Lyon, France: Lyon (FRA) Had Decided to Give Way to His Younger 18-Year-Old from Real Mallorca

TTENNISENNIS | Page 4 GGOLF|OLF Page 7 ‘US Open Italy all title not my praise for happiest ‘Mr Ryder’ memory’ Molinari

Tuesday, October 2, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 22, 1440 AH Discarded Sanchez GULF TIMES a window into Man Utd’s wasted millions SPORT Page 3 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE/ 6.15PM TODAY AT AL SADD SPORTS CLUB Al Sadd hope to assert their supremacy over Persepolis The Iranian side have the meanest defence in Asia, and the onus will be on prolific Baghdad Bounedjah to find the net

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

fter Al Duhail’s exit, Al Sadd carry the nation’s hopes in the AFC Cham- pions League when they Ahost Persepolis in the fi rst leg of the semi-fi nals at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium today. Duhail were the overwhelming favourites for the continental title before their unbeaten run was halted by Persepolis, while Sadd have quietly marched on to their fi rst semis in seven years. Sadd are the only side left in the competition to have won the AFC Champions League, while Al Sadd’s Gabi and coach Jesualdo Ferreira address the press. they were also the last team from West Asia to lift the coveted tro- in Tehran on October 23. “We, as experienced players, phy when they defeated Jeonbuk “Against Persepolis, we should are always trying to guide the Hyundai Motors in the 2011 fi nal. be wary of conceding a goal in our young players and imbibe a win- Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira home match. We know that how ning mentality in them. When knows that the team that handles strong Persepolis are. Our aim is I was at Atletico Madrid, I was the pressure from here on will to defeat Persepolis with many playing to win and win titles and be the one to make it to the fi nal. goals as well as not conceding a that’s what I’m doing at Sadd,” Playing in the fi rst leg at home as goal. We know that Al Sadd will Gabi said. its advantages and disadvantages, have a diffi cult task in the second Al Sadd’s last defeat in the tour- with a victory and a clean sheet leg in Tehran,” Ferreira said. nament was to Persepolis in Te- easing the pressure somewhat for Meanwhile, Qatar international hran in the group stages, but they the away leg. striker Hassan al-Haydous looks also secured a 3-1 win over Irani- Ahead of the match, Ferreira set to start today, having recov- ans at home. “We played Persepo- called on local fans to rally be- ered from ankle injury which lis twice in the group stage but we hind their team. “We know the forced him to miss league matches know that they are a better team strength of the Iranian team and Baghdad Bounedjah (second from left), the highest scorer in the AFC Champions League with 12 goals so far, trains with Hassan al-Haydos against Al Rayyan and Qatar SC. at the moment. To book a place in we invite our fans to support the (third from left) and other teammates at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil They also have captain Xavi to the fi nal match is like a dream for players. We need to score as many fall back on experience, with the us,” the Portuguese coach added. goals as possible and without the ing to motivate the players to per- dad Bounedjah to fi nd the net. On the eve of the match, Fer- their backline comprising Pedro midfi eld maestro having played a Meanwhile, Persepolis have support of fans we cannot achieve form their best,” he added. The Algerian striker scored reira was less worried about his Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Ha- massive role in big matches dur- reached the semi-fi nals for the that,” the Portuguese manager Scoring goals against Persepo- twice against Esteghlal in the attack than his defence. The ar- mad Ismael and Abdulkarim Has- ing his chequered career with second time in their history and said yesterday. lis would not be easy even for Sadd quarter-fi nals in Tehran; unsur- rival of defensive midfi elder Gabi san, for their Portuguese manager Spanish giants Barcelona. the second time in a row af- “We are focusing on the mental though, despite having a potent prisingly he was on target once from Atletico Madrid and Jung to have a sleepless night. The experienced Gabi said it ter 2017. Persepolis head coach factor for it’s an important game frontline. The Iranian side have again in the second leg too making Woo-young from Vissel Kobe Ferreira said the key for his side will be up to him and Xavi to in- Branko Ivankovic said he will not not only for Al Sadd club but for the meanest defence in Asia, and him the top scorer in the tourna- has strengthened the Qatari is to not concede any goal before still the confi dence in young play- change his philosophy despite the whole country and we are try- the onus will be on prolifi c Bagh- ment so far with 12 goals. club, but they still have chinks in they make a trip to Azadi Stadium ers for the crucial game. ‘shortage of players’.

RALLYING Qatar’s Abdulla ready for Morocco showdown

By Sports Reporter Fes, Morocco

atar’s Adel Abdulla is in Mo- rocco to prepare for the start of his most important cross- country rally of a dramatic season.Q The six-day Rally of Morocco is the most popular round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies and has attracted a quality entry across the board. But Adel Abdulla and his French navigator Jean-Michel Polato are con- centrating on the T2 category for series production cross-country vehicles. Adel currently holds second place in the Drivers’ Championship and trails series leader Ahmed al-Shegawi of Saudi Ara- Qatar’s Adel Abdulla currently holds second place in the Drivers’ Championship. bia by just 16 points after winning the last two rounds of the series in Hungary to within two points of the Saudi in a my team to prepare the car for Morocco. and Poland. worst-case scenario heading to what I think we have done good preparations That enabled the QX Rally Team would be a thrilling showdown at the and we are ready. I hope we have a good driver to close the gap on his rival from fi nal round of the championship in Por- race like the last two with my new team. 30 points at the start of August. Fifty tugal at the end of the month. This is a very diffi cult rally, probably points are on off er to the winner of the The Nissan Patrol Y62 driver is one of the most diffi cult of the season. T2 category in the Moroccan event that confi dent of success in the Moroccan There are a lot of teams and the road starts with a Prologue stage in Fes on deserts where he faces competition conditions are tough with the gravel, Thursday, October 4 and fi nishes back from al-Shegawi and Russian driver dunes and mountains. I hope that the the end we hope to win and fi nish the selective starts out of Fes on Friday The second, third and fourth selec- in the town on Tuesday, October 9 after Alexey Titov and has valuable support preparations give us a very good result. championship in this race. Either I will (October 5) and is split into two timed tive sections of 329km, 289km and fi ve further desert selective sections. from the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle “We are interested as well to see the be the winner of the World Cup or my sections of 103km and 91km before ar- 342km loop around Erfoud on October With 36 points available for second Federation (QMMF) Ooredoo Qatar and new organiser of the race (David Cast- rival Ahmed will be.” riving in Erfoud – an oasis town situat- 6, 7 and 8 and action draws to a conclu- place and 30 for third, Adel knows that Nissan Qatar. era). I hope the race will be better than Action gets underway with a 10km ed in the Drâa-Tafi lalet region of east- sion with a fi fth section of 198km en a third successive win would move him Adel said: “I came to Spain early with before, as we have been promised. In Prologue on Thursday. The fi rst desert ern Morocco. route to the fi nish in Fes on October 9. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 2, 2018 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Juventus risk penalty for racist Koulibaly chants

