SPORT Sunday 8 October 2017

PAGE | 27 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32 We’re not 20 Anthem protests woulduld DominantD Hamilton years old any more,e, be ‘counter-productive’,ive’, seizesseize Suzuka pole with says Nadal says Curry record lap Aspire4Sport concludes in London London sports industry and spread best prac- opportunities for people from all over World Cup that will take place in Qatar in to be prepared to immerse yourself in the The Peninsula tice in athlete development, delegates the globe to learn from each other. 2022, saying: “I had the privilege to visit country and attempt to learn the language. at today’s event heard from Crystal Pal- He said: “Football is for sharing. This Doha weeks ago and I saw all the efforts The fact that you’re trying gives people he eighth annual Aspire4Sport ace manager Roy Hodgson, Champions Global Summit is a great idea as it being put into this event. I think it will be encouragement and shows that you want Congress and Exhibition con- League winner Paulo Sousa, and Chel- presents an opportunity for a lot of peo- amazing in terms infrastructure, manage- to be there.” cluded in London yesterday, sea and Real Madrid legend, Claude ple from a lot of countries to share ideas. ment and capacity. The conditions of the The Congress and Exhibition was an drawing a huge number of Makélélé. Football is different in different coun- infrastructure will be fantastic, and it will exclusive networking session that offers sports industry professionals, Speaking at the Global Summit on tries. At this Aspire Academy event we be an opportunity for the Qatari team to European and Qatari sports industry pro- Tfootballing greats and representatives ‘Football Performance and Science’ learnt a lot about football, different peo- compete with the best countries in the fessionals the chance to engage with key from the world’s largest football clubs which runs in parallel to the ASPIRE- ple and different nationalities, so it’s a world.” decision-makers that are shaping the who descended on Chelsea FC’s world- 4SPORT Congress & Exhibition, Claude good idea.” During two “Star Chats” hosted by BT landscape of the Gulf region’s sports busi- famous stadium Stamford Bridge. Makélélé emphasised the importance Paulo Sousa, who won the Champi- Sport Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave, Hodg- ness industry, paving the way for future Designed to shape the future of the of such events in providing ons League with Juventus in 1996 and son, Makélélé and Sousa shared their partnerships. Borussia Dortmund in 1997, also praised perspectives on a wide range of topics Speaking at the networking event, Aspire Academy for the great work being with football coaches and industry pro- Andrew Burke, Account Manager for the done to promote football in Qatar and fessionals. Drawing on their stellar careers, UK Market at STATS LLC said: “We’ve in other countries around the world. the stars passed on advice based on their been involved before with this event. We He said: “Congratulations to Aspire experiences from years working at the truly value the event as a key partner in Academy not only for what they are doing highest level of world football. what we’re trying to do with Qatar and for Qatar, but for the game of football. Discussing the challenges faced by Aspire Academy overall.” Events like this are great for football and players and managers when they move STATS LLC is a sports data, technol- help bring positive change, so it is an hon- to a new country to further their career, ogy, statistics, and content company that our to share my experiences.” Roy Hodgson, who has managed in Swe- works closely with the Qatar Stars League Sousa also gave his support to the den, Switzerland and Italy, said: “You need and the Qatar Football Federation. QFA President attends Aspire4Sport in London

The Peninsula

he President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani (pic- Ttured left) yesterday attended the Aspire4Sport conference at Stamford Bridge. The QFA President observed the stalls that house min- iature stadium constructions relating to the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar. He met with business leaders attending the seminar besides exchanging notes with former football personalities attending the hugely popular event. This year’s event marks the eighth edition, which is Manager of Chrystal Palace Football Club and former English player Roy Hodgson hosted in sporting capitals throughout the world on an (left) and Former French footballer and current assistant coach at Premier League annual basis. More than 160 representatives from 80 clubs club Swansea City, Claude Makelele speak during the 8th Aspire4Sport Congress have attended this year’s edition. in Stamford Bridge, United Kingdom yesterday. QSL Cup: Qatar SC, Al Gharafa eye success in round-two

Chinthana Wasala The Peninsula QSL CUP: FIXTURES:

atar SC, Al Gharafa and Al Kharaitiyat will GROUP A: be targetting back-to-back wins as the QSL Today: Cup begins its second round today. Al Khor vs Al Kharaitiyat – 17:35 – All these teams, following their victories Thani bin Jassem Stadium Qin last week’s first round, will eye the top QSC vs Al Sailiya – 19:45 – Saoud spot in Group A which is currently led by Qatar SC on bin Abdelrahman Stadium goal difference. Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa – 19:45 – Al In the first match of the day, Al Kharaitiyat will Khor Stadium meet Al Khor at the Al Gharafa Stadium with kick -off set for 5.35pm. GROUP B: The table-leaders Qatar SC meet Al Sailiya at the Tomorrow Soud bin Abdelrahman Stadium in the second game Al Ahli vs Umm Salal – 17:35 – of the day, while the Al Duhail-Al Gharafa match kicks Saoud bin Abdelrahman Stadium off at the Al Khor Stadium at the same time. Al Markhiya vs Al Arabi – 17:35 – Al The tournament’s first round, held last week, saw Shamal Stadium Qatar SC registering a big 5-2 victory over Al Duhail, Thursday while Al Kharaitiyat defeated Al Sailiya 3-1. Al Ghara- Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan – 17:35 – Al fa’s 2-1 win came against Al Khor. Khor Stadium In Group B, Al Rayyan and Al Markhiya are fol- lowed by Al Arabi and Umm Salal, each having one point. Al Ahli and Al Sadd failed to score. Meanwhile, the Qatar Stars League Management yesterday decided to reschedule the QSL Cup Round 2 match between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, which was originally scheduled for tomorrow, to Thursday, Octo- Action from the ber 12, 2017. According to report on the club web site, the deci- last week’s QSL sion was made following a request by Al Sadd, who Cup first leg have a friendly scheduled for today against Turkish match between side Trabzonspor. Al Sadd and The Al Sadd Al Rayyan game will kick off at 5.35pm Al Markhiya. at the Al Khor Stadium. Al Markhiya The fixtures saw most teams fielding Under-23 defeated Al Sadd players with an aim of providing youngsters with 2-0 in their first opportunities, so they can gradually graduate to their match of the first teams. Some sides, struggling to gain ground after tournament. the QNB Stars League’s first three rounds, found the Picture: Baher Amin/ tournament as a perfect platform to prepare the The Peninsula players. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2017

Delegates and speakers attending the 8th Aspire4Sport Exhibition and Congress at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge Stadium in London pose for a picture yesterday. The two-day conference organised by the Qatar-based Aspire Academy, which ended yesterday, brought together around 500 attendees, mainly representatives of football clubs and organisations involved in the game. The annual meet, which was held earlier in France, Germany and the Netherlands, provides a platform to exchange ideas and build networks. The packed programme featured speakers such as Kevin Keegan, Roy Hodgson, Claude Makelele and Arrigo Sacchi, besides Qatar’s own golden boy of athletics Mutaz Barshim, a silver medal winner at the Rio Olympics and world champion in high jump event.

Former England manager Roy Hodgson and currently managing Premier League club Crystal Palace, former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi and Former French footballer and current assistant coach at Premier League club Swansea City Claude Makelele are seen during the Aspire4Sport meet in London. Right: Former Portuguese football star Paulo Manuel Carvalho de Sousa (right) gets a memento from former Qatar coach Fahad Thani. Aspire Academy completes phase one of Malaria campaign

The Peninsula including to all first grade stu- of the main actions of the cam- throw my support behind it.” Over the last two years the mosquito nets in more than 300 dents. Launched by Aspire paign has been the distribution Speaking at the Aspire4Sport campaign has reached a number Senegalese elementary schools. n day two of the Aspire- Academy in 2015, in conjunction of Leo Messi branded mosquito Congress and Exhibition, Yacine of significant milestones. To date, Trained Head Nurses on 4Sport Congress and with the Leo Messi Foundation, nets in elementary schools across Djibo, President and Founder of the campaign has: how to better follow-up on OExhibition in London, the campaign has been imple- Senegal. Speak Up Africa, said: “Although Trained 370 Community IEC (Information, Education Aspire Academy announced that mented in coordination with Speaking at the start of the Malaria is preventable and treat- Supervisors. and Communication) phase one of the “Football Com- Speak Up Africa. campaign, football superstar able, it still kills a child every two Delivered cascade training activities. bating Malaria” campaign has The campaign has set out to Lionel Messi, said: “Combating minutes. This is unacceptable. I by each Community Supervisors Educated communities on been completed. effect change across Senegal by Malaria through Football is a would like to thank Aspire Acad- to four more change agents. In the use of essential prevention Phase two will soon get building awareness on how to very special project to me emy and the Leo Messi total 1,310 people have commit- tools, which have touched more underway, where the campaign’s combat malaria by training com- because I know it will help save Foundation for their leadership ted to the campaign. than 2 million people through ambition is to distribute 400,000 munity champions on malaria thousands of young lives, and I’m and commitment to end Distributed more than home visits, talks and social mosquito nets across Senegal, prevention and treatment. One delighted to be involved and malaria.” 70,000 Leo Messi branded mobilization activities. Qatar’s Al Hajji elected Basketball: Texas University off to winning start at University Cup

