GOLF | Page 3 FOOTBALL | Page 7 DeChambeau France and PGA Tour’s fi rst Germany to back-to-back launch Nations champ in 2018 League

Wednesday, September 5, 2018 CRICKET Dhul-Hijja 25, 1439 AH Pakistan leaves GULF TIMES Hafeez out of Asia Cup squad SPORT Page 4 SWIMMING Le Clos and Sjostrom to lead Doha’s stellar line-up Over 100 swimmers from 20 countries have confirmed for the second leg of the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018

By Sports Reporter winner – and Hungary’s Katin- Doha ka Hosszu, famous as the ‘Iron Lady’ will also return to Doha, promising top-notch action. uperstars Chad Le Clos Hosszu’s compatriot Zsuzsanna and Sarah Sjostrom will Jakabos, Dutchwoman Ranomi lead an array of world’s Kromowidjojo and China’s Yifan best swimmers who will Yang are among the other female featureS in the second leg of FINA stars who will also be seen in ac- Swimming World Cup 2018 to be tion at the Hamad Aquatic Centre. held in Doha later this month. Over 100 swimmers represent- QATARI SWIMMERS SET TO ing 20 countries, with almost all GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE the prominent names in the sport Host Qatar will fi eld as many have confi rmed their participa- as 20 swimmers who will battle tion for the Doha leg (long course), against the big names during the which will take place at state-of- three-day competition. the-art Hamad Aquatic Centre The Qatar squad mostly in- from September 13 to 15. cludes swimmers who carried the Swimmers will fl y to the Qa- national fl ag in the recently-con- tari capital after competing in the cluded Asian Games in Indonesia. opening leg of this year’s FINA The team also includes Yousef Ab- World Cup, scheduled in Kazan, dulaziz al-Khulaifi , Omar Ashraf, Russia from September 7 to 9. Noah Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi and Doha leg will conclude Cluster Abdulrahman Mohamed. 1 comprising long course con- Meanwhile, the Organising tests, with the remaining two Committee has decided to hold clusters of the FINA Swimming the pre-event press conference World Cup to be competed on at Villaggio Mall to give fans short course. The Cluster 2 in- a chance to see their favourite cludes Eindhoven (Netherlands) swimmers. The press conference and Budapest (Hungary) meets will be at 11:30am on September while legs in Beijing (China), To- 12 and will be attended by top kyo (Japan) and Singapore form FINA and QSA offi cials along Cluster 3. with the leading swimmers. Qatar, the host country for 2023 FINA World Champion- QATAR SQUAD: Abdalla Mo- ships, has been hosting the hamed Aboughazala, Abdulaziz FINA World Cup legs success- Hassan al-Obaidly, Firas bin fully since 2012 and, the Qatar Mourad Said, Abdulla Nabil Swimming Association (QSA) al-Khaldi, Ahmad Tarek Samara, president Khaleel al-Jabir said Abdulaziz Abdulla Buhendi, the Organising Committee was Mohamed Ali al-Khanji, Naser confi dent of delivering another Yaser, Kareem Salama, Youssef blockbuster event. South African swimmer Chad Le Clos has won six medals including four golds last year in Doha. Hesham, Mohamed Mahmoud, “The Qatar Swimming Asso- Abdulrahman Mohamed, Yacob ciation is honoured to welcome we fi rst hosted the event back in and its partners for their contin- Olympic and world champion sian world record holder Vladimir Nationals this year, and Aussie Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, Noah Ab- the world’s best swimmers in 2012 was to promote swimming ued support, which has helped us Le Clos – the last year’s overall Morozov and his compatriot Kirill Mitchell Larkin have also con- dulaziz al-Khulaifi, Omar Ashraf, Doha for the FINA Swimming in Qatar and in the region as a in achieving our mission. winner at FINA World Cup – will Prigoda will join the South African fi rmed their participation. Tameea Mohamed, Abdelrahman World Cup 2018,” al-Jabir said in whole, to inspire new athletes “This year’s FINA Swimming continue his love aff air with Doha maestro in men’s battles. The women line-up also of- Hesham, Mohammed Fahad, a statement yesterday. and to introduce new fans to this World Cup will continue to build where he picked six medals in- American Michael Andrew, fers a treat for fans as Sweden’s NourEddine and Yousef Ab- “One of our main goals when exciting sport. We thank FINA on this success,” he added. cluding four golds last year. Rus- who won four titles at the US Sjostrom – the last year’s overall dulaziz al-Khulaifi

TENNIS Defending champion Stephens knocked out of US Open

AFP New York Heat, age and Millman combine to fl oor Federer

Reuters to Tommy Robredo in 2013. loane Stephens’ US Open New York “When you feel like that, title defence ended with everything is off ,” off ered Fed- a 6-2, 6-3 quarter-fi nal erer. “But, look, I’ve trained in defeat to Anastasija Sev- eat, age and a relentless tougher conditions. I’ve played astovaS yesterday as the Latvian John Millman combined in the daytime, you know, at avenged a 2017 loss to the Ameri- Hin a perfect storm to 120 (degrees Fahrenheit, 49 can at the same stage. drive Roger Federer to the US Celsius). Sevastova, through to the semi- Open exit on Monday, leaving “Some days it’s just not the fi nals of a Grand Slam for the fi rst the winner of a record 20 Grand day where the body can cope time, will face either 23-time ma- Slam titles looking every bit the with it.” jor champion Serena Williams or 37 year old he is. For years fans and pundits have eighth-seeded Czech Karolina More shocking than his depar- been watching for signs of de- Pliskova for a place in the fi nal ture was the manner of the 3-6, Australia’s John Millman (right) shakes hands with Switzerland’s cay in Federer’s game and there after toppling Stephens in brutal Sloane Stephens (right) and Anastasija Sevastova (left) shake hands fol- 7-5, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3) loss to the Roger Federer after defeating him on Monday. (AFP) were hints of fading greatness heat and humidity on Arthur Ashe lowing their match yesterday. (AFP) Australian, with Federer simply to be seen on Monday. Stadium. wilting in the suff ocating hu- tonight. It’s one of the first times the US Open had Federer lost There was no surrender — he “I think it was very physical “I showed some nerves at the Sevastova said of the contrast of midity and exiting a Grand Slam it’s happened to me.” to someone ranked outside the wrestled with Millman through today. It’s tough to play, so hot in end but it’s normal,” Sevastova playing on the shady or sunny end before the quarter-finals for just The numbers were damning top 50, previously posting a two tie-breaks — but in the here. The fi rst set was so impor- said. of the court. “The last games, it was the fifth time since 2004. with the Swiss second seed, in 40-0 record in such matches at end Federer simply ran out of tant,” said the 19th-seeded Sev- With the heat, humidity and good that I played in the shade. The “I just thought it was very hot many eyes the greatest male Flushing Meadows. energy and ideas. astova, who broke Stephens in the blazing sun combining to make sun was not comfortable and it was tonight,” Federer said after his player of all time, committing Both streaks came to a While Federer suffered in the fi nal game to pocket the opening conditions hazardous enough hot.” fourth-round defeat. “It was a shocking 77 unforced errors jaw-dropping end in front of oppressive conditions at the set. that organisers suspended junior Now number three in the just one of those nights where I and 10 double faults, including stunned crowd on Arthur Ashe other end of court 29-year-old She earned the last of fi ve breaks matches, the scraps of shade on the world, Stephens joined an exodus guess I felt I couldn’t get air. two in the final tie-break. Stadium as the five-time cham- Millman, who lives and trains in the second set to take a 5-3 lead massive Ashe court were invalu- of women’s seeds that saw top- “There was no circulation at all. Never before had the 55th pion made his earliest depar- in the heat and humidity of and served it out on her third match able. ranked Simona Halep and number I don’t know, for some reason I ranked Millman beaten a top ture from the year’s final Grand Brisbane, looked perfectly at point when a weary Stephens put a “When the shade was there it two Caroline Wozniacki exit in the just struggled in the conditions 10 player and never before at Slam since a fourth-round loss home. backhand into the net. was so hot here and amazing there,” fi rst two rounds. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, September 5, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS My worst time? This is not even close, says beaten Sharapova

AFP Those traumatic days have meetings against the Russian. New York long since given way to one of The defeat was also Shara- sport’s most powerful rags-to- pova’s fi rst in 23 matches played riches stories which has seen under the Flushing Meadows aria Sharapova Sharapova earn a personal for- lights — 22 of those on the show- laughed off sugges- tune estimated to be in the region piece Arthur Ashe Stadium. tions that losing in of $200 million. the US Open fourth But despite her sense of per- ‘I’VE DONE PLENTY’ Mround represented the toughest spective on Monday’s defeat, She is adamant that her best days period of her life. there remain question marks are still ahead of her. That, she insists, came when over whether or not Sharapova However, her performances at she arrived in the United States will ever return to the peak of her the US Open this year exposed with her father – but without her powers. serious fl aws. mother – and just $700 in their The last of her fi ve Grand Slam In her four matches, she served pockets. titles came at Roland Garros in up 32 double faults and dropped “What’s challenging is when 2014 with the period since in- serve 15 times. you’re a teenager and you have a terrupted by a 14-month doping She carved out a tournament- few hundred dollars and you’ve ban. leading 49 break points but con- got no sense of the future, you She made the fourth round at verted only 21, a success rate of don’t know where you’re going the US Open last year in her fi rst 43 percent. to end up. You just have a dream,” Slam since her return, the third Her bitterest rival Serena Wil- said Sharapova. round in Australia in January and liams, after four rounds, has just “I think that’s a lot tougher quarter-fi nals in Paris before a fi rst nine double faults and has been than being 31 years old and hav- round exit at Wimbledon in July. broken only three times. ing the opportunity to do what- That loss to Vitalia Diatch- The American has a 62 percent ever I want in my life.” enko, the world number 132 at the conversion rate on break points at Sharapova, speaking after los- time, at the All England Club was 18 of 29. ing 6-4, 6-3 to Carla Suarez Nav- her fi rst opening round Wim- “If I didn’t have the belief to arro on Monday, was referring to bledon defeat and earliest Grand keep doing this and to keep hav- the time when at seven years old, Slam exit in eight years. ing the motivation and the grind she left Russia for Florida. On Monday, Sharapova was of doing this every day in order She and father Yuri spoke no attempting to reach the quarter- to get myself in these positions, I English when they arrived in the fi nals in New York for the fi rst don’t think I would be here,” said United States while visa restric- time since 2012. Sharapova. tions prevented the young Shara- But she ran into an inspired Sua- “I think I’ve done plenty in my pova from seeing her mother rez Navarro who marked her 30th career, established a lot for my- Yelena for two years. birthday with a second win in fi ve self personally, professionally.”

