TENNIS | Page 6 GGOLFOLF | Page 7 Murray ’s battles past To Advertise here Tyrrell Hatton Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 Dimitrov to wins Dunhill clinch title Links

Monday, October 10, 2016 FORMULA 1 Muharram 9, 1438 AH Rosberg tightens GULF TIMES title grip with dominant win SPORT Page 10 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2016 Lizzie leads Boels-Dolmans to win; Etixx take men’s title retires on a high after women’s win; Etixx halt BMC’s campaign for a hat-trick

Boels-Dolmans riders Evelyn Stevens (left), (centre) and Chantal Blaak celebrate on the podium after winning Cycling Federation president Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani, UCI chief Brian Cookson and Belgian cycling legend Eddy the women’s team time trial on Day One of the UCI Road World Championships at The Pearl yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram Merckx with Etixx-Quick Step riders after they won the men’s team time trial event yesterday.

By Yash Mudgal women’s team time trial titles in its dif- fi nished this season off with this medal. Cervelo fi nished with four riders (Lotta after 42 minutes 32seconds, and de- were the stronger team. I don’t think we Doha ferent incarnations — Specialised-lu- It’s been a long season, but we all came Lepisto, -Pasio, Joelle spite the eff orts of , BMC had our best day as a group but we rode lulemon (2012-2014) and Velocio-SRAM together and worked really hard. I’m very Numainville, Stephanie Pohl) having crossed 11 seconds slower to hand Etixx as intelligently as we could. I’m proud (2015) — started fast from Lusail Sports proud of the team,” the Brit rider said af- dropped Ciara Horne, along the title and their 53rd win in 2016. of the way that we rode,” Taylor Phin- efending world road champion Complex and set the fastest intermediate ter winning her fi rst medal in team trial. the way. Their 50:38.09 clocking was Kittle and fellow German Tony Mar- ney of BMC said. Lizzie Deignan of Britain got time in the fi rst 13km section. more than enough to keep Italian tin, Belgians Julien Vermote and Yves “I think we all could have gone a lit- her UCI Road World Cham- Deignan’s team, comprised of four- WINNING SEND-OFF FOR STEVENS (51:27.65s) behind and grab the bronze. Lampaert, Dutchman and tle bit faster in the end but we were pionships off to a winning time world champion and It was a sweet end for Stevens, who was Canyon also fi nished with four rid- Luxemburg’s produced a pretty maxed out by then, as you are Dstart as her team Boels-Dolmans won American Evelyn Stevens, remained to- also part of the winning teams in 2012, ers after dropping in fl awless ride on a technical course, fi n- in a team time trial,” Phinney added. the women’s team time trial yesterday. gether on the long straight 40km course 2013 and 2014. “I came into this season the fi nal section. , Lisa ishing strongly. “Honestly, if I look back, it’s almost like Deignan had won women’s road race ti- from Lusail to The Pearl to set the fast- knowing this was my last race, it’s nice Brennauer, , and Trixi Orica-Bike Exchange took third I’ve blacked out the last hour. It’s one of tle last year in Richmond, Virginia. est intermediate time in after 26.4km in to have a goal and it makes it very spe- Worrack secured the silver medal in place, 37.12 off the pace. those events where it’s only afterwards In the men’s section, Etixx-Quick sweltering conditions, where the tem- cial to win,” the 33-year-old rider said. 49:29.86s. “It’s a really emotional victory for that you can piece it together and fi gure Step stopped BMC Racing from com- perature reached as high as 35 degrees Meanwhile, Cervelo and Raboliv kept In the men’s section, BMC, who had me. It was my last race for the team, out where you could have made time.” pleting a hat-trick of titles with an Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). fi ghting for the bronze medal. Cervelo won the event at each of the two previ- and it’s become a family in the last fi ve 11-second victory. Boels-Dolmans kept on pushing set the third intermediate time after ous editions, were unable to complete a years, with some great victories and RESULTS With the win, Boels-Dolmans ended till the end, with Deignan and Ellen the fi rst section, with Anna van der hat-trick in Doha, with Etixx becoming great moments,” said Martin, who will MEN’S TEAM TIME TRIAL the four-year reign of Canyon SRAM van Dijk taking strong turns on the fi - Breggen’s Dutch team 15 seconds be- the fi rst team to win a third world title ride for Katusha in 2017. “It’s a dream 1. Etixx-Quick-Step (Belgium) 42:32.39” Racing on the opening day of the World nal straight to the fi nish line. Chantal hind. In the second section, Raboliv in the event. that came through. It was the perfect fi - 2. BMC Racing () +11.69” Championships. The Dutch outfi t, who Blaak and Stevens followed the two big managed to gain fi ve seconds back, but Etixx went out ahead of BMC and set nal for me, the perfect moment to leave 3. Orica (Australia) +37.12” have won three of the four TTTs on the engines, while and their chances of a podium place suf- a time split of 15:11s at the fi rst check- the team with a fantastic memory,” the 4. Team Sky (Britain) +54.28” women’s circuit this season, fi nishing Karol-Ann Canuel were left behind in fered when had a crash. point, with the defending champions three-time world champion said. 5. LottoNL () +54.79” their 40km assignment in 48:41.62s the fi nal curvy section in the Pearl. With the team already down the four three seconds slower. However, it was BMC riders were unable to match WOMEN’S TEAM TIME TRIAL leaving the defending champions 48.24 “We worked really hard this season, riders required to stop the clock, Koster all-square at 27:56s through the second their rivals’ power on the fi nal section 1. Boels (Netherlands) 48:41.62” seconds adrift in the second place. and I think that we’ve shown to be the swerved towards the barrier at the side split, with both teams chasing the time of the race. 2. Canyon (Germany) +48.24” Cervelo Bigla Pro Cycling Team took most dominant team in world cycling,” of the road, hit the kerb and was cata- of 43 minutes 9seconds set by Orica- “Obviously we’re pretty disappoint- 3. Cervelo (Germany) +1:56.47” the bronze in 50:38.09s. Deignan said of the team’s performance. pulted over the handlebars and had to BikeExchange, who ended up third. ed. We came here to win but losing by 4. BePink () +2:46.03” Canyon, who won the previous four “It was really important to us that we pull out of the race. led Etixx across the line 11 seconds to Etixx, they showed they 5. Twenty16 (United States) +2:46.73” Evans predicts tough race for cyclists, great experience for spectators

By Sports Reporter World Championships Doha 2016? peans from success at that level? path it did because mountain biking clists have to be even more dedicated Doha During all my competitive years, I Thanks for making that point. Hon- was a great schooling experience to be successful. Training has become have never been to Qatar. The weather estly, I had never thought of it that before starting road cycling. Of course, very, very specific and even little detail seems a little hot and it is a flat race. I way. I am hoping some new non-Euro- it took me some time to transition gets heavily scrutinised. I see young adel Evans has a lot of firsts to expect many bunch sprints to happen pean stars will be born at the UCI Road myself from mountain biker to road riders having to make more commit- his name. on Sunday, during the elite men’s road World Championships Doha 2016. Who racer. Once that happened, I was able ments to the team than ever before. CIn 2009, he became the first race. The conditions look excellent knows, in 15 or 20 years, some of them to apply things I learned in the past Australian to win the elite men’s title at and anything can happen. Though may go on to win Tour de France. to the road races. It led to some of my After having been at the top for so the UCI Road World Championships in riders may find the going a little tough, Cycling is fast becoming more interna- best years as a cyclist. long, are you enjoying retired life? Mendrisio, Switzerland. Just two years myself, as a spectator, is happy to see tional. When I began, the sport in Aus- Oh yes, I’m enjoying it very much. later, he once again created history a race that is completely unpredict- tralia was little known. But now, it’s a You were nicknamed ‘The Lung’ dur- When I attended the Press confer- by becoming the first man from his able. lot better understood and followed. Its ing your racing days… ence for the partnership deal signing country to win the prestigious Tour de influence is growing in and South Yes, my lungs were proven to absorb between BMC Racing and Tag Heuer, France title. The rider, who won two How do you recall your historic Tour America. Having said that, cycling more oxygen with each breath than I was struck by how high expecta- mountain bike world cup titles in 1998 de France title triumph? has deep roots in Europe. Since it’s a 99.9% of the rest of the world. I am tions were. I thought to myself this is and 1999 before switching to road cy- I have narrowly missed the Tour de my progress. To this day, when I go to cultural thing, adequate infrastructure very grateful to my father and mother something I could live without. When cling, retired last year. Currently work- France title twice in my career, by mar- Australia, people congratulate me for has been built over the years. It isn’t for giving me those exceptional physi- I used to race, I worked hard to make ing as BMC Racing’s global ambassa- gins of less than one minute (23sec in the 2011 win. Life changed overnight so in other parts of the world. This is cal attributes. But obviously, there was the most of the opportunities given to dor, he is in town for the Middle East’s 2007 and 58sec in 2008). So winning and I started being seen diff erently one reason for Europe’s dominance in also a lot of hard work done behind me. One day, I knew I had to end my first UCI Road World Championships. it in 2011 was one of the best moments both inside and outside the world of the sport. the scenes. career. During my last race, I huff ed In a freewheeling interview, he speaks of my life. The title was a lifelong en- cycling. and puff ed to the finish line and I was about several aspects of the sport he deavour and I made a lot of sacrifices How much did your mountain biking Is it easier now for young cyclists to cramping hard. When I crossed that loves. Excerpts: to win it. It was only in 2011, when it all You are only one of two non-Europe- experience help once you turned a break into the top than before? finish line, I knew I had given all there finally came together, did I realise how an riders to have ever won the Tour pro rider on road? The level of cycling is getting higher all was to give to this wonderful sport. I How do you look at the UCI Road closely my country had been following de France. What prevents non-Euro- I’m really thankful my career took the the time and when that happens, cy- retired a happy man. Gulf Times 2 Monday, October 10, 2016 CYCLING

Sights from Day 1 of UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 Road Worlds in numbers Total amount table of the women’s road race. 237,472 of prize money in euros for the UCI Road Number of riders the first ten World Championships Doha 2016. 9 nations of the UCI World Rank- ing by nations (on 22 August 2016) Age in days of may enter to start in the men’s 14,152 oldest ever men’s road race. World Champion: Dutch Joop Zoe- temelk at the age of 38 in 1985. Record number of podium 8 places by a single rider in Age in days of young- the women’s road race, shared 7351 est ever men’s World by Dutch (3 gold, 5 Champion: Belgian Karel Kaers in silver), French (5 1934 at the age of 20. gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) and Dutch Keetie Van Oosten Hage (2 gold, 3 Foundation year of silver, 3 bronze). 1900 the Union Cycliste Internationale by the Belgian, Mandatory minimum French, Italian, Swiss and US Na- 6.8 weight in kilograms of a tional Federations in Paris, France. race bicycle.

Year the first Profes- Number of riders in one team 1927 sional Road World 6 in the Team Time Trial. Cycling Championships were held at the Nurburgring in Germany Cycling’s most prestigious (winner was Italian ). 5 one-day classics are called the five monuments: Milano-Sanremo, Distance in kilome- , Paris-Roubaix, 257.3 tres of men’s road Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Giro di race at Doha 2016. Lomardia.

Distance in kilome- Number of riders who won the 134.1 tres of women’s road 4 men’s UCI World Champion- race at Doha 2016. ships record three times: Alfredo Binda, (BEL, Action from the Team Time Trial events on Day One of the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram Distance in first women’s 1949, 1956, 1957), 59 elite world championships (BEL, 1967, 1971, 1974), Óscar Freire road race held in 1958. Luxem- (ESP, 1999, 2001, 2004). bourg’s won in Reims, FOCUS France. Number of age categories at 3 the UCI Road World Champion- Average speed ships Doha 2016: Junior, Under 23 46.538 (km/h) of and Elite. fastest-ever winner in elite men’s road race: Italian Mario Cipollini in Number of locations that Zolder, Belgium, 2002. 2 hosted the UCI World Road Championships a record four Race against the Number of wins by leading times — () 10 nation France in the medal and Valkenburg (The Netherlands). Facilities update

Today sees the UCI Women Junior Individual Time Trials, and also the clock begins today Men Under 23 Individual Time Trials. During any given race or time trial taking place at The Pearl-Qatar, there shall be diff erent means of trans- portation available for free movement to the races. Water taxis, golf carts Individual Time Trials will test riders around technical and curvy The Pearl route and shuttle buses shall be ferrying residents on and off the island during the races when most of the roads will be shut to traff ic. The organising By Sports Reporter the USA took both gold and silver med- committee is recommending fans and residents to use water taxis during Doha al thanks to Chloe Dygert and Emma the road closure times, for continuous movement towards their destina- White, who, at age 19, are now compet- tions. ing at the Elite category. France’s Ju- The Fan Zone will be open to fans and spectators of the event, located at fter the Team Time Trial liette Labous and Italy’s Lisa Morzenti Costa Malaz Beach on The Pearl-Qatar within an air conditioned tent just events that offi cially opened are considered the main favourites for ahead of the race finish line. With food and beverage booths and other the UCI Road World Champi- victory in this 13.7km race. concessions, there will be plenty of activities for the whole family. In addi- onships Doha 2016, The Pearl Later on, at 11:30, it will be the 19 to tion, the residents of The Pearl-Qatar are invited to The Hub, an exclusive willA see the fi rst 22 years old male cyclists’ turn to com- area near Katara serving as a temporary relaxation centre as the race events today. pete in the Men’s Under 23 ITT. This is completes. Riders compete individually, start- a race many cycling fans look out for, A complete list of events and race-related transportation & closures ing with a one-minute margin between since it’s the ideal chance to identify follows: them, and aim to complete the course the future champions. For the young 5:30am: Sunrise (Weather Forecast: Sunny and Clear, H:38c, L:25c, winds as fast as they can. That’s why, in prospects taking part, it’s their shot SW at 10km/h) French and Spanish, this race is literally to prove their worth before the whole 7:00am: The Hub opens (an exclusive lounge to residents of The Pearl) named “against the clock”. world – and against the clock. 7:30am: Shuttle bus service begins The Individual Time Trial course All medallists from last year’s race 7:30am: Water taxi service begins at The Pearl is very challenging – pan will be present in Doha, with Den- 8:30am: UCI RWC circuit road closes fl at, without great slopes, favourable mark’s Mads Wurtz Schmidt defend- 9:00am: The Fan-Zone opens for powerful riders. But raw strength ing his and Germany’s 9:30am: UCI Women Junior Individual Time Trial begins alone won’t be enough for success. The talented riders Schachmann and Len- 10:40am: UCI Women Junior Individual Time Trial ends circuit is, as the Sport Technical Direc- to determine who gets away with the 17-year-old and 18-year-old riders. It nard Kamna vying to become the new 11:30am: Men Under 23 Individual Time Trial begins tor of the UCI Road World Champion- medals and the prestigious rainbow is one of the most unpredictable events champions of the world. They will have 3:50pm: Men Under 23 Individual Time Trial ends ships Doha 2016 John Lelangue puts it, jersey. of the championships, due to the per- 28.9km and two laps at the The Pearl 4:10pm: UCI RWC circuit road reopen “technical, with lots of curves”. There- The day will commence at 9:30 with formance inconsistency the young age circuit at their disposal to defeat the 5:11pm: Sunset fore, bike-handling will be a key factor the Women’s Junior race, contested by of the riders very often cause. Last year, reigning UCI Road World Champion. 6:00pm: The Fan-Zone closes 6:00pm: The Hub closes 6:20pm: High-frequency Shuttle bus service ends, and becomes once- BOTTOMLINE hourly afterwards 6:20pm: Water taxi service ends

Riyadh to Doha: Super fan Omar cycles ELSEWHERE 560kms to watch his favourite stars Colombia’s Gaviria wins Paris-Tours classic

Saudi Arabian amateur cyclist Omar al-Inizi (also right) was accompanied by friends from Qatar Cyclists, a local riding group, once he crossed the border.