The Peninsula In the same group, the (CNA-Q) team beat the team of Georgetown (GU) 21-6. beat the Wellington Mellon University of On the other hand, starting from he University of Texas (TEXAS AM) Medicine with a 56-48 lead. today, the group stage competitions con- scored an easy 66-22 win over The results of the women’s group tinue with their second round games, with TUniversity of Hamad Bin Khalifa resulted in the victory of Northwest- two matches each day over the next four (HBKU) the first round of the Univer- ern (NU-Q) on the Carnegie Mellon days. The Texas AM team and Doha Insti- sity Cup series for basketball organized (CM-Q) with a wide difference of tute meet in the first group by the university in cooperation with about 40 points 47-6 in the first competitions. the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF). group competitions of the category. On the same day, North Westorn The Texas team had absolute control In the same group, the team of Hamad and Carnegie Mellon (NU-Q / CMU-Q) Mohammad Al Hajji of Qatar was elected as Deputy Chairman of the of the game and showed superiority over Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) beat the will meet with Weill Cornell Medical Asian Sports Press Union in Islamabad on Friday. Sattam Al-Shali the opponent throughout the game, lead- Weill Cornell Medical University (WCM- University (WCM-Q) in the second of Kuwait was elected unopposed as Chairman. The voting involved ing to a comfortable victory. Q) team 17-4. group. The tournament, which will con- representatives of 30 Asian states, observers from three European In the other matches, (CAN-Q) defeated In the second group, the Texas AM tinue until mid-November, 7 teams in the countries and Gianni Merlo, the outgoing chairman. N-Q / CMU-Q team to a 43-37 win in the team won the VCU-Q team with a 24-6 category of males and the same in the cat- second group encounter. victory while North-Western (NU-Q) egory of females SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 27 Dream comes true as Halep becomes No.1

Beijing AFP Simona Help of Romania smiles motional Simona Halep after her victory called it the best day of her yesterday. life as she surged to number one in the world for the first time after E reaching the China Open final yesterday. The Romanian, who said her next goal was to win a maiden Grand Slam, defeated Latvia’s Jelena Ostap- enko 6-2, 6-4 in their semi-final. Her ousting of Spaniard Garbine Muguruza at the top of the women’s game will be officially confirmed tomorrow when the latest rankings are released. The 26-year-old Halep is the fifth woman to hold top spot this year, but the first Romanian in the history of the WTA. She smiled broadly, then cried and was presented with a flower arrangement in the figure “1” -- which she hugged tightly -- to celebrate the landmark moment. “My dream is true now, in that moment you cannot believe 100 per- cent that it’s happening, so I was in tears a little bit,” she said. “Maybe first time on court (to In the lead-up to Beijing, Halep course I wanted it (the world number cry) nice tears... It’s the best moment said she was unconcerned about one rank). When I was five points in my life and I want just to keep it. becoming world number one, but away I felt that I want it more and “Now tomorrow already I have admitted to reporters with a grin: “Of more.” just to restart everything, to start again to play the same and to work harder. “And I have a few more dreams in my career.” Beijing pollution gave me Asked by reporters what those were, she smiled: “I tell you one, only one: to win a Grand Slam, which you headaches, says Dimitrov know.” Halep saw off former number Beijing, one Maria Sharapova earlier this AFP week in Beijing and Saturday’s defeat of Ostapenko had a whiff of hina Open semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov (pictured below) said yester- revenge -- the 20-year-old won day he suffered a headache and cough during several “terrible” days in their duel in the French Open final Cnotoriously polluted Beijing. The 26-year-old Bulgarian exited the tour- earlier this year. nament in three sets to world number one Rafael Nadal, on a day when the Halep will face Caroline Garcia outside hard court in the Chinese capital appeared shrouded in smog. of France who beat Petra Kvitova of “I think the toughest part is when you come from Europe, and the first the Czech Republic in today’s China three days is not easy,” he said following his Open final. Garcia won 6-3, 7-5 in defeat, asked if he feared for his health playing their semi-final yesterday. in the conditions. Simona Halep of She was always in control “But, I mean, what can you do about it? If Romania celebrates against the world number eight you think about it, there’s not much you can Ostapenko and put herself on the do. after being presented way to victory when she broke the “I just know the feeling: the first three days with a bouquet in the talented Latvian in the first game of are absolutely terrible I think for everybody. A shape of the number the first set. bit of a headache, we’re coughing a little bit. ‘1’, after taking the top Halep’s ascension to the top “The first match, the first set, was a little bit ranking by winning her brings Muguruza’s four-week reign of a test for that, just to kind of see where I’m at.” women’s singles semi- as number one to an end, while the The world number eight said he attempted final match against others who held the honour in 2017 to “sweat it out” soon after landing in Beijing, Jelena Ostapenko of are Angelique Kerber, Serena Wil- which is frequently blighted by heavy smog. Latvia at the China liams and Karolina Pliskova. China is waging a “war on pollution” and Open in Beijing The outstanding Williams is tem- says it is committed to improving the air in the yesterday. porarily out of tennis after having capital and other cities after rapid urbanisation her first child. brought traffic congestion, pollution and sprawl. We’re not 20 years old any more, says Nadal