Italian champions Juventus could be hit with a partial closure of their Allianz Stadium after racist chanting was heard aimed at Napoli’s Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly during their game at Madrid head to Moscow the weekend, it was reported yesterday. Massimiliano Allegri’s side won 3-1 to move six points clear of Carlo Ance- lotti’s southerners in front of a record crowd of 39,552 in Turin for a league match. Gazzetta dello Sport reported that all three Italian Football Federa- with fewer stars and tion observers in diff erent parts of the stadium reported hearing Koulibaly tar- geted by the chanting. Fans were also reported to have called Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti ‘a pig’. bigger plans for future Immobile, Milinkovic-Savic extend Lazio deals ‘Madrid is strengthening its search for young players that will become the next great players’ Lazio stars Ciro Immobile and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have extended both AFP their contracts with the Serie A club Madrid until 2023, the Roman outfit confirmed. Italian international Immobile — the top scorer in Serie A last season with 29 uka Modric returns to the goals — and Serb Milinkovic-Savic will Luzhniki Stadium today, the earn over three millions euros ($3.5mn) scene of Croatia’s World Cup a year plus bonuses — a record for the fi nal defeat to France, not only Italian club. Lazio are seventh in Serie Las FIFA’s best men’s player but the star A after seven matches, having lost the of Real Madrid too. For the fi rst time in capital derby 3-1 to city rivals Roma on his six seasons at Madrid, Modric will Saturday. Simone Inzaghi’s side travel line up for a Champions League tie to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa without Cristiano Ronaldo, who was League on Thursday. sold, or Gareth Bale, who is injured. There will be no Kaka, Angel di Maria or James Rodriguez either, all Former Italy striker Rossi of whom Modric has rubbed shoul- avoids doping ban ders with. At 33, he has outlasted them all. Together, that quintet cost Madrid Former Genoa and Italy striker almost 400mn euros ($464mn), and Giuseppe Rossi avoided a doping ban each considerably more than Modric, after testing positive for the banned whose fee of around 30mn pounds in substance dorzolamide. Italy’s anti- 2012 would not even have got Richarli- doping prosecutor was seeking a one- son out of Watford last summer. year ban but the 31-year-old was given But in this current squad, Modric only a reprimand following hearing. stands out. In part, because of his bril- The amount of dorzolamide found dur- liance, which has never been in doubt, ing the drug test was minimal, Rossi’s but also because of Real Madrid too. lawyer said after the hearing. “We don’t The Galacticos are, just about, all understand how this substance ended gone. Bale is the last, and he would up among Rossi’s foods, there was no have been playing against CSKA Mos- intentionality, the line of good faith cow, had it not been for a thigh injury and consistency prevailed,” his lawyer picked up on Saturday. added. Dorzolamide is commonly found After him, Madrid’s most expensive in eye drops. Its use is permitted if the starters are likely to be Karim Benzema athlete obtains a therapeutic use. and Toni Kroos — both, like Modric, signed for around 30mn euros. Mean- while, elsewhere in Europe, Barcelona “I want to go home,” says will be fi elding Philippe Coutinho and China’s coach Lippi Ousmane Dembele against Totten- ham. Manchester United will have China’s veteran Italian head coach Paul Pogba, and Paris Saint-Germain Marcello Lippi has confirmed that he Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. will more than likely retire when his All of them surpassed the 100-mil- contract with the Asian side expires lion euro mark. Since being wooed by early next year. The 70-year-old former James’ sumptuous volley at the Ma- Italy and Juventus coach expects to racana in the 2014 World Cup, Madrid leave management after the Asian Cup have changed their approach. in January. As the remnants of the old mode “I want to go home,” he said. “I have depart — Ronaldo is gone, James un- a contract that expires on January 31, likely to return — the new, younger at the end of the Asian Cup. We’ll see and cheaper, batch have risen to the after that, but I think it’ll be my last surface. “Madrid is strengthening experience. Am I likely to leave China in its search for young players that will February? Yes.” become the next great players of the A former defender who played most sport,” president Florentino Perez said of his career with Sampdoria, Lippi has in July. spent 36 years in management. Alvaro Odriozola, the 22-year-old right back, could make his Champions League debut today in the absence of Akinfeev calls time on his Marcelo and Sergio Ramos. He was international career signed from Real Sociedad for 35mn euros in the summer. Dani Ceballos, Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos (left) and Luka Modric train at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday. (Reuters) CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor bought as a 20-year-old for 17mn eu- Akinfeev, Russia’s World Cup captain, ros from Real Betis, came on for Bale World Cup winner Raphael Varane part, with the club no longer the dom- not more big-money signings. v Benfica (POR); At Munich, Germany: announced he was retiring from against Atletico Madrid last weekend. came from Lens for 10mn euros as a inant power-player among Europe’s “There is often talk of transfers, but Bayern Munich (GER) v Ajax (NED) international football after playing 111 And Marco Asensio, perhaps the teenager and it is believed Vinicius, elite, as have plans to upgrade the I am not that type of coach,” he said Group F: At Sinsheim, Germany (1655 times for his country. Akinfeev, 32, said policy’s poster boy, was brought in signed for 40mn euros from Flamengo Santiago Bernabeu, for which a loan of in January. Modric, Ramos, Benzema GMT): Hoff enheim (GER) v Manchester after 15 years with the national side he for a just under four mn euros as an in July, can be the next big talent from 575mn euros will be taken out. and Bale — all approaching or past 30 City (ENG); At Lyon, France: Lyon (FRA) had decided to give way to his younger 18-year-old from Real Mallorca. All Brazil. “The only way to remain independ- — will soon need replacing and few colleagues and to focus completely v Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) three of them Spanish, not signed for There is a temptation to recall the ent is to be fi nancially healthy,” Perez would bet against Perez joining the on his club duties. “Every story has its the present, but the future. The list days of Zinedine Zidane, Figo, David said at the club’s annual general meet- chase when Mbappe, Neymar or Pogba Group G: At Rome: Roma (ITA) v beginning and its end. So, my story with of those nurtured in the Real Madrid Beckham, Brazil’s Ronaldo and Kaka, ing earlier this month. “That is the become available. But for now, this is a Viktoria Plzen (CZE); At Moscow: CSKA the national team has come to its logi- youth teams is longer. and feel underwhelmed. base of our sporting success.” diff erent Real Madrid. Moscow (RUS) v Real Madrid (ESP) cal conclusion,” he said. At the World On the plane to Moscow on Sun- Madrid have become synonymous Zidane was an advocate too. His Group H: At Turin (1655 GMT): Juventus Cup, Akinfeev played every minute of day was Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Lu- with superstar names and this was a method centred on improving those TODAY’S SECOND ROUND FIXTURES (ITA) v Young Boys (SUI); At Manches- Russia’s matches as they confounded cas Vazquez, Mariano Diaz, Marcos World Cup year too. But the shift has players he had by blocking out the ter, England: Manchester United (ENG) pre-tournament predictions by reaching Llorente, Kiko Casilla and Sergio been deliberate. noise from outside. That translated (kick-off s 1900 GMT unless stated) the last eight, where they were beaten v Valencia (ESP) Reguilon, all academy graduates. The swelling market has played a into faith in humility and hard work, Group E: At Athens: AEK Athens (GRE) by eventual finalists Croatia.

SPOTLIGHT Misfi ring Bayern have point to prove at home to Ajax

AFP things easier for us going into special to play against a Dutch with Augsburg is all they have to Munich our next four games,” said Bayern team, especially Ajax,” added the show for 40 shots on goal in their Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper head coach Kovac. former Netherlands captain. last two games. Even the likes of Manuel Neuer stretches during a “Many people said we However, Kovac will have been James Rodriguez, Franck Ribery, training session in Munich. (AFP) ayern Munich host wouldn’t lose a game (in the troubled by the ease with which Robben and Robert Lewandowski Ajax in the Champions Bundesliga) this season, but now Pal Dardai’s Hertha unpicked the could not breach Berlin’s defence League today with Niko it has happened in no time at all.” lock of the Bayern defence. despite 25 shots. Kovac needing to fi x a Ajax had a tough time getting He will seek a tighter per- “Augsburg and also Hertha leakingB defence and lack of fi n- to Munich yesterday as a power formance against Ajax, who are didn’t have many chances, but ishing after yielding top spot in failure at Amsterdam’s Schipol second in the Dutch league after they created goals,” said Robben, the Bundesliga. airport delayed their depar- a 2-0 win at Fortuna Sittard on 34. “We had far more corners and The clash at Munich’s Allianz ture by two hours, but they will Saturday. chances than our opponents, Arena could well decide Group E face a Bayern side eager to make Ajax coach Erik ten Hag will that’s football sometimes, but after Bayern claimed a 2-0 win amends. Uncharacteristically for have taken note of how Bayern’s there is no need to talk about a at Benfi ca in the opening round a the Munich giants, they conced- defence was shaken in the fi rst crisis. We will put in a good per- fortnight ago while Ajax won 3-0 ed a late equaliser in a 1-1 league half by Berlin. Jerome Boateng formance as a reaction and start a at Greek side AEK. draw with Augsburg last Tues- needlessly gave away a penalty new run of results.” Dauntingly for Ajax, Bayern day, which was followed by the by fouling Salomon Kalou and A win over Ajax would boost have won the last 12 matches at defeat in Berlin. Vedad Ibisevic converted for the confi dence before Saturday’s home in the Champions League But veteran winger Arjen Rob- opening goal. home league match against group stages. However, the fi ve- ben remains unfazed. “I think we Niklas Suele, Bayern’s other Borussia Moenchengladbach time European champions fi n- have to show a good response, centre-back, was out of position when they can aim to make up ished the weekend second in the it’s nice that we get the chance so when Hertha’s Ondrej Duda, the the one-point gap to Bundesliga German league after crashing to a soon,” said Robben. “Last week league’s current top-scorer with leaders Borussia Dortmund. shock 2-0 defeat at Hertha Berlin we were seen as unbeatable, now fi ve goals in six games, smashed Historically, there is noth- on Friday after being outplayed things have fl ipped 180 degrees. home a close-range cross. Bay- ing separating Bayern and Ajax, in the capital. I’ve been here too long to join in ern’s star-studded attack also who have three wins each, plus “It is an important game talk like that. I’m looking forward has a point to prove against Ajax. two draws, in their previous eight against Ajax. A win would make to the game and it’s something Arjen Robben’s goal in the draw meetings. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 2, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Hoff enheim boss Some ‘care more than Nagelsmann plots to undo idol Guardiola