By Sports Reporter Road World Championships in 2012. Road World Championships from close home. We may not get such an oppor- Doha Ever since then, I had wanted to watch quarters. I cannot wait to take part in tunity again. I hope my countrymen the world’s best riders from close quar- the Ride of Champions, the mass com- will come to Doha to watch the diff er- ters. A few weeks back, I decided to petitive event for the public,” he added. ent races. It will be a once-in-a-life- ow far would you go to watch arrive in Doha in style, by cycling be- Omar spoke about his introduction time opportunity,” he said. some of your favourite sport tween the two cities. to the sport. “Personally, I would like to meet and stars in action? “Since I was travelling mostly alone, “I started cycling in 2013. I began by interact with Slovakian Peter Sagan, If the question is posed to I spaced out my journey in order to doing 2km circles around my compound Briton Chris Froome and German Mar- HSaudi Arabian amateur cyclist Omar avoid being exhausted. I rode during and gradually began to increase the dura- cel Kittel. That is my biggest dream in from the outskirts of Paris to Tours. AFP al-Inizi, the answer would be 560 kilo- the evenings and early mornings. Once tion of my rides. Soon, I was able to go on Doha,” he said. Paris The race fi rst took place in 1896, metres — the rough distance between I crossed the Qatar border, friends from 70km loops. After about two months, I Local group Qatar Cyclists facilitated making it one of the oldest in the the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh and Qatar Cyclists, a local riding group, could easily ride 100kms or more at one Omar’s trip to Doha. Dr Abdul Aziz al- world. Qatari capital Doha. started accompanying me. It was a very go. My career’s high point came last year, Kuwari, who heads the rider’s collective, olombian Fernando Ga- Gaviria, 22, succeeded Etixx team- Keeping up with the spirit of the memorable experience,” he said. when I won the Kingdom Race for ama- welcomed the Saudi Arabian to the city. viria won the historic Paris- mate Matteo Trentin as the one-day UCI Road World Championships Doha Omar, who works as a sports train- teurs in Riyadh,” he said. “We wholeheartedly supported his Tours one-day classic race classic’s champion. 2016, the 27-year-old travelled the er, said he was looking forward to the Omar called on his countrymen to trip. It is a great advertisement for cy- yesterday. He is best known for his track route by cycle, mostly alone, with the competitions in Doha. come to Qatar to watch the UCI Road cling in the region,” he said. CThe Etixx-Quick Step rider pipped prowess having won the journey spanning three days. “I am a member of an amateur rid- World Championships Doha 2016. Dr Abdulaziz and Ali al-Kuwari ac- Frenchman Arnaud Demare and Bel- world title the last two years, al- “I was very happy and pleased when ing club in . This is a great “This is a rare opportunity to see companied Omar for the majority of his gium’s Jonas Van Genechten in a sprint though he failed to get a medal at Au- Qatar won hosting rights for the UCI opportunity for me to see the UCI top cycling talents in action so close to ride in Qatar. fi nish at the end of the 252.5km race gust’s in Rio. Gulf Times Monday, October 10, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS Southgate survives Booing of captain bland audition Rooney baffl es

England coach England’s Interim manager Gareth Southgate. By Barney Ronay, The Guardian rose and stood looking useful in his rich blue England suit, like- ‘Every debate seems to focus on him. The onus on him is enormous. The criticism of able and sensible as ever, albeit with an air of the kind of ambi- him is unfair. He ploughs on and plays with pride and captains his country with pride’ nter, the temp-to-perm tious deputy-head of Geography caretaker. On a subdued who tells the detention class he afternoon at Wembley, is willing to take a joke but only England kicked off their so far and brings in his own pasta latestE not-quite dawn with a col- salad for lunch in his briefcase. ourless 2-0 defeat of Malta that He picked an attacking team saw Gareth Southgate stand and here, as he had to. Some will be fret and look convincing enough disappointed by the failure to start on the touchline in his fi rst game Marcus Rashford and the insist- as not-quite England manager. ence on keeping Rooney in the Southgate will be condemned by team. But you can hardly blame some for the general beigeness of the Southgate for that. He’s on trial. occasion. He is after all an England Win a few games, induce enough manager. This is what we do. But conviction from this group of given the poverty of the opposition players in the next 360 minutes and the neck-cricking, one-sided of football and this is it, the best nature of the match the idea that shot he will ever get at the job. This this was some kind of audition to wasn’t a moment to strip it back be passed or fl unked just two weeks and take an axe to the past. Rather, into the job seemed increasingly re- a day to pick the usual suspects mote as the afternoon drifted on. and buy yourself a shot. Southgate didn’t fall over. He In the end the weakness of the didn’t pick two goalkeepers, or opposition made England’s per- swear in his post-match press formance impossible to gauge. conference. He didn’t try to can- Nothing much happened for 30 vas extra earnings, or mock his minutes. Rooney continued to predecessors, or sip from a pint fl oat his favourite telegraphed of wine. Which does at least put diagonal passes out to the right. him one up on the last bloke after England scuttled. Malta hustled. one game in charge. England scored out of nowhere, Still, though, what to make of Daniel Sturridge producing a Southgate: Episode One Of Four? nice headed fi nish. Some more If anything at all? England have scuttling and hustling happened. been involved in some pretty Dele Alli scored another. desolate occasions in recent This wasn’t really a football years. In Brazil two years ago, match. At least, not in the sense Roy Hodgson’s team even man- of being an actual match. There aged to turn an actual World Cup was football, but it all went group match in Belo Horizonte one way. People sometimes say into an occasion so devoid of life these occasions are like a game at least one member of the trav- of chess. This was like a game of elling press corps could be seen chess where one person can’t re- collapsing asleep on to his laptop ally play chess. England’s reacts after the 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone, Group F match between England and Malta at the , London, England. midway through the second half. As the second half wore on This, though, was something Southgate folded his arms and AFP “Every debate seems to focus on fi eld for United — when not on the bench Southgate warned it will take time for his diff erent. Even the Wembley full watched his midfi eld try to play London him. The onus on him is enormous. The — and Southgate was reluctant to wade ideas to take root. house had a thin and watery at- off the cuff against that double- criticism of him is, at times, unfair. He into the debate about his position. “Given the situation I picked up about mosphere, at least compared to press of red shirts. A few of the ploughs on and plays with pride and cap- “Look, Jose will have his opinion on 12 days ago, we’ve internally come a hell pretty much every other football only real decisions he could make ngland’s interim manager Gareth tains his country with pride.” what’s right for his team,” Southgate told of a long way to get everything together,” occasion likely to take place on here came off up to a point. Jesse Southgate expressed bewilder- Southgate pointed out that a number of his post-match press conference. said Southgate, who came in after Al- these shores on a Saturday after- Lingaard looked eager. Alli was ment after captain Wayne Roon- England stalwarts had in recent times tak- “I have to pick a team to get a result lardyce was brought down by a newspa- noon. This is perhaps the least in the right position at No10. ey was booed by his own sup- en stick from the country’s frustrated fans. today. I don’t see any point in getting per sting. intimidating 90,000-capacity On the other hand Rooney in portersE during his side’s 2-0 World Cup “I always look back to the (John) Terrys, drawn into that.” “I’ve seen teams having to work all national stadium in the world, a midfi eld was the usual strain, a qualifying victory over Malta. the (Frank) Lampards, the Ashley Coles. In pre-season to get new ideas across and place that on an afternoon like this highly skilled footballer doing Rooney, his country’s record goal-scorer their time with England they took an enor- SOUTHGATE PREACHES PATIENCE we’ve had four days. So I’ve also got to be feels a bit like visiting the Ideal his best but playing without the and most-capped outfi eld player, played in mous amount of criticism,” he said. Southgate began his four-game tenure very realistic about what that might look Home Exhibition or attending a easy rhythms, the natural range a midfi eld holding role at Wembley on Sat- “And yet when you look at the number with victory courtesy of fi rst-half goals like.” Cliff Richard concert. The Eng- of short-passing of a career mid- urday and produced a low-key display as of caps they got, they were the guys that from Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and England would have won much more lish are good at this. We come and fi elder. New “angry” Theo Wal- England ground out a laboured win. kept turning out and really putting them- Tottenham Hotspur midfi elder Dele Alli. comfortably had it not been for Malta’s watch. But Wembley is set at room cott looked quite a lot like old There was a smattering of boos when selves on the line. Both goals were created by London-born Andrew Hogg, temperature these days. non-angry Theo Walcott. his name was read out prior to kick-off “Some other players have not put Henderson, the Liverpool skipper cross- who produced a succession of saves to Over to you then, Gareth. In England were pretty dismal and again after he hoisted a shot over the themselves forward and withdrawn from ing for club-mate Sturridge to head in the keep the scoreline respectable. many ways Southgate was in an here in the second half, just as crossbar late in the game. squads when the going has got tough. opener and then laying the foundations Malta were beaten 5-1 by Scotland in impossible position here. The en- they have been dismal before and “I don’t understand it,” said South- “Those guys desperately wanted to for Alli’s strike with a run to the edge of their opening game, but Hogg felt they during obsession with the man- they will be dismal again. South- gate, who has replaced Sam Allardyce on play for England again and again and the box. had been given a harder time of it by Eng- ager’s position hardly helps, as gate could at least speak after- an interim basis. again and put their neck on the block. I England had lost Ryan Bertrand to a land. though it really is the lone man on wards with the rare detachment “That seems to be the landscape. I’ve think Wayne falls into that category.” hamstring injury by the time Sturridge “I just do my job. It was a good game. the touchline rather than stalled of a man only half in the job: on no idea how that’s expected to help. Jose Mourinho, Rooney’s club manager broke the deadlock in the 29th minute I am happy,” said Hogg, whose side face development, tactical anti-intel- his team (“there’s ... room for “I presented him with a cap in the week at United, vowed on the eve of and Southgate reacted quickly by draft- Lithuania in Vilnius on Tuesday. lectualism and not having good improvement”); and on the mi- for being the record (outfi eld) cap-holder the season that the former Everton striker ing in Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs. “England impressed me more than enough players that has been the nor booing of Rooney (“I don’t with his country. It’s fascinating to get an would “never” play for him in midfi eld. England will go in search of a third Scotland. The fi nal result against them problem down the decades. understand it”). insight into his world over the last 10 days. Rooney has, however, featured in mid- Group F win in Slovenia on Tuesday and was not fair. We are a team that can play.” Here Southgate sang the na- The debate over managers will tional anthem with quiet gusto. go on. Roberto Mancini was in He carried himself nicely. He sat the crowd here... Meanwhile as BOTTOMLINE frowning next to the indestruct- ever the real story, the real key to ible, oddly comforting Sammy success as an international team Lee. As Ryan Bertrand limped will continue to lie beyond the off after 18 minutes, Southgate latest man in the blazer.

‘There was going to be criticism’ MISMATCH

AFP England’s embarrassing Euro water for long spells and Hend- London 2016 exit against lowly Iceland. erson, who played alongside him Giggs says Swansea “We just have to focus on in midfi eld, conceded their part- whats important as a team. nership still needs work. ngland midfi elder Jor- That’s staying together and win- “I felt he had a good perform- were unable to dan Henderson insists ning games,” Henderson said. ance. He got on the ball and under-fi re Wayne Roon- “I said during the week the broke it up at times,” Henderson ey won’t let the boo boys fans had a right to criticise after said. ‘match’ his ambitions throwE him off his game. the way we went out of the Eu- “It was just making sure that Rooney was jeered by frustrated ros. Not only the Euros but in the we were communicating and Reuters on an interim basis following the England fans after the Manches- World Cup as well. making we weren’t both get- London sacking of David Moyes in 2014. ter United star capped a lacklustre “We’ve got to take the criticism ting ahead of the ball and leaving “I was enjoying a bit of travel- performance with a wayward shot and we deserve it. But I feel as gaps in the middle. ling and I got a call off Swansea in the closing stages of his coun- though they know we are a good “We had to be sure one was ormer Manchester Unit- and I met them a couple of times,” try’s 2-0 win over Malta at Wem- team and want us to do well. always protecting and the other ed winger Giggs told ITV on Saturday. bley on Saturday. “It’s up to us to put in good was getting forward. passed up the opportu- “In the end there was just The England captain had al- performances and win games.” “I felt we had that balance nity to become Swansea mixed messages from the foot- ready endured a diffi cult sea- most of the time but there were CityF manager because the Pre- ball side and the ownership side son, with United manager Jose LIMITED SUCCESS a couple of occasions when it mier League club did not match of the club. I just felt their ambi- Mourinho dropping him recent- Rooney had spent his entire ca- could have been better, so we his ambitions. tions did not really match mine ly, but the taunts that greeted his England’s Wayne Rooney (R), Jordan Henderson (L) and Gary Cahill. reer as a striker until last season will look back at that and that’s British media reports sug- so it didn’t quite work out.” underwhelming eff ort against when former United boss Louis an area we need to improve on.” gested Giggs was in line to re- The 42-year-old Welshman, minnows Malta were a new low. he’s had criticism for most of fessional footballers. There is go- van Gaal used him in midfi eld Southgate refused to take place recently sacked coach who also worked as assistant to Henderson is confi dent Rooney his career, like many players ing to be criticism along the way.” with limited success. the bait when asked if Rooney’s Francesco Guidolin at Swansea former United boss Louis van will be able to ignore the boos be- have,” Henderson said. Rooney wasn’t alone in hav- Mourinho is adamant the display showed Mourinho was but the Welsh club instead ap- Gaal, added that he had “an un- cause he has become accustomed “He deals with it very well. ing to deal with jeers during the 30-year-old’s best position is up right. pointed American Bob Bradley derwhelming interview for the to dealing with scrutiny and criti- He’s our captain and our leader. World Cup qualifi er as there were front, but England interim man- “Look, Jose will have his opin- earlier this month following the post”. cism throughout his career. He’s a fantastic player for Man- boos for the whole team following ager Gareth Southgate disagrees ion on what’s right for his team. I Italian’s departure. Swansea, who are 17th in the “Wayne’s experienced chester United and England. a disjointed second half. and deployed Rooney in a deep- have to pick a team to get a result Giggs won 13 league standings on four points enough to know he has to con- “I didn’t really hear any boos, Henderson admitted the fans’ lying midfi eld role on Saturday. today. I don’t see any point in titles as a player for United and from their opening seven games, centrate on his football. I think but we have to deal with it as pro- criticism was inevitable after Rooney looked a fi sh out of getting drawn into that,” he said. managed them for four matches travel to Arsenal on Oct. 15. Gulf Times 4 Monday, October 10, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS It’s World Cup time, Brace from Mueller and it’s Mueller time inspires stellar

Germany victory Germany’s Thomas Mueller. ‘We’re very serious about these two games (against Czech Republic and Northern DPA to be content with a meagre 1-0 Hamburg over Michael O’Neill’s team in the Euro 2016 group stage, with Ireland), we could’ve scored more goals, but we delivered a concentrated performance’ currently sidelined Mario Gomez homas Mueller always grabbing the winner. seems to fi nd his form Loew has urged his players to and score as soon as the show “the same determination, words World Cup pop the same running patterns and Tup. passing precision” as on Satur- Saturday’s brace in the 3-0 day against a Northern Ireland win over the Czech Republic was team expected to defend as deep the second double in as many as in the June game. 2018 qualifi ers for the Bayern “We must show our game plan Munich forward, the fi rst being in exactly this way if we want to last month’s 3-0 in Norway. be successful,” Loew said. Mueller was joint World Cup Real Madrid’s top scorer with fi ve goals in 2010 scored the other goal Saturday and added another fi ve as Ger- in front of an enthusiastic Ham- many won the 2014 title. burg crowd which saw the world The 27-year-old has 36 goals champions dominate throughout overall in 80 caps but has never but being wasteful again. found the net at a continental Goalkeeper and captain championship, and many were Manuel Neuer had a quiet left wondering about his quality evening but said he enjoyed when he returned empty-hand- watching the skills of his team- ed from Euro 2016. mates from a distance. The crisis suggestions grew “Everyone played well – and we when he also failed to score so played good football. That’s the far in the season, but way we want it to be,” Neuer said. he has now silenced the doubt- Centre back Jerome Boateng, ers with four of the six Germany who returned into the team for goals in World Cup qualifying. the fi rst time since Euro with a “It is interesting and a little fun- strong showing, agreed. ny as well that it works again now “It was a very good overall per- when it says World Cup. You can formance, although perhaps we make great stories out of that – could have won by more,” he said. while we will simply enjoy it,” Mu- Defensive partner Mats Hum- eller told reporters late Saturday. mels said that Germany are on Coach Joachim Loew said: the right path with maximum “Thomas Mueller can always points – a big contrast to the score goals if he has chances. Euro 2016 qualifying campaign Now he is having a good run where they had a stuttering start again.” and only barely won their group. Mueller’s next chance comes “We didn’t start our qualify- tomorrow in Hanover against ing campaign well last time and Northern Ireland. we’re determined to avoid that Some four months ago he was this year. We’re very focused denied by the post and the cross- right now and things are looking Germany’s midfielder Thomas Mueller (R) is congratulated by Germany’s defender Jonas Hector (2nd R) after scoring the 3-0 against Czech Republic in Hamburg. bar as a wasteful Germany had good,” Hummels said.

