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Friday, September 23, 2016 SPOTLIGHT Dhul-Hijja 21, 1437 AH English GULF TIMES football owes a lot to wenger SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL Messi out for three weeks as Barcelona held

Reuters 13 points. Sevilla are second on 11 pitch,” Suarez told reporters. match at Sporting Gijon. “When Barcelona points, Barcelona third on nine “If every time someone got hit these things happen we all have to points while Atletico are fourth, on it was uploaded to Instagram this give a little bit more. eight points. would turn into a circus. I’m not go- “We lost two points against Atleti- arcelona failed to capitalise Barca had plenty of possession ing to be sending photos out after co and we have to make sure we don’t on Real Madrid dropping in the fi rst half but Atletico, who every game.” throw away any more.” Third-placed points against Villarreal as knocked them out of the Champions Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo spurned Barca, who won eight of their 10 Bthe La Liga champions were League last season, forced them into two early chances in a lacklustre fi rst games when a knee injury kept Messi held to a 1-1 draw at home to Atletico tight spaces and constricted their half by Real, who allowed Villarreal out for two months last season, are Madrid on Wednesday, while talis- ability to create openings. opportunities at the other end. three points behind La Liga leaders man Lionel Messi limped off with a “We knew it wasn’t going to be an Villareal captain Bruno Soriano Real Madrid. groin injury. easy game and we’d be attacking a gave his side the lead on the stroke of Zinedine Zidane’s Real, who missed Ivan Rakitic nodded Barca ahead team that sat back and worked hard. halftime with a boldly chipped pen- out on a La Liga record 17th straight in the 41st minute but the home side They gave us no space and made eve- alty after Sergio Ramos had handled victory when they drew 1-1 with Vil- lost control after the break following rything more complicated,” Luis En- in the area, although the Real captain larreal on Wednesday, visit Las Pal- an injury to midfi eld lynchpin Sergio rique told a news conference. made amends by equalising in the mas tomorrow. Busquets and Angel Correa fi red in Messi was denied by Jan Oblak in 48th minute. Real talisman Cristiano Ronaldo the equaliser in the 61st, shortly after one of few chances in a tight fi rst half “We were the much better side in failed to fi nd the net against Villarreal Messi had come off . but Rakitic broke free of Atletico’s the second half but you can’t always but Zidane was unconcerned. “Leo Messi has torn the groin clutches to put Barca in front. win every game in the last minute,” “I’m not worried if he doesn’t muscle in his right leg. He will be The champions did not kick on af- said Real manager Zinedine Zidane. score,” said the French coach. “I’m out of action for approximately three ter the break, rocked by an exhausted Barcelona’s Lionel Messi sits on the turf after a foul on him next to Atletico Meanwhile, Anders Iniesta said the worried when he isn’t out on the weeks,” Barcelona offi cials said in a Busquets being taken off and then Madrid’s Gabi Fernandez. rest of Barcelona’s squad will have pitch. statement. Messi limping off . to do “a little bit more” to make up “What matters is for him to re- Earlier on Wednesday, Real’s 100% A lapse of concentration from Bar- Barca had 29 minutes to fi nd a defender Filipe Luis, who uploaded a for the absence of fi ve-times World gain his form because he’ll always get start to the season came to an end as ca defenders Javier Mascherano and winner without Messi, and despite picture onto Instagram of his blood- Player of the Year Lionel Messi for the goals.” they drew 1-1 at home to Villarreal, Gerard Pique allowed Atletico sub- chances for Pique and Neymar, ied foot bearing stud marks from a next three weeks. Unbeaten Sevilla, 1-0 winners over which also halted their joint record stitute Correa to latch onto a through Atletico held fi rm. clash with Suarez. “There’s no question we are city rivals Real Betis on Tuesday, are run of 16 successive league wins. ball from Fernando Torres and fi re in Barca striker Luis Suarez, mean- “Football is for men and what stronger with Messi,” Iniesta told Ca- two points behind Real Madrid after Real remain top of La Liga on off the post. while, had fi erce words for Atletico happened on the pitch stays on the dena Cope radio ahead of tomorrow’s fi ve matches.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Romarinho’s last-gasp goal gives El Jaish 4-3 victory Madson penalty helps Al Khor pip Al Sailiya; Al Shahania grab first win of the season

By Sports Reporter Doha

razilian pro Romarinho produced a sen- sational stoppage-time winner as El Jaish clinched a thrilling 4-3 win over Ba spirited Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League yesterday. The match appeared headed for a 3-3 draw but the stocky forward came up with a brilliant in- dividual run evading several Al Arabi defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give Sabri Lamouchi’s side a famous victory. Al Khor players celebrate Madson’s successful El Jaish started the tie on the front foot, and penalty against Al Sailiya. laid down early marker on the fi fth minute when captain Seidou Keita whipped a free-kick just Al Sailiya the penalty but his eff ort was saved by wide. Papa Djibril. It was the Malian midfi elder’s only signifi cant Moments later in the twentieth minute Al Khor contribution of the match as he was promptly were awarded a penalty on the other end when substituted after a knock on the 8th minute, Abduraouf Hussain of Sailiya tripped Mosaab much to the concern of coach Lamouchi. Abdulmajed of Al Khor. Madson stepped up to The Soldiers bossed the early exchanges, take the penalty and coolly slotted it to the right and deservedly opened the scoring on the 21st past the Sailiya keeper, Gregory Gomis. minute. Uzbeki winger Sardor Rashidov was The second half was a tight aff air with both dangerous on the wing and delivered a defensive sides trying to score. However, both defences splitting pass to Magid Mohamed who master- stepped up their game and did not provide any fully evaded his marker Mustapha Sall for a sim- telling opportunities for the attackers. ple tap-in. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Jean Fernan- Al Arabi looked shell shocked and defended dez’s men who held on for the three points. Sami for their lives against the consistent El Jaish at- Trabelsi, the Sailiya coach, will have to go back tacks. Dream team defender Omar al-Amadi to the drawing board and hope that his team can managed a long distance shot, which was easily turn their fortunes around after the international saved by El Jaish keeper Khalifa Ababacar. break. El Jaish thundered into a two goal lead on the El Jaish’s Romarinho (second from left) celebrates after scoring the winning goal for his side against Al Arabi yesterday. Meanwhile, Al Shahania grabbed their fi rst 38th minute, a perfect cross from Mohamed victory of the QSL season against fellow pro- Yazeedi fi nding Hamza and the young attacker The second half started with a host of changes After the goal Al Arabi kept possession well, bounded off Arabi midfi elder Ahmed Fatehi and moted side Muaither in a lively match. Shahania heading past Arabi stopper Rajab Hamza for his with Al Arabi bringing on Paulinho and new sign- probing for a winning goal as El Jaish seemingly into the back into the net. grabbed the only goal of the tie midway through fi rst goal for his team. ing Ahmed Maqsoud. Jaish also brought on at- tired. Al Arabi grabbed a third on the 76th minute Earlier, Al Khor edged Al Sailiya 1-0 in an end- the fi rst half courtesy of summer signing Mo- On the stroke of half-time, Al Arabi where tacker Romarinho in a bid to push on for the win. after a moment of magic from winger Imoh to-end battle at Al Khor stadium. The Knights hamed Tiaïba. handed a lifeline after the referee pointed to the Sabri Lamouchi’s substitution could have paid off Ezekiel. The Nigerian international exchanged won the game thanks to a fi rst half penalty con- Both teams started the game positively seeking penalty spot when midfi elder Omar al-Amadi in the 50th minute when Romarinho was bundled passes on the right wing, beating two El Jaish verted by Brazilian attacker Madson. to get the better of their rivals. Muaither enjoyed was knocked down in the area. Captain Boualem down in the box after a surging run. However, the defenders in the process and pulled it back for The fi rst half was a tale of two penalties. Al the lion share of possession in the fi rst half. Khoukhi stepped up and slotted away fi rst time, penalty claim was turned down by the referee. Yusef Ahmed who tapped in for his second goal Sailiya had the fi rst chance to break the deadlock Against the run of play, Shahania opened the only for the referee to spot an infringement in Al Arabi found the equalizer on the 60th of the season. when they were awarded a penalty in the 17th scoring on the 31st minute. A long goal kick was the area meaning the spot kick had to be retaken. minute, courtesy Mohamed Jumma. The defend- El Jaish pushed hard for an equalizer and where minute. Sayaf Mohsin of Sailiya was fouled by knocked down to midfi elder Edu who calmly Boualem stepped up again blasted into the bot- er’s well placed shot from outside the box evaded deservedly rewarded with fi ve minutes to spare, Khor captain, Mustafa Jalal, inside the box and squared the ball to Tiaïba who beat the oncom- tom left hand side of the goal, with El Jaish going keeper Ababacar and nestled into the back of the Sardor Rashidov unleashed a powerful shot from the referee pointed to the spot. ing defender to pass the ball into the bottom right into the break with a 2-1 lead. net, leaving the Dream Team faithful in raptures. outside the box. Unfortunately the eff ort re- Bahraini striker Faouzi Aaish stepped up for hand corner. Gulf Times 2 Friday, September 23, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Pulis mulls ‘funny old game’ Wenger should have ahead of 1,000th won more but English match football owes him a lot London: West Bromwich The Frenchman was unveiled as Arsenal manager on 22 September 1996 and despite leaner Albion’s Tony Pulis reached for one of the oldest cliches times in recent years his impact and influence is undeniable in the book as he looked forward to his 1,000th match in management and a return Managers from to his former club Stoke City Alex Ferguson to tomorrow. Sam Allardyce have “Football is a funny old acknowledged their game,” observed the Welsh- own debt to Arsene man, who started the cam- Wenger. (Reuters) paign as the bookmakers’ favourite to become the first managerial sacking of the Premier League season. “We created better chances than we did against West Ham at Bournemouth and didn’t score,” Pulis added yester- day, referring to the last away game that West Brom lost 1-0 on the south coast. Mark Hughes, the man who replaced him at Stoke in 2013, is now ahead of him in the likely firing line after the Baggies beat West Ham United 4-2 last week to go 10th in the standings. Stoke are in last place with one point from five games. Pulis’s future has been under scrutiny since the Midlands club changed Arsene Wenger transformed Thierry Henry from an uncelebrated winger into one of the most prolific ownership, with Chinese strikers of the Premier League era. investment group Yunyi Guokai (Shanghai) Sports at a dinner party in 1989 where Wenger’s charm, ening of standards. A mark had been set, a new or- Development Ltd completing ability at charades (he acted out A Midsummer thodoxy ingrained. their takeover last week. Night’s Dream) and his – yes really – exceptional Secondly there is simply the sublime football of The manager, who took dancing skills marked him out as a rare bird. Wenger’s best teams, a style of soft-shoed pass and over in January 2015, has Seven years later Wenger’s unveiling at Highbury move that will stand as some of the fi nest seen in also been disappointed at on a late September Sunday drew the famous “Ar- England. Never mind trophies, Wenger’s legacy is the club’s failure to sign sène Who?” headline in the Evening Standard. The the spectacle of an unfettered Thierry Henry in full some of his transfer targets following week the Sunday Mirror mocked Dein’s fl ow, the synergy between his best midfi elds, even in the close season. He said chances of “persuading us that the lanky M’sieur some of those forgotten midweek nights where that West Brom had decided Wenger, despite sounding like Rory Bremner audi- Alexander Hleb or Andrei Arshavin plus a group against taking on two further tioning for ‘Allo ‘Allo, is ‘ow you say fantastique!”. of slick young won’t-ever-bes pumped four past potential signings, forward Looking back now this is more a tale of English some team of grimacing mid-table unfortunates. Marouane Chamakh and de- football’s insularity at the time. This was the same Thirdly Wenger can claim a major hand in the fensive midfielder Mohamed M’sieur Wenger who had stood on stage in Mi- Premier League’s own period of historic domi- Sissoko who had ‘moved on’ lan that same year with George Weah at the FIFA nance between 2005 and 2011 when technical after trials. “Getting to 1,000 By Barney Ronay in London maddening kind of constancy. World Footballer of the Year award, Weah declar- players allied to an ingrained physicality created games in management, The Guardian “A tall slim, Frenchman walks in and steps up on ing: “Arsène Wenger made me not just the player a new tempo in European football. Wenger made and for the game to drop at to the dais. Arsène Wenger is, we quickly realise, a I am today, but also the man I am.” No? Still not this possible, showed how the “traditional” Brit- Stoke, its amazing really,” completely diff erent animal.” The opening passage ringing any bells? ish running style could be married with refi ned Pulis said. “When I come out appy anniversary then, Arsène. You were in Myles Palmer’s excellent, utterly besotted book Wenger’s timing was good though. Not only was technique and quick, accurate passing; creating a of football I’ll look back and the future once. Like most ageing pop The Professor, published in the hazy glory days of the Arsenal dressing room ready for reform, a re- refi ned power game that Real Madrid, among oth- think of my 1,000 games as culture icons Arsène Wenger has by now 2001, captures the shock of fi rst contact. covering alcoholic its dominant personality. The ers, have risen to in recent years. an achievement. pretty much completed the full circuit Hindsight is a useful thing here. In many ways top tier of English football was swollen with new Even in the shrinking back of the last few sea- Now it’s just the next game Hfrom youthful innovator, new broom and all-round the Premier League’s double-take at Wenger’s money, ready to engage, and captivated from the sons, a period when Arsenal have lacked teeth not for me. I have been privi- king of the wild frontier to something that looks a early impact says as much about its own back- start by the revolutionary driving, passing football talent, there has been something beautiful about leged and honoured to have bit like the opposite: stick in the mud, barnacle, ward mid-1990s sensibilities as it does Wenger’s of a man the British press would refer to as “The Wenger’s own thinning out, the brittle asceticism managed a lot of clubs on emissary from the distant past. modernisms: the grilled broccoli, produced with a Professor” 703 times over the next 12 years. of Arsenal’s football, with a manager who has be- the way to taking charge of For those who remember Wenger’s unveiling in swish from his magician’s hat; the revelation that Wenger was also lucky. There was plenty of low come more minimal, more dilute, more self-de- 1,000 games.” English football – the brilliant surprise of our own drinking nine pints of lager and jumping up and hanging fruit to be hoovered up in the early years, a featingly himself. The 58-year-old will be thin white duke, so ludicrously tall and rangy, a down in a circle might not be ideal post-match seam of wonky nutrition and booze-soaked sinews At times watching Wenger trying to ramp this the 25th manager in English man nailed together out of deckchair slats – there warm down. to be mined. As Arsenal began to win English foot- team up into champion mode again the thought has football’s modern era to is something startling about the tone of his late It turns out Wenger’s real triumph in those ear- ball was genuinely awed by the sheer future-shock occurred that he enjoyed the challenge of austerity reach 1,000 competitive days at Arsenal. The idea of Wenger as an obsta- ly years wasn’t so much his methods as the same of pasta, yoga, the gimmickry with dentistry and much more, those skin-of-the-teeth years where matches, joining a group cle to progress, Arsenal’s own dinosaur general is qualities that have come to defi ne his late period. team bus thermostats and “periods of silence” at he kept the club breathing Champions League air, that includes Matt Busby, a perfect example of sport’s restlessness, the need Arsenal have moved house. half-time. shrinking the debt, and all the while enacting his Brian Clough, Alex Ferguson, constantly to move on and reinvent. These are Mini-eras have come and gone. Regular ti- See the Frenchman, with his iron horse, his vision of frictionless global Wengerball beneath Arsene Wenger, Bobby Rob- necessary corrections. The truth as ever lies some- tle challenges have congealed into an established monkey glands. Really though Wenger was simply the lights of the new enormodrome. son, Graham Taylor and Roy where in between. backseat role among Europe’s elite. Throughout steadfast, decisive and brilliantly sure of himself Wenger should have won more league titles. In Hodgson. Pulis started out at This Thursday marked the 20th anniversary of which Wenger has been defi ned by the base notes in those early years, a “football alcoholic” in Mark the post-Özil era last season looks the most obvi- Bournemouth in 1992 before Wenger’s fi rst day as Arsenal manager, though the that allowed him to challenge so insistently the or- Hateley’s phrase, better on the details every time. ous missed opportunity. Arsenal might have also further stints at lower league Frenchman formally began working for the club thodoxies in English football when he fi rst arrived. His legacy in England will be defi ned in three won a Champions League in the Henry years when Gillingham, Bristol City, from on October 1, 1996. Stubbornness. Persuasive charm. An insistence, stages. First Wenger was simply the fi rst. The fi rst nothing was beyond them. Portsmouth, Stoke, Plymouth It has been a glorious, transformational, by the above all, on remaining completely himself. Plus successful overseas manager, fi rst to challenge Wenger has also probably outstayed his most Argyle and back to Stoke in end oddly repetitive managerial reign. In the court ça change, as they say in Islington. openly the stodgy parts of the culture, a hugely as- eff ective period by two seasons, although this is 2006. He moved to Premier of public opinion Wenger’s Hunky Dory, Ziggy It might have all been very diff erent. Arsenal ini- sertive midwife at what might have been a diffi cult always an untested line of reasoning. Either way League Crystal Palace in Stardust and Heroes are very much behind him. tially wanted Bobby Robson as a long-term man- rebirth. it has been a genuinely fascinating 20 years dur- 2013, saving them from rel- He stands before us now stuck in his extended Tin ager. Robson even agreed to join only to be cajoled In his wake levels were raised everywhere. Man- ing which Arsenal FC and English football itself egation, before joining West Machine phase. Albeit in this case the dominant into staying at Porto. Wenger was on a list of more agers from Alex Ferguson to Sam Allardyce have have been transformed, both for the better under Brom in January 2015. career notes are not constant revolution, but a expansive alternatives. He’d fi rst met David Dein acknowledged their own debt, the necessary tight- Wenger’s tenacious, wilful reforming infl uence.