Beijing, “When I have been in that position number eight Dimitrov AFP (injured), I don’t remember the people fought back to level at talking that much about these things,” 4-4 before clinching the orld number one Rafael Nadal Nadal said after defeating the 26-year- set. responded to a simmering old Dimitrov in their semi-final. Bulgarian Dimitrov’s Wdebate about the amount of “The problem now is there is a cou- eye-catching shots were tennis the top stars play, saying: “We are ple of players (injured), it’s a coincidence, not enough to overcome not 20 years old any more.” first thing. the 31-year-old, how- The 31-year-old Spaniard reached “Second thing, we cannot forget that ever, and Nadal broke the final of the China Open yesterday, we are not 20 years old any more. serve three times in the seeing off Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in “It is true that the calendar is tough, deciding set. three sets. but at the same time it is true that Fed- The 16-times Grand Despite his advancing years Nadal erer has 36 years, I think, I have 31, Slam winner is on is enjoying a stellar season following a Novak 30, Andy 30, Nishikori, I don’t course to win his 75th catalogue of injuries in previous sea- know, 27. singles title and will sons, winning five titles including the “It is normal that at some point these face Australian Nick Rafael Nadal in US Open and French Open. kind of players that are playing a lot of Kyrgios who beat Ger- action in Beijing But many of his rivals are suffering matches and a lot of years in a row, at man Alexander Zverev yesterday. Nadal injury or fatigue as the season some point they have some 6-3, 7-5. beat Grigor Dimitrov approaches its climax, with Novak Djok- problems.” Meanwhile w orld 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 in ovic, Stan Wawrinka, China Open Earlier Nadal beat Dimitrov 6-3, 4-6, number four Alexander the China Open defending champion Andy Murray and 6-1 to reach his ninth final of the year. Zverev has booked a semi-finals. Japanese star Kei Nishikori all missing. The top-seeded Spaniard took con- spot in the ATP Finals in However, the oldest of the lot, Roger trol from the start, winning 13 London for the first time Federer, is set to compete in Shanghai consecutive points on his own serve and after progressing to the China Open and the Rogers Cup and joins world “I think it’s great for any player to next week and Nadal refused to add his breaking Dimitrov to seal the first set in semi-finals. number one Nadal and Swiss Federer qualify for a prestigious event that we powerful voice to those demanding fewer 35 minutes. The 20-year-old has won five titles in the finals, with five spots yet to be have in London,” Zverev told the ATP tournaments. Nadal led the second 3-1 but world this year including the Italian Open decided. website. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2017 SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 29 Argentina fret Heavyweights Spain seal over possible World Cup spot, Serbia wait exclusion from World Cup Paris Milivojevic goal but fell behind AFP as Austria replied through efforts from Guido Burgstaller BuenosBue Aires eavyweights Spain and Marko Arnautovic. AFAFPP qualified for the Manchester United mid- 2018 World Cup fielder Nemanja Matic had rgentina awakened on Friday to the horrifying possibil- with a routine 3-0 levelled on 83 minutes before ity of a World Cup without the “world’s best player”, Lionel home win over Schaub’s winner, but Serbia AMessi. HAlbania, but Serbia must wait can still advance by defeating TheT Albiceleste drew 0-0 at home to Peru on Thursday to to seal to their place following Georgia in their final qualifier fall nnot only out of the four automatic South American qualify- a 3-2 loss in Austria. in Belgrade tomorrow. ing pplaces for next year’s finals in Russia, but also the fifth place Rodrigo, Isco and Thiago The Irish brushed Moldova Pique thatthat offers a play-off spot against New Zealand. Alcantara all scored inside the aside 2-0 in Dublin through a SittingS sixth, Argentina now almost certainly need to win first 30 minutes in Alicante as first-half brace from Daryl theirtheir final pool game away to Ecuador or miss out entirely on the 2010 world champions Murphy and now face Wales thethe gglobal footballing showpiece, a prospect that had newspa- locked up top spot in Group G at home in a final-round show- pers in the country retching with horror. as Italy were surprisingly held down with first place in the jeers rain “Will“ there be a World Cup without the world’s best player?” to a 1-1 draw by Macedonia in group still in play. askedaske Clarin newspaper on its website. Turin. “All we can do is work hard LLa Nacion was slightly more upbeat, refusing to rule out a Barcelona defender Gerard and take care of our business. happyhapp ending: “Drama right to the end.” Pique was greeted with a mix- We have a huge test on Mon- BBut one area where all media were agreed was that should ture of jeers and applause on day night against the Republic on Spain’s ArgentinaArge miss out, it won’t be Messi’s fault. his 92nd international appear- of Ireland. We have a game SSome even went as far as to suggest the diminutive Barce- ance just days after voting in a plan and we will see where it lona forward, a five-time world player of the year, is practically referendum on Catalan inde- takes us,” Coleman told Sky playingplay on his own alongside hapless compatriots. pendence deemed illegal by the Sports. TheT task has now become desperate as Argentina will head Spanish government and Serbia head the section on party toto QQuito,u 2,800 metres above sea level, on Tuesday in need of blighted by police violence. 18 points with Wales, aiming threethree points at a venue in which they have lost twice and drawn “We had to concentrate to reach the World Cup for the one oof their last three visits. solely on football,” coach Julen first time since 1958, second on AlicanteAlicante It’sI not quite a win or bust scenario in an incredibly close Lopetegui told Spanish TV sta- 17 and Ireland another point AFP qualifyingqual campaign that sees six teams -- behind Brazil who tion Teledeporte. further back. havehave already booked their Russian ticket -- still in contention “It has been a difficult, Iceland took a huge step n the midst of Catalonia’s drive for inde- for ttheh remaining three automatic qualification spots and sep- complicated week and fortu- towards a maiden World Cup pendence,pendence, Gerard Pique was again centre arataratede by just four points. nately we managed to do that appearance with an impressive Iofof attention as he was met with a mixture EcuadorE have already been eliminated and lost their last five in a very, very good first 30 3-0 win over Turkey in Eskise- of jeersjeers and applause in Spain’s politicised matchesmatc in a row. minutes.” hir that leaves the hosts all but World Cup qualifier against Albania on ButB strangely, even in defeat, Argentina could yet secure the Four-time World Cup win- out of the running. Friday. play-offplay berth, while victory would not guarantee a top-four ners Italy are destined for the Johann Gudmundsson, Bir- PiquePique made his 92nd aappearanceppearance at interinter-- finish.finis November play-offs after Mac- kir Bjarnason and Kari Arnason national level just days after voting in a Equally,E a draw could be enough to finish fourth, or leave edonian substitute Aleksandar