash Tour Finals, which includes both a feast of great tournament. men’s and women’s tournament and games which Aspire Zone to host AVC Beach Delhi air a concern Tour Qatar Master for golf players AFP Last December Sri Lankan THE PENINSULA Chinese Taipei, Uruguay, United States cricketers wore face masks of America, Zimbabwe. NEW DELHI: New Delhi’s during a Test match in Delhi DOHA: For the 7th consecutive year, Nasser Abdullah Al-Hajri, Director of polluted air is a concern for to protest at the hazardous Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is set to PR and Communications at AZF, said: golfers at a key Asian Tour smog. host the largest beach volleyball compe- “The AVC’s commitment to host the inter- event in the Indian capital this International cricket tition in Asia, the ‘Asian Volleyball national championship for seven con- week, according to leading matches are no longer Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Qatar secutive years at the AZF is a testament player Shiv Kapur. organised in the city during the Master’. to its trust in AZF’s capacity to organise Kapur said he would winter months when the toxic The four-day championship will take international events, where AVC relies struggle through the Panasonic smog is at a peak. place at Aspire Park, from 27 to 30 heavily on AZF’s organisational capabil- Open India starting Thursday Some runners wore masks November 2018. The event is jointly ities, world-class facilities and experts. but foreign players in particular during the Delhi half marathon organised by Qatar Volleyball Association “The championship promises to be a would have a hard time in the on Sunday, when the US (QVA), Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) successful competition that lives up to growing smog. embassy website showed levels and AZF. AZF and Qatar’s reputation as a global “You are spending five of the smallest, most harmful Top teams from 24 Asian, African, leader in organising sporting events. This hours outdoors in bad air and air pollutants reached 199 -- Latin American and European countries year we are the organising partners of smog,” the 36-year-old eight times the World Health with gather alongside more than 60 del- the event and we will also provide mar- defending champion said. Organization’s recommended egates including; athletes, coaches, and keting and communications support to “You are out there for a long maximum. officials to give volleyball enthusiasts of the competition.” period of time.” “I haven’t found it as bad all levels the opportunity to enjoy a fun- The 2017 edition of the AVC Beach “I think for some of us we this year as it was last year,” filled atmosphere. Tour Qatar Master featured twenty-four are kind of immune to it now. said Kapur. The list of participating countries teams representing twelve countries. The But it’s not a good thing, the vis- “Visibility was a bit of an includes: Qatar, Argentina, Canada, teams included; China, Japan, Australia, itors and foreigners struggle a issue. You feel a bit of fatigue Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Oman, bit more,” added Kapur, who is and stuff.” He added: “I am like Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Qatar from Delhi. a street dog. I am used to every Kenya, Latvia, Mongolia, Netherlands, and Taiwan. Qatar won the competition The Indian capital’s pol- kind of ailment and air quality Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, with Australia 2nd and Indonesia 3rd. lution has taken a toll on sport. that is out there.