TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 We’re very clear on the 12, not so sure on the 11. Sorry I can’t CRICKET TENNIS give you more but it’s Coach Langer keeps Sri Lanka vs New Zealand US OPEN probably better to tell the Australia waiting over Second T20 Men’s and Women’s

players before we tell you. fourth Test team. ACTION at Pallekele quarter-finals TODAY’S Van Niekerk to miss Worlds AP injury and has been rehabili- Wayde van Niekerk of South reacts after winning the silver in BERLIN tating at a sports medical center the 200m final at the World Athletics Championships in London in this in Doha, Qatar. August 10, 2017 file picture. Wayde van Niekerk won’t defend Van Niekerk’s cousin plays For me it’s just about his 400-meter title at the world for South Africa’s rugby team and championships because he hasn’t the Olympic champion agreed listening to my body fully recovered from a serious to appear in the charity game and taking it from knee injury he sustained playing because of that. there. My main goal a charity tag rugby match in He was initially due to return South Africa in late 2017. to competition this year at the is to look after my The Olympic champion and Diamond League meeting in body and when the world-record holder, who is also London in July but also had to opportunity comes, a two-time world champion, said pull out of that event because of I’ll take it. For now I’m Monday he was again delaying the knee. He’s now aiming for a his comeback. It means he will return to top-level competition not rushing myself or have been sidelined for two next year in time for the putting pressure on years after hurting himself Olympics in Tokyo. myself: Van Niekerk playing in the celebrity rugby Van Niekerk’s management game in Cape Town in October company said it was confident Louis Holtzhausen, van Niekerk’s 2017. he will return to the track and doctor. “I’m still positive and I’m just called the latest delay to his “However, he has success- taking things day by day, comeback “a minor setback.” fully returned to track training respecting all the calls made by The company said van and all indications are that he the doctor and respecting my Niekerk wouldn’t run at the will recover more rapidly from body,” Van Niekerk said in a worlds in Doha this month for now on.” Van Niekerk is cur- statement. my body and when the oppor- African, who broke Michael competitively since tearing the “precautionary reasons.” rently training with his coach at “For me it’s just about lis- tunity comes, I’ll take it. For now Johnson’s 17-year-old world anterior cruciate ligaments and “The medical teams... did all a base in Gemona, Italy, having tening to my body and taking it I’m not rushing myself or putting record in one of the standout meniscus in his right knee. we could to have him ready for recently spent more time in from there. pressure on myself.” performances of the 2016 Rio de He underwent surgery at a the IAAF world championships, rehabilitation in Doha, his man- “My main goal is to look after The 27-year-old South Janeiro Olympics, hasn’t run clinic in Colorado soon after the but it was just not possible,” said agement team said.

Wales’ full-back Hallam Amos is tackled by Ireland’s centre Judo boss offers Olympic (second left) during the international Test match at Principality Stadium in lifeline to Iranian Mollaei Cardiff, south Wales, on Saturday.

AFP Vizer also told Japan’s Asahi Mollaei and his family had been TOKYO newspaper he wanted Mollaei the victim of political coercion to fight under a refugee flag at or threats and subsequently to Iranian judo star Saeid Mollaei, Tokyo 2020. decide whether to punish the who claimed he was ordered to Mollaei fled to Berlin where Iranian judo federation. deliberately lose a world cham- he was thought to be seeking “It’s a part of life and part pionship fight, could compete asylum, but the 27-year-old of the surprises that can under a different flag at the Tehran native denied that claim happen,” said Vizer. 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the later Sunday, adding he hoped “But we have rules. Every- sport’s governing body said on to compete in IOC colours next thing has to happen according Sunday. summer. to the statutes of the interna- International Judo Feder- “I’ve had a German visa and tional federation and the ation (IJF) president Marius I’m in Germany to stay away Olympic charter. Vizer has thrown his support from the rumours,” Mollaei told “Some countries have dif- behind former world champion the London-based Persian lan- ferent rules -- they can apply Mollaei, who complained he guage channel Iran those rules in their country, but had been instructed by Iranian International. not at an international sports authorities to throw a match in “God forbid something event,” he added. Tokyo last week to avoid facing would happen to my family. But “It’s a special situation. We Israeli Sagi Muki. I serve my country and have to live with that and act “It is our mission to protect whatever medal I get belongs accordingly.” Israeli judo chief our