FORMULA 1 | Page 3 BASKETBALL | Page 5 Leclerc on pole Giannis in Monza aft er unable to save shambolic Greece against qualifying ‘mess’ US in World Cup

Sunday, September 8, 2019 FOOTBALL Muharram 9, 1441 AH African great GULF TIMES Eto’o hangs up his boots SPORT Page 2 RACING FOOTBALL Sheikh Mohamed’s Min’ha scores fi rst Group win A Correspondent Kane nets Toulouse, France

red and owned by His High- ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, Min’ha hat-trick won her first Group race, whenB she topped the French Arabian Breeders’ Cup Challenge – Pouliches (Group 2 PA) in Toulouse, France, on Friday. as England The three-year-old filly, who is trained by Francois Rohaut, jumped well from an inside draw although ran keen in the early stages. She then settled in behind the leaders on the romp past rail, relaxing well before they began to accelerate coming out of the fi- nal turn. Despite showing some im- maturity when under pressure, she went clear to win the 2,000m race for Bulgaria three-year-old fillies by three quar- ters of a length. She was ridden here Francois-Xavier Bertras (left) rides Min’ha to victory in the French Arabian Breeders’ Cup Challenge – Pouliches (Group 2 PA) by Francois-Xavier Bertras, who had in Toulouse, France, on Friday. (Robert Polin) also ridden her in her previous start when she broke her maiden at Dax on runner-up under Jerome Cabre. Sal- under Fayos Martin Borja. ing the daughter of Margouia, who just the third time of asking. ma Nour Grine, owned by Mohamed Min’ha is by No Risk Al Maury and is notably the dam of the champion Al Shaqab Racing-owned Meethag, Karimine and trained by Mme JF is out of one of Al Shahania Stud’s Assy, winner of the His Highness The trained by Thomas Fourcy, was the Bernard, was a further length behind most successful female families, be- Amir Sword (G1 PA).

TENNIS/ US OPEN ‘It means a lot to be Nadal to battle back where I am today after some tough Medvedev for moments at the beginning of the 19th Slam title season’ England’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their fourth goal to complete his AFP hat-trick against Bulgaria yesterday. New York Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory Reuters ing only twice, and despite starting over Matteo Berrettini of Italy in New York London reasonably solidly and having the afael Nadal will play for his yesterday. game’s fi rst chance through natural- 19th Grand Slam title, one shy ised Brazilian Wanderson, they were of Roger Federer’s all-time ngland’s serene progress the architects of their own downfall. men’s record, after battling towards Euro 2020 contin- The expected home onslaught had pastR Italy’s Matteo Berrettini on Friday ued as captain Harry Kane failed to materialise in the opening and into his fi fth US Open fi nal. grabbed a hat-trick in a 4-0 quarter but England were gifted the The 33-year-old Spaniard dis- demolitionE of Bulgaria in Group A at lead. patched Berrettini 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-1 Wembley yesterday. Southgate would have been con- at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach to- Kane opened the scoring after 24 cerned by some slackness in his day’s showdown against Russian fi fth minutes and struck home two penal- defence and Galin Ivanov wasted a seed Daniil Medvedev, who ousted ties after the break as well as provid- great chance to head his side level Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7/5), ing the assist for Raheem Sterling to when he was picked out by Ivelin 6-4, 6-3. get on the scoresheet. Popov’s cross. “Very happy to be back into the fi nal The Tottenham Hotspur striker’s Shortly after the break Wanderson of the US Open,” Nadal said. “It means second hat-trick for his country took was played in and his fi erce eff ort a lot to be back where I am today after his tally to 25 goals from 40 appear- from a tight angle was saved by Jor- some tough moments at the beginning ances and put him ahead of 1966 dan Pickford. of the season.” World Cup fi nal hero Geoff Hurst on Stung, England immediately Nadal, who shook off an early sea- the list of all-time England scorers. counter-attacked and Marcus Rash- son right hip injury to win a 12th Gareth Southgate’s side have now ford was sent clear and as he turned French Open title, seeks his fourth US scored 14 goals in their opening back inside in the area he was tripped Open crown — one shy of the Open- three Group A games and lead the by the sliding Nikolay Bodurov. era record of fi ve shared by Federer, table with nine points from Kosovo Kane dispatched the penalty with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors — to (8) who beat the Czech Republic 2-1 ease and six minutes later he teed up reach the brink of Federer’s mark. earlier on. Sterling to score off his thigh from “It’s just another chance on Sun- England host Kosovo for the fi rst close range. day,” Nadal said. “I want to enjoy a day time on Tuesday when another vic- With the points in the bag Eng- off , have a good practice and Sunday is USA, I didn’t know it was going to be hit a forehand long to hand Nadal the fl ashing an obscene gesture and taunts tory will leave them looking virtually land sent on Chelsea youngster Ma- the day to play my best.” this good. So I have to say I love USA.” set. saying he thrived on their jeers for en- assured of reaching next year’s tour- son Mount for his debut while Jadon Nadal, into his 27th Grand Slam fi - Medvedev is the fi rst Russian in a “I was lucky to win that fi rst set,” ergy to win. He later apologised. nament that culminates on home Sancho also got some game time as nal, beat Medvedev in last month’s men’s Grand Slam fi nal since Marat Nadal said. “First set had been a little Medvedev took the fi rst-set tie- soil. he replaced Sterling with 20 minutes Montreal fi nal in their only prior meet- Safi n won the 2005 Australian Open ti- bit frustrating. You don’t want to be in break after Dimitrov netted a forehand It was not a perfect display by left. ing. But the world number two skipped tle and the fi rst Russian to reach the US a tie-breaker against a player like Mat- and sent another long on the last two England with Bulgaria having three Kane was also given a breather but Cincinnati, where Medvedev was Open fi nal since Safi n won the 2000 teo after you have missed all those op- points. good chances, one when the score not before he had earned and con- champion the following week. crown. portunities.” “The confi dence means a lot in this was 0-0, but England proved far too verted his second penalty in the 73rd “He’s one of the more solid play- Nadal has dropped only one set at Nadal, who never faced a break case because I do think he was bet- strong as they left the visitors lan- minute after being hacked down by ers on tour,” Nadal said of Medvedev. the Open but was severely tested by point, took his fi rst break for a 4-3 lead ter player in fi rst set. I do think I was guishing at the bottom of the group Bulgaria substitute Kristian Dim- “He’s making steps forward every sin- 24th seed Berrettini, the fi rst Italian in the second set, held twice to take the kind of lucky to win it,” Medvedev said. with two points from fi ve games. itrov. gle week. man in the US Open semi-fi nals since set, then rolled to victory in two hours, “Then the momentum changed com- “First half, we got caught on the Kosovo have emerged as the un- “I need to be playing at my best.” Corrado Barazzutti in 1977. 35 minutes. pletely. I was playing better than him in counter a couple of times. We said at likely closest challengers to England Medvedev, in his fi rst Grand Slam fi - Berrettini denied Nadal on six break “I survived at the moment and fi - the next two sets. We had some amaz- halftime we needed to try and come in the group and will arrive at Wem- nal at 23, has gone 20-2 in the past six points in the fi rst set, jumped ahead nally I had the break in the second set ing level.” out and get an early goal and that’s bley in good heart after goals from weeks with runner-up eff orts in Wash- 4-0 in the tie-break and seized two set and the match changed,” Nadal said. Dimitrov netted a backhand to sur- what we’ve done,” Kane said. Vedat Muriqi and Mergim Vojvoda ington and Canada, a title in Cincin- points at 6-4 as the Ashe crowd roared “I played calm more and super aggres- render a break and the second set in “It’s a good result we hope to take secured their victory over the Czechs nati and a breakthrough US Open run. with delight. sive.” the 10th game. Medvedev broke for a into Tuesday.” in the day’s other Group A game. “I’m just happy to be in the fi nal,” But the Italian netted two backhand US Open fans gave solid applause to 3-1 lead in the third set and held to the Bulgaria had never beaten Eng- Patrik Schick had put the Czechs Medvedev said. “When I was going to volleys, a baseline backhand and then Medvedev after earlier-round boos for fi nish. land in 10 previous encounters, scor- ahead. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, September 8, 2019 FOOTBALL

FRIENDLY SPOTLIGHT Neymar snags Brazil equaliser against Colombia

in the 20th minute. Brazil almost pulled level sev- African AFP Miami Colombia were lacking top en minutes into the second half stars James Rodriguez and Rad- but Philippe Coutinho’s attempt amel Falcao, but thanks to Luis went wide. Coutinho was key eymar didn’t dis- Muriel’s brace they gave Copa to Brazil’s 58th-minute equal- appoint in his much America champions Brazil a izer, fi nding Dani Alvez from the great Eto’o anticipated return fright before Neymar rode to the halfway line. Alvez’s cross found on Friday, grabbing a rescue and Tite’s men extended Neymar, who was in the right Nsecond-half equaliser for Brazil their unbeaten run. place to slot a side-footed shot in a 2-2 friendly draw with Co- Although Neymar made a into an empty net. lombia. quiet start, it was his cross from The draw extended Brazil’s hangs up The Paris Saint-Germain a corner that found a soaring unbeaten run to 17 matches, a star was playing for the fi rst Casemiro, who nodded past streak that dates back to their time for club or country since helpless Colombian keeper Dav- 2018 World Cup elimination by suff ering an ankle injury in a id Ospina to open the scoring. Belgium. friendly against Qatar in June, The lead didn’t last long as Neymar notched his 61st in- his boots which ruled him out of the Copa Luis Muriel converted from the ternational goal, put him one America. spot in the 25th after taking a behind Ronaldo, who sits second He had been embroiled in a high kick from Alex Sandro. on Brazil’s all-time list headed long-running transfer saga that Less than 10 minutes later by Pele’s 77. ended this week with the Brazil- Muriel fi red Colombia ahead Both countries will be back ian staying at PSG — a return to 2-1. Roger Martinez launched in action on Wednesday, with Barcelona fi nally ruled out. the counter-attack and Duvan Brazil hosting Peru in a Copa Before a sell-out crowd of Zapata played a ball out wide to America fi nal rematch in Los 65,232 at Hard Rock Stadium, phins, Neymar delivered for the 58th after setting up Casem- Muriel, who blasted past Eder- Angeles and Colombia taking on home of the NFL’s Miami Dol- Brazil, scoring the equalizer in iro for the game’s opening goal son. Venezuela in Tampa, Florida.

EURO 2020 QUALIFIER Dutch delight as ‘tired’ Germany In this file photo taken on August 14, 2018 Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o attends his presentation after signing a one year contract to play for Qatar Sports Club.

