ASIAN GAMES | Page 2 MLB | Page 5 Liu sets world Cardinals’ best as Ikee late long balls bags fi stful of beat Dodgers, swim medals Jansen

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Dhul-Hijja 11, 1439 AH Salah in diving GULF TIMES storm as Liverpool win at Palace SPORT Page 7 FOCUS Coach Kotze plotting Samba’s path to world title and record ‘We are planning for the world record and the title at the IAAF World Championships in Doha. But we have to be careful’

By Anil John Jakarta Bett’s death is a great loss for

t’s close to noon and Abder- me, says Kotze rahman Samba is slogging it out in the sweltering heat By Anil John tionally overwhelming to talk and humidity of the Indone- Jakarta about Bett. Isian capital. His music system – “No, no, please,” Kotze said, which he carried to the stadium – moving back a few steps and is belting out a Rihanna number ugust 7, 2018 is a date covering his face with his at full volume. His coach, Hennie Hennie Kotze desper- palms to muff le his sobs. Kotze, is hollering instructions Aately wants to black out He composed himself after a and struggling to make himself from his memory. It was on couple of minutes to continue heard. this fateful day he received the the interview only to step They had been there for close shocking news of the death of back again, finding himself to two hours with a few other his former student, Nicholas incapable of dealing with the members of Qatar’s track and Bett, the 2015 world champion situation. fi eld squad in Jakarta for the in the 400m hurdles. This writer had no option but to Asian Games. There’s hardly Bett had won the title at the apologise to him profusely for anybody else at the venue apart IAAF World Championships in bringing up the topic, but Kotze from a few teenaged Asian Games Beijing, the first Kenyan to do finally got himself together and volunteers. They are watching so in an event shorter than the managed a few words. Samba drip bucketsful of sweat 800 metres. He was driving to “I was shocked and saddened as he goes through his strenuous Nairobi from Eldoret when his by the news. He was with me routine. One of the girls tries to car a bump and rolled over. for two years. It’s a great loss imitate him by jumping over an He was killed instantly. for athletics, and also for me imaginary hurdle. Her friends Bett, who was only 28, was personally.” break into giggles. more of a son to Kotze, who Samba, who was listening from It’s 12.30pm and the heat has now coaches Abderrahman a few yards away, came to the suddenly become oppressive. Samba with the aim of making Kotze’s assistance. “Ok, we are done for today,” Ko- him the world champion. “Don’t worry coach, he is with tze shouts. “Five more minutes, In Jakarta now for the Asian God, he is in a nice place,” he coach,” Samba shouts back. Games, Kotze found it emo- said. Kotze smiled. Kotze is regarded as one of the greatest hurdles coaches in the world, but the genial and humble South African considers himself lucky to have Samba as his stu- dent. “He is really dedicated and disciplined and has a fantastic Qatar’s 400m hurdler Abderrahman Samba and his coach Hennie Kotze (right) after a training session during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta temperament. It’s an honour for yesterday. PICTURES: Anil John me to have him under my wings,” Kotze says, as Samba collects the gold for Qatar in Jakarta. His sen- record. He was fantastic in the ners usually take 14 steps be- hurdles and heads back to rest sational exploits in the Diamond Diamond League. His consist- tween hurdles because maintain- on the steps of the stadium. On League, where he upstaged Nor- ency has been amazing. Surely ing a long enough stride to reach the way, however, he stops and wegian world champion Karsten we are planning for the world every hurdle in 13 steps is con- shouts into this writer’s record- Warholm, would go down as one record and the title at the IAAF sidered extremely taxing. On the er: “He is the best coach in the of the highlights of the 2018 track World Championships in Doha other hand, if an athlete takes 15 world, he is the best coach in the and fi eld season. next year. But we have to be care- strides he would be hardly com- world.” The South African is certain ful with our planning.” petitive because that would mean Kotze smiles gently and waves Samba is a future world champi- One of the things coach Kotze each stride will be shorter. him off with a pat on the back. on, with the world record possi- would like Samba to do is to take Moses was a self-coached ath- There’s little doubt about the bly accompanying it as the icing just 13 strides consistently be- lete. He had a masters in physics ses’ mark at the Paris Diamond strides each.” level of admiration they have for on the cake. The world record, tween hurdles as this is consid- and industrial engineering, and League surely puts him on the But at the moment, the focus is each other. of course, belongs to American ered the benchmark of greatness perhaps used some of his knowl- road to superstardom. on the Asian Games. “The thing about him is he Kevin Young, who clocked 46.78 over the 400m. edge to develop his athletics “That’s one of the things we “It’s one of the biggest events takes the same discipline and seconds at the 1992 Olympics in American all-time great Ed- prowess. are working on. The 400m hur- in the world even though it’s the dedication to his life outside of Barcelona. win Moses, who won the gold As a result, between 1977 dles is one of the most demand- Asian Games. Winning the gold athletics. To his personal life, his Twenty-six years after Young’s at the 1976 and 1984 Olympics and 1987, he went unbeaten in a ing events, technically as well as for your country is an honour. religion, he is totally committed. blistering eff ort, the Qatari be- – he didn’t take part in the 1980 mindboggling 122 races, setting physically. You have to set your Abderrahman is very excited and It’s lucky for me that he is that came only the second man ever to Games in Moscow because of the four world records in the process. target, speed wise, endurance motivated. He is in great shape. way. It helps me a lot in my work go under 47 seconds (46.98), his even surprised Kotze. US boycott – is considered the Moses’ personal best of 47.02 was wise,” says Kotze. He is both naturally gifted as well and it helps him run very fast!” feat coming during the Paris Dia- “To be honest even I was taken fi rst man to perfect the 13-stride set in 1983, which his compatriot “I want him to reach the fi rst as totally dedicated.” Samba, of course, is the hot fa- mond League meeting on June by surprise. I didn’t realise he pattern. Young later eclipsed in 1992. The hurdle in 20 strides and each of The 400m hurdles gold will be vourite to win the 400m hurdles 30. It was a performance that would come close to the world In a 400m hurdles race, run- fact that Samba also broke Mo- the remaining nine hurdles in 13 decided on August 27.

Medals tally (top 15) Qatar at Asiad Qatar’s Babacar Dieng (centre) G S B T goes for a basket 1. 30 18 12 60 during the men’s 2. 12 17 18 47 3x3 basketball Pool C match against 3. Korea 8 12 14 34 Nepal in Jakarta 4. 5 2 5 12 yesterday. Dieng and teammate 5. Iran 4 3 5 12 Nedim Muslic 6. DPR Korea 4 1 3 8 (right) scored eight 7. 3 3 4 10 points each in the game as Qatar 8. Chinese Taipei 3 2 5 10 won 21-8. Qatar 9. Mongolia 2 1 4 7 also beat Syria 17-7 yesterday evening 10. Kazakhstan 1 5 7 13 and are top of their 11. Uzbekistan 1 3 6 10 pool with three 12. Thailand 1 1 8 10 victories, after Maldives were 13. Lebanon 1 1 2 4 Qatar’s Cherif Samba (centre) in action as teammate Ahmed Janko (right) looks on during the men’s disqualified. 14. Philippines 1 0 4 5 beach volleyball Pool B match against at the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang yesterday. 15. Jordan 1 0 1 2 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 22, 2018 ASIAN GAMES

SPOTLIGHT Qatar at Asiad Asian athletics president hails large participation at Asian Games

QNA trative staff . Doha Al-Hamad pointed out that the Asian Games in Indonesia will for the fi rst time see a 4x400 sian Athletics Associa- race, expecting all athletics com- Qatar’s Tala Abu Jubara in action during the repechages round for the women’s sculls rowing event in Palembang yesterday. With a time of 8:54.31, she has made it tion president Dahlan petitions to witness strong com- to tomorrow’s Final B of the event. Jumaan al-Hamad has petition in line with the strength Apraised the large par- of the Asian teams. ticipation in the athletics com- He said that the absence of petitions at the ongoing 18th Qatari world champion Mutaz Asian Games. Barshim from the high jump com- Al-Hamad said in remarks petition will have a huge impact on that all the preparations for the the success of the competition. big event have been concluded He stressed that the Qatari and the main athletics compe- mission will not be aff ected by titions will start on Saturday at the absence of Barshim, espe- Gelora Stadium. cially as there are other distinc- Al-Hamad revealed that he tive athletes, such as Hamdi made every eff ort to make ath- al-Amin, who will participate in letics a major contributor to the high jump event, adding that competitions, especially as it has Abdalelah Haroun and Abder- great interest from the organis- rahman Samba have the ability to ers, the technical and adminis- win medals.

SHOOTING Lebanon wins gold in mixed-team trap (From left) Qatar’s women’s 3x3 basketball squad Sara al-Saadi, Alaa Qatar’s Ali al-Yafei competes during the men’s Individual Accuracy paragliding event at Gunung Soliman, Mona Saad and Yasmin Koshkosh faced off with China in Mas Puncak in West Java, Indonesia. Al-Yafei was ranked 9th in Round 5 of the event, which will their opening Pool A match against China yesterday. China won the continue with rounds 6, 7 and 8 today. (Reuters) game 22-3. Qatar next play Vietnam and on Friday.