LIGUE 1 FOCUS PSG face Toulouse with top spot at stake Hospitalised Falcao AFP meanwhile, are also riding high after two wins which rugby-tackled: Coach Paris have seen Pascal Dupraz’s side move up to fi fth. The fi - nal match of the weekend will be the highly-anticipated AFP Atletico Madrid still under ob- clash between Marseille and Nantes. Monaco servation in Monte Carlo’s Prin- econd-placed Paris Saint-Germain have a Franck Passi’s Marseille are under pressure as they sit cesse-Grace hospital after scans chance to take control of Ligue 1 as the reigning just one point above the relegation zone, with just one to head and chest injuries, his champions travel south to Toulouse today. A win win out of their six matches. “Everyone is aware of what onaco coach Leon- Portuguese coach was fuming. in the only French league fi xture before the week- is happening, there’s a war to win,” said Passi. ardo Jardim was left “In most places in Europe end’sS action would give Unai Emery’s side a provisional “We have to get up Thursday with the only thing in scandalised that a that’s a red card,” said Jardim. two-point advantage on leaders Nice and third-placed our head to beat the team we play this weekend. At the ‘rugby tackle’ that “Referees should make sure that Monaco. Mario Balotelli’s Nice travel to promoted Nan- end of the match (against Rennes) I was furious, I still Mhospitalised striker Radamel in these kind of situations there cy on Sunday after Monaco, once again missing Radamel am even if I’m not blaming anyone in particular,” Passi Falcao with head and chest in- is proper punishment. It was like Falcao who suff ered concussion in the 4-0 loss at Nice added. juries went unpunished in their a rugby tackle.” midweek, host Angers tomorrow. Rennes, sitting seventh, after their 3-2 win over Mar- midweek 4-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Doctors including a neurolo- PSG have been gaining momentum, bouncing back seille, travel to promoted Dijon while Bordeaux in fourth Nice. gist will decide when he can re- after a loss to Monaco and draws against Saint-Etienne A win today would give Unai Emery’s PSG side a host Caen and Lyon, two points behind, visit tailenders Falcao took a heavy knock to turn to action. Young Monaco and Arsenal in the Champions League, by crushing Caen provisional two-point advantage on leaders Nice and Lorient. the head when he was caught in player Kyllian Mbappe had to 6-0 and promoted Dijon 3-0. “I think that PSG have now third-placed Monaco. (AFP) a sandwich between goalkeeper sit out for four weeks for a simi- really got their season going,” said midfi elder Adrien Ra- FIXTURES (ALL TIMES 1800GMT UNLESS STATED) Yoann Cardinale and defender lar knock to the head recently. biot after the win over Dijon. The former Sevilla coach said he has yet to decide if Today: Toulouse v Paris SG (1845) Paul Baysse. Falcao had been Falcao has scored once in three The club’s positive results have muted criticism over the out-of-favour player will join the trip southwest. Tomorrow: Lorient v Lyon (1500); Bastia v Guingamp; Bor- chasing a bouncing ball which Ligue 1 appearances this sea- Emery’s decision to leave striker Hatem Ben Arfa on the The PSG coach will also be looking towards next deaux v Caen; Dijon v Rennes; Monaco v Angers; Montpellier Cardinale punched clear from son. Monaco next play Angers sidelines. The freshly recruited France international has week’s Champions League game at Bulgarian minnows v Metz just inside his area. tomorrow before hosting Bayer not featured in the last three games as his egoism and Ludogorets, as Laywin Kurzawa, Serge Aurier and Mar- On Sunday: Saint-Etienne v Lille (1300); Nancy v Nice (1500); But with the 30-year-old Leverkusen in the Champions lack of commitment in training has infuriated Emery. co Verratti are all recovering from injuries. Toulouse, Marseille v Nantes (1845) Colombian who rose to fame at League on Tuesday. Gulf Times Friday, September 23, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Man Utd and Man City set up League Cup showdown Tottenham cruise after crushing League One Gillingham; Payet free-kick helps West Ham edge past Accrington Stanley

Manchester City’s Aleix Garcia (third right) scores against Swansea City during the English Football League Cup third round match at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on Wednesday night. (Reuters)

