CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 3 FOOTBALL | Page 7 France’s Mourinho Cosnefroy showers praise claims on ‘happy’ Under-23 gold Martial

Saturday, September 23, 2017 TENNIS Muharram 3, 1439 AH Merciless Muguruza GULF TIMES powers into Tokyo semi-finals SPORT Page 2 QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Rayyan stay unbeaten; close wins for Sadd, Qatar SC Rayyan beat Kharaitiyat for their second straight win; Sadd post 3-2 victory over Sailiya; Qatar SC register first points

Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata celebrates a goal with his teammates during the match against Al Kharaitiyat yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi

Action from the QNB Stars League match between Al Sadd (in white) and Al Sailiya (in blue and black) yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Qatar SC players celebrate a goal against Al Markhiya. PICTURE: Nasar TK

By Sports Reporter that was defl ected off the wall past an area, Hamdullah was able to play the the outset with both sides coming close started to assert their dominance on the QATAR SC PICK UP FIRST WIN Doha outstretched goalkeeper, for the Rayyan ball across the goalkeeper to Soria who but it was Al Sailiya who opened the game. They were duly rewarded in the At Al Duhail Stadium, Qatar SC regis- captain’s third goal of the season. tapped in from close range to kill the scoring off a corner. The ball dropped 64th minute when Hamroun, beating tered their fi rst win in the QNB Stars The Lions were quickly able to dou- game off . loose to Abdulkarim al-Ali who drilled the off side trap just inside opposition League with a 1-0 win over Al Markhiya. l Rayyan’s perfect start to ble their advantage when Hamdullah The Thunders will take heart from the ball through the Al Sadd defence. territory, broke into the penalty area The game started with both teams the season continued at the won the ball in the centre of the park their second half performance but head Moments later parity was restored as and played the ball back to Khouki, who sharing the possession of the ball, but Al Khor stadium as Michael before spreading it out wide to Mouta- coach Ahmad al-Ajlani knows that their Xavi rose to convert a free header follow- was on hand to record his fi rst goal of the deadlock was fi nally broken in the Laudrup’s side came up ouali who played a superbly weighted next fi xture against Al Khor holds extra ing some smart attacking play down the the season for the Wolves. 23rd minute with a great eff ort from the Aagainst an Al Kharaitiyat eventually ball into the area, which was met by Se- importance. Meanwhile Al Rayyan will left hand side by Jugurtha Hamroun. Al Sailiya were off ered a lifeline on Kings midfi elder Michael Babatunde. running out 3-1 winners. bastian Soria to poke home. go forward in the knowledge that their Not long after Al Sadd had a goal dis- 83 minutes as Al Sadd ‘keeper, Saad al- The Nigerian cut in from the wing and With an energetic looking forward Al Kharaitiyat started the second exciting attack will cause problems for allowed for off side, Hamroun narrowly Dosari failed to hold onto a shot before scored with a powerful low shot from line Al Rayyan were straight into action half with renewed vigour and, after any defence in the QNB Stars League. beat the off side trap to bear down on bringing down the oncoming player. 23 yards. with shots from Moutaouali, Viera and a couple of early chances, they were goal and fi re the ball past Al Sailiya’s Temurkhuja Abdulkhoikov stepped up The results leaves Al Markhiya bot- Abdulrazaq Hamdullah being denied by awarded a penalty on 62 as Tiberka- AL SADD WIN goalkeeper. With Al Sadd now in con- to take the penalty and struck it low tom of the QNB Starts League and still the Kharaitiyat keeper Saeed Monfared. nine was impeded. Moroccan Mid- Looking to improve on last week’s per- trol they were awarded a penalty before into the corner beyond the Al Sadd searching for their fi rst win of the 2017- The deadlock was fi nally broken in fi elder Diba stepped up and confi dently formance, Al Sadd ran out 3-2 winners the break. However, Hassan al-Haydos No.1. Deep into injury time The Per- 18 campaign. Meanwhile Qatar SC con- the 21st minute after Al Rayyan won a scored to bring the game back to life but of the contest against Al Sailiya at the saw his strike saved by the watchful egrines thought they had secured a dra- tinued their impressive start to the cam- free kick 30 yards out. Captain Rodrigo Al Rayyan soon restored their advan- Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. Abdraman Aziz. matic equaliser but the goal was ruled paign and will go into their next fi xture Tabata stepped up and drilled a free kick tage. Following some neat play in the The game was full of chances from Into the second half and Al Sadd out for off side. against Al Arabi full of confi dence.

ASIAN INDOOR AND MARTIAL ARTS GAMES Al Arabi in Arab Qatar stay unbeaten in 3x3 basketball, reach snooker quarters handball fi nal QNA Agencies tournament.” Aziz Dordiev, before Ali al-Obaidli beat resented by Faleh al-Ajami, Hamad bin Oujda, Morocco Ashgabat, Turkmenistan If Qatar are the side to beat in the Ibrahim Sedanzov. Ali al-Attiyah and Salman al-Emadi. men’s tournament, the Uzbeks seem Saif then teamed up with Khamis al- In the chess competition, Qatar’s to be an emerging force in the women’s Obaidli to beat the Dordiev-Sedanzov Husein Aziz Nezad fi nished the day l Arabi beat Al Safa of atar stole the show on the last game at the event. combing for a 3-0 victory. with two draws, against Mohall Abdul- Saudi Arabia 29-27 to day of the 3x3 Basketball Pre- The last of the team to take the stage Qatar will now meet Thailand in the lah al-Rakib of Bangladesh and Parham Aqualify for the final liminary Round yesterday. at the Games, Uzbekistan eased to vic- quarter-fi nals today. Maghsoodloo of Iran. match of the 33rd Arab Hand- The Qatari men, the 2014 tories over the Cook Islands (21-10) and In the swimming competition, 50 In the fi rst game of the day, Moham- ball Championship being held QFIBA 3x3 World Cup winners, are big Jordan (17-12) in one hour, giving them meters freestyle swimmer Abdul- ed al-Sayed shared points with Jasem in the Moroccan city of Oujda. favourites to win gold. On Day 5 they fi rst place in Pool C and the prize of a lah Abu-Ghazaleh ranked 24th in the al-Huwar of the UAE. Al-Sayed picked The final match will pit Al Arabi overwhelmed Afghanistan 22-8 and quarter-fi nal tie with Indonesia. overall standings, while teammate Firas up a point against Eugenio Torre of the against Tunisia’s CS Sakiet Ez- Jordan 21-9 to take fi rst place in Pool C The action at 3x3 Basketball Arena Saidi was 27th in the heats. Philippines later in the evening. zit, who edged past Al Khor in with a perfect 3-0 record and advance Qatar’s Erfan Saeed celebrates a point continues today with eight quarter-fi - In the 100m breaststroke heats, After registering two wins on the the semi-finals. to a quarter-fi nal against Turkmeni- during a 3x3 basketball game in Ashgabat. nals to decide the teams that will battle Nasser Yaser and Abdulrahman Hisham fi rst day, Zhu Chen suff ered two defeats Al Arabi’s road to the finals stan. for medals. were 22nd and 23rd respectively. yesterday. saw them defeating Al Safa, It will be a rematch of the Islamic have the support of their fans,” Qatar’s In the 200 individual medley heats, Olympic Council of Asia president Al Khor, Mouloudia Oujda and Solidarity Games semi-fi nal this year Tanguy Ngombo said of the Turkmen. QATAR SNOOKER TEAM REACHES Hisham fi nished 13th in the qualifi ers, Sheikh Ahmed al-Fahad al-Sabah met Widad Smara while losing only in Baku, Azerbaijan. In that game Qatar Teammate Nedim Muslic, after the QUARTERS while Abdulaziz al-Obaidli was 15th. with the Qatari delegation on the side- one game, against defending cruised to a 21-14 win over Turkmeni- win over Afghanistan, had said, “There Elsewhere in Ashgabat, Qatari snooker The Equestrian competitions will lines of the Asian Indoor and Martial champions CS Sakiet Ezzit. stan before losing the fi nal 13-9 to the are many people who consider us fa- team advanced to the quarter-fi nals continue today, with Qatari riders aim- Arts Games. The delegation comprises Al Khor had qualified for the host team. vourites. I believe that we have the best after beating hosts Turkmenistan yes- ing for glory in the individual events, Qatar Olympic Committee deputy sec- semis after beating Mouloudia “Now it will probably be another team here, but we have to prove it in terday. after having picked up a silver in the retary general Jassim al-Buainain, and Oujda and Widad Smara. story, because they play at home and three more games until the end of the In the fi rst game, Ahmad Saif beat team event on Thursday. Qatar is rep- Sports Aff airs director Khalil al-Jaber. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 23, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Stanley leads Tour Muguruza powers Championship, into semi-fi nals Spieth in the wings AFP tournament, he wins the FedEx Cup, Atlanta something he did in 2015. He would Kerber beat second seed Pliskova to book her place in the last four join Tiger Woods as the only two-time winner. AFP yle Stanley got off to a hot Spieth entered the tournament in Tokyo Ostapenko storms start and outshone the big fi rst place in the FedEx Cup standings. guns to lead after the opening Spieth was two under through eight, to Korea Open round of the Tour Champion- but went eight holes without a birdie ewly crowned world number semi-fi nals Kship Thursday but Jordan Spieth and before making a 14-footer at No. 16. one Garbine Muguruza Justin Thomas are poised to strike. trounced France’s Caroline Top seed Jelena Ostapenko Stanley shot a six-under-par 64 to Scoreboard watching Garcia 6-2, 6-4 yesterday to surged past Veronica Cepede take the fi rst-round lead at East Lake “I get done and look back and I’m Nreach the semi-fi nals of the Pan Pa- Golf Club and put himself in conten- surprised we’re at three under,” Spi- Royg 6-3, 6-1, yesterday to reach cifi c Open. the final four at the WTA Korea tion to win the PGA Tour’s four tourna- eth said. “Things were off at diff erent Earlier, former number one An- Open as she continues a storming ment playoff series. times and things were certainly on at gelique Kerber won a war of attrition run of matches. American Stanley holds a two-shot diff erent times that pieced this round with second seed Karolina Pliskova to The French Open champion has lead over four players who shot 66, together and kind of helped what was book her place in the last four. not dropped a set since becoming comprising US Open champion Brooks an interesting day to be still in this golf Spaniard Muguruza, playing her the first Latvian to break into the Koepka, Webb Simpson, England’s tournament.” fi rst tournament since reaching the WTA Top 10 when she advanced Paul Casey and Daniel Berger. Spieth said he will try not to watch top of the women’s world rankings, into 10th place earlier this month. World number two Spieth and PGA the scoreboard so much in round two. never looked threatened in a one-sid- “It was a tough match. She was champion Thomas are tied for sixth “Maybe I got caught up a little bit ed quarter-fi nal. playing very well, very aggres- with 67s along with Spain’s Jon Rahm, in the scoreboard today,” Spieth said. The Wimbledon champion stormed sively. I just tried to play my Russell Henley and Gary Woodland. “I don’t know the scenarios, so it re- to a 5-1 lead before ripping a half- game,” Ostapenko said after the Dustin Johnson, Jason Dufner, Tony ally doesn’t make a diff erence for me to court forehand into the corner to se- match. Finau, Kevin Kisner, Pat Perez and Jus- watch the scoreboard other than to fi g- cure the fi rst set. She is now set to face surging tin Rose were tied for 11th at 68. ure out how to get to the leaders.” Muguruza pounced on a short sec- Thai qualifier Luksika Kumkhum, Stanley is playing in the Tour Cham- The 24-year-old Thomas, who has ond serve with a murderous backhand who barrelled her way into her pionship for the fi rst time and was won fi ve times in 2017, had birdies on to break early in the second and the top first WTA semi-final since Osaka seeded No. 22 in the 30-man fi eld. four of six holes beginning at the par- seed dealt calmly with fl eeting resist- 2014 with a 6-3, 6-3 upset over He charged out of the gate with four four No. 7 and then capped his round ance from Garcia. No.4 seed Sorana Cirstea. straight birdies starting at No. 3 and with a birdie on 18, his sixth of the day. The ninth seed gave herself a lifeline Elsewhere, Dutch No 2 Richel made the turn in 32. He had three bird- Twenty of the 30 players broke par to level the set at 3-3 but was quickly Hogenkamp saw off 19-year-old ies on the back nine for another 32. His on the warm day at the par-70 East put in her place when Muguruza beat Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon only mishap came on the eighth hole Lake course. her with a ferocious backhand pass to 6-3, 6-4 to move into her maiden where he posted a bogey. restore normal service. Garbine Muguruza of Spain hits a return against Caroline Garcia of France during WTA semi-final. “Today it was nice to get off to a pretty LEADING ROUND 1 SCORES A crunching serve down the middle their quarter-final match at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) fast start, making four birdies in a row, 64 — Kyle Stanley (USA) put Garcia out of her misery after 81 and was able to make a few on the back 66 — Webb Simpson (USA), Daniel minutes as Muguruza advanced to face Kerber, seeded seventh and a former before Pliskova unravelled again at the The Russian advanced by overcom- nine,” Stanley said. “Just tried to not Berger (USA), Brooks Koepka (USA), title holder Caroline Wozniacki. Tokyo fi nalist, came through 7-6, 7-5 business end of the second set. ing another Czech, Barbora Strycova, complicate things, keep the ball in front Paul Casey (ENG) “I felt my game was there and my as she repelled some brutal hitting Kerber turned the screw in the 12th 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. of me and maybe make a few putts.” 67 — Russell Henley (USA), Gary Wood- intensity,” Muguruza told reporters. from her Czech opponent in a contest game, forcing Pliskova to save four “Right now there’s no pressure on For Stanley to win the FedEx Cup land (USA), Jon Rahm (ESP), Jordan “I guess I’m always the favourite of real quality. match points before delivering the me at all,” said Kerber, the 2013 run- playoff s and the $10mn bonus, he must Spieth (USA), Justin Thomas (USA) now,” added the Spaniard, referring to Pliskova, who herself briefl y held coup de grace with a vicious, dipping ner-up. “I’ve had a few ups and downs win the Tour Championship and have 68 — Jason Dufner (USA), Tony Finau the number one ranking. the women’s top ranking over the backhand that landed on the Czech’s this year but I know I can still beat the many other dominos fall into place. (USA), Kevin Kisner (USA), Pat Perez “I’m dealing with a new situation summer, produced moments of bril- shoelaces, giving her no chance. best players in the world. I showed to- There’s no guesswork involved with (USA), Justin Rose (ENG), Dustin John- and I don’t think it’s right to put pres- liance at the net but ultimately crum- The 29-year-old Kerber, who has day I can play like I did last year.” Spieth, the No. 1 seed. If he wins the son (USA) sure on myself. But to achieve a dream bled under relentless pressure from slipped back to 14th in the world since Two-time winner Wozniacki pro- I’ve had since I was a child gives me a the German. winning last year’s Australian and US gressed after Slovakia’s Dominika lot of confi dence and a boost of moti- One of her eight double-faults Open titles, faces Anastasia Pavly- Cibulkova retired with a thigh injury vation.” gifted Kerber the fi rst-set tiebreak 7-5 uchenkova in the last four. while trailing 3-6, 7-6, 3-1.