AFP ground and didn’t have any more clear With his only out-and-out striker, Goetze went one-on-one with Vaclik, Hamburg chances.” Mario Gomez, injured, Loew opted to who brought him down, but the Ger- 2018 WC qualifying results - European zone After Mueller gave Germany an early play Mario Goetze as his lone striker, in man’s chipped shot went wide and the lead, Toni Kroos weighed in with a crisp front of attacking midfi elder Mesut Ozil referee waved away shouts for a penalty. Group C Vukcevic 59, Jovetic 64, Beciraj homas Mueller netted twice as strike just after the break. with Julian Draxler and Mueller on the Draxler’s eff ort was just the wrong side Azerbaijan 1 (Medvedev 11) 73, Savic 78) 0 Germany eased to an impressive Mueller then hit Germany’s third wings. of the post, while a superb long ball from Norway 0 3-0 home win over the Czech with the best goal of the game midway The Czech Republic dealt Loew the Hummels found Goetze in behind the de- 3 (Lewandowski 20, 36- Republic to keep them top of through the second half to cap a very pol- heaviest home defeat of his 10-year ten- fence, but he was incorrectly fl agged for Germany 3 (Mueller 13, 65, pen, 48) Denmark 2 (Glik 49-og, Ttheir World Cup qualifying group on Sat- ished display from the world champions. ure when they won 3-0 in Munich in Oc- off side. Kroos 49) Czech Republic 0 Poulsen 69) urday. “We’re very serious about these two tober 2007 in a Euro qualifi er. Four minutes into the second half, It leaves Germany with a perfect six games (against the Czech Republic and But with veteran midfi elder Tomas Ro- left-back Joshua Kimmich’s pass allowed Northern Ireland 4 (Davis 26- Group F points ahead of Tuesday’s next qualifi er, Northern Ireland), we could have scored sicky injured and goalkeeper Petr Cech Kroos to curl his shot around Vaclik’s de- pen, Laff erty 79, 90+4, Ward England 2 (Sturridge 29, Alli 38) home to Northern Ireland, who beat San more goals, but we delivered a very con- now retired, Czech shot-stopper Tomas spairing reach to double Germany’s tally. 85) San Marino 0 Malta 0 Marino 4-0 in Belfast. centrated performance,” said Mueller. Vaclik had a busy night. But Germany saved their best goal for Germany stay top of Group C on goal “The fans deserve some praise, the at- The hosts went ahead after just 13 last. Group E Scotland 1 (McArthur 89) diff erence from surprise-package Az- mosphere was really good. It made it even minutes. Ozil released Jonas Hector on the fl ank Armenia 0 Romania 5 (Stancu Lithuania 1 (Cernych 59) erbaijan on the road to Russia 2018. more fun to play for Germany and, of Goetze’s pass to Ozil was fl icked on to and he played in a superb cross which 4-pen, Popa 10, Marin 12, Stan- “We can be very happy with the win course, I am happy to have scored twice.” the unmarked Mueller, who drilled his Mueller expertly converted on 65 min- ciu 29, Chipciu 60) Slovenia 1 (Kronaveter 74) and we had a good grip on the game,” said Centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jer- shot past FC Basel’s Vaclik. utes. Slovakia 0 Germany coach Joachim Loew. ome Boateng were outstanding in shut- It could easily have been 3-0 at half It was nearly 4-0 on 80 minutes when Montenegro 5 (Tomasevic 24, (Only key results shown) “After 60 minutes you could see the ting down the Czech attack and putting time as Germany dominated the fi rst 45 replacement Benedikt Hoewedes fi red opposition had run themselves into the in damaging long-range passes. minutes. just wide.

FRIENDLY BOTTOMLINE Costa Rica’s late Germany set sights on N Ireland show sinks Russia AFP up front with Mario Gomez in- “I try to let myself be infl u- AFP brightly, Costa Rica’s Real Ma- Berlin jured, attacking deep in the box. enced as little as possible by the Moscow drid ’keeper Keylor Navas forced Loew said he was happy with positive as well as the negative into a save in the third the constant pressure his side ex- moments and just continue on minute by Samedov’s close- ermany coach Joachim erted on the Czech goal to combat my way. oel Campbell’s injury- range shot. Loew has called ‘same the visitors’ dogged defence. “I listen to my coaches and time spotkick lifted Costa In the 22nd minute, Azo- again’ for tomorrow’s He expects the Irish to defend my inner voice, and if a good tip Rica to a 4-3 win over feifa beat Russian keeper Soslan next World Cup quali- just as deep in Hanover. from a journalist is there, I will Russia yesterday to end Dzhanaev with a powerful shot Gfi er against Northern Ireland Mueller has yet to score a goal listen to it too.” theJ 2018 World Cup hosts’ un- from the edge of the area. following his side’s demolition in the Bundesliga for his club The win in Hamburg was an beaten run under new coach Sta- Skipper Ruiz made it 2-0 sev- of the Czech Republic. Bayern Munich this season after impressive team performance, nislav Cherchesov. en minutes later when he fi red Thomas Mueller scored twice six German league matches. especially from centre-backs Goals by midfi elders Randall the ball into the far left post from and Toni Kroos also netted as But having also netted twice Mats Hummels and Jerome Azofeifa, Bryan Ruiz and Sport- 25 yards out. Germany dominated the Czech in the 3-0 win over Norway at Boateng, who repeatedly shut ing Lisbon’s Campbell and an Samedov pulled one back with Republic with a 3-0 win on Sat- the start of September, he al- down the Czechs attack and put own goal by Russia’s skipper a header from the edge of the urday night. ready has four goals in their two in a series of superb passes. Vasily Berezutsky set Costa Rica six-yard area in the 31st minute It was an impressive display 2018 World Cup qualifi ers. After Germany suff ered de- on their way to success in the but in fi rst half stoppage time from the hosts in Hamburg and feats away to Poland and the friendly at the newly-built Kras- Berezutsky sent the ball into his the scoreline could have been ‘INNER VOICE’ Republic of Ireland in their Euro nodar Arena. own net trying to clear a cross by much higher as Julian Draxler, The self-assured 27-year-old, 2016 qualifying campaign, 3-0 Artem Dzyuba, who netted a Johnny Acosta. Mario Goetze and Mueller all the top scorer at the 2010 World wins over both Norway and now double, and Alexander Samedov After the interval Dzyuba missed clear chances. Cup, was full of irony after some the Czechs have buoyed the were on target for Russia. scored twice in the space of 13 Now Loew wants the same suggestions in the German me- team. “It’s an excellent result against minutes to pull Russia back level performance against Northern dia of a mini crisis given his lack “Jerome and I kept fi nding an opponent like Russia,” Costa at 3-3. Ireland in Hanover to preserve of league goals for Bayern. good solutions to problems at Rica manager Oscar Ramirez But second-half substitute their perfect record and stay top “I was in a tragic situation the back,” said Hummels. said. Campbell scored the decisive of Group C. before the game, so I was really “That was partly because our “We played better in the fi rst goal from the spot in injury time “We need the same determi- Germany’s coach Joachim Loew takes part in a training session. glad I could get out of this mess,” team-mates put in some good half while Russia performed re- after Berezutsky felled him in the nation, the same amount of run- he said, tongue planted fi rmly lines of running. ally well in the fi rst 15 minutes area. ning and the same precision in the Czechs. “You could see after an hour in cheek, having now scored 36 “We didn’t start our last qual- after the break. “We still have plenty of work our passes,” said Loew. “They (the Czechs) tried to that we had run our opponents goals in 80 internationals. ifying campaign so well (after a “The draw would have been to do,” Cherchesov, who took Germany’s head coach says he interfere with our game, at least ragged.” “The football business is like 2-0 defeat to Poland early in the the fairest result but we were over in August, said. expects the Irish, who beat min- early on, and so we have to put The 56-year-old said he was that sometimes,” he added hav- campaign) and we really want to awarded a penalty and scored the “I’m really pleased with the nows San Marino 4-0 in Belfast in exactly the same sort of dis- pleased to see the likes of Mu- ing failed to score for Germany do things diff erently this year. fourth goal at the death.” team’s comeback but today my on Saturday in the same group, play to be successful (against the eller and Borussia Dortmund’s at both the fi nals of Euro 2016 “At the moment, we are very Spurred on by a capac- players made too many costly in- to be “even more cautious” than Irish),” said Loew. Mario Goetze, who was playing and 2012. focussed and things look good.” ity 33,700 crowd Russia started dividual errors.” Gulf Times Monday, October 10, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT

Messi deserves to The controversial 23-year-old retire as world was in trouble last month champion - Bauza when he was sentenced to two months in prison for assaulting Argentina coach Edgardo a police off icer – although in Bauza believes France such short sentences Ivorian goal blitz, deserves to retire from inter- are automatically commuted. national football in style as a Last season he was also in World Cup winner. trouble with his club after Messi flirted with the notion making derogatory com- of quitting playing for his ments about his then-PSG country after three successive coach Laurent Blanc and other final heartbreaks, to Germany team-mates, including current in the 2014 World Cup and to Manchester United star Zlatan drama as South Chile in the Copa America in Ibrahimovic, on a social media 2015 and earlier this year. video post. He was suspended But the star had by his club for five weeks but a change of heart after talks owned up to having commit- with Bauza in August. ted “a stupid mistake”. For Bauza, Messi’s initial deci- sion was borne out of frustra- Rangers extend tion rather than any real desire Barton’s suspension Africa draw to turn his back on Argentina. by a week “When we were chatting it occurred to me he was very Rangers midfielder Joey Bar- Mali score the opening goal but Ivorians respond with a brilliant comeback, that sees interested in selection and what ton’s suspension following a worried him more than any- training-ground dispute with a Kodjia and Gervinho score in a dazzling nine-minute spell and also get an own-goal thing was how to improve.” team mate has been extended According to Bauza: “I didn’t by a week, the Scottish club meet Messi to persuade him, I said on Sunday. was convinced that during our The 34-year-old Englishman chat a chance would open up.” was due to return from a Joining five time World Player three-week ban on Monday of the Year Messi at the meeting following an altercation with with the new boss of the Albice- midfielder Andy Halliday. leste in Barcelona was his club “Joey Barton has been teammate Javier Mascherano. informed that his suspension “After our talks all I had to say by the club has been extended was ‘ok boys, you’ll be picked by one week,” Rangers said in for the next game’,” Bauza a statement on their website recalled in an interview in Sun- (www.rangers.co.uk). day’s Catalan newspaper Sport. “This is part of a formal “I reckon he still has a lot to disciplinary procedure and give to the team. He deserves Joey has been instructed not to take his retirement in to return to Ibrox or (training another way, he deserves to facility) Auchenhowie until end his international career as further notice.” a champion.” Barton, who was charged by Bauza is hoping Messi will the Scottish Football Associa- have recovered from a groin tion (SFA) with a breach of bet- injury in time to play a part in ting rules for placing 44 bets Argentina’s next 2018 World on football matches this year, Cup qualifiers against Brazil has a history of disciplinary and Colombia on November problems. 10 and 15. The former Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queen’s Iwobi, Iheanacho Park Rangers and Burnley score as Nigeria midfielder broke a pedes- triumph trian’s leg while driving his car in 2005 and was jailed for six Nigeria opened their 2018 months in 2008 after admit- World Cup group-phase ting assault and aff ray. qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory in Zambia on Sunday Napoli’s striker Milik thanks to goals from English out for ‘months’ Premier League duo and Kelechi Iheanacho Napoli striker Arkadiusz The 20-year-old strikers scored Milik could be out for several in the opening half before a months after suff ering a knee capacity 40,000 crowd at Levy injury in Poland’s World Cup Mwanawasa Stadium in central qualifier win against Denmark. city Ndola that included Presi- The Polish football federation Ivory Coast’s Serge Aurier (top) heads the ball next to Mali’s Diadie Samassekou during the World Cup 2018 qualification match between Ivory Coast and Mali. dent Edgar Lungu. said Sunday he will probably Zambia dominated the second need surgery on the injured left AFP ond-tier club Aston Villa, levelled on 25 Key Results not cleared. half and veteran striker Col- knee which suff ered anterior Johannesburg minutes by slamming the ball past goal- When Traore failed to equalise from his lins Mbesuma set up a tense cruciate ligament damage keeper Oumar Sissoko from outside the Group A penalty a minute before the end of regular finish by halving the deficit 19 during Poland’s 3-2 win against box. Democratic Republic of Congo 4 time in front of a 40,000 minutes from time. Denmark in Warsaw on Satur- three-goal blitz enabled Ivory Rattled Mali fell behind when Couli- (Mbokani 6, 56, Bolingi 45+2, Mubele crowd, the hosts seemed doomed. But an equaliser eluded the day. “Arek Milik has undergone Coast to whip Mali 3-1 Satur- baly turned a low cross into his net fi ve 69) Libya 0 However, South Africa failed to deal Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets), tests on his injured knee, which day in World Cup qualifying minutes later and -based Gervinho with a bicycle kick in the fi rst minute of who are seeking a first World have shown damage to the while Burkina Faso snatched a fi red the third goal from just inside the Group C additional time and Diawara got a touch Cup appearance while the Su- anterior cruciate ligament,” dramaticA 1-1 draw with South Africa after penalty area. that diverted the ball past Khune. Gabon 0 Morocco 0 per Eagles have already been Kwiatkowski, the federation wasting two penalties. It was a great start for three-time Striker Keita Balde from Italian Serie to the finals five times. spokesman, said on Twitter. Democratic Republic of Congo thrashed World Cup qualifi ers Ivory Coast in Ivory Coast 3 (Kodjia 25, Coulibaly 30- A outfi t Lazio scored the fi rst goal and The teams are in Group B — “Arek will return to Napoli on Libya 4-0, Senegal overcame Cape Verde Group C, especially as likely closest ri- own goal, Gervinho 33) Mali 1 (S. created the second as dominant Senegal labelled the ‘group of death’ as Sunday. He is likely to have to 2-0 and Gabon and Morocco drew 0-0 in vals Morocco were held 0-0 by 2017 Yatabare 17) cruised to victory in Dakar and took a it contains three 2014 World undergo surgery and could be other matchday 1 African clashes. Africa Cup of Nations hosts Gabon in two-point lead over Burkina Faso and Cup qualifiers in Algeria, Cam- out for several months.” Sambou Yatabare stunned reigning Franceville. Group D South Africa. eroon and Nigeria. Milik, 22, joined Napoli in Au- African champions Ivory Coast by rac- Jonathan Pitroipa had an early pen- Burkina Faso 1 (Diawara 90+1) South Balde beat Vozinha with a low, close- Algeria host record seven-time gust from Ajax and has made a ing on to a long pass and chipping the ball alty saved by Itumeleng Khune and Alain Africa 1 (Furman 80) range shot during the opening half and African qualifiers Cameroon lat- huge impact at the Serie A club. over slow-reacting goalkeeper Sylvain Traore blazed another spot-kick over be- his clever back-heel allowed recalled Sow er on Sunday in Blida, a venue And after two rounds of the Gbohouo for an early lead in Bouake. fore snatched a stoppage- At Dakar to slam the ball into the net with 10 min- where the North African Desert Champions League for Napoli But the Ivorians responded by laying time draw for Burkina Faso in Group D. Senegal 2 (Balde 24, Sow 80) Cape utes left. Foxes are virtually invincible. he is joint top scorer on three siege to the Mali goalmouth and Jonathan Dean Furman put three-time World Verde 0 Dieumerci Mbokani netted early in Iwobi of Arsenal pounced on goals along with Lionel Messi Kodjia and Gervinho scored in a dazzling Cup participants South Africa ahead on each half to power DR Congo to an em- a weak headed clearance to (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero nine-minute spell during which Salif 80 minutes, rifl ing a low shot through Group E phatic triumph over Libya in Kinshasa slam the ball past goalkeeper (Manchester City) and Edinson Coulibaly conceded an own-goal. a crowd of players and past goalkeeper Ghana 0 Uganda 0 with Jonathan Bolingi and Ndombe Kennedy Mweene from close Cavani (Paris Saint Germain). Kodjia, a recent recruit by English sec- Herve Kouakou Koffi after a corner was Mubele the other scorers. range on 32 minutes. Neat one-touch passing set Champions Adelaide Iheanacho of Manchester City draw on record free 10 minutes later and he A-League weekend PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT rounded Mweene before calmly pushing the ball into the net. Champions Adelaide United A blunder from Nigeria began their A-League title defender defence with a draw Sunday allowed Mbesuma to score by during a record-breaking first firing past impressive goal- weekend of the Australian keeper Carl Ikeme from inside competition. the penalty area. The Reds were held 1-1 by the Seven matches into the Afri- Jets in Newcastle on Sunday, can group phase, Nigeria are fighting back to equalise the only country to win away through former after three home victories and Victory midfielder Jesse Maka- three draws. rounas after English midfield- er Wayne Brown had scored Aurier throat slit on debut for the home side. gesture causes stir The opening round of the A-League drew a single-round Controversial Paris Saint-Ger- league record attendance of main full-back Serge Aurier 106,365, while the Sydney has caused a social media stir derby also drew its highest after making a throat slitting ever number of fans. gesture during a World Cup Sydney FC hammered former qualifier on Saturday. Asian club champions West- Ivory Coast international Au- ern Sydney Wanderers 4-0 rier celebrated a goal against before a 61,880 crowd at the Mali by turning to the crowd Olympic stadium. and dragging his finger across Former Besiktas teammates his throat. Brazilian Bobo and Slovak Filip Ivory Coast won the African Holosko netted the open- Group C qualifier in Bouake 3-1. ing goals before Brandon Aurier made the hand gesture O’Neill’s free kick and a late after his cross was turned into Alex Brosque strike clinched a his own net by Salif Coulibaly comprehensive win. to give the hosts a 2-1 lead in Big-spending Melbourne the 31st minute. City held on for a 1-0 away Qatar national team during a training session in Doha yesterday. Qatar will play at home Aurier’s name was trending on win over Wellington Phoenix tomorrow as part of their 2018 Russia World Cup qualifying campaign. They suff ered a close, social media after the incident, despite having their Danish 3-2 defeat against in their previous WC qualifying match. with many mocking him or goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen blasting the media. red-carded in the second half. Gulf Times 6 Monday, October 10, 2016 TENNIS

