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Wednesday, September 14, 2016 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 12, 1437 AH Vardy lays down GULF TIMES the marker before C’League debut SPORT Page 2 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Sporting reunion starts Ronaldo’s rush to 100 ‘To play Sporting again is a privilege... the team that formed me, that I have in my heart, but I play for Real Madrid now’

AFP now and the end of the season.” Madrid Ronaldo made his comeback from two months out with knee ligament damage suff ered in Por- ristiano Ronaldo says tugal’s Euro 2016 fi nal success facing Sporting Lis- over France and scored in a 5-2 bon is a privilege, but in rout of Osasuna on Saturday. his quest to reach 100 Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane ChampionsC League goals he won’t has been cautious over rushing go easy on the club that formed Ronaldo back, though, and re- him. fused to confi rm his star man will Ronaldo is just seven goals shy play 90 minutes after lasting just of a Champions League century over an hour at the weekend. having top-scored in the com- “I am always thinking about petition for the past four seasons the 60 days he was out, which is as Madrid begin their defence of a lot for a player,” said Zidane on the Champions League at home to Tuesday. Sporting today. “He is ready and we’ll take The three-time World Player things bit-by-bit. of the Year came through Sport- “If you ask Cristiano he wants ing’s fabled academy before join- to play the 90 minutes.” ing Manchester United and later As ever Ronaldo didn’t make making a then world record move a quiet return to action as he be- to Madrid in 2009. come embroiled in a war of words Ronaldo scored the winner for with Barcelona legend Xavi Hern- United against Sporting in 2007, andez post-match. but has never faced the Portu- Ronaldo mocked the Span- guese side in a Madrid jersey. iard’s inability to ever win the “It’s a special match, it’s a spe- Ballon d’Or after Xavi claimed in cial team. I wanted to draw Sport- a radio interview that Ronaldo’s ing again,” Ronaldo told UEFA. achievements didn’t come close com. “To play Sporting again is a to matching those of Messi. privilege for me.” However, Madrid left-back However, just as when he si- Marcelo said too many people try lenced the Jose Alvalade nine to “discredit” Ronaldo and hailed years ago, he promised to not go him a “great teammate.” easy on his compatriots. “People always want to talk “It means a lot, it is the team about Cristiano,” said the Brazil- that formed me, that I have in my ian. heart, but I play for Real Madrid “I see him work hard every day now,” added Ronaldo. and for me he is the best in the “That is the club I have to de- world. Many people try to dis- fend, the club I love and that is credit him, but he has won the why I want to win.” Ballon d’Or three times, he does a Ronaldo has streaked 10 goals lot for the team and will continue clear of Barcelona rival Lionel to do more. He is a great team- Messi in the race to be the Cham- mate.” pions League’s top scorer of all- Zidane has a near complete Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo time and is just hoping for a clean squad to choose from with only (centre) controls the ball as teammates bill of health to be the fi rst man to Keylor Navas and Fabio Coentrao Luka Modric (second from right) and reach 100 goals in European com- missing out, so Ronaldo could Karim Benzema look on during a petitions. start alongside Gareth Bale and training session at Valdebebas training “The only thing I can ask for is Karim Benzema up front for the ground in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) not to have any injuries between fi rst time this season.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Lamouchi confi dent Jaish will reach last four

AFC impressed in the group stages of the Dubai competition the Qatari side have eve- ry reason to be confi dent going into Jeonbuk thrash Shanghai to reach semis the return fi xture. l Jaish coach Sabri Lam- Lamouchi’s side saw off compa- Leonardo and Lee Dong-gook both Leonardo lurking close. ouchi is confi dent his side triots Lekhwiya in a high-scoring scored a brace as Jeonbuk Hyundai The Chinese side, who held Jeonbuk 0-0 can do enough to book their Round of 16 meeting over two legs Motors of South Korea produced a in the first leg at home in August, had Lu place in the semi-fi nals of after qualifying for the knockout dominating second-half display at home Wenjun sent off in the 74th minute and theE AFC Champions League when phase of the competition at the top to thrash China’s Shanghai SIPG 5-0 the hosts made full use of their numerical they take on Al Nasr of the United of Group D, which also featured Al yesterday to march into the semi-finals advantage to pump three more goals in. Arab Emirates in the second leg of the Ain, Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia and Uz- of the Asian Champions League. Leonardo converted a penalty in the quarter-fi nals today evening. bekistan’s Nasaf. After a goalless first half, the 2006 83rd minute before substitute Lee, the The Qatari side hold a 3-0 advan- Brazilian defender Lucas Mendes champions took complete control of the 37-year-old South Korean striker, added tage from the fi rst leg after Lam- will be missing for El Jaish as Lamouchi second leg of their quarter-final at the two more goals to make it 5-0 for the ouchi’s team was awarded the win af- attempts to take the Qatari club into the Jeonju World Cup Stadium against the hosts, who will make their first ACL semi- ter Al Nasr were found to have fi elded semi-fi nals of the competition for the Chinese debutants, coached by former final appearance since 2011. an ineligible player in their fi rst fi rst time in their history and become England and Manchester City manager In the last four, Jeonbuk will meet the meeting three weeks ago in Doha. only the third club from the country — Sven-Goran Eriksson. winner of the quarter-final clash be- Al Nasr had triumphed 3-0 be- after 2011 winners Al Sadd and 2009 Brazilian Leonardo opened the flood- tween FC Seoul and Shandong Luneng. fore the result was overturned by the semi-fi nalists Umm Salal — to make it gates in the 52nd minute when he curled In the day’s other quarter-final, 2003 Asian Football Confederation’s disci- to the last four since the competition in a left-footer from the edge of the box champions Al Ain sealed their second plinary committee due to irregulari- was launched in 2003. after a brilliant build-up by the hosts, semi-final appearance in three seasons ties surrounding the nationality of “After the fi rst leg we tried our best who are on course for their third straight with a 1-0 win over Lokomotiv Tashkent. striker Wanderley, who scored two of to fi x the mistakes and our prepara- K-League title. After a goalless first leg, Al Ain’s Caio his side’s three goals in the fi rst leg. “We have to win with any result and we throughout the fi rst leg with Jonath- tions were diff erent as the domestic Six minutes later, Shi Ke scored an own Lucas Fernandes scored the only goal “We are now in a good position and can even lose by a two-goal margin in an Pitroipa also fi nding the back of season didn’t start yet in Qatar,” said goal for last year’s Chinese Super League of the match seven minutes before the our main target is to get to the semi-fi - order to achieve our target and hope- the net in addition to Wanderley’s Lamouchi. “The fi rst-leg match was runners-up when he poked the ball break with a strike from the centre of the nals and hopefully our players will have fully we can do that.” brace, but with strikers Abderazzaq our fi rst offi cial match this season so home trying to make a clearance with penalty area. a good performance,” said Lamouchi. El Jaish were second-best Hamadallah and Romarinho having it was very hard for us.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, September 14, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Sampaoli set to Vardy lays down liven up group stage the marker before