Kipchoge, Kipsang, Bekele set sights on world record in Berlin Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge has the mara- hours, two minutes, 57 seconds. it is necessary because it is three of running marathon events in 2014, thon world record firmly in his sights The 32-year-old came close during us and there will be only one winner.” came close to breaking the record in Berlin tomorrow as he attempts a the Nike Breaking2 project, when he Competition could not be fiercer on in Berlin last year but lost out by six sub-two hour race. missed out by 24 seconds at Monza, the famously flat and fast streets of seconds, after being hindered by But he will have to outrun fellow though his time is not an off icial the German capital, home to the last muscle problems. record contenders Wilson Kipsang world record due to aspects of the six marathon world records. “I think I can run better than last and Kenenisa Bekele to get there. event not satisfying IAAF criteria. Three-time Olympic champion Bekele, year,” said Bekele, who beat former Olympic champion Kipchoge, who “The Monza marathon was for me a of Ethiopia, can set a huge personal world record holder Kipsang to the has the third-fastest personal best big success and I got a lot of motiva- record if he finishes in word record punch in Berlin last year. time of two hours, three minutes tion from that,” Kipchoge told report- time. He would become the first man to “60 minutes 45 seconds is not my and five seconds, is keen to break ers yesterday. “I want to run the first hold the marathon, 5,000 metres and plan. I want to follow the leaders if the two-hour barrier and set a world half in 60 minutes 45 seconds.” 10,000 metre records simultaneously. I can. But I will not be stressed by it record which currently stands at two “Victory alone is not success yet but The 35-year-old, who only started and will listen to my body.” Kyle Stanley of the United States plays his shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE McIlroy expects PGA Tour to merge with Europe circuit

Four-times major winner Rory together, added the 28-year-old, who IOC says no doubts about Korea McIlroy believes the PGA Tour will claimed the FedEx Cup title with vic- eventually merge with the European tory in Georgia last year. Tour as it is “counter-productive” for “The easy thing would be for the PGA them to compete against each other. Tour to buy the European Tour and The Northern Irishman said one way take it from there. They could still run Games amid French unease of achieving a unified circuit would the European events and we’ll have, be if the US-based circuit bought the say, 12 big events a year, outside the European Tour and continued to run majors, a bit like they do in tennis. Reuters that we will get to that,” Stoss told the its events. “I don’t see any other way. I know Berlin APA news agency. “The World Tour — it’s going to hap- discussions have taken place, so There was a more circumspect re- pen one day and I think it has to,” maybe one day.” action from Germany, another winter McIlroy, who failed to qualify for this Hampered by rib and back injuries lympics organisers sought sports heavyweight that tops the all- week’s Tour Championship in Atlanta, all season, McIlroy had planned to yesterday to ease concerns time Olympic medal table in biathlon, told the No Laying Up golf podcast. take three months off at the end of about next year’s winter luge and bobsleigh, and whose team “To have all these tours competing the year to recover full fitness but Games in South Korea, say- won 19 medals in Sochi including against each other, and having to confirmed his participation in next ingO the safety of athletes was their pri- eight golds. change dates, it’s counter-produc- month’s British Masters and Alfred ority and nations in the region had no “A decision on sending a German tive. I think everyone has to come Dunhill Links Championship. doubts that the event would go ahead. team to the 2018 Olympic and Paral- With tensions on the Korean penin- ympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang sula rising, France on Thursday be- will be assessed in good time by the came the fi rst nation to publicly raise government, the National Olympic BADMINTON the possibility of skipping the Febru- Committee and the competent secu- ary 9-25 Pyeongchang Olympics on rity authorities,” the German interior security grounds. ministry told AFP subsidiary SID. North Korea, which conducted a The US Olympic committee said it Son crushes Lin in Tokyo sixth nuclear test on September 3 to was working with authorities to en- global condemnation, said yesterday sure the safety of its delegation, while AFP star Chou Tien-chen of Taipei 21-11, it might test a hydrogen bomb over the Russia said security was each host Tokyo 15-21, 21-19. Pacifi c Ocean after US President Don- The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic medals are displayed during their unveiling at country’s responsibility and China’s The Malaysian, who has won the Ja- ald Trump threatened to destroy the a ceremony in Seoul on Thursday. (AFP) foreign ministry said it was not aware pan Open six times, will face Shi Yuqi in reclusive country. of any plans for the its Olympic team orld number one Son Wan- the other semi-fi nal after the Chinese “We are monitoring the situation on from IOC President Thomas Bach last team will stay at home”. to not attend. Ho overpowered two-time second seed beat India’s HS Prannoy the Korean peninsula and the region week at a meeting in Lima. “We’re not there yet,” she added, Sweden also had no plans to stay Olympic champion Lin 21-15, 21-14. very closely.” an International Olym- “We look forward to safe and secure just a week after the IOC awarded the away. Dan of China in the men’s In the women’s draw, Okuhara pic Committee spokesman said. Olympic Winter Games,” Italy com- 2024 summer Olympics to Paris. “I cannot really see it (a situation of Wsingles at the Japan Badminton Open pleased home fans with a 21-16, 23-21 “Athletes’ safety and security are of mittee president Giovanni Malagò said Other winter sports powerhouses not going),” Swedish Olympic council yesterday, while newly crowned wom- win against Beiwen Zhang, represent- course a primary concern for the IOC. in a statement emailed to Reuters. said they were monitoring develop- CEO Peter Reinebo told news agency en’s world champion Nozomi Okuhara ing the United States. This is why even in the past few days at The multi-billion dollar ments but had no plans to miss the TT. “It would take an overall assess- also reached the semi-fi nals. Okuhara is bidding to reclaim the the United Nations we continue to be Pyeongchang Olympics will be held Olympics. ment of the IOC and the local organis- South Korea’s Son beat the Chinese trophy on home soil, after winning it in touch with the heads of state con- just 80km (50 miles) from the demili- “Waiving participation of the Swiss ing committee, an international deci- great with a hard-fought 21-15, 21-15 in 2015. cerned.” tarised zone between North and South team is at the moment not under dis- sion by the United Nations or a strong victory and now faces world cham- On Thursday, she beat Pusarla V “In none of the discussions, has an- Korea, the world’s most heavily armed cussion,” one of its Olympic commit- general counsel from the Swedish pion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the Sindhu, reprising her victory over the ybody expressed any doubt about the border. tee offi cials told Reuters. authorities. But none of those (con- semis. Indian in the world championships fi - Olympic Games 2018,” the spokesman Karl Stoss, head of Austria’s nation- ditions) exists at the moment. We are Axelsen, who beat Lin to clinch the nal. said, adding that preparations for the MONITORING DEVELOPMENTS al Olympic committee, said that “if completely focused on going.” world title in Glasgow last month, But the home fans were left disap- Games remained on track. France’s Sports Minister Laura Fles- the situation worsens and the security North and South Korea remain brushed off a challenge from Indian ace pointed elsewhere in the draw when Italy’s Olympic committee said sel had said on Thursday if the crisis of our athletes is no longer guaran- technically at war after their 1950-53 Kidambi Srikanth 21-17, 21-17. second seed Akane Yamaguchi, winner yesterday that it and other national deepened and athletes’ security could teed, we will not go to South Korea”. confl ict ended with a truce and not a Defending champion Lee Chong Wei here in 2013, was defeated by Spanish committees had received reassurances not be assured, “the French Olympics “We’re not considering, however, peace treaty. squeezed past fourth-seeded rising fi fth seed Carolina Marin. Gulf Times Saturday, September 23, 2017 3 SPORT

