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Fridayy 6 October 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Stokes absence will not Syria dream Nadal ready for distract England from cocontinues as Al Soma Isner test Ashes focus: Anderson nets late penalty in Beijing

Hungarian star Katinka Hosszu on her way to win the gold medal in the Women’s 100m Individual Medley of the FINA airweave World Cup at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in yesterday. Pictures: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS Women’s 100m Freestyle Hosszu, Sjostrom sign off in style Gold: Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 51.62 Silver: (NED) 52.19 Bronze: Femke Heemskerk (NED) 52.29 Men’s 200m Freestyle Chad Le Clos (RSA) 1: 44.40 as spectacular Doha show ends Tom Shields (USA) 1:45.40 Kyle Stolk (NED) 1:45.77 Women’s 50m breaststroke Fawad Hussain Both the wins for Le Clos The Peninsula came against his rival Tom Alia Atkinson (JAM) 29.42 Shields of the United States. Rikke Pedersen (DEN) 30.32 ungarian sensa- He clocked 1:44.40 for win in Lena Kreundl (AUT) 31.24 tion Katinka 200m freestyle, one second Men’s 100m Breaststroke Hosszu lit up the ahead of Shields. In men’s but- Cameron Van Der Burgh (RSA) 56.11 final day of the terfly, the South African Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 56.31 FINA airweave touched 50.17 with Shields Ilya Shymanovich (BLR) 56.76 HSwimming World Cup, fishing completing the race in 50.17. Men’s 100m Butterfly out three more gold medals as Sjostrom, the Olympic and Chad Le Clos (RSA) 50.17 the spectacular two-day event world champion, also finished Tom Shields (USA) 50.30 concluded with thrilling races the meet with five gold med- Pavel Sakovich (BLR) 50.79 in Doha yesterday. als, adding two more on the Women’s 100m Breaststroke South African superstar final day with victories in Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 56.27 Chad Le Clos and Swede prod- 100m freestyle and 50m fly. Emily Seebohm (AUS) 56.40 igy Sarah Sjostrom, who are She lost to rival Hosszu in Deeward Maaike (NED) 58.63 leading the overall rankings, 100m IM final and had to con- South African World Champion Chad Le Clos reacts after Men’s 50m Backstroke also lived up to expectations tent with silver medal, that winning the Men’s 200m freestyle gold. Christian Diener (GER) 23.58 by bagging two more gold deprived her a perfect Vladmir Morozov (RUS) 23.71 medals each on the final day 6-for-6. Nelson Junior (BRA) 23.72 at Hamad Aquatic Centre. “I did some mistakes (in Katinka Hosszu celebrates after winning the Women’s 200m Butterfly Reigning world champion IM) but overall I am happy Women’s 100m Breaststroke final yesterday. Yufei Zhang (CHN) 2:07.43 Hosszu dominated individual with five gold medals. I have The reigning world champion Hosszu dominated Wenk Alexandra (GER) 2:08.17 medley races as ever to take a good lead in the series,” the individual medley races as ever to take her tally Chan Kin Lok (HKG) 2:08.17 “I was fast today and I am happy with her tally to five gold medals in Swede star said.“I’ll go back to five gold medals in the Doha leg of World Men’s 200m IM my performance. So far it’s been the Doha leg of World Cup to training after a break to Cup series. Kirill Prigoda (RUS) 1:55.57 series. prepare for the next cluster.” tremendous run for me. I am looking for Daniil (RUS) 1:56.56 After her win in 100m German talent Christian more medals tonight.” David Foldhazi 1:57.41 backstroke, the Hungarian Diener was other star of the Sarah Sjostrom Women’s 400m Freestyle prodigy won 100 and 400 day as he claimed two victo- After winning the Women’s 100m Jianjiahe Wang (CHN) 4:02.43 individual medley races to ries in 50m and 200m freestyle final Bingjie Li (CHN) 4:02.58 take the highest number of backstrokes. Duo Shen (CHN) 4:02.94 gold medals on the final day. Russian giant Vladmir “I am having a great series and I am Men’s 50m Freestyle “I am happy with my per- Morozov signed off with three happy to win. I am looking to continue Vladimir Morozov (RUS) 20.98 formance. The support from gold medals with a victory in my good performance which I am Chad le Clos (RSA) 21.50 spectators was giving me 50m freestyle after touching enjoying.” Damian Wierling (GER) 21.61 energy and I thank them for 20.98. The Winsdor 2016 star Kirill Prigoda Women’s 200m Breaststroke On winning the Men’s 200m IM their cheers in my support,” overcame Le Clos, who fin- Rikke Pedersen (DEN) 2:18.86 said Hosszu. ished second for a silver medal Alia Atkinson (JAM) 2:26.10 After a perfect run that after completing the race in “It’s my second medal in Doha and I am Lisa Zaiser (AUT) 2:28.57 gave him two gold medals on 21.50. happy to achieve that. I am looking Women’s 100m Individual Medley the opening day, World cham- It was also a good day for forward to next races, hopefully will Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 57.26 pion Le Clos scooped two Morozov’s compatriot, Kirill grab some more.” Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 57.60 more gold medals by winning Prigoda who bagged the 200 Alia Atkinson Emily Seebohm (AUS) 58.59 the 200m freestyle and 100m IM for his second gold in Doha. Winner of the Women’s 50m breaststroke Men’s 200m Backstroke fly finals last night. He also He clocked 1:55.57 to beat Christian Diener (GER) 1:50.96 grabbed two silver medals in another Russian Daniil Pasyn- “I am very tired. It was very difficult to Radoslaw Kawecki (POL) 1:51.02 50m freestyle and 200m kov, who finished second with come back from the tough race earlier Chad le Clos (RSA) 1:51.02 breaststroke finals to maintain a time of 1:56.56 but I am happy I am performing well and Women’s 50m Butterfly his domination in the overall ’s Rikke Peder- winning.” Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 24.76 series. sen also caused an upset on Chad Le Clos Ranomi Koromowidjojo (NED) 25.25 “I am very happy with my the final night, when she On winning his second gold medal of the day Maaike de Waard (NED) 25.87 tally – four gold and two sil- stunned Atkinson to win Men’s 1500m Freestyle ver – its a good performance 200m breaststroke, with a “I am very happy with my overall Gergely Gyurta (HUN) 14:41.84 and I am happy with the time of 2:18.86, six seconds performance. Four gold and two silver Maksym Shemberev (AZE) 14:43.79 results,” said Le Clos, who ahead of the Jamaican. are great. Doha is my second home as Gabriele Detti (ITA) 14:46.75 looks set to win the World Cup Chinese teenager Yufei well as a lucky venue for me.” Women’s 400m Individual Medley series for an unprecedented Zhang clinched the 200m fly Chad Le Clos Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 4:27.94 fourth time. gold with a time of 2:07.43, After coming second in the Men’s 200m Emily Seebohm (AUS) 4:32.57 “Most importantly, I have edging out ’s Wenk Backstroke final Alexandra Wenk (GER) 4:38.83 won the cluster. It was a close Alexandra (GER) 2:08.17 Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay contest in the cluster and I am A total of 150 swimmers

The Netherlands 1:32.20 happy to win it. I love Doha, from 25 countries took part in Germany 1:34.04 it’s second home for me and a the event which Doha hosted China 1:34.44 very luck one too.” for the sixth consecutive time. SPORT FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER 2017 21 Hamilton looks to extend F1 title lead

Suzuka the year,” said Hamilton. “I finishing second in Malaysia, Reuters think that’s the best way. even though Mercedes were “I’m still hunting for it, I’m only the third-quickest team ewis Hamilton says not defending it. I’m still chas- on both occasions. there will be no eas- ing that championship. The championship leader ing off the throttle “So until that last flag, until said the cooler conditions in even if he does not I’ve actually got it sewn up, Japan should suit his car better have to win another then that’s what you’ve got to than the sweltering heat of Sin- Lrace after Sunday’s Japanese keep doing,” said the Briton, gapore and Malaysia. Grand Prix to secure a fourth who added that he will not be But he could not be sure Formula One title. taking any unnecessary risks. how the car, described as a The Mercedes driver leads Hamilton lost the title last “diva” by team-boss Toto Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel year despite winning the last Wolff, would stack up against by 34 points in the overall four races, with now-retired Ferrari and a resurgent Red standings with just five races team-mate Nico Rosberg Bull. remaining. chalking up the second-places “Me and the car I think As long as Hamilton leaves he needed to stay ahead in the have lots of things in common Suzuka with an advantage of standings. -- it’s got great potential but at least 29 points, with seven Vettel crashed out on the doesn’t always want to do what points the difference between opening lap in and you tell it to do,” he joked. first and second, he can poten- finished fourth in Malaysia last “There’s constantly some- tially beat the German to the weekend after starting last fol- thing new thrown in the mix title without stepping on the lowing a power unit problem that can catch us off guard and top step of the podium again. that sidelined him in that’s the exciting thing about “I think for me, the goal is qualifying. this sport. to continue to win races even Hamilton has been able to “If the car was perfect Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton takes a selfie with local students at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan if I don’t have to win another capitalise on Vettel’s misfor- every weekend it would be grand prix through the rest of tune, winning in Singapore and boring.” ahead of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix yesterday. Stokes absence will not distract Bangladesh retain injured England from Ashes focus: Anderson Tamim for