AFP 45 minutes. It was a diffi cult match, but overall a and within four minutes the home side were by netting the second from Jesus Navas’s cut- Third round: Fulham 1 (Piazon 14) Bristol City 2 London positive performance.” level. back in the 67th minute before Gylfi Sigurds- (Wilbraham 45, Abraham 90) Mourinho, who felt that Northampton’s Jak After Marcos Rojo, Timothy Fosu-Mensah son stabbed in a stoppage-time consolation Northampton 1 (Revell 42-pen) Manchester United 3 McCourt should have been sent off for a rash and Morgan Schneiderlin all spurned chances to for Swansea. Guardiola gave a fi rst start of the (Carrick 17, Herrera 68, Rashford 75) anchester United manager Jose challenge on Memphis Depay, did not attend clear, Daley Blind tripped Sam Hoskins and Alex season to captain Vincent Kompany, who un- QPR 1 (Sandro 60) Sunderland 2 (McNair 70, 80) Mourinho and his Manchester City his post-match press conference. United’s vic- Revell stroked the resulting penalty past Ser- derwent thigh surgery in May, but the Belgium Southampton 2 (Austin 33-pen, Hesketh 63) Crystal rival Pep Guardiola were dealt an tory was a welcome tonic for Mourinho and his gio Romero. Mourinho waited only 10 minutes centre-back had to go off late on after appearing Palace 0 English Football League Cup ren- team following consecutive losses to Manches- in the second half before turning to the bench, to injure himself. Stoke 1 (Arnautovic 24) Hull 2 (Mason 45, Henriksen Mdezvous after both teams came through their ter City, Feyenoord and Watford. with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rashford replacing “The doctors are speaking with him and see- 90+1) third-round ties on Wednesday night He made nine changes to the side beaten 3-1 Fosu-Mensah and Depay. ing what’s up,” Guardiola said. “Hopefully, it Swansea 1 (Sigurdsson 90+3) Manchester City 2 United won 3-1 at third-tier Northampton at Watford on Sunday, with Chris Smalling and Herrera gave Northampton a warning with will not be a big problem. We’re going to wait for (Clichy 49, Garcia 67) Town to ease some of the pressure building on captain Wayne Rooney the only players to keep a left-foot shot that struck the post and in the the results from the doctors.” Tottenham 5 (Eriksen 31, 48, Janssen 51-pen, On- Mourinho following three consecutive defeats, their places. Rooney started up front, for the 68th minute he restored United’s lead, slam- Tottenham cruised through after crushing omah 65, Lamela 68) Gillingham 0 while holders City prevailed 2-1 at Swansea City. fi rst time since last season, and squandered ming home right-footed from Rashford’s lay- League One Gillingham, with Christian Eriksen West Ham 1 (Payet 90+6) Accrington 0 Tottenham Hotspur were rewarded with a trip an early opportunity by miscuing from Ashley off . Another Smith error allowed United to seal scoring twice and Vincent Janssen and Josh On- to Liverpool after crushing Gillingham 5-0 and Young’s cross. victory, the goalkeeper hesitating as a long ball omah scoring their fi rst goals for the club. Erik FOURTH-ROUND DRAW West Ham United will face Chelsea after scrap- United went ahead in the 17th minute after bounced towards him, which allowed Rashford Lamela was also on target. (ties to be played October 25-26): ing past fourth-tier Accrington Stanley. Northampton goalkeeper Adam Smith was pe- to steal in and lash the ball into the vacant goal. West Ham, struggling for form in the Pre- West Ham United v Chelsea “We deserved to win,” Mourinho said after nalised for picking up a back-pass. Rooney’s Premier League pace-setters Manchester mier League, needed a 96th-minute Dimitri Manchester United v Manchester City goals from Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and shot from the ensuing free-kick hit the wall, but City made it nine wins from nine games under Payet free-kick to edge fourth-tier Accrington Arsenal v Reading substitute Marcus Rashford took his side into Carrick swept the rebound into the top-left cor- Guardiola with victory at Swansea. City enjoyed Stanley 1-0 at London Stadium. Southampton, Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur the fourth round. Mourinho, speaking before ner from the edge of the box. the best of the fi rst half, but it took until four Sunderland and Hull City also secured places in Bristol City v Hull City the draw had been made, added: “It was diffi - Rooney then saw a goal ruled out for off side, minutes into the second half for Gael Clichy to the last 16. Leeds United v Norwich City cult, as I was expecting, but we were totally in but Northampton gave United a scare when put them ahead with a defl ected shot. Newcastle United v Preston North End control for the 35 minutes and then for the last Kenji Gorre clipped the bar in the 38th minute Aleix Garcia made the most of a rare start LEAGUE CUP RESULTS ON WEDNESDAY Southampton v Sunderland

MOURINHO HITS BUNDESLIGA OUT AT ‘EINSTEINS’ Perfect Bayern Munich reclaim top spot FOR CRITICISM AFP after their 5-1 drubbing of Wolfsburg Manchester: Manchester United manager JOSE Berlin on Tuesday, but dropped to third. MOURINHO has lashed out at football’s “Einsteins” for Cologne are a surprise second after criticising him during the English Premier League club’s their 3-1 win at Schalke 04, who re- run of three successive defeats. eaders Bayern Munich are now main second from bottom after four Despite winning the first four games of his tenure, the only team in Germany’s top straight defeats to increase the pres- Mourinho has come under scrutiny from the media after fl ight still with a perfect 100% sure on new coach Markus Weinzierl. United’s slump in form with the club currently six points record following Wednesday’s Second-half goals by Anthony Mod- L3-0 Bundesliga win at home to Hertha este and Simon Zoller for the visitors behind leaders Manchester City in the league. United returned to winning ways after beating third-tier side Berlin. Midfi eld stars Franck Ribery, sealed Cologne’s victory after Japan’s Northampton Town 3-1 in the third round of the League Thiago Alcantara and Arjen Robben Yuya Osaka’s fi rst half strike had can- Cup on Wednesday. netted at the Allianz Arena in a work- celled out Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s early “We had a bad week. I know that the world is full of manlike display from Carlo Ancelot- goal for Schalke. Einsteins, I know that they tried to delete 16 years of my ti’s side to make it four wins from four “We lost a game which we shouldn’t career,” Mourinho told MUTV, the club’s in-house televi- league games. Hertha are fi fth after have lost and you could see the side sion station. “They tried to delete an unbelievable history dropping their fi rst points of the sea- was under pressure,” admitted Wein- of Manchester United Football Club and to focus on a bad son in Munich following three previ- zierl, while Germany defender Ben- week with three bad results. ous straight wins. edikt Hoewedes admitted the disap- But that’s the new football, it’s full of Einsteins.” “Today we played against a com- pointment was ‘running very deep’ in United have been given the chance to redeem their plete Bayern Munich team,” said Her- the squad. recent league defeat to City after being drawn to face tha coach Pal Dardai. “They played Werder Bremen, who sacked coach them at Old Traff ord in the fourth round of the League exceptionally well and deserved to Viktor Skripnik on Monday after three Cup. With home games against champions Leicester City, win. We were compact in our defend- defeats, remain bottom after a heart- Russian side FC Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League and ing, but we conceded goals unneces- breaking 2-1 loss at Mainz, who scored Stoke City coming up, Mourinho hoped his side can re- sarily.” both of their goals in the fi nal fi ve gain some of their lost momentum in the coming weeks. Bayern went ahead with just 16 minutes. Bayer Leverkusen were held “We have three home matches now in a row and it is minutes gone when Ribery turned the to a goalless draw at home to Augs- always good to be at home,” said the former Real Madrid Hertha defence inside out and then burg. Promoted RB Leipzig protected and Chelsea manager. “If the fans have been disappointed tapped his shot over the line. Hertha their unbeaten record in a 1-1 draw with the last week, I understand completely but I am sure refused to panic — as most sides do at Borussia Moenchengladbach, who they will be behind the team like they always are.” when falling behind in Munich — and host Barcelona in a plum Champions defended well, despite enjoying barely League clash next Wednesday. Leip- 20% possession. Berlin gifted Bayern zig were gifted the lead at their Red their second goal when Brazilian de- Bull Arena when a dreadful mix up in fender Allan took too long on the ball the Gladbach defence allowed Timo in his own area, Thiago robbed him of Werner to net his third goal in two possession and drilled his shot home games having also scored twice in Sat- unopposed on 68 minutes. Bayern urday’s 4-0 rout away to Hamburg. then hit top gear. But USA international Fabian Johnson Striker Robert Lewandowski and scored a late equaliser to spare Glad- Thiago pulled the Berlin defence bach’s blushes. apart to set up Robben, who came on for his fi rst appearance of the season RESULTS and crashed his shot home, with no Bayern Munich 3 (Ribery 16, Alcantara 68, defenders in sight, on 72 minutes. It Robben 72) Hertha Berlin 0 was the Dutchman’s fi rst goal for six Bayer Leverkusen 0 Augsburg 0 months after a groin injury. Schalke 1 (Huntelaar 36) Cologne 3 “That was a huge feeling. I had (Osaka 38, Modeste 77, Zoller 84) goosebumps,” admitted Robben after Werder Bremen 1 (Hajrovic 12) Mainz 2 his goal. The victory saw Bayern regain (Malli 87, De Blasis 90+2) top spot from Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig 1 (Werner 6) Borussia Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara (left) and Franck Ribery celebrate after their team’s opening who temporarily claimed fi rst place Moenchengladbach 1 (Johnson 85) goal during the Bundesliga match against Hertha Berlin in Munich on Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Friday, September 23, 2016 FOOTBALL

SERIE A ROUND-UP Video referee Juventus reclaim top makes instant spot from Napoli impact as yellow turns to red After Napoli’s scoreless draw at Genoa, Juventus lead by one point Reuters Last month, video technology Amsterdam was used as France beat Italy in a friendly international in Bari, although it did not involve stop- illem II Tilburg ping the action to study replays. midfi elder Anouar The VAR can review an inci- Kali became the dent when asked by the match fi rst player in the referee as well as advise offi cials WNetherlands to get his marching on the fi eld about incidents they orders from the ‘video assistant may have missed. The Inter- referee’ (VAR) after his yellow national Football Association card in a Dutch Cup tie against Board, which oversees the rules Ajax Amsterdam was turned into of the game, is expected to de- a red on Wednesday. cide in 2018 whether to author- Kali was initially cautioned ise the use of video technology by referee Danny Makkelie for and include it in the laws. kicking Ajax’s Lasse Schone in the ankle but the decision was ROSE LATEST SPURS changed within seconds into a PLAYER TO SIGN NEW DEAL red after intervention from the Danny Rose has signed a new VAR. It was the fi rst time televi- fi ve-year contract with Totten- sion assistance was fully used in ham Hotspur, the English Pre- on-fi eld decision-making. mier League club announced Referee Pol van Boekel, who yesterday. The 26-year-old left- was sitting in a small van with back, who has signed a deal that six TV screens on the parking is set to keep him at the north level at the Amsterdam Arena, London club until 2021, moved scrutinised replays of the 60th- to White Hart Lane from Leeds minute incident before commu- nine years ago and has since nicating his verdict to the on- scored seven goals in 93 league fi eld referee through a headset. appearances. Makkelie then reversed his deci- He follows in the footsteps sion. of Delle Alli, Christian Eriksen, Cagliari’s Simone Padoin But the intervention confused Eric Dier, Tom Carroll and Harry (left) and Juventus’ the crowd present for Ajax’s 5-0 Winks, who have all extended Gonzalo Higuain battle victory in the fi rst round cup tie their contracts in recent weeks. for the ball in Turin on as they were not aware of the Rose has not played for Spurs Wednesday night. (AFP) change. “We do hope that there since August because of a ham- will be some communication string injury but could return on for the public in the future, they Saturday when Tottenham are have a right to it,” van Boekel told away to Middlesbrough. reporters. Rose made his England de- The two referees will swap but in a 3-2 win over Germany roles for the Dutch Cup match in Berlin in March and went on between Feyenoord and FC Oss to play at this year’s European as the system is further tested. Championships in France.

