RRUGBYUGBY | Page 4 GOLF | Page 6 Late Barrett Spieth rides hot try seals All putter to share Blacks’ win lead at Northern over Wallabies Trust

Sunday, August 27, 2017 FORMULA 1 Dhul-Hijja 5, 1438 AH Hamilton equals GULF TIMES Schumi’s pole record in 200th race SPORT Page 5 ENGLISH Messi makes Subs keep United amends for perfect, Sterling missed penalty Huddersfield stay unbeaten after in Barca win draw against Southampton, AFP Barca ’keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen Madrid as he bore down on goal. Newcastle get off the mark Pique was involved at the other saves City end as Barca were awarded a penalty ionel Messi scored twice and moments later when he was hauled to saw a penalty saved as Barce- the ground by Rodrigo Ely at a Messi lona maintained their perfect free-kick. start to the season in La Liga Messi’s record from the spot had withL a 2-0 win at Alaves yesterday. improved greatly since he briefl y quit Without new signing Ousmane international football after blasting a Dembele, who completed the second spot-kick over as Argentina lost the most expensive transfer ever by mov- Copa America Centenario fi nal to ing for 105mn euros ($125mn) from Chile little over a year ago. Borussia Dortmund on Friday, or the However, Pacheco sprung to his injured Luis Suarez, Messi ensured right impressively to turn Messi’s ef- Barca didn’t lose any early ground in fort round the post. the title race despite a tumultuous Visibly annoyed at himself, Messi start to the campaign off the fi eld. responded with the opening goal 11 The fi ve-time World Player of the minutes after the break as his power- Year missed from the penalty spot for ful low drive struck helpless Alaves the 20th time in his career as Fernan- defender Alexis to fl y past Pacheco. do Pacheco produced a stunning save Alexis was also at fault when Barca midway through the fi rst half. doubled their advantage 11 minutes However, Messi wasn’t to be de- later as his poor clearance was head- nied as his defl ected eff ort opened ed by substitute Paco Alcacer into the scoring shortly after half-time Messi’s path to smash home on his before a sweetly-struck volley se- favoured left foot. cured all three points. Messi could even have had a hat- Alaves shocked Barca a year ago by trick as he saw another eff ort from winning at the Camp Nou, and the the edge of the box hit the bar. hosts were left to rue a big chance Yet, Barca were never threatened missed by Ruben Sobrino at 0-0 be- after the break by an Alaves side lack- fore succumbing to Messi’s magic. ing in ambition and attacking prow- Sobrino burst past the leaden- ess as the hosts comfortably saw footed Gerard Pique on the half-hour out a second 2-0 win to begin their mark, but placed his shot too close to league season.

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against Leicester City at Old Traff ord in Manchester yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP had been struck by Sergio Aguero, who London had come on as a substitute, during the celebrations. City were reportedly confi dent ubstitutes Marcus Rashford Aguero had no case to answer. and Marouane Fellaini scored “Winning in the last minute is always as Manchester United contin- special,” said Guardiola, who had seen ued their 100 percent start to Sterling score a late equaliser in Mon- theS Premier League season by beating day’s 1-1 draw at home to Everton. Leicester City 2-0 yesterday. “It was a tough game. It is always Leicester threatened to frustrate complicated against Bournemouth. We United when Kasper Schmeichel saved tried, our fi nishing was not good, but a penalty by Romelu Lukaku early in the we are there.” second half, but the hosts’ pressure told Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United in the last 20 minutes. got off the mark at the third attempt Huddersfi eld Town’s 0-0 draw with after goals from new signing Joselu, Ci- Southampton meant United went two aran Clark and Aleksandar Mitrovic se- points clear at the summit, although cured a 3-0 home win over West Ham, West Bromwich Albion will join them on Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (right) gestures to English referee Mike Dean who remain without a point. nine points if they beat Stoke City today. after he receives a second yellow card for going into the crowd to celebrate his Frank de Boer is still waiting for his Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (top) in action against Deportivo Alaves during their Earlier, Raheem Sterling scored goal against Bournemouth yesterday. (AFP) fi rst point — and goal — as Crystal Pal- La Liga match in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) a dramatic 97th-minute winner to ace manager after a 2-0 loss at home to earn Manchester City a 2-1 victory at minutes from time by nudging in a of a sensational strike from wide on the Swansea, who prevailed through goals Bournemouth, but was then sent off cross from fellow substitute Jesse Lin- left by Bournemouth left-back Charlie from Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham after receiving a second yellow card for gard. Daniels that crashed in off the crossbar. and Jordan Ayew. Zidane happy with no more signings over-celebrating. Manchester City manager Pep Guar- David Silva teed up Gabriel Jesus to Watford’s Miguel Britos was sent In keeping with their opening 4-0 diola was left scratching his head after equalise eight minutes later and after off for an awful studs-up foul on An- Real Madrid coach Zinedine we have right now, I don’t want wins over West Ham United and Swan- Sterling’s dismissal at Bournemouth. both sides had hit the post, Sterling thony Knockaert in a 0-0 draw against Zidane insisted he intends not to anyone,” said Zidane yesterday. sea City, United dominated the fi rst half Sterling celebrated his defl ected struck the winner. Brighton and Hove Albion at Vicarage add to his squad in the final week “We are all ready.” against Leicester at Old Traff ord, with winning goal by throwing himself into The fi ve minutes of stoppage time Road. of the transfer window despite a A groin problem will also keep Juan Mata seeing a goal ruled out for a the jubilantly celebrating away end and indicated by the fourth offi cial had al- mounting defensive crisis ahead of Varane out of ’s upcoming narrow off side. was given his marching orders by ref- ready elapsed when Danilo crossed RESULTS today’s clash with Valencia. World Cup qualifiers against the Schmeichel, son of United goalkeeping eree Mike Dean. from the right and Sterling beat Asmir Bournemouth 1 (Daniels 13) Man- The Frenchman will have just one Netherlands and Luxembourg. great Peter, pushed aside Lukaku’s 53rd- “You can imagine how happy he is, Begovic via a sizeable defl ection off An- chester City 2 (Jesus 21, Sterling 90+7) fit central defender to choose from Should Real not enter into the minute penalty after Danny Simpson had how happy the fans are,” Guardiola drew Surman. Crystal Palace 0 Swansea 2 (Abra- with Raphael Varane and Jesus market, the back-to-back European been penalised for handball. said. “If you cannot celebrate with the Accompanied by his teammates, ham 44, Ayew 48) Vallejo injured, whilst captain Ser- champions will have made a profit United manager Jose Mourinho fans, the best solution is not to invite Sterling tore off in celebration and Huddersfield 0 Southampton 0 gio Ramos serves a one-match ban in transfers this summer, whilst turned to Rashford and three minutes the fans.” threw himself into the arms of the City Manchester United 2 (Rashford 70, for picking up the 23rd red card of many of their rivals for the Cham- after coming on the 19-year-old broke fans at the front of the away section, Fellaini 82) Leicester 0 his career in a 3-0 win at Deportivo pions League across the continent the deadlock in the 70th minute, vol- NEWCASTLE UP AND RUNNING only to then be dismissed by Dean. Newcastle 3 (Joselu 36, Clark 72, la Coruna last weekend. have spent hundreds of millions of leying in Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s corner. Guardiola’s side fell behind in the 13th After the game, a Bournemouth Mitrovic 86) West Ham 0 “With the team I have, the squad euros. Fellaini added a second goal eight minute at the Vitality Stadium courtesy steward complained to police that he Watford 0 Brighton 0 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, August 27, 2017 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Arsenal will Chelsea’s Conte test us, says eyes upgrades Liverpool manager Klopp

AFP The Reds will also check on the Liverpool fi tness of midfi elder Emre Can and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold after the pair picked up knocks in the aft er troubled spell iverpool manager Jurgen victory over Hoff enheim. Klopp believes Arsenal still Wenger insists he never had any represent a major test for his fears that Sanchez would down tools ‘We are going to play seven games in a month, and I need to rotate the players’ side’s credentials despite no to force through his exit. Manchester Llonger being a Champions League City target Sanchez raised eyebrows AFP team. by sitting out the fi rst two games of London Arsenal fi nished fi fth in the Pre- the season with an abdominal muscle mier League last season and failed to strain. qualify for European football’s elite But Wenger believes Sanchez’s xasperated by Chelsea’s failure competition for the fi rst time since commitment to the cause at the to land his top transfer targets, Arsene Wenger took over as manager Emirates means he would never con- Antonio Conte hopes today’s in 1996. sider going on strike. clash with Everton is the prel- But Klopp maintains they are still Wenger said: “Alexis wants to play. udeE to a last-minute shopping spree by one of English football’s best sides It is diffi cult for me to know about the Premier League champions. and expects a tough game despite se- the individual cases, but sometimes Since Chelsea won the title last sea- curing home and away wins over the players have been promised things son, Conte has been warning his em- Gunners last season. that have not been kept. ployers that a host of new signings were “Arsenal are still an outstandingly “I can only tell you what happens required to ensure his team mounted strong side,” Klopp said. here and Alexis works hard and is a strong defence of the English crown “Alexis Sanchez is probably back focused to play. His interest is to do while also competing in the Champions for the fi rst time on the pitch, so that well. League. gives this team another boost and “I think what is good is our mutual Last season, Chelsea benefi ted from that is, of course, an advantage for interest in that he does well for us. their absence from Europe as Conte’s Arsenal. “On top of that, I deeply feel that players were rested and rarely injured “It’s a very, very, very important he deeply loves to be here and he while they powered to the title in game. Last year we had an outstand- loves the club. record-setting style. ingly good record against the top six. “He now arrives at a stage of 28, 29 But Conte knew there was little “It is Arsenal: big experience, big and looks at the quality of his con- chance of such good fortune two years quality, speed, technical skills, dif- tract. in a row and his fears have already been ferent systems, good players in each “In a professional job I always think confi rmed, with injuries, suspensions position on the pitch.” that you have to make sure with your and a lack of success in the transfer Liverpool swaggered to a Cham- commitment that the guy who pays market combining to create the look of pions League play-off victory over you gets what he’s paying you for. a club in crisis. Hoff enheim on Wednesday with a “Alexis is in that mode and I think A win over title rivals Tottenham fi ne attacking performance. he will be until the last day he is here, Hotspur last weekend was a much- Question marks remain over the he will give his best. needed morale boost for Conte, but the strength of the Merseyside club’s “I don’t consider their contractual intense Italian hasn’t let that success defence, although Klopp claims he is situation to decide who plays and dampen his desire for more signings satisfi ed with the performance of his who doesn’t play.” before the transfer window closes on backline so far this season. Arsenal will also be boosted by August 31. “I am fi ne with defence, I am fi ne Laurent Koscileny’s return to shore Conte has signed only Alvaro Mor- Everton manager Ronald Koeman will look to Wayne Rooney to lead his attack at Stamford Bridge today. (Reuters) with the off ence,” added the Liver- up their defence. Koscielny has not ata, Antonio Rudiger and Tiemoue pool boss. played competitively for Arsenal Bakayoko since last term, while even games in three weeks. announced his retirement from Eng- “We’ve won three games and since the defender was sent off in today’s opponents Everton have out- Conte could have Eden Hazard back land duty. should have won the fi rst one at Wat- the fi nal league game of last season spent the Blues with a £140mn recruit- by then after the Belgian playmaker Rooney rejected England manager ford without a perfect performance. against Everton. ment drive. was called up by his country this week Gareth Southgate’s off er of a return to Now we play Arsenal and that’s the Wenger added: “It’s been very The Chelsea boss has been linked despite not playing for Chelsea this the squad because he prefers to focus situation. hard, because I didn’t even consider with Leicester City midfi elder Danny season after an ankle injury. on leading his boyhood club’s challenge “We work with the things we have, him for friendly games, as I had to Drinkwater, Arsenal winger Alex Ox- for silverware. we work on the mistakes we make, play some defenders. lade-Chamberlain, Southampton de- IMPOSSIBLE Looking revitalised since leaving we work to make the strengths even “But I think what hurt him a lot fender Virgil van Dijk, Swansea City But, with or without Hazard, Conte Manchester United in the close-sea- stronger. That’s what we do all of the was to miss the FA Cup Final. He had striker Fernando Llorente and Everton knows his squad will be stretched to its son, Rooney has scored in Everton’s time after we’ve recovered from the a reaction in the fi nal game of the midfi elder Ross Barkley. limits. fi rst two league games and his team last game.” season against Everton that was un- Landing two or three of those targets “We are going to play seven games in head to Chelsea in confi dent mood after lucky. would improve Conte’s squad immeas- a month, and I need to rotate the play- advancing to the Europa League group REDSOFFBEAT WITHOUT COUNTINHO “He’s a very quiet guy and some- urably and he was quick to underline ers. If someone is thinking that I can stage. Liverpool will again be without at- times he can get rushed because he the point this week when asked about use only 11 players or 13 players, it’s im- Koeman is also encouraged by the tacking midfi elder Philippe Coutinho thinks always he has the speed and his transfer plans. possible,” he said. form of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford fol- who has not yet recovered from a the pace to win the tackle. But in this “For sure, the club is trying to “I have to rotate these players. But we lowing his move from Sunderland. back problem. case he didn’t.” strengthen our squad, our team, they must be ready. We must be ready to face “Jordan is still a young goalkeeper are working very hard to do this,” Conte this situation.” and I have been really impressed by said. Diego Costa remains exiled in Brazil what he’s done from day one here,” “My focus is only on the pitch, then after falling out with Conte and Everton Koeman said. there is the club. The club is working manager Ronald Koeman has cheekily “There’s a big future for Everton and hard and we will see what happens at suggested he would be willing to take a big future for him.” the end of the transfer market.” the Chelsea striker on loan. Chelsea are looking to avoid consec- By the time Chelsea return from For now, Koeman will look to Wayne utive home league defeats for the fi rst the international break, they will be Rooney to lead his attack at Stamford time since November 2011, but Everton pitched into a hectic schedule of seven Bridge after the 31-year-old this week haven’t won at the Bridge for 23 years. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