C’League debut File picture of Jorge Sampaoli during his days as Chile coach. Reuters leaps up and down and rants with Milan his players, a complete contrast ‘We definitely want to make a mark in this tournament. We don’t just want to sit there to Juve’s phlegmatic coach Mas- similiano Allegri. and roll over and get beat every time we play in the Champions League’ orge Sampaoli’s unique Sevilla’s visit will be an inter- brand of whirlwind foot- esting test for the Serie A cham- Reuters eralded club from the East Midlands of ball is set to be unleashed pions who have won their fi rst London England to prove themselves on the big- on an unsuspecting three league matches of the sea- gest stage, and that the players were de- ChampionsJ League when his Se- son and are fi nding little resist- termined to enjoy it. villa team face Juventus today. ance domestically. ngland striker Jamie Vardy says “But we’re not there just to be walked Sampaoli turned Chile into one The teams also met in the group Leicester City have no inten- all over,” he added. of the most entertaining teams at stage last season and, although tion of treating the Champions Claudio Ranieri’s side have been the World Cup two years ago and the Italian side qualifi ed and Se- League as some sort of belated placed in Group G alongside Porto, Co- the Argentine’s fi rst few games villa went out, a 1-0 defeat away PremierE League victory parade, and are penhagen and Brugge, who have picked with Sevilla have shown that he is to the Spaniards meant Juventus ready to add another chapter to last sea- up just seven points from their opening not afraid to bring his unique style fi nished second and faced Bayern son’s stunning success story. six Belgian league matches. to the European club game. Munich in the round of 16. The club travel to Belgium to take on The Europa League champions Juventus coach Allegri is al- Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium MARKED MAN kicked off their La Liga campaign ready worried about the amount today in their opening group fi xture, and And despite remaining upbeat about his with a 6-4 win over Espanyol of praise that his new look team Vardy says he wants the Foxes to make an club’s chances, Vardy knows they will and on Saturday, after failing to are getting. impact on the competition, given Eng- have their work cut out. turn up for the fi rst half hour, hit “Everyone says that Juventus lish clubs have struggled at Europe’s elite “I think every game in our group will back to beat Las Palmas 2-1 with will win everything, the cham- level in recent years. be tough. It doesn’t matter who you are a 94th minute winner. pionship, the Coppa Italia and “We defi nitely want to make a mark playing, they’ve qualifi ed for a reason - Sampaoli’s teams play with a the Champions League and that in this tournament,” Vardy told Reuters because of how well they did last year and fast and furious style which of- doesn’t do us any good, because in an interview. “We don’t just want to they’ll only want to improve this season. ten threatens to blow their op- we lose our balance and sense of sit there and roll over and get beat every “You’ve just got to turn up and make ponents away but can leave their perspective,” he said. time we play in the Champions League. sure you’re on the ball when the game time own defence dangerously ex- He is also unhappy with the “We want to give it a good go. I think comes, and hopefully pick the wins up.” posed at the back. two goals they have conceded in if we play anywhere near how we have Vardy’s goal scoring exploits fi red Whenever they have the ball, their fi rst three games. played, especially all last season, then Leicester to the club’s fi rst-ever English they sweep forwards in relentless “We conceded two goals from why can’t we...” the 29-year-old added. league title by 10 points last season after waves with seven or eight players corners this season already and Vardy said Champions League football netting 24 goals. joining the attack. that is too many,” he said. would be another chance for the unh- As the Champions embark on their ti- Spanish media have been “There are moments in the tle defence, Ranieri has urged referees to scratching their heads trying to game when we are in our own protect Vardy as he prepared for life as a work out what formation Sam- half and must defend well, with- Fixtures ‘marked man’. paoli’s team plays, with one ven- out letting the opposition get Group E But that’s not a challenge that has turing that it was a 2-1-5-2. away from us. Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) vs CSKA fazed the Sheffi eld-born striker, who was Shaven-headed and some- “We all have to work hard and Moscow (Russia) (1845) plying his trade with Non-League Fleet- times with a wild stare, Sampaoli cannot just take it for granted Tottenham Hotspur (England) vs wood Town just four seasons ago. also brings an extra dose of en- that the three at the back will Monaco (France) (1845) “That’s up to me to get on the train- ergy to the touchline, where he take care of things.” ing fi eld and adapt my game and come Group F back with answers to them stopping me,” Legia Warsaw (Poland) vs Borussia Vardy said. IN SUPPORT Dortmund (Germany) (1845) “It is all down to me to put the hard Real Madrid (Spain) vs Sporting (Por- work in on the training fi eld every day tugal) (1845) and then take that into matches. “We don’t feel like we’re in for a tough- Lineker backs EPL Group G er test this year. Club Bruges (Belgium) vs Leicester At the end of the day we weren’t sup- City (England) (1845) posed to win the league last year and teams to end Spain’s Porto (Portugal) vs FC Copenhagen we’re not supposed to win it again this (Denmark) (1845) year. “We’ll just go out and do exactly what we always do and that’s give a 110 Euro dominance Group H percent.” Juventus (Italy) vs Sevilla (Spain) Leicester remain on four points from AFP it could actually work, unless it’s (1845) four matches after the club’s 4-1 defeat London an absolute breakaway with all Olympique Lyon (France) vs Dinamo at Liverpool on Saturday, after what has the giants in the world and they Zagreb (Croatia) (1845) been a lacklustre start to their 2016/17 completely disregard their own Premier League campaign. File picture of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. he leading English clubs leagues,” he said.”But I’m not can become “the Barce- sure football fans would ever al- lonas and Real Madrids low that to happen.” BOTTOMLINE of tomorrow” accord- ingT to BT Sport presenter Gary ‘MASTER TEACHER’ Lineker. Lineker will be fronting televi- The former England and Bar- sion station BT Sport’s Champi- celona striker believes that the ons League coverage and expects fi nancial power of the Premier to see all four English clubs in the League will persuade the next knockout stage. “I suspect Man- From outsiders to C’League generation of the world’s leading chester City would have the best players to follow top coaches such chance of success this season as Pep Guardiola to England. and they could conceivably go all Spanish clubs have domi- the way,” he said. nated the later stages of both “Guardiola has managed to hopefuls, Leicester raring to go the Champions League and the change the way they play so quickly. It says a lot about his DPA Number crunchers Europa League in recent sea- London sons, with Chelsea the Premier players as well, but it shows what off er hope for Foxes League’s lone winners of the a master teacher he clearly is. Leicester City fans will be senior competition in the past “I totally applaud that. I’ve avourites for relega- hoping ‘form is temporary, eight years. winced at pundits talking about tion from the Premier class is permanent’ ahead But Lineker expects that to the times you’ve got to play per- League last season, Eng- of their club’s Champions change before long. centages and whack the ball out lish champions Leicester League debut today, and stat- “At the moment Spanish foot- of play. Let’s see if Guardiola makeF their Champions League ball is super-dominant, but I can prove that kind of attitude isticians say they have reason debut at Club Brugge today. to be optimistic. think we’re just at the start of wrong. Let’s play. If they make Claudio Ranieri’s men fi nd According to Gracenote Sports, becoming more impactful in Eu- the odd mistake, it doesn’t mat- themselves in rarefi ed company the Foxes should reach the rope,” he said on Monday. ter. I’ve thought that for years. So this season, a far cry from the knockout phase of Europe’s “If you look at our sides, we I’ll be fascinated to see it.” start of last term, when they premier competition. haven’t got the world-class su- Lineker believes that Tottenham were 5,000-1 to win the title. Not only that, but they would perstars who still generally go to Hotspur, another of his former It might be their fi rst time in appear to have a better Real Madrid or Barcelona, Bay- clubs, can also do well, although the competition but in a group chance than 2010-11 quarter- ern Munich as well. playing home games at Wembley, containing Porto and FC Copen- finalists and on-song league “So we’ve been going through rather than at their nearby north hagen, Leicester may fancy their rivals Tottenham Hotspur. a period where we’ve just not London home of White Hart Lane, chances of making the next stage. Gracenote’s Euro Club Index been good enough really. in search of bigger crowds, could For midfi elder Danny Drink- prediction of the 16 most “But now we’re seeing that prove a disadvantage. water, though, it is reward for likely qualifiers from the 32 the best coaches in the world “Tottenham fans generally their eff orts last season, when clubs in the group stages is go to our league and I think the make for a good atmosphere and they held their nerve to claim File picture of Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri (R) during his team’s EPL match against Liverpool. led, inevitably, by European best players will come because I’m sure they’ll want to do the the league title for the fi rst time giants Barcelona, Real Madrid, our league is where all the real same in the Champions League,” in their history. Madrid midfi elder Steve Mc- it’d be even better,” he said. mental energy will return much Juventus and Bayern Munich. money is. he said. “But then you lose some “We’re all excited because it’s a Manaman said they have no rea- “If we reach the point of get- quicker because everyone wants That comes as no surprise, “It might not be this generation familiarity when you play your big achievement for the club and son to fear anyone. ting to the next stage as early as to play in the Champions League with Barcelona seeking to in terms of the Messis and Ronal- own home games at a place for the players to be a part for it is “I think they might take some we can, it helps us as a squad. in Bruges.” reach the knockout phase for dos — it’s a bit late for them. where you don’t normally play.” huge,” he told the club’s website. teams by surprise,” McMana- Any point away from home in the New club record signing Islam the 13th season in a row and But I’m almost convinced Meanwhile Leicester City, his “As a team, we’ve kind of forced man said on Saturday, while Champions League is massive.” Slimani may make his debut at Real the 20th time in succes- that we’ll see the next superstars fi rst club and the team he sup- our way into it having had such a commentating on Leicester dur- Manager Ranieri said he ex- Bruges, having joined up with sion — one more than Arsenal. come to our league and our big ports, have to overcome the ab- good season last season. We de- ing their defeat by Liverpool. pected Leicester to bounce back his colleagues late after signing But Claudio Ranieri’s Leices- clubs will be the Barcelonas and sence of N’Golo Kante, who left serve to be in it and if we can put “Teams will come on to them well from their heavy defeat at from Sporting Lisbon. ter, despite being ranked only Real Madrids of tomorrow. for Chelsea in pre-season. our stamp on Champions League and they can hit them on the Liverpool. “The situation with him is the 32nd best team in the “The only other place that could “(Leicester manager) Clau- football, it’d be perfect. break.” “We have to react,” he told the OK,” Ranieri said. “He arrived overall index, appear a sur- compete is China and big players dio Ranieri was saying he could “It’s a massive achievement. Drinkwater said Leicester will Leicester Mercury newspaper. on Friday night and just met his prisingly high 13th thanks to are not going to want to go there play the way he did (last season) We’ve set a new target in the go all out to get the three points “Last season when we lost we teammates. the luck of the draw with Tot- until the end of their careers.” because having Kante was like club’s mind and we’ve reached a when they travel to Bruges. always had a good reaction. I am “Now he is ready for a training tenham predicted to qualify Meanwhile Lineker doubts having two midfi eld players. But goal that probably thought they “If we can go there and get a waiting for a good reaction. session and to be available for also in 16th place. Now to see that talk of a rival world league Claudio is canny and I suspect could never get to so early.” draw then we’ve got a point on “I think it will be much easier, the next match in the Champi- what happens on the pitch. will translate into reality. tactically he will adjust. I think Former Liverpool and Real the board, but if we can get a win much better because now their ons League.” “It’s diffi cult to imagine how he will have to.” Gulf Times Wednesday, September 14, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DECISION TIME UEFA set to vote on No Wembley new president excuses for Spurs