AFP said criticism following their opening on to Francesco Totti’s chip three minutes when he was left unmarked to dive low Milan defeat of the campaign had been “ex- after the restart. and head Antonio Candreva’s cross past cessive”, but said: “It’s good to get back Minutes later Dzeko had his fourth of Lukasz Skorupski. Icardi took his second on top of the league. The lads have re- the season, and fi rst brace of the cam- with consummate ease, the Argentine onzalo Higuain returned to sponded well after Sunday’s game, and to paign, after slipping past his marker to running on to Joao Mario’s through ball scoring ways as champions Ju- the excessive criticism. It doesn’t interest sidefoot Salah’s unselfi sh cross past Cor- to slot past the Polish ‘keeper at his near ventus regained top spot from me whether we’re stronger or weaker. All daz. Crotone should have reduced arrears post just seven minutes later. misfi ring Napoli thanks to a we want is to go right to the fi nish and win seconds later, but Roma ‘keeper Wojciech “After we scored our second goal we G4-0 rout of outclassed Genoa in Turin on the championship.” Szczesny got down low to his left to save could relax a little,” De Boer said. “We Wednesday night. After Napoli’s scoreless draw at Genoa, Raff aele Palladino’s spot kick on the hour. suff ered a dip in the second half but Higuain, signed from Napoli for an where Pepe Reina had to produce several “Tonight we were a lot more clinical in that’s only normal after giving everything Italian record 90m euros, had failed to key saves for the visitors late on, Juven- front of goal, and the win was even more against Juventus. The lads are showing fi nd the net in Juve’s past two outings — a tus lead Napoli by one point, with Roma impressive because it came with a solid the right attitude and I’m very happy scoreless draw with Sevilla in the Cham- moving up to third after a 4-0 rout of performance,” said Spalletti. about that.” pions League and a 2-1 defeat to Inter Mi- league newcomers Crotone which in- A precious 2-1 win over Europa League RESULTS lan on Sunday. cluded Edin Dzeko’s fi rst brace of the debutants Sassuolo kept Chievo among Bologna 2 (Verdi 45, Destro 50) Sampdoria 0 But the Argentine striker quashed any season. the top four but the Verona-based side Atalanta 0 Palermo 1 (Nestorovski 89) emerging doubts about his talents with Roma coach Luciano Spalletti was un- are only ahead of Inter Milan on goals dif- Chievo 2 (Rigoni 21, Castro 41) Sassuolo 1 his fourth goal of the season just after the der the cosh after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to ference. Inter overcame their poor start (Defrel 28) half hour after defender Daniele Rugani Fiorentina, but the Giallorossi handler’s to the season under new coach Frank De Empoli 0 Inter Milan 2 (Icardi 10, 17) had given Juve a 14th minute lead. Juven- nerves were quickly allayed. Stephen El Boer with an emphatic 2-1 win over Ju- Genoa 0 Napoli 0 tus were dominant throughout and their Shaarawy fi red Roma into a 25th minute ventus on Sunday when Argentine striker Juventus 4 (Rugani 14, Higuain 34, Alves 39, visitors from Sardinia were lucky not to lead when he pounced on a cutback on the Mauro Icardi was on target. Ceppitelli 84-og) Cagliari 0 escape with more punishment. left side of the area to fi re a defl ected shot Days before he is expected to sign a new Pescara 0 Torino 0 Dani Alves, signed during the close sea- past Alex Cordaz. Egyptian international contract extension with the Nerazzurri, Roma 4 (El Shaaraway 26, Salah 37, Dzeko son from Barcelona, hit Juve’s third min- Mohamed Salah doubled Roma’s lead Icardi hit a brace in a 2-0 win at Empoli 48, 57) Crotone 0 utes before the interval and Mario Lemina on 37 minutes when he chipped Cordaz to take his tally for the season to six in fi ve Udinese 2 (Zapata 26, Danilo 45) Fiorentina 2 A referee looks at the broadcast of Netherland’s Cup football match saw his drive turned into the Cagliari net from a similar position. And Dzeko put games and go top of the league scoring (Babacar 30, Bernardeschi 52-pen) between Ajax and Willem II in Amsterdam on Wednesday. It became by Luca Ceppitelli in the closing minutes. the result beyond all reasonable when he charts. On Tuesday: AC Milan 2 (Bacca 37, Niang the first ever high-level off icial game to use a video referee to check Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri lobbed the Italian ‘keeper after running Icardi broke the deadlock on 10 minutes 74-pen) Lazio 0 controversial decisions. (AFP)

AL SADD TO FACE AL AHLI QSL Doha: In today’s other QSL match, Al Sadd will take on Al Ahli at the Al Sadd stadium. Both sides Rayyan tackle Umm Salal today won their opening matches and this match has potential to be a high scoring encounter. By Sports Reporter Al Sadd started season by scoring four goals Doha in their opening game against Kharaitiyat. They will be looking to continue the goal scoring form against Ahli. l Rayyan will go up against Umm Jesualdo Ferreira the head coach of Al Sadd Salal in round two of the Qatar is satisfied with his team’s preparation ahead of Stars League today at the Al Sadd the game. “Our preparation was normal as all the stadium. Last season’s champions haveA a tough game to look forward to as they games. We didn’t play for two months before the first game that’s why this week our preparation aim to defend their title. was depending on the recovery of the players who The Lions won their opening encounter played ninety minutes and studying our oppo- against Al Shahania by three goals to nil. nents,” he said They will be banking on their star striker, Ferreira was full of praise for Firmin Mubele, Al Rodrigo Tabata to replicate another goal Ahli’s Congolese sensation. “Mubele, who scored scoring performance against Umm Salal. in the last game had a very good performance. He Jorge Fossati, the head coach of Al Rayyan is a good factor in the counter attack because he is is full of admiration for his opponents. “It fast. We concentrated our training on the off ensive is a tough game for us. Umm Salal always line of Al Ahli because they scored four similar gives a hard time to their opponents. They goals in their last match.” have played a similar styles for many years. “Jugurtha Hamroun did well in the first game. It I am really optimistic because our team has is new atmosphere for him in Qatar. He did a good been preparing with a high mentality and job and he needs time to adapt,” added the Portu- high team spirit,” he said guese tactician speaking about his new Algerian “I am happy with the player’s perform- winger. Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira is satisfied ance in the last game. We were missing, Se- Al Ahli started of strong in the league with a big with his team’s preparation ahead of the game. bastian Soria and Victor Caceres and their win against Al Gharafa. The Brigadiers seem to replacements did a great job,” added the have settled well with their new coach following Saeed Adnan, he has joined us because of the Uruguayan tactician. the departure of Yousef Adam. injury to Muntazeri.” “In Qatar usually six or seven teams are Luca Bonacic, Al Ahli’s head coach spoke highly “In Al Ahli we respect all the teams and we will competing for the top four spots. This sea- of his team’s performance in the last game match, force all the teams to will respect us. We can’t son will be a very tough one. We will try to Last season’s champions Al Rayyan won their opening encounter against Al Shahania. “Before the kick off in the first game my players promise to win the league but we can expect a do our job and we will be thinking game by were feeling pressure but now after the game my stronger performance than the last season,” added game. You cannot predict the result of the positive impression against the current injuries and I hope it doesn’t aff ect their team and I are feeling confident. All we have to do the Croatian tactician. The head coach also praised game beforehand. We are looking forward to champions. Bulent Uygun, the head coach performance,” added the Turkish tactician. is play with the same team eff ort and we have to his DR Congo star, “Mubele is important to the a very diffi cult season for us and everybody,” of Umm Salal said: “We had a good start Speaking about his ambition for this sea- work hard to get the three points from Al Sadd.” team and we depend on him. He has a fantastic added Fossati. against Al Khor this season. Al Rayyan are son, Uygun said: “This season the competi- Speaking about changes in his squad Bonacic chemistry with Meshaal Abdullah and just like Al Umm Salal like their opponents got off to one of the favourites for the title, we have to tion will be very diffi cult. I still have the aim added,”Amer Al Dossary the goal keeper will miss Sadd knows us, we know them and we know their a winning start with a 2-1 victory against Al do is to play in way that suites Umm Salal.” for achieving the AFC Champions League the game because of injury. I will give a debut to strength and their weakness Khor. After losing both games to Al Rayyan “We have some players like Yannick Sag- spot and this time there is more competitors last season they will be aiming to make a bo and Ismail Mohammed who have minor for those spots.” Gulf Times Friday, September 23, 2016 5 SPORT

