ASIAN GAMES | Page 2 FOOTBALL | Page 7 Tosin carries Sarri eyes hopes in Chelsea boost, brother Femi’s Emery seeks absence Arsenal win

Saturday, August 18, 2018 CRICKET Dhul-Hijja 7, 1439 AH England recall GULF TIMES Stokes as they seek India series win SPORT Page 6 HANDBALL / ASIAN GAMES Qatar top group with win over Iran By Our Correspondent of Incheon in 2014. Qatar had beat for the tournament, will be repre- Jakarta Korea 24-21 in the fi nal then. sented by eight swimmers: Noah Thirteen teams are taking part Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi , Yaqoub in handball competitions of the Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi , Abdulaziz efending champion and Asian Games. They were divided Hasan al-Obaidli, Musallam Ab- 2015 world silver medal- into four groups. Group A com- dullah al-Nabit, Hasan Abdul- list Qatar defeated Iran prises Qatar, Iran and Malaysia. rahman al-Obaidan, Abdulrah- 35-20 to cement its po- Group B has South Korea, Japan man Hisham Mohamed, Yousef sitionD at the top of the Group A at and Pakistan. Group C includes Hisham Mohamed and Firas Mu- the 18th Asian Games yesterday. Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Hong rad al-Saidi. Both the teams had already Kong, while Group D consists of The swimming event will be reached the second round after Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, India held from August 19 to 24. the Iranian team defeated Malay- and Iraq. sia 55-11 on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Qatar swim- Qatar’s Moustafa Heiba (centre) Qatar, who defeated Malaysia ming team arrived in Jakarta on in action during the men’s Group 64-11 in the opening game, are Thursday to participate in Games. A preliminary handball match eyeing to retain the gold medal The Qatar team, which organ- against Iran yesterday. Heiba they won in the South Korean city ised a camp in Slovakia to prepare scored six goals.

FOCUS Much at stake as 18th Asian Games begin today As many as 11,000 athletes from 45 countries will vie for glory at the second biggest multi-sport event in the world

By Anil John “In those two events, Indo- Jakarta nesia’s sons and daughters will fi ght to fl y the red-and-white fl ag, compete to sing ‘Indonesia he hopes and aspirations Raya’, and contend to make Indo- of more than 11,000 ath- nesia proud. I ask all Indonesians letes from 45 countries to work together to ensure the will be at stake when the success of the Asian Games and Tcurtain rises on the 18th Asian Asian Para Games so that we can Games in this sprawling me- succeed as host and succeed in tropolis of more than 10 million (our athletic) performance.” people. The People’s Consultative As- The latest edition of Asia’s sembly Speaker Zulkifl i Hasan sporting tour de force comes 67 and House Speaker Bambang years after the inaugural event in Soesatyo also spoke of the event 1951 in New Delhi, where a group in their speeches and the Gita of newly-independent nations Bahana Nusantara orchestra even decided to get together – in a performed the 2018 Asian Games sporting way, of course – to take theme song, “Meraih Bintang” charge of their own destinies af- (Reach the Stars), in the plenary ter hundreds of years of exploita- hall during a break in proceed- tive colonialism. ings. “Let us prove that Indonesia is ready to lift Asia’s position in the world,” President Widodo said in his closing remarks. Meanwhile, the opening cer- emony at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is expected to be wit- nessed by hundreds of millions of spectators around the world. International renowned Indo- nesian musicians like Anggun, Raisa, Tulus, Edo Kondologit, Putri Ayu, Fatin, Kamasean and Via Vallen will perform on a spectacular stage, thought to be one of the largest of its kind. The ceremony stage is 120 me- tres long and 30 metres wide and will be used by more than 4,000 It was a small beginning which dancers who will showcase the saw only 11 countries and 491 rich cultural and ethnic diver- athletes take part, but it nev- sity of a country of about 18,500 ertheless laid the foundations islands of which less than 1,000 of an energetic movement that Indonesian President Joko Widodo carries the torch during the relay ahead of the 18th Asian Games at the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. (Reuters) are inhabited. gave rise to the global sporting Top choreographers Denny colossuses that China, Japan and is little doubt that China will hosts. This is the fi rst time the success despite its status as the hosts Malaysia, Thailand, Vi- for the event, it’s also something Malik and Eko Supriyanto are in South Korea have now become. top the medals chart with South Games are being held in two cit- world’s third-largest democ- etnam and Singapore which are of a prestige issue for the govern- charge of the show. The dancers China, once derided as the Korea fi nishing second and Ja- ies – Palembang being the other racy after India and the US with a signifi cantly smaller in both size ment which is sparing no eff ort to have been training for months “sick man of Asia”, Japan, a pan holding on to third. A host – but there is little evidence to population of about 260 million. and population. win over critics. and are expected to put on an former imperial power and South of other nations – notably India, suggest that the hosts will be a A lack of sporting culture and This time though, the hosts On Thursday, President Joko energetic display alongside an Korea, which struggled through Iran, Kazakhstan, North Korea massive benefi ciary of that won- a severe dearth of government- have thrown more than 900 ath- Widodo asked Indonesia to orchestra involving about a hun- its initial years because of war and Thailand – would attempt derful thing called home advan- aided development programmes letes into the Games cauldron “amaze the world” in his state- dred musicians. and military rule, went on to es- to grab whatever comes their way tage. for its young population are the hoping to make the most out of-the-nation speech before the An evening of song, dance and tablish themselves on the global as they try to cope with the “Big They had put on a grand show key factors in Indonesia failing of the situation. It’s the largest House of Representatives. camaraderie is a good way to start stage as giants not just in sport Three” and aim to fi nish as the when they fi rst hosted the event to keep up with its much smaller number ever from a single coun- “After a 56-year wait, this is an event, but for many athletes but in virtually every aspect of “best of the rest”. in 1962, fi nishing second to Ja- neighbours. This was amply in try, but although it’s designed to the second time Indonesia will who have entered the fi eld with human endeavour. Sadly, though, Indonesia are pan with 21 gold medal medals, evidence last year when they fi n- signal intent, it can be also seen host the Asian Games, followed no hope of winning a medal, the And as yet another edition of unlikely to make a strong case but for a variety of reasons since ished fi fth in the Southeast Asian as an act of desperation. by the Asian Para Games,” he said opening ceremony may be the the Asian Games kicks off , there for this honour, despite being the then have failed to build on that Games in Kuala Lumpur behind With almost $3.5bn budgeted according to the local press. only moment worth cherishing. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 18, 2018 ASIAN GAMES

ATHLETICS FOCUS OCA welcomes Kuwait to Asiad Tosin carries medal executive board, which allows DPA Berlin Kuwaiti athletes to take part in the 18th Asian Games under the fl ag and anthem of Kuwait.” he Olympic Council of Kuwait was suspended by the Asia (OCA) has wel- IOC in 2015 due to government comed a decision by the interference and confl icts in the International Olympic sports law. hopes in brother TCommittee (IOC) to provision- The IOC said Thursday that ally lift the suspension of Kuwait reasons for the suspension re- which allows the nation to com- main valid, but that at the same Qatar sprinter will pete at the Asian Games in Indo- time it “acknowledged the nesia today onwards. progress accomplished to date run 100m and The OCA said its executive and the positive discussions with board was “delighted” and “fully the Government of Kuwait in or- Femi’s absence 200m at Asiad supports the decision of the IOC der to resolve the situation”.