AFP ly successful seasons with Barce- Paris lona from 2004-2009. Despite an unfortunate knack fall 4-2 in qualifi er for ruffl ing feathers, a return of ameroon’s four-time 108 league goals from just 145 A goal down for much of the game, the Dutch fought back in an explosive second African Player of the matches in fi ve stunning seasons Year Samuel Eto’o an- with Barcelona pays testament to half, as they renewed their rivalry in their fourth meeting in the 11 months nounced his retirement his talent. Cyesterday at the age of 38, de- At his peak he enjoyed electric AFP claring “I need a rest”. pace, impeccable touch and in- Hamburg “The end, towards a new chal- stinctive shooting to make him lenge,” the former Barcelona, one of the most feared centre- Inter Milan and Chelsea striker forwards in the world. ermany coach Joachim posted on Instagram. He won a pair of Champions Loew said his team “Thank you all, big love, adren- League titles and three La Liga played below their best alin.” crowns before departing under a after goals from Frenk- “In a few months you’ll see cloud for Inter Milan after row- Gie de Jong and Georginio Wijnal- me doing something new,” Eto’o, ing with Ronaldinho leading to dum saw the Netherlands infl ict who has campaigned relentlessly Pep Guardiola showing him the a 4-2 defeat on their old rivals in against racism during his playing dressing room door. Hamburg yesterday. days, later said on the margins of He then spearheaded Jose A goal down for much of the an economic forum in DR Congo. Mourinho’s charge to a never to game, the Dutch fought back in “I need a rest, I’ve been run- be forgotten treble with Inter of an explosive second half, as the ning for 19-years,” he added Champions League, Serie A and two neighbours renewed their light-heartedly in Kinshasa. Coppa Italia titles in his fi rst sea- rivalry again in their fourth He stands alongside Liberia’s son in Italy. He led Cameroon to meeting in the last 11 months. current president George Weah an impressive four World Cups “We are disappointed with and Ivory Coast’s Didier Drog- in 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 and the result but the Netherlands ba as a great of African sport, enjoyed huge success at the Africa were the better side,” said Loew. and cuts a mythical fi gure in his Cup of Nations as the Indomita- “We played below our tech- homeland where he is close to na- ble Lions won in 2000 and 2002. nical level and lost possession a tional president Paul Biya. He was part of a golden genera- lot. That allowed them to apply He is slated for a major role tion that featured Rigobert Song, pressure.” in the Confederation of African the late Marc-Vivien Foe and Dutch coach Ronald Koeman Football where he has vowed to Geremi as Cameroon also won the said the Germans had looked fi ght corruption to ensure funds gold medal at the Sydney Olym- “tired”, and had only taken the go into infrastructure. pics in 2000, with the emerging lead because his side had made CAF president Ahmed Ahmed Eto’o both scoring and convert- errors. said Eto’o would take up a key role ing a penalty in the shoot-out win Koeman’s side came into the in the African game. over Spain in front of a blockbust- game under pressure. Three “Samual Eto’o will take charge er 114,000 crowd. points from their opening two of relations between the federa- His pace left him as his career games meant that defeat would Netherlands’ Midfielder Frenkie De Jong (2nd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Germany during their UEFA Euro 2020 tions and CAF,” the Madagascan slowed down with low stints at see them slip nine points adrift Group C qualifying game in Hamburg. said last month. Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala, of the automatic qualifi cation The most memorable period of Chelsea and Everton in the Pre- spots in Group C. of the game, gave his side the The game opened up as Ger- from point-blank range. the resulting penalty to level the his club career includes fi ve huge- mier League. Germany, by contrast, were in lead with a poacher’s fi nish on many probed for a second just Minutes later, the Dutch were scores, but Koeman’s side were good spirits. A 3-2 win over the nine minutes. after the break, but it was the ahead, after some penalty-box irresistible in attack. Dutch in Amsterdam last March The Bayern Munich winger Dutch who took advantage, pinball at a corner ended with Pouncing on a mistake from FOCUS had dispelled the last of their pounced on the rebound af- gratefully exploiting the new- Jonathan Tah bundling the ball Matthias Ginter, they carved World Cup blues, and Joachim ter Jasper Cillessen beat away found gaps in the hosts’ back into his own net. through Germany in the 79th Loew’s new-look young side a close-range shot from Lukas line. Briefl y stunned, the Germans minute, and Donyell Malen slot- arrived in Hamburg brimming Klostermann. De Jong grabbed the equaliser were given a lifeline when a ted home at the end of a sump- Record crowd watch with confi dence. The goal, Gnabry’s fi fth in six just before the hour mark, pick- disoriented De Ligt accidentally tuous move. Serge Gnabry, a key player in games for Germany, remained ing up a Ryan Babel cross and brought down a high ball with Wijnaldum and Depay linked the team’s revival whom Loew the only highlight in a cagey fi rst dancing away from Nico Schulz his outstretched hand in the box. up on the counter-attack to add City women win had declared undroppable ahead half. before wrongfooting Neuer Toni Kroos smashed home a fourth in inury-time. Manchester derby BOTTOMLINE Reuters at the Etihad and the support we Manchester have had is unbelievable. It was a huge game for us to kick-off the season, so we are obviously de- spectacular 25-yard lighted to get the win,” Weir told strike by Caroline Weir BT Sport. Bale late show rescues Wales gave Manchester City a “We are delighted with the re- AFP cical own goal in the fi rst half, ten enjoyed in Madrid during his the right wing and crossing to- hour mark. 1-0 win over Manches- sult, it was a really tough game, Wales had surrendered a sloppy turbulent spell with Real.Hav- wards Tom Lawrence, who vol- After opening their campaign terA United in front of a record at- Manchester United played really Cardiff , United Kingdom equaliser to Mahir Emreli after ing survived Real manager Zin- leyed wide at the near post. with a disastrous 3-0 defeat in tendance for a Women’s Super well especially in the fi rst-half.” the interval. edine Zidane’s latest attempts to Meanwhile, Scotland’s hopes Kazakhstan that ultimately cost League game of 31,213 at the Eti- Women’s football has seen a areth Bale sparred Already in trouble in Group E freeze him out after a proposed of automatic qualifi cation for Alex McLeish his job, Scotland had Stadium yesterday. surge of interest in England since Wales’ blushes as after successive defeats to Hun- move to China collapsed, the next year’s European champi- are playing catch up and needed Weir capitalised on a mistake this year’s World Cup in France the Real Madrid star gary and Croatia, Wales were 30-year-old has battled back onships suff ered a huge blow as a win to maintain realistic ambi- by United captain Katie Zelem as and Saturday’s game was only headed a late winner saved by their captain as Bale into the Madrid line-up. Russia came from behind to win tions of fi nishing in the top two City emerged victorious on the the second City have played at Gto clinch their vital 2-1 victory headed home from close range. Bale, who scored his fi rst goals 2-1 at Hampden on Friday. positions of Group I. opening day of the season in the the stadium where the men’s against Azerbaijan in Friday’s Wales now sit third in the since March 16 in the weekend John McGinn’s early opener Belgium, who visit Hampden fi rst professional meeting be- team play. Euro 2020 qualifi er. group, three points behind draw at Villarreal, this week dis- was just reward for Scotland’s on Monday, lead the group on 15 tween the two neighbours. The previous record attend- With just six minutes left at Hungry and Croatia after four missed the suggestion that it has bright start, but Artem Dzyuba’s points with Russia just three be- “I just remember getting the ance for a WSL game was 5,265 the Cardiff City Stadium, Ryan matches. been the worst time of his ca- equaliser fi ve minutes before hind in second place, six ahead ball on the edge of the box and for Arsenal’s title-winning clash Giggs’ side were on the brink Bale’s crucial contribution reered and insisted the problems half-time sapped the hosts’ en- of the Scots who sit fourth be- having a shot, luckily enough it at Brighton & Hove Albion’s of an embarrassing draw that was another welcome boost for have only made him stronger. ergy and belief. hind Kazakhstan. went in,” said Weir. Amex Stadium in April. would have severely damaged the former Tottenham forward in Bale was out-of-sorts in Russia controlled the second Scotland will now likely have United, who were the better Saturday’s record is expected their hopes of reaching next what could be a season of vindi- Wales’ summer qualifying de- period and could have won by to come through a playoff next side in the fi rst half, hit the post to be broken on Sunday when year’s European Champion- cation. As his country’s all-time feats, but — handed the captain’s more than a solitary goal when March, earned by winning their late on via an attempted clear- free tickets should ensure a near- ships. leading goalscorer, Bale is always armband in the absence of Ash- Stephen O’Donnell turned Ale- group in the Nations League, to ance from Aoife Mannion which capacity 41,000 crowd to watch Despite taking the lead guaranteed a warm welcome in ley Williams — he was quickly ksandr Golovin’s dangerous reach a fi rst major tournament in struck Jackie Groenen. Chelsea play Tottenham Hotspur through Pavlo Pashayev’s far- Wales — a feeling he hasn’t of- into his stride, bursting down cross into his own net on the 24 years. “It was a big occasion for us at Stamford Bridge. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 3 SPORT

GOLF ATHLETICS Ritthammer, MacIntyre on top at European Open Rojas leaps to Hamburg: Home favourite hold his advantage in a fi nely to being ahead on the European things didn’t go my way today. I birdies yesterday. Bernd Ritthammer carded fi ve poised battle at the Green Eagle Tour,” said Ritthammer. am going to fi ght until the end,” “I still feel rubbish from the second-longest birdies yesterday to catch over- Golf Course. As the young Scot “It would mean the world said MacIntyre. neck-up,” admitted the English- night leader Robert MacIntyre notched up three bogeys, Ger- to me to win tomorrow, and it The two men are now level at man with regard to his health. at the top of the leaderboard and many’s Ritthammer, ranked just would change my situation,” he the top of the standings ahead of He in turn is just one shot triple jump in history set up a nailbiting fi nal day at the 924th in the world and fi ghting added. Scottish youngster Mac- the fi nal day today. ahead of both Austria’s Mat- European Open in Hamburg. for his European Tour card for Intyre said he was pleased with Casey, who has been strug- thias Schwab and Spain’s Pablo Rookie MacIntyre, 23, had next season, reeled him in with a the fi ght he had shown on a dif- gling with illness in the last few Larrazabal, who was one of the taken a four-shot lead to grab two-under-par 70 yesterday. fi cult day. days, remains a shot behind the standout performers of the third the lead from Englishman Paul “It was defi nitely quite an ex- “Obviously I was hoping for leaders after recovering a little round with seven birdies and a Casey on Friday but could not perience for me. I am not used another round under par but with a three-under 69 and fi ve four-under 68.