English clubs relish journeys into unknown aft er Europa draw

Reuters person told Reuters that it was a good underway in September.” Manager Ronald Koeman, who led London opportunity to take the players and Arsenal, who finished as runners up Everton to the tournament in his de- fans to new destinations after they in the competition in 2000, begin this but season on Merseyside, was aware were drawn in group H with Belarus season’s European campaign at home of the diff iculties posed by the French ff icials from Arsenal and champions BATE Borisov, Red Star against Cologne on Sept. 14. and Italian sides. Everton were both relishing Belgrade of Serbia and FC Cologne of Everton, meanwhile, make their return “It is a good, strong group. Lyon is a Othe prospect of new frontiers Germany. to European competition after three strong team and Atalanta an Italian after the Europa League groups were “It’s a strong group with some fas- years and will face a stern test in team that is also strong,” he said. drawn on Friday. cinating ties and some trips to new group E alongside last season’s semi- “I think all the teams are in good parts WAR OF WORDS Although the Gunners are missing out clubs and countries for our fans,” the finalists Olympique Lyonnais, Serie A of Europe, where it’s easy to travel to. on Champions League football for the spokesperson said. “We are all looking side Atalanta and Apollon Limassol of It’s tough but it’s tough for every- first time in 20 years, a club spokes- forward to the competition getting Cyprus. body.” Guardiola baffl ed by

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Sterling red card

AFP “Winning in the last minute is al- Bournemouth, United Kingdom ways special,” said Guardiola, whose team won 2-0 at Brighton and Hove McGregor strikes late to spare Celtic’s blushes Albion in their opening league fi xture. anchester City manager “It was a tough game. It is always AFP above Celtic and St Johnstone, fol- fended well and their goal was a wee bit error as he superbly blocked MacLean’s Pep Guardiola ques- complicated against Bournemouth. Glasgow lowing a thrilling 4-3 win over Partick fortuitous.” header from close range, with the strik- tioned why Raheem Ster- They play long balls, balls into the Thistle at Firhill that maintained their It was a combination of good press- er sending the rebound into the side ling had been sent off af- channels and play set-pieces, but we 100 % start. ing from the St Johnstone forwards and netting. Mter scoring a 97th-minute winner to got into the game. We tried, our fi nish- allum McGregor struck late “We were a bit slow in our game in an error from Gordon that led to a bi- MacLean was then lucky to avoid a earn his side a 2-1 victory at Bourne- ing was not good, but we are there.” to rescue a point for Celtic as the fi rst half and I think the travelling zarre opening goal for the visitors. red card as he appeared to catch Kieran mouth yesterday. Bournemouth had taken a 13th- the Hoops lost top spot in the in midweek had a real aff ect on us,” Hoops defender Anthony Ralston Tierney in the face with his arm, but the Sterling scored with a defl ected minute lead through a stupendous follow- said Celtic manager Brendan Rodg- played the ball back to Gordon under striker was only shown a yellow card. shot deep into stoppage time at the Charlie Daniels shot, which cannon- ingC a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone yes- ers, whose side were in Kazakhstan on pressure from Michael O’Halloran and Rodgers made his fi nal substitu- Vitality Stadium and celebrated by ed into the net off the crossbar from terday. Champions League duty on Tuesday. the goalkeeper’s slack clearance only tion when he brought on McGregor for running into the away section, for wide on the left. St Johnstone grabbed a shock lead “The reaction we got after half-time reached Liam Craig at the edge of the Ralston and it proved to be an inspired which referee Mike Dean showed him Gabriel Jesus, preferred to Sergio through Steven MacLean in the 40th was amazing and I just felt it was a mat- area. decision. a second yellow card. Aguero as City’s lone striker, equal- minute at Parkhead as he took advan- ter of time.” The Saints midfi elder cushioned it The substitute grabbed the equaliser “I do not understand the decision,” ised shortly after. tage of an error from Celtic goalkeeper St Johnstone manager Tommy into the path of MacLean, who took a with a fi erce low strike into the bottom Guardiola said. “If you cannot cele- Daniels was aggrieved that Ster- Craig Gordon. Wright was proud of his players’ bat- touch and curled into the bottom cor- right-hand corner in the 79th minute. brate with the fans, tell me the reason ling’s winning goal had arrived in the Celtic were rewarded for their relent- tling eff ort. ner, much to the anger of the Celtic de- St Johnstone survived a period of why. Maybe we should not play with seventh minute of stoppage time af- less pressure in the second half when “I thought it was a great perform- fence who felt the striker was off side. relentless pressure from the Hoops as fans.” ter the fourth offi cial indicated only McGregor grabbed an equaliser 11 min- ance. We came to try and press them Celtic were stunned and Rodgers and both Having seen his side drop points fi ve minutes of additional time would utes from time to extend the Scottish and the goal came from pressing them made a double substitution at half- smashed eff orts off the bar late on. in a 1-1 draw at home to Everton on be played. champions’ unbeaten domestic run to 53 high up,” he said. time as he brought on Stuart Arm- Today, Rangers will hope to get back Monday, Guardiola’s relief was evi- “There was only fi ve minutes of games stretching back to May 2016. “We knew we were going to be under strong and . to winning ways as they travel to Ding- dent as he celebrated Sterling’s win- added-on time, so ask the referee why Aberdeen top the table, two points pressure in the second half but we de- Gordon made amends for his earlier wall to take on Ross County. ner with his coaching staff . we played seven,” he told BBC Sport. Gulf Times Sunday, August 27, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA Lewandowski Cavani outshines wins it for Bayern Neymar as PSG ‘We have achieved our objective of being top of the win again table after this game’