FOCUS Liu sets world best

Gold medallists Lebanon’s Ray Bassil (left) and Alain Moussa pose for photographers during the podium ceremony for the trap mixed team as Ikee bags fi stful shooting event yesterday. (AFP) ay Bassil and Alain excitement at getting gold. Moussa from Lebanon “This is very exciting, extraor- have won their fi rst gold dinary, because winning a gold medal in the 2018 Asian medal is not an easy thing,” said GamesR mixed-team trap shoot- the 29-year-old. ing competition with a total of 43 She said that the competitors of swim medals points. at the event were all great, even The mixed pair beat their though Lebanon was initially not Teenager Ikee snares two individual titles; Chinese champion misses out on relay counterparts from Chinese Tai- too favoured. pei with a narrow margin in a She said initially it was not AFP fi erce competition at Jakabaring easy to compete in Indonesia Jakarta Sport City in Palembang, South with its tropical climate. As can Sumatra, yesterday. be seen earlier in the women’s Their victory is important for trap category, Bassil, who had hina’s Liu Xiang Lebanon, which has not won a taken the lead two days in a row sparked an explosive gold medal at an international during the qualifying rounds, night of Asian Games sports competition in the Asian was unable to make the fi nal. swimming by smashing region. But along with Alain Moussa, theC world record in the women’s Chinese Taipei won silver it turned out that the long-haired 50 metres backstroke yesterday. medal through Yichun Lin and shooter could perform optimally. The 21-year-old set the fi rst Kunpi Yang, who gained a total of “The air is quite hot and very new world best time at the six- 42 points, while Xiaojing Wang humid, but it doesn’t matter. We day Jakarta meet, storming to and Yu Du from China had to set- have shown no one can stop us. gold in 26.98 — the fi rst time a tle for third place with 31 points. That doesn’t matter anymore,” woman has broken the 27-sec- Bassil couldn’t cover up her she said. ond barrier. Japan’s Rikako Ikee crushed it in the women’s 100m butterfl y to win her fourth gold in three Sports-mad Indonesian couple days, while Chinese giant Sun Yang scooped his third as the name new baby ‘Asian Games’ Asian rivals fought tooth and nail for supremacy of the pool. AFP The city’s residents are Liu shaved eight hundredths Palembang, Indonesia fiercely proud to be in the off countrywoman Zhao Jing’s international spotlight, with previous bodysuit world best set banners lining the streets and in 2009. sports-mad Indonesian TV screens showing the sports “It was like a dream,” gasped couple have named live in many restaurants. the former world bronze medal- A their new baby ‘Asian Many Indonesians have only list. “I didn’t expect to do that. Games’ to mark her arrival one name and many, but not I’ve improved my kick in the last as the country kicked off the all, Indonesian children have few months and I think maybe world’s second-biggest multi- their father’s surname as their that’s what made the diff er- sport event. first name. ence.” The little girl — full name The new parents remained Fu Yuanhui, also of China, Abidah Asian Games — was coy when asked if they hoped took silver in 27.68 with Japan’s born about a month early in the name would help turn Natsumi Sakai claiming bronze. co-host city Palembang, just their daughter into a future Ikee complained of being hours before Saturday’s open- sporting star. “shattered” after the morning ing ceremony, her parents told “If she has the talent and mo- heats but showed no signs of fa- AFP yesterday. tivation we will support and tigue in the fi nal as she won in a Liu Xiang (also inset) of China competes during the women’s 50m backstroke final at the GBK Aquatics Center in Jakarta yesterday. (Reuters) “We already had a first name motivate her,” mum Vera said, Games record 56.30. for her but didn’t have a last although her husband hinted Her time was over a second can keep this winning run going four seconds clear of Japan’s white tracksuit yesterday, when Earlier, China’s Yu Hexin se- name,” new father Yordania which sport he would prefer, clear of China’s Zhang Yufei and until next year’s world champi- Naito Ehara. asked to comment he growled: cured gold in the men’s 50m Denny said, cradling the new saying that “Indonesia is good comes just 10 days after Ikee onships.” “It proves I’m still at the top of “I’m used to it by now — it free in 22.11, from Japanese pair arrival in his arms in the front at ”. claimed the Pan Pacifi c title in World champion Sun powered my game in the 400,” said Sun, makes no diff erence to me!” Katsumi Nakamura (22.20) and room of their modest house in They also said that they would Tokyo. to gold in the 400m freestyle af- who triggered swoons from his Japan’s Yasuhiro Koseki beat Shunichi Nakao (22.46). the north of the city. allow Abidah Asian Games to “It was a perfect race plan and ter winning the 200m and 800m fl ag-waving groupie fans when countryman Ippei Watanabe by Yui Ohashi hit back for Japan So the parents, who now have change her name in the future a great swim,” said the 18-year- titles earlier in the week, also he waved in their direction. a fi ngertip to win 200m breast- with a runaway victory in the three children, drew inspira- if she does not have the same old, who has also won gold in equalling the record of eight “I’ve swum six races in three stroke gold. women’s 400m individual med- tion from what they regard as appreciation for the regional the 50m fl y, 100m free and the Asian Games swimming gold days but I hung in there. It’s a nice Koseki went out strong and ley, winning in 4:34.58 from Ko- an “historic” moment. Olympic event. 4x100m free. medals held by compatriot Xu reward for all the hard work.” clung on to win in 2:07.81 — pip- rean Kim Seoyeong (4:37.43) and “Such an event is rare. It only The August 18-September 2 “I didn’t think I had that in me Yanwei. No stranger to controversy, ping world record holder Watan- fellow Japanese Sakiko Shimizu happens every few years. Asian Games features 17,000 after the heats. But I stayed calm Sun has caused a fl ap with team abe by one hundredth of a second. (4:39.10). And not to mention that it’s athletes and off icials and is be- and didn’t panic,” added Ikee, GROUPIE FANS sponsors this week by wearing a “The last few metres were China’s women’s 4x200m in Palembang — it’s rare for ing held in the capital Jakarta who returned to help Japan to sil- The three-time Olympic gold diff erent tracksuit in Jakarta to painful,” winced Koseki. “I was victory kept their noses in front Palembang to host such an... and Palembang on Sumatra ver in the women’s 4x200m free. medallist clocked a winning the one worn by his teammates. hanging on for dear life — I of Japan with 11 gold medals to event.” island. “I hate losing so hopefully I time of 3:42.92 — more than Despite sporting the offi cial thought I was going to croak.” 10 for their fi erce rivals. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 22, 2018 3 ASIAN GAMES

SPOTLIGHT WEIGHTLIFTING Chaudhary wins Diaz wins fi rst gold for Philippines gold; Verma and Rajput add to haul 16-year-old Chaudhary wins India’s first shooting gold at 18th Asiad

IANS Jakarta

ndian shooters Saurabh Chaudhary and Abhishek AFP ing back to his bronze at the front of him, broke into a huge Verma bagged the gold and Jakarta Beijing 2008 Olympics, but had smile and fl ashed a thumbs-up bronze medals respectively never before set foot on the top to the packed 2,000-capacity Iin the men’s 10 metre Air Pistol step of the podium. venue after setting a winning fi nal in the ongoing 2018 Asian eightlifter Hidilyn “I’m a proud Indonesian and total of 311kg. Games yesterday. Diaz won the Phil- pleased for the country to win Vietnam’s Trinh van Vinh Chaudhary, 16, clinched the ippines’ fi rst gold gold,” Irawan told AFP after needed a mammoth personal gold after producing an Asian medal of the 2018 receiving his medal from presi- best of 179kg with the fi nal lift Games record score of 240.7. It WAsian Games and “proud In- dent Widodo. of the competition to snatch was India’s third gold medal at donesian” Eko Yuli Irawan tri- “I feel like everything I have gold, but he crumpled in the at- the ongoing Games. umphed for the hosts on a pul- fought for I have now fi nally tempt. Verma, 29, stood third scoring sating day of action yesterday. achieved.” Finally Irawan could sa- 219.3, after fi nishing sixth in the Diaz, the silver medallist Diaz raised 92kg in the snatch vour the golden moment that qualifi cation round. from the Rio Olympics, pipped and 115kg in the clean and jerk had always eluded him in the Tomoyuki Matsuda of Japan Turkmenistan’s Kristina Sher- for a 207kg total that proved just past, after Olympic bronzes at secured silver with 239.7. He and metova by just one kilogramme enough to edge out Sherme- Beijing 2008 and London 2012, Chaudhary pulled away for the to win the women’s 53kg class. tova (93kg snatch, 113kg clean silver at Rio two years ago and gold medal battle with points of “It was pressure for me for and jerk). Thailand’s Khambao Asian Games bronzes in 2010 220.1 and 220.5 respectively as how many months,” Diaz told Surodchana took the bronze on and 2014. Verma was eliminated after eight AFP. “At the Olympics no one 201kg. President Widodo presented series. expected me to win but at Asian “I feel this is a great stepping him with his medal before he Matsuda, 42, was leading the Games everyone expected me to stone to Tokyo 2020,” Diaz said. saluted again throughout his charge going into the ninth and win a medal, a gold medal. “I will compete in the world country’s anthem and fl ag- fi nal series having led after each “For months I couldn’t sleep, championships in Turkmeni- raising. of the series. But in the fi nal se- my training got ruined but with stan in November. I don’t know Trinh consoled himself with ries, he came up with fi rst shot positive people surrounding me if I will win because I will now silver, and the bronze went to score of 8.9 to blow his chances I got through it. They inspired go back to school,” said the Uzbekistan’s Adkhamjon Er- as Saurabh overtook him with a and motivated me.” 27-year-old. gashev. 10.2 in his fi rst shot of the series. Earlier Irawan, also a silver Irawan’s almost fl awless per- Irawan was ecstatic to be In the second shot of the se- medallist in Rio, dominated the formance of strength and con- halfway to his stated career ries, Matsuda scored 10.3 but Gold medallist Saurabh Chaudhary (left) of India and bronze medallist Abhishek Verma pose with their men’s 62kg competition to take trol was capped by a 170kg lift in aims of winning both Asian Saurabh did well with 10.4 to seal medals after the men’s 10m Air Pistol podium in Palembang, Indonesia, yesterday. (Reuters) Indonesia’s fi rst weightlifting the clean and jerk which raised Games and Olympic gold. the title. gold of the Games in front of the roof at the Jakarta Interna- “I’m very thankful to my Sanjeev Rajput clinched a sil- ling of Chinese Taipei by techni- Group B, lost 0-2 to sepaktakraw take on Cai Yingying of China in President Joko Widodo. tional Expo. coach and team, also the people ver medal in the men’s 50 me- cal superiority in the play-off for powerhouse Thailand in a semi- the semi-fi nals, for a shot at the Veteran Irawan, 29, has won To screams from his adoring where I am from, for supporting tre Rifl e 3 Positions event after the bronze medal. A wrestler is fi nal to get a podium fi nish. gold medal. multiple major medals in a sen- home fans, Irawan saluted the me,” he said. “I want to win gold scoring 452.7 in the fi nal. The declared winner by technical su- Later, Kumar edged out Phitak ior weightlifting career stretch- country’s president seated in in Tokyo 2020.” 37-year-old had earlier bagged periority when he takes a lead of INDIANS ENSURE FOUR Paokrathok of Thailand 2-1 in bronze in the same category at 10 or more points. MEDALS IN WUSHU the last eight stage of the men’s the 2006 Doha Asian Games. The Indian hardly broke a India’s Naorem Roshibina Devi, sanda 56kg division. Santosh China’s Hui Zicheng secured sweat, taking just one minute Santosh Kumar, Surya Bhanu will take on Bui Truong Giang of the gold medal after scoring and 29 seconds in the fi rst period Pratap Singh and Narender Gre- China in the semi-fi nals. Pakistan pick up fi rst win in handball 453.3, while Japan’s Takayuki to open up a 10-0 lead which gave wal assured themselves of a medal Singh defeated Jean Claude Matsumoto settled for bronze her the win. each after advancing to the semi- Saclag of Philippines 2-0 in the with a score of 441.4. fi nals of their respective categories quarter-fi nals of the men’s san- FIRST-EVER SEPAKTAKRAW in the wushu competition. da 60kg category. He will fi ght WRESTLER KAKRAN TAKES MEDAL FOR INDIA This is the best ever perform- Iran’s Erfan Ahangarian for a BRONZE India got its fi rst-ever medal ance by India in wushu at the place in the fi nal. Indian wrestler Divya Kakran in sepaktakraw as it settled for Asiad. In the men’s sanda 65kg quar- took bronze in the women’s 68 a bronze medal after losing to Naorem defeated Mubashra ter-fi nals, Grewal beat Akmal kilogram freestyle category yes- Thailand in the semi-fi nals of the of Pakistan 2-0 in the quarter- Rakhimov of Uzbekistan 2-0. He terday. men’s team regu event yesterday. fi nals of the women’s sanda 60 will meet Foroud Zafari of Iran in Kakran thrashed Chen Wen- India, after fi nishing second in kilogram category. Naorem will the semi-fi nals.