CHINA OPEN OPEN Kyrgios keeps cool Murray battles past in triumph

Reuters Tokyo

ick Kyrgios shelved the on- Dimitrov to clinch title court histrionics and let his tennis do the talking to win an enthralling battle ‘I’m very happy with the way that I have played the last couple of matches. I will look forward to Shanghai now’ Nagainst rising Belgian David Goffi n 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 and clinch the Japan Open yesterday. The Australian number one, long criticised for his temper tantrums, was a model of composure as he overhauled the world number 14 for the biggest title of his career and his third overall. “It was a great week and I’ll be here again,” 21-year-old Kyrgios said at the trophy ceremony, thanking the crowds for their support and tourna- ment organisers for the “amazing” food. “I’m going to come here, for sure, for my whole career.” Since bowing out of the US Open with a hip injury in the third round, a retirement that prompted American great and TV pundit John McEnroe to question his commitment, Kyr- gios has shown tantalising signs of realising the potential that his gifts have long promised. The world number 15 returned home to help Australia retain their place in the Davis Cup World Group with victory over Slovakia in their Sydney playoff and his triumph in Japan featured an impressive semi- fi nal win over world number eight Gael Monfi ls. Goffi n, a highly-fancied 25-year- old, was the fi rst to take a set off Kyr- gios in the whole week at Tokyo and was successful in blunting the Aus- tralian’s monster serve early with a crisp returning game. But Kyrgios gradually turned the tide, wearing down the fl eet-footed Goffi n with a succession of thump- ing forehand winners. Both blew a pile of break points, with Kyrgios converting two of his 13 chances, only marginally better than Goffi n’s one from 12. But in a game of fi ne margins, it was enough for the Australian, who landed the decisive blow at 5-5 in the third set and calmly served out the match. Kyrgios picked up a $310,000 winners’ cheque and a shot of confi - dence in time for this week’s Shang- Britain’s Andy Murray holds his trophy after defeating Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the final of the China Open yesterday. (Reuters) hai Masters.

Agencies season in Shanghai, Paris and the Tour title in the Chinese capital. on some second serves,” he added. gear,” Dimitrov told reporters after the fi nals in London. “It was probably my best match of “It’s been the most consistent year match. Murray broke Dimitrov’s serve the week,” Murray, who dropped just of my career, getting to the latter stag- “Andy’s fi ghting pretty much every in the opening game of the match, eight points on his fi rst serve, told the es of most of the events I have played,” single point. You know you’re not go- ndy Murray outgunned Bul- putting the 15th-ranked Bulgarian on ATP website. Murray told Sky Sports after dispatch- ing to get anything for free.” garia’s Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, the defensive as he made 21 unforced ing Dimitrov. “Andy’s pretty much the greatest 7-6(2) in the fi nal of the Chi- errors in the opening set. Murray broke Dimitrov’s serve “Today’s match was a very high- player this year. He’s been winning na Open yesterday to claim In the second, both held their serve in the opening game of the level match. Grigor fought right to a lot and has a lot of confi dence. He hisA 40th career title. through the fi rst four games until the end and made it extremely tough obviously knows how to move well on match, putting the 15th-ranked Murray closed out the match in an Murray broke Dimitrov at 3-2. Bulgarian on the defensive as he to fi nish it in two sets. I’m very happy the court. All the credit to him,” Dim- hour and 57 minutes to draw closer in It looked like the Scot would serve made 21 unforced errors in the with the way that I have played the itrov, who has lost three fi nals this the rankings to world number one No- for the championship but Dimitrov – opening set last couple of matches. I will look for- year, said. vak Djokovic in the battle for the year- who beat Rafael Nadal en route to the ward to Shanghai now.” Murray has had a busy European end top spot. fi nal – won the next 11 points, break- “My second serve tonight was Dimitrov had received a free pass summer, having reached the French The Briton is now 1555 points be- ing Murray to love. probably the best part of my game. through the semi-fi nals after Cana- Open fi nal, secured a second Wimble- hind Djokovic, who could not defend Pushed to a tiebreak, the three- A lot of the unreturned serves came dian Milos Raonic pulled out with don triumph, and then successfully Australia’s Nick Kyrgios celebrates his title in China because of an elbow time Grand Slam champion imme- off second serves. Considering the an ankle injury, but was left over- defended his Olympic gold medal in with the trophy after his victory in problem, with plenty of points up for diately seized back control, storming conditions were fairly cold, I was still whelmed by the Scot. Rio. He is scheduled to play next in the the final of the ATP Japan Open in grabs at the remaining events of the through the decider to claim his fi rst serving over a hundred miles an hour “I just didn’t feel that I had another Shanghai Masters this month. Tokyo yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Radwanska beats Konta to clinch crown

AFP and number eight Madison then served for the title, fi r- Beijing Keys, but she was kept on the ing her only ace of the match defensive yesterday. straight down the line for her The Briton, usually a solid third Premier Mandatory title, gnieszka Radwanska baseliner, repeatedly pushed one rung down from a Grand beat Johanna Konta in to the net as she tried to shift Slam. straight sets to take the the match momentum in her fa- “I think that was a perfect title at the China Open vour, but it was a risky strategy timing,” Radwanska said of the inA a chilly Beijing yesterday, that cost her 29 unforced ace. denying the Briton her biggest errors. “I was thinking about that career crown. “Against a player like Ag- serve, where I should go. I just The third-ranked Pole — who nieszka, who is basically a hu- changed my mind when I was cruised through the tournament man wall, you defi nitely do try tossing the ball. So another without dropping a set — sealed to look to get the upper hand in good choice.” her second title in Beijing with any way possible. I felt I was go- It was the second time the an ace for a 6-4, 6-2 win. ing to try on that avenue,” Konta pair have met after Radwanska The victory was Radwanska’s told reporters after the match. beat the Briton in a two-hour, 20th career crown but there After dropping her serve three-set battle in Cincinnati in was more on the line for Konta, twice in each set, Konta made a August. 25, who was making a bid in the bid to even the scoreline in the They may meet again in Sin- Chinese capital for what would second, pushing Radwanska to gapore at the end of the month have been her second and big- two break points in the sixth for the WTA Finals. gest title. game. Radwanska has already quali- Despite the loss, by reach- But the Pole — nicknamed fi ed for the eight-player season ing the Beijing fi nal Konta has ‘The Magician’ for her ability to fi nale, which follows a round- amassed enough points to break conjure up shots — shot a fore- robin format, while the Briton is into the top 10 — the fi rst British hand down the line to save her still chasing points to guarantee woman to do so since Jo Durie in service game. her maiden appearance at the 1984. “Whenever I felt I could have elite event. When the new leaderboards got a little bit of a foothold in Konta is currently in eighth are released Monday it will be the match, she took it away from position but could be nudged the fi rst time since computer- me,” Konta said. out by Wuhan Open fi nalist Do- ised rankings were introduced minika Cibulkova, who is just that a British man (Andy Mur- ‘Perfect timing’ 10 points behind her in the so- ray) and woman are ranked in Konta held her next service called Race to . the top 10 at the same time. game with a forehand dropshot The Briton is playing in Hong Konta claimed two top 10 which Radwanska redirected Kong next week, hoping to scalps en route to the fi nal, wide. rack up enough qualifi cation Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland celebrates with her trophy after beating Johanna Konta of Britain during the women’s singles final of the sixth-ranked Karoline Pliskova But the world number three points. China Open in Beijing yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, October 10, 2016 7 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT INDONESIAN MASTERS Briton Hatton wins ’s Poom cruises Dunhill Links title to victory

AFP numbers was good enough for ‘...without his input it would have been impossible for me to be standing here with this trophy’ Jakarta me. Honestly, I was only hoping to make enough money to keep my Asian Tour card. This victory hailand’s Poom Sak- exceeded my expectations,” the England’s Tyrrell Hatton celebrates aft er sansin cruised to a com- golfer said in comments supplied winning the Alfred Dunhill Links fortable fi ve-shot victo- by the organisers. Championship yesterday. (Reuters) ry when he closed with a The victory earned him fiT ve-under-par 67 to win his fi rst $135,000, which promoted him Asian Tour title at the BNI Indo- from 101st to 21st position on the nesian Masters yesterday. Asian Tour Order of Merit. The 23-year-old held a two- “This win opens up so many shot lead at the start of the day doors and opportunities for me. and stayed ahead of the chas- I get to play in the big events ing pack by shooting six birdies now and I’m really looking for- against one bogey to fi nish on ward to it. There’s still a lot 18-under-par 270 at the Royale of room for improvement for Jakarta Golf Club. Thai teenag- me and before I step up in the ers Phachara Khongwatmai and big events, I need to work even Suradit Yongcharoenchai, both harder on my game,” Poom said. aged 17, and Japan’s Masahiro SCORES Kawamura settled for tied sec- 270-Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) ond place at the $750,000 event. 69-69-65-67 Poom, who won his fi rst Asian 275-Phachara KHONGWATMAI Development Tour title in Ma- (THA) 67-71-69-68, Suradit laysia last year, showed no signs YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 67- of nerves when he made the turn 74-66-68, Masahiro KAWAMURA in 34 before tightening his grip (JPN) 66-71-68-70 with three straight birdies on 276-Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) holes 10, 11 and 12. Dropping only 66-73-70-67 two shots in 72 holes, Poom played 277-Chikkarangappa S. (IND) solid golf throughout the week and 70-67-73-67, LEE Chieh-Po (TPE) stayed calm under pressure when a 71-70-68-68 host of players briefl y threatened 278-Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 69- his lead early in the round. 69-73-67, Marcus FRASER (AUS) “It feels great to be a cham- 69-67-70-72, Thongchai JAIDEE pion. I just tried not to make bo- (THA) 68-69-69-72, Kalem RICH- geys today. Anything in the red ARDSON (AUS) 68-68-69-73.

AFP pionship at Wentworth in Sur- he said. his regular caddy and amateur 68 69 68 St Andrews, rey, southwest of London, and a “That result just kick-started partner, Jonathan Smart, to 272-Marc Warren 72 66 67 67 30-minute drive from the fam- my good run of events. post a combined 12-under par 273-Martin Kaymer (GER) 71 68 South Korea’s Jang wins title ily home at Marlow. “Also I was 53rd in the world 60 over the last day and win the 65 69 ngland’s Tyrrell Hatton “Ever since I was a six-year- coming into this week and I’ve pro/amateur prize by a shot at 275-Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 71 68 at Taiwan LPGA celebrated a maiden Eu- old, when my dad took me to been told, should I move to No. 30-under par. 67 69, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) South Korea’s Jang Ha-Na carded a one-under 71 yesterday for a ropean Tour victory and Wentworth, I’ve dreamt of this 35, and if I can stay inside the Smart had caddied when 73 66 69 67, Florian Fritsch 17-under par total of 271 to secure a one-shot victory at the LPGA the likelihood of a fi rst day,” he said. top-50 by the end of the year, Willett won at Augusta and to (GER) 68 71 65 71, Renato Para- Taiwan Championship. Jang battled strong wind and rain to end USE Masters appearance next “My dad has also been my that then means playing in my celebrate Willett’s win had worn tore (ITA) 71 70 66 68 the final round with three birdies and two bogeys at the tourna- year with a comfortable four- coach since I was 11 years of age, fi rst Masters next April. his ‘Augusta National’ white 276-Lasse Jensen (DEN) 71 69 ment at Miramar Golf and Country Club in New Taipei City. Jang stroke win in the Alfred Dun- so I have to say a big thank you “So I’m very excited at that boiler suit to greet workers at 66 70, Alex Noren (SWE) 64 71 held off a powerful charge from China’s Feng Shanshan, thanks to hill Links Championship at St to him as he’s helped me so prospect as it would fantastic his parents’ security business in 73 68, David Horsey 72 69 66 a six-shot lead she kept after firing a flawless 10-under 62 Saturday Andrews yesterday. much, and he’s got an indoor but more importantly I want Yorkshire. 69, Bradley Dredge 69 72 68 67 to set her best personal scoring record and tie the tournament Hatton, who turns 25 later golf studio back home in to improve my ranking in what “I have to thank John as he 277-Graeme McDowell 74 67 course record. Feng scored a six-under 66 in the final round to fin- this week, posted a fi nal round Marlow. events I have left this season.” carried me all week,” said Wil- 67 69, Jbe Kruger (RSA) 68 68 ish with a tournament total of 16-under par 272. 66 for a tournament record- “Without his input it would South Africa’s Richard Sterne lett, a member of the Europe 75 66, Tommy Fleetwood 72 67 It was Jang’s third victory of the 2016 season. equalling low of 23-under par have been impossible for me to (66) and England’s Ross Fisher team that lost away to the Unit- 70 68 Canada’s Brooke Henderson and Kim Hyo-Joo of South Korea tied and in relatively calm condi- be standing here now with this (67) shared second place on ed States in the Ryder Cup. 278-Richard Bland 70 69 70 69, for third place at 10-under par. Taiwan’s Candie Kung, Lee-Anne tions on the famed Old Course. trophy.” 19-under par, while double Ma- Willett, in the absence of Jordan Zunic (AUS) 70 71 67 70, Pace of South Africa and South Korea’s Park Hee-Young shared It was Hatton’s 83rd Euro- Hatton kick-started his sea- jor-winner Martin Kaymer, the nearest rivals Henrik Stenson Romain Wattel (FRA) 78 66 68 fifth place at 9-under par. Defending champion Lydia Ko of New pean Tour event and he became son by fi nishing runner-up in 2010 Dunhill champion, could and Rory McIlroy, remained 66, Mikko Ilonen (FIN) 73 71 67 Zealand was tied for 20th at 3-under par. the 15th diff erent winner in the July’s Scottish Open before then only manage a 69 to fi nish sixth top of the Race to Dubai money 67, Shane Lowry 72 68 72 66, Leading scores 16-year history of the Scottish sharing fi fth place a week later at 15-under par. list, while Hatton has moved up Niclas Fasth (SWE) 72 69 68 271—Jang Ha-Na (KOR) 69-69-62-71 tournament. in his fi rst appearance in the There was some joy for reign- from ninth to fourth place. 69, Gregory Havret (FRA) 76 67 272—Feng Shanshan (CHN) 70-69-67-66 However, in receiving the British Open. ing US Masters champion, Dan- 70 65 278—Kim Hyo-Joo (KOR) 70-72-67-69, Brooke Henderson (CAN) 711,073 euros ($800,000; “My second-place result in ny Willett after an indiff erent Leading final round scores 279-Craig Lee 69 73 69 68, Jaco 68-71-69-70 £612,547) fi rst-prize cheque, the Scottish Open was an im- fortnight either side of the At- 265-Tyrrell Hatton 67 70 62 66 Ahlers (RSA) 70 71 69 69, Paul 279—Candie Kung 72-70-68-69, Lee-Anne Pace (RSA) 69-70-69-71, Hatton spoke of dreaming of his portant week, as it not only got lantic for the Englishman. 269-Ross Fisher 65 68 69 67, Dunne 72 72 66 69, George Park Hee-Young (KOR) 69-69-69-72 fi rst pro career triumph since me into my fi rst Open a week Willett, who had badly Richard Sterne (RSA) 69 69 65 Coetzee (RSA) 72 69 69 69, 280—Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 72-72-67-69, Jodi Ewart Shadoff (ENG) being taken by his father, Jeff , later but also two weeks later missed the cut over the open- 66 Graeme Storm 71 72 69 67, Pa- 78-70-62-70 to the 1997 BMW PGA Cham- into the PGA Championship,” ing three rounds, teamed with 271-Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 66 blo Larrazabal (ESP) 71 73 66 69