AFP Paris

eymar for once played a more restricted role as Edin- son Cavani scored twice and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates his goal against Werder Bremen Thiago Motta once in Paris during their Bundesliga match in Bremen yesterday. (AFP) NSaint-Germain’s comfortable 3-0 home win over Saint-Etienne in Ligue AFP fenheim will play in the Europa League 1 on Friday. group stage this season. They fell be- The world’s most expensive play- hind at Leverkusen after Brazilian er — scorer of three goals in his fi rst left-back Wendell put the hosts ahead two games since his 222 million-euro ate goals in quick succession by with a penalty on 33 minutes at the Ba- ($261mn) move from Barcelona — still Robert Lewandowski gave de- yArena. had a considerable infl uence, with his fending Bundesliga champions Hoff enheim equalised when striker pass preceding the foul on Cavani that Bayern Munich their second Andrej Kramaric fi red home just after led to a fi rst-half penalty scored by the Lstraight win with a 2-0 victory at Wer- the restart, but the scores were level for Uruguayan. der Bremen yesterday. only two minutes. And it was following a Neymar free- Bremen’s last win over Bayern was Germany winger Karim Bellarabi kick that Motta netted a rare goal after in 2006, but the hosts held their star- slotted home from 12 metres to put half-time to make it two before Cav- studded opponents until the 72nd Leverkusen 2-1 ahead before Kerem ani completed the win at the death as minute when Lewandowski fi rst struck. Demirbay’s cross was met by Mark Uth, PSG maintained their perfect start to The Poland hot-shot audaciously whose shot went in off the underside of the French season with four wins from fl icked Kingsley Coman’s low cross into the crossbar on 70 minutes. four outings. the net with his heel before doubling Borussia Moenchengladbach con- “We have achieved our objective of the damage by fi ring through the legs ceded a goal after just 35 seconds in being top of the table after this game,” of defender Robert Bauer and Bremen their 2-2 draw at Augsburg. said PSG coach Unai Emery. Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (right) congratulates teammate Edinson Cavani after the latter scored a goal during their goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka on 75 minutes. The game had barely kicked off when “This match has given us lots of in- match against Saint-Etienne (ASSE) in Paris on Friday. (AFP) “He is certainly the best striker in Alfred Finnbogason slotted home for formation about how to improve and the Bundesliga and one of the best in Augsburg but goals by Denis Zakaria to help Neymar adapt to the league the only other team in France’s top di- the world,” enthused Bayern director of and Oscar Wendt made it 2-1 to Glad- and the diff erent opponents. vision still with a 100 percent record, sport Hasan Salihamidzic. bach at the break. “He felt really good in the fi rst two although they face a diffi cult test at “He is simply our little fi recracker.” However, Augsburg’s new Venezue- matches. This was diff erent but it will home to Marseille on Sunday evening. Thomas Mueller’s decoy run opened lan signing Sergio Cordova, 20, hit an help him learn.” Having not featured in either of his up the Bremen defence for Lewand- 89th-minute leveller, his fi rst goal for Saint-Etienne had travelled to the side’s last two games amid specula- owski, who seized the chance for a third his new German club. Parc des Princes with a perfect record tion about his future, Monaco coach goal in two league games. VfB Stuttgart’s Germany centre-back and without having conceded a goal in Leonardo Jardim hinted on Friday that “Werder played very defensively Holger Badstuber scored his fi rst goal in their opening three games, but while Kylian Mbappe could play a part in which didn’t make things easy and the Bundesliga since December 2009 to they were well organised defensively that game. there wasn’t much room for us,” said seal a 1-0 win at home to Mainz. they lacked quality at the other end. Still undefeated Lyon can leapfrog Lewandowski. Badstuber was playing for Bayern Neymar was not the only sporting Monaco into second place with a win “We had to be patient and take our when he last netted in Germany’s top megastar to appear on the pitch at the at Nantes on Saturday. chances.” fl ight nearly eight years ago. Parc des Princes as Stephen Curry of There was more good news for Bay- However, a horror run of injuries saw the NBA’s Golden State Warriors gave LYON IN GOALLESS STALEMATE ern as Germany goalkeeper Manuel him sent on loan to Schalke last season the ceremonial kick-off before the AT NANTES Neuer made his fi rst appearance this before his contract with the Bavarians match itself got under way. Olympique Lyonnais were held to a season after a fractured foot. expired, leaving him to rebuild his ca- Emery chose to rest Neymar’s Bra- frustrating goalless draw at Nantes as Hamburg have also won their open- reer at Stuttgart. zil teammates Dani Alves and Thiago they hit the woodwork twice in Ligue ing two games after a 3-1 victory at Co- Stuttgart should have fi nished with Silva at kick-off while Marco Verratti 1 yesterday. logne on Friday. a 2-0 win but striker Simon Terodde was suspended following his red card Bertrand Traore struck the post and Elsewhere, Wolfsburg enjoyed a 1-0 slammed a penalty against the post. in last Sunday’s Neymar-inspired 6-2 Nabil Fekir hit the crossbar, both in victory at Eintracht Frankfurt with demolition of Toulouse. US basketball player Stephen Curry poses with a PSG jersey prior to the match the 64th minute, as the visitors failed Daniel Didavi scoring their fi rst-half RESULTS Javier Pastore, who scored a fabu- against Saint-Etienne in Paris on Friday. (AFP) to make the most of their domination winner. Werder Bremen 0 Bayern Munich 2 lous goal in that game, was one of at La Beaujoire. Frankfurt’s Ghana midfi elder Kevin- (Lewandowski 72, 75) those to come into the home line-up. from Saidy Janko as he entered the Marquinhos chested the ball back into The result left Lyon in fourth place Prince Boateng was denied a penalty Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Wolfsburg 1 The Argentine playmaker’s infl uence area. A spot-kick was given and the the path of Motta, who fi nished for with eight points from four games, after being fouled in the area, with the (Didavi 22) was limited by a Saint-Etienne side Uruguayan converted his fourth goal his fi rst league goal since January last four behind leaders Paris St Ger- video assistant referee ruling he was Bayer Leverkusen 2 (Wendell playing with a fi ve-man defence, but in as many league games this season. year. main who have won their four open- off side. 33-pen, Bellarabi 49) Hoff enheim 2 a controversial penalty decision al- Alphonse Areola then denied Angel Di Maria then saw a free-kick ing games — most recently beating St After losing their Champions League (Kramaric 47, Uth 70) lowed PSG to make the breakthrough Jonathan Bamba at the other end to come back off the post before Cavani Etienne 3-0 on Friday. play-off at Liverpool on Wednesday, Augsburg 2 (Finnbogason 1, Cor- 20 minutes in. ensure PSG held the lead at half-time, applied a classy fi nish to a Thomas Nantes, who have only won one Hoff enheim fought back twice to claim dova 89) Borussia Moenchengladbach Attempting to connect with a de- before the second goal arrived six Meunier cross to make it 3-0 as the game in the league since Claudio a 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen. 2 (Zakaria 8, Wendt 30) fl ected Neymar pass, Cavani went minutes after the restart. clock ticked to the 90th minute. Ranieri took the reins of the fi rst team A 4-2 defeat at Anfi eld means Hof- Stuttgart 1 (Badstuber 53) Mainz 0 down under the slightest of contact Neymar whipped in a free-kick and Defending champions Monaco are this season, are 11th on four points.

SERIE A BOTTOMLINE Records tumble in Europe’s transfer ‘madness’ Dybala’s hat-trick

AFP last year have been swept away, with market... because now we speak about helps Juve bounce Paris the £89mn deal that took Paul Pogba £30mn, £40mn or £50mn in such an to Manchester United in 2016 more easy way.” than doubled by PSG’s swoop for Ney- Accountants Deloitte said Thursday usmane Dembele’s transfer mar that broke up Barcelona’s “MSN” that Premier League clubs’ spending back at Genoa to Barcelona in a deal worth trio of the 25-year-old Brazilian, Luis had set a new record for a single trans- up to 147mn euros ($175mn), Suarez and Lionel Messi. fer window after reaching £1.17bn — making him the world’s Dembele’s move for a fee of 105mn and that was with a week of business secondO most expensive player after euros with add-ons worth another still to go. Neymar, is the latest dizzying move 42mn euros, following Neymar’s Barca fuelled by TV money and Gulf-based exit, comes as footballers’ union FIFPro WIDENING GAP club owners. has blasted “transfer market madness”. However, aside from the feverish ac- The deal agreed Friday to bring Neymar’s move, it said, “is the lat- tivity at Barcelona in response to Ney- 20-year-old French striker Dembele to est example of how football is ever mar’s bitter departure, it has been a the Spanish giants from Borussia Dort- more the domain of a select group of quiet summer for Spain’s two other mund was a direct consequence of Ney- rich, mostly European-based clubs”. big guns. mar’s shock 222-million-euro move to The sum paid for Neymar is how- Following a recent move away from Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain that ever “an exception”, Caillet argued. the club’s “Galactico” policy of big obliterated the world transfer record. “He is one of the three best players money signings, Real Madrid have To further fi ll the gap left by Ney- in the world and he is only 25, while the instead continued to promote their mar’s departure, Barcelona are ex- others (Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo) policy of signing the best young and, pected to make a fi nal push to sign Liv- are in their thirties.” by comparison to the rest of Europe, erpool’s Brazilian playmaker Philippe And in splashing out on Dembele cheap talent in Spain. Coutinho before the transfer window and his 18-year-old France interna- Atletico Madrid’s ban on registering slams shut within days. tional teammate Mbappe, clubs are new players has curtailed their plans, PSG, determined to mount a serious investing in the future. but most importantly for a club about challenge for the Champions League, Barcelona have agreed to sign French “These are investments in future su- to move to a new stadium, they have are also reportedly about to secure the midfielder Ousmane Dembele from perstars who have a high potential resale maintained their best players with Juventus’ Paulo Dybala (right) celebrates after scoring against Genoa during their signature of Monaco’s teenage star- Borussia Dortmund. (AFP) value. It mustn’t be forgotten that clubs Antoine Griezmann, Saul Niguez and Serie A match in Genoa yesterday. (AFP) let Kylian Mbappe for another strat- are commercial entities with invest- Koke signing new contracts. ospheric fee. ROCKING THE BOAT ment strategies,” Caillet said. Meanwhile, if PSG do land Mbappe, DPA Dybala levelled by half-time with a In England, Manchester City’s Emi- PSG and City, and their Gulf-based In the Premier League, many man- they will at some point have to reckon Rome defl ection and a penalty, Colombian rati owners have snapped up two of owners “have shaken up the established agers are concerned that the spiralling with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regula- Juan Cuadrado struck just after the Mbappe’s French title-winning Mo- order”, said Virgile Caillet, a marketing costs for the superstars, coupled with a tions, supposedly designed to prevent hour after classy control in the box, and naco teammates. expert who heads the French federation huge cash injection for all the top-fl ight clubs spending more than they earn. erie A champions Juventus ral- the Argentina striker scored again in City paid £52mn (58mn euros, of sport and leisure industries. clubs from a new TV deal, are infl ating That could lead to the club reluctantly lied to a 4-2 defeat of Genoa stoppage time with a low shot. $67mn), a world record fee for a de- “For years a handful of clubs have prices for players across the board. having to sell one of its other stars. yesterday with a Paulo Dybala In Benevento, the newcomers lost fender, for full-back Benjamin Mendy shared out the best players, without Manchester United manager Jose But Caillet, the French expert, says hat-trick after two early goals 1-0 against visiting Bologna to a God- and another £43mn for midfi elder criticising the system, and now they Mourinho said in July: “Players like he fears the consequence of this heady fromS the seaside hosts. fred Donsah strike on 55 minutes. Bernardo Silva. They also added are facing a handful of new rivals and Pogba, there are one or two big trans- summer will be that “the gap will grow Miralem Pjanic in the fi rst minute A minute’s silence was observed England international defender Kyle a bidding war that they weren’t pre- fers per transfer window. The other is even further between clubs which defl ected past his goalkeeper Gianluigi ahead of the games to honour the vic- Walker for £50mn as part of their pared for.” where you have 100 transfers and, for have the fi nancial means and those Buff on, who was then beaten by Andrey tims of the earthquake which struck in summer spending spree. In the space of August, records set me, that’s the dangerous area of the forced to rely on developing players”. Galabinov’s penalty on seven. the island of Ischia earlier this week. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, August 27, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY Late Barrett try seals All Blacks’ stunning victory over Wallabies In the frantic closing minutes the lead changed three times before Barrett sealed the deal and broke Australian hearts

AFP ing by the Wallabies at the death Test with the kick-off delayed Dunedin, New Zealand cost them the game. “The gallant 10 minutes because of problems loser thing is not on. We should re-adjusting the lights after have won that game. We know they were dimmed during a pre- eauden Barrett saved it,” he said. “There were things match tribute to Meads. When New Zealand with a during the game that could have play did get under way the All converted try less than changed the course of it and then Blacks were immediately on at- two minutes from full- the last bit, those three minutes, tack and running at the Walla- timeB as the All Blacks beat the we should have got hold of that bies line with a two-man overlap Wallabies 35-29 in a cliff -hanger ball and kept it at all costs.” when Israel Folau claimed a vital Test in Dunedin yesterday. In the The victory meant the All intercept and raced 80 metres to frantic closing minutes the lead Blacks claimed the Bledisloe score. changed three times before Bar- Cup, contested between the two Ten minutes later Michael rett sealed the deal and broke the sides, for a 15th consecutive year Hooper broke from a lineout hearts of an Australian side that and have a perfect 2-0 start to against a non-existent defence had been widely written off be- the Rugby Championship with for the second try and the third fore the game. home and away games against came when Will Genia salvaged There were fi ve tries apiece South Africa and Argentina still the ball from a scrum heading with the telling diff erence being to come. backwards and sent Foley over. Barrett successfully converting Australia, humiliated 54-34 in It was not until the end of the all fi ve for the All Blacks while the fi rst Test a week ago, made a fi rst quarter before the All Blacks Bernard Foley landed only two for fl ying start in Dunedin, scoring registered their fi rst points to Australia. But as much as Barrett after just 26 seconds and they had Rieko Ioane and Aaron Smith secured the win, All Blacks coach three tries and an unanswered 17 narrowed the gap with their sec- Steve Hansen singled out Kieran points on the board after 16 min- ond try from another dominant Read for the way he won the re- utes. Working off a pack that had scrum on half-time. start after Kurtley Beale had put the Wallabies back-pedalling at It took 20 minutes of the sec- the Wallabies in front 29-28. scrum time, the All Blacks were ond half before the New Zea- “We were fortunate to come intent on playing a high-paced, landers hit the lead for the fi rst out on the right side thanks to a high-risk game but faced with time when they turned down a lot of composure,” he said. a rushed defence it came with a close-range shot at goal in favour “To be 17 points down and high error count, including 10 of a scrum where Aaron Smith come back you’ve got to have turnovers in the fi rst half. ran blind and put Barrett over. good composure and to lose the But once they settled down Genia responded for the Wal- lead again in the 74th minute a and made the passes stick they labies to lead 22-21 before Ben lot of sides would have chucked began to make inroads. Playing to Smith — in his last game before it in. But they didn’t and they got honour the memory of national taking a break for the rest of the the rewards for it. (Read) really icon Colin Meads, who died last year — restored the lead for the stood up in the last fi ve minutes, Sunday, the All Blacks had closed All Blacks with 10 minutes re- took the kick off , made the break the gap to 17-14 at half-time but maining. In the countdown to and that’s what you expect from it took 20 minutes of the second the fi nal whistle, Beale scored to your leader.” half before they hit the front for put Australia back in front before New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett (right) celebrates after a try with teammates Anton Lienert-Brown (left) and Scott Barrett during the Rugby Wallabies coach Michael Chei- the the fi rst time. Barrett scored the match winner Championship second test against Australia, at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin yesterday. (AFP) ka believed poor decision mak- It was a bizarre start to the for the All Blacks.