BOTTOMLINE Clarkson eff ort not enough as China beat Philippines in basketball AFP Jakarta

leveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson fell just short of leading Action from the men’s handball Group 3 match between Pakistan (in green) and Indonesia (in the Philippines to vic- white) yesterday. Pakistan won the game 28-23. Pakistan will next play India on Friday. toryC over China’s own NBA stars on his international debut, in a thrilling Asian Games basketball encounter yesterday. FOCUS The Zhou Qi-led China edged past Philippines 82-80 in a last- minute win at the GBK Basketball Hall in Jakarta. Firefi ghters tackle large blaze Clarkson, who joined up with the team fi ve days ago after the US league released him in a last- outside Palembang venue minute U-turn, lived up to the pre- match billing by top-scoring with AFP vent too much embarrassment central Jakarta to get their anti- 28 points, only to witness the Fili- Palembang, Indonesia for organisers of the world’s pollution message across. pinos crumble down the stretch. second-biggest multi-sport Greenpeace members cov- Philippines, who were cheered event, blowing the smoke away ered it with a mural showing a on by a raucous crowd, led 80- large blaze broke out from the athletes. person wearing a gas mask and 77 with just over one minute left right next to the Asian South Sumatra Governor the message “#WeBreatheTh- before China scored fi ve straight Games site in the In- Alex Noerdin said at the scene eSameAir”. points for the win. donesian city of Pale- that he was “100 percent con- It also displayed the number Chinese coach Li Nan praised mbangA on Tuesday as fi refi ght- fi dent” that haze would not 152 — the day’s air-quality index The Philippines’ Jordan Clarkson (third from left) attempts a shot against China’s Zhou Qi (third from right) Clarkson for getting the best out in their men’s basketball Group D game at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) ers scrambled to prevent clouds mar the regional Olympics, reading for the sprawling city no- of the gutsy Philippines. of smoke aff ecting competition adding that 10 fi re trucks and a torious for its traffi c jams. “Yes, he makes the team look Mavericks) to lead for much of the same team that reached greater Nan. “Yao (as president) changed events. helicopter had been deployed in Anything over 150 is consid- very diff erent. He is a very good the match with aggressive play. heights under NBA Hall of Famer the team. Inspired young players to Helicopters scooped up wa- less than 15 minutes. ered a health threat to the gen- shooter and he got 26 points,” Nan admitted that physi- Yao Ming, who now heads the na- play better. And hopefully things ter to douse the fl ames in fi elds Palembang is one of two host eral population. Nan said of Clarkson. cal play was part of the strategy, tional basketball association. will only improve from here.” bordering the sports complex cities of the Asian Games, along “The government must fi nd a “In the second half we couldn’t while praising Qi and Yanyuhang Ming, 7 feet and 6 inches (2.29 The Philippines’ basketball while dozens of fi refi ghters on with Jakarta. A couple of build- real solution because we are in stop him. That’s the big diff er- in helping a young team move in meters) tall, sat in the stands to team arrived in Indonesia with the ground helped extinguish ings housing some of the sport the spotlight as the organiser of ence between Asian and Ameri- the right direction. witness his team edge out a spir- their own set of problems, hav- the blaze, as athletes competed stars directly overlooked the Asia’s biggest sports party,” said can (players),” said Nan, a former “They are two very good play- ited Philippines who were clearly ing to put a team together for the close by in shooting and beach blaze. Greenpeace Indonesia cam- Chinese professional player who ers. I know Zhou Qi for many the crowd favourites in Jakarta. Games after 10 of their players volleyball. The threat of haze has been paigner Bondan Andriyanu. retired in 2009. years. They came back (from Nan admitted the current Chi- were suspended by the game’s Chinese shooter Wang Xiao- a particularly sensitive issue About 17,000 athletes and of- Clarkson was born in the US NBA) to really help Team China,” nese side is “not the best team”, but world body FIBA. jing, 26, told AFP that she saw for offi cials, with fi res and pol- fi cials from 45 Asian countries but has Philippine citizenship said Nan. said they are in a rebuilding phase. An on-court brawl in a World the fi re during the trap mixed lution common in the country — along with hordes of sports- through his grandmother. “We want those two back to “This is a half Chinese team. Cup qualifi er against Australia team fi nal but kept her focus, during peak hot season. crazy tourists — are in Jakarta China also depended on their make this team better. We want This is not the best team here but cost Philippines most of their later taking the bronze medal The confl agration came on the and Palembang for the Asian NBA duo of Qi (Houston Rock- to get better and better.” we have got youngsters who are players and two coaches but they with teammate Yu Du. same day that environmental ac- sporting extravaganza, which ets) and Ding Yanyuhang (Dallas The current China side is not getting better and better,” said fi nally regrouped. A southerly wind helped pre- tivists scaled a huge billboard in runs until September 2. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 22, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Serena seeks to cap Rejuvenated Djokovic comeback year with Grand Slam No. 24

AFP with the emotions and the ups New York and downs and the fears and the eyes US Open title as excitement.” And then there’s her game, erena Williams, riding an worryingly inconsistent in six emotional rollercoaster tournaments so far this year — as she adapts to juggling including the French Open where tennis and motherhood, she withdrew before the fourth seeksS to end 2018 on a high with round with a pectoral injury. ‘Big Four’ reunited a record-equalling 24th Grand “Basically, my whole game needs Slam title at the US Open. The US to improve,” she admits, if she great counts six US Open victo- is to avoid her fi rst season since ries among her 23 Slams and with 2011 without a Grand Slam sin- Serb finds himself as joint-favourite with Nadal to triumph at Flushing Meadows one more would match Austral- gles title. ian Margaret Court’s record for World number one Simona AFP most major singles titles. Halep arrives at Flushing Mead- New York She could also join Court, Ev- ows buoyed not only by her fi rst onne Goolagong and Kim Cli- Grand Slam title at Roland Gar- jsters as the only mothers to win ros but by an impressive hard- rom the pits of despair in Paris, Grand Slam singles titles, but court campaign that included a record-setting Novak Djokovic since an impressive run to the victory in Montreal followed by now eyes a third US Open title in Wimbledon fi nal — where she a runner-up fi nish in Cincinnati. New York where for the fi rst time fell to Angelique Kerber — Wil- The Romanian has reached Fsince Wimbledon last year, the sport’s liams has endured a lacklustre six fi nals this year, displaying ‘Big Four’ will be reunited. Djokovic be- buildup to the hardcourt show- a new maturity on the court. came the fi rst man to win all nine Masters piece in Flushing Meadows. “Now she’s understanding what titles with victory over Roger Federer at “I’m still at the very begin- the problems are, when she gets Cincinnati on Sunday. ning, this is a long comeback,” a little bit emotional how many Having captured, against all the odds, she defi antly told reporters af- points in a row she’s losing be- a fourth Wimbledon in July, the 31-year- ter a second-round loss to Petra cause of that,” Halep’s coach old Serb suddenly fi nds himself as joint- Kvitova — winner of fi ve titles Darren Cahill said. favourite with world number one Rafael this year — in the second round “She’s starting to see the Nadal to triumph at Flushing Meadows. at Cincinnati. structure and the momentum Champion in 2011 and 2015, and a fi ve- “I just began, I just started,” changes and the swings much time runner-up, Djokovic sat out the 2017 Williams said. “I’m defi nitely at better than she used to. That’s US Open to nurse an elbow injury. the very, very beginning.” why now she’s able to turn His physical limitations were still evi- She had shrugged off an even matches around, where as once dent when he slumped away from Roland bigger disappointment two weeks upon a time they used to slip Garros in June after a shock quarter-fi nal earlier — a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Johan- away pretty quickly.” loss to journeyman Marco Cecchinato, na Konta in San Jose that was the World number two Caroline threatening to skip Wimbledon to mend most lopsided defeat of her ca- Wozniacki arrives in New York his shattered self-confi dence. reer. Williams later revealed she amid injury uncertainty, hav- Fast forward three months and Djoko- had learned shortly before that ing withdrawn from Washington vic is once again the man to beat. “It’s a match that the man convicted of with a right leg injury and then wonderful feeling. It’s been a couple of killing her sister Yetunde Price in retired with a left knee injury tough months for me with an injury but 2003 had been released on parole, from her second-round match then winning Wimbledon and Cincin- something she “couldn’t shake in Cincy — where she also played nati,” Djokovic said. out of her mind”. with a shoulder strapped. Djokovic’s Wimbledon triumph took It was another instance of per- Sloane Stephens, the world his Grand Slam title collection to 13, just sonal matters intruding on the number three, will be in unfamil- one behind Pete Sampras. He also has 31 tennis court in a way they never iar territory as she defends her Masters, two back from Nadal but four have before, with Williams open- fi rst major title, but a third fi nal more than Federer. ing up about her struggles with in the last fi ve Grand Slams ap- He will head for New York buoyed by post-partum emotions since the pears to be within her reach. Ker- his dominance over his three major rivals birth of daughter Olympia last ber will be aiming to expunge the as well — he leads Nadal 27-25, Federer September, and wrestled with memory of a fi rst-round exit last 24-22 and Andy Murray 25-11. feelings of inadequacy that many year. The Wimbledon champion “He’s a great champion,” said Federer new mothers experience. has reached at least the quarters in praise of Djokovic in Cincinnati. World “I have been through a lot of of each Slam this year and looks number one Nadal, who won the US Open Wimbledon were blown apart in a fi ve- ance at the majors while his last two visits draw. Williams, who has won the US Open stuff in my life, but I have never again like the player who won last year to add to his 2010 and 2013 vic- set loss to Kevin Anderson in the quarter- to New York ended in a pair of second- six times and will turn 37 next month, been through this,” Williams two majors in 2016 — including tories, skipped Cincinnati after triumph- fi nals. It was his earliest exit at the All round losses. missed last year’s tournament because said. “Having a baby and feeling the US Open. ing in Toronto the week before. Club in fi ve years. “Hopefully I Greek 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas, of pregnancy. In June, United States ten- The Spaniard clinched an 11th French have a chance after 10 years to do some- at 15 in the world from 161 this time last nis Association president Katrina Adams Open in June to take his majors tally to thing special again at the US Open,” said year, is the in-form youngster. He was said the US Open would revise seedings to 17 before falling to Djokovic in a fi ve- Federer. “I can’t wait for the US Open to runner-up to Nadal in Toronto, beating take into account the eff ect of pregnancy set, 5-hour 15-minute semi-fi nal loss at come around.” four top-10 players on the way includ- on the current rankings of players. Wimbledon. “Tennis is a high-demand- Murray, the 2012 champion, is set to ing Djokovic and Zverev. But a loss in his Adams’ comments came in the wake ing sport in terms of physical eff ort,” said play his fi rst Slam since a hip injury suf- opener in Cincinnati proved a sobering of widespread criticism of tennis offi cials 32-year-old Nadal. “I cannot forget that I fered at Wimbledon last year. His come- reminder that most probably it will be ei- after Serena was denied a seeding at this am older every year.” back has been far from smooth after ther Nadal, Djokovic or Federer who will year’s French Open, her fi rst grand slam Federer also knows that the clock is spending almost a year on the sidelines be a New York champion again this year. after returning to the sport. ticking. The 20-time Grand Slam winner and has played only seven matches since Romanian Simona Halep is the top won the last of his fi ve US Opens in 2008. his return. The former world number SERENA SEEDED 17TH AT US OPEN seed in the women’s draw with defend- Now 37, Federer would become the old- one has even seen his ranking nosedive to Serena Williams has been seeded 17th at ing champion Sloane Stephens at number est New York champion in the Open era 378 in the world — making him Britain’s this year’s U.S. Open one place below her three, ahead of Kerber, who won at Flush- should he lift the trophy again on Sep- eighth-best player! sister Venus, organisers said yesterday. ing Meadows in 2016. tember 9 and second oldest of all time. Outside of the ‘Big Four’, Del Potro, at Serena, who fi nished runner-up at Wim- There were no surprises on the men’s But he was knocked out by 2009 cham- a career-high three in the world, remains bledon this year after losing to ’s side with Nadal named top seed, ahead of pion Juan Martin del Potro in the quarter- a dangerman. Amongst the widely-hyped Angelique Kerber in the fi nal, is ranked Federer and del Porto in third. Djokovic, fi nals last year having had to negotiate ‘Next Gen’, world number four Alexander 26th in the world, nine places below the is seeded sixth, a place below big-serving two fi ve-setters in the opening rounds. Zverev is still a work in progress. The Ger- seeding she has been awarded. South African Kevin Anderson. John Is- Despite defending his Australian Open man’s run to the last-eight at the French The current WTA rankings are the usual ner is the highest-seeded American in the title in January, Federer’s hopes of a ninth Open this year remains his best perform- criteria to decide seeding in the women’s men’s draw at number 11. Serena Williams has won US Open six times. (AFP)