AFP others’ about Man Sinsheim, Germany off enheim coach Julian Nagelsmann is plotting to outsmart his idol Pep Guardiola whenH Manchester City attempt Utd crisis: Mourinho to get their Champions League campaign back on track by winning in Germany today. At 31, Nagelsmann is the youngest Under-fire manager insists he doesn’t fear for his job at Man United coach in Champions League history, and admits to being a a keen AFP student of Guardiola’s methods. Manchester, United Kingdom Now he hopes to thwart the Spanish master tactician in Hof- fenheim’s fi rst home Champions of Hoff enheim — a Bundesliga nder-fi re Manchester United League match in the club’s his- record for a permanent head manager Jose Mourinho be- tory. “I don’t know if it it’s al- coach — with the team second lieves some of his misfi ring ways an advantage to know Pep from bottom. He only gained his squad “care more than others” Guardiola, because then you coaching licence a month after Uas speculation mounts over whether the know that he is doing so much his appointment, but the pre- Portuguese coach’s time in charge at Old the right way or the best way,” carious situation did not faze the Traff ord is coming to an end. said Nagelsmann. “It’s not very self-confi dent Nagelsmann. A third defeat in seven Premier League easy to say exactly how he will set The former defender forged a games at West Ham on Saturday saw his team. He has diff erent ways to strong team spirit, turning Hof- United fall nine points adrift of leaders Manchester United manager play against diff erent opponents. fenheim from relegation con- and fi erce rivals Manchester City and Jose Mourinho gestures You can see a lot of similarities in tenders to Champions League Liverpool. Ahead of today’s Champions during a press conference his style, but also see a lot of dif- qualifi ers within two seasons. League clash with Valencia, Mourinho yesterday. (AFP) ferences. As I said, it’s not easy to Despite his youth, Nagelsmann insisted he doesn’t fear for his job but approach his style of play, but I is street-wise with his answers in refused to state whether he had met with have a few ideas.” press conferences and carefully the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed In Sinsheim, City will be aim- cultivates his public image. Woodward in the past few days. ing to bounce back from their Just as current Liverpool man- Mourinho also defended his play- shock 2-1 loss at home to Lyon ager Jurgen Klopp made no se- ers from accusations of not trying hard in their fi rst Group F game. Hof- cret of his hair transplant while enough, but believes some are taking a fenheim drew their opener 2-2 at in charge of Borussia Dortmund, slump in form more to heart than others. Shakhtar Donetsk. Nagelsmann was equally open “I think that some care more than others,” City beat Brighton 2-0 at about his own cosmetic surgery. said Mourinho. home at the weekend to go top of He admitted having permanent “After 20 years of football, I’m still the the Premier League, but Hoff en- make-up on his eye-brows when kid I was. I’m still naive, but I still don’t heim’s form is far shakier as they he sported a new look for the 3-1 believe that a player is not honest. Un- suff ered their third defeat in six defeat at Bayern Munich on the til somebody that was a big professional Bundesliga games on Saturday, fi rst day of the season in August. player says ‘I was a dishonest player’, I losing 2-1 at home to RB Leipzig, Such self-confi dence is typi- will always believe the players are honest who the ambitious Nagelsmann cal of Nagelsmann whose play- players and want to give their best.” will coach next season. ing career was wrecked by a knee Mourinho also laughed off specula- This is the fi rst time Nagels- injury in 2008 while playing for tion he has been contacted by former mann will go head-to-head with Augsburg’s reserves, aged just Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, the Guardiola, who coached Bayern 20. Current Paris Saint Germain favourite to replace him in the Old Traf- Munich to three consecutive boss Thomas Tuchel, who was ford hot seat if Mourinho is dismissed. Bundesliga titles from 2013 to coaching one of Augsburg’s jun- A yesterday claimed Zidane had phoned 2016 before joining City. There ior teams at the time, spotted his Mourinho to reassure him the Frenchman are elements to Nagelsmann’s potential and had Nagelsmann isn’t plotting to take his job. aggressive style with Hoff en- scout future opponents. When asked about the story, Mour- heim which echo that of Guar- He joined Hoff enheim in 2010 inho turned the tables on the journalist diola, whose City team also like as assistant coach of the club’s who wrote the story by telling reporters midfi elder Scott McTominay operating as a role to play. When we lose, the respon- the armband. to press their opponents in their Under-17 team, later coaching to ask him whether the story was true and a central defender backfi red at West Ham. sibility is the responsibility of everyone. I “For me if you talk in the dressing room own half. Neither is afraid to the Under-19 team to the 2014 joked his phone had been bugged. Zidane “The performance on the pitch in my will improve things that depend from me it doesn’t mean anything,” said the Serb, take risks in selection or switch national age-group title when he resigned as Madrid coach in June after opinion is the consequence of many fac- and my work.” who followed Mourinho from Chelsea to tactics mid-match. Nagelsmann was less than 10 years older than leading the Spanish giants to three con- tors,” added Mourinho. “Luke Shaw for Mourinho’s public spat with star mid- United.”The most important (thing) is became a rising star in German his players. secutive Champions League titles. example said something I agree (with), fi elder Paul Pogba has been another side- what you show on the pitch.” football when he was thrust Nagelsmann was born in the United left-back Luke Shaw said the but don’t agree totally (with) because I show to a stuttering season. And Matic admitted he too fell well be- from coaching Hoff enheim’s Un- Bavarian town of Landsberg players have to take more responsibility am part of it and other persons are part Pogba was stripped of the vice-cap- low his normal standards at the weekend. der-19 team to being tasked with am Lech and before it was an- for a poor start to the campaign, rather of it: ‘We players on the pitch we have to taincy last week, but one of Mourinho’s “For me, I played one of the worst games maintaining the senior team in nounced this June that he will than Mourinho proving to be the fall guy. perform, we have to give more’. most trusted lieutenants, Nemanja Mat- since I signed for Man Utd. I look in the the Bundesliga. coach RB Leipzig from 2019/20, However, Mourinho accepted his share of “I like that perspective but I don’t ic, believes leadership is about how you mirror at my mistakes and want to do He was just 29 in Febru- the German media saw him as a the blame as a switch to a back three with agree totally. It’s all of us, everybody has perform on the pitch, rather than wearing better.” ary 2016 when he took charge Bayern Munich coach in waiting.

FOCUS FORMER MODEL ACCUSES RONALDO OF RAPE, FOOTBALL STAR CALLS IT ‘FAKE NEWS’ Discarded Sanchez a window Los Angeles: Cristiano Ronaldo lawsuit that she was pressured leave the bedroom stating he is facing allegations of rape by into signing a nondisclosure was sorry, he was usually a gen- a former model who accuses agreement to keep the alleged tleman,” it said. The lawsuit said the Portuguese superstar of rape secret and is seeking Mayorga reported the alleged into Man Utd’s wasted millions attacking her in his Las Vegas $200,000 in penalties and assault to the Las Vegas police hotel penthouse suite in 2009. damages. The complaint was the same day and underwent an AFP Sanchez’s struggles to adapt from the more Ronaldo, who now plays for Ju- first reported by the German examination at a local hospital. It Manchester, United Kingdom open football played at Barca and Arsenal. ventus in Italy’s Serie A, rejected magazine Der Spiegel. said the assault had left her with “When you play a long time with another the charges as “fake news” dur- In the suit, Mayorga said she “severe emotional and bodily team and you play diff erent football in that ing a live chat on Instagram. met Ronaldo on the evening injuries” and “major depression.” anchester United believed they other team you have some kind of adapta- “What they said today, fake of June 12, 2009 at the Rain Under pressure from Ronaldo’s were closing the gap on “noisy tion that you have to have,” said the French- — fake news,” the 33-year-old Nightclub in the Palms Hotel and “fixers,” Mayorga settled the neighbours” Manchester City man. star of the Portuguese national Casino in Las Vegas. It said she case “in exchange for a payment when they beat the Premier Mourinho’s time at Old Traff ord may be team said in a post that was later accepted an invitation to join of $375,000 and non-disclosure MLeague champions to the signature of Alexis running out, particularly if he fails to sum- deleted. Kathryn Mayorga, 34, Ronaldo and others in his pent- of the sexual assault,” the Sanchez just nine months ago. mon a response when United host Valencia of Las Vegas, accused Ronaldo, house suite to “enjoy the view of lawsuit said. The unidentified But as the Red Devils slumped to a third in the Champions League today. However, in a 32-page complaint filed last the Las Vegas strip.” “fixers” were also named as co- defeat just seven games into the new league the diff erence in the fanfare that greeted month with a district court in “When Cristiano Ronaldo defendants in the lawsuit, which season at West Ham on Saturday to already Sanchez’s signing and his production on the Nevada, of raping her on June completed the sexual assault of accuses Ronaldo of violating the fall nine points adrift of City, Sanchez was pitch is emblematic of the waste that is leav- 13, 2009. Mayorga alleges in the the plaintiff , he allowed her to nondisclosure nowhere to be seen. That the Chilean was ing United trailing in City’s wake. deemed not good enough to make Jose Courted by his former Barca boss Pep Mourinho’s 18-man squad for such a sham- Guardiola, United boasted of dealing a bolic display at the London Stadium speaks blow to City in the transfer market and of BOTTOMLINE volumes for Sanchez’s slide since joining generating more social media traffi c than United in January. Neymar’s world record move to Paris Saint- Prolifi c in four years at Arsenal and Germain. Yet, that victory has proved a hol- three seasons with Barcelona before then, low and expensive one. Lyon handicapped by stadium Sanchez has scored just three times in 23 United’s accounts last week revealed an appearances under Mourinho — none of 11% rise in their wage bill taking it to £295.9 which have come this season. Mourinho’s mn, £36 mn more than City’s. Much of that ban in clash with Shakhtar power battle with £89mn ($116mn) mid- went on handing Sanchez reportedly the fi elder Paul Pogba has drawn the spotlight most lucrative contract in Premier League AFP for the French club after they is why we all love the big games. from Sanchez. history worth a reported £400,000 a week Lyon stunned Pep Guardiola’s Man- We have to accept the punish- But Mourinho’s patience with the other plus bonuses. chester City last month, winning ment and fi nd the motivation marquee signing of his time in charge at United remain the world’s richest club 2-1 in England. “With or without even if the atmosphere will be a Old Traff ord ran out this week. Sanchez was for now, but that is not being refl ected on yon coach Bruno Gen- fans, we will need to play as well bit strange. We had a lot of praise hauled off during a 1-1 draw with Wolves last the fi eld for frustrated fans more interested esio hopes his side can as we did at Manchester City to after the win in Manchester but I weekend. in points than profi ts. The club’s executive get the better of Shakhtar make the most of our victory can confi rm that Shakhtar are a He was then reportedly admonished by vice-chairman Ed Woodward has put his Donetsk in the Champi- there,” Genesio told reporters. very good side as well.” Mourinho in front of his team-mates for his faith in Mourinho, but his trust runs out Lons League today despite being With a reference to some of The Ukrainian champions be- poor form and was the only outfi eld player quickly when missing out on the riches of forced to play the game behind the home games during Lyon’s gan their campaign with a 2-2 who travelled to London for the West Ham Champions League. closed doors. run to the Europa League semi- draw at home to Hoff enheim, debacle left out of the matchday squad. David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were Supporters will be absent from fi nals in 2016-17, Genesio added: and a victory for Lyon on Tues- “Look for how many months are people both dismissed after failing to qualify and the 59,000-capacity Groupama “We know that it is very impor- day would put them in a very asking for (Anthony) Martial, Martial, Mar- United are already fi ve points off the top Stadium for the Group F encoun- tant to have our fans behind us in strong position. The last time tial and saying how Alexis isn’t playing well four. Another route into the Champions ter after Lyon were told by UEFA these games. We have had quite Lyon played behind closed doors enough,” said Mourinho justifying his de- Manchester United’s Chilean striker Alexis League is by winning the competition. they must play one European extraordinary European atmos- was in April last year, when they cision. “This week it was time to agree and Sanchez attends a training session at the United currently look far from contend- game behind closed doors as a pheres here against Besiktas and won 3-0 away to Metz in Ligue 1. leave Alexis out.” Carrington Training complex in Manchester, ers, but they can take a huge step towards punishment for trouble during Roma which strengthened us There will still be around one Sanchez wouldn’t be the fi rst creative north west England, yesterday. (AFP) the last 16 by moving six points clear of their Europa League tie against greatly. We will just have to do thousand people at the Groupa- player Mourinho has failed to get the best Valencia in Group H today. It is the type of CSKA Moscow back in March. without on Tuesday. ma Stadium yesterday, includ- out of. United’s fi ercest rivals City and Liv- Portuguese during his time at Chelsea. game Sanchez was signed for. Whether he They were also handed a sus- “It is regrettable for every- ing 300 representatives of UEFA, erpool have benefi ted from Mohamed Salah When imploring Mourinho to attack more even starts will say much about his future so pended ban for a second home body. A football match should be 200 guests of Shakhtar and 130 and Kevin De Bruyne being discarded by the after being held by Wolves, Pogba defended long as Mourinho remains in charge. game, and it is a major handicap played in front a crowd and that accredited journalists. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 2, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT US Open title Nishikori off to fl ier at ‘not the happiest Japan Open memory’: Osaka The 20-year-old stunned Serena Williams last month in a tempestuous final

