SPORT Tuesday 16 October 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 30 Warriors seek more Djokovic closing glory as title-hungry in on Nadal’s rivals lurk No.1 ranking spot

The representatives of the Russia 2018 and top officials from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) pose for a photograph with FIFA officials following a debriefing session on the recently concluded World Cup in Zurich on Friday. Our aim was to ensure that everything – achievements Qatar will be an incredibly creative and and challenges – is translated into constructive remarkable World Cup host, says FIFA learnings for the future, knowing THE PENINSULA constructive learnings for the preparation for 2022. Russia set preparations for the 2022 FIFA that not every future, knowing that not every a very high standard for us to World Cup are already in full single aspect from ZURICH: FIFA is looking forward single aspect from Russia 2018 follow and their success serves swing.” Russia 2018 will to an exciting time at the 2022 will be applicable to Qatar 2022,” The debrief session as inspiration for us as we The report on FIFA’s official be applicable to World Cup to be held in Qatar, a Samoura said in an article posted prepare for and look forward to website yesterday said the top official with the world yesterday on www.fifa.com. shed further light on hosting the Middle East’s first two-day debriefing started with Qatar 2022: FIFA governing body said following a “There are many ways to what made the 2018 FIFA World Cup in four years’ a general introductory session, Secretary-General, series of meetings with football organise a fantastic FIFA World FIFA World Cup such a time,” he added. followed by focus groups that Fatma Samoura officials from Russia and Qatar. Cup: with Russia, we found one; FIFA’s Chief Tournament & highlighted best practices and Fatma Samoura, the FIFA and I have no doubt that Qatar fantastic event: Hassan Events Officer, Colin Smith, said: lessons learnt from areas such as Secretary-General, last week met will be an incredibly creative and Al Thawadi, Secretary- “The debriefing was a great infrastructure, venue man- with the Local Organising Com- remarkable host,” she added in General of SC opportunity for key colleagues agement, volunteers, waste man- memories for the fans from all mittee (LOC) of the 2018 FIFA the post. from the Russian LOC and FIFA agement, security, logistics and around the world, but it has also World Cup held in Russia and top Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary to reunite and, with the benefit communications. already proved to be a catalyst officials from the Supreme Com- -General of SC, said Qatar was further light on what made the of hindsight, delve into the detail “We are very happy that the for many positive changes in our mittee for Delivery and Legacy moving ahead with this prepara- 2018 FIFA World Cup such a fan- of the planning and delivery of World Cup in Russia was globally country – in football, in terms of (SC) in Zurich during a special tions to stage a grand edition of tastic event,” Al Thawadi said the 2018 World Cup in order to acclaimed as a huge success,” economics and also in the social debriefing session at the home of the World Cup in 2022. Al “The lessons we learned from assess the relevance of key Alexey Sorokin, the CEO of the realm,” Sorokin said. football. Thawadi praised Russia for being this session and from our partic- learnings for Qatar. The 2018 FIFA World Cup LOC, said In July FIFA President con- “Our aim was to ensure that an ‘inspiration’ for future FIFA ipation in observation pro- debriefing marked the closure of in his remarks. firmed that said the 2022 tour- everything – achievements and World Cup hosts. grammes during the tournament one chapter and passed the oper- “Not only did the event leave nament will begin on November challenges – is translated into “The debrief session shed will play an important role in our ational baton to Qatar where lasting bright and joyful 21 and continue until December 18. Doha Worlds to boost Qatari gymnasts, says Al Hitmi FAWAD HUSSAIN world where the level of gymnastics “Competing at this level will defi- THE PENINSULA has reached. We cannot put pressure nitely improve their game and boost on our (budding) gymnasts because its their confidence. DOHA: This month’s World Artistic a very tough challenge,” said Al Hitmi. “The event will also attract young Gymnastics Championships in Doha Asked if the Doha Worlds can prove kids to this sport which will be a huge will leave a lasting legacy that could to be a launching pad for Qatari ath- boost for Qatar gymnastics. We are help build a strong player base in the letes to break into the elite club of gym- optimistic that we will reach these country, the Qatar Gymnastics Feder- nasts in the future, the answer came in goals,” Al Hitmi said. ation (QGF) President Ali Al Hitmi said affirmative. He stressed that the young Qatari yesterday. “Yes, it can be a breakthrough for gymnasts have the qualities to shine in Qatar will field three gymnasts - our gymnasts. This event will benefit major events in the coming years. Ahmed Nabil, Ahmed Al Dayani and them, and it will also help Qatar gym- “With more support and expe- Jana Al Kiki – in the October nastics in many ways. It will be moti- rience, Qatari gymnasts have the 25-November 3 event, which will be vating for our gymnasts when they will potential to become medal winners in held at Aspire Dome where several compete alongside the major championships just like out track Olympic and World champions will likes of Simona Biles and field stars. compete. and Kohei Meanwhile, Al Hitmi, who is also The relatively inexperienced Uchimura. the Executive Director of the World Qatari athletes, who recently took part Championships, said his team is ready in the Asian Games in Jakarta, face a to host the long event in a befitting difficult test against the world’s best manner. gymnasts, and Al Hitmi said he was “It is a new challenge for us. We not putting pressure of expectations are working as a team since a on them. long time to make this happen. “It is a very tough competition as We are looking to make it as the only eight gymnasts will qualify for best World Championships ever the final from a lengthy and star- and want to show the world studded line-up in every event,” the how successful we can be in QGF President said on the sidelines of hosting big events.” a sponsorship signing ceremony at He added the QGF has “We have made a deal with com- Ali Al Hitmi (left), Qatar Gymnastics Westin Hotel in Doha yesterday. made efforts to ensure best panies to arrange tours to famous Federation (QGF) and Executive “We will only expect from our stay for the touring tourism points in Qatar so that the gym- Manager of the 48th Artistic gymnasts to give their best and avoid gymnasts. nasts can have a good time when they Gymnastics World Championship mistakes. These three gym- are not busy with their competition,” and Eissa Al Hitmi, Director General nasts will have to he said. of ALKASS exchanging documents show the The World during a sponsorship signing Artistic Gymnastics ceremony held at Westin Hotel in Championships Doha yesterday. The Championship Doha 2018 will see will be held in Doha from October more than 700 ath- 25 to November 3. letes representing 83 PICTURE: BAHER AMIN / Qatar’s Ahmed Al Dayani in action during the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series in this file photo. countries in action. THE PENINSULA 28 SPORT TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018