TENNIS RUGBY Australia searching Emotional Murray for answers before South Africa clash

Reuters “But I think the big one is fa- Melbourne tigue, that’s about it.” The day after losing to the All Blacks at Eden Park, Cheika opts out of Glasgow ideo analysis of Aus- said his side were fi tter than the tralia’s capitulation to squad he put through brutal boot the All Blacks in back- camps ahead of last year’s Rugby to-back Rugby Cham- Championship. Vpionship matches has made for However, footage of his players tough viewing for the Wallabies being left for dead on the coun- as they search for answers ahead terattack by the All Blacks have of Saturday’s game against South fuelled accusations from pundits Davis Cup date Africa. that the Australians were under- Australia head into the match done. at Lang Park still scratching Fullback Israel Folau remains Two-time Wimbledon champ will stay in the US for rehabilitation on his right hip their heads over their fumbling, a doubt as he battles to recover turnover-ridden displays that from an ankle injury that saw AFP saw them torn apart by half-time him miss the match at Eden Park London against the world champions in but even should the potent try- Sydney and Auckland. scorer return it would be no pan- Winger Dane Haylett-Petty acea for the Wallabies’ ills, said n emotional Andy put their struggles down to men- scrumhalf Will Genia. Murray has apologised tal lapses last week, denying a “It’s not one of those things to Scottish tennis fans lack of fi tness had played a part where you go into a game think- after the former world in their rapid surrenders, but ing, ‘we don’t have Israel’ or numberA one decided not to play four days out from meeting the ‘we’ve got Israel’,” he said. in Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie Springboks in Brisbane lock Iza- “A lot of our problems aren’t against Uzbekistan in Glasgow. ck Rodda has said the side crum- going to be solved by just one or With the change of Davis Cup bled due to fatigue. two players being in or out of the format meaning fewer home “It’s defi nitely hard to watch side.” ties, next week’s clash could (the video) when you see your- Without naming names, the have been the Scot’s fi nal chance self there and you look like you’re no-nonsense halfback said some to play a competitive match in just going that one pace as op- of his team mates had failed to do his own country. posed to really sprinting,” Rodda their jobs against New Zealand. Two-time Wimbledon win- told reporters yesterday. “That requires other people ner Murray, who crashed out “It’s hard to watch but it’s also to do other people’s jobs and we of the current US Open in the good to see that and address that get out of whack in terms of our second round, will instead stay for the next game. shape defensively and when we in the United States for further “It’s defi nitely not a con- have the ball,” he added. rehabilitation on his right hip. fi dence thing, I just think it’s “We’re working hard to fi nd The 31-year-old has played in a combination of fatigue and those answers and ultimately we’d only one Grand Slam since last maybe just a little bit of mental- like to put in a performance with year’s Wimbledon as he strug- switching-off . those answers on Saturday night.” gles to return to peak form fol- lowing his long injury lay-off . In a long message on Insta- SPOTLIGHT gram, Murray, who won the Davis Cup with Britain in 2015, said sorry for his absence from the tournament. Springboks seek “I just wanted to write a quick message to apologise to the Brit- ish Davis Cup team and all the clinical edge against fans who are coming to watch in Glasgow and support on TV,” Murray wrote. “I have genuinely wounded Wallabies loved competing in this Davis Cup format over the course of Reuters Durban,” assistant coach Matt my career and have had some of Melbourne Proudfoot said in Brisbane in the the most memorable and special lead-up to the Wallabies match moments of my career compet- at Lang Park. ing for my country. outh Africa will look to “Our execution, whether at “With this possibly being my match their physicality breakdown or from set piece, our last chance to compete in Scot- with improved execution continuity was not as good as it land as a professional I really French gamble on Paire for Davis Cup semis against Nadal’s Spain against Australia in their had been in Durban, so it needs wanted to be there with team RugbyS Championship Test on to improve across the board.” and found this decision emo- AFP when you consider the oppo- Saturday as they look to rebound The Springboks meet a Walla- tionally quite challenging. Paris nent,” he explained. “I’ve been from defeat to Argentina. bies side also seeking to rebound “If I don’t get the chance to wanting to play him for a while. Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks after back-to-back drubbings by compete in Scotland again I just “He gives us plenty of options came back hard in the second champions New Zealand. want to say thank you so much to rench Davis Cup coach as a number three when you half of their 32-19 loss in Mendo- While they have not been able all the fans who have come along Yannick Noah raised are playing a typical Spanish za but were let down repeatedly to lay a glove on the All Blacks, to watch and support the team Feyebrows yesterday team with (Rafael) Nadal and by poor fi nishing and handling the Wallabies have proved a over the years. You have created when he unexpectedly named the others,” he said. errors. handful for visiting South Af- some incredible atmospheres for Benoit Paire alongside Lucas Spain and France have met The defeat brought the South rican teams, whose last win on me and the team to play in and I Pouille and Richard Gasquet for twice previously in Davis Cup Africans back to earth after Australian soil was in 2013 at will always remember that. their mouth-watering semi-final semi-finals, with the Spanish an encouraging opening win Lang Park. “Having been born in Glas- against Spain in two weeks’ winning in both 2004 and 2011 against the South Americans in “We know the Argentines gow and growing up in Scotland time. and going on to win the Davis Durban. were more in our face than they I would never have imagined I The 6ft 5in (1.96 metres) Paire Cup both times. “We felt we played really well were in Durban and we must would see such passionate fans has never played for France, has great spin and a powerful the September 14-16 hardcourt The winner of the weekend’s in Durban and let ourselves down expect the same (here),” said packing out stadiums for tennis is 56th in the ATP standings doublehanded backhand. semi-final in mind. action will come up against in Argentina with our execution, Proudfoot. matches. Playing with my Big and has a reputation for being Noah said the selection was “He’s really up for it,” Noah said. either Croatia or the United so we are looking for the same “The Australians are looking Bro in those stadiums has been flashy and taking risks but made with the opposition for “Benoit’s style is interesting States in the final. consistency and to play with the to bounce back, so we are really very, very special.” same level of physicality like in expecting them to be in our face Gulf Times Wednesday, September 5, 2018 3 SPORT

CYCLING Viviani hails teammates aft er second stage win AFP “You really don’t want to lose,” Bermillo de Sayago, España explained the man who wept Alaphilippe wins Tour of Britain’s stage 3 when Sagan beat him in a sprint fi nish at the Gent-Wevelgem in New Zealand’s Patrick Bevin moved the general classification. lia Viviani thanked his March in his fi rst race for Quick- into overall lead at the Tour of “I’m happy to win, especially today teammates for a perfect Step. For Bora-Hansgrohe’s Britain despite being pipped to the as it’s my first race after a good lead-out that saw him Sagan this was a third second- finish line by stage three winner break. In the end I was in a really win a second stage on place fi nish, but as consolation Julian Alaphilippe yesterday. good position. Bob (Jungels) did thisE year’s Tour of Spain yes- the Slovakian leads the sprinters’ Quick-Step Floors rider Alaphilippe, a really good job and voila!” Alap- terday, as he clinched a bunch points classifi cation. who won the King of the Mountains hilippe said. sprint ahead of world cham- Briton Simon Yates of Mitch- prize at the recent Tour de France, The fourth stage will be held tomor- pion Peter Sagan and Giacomo elton-Scott held on to the over- held off BMC Racing’s Bevin and row over a distance of 183.5km from Nizzolo. all leader’s red jersey by a single ONE Pro Cycling’s Emils Liepins Nuneaton to Leamington Spa. After a fl at run from Salaman- second from 38-year-old Span- to win a reduced bunch sprint in ca to Bermillo de Sayago, Viviani, iard Alejandro Valverde, while Bristol. LEADING POSITIONS AFTER wearing his Italian tri-colour his Movistar team leader Nairo Green jersey holder Bevin is level STAGE 3 (Bristol - Bristol, 125km): jersey, added to his triumph on Quintana in third at 14sec. To- on time with Australia’s Cameron 1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/Quick- stage three last week thanks to a day’s 11th stage from Mombuey Meyer, the Mitchelton-Scott rider Step Floors) at 2hr 47min 41sec, clinical lead-out and sensational to Ribeira will be run over hilly who won the Tour’s second stage 2. Patrick Bevin (NZL/BMC Racing late burst of speed. terrain in the region of Galicia on Monday. Team) at same time, 3. Emils Liepins This was an incredible 17th featuring four medium climbs. “You can’t get better than leading (LAT/ONE Pro Cycling) s.t., 4. Ethan victory of the season for Viviani, the race. If we can hold it tomorrow, Hayter (GBR/Great Britain) s.t., 5 An- who left Team Sky to join Belgian STAGE 10 RESULTS we’ll see how things shake out,” dre Greipel (GER/Lotto Soudal) s.t. outfi t Quick-Step, who target 1. Elia Viviani (Ita/Quick-Step Bevin said. Leading general classification after stage wins rather than podium Floors) 4hrs 8mins 8secs “Every kilometre today was tough. stage 3: 1. Patrick Bevin (NZL/BMC places on the big tours. 2. Peter Sagan (Svk/Bora) Same The guys did a great job, we got it Racing Team) at 11hr 3min 11sec, 2. “That was just about the best time right over the final climb. Cameron Meyer (AUS/Mitchelton- lead-out from our team this 3. Giacomo Nizzolo (Ita/Trek- “The stage win would have been Scott) at same time, 3. Julian year,” said the 29-year-old Vivi- Segafredo) Same time really nice, but we’re still in the hunt Alaphilippe (FRA/Quick-Step Floors) ani. “The guys did a great job, 4. Nelson Soto (Col/Caja Rural- for the overall.” at 2sec, 4. Jasha Sutterlin (GER/Mo- there’s a great deal of pressure to Seguros RGA) Same time Frenchman Alaphilippe is just two vistar Team) at 12sec, 5. Wout Poels deliver and win when people see 5. Marc Sarreau (Fra/Groupama- Quick-Step Team’s Elia Viviani celebrates as he wins the 10th stage of the ‘La Vuelta’, a 177km route seconds behind Bevin and Meyer in (NED/Team Sky) at same time. you as the fastest.” FDJ) same time. from Salamanca to Bermillo de Sayago, yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF MOTORSPORT McLaren driver Norris is a young DeChambeau fi rst man in a hurry