President of the Football Association of Slovenia and candidate for says Pochettino the UEFA presidency Aleksander Ceferin speaks during an interview. ‘You have more space to play, it’s more diff icult for the opponent to press you when DPA of club football, and will be able Athens to foster close ties with other confederations,” he said. there are more metres to run, but the same for both’ The German federation (DFB) EFA will elect a new meanwhile has cited Ceferin’s president today to suc- programme to extend dialogue ceed banned Michel between national associations, Platini as it attempts to leagues and clubs and to take Umake a fresh start following cor- greater consideration of their in- ruption investigations in football. terests. The 55 member associations DFB president Reinhard Grindel of the European organising body said Tuesday that Germany’s bid will choose between two can- to host Euro 2024 played no role in didates, Aleksander Ceferin of its support for the Slovenian, who Slovenia and Michael van Praag has until now been somewhat of of the Netherlands. an unknown quantity. The winner will complete Ceferin has said he favours a Platini’s third four-year presi- single host for Euro 2024 follow- dential term, which expires in ing the pan-European 2020 edi- March 2019. tion, in comments which could Controversially, former France bolster Germany’s bid. international Platini will address Nordic countries Sweden, the extraordinary congress despite Denmark, Norway and Finland his four-year ban from football. were also planning a joint bid for UEFA said the ethics commit- the 2024 tournament. tee of world governing body FIFA Grindel told dpa he had spoken had allowed Platini to address to both Ceferin and Van Praag delegates. about Germany’s Euro plans, A spokesman for FIFA’s eth- saying this was “legitimate” but ics committee, Marc Tenbucken, that no agreements had been told Press Association Sport: made. “UEFA formally asked the adju- “Of course I have shown the dicatory chamber of the inde- two candidates why we can off er pendent ethics committee for an a strong bid for the 2024 Euro- exception for Michel Platini to be pean Championships, and I have able to make a short farewell ad- expressed (the view) that we dress to its congress in Athens. would appreciate it if our candi- “The chairman of the adju- dature is supported,” he said. dicatory chamber, Mr Hans- “It is important that we do not Joachim Eckert, granted this have any new personnel discus- exception as a gesture of human- sions in the coming years,” he ity.” added in a reference to the ages Both candidates to succeed of the two candidates. Platini have promised to improve Ceferin is at 48, 20 years transparency and governance younger than Van Praag. following the corruption scan- Owing to the UEFA age limit dals which have aff ected world rule of 70, the Dutchman could governing body FIFA and conti- not stand for re-election in 2019. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino during a training session ahead of his team’s Champions League tie against Monaco. nental confederations. Grindel is also one of the ad- Ceferin, head of the Slovenia ministrators who criticised the AFP rarily playing there in the late 1990s. dimensions as Wembley.” “My fi rst time I went training at Wem- football federation, is being seen decision to grant Platini permis- London Tottenham have won only once at the Tottenham striker Harry Kane agrees bley, the stadium was unbelievable. I’m as the favourite after garnering sion to speak at the congress. redeveloped Wembley since it opened with Pochettino and claims a strong Eng- excited to play there, so many fans will be the support of Germany, Russia, Platini was banned from foot- in 2007 and Pochettino’s demand for a lish core that includes internationals Kyle there and we have to win this game.” France and Portugal among oth- ball in connection with a disloyal auricio Pochettino insists high-intensity pressing style may prove Walker, Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Tottenham head into the Monaco clash ers. payment of some 2 million Swiss Tottenham won’t be allowed more demanding for his players on the himself, can help them settle in the venue on a high after winning 4-0 at Stoke in He has told reporters he be- francs (2 million dollars) he re- to use their temporary move stadium’s big pitch. where they play for their country. the Premier League on Saturday. lieves he has the support of 32 ceived from then FIFA president to Wembley as an excuse for But the Argentine coach has drilled his “If there are 85-90,000 Tottenham But Monaco will also be in confi dent associations – enough for the re- Joseph Blatter in 2011 for work Mfailure in their Champions League opener players on a pitch of the same size at their fans in there it’s only going to make you mood after climbing to the top of Ligue 1 quired majority of votes. done as a FIFA presidential ad- against Monaco today. Enfi eld training ground and he expects play better,” Kane said. with a 4-1 win at Lille. England and Belgium are viser a decade earlier. Pochettino’s side return to the Cham- them to thrive in their new surroundings. “A lot of us have played there already, Leonardo Jardim’s team are unbeaten meanwhile among the associa- FIFA president Gianni Infanti- pions League for the fi rst time in fi ve “We need to go to Wembley and play, so it feels like even more of a home. Eve- in four league matches, including an up- tions backing Van Praag. no, who as UEFA’s former secre- years in unfamiliar surroundings after behave naturally and not try to fi nd an ryone knows how iconic Wembley is, but set of French champions Paris Saint Ger- English Football Association tary general was Platini’s right- deciding to stage their European matches excuse, that’s never good,” Pochettino that’s what we’ve got to be careful of. main, and survived two tough rounds of vice-chairman David Gill said hand man, will be attending the at Wembley rather than White Hart Lane. said yesterday. “Monaco are going to come here and qualifying against Fenerbahce and Vil- last week Van Praag would bring congress as guest. The prospect of bigger crowds at the “We trust in us. We believe in the way it’s a big occasion for them as well. We larreal to reach the Champions League “dignity and integrity” to the job. In the run-up to the vote, In- English national stadium convinced Tot- we play and it’s a good chance to play on have to make sure we’re ready for that.” group stages. “Van Praag is also the right fantino dismissed reports in tenham to make the short move across a big pitch. Unlike his English colleagues, South Ko- According to former France and Arse- choice to bring all aspects of the Dutch and Norwegian media that north London and the crowd is expected “You have more space to play, it’s more rea midfi elder Son Heung-min got his fi rst nal star Emmanuel Petit, Jardim’s men European game closer together, one of his FIFA advisers had lob- to set a new record for the largest attend- diffi cult for the opponent to press you taste of the most famous stadium in Eng- should not be underestimated. particularly with his knowledge bied for Ceferin. ance for a home Champions League game when there are more metres to run, but land when Spurs trained there recently. “Monaco will not be intimidated. They in Britain. the same for both. “For every player, it’s a dream to play in are in good form and they beat PSG just Fans of Tottenham’s bitter rivals Arse- “We feel good at White Hart Lane be- the Champions League,” Son said. before the international break,” he said. nal can testify to the struggles of a Wem- cause it’s our home and we need to feel “For me also, it’s two years since I “They are organised and are playing Everton to donate 200,000 pounds bley relocation after they won just two of good at Wembley. With two pitches at the played in the Champions League. I can’t well. Spurs need to be careful of them,” to Sunderland fan their six fi xtures in Europe when tempo- training ground we designed the same wait for this night. added Petit. Everton have pledged to pounds. donate 200,000 pounds “Everton Football Club BOTTOMLINE ($265,760) to five-year-old has pledged a donation of Sunderland fan Bradley 200,000 pounds to support Lowery in his battle against Bradley Lowery in his brave cancer, the Merseyside club battle,” the club said in a state- said. ment on their website. Lowery was just two when he “We wish Bradley every suc- Sublime Lukaku ends goal drought was first diagnosed with the cess and he has the love and life-threatening illness. support of every Evertonian.” His parents have launched a Everton, who secured a 3-0 AFP an football,” the Dutchman told They lifted the pressure tem- fundraising campaign for his win at Sunderland on Monday, Sunderland Sky Sports. porarily when central defender treatment in the United States host Middlesbrough on “That is a realistic target. If Lamine Kone — scorer of a brace which would cost 700,000 Saturday. we play like we did in the fi rst when the ‘Black Cats’ trounced elgian international half we will be 13th or 14th. The Everton 3-0 to ensure they re- striker Romelu Lukaku’s players are not stupid — they mained in the Premier League in Rejuvenated Sterling ready to fight longest goal drought in know what they can do.” May — rose above Phil Jagielka for Man City place English football came Moyes for his part said the but Maarten Stekelenburg was toB an end in dramatic fashion on new players he had brought in equal to the task of saving his Manchester City winger Ra- when there’s four or five Monday as a hat-trick saw Ever- would take time to settle but 52nd minute header. heem Sterling has welcomed players who can play your ton defeat Sunderland 3-0 in that wasn’t a good enough ex- However, he made no mistake the increased competition for position,” Sterling told British their Premier League clash. cuse for their performance. on the hour mark as unmarked places heralded by the sign- media. The 23-year-old — who “I was really disappointed, he headed Idrissa Gueye’s cross ings of Leroy Sane and Span- “You always want to be on the hadn’t scored for his club in 13 especially with the last 30 min- past Pickford — Deulofeu the ish wide forward Nolito. pitch, not in the stands.” matches dating back to March utes,” said Moyes. inspiration behind the goal hav- Sterling, who was vilified by Sterling was substituted by — scored all three in 11 minutes Lukaku had the best chance of ing won the ball midway in his a section of his country’s Sane after an hour in the Man- of the second-half to lift his side a frenetic fi rst-half where both own half from Wahbi Khazri and fans after England’s dismal chester derby on Saturday into third in the Premier League, sides showed a willingness to bringing it deep into Sunderland performance at the European and agreed the 20-year-old two points behind leaders Man- attack but conjured up few op- territory. Championship, seems a player had impressed on his debut chester City. portunities. However, he was not to be de- reborn under new manager after shrugging off a ham- “I think it was all about fi tness The Belgian frontman, nied fi ve minutes later as Yannick Pep Guardiola. string injury. levels. I’m happy for the team,” Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring a hat trick. though, might have done better Bolasie found space down the left, The 21-year-old was named “Leroy’s come in and he’s a Lukaku told Sky Sports. than heading it straight at young cut to the byline and crossed to an the Premier League’s player really good guy who I speak “I think I could have had fi ve two competitive away games for Koeman, who arrived from Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan unmarked Lukaku who made no of the month for August with to a lot but obviously he plays in the end. I have to be more of former Everton handler David Southampton in the summer, Pickford, the England Under-21 mistake with his header. a goal and two assists in City’s the same position — hopefully a serial killer for the team to Moyes it was sheer misery. was furious with the fi rst half international still reacting bril- Two minutes on and Lukaku first three matches and is we can both be on the pitch achieve their objective.” His Sunderland side have gar- performance but said he had not liantly to tip the thunderbolt raced clear after being found by confident his strong form will at the same time but we have Whilst the victory meant Ro- nered just a point from the fi rst been worried by Lukaku’s lack of header over the bar. a superb sleight-rule pass by see him hold on to his starting to work hard and show why nald Koeman became the fi rst four matches and have begun a goals as he is a ‘great player’. Sunderland were again on the Kevin Mirallas, and the Belgian place. we deserve to be involved,” Everton manager since Thomas season with four winless games “I think we will be one of the back foot at the start of the sec- striker slotted it nonchalantly “It raises any players’ game Sterling added. McIntosh in 1919 to win his fi rst for the sixth consecutive year. teams that will fi ght for Europe- ond-half. past Pickford for his hat-trick. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, September 14, 2016 SPORT