AFP Beijing

aomi Osaka made the startling admission yesterday that winning the US Open Nwas “bittersweet” and “not the happiest memory” and revealed that she has been trying to for- get about the career-defi ning victory. The 20-year-old rising star from Japan stunned Serena Williams last month in a tempestuous fi nal in which the American called chair umpire Carlos Ramos “a thief” and later accused him of sexism. “There’s a lot of stuff I want to say about how I felt and Kei Nishikori of Japan whatever,” the world number six said. AFP “Of course, the aim is to try to Williams’s high-profi le Tokyo win it.” meltdown made headlines over Earlier, three-time Tokyo fi - Osaka’s feat in becoming the nalist Milos Raonic crushed last fi rst Japanese to win a Grand ocal hero Kei Nishikori year’s runner-up Adrian Manna- Slam, although Osaka has de- began his quest for a rino, the sixth seed taking a little clined to point the fi nger at the third Japan Open title by over an hour to beat the French- American great. thrashing countryman man 6-3, 6-4. “For me, I don’t know, I don’t LYuichi Sugita 6-4, 6-1 to reach The big-hitting Canadian, know, the memory of the US the last 16 yesterday. who has slipped from number Open is a little bit bittersweet,” Third seed Nishikori failed three in the world to his current Osaka said. to hit the heights that took him ranking of 20th after a poor run “Right after, the day after, to the US Open semi-fi nals last of form, fi red 17 aces in a domi- I really didn’t want to think month but still dominated his nant display. about it because it wasn’t nec- Japanese Davis Cup teammate, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, essarily the happiest memory completing a one-sided victory who last year made unwanted for me. Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with fans after winning her first round match against Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan at the China Open tennis with a fi zzing backhand down headlines after smashing a ball at “I just sort of wanted to move tournament in Beijing yesterday. the line after 81 minutes. an umpire and fracturing his eye on at that point.” “I hoped I wouldn’t have to socket in a Davis Cup tie, bundled Speaking in Beijing, where sent, Osaka and Wozniacki are Madison Keys after the Ameri- play a Japanese player,” said out seventh seed Chung Hyeon of Osaka powered into round two among the favourites. can, the 2017 US Open fi nalist, Nishikori, who last faced Sugita South Korea 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. of the China Open with a domi- Former world number one withdrew with a knee injury. Nadal and Halep stay when they were juniors. Elsewhere, France’s Benoit nant performance over Ka- Wozniacki was emphatic with a Among men, Feliciano Lopez “It’s a relief to win. It took me Paire beat Chile’s Nicolas Jarry zakh qualifi er Zarina Diyas, the 6-2, 6-3 demolition of Switzer- saved three match points before on top of rankings a while to get into it,” added the 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) while Japanese young Japanese light-heartedly land’s Belinda Bencic. upsetting Croatia’s Borna Coric world number 12, who won the qualifi er Yosuke Watanuki up- compared her Grand Slam suc- The world number two Dane 7-5 5-7 7-5 to move into the sec- Rafael Nadal retains first parenthesis) last of his 11 career titles in Mem- set Dutchman Robin Haase 6-7 cess to green-tea ice cream. was never in serious trouble ond round. place in the men’s ATP tennis 1. (1) Rafael Nadal, Spain, 8,760 phis two years ago. (7/9), 6-4, 6-1. “When you bite into it, it’s against 41st-ranked Bencic, al- Spain’s Lopez began slowly rankings released yesterday in points 2. (2) Roger Federer, Swit- “I made a few too many mis- World number six Marin Cilic sweet, but also very strong — though it has not always been and trailed 5-2 but he recovered what is an unchanged top 10. zerland, 6,900 3. (3) Novak Djoko- takes at the start. But I tweaked heads the fi eld at the Tokyo tour- that’s how that memory feels like that down the years, Bencic strongly to take the fi rst set Spain’s Nadal continues to vic, Serbia, 6,445 4. (4) Juan Martin what I needed to and enjoyed nament, whose list of previous to me. winning four of their past six before Coric, seeded seventh, lead on 8,760 points, well clear del Potro, Argentina, 5,980 5. (5) the second set a bit more. winners include Roger Federer, “Of course I’m happy that I meetings. clawed his way back to force a of second-placed Swiss Roger Alexander Zverev, Germany, 4,890 Hopefully I can go deep into the Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and won a Grand Slam, I don’t think Wozniacki will play Croatia’s decider. Federer on 6,900. With only 6. (6) Marin Cilic, Croatia, 4,715 7. tournament. Ken Rosewall. there’s anything that can take unseeded Petra Martic in round The 21-year-old Coric minor action at the weekend (7) Dominic Thiem, Austria, 3,825 8. away from that... but I feel like two. It was a case of seventh switched gears to go 5-4 up in ahead of the coming Asian (8) Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria, 3,755 it was so strange, I didn’t just time lucky for another former the third set but could not pre- swing, there were no changes 9. (9) Kevin Anderson, South Africa, FOCUS want to think about it. number one, Garbine Mugu- vent a dogged Lopez from se- in the top 30 places of the 3,595 10. (10) John Isner, United “I wanted to just push it to ruza, as the Spaniard set up a curing victory in two hours and standings. States, 3,470 the side.” meeting with Aryna Sabalenka 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Romania’s Si- WTA top 10 Osaka, who defeated Diyas of Belarus. World number 71 Lopez next mona Halep remains top of the 1. (1) Simona Halep, Romania, 8,061 Spain’s Carrasco 6-4, 6-3 despite not playing her Muguruza, who is down to takes on Germany’s Mischa women’s WTA rankings while points 2. (2) Caroline Wozniacki, best, faces unseeded American 15th in the world, made a fast Zverev or Filip Krajinovic of Petra Kvitova has climbed up Denmark, 5,610 3. (3) Angelique Danielle Collins next. start as she hammered Ekater- Serbia. Briton Kyle Edmund to number four. Kvitova, a two- Kerber, Germany, 5,345 4. (5) Petra makes history as Also safely through on Bei- ina Makarova 6-0, 6-4, making also sealed his place in the next time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, Czech Republic, 4,635 5. jing’s outdoor hard courts is the seventh match point count round with a 3-6 6-1 6-2 win from the Czech Republic, (6) Elina Svitolina, Ukraine, 4,555 another reigning Grand Slam against the Russian. over Germany’s Peter Gojowc- moves up one to fourth as she 6. (8) Naomi Osaka, Japan, 4,390 fi rst female world champion, Australian Open Elise Mertens, the 15th seed zyk. The fifth seed fired 13 aces continues her comeback from 7. (7) Karolina Pliskova, Czech winner Caroline Wozniacki. from Belgium, suff ered a sur- to progress in one hour and 31 a severe hand injury following Republic, 4,345 8. (4) Caroline With world number one Si- prise defeat to home player minutes. a knife attack ahead of the Garcia, France, 3,925 9. (9) Sloane moto champion mona Halep retiring from the Zhang Shuai, the Chinese win- Russia’s Karen Khachanov 2017 season. Stephens, United States, 3,912 10. tournament with a back inning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. powered past American Sam ATP top 10 (previous ranking in (10) Julia Goerges, Germany, 3,730 . jury and Serena Williams ab- Also out is the 17th seed Querrey 6-4 6-4.