By Anil John both the 100m and 200m, how- SPOTLIGHT Jakarta ever, knows that he has a moun- tain to climb. For starters, this will be his osin Ogunode is hop- fi rst competition in more than a Balandin can fi nd ing to break out of his year – in fact, he himself strug- brother Femi’s shadow gled to name the last event he and carve out his own took part in. mojo in Jakarta, say Tidentity at the Asian Games Also, a couple of Chinese and when the athletics programme Japanese runners have gone un- begins on August 25. der 10 seconds in recent meets. Japan swimmers The 24-year-old sprinter is “I had some injury problems part of the Qatari squad which after my last meet which meant boasts stars like 400m fl at ace that I couldn’t take part in any Abdalelah Haroun and 400m competition. However, I am hurdler Abderrahman Samba, fi ne now and hoping to make a but there’s no doubting the fact mark,” he said. that it’s his injured big brother’s If Tosin sounds somewhat big boots that he is hoping to fi ll. hopeful it’s due to the fact that By all accounts, it is a huge he has done a couple of sub-10- task. second 100m in practice. Femi had ruled the sprints at “I’ve never gone under 10 sec- the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games onds in competitions but I have in Guangzhou and Incheon, done that while training. That respectively, winning the 100 gives me hope and confi dence. and 200m gold on both occa- You cannot hope to win the gold sions. He also holds the Asian at the Asian Games if you can’t Games record of 9.93 seconds in do the 100 metres under 10 sec- the 100m and shares the Asian onds.” record of 9.91 seconds over the A few members of the Qa- distance with Chinese star Su tar athletics team trained in the Bingtian. evening yesterday, among them Tosin, on the other hand, is a Samba himself. relative newbie who is the an- Samba, who overshadowed tithesis of the fl amboyant Femi world 400m hurdles champion who famously declared after his Karsten Warholm during the Incheon exploits that he was current Diamond League sea- AFP larly at last year’s world champi- ready to challenge Usain Bolt. son, did some sprints and jumps Jakarta onships in Budapest, and Koseki “I know I carry the Ogunode yesterday, and looked in excel- admitted his rival’s form was a name. I know the expectations lent shape. mystery. that come with it but I will try Fellow 400m hurdler Hamdi azakhstan history- “He’s so hard to read — he to do my best and live up to that al-Amin, another 400m hurdles maker Dmitriy Bal- hasn’t put up any sort of real name,” Tosin told Gulf Times af- medal contender, also trained andin has suff ered a time,” shrugged Koseki. ter a training session under vet- with Samba, who clocked 46.98 raging hangover since “But he will no doubt be quick eran Qatar-based coach Yanko seconds in Paris a few weeks ago. Kwinning Olympic swimming gold and probably be tough to beat Bratanov. It was the second-fastest in Rio — but his closest rivals are when it really matters. We need The soft-spoken Tosin, in fact, 400m hurdles ever in history, taking nothing for granted at the to be wary of him. But Ippei and was hesitant when approached and in the process, he became Asian Games. me will try to make sure we get a for a chat, saying he doesn’t have only the second man to break the Balandin’s form has nose- one-two fi nish for Japan.” much to say, eventually agreeing 47-second barrier. dived since he became his coun- “It was tough to take last time. only after coach Bratanov gave The fi rst man to do that is try’s fi rst Olympic swim cham- Balandin went on to win an Ol- him the permission. Kevin Young, who of course pion two years ago, and the triple ympic gold medal of course. He “Femi just told me to try hard holds the world record of 46.78 Asian Games breaststroke gold was probably a bit lucky in Brazil, and give my best. That’s the best clocked at the 1992 Barcelona medallist arrives in Jakarta as a but still,” added Koseki, referring advice a brother can give,” Tosin Olympics. clear underdog to Japan’s Yas- to the Kazakh’s surprise win. said. Samba, just 22, looks like the Tosin Ogunode uhiro Koseki and Ippei Watan- The freestyle events are likely Tosin, who will be running man to beat it. abe. to be the hottest tickets in Ja- However, the Japanese pair karta with China’s triple Olym- have backed the Kazakh to redis- pic champion Sun Yang set to go BOTTOMLINE cover his mojo. in the 200m, 400m, 800m and ‘Big blow’ as India’s Paes pulls out “Balandin took all three 1500m. (breaststroke) gold medals last But while lacking the same Five-time gold medallist second doubles pairing for time,” said Koseki, who won sil- sort of appeal, the breaststroke Indian grandmother leads Leander Paes has pulled the Asian Games,” Paes said ver behind the Kazakh in 2014 off ers Japan’s men a real chance out of the Asian Games in a in a statement. over 50 and 100 metres and fi n- of a golden sweep. row over his doubles part- Indian captain Zeeshan Ali ished runner-up to Russian An- Watanabe, who set a new elderly charge for bridge gold ner, dealing a heavy blow to called the last-minute pull- ton Chupkov in the 200m at last 200m breaststroke world record India’s tennis hopes. out “very disappointing” year’s world championships. last year, is keen to take full ad- AFP will contribute to India’s medal Paes, who has 18 Grand and said it had diminished “I’ll have to raise my game for vantage. New Delhi tally as the country has interna- Slam doubles titles and the team’s medal chances. sure,” added Koseki, who scooped “I remember watching the tionally ranked players. China eight Asian Games medals “It is a big blow to us,” Ali the Pan Pacifi c title in the 100m in Asian Games on TV four years and Indonesia are also strong. in all, had been paired said yesterday. “But then Tokyo earlier this month. ago when I was still in high ita Choksi says yoga “Bridge is a diff erent game, it’s with Sumit Nagal, a singles again he is a complete “But I need to swim my own school,” said the 21-year-old, and breathing exercises a mind game and there is no age specialist ranked at 300th professional. It is his deci- race and not worry about him. who won gold in the 200m at the have kept her sharp barrier in this,” Anand Samant, in the world. sion completely. Having It will be important to win gold recent Pan Pacifi c tournament. as the Indian grand- secretary of the Bridge Federa- “Despite my repeated said that, Paes needed to and take that momentum into “Balandin just came out of motherR goes for gold at the age tion of India, told AFP. the next couple of years until the nowhere to win — he was incred- requests, from so many be here irrespective of of 79 — just one of many elderly “Rita is part of a mixed event weeks in advance, it is sad whoever he was going to Tokyo Olympics.” ible. But I’ve come here for the contenders in the Asian Games and her male partner is also in his that we have not been able play with as he volun- Balandin, who became a na- gold medal. That’s been my goal bridge competition. sixties. to put a doubles specialist teered to represent the tional hero in Kazakhstan after since the start of the year.” Choksi may be India’s oldest “We had a fair selection proc- in the team for a credible country,” Ali said. capturing 200m breaststroke The Asian Games swimming athlete at the Games in Jakarta, ess at various camps and the gold in Rio, bombed spectacu- competition begins tomorrow. but she’s one of several 70-plus teams were selected after proper bridge players as the cerebral evaluation.” card game makes its debut at the Anand said every country fac- ODDBALL regional Olympics. es some uncertainty as bridge is Also in the mix are Malaysia’s contested for the fi rst time. Lee Hung Fong, at 81 the Games’ Choksi said that while some of oldest competitor, and 78-year- her team-mates take prescribed Workmen hold their own ‘Asian Games’ old tobacco billionaire Michael pills to stay healthy, she remains Bambang Hartono, Indonesia’s fi t through more natural means. AFP richest man. “I am more into Ayurveda (tra- Jakarta Bridge is one of the more sur- ditional Indian medicine) and by prising sports among the 40 at the grace of God I have no ail- the Games, which also include ment. I do yoga in the morning akarta workmen held paragliding and jet-skiing — and do breathing exercises,” said their own version of the alongside Olympic events like Choksi. Asian Games in the city’s swimming and athletics. “I go to bed very early and I streets as they downed At the other end of the genera- wake up early and keep myself toolsJ for Indonesia’s annual in- tional scale, video games or eS- busy all through the day.” dependence day celebrations ports will make their debut as a home in what, coincidentally, Choksi, whose two sons are yesterday. demonstration event, before be- was once the athletes’ village for settled in London, has cards as Workers played football, coming a full medal sport at the the 1982 Games in New Delhi. her best friend after the death held tugs-of-war and climbed next Games in 2022. of her second husband, who was a greasy bamboo pole as part of Choksi is one of four septua- GOAN FOR GOLD also her most successful bridge their traditional celebrations, genarians in India’s bridge team, Choksi took up the sport in the partner. held this year a day ahead of the which has an average age of 60. 1970s and has represented India “I play on Bridge Base Online Games’ opening ceremony. As well as her morning yoga rou- at international tournaments in on my computer where lots of Adding to the sense of fun, the tine, she spends three hours a China, Pakistan and the United friends invite me and we spend a men — who have helped prepare day playing bridge online. States. She secured her Asian lot of time there,” she said. Jakarta for the Games, as part of “I am looking forward to it. As Games place at a contest in Goa. “Lot of Turkish people are their work for local authorities far as age is concerned, I never “I played well in Goa and the there and some partners I have — wore dasters, a tunic worn felt that old, that was my prob- president of the Bridge Fed- are from Egypt.” by Indonesian women, for the lem,” said Choksi, who will turn eration of India felt I am good “I have played a lot in Pakistan. football game. Indonesian workers play a game of tug-of-war game in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) 80 in October. enough. They selected nine la- I met Imran Khan once in London “Yes, of course, of course I “They kept saying that there dies out of the 24-member bridge and talked about bridge and golf,” have contributed to a success- done by us,” one worker, Adul, The two-week Asian Games, between the capital Jakarta and other people much younger but team,” Choksi said with pride. she said, referring to the newly- ful Asian Games. For instance told AFP, pointing to painted which are being held in Indo- Palembang, a port city on Su- they feel old,” she told AFP at her Choksi is confi dent that bridge elected Pakistan Prime Minister. all these colourful murals were walls nearby. nesia for the fi rst time, are split matra island. Gulf Times Saturday, August 18, 2018 3 ASIAN GAMES

BASKETBALL Kurash, bridge and sambo: 10 unusual Asian Games sports Anyone for sepak takraw? Or perhaps a spot of bridge? Here’s a look at 10 of the more unusual sports being contested at the Asian Games in Jakarta. Korea still united Pencak silat Legend has it that the ancient Indonesia martial art originated after a woman watched a tiger do battle with a giant hawk, and copied their techniques to fight off a pestering group of drunken men. The term pencak silat describes hundreds of indigenous combat styles in Southeast Asia, with fighters wielding a terrify- ing array of weapons such as knives, sickles and machetes. Not despite fi rst loss for the faint-hearted. Sambo

North Korean Ro Suk-yong was the team’s top-scorer with 32 points against Taipei A Russian-Soviet form of fighting developed by the Red Army a few years after the Bolshevik revolution in 1917 to sharpen hand- to-hand combat skills. The sport’s name is an acronym of the Russian for “unarmed self defence” and points are awarded for throws and submissions. Sepak takraw

Action from the women’s basketball match between Korea (in blue) and Chinese Taipei (in white) at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday.

AFP Jakarta Son’s Asian Games hopes rocked by minnows Malaysia Wildly popular in southeast Asia, this gravity-defying form of “foot volleyball” has become an Asian Games smash-hit since it joint Korean women’s AFP was first introduced in 1990 and is largely dominated by Thai- basketball team re- Soreang, Indonesia land. An explosive sport in which players acrobatically contort corded their fi rst loss their bodies to launch a rattan ball over a net using their feet, at the Asian Games head or chest with the sort of skill that would make Lionel Messi yesterdayA but their coach in- on Heung-min’s hopes of proud. sisted the players have put aside avoiding military service their national identities and are Sby securing Asian Games Bridge determined to win as a united gold suff ered a blow yesterday squad. as South Korea were stunned Yes, the card game. For many, impenetrably complicated and A 200-strong army of Korean 2-1 by minnows Malaysia. lacking the sex appeal of poker. Bridge, which conjures images fans — sporting T-shirts bearing The Tottenham Hotspur of cucumber sandwiches and rainy afternoons in village halls, the unifi ed Korean fl ag and the forward came off the bench is making its Games debut. Billionaire tobacco tycoon Michael slogan “One dream, one Corea” just before the hour-mark Bambang Hartono, 78, will be Indonesia’s richest competitor — — cheered on the team, fresh but couldn’t help the defend- but still not the oldest. That honour goes to Malaysia’s 81-year- from a thunderous win against ing champions overturn a old player Lee Hung Fong. hosts Indonesia on Wednesday. two-goal deficit, after Safawi But the drums and chants Rasid’s first-half double for Kabaddi were in the end not enough and 171st-ranked Malaysia. the team went down to Taiwan Son is skipping Premier A tag-meets-rugby contact sport rooted in Indian mythology 87-85 in their second league en- League action for the regional and said to date back 5,000 years, kabaddi has proven a fan counter. Olympics, where victory would favourite — although India have won every gold medal since it Nevertheless, Korea’s assist- mean an exemption from became an Asian Games sport 28 years ago. The game requires ant coach Ha Sook-rye told AFP South Korea’s 21 months of yoga-like breathing skills as two seven-player teams send a there is a feeling of togetherness military service. raider into enemy territory to tag an opponent before return- among the players. Son, 26, was released by Spurs ing to safety — all while chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi” to prove “Everything is fi ne and we for the tournament, which they’re not using more than one puff . have a really good team,” she said represents his final chance in response to a question on how to avoid nearly two years in Kurash the North and South players get military barracks — a serious along. setback to his career. Ui-jo, who is also facing his Malaysia, 114 places lower and he cannoned his second in An ancient form of wrestling from Uzbekistan which historians “I don’t know what peo- South Korea, who thrashed final chance to avoid military than their opponents in the off the post in first-half injury claim dates back thousands of years, kurash was a training tech- ple feel but it is one team and Bahrain 6-0 in their opening service, pulled one goal back FIFA rankings, were happy time. nique for soldiers of 14th-century conqueror Amir Timur, whose we never think about North or match, dominated possession for the Koreans late on. to sit deep and play on the However, South Korea’s hopes empire stretched from Persia to central Asia. Like sumo, though South Korea.” in the second half, particularly And Son had a golden chance break, and frustrated the South remain very much alive as they less roly-poly in nature, kurash focuses on strength and stamina. The hard-fought encounter after Son’s introduction, but to equalise with a free-kick Koreans further with frequent now require a draw against Wrestlers use towels to hold their opponents, and bouts are won saw the Koreans get off to a win- were unable to claw their way just outside the box in the last stoppages. Kyrgyzstan in their final group by throwing or tripping an opponent onto their back. ning start in the fi rst quarter but back. minute, but he placed it inches Malaysia’s Rasid opened the clash to reach the knockout Taiwan quickly bounced back. Japan-based striker Hwang wide of the post. scoring after just five minutes stages. Tenpin bowling North Korean Ro Suk-yong, one of three Pyongyang-based Viewed by many as cartoon character Homer Simpson’s idea of players, was once again the lem because they were short of on-court time they will im- or United Korea,” she added with champions in women’s basket- a workout, bowling has been an Asian Games event since 1978. team’s top-scorer with 32 practice time. There was just prove,” he said of his side, who a smile. ball, defeating China on home South Korea in particular take it super-seriously and have won points, after bagging 22 against two weeks of preparation before will play India next on Monday. Fellow fan Junyoung Park, a turf at the Incheon Games in almost twice as many gold medals as closest challengers, Japan Indonesia. coming here,” Lee, who hails Kyungeun Lee, a 19-year- 20-year-old student from South 2014. — perhaps proving that bowling is more than just a beery after- Chief coach Lee Moon-kyu from South Korea, told reporters old fan from South Korea, told Korea, told AFP he was disap- North and South Korea are work hobby spent wearing someone else’s shoes. said better communication be- after the loss. AFP that “it feels so good to be pointed but he still had high also fi elding united teams in tween the players would im- “Ro Suk-yong played really watching our sport as one coun- hopes for the tournament “as canoeing and rowing at the Jet-ski prove their chances in the 5x5 well for us. Among the players try”. our unifi ed team is more strong- Asian Games in the latest sign of basketball. there is no other feeling than to “I don’t fi nd any diff erence er”. thawing relations on the trou- Better known as the flash pursuit of the glitterati in sun-splashed “Communication is a prob- play well together. So with more while cheering for South Korea South Korea are the defending bled peninsula. sea resorts, jet-ski is another of the 10 sports that are appearing at the Asian Games for the first time. Indonesia expects local star Aero Aswar, the world champion in the runabout stock cat- SPOTLIGHT egory in 2014 and runner-up in 2017, to lead the hosts to gold. Paragliding