NFL FOCUS Carlos applauds San Francisco rout LA Kaepernick

Reuters Gilroy, Californuia

ohn Carlos, whose bronze Rams in season opener medal at the 1968 Olym- pics was overshadowed by his raised-fi st protest ‘The credit goes to our defence. They did a very nice job. It is something for us to build on’ onJ the medal podium, said the recent demonstrations by Na- tional Football League players AFP are “shock treatment” for the San Francisco American people. Now 71, Carlos applauds San Francisco 49ers backup quarter- arlos Hyde scored two back Colin Kaepernick and other touchdowns as the San players who are using their huge Francisco 49ers routed televised platform to speak out Los Angeles 28-0 in the against racial injustice and police Rams’C season opener and fi rst brutality in the United States. game since returning to south- “He’s bringing attention to ern California following a 21- (the issues). And how did he year absence. bring attention to them? The Quarterback Blaine Gabbert same way we did 48 years ago in threw a touchdown pass as the terms of giving America shock 49ers were in control through- treatment. That’s the only way out, giving new San Francisco they move, man: is when you coach Chip Kelly a victory in his shock them,” Carlos told Reuters debut Monday night at Levi’s in an interview Monday at his Stadium. “The credit goes to our son’s home in Gilroy, California. defence and our defensive staff ,” The 28-year-old Kaepernick said Kelly. “They did a very nice sparked controversy when he job. It is something for us to build began the protest by refusing on.” to stand for “The Star-Span- It was a tough night for the gled Banner” during preseason Rams whose return to Los An- games in America’s most popu- geles after a 21-year stay in St. lar sports league. Since then, Louis had created a buzz around several others have followed suit the National Football League by kneeling during the anthem only to be shutout in their sea- or raising a fi st. son opener. The raised-fi st demonstration This was among the league’s echoes the protest by Carlos and top rivalries back in the 1970s his American teammate and gold and 1980s when the Los Angeles medallist, Tommie Smith, after Rams or the 49ers won all but they placed in the 200m at the two NFC West Division crowns. 1968 Olympic Games. San Francisco backup quar- Barefoot on the podium in terback Colin Kaepernick con- Mexico City, the two Americans tinued his American anthem bowed their heads and pushed protest Monday by kneeling their black-gloved fi sts into the during the playing of the Star- air. They shocked the world and Spangled Banner. many Americans reeling from Hyde gained 88 yards on 23 a turbulent year in the fi ght for carries and Gabbert completed civil rights. They were suspend- 22-of-35 passes for 170 yards ed from the US Olympic team and an eight-yard touchdown and sent home early. to tight end Vance McDonald. The demonstration, which Running back Shaun Draughn Carlos said was about bringing scored on a three-yard run in San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (No 28) celebrates with off ensive tackle Trent Brown after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles together people of colour in soli- the second quarter, and wide Rams during a NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports darity, became one of the most receiver Jeremy Kerley grabbed iconic images of protest in sport. seven passes for 61 yards. receiver Antonio Brown grabbed end Jesse James caught fi ve The protests in the NFL have The 49ers’ defence held the eight passes for 126 yards and passes for 31 yards, and second- surfaced some two years after Rams to 185 total yards. Los An- two touchdowns for the Steelers. year receiver Coates added two a new civil rights movement geles running back Todd Gurley Roethlisberger completed 27-of- receptions for 56 yards. against police brutality and ran for just 47 yards on 17 carries. 37 passes with one interception Redskins quarterback Kirk racial discrimination mush- Gurley was the league’s off ensive at FedEx Field stadium. Cousins had his streak of 16 roomed and came to be known as rookie of the year last year. “That was my message to the straight regular-season games Black Lives Matter. That move- Quarterback Case Keenum guys last night in the off ensive with a touchdown pass snapped. ment grew out of the fatal po- struggled mightily in the fi rst meeting,” Roethlisberger said. He completed 30-of-43 passes lice shooting of unarmed, black season-opening start of his “We hold ourselves to a high for 329 yards and threw two in- teenager Michael Brown by a career. He completed 17-of-35 expectation. I think people terceptions. white police offi cer in Ferguson, passes for 130 yards with two thought, ‘What are you going DeSean Jackson had six Missouri in 2014 and has been interceptions. Rams rookie to do without Martavis, what catches for 102 yards for Wash- fuelled by a stream of high-pro- quarterback Jared Goff , the first are you going to do without ington. The Steelers went two- fi le police killings of unarmed overall pick in the 2016 draft, Le’Veon, without (retired tight for-two on fourth down con- black people since. wasn’t able to crack the starting end) Heath Miller?’ versions. Carlos said both the NFL lineup and was in street clothes “My message was, ‘Well, Conversely the Redskins were protests and Black Lives Matter for the fi nal game of NFL’s fi rst we’ve got Sammie Coates and zero-for-two on fourth down were connected to the strug- week of action. Eli (Rogers) and all the tight ends and just three-for-10 on third gles against racial injustice in and DeAngelo Williams.’ We’ve downs. “We didn’t convert the past, including his raised- Steelers 38 Redskins 16 got guys that can make plays and (fourth downs) and we weren’t fi st protest and the civil rights In the earlier Monday con- they showed it tonight.” very good on third downs,” Red- movement of the 1960s. “We test, Ben Roethlisberger threw Williams rushed for 143 skins coach Jay Gruden said. were gardeners and caretakers. for 300 yards and three touch- yards on 26 carries, while sec- “The money downs are a We till the earth. We plant the downs and the Pittsburgh Steel- ond-year receiver Rogers had big diff erence in the game, but seeds. We water the ground. And ers stomped the host Wash- six catches for 59 yards and a overall they just out-coached us Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger passes the ball as Washington Redskins what you see today is the fruit of ington Redskins 38-16. Wide touchdown. Second-year tight and out-played us.” linebacker Preston Smith (L) rushes during the first half at FedEx Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports our labour,” Carlos said.

SPOTLIGHT Kaepernick continues anthem protest

Reuters people by white offi cers that tice against all Americans. We San Francisco have prompted demonstrations should all get behind that,” said across the country. Daryl Graves, 52, a fan who was Two players on the opposing in the stands during the game in an Francisco 49ers back- team, wide receiver Kenny Britt San Francisco. up quarterback Colin and defensive end Robert Quinn “Change doesn’t happen Kaepernick brought his of the Los Angeles Rams, also without confrontation.” protest against racial in- raised their fi sts for the opening President Barack Obama has equalityS to a nationally televised ceremony — recalling the salute weighed in, saying Kaepernick Monday Night Football audi- by black athletes Tommie Smith was exercising a constitutional ence, kneeling on the fi eld rather and John Carlos during their right and provoking conversa- than standing as the national medal ceremony at the 1968 Ol- tion “around some topics that anthem played. ympic Games in Mexico City. need to be talked about.” Other players joined the Afri- The protest has angered some On Sunday, Kansas City can-American athlete who has fans, who see it as disrespectful Chiefs cornerback Marcus Pe- ignited a furour within the Na- to the US fl ag, the military and ters, also black, raised his fi st tional Football League through the nation. While military per- during the national anthem for an act of defi ance he introduced sonnel unfurled a giant Ameri- his team’s home-game season during pre-season games. can fl ag over the fi eld, a number opener against the San Diego 49ers safety Eric Reid knelt of fans shouted at Kaepernick, Chargers. beside Kaepernick on the side- “Why don’t you stand up?” ac- Other members of the Chiefs lines on Monday. Two other cording to an ESPN commentator linked arms during Sunday’s teammates, safety Antoine reporting for the Disney-owned anthem, as did the Seattle Sea- Bethea and linebacker Eli Ha- sports channel’s broadcast. hawks at their home game rold, stood with fi sts raised dur- against the Miami Dolphins. The ing the performance of the “Star ‘AN INJUSTICE’ exact meaning of their gestures Spangled Banner”. But the protesting players was not clear. “You have a badge, yes. You have been seen as allies of the Four members of the Dolphins are supposed to be protect- Black Lives Matter movement, knelt while the “Star-Spangled ing us, not murdering us and which grew in response to the Banner” played on Sunday. that is what the issue really is,” police shootings. About two- In Thursday’s NFL season Kaepernick said of police after thirds of NFL players are black. opener, Denver Broncos line- the game, referring to a series “One injustice against backer Brandon Marshall knelt Colin Kaepernick (R) and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to playing the Los Angeles of shootings of unarmed black one American... is an injus- during the anthem. Rams in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, September 14, 2016 5 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Hendricks continues brilliant season, A’s hammer Royals to fl irts with no-hitter