scored as Iceland pulled two referendum on Catalan independenceindependence themthem as low as seventh -- fans will be tearing their hair out try- Trajkovski’s 77th-minute points clear of Croatia at the top deemed illeillegalgal bbyy the Spanish ggovernmentovernment inging tto calculate the permutations and combinations. equaliser cancelled out a first- of Group I after the latter were and marred byby a police crackdown that left CoachC Jorge Sampaoli, Argentina’s third of the qualification half goal by veteran defender held to a disappointing 1-1 draw hhundredsundreds needingneeding medical attentionattention.. campaign,cam remains confident -- publically at least. Giorgio Chiellini. at home to eliminated Finland. However,However, the Barcelona defender has “All“ that was missing was a goal,” he said after the Peru draw, “There’s still one match left Ukraine are level on 17 beenbeen rreceivedeceived in ssimilarimilar ffashionashion fforor ooverver addingaddi that he was “very confident in the fact that we’ll be at and then we’ll think about the points with Croatia following a two yyearsears when representinrepresentingg La RoRojaja for his thethe WWorld Cup”. play-offs. We hope to get some 2-0 win away to Kosovo and outspoken jibesjibes at Real Madrid even before HeH also moved to deflect pressure from Messi, who while host the Croats in Kiev Austria’s Stefan Ilsanker (left) vies for the ball possession with Serbia’s Dusan Tadic during their FIFA World his political stance took centre stastagege this winningwinn everything possible in club football and shining brightly tomorrow. Cup 2018 qualifier at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna on Friday. week.week. for BBarcelona, has had a largely disappointing international career FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 Tom Lawrence scored his AlongAlong with captain SerSergiogio Ramos and -- wwinning the 2008 Olympics is his only major honour. QUALIFIERS: RESULTS first international goal to earn “I don’t think you can Barca teammate Andres Iniesta, PiPiqueque has “We“ cannot ask more of Lionel Messi. He had chances, cre- Wales a vital 1-0 victory in Geor- describe the feeling. You dream called for ppoliticiansoliticians on both sides of the ated them,” added Sampaoli. Mali 0-0 Côte d’Ivoire gia on Friday and keep them in of it.” political divide to negotiatenegotiate in order to avoid ““Messi was very intense, the way we need him.” players USAback,” 4-0 said Panama Italy coach the hunt for a place at next Wales are bidding to reach thethe shockinshockingg scenes of violence that rever- TThe problem, though, is that Argentina simply cannot find Gian PieroIreland Ventura,2-0 Moldova whose year’s tournament. the World Cup for the first time Croatia sack coach Cacic ahead of qualifier beberatedrated aroundaround thethe worldworld lastlast weekend.weekend. the netn -- just 16 goals in their 17 qualification matches attest to squad hasGeorgia been 0-1 depleted Wales by a The Derby Counter mid- since 1958 and face the Repub- However, he anangeredgered manmanyy bbyy continucontinu-- that.that. raftMexico of injuries. 3-1 Trinidad and Tobago fielder rifled in the winner four lic of Ireland in Dublin on inging to criticise the heavy-handedheavy-handed policinpolicingg OOnly Bolivia, already eliminated, have scored fewer while SerbiaAustria missed 3-2 Serbia out on a minutes after half-time in Tbi- Monday in their final qualify- Reuters “Dalic“Dala icc isis thethhe newnew coachcooaach andand willwiw ll bebe inin fourfouru ggamesammees aandnd hhadadd nnoo chchoiceoio ce bbutut ttoo tatakekek after joiningjoining up with the Spain squad this rock-bottomrock Venezuela, with just one win from their 17 matches, chanceSpain to wrap 3-0 Albaniaup qualifica- lisi as Chris Coleman’s side ing match. chargehargee forfor thethhe lastlaast gamegamee awayawway too thisththis coursecourse of aaction.”ctioon.n ” week on social media.media. havehave managed two more goals than Messi’s men. tion fromItaly 1-1Group Macedonia D with a pulled to within a point of “All we can do is work hard roatia sacked coach Ante Cacic and Ukraine,”krainne,” SuSukerkeer totoldld a nnewsews coconferenceonfeerenncce TheThThe 5050-year0-yyeaar ololdd DDaDalic,alil c,c a fformeroorrmem r mimid-dd- “In“In Las Rozas (Spain’s trainintrainingg gground)round) MinnowsM Peru are only ahead of Argentina on goals scored, matchLiechtenstein to spare as 0-1Louis Israel Schaub Group D leaders Serbia. and take care of our business. named Zlatko Dalic as his replace- in tthehee CCroatianrooatian cacapital.pitaal.l fielderfiele deder whwwhoo spspentenent ththehe bubbulkulk ooff hhihiss cacareerareeeer youyou no longerlonger wear the Barca shirt, but that but hhave netted 10 times more -- Brazil have found the net more Croatia Finland struck a minute1-1 from time to “It was a massive win. I We have a huge test on Mon- ment yesterday ahead of their “The“TTheh HHNSNS eexecutivexecuutivve bboardoaoard mmadeade a ata CroatianCroattiaian sidessided VarteksVartteks Varazdin,Vararaazzddiin, ofof the national team, of the countcountryry yyouou thanthan twice as many times in their qualification campaign. Kosovo 0-2 Ukraine C give AustriaTurkey victory 0-3 Iceland in Vienna. was happy to get the goal. I day night against the Republic crunch World Cup Group I qualifier in unanimousnanimmouo s dedecisioncisis onn aafterfter a llongoong nninightghht too coachedcooaached EmEmiratiiraatti teteamamam AAll AiAAinin inn tthehhee ppastasa t belongbelong to and yyouou retweet thinthingsgs aagainstgainst that Argentina’sArgentina’s lastlast goal,goal, in a 1-1 drawdraw againstagainst VenezuelaVenezuela in Sep- SouthSerbia, Africa who 3-1 Burkina could Fasohave thought we did well and we of Ireland. We have a game Ukraine, the Balkan nation’s Football Asso- terminaterminnate cocooperationopeeratioon wwiwiththt CCacic.aca iic. threethhreee yeyearsars anandnd ttotookookk tthemheem too tthehe AAsianssiann country,”country,” said Nacho Ortiz, 23, draped in a tember,tember, was a Rolf Feltscher own goal,goal, while the last time an sealed aUganda spot in 0-0 Russia Ghana with vic- managed to get that win,” Law- plan and we will see where it ciation (HNS) president Davor Suker said. “W“WeWe ttotookok oonlynln y fofourour ppointsoints in tthehee llastaasst ChampionsCChammpionns LeLeagueaga uue ffinalinnal iinn 2022016.01616. SpanishSpanish flflagag and who admitted he would jeerjeer ArgentinianArgeentinian netted was Messi back in March, althoualthoughgh that ononlyly tory, led through an early Luka rence, 23, told Sky Sports. takes us,” said Coleman. Pique.Pique. fromfrom the penaltypenalty spot. “It“It is a painful subject,”subject,” said Ortiz’s friend TheThe plaplayersyers realise their prepre-- Adrian Pena. dicamentdicament and in trainingtraining PiquePique has campaignedcampaigned for Catalonia’s nearnear BBuenosuenos AiAiresres on FFri-ri- rightright to self-determination but has never pub-pub- dayday they were keeping liclylicly backed independence for the wealthywealthy ttheirheir heaheadsds ddownown anandd northeasternnortheastern region ofof Spain.Spain. lookinglooking somsombre.bre. US rout Panama 4-0 in must-win game “My“My personapersonall opinion is thatthat Pique hasn’thasn’t WhileWhW ile tthey’rehey’re concen- said he is in favour of independence.independence. He has tratingtrating on the job at hand, La askedasked forfor dialogue,dialogue, thatthat