Another one for the adrenaline junkies, paragliders will take the East Timor teen goes from hotel pool to Asiad skies for the first time at an Asian Games. The sport has come under scrutiny following the death of 44-year-old Hong Kong AFP She is among a 69-strong athlete “I just hope that I could get the best ex- “But when we go to Indonesia for the flier Patrick Chung. Hong Kong paraglider Cheung Yuk-wah also Dili, East Timor contingent eyeing its fi rst medal at the perience from this so the next generation Asian Games we need to play 100%. We pulled out of the Games after crashing into a lake in Austria, ac- world’s second-biggest multi-sport could win in the next Asian Games.” need to have passion.” cording to local media. event. The football team will also struggle to It may be a diff erent story in Taekwon- he trains at a hotel pool and has A half-island country sandwiched make a dent in the shadow of regional do, however. Dragon boating little chance of making a splash between Indonesia and Australia, the powerhouses like South Korea, Japan and Nilton Gilman Cortereal De Jesus at the Asian Games, but East former Portuguese colony has just 1.2mn China, which crushed Timor 6-0 this Lemos, the 2017 Southeast Asian Games Believed to date back to more than 2,000 years, when it started Timor’s Imelda Felycita Ximenes people and usually makes headlines for week in a qualifying match. bronze medal winner in the martial art, in south-central China, the ancient sport of dragon boat racing BeloS hopes to inspire future athletes from poverty and political unrest rather than “We had just one week of training af- is optimistic that he can kick his way into retains many ceremonial and religious overtones. China and In- her tiny nation. sporting success. ter the domestic league and so I think it’s the top three, alongside colleagues in- donesia have won three gold medals apiece since the colourful The 19-year-old Belo, who only “Well, I don’t really hope for winning not enough time, but our players will do cluding Ana da Costa da Silva Pinto Belo. sport made its Asian Games debut in 2010 and they will be the learned to swim a few years ago, is the a medal. As everyone can see, we don’t their best,” said team coach Norio Tsuki- “I’m ready to compete in the Asian teams to beat again, although the gap to their challengers has fi rst Timorese swimmer to compete at the have really a good swimming pool and tate, who last headed the tiny Himalayan Games and show other countries that we closed in recent years. Games which kick off today in Indonesia. less equipment,” Belo told AFP. kingdom Bhutan’s national squad. Timorese can do it,” she said. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 18, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT New role for Boks Wallabies look for skipper Kolisi against Pumas AFP great forwards to choose from,” Johannesburg boasts Erasmus, himself a former early onslaught Springbok fl anker and the skip- per of the national team on one istory-making captain occasion. Siya Kolisi gets a new “It is a long time since we have role in Durban today had so many good hookers, props when South Africa and locks to choose from. We hopeH to justify being favourites are experimenting in the back against All Blacks by beating Argentina in a Rug- row, mixing and matching at this by Championship fi rst round stage.” match. Coach ‘Rassie’ Erasmus Former Argentina hooker has switched the fi rst black Test Mario Ledesma debuts as na- ‘I’m going to come out all guns blazing. We’re ready, we’re good to go... bring it on’ skipper of the Springboks from tional coach having taken the the openside to the blindside of a Buenos Aires-based Jaguares to back row completed by Francois the Super Rugby play-off s for the Louw and Warren Whiteley. fi rst time this year. It has been a Kolisi operated as a openside meteoric rise for a coach who loose forward while leading his was working in Australia last country to a 2-1 series triumph year, and his greatest immediate over England in June, but many concern is plugging a Pumas de- believe he can be more eff ective fence that has been leaking tries. as a blindside. “I have always “When Argentine rugby play- thought that Siya was a stronger ers are on top, they are dangerous counter-rucker than a fetcher. and score. However, when they With his lineout ability, he is an are under the coach, they con- excellent option as a blindside ceded far too many points. I was fl anker,” said Erasmus. fortunate to represent my coun- The coach believes the forward try many times as a player and can lift his game to another level now I am proud to be captain of in the Rugby Championship, the ship,” he said. which kicks off today in Sydney, His task is mammoth with where Australia confront title- the Pumas losing 22 of 28 inter- holders New Zealand. “Now that nationals since fi nishing fourth all the media attention about him at the 2015 World Cup. Daniel getting the captaincy has died Hourcade, the architect of the down, Siya should be more com- impressive World Cup showing, fortable and striving to raise the quit two months ago after three level of his performances. He has straight home losses to weakened gone through a very emotional Wales and Scotland sides. start to the international season. The same Argentines who had Siya handled it all very well, but starred in Super Rugby with Jag- there were an awful lot of emo- uares — including two victories tion swirling around.” in New Zealand — were woe- While Kolisi hopes to carry ful during the mid-year Tests. the ball more and be competitive Ledesma will look especially at the rucks, experienced Louw to full-back Emiliano Boff elli, has been tasked with resuming winger Bautista Delguy and fl y- his role of a ‘scavenger’ having half Nicolas Sanchez among the missed the England series. Eras- backs for inspirational perform- mus is excited about his forwards ances. with hooker Malcolm Marx, lock Skipper and hooker Agustin Eben Etzebeth and number eight Creevy, tighthead prop Juan Fi- Whiteley all returning after be- gallo and fl anker Pablo Matera ing sidelined by injuries. are the standout forwards for Whiteley last wore the green the Pumas, who have beaten and gold 14 months ago and the Springboks just twice in 26 Etzebeth nine months ago while meetings. But one of those suc- a Super Rugby injury prevented cesses came in Durban with Juan Marx, rated the best hooker in Imhoff scoring a hat-trick of the world, facing England. “We tries in a stunning 37-25 triumph are blessed in having so many three years ago.

Australia’s players warm up during the team’s Captain’s Run in Sydney yesterday, ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand. (AFP) South Africa’s captain AFP ground for the New Zealanders in recent their running lines and their core set- the game,” he said. Siya Kolisi. (Reuters) Sydney years, defeating Australia 42-8 in 2016 piece roles, their scrum has got better and The Wallabies also have inspirational and 54-34 last year. “We owe the Sydney they’ve quickened up their line-out a lot.” fl anker David Pocock contesting the crowd something,” said utility back Matt Hansen said Australia were better breakdown after missing last year’s Ble- ustralia aim to make a fl ying Toomua, who will start on the bench. prepared that their previous two Syd- disloe while on sabbatical. The All Blacks start against the All Blacks in “Unfortunately we haven’t done well here ney outings after warming up with a trial have introduced their own rookie centre Sydney this weekend and kick- in a little while, so it’s time to give them match earlier this month. “I think it’s a by calling up Jack Goodhue after injury start their quest to end New something to cheer about.” smart play. They’ll be hoping they get out ruled out Sonny Bill Williams. Zealand’sA 15 years of Bledisloe Cup domi- The Wallabies will take heart from of the blocks a lot quicker,” he said. But Goodhue will be playing alongside nation, captain Michael Hooper said. The their 23-18 win over the All Blacks in the Cheika has been forced to throw loose- Canterbury Crusaders teammate Ryan Wallabies head into today’s fi xture, which fi nal Bledisloe Test in Brisbane last Octo- head prop Tom Robertson into the fray Crotty in an established centres partner- also doubles as the Rugby Championship ber, which followed a narrow 35-29 loss in for just his third Test start after Scott Sio ship that help win this year’s Super Rugby opener, as underdogs after failing to win Dunedin two months earlier. While Aus- hurt his shoulder. He has also gambled on title. Hansen described the combination the trophy since 2002. tralia have not won back-to-back Test moving Reece Hodge into the centres af- as “rock-solid” and did not expect Good- The hosts have started the three-Test matches against New Zealand since 2001, ter injuries to Tevita Kuridrani and Samu hue to be overawed in his second Test ap- series poorly in recent years but Hooper All Blacks coach Steve Hansen insists Kerevi, created an untested partnership pearance. said the Wallabies were fi red-up and they deserve to be favourites on the back with Kurtley Beale. Kieran Read and Brodie Retallick, who ready to show they are a team on the rise of the Brisbane win. Hooper and wing Dane Haylett-Petty missed the series against France in June, against the world champions. “I think Australia are a better side both passed fi tness tests, with the skip- return to the side with Read resuming “I’m going to come out all guns blaz- than people give them credit for,” he per dismissing suggestions he could be the captaincy. The New Zealanders will ing,” he told reporters. “We’re ready, said, predicting “a good gutsy Test rusty after being sidelined for more than have added motivation when Sam White- we’re good to go... bring it on.” match”. “They’ve improved a heck of a a month. “I’m feeling great about what I lock earns his 100th Test cap, the fi rst All Sydney has been a happy hunting lot. They’ve done a lot of hard work on do and I think I can make a diff erence in Black lock to reach the milestone.