Patriots Warriors seek more glory end Chiefs’ unbeaten as title-hungry rivals lurk start REUTERS AFP Golden State will try “No matter if it’s a Tuesday MVP LeBron James left Cleveland “With this team, the depth to become the first team night at home or a back-to-back for the Los Angeles Lakers, he’s we have, I think we’ve got an FOXBOROUGH: Tom WASHINGTON: Two-time NBA since the 2000-2002 Los in some random East Coast city, unlikely to lift them from 35 wins answer for everything. We’ve Brady passed for 340 Most Valuable Player Stephen Angeles Lakers to win you’re going to be tested and you to title contenders in a season, just got to figure out what that yards, and the New Curry (pictured) will enjoy can’t just sleepwalk through leaving the Rockets to again offer answer is.” England Patriots got a watching the Golden State three consecutive NBA stuff. the best threat in the West to The Celtics have some 28-yard field goal from Warriors hoist another champi- titles and join the 1950s “We’ve been exposed at Golden State’s supremacy after sorting to do as well in an East Stephen Gostkowski as onship banner today when they Minneapolis Lakers and times in terms of when we’re not adding 10-time All-Star Carmelo up for grabs with James gone time expired on Sunday open the 2018-19 NBA campaign 1960s Boston Celticstics asas extremelyete ey lockedoc ed in tthat atweca we can Anthonytoy to tthe e lineup. eup. fromoCevead Cleveland.. night to beat the Chiefs against Oklahoma City. the only clubs to wwinin four be beat.beat. BButut whenwhen wewe areare ffocusedocused “We’re trying to win a cham-cham- TorontoToronto addedadded KKawhiawhi 43-40 at Foxborough, But the 3-point sharpshooter titles in five years. andand in tune witwithh eacheach otother,her, pionship.pionship. TheThe margin forfor error LeonardLeonard anandd PPhiladelphiahiladelphia ooffersffers Massachusett, and doesn’t need to look to the rafters understandingunderstanding whatwhat we’re ttryingrying is ververyy llittle,”ittle,” RocRocketskets coaccoachh MiMikeke youngyoung star tatalentlent bbutut Boston dump the Kansas City to know the Warriors remain the to do to be successful, obviouslobviouslyy D’Antoni said. figuresfigures to be the best in the East. from the unbeaten team to beat as they begin the The Celtics dynasty,nasty, we’re tough.” No one knows that All-Stars Irving and Hayward ranks. quest for a third consecutive NBA with eight titles in a betterbetter than the Rockets, who suffered season-endinseason-endingg ininjuriesjuries Matched against a title and fourth crown in five won a league-bestleague-best 65 ggamesames that allowed JaysonJayson Tatum, first-year starter, row and nine in alll from seasons. lastlast season behind NBA JaylenJaylen Brown and TerrTerryy Rozier Kansas City Chiefs “I’m still glowing,” Curry 1957-1966, is the onlyonly Most Valuable PlayerPlayer and to make an impact and nearlynearly quarterback Patrick said. NBA squad to reachch five scoringscoring championchampion JamesJames putput the Celtics in the finals Mahomes, Brady led the “The glow won’t wear down consecutive NBA FinalsFinals Harden.Harden. HoustonHouston led anyway.anyway. Patriots on a game- until you get beat.” -- a feat the Warriorsors can GoldenGolden State 3-23-2 in the BlendingBlending thethe tatalentlent into a winning drive in the final The Warriors boast three achieve this season.on. WestWest ffinalsinals bebeforefore CChrishris formidableformidable llineupineup over tthehe six- three minutes. other All-Stars in two-time NBA PaulPaul ssuffereduffered an monthmonth season figuresfigures to makemake The win was the Finals Most Valuable Player ininjuredjured hamstringhamstring Boston a titletitle tthreat.hreat. 200th in the regular Kevin Durant, defensive stalwart andand missemissedd tthehe lastlast “This“This ffranchiseranchise is reareallylly bbuiltuilt season for Brady as a Draymond Green and Curry’s 2000-2002 Los Angelesles Lakers two games,games, both won for the next few yyearsears of beingbeing starting quarterback. backcourt partner Klay to win three consecutiveutive NBA byby tthehe Warriors to at thethe toptop tier ofof teams in tthehe His 39-yard strike to Thompson -- plus a fifth in titles and join the 1950s0s MinneMinne-- reachreach tthehe NBA Finals,Finals, league,”league,” IrvinIrvingg said. tight end Rob injured centre DeMarcus apolis Lakers and 1960s0s Boston where thetheyy sweptswept “Who“Who wouwouldn’tldn’t want to be a Gronkowski gave New Cousins, signed in July but still Celtics as the only clubsubs to win ClClevelandeveland foforr ththee partpart of that? What more could England (4-2) a goal-to- sidelined after left Achilles four titles in five years.s. crown.crown. youyou ask for from an organizationorganization go situation in the final tendon surgery in January. The Celtics dynasty,asty, with - ‘We’ve gotgot an to reallreallyy elevate yoyourur ggame?ame? I’m seconds. Working Cousins into the eight titles in a row andnd nine in answer’answer’ - While lookinglooking fforwardorward to thethe chal-chal- Sony Michel added lineup once he returns could add all from 1957-1966, iss thethe onlyonly four-timefour-time NBA lengelenge tthishis year,” hhee 106 yards rushing for the some zest to the regular season NBA squad to reach fiveve consec-consec- added. Patriots. for Golden State, which has so utive NBA Finals -- a fefeatat tthehe Mahomes countered far avoided letting repetitive Warriors can achieve thishis season.season. with 352 yards passing, domination lead to The Houston Rockets,kets, whowho going 23 of 36 with four complacency. pushed the Warriors to seven touchdowns and two “That’s the thing I’m most games in last season’ss Western interceptions. proud of with our team,” Curry Conference finals, and the The Chiefs (5-1) said. Boston Celtics, bringingging backback rallied from a 15-point “We’re talented and all that, injured stars Kyrie Irvingrving and halftime deficit to go up but the work that goes into it, the Gordon Hayward to a team that 33-30 with 8:38 mental approach to turn the was one win from lastt seasoseason’sn’s remaining. page, has been there the last Eastern Conferencee crown,crown, Mahomes found three years. figure to lead a packk of rivals Tyreek Hill for a 1-yard “You work so hard to earn who ache for a chancece to playplay touchdown after rookie the right to be proud of yourself for the championship.. Tremon Smith returned at the end of the summer.” “To be honest, it’s fun,”un,” Curry a kickoff 97 yards. Golden State will try to said of wearing the ttargetarget fforor Brady came right become the first team since the every NBA rival. back to engineer 75-yard touchdown drive he capped with a 4-yard keeper at the 5:25 mark, putting the Patriots Palmieri makes multi-goal ahead 37-33. The New England Patriots added a 50-yard field goal with NHL history against Sharks 3:15 left by Gostkowski, but Kansas City REUTERS Jean-Sebastien Dea got the Jakob