MLB SPOTLIGHT Cabrera banned Orioles thrash Red Sox for errors seven games aft er Reuters Boston sparking brawl rey Mancini drove in four runs, and the Baltimore Orioles collect- AFP punches. Wilson’s penalty was ed 20 hits and took advantage of New York for intentionally throwing a pitch fi ve Boston errors in a 16-3 rout of at New York’s Todd Frazier after theT Red Sox at the Major League Baseball warnings were in place for both on Friday. The Orioles, reaching a season etroit Tigers slugger sides. Romine received a two- high in runs and matching their high in Miguel Cabrera was game suspension for his actions, hits, won for the third time in four games suspended seven games which included throwing punch- as they strive to stay alive in the crowded on Friday for sparking es at Cabrera. American League wild card chase. They theD fi rst of three bench-clear- Tigers manager Brad Ausmus remain two games under.500 (63-65) but ing brawls in Thursday’s game was suspended for one game came in just three games out of a spot — against the New York Yankees. due to Wilson’s action while a albeit with six teams ahead of them. It was just one of the punish- warning was in place. Cabrera, ments handed down by Major Sanchez, Wilson, Romine and MARLINS 8, PADRES 6 League Baseball, and announced Ausmus were also fi ned, as were Giancarlo Stanton homered twice as Mi- by chief baseball offi cer Joe Yankees manager Joe Girardi, ami toppled San Diego. Stanton hit his Torre, a day after the ill-temper- Yankees bench coach Rob Thom- 48th and 49th home runs and drove in ed contest in Detroit. son, Yankees outfi elder Brett fi ve runs for the Marlins, who have won Cabrera shoved Yankees Gardner and Yankees pitcher fi ve of their last six. He has hit 16 home catcher Austin Romine and Tommy Kahnle. runs in August and his multi-homer per- threw punches at him in the sixth Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias formance was his ninth of the season. inning as the benches cleared for also was fi ned. Two injured New Stanton also tied a career high of 105 RBIs the fi rst time. Yankees catcher York players, fi rst baseman Gar- set in 2014. Gary Sanchez and Tigers re- rett Cooper and outfi elder Clint lief pitcher Alex Wilson were Frazier, were fi ned for entering PHILLIES 7, CUBS 1 both suspended for four games, the fi eld while being on the disa- Rhys Hoskins homered again as the Phil- Sanchez for throwing several bled list. lies jumped on Chicago early and cruised to a win. Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff (4-7) earned the win. He went fi ve innings Boston Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon (right) forces out Baltimore Orioles left fielder Trey Mancini in the fifth inning during the while allowing one run and fi ve hits. Eick- Major League baseball at the Fenway Park in Boston, USA, on Friday night. (USA TODAY Sports) hoff struck out eight and walked three. Cubs starter Jose Quintana (4-3) did not while striking out 10 and walking just one wore “Bob” on the back of his jersey for at home, getting a combined one-hitter have his best day. The lefty surrendered for the Mets, who saw Yoenis Cespedes MLB Player’s Weekend and gave up two from four pitchers: Maeda, Tony Cingra- six runs in fi ve innings on nine hits. He exit the contest with an injury while run- runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. His ni, Josh Ravin and Kenley Jansen. walked four while striking out seven. ning the bases. 11 strikeouts were the second-most for a Reds pitcher this season. ASTROS 2, ANGELS 1 MARINERS 2, YANKEES 1 (11 IN- BRAVES 5, ROCKIES 2 JD Davis homered and Alex Bregman had NINGS) Julio Teheran, who came in with 18 WHITE SOX 3, TIGERS 2 three hits as Houston defeated the Los Yonder Alonso homered with two outs off straight scoreless innings against Colora- Yolmer Sanchez drove in Tim Anderson Angeles Angels. Collin McHugh (2-2) gave Aroldis Chapman in the top of the 11th in- do, allowed just fi ve Rockies to reach base with a single in the bottom of the ninth up one run and three hits in six innings ning, lifting Seattle to a victory over New over 7 1/3 innings in a victory. Matt Kemp inning to give Chicago a win over Detroit. for the win. The Angels lost for the fourth York. Alonso entered as a pinch hitter in and Kurt Suzuki each belted homers and Anderson led off the inning with a double time in fi ve games on their current home- the ninth and reached on a walk against Teheran (8-11) allowed fi ve hits and two to left fi eld off reliever Joe Jimenez (0-2), stand and fell 1 1/2 games behind Minne- Dellin Betances. Two innings later, he runs while striking out four and walking who did not record an out and took the sota for the second AL wild-card spot. produced his biggest hit since joining the none as he improved to 5-1 in his career loss. Sanchez laced his walk-off hit about Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera shoved Yankees catcher Austin Mariners on Aug. 6 when he lifted a 2-1 against Colorado. six feet inside the foul line in right fi eld, DIAMONDBACKS 4, GIANTS 3 Romine and threw punches at him in the sixth inning as the benches fastball well over the center fi eld fence. easily scoring Anderson from second. Paul Goldschmidt hit his 30th homer cleared for the first time. (USA TODAY Sports) INDIANS 4, ROYALS 0 and Zack Greinke (15-6) moved into a tie TWINS 6, BLUE JAYS 1 Ryan Merritt pitched 6 2/3 scoreless in- RAYS 7, CARDINALS 3 for the major league lead in victories in Bartolo Colon pitched into the seventh nings and Francisco Lindor had two Adeiny Hechavarria had three hits, in- Arizona’s win over San Francisco. Gold- inning and Jorge Polanco hit a two-run hits, including a two-run home run, as cluding a two-run double in the third schmidt’s homer capped a four-run third double as Minnesota defeated Toronto. Cleveland blanked Kansas City. Four In- inning, leading Tampa Bay to a win over inning against left-hander Ty Blach. He Patriots' Edelman injured Colon (6-10) allowed one run on nine hits dians pitchers combined for Cleveland’s St Louis. Hechavarria recorded his fi rst is the fi rst player in franchise history with New York: The New England Patriots fear wide receiver Julian with one walk in 6 2/3 innings and did American League-leading 13th shutout of three-hit game since June 30 at Baltimore three 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons. Luis Edelman tore a ligament in his right knee in Friday’s pre-season not record a strikeout as the Twins main- the year. Merritt (1-0) was recalled from and upped his average to.238. Tampa Bay Gonzalez did it twice. win over the Detroit Lions, multiple media outlets reported. tained the second wild-card position in Triple-A Columbus to make a spot start, improved to 64-66, keeping them within The Super Bowl champion Patriots were tight-lipped about the the American League. Polanco and Byron and he made the most of it. The 25-year- three games of the Minnesota Twins for A’S 3, RANGERS 1 injury after the game, but Edelman was scheduled to undergo an Buxton each had three hits and two RBIs old left-hander struck out three, walked the American League’s second wild card. Khris Davis hit his 35th and 36th home runs MRI exam yesterday. “We’re all hoping for the best,” Pats quarter- for Minnesota. one and scattered seven hits. of the season, and right-hander Kendall back Tom Brady said after the 30-28 victory. “Hopefully whatever DODGERS 3, BREWERS 1 Graveman pitched seven strong innings tests they have to do come back positively. We’ll try to do our best METS 4, NATIONALS 2 REDS 9, PIRATES 5 Kenta Maeda continued his solid pitch- as Oakland defeated Texas. Davis hit solo to kind of lift his spirits if we can and see what happens.” Jacob deGrom gave up one run in 7 2/3 Adam Duvall and Scott Schebler homer- ing since the All-Star break, and Logan shots in the fourth and seventh innings Edelman was injured on the team’s first drive, limping off the innings and Juan Lagares had two hits ed, and Robert Stephenson had a career- Forsythe and Yasiel Puig hit home runs as off Texas right-hander Nick Martinez. He field after making three catches for 52 yards. The veteran had and drove in a run as New York overcame high 11 strikeouts, lifting Cincinnati to a the Los Angeles Dodgers continued their moved into second place in the American caught the ball at Detroit’s 29-yard line. He turned and planted his another injury to beat Washington. Mets victory over Pittsburgh in the opener of home dominance with a victory over Mil- League home run race behind the Yankees’ right foot into the turf and then immediately grabbed his knee. starter deGrom (14-7) allowed fi ve hits a three-game series. Stephenson (2-4) waukee. The Dodgers improved to 52-14 Aaron Judge, who has 37 blasts. Gulf Times Sunday, August 27, 2017 5 SPORT