London and team mate Alex Hales were participation on the tour as England Reuters arrested following an altercation out- aim to win their first Ashes title in S Africa ODIs side a Bristol nightclub last month Australia since 2011. ngland are focused on getting anandd rereleasedleased uundernder “When we won the Ashes in Dhaka the best out of their play-play- investigation.investigation. 2010/11, we didn’t win it with 11 play- AFP Eers and beating TheThe England and ers - we won with 13/14/15 players,” AustraliaAustralia durinduringg the Ashes WalesWales CricketCricket Anderson told Sky Sports News. angladesh yesterday tourtour aandnd wwillill nnotot be ddis-is- BoardB oar d “The biggest thing for us is we get retained opening batsman tracted by the absence ofof (ECB)( ECB) 15 or 16 players to be on top of their BTamim Iqbal in their squad all-rounderall-rounder Ben Stokes,Stokes, sus- game when we get to Australia and for the three-match one-day seamer James Anderson pended be able to perform for our team. international series against (pictured)(pictured) has said.said. both playersplayers “Once we get there, the only South Africa despite an injury Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) Stokes is among Eng-Eng- followingfollowing the focus will be beating Australia... It’s concern. land’sland’s keykey match-winnersmatch-winners incidentincident andand just a case of being strong enough A hamstring injury forced President Carlos Arthur Nuzman (centre) butbut it is uncertain whwhetherether areare yetyet toto and having that tunnel vision to Tamim out of the second Test arrives to Federal Police headquarters in the 26-year-old will be make a decision focus on the individual and as a team beginning todayat Bloemfontein , yesterday. availableavailable afterafter he regardingregarding their and what will help the team win the but team physiotherapist Thihan series.” Chandramohan was hopeful he Anderson, 35, reclaimed his would recover in time for the ODI number one ranking in test matches series which starts October 15. Brazil arrests as he helped England seal a series Tamim pulled his muscle win over West Indies last month. during a three-day practice “My own focus will be on my match at Benoni last month and bowling and what I can do to help did not appear fully fit during Olympic the team and I’m sure all the other Bangladesh’s massive 333-run individuals in the side will do that. defeat in the first Test at If we can do that then I’m sure we’ll Potchefstroom. committee galvanise and put in a strong per- The ODI series will start in formance,” Anderson added. Kimberly before Bangladesh The first of the five-test Ashes play their next two ODIs at Paari series starts on November 23 in and East London on October 18 chairman Brisbane. and 22. Rio de Janeiro AFP suspend razilian police yesterday arrested the Gunathilaka chairman of the Brazilian Olympic SL drop Malinga BCommittee as part of a probe into alleged buying of votes to secure Rio’s host- for six matches ing of the 2016 Games. for Pakistan ODIs Police said in a statement that Carlos Nuz- Colombo man, 75, was arrested on suspicion of AFP Colombo corruption, money laundering and criminal Reuters association. ri Lanka yesterday Twenty police officers deployed early slapped a six-match ban on all- ri Lanka has dropped from Thursday in Rio de Janeiro on orders from a Srounder Danushka Gunathilaka the one-day international squad to face Paki- federal judge, arresting Nuzman and seizing for “misconduct” during the recent Sstan in a five-match series starting next week, documents. series against India which the island- raising doubts if the fast bowler will feature in the The officers also arrested the Rio 2016 ers lost 9-0. team’s plans for the 2019 World Cup. committee’s chief operating officer Leonardo The cricket board had ordered Malinga, feared for his awkward action and Gryner, according to an AFP photographer. an investigation last month follow- toe-crushing yorkers, returned to international Following an investigation dubbed “Unfair ing a complaint from team manager cricket during June’s Champions Trophy follow- Play” that spanned several countries, Brazil- Asanka Gurusinghe against the ing a knee injury that kept him out of the World ian officials last month said Nuzman was the 26-year-old player. Twenty20 last