Becker, Stich join TENNIS Davis Cup reform critics Halep and Svitolina score catch-up victories Hanover: Former winners team captain, with the caption Boris Becker and Michael Stich “Once upon a time.” Agencies In the men’s, Juan Martin del Potro have joined the critics on radi- Stich, who led Germany Cincinnati quickly dispatched South Korean Chung cal changes for the Davis Cup to the so far last title in 1993, Hyeon 6-2 6-3 in a second-round match team event. “Lost for words,” said: “I am sad that a group of carried over from the previous day be- Becker tweeted in the wake off icials bury the tradition of imona Halep and Elina Svitolina cause of inclement weather. Bad weather of Thursday’s decision by the the Davis Cup. The Davis Cup in advanced effi ciently after a day continued to play havoc with the evening International Tennis Federation its form we all know will never of rain interruptions, both seeds schedule as second seed Roger Federer’s (ITF) for an annual season- happen again, and 118 years reaching the quarter-fi nals of the match against Leonardo Mayer. Several of ATP-WTAS Cincinnati Masters in straight Thursday afternoon’s matches were sus- ending finals event on one are sacrificed for the greed of venue instead of the century- people who have no respect for sets Top seed Halep came from a break pended in progress, with Novak Djokovic old knock-out round format history and tradition.” down in each set to overhaul Australian leading fi fth seed Grigor Dimitrov 2-6 through the year with home The German tennis fed- 16th seed Ashleigh Barty 7-5 6-4. 6-3 2-1 and Marin Cilic tied with Karen and away ties. eration, like those of Britain, Ukrainian Svitolina, seeded fi fth, beat Khachanov at 7-6(5) 3-6 1-1. Wild-card Kosmos, an investment Australia and other countries, 16-year-old American prodigy Aman- entrant Stan Wawrinka was up 2-1 in the group led by Barcelona football had voted against the changes da Anisimova 6-4, 6-4. Men were also fi rst set against Marton Fucsovics. star Gerard Pique with Japa- at the ITF assembly in Florida. working to conclude third-round match- In third round action, big-serving Mi- nese and Chinese support, will Other players also voiced es, with Belgian 11th seed David Goffi n los Raonic beat fellow Canadian Denis spend $3bn over 25 years on their strong dissent, including upsetting Wimbledon fi nalist and sixth Shapovalov 7-6(6) 6-4 while Spanish the new event, with a Euro- former Australian great Lleyton seed Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-4. 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta topped pean host for 2019, reportedly Hewitt who has also lifted the Anderson exited with just nine aces, Dutchman Robin Haase 6-4 6-2. Madrid or Lille, expected to be trophy. dropping his serve three times. Halep set Elise Mertens plays a forehand during her win over Sloane Stephens. (USA TODAY Sports) Del Potro and Chung were delayed announced later this month. “Sometimes it’s more than a up a quarter-fi nal clash with Ukrainian from taking the court because of rain and The current Davis Cup for- game. More than money. Most Lesia Tsurenko with her second win in six 7-6(8) 6-2 and failed to reach the quar- away from reaching the third round when then had to endure another weather- mat is a knockout event played of my biggest highs and tough- days over Barty. She beat the Australian in ter-fi nals for the third time in her past rain interrupted her match against Aus- related suspension just six minutes into February, July, September and est loses came in 5 set epic the semi-fi nals in Montreal an her way to four events. tralian Tomljanovic on Wednesday, and their match. Del Potro was not rattled by November at home and away Davis Cup matches in front of the title there. German fourth seed Angelique Kerber while the conclusion was delayed again the delays, however, and did well to at- venues around the globe, best- screaming home or away fans,” On Thursday, Halep had returned to was also upset, going down 2-6 7-6(3) for about four hours on Thursday the tack Chung’s forehand throughout the of-five match ties following Hewitt tweeted. “For the ITF to sew up victory over Ajla Tomljanovic af- 6-4 to American Madison Keys, while Romanian wasted little time wrapping 81-minute encounter that determined Grand Slam events until the take that away from the next ter their second round match had been Aryna Sabalenka beat sixth seed Caroline it up when she got the chance, sealing it the fi nal entry into the last 16. “I am final round. A second tweet generation of future stars is a suspended the previous day due to rain, Garcia 6-4 3-6 7-5. 4-6 6-3 6-3. Kiki Bertens and Anett Kon- happy to beat these young players,” del showed photos of the two-time disgrace.” French player Lucas while reigning US Open champion Sloane Keys recorded 55 winners to beat Ker- taveit had their match suspended due to Potro said. “He has a big future, and he Davis Cup winner Becker Pouille told the ITF “you guys Stephens was knocked out in the third ber, a rare victory over the German who rain. Bertens took the fi rst set 6-3 and is a nice player. I am glad to go through.” during finals and in his role as are a shame for tennis.” round by Elise Mertens. Stephens, seed- has come out on top in seven of their nine Kontaveit led 4-1 in the second when play This marks Del Potro’s fourth consecu- ed third, fell to the 15th seeded Belgian meetings. Halep had been two games was halted. tive last-16 appearance in Cincinnati. Gulf Times Saturday, August 18, 2018 5 SPORT

ATHLETICS Coleman ready for bright ending to rough season Reuters new wave of sprinters who are go- ple of meets,” he said of the race downs, Coleman still believes he Raleigh, North Carolina ing to push the sport forward just in Birmingham and the Diamond has a chance to be world ranked like the American guys will,” Cole- League fi nal in Brussels on August number one. man said of his British rivals. 31. It (the right hamstring injury) “I do think if I win these next t’s been a tough outdoor sea- “Last year in the 4x1 (relay at came back around pretty nicely two races it will go a long way in son for Christian Coleman the world championships) it came and I have been doing a lot of rehab ranking me number one even if the with only one 100m win, but down to us two (Britain and and got some good training un- season has been rough,” he said. the world silver medallist says the United States), really close der my belt so I am feeling pretty “That would be a huge confi - Ihe is ready to turn things around at the line. I think it will be the good.” dence booster going into 2019.” against the “new wave of sprinters” same way the next couple of world He thought he was back when The new season likely will be far in today’s Birmingham Diamond championships and Olympics, and he ran 9.98 seconds in Rabat to de- diff erent for Coleman than 2018, League meeting. I am looking forward to the feat American compatriots Ronnie especially indoors, with the Doha “Birmingham is going to be su- challenge.” Baker, Lyles and Mike Rodgers plus world championships not ending per competitive with Noah (Lyles), Britain’s Prescod and CJ Ujah. until October. Yohan (Blake) and the British CHALLENGING SEASON “For a lot of people that might “I doubt that I will run the 60, sprinters, but I’m looking to go- The dominant collegiate sprinter just have been another race, but for maybe run the 200, 300 maybe ing out there and proving myself of 2017 who began his professional me it was something that I felt like 4x4 just to be on top of training,” again,” the American sprinter told career by medalling at the worlds I had something to prove,” Cole- he said. Reuters in a telephone interview. in London, then lighting up in- man said. But in practice a few days “It would be kind of hard to go “I saw something where I was doors with a 60m world record he before London’s Diamond League out there and put down a fast time the underdog, which is crazy.” backed up by winning the world meeting, Coleman “kind of felt in the 60 and still be able to carry Yet not only will the 22-year-old indoor title in Birmingham, Cole- something in my other hamstring.” that all the way to October but be facing Lyles, the year’s co-lead- man has found the outdoor season “I think I was just overcompen- we’ll see.” er at 100m, and former Jamaican to be a major challenge. sating for my previous injury,” he Outdoors, though, he will be all world champion Blake, but Brit- A hamstring injury and unex- said. So after warming up on race out. “I think I have just as much ain’s Zharnel Hughes and Reece pected defeats have marred his day, Coleman and his camp decid- talent as anybody when it comes to Prescod, the newly crowned Euro- racing, resulting in only one win, ed he should not run. the 100 or 200,” he said of running pean gold and silver medallists. a big one at the Rabat Diamond “It was a tough one for me, but both in the upcoming world cham- “Those two guys and even some League meeting. the people around me made the pionships and 2020 Olympics. of the other guys that they have “It’s been a pretty rough but I’m best decision,” he said. “So I think I’ll have a good shot at are really talented and a part of the pretty excited about the last cou- Now, despite the ups and making the team in both.” Christian Coleman of the US celebrates after winning 60m final in Birmingham on March 3. (Reuters)

GOLF MLB Triple play helps Rangers rally past Snedeker vows to Los Angeles Angels