FORMULA ONE MOTOGP Marquez breaks Hamilton equals the barrier for Schumacher’s pole British pole AFP think that the maximum is, if Silverstone, United Kingdom everything is fantastic, we can fi ght for the podium," said Rossi when asked if he could re-ignite hree-time world cham- his world championship hopes in pion and championship today's race. record in 200th race leader Marc Marquez "But maybe for the last spot sped to a record-break- [third], so it's diffi cult for the Ting pole position for today’s championship but it is better to British MotoGP, edging out Val- think to the race. Ferrari’s Vettel grabs front-row slot for Belgian Grand Prix with late flying lap entino Rossi by less than a tenth LEADING GRID POSITIONS of a second. 1st row: 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/ Reuters Marquez rode the fi rst ever lap Honda) 1:59.941, 2. Valentino Rossi Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium under two minutes at Silverstone (ITA/Yamaha) at 0.084sec, 3. Cal to clock 1min 59.941sec yesterday Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) 0.165 with Rossi’s Yamaha 0.084sec 2nd row: 4.Maverick Vinales (ESP/ riple world champion Lewis behind to qualify second for Yamaha) 0.400, 5. Jorge Lorenzo Hamilton equalled Formula One what will be the Italian’s 300th (ESP/Ducati) 0.458, 6. Andrea great Michael Schumacher’s all- MotoGP. It was a fourth consec- Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 0.631 time record of 68 pole positions utive pole position for Marquez. 3rd row: 7. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/ Tyesterday with a dominant performance Cal Crutchlow, cheered on by a Honda) 0.637, 8. Johann Zarco in Belgian Grand Prix qualifying. The home crowd, was just a whisker (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 0.681, 9. Aleix Mercedes driver, who will be starting his behind in third. Andrea Dovizio- Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) 0.823 200th race today, was fastest in every so, winner in Austria two weeks 4th row: 10. Jonas Folger (GER/ phase of the hour-long session to take ago, qualifi ed sixth. Yamaha Tech 3) 0.888, 11. Pol Espar- pole with a time of one minute 42.553 "Today was a bit of a surprise, garo (ESP/KTM) 1.437, 12. Scott Red- seconds, a track record. but with the pace tomorrow I ding (GBR/Ducati Pramac) 2.053 Ferrari’s championship leader Sebas- tian Vettel, who is 14 points ahead of the Briton with nine races remaining, joined his title rival on the front row after pulling out a late fl ying lap of 1:42.795. Finland’s Valtteri Bottas qualifi ed third for Mercedes with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikko- nen, a four-times winner in Belgium who helped Vettel by giving him an aerody- namic ‘tow’ when it mattered, taking the fourth slot. Schumacher, whose 91 race wins and seven championships will still take some beating, set his pole record at Magny- Cours in France in July 2006. The German Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the qualifying session at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps. (Reuters) has not been seen in public since he suf- fered severe head injuries in a skiing acci- dent in France in 2013 but a message from quicker than last year’s pole, set by now- STARTING GRID FOR TODAY'S the family was delivered to Hamilton by retired champion Nico Rosberg, and BELGIAN GRAND PRIX former Ferrari technical head Ross Brawn. Hamilton said Mercedes had done an 1st row: Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes); Honda's Marc Marquez (left) leads Pramac Racing’s Scott Redding “They want to congratulate you amazing job. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) during the qualifying session for British MotoGP at Silverstone circuit on equalling Michael’s record and, as “To be up here ahead of the Ferrari is 2nd row: Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes); in Northamptonshire, southern England, yesterday. (AFP) Michael always said, records are there to an amazing feeling. This is one of my fa- Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) be beaten,” said Brawn, former Mercedes vourite circuits so to come here and put a 3rd row: Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull); principal and now a managing director lap together like that is a dream,” he said. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) SPOTLIGHT for Formula One. Dutch 19-year-old Max Verstappen, 4th row: Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault); Hamilton was clearly moved by both who started on the front row last season, Sergio Perez (MEX/Force India) his achievement and the message. “I will start fi fth for Red Bull in front of an 5th row: Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India); think and pray for Michael all the time. army of orange-shirted fans making the Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) I am considering I’ve had the privilege of racing with him short trip across the border. His Aus- 6th row: Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren); and always admired him and still do,” he tralian teammate Daniel Ricciardo was Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) told the crowd. “I’m just honoured to be sixth, ahead of Renault’s Nico Hulken- 7th row: Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas); several off ers: Alonso up there with him now in the poles but he berg whose teammate Jolyon Palmer was Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Toro Rosso) will still be one of the greatest of all time.” faster until a gearbox problem sidelined 8th row: Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams); Felipe Reuters “You need great drivers and great Hamilton took over from Schumach- him in the fi nal session. Massa (BRA/Williams) Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium cars to win races and there’s a bit er, who had retired from Ferrari in 2006 Belgian driver Stoff el Vandoorne will 9th row: Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber); of a chicken and egg thing. The but returned with Mercedes in 2010, af- start his fi rst home grand prix in last Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) better the car you have, the bet- Lewis Hamilton is is 14 points behind ter joining from McLaren in 2013. The place after qualifying 15th for McLaren 10th row: Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso); ernando Alonso re- ter the drivers you can attract,” Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. (AFP) Briton’s lap was more than four seconds but with a 65-place grid penalty. Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) sponded to reported in- Lowe told reporters. terest from Williams yes- “With a great driver in the terday by saying he had team everybody is motivated to receivedF several off ers to leave work that bit harder,” he added. McLaren at the end of the For- “There are lots of great drivers Vettel three-year Ferrari extension ‘a no-brainer’ mula One season but had yet to out there and we’ll always try and decide his next step. get the best ones we can.” Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: achieved what we wanted to achieve Vettel’s Finnish teammate, Kimi The 36-year-old Spaniard, Williams currently employ Sebastian Vettel ended speculation but things are looking pretty good, and Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion, who was world champion with Brazilian veteran Felipe Massa about his immediate Formula One future obviously we have a long road ahead of has already agreed a contract exten- Renault in 2005 and 2006, pre- and Canadian rookie Lance by signing a three-year contract exten- us,” he added. sion for 2018, keeping Ferrari’s line-up viously said he would stay with Stroll, and occupy fi fth spot in sion with Ferrari yesterday. The four-times champion, who joined unchanged for next year. Raikkonen, struggling, Honda-powered the constructors’ table. While The Italian team, the sport’s most Ferrari from Red Bull in 2015, is 14 points 37, and Vettel get on well, with the Finn McLaren if they could win races McLaren are not yet setting the successful and glamorous, said the new clear of Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton playing the role of loyal sidekick to the by September. German media race-winning pace Alonso de- deal covered the 2018, 2019 and 2020 in the current standings with nine races team’s main championship contender. reports ahead of Sunday’s Bel- manded, the team’s form has seasons but gave no further details in a remaining. The German had been out Mercedes are now likely to retain gian Grand Prix said he was being improved. The Spaniard fi nished statement of just 30 words. of contract at the end of this season Finland’s Valtteri Bottas, who joined courted by Williams. sixth in Hungary and has quali- There will be inevitable questions and there had been speculation about a in January from Williams as a replace- “I received several off ers,” fi ed in 11th place for the Belgian about possible release clauses, not to possible switch to Mercedes — a move ment for now-retired 2016 champion Alonso told journalists when race, prevented from starting mention speculation about how many that would have sent a tremor through Nico Rosberg on a one-year deal with asked about the reports. “To 60 higher up the grid by a faulty tens of millions of dollars the 30-year- the paddock. options. That will put the main focus on percent of those off ers I say no Honda engine. “Apart from the old German will be earning over the Hamilton, a triple world champion McLaren’s Fernando Alonso, who is also right away, the other 40 percent engine issue, the day was per- period. But the news, at the Belgian who has one more year left on his out of contract and looking for signs are still on the table,” he added, fect,” said Alonso, who started Grand Prix and a week before his team’s Mercedes contract, laughed off that that the team can provide him with a saying he would not be rushed his Formula One career with home Italian race at Monza, will allow possibility earlier in the week when he competitive car before agreeing any into taking a decision. “I will wait lowly-ranked Minardi in 2001. Ferrari to concentrate on fighting for the told reporters that his rival did not want new deal. as long as possible,” Alonso said. Alonso said he was hoping for championship without distraction. don’t have. People talk about a legend. to be his teammate. Niki Lauda, the The Spaniard, a double world cham- Williams’s Chief Technical rain in today’s race to help him “I love this team. I love the people who To me it appears that this legend is still Mercedes non-executive chairman, said pion who raced in the Indianapolis 500 Offi cer Paddy Lowe would not secure points and improve on his are working for this brand,” Vettel told alive because of the people who work that there had been talks with Vettel but this year, would appear to have limited comment on whether the team current 15th position in the driv- reporters later. “Ferrari has something for it, day in, day out. In a way, it was a team principal Toto Wolff said that was options within Formula One although he were in talks with Alonso but ers’ championship. “We’re prob- unique, something that other teams no-brainer to continue. We haven’t yet not the case. said he had received several off ers. said a good driver was important ably not quick enough to score to take them to a higher level. otherwise,” he said.

FOCUS SEA Games: Super six and Schooling’s out for summer AFP in the butterfl y leg. Their eventual to sweep the diving competition. Ma- Kuala Lumpur margin of victory was 2.88sec over In- laysia also had success in shooting, as donesia. “It’s a great feeling. What’s Jonathan Wong upset Vietnam’s Olym- even better is that I think we had a great pic champion Hoang Xuan Vinh to win lympic swimmer Joseph team display over the past six days,” the men’s 10m air pistol competition. Schooling celebrated yes- said Schooling, 22. “It’s been a long The hosts picked up further wins terday as he reached his tar- meet but I think there are a lot of posi- in water skiing, indoor hockey, lawn get of six gold medals at the tives I can take going into the new year. bowls, taekwondo, gymnastics and SoutheastO Asian Games, ending his I’m looking forward to getting back in show jumping as they added 14 gold season on a high after a disappointing the swing of things.” medals to reach 82, 33 ahead of Vietnam world championships. Schooling’s six golds, which include on the overall table. High jumper Nau- On the fi nal night of swimming in three individual titles, come after he raj Singh edged fellow Malaysian Lee Kuala Lumpur, Schooling propelled could only take 100m butterfl y bronze Hup Wei on countback after they both Singapore’s 4x100m medley relay team at the world championships, a year af- cleared 2.24m, equalling the Games to victory in 3min 37.46sec, beating the ter his stunning Olympic win. “That record, while Malaysia’s Rayzam Shah Games record they set two years ago in was a great race by all of us collectively. won the 110m hurdles. their home pool. We beat the national record with solid Thailand left it late before beating Schooling, Quah Zheng Wen, Lionel swims all around. I couldn’t have done Myanmar 1-0 to reach the men’s foot- Khoo and Darren Lim whooped and it without these guys. They’re the ones ball fi nal, thanks to a stoppage-time cheered as they left the pool deck, after that did the bulk of the work,” he said. Games-record 1:59.24. 50m freestyle for the fi fth consecutive Malaysia claimed the fi rst three titles in header from Chenrop Samhaodi. And the convincing win left Singapore on a Earlier Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Anh Her 17-year-old compatriot Nguyen SEA Games, underlining Singapore’s the sport. Thai top seed Luksika Kumkhum, the table-topping 19 golds for the meet. Vien, nicknamed “Little Mermaid”, Hoy Hoang smashed the Games’ men’s dominance of the swimming pool. In Wendy Ng led a Malaysian one-two world number 180, won the women’s Schooling, the Olympic 100m but- fl ashed a victory sign as she snared her 1,500m record by 11 seconds as he swam diving, Olympic silver-medallist Pan- in the women’s 3m springboard and Ooi singles tennis fi nal 6-0, 6-1 against terfl y champion, increased Singapore’s eighth win of the competition in the 15:20.10 to win by a distance. delela Rinong and Gabriel Gilbert Daim Tze Liang won the men’s 3m spring- Anna Clarice Patrimonio of the Philip- narrow lead by just under two seconds women’s 200m freestyle, clocking a And Amanda Lim won the women’s won the 10m synchronised platform as board, as Malaysia set off on their bid pines. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, August 27, 2017 SPORT

GOLF CYCLING Alaphilippe takes Spieth rides hot stage 8, Froome extends lead putter to share lead Reuters Ireland’s Nicolas Roche (BMC Xorret de Cati, Spain Racing) by 41. Contador (Trek- Segafredo), on his fi nal race be- fore heading into retirement, is American is in joint lead with world number one Dustin Johnson, Vegas and Fowler rance’s 17th, 3:10 off the pace after losing signalled his return to top considerable ground in the fi rst form after knee surgery week but the Spaniard had been when he took his maiden gradually climbing up the rank- Fgrand Tour win in the eighth stage ings since then. of the Vuelta a Espana yesterday. Briton , look- EIGHTS STAGE RESULTS ing to become the fi rst rider to 1. Julian Alaphilippe (France / achieve a -Vuelta Quick-Step Floors) 4:37:55” 2. Jan double since 1978, attacked on Polanc (Slovenia / UAE Team Emir- the fi nal climb to extend his ates) +2” 3. Rafal Majka (Poland / overall lead as only Alberto Con- BORA-hansgrohe) 4. Serge Pauwels tador could follow him. Quick (Belgium / Team Dimension Data) Step Floors rider Alaphilippe, +26” 5. Nelson Oliveira (Portugal / who missed the Tour because of a Movistar Team) +28” 6. Michel Kre- knee injury, was part of the day’s der (Netherlands / Aqua Blue Sport) breakaway and followed Pole Ra- +32” 7. Maxime Monfort (Belgium / fal Majka’s attacks on the fi nal Lotto-Soudal) 8. Bart De Clercq (Bel- climb, a brutal ascent featuring gium / Lotto-Soudal) +34” 9. Alberto gradients of more than 20%. Losada (Spain / Katusha-Alpecin) He was the quickest in the fi - +37” 10. Emanuel Buchmann (Ger- nal sprint after 199.5 km, beating many / BORA-hansgrohe) +1:04”. Slovenia’s Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) and Bora-Argon’s Ma- CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 8 jka by two seconds. “I did not ex- 1. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) pect to win the stage today. It was 32:26:13” 2. (Co- complicated as I did not feel that lombia / Orica-Scott) +28” 3. Nicolas great. I was more thinking about Roche (Ireland / BMC Racing Team) tomorrow,” Alaphilippe said. +41” 4. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy / In the group of overall con- Bahrain-Merida) +53” 5. Tejay van Jordan Spieth plays a shot from tenders, Froome fi rst appeared Garderen (U.S./ BMC Racing Team) a bunker on the 18th hole during to struggle but only Conta- +58” 6. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro The Northern Trust tournament dor could take his wheel when Team) +1:06” 7. David De La Cruz at Glen Oaks Club in Westbury, the Team Sky rider accelerated (Spain / Quick-Step Floors) +1:08” 8. New York, on Friday. (AFP) some four kms from the fi nish. Adam Yates (Britain / Orica-Scott) The duo gained 17 seconds on +1:18” 9. Michael Woods (Canada / their closest rivals. Froome now Cannondale-Drapac) +1:41” 10. Ilnur leads Colombian Esteban Chaves Zakarin (Russia / Katusha-Alpecin) (Orica-Scott) by 28 seconds and +1:57”