athletes -- that’s clear,” to Iran, whether it’s under the Moshe Fonti told Army Radio Vizer said.. Iran or IOC flag,” he added. that Mollaei “intended to con- Kleyn gets World Cup “We will do our best that he “I feel sorry that maybe I tinue the contest, even if he had will compete in the Olympic won’t be able to compete for to face Sagi Muki”. Games. Later we will see in Iran again. But I didn’t train this The Times of Israel reported which team -- there are dif- hard just to put up this show of that Fonti added: “From what nod ahead of Toner ferent options, but one of them losing.” we understand... Iranian intel- will be applied for the The IJF will issue a ligence officials came both to AFP Grizzled hooker -- “It’s those ones where you Olympics.” statement on Monday, Vizer his home in Iran and to the judo DUBLIN who showed a return to some are trying to get balance where Vizer was quoted by local confirmed, insisting: “First of all arena and warned him.” form in Saturday’s 22-17 win it’s very difficult to choose media as saying that Mollaei we will do everything to Among some of the more South Africa-born over Wales after a much criti- between two players and two had told him pressure was support the athlete so he can colourful online and social who only became eligible to play cised performance in the 57-15 players offer slightly different being exerted on his family in continue his career and partic- media fallout, it was claimed for Ireland in August edged out thrashing by England -- will things.” Iran, prompting him to lose to ipate in the Olympic Games.” Vizer had booked a car to whisk veteran second row forward captain the side in what will be Schmidt is desperate to bow Belgium’s Matthias Casse in the Vizer added that an emer- Mollaei from the world cham- Devin Toner when head coach his fourth World Cup. out as head coach with an semi-finals of the men’s 81-kilo gency meeting would be con- pionship venue in Tokyo to the Joe Schmidt announced his Sexton and Murray will be improved showing from 2015 class. vened to investigate whether airport in a daring escape. Rugby World Cup squad going to their third as will when an injury-hit side were yesterday. fullback , utility blitzed by Argentina in the Kleyn, 26, won his first cap back , prop Cian quarter-finals -- the Irish have against Italy on August 10 two Healy and second choice hooker never got further than the last days after he became eligible Sean Cronin. eight. through the three year residency Schmidt, who caught They begin their Pool A cam- rule. people on the hop having said paign on September 22 against Toner can feel hard done by, he would make the squad Scotland, generally regarded as the 33-year-old Leinster stalwart public only after the match their main rivals for top spot -- a key figure in the 2018 Six with Wales, said it had been a although hosts Japan could have Nations Grand Slam campaign tough call in several positions a say in that too and the Irish -- starting 50 of Schmidt’s 67 but he is wary of striking the face them on September 28. Test matches as Ireland boss. right balance which he admits Russia and Samoa make up the Also missing out is scrum- he did not in 2015. group. half Kieran Marmion, who last “There were some guys who Squad Forwards: November was praised for his obviously had more experience Rory Best (capt), Tadhg marshalling of the Ireland team and probably had more credit in Beirne, , Sean Cronin, that recorded a historic home the bank and were more estab- , , Dave win over world champions New lished,” Schmidt told IrishRugby Kilcoyne, , Jean Zealand. TV. Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Leinster’s Luke McGrath “There were other guys who Porter, , James goes as back-up to first choice were trying to force their way Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, instead -- much into the group and trying to get CJ Stander, is expected of the latter’s half- a balance of current form versus Backs: Bundee Aki, , back partnership with world previous performance, it’s , , player of the year Johnny Sexton. always a very very difficult Keith Earls, , Robbie Sexton is due to play for the conundrum to try to solve. Henshaw, Rob Kearney, Jordan first time in the fourth and final “It was one of those typical Larmour, Luke McGrath, Conor Iran’s Saeid Mollaei (in white) fights against Belgium’s Matthias Casse during the semi-final of the World Cup warm-up match on selection meetings where maybe Murray, , men’s under 81kg category during the 2019 Judo World Championships at the Nippon Budokan, a Saturday in Dublin against 20-25 of the players are listed , venue for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo on Wednesday. Wales. straight away. Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL) 08 SPORT TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019 US Open: Injury derails Serbian star’s title defence Wawrinka advances as Djokovic quits