MLB MLB in talks to play regular season games in London London may soon host Major League Baseball’s Dodgers rout Giants to (MLB) first game in Europe, after discussions were held between the organisation’s commissioner Rob Manfred and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Earlier this year, the MLB stated they were keen for lead NL West by 6 games London to host its first regu- lar-season game in 2017 but negotiations stalled before a ‘We understand what he’s going to do and how he’s going to approach us’ deal could be agreed. “Commissioner Manfred and the Mayor of London By Andy McCullough had a very good meeting Los Angeles Times on a variety of topics,” an MLB spokesperson told BBC Sport. he sign of capitulation “Nothing specific has been took the form of a man- determined regarding when ager with three World a game might occur in Lon- Series rings this decade don and what teams would Tand seemingly endless nights of participate.” angst these last three months. Khan, who threw the first In the second inning Wednes- pitch in the game between day of a 9-3 Los Angeles Dodg- the New York Mets and Min- ers victory, San Francisco Giants nesota Twins last week, said manager Bruce Bochy lurched the MLB were eager to tap up his dugout steps, shuffl ed into the European market. to the mound and held out his “We’re in discussions about hand. Matt Moore, a left-hand- MLB and we want MLB to er who devastated the Dodgers come to London,” he told inside this ballpark less than a reporters on Wednesday. month prior, handed over the “What we’re discussing with baseball and shuffl ed out of Major League Baseball is for sight. A division race may have them to come here during disappeared with him. the summer, which works The race for the National for us for obvious reasons. League West is not over. Not They are very excited.” yet, not with 10 games left in the The MLB could follow the regular season. But the Dodgers lead of the National Football own a commanding six-game Association (NFL) and the lead, and any combination of National Basketball As- fi ve victories of their own plus sociation (NBA) if any deal losses by San Francisco will seal is struck. a fourth division title in a row. The NFL has played at least To reach this position of one regular-season game in strength, the Dodgers (86-66) London since 2007 and has maintained a 92-win pace while an agreement to play there the Giants decayed. The home through 2020, while the club captured a series this week NBA is set to play its seventh at Dodger Stadium in thrilling game in the English capital fashion. in January. On Monday, Yasiel Puig in- duced a temper tantrum by San Francisco ace Madison Bum- garner that led to Bumgarner’s Lakers ready to premature departure from the give World Peace game and a ninth-inning come- a chance, again back. Metta World Peace has signed Two days later, Puig side- a one-year deal with the Los swiped Moore with a three-run Angeles Lakers, extending homer to highlight a fi ve-run his second stint at the club fi rst inning and usher him closer following his return to the to the exits. franchise last season, the vet- After fl irting with a no-hitter eran forward said Wednesday. during his last appearance here, The 36-year-old, who played Moore collected only three outs. 35 games for the Lakers in The Dodgers pasted a six-run Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (No 66) celebrates with manager Dave Roberts (No 30) after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning against the 2015-2016 after returning from bill on his tab, which granted San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports spells in China and Italy, told plenty of room for Kenta Maeda, ESPN he hoped to help mentor who logged fi ve innings of two- Puig nearly cut down Span at Moore yielded a hit before he He tattooed an inside fastball Moore did not exactly unravel actually delayed the game for a younger team-mates in the run baseball. the plate, but Span barely beat recorded an out - Howie Kend- on the next pitch. Puig hustled in his second inning. He hit couple minutes. The implica- upcoming season. “I’m excited Maeda earned a tidy sum the throw. rick led off with a single, before around the bases, pressing on Kendrick with a pitch. He gave tion of the substitutions was about everything. I’m prepared Wednesday. For making his 30th Puig would answer in the being replaced on the bases by Gonzalez’s heels as he crossed up a groundball single to Seager. clear. to help the young guys grow. start of the year, he received a bottom of the inning. His team- Seager after a fi elder’s choice. the plate. Puig pointed skyward There were runners at the cor- The division race did not end To play, everything,” World $1.5mn bonus. mates did damage fi rst. Justin Turner laid off a trio of and found his dugout teeming ners with none out. Bochy had on Wednesday. It only felt that Peace told the network. World His eight-year contract con- On August 25, Moore toyed two-strike pitches to take a walk. with happiness. seen enough. way. Peace — formerly known as tains an annual guarantee of with the Dodgers. He procured Adrian Gonzalez opened the Maeda provided an extra bit His bullpen has vexed him for Ron Artest — will be reunited $3mn, but Maeda has already 26 outs before he allowed his scoring by re-directing a cutter of cheer. He came up after in- months, but Bochy trusted his RESULTS with former team-mate Luke pushed that fi gure to $11.15mn fi rst hit of the evening, a well- into left fi eld for an RBI single. fi eld singles by Ruiz and reserve relievers rather than Moore. The Colorado 11 St. Louis 1 Walton this season. Walton, in 2016. When he records one placed bloop from Corey Seager. Puig was not in the lineup outfi elder Enrique Hernandez. results were predictable. Turner Houston 6 Oakland 5 who played alongside World more inning, he’ll have 170 on The Dodgers often fl ail against when Moore dissected the Maeda punched an elevated delivered a sacrifi ce fl y in the Seattle 2 Toronto 1 (12 innings) Peace during the Lakers’ NBA this season, which translates to left-handed pitchers. Dodgers last month. He was fastball into center fi eld for a second. Kendrick roped a two- Boston 5 Baltimore 1 finals winning team in 2010, another $250,000 bonus. On that night, the team also toiling with Oklahoma City, single. run double in the third. Andrew Philadelphia 8 White Sox 3 has been hired as head coach The fi rst inning lasted 24 appeared befuddled by Moore’s riding minor league buses and Hernandez got caught in a Toles came off the bench with Atlanta 4 NY Mets 3 after the franchise’s 17-65 pitches for Maeda. He walked sudden reliance on a recently awaiting a return to the ballpark rundown between second base an RBI double in the fi fth. Cleveland 4 Kansas City 3 season last year. World Peace leadoff hitter Denard Span on developed cut fastball. that feted him like a star. In the and third, but not before Ruiz Bochy off ered even more ca- NY Yankees 11 Tampa Bay 5 has enjoyed a nomadic career four pitches. Span took sec- “We understand what he’s years since his debut, Puig has came home. pitulation in the bottom the Washington 8 Miami 3 throughout the NBA, with ond on a passed ball by backup going to do and how he’s going merited that adulation on an Up four runs, Maeda handed sixth inning. Chicago Cubs 9 Cincinnati 2 spells at the Chicago Bulls, Indi- catcher Carlos Ruiz. to approach us,” manager Dave intermittent basis. On Wednes- one back in the second. An in- He removed several starters, LA Angels 5 Texas 4 ana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, San Francisco outfi elder An- Roberts said Wednesday before day, he basked in it. side fastball to shortstop Ehire including catcher Buster Posey Pittsburgh 4 Milwaukee 1 Houston Rockets and New York gel Pagan handed Moore a lead the game. Puig declined to chase a fi rst- Adrianza hooked inside the and outfi elder Hunter Pence in a Arizona 3 San Diego 2 Knicks as well as the Lakers. with an RBI single into right. Roberts did not have to worry. pitch curveball that hit the dirt. right-fi eld pole for a homer. series of wholesale changes that LA Dodgers 9 San Francisco 3

FOCUS US sport grapples with racial tension in wake of shootings

AFP spectrum you’re on, I would joined by some fellow NFL play- a kid, ‘When you’re dealing with San Francisco hope every American is disgust- ers in declining to stand for the the police, just put your hands ed with what’s going on in the anthem, others have demon- up and comply with everything,’ country, what just happened in strated diff erently. and there’s still a chance of them he shootings of two Tulsa two days ago with Terence The Seattle Seahawks have getting shot and no repercussions black men by police in Crutcher,” Kerr said. stood with their arms inter- for anyone, that’s an unfortunate Tulsa and Charlotte re- Crutcher was shot and killed locked for the pre-game anthem, time to be living,” he said. verberated in the US by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but Seahawks cornerback Rich- “There’s not a lot you can tell a Tsports world on Wednesday as last Friday while Keith Lamont ard Sherman said Wednesday it kid. There’s not a lot you can say racial tensions fl ared around the Scott was killed by authorities was important to remember the to inspire a person when you say, United States. in Charlotte, North Carolina, on anthem is not the issue. ‘Hey, we need black fathers to be Steve Kerr, head coach of the Tuesday. in the community to stay there NBA’s Golden State Warriors, “I understand people who are ‘Not right’ for your kids,’ but they’re getting said he would “absolutely” en- off ended by his (Kaepernick’s) “The reason these guys are killed in the street for nothing, for courage his players to talk as a stance, maybe they have a mili- kneeling, the reason we’re lock- putting their hands on their cars.” team about using their platforms tary family member or maybe ing arms is to bring people to- Carolina Panthers quarter- to speak out against social injus- they lost someone in a war and gether to make people aware that back Cam Newton spoke more tice. maybe that anthem means a this is not right,” Sherman said obliquely, saying he didn’t know Kerr said he had already spo- lot more to them than someone Wednesday. “It’s not right for enough about the specifi cs of the ken to several of his players else,” Kerr said. people to get killed in the street.” shootings to comment. about San Francisco 49ers quar- “But then you fl ip it around At his weekly media availabil- However, he said, police as terback Colin Kaepernick’s na- and what about non-violent ity on Wednesday, Sherman told well as ordinary citizens must tional anthem protest, in which protests? That’s America. This reporters he wouldn’t take ques- be held accountable for their Kaepernick has declined to stand is what our country is about. It’s tions. Instead he spoke about the actions. “My big thing is always for the Star Spangled Banner be- a non violent protest. It’s what it latest shootings and the need for holding people accountable,” fore NFL games. should be about. So I think Co- change. Newton said. Kaepernick’s actions have lin has really clarifi ed his mes- “I do a lot of community serv- “No matter what the race sparked outrage in some quar- sage over the last couple weeks. ice, I go out there and try to help is, no matter what the gender ters, but Kerr said it was impor- I would think that something kids and try to encourage them to is, no matter what the age is, tant to start a dialogue. similar will happen in the NBA.” be better and to aspire to more,” we all have to hold each other Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick (right) take a knee during the national anthem before their game against “No matter what side of the While Kaepernick has been Sherman said. “And when you tell accountable.” the Los Angeles Rams recently. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, September 23, 2016 SPORT

WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY RUGBY England must not give up on banned MacKinnon shines Ashton: Woodward