By Paul Sullivan worry about the radar gun or Chicago Tribune what he’s throwing or anything else. He really has a good idea of how to set guys up and fi n- he Cubs were hoping to ish them. It’s been impressive open 4-game series throw a wild celebra- to watch him this year, how he tion at Busch Stadium executes.” today, when a sweep It’s that preparation that has ‘These games are easy to turn the page, a lot tougher is losing a one-run game’ Tof the three-game series would made Hendricks, a Dartmouth clinch the National League grad, one of the game’s bright- Central title. est young starters. By Rustin Dodd But Kyle Hendricks threat- “He prepares himself better The Kansas City Star ened to move the party up a than anyone I’ve caught in my couple of days, taking a no- career,” catcher Miguel Monte- hitter into the ninth inning ro said afterward. “He’s fun to hen the parade Monday night in a 4-1 win over catch, and it’s been fun because of relievers was the Cardinals. he’s a guy that wants to learn done, and the score A solo home run by Jeremy every day, wants to get better. was fi nally out of Hazelbaker leading off the “He’s open-minded for what- Wreach, Royals manager Ned Yost ninth ended the no-no. And ever advice you can give him. climbed the stairs of the fi rst that preceded some fi reworks It’s an honour to catch him.” base dugout and trudged toward between Cubs manager Joe Hendricks’ no-hit bid was the mound once more. Maddon and plate umpire Joe kept intact by some stellar de- His pace was quick but delib- West that got Maddon ejected. fensive plays, including two in erate. His eyes shifted down for a Hendricks said thoughts of the sixth when Addison Russell second and then back up. As he the no-hitter were creeping in backhanded a ball and threw reached the mound, a scatter of inning by inning and admitted out Jhonny Peralta, and Jason boos echoed throughout Kauff - his heart sank when Hazelbaker Heyward went into the fi rst row man Stadium. connected on an 0-2 changeup. of the right-fi eld box seats to It was the top of the sixth in- “Yeah, but if you’re going to catch a foul pop. ning on Monday night, and al- give it up, at least it’s that way In the seventh, Kris Bry- ready, Yost had made this jour- and not a cheap hit or some- ant went into the hole at third ney three times. In this instant, thing,” he said. “Just left the to snag a grounder by Stephen it was right-hander Chris Young ball up and he got it. What are Piscotty, got up on one knee who was handing the ball back you gonna do?” and easily got his man. to Yost and walking back to the Hendricks missed out on The Cubs reduced their dugout. But it could have been history, but he made his case magic number to three, and can starter Dillon Gee, right-hander for the Cy Young Award with still clinch at Busch Stadium Brooks Pounders or left-hander another gem. Maddon said with victories Tuesday night Scott Alexander. Monday’s performance should and Wednesday afternoon. But All had pitched in the open- “catapult” Hendricks to the top clinching in St. Louis is no big ing six innings, and all had failed in the minds of voters. deal to Maddon or Cubs players. to tame the bats of the Oakland “There’s been talk for a while “I know it would be kind of a A’s. The fi nal score would say the now about that,” Hendricks little thorn in their side for us Royals’ absorbed a 16-3 beating said. “Those are all just based to do it here,” Lester said. “But on Monday, falling in the opener on results. The only way results we know these guys are fi ghting of a homestand where enough are going to come is if you fo- for a playoff spot, so we know losses could puncture the club’s cus on the little things. That’s what they’re going to bring in faint playoff hopes. my preparation, consistent intensity and all that stuff . ... But the white fl ag appeared in work between my starts, sim- If we have a chance, great. If we the top of the sixth inning, as the ple thoughts taking the mound, don’t, we go home and it’ll be A’s poured on the off ense against and just trying to make good even better at home.” a wobbly Young, who had en- pitches.” But if the Cubs do manage to tered in the fourth inning. Facing the league’s most clinch here, Maddon confi rmed Young would allow three hits. Oakland Athletics’ Brett Eibner scores in front of Kansas City Royals catcher Drew Butera on a sacrifice double play in Kansas City. power-happy lineup, Hen- he doesn’t believe a team can Third baseman Cheslor Cuth- PICTURE: Kansas City Star/TNS dricks breezed through the “over-celebrate” anything. bert would make a costly throw- Cardinals as if he was on his “I just think that applies to ing error. A’s shortstop Marcus 14 with a four-run ninth inning wrist, while Perez was a late When Gee struggled again in the silent again. way to a picnic. He walked two people who don’t like to cel- Semien would execute the fi n- against rookie Alec Mills, who scratch, attending the birth of fourth, Yost turned to Pounders, “These games are easy to turn men and faced only one bat- ebrate,” he said. “If you’re an isher, jumping on an 82 mph was activated before the game. his second son, Johan Salvador who allowed a double while not the page, a lot tougher is losing a ter over the minimum into the anti-celebratory person, then slider and sending a three-run The Royals remained just four Perez. recording an out. Next came Al- one-run game,” Royals manager ninth, changing speeds and over-celebrating becomes a shot screaming into the seats in games out of a playoff spot as The baby boy was healthy and exander, who allowed one hit be- Ned Yost said. keeping the Cardinals lineup concept. But for me, I think left fi eld. Baltimore took a similar beat- the moment elated Perez, who fore Yost turned to Young. “We just got beat. We didn’t off balance all night. celebrations are celebrations.” When the baseball landed, the ing in Boston. But with 19 games announced the birth on his In- Moments later, Young ended play good, we didn’t pitch good Hendricks lowered his Hendricks’ night was just A’s led 11-3 and Young had al- left, Kansas City failed to make stagram account on Monday af- the inning with the A’s lead at and we got beat.” league-leading earned-run av- the appetizer. The real party is lowed four runs (three earned). up any ground on the fi ve teams ternoon. But it didn’t bring any 6-3, and perhaps Yost was done erage to 2.03 and has allowed on deck. As Yost emerged from the dug- ahead of them in the wild-card positive karma. with the bullpen lottery, hop- RESULTS three runs or fewer in his last out, the energy in this old sta- picture. Royals starter Dillon Gee was ing to keep his big guns fresh. LA Dodgers 8 NY Yankees 2 20 starts. Before the game, Jon dium was gone. Even more demoralising: roughed up for fi ve runs in 3 1/3 Whatever the case, Yost stuck Washington 8 NY Mets 1 Lester marvelled over how well In a macro sense, you could The loss dropped the Royals to innings, allowing a mammoth with Young until the proceed- Philadelphia 6 Pittsburgh 2 Hendricks executes a game chalk up Monday as just one of just 7-17 against the American three-run homer into the Water ings blew up in the sixth inning. Toronto 3 Tampa Bay 2 plan, going over each hitter with those lost nights in a season. But League West, including a 2-8 Spectacular from Oakland’s Kris The blowout allowed rookie Detroit 4 Minnesota 2 catching coach Mike Borzello considering the state of the Roy- record against the A’s and An- Davis in the top of the third. Hunter Dozier to make his ma- Boston 12 Baltimore 2 and the night’s starting catcher. als – just four games out of the gels, two teams who entered The Royals clawed back into jor-league debut after a long Atlanta 12 Miami 7 “It’s like you can sit in the second American League wild- Monday a combined 38 games the game in the bottom of the wait. Cincinnati 3 Milwaukee 0 background and write it down card spot with 20 to play – the under .500. third, tying the game with three He took over right fi eld in the Oakland 16 Kansas City 3 and go through each at-bat result felt like a technical knock- The Royals were once again runs, including a two-out RBI seventh and struck out against White Sox 11 Cleveland 4 with him as he’s doing it,” Lest- out. without outfi elder Lorenzo Cain single from designated hitter Zach Neal in his fi rst at-bat in Texas 4 Houston 3 (12 inns) er said. “His recall is unbeliev- The last-place A’s (61-82) had and catcher Salvador Perez as Kendrys Morales. the ninth. As Dozier batted, the Chicago Cubs 4 St. Louis 1 able, what he does and how he scored just 14 runs in their previ- they opened an eight-game But the off ense could not keep thin remains of a Monday night Arizona 12 Colorado 9 goes about it. It’s fun to watch ous fi ve games. On Monday, they homestand. Cain remained on up with a bullpen that turned crowd began to shriek and stir. Seattle 8 LA Angels 1 just because he’s so diff erent pounded out 17 hits and eclipsed the bench with a sprained left volatile in the early innings. Moments later, the stadium was San Diego 4 San Francisco 0 than anyone else. You don’t

FOCUS Datsyuk bemoans lack of creativity in NHL

By Jason Mackey player (5-foot-11, 184 pounds) Minutes (GA60) shrinking from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette who wasn’t drafted until the 2.76 to 2.17. sixth round in 1998. That’s not quite Datsyuk terri- The advanced statistics on tory, but it’s impressive nonethe- idney Crosby has never Datsyuk, if you’re trying to less. And Datsyuk, who already been shy about express- quantify his value as a defensive has four goals and seven points ing his admiration for player, are astounding. Stats. in six KHL games, has noticed. Pavel Datsyuk’s unique hockeyanalysis.com traces shot Told of Crosby’s admiration for brandS of hockey. attempts back to 2007. his game, Datsyuk seemed taken The longtime Detroit Red In the nine years since, Datsy- aback and expressed honest ap- Wing “retired” as an NHL player uk’s Shot Attempts Against Per preciation before off ering his at 38 this summer and signed a 60 Minutes (SA60) mark of 24.55 feelings on Crosby. two-year, $3.9mn contract with tops the list of players who’ve “I respect him, too,” said Dat- SKA St. Petersburg of Russia’s seen at least 5,000 minutes of ice syuk, who has 314 career goals Kontinental Hockey League to time. His Corsi For Percentage and 918 points in 953 NHL be closer to his teenage daughter. (CF percent) of 58.8 is also No. 1. games. Datsyuk’s NHL exodus strips While a dazzling playmaker “When I look at him, he’s not hockey fans – a group that in- and the possessor of a deadly, a big guy, but he really com- cludes Crosby – of the pleasure quick release, it can be argued petes. He fi nds spots to score. He of watching one of the league’s that Datsyuk is also the best de- doesn’t ever give up, and he fi n- most creative and instinctive fensive forward of his genera- ishes every shift.” players, one Crosby has said re- tion. Crosby and Datsyuk will meet minds him most of Mario Lem- “Hockey is so diff erent now,” at Consol Energy Center at 7:30 ieux among active players. said Datsyuk, who has fared no pm today for the second game Not having Datsyuk on NHL worse than 53.4 percent on fa- of a World Cup exhibition dou- rinks this winter will make ceoff s during any season of his bleheader featuring Team Rus- games less visually appealing, career. “With the new rules in sia and Team Canada. North but it also serves as a sad re- the NHL, you have to be good America and the Czech Republic minder that systems supersede defensively. And if you play fast, square off at 3:30. style in today’s game, a point you have more time to work of- The actual World Cup of with which Datsyuk agreed. fensively.” Hockey in Toronto, which runs “There are not many creative Crosby would not argue. No- through the end of the month, players now,” Datsyuk said fol- body needs to waste time point- fi gures to be Datsyuk’s last ac- lowing Team Russia’s World Cup ing out Crosby’s ability to play tion on North American soil. of Hockey practice at the UPMC a speed game, but his defensive “You never know when it Lemieux Sports Complex on utes, and it’s not hard to see ing sticks and instantly turning phy three consecutive years tive times from 2006-09 while prowess has picked up in recent might be your last game,” Dat- Sunday. “It’s less and less every what makes him so unique. Vid- defense into off ense earned him from 2007-10 as the NHL’s best averaging 29 goals and 88 points years. syuk said somewhat cryptically. year. There’s lots of talent, but eos of Datsyuk swiping pucks nicknames like “The King of defensive forward. He also won a season during a fi ve-year His SA60 has dropped from “But it will be good to come teams are playing more systems.” from off ensive players are all Steals” and “Magic Man.” the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy stretch from 2005-10. 31.99 in 2008-09 to 29.04 in back and touch base with NHL Watch Datsyuk for two min- over YouTube. His artistry lift- Datsyuk won the Selke Tro- (sportsmanship) four consecu- Not bad for an undersised 2015-16, his Goals Against Per 50 fans.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, September 14, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Pistorius is gone, so who’s the next Paralympic superstar? Rehm fought to be included in the Rio Games but was rejected by the world athletics’ governing body