AFP SUNDAY’S RESULTS French Open quarter-final run, NEW YORK shows his journey is nearly Men’s 4th Round complete. Top-ranked defending champion Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23) bt Novak Djokovic “Tonight was something Novak Djokovic retired from his (SRB x1) 6-4, 7-5, 2-1, retired special. I’m really happy with the US Open match on Sunday after Daniil Medvedev (RUS x5) bt Dominik Koep- level,” said Wawrinka. dropping the first two sets to Stan fer (GER) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) “I think I was playing super Wawrinka, sending the Swiss Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt David Goffin (BEL good tennis. I’m happy to be three-time Grand Slam x15) 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 back. champion into the quarter-finals. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Alex De Minaur “It has been really tough Djokovic, who won four of (AUS) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 since my surgery. It has took me the past five Slam crowns and 16 Women’s 4th Round two years to be back at that level. overall, was in pain from a Elina Svitolina (UKR x5) bt Madison Keys (USA It feels really incredible.” nagging left shoulder injury x10) 7-5, 6-4 A strong warm-up told 23rd while 34-year-old Wawrinka, Johanna Konta (GBR x16) bt Karolina Plisko- seed Wawrinka his game was who also beat Djokovic in the solid and he took advantage of va (CZE x3) 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 7-5 2016 US Open final, showed netted Djokovic backhands on Serena Williams (USA x8) bt Petra Martic himself a true title contender. both set points he won, some of “It helped me big time (CRO x22) 6-3, 6-4 the 35 unforced errors the

knowing I have the game to beat Wang Qiang (CHN x18) bt Ashleigh Barty Serbian star made. him on that court,” Wawrinka (AUS x2) 6-2, 6-4 “I was feeling great,” said. Wawrinka said. Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland reaches for the “It’s never the way you want “When I came to practice I ball from Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their to finish a match. I’m sorry for withdraw from one of the biggest was moving well, playing well. I fourth round match on Sunday. Novak. He’s an amazing events in sport.” was quite confident with the champion.” Djokovic admitted he has level I had but you never know On a day when Roger been hurting for weeks without when you are playing the super good tennis,” Wawrinka “Sometimes these scores just Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. Federer cruised into a quarter- detailing how or when the injury number one player in the world.” said. Medvedev won his only happen,” Federer said. “You “Feeling excited first to be in final against Bulgaria’s Grigor took place. Medvedev, a winner at Cincinnati match against Wawrinka in the catch a good day, the opponent US Open quarter-finals for the Dimitrov and Russian fifth seed “The pain was constant for and runner-up at Montreal and 2017 first round at Wimbledon. doesn’t, then things happen very first time. This is what I practiced Daniil Medvedev reached his first weeks now, some days higher, Washington in hardcourt tuneup Federer, a five-time US quickly... I found my groove after for, to play those matches,” Dim- Slam quarter-final, Djokovic’s some days with less intensity,” events, advanced to face Open champion with 20 Slam a while and was able to roll itrov said. shocker stole the show. Djokovic said. Wawrinka by beating 118th- titles, advanced to the US Open really. Never looked back.” “It’s a great opportunity for “It’s frustrating. Very frus- Wawrinka has battled nearly ranked German qualifier quarter-finals for the 13th time The 38-year-old Swiss third both of us. Hopefully we have a trating,” Djokovic said. two years to recover Slam- Dominik Koepfer 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, by routing Belgian 15th seed seed is 7-0 lifetime against 78th- great battle and we can produce “Obviously not the first, not winning form after knee surgery 7-6 (7/2). David Goffin 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 in only ranked Dimitrov, who dis- some great tennis.” the last player to get injured and and his performance, after a “He’s a great athlete playing 79 minutes. patched Australia’s 38th-ranked Mike Bryan fined After heartbreak, ‘life $10,000 for gun goes on’ for Djokovic gesture at Open AFP AFP second-round win over Juan “Obviously I’m in the midst NEW YORK NEW YORK Ignacio Londero. of unfortunate situation, and “I retired and I told you it’s I have to, you know, suffer the American doubles player Mike Bryan was fined Top-ranked defending left shoulder. I have nothing consequences of that. And as $10,000 by the US Open on Sunday for using champion Novak Djokovic said more to talk about,” he said. I said, I’m not the first nor the racquet to make a shooting gesture at a line “life goes on” after a shoulder “I don’t want to talk about last one. Life goes on.” judge. injury forced him to quit Sun- my injuries. I said that in the But Djokovic, winner of Bryan, playing alongside twin brother Bob, day’s clash with Stan past. I’m sticking to that.” four of the past five Slam held his racquet upside