FOCUS Fiji full of pleasant memories for Snedeker

AFP fortnight for the 35-year-old Snedek- family in Fiji, said memories of his Suva, Fiji er after he bagged three points in an honeymoon were a major reason in unbeaten performance to help the US drawing him back to the islands. beat Europe 17-11 to claim the Ryder “I realised how special and lovely inning the Fiji Interna- Cup last week. this place is. I’m excited to be back and tional brought back hap- “It’s been an unbelievable run. To I brought my kids along this time so py memories for Ameri- play the way I have has been really they can see it,” he said. can Brandt Snedeker fun,” said Snedeker, adding that with asW he cruised to an emphatic nine- the Ryder Cup and a European tour Leading scores shot victory at the Natadola Bay Golf win under his belt, the next target is 272-Brandt Snedeker (USA) 69-65- Course yesterday. a major title. “Last week helped me 70-68 Returning to the Pacifi c island na- prepare for that, handling the pressure 281-Michael Hendry (NZL) 73-68-68-72 tion where he honeymooned eight the way I did,” he said. 282-Brad Shilton (NZL) 69-70-74-69, years ago, the US Ryder Cup star “Today is going to help me do that, Andrew Evans 70-70-71-71, Anthony carded a fourth-round 68 to fi nish handling a big lead the way I did, to Houston 65-69-73-75, Matthew Giles 16 under par at 272 for his fi rst Eu- know I can handle whatever a golf course 67-66-75-74 ropean Tour title. He started the fi nal throws at me against the best players in 283-Jake Higgenbottom 66-70-79- round with a three-shot lead and stead- the world and come out on top.” 68, Daniel Fox 70-69-73-71, Matthew ily pulled away from the fi eld with four After fl ying in late to Fiji, the eight- Griff in 68-70-73-72, Hur In-Hoi (KOR) birdies on the outward nine and another time champion on the PGA Tour had 71-67-72-73, Ben Eccles 69-71-70-73 birdie and a bogey on the run home. little time to get the feel of the pictur- 284-Max McCardle 70-71-77-66, Rob- New Zealander Michael Hendry had esque Natadola Bay course. ert Allenby 73-70-72-69, Josh Geary an even fi nal round to fi nish on 281 in But the lack of preparation made (NZL) 70-71-74-69, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) second, a shot clear of countryman no diff erence as he reeled off rounds 71-73-71-69, Jarrod Lyle 74-73-67-70, Brad Shilton and Australians Andrew of 69, 65, 70 and 68, only failing three Brett Rankin 69-69-72-74. Evans, Matthew Giles and Anthony times in the 72 holes to make par or 285-Aaron Wilkin 67-71-78-69, Aron Houston. better. Snedeker, who intends spend- Price 69-70-75-71, Lukas Nemecz The win completed an admirable ing the next week holidaying with his (AUT) 70-69-73-73. Gulf Times 8 Monday, October 10, 2016 SPORT

MLB NBA Walton looks for a Lakers’ lineup Cubs on the cusp By Kevin Baxter on we really started compet- Los Angeles Times ing. Moving the ball, playing at a pace that gives us our best chance. We did a lot of good uke Walton, who has a things. The overall eff ort from well-deserved reputa- the guys, I was very pleased tion for being a player’s with.” coach, has already won The Lakers, who have 20 aft er win over Giants Lhis new team over, earning players in camp, used 18 Fri- high marks for his laid-back day, with 14 contributing to demeanour and communica- the scoring. As a team, they ‘Once I started throwing a little more off the mound it just was tightening up on me’ tion skills. shot 39.4 percent and made But it’s only the second only 10 of 30 three-pointers. week of training camp, Walton “Right now, there’s nothing joked Friday, before the team’s set in stone. We’re just mess- second preseason game, a 101- ing with lineups still,” Walton 97 loss to the Denver Nuggets said. at Staples Centre. And that leaves plenty of time for opin- Coming of age ions to change. Besides, Wal- Ingram, the No. 2 pick in the ton added, he’d rather be suc- June draft, played his fi rst NBA cessful than popular. game this week at the Honda “It’s more important to me Center, where he played his that they buy into what we’re last college game for Duke last doing and that they know that spring. In between he became everything we’re doing is in a multi-millionaire, celebrated their best interests,” he said. his 19th birthday and moved “It’s not about us as a staff . It’s across the country. about trying to provide them the The biggest transition is just best learning platform and pro- beginning, however. vide them the ability to get bet- Ingram has been success- ter individually and as a team.” ful everywhere he has played, Stability is a big part of that, winning four consecutive which is why Walton stayed North Carolina state titles in with four of the fi ve starters he high school – which wasn’t used in Tuesday’s preseason that long ago for Ingram – be- opener, replacing only Luol fore helping Duke to the NCAA Deng, who banged knees with regional semi-fi nals in his only a teammate in practice and is college season. out indefi nitely. He’s taking a big step up in Metta World Peace took class now, though, coming off Deng’s place but played only the bench for a rebuilding Lak- the fi rst six minutes and failed ers team that fi gures to strug- to score. D’Angelo Russell, gle. But if Ingram, who is still who also started, had a game- a teenager, is experiencing any high 21 points for the Lakers, growing pains, Walton said he who are 1-1 after letting a lead hasn’t shown them. get away with two minutes to “We’ll deal with that when play Friday. we get to it,” the coach said of “I wanted to see what that Ingram, who scored six points unit would look like again in 17 minutes Friday, getting playing together,” Walton said his fi rst NBA fi eld goal on the of his lineup choices. dunk in the opening minute Walton also used the same of the fourth period, then second unit of Larry Nance making his fi rst three-pointer Jr., Brandon Ingram, Jordan less than three minutes later. Clarkson, Tarik Black and Jose “Right now his confi dence is Calderon – only one of whom great. has more than two seasons of “If he ever does strug- NBA experience. gle with confi dence, we’ll be “I was real happy with the there as a staff . I would expect way we played,” Walton said. his teammates to be there for “Besides the fi rst six minutes him. Because everyone’s gone Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Travis Wood acknowledges fans with a curtain call after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning of the game two of of the game, from that point through rookie years.” the NLDS playoff series at Wrigley Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP in the fourth inning, earned the and Baez. Contreras reached “X-rays were negative though, in the regular season. “He’s been Chicago victory — and also became the third on Dexter Fowler’s sacrifi ce so hopefully it’s just a day-to- outstanding,” Maddon said. fi rst relief pitcher since 1924 and came home on Kris Bryant’s day thing.” “When he goes out there to play to belt a home run in the post- base hit. even in the tightest situation, itchers Kyle Hendricks season. That gave made it 4-0 for the Rare feat for reliever he’s very comfortable with it. and Travis Wood pro- In all the Cubs used six pitch- Cubs, who had put one run on He was replaced by Wood, “He takes his batting practice, duced on the mound and ers. Aroldis Chapman retired the board in the fi rst inning af- who in the bottom of the inning he looks for those opportunities at the plate yesterday to three straight Giants in the ter Fowler doubled and scored belted his 10th career home run and then he seized it today.” Ppropel the Chicago Cubs to a 5-2 ninth, striking out two for his on Ben Zobrist’s two-out single. to make it a 5-2 lead. The winners of the series will victory over the San Francisco second save in as many games. San Francisco responded with It was his fi rst homer in post- face either the Washington Na- Giants and a commanding lead “Obviously the bullpen today two runs in the third, pulling season play — and just the sec- tionals or Los Angeles Dodgers in their Major League Baseball was unbelievable,” said Hen- struggling starting pitcher Jeff ond ever by a relief pitcher in the for a World Series berth. playoff series. dricks. “They won that game.” Samardzija early for a pinch playoff s, after that of the New Sunday’s scheduled Nation- The Cubs, in search of their Before departing, Hendricks hitter. York Giants’ Rosy Ryan in game als-Dodgers game in Washing- fi rst World Series win in more delivered a two-run single to Hendricks’ outing ended with three of the 1924 World Series. ton was rained out. than a century, lead the best- spark the Cubs’ three-run sec- two out in the fourth. Aff er he “(The homer) was a special MLB commissioner Rob Man- of-fi ve National League Division ond inning. was struck, he threw several moment for me,” saida Wood, fred said the game would be Series 2-0 and will try to book Jason Heyward belted a lead- warm-up pitches before it was who also struck out two and played on Sunday at Nationals their spot in the NL Champion- off double in the second. Javier decided he should seek treat- didn’t allow a hit in his 1 1/3 in- Park, where the Dodgers won ship Series in game three in San Baez walked and Willson Con- ment on his pitching arm. nings. “But just to be able to pull game one on Friday to take a 1-0 Francisco on Monday. treras lined a base hit to right to “When it fi rst hit me I didn’t off the win was huge.” lead in the best-of-fi ve NL Divi- Wood, who took over on the load the bases with none out. really feel it,” he said. “Once I Wood, a former starter who sion Series. The teams will travel mound after starter Hendricks Hendricks, a.138 hitter dur- started throwing a little more off switched to relief roles, has been after the contest and play game was hit on the forearm by a line ing the regular season, singled to the mound it just was tightening relied on by Cubs manager Joe three as scheduled on Monday in drive off the bat of Angel Pagan shallow centre to score Heyward up on me. Maddon, with 77 appearances Los Angeles.

NHL Penguins, Crosby aim for 2nd-straight Stanley Cup

By Helene Elliott that progressively improved. under intense pressure to start Pittsburgh in the second round Los Angeles Times Will the Detroit Red Wings’ well. That could include Ther- of the playoff s. playoff streak continue? rien and Boston’s Claude Julien They were so dominant for so All good things must come to if his team has a slow start fol- long that they might have lost ittsburgh Penguins cap- an end, and that likely will in- lowing its non-playoff fi nish last their edge: They won only three tain Sidney Crosby clude the Red Wings’ 25-sea- season. of their last nine regular-season added the World Cup son streak. Ageing and lacking Which teams are on the games and weren’t improving championship and MVP depth, they’ll have trouble scor- rise? or establishing a rhythm as the Phonours to his two Stanley Cup ing and will miss the magic of Buff alo is, with 2015 No 2 pick playoff s approached. titles and two Olympic gold Pavel Datsyuk, who went home Jack Eichel (24 goals and 46 Pucks and palm trees: Can medals, but for some reason crit- to Russia. points as a rookie), emerging de- Florida’s teams thrive again? ics still fi nd fault with him. They Can the Montreal Cana- fenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, The Tampa Bay Lightning, shouldn’t. Crosby comes up big diens return to the playoff s? free-agent fi nd Kyle Okposo and which reached the Cup fi nal in at big moments and has a chance Goaltender Carey Price was 2016 No 8 pick Alexander Ny- 2015 and the East fi nal last sea- to lead the Penguins to a second outstanding during the World Cup, lander. son, kept forward Steven Stam- straight title, a feat no team has soothing anxiety over whether he Their speed should give op- kos with an eight-year, $68mn managed since the Detroit Red would regain his form after suff er- ponents fi ts. Toronto, 30th over- contract and foundation de- Wings in 1997 and 1998. ing a knee injury that limited him all last season with 29 wins and fenseman Victor Hedman for Here are the big questions in to 12 games last season. 69 points, can only get better eight years and $63mn. the Eastern Conference leading They made headlines over the – and it will. No 1 overall pick The team must fi nd salary-cap into the season: summer when they sent fl ashy Auston Matthews, who made space to re-sign restricted free- Will goaltender Matt Mur- and popular defenseman PK news during camp when one of agent forward Nikita Kucherov. ray’s broken hand slow the Subban to Nashville for stalwart his shots shattered the glass in Jon Cooper is among the NHL’s Penguins? but slowing Shea Weber, valuing the practice rink, will lead them brightest coaches and kept the Murray broke his hand during short-term solidity on defense toward respectability as they get Lightning strong defensively. the World Cup and was expected over Subban’s production and younger and faster. They’re hop- The Panthers won the Atlantic to miss three to six weeks, but personality. Coach Michel Ther- ing goalie Frederik Andersen can Division with a franchise-record it’s a long season and 2009 Cup rien will be under a lot of pres- be durable. 47 wins but lost in the fi rst round winner Marc-Andre Fleury can sure to reach the playoff s. Will the Presidents’ Trophy of the playoff s, leading owner- easily step in. Speaking of coaches, who’s on (least goals allowed) again be ship to move General Manager General Manager Jim Ruther- the hot seat? a goal for the Capitals? Dale Tallon to a hockey opera- ford showed last season he’s The Penguins’ success after It wasn’t much consolation tions role. Jaromir Jagr, who points but should be passed by The off -season acquisition of power-play production. Goalie adept at adjusting on the fl y, they changed coaches at mid- after they led the NHL in wins will be 45 in February, led them dynamic youngsters Aleksander defenseman Keith Yandle should Roberto Luongo’s fi ery competi- providing ingredients for a team season could put some coaches (56) and points (120) but lost to in scoring last season with 66 Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau. help standout Aaron Ekblad with tiveness fuels them. Gulf Times Monday, October 10, 2016 9 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT All Blacks torpedo southern hemisphere rivalries