Halep withdraws from Connecticut Open F1 Los Angeles: World number She won the WTA Montreal Switzerland. one Simona Halep withdrew event before being runner-up American CoCo Vandeweghe from the WTA Connecticut Open in Cincinnati, losing in three also pulled out of the hardcourt Frenchman Gasly to replace on Monday with a leg injury, the sets to Dutchwoman Bertens tournament in New Haven on day after losing the Cincinnati on Sunday. “I really wanted to Sunday with a sore right ankle. final to Kiki Bertens. play it (Connecticut) , but I feel In yesterday’s action, two- The Romanian, who cited very sore with my Achilles, and time Wimbledon winner Petra Ricciardo at Red Bull next season soreness in her right Achilles, I need some rest,” she added. Kvitova overpowered 2016 said she still plans to take part in “I had so many matches in the champion Agnieszka Radwan- AFP for championships or victories and that’s the upcoming US Open. last two weeks, so it’s tough. See ska 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) and fourth- Paris what I want,” added Gasly. “I need to recover in time for you next year, and all the best.” seeded Karolina Pliskova of the “I’m a really competitive guy and when I the US Open,” she said. This The 26-year-old Halep will Czech Republic was knocked do something it’s always to fi ght for the best would have been Halep’s third be replaced in the draw by out by Russian Ekaterina rench driver Pierre Gasly will re- and top positions.” tournament in as many weeks. lucky loser Belinda Bencic of Makarova 6-1, 6-3. place the departing Daniel Ricciardo Gasly comes from a motorsports family at Red Bull next season, the Formula and his four brothers all drive. He started One team announced on Monday. karting at the age of six before advancing TheF 22-year-old Gasly, who currently drives to single-seater cars, winning a fi rst title in FOCUS for Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso, will Eurocop Formula Renault 2.0 in 2013 before line up alongside Max Verstappen after Aus- being recruited by Red Bull and winning a tralian Ricciardo leaves for Renault at the GP2 title in 2016. end of the 2018 campaign. He is, one of his former mechanics said, Bratches hopes departing “It has been my goal to race for this team “funny, endearing and perfectionist”. He since I joined the Red Bull Junior Driver is also known for his rare ability to analyse Programme in 2013, and this incredible op- data from his car. With nine races left in a Alonso can be ambassador for F1 portunity is another step forward in my am- season that does not end until November bition to win Grands Prix and compete for 25 in Abu Dhabi, the announcement means Reuters with the McLaren driver’s view won his world titles with Renault world championships,” said Gasly. that several of the top teams have already London that Formula One had become in 2005 and 2006 but last won a The Frenchman only made his Formula made signifi cant moves in the annual game too predictable. “I hope we can race with Ferrari in 2013. One debut at the Malaysian Grand Prix last of musical drivers’ seats. engage him to be an ambassador He joined former champions October, but has scored 26 points for Toro Mercedes announced before the German ernando Alonso can be for this great sport of ours going McLaren in 2015 and will bow out Rosso this year, with a best fi nish of fourth Grand Prix on July 22 that they had locked an ambassador for For- forward,” said Bratches. after 17 seasons in the sport, and in Bahrain. He is 13th in the drivers’ stand- Pierre Gasly currently drives for Red Bull’s their two drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Valt- mula One after the dou- Alonso, a double Monaco Grand 32 wins. He said at last week’s ings and has scored 24 more points than the junior team Toro Rosso. (Reuters) teri Bottas, to contract extensions. Then ble world champion bows Prix winner who won the Le Mans Silverstone Six Hours WEC race second Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley. Renault recruited Ricciardo to beef up their outF at the end of the season, the 24 Hours on his debut last June, that Formula One lacked excite- “Since Pierre fi rst stepped into a Formula races, with two of those coming from Ric- challenge next season and that seems to sport’s managing director Sean will continue in the World Endur- ment in its current form and One seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso less than ciardo. Gasly will join one of his good friends have had a double knock-on eff ect, freeing Bratches said yesterday. ance Championship (WEC) with had become too predictable. “I a year ago he has proved the undoubted tal- in the paddock, 20-year-old Dutchman Max a seat at Red Bull for Gasly and creating a Speaking at a Black Book Mo- Toyota next year and is expected stopped because the action on- ent that Red Bull has nurtured since his early Verstappen, to form a particularly young crowd of three at the French team. torsport Forum, the American to return to Indianapolis. track in my opinion I feel is very career,” team principal Christian Horner and eye-catching driver tandem. One of Renault’s young drivers, Span- said he was disappointed “from A victory in the Indy 500 is all poor. In fact, what we talk about said on the Red Bull website, adding that Horner also pointed out that Gasly brings iard Carlos Sainz, like Ricciardo and Gasly a business standpoint” that the that stands between him and the more in F1 is off -track. We talk Gasly was “one of the most exciting young valuable technical experience, because Red a product of Red Bull’s driver development 37-year-old Spaniard had de- “Triple Crown of Motorsport”, a about polemics, we talk about drivers in motorsport”. Bull are switching engines next season from programme, announced last Thursday that cided to call it a day but respect- feat so far achieved only by the radio messages, we talk about all Red Bull have struggled for consistency Renault to Honda, who already supply Toro he was moving to McLaren to replace the re- ed the decision. He also agreed late Briton Graham Hill. Alonso these things,” he said. this year, but have managed to win three Rosso. “Red Bull has always looked to fi ght tiring Fernando Alonso. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 22, 2018 5 SPORT

RUGBY Maddocks shrugs off Wallabies’ Eden Park record Reuters with his team against the Japan, was not to blame for the team’s The minimum ban could rise given Wellington Auckland , a side which boasts JACK MADDOCKS woes, Polota-Nau said. how the panel view the level of seri- several capped All Blacks but has been “He’s defi nitely the best man for the ousness of the off ence and the previ- the weakest New Zealand team in the job,” said the hooker. ous disciplinary record of the player ustralia have not won a test at competition for years. “He actually brings a great blueprint concerned. New Zealand’s Eden Park in Not many of his international team- for us to work off . If anything it’s more A lengthy suspension could upset 32 years but talk of a hoodoo mates can make such a boast, though. about how we take that blueprint and Ashton’s chances of consideration for holds little weight for Walla- Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, 33, won put it out there on the fi eld.” England’s November 2 game against biesA rookie Jack Maddocks ahead of the with the New South Waratahs in , the fi rst in a series of au- second Rugby Championship match 2009, his only victorious trip to Auck- ASHTON’S HOPES OF ENGLAND tumn internationals. against the All Blacks. land in 14 years of top-fl ight Rugby. RECALL IN DANGER OVER TIP TACKLE “Ashton was shown a red card by Thrashed 38-13 in the opener in “There’s no better challenge for us Chris Ashton’s hopes of earning a recall referee Roman Poite in the 46th minute Sydney on Saturday, the Wallabies as a whole group ... to not even con- to the England Rugby squad are under of the pre-season fi xture between Cas- need a win at the Auckland stronghold sider whatever they call the ‘hoodoo’ threat after the wing was charged by tres Olympique and Sale on to dent the All Blacks’ title defence and of Eden Park,” he said. the Rugby Football Union over an al- Friday 17 August 2018,” read the state- push the Bledisloe Cup, the annual se- “I’ve played there quite a few times. leged tip tackle. ment from the RFU. ries contested between the nations, to I’ve only managed to win there once, The 31-year-old – who returned to “This was for a tip tackle on Rory a decider. Most of Michael Cheika’s but in saying that, we just have to make England to join Sale after just one sea- Kockott contrary to law 9.18 (a play- Wallabies know only humiliating de- sure we use that one opportunity ... son with French giants Toulon because er must not lift an opponent off the feat from their trips to Eden Park and that’s my biggest motivator, to win he wants to win back a spot in the na- ground and drop or drive that player bookmakers expect more of the same again at Eden Park.” tional side – could face a minimum so that their head and/or upper body on Saturday. To try to change the Wallabies’ six week ban if tomorrow he is found make contact with the ground).” However Maddocks, who plays for mindset in the leadup to Saturday’s guilty as charged by the three-member Ashton – who played the last of his the , has a refreshing test, Cheika has changed their envi- independent disciplinary panel. 39 Tests in 2014 – has a chequered dis- outlook on the challenge. ronment. Originally it had been thought ref- ciplinary record. When he played for “I won with the Rebels, so what hoo- He ditched the usual city hotel in eree Romain Poite had sent him off in Saracens he served a 10 week ban for doo?” the outside back quipped to re- favour of a resort at Waiheke Island, a last Friday’s lively pre-season friendly eye gouging Ulster back Luke Marshall porters at the Wallabies’ training base peaceful expanse of vineyards, beaches es are needed, including one promi- at Olympic stadium. Cheika, who took with French outfi t Castres for punch- in January 2016 and then 13 weeks for in Waiheke Island. and holiday homes some 40 minutes nent Rugby writer who called for Chei- the Wallabies to a surprise World Cup ing scrum-half Rory Kockott. In fact, biting Northampton Saints prop Alex Maddocks was indeed part of a rare off the mainland by ferry. ka and his entire team of assistants to fi nal in 2015 and has signed up until the red card was issued for the tip tack- Waller in a Premiership clash in Australian win at the stadium in June Some in Australia feel bigger chang- be fi red in the wake of the capitulation after next year’s global showpiece in le off ence, the RFU said. September that year.