BOTTOMLINE Formula One will feel the heat from Formula E, says Agag Reuters that Formula E almost folded in London its debut season, with enough capital initially for only three AFP slowdown lap. I tried to see some races. Paris TVs to check but I did not see any. ormula One will come “At one point I owed $25mn I only realised when I got to turn under pressure from to our suppliers and I had fi ve and I asked the spectators if I electric car racing in the $100,000 in the bank, that was pain’s Ana Carrasco on was fi rst.” Fnext fi ve years and risks the situation,” he said. Sunday became the fi rst Carrasco dedicated her win to being overtaken in popularity “We were actually really at woman to win a world Luis Salom, a fellow Spanish rider further down the road, accord- the limit. I had to pay from my motorcycling title when who was killed in an accident at ing to Formula E founder Ale- pocket the air freight of the cars sheS triumphed by a single point the Catalunya circuit in 2016 at jandro Agag. to go to the Miami race.” in the Superbike Supersport 300 the age of 24. Speaking in a podcast inter- John Malone’s Liberty Global division. The 21-year-old from “The day we lost him I promised view with 2016 Formula One and Discovery Communications Murcia, riding a Kawasaki, fought to dedicate my fi rst title to him. At champion Nico Rosberg, who is then bought a stake and others her way up from 25th on the grid the moment I am happy because also a shareholder in the electric followed. Formula One’s com- to fi nish 13th at the season decider we have achieved our goals, but series, Agag suggested Formula can’t. But they will really feel the electric, Formula E will happen managing director for motor- mercial rights holder is Liberty on the French circuit of Magny- I do not realise all of the things One was in danger of being left pressure to switch to electric. to be the main motorsport in the sport, said this year that he did Media. Cours. Carrasco fi nished the sea- about being the fi rst woman in behind. “In 10 years electric cars will world. “Formula E, like Formula not see the sport, currently re- Separately, motorsport. son with a one-point lead over history. I think after a few days I “I think in fi ve years they are go as fast as combustion cars. One, is sanctioned by the Inter- viewing its engine formula from com quoted Agag as saying he compatriot Mika Perez. will be more conscious of this.” going to start feeling a lot the So when you have these cars go- national Automobile Federation 2021, locked into internal com- had dropped a 600mn euro “It’s unbelievable for me to Nita Korhonen, the director of heat,” said the Spaniard. ing as fast, what is the reason to (FIA) but has an exclusive li- bustion engines forever. ($696.8mn) attempt to take back achieve this,” said the former law the sport’s women in motorcy- “I think in 10 years it’s go- stick to an old technology? you cence for 25 years to be the sole The current V6 power units full-ownership of the series. student. cling commission, said Carrasco’s ing to be very diffi cult that they should move to a new technol- electric championship. use hybrid energy recovery sys- “Liberty and Discovery don’t “We worked so hard to be here. gender should not overshadow her don’t switch to electric. But they ogy. I think when the industry is Ross Brawn, Formula One’s tems. Agag also told Rosberg want to sell,” he said. I did not know I had won on the achievement. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 2, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB Red Sox beat Yanks in regular-season fi nale doing what I do, stay grinding and work- liding with Eduardo Nunez on a play at Reuters RESULTS Boston ing.” fi rst. Xander Bogaerts added a two-run Rockies 12-0 Nationals homer as the Red Sox raced out to a 7-0 ANGELS MANAGER SCIOSCIA STEPS Dodgers 15-0 Giants D Martinez hit a three-run homer lead through the second inning. Brock DOWN AFTER 19 YEARS in the fourth inning, and the Boston Holt and Mitch Moreland added RBI dou- Brewers 11-0 Tigers An emotional Mike Scioscia confi rmed Red Sox concluded the best regular bles for the Red Sox (108-54), who open Cubs 10-5 Cardinals Sunday he won’t return as manager of the season in team history with a 10-2 the playoff s Friday at home against the Los Angeles Angels next season, ending Angels 5-4 A’s victoryJ over the New York Yankees on Yankees or the Oakland A’s. his 19-year tenure with the team. Scios- Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park. Martinez also scored in the fi rst on a Orioles 4-0 Astros cia’s announcement came after the An- Martinez gave the Red Sox a 10-2 lead fi elding error at fi rst by Luis Cessa (1-4) in Indians 2-1 Royals gels concluded the Major League Baseball when he drove an 0-1 pitch from Justus a three-run fi rst. Red Sox 10-2 Yankees season with a 5-4 victory over the Oak- Sheffi eld over the centre fi eld fence and Mookie Betts scored after right fi elder land Athletics. “I am going to step down,” into the Boston bullpen. Reliever Robby Aaron Judge misplayed Holt’s single for Phillies 3-1 Braves Scioscia said at the post-game press con- Scott was warming up and caught the ball an error. Mets 1-0 Marlins ference. “I will not be returning to manage in his cap. Betts went 1-for-2 and fi nished as the Padres 4-3 D’backs the Angels next year.” It was Martinez’s 43rd homer and AL batting champion with a .346 average. He added that he would be willing to upped his RBI total to 130. He joined Hall He became the fi rst Red Sox to win a bat- Pirates 6-5 Reds manage again if an opportunity arises, but of Famer Ted Williams (1949) and Mo ting title since Bill Mueller in 2003. Twins 5-4 White Sox said he departs the Angels satisfi ed with Vaughn (1996) as the only Boston players Luke Voit hit a two-run homer for the Rays 9-4 Blue Jays his managerial career. to hit at least .325 with at least 40 hom- Yankees (100-62), who open the playoff s “He transformed this whole organisa- Mariners 3-1 Rangers ers and 125 RBIs and broke the team record by hosting Oakland in Wednesday’s wild- tion,” Angels president John Carpino said set by Dick Stuart in 1963 for the most card game. Miguel Andujar added another of the 59-year-old Scioscia, who com- homers by a player in his fi rst season with double to give him 47 and to tie the Amer- lievers followed and Eduardo Rodriguez piled 1,650 victories with the Angels. Boston. ican League rookie record set by Fred Lynn (13-5) was awarded the win. He led the Angels to their only World “I think I’m more proud of us winning in 1975. Luis Severino was originally slated to Series title in 2002 and to the playoff s six 108 games, really,” Martinez said. Both teams deployed their pitching like start but was scratched to keep his avail- other times. But the Angels haven’t made Martinez’s transition to the Red Sox an exhibition game in Florida. able for a possible start on Wednesday. the post-season since 2014. was one of the easiest a free agent has had. Rick Porcello started for Boston and Cessa allowed four runs (two earned) Their 80-82 record this year marked Boston Red Sox right fielder JD Martinez in action during the first “Nothing really changed,” he said. “Stay tossed two scoreless innings. Seven re- while getting one out and exited after col- their third straight losing season. inning against the New York Yankees. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL NBA LeBron delights in his Lakers debut Patriots back on doed. One fan yelled “at least the By Tania Ganguli Los Angeles Times eight seed!” to the team in general, referencing what it will take for L.A. to return to the play- here was barely any off s this year after a fi ve-year room to move around in drought. the Los Angeles Lakers’ The start of the game gave the locker room at the Val- crowd a glimpse of the capabil- track with 38-7 Tley View Casino Center in San ity of the Lakers roster. When Diego. the opening tip came to James, LeBron James wasn’t even at he fl icked it over to Rondo, who his locker, but a crowd of camera threw it ahead to McGee for a operators encircled it anyway, dunk. snapping photos and videotap- James sat at the end of the ing the space where a sweatshirt Lakers’ bench for most of the that read “More than an athlete” game, atop a wedge that elevat- win over Dolphins hung. ed his torso so his head peeked “Excuse me, get away from my about a foot above the rest of his ‘It’s a short week and we’ve got to get ready an try to go beat the Colts’ locker, please,” James bellowed team. He clapped and chuckled as he strolled into the room. after a Lance Stephenson hesita- The crowed receded a few feet. tion move that led to a basket. He When James reached his locker groaned at foul calls conjured by he shared a laugh with Joel Berry the league’s new points of em- II, an undrafted rookie who sat phasis for offi ciating. two seats away. The Lakers don’t yet have a The LeBron James era for the plan for exactly how many pre- Los Angeles Lakers began more season games in which James than 100 miles south of the will play. team’s arena, with Magic John- “The more he can get out there son sitting courtside, relishing with the guys and get continuity the opportunity to fi nally see the going the better,” Lakers coach team he built on the court. Luke Walton said. “It was great to get back on Together, they all began the the fl oor and start a new journey process of forming a team – of for myself,” James said. “Hearing learning how to play with James. the Lakers fans that we have here “I mean just opening your ears in San Diego, it was a great feel- and listening,” McGee said. “It’s ing to go out there and hear the defi nitely amazing to be able to roar from the fans here so I very say after I retired I played with much appreciate that.” the greatest, and some of the The Lakers lost to the Denver greatest teams. It’s just a bless- Nuggets 124-107 in their fi rst pre- ing and every one of us is keep- season game of the season. They ing open ears and being a sponge will play the Nuggets again at in terms of paying attention to Staples Center in Tuesday’s home LeBron.” debut. JaVale McGee led the team Just as James’ teammates are with 17 points in 20 minutes. Ra- getting accustomed to playing jon Rondo dished 11 assists. with him, James is growing more James played 15 minutes and and more familiar with his new 20 seconds, more than he ex- reality. pected. He scored nine points, “It always feels diff erent for making both of his three-point me anytime you change uni- attempts and two of six shots forms,” James said. “It felt dif- overall with four assists and ferent when I changed from a three rebounds. Vincent-St. Mary jersey to a San Diego is a place with some Cavs jersey, from a Cavs jersey meaning for James. He got mar- to a Heat jersey back to a Cavs ried here fi ve years ago. When he jersey, and now being a Laker, so emerged from the Lakers tunnel ... It defi nitely feels diff erent and onto the court for warmups, the it’ll take a little bit of time get- New England Patriots running back James White (right) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first-half of their NFL game at Gillette sellout crowd of 13,565 crescen- ting used to.” Stadium in Foxborough, USA. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP cusing on a looming Thursday clash with RESULTS vember. Los Angeles Indianapolis. Houston had regained the ball with 24 “It’s a short week and we’ve got to get Cincinnati 37-36 Atlanta seconds remaining when the Colts threw ready an try to go beat the Colts,” he said. Tampa Bay 10-48 Chicago an incomplete pass on fourth down and om Brady and the New England The Dolphins next take on the Cincin- four in an aggressive bid for the victory. Patriots emphatically answered nati Bengals, who shook off an ugly leg Detroit 24-26 Dallas The defeat spoiled a landmark day for their doubters Sunday, marching injury to tight end Tyler Eifert to edge the Buff alo 0-22 Green Bay Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, who sur- to a 38-7 NFL victory over the Falcons 37-36 in Atlanta. Philadelphia 23-26 Tennessee passed Morten Andersen for most ca- Tpreviously unbeaten Miami Dolphins. The Bengals built a 28-24 halftime lead reer fi eld goals in NFL history. Vinatieri Houston 37-34 Indianapolis The fi ve-time Super Bowl champion before losing Eifert, who was in obvious passed Andersen with his 566th career Patriots emerged from their early season pain after he was brought down after a Miami 7-38 New England fi eld goal in the fi rst half and his 567th doldrums to avoid losing three straight third-quarter catch with his right ankle NY Jets 12-31 Jacksonville had given Indianapolis a 34-31 lead in games for the fi rst time since the 2002 twisting badly. He was carted off the eldfi overtime. Cleveland 42-45 Oakland season. with the leg in an air cast. The Raiders rallied past the Browns New England scored three touch- The Bengals fell behind 36-31 before Seattle 20-17 Arizona for a 45-42 win. Derek Carr threw four downs in the second quarter and led 38-0 Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton New Orleans 33-18 NY Giants touchdown passes and a two-point con- before the Dolphins put a touchdown on authored a last-gasp touchdown drive, San Francisco 27-29 LA Chargers version with 30 seconds left in regulation the board late in the fourth, improving to connecting with AJ Green on a 13-yard and Matt McGrane converted a 29-yard 2-2 as they avoided falling three games scoring pass to seal the victory. Baltimore 26-14 Pittsburgh fi eld goal in overtime. behind AFC East division leaders Miami. “There’s no quit in our guys,” Dalton games on Sunday. The Tennessee Titans, Sebastian Janikowski’s 52-yard fi eld The Dolphins were denied their fi rst said. “Even with the setbcks we didn’t Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders all goal as time expired lifted the Seahawks 4-0 start since Hall of Fame coach Don fl inch, we just kept going.” won in overtime, while the Dallas Cow- to a 20-17 win over Arizona. Coach Pete Shula’s fi nal season in 1995. Amid reports he was heading for like- boys, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Carroll called it a “bittersweet” victory Brady threw for 274 yards and three ly season-ending surgery Eifert, who Chargers notched narrow victories. after Seattle saw safety Earl Thomas touchdowns and the Patriots demon- caught a 15-yard TD pass, tweeted his The Titans converted three fourth carted off with a broken left leg in the strated the consistency they lacked in disappointment and resolve. downs in overtime to beat the reigning third quarter - Thomas making a defi ant defeats to Jacksonville and Detroit. “This was the hardest I’ve worked to Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Ea- gesture toward the Cardinals bench as he The only downside for the Patri- put myself in a position to help this team gles 26-23. The Texans snapped a nine- was driven away. In Dallas, Brett Maher ots was the departure of tight end Rob succeed and having this happen crushes game losing streak as they edged the In- booted a 38-yard fi eld goal as time ex- Gronkowski with a right ankle injury in me,” he wrote. “If I’ve learned anything dianapolis Colts 37-34. pired to seal the Cowboys’ 26-24 victory the third quarter. from before, it’s not a time for self pity Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn nailed a over Detroit. The Chargers rallied from Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James looks to pass during a preseason “Today is a big one to build on,” said and negativity.” 37-yard fi eld goal as overtime expired to an early defi cit to edge the San Francisco game against the Denver Nuggets at Valley View Casino Centre in Brady, who was nevertheless already fo- That was just one of a bevy of close seal the Texans’ fi rst win since last No- 49ers 29-27. San Diego, California, on Sunday. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 2, 2018 SPORT