Reuters RESULTS Arlington, Texas Rangers 8-6 Angels Mets 24-4 Phillies he Texas Rangers scored Phillies 9-6 Mets keep attacking aft er four runs in the eighth inning to complete a Twins 15-8 Tigers comeback from a fi ve- Rockies 5-3 Braves runT defi cit and beat the Los An- D’backs 5-1 Padres geles Angels 8-6 Thursday night in Arlington, Texas. Cubs 1-0 Pirates The Angels scored fi ve runs Nationals 5-4 Cardinals in the top of the fi rst inning, but Rays 3-1 Yankees 59 in Greensboro the Rangers inched their way Royals 6-2 Blue Jays back. Texas also helped keep Los ‘I’m going to have to make a lot more birdies if I’m going to be around on Sunday’ Angeles at bay by completing a triple play in the fourth inning. far caught the ball or not and re- Reuters The Rangers entered the treated back to third base. Greensboro, North Carolina eighth inning trailing 6-4 but Profar then threw to Odor for a got an RBI double by Joey Gallo force at second base to complete and a bases-loaded walk by the triple play, the sixth in fran- randt Snedeker shot Shin-Soo Choo to tie the game. chise history and the fi rst since 11-under-par 59 in the With a chance to take the lead, May 20, 2009, against the Seat- fi rst round at the Wyn- the Rangers had the bases loaded tle Mariners. dham Championship with two outs for Rougned Odor. The Angels took a 5-0 lead in onB Thursday, before vowing to “It was an all-around heads- the fi rst inning after the fi rst fi ve keep attacking at an event with up play by Profar,” said Rangers hitters of the game all singled a recent history of very low manager Jeff Banister. and eventually scored. winning scores. “Very slow heartbeat in that Leadoff hitter Kole Calhoun His course record earned a moment.” led Los Angeles’ off ence with four-stroke lead over fellow Odor hit a ground ball to the three hits, including his 17th Americans Ryan Moore and right side of second base, which, home run of the season in the John Oda at Sedgefi eld Country because of the shift, was fi elded second inning. Club, which is at the mercy of by shortstop Andrelton Sim- The Rangers had just seven the fi eld after a wet summer left mons. Simmons threw to fi rst hits, including two each from it soft and defenceless. Snedek- and Odor was called out, but a Profar and Gallo. Nomar Mazara er (2007) and Moore (2009) replay challenge reversed the hit his 16th homer, a two-run both claimed their fi rst PGA call, allowing Gallo to score from shot in the fi rst inning, and Gallo Tour victory at the Wyndham. third with the go-ahead run. belted his 32nd leading off the “I’m very aware that there’s The Rangers added another second inning. a lot of golf left,” Snedeker said run on a wild pitch by Osmer Rangers reliever Matt Moore after shooting the 10th sub-60 Morales, the Angels’ eighth (2-6) got the win over Justin round in PGA Tour history. pitcher of the game in what was Anderson (3-3). Jose Leclerc “This means absolutely a “bullpen game” for the staff . pitched a scoreless ninth for his nothing in the grand scheme The Angels led 6-3 in the third save. of this tournament. Eighteen- fourth inning when they had a David Dahl drove in three to-24 under par seems to win chance to add to their lead. They runs, two of them in a three-run, here every year, so I’m going to loaded the bases with no outs ninth-inning outburst, to help have to make a lot more bird- against Rangers starter Ariel the visiting Colorado Rockies ies if I’m going to be around on Jurado. earn a 5-3 win over Atlanta on Sunday. That said, I’ve got a David Fletcher hit a one-hop- Thursday, snapping the Braves’ great lead right now.” per that appeared headed down fi ve-game winning streak. Swede Henrik Stenson set a the left fi eld line, but third base- Dahl hit a home run, his sixth, tournament record low score of man Jurickson Profar backhand- in the third inning, but his most 22-under in winning last year, a ed the ball on a short hop and timely blow came in the ninth year after South Korean Kim Si- stepped on third for the fi rst out. when he slapped a 1-1 pitch into woo shot 21-under. Profar then tagged Taylor left fi eld to drive in Gerardo Parra Snedeker recorded his score Brandt Snedeker plays his second shot from the ninth fairway during the first round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Ward, who began the play on and Ryan McMahon, breaking a despite bogeying his fi rst hole. Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Getty Images/AFP) third base but was unsure if Pro- 3-3 tie. The eagle and 10 birdies that followed more than made Snedeker to the sub-60 club eye on current form. Snedeker, now he’s just got to rest, relax Byrd amends for his slow start. No- with a performance that was a who has had a quiet year, has and start over tomorrow from 65 - Corey Conners (CAN), Nick body looked remotely close to reminder of the depth of talent not been on anyone’s Ryder Cup scratch and go play three more Taylor (CAN), Aaron Baddeley Tour de France winner Thomas challenging Snedeker, though he has at his disposal when the radar. He fi nished 37th in the good rounds.” (AUS), Ryan Armour, Kang Sung to lead Tour of Germany fi eld the afternoon 63s by Moore and Americans attempt to defend standings, but a couple of hot (KOR), Jim Furyk, Brice Garnett, Oda were both bogey-free. the Cup against Europe in Paris weeks could put him in conten- LEADING FIRST-ROUND Keith Mitchell, C.T. Pan (TPE) Geraint Thomas said yester- as a great race to make my Jim Furyk, captain of the next month. Furyk is assessing tion. “It certainly doesn’t hurt SCORES 66 - Sam Saunders, Billy day that he will make his first comeback. American team for next month’s form of players before mak- (to shoot 59),” Furyk said when 59 - Brandt Snedeker Horschel, Webb Simpson, stage-race appearance since his “I’m looking forward to it.” Ryder Cup, was among a group ing four captain’s picks early asked if Snedeker’s round was 63 - Ryan Moore, John Oda Sergio Garcia (ESP), Harris stunning Tour de France victory Thomas has good memories of on 65. Furyk holds the PGA Tour next month to complete the signifi cant for Ryder Cup selec- 64 - Martin Flores, D.A. Points, English, Denny McCarthy, Ricky in next week’s Tour of Germany. racing in Germany. record low score of 58, and also team. Eight players have already tion. “We’re looking for guys Brett Stegmaier, David Hearn Barnes, Harold Varner, Michael Team Sky Welsh star will lead He was fastest in the opening has a 59 on his resume. qualifi ed automatically. He has who are playing well. The trick (CAN), Abraham Ancer (MEX), Thompson, Jason Dufner, Peter the 132-strong field for the individual time-trial in Dues- He was delighted to welcome made no secret that he has an for him is he’s playing great, Ollie Schniederjans, Jonathan Malnati, Jamie Lovemark. four-day race, which starts on seldorf when the 2017 Tour de Thursday in Konlenz, in his first France started in Germany and stage race since completing his he won the Tour of Bavaria in Salas surges to LPGA Indy lead with record-equalling 62 stunning victory in Paris last both 2011 and 2014. month. Thomas’s presence will The rest of this year’s Tour of American Lizette Salas fired a olds - American Angel Yin and and 14. off the green, which is icing on Leading first-round scores boost the profile of the Tour of Germany field will be an- course record-equalling 10-un- Japan’s Nasa Hataoka. After a birdie at 16, she was on the cake, so I’ve just got to keep 62 - Lizette Salas Germany, which is back on the nounced on Monday, but the der par 62 on Thursday to take Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall, the green and looking at a birdie it going the next three days.” Yin 64 - Nasa Hataoka (JPN), Angel Yin cycling calender after a ten-year presence of Thomas is a big a two-shot first-round lead over South Korean Ko Jin-young and putt when play was halted for exploded out of the gate with 65 - Danielle Kang, Caroline hiatus. coup for race organisers. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and Angel Americans Danielle Kang and more than an hour. eight birdies in her first nine Hedwall (SWE), Ko Jin-young “I’ve won Bayern-Rundfahrt “The best German young rid- Yin in the LPGA Indy Champion- Jane Park shared fourth, a “I had about a four-foot putt on holes, her eight-under 28 on (KOR), Jane Park (Tour of Bavaria) twice and I ers will ride together with the ship. further stroke back on 65 and 17,” Salas said. the front nine one short of the 66 - Lin Xiyu (CHN), Lydia Ko really enjoy racing in Germany,” winner of the Tour de France. Salas birdied the last three holes New Zealand star Lydia Ko “I didn’t even think about it the LPGA’s nine-hole record. (NZL), Carlota Ciganda (ESP), said the 32-year-old Welshman. This only happens at the Tour at the Brickyard Crossing Golf headed a group of six players entire time during the delay. I Yin needed just nine putts on Lee Mi-hyang (KOR), Ashleigh “It’s a lovely country and I really of Germany,” said organiser Club course in Indianapolis, Indi- on 66. was hanging out with Danielle her front nine and came home Buhai (RSA), Mariah Stackhouse enjoy going there. Claude Rach. ana, two of them after waiting Salas got going early with an ea- (Kang) and she was giving me in even par with one more birdie 67 - Hsu Wei-Ling (TPE), Thidapa “It will be great to race the “This is a dream debut for the through a weather delay. gle at the par-five second hole. her silly dad jokes, so it definitely and a bogey in her eight-under Suwannapura (THA), Nicole Deutschland Tour. new Deutschland Tour. With an eagle and eight birdies She birdied three in a row from kept my mind off of it. I was 64. Hataoka had eight birdies Broch Larsen (DEN), Alena “I went to see my coach Tim “During the four days, we will total, her career best round put the fourth through the sixth and really excited to be back. And to without a bogey for her share of Sharp (CAN), Madeleine Sheils, Kerrison after the Tour and we create Germany’s biggest natu- her two ahead of two 19-year- bagged two more birdies at 12 finish off with birdie on 18 from second. Mariajo Uribe (COL). outlined the Deutschland Tour ral stadium.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 18, 2018 CRICKET

PREVIEW FOCUS Pakistan ban Nasir for 10 years England recall over spot-fi xing

AFP Lahore

akistan cricket banned Stokes as they seek former Test opener Nasir Jamshed for ten years yesterday on multipleP charges of spot fi x- ing, wrapping up a 16-month investigation into a wide- ranging scandal that rocked the Pakistan Super League. India series win Jamshed, 28, is the sixth player to be banned following ter of sadness that another ‘He has been a fine performer for us for a long period of time. He off ers so much to the scandal that tainted the player has spoiled his career.” Twenty20 tournament in only Swashbuckling opener this group on and off the field You don’t want to leave someone like Ben out’ its second year, and was de- Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, scribed by cricket authorities Mohammad Irfan, Moham- as its lynchpin. mad Nawaz, and Nasir Jam- “Today’s decision against shed have also been given Jamshed wraps up the fi x- bans of varying lengths. ing saga and the tribunal has Regarded as a talented banned him for ten years on left-hander, Jamshed played multiple charges,” said Pa- two Tests, 48 one-day and 18 kistan Cricket Board (PCB) Twenty20 internationals for legal adviser Taff azul Rizvi in Pakistan. He hit three con- footage shared by the PCB on secutive one-day hundreds Twitter. against India in 2012. Spot-fi xing refers to ille- His career nosedived dur- gal activity in a sport where a ing the 2015 World Cup where specifi c part of a game is fi xed, he was found overweight and unlike match-fi xing, where mocked at during fi elding, the whole result is fi xed. managing just fi ve runs in Jamshed was fi rst banned three matches. for 12 months in December Jamshed and his lawyer last year after he was found Hasan Warraich had rejected guilty of non-cooperation the charges. Rizvi said Jam- with the tribunal investigat- shed will not be allowed to ing allegations of spot-fi xing. hold any offi ce even after the This year, he faced fi ve fur- ban expires. ther charges related to fi xing, “His name will be put on all of which were proven said the list of avoided people,” he Rizvi, who said it was “a mat- said.