therethere is a bindingbinding NacionNacion hhadad a ddamningamning verver-- Orlando Costa Rica was put backck a daddayy ArenaAArena neneedededded hhisiss ssideide to hheapeaeap keykey as PulisicPulu isi icic producedproduceced somesome referendum,” said Sofia Duperiel,Duperiel, an Alicante dictdictt aaboutbout their AFP because of adverse weather,therr, alsoalso earlyearlly pressurepressuurer ontoonto a PanamaPPaanaamama brilliancebrbrililliliana cece toto settlesseetttllee USUS nerves.nneerves. native wwhoho came to watcwatchh tthehe game witwithh hherer perperformances,formances, llikeningikening remain in the mix. sidesiidee wwhohho hhaveaave bebbeenenn nnotoriouslyottororioi usu llyy StrikeStrikeke partnerpara tnneer AltidoreAltiddorore flickedfllicickked thethe six-year-oldsix-year-old son. ththememm ttoo “s“someoneomeone hristian Pulisic ran riot in For the Americans, however,howeve err, difficultdid ffficcult to bbreakreeakak ddown,owwn, cconced-onceed- ballbaall onon andana d afterafteter theththe DortmundDorrttmmuund SpainSpain could book their place in next yyear’sear’s drowning”.drowning”. Orlando to fire the United a win against bottom off tthehe hehhex-x-- ingining justjust ffiveive goggoalsals in ttheirheeiir ppriorriioro starsts ara escapedescs apede thethee challengechahallleenngge ofof WorldWorld Cup witwithh a win sshouldhould ItaItalyly ddroprop points LaLa Nacion, likelike muchmuch ofof CStates to within touching agonal table Trinidad andd TobagoTobab gog matchesmam tcchhees off ttheheh ssix-nationix--nation fifinalnaal RomanRoR man Torres,ToTorres, heh calmlycala mlm y roundedroouunndeed at hhomeome to MMacedonia.acedonia. Argentina,Argeentina, have given up distance of Russia 2018 with a 4-0 on Tuesday will seal theireirr tticketicckeet roundroround of qqualifying.ualifyfying.g PPulisic,ullissiic, whwhoo JaimeJaaime PePenedonenedo aandndnd sslidlid hohhomeomeme ffromroom “For“For sure it spoispoilsls tthehe party,” aaddeddded DupDup-- faithfaith in Messi andand hishis team- win over Panama. for an eighth consecutiveivi e fifinalsinaals hashhas nonoww bebeenen iinvolvednvn olved inn 1111 ofof hhisiss a tighttighht angle.ananglg e. Pulisic’sPulisiicc’s contribu-connttrriibuu- eriel.eriel. “It is a sshamehame to mix ppoliticsolitics anandd ssport.”port.” mates,mates, theythey are now lookinglooking The brilliant 19-year-old and even a point shouldd do iit.t.t side’ssidee’s 1166 ggogoalsals in tthishis enentirentiree qqual-uau l-- tiontit ono oonn 1199 minutesminuuttese wwasasa eequallyqquuala ly PiquePique is jjustust one of a number of Catalans for a helping hand from scored one and made another to The pressure was aallll oonn ththehe ifyingifi yiy nngg runrunu - hadhah d thethhe kindkikindnd ofof impressive.imimprpresessisivev . whowho hhaveave pplayedlayed a hhugeuge part in Spain’s most aanothernotht er source: “We’ve cap a sensational 19-minute burst US, who had earned just onoonene popointint youthful,yoouuthfh ull, skskillfulillflful eexuberancexuxubeb rance PickingPickkinng up thetheh ballbaalll onon thethhe leftlefe t successfulsuccessful eeverver eerara at ininternationalternational llevelevel as gotgot ttoo this final match, at the start of this crucial World from their last two matcheschees --- a neededneeedede ttoo ununlocklockk ttheheh mmostost wing,wingn , PuPulisiclisiic deddeliveredliiverer d a sussuperbpeerbb La Roja won tthehe 2010 WorWorldld Cup anandd 2008 beggingbegging fforor a Cup qualifier to see off a dispiriting home defeatt to CCostaossta miserlymiserlly of backlines.baccklk inese . BobbyBobbby crosscrroso s whichwhici h waswas gleefullygleefufulll y tappedtappp edd anandd 2012 EuroEuropeanpean CChampionships.hampionships. miracle.”miraacle.” shellshocked Panama team and Rica followed by an edgyy 11-1-1 ddrawraw Wood,Woodo , whowhho waswaw s gigivenvev n thetthhe startsts art ini bbyy AlAAltidore.tidore. And most fans can’t envisaenvisagege what the help the US take a firm step in Honduras. aheadahheaad ofo vveteraneteeran CClintliintnt DDempsey,empsp ey, TheThe USUS wwereerre utterlyututteterlrly dominantddomiinnant SpanishSpanish nationalnational team or La Liga, one ooff towards next year’s finals. And with Panama arrivingrrivingg inin ledled thetht e lilineine wwithith AlAAltidore.tiidoorree. andand onn 4433 mimminutesnutes ththehe gamegagamme waswas Europe’sEurope’s totopp divisions, would look like withwith-- Pulisic opened the scoring on Orlando a point ahead ofo tthehe UUSS AndAnnd iti wwasasa tthehe fformeroro meer SuSun-un-n- putpup t to bbed.edd. WoWWoodod wwasas ttrippedripppedd iinn out CatalanCatalan pplayerslayers or teamsteams.. eight minutes and beautifully set and eyeing an historic triprrip to ttheheh derlandderlr and strikerstriker whowhho wentwew nt closecloose thetht e arareaeaa bbyy susubstitutebbstituute AArmandormmanndodo “It“It wouwouldld bbee increincredible,dible, I cannot imagine up strike partner Jozy Altidore to finals, the tension was papalpable.alpablle. earlyearly on wwhenhen hihhiss clcloseosse rarangengge shshothot CooperCooopper aandnd AAltidoreltidorre stssteppedeppep d upp Spanish defender Gerard it,” continued Duperiel.Duperiel. make it two and compound a The last four matches betweenbetweeen waswaw s chcchargedarged doddownwn bbeforeeforore WoWoodoodd andannd cheekilycheekiily chippedchippp ede thethee ballbalall OOnn tthehe ffield,ield, Spain seemeseemedd to susufferffer llit-it- Pique controls the ball during nightmare start for Panama, who the two had all ended inn ddraws,raawss, a shotshhot iinchesncnches wiwideded ssoonooon afafter.fteter. downdoown tthehee mmiddle.ididdld e. PPulisiculu isisicc lleftefft thtthee ttlele from a week of upheavalupheaval off the pitchpitch as the World Cup 2018 qualifier now look destined to settle for a result which would haveve suitedsuuitede PanamaPanaamaa lookedloookeked understand-ununded rsrstandnd- fieldfif eleld tot rapturousraptut rorouss applauseappp laaususe onn 5656 theythey raceracedd into a 3-0 lleadead mucmuchh to tthehe ddelightelight play-off match against either Hernan Dario Gomez’s sside,idde, wwhohoh ablyablyy nnervousere vov us bbutut GGabrielabririel TTorres’orrreres’s minutesmim nuutes anaandd ththee hohhouseouuse wawwass against Albania at the Jose Rico ofof thethe crowdcrowd as theythey respondedresponded withwith chantschants Syria or Australia to land a World close out qualifying nextexxt wewweekek firstffiirsst sisightghght of ggoaloaal onon ssixixx mminutesinnuttess broughtbroughg t doddownwnn yyetete aagaingag inn oonn 6363 Perez Stadium in Alicante on of “I am SSpanish”panish” and “Viva Espana”Espana” (long(long Friday. Spain won 3-0 to book Bobby Wood (centre) of the United States attempts to score during the final Cup place for the first time in their against a Costa Rican sidessiidee whowhho shouldshhouldd hhaveavve tetestedststeded TTimimm HHowardoward minutesmim nunutet s ass WWoodoood cappedcaappppedd anan livelive SpaSpain).in). the Russia ticket. round qualifying match against Panama for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Orlando history. should have joined Mexico in instead of flying harmlessly wide. industrious performance with a City Stadium on Friday. USA won 4-0. Honduras, whose match in qualifying by then. His wastefulness was to prove well taken strike. 30 SPORT SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2017 Karunaratne powers Sri Lanka to 482