Reuters Woking, England

ando Norris, who will back-to-back winner debut for McLaren next year as Britain’s new- est and youngest ever LFormula One driver, is a man in a hurry and the 18-year-old al- ready has the speeding fi ne to prove it. “It happens to everyone, better on Tour this year own up to it than not,” he grinned “I was more into MotoGP in an interview with Reuters yes- before I started watching For- ‘Consistency has been a big thing for me. I’ve been trying to get that week in and terday when the thorny subject mula One. and I loved his colour was put to him. Speaking a day af- scheme basically,” he said. week out and I was able to figure something out last week on the putting green ter news broke that he will be re- “The yellow, ‘The Doctor’. He placing Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne was always a bit diff erent and and that’s kind of progressed me to move forward in the right way’ next year in an all-new lineup changed helmets and had diff er- with Spaniard Carlos Sainz, Nor- ent things,” he recalled. Reuters ris relived the excitement of hav- “My helmet design I have now Norton, United States ing a dream come true. is pretty much based off of his. “I was smiling for the rest of He has the sun and the moon my fl ight home,” after returning and mine is pretty much the sun hysics major Bryson De- to the McLaren factory from the and...I’ve adjusted it towards Chambeau solved all the Italian Grand Prix. what I like a bit more but it origi- equations and became “I literally didn’t stop smiling. nated from him.” the fi rst player to win It’s been a long time coming, to The youngster, who obtained Pconsecutive tournaments on fi nally make this step into For- his regular driving licence as a the PGA Tour this season with mula One with McLaren.” 17-year-old, has taken part in a two-stroke victory over Justin The Formula Two title con- Friday practice sessions and Rose at the Dell Technologies tender was the frontrunner for tests for McLaren and the next Championship on Monday. the job, as a protege of team prin- step will not faze him. “I feel DeChambeau jumped clear cipal Zak Brown, who snapped ready for it, McLaren obviously with three consecutive birdies him up after he won the McLaren think I’m ready for it,” he said. from the seventh hole en route BRDC young driver of the year McLaren’s reputation with to a four-under-par 67 at TPC award in 2016. But it was not an young drivers, Hamilton ex- Boston in Massachusetts. absolute certainty. cepted, has been poor of late but The American fi nished at “I was told just before the race Norris said he was not worried 16-under 268, while fast-fi n- in Monza. Just as I was leav- about what had befallen Perez, ishing Englishman Rose bird- ing I bumped into Zak, which I Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen ied four of the fi nal six holes to didn’t mean to do. He said he had and now Vandoorne at the un- claim second place with a 68. something to tell me and I wasn’t der-performing team. DeChambeau’s victory in the expecting it at all, to be honest. “I focus on my own job,” he second PGA Tour playoff event, “After everyone told me about said. “I think McLaren need a following his previous win at (Sergio) Perez, (Esteban) Ocon who fresh start. That’s why I’m in. the Northern Trust, increased could get the seat, I was a bit more “For the best progression of his lead in the FedExCup stand- unsure. So it did come as a bit of a the team and getting the team ings with two tournaments left. surprise, a bit of a shock. But at the back to where they need to be The 24-year-old will be Bryson DeChambeau of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the Dell Technologies Championship at TPC Boston in same time I was more or less ready and winning I believe having two named a captain’s pick on Tues- Norton, Massachusetts. (Getty Images/AFP) to hear that if it did come.” fresh drivers is the best thing. If day as part of the United States While following in the foot- we can, hopefully I’ll be the one team for this month’s Ryder steps of four-times world cham- winning.” Cup in Paris. He had previously Mickelson eyes ‘most special’ Ryder Cup pion Lewis Hamilton, the com- That prospect remains some narrowly failed to clinch an au- patriot who started with McLaren way off , with Norris looking to tomatic berth. DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson believes this wait to claim a Ryder Cup on 20 losses and seven half-points. dropped three shots over his in 2007, it is Italian MotoGP great score points and learn as much uniquely on tour, plays with month’s Ryder Cup could be European soil. In contrast, it is Spain’s Rafa closing six holes in a round of Valentino Rossi that Norris holds as he can once he gets into the irons that all have shafts of the the most special of his career if “This one has an opportunity to Cabrera-Bello who faces an 68 to eventually share seventh up as his boyhood idol. cockpit. same length, which allows him he is handed a 12th cap by USA be my favourite and most spe- anxious few days before know- place at 11-under par. to make pretty much the same captain Jim Furyk. Mickelson cial,” Mickelson said yesterday. ing if he will earn a second “I’ve done everything I can,” swing no matter what club he boosted his goal of competing “We’ve never won over there. I straight European Team cap. he said. “I love Ryder Cup. It Fry returns to McLaren as engineering director chooses to hit. in France later this month after feel like we have the team. I feel Cabrera-Bello had thought would be a huge honour to “Consistency has been a posting closing rounds of 67 like we have the leadership and of travelling to Denmark last represent my continent again. McLaren’s former engineer- The pair also worked together big thing for me,” he said in a and 63 for an eventual 10-un- we have the direction. We have week to boost his chances of And I would be 100 percent ing head Pat Fry has returned at Ferrari. “When I told the greenside interview after join- der-par total at the PGA Dell the game plan that will allow us qualifying via the final selection availability if he needs me. I do to the Formula One team as team this morning that was ing compatriots Justin Tho- Technologies Championship on to play our best. “If I’d be lucky event on the European Tour but understand it’s a diff icult pick they seek to build a better car extremely welcomed,” said mas, Bubba Watson and Dustin Monday. The 48-year-old’s clos- enough to get on the team and instead remained in the States because there are lots of good for next season after years of Brown. Johnson as three-times winners ing 63 could not have come at a go over there and be part of a to compete in Boston. players outside. under-performing. Fry worked McLaren have signed James this season. better time for Mickelson, with winning team it would probably The Dubai-based Spaniard “But I feel like even in my best at Woking from 1993 to 2010, Key from Toro Rosso as techni- “I’ve been trying to get that Furyk set to announce three of be my most memorable one.” went close to a first PGA Tour chance, if he was trying to see when they won champion- cal director but he is not ex- week in and week out and I was his four captain’s picks today. Mickelson made his Ryder Cup victory when he moved into a if I was in form or not, I think ships with Mika Hakkinen and pected to start this season with able to fi gure something out last Mickelson is widely expected to debut in 1995 and has com- share of the lead with a fourth this week proves that I am.” Lewis Hamilton, before joining the Red Bull-owned team hold- week on the putting green and earn one of the available slots peted in the event ever since, birdie in succession at the 11th Europea Team captain, Thomas Ferrari as deputy technical ing him to his existing contract. that’s kind of progressed me to and is eager for the chance teeing-up in 45 matches. hole to be six-under for his last Bjorn will announce all four director. He left Maranello in Previous technical head Tim move forward in the right way.” of ending the USA’s 25-year He enjoys a record of 18 wins, round. However, Cabrera-Bello captain’s picks today. 2014 and worked most recently Goss was moved aside in April, DeChambeau was part of a as a consultant to now-defunct after former engineering direc- crowded leaderboard early in Manor. “Pat Fry is joining us,” tor Matt Morris resigned from a the fi nal round, with 17 play- to save par at the next. “Once off the pace. He barely scraped keep doing the numbers right 66-67-69 team boss Zak Brown told team far from its glory days as ers at one stage bunched within I was able to make that putt on into the fi eld for the BMW and keep executing the right 272-Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) reporters yesterday. Brown the second most successful in two shots. He built a four-shot 14 it pushed me forward. I made Championship starting outside shots I can’t do much more than - 71-69-67-65, CT Pan (TPE) said Fry would start work today the sport. McLaren also parted lead early on the back nine, be- birdie on the next and it was Philadelphia tomorrow, where that,” he said. “If I keep going 69-68-69-66, Tony Finau 69- as engineering director. “From company with Racing Director fore Australian Cameron Smith smooth sailing.” the top 70 in the standings will that route I’ll be hard to beat.” 68-67-68 a technical standpoint Andrea Eric Boullier in July. The team made it interesting, cutting the Smith subsequently hit his tee it up. Only 30 will advance to 273-Dustin Johnson 68-69-72- Stella is leading the way and will have an all-new driver margin to one shot with two second shot into a hazard at the the season-ending Tour Cham- LEADING SCORES 64, Bubba Watson 72-68-67-66, will work very closely with Pat lineup next year with Spaniard quick birdies. par-fi ve 18th and made bogey to pionship in Atlanta, where De- 268-Bryson DeChambeau 70- Rafa Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 68- Fry. Andrea will set direction, Carlos Sainz joining from “I was leaking oil a little bit,” fi nish third, three shots behind. Chambeau is assured of starting 68-63-67 68-69-68, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) targets and performance Renault and 18-year-old Briton said DeChambeau, who after Overnight leader Abraham as top seed in the race for the 270-Justin Rose (ENG) 65-67- - 72-67-64-70, Abraham Ancer criteria and Pat ultimately will Lando Norris stepping up from bogeying the 13th steadied the Ancer of Mexico putted poorly $10 million bonus awarded to 70-68 (MEX) 66-69-65-73 work with him to execute that.” his reserve role. ship by sinking a fi ve-footer and shot 73 to fi nish fi ve shots the FedExCup champion. “If I 271-Cameron Smith (AUS) 69- 274-Phil Mickelson 72-72-67-63. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, September 5, 2018 CRICKET