FIBA 2018 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WORLD CUP American invincibles win 3rd successive title AFP cans’ impressive defence which al- Tenerife, Spain lowed her only seven points. Diana Taurasi, who scored 13 points, helped the US get off to a he United States women’s strong start with a 10-0 lead. Aus- basketball team, who have tralia could only get within three the not lost an international rest of the way. It was the fi rst time match for more than 12 years, in the tournament that the US didn’t Tswept to a third successive FIBA 2018 trail in a game. As the fi nal sec- Women’s Basketball World Cup title onds wound down, Taurasi hugged on Sunday with a 73-56 victory over her teammates and coaches on the Australia. bench. The six-time Olympic champi- “A lot of people see that we’ve won ons also took their winning streak a lot of games in a row now and gold to 51 matches. In the match for third medals but it’s not as easy as it looks,” place, European champions Spain said 37-year-old US star Sue Bird. defeated Belgium 67-60. The Ameri- “We take a lot of pride in the way cans, with coach Dawn Staley at the we play and a lot of credit goes to helm for the fi rst time, have now won the other countries because if they the world championship 10 times in continue to get better they will just 18 editions. continue to push us to get better and Sunday’s fi nal was billed as a clash that’s what it’s all about.” between two players both of whom tower over two metres – Brittney Griner of the US (2.06m) and Aus- USA’s players pose with their gold tralian star Liz Cambage (2.03m). medals and the World Cup trophy It was Griner’s night as Liz Cam- as they celebrate winning the FIBA bage, who had scored 33 points and 2018 Women’s Basketball World Cup grabbed 15 rebounds in the semi-fi nal at the Santiago Martin arena in San win against Spain on Saturday, saw Cristobal de la Laguna on the Canary her threat neutralised by the Ameri- island of Tenerife on Sunday. (AFP)

BOXING RUGBY All Blacks expected to win every Test, Fury vows to make says Hansen

Reuters Johannesburg

ew Zealand are ex- ‘lemonade out of pected to win every Test match and will be looking to beat Nhosts South Africa on Saturday even if they have clinched this year’s Rugby Championship, their coach Steve Hansen said yesterday. lemon’ Wilder New Zealand’s 35-17 tri- upset 36-34 by South Africa in umph over Argentina in Bue- their last home match in Wel- ‘It’s no concern at all. If you are a fighting man, you are a fighting man. If you can fight, you can fight’ nos Aires on Saturday ensured lington. It was a rare loss in the another southern hemisphere Rugby Championship where championship for the All the world champions have won Blacks but that will not lead to or shared the title for the last 16 any slackening of against the years. Springboks in Pretoria. Since Argentina joined Aus- “It’s not about anything tralia, New Zealand and South other than having to win,” Africa in an expanded compe- Hansen told reporters. “The tition in 2012, the All Blacks expectations are that we win have lost only three of 38 Tests. every test match and we’ve got “People get carried away be- to win them well, so nothing cause we win it all the time and will change for us. think it’s not competitive but “We are going to prepare I’ve always thought it competi- well and be in a frame of mind tive,” Hansen said. on Saturday that allows us to “It’s just ﬁ ne margins some- present ourselves the best we times and we’ve usually been can,” Hansen told reporters. on the right side of those,” he New Zealand have won four added. Saturday is the last of ﬁ ve games in this year’s round of competition in this Rugby Championship but were year’s Rugby Championship.