CYCLING Women need organiser, TV support: UCI chief

AFP Lappartient said he would also bal responsibility. 10-12 teams with strong struc- Bergen, Norway make it a priority but insisted “We need to have races on tures... but with riders to be that without organiser and tel- TV.” paid, which is not the case. evision support it would be an Without television coverage, “They must earn their life ewly-elected UCI uphill battle. Lappartient said it would be with cycling and not just riding president David Lap- “First of all, we are on the diffi cult to attract sponsorship. for nothing.” partient called on race good way. The UCI has done Women’s cycling is strug- One idea he has is to create organisers and televi- a good job on this,” said the gling to grow as so few riders a signifi cant stage race, even Nsion companies to give more at- 44-year-old Frenchman. are professionals – even many though he doubts a three-week tention to women’s cycling after “We have some wonderful of those on professional teams race like the men’s Grand Tours he was voted in on Thursday. classics, some are on live TV; cannot earn enough money to would be a viable option. Lappartient beat incumbent we’re going the right way but give up their day jobs. But he called on Tour de Brian Cookson by a landslide 37 we don’t have a strong stage “The world tour is getting France organisers ASO to take votes to eight at the global cy- race like the Tour de France. bigger and bigger with all these the lead in such an endeavour. cling governing body’s congress “Without this kind of race teams but I’m not really sure “To have 10 days would be re- in Bergen. it will be diffi cult to promote all the teams are able to do this ally helpful. Briton Cookson had made women. programme,” added Lappar- “They (ASO) are the strong- developing women’s cycling “Organisers must take care of tient. est (organisers) so it would be one of his election pledges and this, that’s also part of our glo- “Maybe we can have a strong nice to have them with us.” Newly elected president of the UCI David Lappartient during a news conference in Bergen, Norway. (AFP)

UCI WORLD ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS SPOTLIGHT F1 working on exhaust microphone to pump France’s Cosnefroy up television volume

Reuters V10 and V12s, although the London V10 wail has returned to the racetrack through the intro- duction of a two-seater pro- ormula One is working gramme run by former Mi- claims Under-23 gold on a microphone that nardi team boss Paul Stoddart. can be attached to a Formula One has witnessed ‘The team did a perfect job, they allowed me to spare my energy until the last lap, car’s exhaust system to a quiet revolution following Fmake the sport louder and more the takeover of U.S.-owned and we know that a championship is won in the last lap’ ‘visceral’ for television viewers. Liberty Media in January with Engine noise has been a fresh camera angles, apertures Reuters talking point since the quieter, and positioning to create more Bergen, Norway more fuel-effi cient 1.6 litre V6 of a sense of speed. turbo hybrid power units were Previously, there was as introduced in 2014 in place of much of a focus on ensuring rance’s Benoit Cosne- the raspier and less sophis- track advertising was promi- froy won the Under-23 ticated V8 engines. Formula nent as on getting the most UCI World Champion- One’s commercial managing exciting angles. ships yesterday after director Sean Bratches said Hill, a former boss of the jumpingF away from the pack more needed to be done for the Rupert Murdoch-owned Fox late on the demanding 191-km worldwide audience. Sports, has attended several course. “One of the things that we races and is a long-time asso- Cosnefroy powered away from want to amplify going forward ciate of Formula One chairman the main pack nine kilometres are the sounds of the sport, and former Fox Broadcasting from the fi nish and caught Len- because they are viscerally chief executive Chase Carey. nard Kamna two kilometres moving to fans and critically Formula One insiders said further down the road, before important in all the research the Australian had been work- easily beating the German in a that we do,” he told Reuters. ing with F1 broadcast opera- two-man sprint. Bratches said Australian pro- tions at Biggin Hill airfi eld in Dane Michael Carbel Svend- ducer David Hill, a man with a southern England. gaard took the bronze when he stellar reputation in sports tel- A trumpet-like ‘mega- won the peloton sprint, crossing evision and broadcast innova- phone’ exhaust was tested by the line three seconds behind the tion, was involved in that. teams in 2014 to try to boost winner. “He’s working with a Ger- noise levels but the experi- “The team did a perfect job, man concern to develop a ce- ment was deemed a failure. they allowed me to spare my ramic microphone that we can Formula One faces a decision energy until the last lap, and we actually adhere to the exhaust on what kind of engines to use know that a championships is pipe to get the true amplifi ca- from 2021, with some calling won in the last lap,” said tion of sound for fans,” he said, for a return to simpler, cheaper Cosnefroy, who turned pro- as one example. and louder ones that would fessional with French team Older generations of For- allow new manufacturers to AG2R-LaMondiale this year and mula One fans still mourn the come in. Others want to de- last week won the Grand Prix passing of the ear-splitting velop the greener technology. d’Isbergues. The course was a 10-lap cir- cuit and Cosnefroy laid in wait MOTOGP for most of the race, held in hu- mid conditions, and he made his move just at the right time, ben- efi ting from the help of team- Rossi completes mate Valentin Madouas. “I was afraid I would end up second again,” said 23-year-old Aragon free practice Cosnefroy, who fi nished sec- ond in this year’s U23 European championships. Yesterday, he was just too good for Kamna, who last Sunday won the gold medal in the team time Benoit Cosnefroy of France is lifted by his teammates as he celebrates after winning the UCI World Road Championships men’s under-23 title in trial event with Sunweb. Bergen, Norway, yesterday. (AFP)

Appendix surgery left ex champ Lizzie fearing for Worlds Degenkolb in hospital over ‘breathing problems’ Former world champion Lizzie Deignan admitted Last year, Deignan came cose to missing out on German one-day classics specialist John Degenkolb has been hos- she has no idea what form she will be in when the the Rio Olympics, where she finished fifth, after pitalised with a breathing problem, he and his Trek team revealed women’s world championship road race begins missing three doping tests. She only avoided a ban yesterday. Movistar Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi rides during the Moto GP today, having had emergency appendix surgery after successfully applying to the Court of Arbitra- The 2015 Paris-Roubaix winner was forced out of last week’s Tour of second free practice of the Moto Grand Prix of Aragon in Alcaniz less than a month ago. tion for Sport that her first missed test was the Denmark and following tests was admitted to hospital. “Dear all, yes, yesterday. (AFP) The 28-year-old was rushed to hospital follow- fault of testing authorities rather than her. it’s true. I am in the moment in hospital to do some Check Ups. I am ing the opening stage of the Tour of Holland on Her major rivals on Saturday will likely be Dutch fine and I will keep you updated,” Degenkolb wrote on Twitter. AFP cause the leg, after two practice August 30 after falling ill. “Someone from the team in the form of Olympic champion Anna van der In a statement, Trek team doctor Jens Hinder said: “In the last races Alcañiz, Spain sessions, is in a good condition, came looking for me (in their hotel) and took me Breggen, new world time-trial champion Anne- he did, John suff ered from breathing problems and a serious lack of I don’t feel a lot of pain.” straight to the hospital and they took me in for miek van Vleuten and three-time world champion power that prevented him to perform at his level. Honda rival Dani Pedrosa an emergency operation,” said Deignan, the 2015 and London 2012 gold medallist Marianne Vos. “His condition was not improving enough over the last week, so otorcycling legend topped the combined timesheets, world champion. we decided he had to undergo more profound examinations of his Valentino Rossi the 2012 winner in Aragon She had her appendix removed and since then heart and lungs. completed two posting a fastest lap of 1min she’s simply been trying desperately to recover in “John is feeling relatively well but has been hospitalized pending practice sessions 59.858sec, the only rider to duck Myesterday for the Aragon Grand under the two-minute mark. time for a tilt at a second rainbow jersey. the results of these examinations. We will publish an update on his “It’s quite bizarre to be in such fine form - I was condition as soon as we have more information.” Prix, a mere 21 days after sur- The Spaniard commented: really going quite well - to wake up the next day Degenkolb’s career has stalled somewhat since a stunning 2015 gery on a double leg fracture “I’m happy with this day, even in a hospital bed to think ‘right that’s it, it’s over’,” when he won two of the five prestigious ‘Monument’ one-day races, and claimed he felt comfort- if it was obviously a bit strange. she told the BBC yesterday. Despite not riding for adding Milan-San Remo to his Paris-Roubaix success. able being back in business. “Both times when we were two weeks and losing two kilogrammes of muscle, The 28-year-old was due to be Germany’s team leader at the world The 38-year-old Italian was preparing to go on track, it Deignan was determined to make the start line in championship road race in Bergen, Norway on Sunday but pulled back on his Yamaha in half the started to rain and we had to Bergen, Norway. out last week due to his breathing problems. forecast time normally needed change setup and tyres.” “I just had this small bit of hope that I could make He had been forced out of the recent Vuelta a Espana after just four to recover from such an op- Jorge Lorenzo was second it here and it wasn’t something I was ready to give stages due to his respiratory problems. eration. The nine-time world on the day at 0.214sec with up on,” she said. “That’s frustrating for me because champion, given the all-clear to Yamaha Tech’s Johann Zarco I’d spent an awful long time in training sacrificing take part after passing a man- and Pedrosa’s teammate and other races knowing that I was building up this datory medical examination at fellow Spaniard Marc Marquez strength that takes a long time. the MotorLand Aragon circuit, next best. “As I know now, you can lose it very quickly.” took it easy in the opening ses- Marquez said: “Apparently What’s also galling for the Briton, a silver medallist sion staged in damp conditions. it should be dry tomorrow and at the London 2012 Olympics, was that she felt the He completed seven laps to Sunday, so we’ll keep pushing 152.8km course was idealy suited to her. test his fi tness, returning for and see where we are in dry “I did a recon (reconnaissance) in May and saw the the second session in which he conditions.” circuit and thought: ‘it’s perfect for me’. managed another 13 laps as he Rossi, who had completed “My career’s coming slowly to an end - I’ve got a bids to line up in Sunday’s race. 20 training laps in Misano, few more years in me yet - but I know if I looked “I’m quite happy, because I came in 20th, more than two back in a few years I’d definitely regret not giving feel comfortable on the bike,” seconds back. Rossi under- it a go.” Rossi said. “I was good already went surgery on September 1, from this morning and also be- a day after a crash in training. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 23, 2017 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Kuldeep thanks Skipper Smith lashes Dhoni for pepping him up before the hat-trick ball ‘panicking’ batsmen win for India, who now lead 2-0 IANS Kolkata in the fi ve game series. “This is very special for me. That really changed the game for us. It was a 'It’s happening a bit too often for my liking, to be honest, in all forms of cricket' proud hat-trick man proud moment.” Kuldeep Yadav on Kuldeep conceded that in he Reuters Thursday said Indian was struggling with the leather in Melbourne team’s senior pro Ma- the fi rst fi ve overs. “The fi rst fi ve hendraA Singh Dhoni’s comments overs I was struggling to bowl in a egged him on before he delivered particular area, but later on I got ustralia captain Steve Smith has the crucial delivery to Pat Cum- the spot, and the rest is history.” accused his batsmen of ‘pan- mins to achieve his memorable It was also a story of con- icking’ under pressure and de- feat against Australia in the ODI trast for Kuldeep who had been manded they show more starch game at the Eden Gardens here. smacked for three consecutive afterA another collapse against India saw Recalling the moments when sixes by Glenn Maxwell in the se- the side thrashed by 50 runs in the second he was about to let go the all im- ries opener at Chennai four days one-day international in Kolkata. portant delivery, Kuldeep said he back. “In game of cricket, eve- India set Australia 252 to chase at asked wicket-keeper Dhoni how rything happens. And in the last Eden Gardens and defended it with ease he should Abowl. game, I got hit three sixes in an on Thursday as the tourists lost openers “I asked Mahi bhai, what over,” he said. David Warner and Hilton Cartwright for should I bowl. He said ‘bowl Former skipper Sourav Gan- one run apiece and crumbled with a hat- the way you want to’. I was very guly believes Kuldeep has a long trick to left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav. happy that he backed me,” Yadav way to go and is an asset for In- The world champions trail the hosts said after the match where he dia. “It was a special spell. He 2-0 in the fi ve-match series and have became only the third Indian to bowled brilliantly. He still has a now notched up their 10th ODI loss in strike at hat-trick in ODIs. long way to go and is an asset for succession on foreign pitches. Clearly fed In three successive deliveries, the team,” Ganguly said. up, Smith, who scored 59, said his bats- Kuldeep (3/54) took the wickets Meanwhile, captain Virat Kohli men were making ‘silly errors’ and had to of Mathew Wade, Ashton Agar said the success of the two wrist change their approach and Pat Cummins in the 33rd spinners Kuldeep and Yuzvendra “It’s happening a bit too often for my over to emulate the feats of com- Chahal has kept the competition liking, to be honest with you, in all forms patriots Chetan Sharma (1987) going for slots in the Indian team of cricket,” Smith told reporters. “We’ve and Kapil Dev (1991). and augurs well in the run up to had a lot of collapses and we need to stop. Kuldeep, who also thanked the World Cup in 2019. The guys have trained really well and it’s skipper Virat Kohli for support- “They are outstanding, they now about getting out in the middle and ing him, had earlier taken a hat- are two young guys bowling with executing your skills when you’re under trick for India in the under-19 a lot of heart, getting us those pressure and not panicking. I think we World Cup in 2014 opposite breakthroughs against a top panicked last game a little bit and in this Scottland. But he rated the one quality side... I think it speaks game, we just couldn’t get the partner- at the Eden Gardens as special volume about their character,” ships. We’re making silly errors when as it helped fashion a 50-run said Kohli. we’re under pressure.” Australia’s last fi ve batsmen managed a total of 10 runs between them in Kolkata, while the top order rarely looked com- fortable playing the spin of Kuldeep and Yuzvendra Chahal. “It’s easy to just sit here and say ‘it needs to stop’, but when you get out in the middle you have to change what you’re doing because it’s not Steve Smith says he had given his teammates the blueprint for how to handle the conditions and the Indian bowlers. (AFP) working,” added Smith, whose 100th ODI was spoilt by the result. “He was nice and positive with his intent. The third ODI is in Indore on Sunday. Ashes and will therefore return home “Watching the ball closer or maybe the We just needed someone else in the top from India after the remaining three ODIs guys are trying to watch it too closely and four to go on and make a score.” AUSSSIE FAST BOWLER CUMMINS in the fi ve-match series. forgetting about just playing the game. The skipper said a lot of the blame fell TO MISS INDIA T20 SERIES “Pat has played a considerable amount It’s a hard one to put my fi nger on. But on himself and Travis Head (39) after they Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins will of cricket this year after a long period whatever it is, it needs to change and we had shared a 76-run stand following the miss the three-match Twenty20 series away from the game due to injury,” na- need to make better decisions when we’re loss of two early wickets to put the tour- against India to keep him fresh for the tional selector Trevor Hohns said. “His under pressure and start playing the ists on track for a series-levelling victory. Ashes against England later this year, body has handled the return to interna- game properly.” “It was upon one of (the top four) to Cricket Australia said yesterday. tional cricket well, but we believe the best Marcus Stoinis was unbeaten on 62 go on and make a big score and be there After more than fi ve years of injury set- plan for him ahead of the Ashes series is from 65 balls in a rare bright spot for the at the end, Heady and I were the two who backs preventing his talent from bloom- to return home to refresh, both physically tourists and Smith said he had given his got in and we weren’t able to do so, so a ing, the 24-year-old made an inspiring and mentally before he prepares for Shef- teammates the blueprint for how to han- lot of the blame falls on us. We got a good return to the test arena against India ear- fi eld Shield cricket.” dle the conditions and the Indian bowl- little partnership together there ... if you lier this year. He has since been a regular The replacement for Cummins in the ers. “He didn’t panic, he was calm and he turn that 70 into 140, the game’s closed. in the 50-over format and is expected to T20 squad will be announced later, CA Kuldeep Yadav became the third Indian bowler to take hat-trick in played good cricket shots,” Smith said. We just weren’t able to do it,” Smith said. be part of Australia’s pace attack in the added. ODIs after Chetan Sharma (1987) and Kapil Dev (1991). (Reuters)