SELECTION COMMENT Pakistan leaves Hafeez out of Asia Cup squad ‘Gentleman’ Cook

AFP Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the ghanistan and a qualifi er team. Lahore, Pakistan side, which opens their Cup cam- Six teams — Hong Kong, Sin- paign against the wildcard entrant gapore, Nepal, United Arab Emir- deserves more on September 16 before taking on ates, Oman and Malaysia — are akistan left all-round- arch-rivals India in a highly-an- currently facing off in Kuala ers Mohamed Hafeez ticipated match three days later. Lumpur to secure the fi nal berth. credit for his and Imad Wasim out Both rounds are in Dubai. Cup teams are divided in two of a 16-man squad for Hafeez, 37 was part of Paki- groups. Two sides are culled for Pthe six-nation Asia Cup, to be stan’s 5-0 one-day series win in the Super Four rounds, after achievements, played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Zimbabwe in July, but was not which the top two fi nishers go to from next week, selectors an- played in any of the matches. the September 28 fi nal in Dubai. nounced yesterday. “We conducted fi tness tests But left-handed opener Shan and since there is no compro- SQUAD: Sarfraz Ahmed (cap- says Clarke Masood gets his fi rst chance in mise on fi tness we have not tain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul- Pakistan’s one-day squad after included Hafeez and Imad Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, scoring 1,200-plus runs in the Wasim,” Inzamam told media Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Haris two domestic one-day tourna- while announcing the squad in Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohamed ments, chief selector Inzamam- Lahore. Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan ul-Haq said. The Asia Cup begins Septem- Ali, Mohamed Amir, Junaid The 28-year-old has so far ber 15 and features India, Paki- Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari and played 12 Tests for Pakistan. stan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Af- Shaheen Shah Afridi

FOCUS England face tough

Reuters form, a level of scrutiny that Bengaluru Clarke said was unwarranted. “He was a fi ghter and he bat- questions despite ted in what I believe is the tough- ormer Australian captain est position in our game, opening Michael Clarke has de- the batting,” Clarke added. scribed Alastair Cook “He found a way to score as one of the game’s “true runs in all conditions and that’s gentleman”F after the record- a sign of a great player, that he breaking England opener de- can adapt and fi nd a way to be cided to end his 12-year interna- successful all around the world. India series success tional career. He probably hasn’t received the Cook, who will retire after this credit he has deserved for being Debate on England’s batting line-up just got interesting with Cook’s announcement week’s fi fth test against India, is such a good player.” the sixth highest scorer in fi ve- Cook’s fi nest hour came dur- AFP day cricket with 12,254 runs, in- ing the 2010-11 Ashes series London cluding 32 centuries. when he scored 766 runs to help “Alastair was a gentleman and England win their fi rst series in a great ambassador for the game Australia for 24 years. ngland may have just of cricket,” Clarke told News Former Australia fast bowler completed a series win Corp Australia. Peter Siddle said Cook’s ability to over India but Mon- “I’ve always believed it’s not adapt to diff erent conditions was day’s announcement by what you say, it’s what you do admired even by the opposition AlastairE Cook of his impending and he’s a great example of that. dressing-room. retirement from international “He wasn’t a big talker on or “It could be incredibly frustrat- cricket has added to their list of off the fi eld but when he said ing trying to bowl at him when he problems. something it was important, and was playing at his best — and he England have long sought that was the way he played.” was amazing during that series,” a reliable partner for opening Cook led England to two home Siddle told the Times. batsman Cook, their all-time Ashes series wins over Clarke’s “He would take the same ap- leading Test run-scorer. Australia but also suff ered a 5-0 proach if he was under pressure Keaton Jennings, one of 12 defeat Down Under in 2013-14. or if he had been dominating batsmen tried at the top of the The 33-year-old left-hander our bowlers. Even from the op- order in the past six years, is the was often criticised for his cap- position dressing room, that was current incumbent. taincy style, and his batting something you had to admire.” But whether a second-in- nings 36 in England’s 60-run win in the fourth Test at South- SPOTLIGHT ampton — a victory that gave them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the fi ve-match India series — is enough for Jennings to retain T10 will modernise his place for the fi fth Test at The Oval starting Friday, remains to be seen. cricket, feels Watson There is also uncertainty over where England captain Joe IANS ducing a new format to the sport Root, who dropped down from Dubai to make it more interesting. number three to his favoured “Just like how T20 cricket rev- number four berth to make 48 olutionised the sport globally, I in the second innings at South- ormer Australia all- think T10 too will modernise the ampton, bats at Surrey’s head- rounder Shane Watson sport and will defi nitely be an ex- quarters in south London. believes that the T10 for- citing spectacle for the viewers” Jonny Bairstow’s best bat- mat will help modernise Commenting on his deci- ting position is up for debate as theF sport and will defi nitely be an sion of being part of the league, well and so too his wish to keep exciting spectacle for the view- Watson said: “I had spoken to wicket if fi t to do so — a broken ers. some of the players who took fi nger suff ered in the third Test Watson, who will lead The Ka- part in the league last season, and at Trent Bridge saw Jos Buttler rachians in the second edition of they gave me some really positive behind the stumps for England the T10 league, starting in the feedback about the league.” last week. United Arab Emirates (UAE) on The second edition of the T10 Off -spinner Moeen Ali November 23, said the new con- League will witness the likes of marked his return to Test cricket England’s Moeen Ali (right) celebrates the wicket of India’s Ajinkya Rahane (not in picture) on day four of the fourth Test at the Ageas Bowl in densed format of the game will Darren Sammy, Brendon McCul- with a nine-wicket haul yet still Southampton, England, on Sunday. (Reuters) boost the fan base. lum, Andre Russell, Rashid Khan, seems keen on being regarded as On being asked about the T10 Chris Lynn, Eoin Morgan, Shahid England’s ‘second spinner’. format being incorporated into Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Sunil Nar- But can England retain leg- Woakes, Pope named in England squad for India fi nale international calendar, Watson ine along with Watson featuring spinner Adil Rashid just to make said: “There’s already a lot of in the event. the Worcestershire all-rounder, AFP long-term direction of the bat- cricket going on currently so I T10 League is the world’s fi rst shunted up from his fi rst-in- London ting order once Cook departs. don’t think the format will im- 10-over cricket league recog- nings number seven to number Who plays as wicket-keeper mediately make it to the inter- nised by the International Crick- three at Southampton, feel remains uncertain, with Jos national scheme of things, but et Council (ICC). The league comfortable? hris Woakes and Ollie Buttler having stepped into having said that I think the T10 will have two additional teams These are all tricky questions Pope have been included the role in Southampton given concept is very interesting and making it an eight-team league that must have faced England’s Cin the England squad for Jonny Bairstow was struggling there’s always a space for intro- spread over eight days. selectors ahead of yesterday’s the final Test against India as with a broken finger. announcement of the fifth Test Alastair Cook prepares for his Pope will link up with England squad — and that’s before they international farewell at The tomorrow, after playing for decide who takes Cook’s place Oval. Surrey in the first two days of India announce schedule for on the upcoming tour of Sri Warwickshire all-rounder their County Championship Lanka. Woakes and Surrey batsman division one clash with Essex in West Indies series The issue of how best to de- Pope are added to group that Chelmsford. ploy Bairstow is arguably the will prepare for the fifth Test Top-ranked Test team India nai (November 11) will host the most awkward, given the po- that starts on Friday in London. spotlight on what will be the 32 centuries, in his 160 Test SQUAD: Joe Root (capt), will host the West Indies next T20 games. tential impact upon the York- England wrapped up a 3-1 former England captain’s final matches. Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, month and in November for The West Indies had pulled out shireman and the consequences series success with their 60- appearance for his country. England’s squad is the same Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, two Tests, five one-day interna- of their last tour of India in 2014 for the balance of the rest of the run victory in the fourth Test in The 33-year-old, who an- line-up that faced India in the Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam tionals and three Twenty20s, because of a bitter pay dispute side. Southampton. nounced his retirement plan on fourth Test plus the additions Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie the cricket board said Tuesday. between the players and their Playing as a specialist bats- That sets the stage for Essex Monday, has scored an England of Woakes and Pope. Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, The Test series will kick off board. man at Southampton, he man- batsman Cook to take the record 12,254 runs, including It off ers few clues as to the Chris Woakes on October 4 in the western The Dwayne Bravo-led side aged a mere six runs in total — city of Rajkot followed by the flew back after playing four including a second golden duck second and final match in Hy- one-day internationals. They in three innings, both noughts “He is very keen to keep,” said shot of an experienced top-or- that challenge.” bat at fi rst wicket down, for the derabad from October 12 to 16. were scheduled to play one seeing Bairstow clean bowled. Bayliss, who was speaking to re- der Test batsman. Meanwhile Moeen may be time being at least. The five one-dayers will be more ODI, a one-off Twenty20 Bairstow, whose late father porters before Cook announced “Unfortunately it is not the England’s number three again at “In the right conditions, I played in Guwahati (Octo- international and three Tests David was also a Yorkshire and his plans to retire from England fi rst (poor shot) he has played, The Oval. would not put it past him,” Bay- ber 21), Indore (October 24), on that tour. England wicket-keeper, may duty after the fi fth Test. (but) he was very honest about “I hope we can fi nd some- liss added. “When Rooty asked Pune (October 27), Mumbai The West Indies were the have accepted he was unfi t to The way Bairstow was bowled that,” said Bayliss. one who can do a decent job at him if he was keen to do it, he (October 29) and Thiruvanan- dominant force in world take the gloves in the fourth Test in England’s second innings at “He realises he has to do bet- number three, and (Joe) can bat jumped at it. thapuram (November 1). cricket until the 1990s but but England coach Trevor Bay- Southampton, trying to drive ter, as a number of our players do where he feels most comfort- “His challenge will be on the Kolkata (November 4), Luc- have slumped to eighth in the liss is under no illusions about Mohammed Shami on the up when they miss out. able,” said Bayliss, with the Aus- faster wickets... (but) we haven’t know (November 6) and Chen- Test and ninth in ODI rankings. the player’s preference. fi rst ball, was certainly not the “They do not step away from tralian indicating Moeen could got any of those for a while.” Gulf Times Wednesday, September 5, 2018 5 SPORT