Banned Australia batsman Bancroft to join Durham in 2019 Banned Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft has joined English county side Durham as an overseas player for the 2019 season and will be available for club selection across all three formats. Bancroft received a nine-month ban from Cricket Australia in March for his role in the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa while former Australia captain Steve Smith and test vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month suspensions. The 27-year-old has since played in the domestic Northern Territory Strike League and is also expected to play grade cricket for Western Australia club Wil- letton along with Big Bash League side Perth Scorchers. “I am excited to join Durham for the 2019 county season. Hav- ing played at Emirates Riverside in 2017 I know what a great place it is to play cricket,” Bancroft told Durham’s website England’s Ben Stokes (right) and Ollie Pope play football during their training session at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, yesterday. (Reuters) https://www.durhamccc.co.uk/news-and-media/bancroft- signs-for-2019. “With the Ashes and ODI World Cup both being AFP always likely he would play at their lone specialist spinner, and top-order batsman Root. bowler in Test cricket. played in the UK in 2019 it will be a huge summer of cricket. Nottingham, United Kingdom Trent Bridge, where the third because Chris Woakes - Stokes’s “He is a big part of our team “I think there’s no disputing I am grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get over Test starts on Saturday. replacement - scored a maiden and I can see him putting in just that Jimmy is one of the best and make an impact with Durham.” England captain Joe Root con- Test century and took key wick- as he always does and he has bowlers of all time - not just Bancroft played in eight test matches, including the most ngland changed a win- fi rmed his return on Friday, say- ets at Lord’s. Root said omitting the ability to change the game. in this current generation, but recent Ashes series, and one Twenty20 international for Aus- ning side ahead of the ing Stokes had been selected in 20-year-old Surrey rising star Hopefully, that can be the case since the game began,” said Root tralia before his suspension. third Test against India place of left-arm swing bowler Curran had been “probably one this week.” of the 36-year-old Lancashire at Trent Bridge by recall- Sam Curran as the hosts sought a of the most diffi cult decisions star, a veteran of 140 Tests. BAT’S EMBARRASSING! ENGLAND STAR ingE Ben Stokes just 72 hours af- win that would give them an un- I’ve had to make as captain”. ANDERSON EYES India may give a Test debut to SIDELINED BY SELF-INFLICTED FACE INJURY ter he was cleared on a charge of assailable 3-0 lead in this fi ve- But he justifi ed the recall MCGRATH MARK Rishabh Pant in place of fellow England international Jason Roy said he was “extremely em- aff ray. match series. of pace-bowling all-rounder James Anderson has long en- wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik barrassed” after suff ering an injury when his bat, which he had Stokes has long been Eng- Curran was omitted despite Stokes, who averaged 34 with joyed playing at Trent Bridge, as they bid to bolster their bat- thrown to the ground in frustration, bounced back and hit him land’s premier all-rounder and having impressed with both bat the bat and 32 with the ball in having taken 60 Test wickets at ting - a longstanding problem in the face. The 28-year-old was hurt after being dismissed just hours after his acquittal by and ball in a series where he was 43 Tests by saying: “He has been an average of under 19 at Not- area for England as well given playing for Surrey in a Twenty20 game against Hampshire on a jury at Bristol Crown Court on named man-of-the-match after made available for selection. tinghamshire’s headquarters, their fallible top-order. Wednesday. He will miss Friday’s game against Glamorgan Tuesday, he was added to a 13- an all-round eff ort that included From that point on it was about where conditions are often con- Meanwhile, paceman Jasprit in Cardiff . “I’m extremely embarrassed and apologetic to my man squad. a fi fty and four wickets in Eng- is he good enough to play for ducive to swing bowling. Bumrah, yet to play in this se- team mates and fans for this moment of stupidity,” Roy said. Having brought him back at land’s 31-run win in the fi rst Test England? He has been a fi ne per- Anderson, England’s all-time ries after fracturing a thumb in a “Following my dismissal on Wednesday evening, I threw my the earliest opportunity, after at Edgbaston - where Stokes also former for us for a long period leading Test wicket-taker, now Twenty20 international against bat into the ground purely out of self-frustration. It bounced, Stokes missed England’s in- starred with the ball. of time. You don’t want to leave needs just 11 more at this level Ireland in Dublin on June 27, hit me, and as a result I sustained the injury. “I’ve never been nings and 159-run rout of India But Curran was always in line someone like Ben out.” to surpass retired Australia great could be recalled at the expense so motivated and so positive about my game, and I assure you at Lord’s last week because of a to make way, given England’s “He off ers so much to this Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563, of left-arm wrist-spinner Kul- I will learn from my mistake as I am my own biggest critic.” clash with his court case, it was reluctance to drop Adil Rashid, group on and off the eld,”fi added currently the most by any pace deep Yadav.

SPOTLIGHT Embrace ‘backs to the wall’ mentality: Kohli AFP point of view, it’s actually a good couple of times before, so it’s not Nottingham, United Kingdom situation to be in because you a new development. I know how literally have no room for think- to handle it.” ing about anything else apart Meanwhile Kohli said a recall ndia captain Virat Kohli said from what the team requires at for Jasprit Bumrah was possi- “the only option is to win that particular moment from ble, with the paceman having this game” as he urged his you throughout the course of the been sidelined since breaking his side to make a virtue of their Test match,” the star batsman thumb during a Twenty20 inter- Idire position heading into the added. national against Ireland in Dub- third Test against England. “The only conversation we’ve lin on June 27. The tourists will start today’s had is that the only option is to Bumrah has taken 14 wick- fi xture at Nottingham’s Trent win this game and nothing else. ets in three Tests at an average Bridge 2-0 down in a fi ve-match “As I have mentioned in the of 25.21 since making his debut series after a narrow loss at Edg- past, (it’s) up to the individuals in South Africa in January and baston was followed by a thump- to stand up and say ‘I’m going to he could now replace left-arm ing innings and 159-run defeat at go out there and make a diff er- wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Lord’s last week. ence’.” “I’m very excited that Jasprit’s Only once in Test history have getting fi t again,” said Kohli. a side come from 2-0 down to ‘FEELING FINE’ “He’s an attacking bowler who win a fi ve-match series and that Kohli’s own back was a concern bowls good lines and lengths. was when a Don Bradman-in- for India after he was clearly in He’s very consistent in hitting spired Australia beat England in pain at Lord’s, where he man- the areas that are required at Test 1936/37. But Kohli, speaking to aged scores of just 23 and 17 after level. reporters at Trent Bridge on Fri- his impressive tally of 200 runs “He showed that in South day, was in defi ant mood. at Edgbaston, which included Africa already and he’s one guy “The only thing that is spo- an innings of 149 - the 29-year- who’s really aggressive - he ken about it to focus on what the old’s maiden Test century in wants to take the situation front team requires at all times, in this England. on and basically make the bats- Test match,” he said. But Kohli insisted he was fi t to men feel uncomfortable. “You know when your back is play at Trent Bridge. “That’s been his biggest against the wall, that is the time “I’m feeling absolutely fi ne. strength and he relishes the for you not to think about any- It’s been an issue that’s coming challenge whenever given an op- thing else.” on and off again. portunity. We are very excited “If you look at it from another “I’ve had it (back trouble) a he’s coming back.” India’s Virat Kohli during nets yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Saturday, August 18, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT I’ve never been Sarri eyes Chelsea so happy with Pogba, says boost, Emery seeks Mourinho

AFP had a heated exchange of words, Manchester everything is respected, I have no problems at all.” Arsenal victory Mourinho also laughed off ose Mourinho has broken suggestions that Pogba would his silence on his relation- have faced a fi ne for talking his Spurs to play their first three home games of the season at Wembley ship with French World mind — pointing out that the Cup winner Paul Pogba only United player to have been andJ insists there has been no fi ned on his watch was Anthony AFP London disagreement with Manchester Martial, fi ned £180,000 for fail- United’s record signing. A sum- ing to return to their pre-season mer of discontent has seen re- USA tour following the birth of helsea and Arsenal’s new regimes peated reports that Pogba wishes his child. under Maurizio Sarri and Unai to leave the club he joined from “You have to ask Paul,” said Emery got off to contrasting Pre- Juventus for £89.3mn two sum- Mourinho. “I’m here for two mier League starts, but today’s mers ago and move to Barcelona. years and a couple of months and clashC between the two will provide a truer They were followed by claims the only player that was fi ned test of where the London rivals stand. this week that manager and play- was Anthony Martial, so it’s not Failure to qualify for this season’s Cham- er had exchanged angry words in easy to be fi ned here. So you have pions League provoked big changes at a heated meeting after comments to ask him. both clubs. made by Pogba following last I’m not going to ask him. I But while Chelsea are used to the up- week’s opening league fi xture want him to work the way he is heaval of coaches coming and going un- against Leicester. doing and play the way he is do- der Roman Abramovich, Arsenal are still Having starred, and scored, ing and that’s all that matters.” settling into Emery’s new era after 22 in United’s 2-1 victory, just four After a strong showing in the years with Arsene Wenger in charge. days after returning to pre-sea- World Cup and United’s opening The early signs suggest it will take Em- son training following his World fi xture, Pogba has set a stand- ery time to stem years of decline towards Cup adventures, Pogba claimed: ard which Mourinho claims he the end of Wenger’s reign. However, “There are things I cannot say is confi dent the midfi elder will the Spaniard had the misfortune to face otherwise I will get fi ned.” maintain — although he will have champions Manchester City on his Pre- But Mourinho, preparing for no problem if not. “I am very mier League debut as Arsenal were out- tomorrow’s visit to Brighton, confi dent but if he doesn’t that’s classed in a 2-0 defeat on home soil last insists that argument never took football,” said Mourinho. “If his weekend. Sarri has also insisted it will place. “The truth is we are to- objective is to play for the team, take at least two months to implement gether for two years and a cou- for the fans, if this is the objec- the free-fl owing attacking style that ple of weeks and I’ve never been tive, he has the right for a bad made him a coach in demand at Napoli. so happy with him as I am now, match. Everybody has a bad day But, despite a disrupted pre-season that’s the truth. I cannot demand and has little ups and downs in due to his late arrival at Stamford Bridge more from him,” Mourinho said the performance level.” to replace Antonio Conte, the departure yesterday. Mourinho will welcome Jesse of Thibaut Courtois and speculation over “He came here on a Monday, Lingard back into his squad a host of other key players, Chelsea were trained three days, I asked for his against Brighton, after returning too good for Huddersfi eld in an opening support for his contribution in from World Cup duty. day 3-0 win. an important match for us when There were already clear hallmarks of the team had diffi culties, he did Sarri’s infl uence as Jorginho, who fol- it better and for more time than lowed his boss from Napoli to Chelsea we could expect. When he says in the summer, controlled the midfi eld. he did it for the fans and for the Chelsea are likely to be even stronger this team, it is exactly what I want. weekend as Eden Hazard could return to It is exactly what I demand from the starting line-up after he shone in a my players. He’s working well, 15-minute cameo at Huddersfi eld fol- playing well, he does it for the lowing his World Cup exertions with fans, he does for the team and Belgium. Conte won just one of eight that’s what I want. To play for meetings with Arsenal in two seasons in the team and I couldn’t be hap- charge. A quick reversal of fortunes this pier than what I am.” weekend would suggest Sarri is headed in Pogba will remain captain for the right direction. the Brighton game, although After failing to sign a single player in Mourinho explained that An- the transfer window, Tottenham’s poor The early signs suggest it will take Arsenal’s new coach Unai Emery time to stem years of decline. (AFP) tonio Valencia will reclaim the month off the fi eld continued with the armband when he returns to ac- news this week that the club’s new stadi- their new surroundings. is probably the one at Guardiola’s dispos- home to Huddersfi eld tomorrow. tion following a calf injury. And um won’t be ready until at least October. City’s victory at Arsenal without ever al. Bernardo Silva starred against Arsenal the United manager refused to That means Mauricio Pochettino’s men hitting top gear last weekend was omi- and Chelsea in the Community Shield FIXTURES (1400GMT UNLESS STATED) comment about Pogba’s post- will play their fi rst three home games of nous for the challengers trying to stop from a more central role with new signing Today: Cardiff v Newcastle (1130GMT), match outburst. the season at Wembley, starting with the Pep Guardiola’s men becoming the fi rst Riyad Mahrez starting on the right. West Ham v Bournemouth, Tottenham “I don’t care,” said Mourinho.”I visit of Fulham today. side in a decade to retain the title. David Silva is yet to play a minute this v Fulham, Leicester v Wolves, Everton repeat: I want him to play well, I Pochettino has vowed to deliver wins But City were dealt a huge blow when season and 18-year-old Phil Foden has v Southampton, Chelsea v Arsenal want him to play for that team, for fans frustrated by the delay. And more Kevin De Bruyne suff ered a serious knee been tipped by Kyle Walker to take his (1630GMT) the fans and that is what it is. fi xtures at the home of English football injury in training on Wednesday, expect- chance in De Bruyne’s absence. He’s working extremely well here might not be a handicap on Spurs’ ambi- ed to keep the Belgian star sidelined for at “We don’t just rely on one player. It’s Tomorrow: Manchester City v Hudders- but I have to say in his defence, tions. After failing to win any of their fi rst least two months and could be fi t only in a team game and whoever steps in will field, Burnley v Watford (both 1230GMT), don’t put him in a situation that three home games last season, Totten- December. do well,” said Walker. “Obviously, it’s a Brighton v Manchester United (1500GMT) people can think he’s not a polite, ham won 13 of the next 16 Premier League If any squad is equipped to deal with- big loss but we’ve got more than enough On Monday: Crystal Palace v Liverpool educated guy — he is. He never games at Wembley once they adjusted to out a world class talent like De Bruyne, it cover.” Life without De Bruyne begins at (1900GMT) had a fi ght with me. We never