Reuters tralia squad for their fi nal two London Rugby Championship matches against South Africa and Ar- gentina. ngland should not give Latu forced his way into for North America, up on Chris Ashton contention following impres- after the winger was sive form in the domestic Na- handed a 13-week ban tional Rugby championship onE Tuesday for biting an oppo- and replaces veteran hooker nent, according to 2003 World Tatafu Polota-Nau, who has Cup-winning coach Clive also been battling an arm in- Woodward. jury. The Saracens player, who “It is disappointing for Canada advance has won 39 international Tatafu, who has been one of caps, was found guilty of bit- the most consistent and valued ing Northampton prop Alex members of our fi nishers off ‘We gave ourselves a chance. It’ll be stressful tomorrow but we have faith in the Finns’ Waller during a Premiership the bench, he needs time to get match on Saturday. his body right and we respect Woodward said Ashton that,” coach Michael Cheika AFP should not suff er the same fate said in a statement. Toronto as fl yhalf Danny Cipriani who “With injury comes oppor- missed out on a place in Eng- tunity, and this is the oppor- land coach Eddie Jones’ pro- tunity now for Tolu to make athan MacKinnon visional 45-man pre-season his step up to international scored a brilliant over- training squad. Rugby.” time goal in the World Cipriani was found guilty in Latu has been in the Wal- Cup of Hockey on June of drinking and driving in labies squad before but never NWednesday to lift North Amer- an incident last year. played after he sustained a ica to a 4-3 win over Sweden, “I really hope Eddie Jones broken arm. who advanced to the semi-fi nals hasn’t given up on Ashton be- Toulon winger Drew Mitch- despite the loss. cause, just like Danny Cipri- ell and Western Force loose MacKinnon danced around ani, I see a big English Rugby forward Ben McCalman have a lunging Swedish goaltender talent right in the middle of also been released after bat- Henrik Lundqvist before fi nish- what should be the best sea- tling long-term injuries. ing off the pretty deke with the sons of his career,” Woodward “We’re happy with how backhand to the top of the net told reporters. “It’s too soon to Drew and Ben are progressing,” with just 49 seconds left in the give up on Ashton but he must Cheika added. extra period. address this huge issue in his “The best thing for both After scoring, MacKinnon make-up right now.” players is to play some regular danced another jig, mistakenly Rugby to get themselves back thinking he had advanced his Latu replaces Polota-Nau to full form and fi tness.” team to the semi-fi nals. in Wallabies squad Fiji-born Naivalu has “Honestly when I scored I Uncapped hooker Tolu Latu been selected after he ful- thought we were in, maybe we and winger Sefa Naivalu have fi lled his three-year residency shouldn’t have (celebrated) so been called up to the Aus- requirement. hard,” said MacKinnon, of Cana- da. “We gave ourselves a chance. It’ll be stressful tomorrow but SPOTLIGHT we have faith in the Finns.” Team Sweden fi nished fi rst in Group B and advanced to the semis because of the one point Kabaddi, wrestling it received for losing in overtime. Sweden will next play Europe, who fi nished second in Group A. to star in Asian Canada clinched top spot in Group A with a 4-1 win over Europe with two goals from Beach Games Jonathan Toews and one from Nathan MacKinnon (No 29) of Team North America celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime against Team Sweden during the World Cup Sidney Crosby. of Hockey at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP) AFP east Asian martial arts The North Americans need Hanoi vovinam and pencak silat will Russia to lose to Finland on check scored just over a minute also feature on the menu. Thursday to move on. A win later to make it 2-0. Sweden “The Asian Beach Games by Russia would advance them eventually came back to force ome 3,000 athletes will have become one of the most to the semi-fi nals where they the overtime, setting the stage converge on the Viet- popular Asian multi-sport would play Canada. MacKin- for MacKinnon’s heroics. namese resort town of events on the calendar of the non’s incredible goal came while Danang this weekend Olympic Movement for ath- the teams were playing three- ‘Most embarrassing’ forS the Asian Beach Games, letes, offi cials and specta- on-three and capped off a razzle- “Those fi rst two minutes vying for glory in events rang- tors alike,” the OCA president dazzle play by North America. there, that was probably the ing from Indian contact sport Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al- It happened just 15 seconds most embarrassing part that I’ve kabaddi to wrestling and vol- Sabah said in a press release. after Daniel Sedin was denied ever been a part of on a team,” leyball. “The event has proved to be on a breakaway by North Ameri- said Swedish defenceman Erik The biennial event will see more successful than we could can goalie John Gibson. North Karlsson. Lundqvist made 45 22 disciplines contested on a have dreamed of back in the America moved the puck up the saves, giving him a total of 80 in seven-kilometre (4.4-mile) early days,” he said of a com- ice into the Sweden zone where two straight games after missing stretch of sand at the tour- petition that was launched in Johnny Gaudreau and Shayne the opening game for Sweden ist town in central Vietnam, 2008 in Bali. Gostisbehere combined to set up due to illness. the Olympic Council of Asia Organisers say the Games MacKinnon who was left alone Crosby opened the scoring (OCA) said on Wednesday. bring a tourist bonanza to host in front of Lundqvist. for Canada against Europe with The Games, which run from towns and cities. North America has quickly a wraparound goal 4:01 into the Saturday until October 3, give But Vietnamese state media become the darlings of the 2016 contest. Canada outshot Europe prominence to athletes — and reported local travel agents World Cup of Hockey which is 17-4 in the fi rst period, taking a sports — from Asian nations saying organisers had done too the third tournament of its kind 2-0 lead on Toews’ fi rst goal. who do not normally make little to promote the Games, in history and the fi rst since Toews and his Chicago Black- the podium at the Olympics or making it diffi cult to attract 2004. The players are from Can- hawks teammate Marian Hossa World Championships. domestic and foreign tourists. ada or the United States and are traded goals in the middle frame Participating nations range Thailand dominated the all under 24 years old. for Canada and Europe. Hossa from regional sporting heavy- last edition held in 2014 on its North America started quickly cut Canada’s lead to one with weight China to landlocked home turf in Phuket. In ad- Wednesday with two goals in 4:38 gone in the second, when he Afghanistan, who have won dition to Phuket and Bali, the the fi rst 95 seconds, including scored on a sharp angle against Team Canada forward Jonathan Toews (second right) celebrates his second goal of the game against Team medals in beach wrestling in Games have also been held in one from 19-year-old American Canadian goalie Corey Craw- Europe with forward Corey Perry (left) and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (second left) and forward Logan previous editions. Muscat in Oman and Haiyang, Auston Matthews. Vincent Tro- ford, another Blackhawks player. Couture (right) during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. (USA TODAY Sports) Beach football and South- China.

FOCUS Hacked WADA to focus on internal reform

AFP sport”, Montreal-based WADA Werthein’s damning sugges- from IOC representatives dur- Lausanne seems to have no choice but to tion, the Argentinian rounding ing the meeting that the Olym- instigate internal reform. on senior fi gures at WADA, both pic movement has no intention Widespread Russian doping past and present. to dilute WADA but rather a he World Anti-Doping revealed before the Rio Olympics Werthein criticised WADA for willingness to reinforce its inde- Agency (WADA) has had shown up defi ciencies in its late reaction to the Russian pendence and regulatory pow- this month been the tar- WADA, according to IOC presi- doping scandal and its poor sys- ers,” Reedie said. get of hacking, but also dent Thomas Bach. “Recent de- tem of governance, also calling WADA director Olivier Niggli Tfi nds itself in the crosshairs of velopments have shown that we on the body to relocate “so that added: “I don’t think the situa- an Olympic family demanding need a full review of the WADA it can work in much closer co- tion is critical for WADA. widespread reform in the battle anti-doping system,” Bach said operation with the sports move- “We’ve just published a re- against banned drugs in sport. before the Olympics started in ment to spread best practice and port (McLaren) which revealed The leaking of confi dential Brazil in a surprise broadside. learn together how best to defeat what is probably one of the big- medical records of 66 athletes While the investigation into the cheats”. gest doping scandals and whose including tennis’ Williams sis- systemic Russian state-spon- The Argentine’s idea has been fi nal version will be made public ters and three-time Tour de sored doping was revealed by mooted before — the creation at the end of October or start of France winner Chris Froome by Canadian Richard McLaren for of a separate agency apart from November. “Moreover, govern- the Fancy Bears hacking collec- WADA and led to the exclusion WADA which would be tasked ments support WADA in a strong tive, believed to be operating of hundreds of Russian athletes, 50% shareholder of WADA, is holders of the Olympic move- thein, president of Argentina’s with fi ghting not only doping and unanimous way.” from Russia, is however, most Bach called for “a more robust ready to contribute to this dis- ment.” national Olympic committee, was problems but also match-fi xing A source close to the Olympic likely not the thing that most and effi cient anti-doping sys- cussion,” the German said. quick to accuse WADA offi cials and corruption. movement, speaking on con- threatens WADA. tem. This requires clear respon- “This review can be a turning IOC reform ideas welcome of being more interested in self- WADA president Craig Reed- dition of anonymity, told AFP Established in 1999 following sibilities, more transparency, point for the better in the fi ght With an Olympic summit on justifi cation and blaming major ie, speaking after meeting IOC there was a power struggle be- the Festina aff air — over doping more independence and better against doping. anti-doping scheduled for Oc- problems in the system on others. members and federations on tween Bach and Reedie. during and after the 1998 Tour worldwide harmonisation”. “We need to work together to tober 8 in Lausanne, Bach asked “I personally support a ma- how to improve anti-doping “But in the middle of all de France — as an International Bach reinforced his view that come to a joint solution that en- for suggestions for improvement jor restructuring of WADA with systems, responded by saying that, there are the athletes and Olympic Committee initiative to reform was crucial in a letter to sures the integrity of sport, the from IOC members and interna- the development of an anti- that a separate body was not if we must reform WADA, we “promote, coordinate and moni- IOC members on September 16. protection of the clean athletes tional sports federations. doping body run by genuinely what the IOC wanted. must, above all, have that at the tor the fi ght against drugs in “The Olympic movement, as and is accepted by all the stake- IOC member Gerardo Wer- independent professionals,” was “It was encouraging to hear forefront.” Gulf Times Friday, September 23, 2016 7 SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE TENNIS Cycling goes from strength to strength in Qatar Muguruza romps By Sports Reporter The record in question occurred Doha during the unforgettable fourth stage of the 2014 edition, when a strong tail- into Tokyo quarters wind provoked a frantic stage between s a young sports nation, Qa- Dukhan and Mesaieed. Tom Boonen tar’s cycling history is rela- crossed the fi nish line in fi rst position AFP bledon fi nalist Lisicki 7-6 (4), 6-4 to tively short, but memorable. with an average speed of 56.816 kph, Tokyo advance to Friday’s semi-fi nals, where The professional sport was the fastest ever recorded. she will face third seeded Croatian Ana thrustA into the limelight with the crea- In addition to professional competi- Konjuh. tion of the Tour of Qatar, the country’s tion, Qatar has proven time and again to rench Open champion Garbine The tournament’s two US players own global road race. be a wonderful cycling location thanks Muguruza exacted revenge for a took a beating, with Konjuh knocking The Tour of Qatar is a nation-wide to its fl at terrain, great roads and cycling shock early exit at the US Open out American Jennifer Brady 6-4, 7-5 stage race that was fi rst held in 2002. tracks, and warm weather. by thrashing Anastasija Sev- and Ukranian Lesia Tsurenko securing Germany’s Thorsten Wilhems was the In the last 20 years, the Qatari cy- astovaF to reach the Pan Pacifi c Open a win over fi fth seed Alison Riske 3-6, winner of the opening edition of the cling scene has fl ourished in great quarter-fi nals yesterday. 6-4, 6-0 in a match that lasted nearly race, while Belgian legend Tom Boo- fashion. It has become common to The Spanish world number three, two hours. nen is its current recordman, with a the Tour of Qatar expanded to hold its the eight editions. see big groups of bicycle afi cionados beaten in the second round by Sevas- Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland, tally of 22 stage wins and four over- fi rst women’s edition in 2009, which Not only is the Tour of Qatar pedalling the Qatari roads. The groups tova in New York earlier this month, fresh off a surprise win 6-7 (7), 6-3, all victories. Former world champion quickly became one of the most pres- watched by cycling fans around the usually meet in cycling clubs and en- spanked the Latvian 6-3, 6-3 to storm 6-4 against top seed Sara Errani that Mark Cavendish has also excelled in tigious female races in the road cycling world every year, but the Men’s Tour of joy expanding their training alongside into the last eight in Tokyo. had shot her into the quarter-fi nals this scenario by winning the GC of the calendar. Almost as quickly, Nether- Qatar is enshrined in cycling’s record other cyclists. After all, the delight of “It was a surprise to play her as the the night before, couldn’t recreate the race twice and triumphing in 11 stages. land’s Kirsten Wild made her mark on books for the fastest speed recorded in riding a bike increases with the com- last match was also against her but magic, losing 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to Anett Originally conceived for men only, the event, reigning four times out of a professional road race. pany of good friends. guess I got my revenge,” said Muguruza Kontaveit of Estonia, listed as 129th in after victory over a player who was so the WTA singles rankings. depressed about the state of her game GOLF back in 2013 that she retired. WAWRINKA MARKS ST “That’s tennis. I’m happy to be the PETERSBURG DEBUT WITH WIN top seed here, it means I’m improving,” Top seeded US Open champion Stan the Spaniard added. Wawrinka made a successful Saint Belarusian qualifi er Aliaksandra Sas- Petersburg Open debut Wednesday, novich upset US Open fi nalist Karolina cruising comfortably into the last eight Pliskova, the world number six, 6-4, by beating Lukas Rosol of the Czech 6-2 to set up a quarter-fi nal with Japa- Republic. Westwood questions nese teenage sensation Naomi Osaka. Wawrinka prevailed 6-3, 6-1 in just “I was ready to go to Wuhan (for my 57 minutes to record his sixth win over next tournament),” said Sasnovich. Rosol in as many meetings. “But that’s life: this is tennis and the The world number three raced ball is round,” she added after bouncing through the fi rst set, courtesy of serv- the Czech, her fi rst triumph over a top- ice breaks in the fi fth and ninth games. Woods’ role in US 10 opponent. The 31-year-old was checked in the Elsewhere, Poland’s Magda Linette fi rst game of the second set when he battled to a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over was trailing 0-40, but the Swiss star Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva and will rallied to produce two more breaks to next face former world number one seal the set and the match. Caroline ozniacki of Denmark. “I think my level today was good,” Ryder Cup team Wawrinka said. “I was really focused CEPELOVA ADVANCES QUARTERS trying to be aggressive, trying to fi nd IN SEOUL the right way for the fi rst round. And ‘They have always struggled to find a partner for Tiger that’s been successful’ Jana Cepelova of Slovakia yesterday I’m happy with my performance.” advanced to the Korea Open quarterfi - Fourth seeded Spaniard Roberto Reuters nals after beating the top seed and de- Bautista Agut battled back from a set Bengaluru Do not pair me with fending champion Irina-Camelia Begu. down to advance into the quarter- Mickelson at Ryder Cepelova, currently the world fi nals by beating Ricardas Berankis of number 102, defeated the world 23 Lithuania 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (2). urope’s Lee Westwood believes Cup, pleads Johnson Begu, who had won two titles at the Joao Sousa of Portugal, seeded Tiger Woods could have an Korea Open, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in 125 min- eighth, also overcame a one-set defi cit adverse eff ect on America’s Dustin Johnson says he does utes. to beat Moldovan qualifi er Radu Albot Ryder Cup chances after the not want to partner United Cepelova previously made it into in a tough three-setter 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 on 14-timeE major winner was named as a the semi-fi nals at the WTA Tokyo last his way to the second round. States team mate Phil Mickel- vice-captain on the US team. son at next week’s Ryder Cup in week before being ousted by Christina Seventh seed Serb Viktor Troicki Woods has not played competitive Minnesota. “I think I can partner McHale in the fi nal. experienced few troubles in his open- golf since the Wyndham championship pretty well with pretty much The 23-year-old Slovak also beat ing round match seeing off Portugal’s in August 2015, and has been sidelined anyone, except for Phil,” world Begu in the two ladies’ fi rst and previ- Gastao Elias 6-1, 6-2. for much of the past year while recov- number two Johnson said. ous match at the qualifi ers to the 2013 Sousa will next face Russian wild- ering from multiple back surgeries. “Me and Phil don’t partner well US Open. card Andrey Rublev, while Troicki takes The former world number one was together.” US Open champion Begu was seeking redemption after on compatriot Dusan Lajovic. recruited by US captain Davis Love Johnson made it clear he has suff ering four consecutive fi rst-round III as a team tactician for next week’s no personal issue with the exits, including at the Rio Olympics GOFFIN CRUISES BUT SIMON event but Westwood, a wildcard pick five-time Major champion, and the US Open, since winning the ti- PUSHED IN METZ for Europe, said he was not convinced with whom he regularly plays tle at the WTA Florianopolis in July. Second seed David Goffi n eased into Woods’ presence would have the de- nesota, will be gunning for an unprec- Love will announce his fi nal wildcard practice rounds before tourna- Cepelova will next play Monica Ni- the ATP Metz Open quarter-fi nals but sired impact. edented fourth consecutive Ryder Cup pick on September 25 and Westwood, ments, usually with a wager on culescu from Romania. fourth seed Gilles Simon was made to “I don’t know what impact there will victory next week, and Westwood ex- making his 10th consecutive Ryder cup the line. Johnson’s antipathy to struggle yesterday. Belgian Goffi n, the be from having Tiger around,” West- pects the pressure to be fi rmly on the appearance questioned the American partnering Mickelson stretches JANKOVIC IN GUANGZHOU SFs world number 14, beat Jan-Lennard wood told ESPN.com. hosts to deliver. captain’s omission of one former major back to the 2010 Ryder Cup at Defending champion Jelena Jankovic Struff of Germany 6-4, 6-2 in his “They have always struggled to fi nd “They have got a strong side and winner. Celtic Manor in Wales, when the of Serbia beat Germany’s Sabine Li- second-round clash but Simon was a partner for Tiger that’s been success- probably are favourites, but they “There seem to have been issues two were paired for the opening sicki in the quarter-fi nals of the WTA pushed to a decider by Spain’s Guill- ful. He could have an adverse eff ect in haven’t won it for a while and they are about team spirit and chemistry. Love day foursomes and fourballs. Guangzhou International Women’s ermo Garcia-Lopez. World number 28 the team room. People have always playing in front of a home crowd.” has not picked Bubba Watson and I They lost both matches 3&2. Open yesterday, getting her a step clos- Simon eventually prevailed 6-7, 6-3, seemed to try to do too much when they “There is a lot of pressure on them. don’t know what that does for team Mickelson has a 16-19-6 (win- er to the $226,750 top prize. 6-4 and will next face Tunisia’s Malek have partnered him. That is going to keep building in the spirit; he was fi rst outside the points loss-halve) record from 10 Second seed and former world Jaziri, who ousted Frenchman Vincent “It might be diff erent if he’s one of next week or so and by the time the Ry- qualifi cation and is No. 7 in the world.” Ryder Cups, while Johnson is number one Jankovic beat 2013 Wim- Millot 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. the vice-captains, you don’t know.” der Cup comes around, it is going to be The Ryder Cup begins at the Hazeltine 4-3-0 after two appearances. Europe, fi elding six rookies in Min- pretty intense for them.” National Golf Club on September 30.