ROUND-UP BODY BLOW Bangladesh ready to take next Hameed’s Ashes hopes dashed aft er injury to right hand step, says captain Rahim By Will Macpherson The Guardian AFP Benoni n a day when England’s one-day players were angladesh captain Mushfi qur frustrated by the rain Rahim said yesterday his team were that forced an aban- approaching their tour of South Af- donmentO of their international rica with confi dence after playing against West Indies at Trent wellB in recent years. Rahim said he wanted Bridge, there was worse news for his team to build on their form in home one batsman hoping to be in the matches, including Test wins over England Test squad this winter. and Australia in the past year. On Thursday, with 38 required “Bangladesh has been playing really well and Lancashire nine down, in the last couple of years,” he said. “The Haseeb Hameed, a fi nger on fi rst target is to keep that intensity going. his right hand fractured, strode When we are playing at home we are really through the Lord’s pavilion to confi dent. It’s not going to be easy, but this join an old classmate at Bolton is our next step. We want to do well in Africa school, Matt Parkinson, in the as well. It is a great opportunity for us.” middle. Hameed’s brave eff ort Rahim admitted that the unavailabil- Last week Rubel, who has taken 32 wick- part of the South African Test squad in Eng- was in vain; he survived nine ity of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the ets from 24 Tests with one fi ve-wicket land but did not win a Test cap. He averaged balls before Parkinson, a true two Tests against South Africa was a blow. haul, was prevented from boarding a fl ight 51.94 for the Titans last season — his fi rst tail-ender, edged to fi rst slip to “Shakib is a special player and no-one can to South Africa when he was denied im- at senior franchise level — and was named become the irresistible Steven replace him,” he said. migration clearance. Because of the delay, captain of the franchise for this season. Finn’s eighth wicket. Middlesex will regret his loose drive), then shirk the opportunity to promote He acknowledged that meeting the chal- Rubel missed a three-day warm-up match He made a strong claim for Test selection had won a wonderful game by pinning Steven Croft in front Finn’s Ashes chances. lenge of South Africa’s fast bowlers in local at Benoni, but he should be available for the by scoring 119 and 87 in a season-opening 36 runs and put their survival with one that stayed very low. conditions would be crucial. “How we cope fi rst Test which starts at Potchefstroom on current match against the Dolphins in Cen- hopes, going into the trip to their The pitch, troublesome through- ROLAND-JONES INJURY with the fast bowlers is key to our success,” September 28. turion. One-day international all-round- fellow strugglers Somerset next out, behaved better on the fi nal THREATENS ASHES he said. “But players like Tamim Iqbal, Mah- The second and fi nal Test will be played er Andile Phehlukwayo, a teammate of week, in their own hands. day once the ball had softened. PROSPECTS mudullah, Sabbir Rahman and Mominul in Bloemfontein staring on October 6. Markram at the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, Hameed had picked up the in- When Tim Murtagh trapped England seamer Toby Roland- Haque have improved a lot as individuals Bangladesh lost all four Tests in South Af- is the only other uncapped player in the 13- jury when struck by James Har- Shivnarine Chanderpaul lbw, Jones is in danger of missing out and hopefully they will take their responsi- rica by an innings margin during their pre- man squad. Phehlukwayo was part of the ris with Lancashire four down, Lancashire had lost three for 14 on the Ashes tour of Australia, bility to the middle.” vious two visits in 2002 and 2008. They will Test squad in England. after an early burst from Finn, in on the day, and their hopes rested after his county Middlesex an- Rahim said he expected good perform- also play three one-day internationals and All-rounder Wayne Parnell was also pursuit of 221. After extensive in- with Hameed. nounced yesterday a stress frac- ances from his bowlers. “They are inexpe- two Twenty20 internationals during their named in the squad. Three fast bowlers, spection, he retired hurt and had After Harris did for Hameed ture of the back will rule him rienced but skilful and if the wickets off er a month-long tour. Vernon Philander, Chris Morris and Dale an x-ray. He has form for return- (the fi rst time, at least), Dane out of the rest of the domestic little bit of spin, our spinners can do well.” Steyn, were ruled out because of injury. ing to the fray with busted digits Vilas chose to counterpunch, be- season. The 29-year-old has MARKRAM TO MAKE The 19-year-old all-rounder Wiaan and the sense is that this, given fore gloving Finn behind shortly enjoyed a successful start to his BANGLADESH’S RUBEL FLIES TO TEST DEBUT FOR SOUTH AFRICA Mulder, who captained South Africa Un- his low-handed technique, will before lunch, hooking. His fi fth international career, taking 5-57 SOUTH AFRICA AFTER ID MIX-UP Former South Africa Under-19 captain der-19 last season, will join the squad as not be the last busted digit he en- was Jordan Clark, swinging out- in his fi rst Test innings against Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain fl ew Aiden Markram will make his Test debut in cover for Parnell, who has to pass a fi tness dures. This one, though, is badly side off and caught behind. This, South Africa at The Oval in July. out to join the tour of South Africa yesterday the fi rst Test against Bangladesh, starting Test. The squad has been named for the fi rst timed and surely ends his faint remarkably, was Finn’s fi rst fi rst- Roland-Jones — who spear- after his departure was delayed by a bizarre in Potchefstroom next Thursday. Markram, match only. hopes of Ashes selection, as well class fi ve-wicket haul since the headed Middlesex’s champi- case of mistaken identity involving a look- 22, will open the batting with Dean Elgar in as his season. Edgbaston Ashes Test of 2015, onship-winning campaign last a-like namesake with a criminal record. place of Heino Kuhn, who struggled during SOUTH AFRICAN SQUAD: Faf du Plessis Finn’s display was deeply en- and his fi rst in the championship season — has taken 17 wickets in Rubel departed nearly a week late after of- South Africa’s losing series in England ear- (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis couraging, though. He began the since April 2014. He has only four Tests at an average of 19.64. fi cials proved he was not the unknown man lier this year and has not played since being de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Dean Elgar, day by bowling Liam Livingstone once recorded better fi gures, his England will announce their barred by South African authorities, who injured in the fourth Test. Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne with one that nipped back hand- breakthrough nine for 37 against Ashes squad on Wednesday, with had the same name, similar personal details Markram, who captained South Africa to Morkel, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Andile somely (although Livingstone, Worcestershire in 2010, and his the fi rst Test starting in Brisbane and looked identical in his photo. the Under-19 World Cup title in 2014, was Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada. another with Ashes aspirations, captain, Adam Voges, did not on November 23. Gulf Times Saturday, September 23, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB RUGBY Wallabies coach Dodgers snap Cheika keeps faith losing streak with in squad for tour Reuters the Super Rugby season, forcing him to Melbourne miss several weeks of the Canterbury Crusaders’ march to an eighth title but had returned for the All Blacks. ichael Cheika has kept the He missed the fi rst two Rugby faith in the squad that pro- Championship matches against Aus- duced a comfortable win tralia due to the injury but started win over Phillies over the Pumas, making against Argentina earlier this month in Monly one change for the Wallabies’ tour New Plymouth before it fl ared up again. of South Africa and Argentina. He was not considered for the All Dodgers could clinch fifth consecutive NL West title with win over Giants Queensland Reds fl anker Adam Ko- Blacks’ 57-0 demolition of South Afri- rczyk drops from the 33-man squad ca on Saturday and coach Steve Hansen By Bill Plunkett that was in Canberra for the 45-20 vic- said last week the prognosis did not The Orange County Register (TNS) tory last week, with Cheika naming no look good for the 66-test veteran to re- replacement for the games in Bloem- turn this year. fontein and Mendoza. “Izzy Dagg will rest and rehab his hat do you get the Three uncapped players, Lukhan knee for the rest of the year...” the All 90-year-old who has Tui, Billy Meakes and Izaia Perese, will Blacks said on their verifi ed Twitter ac- everything? vie for a Wallabies debut over the next count on Friday. “No need for surgery.” Their clinching cele- fortnight. Dagg’s absence should see a pro- Wbration postponed in Philadelphia, the The squad departs for Johannes- longed stay in the New Zealand number Dodgers might have reason to party burg today as they aim to go one better 15 jersey for Damian McKenzie, with twice at Dodger Stadium. Tommy La- against the Springboks following the regular fullback Ben Smith on a sab- sorda’s 90th birthday will be recog- 23-23 draw in Perth two weeks ago. batical and rookie Jordie Barrett ruled nised before the game - and they could Australia last played in Bloemfontein out with a shoulder surgery. clinch their fi fth consecutive NL West in 2010, when they snatched a last- Hansen has added David Havili to title with a victory against the San gasp 41-39 win thanks to a penalty kick the Rugby Championship squad and Francisco Giants. after the siren from Kurtley Beale. the uncapped back could get a run in The Dodgers held a lead in the The Wallabies also won 34-9 on the All Blacks’ fi nal two games, against sixth inning or later in each of their their last visit to Mendoza in July, 2015. Argentina next week and South Africa four games in Philadelphia. They fi - Cheika’s side have one win, a draw on Oct 7. nally made one stand up Thursday and two losses against the compe- Flyhalf Beauden Barrett, who spent afternoon, beating the Phillies, 5-4, tition-leading All Blacks after four the fi rst four years of his All Blacks ca- to avoid a four-game sweep and snap rounds of the competition. reer as an impact substitute, fi lling the their four-game losing streak. The undefeated All Blacks can seal fullback or fl yhalf position from the The win fi nally shaves the Dodg- the tournament with a game to spare bench, could also slot in at number 15. ers’ magic number to one - and main- if they beat the Pumas in Buenos Aires Barrett was a late call-up for the tains their dwindling leads for the best next week. squad to travel to Argentina after Lima record in baseball and the National Sopoaga opted to remain at home to League. DAGG RULED OUT FOR REST OF await the birth of his fi rst child. Barrett “Yes, a little bit,” Dodgers closer SEASON WITH KNEE INJURY had originally been rested with plans to Kenley Jansen said when asked if he All Blacks utility back Israel Dagg has join the team later in South Africa. was surprised to be fl ying home with- been ruled out for the rest of the sea- The 26-year-old Barrett is currently out having clinched the division. “But son but does not require surgery on a the only specialist fl yhalf in the squad what can you do? It’s so much better to Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies troubling knee injury, the team said for the Pumas test, although Hansen celebrate at home in front of your fans. at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) yesterday. has said previously he saw McKenzie’s “That’s a good birthday present for Dagg sustained the problem during future in the pivotal role. him (Lasorda). But you know what of the game, the Dodgers still managed went only three innings and allowed a The Dodgers would take a clinch- he really wants is that (World Series) to put together enough off ense to beat two-run home run to Nick Williams. ing party any way they can get it after championship. We’ll just give him this the Phillies. But he has proven enough to be con- stumbling to the end of this three-city BOXING one for now.” It was a pinch-hit home run by An- sidered for a postseason role in the trip. A win at home Friday - or a home The Dodgers did have reason to cel- dre Ethier that tied the score at 4-4 in bullpen where the right-handed setup loss by the Diamondbacks against the ebrate in Philadelphia - when X-rays the seventh inning. Chris Taylor fol- men have been less dependable of late. Miami Marlins - would do it. on Justin Turner’s right thumb came lowed with a triple and scored the go- Maeda will move to the bullpen next “Once we get that out of the way, back negative. Turner was hit in the ahead run. week and get some work in that role I think it will be a big monkey off our Manchester attack right hand by a pitch in his fi rst at-bat For Ethier, it was his second pinch- before the end of the season. backs,” Turner said. “Not that we can and left the game in the second inning. hit homer since being activated this “Going forward, we see him as a let up. But things haven’t been going The preliminary diagnosis is a contu- month. He is 8 for 25 in his return from weapon in the bullpen,” Dodgers man- too good for us right now. Maybe that sion to the thumb. a herniated disc and - for the second ager Dave Roberts said. little bit of relief will be good for all of fuels Hughie Fury’s “Any time you get hit in the hand, year in a row - appears to be playing Roberts cited Maeda’s success us.” it’s a little scary,” said Turner who tied his way onto the postseason roster de- against right-handed batters as par- the Los Angeles Dodgers record with spite spending 80% of the season on ticularly valuable. In his two seasons, RESULTS his 18th hit by pitch. “It’s a little swol- the DL. Maeda has held right-handed batters San Diego 3 Colorado 0 world title bid len. There’s some coloring in there, a “I’m really not focusing on Octo- to a .216 average and .612 OPS while Texas 4 Seattle 2 bruise. We’ll see how it feels tomor- ber. I’m focused on today and then getting a strikeout one out of every Chicago Cubs 5 Milwaukee 3 (10 inns) row.” tomorrow I’ll focus on tomorrow,” said three at-bats. Chicago White Sox 3 Houston 1 Corey Seager paid a visit to the same Ethier, who admits he wondered as re- “I understand the realities,” Maeda Atlanta 3 Washington 2 X-ray room following Wednesday cently as July whether he would ever said through his interpreter. “There Minnesota 12 Detroit 1 night’s game after he fouled a ball off play again. are a limited number of starters need- St. Louis 8 Cincinnati 5 his right ankle. His exam also showed “These guys (the Dodgers’ front of- ed in the postseason. I do want to be a Kansas City 1 Toronto 0 no fracture but Seager was not in the fi ce) have a lot of decisions to make. I starter but I understand. I’m just try- Baltimore 3 Tampa Bay 1 lineup Thursday. have to keep showing up and proving it.” ing to contribute to the team any way Cleveland 4 LA Angels 1 Without Turner or Seager for most Thursday’s starter, Kenta Maeda, I can.” LA Dodgers 5 Philadelphia 4