Dubai Unfit Amir ruled AFP SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka (I innings): out of Sri Lanka ri Lankan opener D Karunaratne b Shah ...... 196 Dimuth Karunaratne hit K Silva c Ahmed b Shah ...... 27 a career best 196 which S Samarawickrama c and b Amir ...... 38 ODI series K Mendis c Shafiq b Shah ...... 1 left Pakistan fighting to D Chandimal lbw b Shah ...... 62 avoid defeat in the sec- N Dickwella c Ahmed b Abbas ...... 52 Dubai Sond day-night Test in Dubai D Perera b Shah ...... 58 AFP yesterday. R Herath not out ...... 27 S Lakmal lbw b Abbas ...... 8 Karunaratne missed a dou- L Gamage st Ahmed b Shah ...... 1 akistan’s pace spear- ble hundred by four runs but N Pradeep c Shafiq b Shah ...... 0 head Mohammad Amir lifted Sri Lanka to an imposing Extras: (B1, LB 3, NB 5, W 3) ...... 12 was ruled out of the Total: (all out) ...... 482 P 482 in their first innings before five-match one-day series Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-131, 3-136, 4-282, 5-370, Pakistan finished the second day 6-429, 7-454, 8-469, 9-474 against Sri Lanka after suf- at 51-0, still trailing by 431 runs. Bowling: Amir 19.3-5-74-1, Abbas 33-9-100-2 fering a shin injury during the Openers Sami Aslam (30 not (1nb), Riaz 26-6-62-1 (4nb), Shah 55.5-9-184-6, ongoing second Test in Dubai out) and Shan Masood (15 not Shafiq 11-1-24-0 (3w), Sohail 14-3-34-0 yesterday. Pakistan (I innings): out) negotiated the 18 overs Shan Masood (batting) ...... 15 Pakistan Cricket Board under light without any major Sami Aslam (batting)...... 30 said the 25-year-old had an trouble but Pakistan still need Extras: (B4, LB2) ...... 6 MRI scan, after which he was 231 to avoid the follow on. Total: (for no loss ...... 51 advised to rest for two to Bowling: Lakmal 5-2-11-0, Pradeep 2-0-7-0, That leaves Pakistan in a spot Gamage 5-1-11-0, Perera 4-1-15-0, Herath 2-1-1-0 three weeks. of bother to square the series Still to bat: Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, “Amir has been ruled out after losing the first Test by 21 Haris Sohail, S Ahmed, M Amir, Yasir Shah, W Riaz, of the ODI series against Sri runs in Abu Dhabi and, more M Abbas Lanka due to a stress related importantly, save their seven- injury in the right shin. The year unbeaten series record in Dimuth Karunaratne of Sri Lanka plays a shot during the second fast bowler has been advised the United Arab Emirates. day of the second Test against Pakistan at Dubai International two to three weeks rest after It was another brilliant dis- Stadium in Dubai yesterday. he underwent an MRI scan,” play by the Sri Lankan batsmen said a PCB release. led by left-hander Amir walked off the field Karunaratne. the 12th Sri Lankan to reach that consecutive five-fours -- but all for the fourth wicket before unbeaten 155 in the first Test. on Friday during the first Karunaratne deserved a milestone. three were fast bowlers. another 88 were put on for the Dickwella’s assured knock day’s play in the second Test, double hundred during a mara- Shah took 6-184 in a mara- Shah said he tried his best to fifth between him and Niroshan had five boundaries before he but was cleared to bowl thon nine hour stay at the crease thon 55.5 overs of hard work and take wickets. Dickwella, who made a rapid 52. edged pacer Mohammad Abbas yesterday. but he was unluckily dismissed, toil on a flat Dubai stadium pitch. “It’s always my priority to As if that was not enough, to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed He managed to bowl playing onto leg-spinner Yasir His haul makes him the only take wickets but the pitch was Karunaratne put on 59 for the while Perera smashed seven just three overs though, Shah just before dinner. spinner ever to take five or more not assisting on the first day,” sixth wicket with Dilruwan Per- boundaries before becoming 19.3 in the match, before Karunaratne hit 19 bounda- wickets in five consecutive Tests. said Shah. era, who scored a polished 58. Shah’s fifth wicket -- his 13th five once again limping off the ries and a six, improving on his England’s Sydney Barnes “We have to fight to our best Resuming at 254-3, Sri Lanka wicket haul in 28 Tests. field. previous best Test score of 186 holds the record for most con- abilities to win this Test and level lost Chandimal to a leg before Abbas then had Suranga Pakistan were 51-0 with- made against the West Indies at secutive five wicket hauls with the series. Karunaratne played decision off Shah. Lakmal for eight to finish with out loss after Sri Lanka piled Galle two years ago. seven in as many Tests. Austral- a brilliant knock.” Chandimal knocked six 2-100 while Shah ended the up 482 in their first innings. When on 143 he brought up ia’s Charlie Turner and Karunaratne added 146 with boundaries in another enterpris- innings by dismissing Nuwan The tourists lead the series his 3,000th run in his 44th Test, Englishman Alec Bedser had six skipper Dinesh Chandimal (62) ing knock which followed his Pradeep for nought. 1-0. Five-star Rabada takes South T20: Yadav inspires Africa to brink of series win India to big victory Ranchi, India skipper Steve Smith forced out AFP of the series with a shoulder Bloemfontein injury. South Africa bowler AFP pinner Kuldeep Yadav led In reply, the hosts lost Rohit Kagiso Rabada an inspired bowling effort Sharma early after the opener outh Africa’s fast bowlers delivers the ball Sto help India down Aus- was bowled by paceman ripped through Bangla- during the second tralia by nine wickets in the Nathan Coulter-Nile for 11. He Sdesh’s batting as the home day of the second rain-shortened first Twenty20 hit a four and a six during his side gained a massive 426-run Test cricket match international in Ranchi seven-ball stay. first innings lead on the second against Bangladesh in yesterday. The left-right batting com- day of the second and final Test Bloemfontein yesterday. Chasing a revised target of bination of Dhawan and Kohli at Mangaung Oval yesterday. 48 runs in six overs, the hosts then took the attack to the Bangladesh were bowled out achieved the win with three opposition as they hit six for 147 in reply to South Africa’s balls to spare. Opener Shikhar boundaries between them to 573 for four declared. Dhawan, on 15, and skipper ensure a big win. The hosts enforced the fol- Virat Kohli, on 22, remained Earlier the Indian bowlers low-on and Bangladesh were unbeaten. But it was left-arm never allowed the opposition seven for no wicket when bad wrist spinner Yadav who set up batsmen to get going after being light stopped play. India’s 1-0 lead in the three- put into bat. Fast bowler Jasprit Kagiso Rabada took five for match series as he returned Bumrah backed up Yadav’s 33 and new ball partner Duanne figures of 2-16 to restrict Aus- efforts with two strikes. Olivier claimed three for 40. tralia to 118-8 in 18.4 overs “Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Only wicketkeeper Liton when rain halted play. Kumar) and Bumrah have been Das, with a career-best 70, “It has been a combined brilliant in limited-overs lately. offered prolonged resistance to effort of the players. But also the You need to be able to execute the pace barrage as the gulf management group who have yorkers and slower balls and between the sides in South Afri- given great ideas in getting spe- you need skill,” said Kohli. can conditions was ruthlessly cialist players for formats,” Warner was out in the first exposed. Kohli said at the post-match over after chopping a seaming Bangladesh’s dismal show- presentation. delivery from Kumar onto his ing was in stark contrast to the “Giving the youngsters stumps. He made eight with the ease with which South Africa’s chances... Wrist spinners if you help of two boundaries. batsmen dominated the visiting give them confidence, they will Finch then put together a bowlers. get hit for one game but five 47-run second-wicket stand Hashim Amla and captain Amla (132) and Du Plessis innings. They joined Dean Elgar legs by Rabada. Mominul Haque games they will get you wick- with Glenn Maxwell to raise Faf du Plessis completed centu- (135 not out) became the third and Aiden Markram, who made gloved a legside catch to wick- ets and turn the game around hopes of an Australian recov- ries before South Africa declared. and fourth centurions of the centuries on the first day. etkeeper Quinton de Kock off on its head,” he added. ery but spinners soon turned on Amla’s 28th Test hundred Olivier before Bangladesh cap- Opener Aaron Finch’s the heat. Leg-spinner Yuzven- SCOREBOARD took him past former captain tain Mushfiqur Rahim fell to a 30-ball 42 was the only bright dra Chahal got Maxwell for 17 Graeme Smith on South Africa’s sensational diving catch by spark for the David Warner-led and Yadav bowled Finch in the Bangladesh (I innings) A Markram b Rubel Hossain ...... 143 Imrul Kayes c De Kock b Rabada ...... 26 H Amla b Subashis Roy ...... 132 all-time century-makers list, Temba Bavuma at gully off side. Australia were jolted 10th over to rattle the visitors’ Soumya Sarkar b Rabada ...... 9 T Bavuma c Liton Das b Subashis Roy ...... 7 behind only Jacques Kallis, who Olivier. ahead of the clash with regular top order. Mominul Haque c De Kock b Olivier ...... 4 F du Plessis (not out)...... 135 made 45. Bangladesh’s misery contin- Mushfiqur Rahim c Bavuma b Olivier ...... 7 Q de Kock (not out) ...... 28 The only previous occasion ued when Mahmudullah sparred SCOREBOARD Mahmudullah c De Kock b Parnell ...... 4 Extras (B4, LB2, NB1, W8) ...... 15 on which South Africa scored at a lifting ball from Parnell and Australia Did not bat: J Behrendorff Liton Das c Du Plessis b Rabada ...... 70 Total (4 wkts declared) ...... 573 four centuries in an innings was was caught behind. D Warner b Kumar ...... 8 Bowling: Kumar 3.4-0-28-1, Bumrah 3-0-17-2 (w1), Sabbir Rahman c Parnell b Rabada ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-243 , 2-276, 3-288, 4-535 against the West Indies in a high- Opening batsman Imrul A Finch b Yadav ...... 42 Pandya 4-0-33-1, Chahal 4-0-23-1 (w1), Yadav 4-0- Taijul Islam b Olivier ...... 12 Bowling: Mustafizur Rahman 25-3-113-0 (1nb, 2w), scoring draw in St John’s in Kayes was 26 not out at tea G Maxwell c Bumrah b Chahal ...... 17 16-2 Rubel Hossain b Rabada ...... 10 Subashis Roy 29-3-118-3 (1w), Rubel Hossain 22-1-113- T Head b Pandya ...... 9 India (revised target of 48 in 6 overs) Mustafizur Rahman c Markram b Maharaj ...... 0 1 (1w), Soumya Sarkar 5-0-21-0, Taijul Islam 27-0-145- 2004/05. but was caught behind off Du Plessis hit his seventh Rabada three balls after the M Henriques b Yadav...... 8 R Sharma b Coulter-Nile ...... 11 Subashis Roy not out ...... 2 0, Mahmudullah 9-2-35-0, Mominul Haque 1-0-6-0, D Christian run out (Kohli) ...... 9 S Dhawan (not out) ...... 15 Extras (LB3) ...... 3 Sabbir Rahman 2-0-16-0 Test century - his first in 19 interval. T Paine b Bumrah ...... 17 V Kohli(not out) ...... 22 Total (42.5 overs) ...... 147 Bangladesh(II innings) innings going back to a day- Das played with spirit and N Coulter-Nile b Bumrah ...... 1 Extras (LB1) ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-26, 3-36, 4-49, 5-61, 6-65, Imrul Kayes (batting) ...... 6 night Test against Australia in struck 13 boundaries in a A Tye (not out)...... 0 Total (1 wkt) ...... 49 7-115, 8-143, 9-143 Adelaide in November 2016. 77-ball innings before an A Zampa (not out) ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-11 Bowling: Rabada 13.5-4-33-5, Olivier 12-3-40-3, Par- Soumya Sarkar (batting) ...... 1 Soumya Sarkar was the first attempted pull shot against Extras (LB1, W2) ...... 3 Did not bat: M Pandey, K Jadhav, M.S Dhoni, H Pandya,