year. “lynchpin” in a plot to bribe the International (SLC) said But the 34-year-old has not been as effective Olympic Committee into awarding Rio de Gunathilaka was also fined 20 per- since his return and has managed 10 from Janeiro last year’s summer Games. cent of his annual contract fee for 13 ODIs since his return. He has taken 301 wick- At the time, Nuzman was detained and violating the board’s constitution as ets from 204 matches in his career. questioned and authorities confiscated his well as the terms of his contract. Sri Lanka, who lost 5-0 to India at home passport. An SLC statement said Gunath- recently, will also be without former and Authorities allege that former Rio gover- ilaka pleaded guilty to the charges all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who is struggling nor Sergio Cabral, who is serving a 14-year without spelling out what exactly with a calf injury. prison term for bribery and money launder- they were. Sri Lanka suffered the The first ODI will be played on Oct. 13 in Dubai ing, was the mastermind of the plot, which embarrassment of losing all nine with the teams also slated to play a three-match saw $2m in bribes paid to the son of Senega- international matches in their home Twenty20 series. lese IOC member Lamine Diack before the Sri Lanka’s Lasith campaign against India. Sri Lanka Squad: Upul Tharanga (captain), 2009 vote in which Rio beat Chicago, Madrid Gunathilaka has also been Malinga looks at , , Lahiru and Tokyo to win the 2016 Games. dropped from the squad for a five- his mobile phone Thirimanne, , , The Rio games were generally credited match ODI series against Pakistan while waiting at Chamara Kapugedara, Thisara Perera, Seekuge with being a sporting and organisational suc- in the UAE. Sri Lanka Cricket Prasanna, Nuwan Pradeep, , cess, but revelations of massive corruption Gunathilaka, who made his headquarters in Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando, Akila during the preparations and now even in the international debut in 2015, aver- Colombo in this file Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay naming of the host city have tarnished the ages 42.41 in 12 ODI matches he photo. legacy. played this year. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER 2017 Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay plan 2030 World Cup bid

Buenos Aires Cartes met with his Argen- since it staged the first World of top Argentina football club Meanwhile UEFA presi- and again in Mexico in 1986. AFP tine and Uruguayan Cup. Boca Juniors, Vazquez was pres- dent Aleksander Ceferin said The next World Cup takes counterparts, Mauricio Macri Hosts Uruguay beat Argen- ident of Uruguayan side in June that Europe should place in Russia, with rgentina, Uruguay and and Tabare Vazquez, at the tina 4-2 in the 1930 final in Progreso, and Cartes is an ex- host the 2030 tournament, staging the event in 2022. Paraguay will form a joint presidential palace in Buenos Montevideo. president of Paraguayan outfit adding he would give his full A joint United States-Mex- Abid to host the centenary Aires on Wednesday to finalise Vazquez revealed it took Club Libertad. backing if England or a joint ico-Canada bid is the World Cup in 2030, the presi- the announcement. him “less than 40 seconds” to South America last hosted British bid were to declare an favourite to host the 2026 dents of the three countries “The first meeting (for the agree to the joint proposal with the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. interest. tournament, with only one confirmed on Wednesday. bid preparation) will be organ- Argentina when it was first sug- The bidding process is not due Both Uruguay and Argen- other country, Morocco, hav- Paraguayan President Hora- ised in the first week of gested following a visit to to open for several years yet, but tina have won the World Cup ing entered the bidding race. cio Cartes said in August that his November,” Cartes said. “Other Uruguay by Macri in January any bid for 2030 is likely to face twice before, with Uruguay The 2026 World Cup will country would join the shared countries are going to want to 2016. Macri said the subsequent stiff competition from the Asia taking the inaugural tourna- be the first to feature 48 teams bid by neighbours Argentina and host but there is a very strong decision to include Paraguay region, where China is expected ment and again in 1950. with the competition set to Uruguay, which hosted and won argument in favour of Uruguay, came equally as quickly. to be the front-runner to stage Argentina won the tour- expand from its current 32-team the inaugural World Cup in 1930. which will celebrate 100 years” Macri is a former president the finals. nament in 1978 on home soil, format.