FORMULA 1 Leclerc on pole

AFP pionships having been pushed Madrid/Brussels back because of heat fears, this year is the fi rst in which the Diamond League has concluded eigning world champion ahead of a major global champi- Yulimar Rojas soared onships. aft er shambolic to the second longest Winners claimed $50,000, a triple jump of all-time Diamond trophy and a wild card byR managing 15.41 metres at the entry for the Doha worlds. Im- Andujar athletics meeting yes- portantly, the fi nals were loaded terday. as athletes saw them as an ideal The Venezuelan was just nine opportunity to fi re out a warning centimetres short of the long- shot or two ahead of Doha. standing women’s world record Britain’s European champion qualifying ‘mess’ of 15.50m set by Ukrainian Inessa Dina Asher-Smith did just that Kravets in Gothenburg in 1995. in the women’s 100m, clocking a Her eff ort is also the South season’s best of 10.88sec to edge ‘I am happy with pole, but disappointed at the end’ American record and 30cm long- out former world and Olympic er than her previous personal champion Shelly-Ann Fraser- AFP best of 15.11m set at the Pan- Pryce of Jamaica. Monza, Italy American Games in Lima last “Don’t call me favourite for month, when she won gold. the worlds,” said Asher-Smith. Rojas’ rivals, including Co- “Tonight was like Brit- harles Leclerc secured pole for lombian star Caterine Ibarguen, ish weather and I just took my Ferrari in the Italian Grand Prix will now be aware of the scale of chance.” Elsewhere, Ethiopian in shambolic circumstances the task facing them in the world Getnet Wale upset Moroccan yesterday when only two cars championships in Doha which Soufiane El Bakkali to win the Cparticipated in the fi nal qualifying show- start later this month. 3000m steeplechase, while down laps. It was also a strong come- Ethiopian-born Dutch run- An unprecedented ‘cat-and-mouse’ back for the 23-year-old after ner Sifan Hassan snatched the procession as the teams crawled round her shock loss in the Diamond women’s 5000m trophy, Ken- the circuit, backing each other up to League last week in Zurich when ya’s world champion Hellen claim good slipstreaming positions, re- she fi nished second to Jamaican Obiri in fourth. sulted in a farce that saw eight cars timed Shanieka Ricketts. Obiri’s teammate Timothy out by the chequered fl ag. Meanwhile, in the Brussels Cheruiyot produced another “A big mess,” said Leclerc, who took diamond League, Michael Nor- dominant display to win the pole ahead of defending fi ve-time cham- man claimed a degree of revenge men’s 1500m in 3:30.22 for a pion Lewis Hamilton. over compatriot Fred Kerley, who third consecutive Diamond tro- The Monegasque and Carlos Sainz of beat him to the US title in Des phy, and one week after compa- McLaren were the only drivers to pro- Moines, winning the 400m in triot Donavan Brazier won the duce fi nal qualifying runs after clocking 44.26sec. Kerley came in second men’s event in Zurich, American lap-times on their fi rst runs in Q3. at 0.20sec. Ajee Wilson racked up a gun- The stewards immediately declared Norman’s 43.45sec in April to-tape victory in the women’s that the shambolic failure at the end of made him the joint fourth fast- 800m in 2:00.24. the session was under investigation, the est over the one-lap race: only Christian Taylor matched teams having failed to deliver a contest South Africa’s injured reign- French pole vaulter Renaud for the paying public. ing Olympic and double world Lavillenie’s record tally of seven “Today, to see so many people here champion Wayde van Niekerk Diamond trophies when he went feels amazing,” said a happy Leclerc, who and the retired American duo out to 17.85m to beat long-time claimed his maiden victory at last week’s of Michael Johnson and Butch rival Will Claye in the triple tragic Belgian Grand Prix where he dedi- Reynolds have gone faster, with jump. cated his win to the memory of his late Jeremy Wariner having matched Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic and friend Anthoine Hubert, who was killed his time. Colombia’s Caterine Ibarguen in the previous day’s F2 race. Norman plumped for a wider both missed their chance to “I am happy with pole, but disap- lane, in his case fi ve, to make the match Taylor, the former fi nish- pointed at the end. most of the racer-friendly bend, ing second to Cuban Yaime Perez “Honestly, I have to be grateful we’re and in fresh conditions held his in the shot put while the latter on the front row to have a fi ght with the nerve with Kerley hitting the fi - fi nished eighth in a long jump Ferraris,” said Hamilton. Pole position winner Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (L) celebrates with South African former racing driver Jody nal 80 metres in front. competition won comfortably by “It’s a bit of an anti-climax, but we Scheckter after the qualifying session at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza yesterday. With the IAAF World Cham- Germany’s Malaika Mihambo. just timed out.” Valtteri Bottas qualifi ed third in the zionale. top in Q2 before Leclerc took over with a Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) second Mercedes ahead of Sebastian Vet- As expected, the top teams made a lap in 1:19.553, just a tenth faster than the 2nd row: Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) tel in the second Ferrari, the two Renaults cautious start as they looked for enough champion and Vettel, before Hamilton Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) Mass crash hands Ireland’s of Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg room to launch a tag-team slipstream- went top in 1:19.464. 3rd row: Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) and Sainz, who was seventh. ing show. When they did, Leclerc soon Hamilton led Bottas out of the Mer- Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) Bennett Vuelta win Red Bull new boy Alex Albon was went top to be passed promptly by both cedes garage ahead of the two Ferraris for 4th row: Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren- eighth ahead of Lance Stroll of Rac- Renaults, led by Hulkenberg. Q3 and then stopped at the pit-lane exit Renault) AFP ing Point and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Leclerc rose again to wild cheering to allow them to pass — a strategic move Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull-Honda) Madrid Romeo, both of whom failed to clock a from the tifosi after a brief red-fl agged that left Vettel as a reluctant leader. 5th row: Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point- time in Q3 when Raikkonen crashed. He suspension when Sergio Perez pulled up Leclerc topped the opening runs ahead Mercedes) Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa was uninjured. Bottas said he and Mer- at Curva Grande. of Hamilton before Raikkonen went off Romeo Racing-Ferrari) reland’s Sam Bennett cedes had been unlucky to be trapped in That cost him a spot in Q2 as he went backwards into the barriers at Parabolica 6th row: Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa launched a sudden attack the bunched traffi c. out along with Romain Grosjean of Haas, to bring a red-fl agged stoppage. Romeo Racing-Ferrari) in the direct aftermath of “The yellow fl ag in the last corner the two Williams men George Russell and This left Bottas as one of four men Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) Ia mass fall on the home meant we probably missed the pole.” Robert Kubica and Verstappen, who suf- without an initial lap time before he was 7th row: Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso- straight yesterday to win stage The Q1 session started in dry condi- fered a power failure. re-instated as third behind Leclerc and Honda) 14 of the Vuelta a Espana at tions and warm late-summer sunshine The Dutchman was set to take penal- Bottas, the top trio separated by 0.047 Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) Oviedo. with a welcome air temperature of 23 de- ties and start at or near the back anyway, before the fi nal crazy showdown sprints. 8th row: Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing Overall Vuelta leader Slov- grees Celsius and the track at 38, a near- but this continued a recent run of set- Point-Mercedes) enia’s Primoz Roglic missed perfect invitation for Ferrari to delight a backs. The Grid George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mer- the crash but was slowed down big red crowd in the old Autodromo Na- Hamilton was out early and soon on 1st row: Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) cedes) by it and remains 2min 25sec in the lead with two monster or made it home,” Bennett said. mountain stages on Sunday “I just kind of found myself BOTTOMLINE and Monday. in a small group after the crash World champion and sec- and bided my time because ond placed Alejandro Valverde they were going too fast.” and third placed Tadej Pogacar “At 300m I went for it be- ‘Critical but stable’ Correa in induced coma aft er crash ended up with cuts and bruises cause I just wanted to get it in the crash in a dramatic cul- over,” Bennett said. Reuters after the accident. statement added. bert was killed in Belgium. mination of what had been ex- In bright sunshine with a Monza “As time has progressed, new Hubert, 22, died after his car The Hobart-born 19-year- pected to be a straight bunch clement 21C (70f) the peloton complications have surfaced as was hit at speed by Correa’s af- old hit a raised ‘sausage’ kerb at sprint. had embarked on the third of a consequence of the massive ter the French driver had gone Parabolica and his Campos Rac- “I knew they’d be going full six fl at stages (out of 21) from merican-Ecuadorian impact he suff ered Saturday in off into the barriers at Spa’s fast ing car was fl ung high into the gas, I was lucky to avoid it,” said Vicente de la Barquera and Formula Two racer Belgium,” Juan Carlos and Maria Raidillon corner. air before fl ipping and landing an exhausted looking Roglic. wound through a series of pic- Juan Manuel Cor- Correa said. He was the fi rst driver fatality upside down on the tyre wall, After winning the fi rst fl at turesque seaside towns and the rea has been placed in “On his arrival to London, at a Formula One race weekend coming to rest against the wire stage in Valencia last week Irish lush rolling countryside of the Aan induced coma after suff ering Juan Manuel was diagnosed since Ayrton Senna and Roland fence. champion Bennett set off after Asturias region. acute respiratory failure follow- with Acute Respiratory Distress Ratzenberger were killed at Im- Peroni walked to the medical Max Richeze of Deceuninck- With the Bay of Biscay and ing a crash in Belgium last week- Syndrome. This is an injury ola in 1994. vehicle unaided. No other driver Quick Step and Tosh Van der the Cantabrian mountains pro- end that killed French driver considered common in high im- Formula Two is one rung be- was involved, with the race fi n- Sande of Lotto Soudal as they viding a spectacular backdrop Anthoine Hubert, his parents pact accidents such as this one.” low F1 and many of the driv- ishing behind the safety car. suddenly found themselves ad- a small breakaway got a slight said yesterday. The family statement said ers are affi liated to grand prix Formula One’s fi nal practice vancing toward the line, with lead and clung on until the out- They added in a statement Correa had fallen into acute res- teams. Britain’s George Russell, session before qualifying was Bennett burning them off with skirt of Oviedo. that the 20-year-old was in a piratory failure and been placed now with Williams, won the F2 delayed while repairs were made ease. A slight narrowing of the ‘critical but stable’ condition in in an “induced state of uncon- title last year after Monegasque to the barriers and the off ending He raised one fi nger in a ten- road appeared to be the cause a London hospital. from a hospital in Belgium on sciousness and under ECMO Charles Leclerc, now at Ferrari, kerb was removed. tative celebration at the line of the crash just as the sprint- Correa suff ered a spinal in- Tuesday. (extracorporeal membrane oxy- in 2017. Formula Three qualifying had and later said he was asking if ers began to jostle for position jury and fractured his legs in Correa, a development driver genation support)”. Meanwhile, Australian For- to be halted on Friday for safety he had won. and a shoulder charge from Saturday’s horrifi c crash during for the Alfa Romeo Formula One “We are confi dent that our mula Three driver Alex Peroni reasons after a queue of cars “Because I wasn’t expecting one rider sent a ripple of panic the support race for the Belgian team and grandson of former son will surprise us like he al- walked away from a huge air- lined up on the back straight to be in the mix I wasn’t con- across the peloton just as it was Formula One Grand Prix at Spa- Ecuadorian president Rodrigo ways does with his tremendous borne crash at the Italian Grand preparing to start their timed centrating and didn’t know if hitting top speed 1km from the Francorchamps. Borja, underwent more than fi ghting will and strength and Prix on Saturday, a week after runs while others approached at the breakaway had been caught line. He was transferred to Britain four hours of surgery in Liege will recover completely,” the French F2 racer Anthoine Hu- speed. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, September 8, 2019 TENNIS