NFL Aaron Hernandez found to have advanced CTE Goff , Gurley shine as Rams hold AFP Los Angeles Boxers Joseph Parker (left) and Hughie Fury clash during the weigh-in ahead of their bout in Manchester yesterday. (Reuters) off 49ers in wild encounter x-National Football League star Aaron Her- AFP soning my blood and over the years it Reuters Enandez, who committed Manchester, United Kingdom has got worse and worse,” Fury told New York suicide in prison, suff ered AFP. from an advanced stage of “But I’ve had it sorted for a year degenerative brain disease, ughie Fury hopes to defy the now. I took medication for six months ared Goff passed for 292 yards researchers said on Thursday. odds after 17 months of inac- and it’s just gone now. I’ve been able to and a career-high-tying three The former tight end for the tivity and win a world heav- build up muscle and body weight. touchdowns, and Todd Gur- New England Patriots had yweight title from Joseph “People don’t know what I can do ley scored three TDs as the Los ParkerH for the victims of the Manches- because I’ve not been fully fi t before chronic traumatic encepha- AngelesJ Rams held on for a wild 41- ter Arena bombing. like I am (now).” lopathy (CTE), a type of 39 victory against the San Francisco neurological disorder that has The English boxer challenges New Fury is trained by his father Pe- 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Thursday. been found in numerous dead Zealand’s Parker today for his World ter, who guided Tyson Fury to a shock The Rams (2-1) ended a three-game ex-NFL players, Boston Univer- Boxing Organisation belt in the fi rst points win over Wladimir Klitschko losing streak to the 49ers (0-3), who sity’s School of Medicine said boxing event at the indoor area since a in Germany for the World Boxing As- remained winless under new coach in a statement. Hernandez had terror attack killed 22 people — many sociation (WBA), International Boxing Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco trailed been serving a life sentence of them children — and injured dozens Federation and WBO world heavy- 41-26 late in the fourth quarter but for murder when he hanged more following the end of a concert by weight titles in November 2015. two touchdowns cut the defi cit and set himself in his cell in April of pop star Ariana Grande on May 22. Parker (23-0, 18 KOs), is hoping a up a thrilling fi nale. this year. Fury, who is from the northwest city good win will create interest in bigger Running back Carlos Hyde’s one- Dr. Ann McKee, the director of of Manchester and the cousin of former match-ups in the future against Fury’s yard run pulled the 49ers within 41-39 the school’s CTE Center, said world heavyweight champion Tyson rival British heavyweights Anthony with 2:13 to go but the two-point at- Hernandez had stage three Fury, wants to win the belt and dedicate Joshua, the IBF and WBA world cham- tempt failed when nose tackle Michael CTE, with stage four being the victory to the victims of the attack. pion, and Tony Bellew. Brockers intercepted Brian Hoyer’s most severe form of the dis- “That night is going to be an impor- The 25-year-old recorded a unani- defl ected pass intended for wide re- ease. The illness is believed to tant night and it means a lot to me,” mous decision over little-known Ro- ceiver Trent Taylor. be caused by repeated blows Fury told reporters in a conference call. manian Razvan Cojanu in his homeland Gurley rushed for 113 yards and two Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley (foreground) runs for a touchdown against the to the head. “My heart goes out to the families in May, after winning the WBO title touchdowns on 28 carries, and caught San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, US media reported that Hern- and on September 23 I’m bringing that with a majority decision over American fi ve passes for 36 yards and a score. California, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) andez’s lawyer, Jose Baez, has belt back for them, bringing some pride Andy Ruiz Jr, also on home soil, in De- Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins filed a lawsuit in an American and joy back to Manchester. cember to become New Zealand’s fi rst caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. quarter. court against the NFL and the But Fury, who has a professional world heavyweight champion. two TDs, while wideout Robert Woods The Rams stalled at the San Francis- The 49ers drove 75 yards in six plays Patriots on behalf of Hernan- record of 20 wins and no losses with “The reason we took this fi ght is that had six catches for 108 yards. co one on their fi rst drive of the second for Hoyer’s one-yard touchdown pass dez’s daughter and Shayanna 10 knockouts, has been inactive since it’s a mandatory (defence),” said Parker. Goff completed 22-of-28 passes half and settled for Greg Zuerlein’s 19- to tight end Garrett Celek with 12:50 Jenkins-Hernandez, who was April 30 last year due to a skin disease “I feel there are bigger fi ghts out with a passer rating of 145.8, while San yard fi eld goal, extending their lead to left to play. Robbie Gould missed the engaged to him at the time of — acne conglobata — which left him there but I can’t get to them if I look Francisco quarterback Hoyer com- 27-13 with 9:17 remaining in the third extra point, leaving the Rams with a his death. The lawsuit said Her- unable to train. past Hughie Fury.” pleted 23-of-37 passes for 332 yards quarter. 34-26 advantage. nandez had “the most severe The 23-year-old then suff ered a low- He added: “England is now the home and two touchdowns — his fi rst two San Francisco cut the defi cit to 27- The Rams extended their lead to 41- case of Chronic Traumatic En- er back injury which caused the fi ght of heavyweight boxing and I need to be as a 49er — and ran for a score. He was 20 when Hyde scored on a one-yard 26 on Goff ’s 13-yard TD pass to Wat- cephalopathy (CTE) medically against Parker to be postponed from fi ghting there regularly. intercepted once. blast on fourth-and-goal but the kins with 8:43 left. Hoyer answered seen in a person of his young taking place in New Zealand on May 6. “I do love fi ghting in New Zealand, Wide receiver Pierre Garcon caught Rams answered with Goff ’s 1-yard with a three-yard touchdown pass to age of 28 years” by Boston but I guess if you want to be a big- seven passes for 142 yards for the touchdown pass to Sammy Watkins, Taylor with 5:08 to play, cutting the University researchers. ‘POISONING MY BLOOD’ ger name you have to fi ght around the 49ers. Hyde rushed for 84 yards and making it 34-20 entering the fourth Rams’ lead to 41-33. “I had a skin condition which was poi- world.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 23, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PREVIEW Moment of truth arrives for Caixinha Sirigu returns to the in Old Firm clash