Reuters England in June then had back-to-back peat the feat again at Eden Park, where Melbourne thrashings by the All Blacks that undid New Zealand have not lost since defeat much of the good will earned from last to France in 1994. year’s World Cup fi nal appearance. Argentina captured a fi rst win over he Rugby Championship Michael Cheika’s side fi nished a South Africa on home soil but bowed wrapped up in the same way distant second in the Rugby Champi- out ruing another campaign of missed it opened, with a rampaging onship standings after holding off the opportunities. All Blacks team humbling Pumas 33-21 at Twickenham despite They lost their opener to the Spring- Tfallen rivals in their own backyard and barely getting their hands on the ball in boks 30-23, crumbling in the last 10 a frustrated Argentina lamenting their the second half. minutes and failed to make the Walla- inability to win the games they should. It was a creditable fi nale but the bies pay at Twickenham despite domi- The All Blacks’ record 57-15 humili- tournament overall continued a sober- nating the play against opponents re- ation of South Africa at King’s Park ing year for Wallabies fans, who had duced to 14 men twice in the fi rst half. notched up their 17th successive win, entered the season believing they could “We still have some way to go to be- matching the record amongst top-tier challenge the world champions. ing a mature team,” said Pumas coach nations and snatching the title back Instead they were humbled by Daniel Hourcade. It was a sentiment from Australia who won last year’s former coach Eddie Jones’s England Allister Coetzee may well have shared abridged tournament. and their seismic defeats to the All as his side crashed in the second half at The nine-try rout, laden with ex- Blacks have forced Cheika to throw out King’s Park. plosive line-breaks and outrageous his plans and begin again. The twice World Cup champions’ off -loads by Steve Hansen’s men, was They now face Hansen’s side, who staid tactics were blown to pieces by a fi tting way for the world champions are bidding to seal the record for the the All Blacks ball-in-hand game and to sign off , having opened the southern longest winning streak by a tier one the Springboks have plenty of soul- hemisphere championship with a 42-8 nation, in the fi nal Bledisloe Cup searching ahead of their European tour. obliteration of the Wallabies at Syd- match of the season on Oct. 22. Coetzee said he had little choice but ney’s Olympic Stadium. last year’s World Cup triumph. why we have managed to stay where we nance may be harmful for the game in While they have ended two previous to be patient with his players. Both matches left once-competitive “We planned for knowing we were go- were, or even got a little bit better.” turning off rugby fans. attempts by the All Blacks — in 2012 “If there are players out there who opponents appearing decidedly second- ing to lose a lot of test caps (to retirement),” In blanking the three southern hem- Australia is ground zero for those with an 18-18 draw in Brisbane after 16 can strengthen the squad we will cer- rate, while propelling the All Blacks into Hansen told reporters at King’s Park. isphere rivals, all World Cup semi-fi - concerns, with vast tracts of empty successive wins and then with a 12-12 tainly have a look at that,” he said. “But a diff erent stratosphere despite the re- “I can’t explain why the others haven’t nalists, the All Blacks’ tour of Europe is seats at their home internationals. draw in Sydney in 2014 after 17 victo- I can guarantee you that there are not tirements of a number of stalwarts after kicked on but I just know that is the reason unlikely to check fears that their domi- The Wallabies were swept 3-0 by ries — they appear ill-equipped to re- many out there.”

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP FOCUS Hansen keeps All Blacks grounded Wallabies tame as history beckons AFP Scott Quinnell. Wellington But Hansen said while the current crop of All Blacks were “a good side” and determined to ew Zealand coach Ste- get better, he noted that Australia slipshod Pumas to ve Hansen yesterday have a history of upsetting them. warned his history- “I wouldn’t get too far ahead making All Blacks not to of ourselves,” Hansen said in Nget too far ahead of themselves as Durban. “If we’re going to go one they were showered with praise step further we’ve got to make following their record-breaking sure we prepare really well. Aus- 57-15 thrashing of South Africa. tralia are a good rugby side. Former All Blacks captain “They’ve got a history of turn- fi nish runners-up Sean Fitzpatrick, speaking on ing up when there’s a record on SkySports in England, hailed the the table.” current side as “the best ever” af- The Wallabies stopped the All Wallabies taste victory for just the third time in nine Tests since their World ter the nine-try demolition took Blacks’ last record run with a 12- them to a world record-equalling 12 draw in Sydney in 2014, while Cup final defeat by runaway Rugby Championship winners New Zealand 17th consecutive victory. in 2010, when the All Blacks were The Planet Rugby website rat- on a 15-match winning streak, ed the All Blacks “phenomenal”, they were beaten 26-14 by Aus- particularly in the second-half tralia in . Australia flanker Dean when they scored 45 points and The All Blacks have convinc- Mumm (second from conceded only six, describing ingly beaten the Wallabies twice right) celebrates with the performance “as one-sided a already this year — 42-8 in Syd- teammates after scoring game as you will see at Test level”. ney and 29-9 in Wellington. a late try in the 33-21 win The All Blacks embarrassed Hansen said while there was over Argentina. (AFP) the Springboks in their Durban no guarantee they would win fortress, producing their highest the third encounter, setting score and biggest-winning mar- records and creating history was gin against their arch rivals in 93 their aim. Tests dating back to 1921. “They’re a team that want to They became the fi rst team to get better and do things other go through a Rugby Champion- teams haven’t done. That’s been ship season scoring four or more the case with this group since tries in each Test, and if they 2012. We’re trying to fi nd diff er- beat Australia when they clash in ent horizons all the time.” Auckland on October 22 they will Fitzpatrick, in his praise of the become the most successful ever All Blacks, noted they have not top-tier side. missed a beat despite losing 800 Their current streak of 17 wins caps worth of experience — in- in a row equals the world record cluding legends Richie McCaw set by the 1965-69 and 2013- and Dan Carter — after winning 14 All Blacks, and the 1997-98 the World Cup last year. Springboks. “This team has taken rugby to “The @AllBlacks are playing a a new level,” Fitzpatrick said. diff erent game to anybody on the “They put a line in the sand planet at the moment. Just a joy after the World Cup last year, lost to watch. Power pace and skill,” all that experience, seamlessly tweeted former Wales and Brit- have gone into this team and cre- ish and Irish Lions backrower ated their own identity.” Jones warns against copying NZ ngland coach Eddie Jones “Why? Come up with your own has insisted trying to play game. Everything we are doing now ENew Zealand at their own is about coming up with a game game is the wrong way to topple to beat New Zealand and to make the All Blacks from the summit of them uncomfortable,” explained world rugby union. Jones, who has guided England to AFP and Coleman were both sin-binned for cede a second-minute try when scrum- Coleman penalised for catching scrum- Reigning world champions second in the world rankings. Twickenham, United Kingdom high tackles. Yet they still turned round half Will Genia’s clearance kick was half Martin Landajo round the neck. New Zealand won a record-equal- “You can and hopefully will see 18-8 in front. charged down by Pumas No 8 Leonardo Yet it was Australia who scored next ling 17th Test when they thrashed that by 2018. One of the great But Jeronimo de la Fuente’s converted Senatore only for Gonzaled Iglesias to re- with a try a minute before half-time. South Africa 57-15 in Durban opportunities we have here in amu Kerevi scored two tries as try cut their lead to 18-15 early in the sec- gather in an off side position. Creevy’s poor line-out throw gave on Saturday to finish a perfect England is that we can rebrand Australia beat a slipshod Argenti- ond half only for opposing centre Kerevi A far more controversial call by Eng- Australia possession on the Pumas’ 22 campaign in the southern hemi- rugby, we can develop a new style na 33-21 at Twickenham to fi nish to score his second minutes later. lish replay offi cial Rowan Kitt in the sixth and quick hands saw the ball worked right sphere Rugby Championship. that gives people an opportunity runners-up in the Rugby Cham- Gonzalez Iglesias’s penalty reduced minute helped Australia take the lead. and then back left again before Kerevi, If they beat Australia at to play the game diff erently from pionship.S Defeat meant Argentina were Australia’s lead to just 25-21 with 10 min- Dane Haylett-Perry burst down the holding off Senatore, went over. Auckland’s Eden Park — where New Zealand. That is exciting me left bottom of the table. utes left but that was as close as they got, right and sent in second row Coleman. There was still time for Gonzalez Igle- they haven’t lost since 1994 — more than anything,” added Jones, This was the fi rst Rugby Championship with a Foley penalty and Mumm’s late try Despite pictures appearing to show sias, at last on target with his fourth at- on October 22, the rampant All with England not due to play the match played in the northern hemisphere extending Australia’s advantage. wing Haylett-Petty had knocked-on in tempt, to cut Australia’s interval lead to Blacks will set a new outright All Blacks again until 2018. after Argentina opted to move a ‘home’ “We hung in there for large parts,” said the tackle, Kitt confi rmed the try. 10 points. The Pumas were back in the world record of 18 straight wins England’s lone world title came fi xture and took place just over a year since Australia captain and hooker Stephen Foley’s conversion and subsequent match in the 45th minute when, from a by a top-tier nation. in 2003 when they beat an Aus- Australia’s 29-15 World Cup-semi-fi nal Moore. “We played with 14 for 20 min- penalty gave Australia a 10-0 lead. quick tap penalty, de la Fuente, twisting England, however, have won all tralia side coached by Jones in defeat of the Pumas at Twickenham. utes, so I’m proud of the eff ort.” Gonzalez Iglesias then pulled a kick- through several would-be tackles, went nine of their Tests since Austral- the final. Asked if England could Success meant the Wallabies tasted Australia coach Michael Cheika added: able penalty to the left of the posts. over for a fi ne try. ian boss Jones was appointed win the next World Cup, in Japan victory for just the third time in nine “There was chaos going on a lot of the Australia were a man down when fl ank- But, in an open match, Argentina were following their first-round exit in 2019, a bullish Jones replied: Tests since their World Cup fi nal defeat time but when we got a bit of shape, we er Hooper was set to the sin-bin in the 17th undone minutes later when centre Kerevi when staging last year’s World “Definitely. We’ve got some by runaway Rugby Championship win- looked pretty good.” minute for a high tackle on de la Fuente. intercepted lock Guido Petti’s loose pass Cup — a sequence that includes a changes we need to make but I ners New Zealand. For Argentina there was frustration at a Argentina lock Matias Alemanno lost for a converted try. Six Nations Grand Slam and a 3-0 think the timing is right.” Australia outscored the Pumas four failure to make the most of their chances. control as he tried to ground the ball for a Gonzalez Iglesias’s penalty took Ar- series win in the former Wallaby Jones, criticised for a recent tries to two, with forwards Adam Cole- “I am angry, we could have won the try but, minutes later, he did score follow- gentina to within seven points and they boss’s native Australia. gruelling training camp in Bright- man and Dean Mumm also crossing. Wal- game, but we made mistakes again,” said ing a drive from a close-range line-out. ought to have equalised when Creevy “The thing that really annoys on that ruled the likes of Bath laby centre Bernard Foley kicked 13 points Pumas captain Agustin Creevy. Gonzalez Iglesias again missed the kick knocked on in sight of the posts. me about rugby at the moment, wing Anthony Watson (fractured By contrast Argentina were left ruing Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade at goal. Foley made no mistake with his Gonzalez Iglesias, after a clash be- and I’ve got to say it, is that jaw) and Wasps flanker Sam Jones three missed fi rst-half goal-kicks from added: “It wasn’t like playing at home, second successful penalty and then, from tween Wallaby replacement Nick Phipps everyone tries to copy New Zea- (broken leg) out of the upcoming Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, in for injured but it’s a great motivation to play at this a central position 40 metres out, Gonzal- and the Argentrina physio, and Foley ex- land,” Jones, never shy of trying end of year Tests at Twickenham, fi rst-choice kicker Nicolas Sanchez. cathedral of rugby. I think we could have ez Iglesias was off target once more. changed penalties. Mumm, seizing on to ruff le an opposition team told was happy with the quality of The Wallabies were twice reduced to won, that’s why the defeat hurts more.” Hooper had not long returned when another Argentina mistake, then picked Britain’s Sunday Times. players at his disposal. 14 men in the fi rst half as Michael Hooper Australia were fortunate not to con- Australia were again a man down, with off Landajo’s pass for a 77th minute try. Gulf Times 10 Monday, October 10, 2016 FORMULA ONE

JAPANESE GRAND PRIX Embattled Hamilton vows to fi ght Rosberg tightens title till the last