NFL McCoy eligible to play in Bills’ Sunday opener Reuters sonal injury lawsuit against McCoy Lynch, the 26th overall pick in New York and former University of Pitts- the 2016 draft, is free to sign with burgh teammate Tamarcus Porter any team after going unclaimed on seeking damages around $150,000. waivers. uff alo Bills running back It claims McCoy should be held The Bills have two quarterbacks LeSean McCoy will not fi nancially liable for Cordon’s in- on the roster – starter Nathan Pe- be placed on the commis- juries because he had changed the terman and rookie fi rst-rounder sioner’s exempt list and is security codes to the home and re- Josh Allen – and head coach Sean eligibleB to play in Sunday’s opener fused to provide the information to McDermott told reporters that at the Baltimore Ravens, the NFL her, saying he “breached his duty to tight end Logan Thomas, a con- said. use ordinary care” to protect Cor- verted quarterback, is currently NFL spokesman Brian McCa- don. the emergency signal-caller. Free rthy told the Washington Post that McCoy has denied allegations agent signee AJ McCarron was the running back’s status “has not made by Cordon and has partici- traded to the Oakland Raiders be- changed” as police continue to in- pated fully with the Bills through- fore fi nal cuts. vestigate an alleged home invasion out the fall, saying the team is McDermott also said on Monday at McCoy’s Milton, Ga., house, backing him “110 percent.” that Ryan Groy will be the team’s which happened in July. The Bills selected McCoy as one starting center after winning a bat- McCoy’s ex-girlfriend, Delicia of the team captains on Monday. tle over free agent acquisition Rus- Cordon, was living in the home A nine-year NFL veteran, McCoy sell Bodine. at the time and told police a man will be playing in his fourth season Groy, who turns 28 later this broke inter the home with no signs in Buff alo. The 30-year-old rushed month, started seven games in re- of forced entry, hit her multiple for 1,138 yards and gained another lief of Eric Wood during 2016, and times in the head with a gun and 448 receiving yards in 2017 while has played in all 32 games over the asked for jewellery that McCoy had scoring eight total touchdowns. past two seasons. gifted her but had later requested Meanwhile, the Bills are bringing Bodine, 26, signed a two-year, $5 back. in former Denver Broncos quarter- million deal with the Bills in March Cordon has said she believes back Paxton Lynch for a visit Tues- after starting all 64 possible games McCoy was somehow involved in day, according to an NFL Network during his fi rst four seasons with the incident, and she fi led a per- report. the Cincinnati Bengals.

MLB FOCUS Giants’ Shurmur explains cutting Webb; Nimmo’s pinch-hit Engram practices

Reuters in 2017 – on the Giants’ depth New York chart. Shurmur said he is “very comfortable” that Lauletta, who played in college at Richmond, is ew York Giants head ready to play in the NFL. blast lift s Mets over coach Pat Shurmur “I like the fact that he’ll decide expanded on Monday what he’s looking at, see it and the decision to waive pull the trigger,” Shurmur said ‘He doesn’t pitch for himself, he pitches for Nquarterback Davis Webb to make of Lauletta. “He’s very decisive room for other players claimed in what he does. He’s a gamer of the team and that is why he has been able on waivers Sunday. sorts, and we’re looking forward Webb’s release was surpris- to working with that.” to do what he has been able to do’ ing after he had worked as the Asked if it’s important for the Dodgers second quarterback behind Eli team to have a succession plan Manning throughout the off - for the 37-year-old Manning, season, ahead of 2018 fourth- Shurmur replied, “At this point, New York Mets centre fi elder rounder Kyle Lauletta and vet- we do right now.” Brandon Nimmo (right) celebrates eran Alex Tanney, who remain “It’s just not what everybody with centre fi elder Austin Jackson on the roster. outside our building had pre- aft er hitting a three run home run Webb made the initial cut to 53 dicted the plan was,” he added, against the Los Angeles Dodgers in players, but the Giants claimed “and I think that’s where all the the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. six players on Sunday, making questions are stemming from.” PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports one of their four quarterbacks Meanwhile, Shurmur said expendable. tight end Evan Engram is still in “I think I mentioned long ago the concussion protocol despite there was no depth chart behind practicing on a limited basis on Eli (Manning),” Shurmur told re- Monday, and the team is “hope- porters. “(Webb) got a lot of reps, ful” the 2017 fi rst-rounder can and I think it was probably that play in Sunday’s opener against where people start to assume the Jacksonville Jaguars. because he’s taking second- Engram, who turned 24 on string reps that he’s a second- Sunday, was concussed Aug. 24 string quarterback, and it didn’t in the team’s third preseason play out that way.” game. He led the team with 64 Shurmur didn’t elaborate on receptions and six touchdown the reasons that Webb was let grabs last season while totalling go, saying only that the team 722 receiving yards. feels Lauletta and Tanney “are Shurmur said the team is also better choices for us now.” He “hopeful” about defensive end added that Webb’s draft status Olivier Vernon’s availability for – as a third-round pick in 2017 Sunday, but he added, “We’ll – did not factor as much as many just have to see.” outside the building would have Vernon missed Monday’s guessed. practice and received treatment “Let’s forget for a minute in the trainer’s room on his an- that he was a third-round pick,” kle, which he injured on Aug. 26. Shurmur said. “I really do mean Various reports have said Vernon that. At some point, that all goes sprained the ankle and also has away.” a deep bruise. Shurmur said last Webb went unclaimed on week that Vernon was day-to- waivers, meaning he is now free day. to sign with any team. Vernon, who turns 28 next As for who will back up Man- month, has 15.0 sacks in 28 ning, Shurmur wouldn’t say, but games (all starts) over the past Lauletta has been listed ahead two seasons since joining the Gi- of Tanney – a 30-year-old who ants on a fi ve-year, $85 million has appeared in one career game, deal in March 2016. allowed three earned runs or fewer in 25 hit double sent Desmond to third. Both Reuters RESULTS Los Angeles consecutive starts, breaking a tie with runners raced home when Cuevas sin- Dwight Gooden. He also delivered his Rockies 9-8 Giants gled to center fi eld. DAVIS WEBB 20th consecutive quality start, breaking Mets 4-2 Dodgers Rockies closer Wade Davis came on to randon Nimmo delivered a a tie with Tom Seaver. record his 38th save with three straight pinch-hit, three-run home run His streak of six consecutive starts Padres 6-2 D’backs strikeouts in the ninth, locking up Colo- in the ninth inning to give the with at least nine strikeouts came to end. Brewers 4-3 Cubs rado’s third straight win. New York Mets a 4-2 victory DeGrom now has a 1.45 ERA over his past Red Sox 8-2 Braves Seunghwan Oh (2-0) was credited MondayB over the Los Angeles Dodgers 11 starts. with the win despite losing a 7-5 lead in the opener of a three-game series at Justin Turner gave the Dodgers their Astros 4-1 Twins in the eighth when Alen Hanson hit a Dodger Stadium. only run off deGrom when he hit a first- Nationals 4-3 Cardinals game-tying, two-run homer and pinch Nimmo’s 16th home run of the season inning home run, his 12th of the season A’s 6-3 Yankees hitter Chris Shaw swatted a go-ahead came off reliever Kenta Maeda (8-9), who and his seventh since being reinstated solo home run for his fi rst major league was working out of the bullpen for just from the disabled list on Aug. 2. Royals 5-1 Indians hit. Shaw had been 0-for-6 before the the sixth time since he was removed from Drew Smith (1-0) pitched a scoreless Marlins 3-1 Phillies homer. The game began as a Rockies a crowded Dodgers rotation in August. inning for his fi rst career victory. Robert Mariners 2-1 Orioles romp, with DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Sto- After spending one day in sole posses- Gsellman pitched the ninth inning for his ry bombing two of Madison Bumgarner’s Angels 3-1 Rangers sion of fi rst place in the National League 10th save. The Dodgers had at least one fi rst 11 pitches for home runs, producing West, the Dodgers fell to second place, a runner in scoring position during each of White Sox 4-2 Tigers a 4-0 lead. half-game behind the Colorado Rockies. the fi nal three innings but scored just one Pirates 5-1 Reds Story added a second homer, his 28th of the year, and fi nished with fi ve RBIs Mets starter Jacob deGrom only en- run in that span, on a Yasmani Grandal Rays 7-1 Blue Jays hanced his NL Cy Young Award chances, sacrifi ce fl y in the ninth. as the Rockies went up 7-2 in the fi fth despite ending the night with his 12th no- Dodgers starter Alex Wood gave up one inning. Bumgarner was pulled after fi ve decision in 28 starts. The right-hander run on fi ve hits over fi ve innings with two the top of the eighth inning to take an 8-7 innings, having allowed seven runs (six gave up one run on just two hits over six walks and three strikeouts. lead in a game they had once trailed 7-2. earned) and eight hits. He walked one innings with a walk and six strikeouts. He The Rockies moved into fi rst place in and struck out six. even drove in a run in his second consec- ROCKIES BLOW LEAD, THEN RALLY the National League West when the Los Rockies starter Tyler Anderson also utive game with an RBI single in the fi fth. PAST GIANTS Angeles Dodgers lost 4-2 to the New did not get a decision despite exiting with “He has been the best pitcher in all of Pinch hitter Noel Cuevas delivered a York Mets on Monday night. Colorado a 7-3 lead in the sixth inning. The left- baseball,” Mets manager Mickey Calla- two-run single in the eighth inning is a half-game up on Los Angeles and 1 hander was charged with three runs and way said. “He doesn’t pitch for himself, Monday afternoon, allowing the Colo- 1/2 games in front of the Arizona Dia- six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out sev- he pitches for the team and that is why he rado Rockies to survive a late rally by the mondbacks. With his team down by one, en and did not walk a batter. The homer by has been able to do what he has been able San Francisco Giants and record a 9-8 Ian Desmond led off the Colorado eighth LeMahieu was his 14th of the season. Sto- to do.” victory in the opener of a three-game se- with a single off the fourth Giants pitch- ry, Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado The outing gave deGrom sole posses- ries in Denver. er, left-hander Tony Watson (4-6). each scored two runs for the Rockies, who sion of a pair of Mets records. He has now The Giants had scored three times in One out later, Chris Iannetta’s pinch- opened a 10-game homestand. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, September 5, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Beckham to face trial over speeding off ence