MLB NFL Helmet-rule tweaks to be discussed today Cards’ late long balls Athletic on Monday, the rule is Reuters New York “going to cost some people some jobs. Playoff s, jobs, the whole bit, I guess.” he NFL will spent the One of Zimmer’s players, majority of a previously hard-hitting safety Andrew scheduled Wednesday Sendejo, expressed his disdain conference call discuss- for the rule earlier this month, beat Dodgers, Jansen Ting the league’s new helmet rule wearing a hat bearing the words and how to tweak or improve it, “Make Football Violent Again.” ‘It was forever. Four-hour, nine-inning game? It felt like an eternity’ according to multiple reports Monday. TITANS PLACE REED The rule – which penalises a ON IR, ADD KALU player for lowering the helmet The Tennessee Titans placed with intent to initiate contact cornerback Kalan Reed on in- – has been a source of confu- jured reserve Monday with a torn sion and frustration for players, ACL and agreed to terms with coaches and fans alike through defensive back Josh Kalu. the fi rst half of the preseason. Reed is the third defensive The conference call could lead to back placed on injured reserve some simplifi cation. by Tennessee this preseason, Pro Football Talk reported following safety Jonathan Cypr- that tweaks could include limit- ien and cornerback Tye Smith. ing the application of the rule to Cyprien went down to a knee the top or crown of the helmet (it injury during a non-contact currently applies to all parts of play in practice, prompting the the helmet), or requiring forci- team to sign former New Orleans ble helmet contact, which would Saints fi rst-round pick Kenny eliminate penalties for inciden- Vaccaro. tal contact or glancing blows Reed was the fi nal pick of from the side. PFT adds that the 2016 NFL Draft, dubbed replay review could be added as “Mr. Irrelevant.” The 5-foot- a failsafe. ESPN reported that 11, 192-pound former Southern NFL vice president of offi cials Al Miss standout is a former track Riveron will make revisions after star who was competing for the preseason to the video tuto- snaps as a reserve in the Titans’ rial that has been sent to offi - young cornerback group. cials, coaches and players, help- “Kalan has stood out to me. ing them better understand what He can run all day. You talk about plays will and won’t be called in a guy that is always around the the regular season. ball ... I don’t care where he was ESPN also quoted a source when the play started,” Titans saying the reaction to the rule coach Mike Mularkey said dur- has been “predictable hyste- ing off season workouts in June. ria” because of how new it is, “He can run and he doesn’t even with another source expecting look like he’s winded. ... He has a “probable three-year” adjust- really great awareness.” ment to the rule changes. Kalu signed with the Titans in The rule was added this off - May as an undrafted rookie out season to improve player safety, of Nebraska, where he was a 37- but players and coaches have game starter at cornerback and been vocal about their confu- safety. The 6-foot, 203-pounder sion. Minnesota Vikings head was waived last week, but agreed coach Mike Zimmer told The to terms to return Monday.

Flames acquire Rychel from St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Carpenter (right) celebrates with first baseman Jose Martinez and shortstop Paul DeJong (left) after hitting a in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Canadiens for Shinkaruk

Patrick Wisdom had a bases-loaded walk while improving his record with the A’s Reuters RESULTS Los Angeles in the fi fth for the Cardinals. to 2-0 in three starts. Gomber gave up two runs on fi ve hits Athletics 9-0 Rangers Laureano, playing in just his 12th ma- and four walks with four strikeouts. He Mariners 7-4 Astros jor league game, got the Oakland off ense edd Gyorko and Matt Carpenter has allowed two earned runs or fewer in rolling in the second inning with a two- hit back-to-back home runs to four of his fi ve career starts. Brett Cecil Cardinals 5-3 Dodgers run homer off Rangers veteran Bartolo open the ninth inning as the visit- (1-1) recorded one out in the eighth Red Sox 5-4 Indians Colon (7-11). ing St. Louis Cardinals continued to pick up the victory, and Bud Norris Braves 1-0 Pirates The 24-year-old added a three-run theirJ hot August with a 5-3 victory over struck out three in the ninth inning for shot that ended Colon’s night in the the Los Angeles Dodgers. his 25th save. Brewers 5-2 Reds sixth, extending the Athletics’ lead to Jose Martinez drove in a pair of runs The victory moved the Cardinals into Giants 2-1 Mets 7-0. and rookie starter Austin Gomber went a three-way tie for the second NL wild- White Sox 8-5 Twins Colon, who was pushed back from a The Calgary Flames acquired He finished with 42 points in 71 fi ve strong innings as the Cardinals im- card spot with the Colorado Rockies and scheduled start over the weekend be- Kerby Rychel from the Mon- combined AHL games, and he Blue Jays 5-3 Orioles proved to a National League-best 15-4 Philadelphia Phillies. All three clubs are cause of a sore back, was charged with treal Canadiens in exchange recorded a goal and an assist in in August. St. Louis is now 22-11 under half-game behind the team holding the Rays 1-1 Royals seven runs on 10 hits in fi ve innings. He for fellow left winger Hunter four games with the Canadiens. interim manager Mike Shildt, who took top NL wild-card position, the Milwau- walked one and struck out three. Shinkaruk, the Canadiens an- He was the 19th overall pick in over after Mike Matheny was fi red in July. kee Brewers. a three-game series in Oakland, Calif. Davis hit a leadoff homer in the third nounced Monday. the 2013 draft by the Blue Jack- The Cardinals’ ninth-inning home Justin Turner had two hits for the Ramon Laureano hit his fi rst two ca- inning. It was his third long ball in two Both players were drafted ets. In 41 career NHL games, runs came off Kenley Jansen (0-4), spoil- Dodgers to extend his hitting streak to 14 reer home runs, and Khris Davis belted days, and his eighth in 14 games against in 2013, and this will be the the first 37 with Columbus, the ing the return of the Dodgers’ closer, who games, the longest active hitting streak his 38th, propelling the A’s to the 15th the Rangers this season. fourth NHL team for Rychel, 23-year-old has three goals and went on the disabled list August 10 be- in the major leagues. win in their past 19 games. Davis tied The bottom of the Oakland order did a while Shinkaruk joins his third 14 points. Shinkaruk, drafted cause of an irregular heartbeat. Los Angeles starter Alex Wood lasted Boston’s J.D. Martinez for the major majority of the damage, with Laureano, organisation. five picks after Rychel by the Gyorko hit his 11th home run, while just four innings, giving up three runs league home run lead. Stephen Piscotty, Marcus Semien and Following the trade, Shinkaruk Canucks, appeared in one game Carpenter hit his NL-leading 34th. Max on seven hits with two walks and four The Athletics’ win coupled with the Jonathan Lucroy combining to go 11-for- and the Canadiens agreed to for Vancouver in 2015-16, then a Muncy had a game-tying, pinch-hit sin- strikeouts. It was just the third time in Astros’ 7-4 road loss to the Seattle Mari- 17 with seven runs and seven RBIs. a one-year, two-way contract total of 14 games the next two gle in the seventh inning for the Dodgers, Wood’s past 12 starts that the left-hander ners allowed Oakland to move back into Ryan Buchter and Shawn Kelley com- worth $650,000 for time at the seasons with the Flames. and Manny Machado had a run-scoring has given up more than two earned runs. a tie with Houston for fi rst place in the pleted Oakland’s 11th shutout of the sea- NHL level and $80,000 for time In his brief NHL career, the single in the fi fth, giving him an RBIs in American League West. Fiers (9-6), ac- son with a combined two innings of two- in the AHL. 5-11, 180-pound forward has four of the team’s past six games. A’S OVERPOWER RANGERS 9-0 quired from the in a waiver hit relief. Shinkaruk is guaranteed at least two goals and two assists. The Dodgers fell to 8-10 in August, a Right-hander Mike Fiers pitched well deal after the July 31 deadline, allowed a Piscotty, Semien and Lucroy all had $105,000. Shinkaruk, a 23-year-old stretch that has seen them fall from fi rst for the third consecutive game, and the leadoff double in the second inning by three hits, including a double apiece, for The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Rychel Calgary native, spent all of last place to third in the NL West. supported their new Nomar Mazara and no other hits over the A’s, who out-hit the Rangers 14-3. split most of last season be- season with the AHL Stockton Martinez hit a home run in the fi rst in- pitcher with a four-homer, four-double seven shutout innings, lowering his ERA Texas was opening a six-game trip af- tween the Toronto Marlies and Heat, compiling 17 goals and 15 ning, his 15th, and added an RBI single assault on pitching in an since joining the A’s to 1.47. ter having completed a homestand with the Laval Rocket of the AHL. assists in 63 games. in the fi fth to give St. Louis a 2-0 lead. 9-0 romp Monday night in the opener on He struck out eight and walked one three wins in its last four games. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 22, 2018 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Pjanic signs contract extension with Juventus

Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic has signed a contract extension to keep him at Juventus until 2023, the Italian champions announced. The 28-year- old has won back-to-back and Valencia’s Rodrigo Italian Cup doubles since joining the Bianconeri from Roma in 2016. Known as a set-piece specialist, Pjanic has scored 15 league goals directly from free-kicks since arriving in Italy in 2011. Pjanic has scored 12 goals in 79 inter- national appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina, wrote on Twitter. strikes as Atletico held Juve kicked off their Serie A title defence last Saturday with a dramatic 3-2 win at Chievo as Cristiano Ronaldo ‘There is a long way to go before talking about the title, we must continue to work’ made his competitive debut. Bulgarian FA bans coach AFP Madrid for 1 year for referee attack The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has tletico Madrid failed to get banned the coach of second division their title bid off to club Kariana Edren from coaching du- a winning start, as Rodrigo ties for a year for attacking the referee earned Valencia a 1-1 draw at and his assistant at the end of his team’s theA Mestalla Stadium on Monday night. 1-2 home loss to Strumska Slava on Angel Correa gave Diego Simeone’s Saturday. The BFU’s disciplinary com- visitors a 26th-minute lead, but Ro- mission also fined Atanas Dzhambazki, drigo struck in the second half for the a former coach of Slavia Sofia, Montana home team and last season’s runners- and Litex Lovech, 1,500 levs ($877), the up Atletico failed to fi nd a winner. BFU said in a statement. There are high hopes at the Wan- Local media reported that Kariana da Metropolitano that Atletico can would most probably sack Dzhambazki muster a serious title challenge, after after the punishment. Dzhambazki said keeping their key players in the close he felt sorry for the attack. season and claiming an impressive ex- tra-time win over city rivals Real Ma- drid in the UEFA Super Cup last week. Its time for Spurs to But they were given a tough test to win titles, says Kane start the campaign at a strong Valen- cia outfi t who will be playing in the Tottenham Hotspur have come a long Champions League this season for way in recent years but the club are the fi rst time since 2015 after fi nish- now at a stage where they must win tro- ing fourth. “It’s a shame because we phies to continue growing, striker Harry wanted to bring the win home and Kane said. “We’re a team that has made we didn’t manage it,” the 23-year-old huge strides in a short amount of time Correa, who also scored in Atletico’s and the only way to continue that is to opening league game 12 months ago start winning things. We’re not young against Girona, said. “The eff ort we anymore,” Kane said. “We’re getting to put in for the Super Cup isn’t an ex- an age where we’re more experienced cuse for us, we know how to repeat and we want to win. We’ve just got to that kind of eff ort. There is a long way try to do that.” Spurs, who have not won to go before talking about it (the title), a trophy since the 2008 League Cup, we must continue to work.” have enjoyed stability at the helm with Simeone gave a La Liga debut to manager Mauricio Pochettino into his Thomas Lemar, who joined from Mo- fifth season and Kane said the squad naco for 72mn euros ($84mn) in July, had learned a lot about each other. but the French World Cup winner struggled to make an impression and was hauled off in the 63rd minute. Partnering with Aguero Atletico moved ahead midway Valencia’s Rodrigo Moreno (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Atletico Madrid in the La Liga at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia. (AFP) would bring goals: Jesus through the fi rst period with a won- derfully-crafted goal. Antoine Griez- half-time when he shot wide, and in ter sending Italian striker Simone Zaza great opponent and even if there is still visitors following Peru Nolaskoain’s Manchester City strayed from their mann showed great skill to cut inside the 56th minute when Rodrigo lashed on loan to Torino. Valencia had op- some way to go, that’s what we’ll need 27th-minute opener. tried-and-tested formula by playing and slip a defence-splitting reverse home right-footed after controlling portunities to snatch all three points, this season,” said Rodrigo. Reigning champions Barcelona got with two strikers against Huddersfield pass to Correa, which Argentinian Daniel Wass’s looping header on his but the closest they came to a second Later on Monday, Iker Muniain their title defence off to a strong start Town on Sunday and is winger collected in his stride before chest. The 27-year-old scored 19 goals goal was when former Arsenal centre- scored in the third minute of injury with a 3-0 win over Alaves on Sat- hoping for more opportunities to play fi ring low past home goalkeeper Neto. for Valencia last season to earn a back Gabriel’s header hit the post with time to give Athletic Bilbao a 2-1 win urday, before Gareth Bale scored as alongside Sergio Aguero after they Saul Niguez wasted an excellent call-up for the World Cup and his club 23 minutes remaining. “We proved over Leganes at the San Mames, after Champions League holders Real Ma- combined for four goals. chance to make it two shortly after will need him to continue that form af- that we’re at a very high level against a Jonathan Silva had equalised for the drid beat Getafe 2-0 on Sunday. Aguero struck a hat-trick and Jesus scored one as City cruised to a 6-1 Pre- mier League win at the Etihad Stadium. FOCUS “We can indeed play together,” Jesus said. “Sergio and I have the spirit of scoring goals and always try to finish well. I’ve started this season with the Pogba’s agent No complacency due to competition aim to get better with my finishes." takes swipe at Balotelli opts to stay for places at City, insists Kompany at Nice, say French club Scholes and adds AFP Mario Balotelli has signed a new deal Manchester to stay at Nice despite strong interest from French rivals Marseille, the Ligue 1 to United chaos club announced on Monday. The striker, anchester City captain Vincent whose strong form in the last two By Jamie Jackson Kompany believes the cham- seasons at the Allianz Riviera has seen The Guardian pions are well placed to avoid him return to the Italy team, has scored past mistakes and become the 43 goals for the club. Nice have got Mfi rst team in a decade to retain the Premier off to a slow start this year under new aul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, has added to the League title. The Belgian, who is the only coach Patrick Vieira, with the former turmoil around Manchester United by attacking current City player to have been with the Arsenal and midfielder seeing Paul Scholes and joking that the club’s former club through the decade that they have been his charges lose at home to Reims and midfi elder should be appointed sports director under Abu Dhabi’s free-spending owner- draw at Caen. But the decision of the Pand advise Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, ship, has won the league three times at City. 28-year-old Balotelli to stay will be a to sell the Frenchman. Raiola’s intervention came af- But on the previous two occasions, City massive boost to Vieira and his team. ter Scholes criticised Pogba’s performance in the defeat have failed to mount a serious title challenge Balotelli had also been linked with a at Brighton and said there was “a lack of leaders in the in the following year, leaving Manchester move to Roma and Napoli. team”. Pogba is the captain. United, in 2009, as the last champions to de- In two tweets yesterday morning Raiola responded: fend their title successfully. Now, however, “Some people need to talk for fear of being forgotten. Kompany insists that under ’s Luis has chance to join Paul Scholes wouldn’t recognise a leader if he was in management, City will not make the same PSG, says Atletico’s Oblak front of Sir Winston Churchill. Paul Scholes should be- errors as in years gone by. come sports director and advise Woodward to sell Pogba. “I can only say it’s diff erent from previ- Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak Would be sleepless nights to fi nd Pogba a new club.” ous years we have won the league,” he said. has indicated that defender Filipe Luis Pogba is known to be unhappy at United and favours a “There’s been so many warnings we have Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany (right) in action against Huddersfield on Saturday. will sign for Paris Saint-Germain before move to Barcelona before the Spanish window closes at had and every single time we almost have to the transfer window shuts at the end the end of the month, so Raiola’s last comment may be a fi ght against ourselves and our nature, not to There’s so much competition in the team that “The fans and the people who support this of August. The Brazil left-back has a reference to this. fall in the same trap as the other teams have we have to anyway,” he added. “I’m not saying club are the same, but everything else has verbal agreement to join the French Gary Neville, a former teammate of Scholes, verbally done, my teams included, a few years ago.” we are going to do as well as we did last year, evolved and there’s almost been three dif- champions according to media reports attacked Woodward for failing to give Jose Mourinho Kompany returned to the City team for but if it happens that the season is going to be ferent stages. The fi rst one where the new in Spain. “It’s a bit sad but that’s how it carte blanche in the summer transfer window. Wood- Sunday’s 6-1 thrashing of Huddersfi eld diff erent then it has to be because of the other owners came in and the leadership of Mark is,” Oblak told reporters after Atletico’s ward refused to sign off the manager’s wish to purchase as Guardiola left Nicolas Otamendi, Kyle teams being stronger, not us being weaker.” Hughes and then the transition to (Roberto) opening 1-1 Liga draw at Valencia on a top-class centre-back, with Leicester’s Harry Maguire, Walker, , Leroy Sane and Kompany, who joined City in a bargain Mancini, (Manuel) Pellegrini and Pep Guar- Monday. “Filipe has a good opportunity Jerome Boateng of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid’s on the bench. And Kompany £6mn move from Hamburg in of 2008, saw diola. I feel like every single manager has and you have to respect a player’s deci- Diego Godin among the manager’s targets. believes that competition for places means his new club taken over within a month of his brought a new stage, added something new sion. Let’s see what happens.” “He is in his third season and I think he will feel ex- City won’t let up after a record-breaking arrival by billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour. to the club. There’s so much to say right now However coach Diego Simeone expect- tremely disappointed that he wasn’t supported in the 100-point campaign last season. “It’s been a special journey because the club in a few words. But I’m extremely proud to ed the defender to stay with Atletico. transfer market,” Neville said. “You can’t leave a house “I can see that everyone is training hard. has evolved in so many ways,” said Kompany. have been a part of it.” three-quarters built. You have to fi nish it and complete the build. Then you can think about selling it or renting it Man City lose Bravo to because nobody is going to pick it up off you half-built.” Gomez runs riot as Atalanta punish new boys Frosinone Achilles injury Manchester City could be without re- Milan: Captain Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez League play-off round tomorrow. “The sea- the omnipresent Gomez orchestrated serve goalkeeper Claudio Bravo for the scored a brace and set up two more as Ata- son has started in the best way,” said Gomez another goal with the 30-year-old providing rest of the season after the Chilean rup- lanta gave newcomers Frosinone a tough in- after Atalanta achieved their first opening- a low cross for Pasalic to score. tured an Achilles tendon, the Premier troduction to life in Serie A with a 4-0 home day league win in a decade. “In recent years But Frosinone goalkeeper Marco League champions confirmed. Bravo win in the final match of the opening round we have struggled a bit at the beginning. I’m Sportiello — on loan from Atalanta — limited won two La Liga titles with Barcelona of the 2018-2019 season on Monday night. happy also for the fact that I have reached the damage with a save to deny Colombian before moving to City in 2016, but an The Argentine international scored in ei- 50 goals in Serie A — a goal that was impor- Duvan Zapata his first Serie A goal for the error-strewn first season provoked City ther half to bring his tally of Serie A goals to tant to me.” Bergamo side since joining on loan from to sign Ederson from Benfica last year 50 in his eighth season, with on-loan Chel- Gomez tapped in the opener after 14 Sampdoria. However, Bravo played all six ties as City sea midfielder Mario Pasalic getting his first minutes in Bergamo with the hosts doubling Gomez completed his brace two minutes won the League Cup last season and his goal for his new team and Dutch defender their lead three minutes after the break into injury time against Frosinone, a side absence leaves City short on back-up Hans Hateboer also finding the net. when he curled in a cross for Hateboer to from near Rome, playing Serie A for the for Ederson. Daniel Grimshaw, 20, is It was perfect preparation for Atalanta, volley in. Gambian teenager Musa Barrow second time after 2014-15 when they were the only other keeper in the first-team Paul Pogba’s performance for Manchester United in the who play FC Copenhagen in the Europa almost got a third but fired just wide, before relegated after one season. squad but he has not yet made a senior loss at Brighton was criticised by Paul Scholes. (Reuters) appearance. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 22, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Bolt trains with Salah in diving Mariners, says he is ready to prove storm as Liverpool people wrong