Silfverberg and Ben answered in one play, a game-winner shortly after Street also scored goals for 75-yard bomb from NEW YORK: Kyle Palmieri Palmieri’s second goal, and Anaheim. Miller got the win in Mahomes to Hill to tie it recorded his third consecutive Kinkaid did the rest, finishing his first start of the season. Alex- at 40-40. two-goal game, Keith Kinkaid with 37 saves. Joe Pavelski and ander Steen and Tyler Bozak New England scored made seven crucial saves during Timo Meier scored the goals for scored for the Blues. on its last four posses- a late power play, and the New the Sharks. Jets 3, Hurricanes 1 sions of the first half to Jersey Devils held on for a 3-2 Ducks 3, Blues 2 Bryan Little scored with 2:09 establish a 24-9 lead at victory over the San Jose Sharks Andrew Cogliano scored a remaining to break a tie as host the break. on Sunday in Newark. power-play goal with 5:16 Winnipeg dealt Carolina its first After starting 1-for-4 Palmieri became the fourth remaining to break a tie, and regulation loss of the season. on a series that stalled, player in NHL history to score Ryan Miller had 29 saves to lead Josh Morrissey assisted on Brady connected on 10 multiple goals in at least three Anaheim to a victory at St. Louis. the winning goal, which was Lit- of 11 passes the straight games to start a season, Cogliano swatted in a tle’s first goal of the season. Kyle remainder of the half. joining Patrick Marleau (2012- centering pass by Ryan Kesler Connor added an empty-net He threw for 113 13), Peter Stastny (1982-83) and from the left corner past St. goal with one second remaining. yards before the break, Cy Denneny (1917-18). He scored Louis goaltender Chad Johnson’s The outcome increased Winni- including a 17-yard New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) in action during the on a five-on-three in the second stick side for his first goal of the peg’s home-ice winning streak touchdown to Julian third period against the San Jose Sharks during their NHL game in period and added a goal in the season. It was his 100th goal as to 11 games, a stretch that Edelman. Newark, New Jersey on Sunday. first minute of the third. a member of the Ducks. extends to last season. Red Sox edge Astros to level play-off series

AFP with two outs in the fifth inning Boston Red outfield wall, the ball rattling with the Red Sox up 5-4. Sox centre around in the corner to elude LOS ANGELES: Jackie Bradley Rick Porcello made his fielder Jackie Gonzalez and allow three runs Jr’s three-run double in the third second appearance as a relief Bradley Jr to score. inning fuelled the Boston Red Sox The winner of the pitcher of this post-season, hits a three The Red Sox added an in a 7-5 victory over the Houston series will take on working a perfect eighth inning RBI double insurance run in the seventh, Astros that knotted their Major either the Los Angeles before Craig Kimbrel closed it during the when Betts led off with a walk League Baseball play-off series out in the ninth. third inning and scored for a 6-4 lead on a at one game each on Sunday. Dodgers or Milwaukee The Red Sox opened the against the wild pitch and two passed balls. The Red Sox, stung by the Brewers in the World scoring in the first inning as Houston Betts put Boston up 7-4 with reigning World Series champion Series. Mookie Betts led off with a Astros in a run-batted-in double in the Astros in game one on Saturday, double and Andrew Benintendi Boston on eighth. bounced back at Fenway Park and Rafael Devers delivered run- Sunday. Kimbrel retired the first two to make it 1-1 in the best-of- in the World Series. The Dodgers scoring singles off Astros starting Astros batters in the ninth before seven American League Cham- and Brewers were tied at 1-1 in pitcher Gerrit Cole. Springer hit his second double pionship Series, that heads to the National League Champi- The Astros pulled level in the of the game. Houston for games three, four onship Series heading into game second thanks to a double from Jose Altuve’s single scored and five. three in Los Angeles. George Springer that plated two Springer, before Alex Bregman’s The winner of the series will Boston starter David Price runs, and Houston took the lead a Price fastball. Boston out. After Ian Kinsler struck out, fly was caught by Red Sox out- take on either the Los Angeles was one out shy of his first post- in the top of the third on Marwin responded in the bottom of the Bradley belted an opposite field fielder Benintendi to end the Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers season win as a starter, departing Gonzalez’s two-run home run off third, loading the bases with one double off the Green Monster game. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 29 Ageless wonder Langer wins AP play. I don’t think I need to how to play the course and Bernhard Langer of Germany reacts to prove anything, but I love com- you’re somewhat comfortable missing a putt on the 16th green during CARY: Bernhard Langer ran peting, I love winning or being and that’s certainly the case away with the SAS Champi- in the hunt. As long as I can do here,” the first round play of the 2018 Masters onship on Sunday to take the that, I think you’re going to see Langer said. “I’ve been golf tournament at the Augusta National points lead into the PGA Tour me out here.” probably 50, 70 times now Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, US, in this Champions’ Charles Schwab Langer finished with a tour- around this golf course and I April 5, 2018 file picture. Cup play-offs Langer shot a nament-record 22-under 194 know how to play every hole.” bogey-free 7-under 65 for a six- total at Prestonwood Country Scott Parel was second, closing stroke victory in the regular- Club, the tree-lined layout sof- with a double bogey for a 65. season finale. tened by heavy rain Thursday “Bernhard is just in his own “I just played very solid all from Hurricane Michael. world this week,” Parel said. day long,” Langer said. “Putted He opened with a 62 on Jerry Kelly had a 68 to finish well, hit the ball where I was Friday to match Gene Sauers third at 15 under, and Lehman looking and did everything and Tom Lehman for the lead, followed at 13 under after a 71. exceptionally well.” and had a 67 on Saturday to Sauers shot a 75 to tie for The 61-year-old German remain atop the leaderboard fifth with Miguel Angel Jimenez star has 38 victories on the with Sauers. (68) at 12 under. The top 72 50-and-over tour, also winning “The 10 under was players in the Schwab Cup this year near Houston. He has amazing,” Langer said. “I standings qualified for the a record four victories after couldn’t believe there were two playoffs, the three-event series turning 60. other guys who shot 10 under.” that begins next week with the “I don’t have anything to The four-time Charles Dominion Energy Charity prove, but I still have golf,” Schwab Cup winner also won at Classic in Richmond, Virginia. Langer said. Prestonwood in 2012. Dan Forsman tied for 56th to “I still want to improve my “It’s always fun to go back jump from 74th to 72nd, edging own game. I still want to play to to where you’ve won before John Huston for the final spot by the best Bernhard Langer can because you feel like you know $932. Huston tied for 46th.