down and pointed it Wawrinka in the last 16 of the Djokovic had claimed he events and 16 overall, towards the official after successfully chal- US Open. felt “almost pain-free” fol- remained bullish about his Novak Djokovic of lenging an incorrect call. Wawrinka, the 23rd seed lowing a straight-sets defeat chances of eventually catching Serbia reacts during Chair umpire Mariana Alves issued a code and 2016 champion, led of Denis Kudla in round three, and surpassing long-time rival his match against violation against Mike Bryan for unsports- Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 2-1 when but the problem resurfaced Roger Federer, who holds the Stan Wawrinka of manlike conduct. the Serb quit with a nagging against Wawrinka in the first men’s record of 20 major titles. Switzerland. The Bryan brothers, winners of 16 Grand left shoulder problem that meeting between the pair “It’s no secret that I have Slam doubles titles as a team, went on to win had troubled him since the since the final here three of course desire and a goal to the second-round match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 against start of the tournament. years ago. reach the most Slams and Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain and Argen- “The pain was constant for The world number one reach Roger’s record,” tina’s Federico Delbonis. weeks now. Some days received treatment before the Djokovic said. It is the highest fine received by a male higher, some days with less start of the third set against “But at the same time, it’s player so far at this year’s tournament. intensity and obviously taking Wawrinka but soon threw in a long road ahead hopefully “I apologise for any offense I may have different stuff to kill the pain the towel, the sixth time he for me I hope I can play for caused. We won the point and the gesture was instantly,” Djokovic said. has retired at a Grand Slam many more years. I’m planning meant to be playful,” Bryan said in a statement “Sometimes it works. tournament. to. I don’t see an end behind cited by the New York Times. Sometimes it doesn’t. You just “It is frustrating. Very frus- the corner at all. “But given the recent news and political know when you know, I guess, trating. Obviously not the first, “Now it’s a matter of climate I understand how my gesture could be when you feel like you’re not not the last player to get keeping my body and mind viewed as insensitive. I promise that I will never able to hit the shot anymore.” injured and to withdraw from in shape and trying to still do anything like this again,” the American Djokovic refused to one of the biggest events in peak at these kind of events player added. expand on the nature of his sport,” he said. “But obviously that are majors and that are As many as seven people were killed in injury, which had caused him I just came off the court, so of the most significant in our Texas on Saturday in the latest of several considerable pain during a course it hurts. sport.” mass shootings to occur in the United States this year. Serena ‘fine’ after ankle injury scare

AFP physically,” Williams said after against other players in the locker NEW YORK advancing to a meeting with room, so for me, I have to be the Chinese 18th seed Wang Qiang. greatest whether it’s against the Serena Williams believes she “I just wanted to get, like I said, second seed, the number one avoided any serious injury after get some compression on it and I feel fine right now seed, or the 80th player in the badly rolling her ankle Sunday in tape it even stronger and that way physically. I just world. a straight-sets win over Petra I can at least try to finish the wanted to get, like “I have to show up or else I’m Martic that sent her through to the match.” I said, get some going to go home.” US Open quarter-finals. “I usually know if it’s horrible Williams won her first Grand The 37-year-old American, early on,” she added. compression on it and Slam title 20 years ago at the US seeking her 24th career Grand “I mean, I had a really bad tape it even stronger Open, but the eighth seed still feels Slam title to match Margaret ankle sprain in January. I was like, and that way I can she has plenty in the tank as she Court’s all-time record, routed instantly, ‘No, this can’t happen. at least try to finish pursues a first major since the Croatian 22nd seed Petra Martic I’m finally healthy.’ 2017 Australian Open. 6-3, 6-4 to reach the last eight “But I’ll see tomorrow. So far the match: Serena “I always said I would wake here for the 16th time. I’m good. I have been managing Williams up one day and say, ‘I’m done.’ The main concern for Wil- it. We’ll see tomorrow.” That day hasn’t come yet for me,” liams, a six-time US Open Her path to a 10th US Open insists a theoretically easier route Williams said. champion, in an otherwise routine final opened up with the elimi- to the title won’t change her “I’m still playing pretty good victory was the state of her right nation of the top two seeds on her approach in New York. tennis. I do look at Roger ankle that rolled as she scurried side of the draw, with Wang “I can’t afford to look at it (Federer), like today, and the guy to the net to hit a volley in the accounting for French Open that way. Every single match I is incredible. second set. champion Ashleigh Barty and 2016 have played, people come and “His game is shockingly She called for a medical runner-up Karolina Pliskova also they plan their best,” Williams amazing. So there is no reason that timeout at the next break and had losing. said. he shouldn’t be out there with his Serena Williams of the United States celebrates a point during the ankle heavily taped. Williams, who has also battled “The women that I play are not ability, and I feel the same way her fourth round match against Petra Martic of Croatia on Sunday. “I feel fine right now knee and back injuries this season, generally playing at this level about mine.” TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 09 Denly set to open in fourth Ashes Test as Roy goes down

AFP “I got a call from (captain) Joe LONDON Root after a bit of time off and he said he’d like me to go at the top of the Joe Denly will open the batting for order and try to get us off to a good England in the fourth Ashes Test with start,” Denly told BBC Radio. Captain Virat Kohli (left) and Ravindra the struggling Jason Roy to drop down Denly made scores of six and 17 Jadeja of India celebrate during day 4 of the order, the batsman told the BBC as an opener on his Test debut against yesterday. the West Indies in January before the 2nd Test against West Indies. England will hope that Denly can dropping down the order. add some solidity with Rory Burns when But he thinks his partnership with the fourth Test gets underway at Old Rory Burns could enable Roy to attack India beat West Trafford tomorrow, as the latter’s Surrey the Australian bowling. team-mate Roy has accumulated just “Obviously Jason is going to bat 62 runs in the three Tests so far. four and that’s great for English Indies by 257 runs Roy, who has failed to adapt to cricket,” said the 33-year-old Denly. the five-day format since the World “With Jason Roy in the team we to seal series 2-0 Cup-winning campaign earlier in the are a better team and with him AFP season, will drop down to four. coming in at four, hopefully with the KINGSTON Denly scored his first-half century new ball worn off and myself and of the series in England’s miraculous Rory Burns doing our job at the top, Joe Denly (left) and team-mate India bowled West Indies out for 210 in run chase in the third Test, inspired it allows him to come in and play his Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday to win the Sam Curren in action during a by Ben Stokes, which levelled the way. He’s a great player to have second Test by 257 runs and complete a sweep practice session yesterday. five-match series at 1-1. there.” of the two-match series. West Indies lost key batsman Darren Bravo to concussion shortly after the start of play but under the new protocols, the home Langer keeps Australia team called Shamarh Brooks into their lineup. He went on to hit the top score on the 12-batsman scorecard, with 50. Jermaine Blackwood, with 38, and Jason Holder, 39 waiting over selection also put up some late-order resistance. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and AFP bowlers. We’re very clear what the batting quick bowler Mohammed Shami both took LONDON is.” three wickets for India. Former Australia captain Smith has Brief scores Australia's David Australia coach Justin Langer is keeping scored a combined total of 378 runs in three India 416 (H. Vihari 111, V. Kohli 76, I. Warner and his players waiting to learn the team for innings in the series so far, at a remarkable Sharma 57, M. Agarwal 55; J. Holder 5-77, former captain the fourth Ashes Test against England. average of 126. R. Cornwall 3-105) and 168-4 declared (A. Steve Waugh Langer’s side face England at Old Smith was back on the field in last Rahane 64 n.o., H. Vihari 53 n.o.; K. Roach (right) during a Trafford this week with the Ashes tied at week’s tour match against Derbyshire, 3-28, J. Holder 1-20) vs West Indies 210 practice session 1-1 in the five-match series. scoring 23 in his only visit to the crease, (Sharmarh Brooks 50, Jermaine Blackwood at the Old Trafford England’s remarkable win at Head- and Langer hopes he can now pick up 38, Jason Holder 39; I. Sharma 2-37, ingley in the third Test has breathed new where he left off in the Test series. Mohammed Shami 3-65) yesterday. life into the contest and could force Aus- “I’ve justst thrown to him for about tralia to make changes. half an hourur and he’she’s They seem certain to make at least one moving rreallyeally INTERNATIONAL CRICKET FIXTURES Waugh returns to give switch, with star batsman Steve Smith well, so we’rere allall FOR SEPTEMBER available again after suffering concussion hopeful thatat he following a bouncer from England’s Jofra gets backk SEPTEMBER 3 Australia an Ashes lift Archer in the second game at Lord’s. into thee Sri Lanka vs New Zealand at Pallekele, 2nd T20I REUTERS coaching role