nell 7-1-36-1, Maharaj 5-2-7-1, Phehlukwayo 5-1-28-0 Total ...... 7 Total (8 wkts) ...... 118 K Yadav, Y Chahal, J Bumrah, B Kumar

South Africa (I innings) Bowling: Rabada 1-0-6-0, Olivier 0.2- Bangladeshi to fall, going too far Rabada looped behind the slips Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-55, 3-76, 4-87, 5-89, 6-111, Bowling: Behrendorff 1-0-5-0, Coulter-Nile 2-0-20-1,

D Elgar c Mustafiziur Rahman b Subashis Roy 113 0-1-0 across his stumps in the seventh for Du Plessis to run back and 7-113, 8-114 Tye 1-0-10-0, Zampa 1-0-6-0, Christian 0.3-0-7-0 over to be bowled behind his hold the catch. SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 31

Duncan grabs Indians rally to stun Yankees second round Safeway Los Angeles AFP Classic lead he Cleveland Indians overcame a five-run San Francisco deficit to edge the New AFP York Yankees 9-8 in a 13-inning marathon to merican Tyler Duncan Tseize a 2-0 lead in their Major fired a six-under par League Baseball play-off series. A66 to take a one-shot Yan Gomes applied the dra- lead at the halfway stage of matic final touches with a the USPGA Tour’s Safeway run-batted-in single in the bot- Classic on Friday. tom of the 13th on Friday, giving Duncan had an erratic the Indians their biggest playoff second round, but an eagle on comeback in history and mov- the ninth helped offset a ing them to one win away from string of three consecutive advancing to the American bogeys at the Silverado Resort League Championship series. and Spa in Napa, California. “I am speechless. That was Duncan, who began the victory right there,” a shivering day tied for first, had a two- Gomes said after being doused day total of 13-under 131, a with a bucket of ice-cold sports stroke ahead of defending drink. champion Brendan Steele, “I will take it every day.” who shot a 67. Game three of the best-of- The tournament is the five series in New York, giving opener of the 2017-18 PGA the players just one day to Tour schedule. recover after Friday’s extended Duncan began the day at showdown in Cleveland that Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (7) is congratulated by starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (43) for his game-winning RBI-single the 10th. He had three bird- lasted more than five hours. during the 13th inning in game two of the 2017 ALDS against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on Friday. ies on his front nine, but then In other American League had three straight bogeys action, Carlos Correa smashed a coming in, at the third, fourth homer and drove in four runs to Indians got a grand slam from and scored on Jackie Bradley’s series. and fifth. power Houston over Boston 8-2, Cleveland take lead Francisco Lindor off Chad Green single up the middle, slicing the Hendricks allowed two hits, He righted himself with pushing the Astros to the brink Cleveland overcome a in the sixth inning to cut it to 8-7, Astros’ lead in half. struck out six while throwing 106 birdies at seven and eight of advancing to the next round. five-run deficit to and Jay Bruce’s solo home run Houston stretched the edge pitches. Washington’s Stephen before an eagle at his final Houston seized a 2-0 lead edge New York in a lead off the eighth and tied it at to 4-1 in the third when George Strasburg held the Cubs hitless hole, the par-five ninth. with game three set for Sunday 13-inning marathon to 8-8. Springer led off with a solo for 5 2/3 innings before allowing Steele had a bogey in his in Boston. Cleveland starter Corey Klu- homer, Alex Bregman followed a pair of unearned runs in the round, but he offset that with seize a 2-0 lead in In Cleveland, the Indians’ ber had his worst outing of the with a double and scored on an sixth. Strasburg allowed three six birdies. their Major League Austin Jackson led off the bot- year, giving up six runs in 2 2/3 Altuve single to left field, hits and struck out 10 in seven Chesson Hadley shot the tom of the 13th by drawing a play-off series. innings. prompting Boston to replace innings. best round of the day, firing walk from Yankees pitcher Del- Indians designated hitter starting pitcher Drew Kris Bryant ended Stras- an 11-under 61 that left him lin Betances, and then stealing Edwin Encarnacion had to leave Pomeranz. burg’s no-hit bid with an RBI alone in third place on 133. second base. that happened that if we don’t the game in the first inning with Houston surged ahead 8-1 in single that scored Javier Baez, Hadley, who had lost his Gomes then worked the do one of them, we probably a right ankle sprain. the sixth before Boston tacked who reached on an error by third PGA Tour card at the end of count to 3-2, and hit a hard lose.” In Houston, the Astros on a run in the ninth. baseman Anthony Rendon. the 2016 season, carded 10 chopper down the third base line Josh Tomlin, the last of eight jumped ahead 2-0 in the first Elsewhere, Anthony Rizzo In the late game, Clayton birdies, a bogey and an eagle past infielder Ronald Torreyes Cleveland pitchers, pitched two inning when Jose Altuve had a pair of two-out RBI hits Kershaw recorded the first to put himself in the hunt for the winning run. scoreless innings to get the win. smacked a two-out single to left and Kyle Hendricks pitched postseason home win of his going into the third round. “The understatement of the Gary Sanchez, Aaron Hicks field and Correa homered to left seven scoreless innings as the career as the Los Angeles Dodg- Zac Blair with a 66 and year would be to say there was and Greg Bird homered for the field. reigning World Series champion ers defeated the Arizona Tony Finau after a 65 were a lot going on in that game,” Indi- Yankees, who squandered an The Red Sox responded in Chicago Cubs beat the Washing- Diamondbacks 9-5 in the open- tied for fourth, two strokes ans manager Terry Francona 8-3 lead. the second inning when Chris ton Nationals 3-0 in game one ing game of their best-of-five NL behind Hadley on 135. said. “There was so many things Behind by five runs, the Young doubled, stole third base of the National League division series. Meanwhile, England’s Tommy Fleetwood set a new Carnoustie course record to move into a share of the halfway lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Cham- Knights bounce back to down Stars pionship in Scotland on Friday. Race to Dubai leader Dallas NHL RESULTS win our first game but for the Fleetwood, 26, produced a AFP Las Vegas 2 Dallas 1 sad thing that happened last bogey-free nine-under par 63 weekend in Vegas it helps with to lower the previous best by

ames Neal scored the first goal Tampa Bay 5 Florida 3 the healing a little bit.” one shot on the course that in franchise history and added Columbus 5 NY Islanders 0 A two-time NHL all-star will play host to next year’s Jthe game winner for good Neal was selected by Dallas in Open Championship. measure as the Vegas Golden the 2005 NHL entry draft. He Knights won their inaugural moment before the game at played last season with the NHL game with a 2-1 win over American Airlines arena as the Nashville Predators and made SAFEWAY OPEN SCORES Dallas on Friday. Stars’ players skated over to the the switch to Vegas after they Neal provided all the scor- Knights side of the ice and stood chose him in the 2017 Expan- Leading second-round scores on Friday in the ing and Marc-Andre Fleury behind them during the playing sion Draft. US PGA Tour Safeway Open at Napa, California (USA unless noted): made 45 saves for the Knights, of the American national Neal scored his first goal 131 - Tyler Duncan 65-66 who are the first National anthem. Players from both with 9:33 remaining in regula- 132 - Brendan Steele 65-67 Hockey League expansion team teams wanted to pay their tion, when he sent a wrist shot 133 - Chesson Hadley 72-61, in 17 years. respects to the 58 people who past Kari Lehtonen, who 135 - Zac Blair 69-66, Tony Finau 70-65 “It was one of my best were killed and almost 500 relieved Stars starting goal- 136 - Graham DeLaet (CAN) 69-67, Brian Davis nights,” Neal said. “I was drafted injured in the Las Vegas concert tender Ben Bishop after Bishop (ENG) 70-66 by Dallas and I scored my first shooting on Sunday night. was injured early in the third 137 - Chez Reavie 67-70, Bill Haas 72-65, Mar- goal in this building. I found “For them to come and stand period. Neal netted the game- Florida Panthers centre Aleksander Barkov (16) handles the tin Flores 70-67, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 67-70, myself starting all over again behind us shows they are a great winner with 2:44 remaining Harold Varner 69-68, Kevin Streelman 69-68,

puck defended by Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Anton

with a new team and a new organization and great people,” when he fell and then chipped Andrew Putnam 71-66 Stralman (6) as defenseman Victor Hedman (77) closes in organization.” said Vegas coach Gerard Gallant. a shot over the top of the Dallas during the third period of their game at Amalie Arena on Friday. There was a touching “It is great for our franchise to goaltender to make it 2-1. NBA anthem protests would be ‘counter-productive’: Curry

Shanghai would likely skip the customary visit a vessel of light and love ... by how we Trump’s tirade against NFL pro- AFP by his defending NBA champions treat each other and what we stand testers provoked an unprecedented Golden State Warriors to the White for,” he said. show of defiance two weeks ago when wo-time MVP Stephen Curry House over Trump’s policies, which ESPN reported a week ago that a large number of mostly black play- (pictured) said yesterday it prompted the president to revoke the the NBA already had sent a memo to ers dropped to one knee during the Twould be “counter-productive” entire team’s invitation in a Twitter teams saying players must stand for anthem, while other players stood for NBA players to follow their NFL outburst. the anthem when the season opens with arms interlocked. counterparts by kneeling in protest “Anything beyond that is, for me, on October 17. The NBA, in its memo to teams during the national anthem. kind of counter-productive,” Curry Kevin Durant, who has bolstered reported by ESPN, said the league has Scores of National Football said when asked about the possibil- the Warrior’s quest for a third title in the discretion to discipline players League (NFL) players have taken a ity of anthem protests in the NBA. four years by joining the team this who violate a rule requiring that knee during the anthem in defiance Curry, whose Warriors are in season, said he would not kneel but teams stand for the anthem. of US President Donald Trump, who Shanghai for the second of two China “wouldn’t look at it as a surprise” if The memo suggested that teams two weeks ago blasted the practice pre-season games against the Min- other players did. make an effort in their first home as an insult to the country. nesota Timberwolves, said there are Retired Los Angeles Lakers great game to address the current political Former NFL quarterback Colin better ways, such as being active in Kobe Bryant, in a podcast released climate by having players and coaches Kaepernick first began kneeling last their communities, for players to on Wednesday by The Hollywood give a pregame address to their fans. year to highlight perceived unjust make their views known. Reporter, said he would kneel dur- NBA commissioner Adam Silver treatment of African-Americans. “At the end of the day, we all as ing the anthem if he was still has also said he expects players to Curry had previously said he individuals have an opportunity to be playing. stand for the anthem. 32 SPORT SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2017

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton of Britain in IOC suspends action during qualifying. Brazil’s Nuzman over vote-buying scandal