OPINION Japan needs tougher competition to improve, says coach

Reuters the domestic Top League in the Tokyo past and will be pleased that a shortened season this year will allow him over nine months apan head coach Jamie to work with the players in Joseph said yesterday his preparation for the World Cup, players must be exposed which starts on September 20. to elite-level rugby on a Joseph’s wish for Japan to regularJ basis if they are to raise test themselves against the their standards and compete best will be granted in No- with the world’s best. vember when they play world Japan, who will host the champions New Zealand in To- WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (left) and former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (right) with boxing promoter and manager Frank Warren during a press Rugby World Cup next year, are kyo on November 3, followed conference in London yesterday. (AFP) due to play against New Zea- by a trip to Twickenham to face land and England next month England two weeks later. AFP rated by security staff . “I am no reer was in evidence as he tried on his situation because he is “It’s a long time since the and Joseph said those sides Despite the step up in class, London challenger for no man. I’m the to goad Wilder, who has won 39 going to feel pain like he never heavyweight division had two would provide tougher tests Joseph said there would be no lineal heavyweight champion of of his 40 fi ghts by way of knock- felt before,” the 32-year-old champions at the top of their than any his team had previ- tinkering with strategy. the world, the best of the best,” out. added. game ready to fi ght each other,” ously faced. “I don’t think our gameplan ritain’s Tyson Fury denied Fury said. “This is two champi- Fury, asked if he considered Fury suggested Wilder’s camp said US promoter Lou DiBella. Joseph would not be drawn changes a hell of a lot. We are he was the “challenger” to ons colliding, equal rights.” having more fi ghts before taking had only taken the fi ght because “We spent a lot of time trying on reports that Japan could be playing better opposition than heavyweight world cham- Fury thinks of himself as a on Wilder, said: “It’s no concern “I’ve had two fi ghts in three to make a fi ght with another man included in an annual tour- we have ever played before,” he pion Deontay Wilder as he world champion because he nev- at all. If you are a fi ghting man, years, they think I’m done”. from this country (Joshua) who nament featuring the top 12 added. triedB to rile the American by prom- er lost his titles in the ring. you are a fi ghting man. If you can But Wilder’s managers were didn’t want to fi ght.” countries but said playing “The All Blacks have a win ising to make “lemonade out of a But he lost all his belts, for a fi ght, you can fi ght. adamant they had nothing but Shelly Finkel, his business against high-quality sides was record of over 90 percent I lemon” yesterday. variety of reasons, during a two- “I could have fought 10 bums admiration for Fury, contrasting partner, added: “We believe you the best way to develop the na- think so they are a diffi cult The two unbeaten boxers will and-a-half-year absence from if I wanted to. He (Wilder) is a his position with their failure to are the best out there. We have tional side. team to beat, as we all know. meet for Wilder’s World Boxing the ring after his shock win over lemon, I’m going to squeeze him. agree a deal with fellow British nothing but respect because “I think where Japanese rug- “The All Blacks and Eng- Council version of the title in Los former champion Wladimir Kl- I’m going to make lemonade out heavyweight Anthony Joshua. your countryman didn’t step by sits, it is crucial that we have land... will really attack our Angeles on December 1. itschko in November 2015. of this lemon.” IBF, WBA and WBO world up. He was presented with a for- a stronger brand of competi- set-pieces and try and over- Fury, 30, is the former In- Fury, who struggled with champion Joshua – who avoids tune.” tion than the Top League to de- whelm us from the set-pieces, ternational Boxing Federation, mental health issues, returned to ‘BADDEST MAN ON THE PLANET’ the kind of trash talk that fuels But as for Fury’s chances, Fin- velop the national game,” said and that is a challenge that we World Boxing Association and boxing with a farcical stoppage But Wilder countered: “When Fury – defended his titles with kel said: “When I was handling the New Zealander at a news are going to get in the World World Boxing Organisation of Sefer Seferi in Manchester in I say I am the best, the baddest a brutal seventh-round stop- Klitschko, I didn’t think he had conference in Tokyo. Cup as well, when we play Ire- heavyweight champion and re- June. man of the planet, I believe every page of Alexander Povetkin at a chance. He proved me wrong. “If we only had the Asian land and Scotland.” mains undefeated in 27 fi ghts. Having once turned up to a word I say. London’s Wembley Stadium last He’s not going to prove me tournament (Asia Rugby Cham- Joseph named a 35-man During a press conference pre-fi ght conference with Kl- “When it comes to Tyson month. wrong twice.” pionship) and the Top League to squad for the two tests on peppered with obscene lan- itschko dressed as Batman, Fury Fury, I am all about devastating But Joshua’s camp have so far Frank Warren, Fury’s veteran develop our players to an inter- Monday and included three guage at broadcaster BT Sport’s was more soberly attired in a knockouts. He knows he’s going failed to agree a unifi cation bout British promoter, said boxing national level, then it would be players looking to earn their studios, Fury rose from his seat three-piece suit on Monday. to get knocked out.” with Wilder, the American’s fans were in for a treat. very diffi cult to achieve great fi rst cap. to challenge Wilder to a “body But the colourful language “He can whoop, he can hol- team accusing him of turning his “This is not cat and mouse, it’s things at test level.” Stalwart Michael Leitch will spar” before the pair were sepa- that has been a feature of his ca- ler, but he needs to meditate back on a $50 million showdown. going to be a war.” Joseph has been critical of captain the side. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 2, 2018 7 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT

Harrington wants to be Ryder Cup captain

Three-times major winner Padraig Harrington wants to be Eu- Italy lauds ‘Mr Ryder’ Molinari rope’s Ryder Cup captain and received the backing yesterday of AFP great performances of Francesco stalwart Rory McIlory to lead the team in their title defence in two Milan were only a warm-up for the Ry- years time. Irishman Harrington, one of Thomas Bjorn’s vice-cap- der Cup in Rome,” said Franco tains as Europe completed a crushing 17.5-10.5 victory over the Chimenti, president of the Ital- United States on Sunday, is odds-on favourite to captain the team rancesco Molinari was ian Golf Federation. at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, according to Sky Bet. hailed in his native Italy “In four years we’ll have an “It’s an interesting one because I wouldn’t do it without a certain yesterday for his “out of even more beautiful Ryder Cup trepidation because it’s not easy, it really isn’t easy. It’s a tough, this world” performance thanks to him.” tough job,” Harrington told Irish national radio station RTE in an thatF helped seal a resounding Chimenti added: “A player interview broadcast yesterday. victory for Europe over the Unit- who wins everything in the Ry- “But on balance yes, I want to be a Ryder Cup captain at some ed States in the Ryder Cup. der Cup for three consecutive stage.” Harrington, who won back-to-back British Opens in 2007 The British Open champion days must be considered among and 2008 before going on to win his third major at that year’s became the fi rst European player the most important athletes not PGA Championship, played in six successive Ryder Cups from to win all fi ve of his matches at a only in Italian but world sport. 1999 to 2010, helping Europe to four victories. Ryder Cup as he eased to a 4 and “He has all the qualities to be Still playing, the 47-year-old narrowly missed out on his first 2 win over Phil Mickelson to se- the number one in the world.” European Tour title at the Czech Masters last month where his cure the hosts the trophy by 17.5 Ryder Cup 2022 Project Di- second-place finish was by far his best placing in almost a year. to 10.5 at Le Golf National out- rector Gian Paolo Montali said Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, a member of the victorious team in side Paris on Sunday. he hoped the Francesco eff ect Paris and winner of four majors, believes Harrington’s success as “There’s just one Tiger and he’s Europe’s English golfer Tommy Fleetwood and Italian golfer Francesco Molinari (left) hold the trophy as would rub off on the popularity a player across the Atlantic would make him a good choice. called Chicco,” headlined Cor- they celebrate winning the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le Golf National Course at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, south- of golf beyond the Rome Ryder “I’ve always thought Padraig would be a good captain in the riere Dello Sport, using 35-year- west of Paris, on Sunday. (AFP) Cup. United States. He’s won a lot of golf tournaments over there, he’s old Molinari’s nickname. “The eyes of the whole world won a PGA Championship,” McIlroy was quoted as saying across “Molinari in outer space in the goes beyond the limits of expec- tle at Carnoustie in July. He is the were seen as a boost for golf in will be on us,” said Montali. local media. Ryder Cup: decisive point and tations.” fi rst player from either side to Italy with the 2022 Ryder Cup to “The goal is to get from “I think the continuity in the European camp having all these vice- record wins,” it said. Molinari’s performance claim fi ve points at a Ryder Cup be hosted at the Marco Simone 90,000 to 118,000 registered captains this year and preparing for captaincy down the road has Gazzetta Dello Sport wrote: capped a remarkable season that since the USA’s Larry Nelson in Golf and Country club outside golf players by 2027, but I hope been a huge foundation of why we’ve been so good.” “Mr Ryder is an Italian. Molinari began with his maiden major ti- 1979. The Turin native’s heroics Rome. “The hope is that the we can do that much sooner.”

FOCUS ACCOUNTABILITY Captain Furyk takes Ryder Cup the winner blame for American Ryder Cup loss

Reuters son, though it is worth noting Paris that Justin Thomas, the only American team member who played the French Open on the as Paris hits hole in one nited States captain course this year, was the star of Jim Furyk proverbi- the losing team, winning four ‘That first tee shot was not like anything I’ve been involved in before, it was like an NFL game’ ally fell on his own of his ﬁ ve matches. sword on Sunday, Furyk will also be second- acceptingU blame for his team’s guessed for playing the no- heavy loss to Europe at the Ry- toriously inaccurate Phil der Cup. Mickelson in the unforgiving US hopes were high after alternate-shot foursomes, their victory on home soil two rather than fourball (best ball). years ago, but it turned into the The latter format, in which same old story for the visitors both players hit their own ball as they succumbed amid a se- and take the best score on each ries of errant drives and missed hole, generally rewards attack- putts. In the process, Furyk ing golf and birdies, which is became the sixth consecutive more Mickelson’s style of play. American leader to preside Mickelson lost his Friday over a losing team in Europe. foursomes and was benched “Thomas (Bjorn) was a bet- until the singles. ter captain, and their team “You know we’re going to out-played us,” Furyk said, get second-guessed and we’re surrounded by the 12 play- going to get questioned,” Furyk ers on his team at a glum news said. conference. “I realise as a leader of this “He did a good job. When a team and as a captain, the team is successful, as they were brunt of it is going to be on my and as well as they played, that plate and I accepted that when shows to me they had great I took this role. leadership. “I’ll work with the PGA of “I know everyone on this America and I’ll work with our table wishes they had played Ryder Cup committee and I better, and I wish I probably think we’ll keep improving.” would have done some things Furyk was also asked wheth- diff erently, as well, but at the er losing was traumatic. end of the day we did the best “It’s just golf. Golf isn’t we could and we all worked traumatic,” he said. hard.” “Obviously, there’s a sour Tough questions about what taste in our mouth to come Furyk, and his players, could over here now for 27 years and have done diff erently will be not be able to win on foreign asked, including whether it soil. was negligent that half his “We want to grow and we team arrived at quirky Le want to get better, but we want Golf National without having to do it here in Europe. That stepped foot on the course. will be the goal four years from Furyk cited logistics as a rea- now.”