Reuters has proved polarising in Aus- Melbourne tralia, with critics dismissing it as a publicity stunt to boost the profi le of a team that has failed to lympic sprint cham- make the playoff s for the last four pion Usain Bolt eased seasons. win at Palace into his fi rst training Bolt, who retired from athlet- session with Aus- ics at the world championships tralia’sO Central Coast Mariners in London last year, has already Klopp side-steps the diving row, claims he hadn’t seen the incident clearly yesterday and said he was ready trained with Germany’s Borus- to prove the doubters wrong by sia Dortmund, South Africa’s winning a professional football Mamelodi Sundowns and Nor- contract. Monitored by a big way’s Stromsgodset. “I’m here. media pack, Bolt, who turned 32 For me, people are always going yesterday, emerged at Central to say what they want to say,” Coast stadium with his prospec- he said. “Just like when I was in tive teammates, fl ashing a big track and fi eld, people said a lot grin as he kicked the ball around of things about me but I always during a light session in the proved them wrong. So, It’s just sleepy seaside town of Gosford. another moment for me to prove The eight-times Olympic people wrong.” gold medallist has been given an The Mariners have said Bolt open-ended trial with the Mari- will have as much time as he ners, who fi nished bottom of the needs to prove himself. Coach 10-team A-league last season Mike Mulvey described Bolt’s and operate in one of the coun- session as “just the fi rst day” but try’s smallest football markets. said the sprinter could be ready There is plenty of doubt as to for a proper practice match on whether the fastest man on earth Aug. 31 against a representative can reinvent himself as a top- side made up of top local ama- fl ight footballer, and there was teurs. Mulvey rejected the view little to suggest from the closed that Bolt’s trial was a gimmick session that Bolt would make and could prove a distraction to the transition. The Jamaican his squad. “This guy is a win- showed a heavy touch at times ner. How many gold medals you through about 45 minutes of won?” he asked Bolt sitting next drills, and was excluded from the to him. main group as they played a half- “Eight gold medals in the Ol- pitch, eight-a-side match. ympics. You don’t do that just He rarely strayed from using by having great ability, you do it his preferred left foot and spent by having great mental capacity. the latter part of the session do- Now if he can pass on a little bit ing stretching exercises. It will of that to my players, who were be one step at a time, said Bolt, coming from the cellar to try to sporting a black beanie and a get to the top, this could be great goatee at his fi rst media confer- for any of our young lads that ence. “For me it’s just like track we’ve signed.” and fi eld,” he told reporters. “The Bolt said he had put his hand fi rst day of training is always the up for a wing or central forward roughest one. You can tell how role, and pledged to perform his much work you need to put in, signature ‘lightning’ gesture if he what you need to do. It felt OK, I scored a goal in the A-league. “I know it’s going to take time and look forward to scoring as many work and I’m ready to work.” goals, and to bringing home the Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho (right) concedes a penalty after the defender fouled Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in the Premier League in London on Monday night. (Reuters) The Mariners’ tie-up with Bolt trophy,” he said.

AFP merical superiority, Jurgen Klopp’s side weekend’s rout of West Ham. just enough contact to warrant the spot- London made sure of extending their 100% start But Klopp refused to talk up Liver- kick. Milner, ignoring the sound and fury, to the Premier League season thanks to pool’s title chances. “I am not interested nervelessly sent Wayne Hennessey the Sadio Mane’s goal in stoppage-time. in sending statements to Manchester wrong way with his spot-kick. ohamed Salah was engulfed Palace boss Roy Hodgson was furious City or anyone else. I want to win football After Wilfried Zaha’s run earned a in a diving storm as the Liv- with the penalty, saying: “My frustration games,” he said. “I couldn’t care less real- second-half free-kick in a dangerous po- erpool star won the contro- is I don’t think that’s a penalty. It’s cause ly. We are not in a race with other Premier sition, Palace captain Luka Milivojevic versial penalty that inspired for anger and disappointment. I’ve been League teams each weekend.” whipped the set-piece goalwards, only Mtheir 2-0 win over 10-man Crystal Palace in football a long time. If that’s a penalty Right from the start, Salah was in the for Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker to on Monday night. Salah was accused of the game has changed beyond all recogni- thick of the action when he surged onto make a superb save low to his left. diving by Palace when he tumbled in the tion. Sakho is a defender and he has to try Naby Keita’s long pass, but the Egyptian’s Salah didn’t tire despite his prodigious penalty area late in the fi rst half at Sel- and defend. There is no way he is looking chip sailed high over the bar. Andros work-rate and it was his blistering break hurst Park. to foul the player. Liverpool didn’t de- Townsend came within inches of giving that induced the lunge from Wan-Bissaka Referee Michael Oliver awarded a spot- serve to be leading.” Palace the lead against the run of play which triggered his red card. The young kick for Mamadou Sakho’s challenge on Klopp side-stepped the diving row, when he cut in from the right fl ank and full-back, who had been left alone as the the Egypt winger and James Milner con- claiming he hadn’t seen the incident unleashed a superb 25-yard strike that last line of defence, hardly made contact verted the penalty. Former Manchester clearly. “I didn’t ask Mo about that. I cannoned off the crossbar. with Salah, but again Oliver ruled in Liv- United defender Gary Neville, working didn’t see it. It looked like it was (a pen- Klopp’s men fi nally made the break- erpool’s favour. for Sky Sports, claimed it was a dive, say- alty), but I have no idea,” he said. through just seconds before half-time. As Palace threw men forward in the fi - ing: “A lot of people won’t like it. If it’s After Manchester City’s swaggering Roberto Firmino’s pass found Salah just nal moments, Senegal winger Mane put against you, you’ll think it’s soft. It is a demolition of Huddersfi eld on Sunday, it inside the Palace area and when Sakho the result beyond doubt when he sprinted theatrical fall which we’ve seen a lot of was important for Liverpool to keep pace caught him with an out-stretched leg, the clear, rounded Hennessey and slotted players do.” with the champions, even at this early Egyptian’s slightly delayed tumble didn’t home. “In these moments the fuel is re- Adding insult to injury for Palace, stage of the season. This was a statement dissuade Oliver from giving the penalty. ally low and maybe the players need a bit Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off in the win for Klopp’s team, installed as City’s Salah has previous for diving and in- of help from an angry manager — ‘run or second half for bringing down Salah as he most likely challengers, and they move censed Palace fans were quick to aim I will kill you’ — and they did that,” Klopp raced clear. Taking advantage of their nu- into second place after building on last “cheat” chants at him, but there appeared smiled.

BECKHAM TO RECEIVE UEFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD Paris: Former England captain David “His tireless humanitarian eff orts, to join the illustrious list of players who Beckham is to receive the 2018 UEFA which have helped the lives of many have previously won this award,” said President’s Award in honour of his children around the world, should also Beckham, who is now involved in char- achievements in the game and his work be celebrated. Beckham is a true foot- ity work with Unicef, the UN Children’s since retiring as a player, European foot- ball icon of his generation.” Fund. ball’s governing body said yesterday. Beckham won the Champions League “Many of the unforgettable moments The ex-Manchester United and Real with United in 1999 and later played for I had on the pitch came in the UEFA Madrid midfielder, who is now 43, will Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Champions League such as that magic receive the award in Monaco later this Saint-Germain after leaving Madrid. He night in Barcelona in 1999 when we year. “I have chosen David Beckham as hung up his boots in 2013 and earlier beat Bayern Munich in such dramatic the recipient of this year’s award be- this year was awarded an MLS franchise fashion.” cause he has been a global ambassador in Miami. Last year’s UEFA President’s Award for football, promoting the game and all “During my career I always gave was given to former Italy star Francesco its values in every corner of the planet,” 100% and tried to uphold the values of Totti. Other recent winners include Franz said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. teamwork and fair play and I am proud Beckenbauer and the late Johan Cruyff . Usain Bolt trains for the A-League football club Central Coast Mariners in Gosford, Australia, yesterday. (AFP)

Ceferin nominated to Norwegian prodigy Seedorf leaves out Lyon sign defender Henry wants Bordeaux Crystal Palace captain stand for UEFA re-election Odegaard joins Vitesse China-based players Denayer from Man City job, says Wenger happy without VAR

The Slovenian Football Association Real Madrid’s Norwegian midfielder New Cameroon coach Clarence Seedorf Lyon have completed the signing of Arsene Wenger is in no hurry to return Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic (NZS) yesterday announced that its Martin Odegaard, once courted by has named France cap Paul-Georges Belgian international defender Jason to management but the former Arsenal says he prefers playing without Video former head, Aleksander Ceferin, has Europe’s top teams, has agreed to join Ntep in his first squad for the upcoming Denayer from English champions boss says fellow Frenchman Thierry Assistant Referee (VAR) even though his been nominated for re-election as UEFA Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem on loan. Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away Manchester City for a fee of up to 10mn Henry is interested in taking over at side felt hard done by in going behind president by several European federa- After breaking through at Stromsgodset against Comoros, but there is no place euros, the French club announced. Bordeaux. The Ligue 1 side suspended to a controversial penalty in the 2-0 loss tions. The NZS said in a statement on its at the age of 15 Odegaard was linked for two China-based stars. Dutchman Denayer has signed a four-year deal, manager Gus Poyet last week for his to Liverpool. The 27-year-old midfielder website that a group of federations had with Bayern Munich, Manchester United Seedorf, who was appointed on August with the transfer fee taking into account comments on the club’s transfer deal- said he had asked Mohamed Salah to sent an “off icial proposal” of support and Liverpool before joining Real in 4 as the successor to Belgian Hugo 3.5mn euros in potential bonus pay- ings after the sale of striker Gaetan tell match referee Michael Oliver he for Ceferin, the 50-year-old lawyer who 2015. Odegaard’s performances for Broos with compatriot Patrick Kluiv- ments. Laborde to Montpellier. should reverse his decision to award succeeded Michel Platini at the head of Real’s B side were criticised and he was ert as his assistant, has left out both The 23-year-old joined City’s acad- “Yes, he (Henry) wants to do it, he is a penalty on the stroke of half-time in European football’s governing body in reportedly unpopular with his team- Benjamin Moukandjo and Christian emy as a youth but never established intelligent and he has the qualities,” Monday’s match. Salah, who has been 2016. The election is due to take place mates for demanding to train with the Bassogog. Moukandjo captained Cam- himself in their first team, and has spent Wenger, who is on an extended holiday accused of diving by among others on February 7 next year in Rome, with senior squad. Former Real coach Carlo eroon during their victorious 2017 Cup the last four years being loaned out in Corsica, said. Wenger ended his 22- Palace manager Roy Hodgson, refused. other potential candidates having until Ancelotti described his signing as a of Nations campaign in Gabon, while to various clubs. After stints at Celtic year tenure at Arsenal in May. Henry, However, Milivojevic believes the Pre- November 7 to come forward, as long “public relations exercise”. During the winger Bassogog was the best player and Sunderland, Denayer played for who played under Wenger, became mier League is better off without VAR as they have the support of at least past season Odegaard was on loan at at the tournament. Both play their club Galatasaray last season, helping them assistant manager of World Cup semi- even though they are the only hold-outs three member federations. Heerenveen in the Dutch top flight. football in China. win the Turkish title. finalists in 2016. of the major, top-flight leagues to do so.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Zazai stars as Afghanistan see off Bumrah bowls India Ireland in T20