Lausanne AFP

he International Olym- pic Committee has T provisionally sus- pended Brazil’s national Olympic chief Carlos Nuzman following his arrest in a $2m vote-buying scandal. The IOC stripped Nuzman of his honorary membership and removed him from the coordination committee for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It also suspended Brazil’s Olympic Committee (BOC), although it said the country’s athletes were unaffected and would be allowed to take part in next year’s Winter Olym- Dominant Hamilton seizes pics in Pyeongchang and will continue to receive scholar- ship funds. The BOC responded by calling a general assembly on Wednesday to “consider the Suzuka pole with record lap decisions announced by the IOC”. Nuzman, 75, was arrested in Rio de Janeiro on Thurs- Suzuka start. Starts have generally been Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates day as part of a probe into Reuters strong this year.” pole position in qualifying with Valtteri allegations he helped buy Vettel, a four times world Bottas of Finland and Ferrari’s Sebastian votes from the IOC to secure ormula One leader champion, needs a big result this Vettel of Germany. Rio’s hosting of the 2016 Lewis Hamilton weekend to close the gap after Games. smashed the Suzuka suffering successive setbacks to The IOC said it had made track record to seize a his bid for a fifth title. its decision because Nuzman dominant Japanese “I’m reasonably happy,” he was “responsible for the can- F Grand Prix pole position yester- said. “I tried everything on the didature of Rio de Janeiro in day with Ferrari rival Sebastian last run, I knew I had to take a 2009” when IOC members Vettel lining up alongside on the bit more risk...I would have loved held a vote in Copenhagen to front row. to have been a bit quicker but it’s decide the 2016 Olympics The Mercedes driver pro- quite amazing with the new cars host city. duced a stunning fastest lap of around here. I love the track.” Brazilian officials said last one minute and 27.319 seconds Yesterday’s effort was Ham- month Nuzman was the for his first pole at the 5.8km ilton’s 10th pole of the season “lynchpin” in a plot to bribe track and 71st of his career. and marked a convincing return the IOC into awarding Rio the The time shattered seven to the top of the timesheets for Games. times world champion Michael Mercedes after the champions At the time, Nuzman was Schumacher’s previous outright struggled for pace at the last two detained and questioned and best at the circuit by 1.6 races in Singapore and Malay- authorities confiscated his seconds. sia. Australian Daniel Ricciardo passport. “Incredible,” said the Briton, set the fourth-fastest time ahead Authorities allege that in post-qualifying interviews of Red Bull team-mate Max Ver- former Rio governor Sergio conducted by his former stappen, winner in Malaysia last Cabral, who is serving a McLaren team mate Jenson But- weekend. The pair will fill the 14-year prison term for brib- ton in front of the crowd. “It’s second row but were about a ery and money laundering, been a really good day and every second off Hamilton’s pace. masterminded the plot. lap was fantastic. Kimi Raikkonen, who will Japanese Grand Rosberg hails ‘supreme’ Investigators believe $2m “It’s my first time. I’m run- also drop five places on the grid Prix line-up (1.7m euros) in bribes was ning out of opportunities to get for an unscheduled gearbox paid to Papa Massata Diack, this pole, so I was like ‘I’ve got to change after a crash in yester- ualifying results yester- performance by Hamilton the son of Senegalese IOC make sure I make it stick today’,” day morning’s final practice day for the Japanese member and former world added the Briton, who was on session, set the sixth fastest time. QGrand Prix yesterday at London climb. Hamilton won the last athletics chief Lamine Diack, pole in Japan at Fuji in 2007 for Esteban Ocon was seventh- Suzuka International Racing Reuters four races but it was not before the 2009 vote. McLaren. quickest for Force India ahead Course: enough. This year he came Businessman Arturo His team-mate Valtteri Bot- of Mexican team-mate Sergio etired Formula One back from the August break Soares, nicknamed “King tas was second quickest, 0.332 Perez, Williams Felipe Massa and 1. Lewis Hamilton, Britain, Mer- world champion Nico by also winning in Belgium, Arthur”, a top contractor for seconds adrift but drops five Fernando Alonso, who com- cedes, 1:27.319. RRosberg hailed his Italy and Singapore. Cabral’s administration, places down the grid due to an pleted the top 10 for McLaren. 2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mer- former Mercedes team mate “He has the momentum allegedly delivered the pay- unscheduled gearbox change. The Spaniard, though, went cedes, 1:27.651. Lewis Hamilton yesterday for completely on his side and it’s ment three days before the The penalty will elevate Vet- into qualifying with a 35-place 3. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, a ‘supreme’ performance in totally against Sebastian at vote. Rio beat bids from Chi- tel to the front row of the grid, grid penalty after his team Ferrari, 1:27.791. Japanese Grand Prix the moment. Everything is cago, Madrid and Tokyo to putting the two title contenders installed a fresh Honda power 4. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, qualifying. going wrong more or less host the 2016 Games. side by side for today’s heavy- unit in his car overnight, exceed- Red Bull Racing Tag Heuer, The German, who left the there and now he doesn’t The Rio 2016 committee’s weight battle between multiple ing his permitted allocation for 1:28.306. sport in December after beat- have the car performance chief operating officer Leon- champions. the season. 5. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, ing the Briton to the title and here either,” Rosberg added. ardo Gryner was arrested in Hamilton, who leads the He was one of five drivers to Red Bull Racing Tag Heuer, was attending the Japanese The retired champion, a separate raid in Rio on German by 34 points with just have gone into qualifying carry- 1:28.332. Grand Prix as a pundit for Sky whose rivalry with Hamilton Thursday. five races to go, brushed aside a ing grid penalties, the others 6. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Fer- Sports television, said Ham- started out in a friendly fash- Prosecutors say Nuz- suggestion about how aggressive being Renault’s Jolyon Palmer rari, 1:28.498. ilton was one of the best of all ion when they were teenage man’s assets increased 457 Vettel might be into the first and Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz. 7. Esteban Ocon, France, Force time. karters but turned almost gla- percent over the past decade corner. Frenchman Romain Gros- India Mercedes, 1:29.111. “It’s always going to be cial by the end, said the Briton with no clear source for the “I don’t know. He won’t be jean crashed his Haas at the 8. Sergio Perez, Mexico, Force difficult to beat him. His pure was also mastering the men- new income. any more aggressive than I am,” twisty ‘Esses’ section at the start India Mercedes, 1:29.260. speed is just immense,” Ros- tal side. Nuzman also tried to con- said the triple champion. of the lap, bringing out the red 9. Felipe Massa, Brazil, Williams berg said. “Fortunately I “That’s what Lewis has ceal his wealth, often hiding “I’ve got eight metres. I need flags with a little over a minute Mercedes, 1:29.480. managed to do it a couple of managed to do for quite a it in foreign accounts, the to make sure I keep the eight to go in the session’s opening 10.Fernando Alonso, Spain, times.” while now... and that’s what’s statement read. He only metres that I have and get a good phase. McLaren Honda, 1:30.687. Hamilton’s pole was his brought him this huge lead, declared he owned 16 gold 11.Stoffel Vandoorne, Belgium, first at Suzuka, 10th of the and why everything is in his bars weighing one kilo- McLaren Honda, 1:29.778. season and 71st of his career. favour at the moment to take gramme (2.2 pounds) each Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton of 12.Nico Hulkenberg, Germany, So dominant was the triple this thing home all the way to when he was questioned a Britain celebrates after getting Renault, 1:29.879. champion that he obliterated the end of the season,” he said. month ago, prosecutors said. pole position in qualifying. 13.Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, the previous circuit qualify- Vettel starts alongside The gold is stored in a depos- Haas Ferrari, 1:29.972. ing lap record set by Michael Hamilton on the front row at itory in Geneva. 14.Jolyon Palmer, Britain, Schumacher in 2006. Suzuka on Sunday and will The office of Switzer- Renault, 1:30.022. The Briton is 34 points need to seize the initiative with land’s attorney general said 15.Carlos Sainz, Spain, Toro clear of closest rival Sebas- a lightning start at a track on Friday it was “currently Rosso, 1:30.413. tian Vettel, of Ferrari, with where overtaking is otherwise analysing” a request from 16.Romain Grosjean, France, five races remaining and difficult. Brazil for legal assistance in Haas Ferrari, 1:30.849. clear favourite for a fourth Rosberg, last year’s winner the case. 17.Pierre Gasly, France, Toro crown. in Japan from pole, said he had Rio 2016 was credited Rosso, 1:31.317. “The run after the sum- been loving the battle between with being a sporting and 18.Lance Stroll, Canada, Williams mer was really important for the rivals. organisational success, but Mercedes, 1:31.409. me and Lewis has that run at “Both are fantastic driv- revelations of massive cor- 19.Marcus Ericsson, Sweden, the moment,” said Rosberg, ers, both are up there with ruption during the Sau ber Ferrari, 1:31.597. who won in Belgium, Italy some of the best of all time. I preparations and now even 20.Pascal Wehrlein, Germany, and Singapore last year after don’t think it’s going to make in the awarding of the Games Sauber Ferrari, 1:31.885. the summer break to leave any difference who wins this have tarnished the legacy. Hamilton with a mountain to title,” he said.