INTERIM COACH RINGS IN BIG FOCUS CHANGES FOR ARGENTINA ‘World Cup fatigue could have caused De Bruyne injury’ Buenos Aires: Italian-based Russia, drawing with Iceland, strikers Lautaro Martinez and losing to Croatia and then AFP training on Wednesday, and was ence it. When you are fresh here, Giovanni Simeone are among qualifying for the knock-out Manchester spotted on crutches that night fresh on your legs, it doesn’t the 20 new faces in Argentina’s stages with a win over Nigeria. at the premiere of ‘All Or Noth- happen. Sometimes it can. It will squad for upcoming friendlies However, they were dispatched ing’, a documentary that features be two or three months. We hope against Guatemala and Co- by eventual winners France 4-3 ep Guardiola has sug- behind-the-scenes footage of he can do as much as possible to lombia, the Argentine Football in the last 16 and coach Jorge gested post-World Cup City’s title victory. get back and help us again. It will Association (AFA) said. Sampaoli left soon after. fatigue could have been a Guardiola expects De Bruyne be a big miss like last season with Martinez, who joined Inter factor in the knee injury to be fi t again by the beginning Mendy. Last season.” Pthat has ruled out Manchester of December, but acknowledges De Bruyne’s absence is set to Milan from Racing earlier this ARGENTINA SQUAD summer, and Simeone, the City star Kevin De Bruyne for City will have a tough task deal- give David Silva more opportu- Spain-born striker who plays for Goalkeepers: Franco Armani around three months. De Bruyne ing with his absence, just as they nities to impress, with the play- Fiorentina, are included up front (River), Geronimo Rulli (Real only returned to training at City did when a knee injury ruled out maker free to commit himself alongside Paolo Dybala, Angel Sociedad), Sergio Romero (Man- last week, having had a break af- left-back Benjamin Mendy for to club duties after announcing Correa and Cristian Pavon. chester United). ter helping Belgium fi nish third virtually the whole of last season. his for Spain. Silva missed sev- Mauro Icardi, the Inter striker Defenders: Fabricio Bustos in Russia in July. “We never know. My opin- eral matches last season to spend who was surprisingly left out of (Independiente), Gabriel Mer- He played for the fi nal 30 min- ion is that when you ask a lot time with his son Mateo, who was Argentina’s World Cup squad, cado (Sevilla), German Pezzella utes last Sunday as Guardiola’s of the players, over more than seriously ill in hospital after be- also returns, but there is no (Fiorentina), Ramiro Funes Mori side began their Premier League 11 months, then after he comes ing born prematurely. Mateo was place for Gonzalo Higuain, Ser- (Villarreal), Alan Franco (Inde- title defence with a 2-0 victory at back, this (injury) can happen,” allowed to leave hospital in May, gio Aguero or Angel Di Maria. pendiente), Nicolas Tagliafico Arsenal. However, the midfi elder Guardiola said. “Nobody knows, fi ve months after being born, and Lionel Messi was left out after (Ajax), Walter Kannemann Kevin De Bruyne is likely to be fit again by December. (Reuters) then suff ered a knee injury in but I’m pretty sure this can infl u- his now recovering well. requesting an unspecified time (Gremio), Leonel Di Plácido (La- out from international duty. nus), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica), Only nine of the 23 players who Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon). Bordeaux suspend coach FIFA fi nes Atletico over Marchisio calls time on Ex-Portugal boss Bento went to the Russia World Cup Midfielders: Leandro Paredes Poyet aft er angry outburst third-party ownership 25-year Juventus career named as South Korea coach are included for the games (Zenit), Santiago Ascacibar against Guatemala in Los (Stuttgart), Rodrigo Battaglia Bordeaux have suspended coach Gus- Spanish club Atletico Madrid have been Italian midfielder Claudio Marchisio has Former Portugal boss Paulo Bento will Angeles on September 7 and (Sporting Lisbon), Gonzalo Mar- tavo Poyet for a week after his angry fined, FIFA said, for signing a player called time on his Juventus career after coach South Korea over the next four Colombia in New Jersey four tinez (River), Giovani Lo Celso outburst at club bosses over their trans- to a contract that allowed third-party 25 years spent with the Turin giants. The years through the 2022 Qatar World Cup, days later. (PSG), Franco Cervi (Benfica), fer policy, the French side announced. ownership, which is banned by world 32-year-old, joined his hometown club at the Korea Football Association (KFA) an- Franco Martinez, the Maxi Meza (Independiente), On Poyet’s future, Club president football’s governing body. Atletico, who the age of seven and won seven Serie A nounced. Bento who took Portugal to the Sevilla midfielder who played Matias Vargas (Velez), Franco Stephane Martin said the sacking looks beat Real Madrid to win the European titles and four Italian Cups. semi-finals of Euro 2012. two friendlies for Italy in 2015, Vazquez (Sevilla), Exequiel distinct possibility. The decision to Supercup on Wednesday, must pay Juventus agreed to terminate the Bento and his staff are scheduled to arrive is among the new names in the Palacios (River). suspend the Uruguayan comes after 52,000 Swiss Francs for “entering into 55-times capped Italian international’s in South Korea on Monday, the KFA said. 29-man squad, as is Gremio he launched a furious tirade at the a contract that enabled a third party to contract by “mutual consent” before yes- Bento took the Portuguese reins in 2010 centre-half Walter Kannemann. Forwards: Angel Correa (Ath- Bordeaux board over their decision to influence the club’s independence in terday’s transfer deadline in Italy. Marchi- after four seasons in charge of Sporting Interim coach Lionel Scaloni letico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez sell the striker Gaetan Laborde to Ligue employment and transfer-related mat- sio’s only time away from Juventus was a Lisbon, but was sacked in 2014 after an also gave call-ups to uncapped (Internazionale), Mauro Icardi 1 rivals Montpellier. Poyet had hoped to ters and entering incorrect information season’s loan to Empoli in 2007-2008, but ignominious home defeat to Albania. Stuttgart midfielder Santiago (Internazionale), Giovanni Sime- have Laborde available for Thursday’s in the International Transfer Matching he had been increasingly sidelined after a He later had stints in charge of Brazil’s Ascacibar and Real Sociedad one (Fiorentina), Cristian Pavon the second leg of their Europa League System.” The player in question was not serious knee injury in 2016. Cruzeiro and Olympiakos in Greece, and goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. (Boca Juniors), Paulo Dybala third qualifying round tie away to Mar- named. FIFA’s disciplinary committee Marchisio made his first-team debut for was appointed coach of Chinese Super Argentina disappointed in (Juventus). iupol of Ukraine, which his team won 2-1 also fined clubs in Dubai and Iran for Juventus in August 2006 and scored 37 League club Chongqing Lifan in to progress to the play-off round. failing to obey its previous decisions. times in 389 appearances. December last year

Saturday, August 18, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Tiberkanine brace spoils Eto’o’s Qatar SC debut

By Sports Reporter Doha

achid Tiberkanine scored a brace as Al Sailiya beat Qatar SC 2-0 in Samuel Eto’o’s QNBR Stars League debut at the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. Eto’o, the former Barcelona and Cam- eroon star, joined Qatar SC ear- lier this week but could not stop his new team from their second successive loss. Qatar SC and Al Sailiya were coming off defeats and were keen Umm Salal rode on a to get back to winning ways. Qa- double strike by tar SC coach Abdulla Mubarak Mahmoud al-Mawas was hoping that the 37-year-old (right) to beat Al Ahli 4-1. Eto’o will make an instant impact PICTURE: Jayaram against Sailiya. The 37-year-old played full 90 minutes of the encounter but could not fi nd the net. Tiberkanine scored both off his goals in the fi rst. The Mor- rocan opened the scoring in the 16th minute, before doubling the lead in the 36th minute via pen- alty. Brazilian defender Mauricio Ramos, who joined Sailiya last season after they had lost in the and Adel Alawi, due to injuries. Mahmoud’s brilliant eff ort four week, made his debut for the club opening round to Al Sailiya and But that didn’t make any nega- minutes later to give his side a with coach Sami Trabelsi im- drew with Al Rayyan in their sec- tive impact from Laurent Ba- deserving win. However, Iranian pressed by his new signing. ond match. nide’s side. midfi elder Omid Ebrahimi pulled In the fi rst match of the day, The Orange Fortress were Umm Salal rode on a double one back in the 84th minute Umm Salal eased past Al Ahli without their spearhead Chris- strike by Mahmoud Al Mawas while a red card to Umm Salal’s 4-1, which was also played at the tian Osaguona due to an injury (10th and 72nd minute). Tresor Adil Rhaili a minute before the Al Sailiya’s Rachid Tiberkenaine (right) celebrates after scoring against Qatar SC in the Qatar Stars League Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. It and also missed the services of Kangambu scored an own goal goal was their brief moment of at the Al Sadd stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed was Umm Salal’s fi rst win of the Mohamed Sayed, Bazman Awad in the 54th followed by Ismail celebration.