Omar Al Somah of Syria (centre) heads the ball USA take on Panama in during the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Australia at the Hang Jebat Stadium in blockbuster qualifier Malacca yesterday. Al Soma scored through Miami stage may already have qualified -- a late penalty as Syria AFP next Tuesday to book a first ever place drew 1-1 with Australia at the World Cup. to put their two-legged he United States face their most Today’s game also gives Panama World Cup play-off on important World Cup qualify- a golden opportunity to avenge their a knife-edge yesterday. Ting game in nearly 30 years agonising 2013 qualifying loss to the today when they take on a Panama United States. side thirsting for revenge and chas- Four years ago, Panama needed ing a historic first ever appearance at only to beat the US at home to qual- the finals. ify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Twenty-eight years ago, the But two US goals in stoppage time Americans defeated Trinidad and turned what looked like being a 2-1 Tobago 1-0 to book their place at the Panamanian win into a 3-2 American 1990 World Cup -- the country’s first victory to leave the hosts appearance at football’s biggest tour- devastated. nament since 1950. US coach Arena acknowledged Since then, the US have qualified the importance of today’s game, but for every edition of the World Cup, a reiterated that his players still have record of achievement that reflects their qualification destiny in their own the steady development of the world’s hands. most popular sport in a country which “This is an important game, no for so long remained impervious to question about it. And I think we’ll its charms. have a team ready to play,” Arena told Yet American hopes of appearing reporters, adding that he had given a at an eighth consecutive World Cup straightforward message to his at next year’s finals in Russia are in players. jeopardy as Bruce Arena’s side pre- “Win the game,” he said. “That’s Syria dream continues as pare to face Panama in Orlando today. the message - win the game.” A stuttering campaign in the six- “We have no excuses. We’re not team final round of qualifying for depending on other teams to win North America, Central America and games to help us. We’re depending the Caribbean (CONCACAF) has left on ourselves. Whenever you’re in that Al Soma nets late penalty the United States in fourth place with situation I think it’s a positive,” Arena two games remaining, outside the top added. three automatic qualifying places. Arena, who returned as US coach Malacca, Malaysia Both teams made a cagey start in off the same post. Panama, who have never quali- last November following the sacking AFP front of a sparse but Syrian-dominated But Syria were looking dangerous fied for the World Cup, sit in third of Jurgen Klinsmann after qualifying crowd in sultry conditions at the Hang and Khribin had a shot blocked by place, one point ahead of the United losses to Mexico and Costa Rica, said mar Al Soma buried a late Jebat Stadium, a low-key setting for such Leckie, before Soma headed a good States. he expects Panama to take a cagey penalty as war-torn Syria an important game. chance over and was then denied an It means that Arena’s side must approach to Friday’s game. drew 1-1 with Australia to Mark Milligan’s fizzing shot with the almost certain goal by Degenek’s last- take maximum points from Friday’s Veteran defensive midfielder Gra- put their two-legged World outside of his left boot tested Mahmoud ditch lunge. game to keep their qualification des- ham Zusi meanwhile voiced Cup play-off on a knife- al-Youssef on 19 minutes, while Soma As the game headed into the final tiny in their own hands. confidence that the US would get the Oedge yesterday. provided Syria’s chief threat at the other quarter, Ouday Jaffal had a close-range Victory, followed by an away win result they needed. Australia were within sight of vic- end. free kick cleared off the line and Khrib- against Trinidad & Tobago next Tues- “I think you’ve seen this team tory after Robbie Kruse’s first-half goal, Matthew Leckie blasted over on 29 in’s deflected set piece sailed just wide. day, would guarantee automatic respond to pressure well in the past,” but when Mathew Leckie nudged Soma minutes before Soma twice set up Omar Syria should have been level on 78 qualification for the Americans and he told reporers. “We’ve been in this on 84 minutes the towering forward Khribin for opportunities that the