Algeria’s Abdellatif Baka (centre) ran the 1,500m in the T3 category for impaired vision, winning with a time of 3:48.29 that would also have given him Olympic gold. (Reuters)

ing body, the IAAF, on the grounds that his blade had believed he was fi ring at an intruder, but was may give him an unfair advantage over someone eventually convicted of murdering Steenkamp. with two legs. He is still hoping for the Tokyo In Rio, which could once have been his chance 2020 Games. to cement himself in the history books, he has “My goal was to compete at the Olympics and been all but forgotten. At the athletics stadium, I’d love to compete there even without the rank- press secretaries for South African athletes have ing because I’m a proper Olympian and this is even taken care to prevent them answering Pis- my main event here,” he told AFP after compet- torius-related questions. ing in the 4x100 relay in Rio. However, Arnie Fourie, a single amputee “I just would love to use a bigger platform,” South African Paralympian, says his legacy he said. “After the Paralympic Games in Rio, I’m hangs over the Games. going to continue talking to the IAAF to fi nd a “Oscar is obviously missed. I mean, what he solution to compete in London 2017, the next has done for the sport not only in our country Championship. It would be great to represent but for the world — what he’s done no one can Germany’s (from left) Markus Rehm, David Behre, Felix Streng and Johannes Floors celebrate after winning gold in the men’s 4x100m - T42-47 at the our sport to many more people and show the ever take that away from him. There’s room for 2016 Rio Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. (Reuters) world that we are very good athletes and we new people to step up,” he said. Peruvian soldier don’t have to hide behind Olympic athletes. and amputee Jose Luis Casas, who competes in AFP of his girlfriend in South Africa, Pistorius is ab- come the second person ever to shift between Another athlete catching attention for cross- the 200m and 400m, says he also wishes things Rio de Janeiro sent in every sense from the Rio Paralympics. the Paralympics and Olympics is German long over potential is Algeria’s Abdellatif Baka, who had turned out diff erently. “I’d have liked to New Zealander Liam Malone even smashed his jumper Markus Rehm. ran the 1,500m in the T3 category for impaired compete against him. We miss him. Pistorius 200m record on Monday, running on a similar Rehm, who has one leg and wears a blade on vision, winning with a time of 3:48.29 that did things that have nothing to do with sport, scar Pistorius is gone and so far there’s set of carbon-fi bre blades to those that “blade the other, has a personal best distance of 8.4m, would also have given him Olympic gold. but he also opened the door for para-athletes been no replacement for the fi rst ath- runner” Pistorius made so famous. which would have beaten the 8.38m jumped by Pistorius’ downfall has been as public and like me,” he said. lete to compete in both the Paralym- But with athletes pushing at the boundaries the United States’ Jeff Henderson when he won spectacular as his rise. Seven months after com- Rehm says it’s time to move on from Pistorius. pics and Olympics. But it’s probably of what is disabled sport and what is able-bod- Olympic gold in Rio this August. peting in London he killed his girlfriend Reeva “Pistorius was a chapter of a few years ago. I onlyO a matter of time. ied sport, Pistorius’ revolution certainly hasn’t Rehm fought to be included in the Rio Games Steenkamp, shooting through the door of the want to write a new chapter,” he said. “I want to Disgraced after his conviction in the murder gone away. The current leader in the race to be- but was rejected by the world athletics’ govern- bathroom where she was hiding. He insisted he bring the Olympics and Paralympics closer.”

ROUND-UP FOCUS Back bid or we throw On horseback, disabled in towel: Olympics chief Paralympians fi nd ‘freedom’ to Rome mayor into intensive therapy so that she AFP Rio de Janeiro could make it to Rio. AFP Just learning to ride in the fi rst Rome place can be the most fearsome hey hobble, they sit challenge of all. Robyn Andrews, in wheelchairs wait- 33, was a gifted child fi gure skat- ome will abandon its bid to host the 2024 ing to be pushed, they er in Canada when she was found Olympics if sceptical new mayor Vir- look helpless. Then to have a brain tumor. Then sur- ginia Raggi does not back it by early next Tthe Paralympian riders mount geons hit the main artery while month, the president of Italy’s Olympic their glossy horses and are trying to relieve pressure on her CommitteeR said yesterday. “If by October 7 the transformed. “It gives me my brain and she suff ered a massive city council has not guaranteed (its support) we freedom, it gives me back my stroke. Andrews was completely cannot go forward,” Giovanni Malago told a press Rome mayor Virginia Raggi freedom,” said veteran British paralysed. “She couldn’t blink,” conference. The date is a deadline for bidding cit- Paralympic rider Anne Dunham, her mother Diana said. ies to present fuller details of their bid proposals. medallist in the men’s 1,500 m in Rio de Janeiro who is just a couple weeks short At 17, Andrews entered a ther- New mayor Raggi has made it clear she does not on Sunday, comes after fellow Ethiopian runner of 68 and has been confi ned to a apeutic riding course — not so regard the Olympic bid a good idea for the cash- Feyisa Lilesa made headlines during the Olympics wheelchair with multiple sclero- much to learn equestrianism as strapped city but has stopped short of saying she last month when he made a similar protest as he sis since she was 30. how to function at all. Progress will not back it. claimed silver in the men’s marathon. That feeling of liberty was was gruelling: eight years passed “There will be no cost involved for Roman The gesture — a sort of X above the head — is a something expressed by rider af- before she could even stay on the citizens,” he said, arguing that the 5.3-billion- symbol of defi ance against the Ethiopian govern- ter rider at the Paralympic dres- horse without someone there to euro ($6bn) budget for the Games would be fully ment’s crack-down on anti-government protests sage contest in Rio’s equestrian hold her on. covered by the Olympic Committee, sponsors that started in the Oromo region in November last centre on Monday. Competing Now she’s a Paralympian. and the national government, which has enthu- year. Human Rights Watch estimates the Ethio- in the most seriously disabled Dressage even brings back some siastically backed the bid. The Games would also pian security forces have killed more than 400 1a category, riders talked about of the old thrill she once knew on present an opportunity for an overhaul of Rome’s people involved in the protests. two distinct realities. One is be- the fi gure skating rink. “There’s crumbling public transport facilities. “It is a great But the International Paralympic Committee ing on the ground, trapped in a a similarity,” she said. “There are opportunity for an upgrade of the city,” said bid sternly rebuked Demisse, 22, for making a po- crippled body. The other is be- the patterns and you have to re- president Luca Di Montezemolo, the former Fer- litical statement at the Games. “He’s been told ing in the saddle, gifted with all member it.” rari formula one boss. very, very clearly that political statements are the strength of a large, beautiful Thomas Haller of Finland’s Katja Karjalainen Supporters of the bid say hosting the Games defi nitely (forbidden) in the Paralympics Games, animal. Austria competes also sees the horse as a kind of could generate 177,000 jobs for the Eternal City. as they are in the Olympic Games. It’s been made “I’m an equal to many peo- in the equestrian door back to happier times. Kar- Raggi is seen by most pundits as simply waiting very, very clear to him that this must not be done ple and actually I’m better than dressage event at the jalainen, 54, is badly disabled, for the end of the Paralympics in Rio to announce again,” said IPC president Philip Craven. a lot of people once I’m on my 2016 Rio Paralympics. having lost coordination in her that City Hall will not be supporting the bid — a Olympic athlete Lilesa made the protest ges- horse, because I can ride,” said (Reuters) legs and all but a little eyesight stance that would be fatal for its chances of suc- ture twice — once while crossing the fi nish line fi ve-time Paralympian Dun- in one eye due to a severe neu- cess. Rome is one of four candidates to host the and again on the medal podium. He said he feared ham, whose horse is called Lucas rological condition that struck Olympics in 2024 along with Paris, Budapest and his life would be in peril if he returned home. Normark. “He’s one of my best ticipate in the riskier jumping concentration have a “caller” on when she was 26. Los Angeles. Ethiopian authorities assured him he would not friends and he takes me around disciplines of their able-bodied hand to shout instructions. Once, though, before the be punished, but he nevertheless skipped the Ol- the great, wide open world.” comrades. Dressage is about But any form of riding remains crumbling of her body, she REPRIMAND FOR NEW PROTEST ympic team’s fl ight home. Gemma Rose Foo, from Singa- maintaining perfect control loaded with potential danger, was fi t and agile. “When I was BY ETHIOPIAN RUNNER Reports have suggested he may seek political pore, who is just 20 and is unable while performing a memorized especially for athletes who may healthy, I was running hurdles, The International Paralympic Committee rep- asylum in the United States. Regarded as one of to walk without help as a result sequence of moves. not be able to protect themselves so running is something for me, rimanded a visually impaired Ethiopian runner Africa’s most repressive states, Ethiopia is strug- of lifelong cerebral palsy, smiled For safety, a so-called “friend- during falls. Foo said that while always has been,” she says. Then Monday for crossing his arms above his head at gling to contain the rare anti-government unrest joyfully when asked to describe ly horse” is brought to stand at training in Germany this March, she closes her ruined eyes and the fi nish line, a protest against alleged rights unleashed by the protest movement, which has the experience of riding. “The the edge of the course to reassure her horse was spooked by a loud smiles. “When I’m on horseback abuses by his government. spread from Oromo in the center of the country to horse is like legs for you,” she and calm the competition horse. noise and she tumbled off , rup- I have a memory of my life before The protest by Tamiru Demisse, the silver Amhara in the north. said. Paralympians do not par- Riders with poor eyesight or turing her spleen and forcing her my disease,” she says. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 14, 2016 7 SPORT

RUGBY Qatar survive Thailand scare, to meet Japan for spot in quarters

FIBA finally broke into the win column. Tehran Thailand shot respectably from long range, but it might have been at the expense of Eng coach Jones to nother upset nearly their inside game. Coach Tim rocked the FIBA Asia Chal- Lewis’s wards weren’t aggressive Alenge 2016 in Tehran, Iran, enough in attacking the basket, when Thailand just fell short of which resulted in being awarded knocking off Qatar, 64-62. only 6 free throw attempts the Following a majestic triumph entire game. In contrast, Qatar by India over China, Thailand was shot 15 times from the free throw in a ferocious mood. line, making 10. learn from British They fell behind after the first Old reliable Erfan Ali Saeed quarter, 28-16, but overhauled didn’t score the most points for this and then some in the second Qatar — in fact, he shot a paltry period, where they outscored Qa- 2-of-7 from the field — but he tar, 24-7. At the break, the Thais more than made up for it by were ahead, 40-35. grabbing 11 rebounds, handing Qatar retook the lead heading out 5 assists, netting 2 steals and into the fourth quarter, 51-48, blocking 2 shots. Saeed’s hustle Olympic success before staving off Thailand’s and energy around the basket repeated bursts in the endgame enabled other players like Has- to prevail. san and Mohd to operate more ‘We have got to get better. We haven’t done anything yet, we are not number The turning point came when freely from their sweet spots. Nattakarn Muangboon’s basket This win has left the door one in the world, so we still have a lot to aspire to. With Great Britain doing so with 7:31 left last tied the game ajar for Qatar to barge into the at 53-all. Thailand looked in great quarter-finals, though doing so well at the Olympics, there are a number of sports to look at and learn from’ shape to spring an upset, but Qa- means they will have to beat tar proved to be the more poised the mighty Japanese tomorrow. unit in the end. Veterans Erfan Ali Thailand, meanwhile, have been Saeed, Hassan Mohamed, Mohd off icially ousted from contention, Mohamed and naturalised player but they should hold their heads Boney Watson took turns deliver- high after taking a high-quality ing baskets for Al Annabi, which squad like Qatar to the limit.