beIN to Rugby: Flanker Papalii gets telecast Africa Cup surprise nod for All Blacks tour of Nations

AFP THE PENINSULA “He has played outstanding opportunity to build depth and Backs TJ Perenara, Aaron rugby this year and deserves his knowledge of Japan ahead of Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, WELLINGTON: The All Blacks opportunity,” All Blacks coach next year’s World Cup. Beauden Barrett, Damian DOHA: The Africa Cup of named uncapped flanker Dalton Steve Hansen said. “We’ll also be using the Jap- McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Ryan Nations qualifiers return Papalii (pictured) yesterday in The squad also included the anese leg of our Tour to road Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton today live and exclusive on a 32-man squad for a Test return of a number of senior test a few things ahead of next Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Wil- beIN. against Australia in Japan and players, including hooker Dane year’s Rugby World Cup, as we liams, Jordie Barrett, Rieko The much anticipated their tour involving matches Coles, lock Brodie Retallick, will be using the same hotels Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Ben African football tournament against England, Ireland and loose forward Liam Squire and and training facilities while we Smith. is getting closer and national Italy. prop Joe Moody. are there,” he said. Additional squad for the teams are eager to book their Papalii, who turned 21 last The All Blacks will face Aus- New Zealand squad for Japan Test: Forwards Asafo spot in the 32nd edition, week, the only newcomer in the tralia in Yokohama on October Australia, England, Ireland and Aumua, Liam Coltman, Tyrel which will be hosted in Cam- squad, gets his chance after Sam 27, England at Twickenham on Italy Tests: Forwards Dane Lomax, Reuben O’Neill, Tim eroon and broadcasted exclu- Cane fractured a vertebra in the November 10, Ireland in Dublin Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Perry, Angus Ta’avao, Luke sively by beIN. All Blacks’ win over South Africa on November 17 and Italy in “Having the extra group Taylor, Owen Franks, Nepo Romano, Jackson Hemopo, Today, Morocco take on earlier this month. Rome on November 24. come to Japan will allow us to Laulala, Joe Moody, Karl Gareth Evans, Dillon Hunt, Luke Comoros in a heated clash The young openside signed Hansen also named a send the bulk of our main squad Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Whitelock. between the two sides. The for Auckland this year and has 19-man squad to gather ahead to London early to acclimatise,” Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Backs Mitchell Drummond, ‘Lions of the Atlas’ faced enjoyed a strong domestic of the Test against Japan in he said. Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, Ngani Comoros on Saturday in season, leading the competition Tokyo on November 3, a week The squad for the Japan Test Whitelock, Vaea Fifita, Dalton Laumape, Matt Proctor, George Morocco and won 1-0. They tackle count with his team top after the match against the includes seven uncapped players Papalii, Kieran Read (capt), Ardie Bridge, David Havili, Nehe currently sit second in Group of the ladder. Wallabies. and Hansen said it was an Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd. Milner-Skudder. B with 6 points, behind Cam- eroon who have 7 points. Comoros are bottom of the group with just a point and no wins so far. Nurmagomedov challenges Today will also see the ‘Pharaohs’ Egypt take on Swaziland (eSwatini) in what should be a relatively Mayweather to clash easy game for the record holding 7 time African AFP Ellerbe standing next to him match. Mayweather appeared Champions. smiling. to toy with McGregor in the Also today, Algeria are set LOS ANGELES: Mixed martial “We are two guys who early rounds before stopping the to take on Benin in Group D. arts fighter Khabib Nurmago- never lose. In the jungle there Irishman in the 10th to improve The Algerians, currently in medov has taken a page out of is only one king. Of course, I am to 50-0. first place, will face fierce Conor McGregor’s playbook and the king because he cannot drop Last weekend, Nurmago- competition as Benin look to issued a challenge to undefeated McGregor but I drop him easily. medov retained his UFC light- close the gap at the top. boxer Floyd Mayweather. Let’s go.” weight crown, beating The first game between Nurmagomedov’s challenge Nurmagomedov did not say McGregor by fourth-round the two sides was played on came in a video posted on whether he wished to fight May- submission. Friday and ended 2-0 to Instagram by Mayweather’s weather in a boxing or UFC He then climbed out of the Algeria thanks to goals from promoter Leonard Ellerbe who match. Like McGregor, the Octagon to fight with a member Ramy Bensebaini and indicated he ran into the UFC Russian has no previous expe- of McGregor’s entourage who Baghdad Bounedjah. fighter at a fight card in Russia. rience as a professional boxer. had been taunting him. Today will also host “Let’s go Floyd. We have to McGregor made millions McGregor also took some another game from Group J, Portraits of Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov burned fight now: 50-0 versus 27-0,” last year by taking on May- punches from members of Nur- with Tunisia and Niger going on wood by cook Halil Bozkurt are seen in Turkey’s Hatay, yesterday. Nurmagomedov said with weather in lopsided boxing magomedov’s team. head to head. In Group A, Sudan face Senegal in a tough matchup for the ‘Falcons of Jediane’. Senegal are first in the group with 7 points QCA hosts basic physio course for officials whereas Sudan have failed to earn a point in their first THE PENINSULA handle common injuries well. two games. QCA Operations Manager Today will also feature DOHA: The Qatar Cricket Asso- Manzoor Ahmad thanked the two strong sides from Group ciation (QCA) successfully hosted instructors and participants for E as Libya take on Nigeria. a three-day basic physio course the course and expressed hope The Libyans sit in third place to upgrade its officials under two that more such course would with 4 points and are in need experts. be organised to enrich the of a win to push them further The course began on October knowledge of the association’s up the table. The Nigerians, 4 under the supervision of Shashi coaches, trainers and who have a very strong squad Patra and Mohammed Eliyas and physiotherapists. with European experience, was held over a period of two Ten persons working for the are second in the group with days. QCA showed interest in the 6 points. The QCA continued its course and participated. They At beIN’s dedicated practice of enriching the were: Vijith Rajan, Nouman AFCON studios will be star knowledge and experience of Anwar, Amjad Sandhu, Paramjeet presenters Khalid Yassine, its work force so that the game Kaur Bhullar,Aneesh Kakkot, Lakhdar Berriche, Ahmed can be developed in Qatar Muhammad Omar, Sreedevi Officials attending the Basic Physio Course for men and women Fouad, Moez Boulehya and roundly. The chief aim of this Vimala Sasi, Qamar Sadiq organised by Qatar Cricket Association recently. guests like Wael Gomaa, course was to impart tips to the Khan,Talha Undre’ Muhammad Nasser Mekideche, Tarak QCA officials so that they can Jahangir Dhiab and many others. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018