in- minutes but Soma’s point-blank header a ticket to Russia. situation before and it always seems made no mistake from the spot. form Al Hilal striker put wide of the was deflected onto the post in a reflex Any other result in Orlando, and like we come together and take care It sets up a nerve-wracking second Australian goal. stop by Socceroos ‘keeper Mathew Ryan. the picture becomes complicated, of the job. leg in Sydney on Tuesday, with the even- Five minutes before half-time, The critical moment came with six with a fourth-placed finish raising the “It’s certainly a big game. But tual winners going into another play-off Leckie created Australia’s opener when minutes to go, when Leckie made con- possibility of a two-leg playoff against we’re in a position where we want to with a CONCACAF federation team for he received a ball down the right from tact mid-air with Soma and Iranian either Syria or Australia. be. Our destiny is in our own hands.” a spot at Russia 2018. Milos Degenek, cut inside and arrowed referee Alireza Faghani pointed to the Panama, who drew 1-1 with the In other CONCACAF games on Fri- Syria, playing their ‘home’ games in a shot which went in off the boot of spot. US in Panama City in March, will day, already-qualified Mexico face Malaysia because of the civil war rag- Kruse. In the dying moments, Trent Sains- likely qualify for Russia if they win in Trinidad & Tobago at home. ing in their country, are pursuing their After the break, Tomi Juric was bury had a close-range header saved Florida today. Second-placed Costa Rica mean- dream of playing their first World Cup, unlucky to see his shot come back off and Ryan clawed away a Moayad Al Ajan A draw would also work in Pan- while can clinch their qualification while Asian champions Australia are try- the woodwork -- and even unluckier shot, but they shared the spoils to set up ama’s favour, leaving them needing with at least a draw at home to fifth- ing to reach their fourth in a row. when, bizarrely, he crashed the rebound Tuesday’s tense decider in Sydney. only to beat Costa Rica -- who by that placed Honduras.

Kolkata follow. The US placed fourth in AP India set for U-17 World Cup debut the 1999 edition. Nigeria, which has won the ndia’s team will set a bench- last two titles and five overall at mark regardless of its result the under-17 level, didn’t qual- Iagainst the United States in government hopes to promote A goalkeeper with the U-17 ify from Africa, leaving the Under-17 World Cup today. football across the country English football team practises three-time champion Brazil as It will be the first time the through the Under-17 event. at the Sports Authority of India the most successful country in cricket-crazy country of 1.2 bil- The country’s leading sports (SAI) Complex ahead of the the tournament. lion has played in a World Cup celebrity — India cricket cap- forthcoming FIFA U-17 World While the event has been the game at any level of soccer, and tain Virat Kohli — lent a big Cup, in Kolkata on Wednesday. starting point for the stars such the anticipation is high in the hand with the public relations as Ronaldinho and Neymar, this host nation. push locally by posting a video edition will be missing some of Organisers are confident message for the team to his 18.8 the brighter lights in the age that the government’s 1.2bn million Twitter followers say- group. rupees ($18.5m) investment in ing “Good Luck boys, make us Highly-touted Flemengo renovating stadiums in six cit- proud!” forward Vinicius Junior missed ies to host the 24-team But while the infrastructure the Brazil team’s trip to India, tournament will help showcase and facilities were ready well while Jadon Sancho will only be the country as a venue for major ahead of time and the anticipa- available for England in the events. tion is growing around the Oct. group stage. The Indian public is keen to 6-28 tournament, analysts and took over as head coach in game in India. In the first of their year, George Weah of Liberia, England is in Group F and put memories of the scandal- commentators have urged foot- March to replace Nicolai Adam, three group games in the capi- who played for PSG, AC Milan will play its three group games hit 2010 Commonwealth Games ball fans not to place unrealistic is among those calling for tal, India will play a US team and Monaco during his career. — against Chile, Mexico and Iraq in New Delhi behind them, and expectations on the team. patience as his lineup takes “a featuring Tim Weah, the son of Games against Colombia and — at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Luis Norton de Matos, who first step for the future” of the the 1995 world player of the two-time champion Ghana Stadium. FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 23 QSL Cup: Qatar SC and Al Markhiya battle the odds in thrilling fashion