RUGBY ROUND-UP Women’s World Cup alongside men’s event he women’s rugby league rience with the Ospreys in Wales TWorld Cup will be held along- and Japanese club Toyota Verb- side the men’s tournament for litz, was an assistant to Hammett the fi rst time next year in Syd- in the Sunwolves debut season. ney in what offi cials said was a “I am honoured to take over what “game-changer” for the sport. Mark Hammett, a great leader The competition, last held in and head coach, built in our fi rst England in 2013, was won by Aus- season,” the 45-year-old said in a tralia, and organisers plan to play statement. “Next season is going the women’s and men’s fi nals as to be a continuous process from a double-header in December the fi rst season but also we have to 2017. “It’s only fi tting these gifted face new challenges and improve athletes get the opportunity to some areas further. Sunwolves is showcase their skills on a glo- a young franchise and needs to get bal stage and we see next year’s over lots of challenges.” women’s rugby league World Cup as a game-changer for the Du Plessis out for three sport,” Rugby League World Cup months with muscle tear 2017 organising committee chief executive Andrew Hill said in a ontpellier’s South African statement. “Female participa- Mhooker Bismarck Du Plessis tion in all forms of rugby league has been ruled out for up to three is the fastest-growing category months after tearing a muscle in in the game and women’s inter- his chest, sources in the club con- national rugby league has made fi rmed yesterday. Du Plessis, 32, great strides forward in recent will have to undergo surgery, a years.” The 2017 contest starts scan has revealed, and will be out on November 16 and will involve for between two to three months. fi ve confi rmed teams — England, Capped 79 times for the Spring- Canada, Australia, New Zealand boks, Du Plessis picked up the in- AFP in the world, so we still have a lot to as- All Blacks wary of wounded “We got that at the weekend and and Papua New Guinea — as well jury in Saturday’s 41-13 home win London pire to,” Jones said yesterday. “We’ve been Springboks, says Kaino they’ll have defi nitely learned a lot from as a sixth from the Pacifi c qualify- against Pau. He will miss several big working really hard with our coaching what happened in our game on Saturday ing series held next month. Previ- games for the club including their staff on how we can coach better because Flanker Jerome Kaino has said the so we’re not going to be complacent at all. ous women’s rugby league World European Cup opener on October ngland boss Eddie Jones plans we didn’t coach well enough on tour. All Blacks would never take South Af- Argentina put us under a lot of pressure Cups were part of the Festival 15 at Northampton. Montpellier are to borrow some ideas from Great “We need to coach better so our coach- rica lightly and are expecting a tight test and they’ll have put that under the mi- of World Cups, which includes fi fth in the Top 14 after four games. Britain’s successful Olympians as ing staff has been working very hard in- match when the traditional southern croscope and they’ll try and put that into contests among defence, police, he sets his sights on leading his vestigating other sports. With Great Brit- hemisphere heavyweights meet in the practice this weekend.” wheelchair and university teams. Woodward leaves teamE to the top of the world rankings. ain doing so well at the Olympics, there Rugby Championship this weekend. Although New Zealand ultimately ran Wellington for Bristol Jones and his coaching staff is spend- are a number of sports to look at and learn While the world champions go into out 57-22 winners last weekend, the Pu- Former All Black Tiatia ing time with their British counterparts from. People have come in and talked to Saturday’s match in Christchurch with mas had them on the ropes for the fi rst 50 named Sunwolves coach ellington Hurricanes fullback in hockey, judo and cycling over the the staff . three wins from three, South Africa are in minutes with a hugely physical forward WJason Woodward has decided coming weeks in order to learn from the “We’ve got Danny Kerry coming in in disarray after following their opening win eff ort allied to some penetrating running ormer All Black Filo Tiatia to leave the Super Rugby cham- methods that helped underpin the gold a week or so. Look at what he’s done with over Argentina with a loss to the Pumas out wide. Fhas been appointed coach of pions and head to Europe to play rush at Rio 2016. his hockey side. If you look on face value and then a struggling Australia side. Kaino said the All Blacks had analysed Japan’s Sunwolves Super Rugby for English Premiership club Bris- Team GB fi nished second in the table at the talent in that team compared to the Blindside Kaino, however, said Ar- where they had come under pressure from team for the next two season, re- tol. The 26-year-old Kiwi moved after winning a record 67 medals, while Holland team, it’s probably not as great.... gentina had put enough pressure on New Argentina and, among other things, were placing the franchise’s inaugural back to his home city in 2015 after England have secured a Grand Slam so his ability to create such a dynamic and Zealand in last weekend’s test in Hamil- determined to off er scrumhalf Aaron coach Mark Hammett. Hammett a stint with the Melbourne Rebels crown and completed a 3-0 series white- hard working team is fascinating, so we’ll ton to encourage any side, let alone one of Smith quicker ball against the Springboks. departed for an assistant’s role at and played on the wing in the Hur- wash of Australia since Jones took charge learn a lot from him. the pedigree of the Springboks. “That was one of the areas that we the Otago Highlanders after the ricanes’ Super Rugby fi nal vic- last December “We’re going to visit judo in a couple of “We know that every time the All focused on, our physicality in our tackle Tokyo and Singapore-based team tory over South Africa’s Lions last However, the 56-year-old Australian weeks. We’ve had conversations with the Blacks play the Springboks it’s always but also our clean out,” he said. “We pride posted one win, one draw and 13 month. Woodward, who can also believes that to overhaul New Zealand cycling. Our motivation is just to get bet- been tight. They’ll want to bounce back ourselves on quick ball and for Aaron to losses in their fi rst season to fi n- play at fl yhalf and is a solid place- as world number one they must improve ter. We want to be the number one team and they want to get a win so we’ll be pre- have an easy night and in that fi rst half ish bottom of the 18-team stand- kicker, represented New Zealand further. in the world. New Zealand are head of the paring as we always do and we’ll be ex- we didn’t do that. As a pack, we took that ings. Former loose forward Tiatia, at under-20 level but his move “We’ve got to get better. We haven’t pack at the moment but they’re beatable, pecting something tight,” he told report- personally and that’s one massive area we who won two New Zealand caps to Australia prevented him from done anything yet, we’re not number one they have fl aws in their game.” ers in Christchurch yesterday. want to improve on this week.” in 2000 and has coaching expe- graduating to the All Blacks. Rainbow jersey — the pinnacle of cycling In most sports, trophies are made of silverware. In cycling, the most important trophies are the jerseys n 1919, the Tour de France intro- until the end of their careers, as testi- victories in the rainbow jersey. Four duced the yellow jersey to make mony to an exceptional achievement. riders took the flowers in Milan-San Ithe race leader visible for the A meteorological rainbow consists Remo wearing the rainbow bands: public and his fellow competitors. of seven colours: red, orange, yellow, Alfredo Binda (1931), Eddy Merckx Ever since, stage races have created green, blue, indigo and violet. The (1972 and 1975), Felice Gimondi (1974) diff erent coloured jerseys for clas- rainbow jersey is diff erent. Its five and Giuseppe Saronni (1983). In 1990, sification leaders. colours (green, yellow, black, red and American Greg LeMond won the Tour There is a green jersey for the blue) represent the five continents, as de France while world champion. leader in the points classification, a do the five Olympic rings. Louison Bobet did the same in 1955. white jersey for the best young rider, More recently, Polish rider Michal and the king of the mountains wears CURSE OR BLESSING? Kwiatkowski won the 50th Amstel the famous polka dot jersey. The rainbow jersey is associated Gold Race in the world champion’s Other Grand Tours use diff erent with a lot of superstition. Some speak jersey in 2015, and this year reigning colours: pink for the leader in the Giro of the curse of the rainbow jersey. world champion Peter Sagan from d’Italia and red for the leader in the In the past, people believed that Slovakia won the Gent-Wevelgem, Tour Vuelta d’España. But the pinnacle of riders wearing the rainbow jersey of Flanders, two stages in the Tour de cycling is the rainbow jersey. were dogged by misfortune, but Suisse, and three stages as well as the Since 1927, every UCI world cham- many champions have proven the green jersey in the Tour de France. pion in cycling earns the right to wear superstitious wrong. At the 2016 UCI Road World Cham- the rainbow jersey for one year, while The rainbow jersey often galvanis- pionships Doha, Sagan will defend competing in the event in which he or es the rider who wears it. Norwegian his rainbow jersey in the men’s road she is the reigning champion. Thor Hushovd, the 2010 UCI world race and Lizzy Armitstead (GBR) will Former world champions never lose champion, was unstoppable in the defend hers in the women’s road their rainbow stripes, however. After 2011 Tour de France. He wore the yel- race. In time trialling, Vasil Kiryjenka their year as reigning champion is low jersey from the second stage to (BLR) and Linda Villumsen (NZL) will At the UCI Road World Championships to be held in Doha from October over, they are allowed to wear rainbow the eighth, and then won two stages. aim to prolong their right to wear the 9 to 16, Peter Sagan will defend his rainbow jersey in the men’s road race piping on their sleeve cuff s and collar Many other riders have celebrated rainbow jersey one more year.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET TENNIS Nothing left for Kiwis eye reverse me to prove, says new world swing to escape No.1 Kerber