US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Dimitrov seeks solace in morale-boosting Slam chase means US Open run

AFP 405th-ranked Kevin Kim in At- New York lanta in July. It was no third time in lucky in Grand Slam semi-fi nals for Dim- rigor Dimitrov sought itrov, having previously made it more to Nadal than to focus on the posi- to the last four at the Australian tives of an encouraging Open and Wimbledon, as he ran fortnight in New York into a player in the form of his life Gafter his US Open run ended Fri- in Medvedev. day in a semi-fi nal loss to red- “I just didn’t play good enough hot Russian Daniil Medvedev. on those key points, especially I The world number 78 from think the set point in the fi rst set. Bulgaria fell short in his eff ort to I knew what he’s going to do. He winning the most become the lowest-ranked player came up with the goods,” Dim- to reach a Grand Slam fi nal since itrov said. Marat Safi n at the 2004 Austral- “Second set, again, I was not ‘It’s not possible to have a long career if you don’t enjoy what you are doing’ ian Open, losing 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, able to get free points on my 6-3 to fi fth seed Medvedev. serve, or on his for that matter. But Dimitrov, who is projected He used the court pretty well. to climb to 25th next week, re- But for sure I’m critical of my- fused to feel too downbeat after self. I think absolutely I could struggling through most of the have done better on certain oc- past two seasons and battling a casions. Again, I don’t want to shoulder injury earlier this year. go too deep right now on myself.” “It was a good match overall. Medvedev improved his North I think it was just a few points American hardcourt record this here and there. Yeah, three sets summer to 20-2, reaching a to love, but, I mean, the score for fourth fi nal in a row. He won a me doesn’t justify the match it- maiden Masters title in Cincin- self. I think it was a good level,” nati following runner-up fi nish- Dimitrov said. es in Montreal and Washington. “Overall he played really well, No player born in the 1990s fought hard, a lot of the key has won a Grand Slam in the era points he played well. I don’t of “Big Three” dominance but want to be too down on myself. Dimitrov believes the 23-year- Great weeks. First time in semi- old Medvedev has every chance fi nal out here. Just going to take a of ending the drought. lot of the positives, for sure.” “Anything’s possible. You get Twelve months ago, Dimitrov the chance to be in the fi nal, so stood inside the top 10, but a you got to leave everything out slump in form and shoulder pain there. If he keeps going the same precipitated a steep drop that way, plays the same, I think ab- saw the 28-year-old shocked by solutely he’s got a major shot.”

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Matteo Berrettini of Italy in their semi-final match at the US Open.

AFP record 20 Grand Slam titles with doing. I’m going to keep working neighbour have better than you. “What sustains you, I don’t New York Nadal next and top-ranked Ser- hard to try to produce chances. “You have to be happy with know,” he said. “Secret is prob- bian Novak Djokovic closing fast Sunday is one. It’s just one more yourself. You have to do your ably just the passion for what on 16 after winning four of the chance, that’s all. My opponents way. If you are the one to achieve you are doing. It’s not possible past fi ve Slam crowns. are going to keep playing.” more, fantastic. If not, at least I to have a long career if you don’t Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria afael Nadal is more ex- As much as the “Big Three” World number two Nadal sees give my best during all my ca- enjoy what you are doing.” cited about the thrill of are fi ghting for the lead, Fed- it as a simple matter of enjoying reer. That’s all.” It’s the uncertainty of sport, battling for Grand Slam erer at age 38 and Djokovic the what you have achieved and not Nadal won his fi rst Grand where any match could provide trophies than he is wor- youngest at 32, Nadal says the coveting someone else’s accom- Slam at the 2005 French Open exciting thrills or great disap- More doubles history riedR about if he ever holds the chance to be in the fi ght means plishments. and this year captured his 12th pointment. record for Grand Slam titles. more than the fi nal trophy total. “If I able to win the fi nal, OK, career title on the red clay of Ro- “When I arrived here, my goal for Cabal and Farah The 33-year-old Spaniard, “Of course, I would love to will be amazing,” Nadal said. land Garros. was to produce a chance to com- an 18-time major champion, be the one who achieves more “If I lose, I hope to keep hav- Asked what sustains his de- pete for the big thing again. Here Reuters Nicolas Mahut and Edouard defeated Italy’s Matteo Berret- Grand Slams, but I still sleep ing chances in the future to add sire to play after having fought I am,” Nadal said. New York Roger-Vasselin in the Wimbledon tini 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-1 on Friday very well without being the one things. But as I always say and is off numerous knee injuries and “I give myself another final but made quick work of at the US Open to book a fi nal who has more Grand Slams,” true: I would love to be the one to achieved a career Grand Slam, chance... That’s the personal Granollers and Zeballos, taking showdown with Russian fi fth Nadal said. have more, yes, but you cannot Nadal cited his love for the chal- satisfaction. That’s the personal Juan Sebastian Cabal and just 91 minutes under the closed seed Daniil Medvedev. “I am happy about my career. be all day frustrated or all day lenge and the thrill tennis brings happiness. You win, you lose. Robert Farah became the first roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium to Roger Federer has won a I am very happy about what I’m thinking about what does your him. That’s part of all the sport.” Colombians to win the US Open get their hands on the trophy. men’s doubles title on Friday, “The way Colombia received easing past Marcel Granollers us when we came back from and Horacio Zeballos 6-4 7-5 to Wimbledon was really breath- underscore their status as ten- taking, and I don’t even want to Nadal defeat at US Open will teach me: Berrettini nis’s dominant partnership. think about how crazy it is going Just weeks after becoming the be now that we come back from AFP have mean I think a lot. Espe- the footsteps of the only Ital- “I’m learning to be ready. showing prior to the US Open. first Colombians to win a Grand the US Open,” said Farah. “I think New York cially with him it’s tough to go ian men’s Slam winner — Adri- Every match is important. Eve- “Last time I played one of the Slam doubles title with an epic that back-to-back is quite an a set down after an hour, more ano Panatta at the 1976 French ry point is important. This one Big Three it didn’t go like that five-set victory at Wimbledon, achievement. than an hour,” Berrettini said. Open. At 23, Berrettini rode for sure. Then all the matches, well,” he recalled. Cabal and Farah were celebrat- “We are very happy to represent atteo Berrettini “But I was feeling I was play- his powerful serve and blister- you have to be focus and ready “The feelings I had on court ing again after handing the our country the way that we are pledged to learn ing really good, even though ing forehand to become the to get the chances that you’re for sure was unbelievable ex- Spanish/Argentine duo their first doing it.” Playing in their 400th from Friday’s US he had a lot of chances on my youngest US Open men’s semi- making. perience. I didn’t have so many ever defeat. match together, the top-ranked Open semi-fi nal serve. I think I played also good fi nalist since Novak Djokovic in “I think when I have the right chances. I think I learned a lot “Unreal. It’s amazing. What a Colombians had a huge edge in Mdefeat by Rafael Nadal and use important points. 2010. He was appearing in just attitude on the court, I can play from the match in Wimbledon. journey,” said Cabal. “If you tell experience over Granollers and those lessons to help him return “I mean, I was brave, like I his eighth Grand Slam main with any guys. If I’m focusing, “I was more ready. I was feel- us three months ago that this is Zeballos, who were teaming up to the latter stages at future asked to myself. I couldn’t say draw and admitted he is far if I’m playing my tennis, I can ing also that the next time I’m going to happen, I probably will for just their second event. Grand Slam tournaments. anything bad. I cannot com- from the fi nished article. be really dangerous. That’s re- going to play Rafa, I’ll be more not believe you. Down 5-3 in the second set with Italian Berrettini paid a steep plain about what I did. I was “I’m still learning tennis. It’s ally important to have this con- ready because I didn’t ever play “But that’s the way, this life that Granollers and Zeballos serving price for wasting two set points playing with Rafa, center court, really weird. I was coming here fi dence.” him even on practice. we are pretty blessed. to level the match the Colombi- in the fi rst set as 18-time major in semis. I think it’s OK.” with not a lot of confi dence. I Berrettini put up a far better “I didn’t know what expect a “We just put in the work. Every ans broke back, sweeping four champion Nadal roared back to Berrettini, the fi rst Italian was injured. I didn’t play a good fi ght against Nadal than he did lot. I think this match will help day we just believe in work, push straight games to clinch the title claim a 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-1 vic- man in the US Open semi-fi - match in Cincinnati. Didn’t ex- when he lost 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to Rog- me a lot to improve my tennis, every day to be better.” and become just the sixth pairing tory. nals since Corrado Barazzutti pect to do such a great tourna- er Federer in the fourth round at my everything, and for sure be Cabal and Farah needed nearly to complete the Wimbledon/U.S. “Winning the fi rst set would in 1977, was trying to follow ment,” Berrettini said. Wimbledon in July, his best Slam ready for him the next time.” five hours to see off France’s Open double.