Former England football captain David Beckham yesterday pleaded not guilty on a technicality to a speeding off ence in a loaned Bentley, and will face trial later this month. The former Manches- ter United star, who played 115 times Watching World Cup for his country, was caught driving the luxury car at 94 kilometres per hour in a 40 mph zone in London in January. But his lawyer Nick Freeman, known as “Mr Loophole”, argued at a London court that the notice of prosecution was served a day after the 14-day limit. Beckham, 43, was not at the hearing, motivated me: Shaw and Freeman said his client was unlikely to appear at the full trial starting Sep- Manchester United defender concedes that Mourinho was right to publicly criticise him tember 27. Mourinho to admit tax AFP Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom evasion in Spain: report Manchester United manager Jose ngland’s Luke Shaw admitted Mourinho is set to admit to a Spanish watching the World Cup from court investigating him that he evaded afar provided the motivation 3.3mn euros in tax while coaching he needed to grow up and start Real Madrid, Spanish daily El Mundo deliveringE on his potential for Man- reported. The 55-year-old Portuguese is chester United. Shaw was the world’s accused of committing tax fraud in 2011 most expensive teenager when he and 2012, prosecutors said last year. He signed for United from Southampton has reportedly accepted to pay a fine for a reported £27mn in 2014, weeks corresponding to 60% of the amount after representing England at the he allegedly hid from the taxman and to World Cup in Brazil. a one-year prison sentence that should However, after four years over- be commuted into another fine, the shadowed by criticism over his diet, newspaper said. That should come to a a horrifi c leg break in 2015, and being total of more than five million euros. routinely dropped by United boss Jose Mourinho, Shaw has been one of few bright sparks in a diffi cult start to the Osorio takes his golden season for Mourinho’s men. touch to Paraguay Shaw was just another fan as Gareth Southgate’s England side captivated Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio who the hearts of a nation in reaching the coached Mexico at the World Cup in semi-fi nals of the World Cup in Rus- Russia has been appointed Paraguay sia. But he wants to be part of the feel- coach to lead them into the 2019 Copa good factor around the England team America and the next World Cup. After after earning a recall to Southgate’s reaching the quarter-finals in 2010 squad for Saturday’s Nations League Paraguay failed to qualify for the past opener against Spain to kick-off quali- two World Cups but they are thought to fi cation for Euro 2020. have a talented generation of players “That made me want it more. The emerging. Osorio galvanised Mexico World Cup is the biggest stage for any to a rampant start in Russia, sweeping footballer. It was wonderful to see how away Germany in the group stages well we did as a team, and how far we before losing 2-0 to Brazil in the second got was brilliant. But also it was quite round. gutting not to be there,” said Shaw He was off ered jobs by Costa Rica, yesterday. South Korea and Egypt, but Paraguay’s As a result, he went away to do ex- off er of a long-term contract won out. tra training in Dubai over the summer to get fi t for the new campaign and impressed Mourinho in an otherwise Cahill to make one last troubled pre-season tour of the United appearance for Australia States. “I’ve matured, grown up. I’ve gone from a kid to a man now, and I Australia’s all-time top goal-scorer Tim know what I need to do to push myself. Cahill will make one last appearance for I want to play for Manchester United, his country, it was announced, after call- to stay there and fi ght for my place, ing time on his international career at and prove my worth to the team,” add- England’s defender Luke Shaw (right) at a training session at St George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent, central England, yesterday. (AFP) the Russia World Cup. The veteran, who ed Shaw. “I want to do the same here has scored 50 times in 107 appearances, now and give Gareth a headache over couldn’t,” added Shaw. ness fully and everything is good. “If “All the stick I’ve had in the last few of his United teammate from the na- will pull on the Socceroos jersey for a selection.” “I think, at times, he got frustrated he didn’t trust me, it would have been years has pushed me. I wanted to prove tional team, Shaw said: “During the final time when they meet Lebanon in Mourinho has at times been sting- with me because he knew I could do easy for him to say he wanted to sell everyone wrong and get back to what World Cup, Ashley Young was really Sydney on November 20 so he can bid ing in his criticism of Shaw, but the better. Maybe when I look back at me. But he always believed in me.” I do best. I need games to get fully fi t good and one of our key players. Of farewell to his home crowd. former Southampton full-back insists times, maybe he was right. I had a chat Shaw was established in previous and motivated. I’m feeling back to my course I feel sympathy for him but it’s The 38-year-old last played for the the Portuguese coach was just trying with the manager before the season United manager Louis van Gaal’s team old self.” a chance for me. Socceroos when he came off the bench to get the best out of him. “Mentally it and he said he wanted me to stay and until he broke his leg playing against Shaw’s return to the England squad “I’m sure it’s hard for Gareth to for their final group game against Peru made me come out the other side and fi ght for my place, and that motivated PSV in September 2015, and he admits has come at the expense of Ashley pick. There are a few other left-backs at the World Cup. Cahill spent 14 years made me stronger, to want to prove to me a lot in the off -season. the recovery process took its toll men- Young, who played in fi ve of Gareth in the league that are really top. I guess in England with Millwall and top-flight him that I can do what sometimes, in I came back and played games in tally. “I’ve seen a psychologist. My leg Southgate’s side’s matches at the it’s good for Gareth that he has hard outfit Everton, before stints in the the last couple of seasons, he’d said I pre-season, and now I have my fi t- break was a very tough time,” he said. World Cup. Asked about the absence choices like this.” United States and China.

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS ‘Disaster’ season made Lopetegui does not regret joining Morata ponder Chelsea exit Real despite Spain upheaval AFP Madrid Reuters Madrid lvaro Morata admits he considered leaving eal Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui Chelsea after a “disas- has said he is over his turbulent trous” year that culmi- sacking from the Spanish national natedA in him missing the World team and does not regret joining Cup. Morata was dropped from theR European champions even though it cost the Spain squad after scoring him the chance to manage at the World Cup. only three times in 23 games for Lopetegui was fi red by the Spanish Foot- Chelsea in the second half of last ball Federation the day before the World season. Cup started for announcing his move to Real “Yes I considered returning to behind the organisation’s back, throwing Spain or Italy, but you cannot al- Spain’s tournament preparations into chaos. ways escape reality,” Morata said. “I simply took a decision and I would “I left Spain to be at the World take the same one again, I did it in the most Cup and I did not go.” honest way possible and I don’t regret any- Since then, Luis Enrique has thing,” Lopetegui told Spanish radio station taken the Spanish reins from Onda Cero yesterday. “I’m absolutely happy Julen Lopetegui’s short-term to coach Real Madrid, we have a special how I felt in my presentation and I still feel Spain begin a new era under coach Luis replacement, Fernando Hierro, challenge and great objectives. What hap- that way,” added Lopetegui, who has led Enrique on Saturday with a UEFA Nations while Maurizio Sarri has arrived pened happened and it can’t be changed.” Real Madrid to victory in their fi rst three La League game away to England before host- at Chelsea after Antonio Conte Spain, the 2010 world champions, were Liga games although they lost the UEFA Su- ing Croatia on Tuesday. “I hope things go departed in July. Enrique’s fi rst one of the favourites to win the World Cup per Cup to Atletico Madrid. “I don’t worry phenomenally well for Spain and for Luis squad included a recall for Mora- Alvaro Morata was dropped from the Spain squad after scoring only but suff ered a shock last-16 defeat by hosts about how it was explained, I don’t think Enrique, I’m a fervent supporter of the na- ta, who has also started Chelsea’s three times in 23 games for Chelsea last season. (Reuters) Russia in a penalty shootout. At his pres- back. It’s over, we explained how we felt and tional team,” Lopetegui said. four Premier League games so far entation as Real coach the day after being I insist that we did the right thing, which “It’s an era in my life which has gone by, under Sarri. “Last year I started time because I expected to go.” “Luis Enrique tells us that he sacked by Spain, Lopetegui said “yesterday was to say yes to Real Madrid. I would do we have moved on and now we are focused well but in the end it was a disas- Morata had lost the confi dence wants Spain to win again and was the worst day of my life, today is the it again,” he said. “Real Madrid supporters on an objective which is big enough to not ter,” Morata said. “I did not even of Conte, who experimented with wants everyone to know who best”. need to know that me and the players are worry about looking back. We’re focused on know where I was when I went Eden Hazard as a lone striker and Spain is,” Morata said. “He asks “I don’t want to look back, I explained fully focused on the club.” the now, what happened before is done.” out to play.” then preferred Olivier Giroud to- for a lot of intensity, a lot of con- Asked how he felt after being wards the end of the campaign. centration and he seems to me a left out of the World Cup squad, Sarri, however, appears to be of- very sincere person, who wants the 25-year-old said: “I thought fering Morata a fresh start. to win.” Denmark muster makeshift squad for Nations League ‘how am I going to get through “At my club, the way of playing The striker said he has re- the summer without going to the has changed and it’s more similar newed energy and motivation to Copenhagen: Denmark yesterday said it for several years,” Kim Hallberg, director of According to the daily Ekstrabladet, the World Cup?’ I was ruined, how to what is played here with Spain, play for the national team. “I feel would play in the UEFA Nations League the Danish Football Association (DBU) said. new squad includes futsal players. Futsal else could I cope with a summer many passes, a lot of possession like it’s my fi rst time in the squad. against Slovakia and Wales after securing a “On behalf of DBU and Danish football, I is a kind of football but held indoors on a without going to the World Cup. and freedom to attack,” Morata Yesterday I was restless. I arrived second-string squad and a substitute coach am pleased that John Jensen has taken the smaller pitch. It was a very tough moment for said. Enrique, meanwhile, is an hour and a half early,” he said. as contract talks with first-team members hard task of being coach in both matches,” Senior players refused to renew their me, the worst moment of my ca- tasked with reinvigorating a “Sometimes I didn’t appreci- failed. The sticking point was individual he added. Jensen, a former midfielder, contract over disagreements on their con- reer and I had a very bad time. I Spanish side still smarting af- ate coming here. You don’t re- player image rights, while regular coach is to temporarily replace the Norwegian ditions. In 2017, the Danish women’s team left Real Madrid so I could go to ter their shock last-16 defeat to alise that you have to perform in Age Hareide said he wouldn’t coach a side Hareide. boycotted a World Cup qualifier against the World Cup and I didn’t get to Russia at the World Cup. They every game in order to get called he hadn’t picked. “We must hold the two The DBU has yet to confirm the names Sweden over salary disputes. Denmark go. It was a hard moment but I’m face England at Wembley in the up to the Spain team again until national matches to avoid millions of fines of the 23-player squad which is to face Slo- risks being ruled out of the UEFA if it can- going to do everything I can to go League of Nations before hosting you end up watching the games and possible exclusion of the national team vakia on Wednesday and Wales on Sunday. cels another match. to the next one. It was a diffi cult Croatia on Tuesday in Elche. at home.” Gulf Times Wednesday, September 5, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW INJURED Lallana France, Germany to launch pulls out of England squad inaugural Nations League AFP London