AFP ing ruled out and injury doubts Glasgow to Portuguese veteran defend- er Bruno Alves and left-back Declan John. eltic manager Brendan “I think we are better limelight in Turin Rodgers may be talk- equipped and I have a clear ing up the threat idea of what we want from the Rangers will pose in game,” said Caixinha. today’sC Old Firm derby, but the “We will have a diff erent match will be the fi rst real test approach from our side and it of the progress of Pedro Caix- will be a diff erent game than inha’s Ibrox revolution. we played last time. Caixinha was parachuted “I need to have a team that derby against Juve into Ibrox from Qatari side Al really shows character. Gharafa in March following “I always say we want to face Mark Warburton’s exit and has this league match by match, ‘Torino have given me this great opportunity to return and to be the Salvatore had a rough ride in his brief and by the end, we will look at tenure to date. the table. that I really am, the one I recognise with a smile on my face’ Celtic got the better of “In the table just now, we Rangers in last season’s Scot- are fi ve points below them, tish Cup semi-fi nal before but we are determined to fi n- Caixinha suff ered on the side- ish this game just two points lines as his side slumped to below as it is the way we want a 5-1 league defeat in April to approach each one of the in- - their heaviest home loss to dividual games. Celtic. “I think we can do it.” However, the 46-year-old Caixinha’s summer spend- was backed by the Rangers ing totalled nearly £9 million board in the summer as he ($12.2 million, 10.2 million eu- brought in 11 new faces with a ros)- signifi cantly more than similar number heading for the that of Celtic, who this week exit door. The new-look side recorded a 74 percent increase have taken time to gel and suf- in revenue thanks largely fered an embarrassing Europa to their participation in the League exit to Luxembourg Champions League. minnows Progres Niederkorn Rodgers heaped the pres- at the fi rst hurdle. sure on Caixinha by saying Draws against Hearts and the Rangers board wouldn’t be Partick Thistle - coupled happy with anything but fi rst with a defeat to Hibernian - place this season as a return mean Rangers sit third in the for their outlay. table and are already play- “They have clearly spent ing catch-up to Celtic. It is in money in the summer,” said stark contrast to the situation Rodgers, whose side should at Parkhead last season when be boosted by the return from Rodgers arrived in the east end injury of Moussa Dembele and of Glasgow and made an in- Jozo Simunovic. stant impact without tinker- “They spent more money ing too much with the squad than us – and we are a Cham- he inherited from Ronny Deila. pions League club – so that Celtic strolled to a treble tells you that their idea is to under the former Liverpool win the league. manager and remain unde- “It’s not to fi nish third. Not feated in 56 domestic matches. to fi nish second above Aber- Rodgers’ side have started deen. It’s to win the league.” this season as they ended the last and Rangers go into the Fixtures (1400 GMT unless match fi ve points behind them otherwise stated) in third after just six games. Today Rangers v Celtic (1100 GMT), ‘It’s to win the league’ Kilmarnock v Dundee, Ross But Caixinha is confi dent County v Hibernian, St his side will give a better ac- Johnstone v Hamilton, Partick count of themselves than the Thistle v Hearts (1500) last time they squared up - de- Tomorrow spite captain Lee Wallace be- Motherwell v Aberdeen (1115) AFP hung in before eventually decid- weekend’s game. praising him as “unbeatable and Perin for a spot, has solid belief Turin, Italy ing to up sticks and leave on loan. It is also because of his re- decisive”. in his ability, as at 30 years he is His fi rst six months in Spain markable start to the season Torino have had a harder time still in his prime. with Sevilla proved disastrous which sees his side sit fi fth and since then with two goals con- “After having spent more than UEFA delays verdict on Arsenal and orino goalkeeper Salva- and the Sardinian played just among the surprise challengers ceded at Sampdoria (2-2) and six years in the national side, it’s Cologne crowd incidents tore Sirigu returns to two matches. for the Serie A title. against Udinese (3-2) without the only normal that I should have the limelight in today’s His experience with Pamplo- blame being pinned on Sirigu. But the ambition to play my cards, UEFA has appointed a special ‘Ethics and Disciplinary Inspec- Turin derby against Ju- na side Osasuna was more posi- ‘Unbeatable and decisive’ the real test is expected against but with as much serenity as tor’ to look into the crowd incidents that marred Arsenal’s Eu- Tventus as he looks to prove he can tive, but the context of playing Behind a defence that conced- champions Juventus, leading Se- possible. I don’t like those who ropa League game with FC Cologne last week, the European relaunch his career after two dif- in a small club fi ghting vainly to ed 66 goals last season, Sirigu rie A after a perfect start to the make big statements about the governing body said yesterday. fi cult years between Paris Saint- stay up was far from what he had has earned rave reviews as a re- season, when he comes up against national side,” he told Sky Sport. Cologne have been charged with four off ences at the match Germain, Sevilla and Osasuna. known during his fi ve years in placement for English interna- his opposite number Gianluigi which was delayed by an hour after large numbers of German “Torino have given me this Paris. Gone was the excitement tional Joe Hart, who has left a Buff on, whom Sirigu played sec- Fixtures fans descended on the Emirates Stadium, the majority of them great opportunity to return and to of Champions League football, memory of a charming boy but ond fi ddle to in the national side Today without tickets. Arsenal face a charge relating to the blocking be the Salvatore that I really am, big name games and interna- average goalkeeper in northern from 2010 to 2016. AS Roma v Udinese of a stairway in the away fans sector. However, UEFA’s Control, the one I recognise with a smile tional fi xtures as he fell down the Italy. “(Coach Sinisa) Mihajlovic The emergence of Gianluigi SPAL v Napoli Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) said the inspector would on my face,” Sirigu told Sky Sport. Azzurri pecking order. has not lost out in the switch,” Donnarumma, 18, has pushed Juventus v Torino now “initiate the appropriate disciplinary investigations”. Sirigu lost that smile during two Sirigu will rediscover the resumed Gazzetta dello Sport on the Sardinian further from the Tomorrow “The Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will contact both clubs complicated years, starting in the bright lights of a prestige game Friday. national side but his return to Sampdoria v AC Milan in order to evaluate the scope of their respective responsibil- summer of 2015 when Germa- of which he had been starved for After an excellent perform- top form gives him reason to Cagliari v Chievo Verona ity as regards the incidents connected to this match,” UEFA ny’s Kevin Trapp arrived at Paris two years in today’s Derby della ance in a 1-0 win over Beneven- hope for a place on the World Crotone v Benevento said. Russian club Spartak Moscow have been fined 60,000 Saint-Germain and found favour Mole between Turin’s rival clubs. to, Sirigu was hailed by Turin Cup squad next year, if Italy Verona v Lazio euros ($71,862) and will be banned from selling tickets to with then coach Laurent Blanc. But if Sirigu had found himself in daily Tuttosport as being “as qualify. And Sirigu - capped 17 Inter Milan v Genoa supporters for their next away match in Europe, at Sevilla on Persuaded he could match the the limelight again, it’s not just decisive in one evening as Hart times - who could also be up Sassuolo v Bologna November 1. younger German, Sirigu fi rst because of the importance of this in one season,” with Gazzetta against Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Fiorentina v Atalanta Bergamo

LA LIGA ‘Now I’m jinxed?’ jokes Real coach Zidane

AFP each team will experience them,” the 1998 problem, but could be back for the Cham- Madrid World Cup winner said. “My character is pions League clash with Borussia Dort- that I won’t scream for screaming’s sake or mund next week. do things that are out of keeping for me. “He felt discomfort in his ribs again af- eal Madrid coach Zinedine Zi- “Tomorrow, we have a match in which to ter the game and we didn’t want to take any dane joked yesterday that he was prove ourselves and I have a match to show risks,” Zidane said. “jinxed” as his injury-depleted that I’m worthy of being in this job.” “I hope it’s nothing serious and he’ll be team comes under attack for their When Madrid swept a crisis-ridden able to play on Tuesday. He’s in a bit of pain misfiR ring start to this season’s La Liga title Barca aside 5-1 in the Spanish Super Cup today and the match is tomorrow - we’re defence. last month, Zidane’s men were expected to not going to risk it.” “So now I’m jinxed, am I?” the French- romp to the title. Zidane added that he was happy to be man said two days after Real suff ered a Instead, disappointing home draws coming up against his eldest son Enzo, who shock 1-0 defeat by Real Betis. against Valencia and Levante were com- joined Alaves from Real’s reserves over the “Before I was the shining star... No, no, pounded as Real failed to score for the fi rst summer. “I hope he won’t score because I’ve always been a shining star, don’t worry. time in 74 games when Real Betis became we’re competitors, him from his side and “I’m at this club and I make the absolute the fi rst side other than Barca or Atletico me from mine.” most of being here. Madrid to win at the Santiago Bernabeu “I don’t think about bad luck, that’s in La Liga for six-and-a-half years on Fixtures (all times GMT) part of football and the good news is that Wednesday. Today we have a match tomorrow. We have the Real have also been hit by injuries, with Atletico MAdrid v Sevilla (1100), Alaves chance to be able to change that quickly left-back Marcelo and midfi elder Toni v Real Madrid (1415), Malaga v Athletic and we’ll do it.” Kroos to miss Saturday’s trip to Alaves. Bilbao (1630), Girona v Barcelona (1845) In the space of just fi ve games Real have Brazilian Marcelo will be out for three gone from red-hot La Liga title favourites or four weeks according to Spanish sports Tomorrow to trailing rivals Barcelona by seven points. daily As, after suff ering a thigh injury Espanyol v Deportivo la Coruna (1000), But Zidane insisted that his team was not against Betis. Getafe v Villarreal (1415), Eibar v Celta Vigo, of the mindset that La Liga was already be- Midfi elder Mateo Kovacic and striker Las Palmas v Leganes (both 1630), Real yond their grip. Karim Benzema are already sidelined, with Sociedad v Valencia (1845) “You can have a 10 or 15-point defi cit forward Borja Mayoral, 20, having played in but in football there are highs and lows Real’s last two league matches. Monday Real Madrid’s coach from France Zinedine Zidane gestures during the La Liga match against Real Betis at the and you can experience bad moments and German international Kroos has a rib Real Betis v Levante (1900) Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, September 23, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