BOTTOMLINE Medvedev fi nally glad to prove doubters wrong

AFP ting Medvedev up with an instant “There were many who would “Talk about reactions, they ON-COURT ‘DEMONS’ New York shot at revenge for last month’s say, coaches or something, at were totally diff erent. Some While 18-time Grand Slam Montreal loss to Rafael Nadal. the age of 16 or 14, I could get wanted to just help me get better. champion Nadal fi gures to at- However, his path to fi nal engaged during the match be- Some, as I say, said, ‘OK, who is tract considerable support from aniil Medvedev has en- match in New York has been a cause I thought they clapped on this crazy guy and what is he do- the 24,000 fans at Arthur Ashe joyed silencing those rocky ride — embraced at fi rst by a double-fault or something. ing on the tennis court?’ I’ve im- Stadium in the fi nal, Medvedev who questioned his Medvedev but one he is now keen I would scream at them. They proved big-time. Hopefully I will doesn’t expects the boos to re- fi ery temperament and to forget as he tries to shed his would scream at me,” Medvedev improve even more.” turn. wroteD him off during his teenage image as the wacky villain. recalled of his younger years. The glacial relations with the “I would be surprised, but I years after a sizzling hardcourt Booed by fans after an ob- “Many of these people would Flushing Meadows faithful ap- would have to take the energy season that has left him on the scene gesture in the third round, say, ‘Okay, the guy is completely pears to be thawing, the frosty and go again with this energy. cusp of US Open glory. Medvedev taunted them in re- crazy, he’s never be a good ten- reception that greeted his quar- As I say, I’m not proud of what The Russian secured a place sponse by saying he thrived on their nis player.’ Which is maybe hap- ter-fi nal entrance against Stan I did. I’m working to never do it in his fi rst Grand Slam fi nal Fri- jeers for the energy to win. He later pened to some of the tennis Wawrinka replaced by more gen- again,” said Medvedev, described day with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-3 apologized and admitted it has been players. I’m glad I proved them erous applause ahead of his clash as a misunderstood genius by his Daniil Medvedev of Russia reacts after winning the first set against Grigor defeat of Grigor Dimitrov, set- a long road to clean up his act. wrong. with Dimitrov. coach. Dimitrov of Bulgaria (not pictured) in their semi-final match at the US Open. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL NFL Plan is for Brown Antetokounmpo to play in season opener: Oakland and Greece fall to coach Gruden Reuters tal to the team and miss at least New York, United States the Week 1 game, with $30mn in guaranteed money also on the line should the Raiders opt to take a akland Raiders coach hard-line position in the matter. Jon Gruden announced “I’m excited to be out here Friday that Antonio today,” Brown told reporters on US at World Cup Brown is expected to Friday after being a full practice playO in the team’s season open- participant. “I apologised to my Walker, a leading light for the Americans in China, scored 15 points for the holders er against the Denver Broncos, teammates and the organisation. mere hours after the wide receiv- Enough talk, man. I’m excited to er reportedly issued an apology. be out here with my teammates. Gruden’s comments are the lat- I’m grateful for all the fans. I’m est in a whirlwind saga surround- excited to be a part of the Raiders ing Brown, who approached Raid- and see you guys soon.” ers general manager Mike Mayock NBC Sports.com reported an while he was watching practice to NFL spokesman Friday declined initiate an exchange that led to the comment regarding the situa- men being physically separated on tion and whether Brown’s alleged Wednesday, ESPN and NFL Net- misconduct had triggered possible work reported. scrutiny under the Personal Con- According to ESPN, Brown duct Policy, which prohibits “vio- was fl anked by the team’s cap- lent or threatening behaviour to- tains on Friday morning when he wards another employee or a third opened a team meeting with his party in any workplace setting.” “emotional apology.” There has been plenty of drama “That’s the plan,” Gruden told around Brown since he was ac- reporters of Brown’s expected quired from the Steelers in March participation for the season and signed to a contract extension. opener. Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, “Antonio’s back today. We’re Brown confronted Mayock on really excited about that. Ready Wednesday over being fi ned al- to move on. He’s had a lot of time most $54,000 and called Mayock to think about things. We’re hap- a “cracker” and addressed him py to have him back and I know with a number of “cuss words” Raider Nation is excited about during the altercation. Anderson that too,” Gruden said. reported Mayock began to walk Later Friday, Brown posted a away because he felt the situa- video to his YouTube channel tion would escalate. that appears to contain the au- Brown told ESPN’s Dianna dio of a phone call he had with Russini that he did not call May- Gruden, reportedly earlier this ock a “cracker” during their week while Brown’s status with Wednesday altercation. Brown the team was in fl ux. The video told Russini he would “never use lasts nearly two minutes and in that word.” it, Gruden asks Brown, “What Gruden did not take a side in the hell is going on, man?” the matter Thursday and ap- “Just a villain all over the news, peared truly confl icted despite a man,” Brown replies. pattern of behaviour from Brown “You’re not a villain,” Gru- that would seem to indicate a den then says back. “You’re just, lack of dedication to the Raiders. you’re the most misunderstood Brown’s agent, Drew Rosen- Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (second from left) in action with US’ Kemba Walker (left), Harrison Barnes and Myles Turner (right) during their FIBA World Cup second round (expletive) human being in my haus, said prior to Gruden’s an- game in Shenzhen, China, yesterday. (Reuters) entire life that I’ve ever met.” nouncement that the wideout “Do you want to be a Raider or was hoping to play in the season AFP making it a fourth win in four against Greece in this second- The 34-year-old, a key mem- thousands of interactions, was a not,” Gruden later asks, to which opener. Shenzhen, China games. round encounter. ber of the Golden State Warri- cheeky reference to China’s tri- Brown replies, “Man I’ve been “Right now I think his rela- There was a buzz of anticipa- After a tight fi rst quarter when ors’ NBA championship-win- ple Olympic champion missing a trying to be a Raider since Day 1.” tionship with Coach Gruden is tion each time Antetokounmpo Antetokounmpo scored seven ning roster in 2015, has been doping test after a vial of his blood The highly produced video good, very good,” Rosenhaus BA MVP Giannis An- had possession and despite points, Team USA — whose ros- heckled and jeered throughout was smashed with a hammer. includes background music and said. “I’m not going to get into tetokounmpo was un- close American attention he fi n- ter is one of the youngest in the Australia’s successful campaign Bogut had the last laugh videos of Brown practising and his relationship with Mike May- able to save Greece ished with a double-double of 15 competition at average age 26 — by Chinese fans angry with a once more, fi nishing with eight playing with his kids, along with ock, but I will say that we’re as holders the United points and 13 rebounds. turned the screw. barbed comment about national points, eight rebounds and six TV analysts presumably discuss- hopeful that that will be a good NStates reached the Basketball Kemba Walker, a leading light They were up 13 points at swimming hero Sun Yang. assists as the Boomers closed on ing Brown. one, as well. It has been in the World Cup quarter-fi nals with a for the Americans in China, top- half-time and Antetokounmpo, There was more of the same in a spot in the last eight. According to ESPN, when Gru- past; it can be in the future.” 69-53 win yesterday. scored for the holders with 15 serenaded by chants of “MVP! Nanjing, but centre Bogut is rel- Asked about the opprobrium den was shown the video, he was Brown also missed time due In front of a capacity 12,000 points and also had six assists. MVP!”, missed two free throws ishing it and has not been afraid directed at Bogut, coach Andrej truly amused and told a source he to a frostbite-like condition on crowd in the southern Chinese This is no “Dream Team” in the third as the US stretched to fan the fl ames with sarcastic Lemanis said: “You’ll have to thought it was “awesome.” his feet, an incident Gruden said city of Shenzhen, Gregg Popovi- with the US missing their NBA into an insurmountable lead. tweets referring to his “Chinese speak to Andrew about that. It is illegal in California to wasn’t Brown’s fault but stemmed ch’s world and Olympic champi- megastars and failing to really fans”. “He’s the ultimate profes- record a private conversation or from improper protection on his ons had two or sometimes three light up the tournament. They BOGUT BOOED AGAIN Bogut has been targeted after sional and has the ability to im- phone call without consent of all feet during cryotherapy. players on Greece’s danger man. laboured to an overtime victory Andrew Bogut was branded “the he tweeted in July: “Swimmers pact us in a positive manner.” parties to the conversation. Then he sat out during a dis- Stop the 24-year-old from the in the fi rst round against Turkey. ultimate professional” by Aus- who medal vs Sun Yang should “We appreciate what he does Brown, 31, initially had been pute with the NFL over his hel- Milwaukee Bucks and you stop But there are signs they are tralia’s coach after he was booed break the podiums with ham- for this group and are thankful expected to be suspended by the met, returning only after losing Greece was clearly the mantra warming to the task and they throughout an 82-76 win over mers.” to have him. We enjoy the way Raiders for conduct detrimen- two grievances. and they were comfortable in were never in serious danger the Dominican Republic. The tweet, which garnered he plays,” Lemanis added.

MLB Giants hold on to beat Dodgers

OTHER RESULTS Atlaanta 4-3 Washington Texas 7-6 Baltimore Houston 7-4 Seattle Pittsburgh 9-4 St. Louis LA Angels 5-4 C White Sox Boston 6-1 NY Yankees Milwaukee 7-1 Chicago Cubs Tampa Bay 5-0 Toronto Cleveland 6-2 Minnesota Kansas City 3-0 Miami Oakland 7-3 Detroit Arizona 7-5 Cincinnati Detroit 5-4 Oakland NY Mets 5-4 Philadelphia Colorado 3-2 San Diego Bucs’ Evans misses practice Combined with the Arizona four-run inning, and a 5-1 lead, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans’ status for the Diamondbacks’ victory over after a two-run double by Mike team’s season opener is listed as questionable after he missed the Cincinnati Reds, the Dodg- Yastrzemski and a two-run sin- practice Friday due to an illness. Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians ers’ magic number for clinch- gle by Dubon. It was a three-RBI said the hope is Evans will be able to play in the Sunday game ing their seventh consecutive night for Dubon, who had driven against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Evans, 26, is coming off National League West title re- in just one career run entering his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season. The two-time Pro Bowl se- mained at four. the game. lection set the single-season franchise record with 1,524 receiving Pollock hit two home runs off Pollock’s second homer came yards in 2018, making 86 catches and scoring eight touchdowns the right-handed Samardzija, in the fi fth inning. It was his fi rst through the air. Evans has 395 receptions for 6,103 yards and 40 and the third off left-handed multi-homer game as a member touchdowns in five seasons since being selected by Tampa Bay closer Will Smith to give him 13 of the Dodgers and the fi fth of with the seventh overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. this season. The Dodgers’ NL- his career. record homer total increased to Samardzija (10-11), who 253. also gave up an RBI single to Packers-Bears opener post three-year Pollock’s fi rst homer gave the Cody Bellinger in the sixth in- ratings high San Francisco Giants’ Mauricio Dubon (right) follows through on a two-run single in the game against Los Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the second ning, allowed three runs on fi ve Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) inning, but Dubon evened the hits with no walks and three Thursday night’s game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago score 1-1 in the fourth with his strikeouts. The veteran picked Bears was the most-viewed NFL season opener since 2016, Variety Reuters weekend division-clinching Dubon’s second career home homer off the left fi eld foul pole up just his second career victory reported Friday. Green Bay’s 10-3 victory in Chicago scored a 15.3 in New York, United States plans by holding on for a 5-4 run came against Dodgers left- against Kershaw. It was his sec- over the Dodgers and his fi rst as the overnight metered-market ratings, topping the 13.4 posted by last victory in the opener of a three- hander Clayton Kershaw, who ond home run in a span of fi ve a starter. year’s opener between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Ea- game series at Dodger Stadium was held to his shortest outing days. Smith got two quick outs in gles by 14 percent. The game also beat NBC’s ‘Sunday Night Football’ auricio Dubon hit a on Friday night. of the season at four-plus in- After Austin Slater singled the ninth before Pollock homer- Packers-Bears telecast from last year by seven percent. The Packers- home run and Jeff The Giants overcame a three- nings. Kershaw (13-5) gave up and Kevin Pillar walked to open ed for the third time. Smith Bears opener produced the highest overnight metered-market Samardzija went six homer night from AJ Pollock, three runs on seven hits with the fi fth inning, Kershaw was then walked Russell Martin be- household score for any sporting event since last year’s Super Bowl. solid innings as the who got the Dodgers within a three walks and six strikeouts, replaced by right-hander Dylan fore striking out namesake Will The total viewership for the game hit the 22-million mark, up from MSan Francisco Giants compli- run in the ninth inning with his needing 99 pitches to record 12 Floro. Smith for his 32nd save in 36 last year’s opener which drew around 19mn viewers. cated the Los Angeles Dodgers’ third blast. outs. The Giants ended up with a chances. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, September 8, 2019 RUGBY