Germany have plenty to prove after a catastrophic group-stage exit at the World Cup dam Lallana was forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of their matches against SpainA and Switzerland after the Liverpool midfi elder suff ered a groin injury. Lallana had been recalled for the forthcoming UEFA Na- tions League clash with Spain at Wembley on Saturday and the friendly against Switzerland in Leicester on Tuesday. But Lallana sustained a groin strain in the fi rst training session at England’s St George’s Park base and headed back to Liver- pool for checks on the problem. It is the latest injury setback for the 30-year-old, who also missed out on a World Cup place due to fi tness issues. Lallana was on the bench for Liverpool’s fi rst four games of the Premier League season, with his one ap- pearance coming as a late sub- stitute against Crystal Palace. “Adam Lallana has returned to his club for further assessment of a groin strain,” an FA state- ment read. “The Liverpool play- er was withdrawn from training earlier this afternoon and will play no part in England’s forth- coming fi xtures against Spain and Switzerland.” Lallana’s injury blow comes Germany’s (from left) goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, midfielders Julian Brandt and Thomas Mueller attend a press conference in Munich yesterday, on the eve of their UEFA Nations League match. (AFP) after Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling pulled out of AFP weight or a burden to carry. It’s quite the exit that has left Loew fi ghting to prove at Wembley on Saturday, as Mancini charge of the country he represented 62 Gareth Southgate’s squad on Paris opposite. With all the positive aspects he is still the right man for the job. “We bemoaned the lack of opportunities af- times as a player. Monday due to a back problem. being world champion has brought, on are under pressure, I am aware of that,” forded to younger players in Serie A. Rather than bolster his attack- the sporting front but also from a hu- Loew, who has been in charge since “There have never been fewer Italians UEFA Nations League draw ing options, however, Southgate orld Cup champions France man and psychological standpoint, it’s 2006, said last week. “However, I am playing the game,” Mancini said. “This League A: Group 1: Germany, France, has called up a fourth goalkeeper travel to Joachim Loew’s a huge boost. It won’t prevent them still convinced of our class and quality. is a low point. “Often, the Italians on in Fulham’s Marcus Bettinelli. Netherlands; Group 2: Belgium, Iceland, under-pressure Germany from going through tougher times, but The World Cup squad was very, very the bench can be better than those get- Though it is understood it is Switzerland; Group 3: Italy, Poland, Portu- tomorrow in an eye-catch- it’s not necessarily linked to the tag of good, but we did not perform.” ting a start at some clubs,” he suggested. not owing to an injury to Jordan gal; Group 4: Croatia, England, Spain Wing start to the inaugural UEFA Nations world champion,” he added. Thomas Mueller, an experienced “They need to be playing, especially the Pickford, Jack Butland or Alex League, a competition introduced to re- Teenage star Kylian Mbappe, voted member of Germany’s ill-fated squad young ones.” League B: Group 1: Czech Republic, Slo- McCarthy. The 26-year-old has place most international friendlies. the best young player at the World Cup, in Russia, said the sell-out clash in Mu- Southgate last week admitted the vakia, Ukraine; Group 2: Russia, Sweden, made just two Premier League France boss Didier Deschamps has was sent off for shoving an opponent nich is the ideal opportunity to help the Premier League’s shrinking pool of Turkey; Group 3: Austria, Bosnia and appearances in his career in Ful- retained the entirety of the squad that after he was fouled late in Paris Saint- team move on from their World Cup de- homegrown talent could force him to Herzegovina, Northern Ireland; Group 4: ham’s last two outings against triumphed in Russia, with the excep- Germain’s 4-2 win over Nimes at the bacle. “France isn’t just any old team. A look outside the top fl ight to fi ll his Denmark, Republic of Ireland, Wales Burnley and Brighton. tion of captain Hugo Lloris and fellow weekend. The 19-year-old will discover victory against them would be a huge England squad in the future. Portugal League C: Group 1: Albania, Israel, Scot- Sterling,who played in six of goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, both ruled the length of his ban following a disci- step towards us getting over our huge will be Italy’s second Nations League land; Group 2: Estonia, Finland, Greece, England’s seven matches as they out by injury. As just the third man to plinary hearing today, but Deschamps loss this summer,” said the Bayern Mu- opponent on September 10, although Hungary; Group 3: Bulgaria, Cyprus, reached the World Cup semi- the European champions will be with- win the World Cup as both a player and was reluctant to be overly critical of his nich forward. Norway, Slovenia; Group 4: Lithuania, fi nals in Russia, has scored twice coach, Deschamps is more aware than young striker. “It’s also human to react. Roberto Mancini will make his com- out Cristiano Ronaldo, who asked to be in the Premier League so far this Montenegro, Romania, Serbia most of the increased exposure that He shouldn’t have done it and he knows petitive bow as Italy coach at home to left out following his move to Juventus. season. The 23-year-old’s with- comes with such success but believes it that, but I’m not going to make a big is- Poland on Friday as the Azzurri begin Ronaldo scored at least 40 goals a League D: Group 1: Andorra, drawal leaves England with just can serve his team well. sue of it,” said Deschamps, whose side their road to redemption after failing to season in the last eight seasons at Real Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia; Group 2: three forwards — captain Harry “It’s a galvanising eff ect to have this then face the Netherlands on September reach the World Cup for the fi rst time in Madrid but has yet to score for his Belarus, Luxembourg, Moldova, San Kane, Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck title, in terms of confi dence,” Des- 9. Germany, the team France succeeded 60 years. But he touched upon a similar new club. World Cup fi nalists Croatia Marino; Group 3: Azerbaijan, Faroe and Manchester United young- champs said. “This title of world cham- as World Cup winners, have plenty to concern to England counterpart Ga- take on Spain in Elche on September Islands, Kosovo, Malta; Group 4: Armenia, ster Marcus Rashford — for the pion, you have to manage it but it’s not a prove after a catastrophic group-stage reth Southgate, whose side host Spain 11 in Luis Enrique’s fi rst home game in Macedonia, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein Nations League matches.

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE EXPLAINED SPOTLIGHT Winning starts for Pakistan, Bangladesh in SAFF Cup

Agencies better,” said Maharjan. In the day’s second match, Dhaka Bangladesh took the lead in the third minute through a penalty converted by Topu Barman after Saad Uddin was brought down by Tshering Dirji of ohamed Ali scored in the dying min- Bhutan. Despite dominating, Bangladesh had to utes to give Pakistan a 2-1 win over wait till the 47th minute for their second goal with Nepal in their opening 2018 SAFF Mahbubur Rahman scoring with a right footed Cup Group A match at the Banga- shot to the bottom left corner of the net. Bangla- Mbandhu National Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. desh will play Pakistan in a top-of-the-table clash Hosts Bangladesh also enjoyed a fl ying start as tomorrow while Nepal and Bhutan will square off . they defeated Bhutan 2-0 in Group A’s second match of the day. DEFENDER SUBHASISH It was a great start to Pakistan’s campaign as TO CAPTAIN INDIA Nepal had started the brighter of the two sides and Meanwhile, India coach Stephen Constantine came close to scoring on several occasions. How- said young defender Subhasish Bose will don the ever, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead into half-time break captain’s armband in India’s SAFF Cup opener after Nepal’s Biraj Maharjan brought Mohamed against Sri Lanka Dhaka today. “Subhasish has Riaz down in the box in the 36th minute. Hassan been very impressive in the recent camps. In the Bashir easily converted. fi rst few days, he had to work a lot and being a Nepal pressed for the equaliser but only drew fi ghter, he has made a strong comeback. I’m very level in the 82nd minute, with Bimal Magar fi nding proud of him and obviously, it’s going to be a very England manager Gareth Southgate (second right) speaks to his players during a training session at in Burton upon Trent, Britain. (Reuters) the back of the net. Just when a draw seemed the special moment for him,” Constantine said. likely result, Ali scored off a speedy counter attack India arrived in Dhaka fresh from a preparatory Paris: A heavyweight showdown in Munich into four leagues, with the top 12 sides all to November, 2019, with a draw to be held to seal all three points for Pakistan. Pakistan head Camp since July 28 in Delhi and then a 17-day pre- between the last two World Cup winners, in League A. The next 12 are in League B, this coming December. However, that will no coach Jose Antonio Nogueira said: “Nepal played paratory camp in Sydney where they played three France and Germany, sets the ball rolling followed by 15 in League C and the bottom longer be the only means of qualifying for very well but we were also strong so it was a bal- friendly fi xtures against APIA Leichhardt Tigers tomorrow as the inaugural UEFA Nations 16 in League D. that competition. anced game. Nepal had more possession, but if FC, Sydney FC and Rydalmere Lions FC. League gets under way. Each group contains three or four teams, Twenty teams will make it to Euro 2020 you look back, we were the more attacking team.” Constantine stated: “The three games in Aus- The new tournament sees the 55 Euro- with everyone playing each other home and from qualifying, with the top two in each Nepal head coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said his tralia have been terrifi c practice for us. The game pean national teams split into four divi- away between September and November of the 10 groups advancing. The remaining team failed to defend well. “This result is very un- against Sydney FC, that too against their fi rst sions, taking promotion and relegation to this year. four places will be decided in March 2020, fortunate. Pakistan had the advantage of height squad has been a great lesson for us. We got a few international football while also off ering in the Nations League play-off s. Each of the and played to this advantage by focusing on set- positive feedbacks from Australia and those are an alternative route to the 2020 European FINAL FOUR four leagues (A, B, C and D) will hold play- pieces. They were successful in playing the coun- going to be pretty helpful for us in the coming Championship, without replacing the qualifi- The winners of the four groups in League A off s which will take place in March 2020 and ter-attacking game. We should have defended days.” ers themselves. Here is everything you need will go through to the finals from June 5-9 which will be contested by the respective to know about the competition: next year. Semi-finals, a third-place play-off group winners, with semi-finals and a final and a final will all be played, with the host being played. However, if a group winner FEWER MEANINGLESS FRIENDLIES country to be decided in December from has already qualified via the classic route, The creation of the competition stems among the finalist teams. then their spot will go to the next best- from the desire to replace meaningless So there is a title and a trophy up for ranked team in their league. And if a league friendly matches with more competitive grabs, but also promotion and relegation does not have four teams to compete, the games. When Germany last hosted France, with future Nations Leagues in mind. The remaining slots are allocated to teams from in a friendly last November, the number of team finishing bottom of each group in another league. empty seats in Cologne was striking and Leagues A, B and C will be relegated, and All of which means that one place at suggested that the appetite for such games replaced by those finishing top of the groups Euro 2020 will go to a team from League was waning. Meanwhile, smaller nations in Leagues B, C and D. D, comprised of the continent’s traditional find it diff icult to arrange friendly games, so minnows. Meanwhile, teams will still be free UEFA believe they have come up with the EURO 2020 PLACES UP FOR GRABS to play friendly matches when the opportu- perfect solution. They are using their own There will still be qualifiers for the 24-team nity arises, hence why Scotland and Belgium coeff icient to split their 55 member nations Euro 2020. They will take place from March meet in Glasgow this Friday, for example. Pakistan will play Bangladesh in a top-of-the-table clash tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