during the World Pacemen Mitchell Starc and Peter zone, or hitsts SEPTEMBER 4 MANCHESTER Cup, was a priority for Langer Siddle will also hope to be involved. the ball in the The Ashes - 4th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, after he faced many testing Langer was giving few clues away as middle of thehe bat,” ICC World Test Championship - Day 1 Australia have brought back moments during his first year as to Australia’s likely selection at yesterday’s Langer said.d. SEPTEMBER 5 former captain Steve Waugh to coach. press conference and said his players are “He’s shownhown that The Ashes - 4th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, help the squad prepare for the “Guys like Punter (Ponting) still in the dark as well. throughoutout the ICC World Test Championship - Day 2 final stretch of the Ashes series and Steve Waugh, not only do “The players don’t know yet. We’re summer. He’s beenbeen Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Chattogram, Only Test - day 1 against England as the tourists they have a great presence in the going to tell them before dinner tonight batting well,ll, so let’s SEPTEMBER 6 look to rebound from the painful group, but they are great psy- and then it will probably be public after hope he canan concon-- The Ashes - 4th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, third Test defeat at Headingley. chologists,” Langer added. that,” Langer said. tinue that.at. It’s ICC World Test Championship - Day 3 Waugh had left the squad “They’ve been in the “We’re very clear on the 12, not so sure important for our Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Chattogram, Only Test - day 2 after the first two Tests as cauldron before, they’ve seen it on the 11. Sorry I can’t give you more but team and it’it’ss jujustst Sri Lanka vs New Zealand at Pallekele, 3rd T20I scheduled but has rejoined the all, so to have that those type of it’s probably better to tell the players before nice knowingng thatthat SEPTEMBER 7 group ahead of the fourth Test guys, we are talking about we tell you. he’s back in the Justin Langer The Ashes - 4th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, at Old Trafford starting developing leadership in Aus- “The 12th man will be one of the team.” ICC World Test Championship - Day 4 tomorrow. tralian cricket, to have our guys Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Chattogram, Only Test - day 3 With the series locked at 1-1, to learn from people of that SEPTEMBER 8 one victory in the next two Tests calibre is very important short will ensure Australia retain the term.” The Ashes - 4th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, urn in England for the first time Australia’s one-wicket ICC World Test Championship - Day 5 since Waugh’s side triumphed defeat in the third test was a Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Chattogram, Only Test - day 4 4-1 in 2001. bitter pill to swallow but they SEPTEMBER 9 “We asked him to stay for would put it behind them, he Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Chattogram, Only Test - day 5 the third Test, but he had to go said. SEPTEMBER 12 back for a function,” Australia “I actually felt physically sick The Ashes - 5th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, coach Justin Langer told after it and then I went back to ICC World Test Championship - Day 1 reporters in Manchester. my room. I wasn’t sure whether SEPTEMBER 13 Australia's The Ashes - 5th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, “But he was actually going to cry my eyes out or smash my Steve Smith, to fly there, do the function and hotel room,” he said. ICC World Test Championship - Day 2 David Warner fly back the next day. That’s how “Everyone in that change Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe at Dhaka, Bangladesh Twenty20 and Marnus much he’s enjoying it. room, probably a lot of Aus- Tri-Series Labuschagne “He’s been like a kid at tralians felt it, felt completely SEPTEMBER 14 during a Christmas.” sick. The Ashes - 5th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, practice Having Waugh in the “You never like to let oppor- ICC World Test Championship - Day 3 session backroom staff, much like Ricky tunities slip... that’s OK, we’ll Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe at Dhaka, Bangladesh Twenty20 yesterday. Ponting taking on an assistant make sure we learn from it.” Tri-Series SEPTEMBER 15 The Ashes - 5th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, Pakistani cricketers gear up for Sri Lanka series ICC World Test Championship - Day 4 Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Dhaka, Bangladesh Twenty20 Tri-Series India vs South Africa at Dharamsala, 1st T20I SEPTEMBER 16 The Ashes - 5th Test: England vs Australia at Manchester, ICC World Test Championship - Day 5 SEPTEMBER 18 Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe at Chattogram, Bangladesh Twenty20 Tri-Series India vs South Africa at Mohali, 2nd T20I SEPTEMBER 20 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe at Chattogram, Bangladesh Twenty20 Tri-Series SEPTEMBER 21 Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Chattogram, Bangladesh Twenty20 Tri-Series SEPTEMBER 22 India vs South Africa at Bengaluru, 3rd T20I SEPTEMBER 24 Bangladesh Twenty20 Tri-Series, Final SEPTEMBER 27 Pakistani cricketers in action on the first day of a two-day practice match at the Gaddafi Stadium Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Karachi, 1st ODI in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka in a limited-overs series in Karachi from SEPTEMBER 29 September 27. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Karachi, 2nd ODI 10 SPORT TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019 ANOC and Sports: Understanding the synergic link