TOP OF THE LINE OBITUARY Ireland beat Wales, go to World Cup top of rankings Erasmus and Boks

Reuters tries from Rob Kearney, Dublin, Ireland Tadhg Furlong and James mourn the loss of Ryan mean Ireland will arrive in Japan as the reland put in a much world’s top-ranked side needed confi dence- for the first time. The en- ‘legend’ Williams boosting performance couraging performance, in a 19-10 victory over however, will mean more. Reuters IWales yesterday that felt The result also meant Kumagaya, Japan a little more like a World Warren Gatland was una- Cup clash than the fi nal ble to deny Joe Schmidt a warm-up before the tour- victorious farewell in his pringbok coach Rassie nament begins later this final game at the Aviva Erasmus said the country month. Stadium, as Schmidt had has “lost a legend” after With both sides close to done to his fellow Kiwi the sudden passing of full strength and the in- in Cardiff last week with formerS South Africa World Cup tensity dialled up a notch both coaches set to de- winner Chester Williams due or two, there was far more part after the World Cup. to a suspected heart attack at the pressure on Ireland’s age of 49 on Friday. frontline men to perform Rob Kearney (right) The death of the jinking wing- after their disappointing of Ireland scores er, who scored 14 tries in 27 ap- Six Nations and record 57- the team’s first try pearances for the Springboks, in- 15 warm-up rout by Eng- during the warm-up rugby cluding four in a single test, came land two weeks ago. Test against Wales at the just weeks before the World Cup Such are the niceties of Aviva Stadium in Dublin, kicks off in Japan. He was due to rugby’s ranking system, Ireland, yesterday. (AFP) attend as one of the event’s past legends. Williams broke racial barri- FOCUS ers to emerge a national hero as one of South Africa’s fi rst black rugby union internationals. Erasmus, in Japan ahead of the Rugby World Cup that starts on Sept. 20, said the team were in shock after hearing the news. “I played with Chester and many of our management knew Pocock returns as him well and we are all in shock this morning,” Erasmus said. tles. “Many of our players were Williams is the fourth mem- too young to remember the 1995 ber of the team to pass away after Rugby World Cup fi nal, but they scrumhalf Joost van der Westhu- have grown up watching high- izen succumbed to Motor Neu- lights of the fi nal and of Chester, ron Disease in February, 2017, and know him as a rugby player and loose-forward Ruben Kruger Wallabies down who became an icon for our perished after a long battle with country. brain cancer. “Only this week our manage- Erasmus said Williams has ‘There’s plenty to work on there, I thought some of ment team was chatting to Ches- cemented his place as one of the ter about his plans to come to the Boks’ most iconic players. our shape was really good but it did get a bit tournament and about tickets “Our thoughts and prayers for Rugby World Cup matches. It right now are particularly with stop-start at times, they put us under pressure’ will take us some time to get over the family that Chester has left Samoa this shock.” behind, with Maria and the chil- The passing of Williams fol- dren. We have lost a legend, they Reuters tion in the World Cup in serious lows just six weeks after the have lost a husband and father,” Sydney, Australia doubt. death of 1995 World Cup fi nal he said. His replacement Polataivao teammate James Small, who also “It’s probably no comfort to made an immediate impact, suff ered a heart attack at the age them now, but I am sure that avid Pocock made a though, scoring his fi rst try in of 50. Chester’s name will go down successful return as the 53rd minute after the Pacifi c The Boks defeated favourites with the greats of South African the Wallabies bid fare- islanders had dominated an at- New Zealand 15-12 in an epic de- rugby as a player and for what he well to Australia with tacking scrum and the second cider at Ellis Park that went into stood for in our country’s history. aD hardfought 34-15 victory over eight minutes later following a extra-time and saw South Africa “This is a very sad day for South Samoa at Western Sydney Sta- line-break from centre Reynold lift the fi rst of two World Cup ti- Africa and South African rugby.” dium yesterday in their fi nal Lee-Lo. match before the Rugby World “It was a tough fi rst half, we Cup. gave up four tries through mis- Flanker Pocock, sidelined takes and a quality side like Aus- Mako Vunipola, Nowell to miss by injury for most of the year tralia are going to capitalise,” and playing his fi rst match said Manu Samoa skipper Tusi World Cup group games since March 8, captained the Pisi. AFP at St James’s Park on Friday in home side in place of the rested “The boys have worked really London, United Kingdom their final World Cup warm-up. Michael Hooper and managed hard over the last month and “Jack in the last couple of days 58 minutes before making way hopefully we can put in some has taken off and we’ve had to for fresh legs. good performances at the World ngland coach Eddie hold him back, but he should The twice world champions Cup.” Jones has revealed that be right again around the same were 22-3 in front at halftime Australia came through rela- Ehe will be without both time as Mako. with Pocock having provided tively unscathed on the injury Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell “He (Vunipola) is a very impor- the pass for lock Adam Cole- front although there will be for at least the first two games tant player and we are very man to score the first of Aus- some concern at Coleman leav- of the Rugby World Cup due to confident that he will make a tralia’s six tries in the eighth ing the fi eld with what looked injury. very important contribution minute. like a thumb problem after 56 Vunipola aggravated a ham- for us.” Winger Marika Koroibete, minutes. string injury when he made a England open their campaign who looked dangerous through- Coach Michael Cheika, who brief return against Ireland late against Tonga on September out, scored the pick of those led Australia to the fi nal four last month, while Nowell has 22 before taking on the United scores when he rampaged past Australia’s David Pocock (centre) is tackled by Scott Malolua (right) of Samoa during the international years ago in England, will take been making good progress States four days later. four defenders in the 16th rugby Test in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. (AFP) reassurance from the fact that he from a serious ankle injury. However, Jones will hope to minute, with centre Adam Ash- fi elded a side very diff erent from “We feel that he (Vunipola) have both fit for the far tougher ley-Cooper and fl anker Lukhan last 10 minutes to see the hosts shape was really good but it did Wallabies in Sydney in 2011 with that expected to start the World will be right possibly for game tests against Argentina on Salakaia-Loto also crossing be- safely to victory. get a bit stop-start at times, their resurgence in the second Cup opener against Fiji in Sap- three or four,” said Jones, after October 5 and France a week fore halftime. “It was a tough one, lots of big they put us under pressure and half after the fi rst had ended poro on Sept. 21. his side’s 37-0 win over Italy later. Samoa hit back after the break hits. But it was good to be back there’s a couple of things at with an unfortunate injury. The Wallabies also face Wales, with Dwayne Polataivao scor- out there, very enjoyable,” said scrum time we’ll work on.” Starting scrumhalf Scott Uruguay and Georgia in Pool D, ing both of their tries but winger Pocock. Samoa briefl y threatened a re- Malolua had a test debut to for- while Samoa are in Pool A with Dane Haylett-Petty and centre “There’s plenty to work on peat of the upset they achieved get, dislocating his shoulder in a hosts Japan, Ireland, Scotland SPOTLIGHT Matt To’omua crossed in the there, I thought some of our in their last match against the tryline ruck to put his participa- and Russia.