Despite balky back Day has eyes on CYCLING prize at PGA Tour Championship Sagan in Eneco lead with AFP deserves it. My biggest thing is I’ve Miami got to win, and if I win, that hope- fully pushes me over the edge.” 2nd straight stage win Johnson tops the FedExCup stand- ason Day has been careful in ings, and the race for the $10 mil- AFP plotting his return from the lion bonus that goes with the title. Brussels Jback injury that forced him He has won three of his last nine out the BMW Championship this tournaments and has finished in month, but that doesn’t mean he’s the top 10 in his last three Tour orld champion Peter lowering his sights at this week’s Championship starts – tying for Sagan won his second PGA Tour Championship. 10th in 2012, finishing fifth the fol- straight stage yesterday The world number one from Aus- lowing year and closing with a 64 to take the overall lead at Wthe Eneco Tour. tralia is one of five players who go last year to tie for fifth, five shots into the tournament at East Lake in behind winner Jordan Spieth. The Slovak outsprinted German Atlanta, Georgia, with a chance to American Patrick Reed is second Andre Greipel and Alexander Krist- claim the FedExCup playoff bonus. in the standings and is one of the off of Norway to claim victory in the Although he could finish as low five players guaranteed to take 202km fourth stage which fi nished in Spain’s Garbine Muguruza signs autographs for fans after the match against as tied for third and still have a home the Cup with a victory this Leeuw-St-Pierre in Belgium. Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) chance of capturing the prize, he week. He won the first playoff The 10-second time bonus he re- said he’s treating the week as a event, the Barclays, tied for fifth in ceived on the line was enough to must-win. the Deutsche Bank Championship snatch the overall lead from Austral- “It’s either winning or nothing else and tied for 13th at Crooked Stick. ian Rohan Dennis, who is now 7sec Neutral venue for Davis Cup fi nals matters,” Day said. “That’s the Johnson and Reed are paired to- back in second. Sagan, 26, had also mentality that I have to go into gether on Thursday, while Day will won Wednesday’s 186km third stage Stage 4 results unappealing to Murray because, if I finish second, that’s play alongside compatriot Adam in a sprint fi nish. 1. Peter Sagan (Tinkoff ) 4:42:12 great and all, but it may not win Scott, who has finished in the top Just 50km into the stage, Belgian 2. Andre Greipel (Lotto) ST Reuters ue),” Murray told British media. “I do me the trophy.” 10 in all three playoff events and one-day classics specialist Tom Boo- 3. Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) London love the home and away atmosphere “So I’ve got to go in with the men- comes in ranked third in the play- nen pulled out of the race after crash- 4. Arnaud Demare (FDJ) that we get in the Davis Cup.” tality that I have to win.” off standings ahead of Day and ing when his front wheel hit a pothole 5. Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL) “It is something that we as tennis Day thinks a victory could also England’s Paul Casey. as he was eating. 6. John Degenkolb (Giant) imbledon champion Andy players aren’t really used to because give him a shot at Player of the While the elite 30-man field will off er “The wheel came off and Tom fell,” 7. Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg Murray is not overly enthu- we are playing in neutral venues a lot Year honours, an award voted on plenty of formidable competition, said Etixx manager Patrick Lefevere. (Dimension Data) Wsiastic about the possibility of the time and the home and away by Tour members which many Day said his back won’t be a factor. “As my rider felt groggy, the deci- 8. Amaury Capiot (Topsport Vlaan- of a neutral venue hosting the Davis aspect is something that I enjoy and believed that US Open champion “The back isn’t an issue right now,” sion was immediately taken to trans- deren) Cup finals, but backed proposals to makes it special.” Dustin Johnson wrapped up with said the Aussie, who said he’s back port him to hospital for more tests.” 9. Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek) shorten matches in the competition. The world number two however his victory at the BMW Champion- in his routine for dealing with the Boonen, a sprint specialist and 10. Luka Mezgec (Orica) The International Tennis Federation supported the idea to host the finals ship at Crooked Stick. annular tear of a disc in his spine, winner of many one-day races, was Overall classification (ITF) is considering plans to select over two days instead of three. Both players have won three times which requires keeping up with using the Eneco Tour as warm-up 1. Peter Sagan (Tinkoff ) 13:17:29” fixed-venue cities in advance for the “The last three days, coming off the this season, with Johnson’s trio of specialized exercises. for next month’s UCI Road World 2. Rohan Dennis (BMC Racing) +7” Davis and Fed Cup finals, switching back of the Olympics, Cincinnati, the titles including his breakthrough “I wasn’t able to go the gym as Championships in Qatar where he 3. Jos van Emden (LottoNL) +12” from the current format where one US Open, and then being on court for major triumph at Oakmont. much, missed a few massage had been expected to lead the Bel- 4. Jasha Suetterlin (Movistar) +21” of the finalists host the decider. 10 or 11 hours, was really hard,” the “If I win four times, win the FedEx sessions with my guy,” Day said of gium team. 5. Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling) Croatia will host Argentina for the Olympic champion added. Cup . . . I’m hoping that pushes me the trouble that struck in Indiana. Today’s fi fth stage is a 20.9km team 6. Primoz Roglic (LottoNL) +23” 2016 Davis Cup title after winning “Maybe playing it over Saturday over the line if I win,” Day said. “Muscles turn off , and then my time-trial around Sittard-Geleen in 7. Taylor Phinney (BMC Racing) their semi-finals last weekend, but a and Sunday, best of three sets, I like “If we both finish tied fifth (at the back goes out. But I learned from the Netherlands. 8. Tony Martin (Etixx-Quick-Step) +25” host city has yet to be named. that idea. If it doesn’t work you can Tour Championship), he obviously it. I’m going to try and get better.” The Eneco Tour fi nishes in Ger- 9. Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick-Step) +28” “I am not sold on that (neutral ven- always change back.” aardsbergen in Belgium on Sunday. 10. Andre Greipel (Lotto)

Friday, September 23, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

IND VS NZ, DAY 1, 1ST TEST FOCUS Bangladesh Vijay confi dent recall Shafi ul for Afghan ODIs