THE PENINSULA DOHA As one of the largest inter- Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the NOC Family.Between national organisations in the ANOC Beach Games Pan American Sports Organi- General Assemblies, Executive world with 206 IOC-recognised The Beach Games is the zation (PASO)and Association of Council Meetings must be held When the inaugural edition of National Olympic Committees latest addition to the long National Olympic Committees at least twice a year. The Exec- the World Beach Games Qatar (NOCs) and eight NOCs who are list of innovations ANOC of Africa (ANOCA). utive Council includes members 2019 officially kicks off in Doha not recognised by IOC but rec- has been undertaking in its ANOC is represented in a of the five Continental Associa- on October 12, all eyes are not ognised by continental associa- quest to reform, modernise number of IOC Commissions tions elected for a four-year only going to be on the host tions as its affiliates, ANOC has and professionalise the including the Coordination term. nation but also on the main always been at the forefront of organisation in order to Commissions for Olympic In addition to the General organisers, Association of global promotion of sports and better serve the needs of Games; the World Anti-Doping Assembly, ANOC owns and runs National Olympic Committees it works to protect and advance the world’s NOCs. Agency (WADA); the Court of a number of other events (ANOC), who are putting the interest of all its members. Arbitration for Sport (CAS); and including the ANOC Awards together this great competition Historically, the first General NOCs and International Feder- the International Council of which was launched in 2014 by for the first time. Assembly of the NOCs took place ations (IFs) in particular and it Arbitration for Sport (ICAS), to the ANOC President Sheikh In establishing the World in Rome from 30 September – also strives to protect and ensure that the NOC voice is Ahmad Al-Fahd Al Sabah. place that year and are decided Beach Games, ANOC aims to to 2 October 1965 but it wasn’t advance the collective interests heard within the Olympic The Awards is an annual by an ANOC jury. open beach sports to the world until June 1979 that ANOC was of the NOCs by delivering an Movement. event created to recognise the Administratively, the day to and provide an opportunity for officially formed during the unprecedented level of The General Assembly is the achievements of the NOCs and day management and opera- NOCs to connect with new stars Constitutive General Assembly assistance and support as well supreme governing body of the their athletes as well as distin- tions of the organisation is from new beach, water and in San Juan, Puerto Rico with as strengthening the relation- Association and under the new guished members of the handled, in consultation with the action sports. Mario Vázquez Raña (Mexico), ships between the NOCs and the Constitution, an Ordinary Olympic Family and it provides President, by its Secretary The Beach Games is the who served from 26 June 1979 Olympic Family for the benefit General Assembly must be held an opportunity for the world’s General from its headquarters latest addition to the long list of to 13 April 2012, as its first of the entire Olympic Movement. once a year. NOCs come together in a relaxed in the Olympic Capital, innovations ANOC has been president. Each NOC under the organ- All 206 NOCs participate in and entertaining environment Lausanne, where it has been undertaking in its quest to By facilitating and opening isation is affiliated to their the General Assembly and the and enjoy an evening cele- based since June 2010. reform, modernise and profes- up new dialogue, ANOC is com- respective continental nations - event is also a platform for brating sport. (The article has been written sionalise the organisation in mitted to forging more pro- Oceania National Olympic Com- Olympic stakeholders, especially The awards presented each by Ms Gunilla Lindberg, who is order to better serve the needs ductive and collaborative mittees (ONOC), European OCOGs and cities bidding to host year vary depending on the presently the Secretary-General of the world’s NOCs. working relationships between Olympic Committees (EOC), the Olympic Games, to address sporting events that have taken of the organisation.)