STATEMENT Argentina thump NZ choose to play a man down with eye on WCup Sydney club 74-0 in fi nal warm-up Reuters time. We got time on the ball Wellington, New Zealand under pressure. We got time on AFP Julian Montoya, Juan Manuel the ball in open space. So that’s Sydney, Australia Leguizamon, Marcos Kremer and what rugby is about,” Hansen Santiago Carreras all crossed be- he All Blacks got exactly said. fore the break, with Nahuel Tetaz what they wanted from “We play a massive game in inger Bautista Chapparo adding another soon their fi nal match ahead two weeks and if we didn’t have Delguy scored four after the restart. of the World Cup when any of that today we would be in quick tries in a sec- Replacement Delguy then Tthey demolished Tonga 92-7 on trouble. ond-half blitz as scored four tries in 10 minutes as Saturday, and deliberately chose “We got exactly what we WArgentina thumped Sydney club the Randwick defence was blown to play the last 15 minutes a man needed out of it. The score was side Randwick 74-0 in their fi nal apart, with former captain Agus- down, coach Steve Hansen said. irrelevant. It was what we did World Cup warm-up game yes- tin Creevy and Ramiro Moyano Inside centre Ryan Crotty, and we were happy.” terday. adding the fi nal two. who was not injured, was taken The side also got through the Coach Mario Ledesma had the “Glad to have no injuries,” off immediately after he scored game without any injury con- chance to face a Pacifi c nation Ledesma told reporters. “That’s his second try in the 65th minute cerns. in a full Test this weekend, but the main one and giving the op- at Waikato Stadium despite the The All Blacks leave for Japan opted for a lighter routine after a portunity to everybody.” All Blacks having used all of tomorrow and Hansen said that taxing year that saw the Jaguares They will face a much tougher their replacements. after the 36-0 win over Aus- reach the Super Rugby fi nal. task at the World Cup in Japan The decision was to ensure New Zealand George Bridge (right) runs past Tonga’s Malietoa Hingano during the rugby union Test in tralia and Saturday’s victory The result was never in doubt, after being drawn in a tough Pool Crotty was not overworked after Hamilton, New Zealand, yesterday. (AFP) over Tonga they were tracking but a strong Pumas side took C against France, Tonga, England two months out with a broken well for their opener against the time to get going on a blustery and USA. thumb and also to put the All good opportunity again to put when they practised diff erent ing plans and continue to build Springboks. day in a seaside suburb with Argentina went down 24-18 to Blacks under pressure and see ourselves under a bit of pressure scenarios in matches through- combinations ahead of their “I think we’re in good shape. Randwick holding them score- an experimental South African how they responded, Hansen when it comes to how many we out the pool phase to ensure Pool B opener against South Af- I think we’re like a lot of teams. less until the 18th minute. side in Pretoria in their last Test said. have on the park. they were ready for the knock- rica. We have had a good build up. We Tomas Cubelli fi nally broke — their ninth straight defeat since “We ran out of reserves and “We had to make that choice out games. It also ironed out any cobwebs have had some good footy,” he the deadlock by touching down beating Australia a year ago. Ryan only needed to play for 65 and the score told us we could The match yesterday — in the side, having not played to- said. off a scrum and it opened the They have played 37 World minutes,” Hansen told reporters make that choice with relatively Hansen’s last in charge on home gether since they beat the Wal- “Regardless of what happens fl oodgates, with Argentina pil- Cup matches, winning 19 and in Hamilton. low risk.” soil as he steps down after the labies three weeks ago. in the fi rst game I know by the ing on 12 tries for an easy victory losing 18, with the best showing “Obviously his welfare was The tactic was reminiscent of World Cup — allowed the side to “We got rugby time. We got end of the (pool phase) we will while dominating territory and a third-place fi nish at the 2007 more important and it was a the last World Cup in England fi ne tune some of their attack- collision time. We got set piece be a better side.” possession. tournament hosted by France. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 7 SPORT

FOCUS Legit Clinic – where learning ‘Apart from teaching basketball skills - dribbling, shooting and passing - through the course, we basketball is fun will help them inculcate a healthy lifestyle’

By Sports Reporter Doha

asketball is the fl avour of the season. While the crème de la crème have been fi ghting it out at theB Basketball World Cup in China, the game’s enthusiasts in Qatar have a great opportunity to get involved in the sport with ‘Legit hoop doctors’. The Legit Basketball Clinic has been providing intense training sessions to aspiring players at the air-conditioned star-of-the-art facilities of Aspire Dome. Dozens of youngsters have been honing their skills for the last two months every Thursday and Saturday, but will now have the chance to hone their skills at the fi rst full-time Legit Basketball Clinic. The Legit group was founded by Lourd Wilhelm Biltz in April 2018 with a mission to create a healthy environ- ment for the residents of Qatar through basketball and contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030. “Our vision is to keep the youth physically active and in the process keep improving their passion for the game of basketball,” Wilhelm Biltz told Gulf Times. The concept of Legit emerged from the passion for the game among a group of friends. “We don’t have these facilities in our growing years back home. So we as a group of former players, coaches and referees wanted to give something back to the society through the game Legit Basketball Clinic founder Lourd Wilhelm Biltz with coaches and students during a training session at the Aspire Dome yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma we love. Our aim is to guide the kids taking the scientifi c approach,” he said.

Our vision is to keep the youth physically active and in the process keep improving their ‘ passion for the game of basketball. — Lourd Wilhelm Biltz Founder Legit Basketball Clinic

“We have around 50 participants in the clinic,” said the founder, who rep- resented Lekhwiya in 3x3 basketball. “It’s a good turnout.” The clinic will run year-long every Thursday and Saturday for three hours. Head coach Michael Aliparo is also enthusiastic about the initiative. “This is our fi rst clinic – just getting our feet wet,” said Legit head coach Michael Aliparo during a break in the action at Aspire. Aliparo added: “We have three age groups. First is from 5-11 years and the second is from 12-18 years and the third is 19 years and above.” “Our aim is to be the best in Qa- tar in helping each and every person, who aspires to be better physically and mentally, with the help of the game. “Apart from teaching basketball skills - dribbling, shooting and passing - through the course, we will help them inculcate a healthy lifestyle.” Aliparo represented QSports in a 3x3 basketball tournament at Salalah Tourism Festival in Oman last month Legit Basketball Clinic head coach Michael Aliparo instructing the kids during a training session. and even helped his team reach the semi-fi nals of the tournament. tance of exposure for the kids. he said. Biltz as a mentor is hoping to isfying for me and my team,” he said. Aliparo, who plays as shooting “We have plans to give them a match see his students grow in the sport. Throughout the clinic, big smiles guard, has turned out for Al Wakrah feel with tune-up games in Qatar and “When we see students improv- were on display, an indication of the Club in Qatar, besides lining up for some real time experience in the local ing their performance while enjoying participants’ enjoyment and love for various professional teams in the Phil- leagues for youth so that they can earn their time at the clinic, we feel we have the game, which, of course they shared ippines, also spoke about the impor- experience and maturity of the game,” achieved something. And it’s very sat- with their instructors. A trainee going for the basket.

FOCUS Doha Festival City hosts athletics competition for kids By Sports Reporter space, giving the younger gener- Hazim Murad, Assistant Gen- look forward to welcoming Qa- Doha ation a glimpse of what fans can eral Manager of Doha Festival tar’s guests, citizens, and resi- expect when the Middle East’s City, said: “We have worked with dents for this festival of world- biggest ever sporting event be- our creative team to produce a class sport,” he added. oha Festival City, Qa- gins in three weeks with the par- unique experience for children Sheikha Asma al-Thani, Di- tar’s preferred and ticipation of fi rst-class athletes that resembles the real-life one. rector of Marketing and Com- world class destination from 213 countries. The venue is rounded with en- munications at the Local Or- for entertainment, has The venue will open daily, trance gates and an audience ganising Committee, said: “We partneredD with the Local Or- from 2pm-10pm on weekdays, area that makes it look like a are thrilled to partner with Doha ganising Committee of the IAAF and until 11pm from Thursdays miniature of the iconic Khalifa Festival City as a key national World Athletics Championships to Saturdays, welcoming chil- International Stadium.” supplier who can support us in Doha 2019 as a national supplier dren to play and enjoy a variety Robert Hall, General Manager delivering a successful champi- of the event, which Qatar organ- of athletics activities including of Doha Festival City, said: “We onship that showcases Qatar’s ises for the fi rst time ever in the jumping, throwing, relay races, are so excited to partner with the capability of hosting large-scale Middle East from September 27 sprints and hurdles. Local Organising committee of world sporting events. The mini until October 6. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the IAAF World Athletics Cham- championship enables us to fur- The partnership sees Doha experienced coaches will be on pionships Doha 2019. We are ther engage the public in sport Festival City host a Mini Athlet- the ground to off er training ses- keen on supporting the coun- and inspire the next generation ics Championship from Septem- sions for three hours at each pit, try’s eff orts towards its National of athletes, which is an integral ber 5 until October 3 for children while on weekends children will Vision 2030, and to celebrate part of our mission.” aged 4-14. Doha Festival City has compete against each other to such important moments and As part of the partnership created a replica of the Khalifa win medals. events with the people of Qatar. between Doha Festival City and International Stadium, the host Senior athletes will also make “The partnership brings yet the Local Organising Commit- venue of the IAAF World Athlet- an appearance on weekends to another unique experience to tee, tickets of the IAAF World ics Championships, at the Cen- meet and greet their fans at Doha our shoppers and visitors and Athletics Championship Doha tre Court, fi rst fl oor. Festival City, where they will adds value to our retailers and 2019 will be available for sale at The stadium replica features sign the bibs of kids club mem- business partners who chose us the mall at a dedicated booth op- six athletics events, specta- bers and hand out medals and for being Qatar’s number one posite to Centrepoint store in the Assistant General Manager of Doha Festival City Hazim Murad (left) and Head Of Sponsorship IAAF World tor area, and a press conference prizes to the winners. and preferred destination. We ground fl oor. Athletics Championships Abdelhadi al-Marri pose with the championships off icial mascot Falah.

Sunday, September 8, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TRIBUTES Indian football players Pakistan’s PM remembers leg-spinner Qadir as ‘genius’

AFP land in Qatar for qualifi er Islamabad he Indian national football team arrived in Doha yes- akistan’s Prime Min- terday ahead of their 2022 ister Imran Khan yes- FIFA World Cup qualifi er terday remembered Tagainst Qatar on Tuesday. former spinner Abdul Qatar had beaten Afghanistan PQadir as a “genius” a day after 6-0 on Thursday, while India the legendary cricketer died of wasted a 1-0 advantage to allow a heart attack. Oman score two goals in the fi nal Cricket hero-turned-pol- few minutes to clinch a 2-1 vic- itician Khan and Qadir had a tory. Indian coach Igor Stimac long and eventful association as was candid in his admission that teammates. Qadir, who would India need to stop relying only have turned 64 on Septem- side in 1987. Those fi gures the great Shane Warne”. on captain Sunil Chhetri to score ber 15, was a favourite of the are still the best by a Pakistan Legendary Australian leg- goals. former captain. “Abdul Qadir bowler in a Test innings. spinner Warne – the second- Chhetri had given India a was a genius, one of the greatest He also took 132 wickets in highest Test wicket-taker with 24th minute lead before Oman leg spinners of all time,” Khan 104 one-day internationals, 708 (only behind Sri Lanka’s hit back in late in the game in tweeted, as fans all over Pakistan with Imran using him as an Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800) – Guwahati to snatch a last-gasp mourned the player’s death. attacking weapon in the 1983 was also a big fan of Qadir. victory. “And he was also the life of World Cup held in England. Qadir’s unique dancing ac- “As soon as the Oman match the dressing room entertain- “Qadir’s bowling statistics tion was as attractive as it was ended, we shifted our focus im- ing the team with his wit & hu- do not do justice to his genius,” destructive, spinning the ball mediately to the next match. mour”. said Khan. “Had he been play- prodigiously, and he had a le- Qatar are the strongest team in Qadir made his Test debut ing cricket now with the mod- thal googly and a fl ipper. the group and playing them will against England in Lahore in ern DRS system, where bats- He played the last of his in- not be easy. However, it’s a great 1977 and went on to play 67 men can be given out on the ternational matches in 1993 opportunity to learn from,” said Tests, taking 236 wickets with front foot as well, Qadir would before also serving as chief se- Stimac. Indian football team members at the Hamad International Airport yesterday. a best of 9-56 against the same have gotten as many wickets as lector of Pakistan.