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT We will make amends against Ronaldo to make Kharaitiyat: Arabi coach Bonacic l Arabi coach Luka the start of the season,” the Arabi In another match today, Al Bonacic hopes his team coach noted. Khor will take on Al Shahania. will bounce back af- Al Kharaitiyat coach Nassif al- Shahania coach Jose Murcia said ter a humiliating 1-10 Bayawi was hoping to get lucky his team’s aim is to get three thrashingA from Al Sadd last week. against Arabi, after losing both points. “It is going to be a diffi - Juventus debut Arabi will take on Al Kharaitiyat their matches and lie bottom of cult game. Al Khor have experi- today in their Week 3 QNB Stars the table with Al Khor. ence playing in the top fl ight. We League match. “Following our “We are coming off two de- are improving step by step. I am big loss to Al Sadd, our morale feats, so we are very careful as sure it will be a close game. Our was not that down. Normally, we go into the Al Arabi match. target is to give our 100 per cent any team would have been de- Against Al Sadd in the fi rst in all games. We did that in our moralised. 10-1 is not a normal match, we were very much in fi rst match against Al Duhail too. against Chievo result. Everyone was responsible the game, but conceded goals We hope to keep getting good for that,” said Bonacic. in quick succession. That did us results. We are working more on “But I told my players that Al in. In the last game against Al our game. We aim three points Sadd is a closed chapter. We had Shahania, we were unlucky not against Al Khor,” Murcia said. ‘He’s very intrigued to understand how teams play in Italy’ a few days for recovery. If we beat to have scored despite creating Al Kharaitiyat, then we will have at least four clear chances. We six points. You will see a diff erent committed just one mistake and FIXTURES Al Arabi in this game,” he added. we lost the match. We had many Cristiano Ronaldo was the star “We will fi ght and we will give positives to take from both these Today: Al Khor vs Al Shahania signing for Juventus in the summer our 100 per cent. At the same matches,” he said. at 5:25 pm; Al Kharaitiyat vs following a 100mn euro deal time, we will be wary of Al Khor “I hope we will be lucky Al Arabi at 7:35pm at Khalifa from Real Madrid. (Reuters) as they will be keen to win hav- against Al Arabi, a big team with International Stadium. ing lost both matches. Football is rich history, tradition and ardent Tomorrow: Al Sadd vs Al pressure. Sometimes, results are fans. We are expecting a strong Gharafa stadium at 5:25pm at good for you. Sometimes, they reaction from them, following Al Sadd Stadium; Al Duhail vs are bad for you. What happened their big loss to Al Sadd. They Al Rayyan at 7:25pm at Khalifa against Al Sadd was a disaster. In will do everything they can to International Stadium a way, it is good it happened at win,” al-Bayawi added.

LIGUE 1 Mbappe set for fi rst PSG appearance aft er World Cup AFP Paris

orld Cup winner Kylian Mbappe has been named in Paris AFP played two Champions fi nals in the last four Juventus to the line last season. Saint-Germain’s years. Players like Ronaldo are diff erent from After claiming a record 91 points for a Wsquad for the fi rst time this sea- Milan all the others: it shows in what he has won, league runner-up, Maurizio Sarri exited the son as the French champions go he is a stimulus for everyone. It will be a dif- club for Chelsea with Italian Carlo Ancelotti to Guingamp in Ligue 1 today. ristiano Ronaldo is curious to fi nd fi cult campaign and we need to be prepared making his return to Serie A for the fi rst time Mbappe did not play in their out about life in Serie A and will and remain focused, because tomorrow the in nearly a decade. league opener, a 3-0 win over make his debut in the opening season begins and we will fi nd a tough Chie- The much-travelled Italian arrives in Na- Caen last weekend, having only match of the season for champions vo side waiting for us. I’m curious to see how ples boasting three Champions League tro- returned to training a few days JuventusC against Chievo in Verona, coach the team fares.” phies from his spells with AC Milan and Real earlier following a post-World Massimiliano Allegri confi rmed yesterday. But it could be a low-key start for the Ro- Madrid, and a Premier League title from his Cup holiday. Allegri said the 33-year-old was ea- naldo in Verona’s Stadio Bentegodi today on two-year stint at Chelsea. The 19-year-old, who scored ger to play in Serie A after his 100mn euro a day of national mourning for the victims Eusebio di Francesco’s Roma — third last one of France’s goals in their 4-2 PSG’s Neymar and Kylian Mbappe during training yesterday. (Reuters) ($117mn) transfer from Real Madrid last of the Morandi bridge tragedy in the north- season — travel to Torino with Inter Mi- win over Croatia in last month’s month. The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner western port city. The emotional impact of lan, who also qualifi ed for the Champions fi nal in Moscow, will hope to with Neymar, who scored in his The opening-day victory fol- has appeared in two warm-up friendlies for the disaster has led to the postponement of League visiting Sassuolo tomorrow, as Bo- feature alongside Neymar in the fi rst start for PSG in six months, lowed a 4-0 win over Monaco, Juventus but did not travel with the team to Serie A games involving local teams Samp- logna and SPAL, who both survived at the PSG attack in Brittany. However, playing as a false nine in a 3-0 last season’s runners-up, in the the United States. “I didn’t give Ronaldo any doria and Genoa who had been due to open death last season going head to head in a bid Edinson Cavani is again miss- home victory over Caen. “We French Champions Trophy in advice. He’s very intrigued to understand their campaigns against Fiorentina and AC to start the season on a positive note. ing as he continues his recovery have to have some sort of second China, and suggests that PSG how teams play in Italy,” said Allegri as Ju- Milan. But all other games will go ahead Among the newcomers, Parma return to from a calf injury suff ered during pre-season,” Tuchel said. “But still have the edge on their do- ventus begin their campaign today. starting today — the day of the 38 victims’ the top fl ight only three years after being Uruguay’s run to the quarter- it’s no longer the pre-season, mestic rivals. After an opening “Ronaldo will make his debut. (Wojciech) funerals — with last season’s top two teams declared bankrupt, hosting Udinese in their fi nals in Russia. Also named in we are playing for points and it’s weekend on which not a single Szczesny, (Giorgio) Chiellini, (Leonardo) Juventus and Napoli in action. fi rst game. PSG’s squad is Thilo Kehrer, the important to win because we are match ended in a draw, PSG are Bonucci and (Miralem) Pjanic will play and A minute’s silence will be held before each Also returning to Serie A are Empoli, Germany under-21 defender who aiming very high.” second in the table on goal dif- the two full-backs on each side will be (Joao) match with the players taking to the pitch a team from Florence, who start at home completed a reported 37mn euro Club captain Thiago Silva ference behind Marseille, who Cancelo and Alex Sandro. Everyone is in wearing black armbands. against Cagliari, and Frosinone, from south move to the French capital from agreed that the team was not thrashed Toulouse, 4-0. good condition, even (Mario) Mandzukic Much is expected of Ronaldo’s presence of Rome, who travel to Atalanta on Monday. Schalke on Thursday, signing a fi ring on all cylinders. “Some and (Blaise) Matuidi, who both went all the in the Italian league this season after the fi ve-year deal. Kehrer will hope players arrived late, they are not FIXTURES (TIMES 1800 GMT way to the fi nal in the World Cup,” he added. low of Italy missing out on qualifying for the FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) to quickly break into Thomas ready, me for example,” Silva UNLESS STATED) But Allegri warned his team not to rely too World Cup in Russia. “He’s going to raise Today: Chievo v Juventus (1600GMT), Lazio Tuchel’s side, but the German said. The PSG lineup contained Today: Guingamp v Paris much on the Portuguese superstar as they the level of the championship,” said Italian v Napoli (1830) coach has left his compatriots three 19-year olds making their Saint-Germain (1500), Amiens v target an eighth straight Serie A title. football legend Dino Zoff . “Everyone can Kevin Trapp and Julian Draxler fi rst Ligue 1 starts — Stanley Montpellier, Caen v Nice, Dijon v “It’s time to put aside the excitement of benefi t. With Ronaldo all eyes will be on us Tomorrow: Torino v AS Roma (1600 GMT); out of his squad for the game. Nsoki and Colin Dagba as the Bologna v SPAL, Empoli v Cagliari, Parma v Nantes, Monaco v Lille, Rennes v the arrival of great players and the greatest and Serie A can regain ground. His purchase PSG head to Guingamp al- full-backs, and Antoine Bernede Angers of all, we have to keep our feet on the ground, will result in the arrival of other big names Udinese, Sassuolo v Inter Milan (all 1830) ready among the pace-setters, in midfi eld. Tuchel also risked keep a low profi le,” continued Allegri. to Serie A.” On Monday: Atalanta v Frosinone (1830) yet coach Tuchel said it feels as ruffl ing Neymar’s ego by replac- Tomorrow: Strasbourg v “We mustn’t make the mistake of think- Napoli turn back to their quest for a fi rst if the club is still in pre-season. ing the Brazilian with 18-year- Saint-Etienne (1300) Toulouse v AC Milan v Genoa, Sampdoria v Fiorentina — Bordeaux (1700), Nimes v Mar- ing that we can win because we have Cris- title since the days of Argentine star Diego postponed after Genoa bridge disaster There were some glimpses of in- old Timothy Weah with eight tiano. He’s an added value in a team that has Maradona in 1987 and 1990 after pushing novation under the new manager minutes left. Weah then scored. seille (1900)