AFP Paceman Taskin Ahmed will even as late strikes Dhaka join the squad provided he gets clearance from the ICC over his bowling action, said chief selec- angladesh yesterday tor Abedin. named uncapped bats- He was banned from bowl- man Mosaddek Hos- ing in international cricket for sain and recalled bowler an illegal action during the ICC ShafiB ul Islam in their squad for World Twenty20 in India earlier by NZ restrict India the start of their fi rst ever bilat- this year. eral one-day series against Af- He underwent a reassessment ghanistan. of his action in Australia on Sep- After half centuries by Vijay and Pujara, Kiwi bowlers limit India to 291-9 at stumps The selectors also dropped tember 8 and is now awaiting the paceman Al-Amin Hossain in a result. AFP revamped 13-man squad for the Mossaddek played a Twenty20 Kanpur fi rst two games in three-match international against Zimbabwe contest that begins on Sunday at last year but was yet to win a cap Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National in Test or ODIs. atsman Murali Vijay yesterday Stadium. The 20-year-old was called said India had built a platform to “We thought Shafi ul would up after some fi ne performances pile on the pressure against New be a better option as he bowled in the Dhaka Premier League, Zealand in the hosts’ 500th Test fantastically well in recent train- Bangladesh’s top 50-over do- matchB after he starred with the bat on the ing sessions,” chief selector Min- mestic league, in which he aver- opening day in Kanpur. hajul Abedin told a press confer- aged 77.75 with a strike rate of After electing to bat on the fi rst day of ence in Dhaka. 104.89. a three-match series, India looked set for “Our management also pre- All three matches are taking a commanding total thanks to half-cen- ferred Shafi ul ahead of Al-Amin, place at the Sher-e-Bangla sta- turies from Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara who is lagging behind in terms of dium, with the second game on but lost momentum late in the day to fi n- fi tness and fi elding.” September 28 and the fi nale on ish at 291 for nine. Paceman Rubel Hossain was October 1. Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult took also recalled to the side after an three wickets each to stall India’s surge injury-plagued season which SQUAD: Mashrafe Mortaza after the hosts had at once stage been 154 forced him to miss the Zimbabwe (Capt), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim for one. ODIs in November last year. Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Soumya Ravindra Jadeja on 16 and Umesh Yadav Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir on eight were at the crease at close of play. also returned to the team, hav- Rahman, Mahmudullah Riyad, Opener Lokesh Rahul gave India a solid ing last played an ODI against Mosaddek Hossain, Nasir Hos- start before a 112-run second-wicket New Zealand in the World Cup sain, Taijul Islam, Shafiul Islam stand between Vijay, who scored 65, and last year. and Rubel Hossain Pujara, who contributed with 62. Despite being pegged back, India would still be pleased to get around the SPOTLIGHT 300-run mark on a turning track at Kan- pur’s Green Park stadium. “We are in a good position, we have put runs on the board. What we have got to do No ‘shy’ Aussies in now is go there and put pressure on them. It’s a good total to play around with,” Vi- jay told reporters. “We have plans, the India’s Murali Vijay plays a shot on Day One of the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur, India, yesterday. (Reuters) ODI squad: Lehmann wicket is on the slower side and it is going to be diffi cult to score runs...so it’s going AFP to be diffi cult for them as well.” Johannesburg Santner broke the big partnership after Scorecard getting Pujara caught and bowled as India lost three wickets in the second session of INDIA 1st innings ustralia coach Darren play. L. Rahul c Watling b Santner 32 Lehmann predicted Vijay continued to thwart the bowling M. Vijay c Watling b Sodhi 65 Wednesday that sledg- attack as New Zealand skipper Kane Wil- C. Pujara c & b Santner 62 ing is likely to be part liamson kept the Indian batsmen guess- ofA the mix when they confront V.Kohli c Sodhi b Wagner 9 ing by juggling his pace and spin options. A. Rahane c Latham b Craig 18 South Africa in a fi ve-match young team, including uncapped His move paid off when medium-pacer R. Sharma c Sodhi b Santner 35 one-day international series. bowlers Joe Mennie, Chris Trem- Neil Wagner claimed Indian skipper Virat R. Ashwin c Taylor b Boult 40 Skipper Steve Smith had la- ain and Daniel Worrall, to give Kohli’s scalp, caught at long-leg for nine W. Saha b Boult 0 mented the quiet, virtually shy some Test stalwarts a break. after pulling at a bouncer. R. Jadeja not out 16 approach of his Test team during a “We do turn over players a bit New Zealand’s leg-spinner Ish Sodhi M. Shami b Boult 0 recent 3-0 series loss in Sri Lanka. in our one-day set-up because also played a key role, claiming the wicket U. Yadav not out 8 “Steve hit it right on the head,” you have got to give the Test of Vijay, who had notched up his 13th Test Extras (b5, lb1) 6 said Lehmann after the Austral- players a break somewhere.” fi fty, just before the tea break. Total (9 wickets; 90 overs) 291 ian squad arrived in Johannes- New ball pair Josh Hazlewood Mark Craig joined forces with fel- Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Rahul), 2-154 burg for a series which begins at and Mitchell Starc have been low spinners to get Ajinkya Rahane, who (Pujara), 3-167 (Kohli), 4-185 (Vijay), SuperSport Park in Centurion rested ahead of a November Test scored 18, trudging back to the pavilion 5-209 (Rahane), 6-261 (Sharma), next Friday. series at home to South Africa. early in the fi nal session. 7-262 (Saha), 8-273 (Ashwin), 9-277 Lehmann believes that the “We have chopped and Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ash- (Shami) one-day side diff er from the Test changed teams since winning the win did put together a 52-run partnership Bowling: Boult 17-2-57-3, Wagner team in that they were more in- World Cup, making sure we give for the sixth wicket but their departure 14-3-42-1, Santner 20-2-77-3, Craig clined toward sledging. everyone suffi cient game time,” once again saw India lose their way. 24-6-59-1, Sodhi 15-3-50-1 “The one-day guys are pretty said the coach. Mitchell Santner (left) and Trent Boult took three wickets each. (Reuters/AFP) vocal,” he assured reporters. “I “We are looking ahead to two NEW ZEALAND STRIKE LATE think we can look forward to a major tournaments — the Cham- Santner, who was given the second new the help of seven boundaries before fall- “After losing the toss, we were in a rea- the raucous home crowd in a carnival at- pretty fi ery series. pions Trophy next year and the ball along with Boult in the 81st over, ing to Boult. sonable position. Our pacers did well to mosphere. “One of the great things about 2019 World Cup.” struck soon to get the wicket of Rohit India, who took tea at 185 for four, lost start with bouncers,” Santner said. A host of former Test captains includ- these two countries is that they Australia will warm up for the Sharma for 35. fi ve wickets in the fi nal session of play af- “They batted well. Both Pujara and Vi- ing Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Ma- play it really hard on the fi eld, but South Africa series with a match Sharma, who had survived a strong lbw ter managing 106 runs in 31 overs. jay were quite positive. They had a plan hendra Singh Dhoni were in the crowd to get along really well off it. I do against Ireland next Tuesday at appeal against Craig earlier in his innings, Santner, while praising the eff orts of against the spinners and they rotated the celebrate the milestone match at the start not think the noise will be an is- Willowmoore Park stadium in played a mistimed shot to mid-on. Vijay and Pujara, insisted that the visitors strike well.” of a packed season of international crick- sue for both teams in this series.” Benoni on the eastern outskirts Ashwin scored a well-made 40 with were also on a strong footing. Earlier Rahul’s 39-ball 32 entertained et for India. Lehmann said he chose a of Johannesburg.

BOTTOMLINE Troubled champs Windies face in-form Pakistan

AFP the West Indies’ second World T20 The West Indies will rely heav- Opener Mohamed Hafeez and lanky Dubai title in April. ily on their T20 specialist spinners paceman Mohamed Irfan are out Brathwaite will now captain the Samuel Badree and Sunil Narine, through injury. side in UAE while towering former who shared fi ve wickets to spark a Middle-order batsman Umar he West Indies will hope to fast bowler Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner 22-run win in a warm-up game on Akmal will be in focus after being forget their off -fi eld tur- replaces Simmons, who repeatedly Tuesday. recalled following his axing on the moil and underline their clashed with the West Indies board. Pakistan are also in good form, England tour over disciplinary is- status as World Twenty20 Brathwaite hopes his team will smashing hosts England by nine sues. Umar smashed a fi ery century Tchampions when they face buoyant show their huge talent in the humid wickets in the only Twenty20 game in a national Twenty20 event to Pakistan in a three-match series conditions in the United Arab Emir- of their tour in what was Sarfraz force his comeback. starting today. ates, where they also trained ahead Ahmed’s fi rst match as skipper. The second match will follow at The supremely talented but trou- of the World Twenty20 in India. Ahmed, who replaced Shahid the same venue on Saturday with bled side have arrived in the United “It wasn’t as hot early in the Afridi following Pakistan’s fi rst- the third in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Arab Emirates after sacking coach year, but, apparently, we’re smack round exit in the World Twenty20, The teams will also play three one- Phil Simmons and without all- dab in the middle of their summer, hopes his team won’t be overawed day internationals and three Tests. rounder Andre Russell, who is fac- so it can get very, very hot,” said by the champions. ing a doping hearing. Brathwaite. “We didn’t think England were SQUADS (from) The Windies are also missing “It’s for the players to prepare World Twenty20 fi nalists when Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), fl amboyant big-hitter Chris Gayle, well, manage themselves well off we beat them at Manchester,” said Khalid Latif, Sharjeel Khan, Shoaib who complains of injury problems the fi eld, rehydration-wise, get Ahmed. Malik, Mohamed Rizwan, Babar and makes only sporadic appear- enough rest, and each and every one “We will do the same here, go Azam, Mohamed Nawaz, Imad ances for his country. of us is a professional, and evidently out and play hard because the team Wasim, Mohamed Amir, Wahab Riaz, Gayle also missed the West In- performing well when the games which plays well on the ground Hasan Ali, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman dies’ one-run Twenty20 win over come.” wins a T20 match.” Raees, Umar Akmal, Saad Nasim India in Florida last month, while He added: “Even without Gayle West Indies: Carlos Brathwaite Russell will front a hearing into BAD BOY and Russell, West Indies is strong (capt), Samuel Badree, Dwayne claims he missed three drugs tests Brathwaite’s uncapped players — and a T20 match is not won with big Bravo, Johnson Charles, Andre in a 12-month period, an off ence including wicketkeeper-batsman names only.” Fletcher, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, which could trigger a two-year ban. Nicholas Pooran, all-rounder Rov- Fast bowler Mohamed Amir Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Nicho- Carlos Brathwaite stunned Eng- man Powell and fast bowler Kesrick joined the squad after his wed- las Pooran, Rovman Powell, Marlon land when he smashed Ben Stokes Williams — will also want to fi re ding on Tuesday and will spear- Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Pakistan’s T20I captain Sarfraz Ahmed (left) poses with his West Indies’ counterpart Carlos for four consecutive sixes to clinch against a dangerous Pakistan side. head a spin-cum-pace attack. Walton, Kesrick Williams Brathwaite (right) during a press conference in Dubai yesterday. (AFP)