AFP Johnson, whose opening round 65 it — just try to and feel putts out here.” LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES New York put him one off the overnight lead, was Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson were a (USA unless noted): three-under through 12 holes and eight- stroke back from the leaders on 135. Ku- 134 — Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 69-65, Dustin under for the tournament before errant char rebounded from a rough start with a Johnson 65-69, Rickie Fowler 68-66, Jordan ordan Spieth caught fi re on the tee shots led to back-to back late bogeys. string of eight birdies in 10 holes to fi nish Spieth 69-65 greens on Friday as he seized a “Other than that, I felt like it was a re- at 64 for the day. Watson signed for a 68. 135 — Matt Kuchar 71-64, Bubba Watson share of the halfway lead at the ally solid day,” Johnson said. “I’m really Spain’s John Rahm, England’s Justin Rose 67-68 Northern Trust, the fi rst tourna- pleased with the way the golf game is and overnight leader Russell Henley were 136 — Jon Rahm (ESP) 68-68, Justin Rose Jment in the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup right now and I’m looking forward to this a further stroke back on 136, and eight (ENG) 68-68, Russell Henley 64-72 playoff s. Spieth’s seven birdies included weekend.” players were tied on 137, including PGA 137 — Patrick Reed 70-67, Paul Casey (ENG) fi ve in a row from the 10th through the Reigning British Open champion Spi- Championship winner Justin Thomas, 69-68, Patrick Cantlay 67-70, Chez Reavie 14th — six in all on the back nine in a fi ve- eth had dropped out of the leading group defending Northern Trust champion 69-68, Xander Schauff ele 71-66, Daniel under par 65 that gave him a six-under with a bogey at the 15th, but he rebound- Patrick Reed, England’s Paul Casey and Berger 69-68, Justin Thomas 68-69, Camilo total of 134. ed with a 40-foot birdie putt at 16. “I put Colombian Camilo Villegas. Villegas (COL) 66-71, Harold Varner 67-70 He completed a group of four sharing in a little work in an early session before Reigning FedEx Cup champion Rory 138 — Martin Laird (SCO) 69-69, Pat Perez the lead that also included world number my warm-up session today,” said Spieth, McIlroy, whose 2017 campaign has been 70-68, Kim Whee (KOR) 69-69, D.A. one Dustin Johnson, Venezuela’s Jhonat- who also drained a 23-footer at the 12th. hindered by injury, was seven shots off Points 72-66, Keegan Bradley 68-70, Jason tan Vegas and Rickie Fowler. “I just was messing around a little with the lead after a 68. Japan’s Hideki Mat- Dufner 69-69 Vegas also posted a 65, nabbing fi ve alignment and ball position. I’ve been suyama, who came into the tournament 139 — Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 67-72, Webb birdies without a bogey. trying to fi gure out my alignment for a atop the FedEx Cup standings, was des- Simpson 73-66, Chris Kirk 66-73, C.T. Fowler carded a 66 and Johnson posted while and I just kind of threw it out the tined for an early exit after a one-under Pan (TPE) 70-69, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) a one-under 69 on the Glen Oaks Club window and said we’re just going to go 69 left him three-over for the tourna- 70-69, JJ Spaun 71-68, David Lingmerth course in Old Westbury, New York. speed — if you pull it, you push it, so be ment and outside the projected cut line. (SWE) 71 68

SPOTLIGHT Aussie medallist South Korea’s Chun chases elusive Bobridge arrested fi rst LPGA victory of season on drugs AFP Montreal charges Quick-Step Floors team’s French cyclist Julian Alaphilippe celebrates Perth: Australian Olympic after winning the eighth stage of the 72nd edition of ‘La Vuelta’ Tour hun In-Gee, a four-time runner up Games medallist Jack of Spain cycling race in Xorret de Cati, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) on the LPGA Tour in 2017, is poised Bobridge has been to strike for a fi rst victory after seiz- charged with drug dealing ing the halfway lead in the Canadian following his arrest earlier FOCUS PacifiC c Women’s Open on Friday. The South this week, police said. Korean had fi ve birdies in a four-under par Bobridge was arrested on 67, and her eight-under total of 134 gave her Wednesday after police a two-stroke lead over Americans Mo Mar- executed search warrants Barguil expelled from tin, Brittany Lincicome and Marina Alex. at his home and a busi- “I (had) a lot of seconds this year, but I ness premises in Perth, think they were good memories for me and Western Australia. Vuelta by Sunweb a good experience,” Chun said. “I think I’m “The investigation led ready to win.” detectives to charge the AFP Chun said she’d struggled to read the 28-year-old man with two Hellin, Spain greens at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, but counts of sell and supply was able to line them up better with some a traff icable quantity of help from her caddie. “I trusted my line and MDMA (commonly known rench rider Warren Bar- made it,” said Chun, whose four runner-up as ecstacy) and three guil was thrown out of fi nishes this year include a playoff loss at counts of sell and supply the Vuelta a Espana by his the Manulife LPGA Classic — the fi rst of the MDMA,” police said. Sunweb team yesterday season’s two LPGA tournaments. Ffor failing to follow team orders. Bobridge subsequently Alex, the fi rst-round leader, slipped two appeared in the Perth Barguil had been lying in 13th off the pace with a one-under par 70. Mar- Magistrates Court on overall, less than two minutes tin’s four-under par 67 included a stretch Thursday to face six behind race leader Chris Froome, of four birdies in six holes on her back nine. charges. He was granted but failed to fall back to help Lincicome birdied two of her fi rst four en bail and was due to reap- Sunweb’s leader Wilco Kelder- team,” said Barguil. route to a 67. pear in court next month. man after a puncture in Friday’s “I feel very well and have good “The whole day was good,” Lincicome Detectives said Bobridge seventh stage. legs. I see myself in diff erent a said. “I’m driving the ball pretty well. Some Chun In-Gee took a two-stroke lead at the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open on Friday. (AFP) had been charged as part “Team Sunweb have decided role and am eager to attack in the of these holes out here there are a lot of bun- of an investigation target- to withdraw Warren Barguil from mountains, as I did in the Tour. kers that are right in my way, right in my Park Sung-Hyun, China’s Feng Shanshan 68, Marina Alex 66-70 ing Perth entertainment the Vuelta a Espana,” the German The Vuelta is a great race and it landing zone, so we’re kind of being a little and American Jennifer Song. 137 — Cristie Kerr 70-67, Nicole Broch Larsen precincts. team said in a statement. is disappointing to leave but this more aggressive than I feel like we prob- Song holed out for an eagle at the 14th (DEN) 69-68, Ryu So-Yeon (KOR) 69-68, Stacy Bobridge retired from The 25-year-old rider, the re- is a decision from the team that I ably should be. But so far since I’m driving it from 136 yards. “I was just trying to decide Lewis 69-68, Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong cycling last year due to cent winner of two stages and need to accept.” well, we’re just going to keep doing it.” if there was a breeze or not. Thankfully I (THA) 68-69, Holly Clyburn (ENG) 67-70 the eff ects of arthritis af- the mountain jersey at the Tour Barguil will join French squad A group of seven golfers, including world had the right club and I hit it pretty perfect,” 138 — Sarah Jane Smith (AUS) 71-67, Park Sung- ter competing in three Ol- de France, “openly expressed Fortuneo for the 2018 season. number one Ryu So-Yeon were a further Song said. “I didn’t get to see the ball go in Hyun (KOR) 70-68, Jennifer Song 70-68, Beatriz ympic Games and winning that he didn’t race (in line with) However, Sunweb insisted he stroke back on 137. Ryu, who carded a 68, was the hole because I was on the left side, but Recari (ESP) 69-69, Feng Shanshan (CHN) 68-70 two silver medals, the last the team’s goal, which left Team will continue with the rest of joined by US veteran Cristie Kerr, Denmark’s the crowd screamed, so obviously I knew it 139 — Michelle Wie 71-68, Lee Mi-Rim (KOR) 71- one in the men’s team Sunweb with no other option his race programme for the fi nal Nicole Broch Larsen, Thailand’s Sherman was something good there.” 68, Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 71-68, Austin Ernst pursuit in Rio in 2016. He than to take this decision.” months of his contract. Santiwiwatthanaphong, England’s Holly 70-69, Amy Yang (KOR) 70-69, Caroline Masson also claimed three track Kelderman lost 17 seconds “He is a valued rider, who Clyburn and American Stacy Lewis. LEADING SECOND-ROUND SCORES (GER) 69-70, Kim Hyo-Joo (KOR) 69-70 world championship gold on Friday’s stage to slip behind means and has meant a lot to the A foursome of golfers was a shot further (USA unless noted): 140 — Ryann O’Toole 74-66, Brittany Marchand medals and four Com- Barguil to 14th in the general team,” Sunweb said. “After the back on 138, including Aussie Sarah Jane 134 — Chun In-Gee (KOR) 67-67 (CAN) 73-67, Chella Choi (KOR) 72-68, Rachel monwealth Games golds. classifi cation. “I have to leave Vuelta, Barguil will pick up his Smith, Spain’s Beatriz Recari, South Korean 136 — Mo Martin 69-67, Brittany Lincicome 68- Rohanna 69-71, Angel Yin 68-72 the Vuelta by the decision of the planned race programme.” Gulf Times Sunday, August 27, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS SUPER GLOBE HANDBALL Berlin and Muguruza ready Barcelona to to seize control clash in fi nal atar’s Al Sadd crashed out fi nal, which was won by Vardar with a of the 2017 IHF Super Globe one-goal scoreline, saw a slow start handball tournament in from the European title holders that Doha when they fell to a 30- left them with a signifi cant defi cit to 23Q defeat in their semi-fi nal against come back from. Fuchse Berlin. Only two goals were scored in the Berlin will now meet FC Barcelona opening eight minutes, before FC Bar- of women’s game Lassa in the fi nal tomorrow after the celona pulled ahead by two with a per- top Spanish edged out HC Vardar Sko- fect outside shot from right back Dika pje of Macedonia. Mem. At the 10-minute mark the dis- A 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of world number two Simona Halep in the Cincinnati Defending champions Füchse Ber- tance remained at two in favour of the lin were the dominant side against Al record Champions League champions final last week sent an ominous message to the women’s field Sadd, taking a 3:0 advantage before the (4:2), and they increased the gap fur- hosts found the goal for the fi rst time. ther off a goal from Raul Entrerrios in The strong start was a sign of the match the 12th that triggered Vardar coach to follow, which ended with Berlin se- Raul Gonzalez to call a time-out. curing their third consecutive Super Playing against his former team, Ar- Globe fi nal ticket in a row. pad Sterbik served Vardar well between Berlin keeper Silvio Heinevetter the posts early in the game, keeping made it clear he would not be easy to Barcelona at bay – though he could not beat with several impressive saves in stop Mem from adding his third pre- the opening minutes, but the Qatari cise goal just as the fi rst quarter of the team soon began to look more threat- match came to an end (6:3 for Barce- ening. As the fi rst quarter came to a lona). close, Al Sadd decreased the gap to one Barcelona’s defence supported by goal, before levelling in the 17th at 7:7. keeper Gonzalo Perez de Vargas was After his excellent performance more eff ective. The Spanish team al- early in the game, Heinevetter started lowed the Champions League cham- to have trouble stopping the Qatari pions only one goal within 10 minutes, side’s shots, while his team faced diffi - while they pulled ahead to lead 9:3. culty against the strong 6-0 defence at Vardar coach Gonzalez changed his the other end. Following the equaliser line-up, with Strahinja Milic replacing Al Sadd stayed with their opponents Sterbik, and his team’s next goal came through to the last fi ve minutes of the soon after courtesy of Igor Karacic. half, before two suspensions – for Hadi Slowly Vardar reduced the defi cit, Hazem Hamdoon and Mario Tomic helped by a two-minute suspension for – put Al Sadd at a numerical defi cit. Barcelona line player Alexis Borges late Berlin used the last minutes before the in the half. When Barcelona returned break to pull ahead, and held a 16:13 to full strength the Champions League lead when the whistle sounded. champions had come within three goals The hosts spent the second half at 11:14, where the score line stayed as chasing the defi cit, and were not helped the half-time buzzer sounded. by a penalty save from Berlin keeper It took just over 10 minutes in the Petr Stochl in the 39th when the Euro- second half for Vardar to close the pean team led 20:16. Just inside the last gap to one, and from there it was a 15 minutes Berlin remained clearly in close contest. As the clock passed the front at 23:18, and it appeared Al Sadd 50-minute mark the score stood level would need something miraculous to at 25:25 – but as the last few minutes overturn the momentum. of the match began Barcelona regained Al Sadd could not fi nd the change the upper hand with Mem’s sixth goal, they needed. The European team con- which took them back to a two-goal tinued to control the match through to advantage the 60th minute, when they celebrated Vardar could not recover from that a seven-goal victory and their third score line so late in the game, and the consecutive Super Globe fi nal. 2013 and 2014 Super Globe champi- Earlier, the rematch of the VELUX ons were the team to celebrate at the EHF Champions League 2016/17 semi- buzzer.