AFP ball 31, but his team scored just Belfast 10 runs and lost fi ve wickets in their fi nal three overs. Left-arm seamer Joshua Lit- azratullah Zazai tle, 18, impressed with a miserly to brink of victory smashed a blistering spell of 2-20 from his four overs 74 as Afghanistan beat for Ireland. Stuart Thompson Ireland by 16 runs in and William Porterfi eld both theH opening T20 international fell early in the run chase to the at Bready Cricket Club near mystery spin of Mujeeb, before Derry on Monday. Afghanistan grabbed the crucial The tourists posted 160-7 wicket of the dangerous Paul batting fi rst after rain had re- Stirling for 27 as Aftab Alam despite Buttler ton duced the match to 18 overs a pulled off a sensational catch on side. Ireland fell short on 144- the boundary. Buttler and recalled all-rounder Ben Stokes added 169 runs for the fifth wicket 9, as star spinners Rashid Khan Middlesex opener Stirling and Mujeeb Ur Rahman taking looked to have hit Fareed Ah- fi ve wickets between them. mad over the leg-side for six, Afghanistan will take a 1-0 but Aftab jumped to claim a lead into today’s second match running take one-handed, of the three-game series, as while keeping his balance to they look to deny fellow new stay inside the rope. Test nation Ireland revenge for Some lusty lower-order hit- being pipped to qualifi cation for ting from George Dockrell and next year’s World Cup. Singh kept Ireland’s slim hopes “Zazai, that was his second alive, but Rashid fi nished with game, we didn’t know much fi gures of 3-35 as Afghanistan about him. He seemed to hit to all wrapped up victory. parts,” Irish captain Gary Wilson “We can actually take a lot told the Cricket Ireland website. of confi dence, I thought we “But we came back really well played pretty well, particularly - after the start they got, that the way we came back with the was a great positive. I thought ball,” Wilson added. “Josh Lit- the boys showed great character.” tle bowled really well, and that’s Opening batsman Zazai was why we brought him in with the playing just his second in- left arm pace - he will be one for ternational match and fi rst the next few years.” since December 2016, but the 20-year-old struck six sixes in a BRIEF SCORES: Afghanistan magnifi cent 33-ball innings. 160 for 7 (Hazratullah Zazai 74, Afghanistan lost their way Asghar Afghan 31, Mohamed after he was caught behind off Shahzad 29, Joshua Little 2-20) Simi Singh and Mohammad beat Ireland 144 for 9 (Paul Shahzad was lazily run out. Stirling 27, Gary Wilson 34, Captain Asghar Afghan, who Rashid Khan 3-35, Mujeeb Ur recently changed his surname Rahman 2-14, Fareed Ahmad from Stanikzai, managed a 30- 2-29) by 16 runs.

Steyn faces another injury lay-off

Jos Buttler receives a pat on the back from Virat Kohli after his dismissal for 106 at Trent Bridge yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters had Keaton Jennings (13) caught behind balls. But the advent of the new ball at 223 Scorecard Nottingham to one that straightened and he removed for four off 80 overs swung the day In- England’s other left-handed opener dia’s way. Bumrah had Buttler lbw play- INDIA 1st innings 329 Alastair Cook (17) with a similar ball held ing no shot and next ball Jonny Bairstow, asprit Bumrah’s dramatic new- by K L Rahul at second slip. batting down the order because of a bro- ENGLAND 1st innings 161 ball burst left India just one wicket England lost their next two wickets on ken fi nger suff ered while keeping wicket INDIA 2nd innings 352/7 dec away from victory in the third Test 64, captain Joe Root (13) and Ollie Pope on Monday, had his off -stump uprooted ENGLAND 2nd innings (overnight 23-0) against England come stumps yes- (16) both caught in the cordon. for a golden duck. A. Cook c Rahul b Sharma 17 terday’sJ fourth day. It was the 31st occasion in their past Chris Woakes survived the hat-trick, England were 311 for nine, still 210 runs 62 Test innings since 2016 that England, with England now 231 for six. K. Jennings c Pant b Sharma 13 adrift of a huge target of 521, at the close. who were bowled out for 161 in their fi rst But Woakes, who made a maiden Test J. Root c Rahul b Bumrah 13 It seemed England might bat out the innings, had lost their fourth wicket hav- century in England’s innings and 159-run O. Pope c Kohli bt Shami 16 day comfortably while Jos Buttler, whose ing scored 100 or fewer runs. win in the second Test at Lord’s, fell for 106 was his maiden Test century, and re- Buttler was dropped on one by debu- four when caught behind off Bumrah’s B. Stokes c Rahul b Pandya 62 called all-rounder Ben Stokes (62) were tant wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant and bouncer. And 241 for seven became 241 J. Buttler lbw b Bumrah 106 sharing a fi fth-wicket stand of 169 that Stokes - recalled by England just days for eight when Stokes was caught by Ra- J. Bairstow b Bumrah 0 rescued the hosts from the depths of 62 after an acquittal on an aff ray charge hul off medium-pacer Hardik Pandya, for four before lunch. But the advent of following an incident outside a Bristol who had stunned England with a fi rst- C. Woakes c Pant b Bumrah 4 the new ball changed the course of the nightclub in September last year - sur- innings return of fi ve for 28 A. Rashid not out 30 day’s play with fast bowler Bumrah tak- vived off -spinner Ravichandran Ash- India thought England were 245 for S. Broad c Rahul b Bumrah 20 ing three wickets for eight runs in fi ve win’s lbw review on 38. Buttler, 67 not nine when Rashid was caught in the slips South African fast bowler Dale Steyn could be set for another stint balls as England, who had been 231 for out at tea, cover-drove Ashwin for four by India captain Virat Kohli - whose in- J. Anderson not out 8 on the sidelines after picking up a groin injury in a county cricket four, found themselves 241 for eight. to surpass his previous highest Test score nings of 97 and 103 had done so much to Extras (b2, lb16, nb4) 22 match on Monday. India claimed the extra half hour in a of 85, made against India at Southampton establish his team’s dominant position - Total (9 wkts; 102 overs) 311 The 35-year-old, who will undergo an examination of the problem bid to wrap up the match with a day to on debut four years ago. but a review by the umpires uncovered a later, was unable to complete his 11th over for Hampshire against Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Jennings), 2-32 spare but England’s last-wicket duo of Meanwhile usually attacking left- marginal no-ball. Nottinghamshire at Southampton and was forced to leave the field. (Cook), 3-62 (Root), 4-62 (Pope), Adil Rashid, riding his luck for 30 not out, handed batsman Stokes, unlike many of Rashid had another break on 22 when Steyn has had a horrible run of injuries over the last two years, 5-231 (Buttler), 6-231 (Bairstow), 7-241 and James Anderson saw out the day’s his team-mates, grafted away and a 147- dropped by Kohli off Mohammed Shami. hampering his bid to become South Africa’s record Test wicket-taker, (Woakes), 8-241 (Stokes), 9-291 (Broad) play. That meant the teams would have ball fi fty was his slowest in Tests. Stuart Broad, during a 20 on his Not- though he did equal the record in Sri Lanka last month. to return for what could be just one ball Buttler, in his 38th innings at this level, tinghamshire home ground, became just Bowlers: Bumrah 29-8-85-5 (2nb); Steyn and Shaun Pollock have each taken 421 Test wickets. today. After England resumed on 23 for raced through the 90s with a succession the fi fth player to complete the Test dou- Sharma 20-4-70-2 (1nb); Ashwin 22-8- A serious shoulder injury kept him out for most of last year before a none, India needed just fi ve balls to take of boundaries off Mohammed Shami and ble of 3,000 runs and 400 wickets before 40-0; Shami 18-3-76-1; Pandya 13-4-22-1 heel problem sustained in his comeback test against India in Febru- a wicket yesterday. went to his hundred when he clipped the he edged Bumrah, with Rahul holding his (1nb). ary sidelined him once more. Ishant Sharma, from round the wicket, paceman legside for a 21st four in 152 seventh catch of the match.

GOLF Woods eyes Ryder Cup claim at Northern Trust AFP Either way, Woods is assured ‘A LONG YEAR’ schedule goes well. “That’s one Paramus, United States to travel to France as one of Fu- “It’s been a long year and one of the hard things this year is ryk’s vice-captains. The 14-time that was one of my goals was to trying to fi nd the right balance, major winner however is deter- make that team, because to be and as the summer has gone on, iger Woods is aiming mined to travel as a player. part of that team, you’ve got to I’ve gotten better and felt bet- to cement his claim to a “I want to be picked and I be one of the 12 best players and ter, and this is a pretty important place in the USA’s Ryder want to be part of the team,” said I’m kind of trending towards stretch.” Cup team as he prepares Woods yesterday. that.” Woods meanwhile refl ected Tfor this week’s Northern Trust “The interesting role here is Though foremost on Woods’ on his failure to make more bird- Open in New Jersey. that I’m a vice captain, so we’re mind is committing himself to ies in his PGA Championship The former world number one talking about myself in the third all four ‘Play-Off ’ events includ- performance. “It was exciting to said Tuesday securing a place in person a lot. So, that’s one of the ing being among the leading 30 make a run but I lost by two at the Jim Furyk’s Ryder Cup squad more interesting conversations and thus qualify for the FedEx end,” Woods said. “I did make a had been one of his goals at we were having. Cup deciding Tour Champion- push on Sunday which was nice. the start of his comeback season “We were having a lot of fun ship that commences on Sep- “I shot a low round but it just after nearly two years out with with it but yeah I’m one of the tember 20th in Atlanta. wasn’t enough, on a golf course injury. guys on the short list and some- “I’m playing the fi rst three that soft, we needed to make a Woods heads into this week’s times I’ve got to pull myself out of right now and that should get me few more birdies.” opening leg of the lucrative Fe- there and talk about myself in the into Atlanta and on the back side Woods will contest the open- dEx Cup Play-Off Series after third person, which is a little odd.” is obviously The Ryder Cup,” ing two rounds of this week’s a thrilling diplay at the PGA Asked by an AFP reporter if he said Woods who is currently tournament in the company of Championship, where he came dreamed of playing on the USA ranked 20th on the FedEx Cup Australia’s Marc Leishman and up just short to fi nish second. team he replied: “Yes, I do.” standings. current European No 1 Tommy Woods is ranked 11th on the “I started at the very begin- “That is a lot of golf and as Fleetwood. USA Ryder Cup points table but ning of the year, I told Jim I I was explaining to you guys Strangely, the trio were must wait until September 5 to wanted to be a part of the team, back in Akron, it’s about pacing grouped together earlier this learn whether he has earned one not just as a vice captain but as a myself and making sure I don’t year for the fi rst two days of the of captain Furyk’s wildcard se- player. I’m very close to making practice too much, don’t overdo Masters but with Woods strug- lections. that happen. it, and make sure my training gling with scores of 73 and 75.