Koreas to Novak Djokovic of Serbia attends Knee Djokovic closing in a press conference after beating hold talks Borna Coric of Croatia in their final fracture set on Nadal’s No. 1 spot match at the Shanghai Masters this month on Sunday. to end Del PARIS: Novak Djokovic is closing in on on joint Rafael Nadal’s number one spot after Potro’s winning the Shanghai Masters title, Olympic bid according to ATP rankings released season yesterday. Nadal is struggling with a knee AFP AFP injury and has decided to sit out the current Asian segment of the ATP tour. SEOUL: North and South After his 6-3, 6-4 victory over Borna PARIS: Injury-plagued Juan Korea will discuss the details Coric in the Shanghai final on Sunday, Martin del Potro is set to miss for their planned joint bid for Djokovic is just 215 points behind the the rest of the season after it the 2032 Olympics later this Spaniard. was revealed yesterday the month to follow up on an giant Argentine had fractured ambitious agreement reached 1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7660 pts his knee at the Shanghai between their leaders in 2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7445 (+1) Masters. September. 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6260 (-1) “It’s a very difficult The radical concept, 4. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 5860 moment. I feel very sad,” said which would require an 5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5025 the 30-year-old world unprecedented level of coop- 6. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4185 number four who is walking eration and mutual trust on 7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3825 with his leg in a splint after the long-divided Korean 8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3775 doctors confirmed he had peninsula, was included in a 9. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 3440 fractured the patella bone in joint statement issued after a 10. John Isner (USA) 3290 his right knee. September summit between 11. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 2910 (+1) “It’s a hard blow which the North’s leader Kim Jong 12. David Goffin (BEL) 2855 (-1) leaves me without any Un and the South’s President 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2415 (+6) strength. It’s very difficult for Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang. 14. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2315 (-1) me to think about recovery “The South and North 15. Kyle Edmund (GBR) 2125 (-1) again. I did not expect this to agreed to... discuss the issue happen.” of South-North joint hosting Del Potro, the US Open of the 2032 Summer runner-up to Novak Djokovic Olympics around the end of this year, hobbled out of the the month at the joint liaison Shanghai Masters last 16 office,” read a joint statement against Borna Coric on issued after a high-level Halep earns 2nd straight Thursday after hurting his meeting yesterday. right knee in an awkward fall No further details were after losing his footing. given. He had been set to com- Pyongyang boycotted the year-end No. 1 ranking plete his year at the elite 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics eight-man ATP World Tour after it demanded co-hosting Finals in London from AP rights and negotiations fell November 11 after qualifying FILE PHOTO: Romania’s Simona Halep apart over how to share the for the season-ending show- celebrates with the French Open trophy events, but its decision to par- LONDON: Simona Halep is back piece for the first time since ticipate in this year’s as the year-end No. 1 for the at Roland Garros, Paris, France, in this 2013. Pyeongchang Winter Games second year in a row, despite a June 9, 2018, file photo. Del Potro has been triggered a dramatic diplo- back injury that doctors say plagued by injuries since matic turnaround on the could lead to a long-term winning his only Grand Slam peninsula. problem. title at the 2009 US Open at It came after tensions Halep, who won her first the age of 20. mounted the previous year, major title at this year’s French A series of wrist injuries with the North carrying out Open, clinched the year-end top required four surgeries. multiple missile launches and tennis ranking yesterday but By the end of 2015, his its most powerful nuclear test may be forced to pull out of the ranking was at 581, he was to date, and Kim trading per- upcoming Kremlin Cup and the deeply depressed and on the sonal insults and threats of season-ending WTA Finals verge of quitting after having war with US President Donald because of a herniated disk. to sit out 10 Grand Slam Trump. “I haven’t practiced 100 events. However, he had been The February Games saw percent yet but today, tomorrow, rejuvenated in 2018, reaching athletes from the two Koreas I will do close to 100,” Halep said a career-high world number march together at the opening in a conference call. three in August. ceremony behind a unifi- “And I will be able to know He defeated Roger cation flag showing an undi- better the next day. Federer in this year’s Indian vided peninsula, and the first “The doctor told me it’s Wells Masters final and was unified Olympic team, in nothing about the surgery, but if a key figure when Argentina women’s ice hockey. I will keep playing there is a risk won a first Davis Cup in 2016. Kim sent his sister Kim Yo of long-term injury. I don’t need Del Potro also owns 10 Jong to Pyeongchang as his that and I don’t want that, so I wins over world number one personal envoy, and the two have to make good decisions in players -- the most by anyone leaders have since met three the next days.” who has never reached the times as part of an ongoing The 27-year-old Halep had top ranking themselves. diplomatic rapprochement. her best year on tour in 2018, Halep said. “But if I will not be Keeping her best level better and ready to play the The two Koreas have con- reaching the Australian Open able to play here, I’m very throughout the long season is tournament.” tinued their sports diplomacy, final and then winning her first doubtful that I will be able to something Halep has struggled But before she takes the Stephens forming joint teams for the Grand Slam title a few months play in Singapore because it’s with, even though she has qual- court in Singapore, or in ITTF world table tennis later at Roland Garros. very fast. ified for the WTA Finals in each Moscow, there’s that back injury qualifies for championships and several But she announced at the “So I don’t know now, but for of the five years since its move that is still bothering her. events at the Asian Games in start of this month that she had sure I will take a decision for my to Singapore. “It’s been very stressful, and first WTA Indonesia as well as holding an MRI exam after retiring from health first.” “It’s really difficult and I feel I was worried every day because friendly basketball matches. her first-round match at the Despite the injury, Halep is it every year, and I feel it more I was waiting to see how I feel finals North Korea’s partici- China Open and the herniated still relishing in her season. She and more, to be honest. I give every morning I wake up,” Halep REUTERS pation in hosting the Summer disk problem was found. has been at the top of the everything I have the first part said. Games, which include thou- The Kremlin Cup runs this rankings for nearly the entire of the year and then it’s difficult “So it’s pretty stressful but sands of athletes from around week and the WTA Finals, which year even though her results suf- for me to play,” said Halep, who somehow it’s normal because SINGAPORE: Former U.S. the world and an even larger is for the top eight players in the fered as the season wore on. also reached French Open finals injuries are pretty normal when Open champion Sloane number of spectators, would world, begin in Singapore on Oct. Halep has played in 15 tour- in 2014 and 2017 but lost both you play at the highest level. So Stephens has qualified for her be a watershed event 21. naments so far in 2018, but she times. I try just to keep myself calm and first season-ending WTA requiring a degree of “I hope first to be able to play followed up her first major title “My goal for the next years to be positive. I know it’s not an Finals in Singapore, the WTA openness and financial here (in Moscow) because... I by losing in the third round at is to be better in this position, if easy injury. The back is always Tour said yesterday. muscle now lacking in the have already 3-4 days getting Wimbledon. She then lost in the I would be able to qualify again difficult, but I have to accept it Stephens joins fellow isolated and impoverished ready for this tournament,” first round at the US Open. for the Finals. I want just to be and to look forward.” Grand Slam champions country. It would also force Simona Halep, Angelique an extraordinary level of Kerber, Naomi Osaka, Petra cooperation between two WTA Rankings Kvitova and Caroline Woz- Cold War foes that have no Argentina’s retired tennis star Gabriela niacki in the singles field for formal avenues for regular 1. Simona Halep (ROM) 7421 pts Sabatini, Mentor for Youth Olympics the October 21-28 event. contact and are still techni- 2. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 6461 Games in Buenos Aires 2018, waves to Two spots remain open cally at war. 3. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5400 the crowd during the Men’s Doubles for the elite eight-player field, On 31 July 2017, the IOC 4. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 4740 Final at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis with Elina Svitolina and made a deal with Los Angeles 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 4465 (+1) Club, Green Park. Sabatini, 48, was one Karolina Pliskova in prime to host the 2028 Summer position to qualify for the 6. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4350 (-1) of the leading players on the women’s Olympics, making Paris the round-robin tournament that 7. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4255 circuit in the late-1980s and early- host of the 2024 Summer offers $7m in prize money. 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4022 1990s. She won one women’s Grand Olympics. The formal Slam singles title at the US Open in I’m honoured to qualify 9. Julia Görges (GER) 3785 announcement of the hosts 1990, the women’s Grand Slam doubles for my first WTA Finals,” said 10. Kiki Bertens (NED) 3740 for both Olympiads took title at Wimbledon in 1988, two WTA Stephens, who was runner- 11. A Sevastova (LAT) 3240 (+1) place at the 131st IOC Session Finals in 1988 and 1994, and a silver up to Halep at Roland Garros in Lima, Peru, on 13 Sep- 12. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 3225 (+4) medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in earlier this year. “I’m looking tember 2017. 13. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 3225 Seoul. Sabatini also won most of the forward to... competing It was the very fact that 14. Darya Kasatkina (RUS) 3150 highest level regular events on the against the best players of the the two candidatures 15. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3145 (-4) women’s tour including Miami and Rome season.” embraced so fully the prin- 16. Elise Mertens (BEL) 3115 (-1) (four times). In the late 1980s, Sabatini The American also won ciples laid out in Olympic 17. Serena Williams (USA) 2976 launched a line of fragrances after her first Premier-level event Agenda 2020 that created 18. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 2863 partnering with the German perfume in Miami earlier this year and what IOC President Thomas 19. Madison Keys (USA) 2816 company Muelhens. Her signature scent rose to a career-high ranking Bach termed a “golden 20. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 2605 debuted in 1989. of three in July. The 25-year- opportunity” for the Olympic old was also a runner-up in Movement Montreal. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 31 Morocco’s Salon du Cheval kicks off with QREC as platinum sponsor THE PENINSULA during the opening ceremony, sponsor of this year’s edition. Prince Abdellah Alaoui, President H E Issa bin Mohammed Al EL JADIDA, MOROCCO: The of the Moroccan Royal Eques- Mohannadi, QREC Chairman, 11th edition of the Salon du trian Federation, Officials of the presented a memento trophy to Cheval, held under the patronage Salon du Cheval, H E Issa bin the Minister, expressing Qatar’s of His Majesty King Mohammed Mohammed Al Mohannadi, pride in participating in the pres- VI of Morocco, was inaugurated QREC Chairman, Nasser bin tigious equestrian salon every at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Sherida Al Kaabi, QREC General year. Centre in El Jadida, Morocco Manager, Khalid bin Mohammed Following the Moroccan yesterday. Al Ali, QREC Board Member and Minister’s tour of the Salon, a The Qatar Racing and Eques- Abdullah Al Yami, First Secretary wonderful horse show was held trian Club (QREC), the platinum of Qatar Embassy in Morocco, and attended by all participants. sponsor of the 11th renewal of the who represented the Embassy The show included several Salon, is participating in the on behalf of H E Abdullah bin Moroccan arts and techniques of week-long event held under the Falah Al Dosari, Ambassador of horse riding and the equestrian theme ‘Equestrian Sports in Qatar to Morocco. sport. There was a huge turnout, Morocco’. H E Minister Akhannouch QREC is participating in this Qatar Equestrian and inaugurated the Salon with a year’s renewal of the Salon with Modern Pentathlon Federation large participation and signif- a delegation consisting of H E and Al Shaqab ‘Member of Qatar icant attendance from several Issa bin Mohammed Al Foundation’ are also partici- countries after the Salon has Mohannadi, QREC Chairman, pating in the Salon. become a landmark in Morocco Nasser bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s in general and in the city of El QREC General Manager, Khalid Minister for Agriculture and Mar- Jadida in particular every year. bin Mohammed Al Ali, QREC itime Fisheries, officially inau- The Minister toured the Board Member, Abdulla Rashid gurated the Salon. Also present Salon, starting with the stand of Al Kubaisi, Racing Manager, Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Minister for Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, is seen along with Qatari with the Moroccan Minister Qatar as QREC is the platinum Abdulrahman Mohammed Al officials during the inauguration ceremony of the Salon du Cheval in Morocco yesterday.

A horse show during the Salon Naam, Head of Riding & Training the Salon,” said Abdullah Al attention to horses in accordance du Cheval at the Mohammed VI Section, Hassan Al Manai, Head Yami, First Secretary of Qatar with the directions from His Exhibition Centre in El Jadida, of Horse Show Section, and Embassy in Morocco, who rep- Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco yesterday. Jawaher Sultan Al Suwaidi, Head resented the Embassy in the Morocco. of PR and Media Section. opening ceremony, on behalf of “In Morocco, we pay due “We attended the opening HE Abdullah bin Falah Al Dosari, attention to horses as there are ceremony to support Qatar’s par- Ambassador of Qatar to Morocco. 100,000 horses of various breeds ticipation in the Salon, especially “We are ready to provide all with 33,000 people working in as QREC is the Platinum Sponsor facilities to the Qatari dele- this field. We are deeply com- of this year’s edition. We do gation at the Salon du Cheval. mitted to horses and strive to realise the significance of this We will spare no effort in pro- ensure the integrity of horses. In participation given the nature of viding any logistic require- addition, there are 1,800 pure the strong relations between ments, but all other technical Arabians in Morocco. As such, Qatar and Morocco not only on matters related to this partici- investments are large in this the political and economic levels, pation have been already per- area. We do work towards the but also on the cultural and fectly fulfilled by QREC. After success of this annual event sports ones. We, therefore, were all, we all work for Qatar,” he which see the participation of keen to be here even though HE added. many countries as it reflects how Ambassador Abdullah bin Falah H E Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco is deeply connected to Al Dosari had a previous com- Morocco’s Minister for Agri- the equestrian sports and the mitment to another event at the culture and Maritime Fisheries, desire to attract more invest- same time of the inauguration of stated that Morocco pays due ments in this field.”