ASHES CRICKET Rashid’s Afghans pile misery on Aussies scent win as Bangladesh

AFP Chittagong, Bangladesh

brahim Zadran and Asghar England left needing Afghan hit half-centuries while Rashid Khan played a quick cameo after claiming Ifi ve wickets in an innings, as Afghanistan took command in the one-off Test against Bang- ladesh in Chittagong yesterday. The visitors – playing only another miracle their third Test in history – reached 237-8 at stumps on the ‘They’re coming out alright at the moment!. I’m feeling okay. One big final push tomorrow’ third day, setting a huge target Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran for Bangladesh by taking an in action during the one-off AFP overall lead of 374 runs. Test against Bangladesh in Manchester, United Kingdom Debutant Zadran hit highest Chittagong yesterday. (AFP) 87 off 208 balls for Afghanistan in the second innings while duck in the next ball. at Cummins took two former skipper Afghan made Afghan, who also made 92 wickets in two balls, in- 50 off 108 balls, his second runs in the fi rst innings, joined cluding England captain fi fty, adding to Bangladesh’s Zadran after off -spinner Nay- Joe Root for a golden frustration. eem Hasan removed Hashma- Pduck, to leave Australia on the Rashid added 24 off 22 balls tullah Shahidi for 12. brink of retaining the Ashes at before wicketkeeper-batsman Taijul Islam dismissed Af- Old Traff ord yesterday. Afsar Zazai’s unbeaten 34 runs ghan, who hit four fours and England were 18-2 in their extended Afghanistan’s lead. two sixes in his second fi fty of second innings at stumps on the “Our aim is to get a 400- the game, before Nayeem end- fourth day of the fourth Test, still plus lead. We are just 30-40 ed Zadran’s brilliant innings needing a further 365 runs on to- runs short, so it will not be easy featuring six fours and four day’s last day to reach a target of for Bangladesh to achieve it,” sixes. The spinner also dis- 383. Zadran said. “We feel we are 70 missed Mohammad Nabi in the “They’re coming out alright at percent hopeful of winning the next ball after the all-rounder the moment!,” Cummins told Sky game.” hit him for a six to revive some Sports. “I’m feeling okay. One big Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan hope for Bangladesh. fi nal push tomorrow.” was hoping against hope. Rashid then took the attack By contrast, Australia require “Anything can happen in on Nayeem, hitting him for fi ve eight wickets to seal a win that cricket... a team can lose from boundaries in one over before would see the holders keep the a winning position and also can Taijul bowled him fi nally. Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play win from a losing position,” The Afghan skipper earlier in a fi ve-Test series. Mehidy said. completed his fi ve-wicket to The most England have made “Our batsmen need to take fi nish with 5-55 as Afghanistan in the fourth innings to win a the challenge. Our batsmen bowled out Bangladesh for 205 Test was the 362/9 they posted in have to contribute in order to runs in the fi rst innings after their series-levelling success last win the match,” he said. the hosts resumed the third time out at Headingley, where Skipper Shakib al-Hasan day’s play with 194-8. Ben Stokes’s stunning 135 not out took three wickets for Bangla- Rashid, who scored 51 runs and the resistance of No 11 Jack desh, including two in the fi rst with the bat making his debut Leach secured a remarkable one- over of the innings, but Zadran as youngest-ever Test captain, wicket victory. Australia’s Pat Cummins celebrates taking the wicket of England’s and Afghan shared 108 runs for took the fi nal wicket of Nayeem Earlier, Steve Smith’s re- Joe Root with teammates during day four of the fourth Ashes Test at Scorecard the fourth wicket to snatch the to wrap up Bangladesh’s in- morseless run-glut continued the Emirates Old Traff ord, Manchester, yesterday. (Reuters) momentum back for Afghani- nings after Nabi gave a break- as he made 82 – his lowest score AUSTRALIA 1st innings 497-8 dec M. Labuschagne lbw b Archer 11 stan. Shakib trapped Ihsanul- through in the fi rst over of the this series – in Australia’s second since completing a 12-month scoring a hundred,” the Austral- ENGLAND 1st Innings (overnight: S. Smith c Stokes b Leach 82 lah Janat for four in the third day. Nabi bowled Taijul with- innings of 186-6 declared. ball-tampering ban, former ian added. 200-5) T. Head b Archer 12 ball of the innings and then out allowing him to add any Rory Burns and Root had Australia captain Smith has now Smith did give a chance on 48 dismissed fi rst innings centu- run to his overnight 14 before R. Burns c Smith b Hazlewood 81 M. Wade c Bairstow b Archer 34 shared a partnership of 141 while scored 671 runs, including three when he reverse-swept Leach, rion Rahmat Shah for a golden fi nishing with 3-56 runs. J. Denly c Wade b Cummins 4 making 81 and 71 respectively in hundreds, at an average of 134.2. with Stokes, anticipating the T. Paine not out 23 England’s fi rst-innings 301, but He was on course to become shot and moving quickly across C. Overton c Smith b Hazlewood 5 M. Starc not out 3 yesterday they were both out for the fi rst batsman in Ashes his- from slip, failing to hold what J. Root lbw b Hazlewood 71 Extras (b5, lb2, w7, nb1) 15 Nabi announces retirement from Test cricket nought in the fi rst over of Eng- tory, and only the eighth in any would have been a sensational J. Roy b Hazlewood 22 land’s chase. Test, to score a double hundred catch. Total (6 wkts dec, 42.5 overs, 204 Former Afghanistan captain cricket, featuring in 121 one- Left-handed opener Burns, and hundred in the same match The 30-year-old Smith toyed B. Stokes c Smith b Starc 26 mins) 186 Mohamed Nabi announced day internationals and 68 looking to turn Cummins’s third when he lofted left-arm spin- with England’s bowlers on a sun- J. Bairstow b Starc 17 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Warner), his retirement from Test Twenty20 internationals. ball legside, got a leading edge ner Leach with Stokes, running ny afternoon, pulling Broad for J. Buttler b Cummins 41 2-16 (Harris), 3-24 (La- cricket yesterday after the on- The Afghan also played in and was caught at short cover by round from long-off , holding a an extravagant four. buschagne), 4-44 (Head), 5-149 going one-off red-ball fixture his country’s two previous Travis Head. safe catch to end a 92-ball in- While Smith has enjoyed a J. Archer c Paine b Cummins 1 (Smith), 6-158 (Wade) against Bangladesh in Chit- Test matches, helping his Next ball a brilliant delivery nings featuring 11 fours. run-spree, David Warner – also S. Broad b Starc 5 Bowling: Broad 14-4-54-2 (1w); tagong. Nabi discussed the side record their maiden wins that nipped away off the seam Australia were in trouble at returning to Tests from a year- J. Leach not out 4 Archer 14-2-45-3 (1nb); Overton decision in a video statement against Ireland in Dehradun and clipped the top of off stump 44-4 before tea, with Stuart long ball-tampering ban – has released by the Afghanistan in March. Extras (b4, lb11, w5, nb4) 24 5.5-1-22-0 (2w); Leach 9-0-58-1; saw Root bowled by Cummins for Broad and Archer taking two become Broad’s ‘bunny’. Cricket Board. His contribution in the ongo- his third nought of the series and wickets apiece after England Saturday saw left-handed Total (all out, 107 overs, 504 mins) “I have served Afghanistan ing Test is limited to so far second golden duck. narrowly avoided following-on opener Warner out for his third 301 ENGLAND 2nd Innings (target: for the last 18 years. It was my scoring eight runs in two Cummins was on a hat-trick, in reply to the tourists’ 497-8 straight Test duck when Broad, Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Denly), 383) dream as well to help Afghani- innings and picking three with the struggling Jason Roy declared. But Smith counter-at- the successful bowler on each 2-25 (Overton), 3-166 (Burns), R. Burns c Head b Cummins 0 stan obtain Test status and wickets giving away 56 runs next in but the World Cup winner tacked in superb style. occasion, had him lbw. that dream is realised now,” after the third day of action. 4-175 (Root), 5-196 (Roy), 6-228 J. Denly not out 10 responded with a solid forward “None of us expected the in- It was the sixth time Warner (Bairstow), 7-243 (Stokes), 8-256 he said. Afghanistan are leading defensive shot and he was eight nings Smithy went out with, he had fallen to Broad this Ashes and (Archer), 9-283 (Broad), 10-301 J. Root b Cummins 0 The 34-year-old all-rounder Bangladesh by 374 by after not out at stumps, with Joe Denly was incredible,” said Cummins. meant he had completed ‘a pair’ (Buttler) J. Roy not out 8 said he would like emerging scoring 342 and 237-8 in two unbeaten on 10. “We’d have been happy to get in the match after a nought in the young players get chances in of their innings and bowling Bowlers: Starc 22-7-80-3; Extras 0 though the night but Smithy was fi rst innings. the long-format of the sport the home side out for 205 in Hazlewood 25-6-57-4 (1nb); Cum- ‘UNBELIEVABLE SMITH’ unbelievable.” World Cup-winner Archer, Total (2 wkts, 7 overs, 32 mins) 18 instead of him between. mins 24-6-60-3 (3nb, 1w); Lyon Earlier, Smith’s ninth successive Meanwhile England coach in only his third Test, had been “I want them to get the Nabi confirmed he will con- 36-4-89-0. Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Burns), 2-0 Ashes fi fty, extending his own Trevor Bayliss insisted: “Any- down on pace during Australia’s (Root) chance they deserve so that tinue to represent his nation record, followed his superb 211 in thing is possible. We saw that in fi rst innings. AUSTRALIA 2nd Innings Bowling: Cummins 3-1-8-2; we have a good Test team in in the shorter formats. the fi rst innings of his comeback the last Test match. But the express quick was back D. Warner lbw b Broad 0 Hazlewood 2-1-2-0; Lyon 1-0-5-0; the future as well.” “I will strive to play ODIs and Test after he missed the match at “We have got a couple guys out over the 90 mph mark on Satur- M. Harris lbw b Broad 6 Starc 1-0-3-0 Nabi has been a key part of T20Is for Afghanistan as long Headingley with concussion. there and a few guys in the shed day during a return of 3-45 in 14 Afghanistan’s rise in world as I am able to,” he said. In what is his fi rst Test series who are more than capable of overs.