The Peninsula The Al Duhail vs Qatar SC match saw many promising faces taking the he QSL Cup’s first round, held field for both sides. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Al Duhail played with many age- ended with Qatar SC lead- group players and under their ing Group A on goal Under-23 coach Majid Bougarra. difference ahead of Al Qatar SC coach Gabriel Calderon TKharaitiyat. Al Gharafa also had three also fielded juniors and effected sub- points, but were pushed to the third stitutions, but later relied on key position. Both Al Rayyan and Al players and professionals after Markhiya are on top of Group B fol- Al Duhail took the lead in the first lowing their wins over Al Ahli and Al half. The move paid off as they cruised Sadd respectively. to a big victory. Qatar SC registered a big 5-2 vic- The game between Al Gharafa and tory over Al Duhail, while Al Al Khor also featured some youngsters. Kharaitiyat defeated Al Sailiya 3-1. Al Same was the case in the Al Kharaiti- Gharafa’s 2-1 win came against Al yat vs Al Sailiya tie. Khor. Contrary to the trend, Al Markhiya In Group B, Al Rayyan and Al unleashed most of their key players Markhiya are followed by Al Arabi and as they had a point to prove against Al Umm Salal, each having one point. Sadd, who had many juniors in their Al Ahli and Al Sadd failed to open ranks. their account. Al Markhiya, who won 2-0, had got The fixtures saw most teams field- the better of Al Sadd in the very first Al Markhiya players celebrate ing Under-23 players with an aim of round of QNB Stars League. their 2-0 win over Al Sadd providing youngsters with opportuni- However, that result was over- on day two of the QSL Cup on ties, so they can gradually graduate to turned and full points were awarded Wednesday. their first teams. to Al Sadd, for the rivals fielded an Some sides, struggling to gain ineligible player. ground after the QNB Stars League’s It was Al Markhiya’s first match highly-promising start and the second QSL Cup second-round fixtures: Group B: first three rounds, found the tourna- under Egyptian coach Ayman Man- round, to be held on Sunday and Mon- Group A: Monday, 09 Oct 2017 ment as a perfect platform to prepare sour, after parting ways with manager day, is sure to witness more exciting Sunday, 08 Oct 2017 Al Ahli vs Umm Salal – 17:35 – Saoud the players. Youssef Adam. action. Al Khor vs Al Kharaitiyat, Qatar Al Khor vs Al Kharaitiyat – 17:35 – bin Abdelrahman Stadium Teams that released players for Meanwhile, Al Rayyan fielded a SC vs Al Sailiya and Al Duhail vs Al Thani bin Jassem Stadium Al Markhiya vs Al Arabi – 17:35 – Al national duty (Russia World Cup qual- mix of youth and experience against Gharafa are the match-ups in Group Qatar SC vs Al Sailiyah – 19:45 – Shamal Stadium ifiers and international friendlies) gave Al Ahli, and that reflected on their 2-0 A, while Group B will witness Al Ahli- Saoud bin Abdelrahman Stadium Thursday, 12 Oct 2017 chances to promising youngsters win. Umm Salal, Al Markhiya-Al Arabi and Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa – 19:45 – Al Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan – 17:35 – Al unmindful of results. Overall, the competition had a Al Sadd-Al Rayyan contests. Khor Stadium Khor Stadium

Raonic is out of Japan Nadal ready for Isner test in Beijing Open with Beijing new injury AFP China Open results

Tokyo afael Nadal said he was braced for Results from the WTA/ATP China Reuters the “huge” serve of John Isner after Open in Beijing (x denotes seeding): R Spain’s world number one bull- ormer world number dozed his way into the China Open Women - 3rd round three Milos Raonic quarter-finals yestyerday. Barbora Strycova (CZE) bt Daria F pulled out of the Japan The 16-time Grand Slam champion Gavrilova (AUS) 6-0, 6-4 Open with a calf strain yes- Nadal saw off the young Russian Karen terday, just two days after Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 to set up a clash with Elina Svitolina (UKR x3) bt Elena returning from a seven-week Isner in Beijing. Vesnina (RUS) 6-2, 7-5 layoff that followed surgery The in-form American, the sixth seed, on his left wrist. is renowned for his booming service game Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Alize Cornet Seeded third, the Cana- and Nadal expects to come under a bar- dian was forced to retire rage today. (FRA) 6-2, 6-1 after one game of his second- Isner was impressive in blasting his round match against local way past Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer 6-0, Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x9) bt Peng hope Yuichi Sugita. 