Italy leave it late to win 2018 Super Globe: Barca face against Poland debutants Al Najma in opener AP ROME: Italy is finally showing signs of emerging THE PENINSULA Barca Lassa celebrate their win in from its crisis, nearly a year the 2017 Super Globe competition after failing to qualify for the DOHA: The 2018 IHF Super in Doha in this file picture. World Cup. Globe begins with title holders Cristiano Biraghi’s goal in Barca Lassa meeting Bahrain stoppage time earned the debutants Al Najma in the first Azzurri a much-needed 1-0 quarter-final, today with the win in Poland on Sunday in Catalan side on the hunt for their the UEFA Nations League. fourth trophy. Playing in Group 3 of 2017/18 Champions League League A, Poland became the winners Montpellier HB follow first team to be relegated in with their clash against Ham- the new European mamet, before Brazilian club competition. Taubate meet two-time winners Italy also hit the crossbar Füchse Berlin and hosts Al Sadd twice in the first half, first face Oceania title holders Sydney with Jorginho then with University Handball Club. Lorenzo Insigne. The first match of the 2018 Still, the match appeared IHF Super Globe will see record headed for a scoreless draw title holders Barca Lassa open until Biraghi slid in to what is their fifth campaign. The redirect a corner inside the Catalan side have stood on top far post two minutes into of the podium three times, in injury time. 2013, 2014 and 2017. Now, they It was the first national aim to claim their fourth trophy by players who helped lead their After taking bronze in the other at every Super Globe since trophy in May 2018, the French team goal for Biraghi, a full to extend their impressive countries to big achievements. continental club championship Sydney Uni made their debut in club returned from the summer back at Fiorentina. record. “It’s a special competition in 2001, Al-Najma claimed silver 2012, with Al Sadd coming out break but not to their previous Biraghi celebrated by Barca are no strangers to that we’ve already won three in 2015 then won the title for the on top on each occasion apart form. making a No. 13 with his holding and continuously times. When we play a compe- first time in 2017 with a dom- from in 2015, when the Aus- Five rounds of Champions fingers, a dedication to former smashing records, having won tition, we always try to win,” said inant, undefeated tralian team pulled off a surprise League matches have been Fiorentina captain and Italy the most titles in every compe- Barca coach Xavi Pascual in the performance. quarter-final win and went on played so far this season, but international Davide Astori, tition they play regularly. In the lead-up to the Super Globe. Al-Najma’s rise through the to reach their best position ever Montpellier have yet to secure who died from cardiac arrest world’s highest level regular club “We know that we’ll have ranks within their own continent (fourth). any points from a win or even a in March. competition, the VELUX EHF hard opponents. First of all, we’ll is evident, but Barca are another While Sydney Uni bring an draw. Astori wore the No. 13 Champions League, Barcelona have to win against Al-Najma step up from that level of com- almost entirely new team, with Elsewhere, Both Taubate shirt. have claimed nine trophies. In Club, a very hard Bahrain team petition, so a quarter-final win only four players who were on and Füchse Berlin returned to “We dominated the game Spain, they have won 25 ASOBAL who has the structure of the for the Bahrain team would be court in 2017 and arrivals from the top of a podium in order to completely and should have League titles, 22 Copa del Reys, national team. If we win the something of a surprise. France, Germany, Denmark, secure their 2018 Super Globe scored earlier,” Italy coach 13 ASOBAL Cups and 21 ASOBAL quarter-final, we’ll probably face Al-Najma can count on the Brazil and Iran, Al Sadd count on ticket. Roberto Mancini said. Supercups. Montpellier, the Champions international experience of their experience led by the likes of For Taubate, that podium “A 0-0 would have been Barca’s record reflects the League winner. No more words numerous Bahrain national team 2015 World Championship was at the 2018 Pan American an unfair result. We played strength of the squad, which about this.” players – which Pascual high- runners-up Danijel Saric and Club Championship; for Füchse, very well but we can still boasts multiple world-class Debutants Al-Najma will lighted as their main strength. Rafael Capote. it was the 2017/18 EHF Cup. With improve a lot. In football you players in each position. The certainly face a tough task when Local challenge at the cham- In the other quarter-final their title at the Pan American only need time and hard team on the bench is no weaker they take the court on Tuesday. pionship will be carried by Al line up, the injury-struck Cham- Championship, Taubate earned work; magicians do not exist.” than the starting line-up, and The Bahrain squad have risen Sadd, who face Oceania cham- pions League title holders their continent’s place at the It was Italy’s first compet- several medal-winning national sharply in recent years, winning pions Sydney University Montpellier HB enter the IHF Super Globe, while Füchse Berlin itive victory in more than a squads from recent years (Spain, two of their three medals in the Handball Club is now a tradi- Super Globe in dire need of a were the wild card recipients year, since beating Albania France, Denmark, Slovenia and Asian Club League Champi- tional Super Globe clash. confidence boost. After winning thanks to their international club 1-0 in World Cup qualifying Poland) are represented in Barca onship since 2015. The teams have faced each their second Champions League trophy won this spring. last October. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27 It’s great to have a guy who is so fearless. CRICKET YOUTH OLYMPICS He is not reckless, he is very confident Indian captain about his game. He’s a rare talent. I don’t Virat Kohli Pakistan vs Australia Youth Olympic Games in think any of us were even 10 percent of on Pritvi Shaw 2nd Test in Abu Dhabi Buenos Aires, Argentina what he is when we were 18, 19. ACTION TODAY’S

South Africa’s ICC charges Jayasuriya in anti-corruption probe WC plans AFP ICC said in a statement yesterday. The other count included curator Jayananda Warnaweera take shape Jayasuriya, 49, was reportedly “obstructing or delaying any investi- banned for three years after he failed DUBAI: Dashing former Sri Lankan asked to cooperate with an inquiry gation that may be carried out by the to cooperate with the ACU. AFP batsman and ex-chief selector Sanath from ACU chief Alex Marshall who ACU, including concealing, tampering ACU head Marshall last month Jayasuriya has been charged for not visited Sri Lanka last month. with or destroying any documentation said: “The ACU works to uphold JOHANNESBURG: South cooperating with a match-fixing “The charges include failure or or other information that may be rel- integrity in cricket and this includes Africa’s time for experimen- probe and concealing information, the refusal, without compelling justifi- evant to that investigation and/or that conducting investigations where tation ahead of the 2019 International Cricket Council said cation, to cooperate with any inves- may be evidence or may lead to the there are reasonable grounds to do Cricket World Cup is coming yesterday. tigation carried out by the ACU, discovery of evidence of corrupt so. to an end, according to coach “The International Cricket including failure to provide accu- conduct under the Anti-Corruption Jayasuriya played 110 Tests, 445 Ottis Gibson. Council (ICC) has charged Jayasuriya rately and completely any infor- Code”. one-day internationals and 31 Speaking after rain on two counts of breaching the ICC mation and/or documentation The ICC’s ACU is acting further Twenty20s for Sri Lanka and was washed out his team’s final Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) and have requested by the ACU as part of on their previous investigation which also a former captain during his illus- Twenty20 international Sri Lankan legend given him 14 days to respond,” the such investigation,” the ICC said. in January 2016 saw Galle stadium trious career between 1989-2011. against Zimbabwe in Benoni Sanath Jayasuriya on Sunday, Gibson said a short limited overs tour of Australia, starting later this month, would be a crucial part of the build-up to next year’s World Zazai hits six Cup in England. Paine eyes Australia’s first “We want to go there with sixes in an over an attitude of trying to win,” said Gibson. “The squad that on his way to we pick will reflect that and reflect our feeling on the record 50 series win in Asia since 2011 formula and the way we want to play cricket.” AFP AFP TEAMS (FROM) They also left out fast bowler South Africa were seldom Wahab Riaz, who went wick- under pressure in three AUSTRALIA: ABU DHABI: Australian skipper etless in the first Test, and will limited overs and two Tim Paine (capt), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, SHARJAH: Hazratullah Tim Paine vowed his team pick one from uncapped pacer Twenty20 internationals Zazai smashed a blistering would do its utmost to win the Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Mir Hamza or leg-spinner against Zimbabwe but tried to half-century off just 12 second Test against Pakistan Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Shadab Khan. play the kind of positive balls in the Afghan Premier starting in Abu Dhabi from today Matthew Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc Pakistan’s only series loss in cricket that will be needed for League on Sunday to equal for a first series win in Asia since PAKISTAN: United Arab Emirates -- their more demanding encounters. the all-time T20 record 2011. Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar neutral venue since attacks on “There is a lot being said held by his “idol” Chris The trying conditions of the Zaman, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail,Yasir Shah, the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009 about being positive. The key Gayle and Yuvraj Singh. pitches and hot weather have Shadab Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza forced them to play here -- was is having the will to stick with The 20-year-old stopped Australia from winning last year. it even when things get tough,” batsman blasted left-arm a series since they beat Sri Lanka good chance of winning it. conditions. We know what we They lost to Sri Lanka 2-0, said Gibson. spinner Abdullah Mazari for 1-0 in 2011. “We are reasonably con- are up against and we know they their first series loss in 10 attempts. The Barbados-born coach six sixes in one over on his Since then they have lost 4-0 fident. After the last few days we are an excellent team and even But Pakistan captain Sarfraz said leading batsman Hashim way to tying the mark for in India (2013), 2-0 in United got a little bit of relief and a little better in these conditions.” Ahmed dispelled any fear of Amla would miss the tour of the fastest half-century in Arab Emirates to Pakistan (2014), bit of mileage, so we know if we Pakistan have been forced losing. Australia because of a finger T20 cricket. 3-0 in Sri Lanka (2016), 2-1 in play our best cricket we have got into making two changes after “There is nothing like that injury but indicated that Gayle got a close-up India (2017) and drew 1-1 in a chance to win this Test match. opener Imam-ul-Haq fractured (fear) and you would see that with veteran bowlers Dale Steyn look at Zazai’s big-hitting Bangladeshh last yearyear.. “WeWe are coming into this his finger iinn the way we played the first Test.Test. and Imran Tahir would make as the West Indian star was But Paine’sine’s ssideide snatchedsnatched a TestTest withwith a bitbit mmoreore mmomentumomentum Dubai.Dubai. HeHe ThroughoutThroughout we playedplayed goodgood the trip, adding to the strike in the opposing Balkh morale-boostingoosting draw on the andand guysguys know what to expect will be cricketcricket butbut unfortunatelyunfortunately we power of fast bowlers Kagiso Legends team. fifth and finalnal dadayy in the first Test a bit more in these conditions,” replacedreplaced couldn’t ggetet across the line,” Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. “It was a surreal in Dubai,, the skipper and said Paine, who announced by Fakhar AhmedAhmed said.said. “I know what Rabada and moment for me to perform number 100 NaNathan atthan a LLyonyo n seeingse seeeing g pacemanpapacecema an Mitchell MMi tche ell StaStarcStarc c wwillill pplplayay ZamanZaaaman fofor or “The“Thee t teateameam momorale ora ale e isi s high,hi ggh, Ngidi can do but for me the real in front of my idol,” said out the finalnal 1212.2.2 ooversvers aafterfter inin AAbubu DhDhabi.abi. hishis firfirstst TTest.est. batsmenbatsmen havehave scoredscored runs andand excitement was watching Dale Zazai. being set a dauntingdaunting targettarget of 462 ThatThat iiss hihintnt enouenoughgh ththatat AAus-us- bowlersbowlers havehave alsoalso takentaken wicketswickets Steyn bowling in the second “I was trying to play runs. traliattralliia arearee likelylikely to keepkeep thethe samesame so wwee araree veveryryy mmuchuch hohopefulpep ful game in Bloemfontein,” he my natural game and “We wantant toto wiwinin eveveryery seserieseries startingstarting XXI.II. ofo performingpep rformingg wwellell said. wasn’t thinking of out- we are involvedvolved inin,”,”, PPaineaiine ssaidaiid PainePaP ine admittedaddmiitttedd PakistanPakkiisttan to wwinin tthehe “It was fantastic to see him shining anybody.” Monday. “WeWe araree fofocusingcuusiingng oonn werewew re a “very“very goodgood team”.teamm”. series.”series.” back to that level again, Left-hander Zazai, who what we doo aandndn iiff wee ccanan ddoo wewellll “They“TThey havehavee somesome gogoododod bowling quickly with that skill has played for Afghanistan for five ddaysayys thenthhen wwee batters,batters, particu-para ttiicuu- and accuracy. There are a lot in both one-day and T20 have a reallylly larlylaarly inn thesetheh see of guys we have in our thoughts internationals, was even- who will be in the squad to tually out for a 17-ball 62 Australia,” said Gibson. “For the as his team Kabul Zwanan last 12 months we have been fell 21 runs short of a target looking at players. In the next of 245 against Balkh. couple of months, the players “It’s a very proud have been told that the window moment for me,” said is closing all the time.” Zazai. After three one-day inter- “It’s a very enjoyable nationals in Australia, South moment for me that my Africa will have five-match name is now linked to so home series against Pakistan many big names of the and Sri Lanka. game, the real legends.” “In those series we want His record-equalling to be focusing on a core of 17 innings came just five days to 18 players we will be after he scored 124 against looking at,” he said. Nangarhar Leopards in the South Africa’s squad for same competition. Australian skipper Tim Paine Australia will be announced on Thursday. India ready to unleash ‘fearless’ Pant, Shaw on Aussies

AFP Rishabh was really fearless. I am Rishabh Prithvi two one-day internationals Kohli said: “It’s great to have really happy that these guys Pant Shaw against the West Indies. a guy who is so fearless. He is HYDERABAD: “Fearless” young have grabbed their chances.” But it is Shaw who has stood not reckless, he is very confident batting stars Prithvi Shaw and Shaw became the youngest out, with some pundits com- about his game. He’s a rare Rishabh Pant will be India’s Indian batsman to score a paring him to the great Sachin talent. I don’t think any of us special weapons during their century on his Test debut, Tendulkar. He scored 237 runs were even 10 percent of what upcoming tour of Australia, smashing 134 in the first Test in three innings against the West he is when we were 18, 19.” according to captain Virat Kohli. against the West Indies in Indies to get the Man of the India will play five ODIs and Hailing the roles of 18-year- Rajkot. Series award. three Twenty20 internationals old Shaw and 21-year-old Pant He followed it up with a India coach Ravi Shastri against the West Indies before in the two-Test victory over the quickfire 70 in the first innings compared Shaw to Tendulkar starting a tour of Australia in West Indies, Kohli said they had of the second Test in Hyderabad. and the destructive Virender November. been given free rein to play their Left-hander Pant, who hit a Sehwag and Brian Lara. After series defeats in South natural games. century during this year’s Test get in future, but in Test cricket, have taken their chance so The diminutive right-hander Africa and England this year, “We were looking at them tour of England, followed up the first and the most important well.” aggressively attacked the West India will take on Australia in playing with a lot of freedom, with scores of 92 in both the first thing is confidence and under- Pant, who shows an auda- Indies bowlers and showed three ODIs, four Tests and three which they did,” Kohli said after and second Tests against the standing that you can score runs cious range of strokes as a quick reflexes while fielding at T20 matches in what is being India’s three-day, 10-wicket win West Indies. at the Test level,” said Kohli. middle-order batsman, has been forward short-leg -- a dan- seen as a critical examination of on Sunday. “I know the conditions were “From that point of view, rewarded for his Test perform- gerous position close to the their position as the world’s top “Prithvi was outstanding, not as challenging as they might (I’m) very happy that these guys ances with a call-up for the first batsman. Test side.