OPINION League Cup is a waste of energy: Guardiola

AFP its importance has gradually di- Tuesday before travelling to that the people don’t give too City and United go into the strings. One little detail down Manchester, United Kingdom minished over the last two dec- Chelsea for a league game the much credit. I think the prize is weekend joint-top of the Pre- and everything is down. You ades as the top sides started to following Saturday. good when you win another one. mier League, each with 13 points have to be careful,” he said. rest their key players until the Mourinho guided United to But you waste a lot of energy. from fi ve matches and an identi- “They have to go to sleep to- ep Guardiola has called latter stages. win the competition last season, “You can imagine going cal goals record. night and know that tomorrow, the League Cup “a waste In an attempt to keep the big- but Guardiola does not believe it against a Tony Pulis team (West Guardiola’s team are on a run we can lose that game. If that of energy” as the Man- ger clubs interested, the Foot- was worth the eff ort. The Span- Brom) and playing 90 minutes of fi ve successive wins, and have happens, we will be closer to ac- chester City manager ball League has allowed English iard has suggested that it was in those conditions, then you defeated Liverpool 5-0 and Wat- tually winning.” Pjoined old rival Jose Mourinho teams playing in European com- those comments as City bid to victory in the Europa League, spend three or four hours on the ford 6-0 in recent weeks. Former England manager in questioning the worth of the petition to be exempt until the navigate a frantic run of games. rather than the domestic cup, bus. That has made them favour- Hodgson, at 70, is the oldest competition. third round since 1996, while re- The City manager made eight that made Mourinho’s fi rst sea- “Then three days later, it’s ites to beat Palace, who are man ever to be appointed to take The League Cup was created plays were scrapped in 1997. changes for Wednesday’s 2-1 win son at Old Traff ord a success. Crystal Palace, three days later, bottom of the Premier League charge of a Premier League club. in 1960 to take advantage of Yet Manchester United man- at West Bromwich Albion in the “We have a lot of games. If you Shakhtar Donetsk, three or four without a point or a goal. But Guardiola, at 46, admires the the fact that fl oodlights had in- ager Mourinho suggested on League Cup third round, allow- have to play in a competition you days later, Stamford Bridge. their new manager Roy Hodg- new Palace boss for his long ca- creased the possibility for mid- Wednesday that English clubs in ing him to keep players fresh be- have to play in it,” Guardiola said “So for the managers, there’s son guided them to a midweek reer, but insists that he has no week football. the Champions League and Eu- fore Saturday’s Premier League yesterday. a lot of wasted energy. But we League Cup win over Hudders- intention of still being a coach However, the tournament has ropa League should be allowed home game against Crystal Pal- “It’s good for the players you knew that before, so it’s not a fi eld Town, and Guardiola has in his seventies. “Defi nitely not. always been seen as secondary to opt out of the tournament. ace. City host Shakhtar Donetsk don’t use a lot. It’s a prize where, complaint in those terms. If we warned his players to be wary. I promise you. I love golf. But I to the FA Cup in England, and Guardiola has supported in the Champions League on when you win, it’s OK, but after have to play, we have to play.” “The team are not pulled by admire him,” he said.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Chelsea manager Conte takes high Mourinho showers road over Costa rift

AFP London

ntonio Conte refused praise on ‘happy’ to take a parting shot at Diego Costa yesterday after the exiledA Chelsea striker got his wish to rejoin Atletico Madrid. Blues boss Conte fell out with Costa following the Spain star’s attempts to engineer Frenchman Martial a move away from Stamford Bridge last season. ‘He starts matches, he tries to do well. He goes from the bench, even if it’s only for 10 minutes The row turned ugly when Conte sent Costa a text at the Premier League action today like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy it and give something in his extra minutes’ end of last term saying he was and Conte said Belgium play- no longer part of his plans maker Eden Hazard is now fi t and the forward responded to feature regularly after ankle by leaking the message to the surgery. media. Hazard missed the start of With the personality clash the season before making his becoming ever more acrimo- fi rst start in Chelsea’s mid- nious, Costa spent the last week League Cup win against months of his time at Stam- Nottingham Forest. ford Bridge in Brazil after re- “Eden in the last game fusing to return to train with played very well. I think he the reserves as Conte wished. played with good intensity. Costa fi nally got what he Now his injury has been over- wanted on Thursday as Chel- come,” Conte said. sea and Atletico agreed a deal “Now we have to play three to send him back to Spain. games. There is the possibility Conte was given a chance to now to try to pick him for these take a swipe at Costa when he games.” was asked about the striker at a press conference yesterday, Costa delighted to finally but the Italian took the high seal Atletico return road. Spanish striker Diego Costa “We want to thank him for said he was relieved the saga what he did with this club. We surrounding his return to wish him all the best for the Atletico Madrid from Chel- future,” Conte said. sea was over, after arriving in “I think now it’s not impor- Spain yesterday. tant (to talk about the past). The Brazilian-born Costa I’m not interested to continue had been pushing for a move talking about this issue. back to Atletico throughout “I’m working with my play- the close season. ers, I’m very happy to work “I’m very happy, I think that with these players. Now it’s it took too long but there was a not important.” happy ending,” he said. Further attempts to discuss “Now I’m waiting to see my Costa, giving Conte the op- teammates and start train- portunity to refl ect on their ing. There were some worries successful working relation- when we saw time passing and ship, were met with a similar things not happening.” Manchester United’s French striker Anthony Martial response. Costa last played a competi- celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the English “Don’t forget we won to- tive match in Chelsea’s 2-1 FA League Cup third round match against Burton Albion at gether last season,” Conte said Cup fi nal defeat by Arsenal Old Traff ord in Manchester on September 20, 2017. (AFP) of Chelsea’s Premier League ti- in May, when he scored the tle triumph. “I repeat: for sure Premier League champions’ we want to thank him for his equaliser. eff ort last season with us. Not By the time Atletico’s trans- Agencies even if it’s only for 10 minutes understandably believes the club only last season but in the peri- fer embargo is over at the start Manchester, United Kingdom like in the last match at home, he has every right to enjoy the cur- Martial eager to start against Saints od that he played for Chelsea.” of 2018, Costa will not have tries to enjoy it and give some- rent wave of optimism sweeping Costa, 28, joined the Blues played for over six months. thing in his extra minutes. Old Traff ord. Anthony Martial must wait to “Martial was good, Lingard was from Atletico in July 2014, “After three months with- ose Mourinho praised “I’m very pleased with his at- “I don’t think it’s about a spe- discover if he has played his good, Mata was good. scoring 59 goals in 120 appear- out playing, but training a lit- French winger Anthony titude overall. Then it’s just eas- cifi c moment of winning a spe- way back into Manchester “I think everybody in attacking ances and winning the Premier tle, I’m not in as bad shape as Martial yesterday for his ier to play well.” cifi c competition,” he said. United’s starting line-up for the areas gave a good dynamic in League twice. Ironically, Chel- people say,” Costa, who has improved attitude and Mourinho, whose side are “I think it is something more Premier League visit to South- the team and especially happi- sea face Atletico in the Cham- been accused of being over- on-fiJ eld performances in Man- joint top of the Premier League global, where the club fi nan- pions League in Madrid next weight, insisted. ampton after scoring for the ness. We look happy playing at chester United’s strong start to with Manchester City, also says cially looks really strong, better second consecutive game. this moment and that is what Wednesday. “I’m afraid of training, not the season. he still has no idea when injured than ever according to the num- The 21-year-old French inter- I want.” But, with Atletico under a riding the scales.” The 21-year-old struggled midfi elder Paul Pogba will return bers, where the football team is national has started just one Martial struggled for form and transfer embargo and unable The enigmatic forward, who to convince Mourinho during to his line-up after a hamstring improving, not just in results league match for Jose Mourin- consistency in Mourinho’s first to register new players until led Atletico to La Liga triumph his fi rst season in charge at Old injury suff ered in the Champions but also in a certain style of play, ho this season but came off the year in charge at United last January, Costa won’t be able to and the Champions League fi - Traff ord but he has convincing- League win over Basel. where the connection between bench to score a penalty in last season, and was even criticised face the Conte and company. nal in 2014, won two Premier ly played his way back into the The United manager says he the players, the team, the fans week’s 4-0 win over Everton. for his attitude by the Portu- Chelsea travel to Stoke in League titles with Chelsea. manager’s plans this term. has not even asked medical staff looks stronger and stronger. He followed that up with a start guese manager. The Frenchman has scored when he will have Pogba back in “Man United fans around the and a goal in the midweek But he has clearly won over four goals already – half of the contention, while some reports world have more reasons to smile League Cup victory against Mourinho so far in the current total he claimed over the whole have suggested he may be out for than in the recent past, so I think Championship side Burton campaign even if competition Injured Neymar to miss PSG of last season – including a goal 12 weeks. it is about globality.” Albion, with his overall per- for places is intense, particu- game against Montpellier and man-of-the-match per- “I have no idea,” said Mour- formance earning praise from larly with Lukaku having scored formance in the midweek League inho. “But again it is a great op- Fixtures Mourinho. seven goals in as many games Neymar will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 game at Cup victory over Championship portunity for other players to (1400 GMT unless stated) But with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Rashford having found the Montpellier today after the world’s most expensive player side Burton Albion. And Mour- play and I trust them all. Today and Romelu Lukaku rested for net five times already. injured his right foot, the French champions confirmed. inho believes a major reason for “So I’m not going to cry or be Burnley v Huddersfield, Everton the Burton game and expected “It’s diff icult when you’re in and The Brazilian striker has made an immediate impact at his new the improvement has been Mar- counting the days for Paul to be v Bournemouth, Leicester v Liv- to return, Martial appears to be out of the team, but we have to club with four goals and four assists from his first five outings tial’s new attitude and approach back. Not at all. When he’s back, erpool (1630 GMT), Manchester among four players competing find the positives out of it and I since moving to the French capital from Barcelona. to life at Old Traff ord. he’ll come. Until then, I trust my City v Crystal Palace, Southamp- for two starting places against think we have both done that,” But his name was missing from the 18-man list released by “I see a great improvement in people.” ton v Manchester United, Stoke the Saints – along with Marcus said Rashford of the battle for PSG yesterday to make the trip to Montpellier. the person, in the mood, in the United, who travel to South- v Chelsea, Swansea v Watford, Rashford, Juan Mata and Jesse places. “I think the competition According to Radio RMC yesterday, the injury does not throw face, in the body language,” he ampton on Saturday, have start- West Ham v Tottenham (1130 Lingard. “Anthony Martial is always positive competition into doubt Neymar’s participation in Wednesday’s Champions said at United’s Carrington train- ed the season strongly in the GMT) wanted to do things,” said because we’re improving each League clash against Bayern Munich. ing base on the eve of their EPL league, League Cup and Cham- Mourinho. other every day when we’re in Neymar posted a photo of his injured right foot on Snapchat. match against Southampton. pions League. Tomorrow “Some he did amazingly well, training and in the games. We’re His absence in Montpellier will mean no repeat of last week- “If you just want one word – Given the club has also this Brighton v Newcastle others not so well but he was pushing each other more and end’s penalty spat with fellow PSG striker Edinson Cavani. ‘happiness’. He’s a happy guy, week announced record fi nan- (1400 GMT) always trying and that com- more. It’s a bit of a headache The South American pair fell out over who should take a spot he’s working extremely well. cial fi gures, including a record Monday mitment and happiness on the for the manager but it is a good kick in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Lyon. That left PSG atop Ligue 1 “He starts matches, he tries to operating profi t of £80.8 mil- Arsenal v West Brom pitch is always important. headache for him to have.” on 18 points, three clear of defending champions Monaco. do well. He goes from the bench, lion ($109.14 million), Mourinho (1900 GMT)