6-3 and Nadal said: “Tomorrow will be a Shuai (CHN) 3-0 retired “I picked up a strain to tough one against Isner, he’s playing the calf. It’s hard to know the unbelievably well. Sorana Cirstea (ROM) bt Karolina extent of it...,” Raonic told the “I saw him today, he played so aggres- Pliskova (CZE x4) 6-1, 7-5 ATP World Tour website sive, having a lot of success, hitting a lot (www.atpworldtour.com) yes- of winners, returning very well. Men - 2nd round terday. “It happened when “Everybody knows that he serves huge Rafael Nadal (ESP) bt Karen the score was deuce, I felt a and it is so difficult to break him. Alexander Zverev of Khachanov (RUS) 6-3, 6-3 sharp pain at the back of my “But if you add that he is playing very Germany in action leg. I will head home now well now from the baseline, he is one of against Fabio Fognini John Isner (USA x6) bt Leonardo and get medical attention.” the toughest opponents you can meet.” of Italy in Beijing. Mayer (ARG) 6-0, 6-3 A three-time former Nadal, 31, the top seed and coming off RIGHT, BELOW: finalist in Tokyo, Raonic beat the back of a third US Open title, saved ’s Viktor Troicki 6-3 two match points against Frenchman Rafael Nadal of Spain Alexander Zverev (GER x2) bt Fabio 6-4 in Tuesday’s first round. Lucas Pouille in his opener in Beijing. celebrates during Fognini (ITA) 6-4, 6-2 The Canadian won the But he was always in control on Bei- his second-round last of his eight career titles jing’s outside hard courts against match against Karen in Brisbane last year and has Khachanov, 21, breaking him in the fourth Khachanov of Russia. since dropped out of the top game of the first set on the way to a rou- 10. “It’s been a difficult and tine victory. frustrating year, I obviously Andrey Rublev ensured a continued reach the last eight. She will play Latvia’s wish I could have focused on Russian presence in the men’s draw as he Jelena Ostapenko, the Roland Garros tennis more rather than sprang a surprise in fighting back to oust champion, after China’s top player Peng chasing help all the time,” seventh seed Tomas Berdych 1-6, 6-4, 6-1. Shuai retired with a knee injury at 3-0 Raonic said. In the women’s, a heavyweight clash down in the first set. “My wrist isn’t a con- pitched two-time Wimbledon champion The 31-year-old Peng said she had cern... It was kind of a growth Petra Kvitova against Denmark’s former been having injections to ease the pain that happened over time. number one Caroline Wozniacki. and her right knee was heavily strapped, Therefore, it was very sim- The Czech Kvitova, seeded 12, stormed but she could not play on. ple and something that through the first set 6-1 and although “The doctor suggested I should take needed the swelling to go Wozniacki was better in the second set, a period of rest and get it treated, but I down.” Kvitova broke her for 6-4 and will play can only rest after the season, that’s the Earlier, Shenzhen Open compatriot Barbora Strycova in the plan,” said Peng, ranked 25 in the world. champion David Goffin quarters. World number one Garbine Mugu- scored a 2-6 7-5 7-6(1) win Another former world number one, ruza and reigning champion Agnieszka over Australia’s Matthew fourth seed Karolina Pliskova, became Radwanska are both out, leaving world Ebden while Richard Gas- another high-profile casualty, going out number two Halep as the favourite in the quet beat Lu Yen-hsun 6-0 to unseeded Sorana Cirstea. Chinese capital. 7-6(5). Cirstea follows fellow Romanian Also into the quarters is Caroline Gar- Also advancing to the Simona Halep into the quarter-finals after cia, who defeated French compatriot Alize quarter-finals was American the second seed sent Maria Sharapova Cornet 6-2, 6-1 and will play third seed Steve Johnson, who defeated packing on Wednesday. Elina Svitolina of Ukraine. Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2 6-4. Cirstea, ranked 44 in the world, Garcia is in red-hot form after win- stunned the Czech Pliskova 6-1, 7-5 to ning the Wuhan Open on Saturday.