Reuters Suzuka grip with dominant win ewis Hamilton has vowed to “give it everything” in his pursuit Lof a fourth Formula One drivers’ German extends lead over teammate Hamilton to 33 points following his ninth win of the season and title, which slipped further from his grasp following a third-place finish in with four rounds remaining, the 31-year-old can claim a maiden title without needing to win another race yesterday’s Japanese Grand Prix. The Briton’s title hopes were dealt a crushing blow a week ago when Reuters he was forced to retire with a fiery Suzuka engine failure from the lead in Ma- laysia. He went into yesterday’s race ico Rosberg tightened his hoping to revive his flagging cham- grip on the Formula One title pionship prospects, but a botched race with a dominant victory start scuppered his eff orts. at the Japanese Grand Prix Nyesterday, the German’s fi rst win at Hamilton’s championship-leading Suzuka also helping Mercedes claim a Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg third consecutive constructors’ crown. completed a ninth win of the season Rosberg, who started on pole, was to extend his advantage in the stand- never seriously threatened and crossed ings to 33 points. the line 4.9 seconds clear of Red Bull’s “That’s a healthy margin for Nico, Max Verstappen, who fended off a he did a great job, so congrats to late-charging Lewis Hamilton after the Briton recovered from a woeful him,” said Hamilton, who fought start to fi nish third. his way back through the field with Rosberg extended his lead over some spectacular overtaking after Hamilton to 33 points in the overall his slow getaway from second on standings following his ninth win of the grid saw him plummet to eighth. the season and with four rounds re- “I’ll give it everything I’ve got, as maining, the 31-year-old can claim a I did in the race and we’ll see what maiden title without needing to win another race. happens,” he added. The win was also the 15th of 17 races Hamilton is a formidable com- for Mercedes this season and con- petitor who thrives on adversity fi rmed three years of dominance, dur- and converted a 43-point deficit to ing which time the German outfi t has Rosberg early in the season into a won 47 of 55 races. 19-point advantage with a streak of “It’s been an awesome weekend six wins from seven races. for sure, the whole weekend had gone great from the word go,” Rosberg, who Even his best, however, may not led every session at Suzuka, said. be enough. Only four of a record “Congrats to all my colleagues in 21 races remain and Rosberg can the team, for clinching a third con- take the title even if he does not win structors’ world title. Defi nitely, it’s again, leaving Hamilton’s own hopes been an unbelievable eff ort all these pinned on misfortune striking the years, so let’s celebrate hard,” added German’s campaign. Rosberg, who becomes only the fi fth Much will also depend on whether driver in Formula One history to win Result 12. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault 1 lap Standings nine races in a season. 13. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso 1 lap Hamilton can bounce back from Hamilton went into the race search- 1. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 1:26:43.333 14. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Renault 1 lap Drivers: 1. Nico Rosberg 313 points; 2. Lewis Hamilton his setbacks in and Japan. ing for a Suzuka hat-trick to revive 2. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull +00:04.978 15. Marcus Ericsson () Sauber 1 lap 280; 3. Daniel Ricciardo 212; 4. Kimi Raikkonen 170; He cut a withdrawn and distracted his fl agging championship prospects 3. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes +00:05.776 16. Fernando Alonso () McLaren 1 lap 5. Max Verstappen 165; 6. Sebastian Vettel 165; figure in Suzuka and refused to an- after being forced to retire from the 4. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari +00:20.269 17. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso 1 lap 7. Valtteri Bottas 81; 8. Sergio Perez 80; 9. Nico swer questions from the press after lead at the last race in Malaysia but his 5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari +00:28.370 18. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 1 lap Huelkenberg 54; 10. Felipe Massa 43; 11. Fernando qualifying, which some interpreted chances of victory were dashed within 6. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull +00:33.941 19. Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber 1 lap Alonso 42; 12. Carlos Sainz Jr 30; 13. Romain Grosjean as a sign that the pressure of the title a matter of seconds. 7. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force +00:57.495 20. Esteban Gutierrez (Mexico) Haas 1 lap 28; 14. Daniil Kvyat 25; 15. Jenson Button 19 The Briton was unable to capitalise 8. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force India +00:59.177 21. Esteban Ocon (France) Manor 1 lap Constructors: 1. Mercedes 593 points; 2. Red Bull 385; fight was starting to get to him. on his front-row start as he crawled off 9. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams +01:37.763 22. Pascal Wehrlein (Germany) Manor 1 lap 3. Ferrari 335; 4. Force India 134; 5. Williams 124; But his team boss Toto Wolff had the line and found himself languish- 10. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams +01:38.323 Fastest Lap: 6. McLaren 62; 7. Toro Rosso 47; 8. Haas 28; no doubt that the Briton would re- ing down in eighth place by the time he 11. Romain Grosjean (France) Haas +01:39.254 Sebastian Vettel, 1:35.118, lap 36 9. Renault 8; 10. Manor 1 group before the next race in Austin, reached turn one as his Mercedes team- Texas, where he sealed the title last mate disappeared over the horizon. year with three rounds to spare. “I made a mistake,” said Hamilton, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, who the team, for clinching a third con- duction of the 1.6-litre turbo hybrid who last won at the German Grand started sixth due to a three-place grid struggled for pace all weekend but structors’ world title,” said Rosberg on engines in 2014. The team have won “Lewis functions best when he’s Prix in July prior to the series’ annual penalty for shunting Rosberg at the made the most of a one-stop strategy the podium after the race. 47 of the 55 races held since and yes- under pressure and when he has summer break. “And then just working start in Malaysia, did well to fi nish to salvage some points. “So absolutely deserved, defi nitely terday’s win in Japan was their 15th a target,” said the Austrian. “I have my way up from there was tricky but I fourth but his hopes of a podium spot it’s been an unbelievable eff ort all from 17 races this year. Only Ferrari, no doubt that this will be an intense did the best I could.” were compromised late on by slow Third constructors’ title these years, so let’s celebrate hard.” McLaren, Williams and Red Bull have fight to the end. This is far from over.” Once he had recovered from the dis- moving back markers. on the trot for Mercedes The team seemed to be doing just won three or more titles in a row, appointment of the tardy start, a mix of The German got off to a fantastic that, spraying champagne in the pit- with the Italian outfi t the only ones to his trademark spectacular overtaking start and looked competitive in third Mercedes were fi nally able to break lane and posing for celebratory photo- achieve the feat twice. and clever strategy by Mercedes saw but after losing touch with Verstappen out the champagne after clinch- graphs in front of their garage wearing Whether Mercedes can carry on their him scythe through the fi eld and very and getting passed by Hamilton on his ing their third straight Formula One specially-printed t-shirts emblazoned winning run into next year will depend nearly snatch second from Verstappen. second pit stop, a bold tyre strategy constructors’ crown at yesterday’s with ‘The Triple’. on how they adapt to sweeping rule However, the Dutchman held on af- failed to pay off for Ferrari. Japanese Grand Prix. Nico Rosberg Even employees at the team’s head- changes being introduced next season. ter rebuffi ng the Briton’s nal fi attempt His Finnish teammate Kimi Raikko- eased to a comfortable win at the Su- quarters in Brackley, England, got in on Cars will feature wider tyres and body- to pass with a robust move at the chi- nen, who started eighth after collecting zuka circuit which, combined with a the act, also wearing the celebratory t- work, in changes aimed at making them cane on the penultimate lap that sent a fi ve-place penalty for an unscheduled third-place fi nish for teammate Lewis shirts and spraying champagne. faster and more exciting to drive which the Mercedes wide into a run-off area gearbox change, also complained of Hamilton, lifted the German team 208 “Big congratulations to the team,” could shake up the current order. and prompted the German team to track-hogging back markers on his way points clear of closest rivals Red Bull. said Hamilton, despite a person- Mercedes have been against this, ar- lodge an offi cial protest. to a fi fth-place fi nish. With just four races remaining and a ally disappointing race that pushed a guing that allowing the current rules to That protest, however was later Daniel Ricciardo, winner in Malay- maximum 172 points up for grabs, the fourth drivers’ title further out of his mature would result in a convergence withdrawn, seemingly at Hamilton’s sia a week ago, was sixth in his Red Bull result guaranteed Mercedes the title reach. “Very proud to be a part of it between teams and lead to closer rac- request. “There is no protest from as Force India pulled further ahead and had champagne corks popping and to help contribute to it,” added the ing. “It’s what we always said,” team myself. Just heard the team had but I of Williams in their private battle for after an engine blowout for Hamilton Briton, who has claimed the drivers’ boss Toto Wolff told reporters. “But told them it is not what we do. We are fourth overall. last week in Malaysia obliged them to championship for the last two years. then somebody else decided to invent champions, we move on. End of!,” he Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg put the bubbly back on ice. Mercedes have been the dominant something new for next year then it’s said on Twitter. fi nished seventh and eighth ahead of “Congrats... to all my colleagues in force in Formula One since the intro- back to square one, I guess.”

BOTTOMLINE Button has all sympathy for unlucky Hamilton

By Paul Weaver at Suzuka title above the others if he manages it. agine the old Hamilton, in all his glory, Lewis that he managed to recover his The Guardian The engine failures in China, Russia worrying about such stuff . points. It’s a real blow but we quickly and Malaysia have, it seems, seeped Deep down, whatever is being said became rational and accepted these into his soul and even fed a sense of on social media, he must know Mer- things happen and we moved on.” enson Button views the Formu- paranoia. Then there are those bad cedes are not nobbling his engine. Hamilton, then, has had rotten luck la One title race with the wistful starts in Australia, , Canada The team’s technical director, Paddy and a technical issue with his clutch gaze of the non-contender. After and Italy. Starts, though, are all part of Lowe, addressed the issue when it at the start of races. His desire to win yesterday’s race at Suzuka, he is the race and they were made more dif- came up for discussion: “If we were is still immense, as shown when he Jin 15th place with 19 points, 294 points fi cult specifi cally to give the drivers an good enough to arrange such sabotage came back from Rosberg’s victories in behind the leader, Nico Rosberg. extra challenge. we wouldn’t have any failures. I think the fi rst four races to win six out of the He was a champion once, in 2009, Hamilton has converted only three anybody with an ounce of intelligence next seven up until the summer break. and with 300 races behind him his of his eight poles into race wins (Ros- could work that out,” said Lowe, who Rosberg must take some credit for opinion is meaningful as Rosberg and berg has fi ve from seven) and has not clearly has sympathy for Hamilton. the current state of aff airs, Lowe said. Lewis Hamilton do battle over the fi - won since July. Like all champions he is “We all know you can throw three “I think Nico is an incredibly strong nal races of the season. Button is sure resilient and his robust sense of confi - double sixes in a row but when you see driver and we have seen over the last of one thing though — if Hamilton, dence has always appeared indestruct- it done you wonder how it happened,” three years he can qualify extremely his teammate at McLaren for three ible but is Rosberg, who is driving bet- he added. “We have that scenario with well. I think, for me, the step he has seasons, does manage to win a fourth ter than ever, fi nally getting to him? Lewis. We have eight power units run- made this year is that he has improved world title it will be the best of the lot. At Suzuka yesterday, Rosberg tight- ning around out there and with the his race craft considerably. He’s prov- “Lewis has been really unfortunate,” ened his grip on the title race with a exception of one failure they have all ing himself much better able to fi ght he said. “He should have so many more dominant victory, crossing the fi nish fallen to Lewis. That is something none for the positions.” points than he has. But if he wins the line 4.9 seconds clear of Red Bull’s Max of us can really understand. We’re gut- Rosberg agreed with that assess- world championship this year, it means Verstappen, who fended off a late- ted about it, and we wish luck wouldn’t ment: “I have more experience and so much more, because he’s had some charging Hamilton after the Briton fall that way. have done a good year. I’ve really really tough races. I think he’ll put it recovered from a woeful start to fi nish “I was only just getting over the learned to manage my energies and down as his best championship if he third. The win helped Rosberg extend gloves. At Singapore, Hamilton no- sued with exactly the same gloves for idea of the consecutive failures he had know where not to waste energies in wins. He’s been bloody unlucky, and his lead over Hamilton to 33 points in ticed there was a diff erent stitching in the race in Malaysia, where he was ut- in qualifying earlier in the year, where rubbish stuff . Family helps. It’s a nice that’s exactly what it is.” the overall standings. Rosberg’s gloves. The manufacturers terly dominant until his engine blew 15 already we felt the statistics had fall- base I have. I don’t think about the big Hamilton certainly will cherish this There is a nice story about driving were contacted and Hamilton was is- laps from the end. It is diffi cult to im- en very unfairly. I was very happy for picture and take it race by race.” Gulf Times Monday, October 10, 2016 11 CRICKET

FOURTH ODI Australia fall to South Africa’s back-up bowlers AFP and spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and 10 batsman Chris Tremain, who made G. Bailey lbw Pretorius ...... 1 Port Elizabeth Aaron Phangiso. 23 not out and helped Wade add 46 for M. Marsh c de Kock b Abbott ...... 50 Man of the match Abbott admitted the ninth wicket. T Head lbw Shamsi ...... 0 that he felt nervous before the game, Tremain, who took some heavy M. Wade lbw Phangiso ...... 52 outh Africa rested three of their having not been part of the fi rst three punishment in his fi rst two matches J. Hastings lbw Shamsi ...... 4 frontline bowlers but continued matches. But he bowled both Australian for Australia earlier in the series, gave A. Zampa b Abbott ...... 5 to dominate Australia as they opening batsmen inside the fi rst three South Africa some early worries by dis- C. Tremain (not out) ...... 23 won the fourth one-day inter- overs and fi nished with four for 40. missing both opening batsmen, Hash- S. Boland lbw Phangiso ...... 0 nationalS by six wickets at St George’s Unorthodox left-arm wrist spinner im Amla and Quinton de Kock. Extras (w-3) ...... 3 Park yesterday. Tabraiz Shamsi took three for 36 and or- With a strong wind blowing across Total (all out, 36.4 overs) ...... 167 Kyle Abbott led what was eff ectively thodox left-armer Phangiso picked up the fi eld, Du Plessis survived a chance Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-9, 3-12, 4-49, 5-49, South Africa’s back-up bowling attack the last two wickets at a cost of 17 runs. on 16 when Adam Zampa misjudged a 6-111, 7-116, 8-121, 9-167, 10-167 as Australia were bowled out for 167, the On a slow pitch, which off ered some high catch off John Hastings at point. Bowling: K. Abbott 8-0-40-4; D. Pre- lowest total of the series. seam movement and uneven bounce, He shared half-century partnerships torius 7-1-33-1 (w-1); T. Shamsi 10-1-36-3 South African captain Faf du Plessis Abbott bowled a full length and made with JP Duminy and Rilee Rossouw be- (w-1); A. Phehlukwayo 5-1-28-0 (w-1); A. then made 69 as South Africa secured the ball deviate in both directions. fore holing out to deep square leg off Phangiso 4.4-0-17-2; J. Duminy 2-0-13-0 their fourth successive win with 14.3 He bowled Aaron Finch with the Marsh’s bowling. He hit eight fours in South Africa overs to spare. third ball of the match and then bowled an 87-ball innings. H. Amla lbw Tremain ...... 4 It left Australian captain Steve Smith David Warner with the fi rst ball of his “4-0 sounds amazing,” said Du Ples- Q. de Kock c Zampa b Tremain ...... 18 having to contemplate the prospect of second over. sis. “We said before the game that if we F. du Plessis c Head b M Marsh ...... 69 a 5-0 series defeat going into the fi nal He struck another crucial blow when put Australia under pressure we should J. Duminy c M Marsh b Zampa ...... 25 match in Cape Town on Wednesday. he was brought back into the attack and really hammer down. Abbo (Abbott) R. Rossouw (not out) ...... 33 “We don’t want a whitewash so we’ll had Mitchell Marsh caught behind for was outstanding with the new ball and F. Behardien (not out) ...... 12 have to turn up and play,” he said. 50, ending a 62-run sixth-wicket part- Shamsi spun a web around them.” Extras (lb-3, w-4) ...... 7 Smith said he was disappointed with nership with Matthew Wade. Total (4 wickets, 35.3 overs) ...... 168 the batting performance. “The wicket George Bailey was leg-before-wick- Scoreboard Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-29, 3-85, 4-140 maybe wasn’t as good as the others but et to Dwaine Pretorius as Australia Australia Bowling: C. Tremain 10-0-48-2 (w-3); 250 was about par,” he said. slumped to 12 for three. A. Finch b Abbott ...... 2 S. Boland 10-2-36-0 (w-1); J. Hastings Having clinched the fi ve-match se- It became 49 for fi ve when Shamsi D. Warner b Abbott...... 6 4-0-27-0; A. Zampa 6.3-0-32-1; M. Marsh ries by winning the fi rst three games, deceived Australian captain Smith and S. Smith lbw Shamsi ...... 21 5-0-22-1 South Africa rested fast bowlers Dale Travis Head, trapping them both leg- Steyn and Kagiso Rabada and leading before, in the space of three balls. South Africa fast bowler Kyle Abbott led what was eff ectively South Africa’s back-up spin bowler Imran Tahir. Wade hit a defi ant 52 off 58 deliveries bowling attack with 4 for 40 as Australia were bowled out for a paltry 167. (AFP) They were replaced by Abbott and found some support from number

THIRD TEST SECOND ODI Mortaza shines with bat & ball Majestic Kohli, calm as win by 34 runs Rahane lead India’s to level series Reuters Dhaka