Qatar train ahead of two friendly matches

Qatar’s national team trained yesterday at the Al Sadd stadium ahead of two friendly matches. Felix Sanchez’s men will take on China this Friday and then Palestine next Tuesday at the Khalifa International Sta- dium in Doha. Sanchez kept a close eye on the proceedings as his team went through the training drills. Qatar is using the friendlies as part of the preparation for the 2019 Asian Cup to be held in the UAE in January next year. Sanchez named 25 players for the camp ahead of the two friendlies. In the 2019 Asian Cup, Qatar will be playing against Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North Korea in Group E.

SPOTLIGHT FOOTBALL Clubs prepare for QSL Cup

The QSL Messi surprised Cup will begin from by Ronaldo this Friday. leaving Madrid ‘Real Madrid are one of the best teams and have a great squad but By Sports Reporter national team for its forthcom- AL RAYYAN’S INJURED it’s obvious the departure of Ronaldo makes them less strong’ Doha ing friendlies against China and VIERA OUT OF ACTION Palestine. Al Arabi and Al Rayy- Al Rayyan’s Uruguayan de- an resumed their training ses- fender Gonzalo Viera will be out ll 12 QNB Stars League sions on Monday evening with of action for almost two weeks as clubs are gearing up for full squads. The Round 1 fi xtures he is nursing a muscle injury he the QSL Cup, which on Friday are Al Duhail vs Al sustained during their 2-1 victory will kick off on Friday, Kharaitiyat (18:10) at Al Duhail over Al Kharaitiyat on Saturday. 7thA September. The remaining Stadium, UMM Salal vs Al Arabi Viera is expected to take the fi eld three fi rst-round matches will be (18:10) and Al Gharafa vs Qa- when Al Rayyan travel to Al Arabi played the next day. While some tar SC (20:20), both at Qatar SC in a Week 5 action on 14th Sep- clubs are preparing with their full Stadium. On Saturday, it will be tember. However, he will miss squad, others are deprived of it as Al Sadd vs Al Shahania (18:10) their Round 1 game in the QSL their overseas professional play- at Qatar SC Stadium, Al Rayyan Cup against Al Ahli on 8th Sep- ers are on international duty. vs Al Ahli (18:10) at Al Gharafa tember. Viera, a towering pres- Some of the Qatari players Stadium and Al Sailiya vs Al Khor ence in the Al Rayyan defence, is are also away to do duty for the (20:20) at Al Duhail Stadium. also good at attacking.

NBA stars visit SC’s Legacy Pavilion

Lionel Messi believes that Cristiano Ronaldo’s move has helped install Juventus as firm favourites for the Champions League. (Reuters)

AFP it’s obvious the departure of Ronaldo makes Messi believes the lure of Barcelona and Barcelona them less strong while Juve have become a Real Madrid is now being neutralised by the clear favourite for the Champions League. mouth-watering sums on off er. “There are They already had a good team and now they clubs now with a lot of money and players ionel Messi has admitted he was sur- also have Cristiano Ronaldo.” move for that reason,” he said. “Wherever prised by Cristiano Ronaldo’s deci- Madrid’s dominance in Europe has made the most money is, that’s where they end sion to leave Real Madrid and join failure even harder to swallow for Barcelona, up going. Things have changed and now the Juventus. Messi also believes the whose shock defeat by Roma in April meant owners of clubs are multi-millionaires. Be- Ltransfer will leave Madrid worse off and says crashing out in the quarter-fi nals for a third fore, everyone wanted to play for Barca or Juve are now among the clear favourites to consecutive season. Even winning both La Madrid, who were the best, but now every- win this season’s Champions League. Ron- Liga and the Copa del Rey last term for a do- thing’s tighter and there’s not much of a dif- aldo swapped Spain for Italy in a deal worth mestic double was not enough to extinguish ference between the teams in Manchester, 100mn euros ($117mn) in July, after securing the disappointment. PSG, Madrid, us, Bayern (Munich) and the a third consecutive European crown, and “It’s time to win the Champions League,” Italian (teams).” his fourth in fi ve years with Real. But Messi, Messi said. “We’ve been knocked out in the Barcelona signed four players this sum- who missed out on a three-man shortlist quarter-fi nals three seasons in a row and mer, with Arthur Melo, Clement Lenglet, for FIFA’s world player of the year award on maybe the last one was the worst of all be- Arturo Vidal and Malcom all arriving at the Monday, feels the balance may have shifted cause of the result and how the match was Camp Nou. Messi singled out Arthur, the following the 33-year-old’s exit. played. I think we have to aim for that, as a 22-year-old Brazilian playmaker, for special “I was surprised, I didn’t imagine him club, as a team and as a collective. We have a praise. leaving Madrid or that he would go to Juve spectacular squad and we can do it.” “If I have to say one, I’ll go with Arthur, Former basketball player and seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady, Golden State Warriors shoot- because there was talk of many clubs (inter- Ronaldo’s move was the latest exam- who surprised me because I did not know ing guard Klay Thompson and LA Lakers head coach Luke Walton visited Supreme Committee for ested). The truth is I was very surprised but ple of increasingly lavish spending by Eu- much about him,” Messi said. “He has a style Delivery &Legacy (SC) Pavilion, where they learned about Qatar’s sports history. The NBA stars are Juve are also a very good team,” Messi told rope’s biggest clubs, with Neymar, Kylian very similar to Xavi’s, he always wants the spending five days in Qatar at the invitation of the SC to see how Qatar is preparing to host the 2022 Catalunya Radio. Mbappe, Philippe Coutinho and Paul Pogba ball, does not lose it, plays short passes and FIFA World Cup. They had also visited Aspire Academy and Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine “Real Madrid are one of the best teams in all snapped up for more than 100mn euros is very reliable. He has the style we always Hospital on Monday. the world and they have a great squad but over the past two years. look for here.”

MOTOGP CONFIRMS 2019 PROGRAMME; QATAR TO ONCE AGAIN HOST SEASON OPENER

Paris: The 2019 Moto Grand Prix season will get 10, and will conclude at Valencia on November After riders criticised the short length of this 2019 SEASON CALENDER 11: Austrian GP at Spielberg; August 25: British underway in Qatar in March and run through to 17. Eff orts by series promoter Dorna to add a year’s summer break, a four-week gap between March 10: Qatar GP at Losail; March 31: Argentine GP at Silverstone; September 15: San Marino GP Valencia in November, according to the off icial 20th race to the calendar in Mexico were aban- races has been restored by making the Assen GP at Rio Hondo; April 14: United States GP at at Misano; September 22: Aragon GP at Aragon calendar released yesterday. The 19 venues on doned, largely due to safety fears surrounding and Sachsenring rounds back-to-back, with the Austin; May 5: Spanish GP at Jerez de la Frontera; Motorland; October 6: Thai GP at Buriram; the agenda are the same as on the 2018 pro- the suitability of the Mexico City circuit for bike latter taking place a week earlier than in 2018. May 19: French GP at Le Mans; June 2: Italian GP October 20: Japanese GP at Motegi; October gramme and will be raced in the same order. racing. Finland, which had been due to host its Misano and Aragon have also been made back- at Mugello; June 16: Catalan GP at Barcelona; 27: Australian GP at Phillip Island; November 3: The 2019 season will once again commence first MotoGP round, will also not be completed to-back races, so that Misano does not fall on June 30: Dutch GP at Assen; July 7: German GP at Malaysian GP at Sepang; November 17: Valencia in Qatar, a week earlier than last year on March in time to join the calendar for next year. the same weekend as F1’s Italian GP at Monza. Sachsenring; August 4: Czech GP at Brno; August Gp at Valencia