Saturday, September 23, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo on FIFA best player shortlist Juventus’ Buff on is shortlisted for the Best FIFA Goalkeeper prize alongside Real’s Navas and Bayern’s Neuer

AFP London

eymar was named alongside Cris- tiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the three-man shortlist for the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award, which was an- Nnounced in London yesterday. Brazil superstar Neymar, 25, won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona last season before join- ing Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster 222mn euros ($266mn) move that smashed the world transfer record. Ronaldo, 32, is the overwhelm- ing favourite to win the award, having led Real Madrid to the La Liga title and a third Champi- ons League success in four years last season. He won last year’s award after winning the Champions League with Madrid and the Eu- ropean Championship with Portugal. Ronaldo previously won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2008 and is a four-time winner of the Ballon d’Or. Messi, 30, scored 54 goals last season as Bar- celona won the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. The Argentina great, a record fi ve-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, has made a superb start to the current campaign, scoring 12 goals in his fi rst eight appearances in all competitions. Ronaldo won the inaugural Best FIFA Men’s Player Award last year after a six-year merger between the FIFA honour and the Ballon d’Or. The shortlist for the Best FIFA Women’s Play- er award comprises Venezeula’s Deyna Cas- tellanos, Carli Lloyd of the United States and Dutch player Lieke Martens. Real Madrid’s Zin- edine Zidane goes head to head with Chelsea’s Antonio Conte and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri for the top coach award. Veteran Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on is shortlisted for the Best FIFA Goalkeeper prize alongside Keylor Navas of Real Madrid and Bay- ern Munich’s Manuel Neuer. A combination of images shows (from left) Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. (AFP) Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s ‘scorpion kick’ volley against Crystal Palace in January this year comprises of Alan Shearer, Celia Sasic, and then Chelsea midfi elder Nemanja Matic’s Abby Wambach, Henrik Larsson and Predrag FIFA AWARDS SHORTLISTS fi erce long-range eff ort in the FA Cup semi-fi nal Mijatovic. against Tottenham in May are nominated for the The public then votes on that list of 10 to de- THE BEST FIFA MEN’S PLAYER Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid) December 2016) Puskas Award for the year’s best goal. The intri- cide a winner. The fi rst part of the voting proc- Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal) Deyna Castellanos (Venezuela Under-17 women 24 cate team goal that rounded off Celtic’s 5-2 win ess is open now and fans can cast their votes on Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) THE BEST FIFA WOMEN’S COACH: October 2016) over St Johnstone and Moussa Dembele’s hat- FIFA’s offi cial website. Neymar (Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil) Nils Nielsen (Denmark) Moussa Dembele (Celtic, 5 February 2017) trick in February is also in the running. At some point over the next month — FIFA Gerard Precheur (Lyon) Olivier Giroud (Arsenal , 1 January 2017) The Puskas Award — named after legendary has not specifi ed exactly when — a top three will THE BEST FIFA WOMEN’S PLAYER Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands) Aviles Hurtado (Tijuana Xolos, 1 April 2017) Real Madrid and Hungary striker Ferenc Puskas be announced based on the votes that have been Deyna Castellanos (Santa Clarita Blue Heat and Mario Mandzukic (Juventus, 3 June 2017) — has also shined a light on some lesser-known submitted up to that point. A second vote will Venezuela) THE BEST FIFA GOALKEEPER: Oscarine Masuluke (Baroka FC, 30 November 2016) players, though, with Mohd Faiz Subri of Ma- then begin once that three-goal shortlist has Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash and United States) Gianluigi Buff on (Juventus and Italy) Nemanja Matic (Chelsea, 23 April 2017) laysian club Penang the reigning champion. For been revealed to decide the winner. Lieke Martens (Rosengard/FC Barcelona and Keylor Navas (Real Madrid and Costa Rica) Jordi Mboula (Barcelona Youth, 22 February 2017) the 2017 award, the period of eligibility is goals The winner of the 2017 awards will be an- Netherlands) Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany) scored between October 1, 2016 to July 2, 2017. nounced during a ceremony at the London Pal- FIFA FAN AWARD: The award is supposed to reward the best ladium on October 23. The voting for the award, THE BEST FIFA MEN’S COACH: FIFA PUSKAS AWARD Borussia Dortmund goal scored “regardless of championship, gen- equally weighted between national team cap- Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus) Kevin-Prince Boateng (Las Palmas, 23 Oct 2016) Celtic der or nationality” and the initial shortlist of 10 tains, national team coaches, media and fans, Antonio Conte (Chelsea) Alejandro Camargo (Universidad de Concepcion, 4 Copenhagen goals is decided by a group of experts — which closed earlier this month.

QNB STARS LEAGUE SQUASH Al Arabi can bounce back from Six Qatari players to feature in Qatar Classic qualifi ers opening day defeat: al-Boloushi he qualifying stages of the Qatar Classic will be alal al-Boloushi said he is con- SC. I still feel that we have that same qual- held between October fi dent that his Al Arabi side will ity in the Al Arabi squad and can cause any 27-28, where six Qatari bounce back from their opening teams problems. We must be organised and Tplayers, including the highly- round defeat to Sailiya, when they focused to do so,” he said. talented Syed Azlan Amjad will Ttake on Al Duhail in the QNB Stars League Boloushi also hoped to stay injury-free be in action. today. Ahead of the evening match at Al Du- this season. “I hope that this season I do not According to the draw, Ajmad hail stadium, the Qatari veteran midfi elder suff er any serious injuries and that Al Arabi will be joined by Abdulrahman admitted that a match against the hosts will are able to deliver consistent performances al-Malki, Ahmad Mohammed al- be a real test for his side. in the league. The fans deserve this and I Tamimi, Abdulwahab al-Ishaq, “Al Duhail are one of the best teams in Qa- hope they can really support us over the sea- Umair Zaman and Hamad al- tar, the majority of their side won the league son,” the midfi elder said when asked about Amri at the event. Qatar’s Rashid last season. That said, I believe that on our his personal targets from the season. al-Harib and Mohammad Salim return to the scene of his second portunity for Qatar players to day Al Arabi can be stubborn opposition for Boloushi predicted that the side can have Saadi al-Yaafei have been listed and third World Championship learn and improve as they play any team in the league, we will be hungry a respectable fi nish in the QNB Stars League in the reserves. The tournament triumphs, while the man he beat in the qualifying stage. World’s to make up for our defeat to Al Sailiya,” al- standings, come the end of the season. matches will be held at the Kha- in both fi nals, two-time Qatar rising players will appear in the Boloushi said. “Every team in the league wishes to win the lifa Tennis and Squash Complex. Classic champion Mohamed qualifying stage of the event.” “We have put the defeat to Sailiya well of the squad heading into the Duhail match. title, and that is the same at Al Arabi. The Qatar’s top player Abdulla ElShorbagy, is seeded on the top First-round loser gets $1,888 behind us now. This match will not eff ect Boloushi said Al Duhail has one of the best season has just started, so we are optimis- Mohd al-Tamimi - ranked 42 in half of the draw, alongside World while the round two players get the side moving forward as the season is teams in the league and pose a huge threat tic we can do well. Importantly we need the the world - is part of the main No.1 Gregory Gaultier, who he is $3,206. Players in the third round long and we must now focus on our match to his side. “Al Duhail have one of the best fans and I believe we can pay them back with draw that has attracted the seeded to meet in the semi-fi - take home $5,415 and the semi- this weekend,” he added, when asked if the squads in the league and they showed a lot of a trophy this season,” he signed off . world’s top players for the week- nals. Tournament Director Tareq fi nalists pocket $9,120. The total opening day defeat will aff ect the mentality character to win last weekend against Qatar (qsl.com.qa) long event. Ramy Ashour, will Zainal said: “This is a great op- prize money is $165,000.

FOCUS Yemen and Bangladesh players vie for the ball during the AFC U-16 qualifiers in Doha. PICTURE: Anas al- Yemen seal AFC U-16 championship spot samaraee emen booked their place in the 2018 AFC attention of two defenders as he surged into the box, kick but the former’s shot was well saved by Al Sadi. Under-16 Championship, to be held in Ma- but Yemeni keeper Abdullah Abdulhakim al-Sadi Yemen, playing a much better game in the second laysia next year, with a 2-0 victory against dived to his left to gather the low shot. half, had an opportunity to double their lead when Bangladesh in their Group E match at the Two minutes later, it was the turn of Molla’s Tamer Nadhel got onto the end of a long pass from YGrand Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. strike partner Foysal Ahmed Fahim to give the Yem- the midfi eld. Yemen, who had beaten hosts Qatar 6-1 in their eni defence a big scare, but he too could not score. However, with the keeper out of his area, he sent opening match, found the going tough against their Yemen had to wait until the 44th minute for their his volley over the bar. Bangladesh tried to come South Asian opponents, especially in the fi rst half. fi rst meaningful eff ort, with Tamer Nadhel Sanen back into the game in the dying moments of the But a penalty, seconds before half-time, convert- sending an almost perfect pass to Yahya Esam al- match but it was Yemen who fi nished the stronger ed by defender Sultan Yousef Thabit, and a goal in Baleeet, but the Bangladesh keeper avert the danger. and Osamah - who had good game against Qatar - injury time by Osamah Samer al-Baadani ensured A minute later, Yemen took the lead. Bangladesh showed his composure again to beat Samiulla. their progress. Now Qatar will have to beat Bang- conceded a penalty as defender Sanowar Hosen Yemen coach Sabah Khatam was proud of his ladesh in the fi nal group game tomorrow to keep Lalmia fouled Tamer Nadhel, and Sultan Yousef players. “I’m very happy for my players. It was a their qualifying hopes alive as one of fi ve best sec- Thabit, who had scored from the spot against Qatar tough match but the most important thing is we ond-placed teams. The Yemen-Bangladesh match as well, gave goalkeeper Samiulla Bashar no chance. won. Now we can start the preparations for the started on a slow pace. It was Bangladesh who got Bangladesh came closest to equalising when Di- Championship in Malaysia. The boys were under the fi rst opportunity after Miraj Molla escaped the pok Roy and Akkas Ali combined well with a free- immense pressure and so they had to play well.”