Europe’s English player Tommy Fleetwood celebrates after Europe won the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le Golf National Course at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, south-west of Paris, on Sunday. (AFP)

Reuters wisdom of taking the 42nd edi- Every day, a wall of noise wel- “And I have to hit a tee shot – eral Paul Armitage promised Paris tion of the biennial team event comed players to the tee with the I have to make a golf swing with beforehand it would be the best to France for the fi rst time, away yellow-and-blue clad “Guard- all that type of adrenaline. It was course to host the Ryder Cup. from the sport’s European heart- ians of the Ryder Cup” group or- incredible. Just to be in that at- Few would disagree. homas Bjorn’s superb land of Britain and Ireland. chestrating the chanting and the mosphere, it’s electric.” “The amphitheatre here, the European team won it, Any lingering doubts evapo- “thunder-clap” popularised by venue, the golf course, the fans, but this was a triumph rated during a sun-drenched Icelandic soccer fans during the STADIUM COURSE I really can’t imagine if you could for golf and more espe- weekend on a stunning course 2016 European championship. The beauty was you did not need ever have a better venue or better Tcially the Ryder Cup. that raised the bar considerably a grandstand ticket though. place to play or better crowd to Peace returned to Le Golf Na- when it comes to staging future A quarter of a million fans Le Golf National, designed play in front of,” beaten Ameri- tional, just west of Paris, yes- Ryder Cups. The narrow and from across Europe and by Hubert Chesneau and con- can captain Jim Furyk said on terday after three unforgettable beautifully manicured fairways, the Atlantic descended on structed 30 years ago on a former Sunday.” days of raw sporting theatre lush rough and gleaming ex- the course close to historic landfi ll site, was created as a Despite the lack of a single played out on the most spectac- panses of water were easy on the Versaille during the week – ‘stadium course’ with each hole home player, French fans, who ular of stages to huge galleries. eye but the course, while pretty, with the competition days fl anked by steep banks and raised snapped up 45 percent of the A quarter of a million fans packed a punch as the Americans sparking a frenzy of noise walkways off ering sweeping tickets, joined the party and the from across Europe and the At- discovered to their cost in a 17.5- and colour more in keeping views of the action. At various hope is the success of the Ryder lantic descended on the course 10.5 defeat. with a soccer match points, thousands of fans massed Cup will spark a wave of interest close to historic Versaille during What set Le Golf National on ridges where they were able to across a nation where soccer and the week – with the competition apart, however, was the unri- “That fi rst tee shot was not watch multiple tees and greens cycling rule. That remains to be days sparking a frenzy of noise valled viewing experience for like anything I’ve been involved without moving, while 18 huge seen, but what is certain is that and colour more in keeping with the fans – most spectacularly in before, it was like an NFL video screens meant spectators Rome, the next European host of US team captain Jim Furyk reacts after Europe won the 42nd a soccer match. the 7,000-capacity grandstand game back in the States,” Ameri- could watch every ball. the Ryder Cup in 2022, will have Ryder Cup at Le Golf National Course at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Some had questioned the looming over the fi rst tee. can rookie Tony Finau said. Le Golf National director gen- a lot to live up to. south-west of Paris, on Sunday. (AFP)

Tuesday, October 2, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Pak, India square off over botched Qatar set to turn cricket agreement

AFP two nations to resolve the matter Dubai between themselves rather than seeking arbitration. “It is a matter between India akistan and India and Pakistan. We would like the on Arc magic squared off at the legal resumption of ties between the crease at a hearing at the two nations on a bilateral basis,” International Cricket said Richardson. PCouncil headquarters in Dubai “We will facilitate any settle- yesterday after the two sides ment decision if we can. Other failed to honour a deal to com- than that, it is up to the two na- pete in several bilateral series. tions.” The Pakistan Cricket Board India-Pakistan ties, includ- at Longchamp (PCB) is demanding 70mn dol- ing sports and cultural contacts, lars in compensation from India, plummeted after the 2008 mili- claiming that a memorandum of tant attacks in Mumbai, which The annual horse racing gala has been Qatar-sponsored since 2008 understanding signed in 2014 New Delhi blamed on Pakistani had guaranteed six bilateral se- militant groups. ries between 2015 and 2023. There has been just one bilat- However the Board of Con- eral tour since, when Pakistan trol for Cricket in India (BCCI) visited India to play two Twen- have said they are unable to play ty20s and three one-day inter- against Pakistan until their gov- nationals in December 2012 and ernment gives them permission January 2013. and dismissed the agreement as Pakistan and India continue to not legally binding. play each other in international The hearing is set to last until events, including last month’s October 3. Asia Cup in Dubai. ICC’s chief executive David India won that event while Pa- Richardson last week urged the kistan failed to reach the ﬁ nal.

SELECTION Pakistan recall Hafeez for Tests against Australia

Treve winner of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomph 2013 and 2014. AFP include Hafeez. By Sports Reporter the iconic Parisian racecourse is back to be pate actively in the international races Karachi “The national selection com- Doha the home for one of the world’s most fa- we sponsor overseas. Several memorable mittee and the team manage- mous horse races; the Qatar Prix de l’Arc successes were realised in the previous ment has decided to include de Triomphe, which was held at Chant- years, including Al Shaqab Racing-owned akistan’s national se- Hafeez for the two Tests against he Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- illy in 2016 and 2017. The most important Treve’s stunning victories in the 2013 and lection committee yes- Australia,” said the Pakistan omphe is due to arrive at Long- and coveted races in the card are the Qatar 2014 editions of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de terday recalled former Cricket Board in a statement. champ in Paris within a few Arabian World Cup (Gr1/PA) and the Qa- Triomphe. opener Mohamed Ha- The fi rst Test against the Tdays, and specifi cally on 7 Octo- tar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr1). “In addition, Qatar excelled and domi- feezP for the two-match Test se- Australians starts in Dubai on ber. The annual horse racing gala has been Speaking ahead of the event, QREC nated the previous editions of the Qatar ries against Australia to reinforce Sunday with the second outing Qatar-sponsored since 2008 and held Chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohan- Arabian World Cup as the title was land- its batting following a failed Asia scheduled to begin on October with an associated range of other events nadi said: “We have clear-cut objectives ed several times by horses owned by His Cup campaign. 16. over four days under the agreement be- through the international racing events, Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al- The 37-year-old was not part Hafeez played the last of his tween the Qatar Racing and Equestrian which we sponsor overseas, including the Thani, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin of the original 17-member squad 50 Tests against England in Bir- Club (QREC) and France Galop. Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We, at Khalifa al-Thani and Al Shaqab Racing.” announced last week, but after mingham in August 2016. The mega-event captures the attention QREC, value these events as they promote The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Pakistan suff ered losses at the Last week he scored a double of the world’s top horse owners, trainers Qatar and its equestrian sport at high- Club (QREC) was established in the early hands of arch-rival India and hundred in a domestic fi rst- and jockeys. As a highlight of the world’s profi le international gatherings, which 1960s and was offi cially made public in Bangladesh in the Asia Cup the class match, catching the eye of horseracing calendar, the Qatar Prix de receive intensive coverage, bringing nu- 1975. QREC is mandated with represent- squad reached out to Hafeez. selectors. l’Arc de Triomphe attracts dozens of merous gains for Qatar in general and its ing, promoting and advancing equine and Pakistan failed to qualify for thousands of racegoers as well as millions equestrian sport in particular. equestrian initiatives from grassroots the fi nal in the tournament, Revised Test squad: Sarfraz of TV viewers worldwide. “Through the QREC-sponsored events programmes to the international arena. which India won after beating Ahmed (captain), Azhar Ali, QREC is well prepared for this year’s and festivals, we are committed to high- Focused on equestrian sport and horse Bangladesh by three wickets in Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, renewal, which will see several events be- lighting and promoting Arabian racing welfare, QREC is dedicated on promot- Dubai on Friday. Mohamed Hafeez, Babar Azam, tween 4 and 7 October, commencing with worldwide and stressing its presence in ing Qatar as a world-class hub for horse Pakistan had previously Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman the Arqana Purebred Arabian Sale at Le QREC Chairman Issa bin Mohamed such international gatherings. This is racing and a leader in the pure Arabian nursed high hopes for Shan Salahuddin,Yasir Shah, Shadab Manege, Saint Cloud Racecourse, on Oc- al-Mohannadi a main part of supporting the Arabian breed. Masood in the ongoing four-day Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohamed tober 4. On the following day, the scene breed, which is closely associated with QREC works in collaboration with local match for Pakistan ‘A’ against Abbas, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, will remain at Saint Cloud Racecourse, have been familiar with victories at Saint our local heritage and is based on QREC’s bodies dedicated to achieving excellence Australia in Dubai but he fell for Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza, which will play host for a race day, in- Cloud. A large number of races are set to vision to promote Qatar as a leader in the in planning, regulating and develop- just 14, forcing the selectors to Mohamed Rizwan. cluding two races for pure Arabians with take place at Paris Longchamp on October pure Arabian breed.” ing Qatar’s racing industry to refl ect the several runners for Qatari owners, who 6 and 7. After two years of redevelopment, He added: “Qatar’s horses partici- world’s best practices. CONCUSSED Australia opener Renshaw doubtful

Reuters likely to be cautious about playing Dubai the Yorkshire-born 22-year-old in the fi rst Test starting on Sunday. Renshaw suff ered concussion in ustralia opener Matt a warm-up mishap before a Shef- Renshaw is a doubt for fi eld Shield match for Queensland the series-opening Test in March and was subbed out of against Pakistan after the game. suffA ering a head injury in a tour He was also withdrawn from a match in Dubai. 2017 Test against Pakistan in Syd- Renshaw, who has a history of ney having been hit while fi eld- concussions, exited the match ing just days after being struck against a Pakistan ‘A’ side after by a bouncer when batting. “He’s being hit by a pull shot from bats- okay,” Finch told reporters. “It was man Abid Ali when fi elding at a pretty heavy knock to the head short leg on Sunday. there. Renshaw was wearing a helmet “He’s been with the medi- when he was struck in the side of cal staff all afternoon but he the head. He pulled it off imme- seems in really good spirits. He’s diately and sat with his head in confi dent that his headaches his hands before being examined are subsiding pretty quickly.” by medical staff . He came off the The Renshaw blow soured an oth- ground for further checks and was erwise positive day for Australia’s replaced in the lineup by Marnus batsmen with Finch, Shaun Marsh Labuschagne. Opening batsman and younger brother Mitchell Aaron Finch said Renshaw was in all spending valuable time in the Enable, the winner of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2017. good spirits, but the selectors are middle.