Reuters slam, it was a bit diff erent,” she Munich told a news conference in Munich following her return to Germany. “I don’t have anything to prove ewly-crowned world anymore. I am at the top, number India’s spin trap number one Angelique one. I waited for this moment all Kerber has nothing left my life,” she said. “Melbourne was to prove after clinching diff erent as it was my fi rst grand ‘On surfaces that aren’t responsive in terms of seam movement, and they are Nthe US Open for a second grand slam. I had to deal with a lot of slam this year and securing a things off the court after that.” abrasive and they lose their shine very quickly, you need to find another way’ place in the record books, the Kerber, who beat Pliskova in German said yesterday. three sets in New York, having Reuters The 28-year-old became the secured the top spot days earlier New Delhi oldest player to rise to that rank following Serena Williams’ exit, when the new list was published said her improved fi tness and on Monday, capping a memora- mental strength had been key to ew Zealand will bank heavily on ble summer that also included her success. reverse swing to emerge from the Olympic silver medal at the “This year everything came the trial by spin that awaits Rio de Janeiro Olympics and a together. The experiences, spe- them in the Test series in India, Wimbledon fi nal appearance. cifi cally dealing with pressure. Ncoach Mike Hesson said yesterday. Her success in Rio was fol- I am even fi tter now than earlier Last time they hosted a team, India lowed up by a fi nal defeat in this year. I am more positive and rolled out turning tracks and fl exed their Cincinnati to Katerina Pliskova, can deal with things even if they spin muscles to crush South Africa 3-0 in who she then beat in the US Open do not go that well.” the four-Test series last year. fi nal. “This mental strength was a Kane Williamson and his men can look “In Cincinnati, that is where life-saver when I was trailing 3-1 forward to a similar treatment in the the questions about number one in the third set,” she said. “At 28, three-Test series beginning in Kanpur on started coming up and that is I am now at the peak of my career September 22 but Hesson sounded up- where the additional pressure and can enjoy it.” beat. started,” she said. Kerber said she would now put “It’s a huge component of playing Kerber had started the year by her tennis racquet to the side for cricket overseas,” the bespectacled coach winning the Australian Open but a few days and would treat her- told reporters. said her triumph in New York self to a special gift with some of “On surfaces that aren’t responsive in on Saturday, coupled with the her $3.5mn prize money. terms of seam movement, and they are number one ranking, had now “It will probably be in the di- abrasive and they lose their shine very taken off any pressure. rection of jewellery. But exactly quickly, you need to fi nd another way. “Winning the second grand what it will be I do not know yet.” “Hence overseas teams are pretty keen to fi nd ways to get the ball to reverse, ob- viously in a legitimate fashion.” Hesson conceded it would be a diff er- ent ball game for his side, literally. “The challenge for us is fi rstly adjust- ing to the diff erent ball,” he said. “The SG balls (to be used for the series) can be diff erent to what we have been operating with, the Kookaburra.” New Zealand won the two-Test series against Zimbabwe 2-0 last month. (AFP) New Zealand have picked three spin- ners — Mark Craig, Mitchell Santner and the world’s second-ranked Test team. exciting opportunity... You want to be Test was discussed,” said Hesson, whose Indian-born Ish Sodhi — in their squad “It’s a tough place to play, particularly playing the best in their backyard and the team played the fi rst ever day-night Test and Hesson said they could prove quite a in recent years,” said the 26-year-old who guys are excited and looking forward to against Australia at Adelaide in Novem- handful on the turning tracks. will need to lead from the front with the the challenge.” ber, 2015. “All three... are keen learners of the bat if they are to succeed in the series. The series, which also includes match- “Having played one, we were obviously game and certainly we’re going to put a “The pitches have been very tricky and es in Kolkata and Indore, was to feature quite happy to play one but for some rea- lot of faith in them in the coming weeks.” you throw in world class spinners, the the fi rst day-night Test in India before the son, it was deemed not appropriate. Cer- Captain Williamson was confi dent his challenge is very tough. proposal was shelved. tainly was not something that came from team would prove equal to the task against “At the same time, we see it as a very “There’s no doubt that the pink-ball our camp.”

FOCUS Buttler stands by ‘captain’ Morgan over tour call AFP Buttler, who made his ODI debut back London in 2012, said Morgan would have not tak- en the decision lightly. “There has been some unfair criti- oin Morgan is very much still the cism,” he said. “Cricket is not the be-all captain of the England one-day and end-all. international cricket team, says “He has made the decision that is right Jos Buttler, the man who stepped for him and it is not one he has taken inE to replace him for the tour of Bangla- lightly. He has come to one which he is desh. comfortable with and people should re- Morgan and batsman Alex Hales both spect that. decided not to go on the tour as they were “Reading things in the press and having World No.1 Angelique Kerber poses during a photo call after her arrival concerned, despite reassurances from a lot of information about it, you do have in Munich, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) team security chief Reg Dickason after he some worries. But you try and think long came back from a fact fi nding trip, over and hard about it, let the dust settle for a bit their safety. and try and work through it logically. SPOTLIGHT The tour — which begins on September “For me personally I’m happy to go. 30 and will include two Tests and three “It’s a completely individual position, ODIs — had been called into question as it has to be; people are diff erent and after an attack on a cafe in Dhaka in July view things diff erently — and everyone Wawrinka super which saw 20 hostages killed, including completely respects that it is a personal 18 foreigners. decision.” Morgan especially came in for some Last week saw Morgan outline his dangerous, says Rafa criticism over his decision — former cap- Eoin Morgan decided not to go on the tour of Bangladesh as they were concerned concerns, with the 30-year-old Irish- tains Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hus- over their safety. man saying he had been infl uenced by a sain leading the charge with both ques- bomb exploding at a 2010 Indian Premier AFP tioning whether he could resume being tains’ speculation over Morgan’s future reasons, if not the main reason, for the League match in Bangalore that he was New Delhi skipper. was nonsense. turnaround in fortunes. involved in and the violent background to Test captain Alistair Cook by contrast “He’s very much still the captain of the “The style of cricket he’s got the side his brief spell in the 2013/14 Dhaka Pre- has said he will skipper the side against England ODI side,” said Buttler. playing is something we want to continue mier Division. afael Nadal described the Bangladeshis. “He’s done a fantastic job over the last and keep playing that brand of cricket,” Morgan, has however, since returned to yesterday Stan Wawrin- However, Buttler said the former cap- 18 months. He’s been one of the main added the 26-year-old. India for further spells in the lucrative IPL. ka as “super dangerous” after he clinched the US OpenR championship to claim his third Grand Slam title. Fifth-ranked Nadal said the No Olympics but Kyrgios pledges Davis Cup Sharapova appeal verdict 31-year-old from Switzerland was capable of matching any of commitment in October the top players on the world cir- cuit after taking the title on Sun- After controversially missing the want to play,” he told reporters. to a “flu-like illness”. The Court of Arbitration for tennis team in Rio. day in New York. Rio Olympics, Nick Kyrgios has “I feel ready. I’m playing prob- On Tuesday, each moved to allay Sport (CAS) said yesterday Delays have been caused “Stan is a player that over the staying healthy so that he could pledged his commitment to Aus- ably the best tennis I have. concerns about any lingering it would deliver an appeal by both parties carefully last couple of years has been keep on playing for a few more tralia’s Davis Cup team ahead “I’ve hit twice since I’ve been bad blood. verdict on the two-year dop- preparing defences of their playing great tennis. When he years. of their World Group playoff here and been going for about “He’s a great player, with great ing ban for Maria Sharapova position as Sharapova seeks is playing well he is able to play The 14-time Grand Slam against Slovakia. an hour to an hour and a half so potential and doing great in early October. a reduction of the Tribunal’s very well against all opponents,” champion is in Delhi with the The 21-year-old firebrand with- it’s feeling good and I’m feeling things,” Kyrgios said of world The 29-year-old Russian decision to sanction her with Nadal told reporters in New Delhi Spanish Davis Cup team for their drew himself from consideration confident with (the injury).” number 21 Tomic, who crashed tested positive for the a two-year period. before a Spain-India Davis Cup clash against India in the world for the Rio tennis tournament World number 15 Kyrgios was out of the US Open in the first banned medication mel- The two-year ban on the clash. group play-off on September 16- after being publicly upbraided named in the squad for Slovakia round and was heavily fined for donium during January’s five time grand slam winner Nadal suff ered a shock fourth- 18. about his conduct by team chef and if fit, will play in the singles a crude outburst directed at a Australian Open. In a severe who has spent most of her round exit from the US Open, Five-time champions Spain are de mission Kitty Chiller. rubbers with Bernard Tomic, heckler in the crowd. blow to her reputation, the life in the United States was after being forced out of Roland favourites to win their meeting Kyrgios on Tuesday was still who also withdrew from Rio af- Tomic said he and Kyrgios would infringement was revealed backdated to January 26 Garros and Wimbledon this year against India, but Nadal said he battling to shrug off a hip injury ter a public warning from Chiller. be in Davis Cup for the long haul. in March. this year, when she tested because of a wrist injury. was taking nothing for granted. which ended his US Open cam- The tennis players had a minor “Obviously this is a new week. The original ruling had been positive for the previously The 30-year-old Spanish su- “We lost a couple of confron- paign but trained with the team feud in March when Tomic ques- We’re excited and I’m sure expected by July 18, with unheralded meldonium. perstar said his injury layoff was tations that we believed we were ahead of the weekend’s tie at tioned Kyrgios for pulling out of everyone else is and I’m sure it’s Sharapova hoping a success- The product had just been a “very negative part of the year the favourites (for) and we were Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. the World Group tie against the something that has many more ful appeal would allow her added to the world anti-dop- for me” and he was “just happy in a good position to win, so “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t United States in Melbourne due years to come.” to spearhead the Russian ing WADA list on January 1. to be on tour again”. maximum respect for all oppo- Nadal said he was focused on nents, for India.”