RALLY OF LEBANON File photo Garbine Muguruza of Spain celebrating her win over Simona Halep of Romania during the women’s final on day 9 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 20.

Reuters for the title despite her having won nati where she again had the chance contenders lurking further down the New York only two matches in four US Open to rise to world number one but fell ranking list. appearances. tantalisingly short by losing the fi nal. American Madison Keys, ranked “If you were going to push me, I Czech Karolina Pliskova, who lost 16, plays a similar power game to Mu- ight women begin the US might go with Garbine Muguruza. to Angelique Kerber in last year’s fi - guruza and could go all the way, ac- Open with their eyes on the She seems to be in a very good place nal, took over as world number one cording to former US Open champion number one ranking but of all after winning her second major in her almost by default when Halep lost in Chris Evert who will be commentating those contenders it is Garbine career at Wimbledon,” twice winner the Wimbledon quarter-fi nals — a for ESPN. MuguruzaE on whose head the crown Tracy Austin was quoted on the WTA’s week after Pliskova had bowed out in “When she’s healthy, and the way could sit most comfortably. website. round two. she’s currently playing, she defi nitely With dominant force Serena Wil- “She fi nished up winning in Cincin- Strangely, by virtue of the points would be a threat to win the tourna- liams absent as she prepares for moth- nati last week, which is a huge hard system, she could lose the top spot ment,” she said. “Right now Mugu- erhood, women’s tennis has been cry- court lead-up tournament for the US even if she won the US Open and land- ruza on paper is the favorite. But don’t ing out for a player capable of taking Open. She seems much more comfort- ed a fi rst major — a sacrifi ce she would count out Madison Keys who has the a long-term lease at the summit and able with the expectation.” happily sign for. power.” Spaniard Muguruza has the power and Muguruza’s record at the US Open “I would prefer to have a little bit Kerber knows only too well the pit- personality to oblige. is a surprise given her attacking style more of a lead. But, you know, what- falls that can come with the number After beating Serena to win the of play and ability to dominate from ever comes I will just take it,” she said one ranking, having looked uncom- 2016 French Open Muguruza strug- the baseline. When she is on form she in Cincinnati where she lost to Mugu- fortable with the tag ever since taking A fan watches as Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel take part in gled to adapt to her new-found status, is hard to stop. ruza. over from Serena Williams. the Rally of Lebanon near the northern Lebanese village of Sourat yesterday. but this year’s Wimbledon triumph Romanian Halep will start the tour- “There’s no pressure to be world The German will hope the return to Al-attiyah, however, crashed out of the rally. has been taken smoothly in her long nament as the ‘virtual’ number one number one. It’s going to be diffi cult to New York will spark a revival in fortunes stride. when ‘year-on-year’ ranking points really stay there, but maybe it’s good after slipping to world number six. A 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of world coming off are taken into account and for me.” “I’m thinking that my fi ghting number two Simona Halep in the she would be guaranteed making that Elina Svitolina, Caroline Wozniacki, spirit is of course back and I’m feel- Dzumhur battles to become Bosnia’s first ATP finalist Cincinnati fi nal last week sent an a reality were she to win the title. Svetlana Kuznetsova, Johanna Konta ing that it’s getting better and better,” ominous message to the women’s It was a similar story in the French and Venus Williams are the other the 29-year-old said looking ahead to Reuters, Salem: Damir Dzumhur 2008 before also shifting allegiance fi eld at Flushing Meadows and in- Open where she lost in the fi nal to Je- players who could theoretically take the defence of her title. (Reporting by became Bosnia’s first player to reach to Croatia. He won his only ATP Tour stalled the 23-year-old as favourite lena Ostapenko and again in Cincin- over at the top, but there are other title Martyn) an ATP Tour final at the Winston- singles title in 2011. Salem Open on Friday and was glad Meanwhile, unseeded Australian Daria to reward compatriots at home who Gavrilova toppled defending champion BOTTOMLINE stayed up late to watch him over- Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 6-4 on haul Kyle Edmund. The 25-year-old Friday to reach the final of the WTA Dzumhur recovered from a poor start hardcourt tournament at New Haven, to beat the Briton 1-6 7-5 6-3 and will Connecticut. bid to become the Balkan nation’s first “I trusted my game plan and I think Tour winner in Saturday’s title-decider I executed it very well,” Gavrilova, Federer favourite at US Open against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut. ranked 26th in the world, said after her “I think everybody in Bosnia is still win over the world number 10 and top Reuters Andy Murray and 2014 winner Marin ows champion John McEnroe, part of hoping to end a six-year wait for a awake and watching me, which seed. New York Cilic have been sidelined since Wim- ESPN’s commentary team, said this men’s quarter-fi nalist for the host makes me really proud for my “I was pretty aggressive and taking bledon by injuries. week. nation. country,” Dzumhur said in comments chances whenever I could on her Federer, looking to win three grand “If he is he’s got a great chance to “I don’t see any of them winning published on the ATP website. “For second serve.” Gavrilova advanced to n injury-ravaged US Open slam titles in the same year for the step forward and get to the fi nal, at it. I see all of them being dangerous,” such a small country as Bosnia, it’s a the third WTA final of her career. She’ll men’s draw off ers the best fi rst time since 2007, withdrew from least the semis.” McEnroe said. really big result. take on second-seeded Slovakian Do- opportunity yet for a young Cincinnati with a back niggle and Unpredictable Australian Kyrgios The 36-year-old Federer, seeded “It’s going to be a big thing for me, for minika Cibulkova, a 6-1, 6-3 winner over pretender to claim a maiden while Nadal, who returned this week has shown signs of delivering on his third, will be most people’s title pick my country, as the only player in the Belgian qualifier Elise Mertens. grandA slam crown but in this most to world number one, is fi t, his form of potential this year, most recently having produced a stunning year since Top 100 making great results. Gavrilova, who is gunning for a first retro of seasons Roger Federer and late has been patchy. when beating Nadal in the quarter- returning from a six-month lay-off in “So I’m proud of my country and career title in this last tune-up before Rafael Nadal will look to turn back All the more reason that Alexan- fi nals in Cincinnati before losing to January — compiling a 35-3 record. proud of myself and it’s going to be a the US Open starts on Monday, dis- time in New York. der Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Nick Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, another Having claimed a fi rst Austral- good day tomorrow.” played an impressive array of powerful With the physical demands of Kyrgios — to name but three — will be US Open title candidate, in the fi nal. ian Open title for seven years, a fi rst Dzumhur, who is ranked 67th, is not groundstrokes, and kept her nerve to modern-day tennis taking its toll the relishing seizing a golden opportunity “You can say he’s slowly hopefully Wimbledon title for fi ve years he the first Bosnian-born player to make finish it out in an hour and 33 minutes. tournament will start without four in the Big Apple. but surely going in the right direc- could surpass even those feats with a an ATP Tour final, with others to have After Gavrilova was unable to convert of the top 11 in the ATP rankings in- Of those Germany’s 20-year-old tion,” McEnroe said of the 22-year- fi rst US Open since 2008 and take his done so under the flag of another her first match point in the final game, cluding defending champion Stan Zverev looks the best bet to shake it up old Kyrgios. Austrian Thiem appears grand slam tally to a record-extending country. Radwanska earned a break point, but Wawrinka who ended his season early after rising to sixth in the world after to have left his best tennis on the Eu- 20. “At the moment we are assuming The 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic Gavrilova responded with just her sec- with a knee injury. beating Federer in the Rogers Cup in ropean clay, struggling on the North that Roger is going to pull the rabbit played for Bosnia as a junior but has ond ace of the match. She followed up Twice champion Novak Djokovic Montreal — the biggest title so far for American hardcourts. out of the hat again,” McEnroe said. represented Croatia as a professional. with a forehand winner, and finished (elbow), 2014 runner-up Kei Nishiko- the six-foot-six-inch powerhouse. Jack Sock, John Isner and Sam “If Roger wins this, this will be one Ivan Dodig, a 2015 French Open it off with an overhead smash on her ri (wrist) and Milos Raonic (wrist) “Is Zverev ready to step up best of Querrey will lead the American chal- of the great stories in the last 50 years doubles winner, played for Bosnia until second match point. are also absent while 2012 champion fi ve?” four-times Flushing Mead- lenge in the men’s tournament — or ever.”