angladesh thumped England in a bowler-dominated contest after home skipper Mashrafe Mortaza’s all-round dominance against NZ Bbrilliance secured their series-level- ling 34-run victory in the second one-day in- ternational yesterday. Visitors 28 without loss at stumps on Day 2 after India declare their first innings at 557-5 Mortaza blasted 44 runs off 29 balls and then returned to marshal his bowlers intelligently while claiming 4-29 himself as England col- lapsed for 204 in 44.4 overs. Jos Buttler (57) and Jonny Bairstow (35) provided the only resistance in an otherwise spectacular England batting collapse chasing a modest 239-run victory target. Put in to bat, Bangladesh had slumped to 39-3 in the 14th over but Mahmudullah’s 75 and Mortaza’s breezy knock helped the hosts re- cover and put on a competitive 238 for eight at Mirpur’s Shere Bangla National Stadium. Chris Woakes came up with a double strike to vindicate Buttler’s decision to fi eld at the venue of their 21-run victory in Friday’s series opener. Woakes dismissed Imrul Kayes (11), who struck a blistering century in the previous match, and Tamim Iqbal (14) as Bangladesh suff ered a top order collapse. Mahmudullah added 50 runs with Mush- fi qur Rahim (21) and raised 48 with Mosad- dek Hossain (29) but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Mortaza hit three sixes in his brisk knock before running himself out in the fi nal over of the innings. Indian skipper Virat Kohli The paceman then returned to lead by exam- and Ajinkya Rahane (right) ple. Mortaza dismissed James Vince, Jason Roy added 365 runs for the and Ben Stokes, while left-arm spinner Shakib fourth wicket to help India al-Hasan sent back Ben Duckett to reduce Eng- post a big total. (AFP) land to 26-4 inside 10 overs. The teams move to Chittagong for the third and fi nal one-dayer on Wednesday. Scoreboard Bangladesh T Iqbal c Ali b Woakes ...... 14 I Kayes c Willey b Woakes ...... 11 S Rahman b Ball ...... 3 M Riyad lbw Rashid ...... 75 M Rahim c Ali b Ball ...... 21 S Al Hasan c Buttler b Stokes ...... 3 M Hossain c Ali b Rashid ...... 29 N Hossain (not out) ...... 27 M Mortaza (run out) ...... 44 S Islam (not out) ...... 0 AFP there getting 365 was really special. It gling yesterday and I took my time. To- ing his 63-ball knock, struck his third Scoreboard Extras (lb4, w6, nb1) ...... 11 Indore will remain in our memory for a long day we both decided to dominate the half-century of the series as India Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 238 time,” Rahane told reporters. spinners after we got our hundreds,” gained fi rm control of the match. India (1st innings; overnight 267-3) Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-26, 3-39, 4-89, 5-113, 6-161, Kohli, who scored his maiden 200 said Rahane, who started the day on 79. Jadeja though was guilty of giving M. Vijay c Latham b Patel ...... 10 7-169, 8-238 kipper Virat Kohli recorded against the West Indies in July, regis- Off -spinner Jeetan Patel nallyfi broke away fi ve runs after being penalised G. Gambhir lbw Boult ...... 29 Bowling: Woakes 9-0-40-2, Willey 8-1-36-0 (w3), his second double-century tered his career-best Test score with the big stand by trapping a tired Kohli by the on-fi eld umpires for stray- C. Pujara b Santner ...... 41 Rashid 10-0-53-2 (w2), Ball 8-0-44-2 (w1), Stokes in Tests as he and Ajinkya a dominating display. The batsman, lbw as he tried to whip away the turning ing onto the danger area of the pitch V. Kohli lbw Patel ...... 211 6-1-22-1 (nb1), Ali 9-0-39-0 Rahane helped India post a who resumed the day on 103 in his ball but missed the line completely. while running between the wickets. A. Rahane c Watling b Boult ...... 188 England crushingS 557 for fi ve declared against 48th Test, scored runs all around the Kohli, 27, the only Indian captain Jadeja was warned twice by the um- R. Sharma (not out) ...... 51 J Roy lbw Mortaza ...... 13 New Zealand at Indore yesterday. park with 20 boundaries during his to score two double hundreds, was pires before the offi cials took the ex- R. Jadeja (not out) ...... 17 J Vince c Mosaddek b Mortaza ...... 5 The visitors were 28 without loss at 366-ball stay at the crease. given a standing ovation by the capac- treme step of crediting New Zealand Extras (b-4, lb-3, nb-2, w-1) ...... 10 B Duckett b Shakib ...... 0 stumps on Day 2 of the third and fi nal Overnight partner Rahane was also ity crowd at Indore’s Holkar Stadium, with fi ve runs. Total (5 wkts dec, 169 overs) ...... 557 J Bairstow c Rahim b Taskin ...... 35 Test, with Martin Guptill on 17 and Tom in blazing form, posting a career-best which is hosting its fi rst Test match. Bowlers Boult and Patel shared two Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-60, 3-100, B Stokes b Mortaza ...... 0 Latham on six, trailing by 529 runs. score in his 29th match after com- Rahane continued to frustrate the wickets apiece after the visitors were 4-465, 5-504 J Buttler lbw Taskin ...... 57 The hosts, who started the day on pleting his eighth Test century. New Zealand bowlers, but fi nally ran put in to fi eld by India on Saturday. Bowling: T. Boult 32-2-113-2 (w-1); M. M Ali c Shakib b Nasir ...... 4 267 for three, rode on the 365-run Rahane had to face a barrage of out of steam and was caught behind “Very, very high-quality batting. Henry 35-3-127-0; J. Patel 40-5-120-2; C Woakes c Rahim b Taskin ...... 7 fourth-wicket partnership between bouncers in the morning session from off Trent Boult. He was also given a Took a very good delivery to create M. Santner 44-4-137-1; J. Neesham 18- A Rashid (not out) ...... 33 Kohli (211) and Rahane (188) to fl atten the New Zealand quicks, with one of rousing send-off . “It was great to see half-chances... I think we stuck to our 1-53-0 (nb-2) D Willey lbw Mosaddek ...... 9 the New Zealand bowling. the short-pitched deliveries from Virat bat the way he did, learnt a lot of plans well but we were worn down,” New Zealand (1st innings) J Ball c Nasir b Mortaza ...... 28 The partnership was India’s best Matt Henry hitting his helmet. things. He’s improving as a batsman said New Zealand coach Mike Hesson. M. Guptill (batting) ...... 17 Extras (lb7, w6) ...... 13 for the fourth wicket, surpassing the But the incident only appeared to and a leader,” said Rahane. “I think Kohli in particular, I think he T. Latham (batting) ...... 6 Total (all out, 44.4 overs) ...... 204 353-run stand between Sachin Ten- strengthen his resolve and his marathon Rohit Sharma (51) and Ravindra took 120 singles, killed us softly.” Extras (pen-5)...... 5 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-14, 3-24, 4-26, 5-105, 6-120, dulkar and VVS Laxman against Aus- knock included 18 fours and four sixes. Jadeja (17) then added some quick runs India have an unassailable 2-0 Total (no loss, 9 overs) ...... 28 7-123, 8-132, 9-159, 10-204 tralia at Sydney in 2004. The batsman surpassed his previous with an unbeaten 53-run stand for the lead in the three-match series but Bowling: M. Shami 2-0-5-0; U. Yadav Bowling: Shakib 9-0-50-1 (w1), Mortaza 8.4-0- “This partnership was really spe- best of 147 against Australia in 2015. sixth wicket. The in-form Sharma, are looking to complete a whitewash 2-0-7-0; R. Ashwin 3-1-9-0; R. Jadeja 29-4 (w1), Shafiul 8-0-37-0 (w1), Taskin 8-0-47-3 cial. We were 100 for three and from “It was tough out there, I was strug- who hit three fours and two sixes dur- against the tourists. 2-1-2-0 (w3), Nasir 10-1-29-1, Mosaddek 1-0-5-1

Monday, October 10, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FINA/AIRWEAVE WORLD CUP DOHA 2016 Dominant Hosszu picks up fi ve more victories Madeline Groves ties with the Hungarian for gold in 200m butterfly; Le Clos wins two gold and a bronze

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

atinka Hosszu is a prime ex- ample of what an athlete can achieve if one pushes the lim- it. It’s amazing how the Hun- Kgarian competes in a bunch of events, but it’s even more astonishing when she clinches medals in every single one of them. After winning four gold and two sil- ver medals on Day One of the FINA World Cup Series in Doha, the 27-year- old did one better on the second day by claiming fi ve gold and two silver. Having dominated the fi rst fi ve legs of the series in Paris-Chartres, Berlin, Moscow, Beijing and Dubai, Hosszu, who won three gold and one silver at the Rio Olympics in August, showed no Madeline Groves was tied for the top spot in Women’s 200m Butterfly with Hosszu. signs of letting up at the Hamad Aquat- ic Centre. The only blemish in her perform- ance in Doha was that she could not beat Jeanette Ottesen of Denmark. On Saturday, Ottesen had beaten Hosszu in the 100m butterfl y. And the Dane took the bragging rights again yesterday, as she beat Hosszu in 100m freestyle and 50m but- Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu in action during the final night of competition yesterday. (SWC Doha 2016) terfl y. In the 100m butterfl y, Ottesen led USA was second in 59.19, while Jamai- by seven tenths at the halfway point ca’s swam a 1:00.51 for third. and never looked back, winning with In the 100m medley, the fi nal event ease in 51.58 seconds to Hosszu’s 52.63. of the competition Hosszu fi nished Ottesen was also dominant in 50m but- it off in style by cruising to victory in terfl y, clocking 25.13 secs. Hosszu could 4:31.18. Jakabos was second this time only manage a second in this race with with a time of 4:33.39, while the bronze her 25.98. medal went to Australia’s Tessa Wallace Ottesen left Doha with four gold, af- in 4:42.18. ter she had captured the 100m butterfl y The defending men’s World Series and 50 freestyle events on the fi rst day. champion Chad le Clos took two gold However, it was Hosszu all the way after and one bronze on the night. The South that. African was off colour on Saturday, The ‘Iron Lady’ was in her elements when he won just one gold and two sil- Jeanette Ottesen (centre) won the women’s 100m freestyle gold ahead of Katinka in 100m backstroke, one of her Olym- ver, but he was back in form yesterday. Hosszu (left) and Madeline Groves (right). PICTURES: Othman Iraqi pic gold medal races. Hosszu won in In the 200m freestyle, Le Clos over- 56.44, well ahead of Ukraine’s Darya took Great Britain’s James Guy for fi rst 2. Darya Zevina (Ukraine) 57.26 1. Rie Kaneto (Japan) 2:15.76s Zevina, who clocked 57.26 after taking place with a blazing last 50. Guy had 3. Haihua Cheng (China) 58.05 2. Yuliya Efimova (Russia) 2:16.39 down Hosszu in the 200 back on Satur- previously pulled ahead of Le Clos on Men’s 50m Backstroke 3. Breeja Larson (USA) 2:19.32 day. China’s Cheng Haihua was a com- the third 50, but the South African had 1. Pavel Sankovich (Belarus) 23.05s Women’s 100m Individual Medley fortable third-place fi nisher in 58.05. something left in the tank. 2. Bobby Hurley (Australia) 23.31 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 57.82s There were only six women in the Le Clos touched in at 1:42.84, and 3. Miguel Ortiz-Canavante (Spain) 23.48 2. Katie Meili (USA) 59.19 200 butterfl y, but there was no way to Guy held off another South African, Chad Le Clos (centre) picked up gold in men’s 100m Butterfly, beating Takeshi Women’s 200m Butterfly 3. Alia Atkinson (Jamaica) 1:00.51 split the top two. Olympic silver med- Myles Brown, for second, 1:43.17 to Kawamoto (left) and Pavel Sankovich (right). 1. Madeline Groves (Australia) 2:03.34 Men’s 200 Backstroke allist Madeline Groves led for almost 1:43.20. 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 2:03.34 1. Bobby Hurley (Australia) 1:51.70 the entire length of the race, but Hoss- Le Clos earned another comeback of the podium in 21.05. Taking second Women’s 50m Breaststroke 3. Zsuzsanna Jakobos (Hungary) 2:07.12 2. Omar Pinzon Garcia (Colombia) 1:52.56 zu was charging hard. The two ended win in the 100m butterfl y. The two- behind the Russian was Great Britain’s 1. Alia Atkinson (Jamaica) 28.98s Men’s 200m Individual Medley 3. Stanislav Donetc (Russia) 1:53.93 up touching at the exact same time in time Olympic silver medallist and de- Benjamin Proud in 21.22. Le Clos rounded 2. Yulia Efimova (Russia) 29.27 1. Daiya Seto (Japan) 1:52.49 Women’s 50m Butterfly 2:03.34. Hungary’s Zsuzsanna Jakobos fending World Champion in the event out the top three in 21.34. 3. Katie Meili (USA) 29.78 2. Phillip Heintz (Germany) 1:52.81 1. Jeanette Ottesen (Denmark) 25.13s grabbed third place in 2:07.12. trailed Japan’s Takeshi Kawamoto and Men’s 100m Breaststroke 3. Josh Prenot (USA) 1:54.65 2. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 25.98 In the 400 freestyle, Hosszu earned Belarus’ Pavel Sankovich at the halfway RESULTS 1. Vladimir Morozov (Russia) 56.97s Women’s 400 Freestyle 3. Madeline Groves (Australia) 26.14 another come-from-behind win, tak- point before rallying on the way home. Women’s 100m Freestyle 2. Felipe Lima (Brazil) 57.12. 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 4:03.94 Men’s 1500 Freestyle ing over the lead with a blistering 58.64 Le Clos touched in 50.23, well off his 1. Jeanette Ottesen (Denmark) 51.58s 3. Daiya Seto (Japan) 58.07 2. Fang Yi (China) 4:04.82 1. Gergely Gyurta (Hungary) 14:32.69 fi nal 100 meters. She touched the wall world record of 48.44 but just enough 2. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 52.63 Men’s 100m Butterfly 3. Zsuzsanna Jakobos (Hungary)4:06.50 2. Myles Brown (South Africa) 14:49.64 in 4:03.94, out-pacing China’s Fang Yi, to clip Kawamoto’s 50.44. Sankovich 3. Madeline Groves (Australia) 52.89 1. Chad le Clos (South Africa) 50.23s Men’s 50m Freestyle 3. Poul Zellmann (Germany) 14:51.58 who settled for second in 4:04.82. Ja- ended up third in 50.98. Men’s 200m Freestyle 2. Takeshi Kawamoto (Japan) 50.44 1. Vladimir Morozov (Russia) 21.05s Women’s 400m Individual Medley kobos was once again third 4:06.50. Le Clos’ bronze came in the 50m free- 1. Chad le Clos (South Africa) 1:42.84 3. Pavel Sankovich (Belarus) 50.98 2. Benjamin Proud (Great Britain) 21.22 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 4:31.18 Hosszu stopped the clock in 57.92 to style, where he fi nished behind Vladimir 2. James Guy (Great Britain) 1:43.17 Women’s 100m Backstroke 3. Chad le Clos (South Africa) 21.34 2. Zsuzsanna Jakabos (Hungary) 4:33.39 win the 100m medley. Katie Meili of the Morozov, who sprinted his way to the top 3. Myles Brown (South African) 1:43.20 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 56.44s Women’s 200 Breaststroke 3. Tessa Wallace (Australia) 4:42.18

2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Al-Jabir is Asia Swimming Federation vice-president

Wales hopes hit Georgia hurdle QNA Doha

AFP However, they are likely to be Paris displaced later on Sunday when atar Swimming Association president Khaleel Serbia face Austria in Belgrade al-Jabir was elected vice-president of the Asia and the Republic of Ireland QSwimming Federation (AASF) during the 12th Asia uro 2016 semi-fi nalists tackle Moldova, ranked at a low- Swimming Federation General Congress which was held in Wales were held to a dis- ly 161 in the world, at Chisinau. Doha yesterday. appointing 1-1 draw by In Group I, Croatia won 1-0 The Asia Swimming Federation General Congress began Georgia in Cardiff yes- in Finland at Tampere with Ju- yesterday at Sheraton Hotel and was opened by Qatar terdayE as their push to reach a ventus striker Mario Mandzu- Olympic Committee (QOC) secretary general Dr Thani bin fi rst World Cup since 1958 hit a kic scoring the only goal after Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, and chaired by AASF president roadblock. 18 minutes when Finland goal- Sheikh Khalid al-Badr al-Sabah. It was attended as well by The draw followed a 2-2 stale- keeper Lukas Hradecky allowed International Swimming Federation (FINA) president Julio mate against Austria four days a cross from Andrej Kramaric to Maglione and members of the General Congress. ago as Chris Coleman’s side slip from his grasp. The QOC secretary general welcomed the attendees in Qa- were left to regret not making Croatia have seven points and tar and highlighted that several swimming championships the most of a host of chances in lead the standings while Ukraine were held in Doha. He underpinned also the development of the fi rst half. moved into second place after a the game in the State of Qatar in the Asian continent. Real Madrid star Gareth 3-0 win over Kosovo in a game The General Congress reviewed the meeting’s agenda as Bale headed Wales into a 10th- played at Krakow in Poland. well as reports of AASF working committees. Hungary gave minute lead but Georgia hit Artem Kravets put Ukraine a detailed presentation on the FINA World Aquatics Champi- back after the break, equalising ahead on the half-hour mark onships which it will host in Budapest in July 2017. through Tornike Okriashvili’s before Andriy Yarmolenko and 57th-minute header. Rustan Rotan made sure of the Qatar win GCC Junior Georgia nearly won the game three points in the last 10 min- late on when Valeri Kazaishvili utes. struck the crossbar. Yarmolenko has now scored title “People will look at it as two in six of his last seven World Cup Qatar U-15 team confidently won the GCC Junior Squash points dropped but it might be qualifying matches. Championship 2016 title at the Khalifa International Tennis a point gained at the end of the Yesterday’s other early game and Squash Complex in Doha on Saturday. day, in the second half,” Cole- saw Israel beat Liechtenstein 2-1 The Qatar U-15 team took the first place after defeating their man told Sky Sports. in Jerusalem in Group G thanks Kuwaiti counterparts, who finished second, while the third “We got a great start but to brace of goals from Tomer place went to Saudi Arabia, according to QOC. you’ve got to take care of busi- Hemed in the fi rst 15 minutes. In U-19 event, Bahrain claimed the title ahead of and ness. We didn’t and we were Group I leaders Albania, who Saudi Arabia took the bronze medal. It is worth mentioning punished, we tried to come have a perfect six points from that Qatar’s Hamad al-Amri claimed the silver medal in All- again but it was too late, they’d two games, were scheduled to Round Competition in U-19 event. got a bit of confi dence by then.” host 2010 World Cup winners The four-day championship brought together 4 GCC Wales stay top of Group D Spain in Shkoder later yesterday countries, including hosts Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with fi ve points from three while Italy were in Skopje to face Wales’ Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring against Georgia during their 2018 World Cup Qualifier in Cardiff , Kuwait and Bahrain. games. pointless Macedonia. Wales, yesterday. (Reuters)