Sunday, August 27, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Overtaking Benaud means little to Aussie Lyon

AFP in Dhaka. “I will sit back at the end of than the Australians for the Bangla- Dhaka my career and look at where I get to on deshi conditions.Lyon was not pre- the wickets column. For me, it is about pared to join the debate. playing well for the Australia cricket “Both teams haven’t come up against athan Lyon said yesterday he team,” he said. each other so it is a big statement to was not carried away by the Lyon was expected to lead Australia’s come out and say that,” he said. prospect of overtaking legen- spin attack in the Bangladesh Tests as “But everyone’s entitled to their own dary Richie Benaud to become the visitors play their fi rst series against opinion. We are just worried about NAustralia’s second most successful the hosts in more than a decade. what we are doing, to be honest. spinner during the forthcoming two- The opening Test will be the fi rst “They can come out and say whatev- Test series against Bangladesh. between the two countries since Ricky er they want. We are training and pre- Off -spinner Lyon needs just one Ponting’s side toured Bangladesh in paring well. We are looking forward to wicket to equal Benaud’s mark of 248 2006, clean-sweeping the series 2-0. the challenge that lies ahead,” he said. in the fi rst Test beginning at the Sher- Bangladesh, which only attained Lyon insisted that before facing the e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka Test status in 2000, have moved on spinners, Bangladesh batsmen must today. A second scalp in the match will from that defeat, and hope to build on handle the fearsome Aussie pace at- take Lyon, who has 247 wickets from 67 the recent good form to impress fans tack. Test, just behind Australia’s all-time with a series win on home soil against “We have got three very good fast spin wicket-taker Shane Warne. Australia. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan bowlers in the squad with Josh Hazel- “I have always said from my fi rst already delivered the opening salvo in wood, Pat Cummins and Jackson Bird game to this game, I am not about the build-up to the Test match, claim- who can get the ball moving in these personal success,” Lyon told reporters ing the hosts have a better spin attack conditions,” he said.

HEADINGLEY TEST BADMINTON Lin Dan powers into seventh world fi nal, Brathwaite, Hope India’s Saina beaten

AFP Glasgow

in Dan stayed on course defy England for a record sixth men’s singles title at the bad- minton world champion- The West Indies were 329 for five at stumps, 71 runs ahead of England’s 258 Lships with a stunning semi-fi nal victory over top seed Son Wan- Ho in Glasgow yesterday. SCORECARD Lin, who last won the title in 2013, defeated Son 21-17, 21-14 to England 1st Innings 258 (B Stokes 100, J reach his seventh world fi nal. Root 59; S Gabriel 4-51, K Roach 4-71) In the gold-medal decider the West Indies 1st Innings (overnight: 19-1) Chinese star will face Denmark’s K. Brathwaite b Broad 134 Viktor Axelsen. K. Powell c Cook b Anderson 5 Lin, 33, may have reached the D. Bishoo c Bairstow b Anderson 1 latter stages of his career, but “Viktor played very well. Yes- K. Hope c Root b Anderson 3 he outsmarted the 29-year-old terday, I was the last men’s sin- S. Hope not out 147 world number one from South gles on court, and today I was the R. Chase c Cook b Stokes 5 Korea. fi rst,” he said. J. Blackwood not out 21 A run of fi ve points in a row “I need to get better at playing Extras (b4, lb7, w2) 13 from 16-15 down helped seal the at a consistent level whenever Total (5 wkts, 102 overs, 417 mins) 329 fi rst game and he pressed home I play. Now I will go home and Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Powell), 2-31 (Bishoo), his advantage midway through prepare for the national champi- 3-35 (K Hope), 4-281 (Brathwaite), 5-296 the second. onships.” (Chase) “Everyone is talking about my In the women’s singles, Ja- To bat: S Dowrich, J Holder, K Roach, S age, but I have proved I can still pan’s Nozomi Okuhara had to Gabriel play at a high level,” he said. fi ght back from one game down Bowling: Anderson 23-7-46-3; Broad 20- “Men’s singles is very tough to make it to the fi nal day, defeat- 2-73-1; Woakes 13-2-58-0; Stokes 22-8-60-1 these days, it is a very hard route ing India’s Saina Nehwal 12-21, (2w); Ali 20-3-69-0; Westley 4-0-12-0 to the fi nal. 21-17, 21-10. Match position: West Indies lead by 71 “I always feel nervous before On Friday, the seventh seed runs with five first-innings wickets standing big matches, but I am very hap- had knocked out the reigning Toss: England py that I have had great support and Olympic Champion, Caro- Umpires: Chris Gaff aney (NZL), S Ravi here. I watched Viktor’s semi- lina Marin. (IND) fi nal and he’s playing very well. “I am very happy to have beat- TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) Tomorrow is the last match and I en another great opponent,” said Match referee: David Boon (AUS) will be giving 1000 %.” Okuhara. West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite celebrates reaching his century against England at Headingley yesterday. In his semi-fi nal, Axelsen “When I was struggling in the gained revenge over Chinese de- fi rst game I thought back to last AFP innings and 209-run defeat in the day/ debut in England’s preceding 3-1 home fi fty when he drove Woakes down the fending champion Chen Long. night’s match against Marin and Leeds night series opener at Edgbaston, with series win over South Africa. Neverthe- ground for his ninth four in 72 balls. The last Danish winner was that got me playing much better. England taking 19 wickets on last Satur- less, he was omitted at Headingley, with Shai Hope did give a chance on 72 when Peter Rasmussen 20 years ago, “I do not want to stop at the day’s third day to go 1-0 up with two to England recalling fi t-again all-rounder a whip off Ali fl ew to short leg where Mark with his title also coming in fi nal, I want to win gold.” raigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope play. Chris Woakes. Stoneman, back on his heels, could not Glasgow. Indonesia’s Mohamed Ahsan both scored superb hundreds as But having starred in a markedly im- But Woakes too often bowled short and hold a tough catch. The only other Dane to win the and Rian Agung Saputro contin- the West Indies secured a fi rst- proved bowling display to dismiss Eng- at stumps he had fi gures of none for 58 in Root gave the last over before tea to title was Flemming Delfs at the ued their giant killing act to reach innings lead against England land on Friday, paceman Kemar Roach 13 overs. Tom Westley, rather than bowl his own inaugural 1977 championships. the fi nal of the men’s doubles. Kon the second day of the second Test at said he wanted the batsmen to follow the After the West Indies resumed on 19 occasional off -spin. Axelsen, the third seed, wast- The new partnership knocked Headingley yesterday. bowlers’ lead. for one, Anderson made short work of Having reached his fi fty with a six, ed little time in dispatching the out Chinese top seeds Li Jun- The West Indies were 329 for fi ve at They did just that, with Brathwaite and nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo and Brathwaite went to his hundred with an- Olympic champion. hui and Liu Yuchen in the fi rst stumps, 71 runs ahead of England’s 258. Shai Hope providing fresh vindication of Kyle Hope on his way to brilliant lunch other when he lofted Westley’s fi fth ball The score was 21-9, 21-10 and round and the semi-fi nal 21-12, Opening batsman Brathwaite (134) and the faith that West Indies coach Stuart fi gures of three for 10 in 12 overs, having high over long-on. the match lasted a mere 39 min- 21-15 victory ended the hopes of Shai Hope, whose 147 not out was his Law had insisted he retained in a talented accounted for Kieran Powell on Friday. It was a stylish way for the 24-year-old utes. Japan’s fourth seeds Takeshi Ka- maiden Test century, put on 246 for the if raw side. But Brathwaite and Shai Hope were to complete his sixth hundred in 39 Tests Chen had won the title in 2014 mura and Keigo Sonoda. fourth wicket. Law had forecast daytime conditions rewarded for their watchfulness against off 189 balls, also including 13 fours. and 2015 and added the Olympic “It is great to go through to The Barbados duo’s partnership was all would prove more to the tourists’ liking Anderson when conditions eased as the Shai Hope, 85 not out at tea, went to 99 gold medal in Rio last year. a world fi nal,” said Ahsan. “We the more impressive as they came togeth- than some ‘chilly’ evenings in Birming- sun broke through. with a pulled four up on one leg off Ben “I’m stunned. I never expected knew we could do well this er with the West Indies in trouble at 35 ham and, on this evidence, it was hard to Brathwaite, who resumed on 13 not out, Stokes. to win so comfortably and I am so week.” for three after James Anderson had dis- disagree with the former Australia bats- successfully reviewed lbw decisions on The next delivery saw the 23-year-old very happy,” Axelsen said. There was also a shock in the missed Kyle Hope, Shai’s older brother, man. 35 and 46, after getting an inside edge to take a single off all-rounder Stokes that “I made very few mistakes to- women’s doubles with top seeds to move to within fi ve wickets of becom- Brathwaite and Shai Hope’s stand Stuart Broad and being outside off stump gave him a maiden century in his 12th day. It was almost error free. Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka ing the fi rst England bowler to take 500 in made England’s decision to drop third playing a shot to off -spinner Moeen Ali. Test off 159 balls, including 17 fours. “It was nice to get revenge Takahashi going out. Tests. seamer Toby Roland-Jones look all the The very next ball after Ali’s appeal was England eventually broke through with from the Olympic semi-fi nals. I Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, It was easy then to foresee another more curious. Roland-Jones had taken overturned, Brathwaite drove him for six the new ball when Brathwaite’s more am very proud of myself.” the Chinese fourth seeds, beat West Indies collapse, given they had been 14 wickets in three Tests at an aver- to go to fi fty. than six-hour innings ended when he was Chen was disappointed, but the Japanese favourites 21-17, 21- skittled out for just 168 and 137 during an age of under 20 apiece since making his After lunch, Shai Hope completed his bowled by a Broad delivery that kept low. gave credit to his opponent. 15.

BOTTOMLINE Smith confi rms Agar’s return aft er four years AFP in four innings for Western Australia — “I think it’s going to be a great se- series 2-0. “It’s pretty confi dent, isn’t Dhaka that he caught the eye of the selectors ries. It’s a great challenge for my group it?” said Smith. again. of players to see what we have learned “I think Bangladesh have won only He was picked for Australia’s two- from India,” Smith said in Dhaka. nine out of their 100 games. So it’s a ustralian captain Steven Test tour of Bangladesh ahead of left- “Looking at the wicket I think it’s very confi dent prediction. Smith confi rmed Ashton Agar arm spinner Steve O’Keefe, whose going to be somewhat similar to what “But obviously they are confi dent will play his fi rst Test in four 12-wicket haul against India earlier this we got in India. Hopefully we can learn about their skill set at the moment. years when the two-Test se- year helped Australia win the fi rst Test from what we did there.” Most teams play pretty well at home. riesA against Bangladesh begins in Dha- of that series. Australia visited India in Febru- The comment surprised me a little bit, ka today. Agar will partner with off -spinner ary-March for four Test matches and yes,” he said. Agar made a sensational debut to Nathan Lyon on a supposedly spin despite a 2-1 loss Smith’s men were Bangladesh captain Mushfi qur Ra- Test cricket in 2013, scoring 98 runs in friendly wicket at Dhaka’s Sher-e- praised for putting up a good show. him said his team has enough resources his maiden innings batting at number 11 Bangla National Stadium, where Aus- Smith led his side from the front to win the series. against England at Nottingham. tralia will make their fi rst Test appear- scoring three centuries to become the “Cricket is all about winning the But since then the 23-year-old has ance against Bangladesh in 11 years. highest run-getter in the series with match,” said Rahim. made only one further Test appearance, Australia have not toured Bangladesh 499 runs at an average of 71.28. “You all know that we have been very and has been hungry for a return to the since 2006 and this series has been long Smith said he was surprised by the consistent in the last series as well as in long format of the game. in the making. recent comments of Bangladesh coach the last two years in our home condi- It was not until his impressive form Australian cricket captain Steven Smith (R) and Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Smith expressed his hope it would be Chandika Hathurusingha and all- tion. I think everyone is talking about in the Sheffi eld Shield this season — he Rahim (L) hold the tournament trophy at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket an exciting series and give them a real- rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who both winning the series because of that be- claimed 16 wickets and scored 115 runs Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. ity check after their tour of India. expressed their hopes of winning the lief,” he said.