Quintana signs for ambitious NBA All-Star Jokic shines as French team Serbia trounce Philippines Arkea-Samsic AFP Basketball World Cup final group action. An Angola FOSHAN, CHINA AFP Results from the Basketball World Cup player aimed a vicious headbutt RENNES in China yesterday: at an opponent as Italy thrashed Serbia and their NBA All-Star Group A the Africans 92-61. Italy look in Colombia’s two-time Grand Nikola Jokic turned on the style to Venezuela 87 Ivory Coast 71 ominous form, hammering the Tour winner Nairo Quintana reach the second round of the Poland 79 China 76 (in overtime) Philippines 108-62 in their opener has signed a three-year Basketball World Cup with a Group B before handing out more pun- contract to ride for Arkea- masterful 126-67 demolition of the Argentina 94 Nigeria 81 ishment to the Angolans in Foshan. Samsic, the ambitious French Philippines yesterday. Russia 87 South Korea 73 But there was a flashpoint team announced yesterday. The Serbs have a team packed Group C involving all the players from both The 29-year-old, leading with NBA talent and are the prime teams with seconds left of the Tunisia 79 Iran 67 the ongoing Vuelta a Espana threat to reigning two-time cham- match after Angola’s Leonel Paulo Spain 73 Puerto Rico 63 overall standings, will see out pions the United States, who are and Alessandro Gentile clashed. Group D this season with Movistar, the without their biggest names in The 26-year-old Gentile Italy 92 Angola 61 Spanish outfit he joined in 2012, China. shoved Paulo and the latter Serbia 126 Philippines 67 before switching stables. Serbia began their title tilt with responded in kind, before “Nairo is one of the global a 105-59 thrashing of Angola on appearing to make contact with stars of our sport, and a galactic Saturday and were similarly rebounds. the Italian’s nose with his star in South America,” Arkea- ruthless in dismissing the Philip- Nemanja Bjelica of the Sacra- forehead. Samsic’s general manager pines in Foshan. mento Kings led the scoring with Marco Belinelli of the San Emmanuel Hubert said. Colom- Serbia coach Sasha Djordjevic 20 points. It is the first time that Antonio Spurs racked up 17 points bia’s most decorated cyclist, the questioned the World Cup format Serbia, losing finalists to Team and Kentucky-born Jeff Brooks winner of the 2014 Giro d’Italia after successive routs. USA in 2014, have won their first also starred for Italy with 11 points, and Vuelta two years later, will “What does it serve to the Phil- two games at the World Cup, 11 rebounds and two steals. assume co-leader responsibil- ippine team to lose by this dif- underlining their scintillating “Serbia are the best team in the ities with current French road ference?” he asked, while also form. tournament but we are not scared race champion Warren Barguil. hitting out at some rough Serbia’s big win also propelled about that,” said the 33-year-old Quintana was 8th at the 2019 treatment dealt out by the losing Italy into the second round -- the guard Belinelli. Tour de France while Barguil side. “I don’t like dirty play, when two teams face up on Wednesday Argentina also reached the came 10th. you have the intention to hurt a in what promises to be a block- second round as they defeated “It’s a turning point in my player. buster for Group D supremacy. Nigeria 94-81. Russia joined them career. I was looking for a team “I don’t want my players hurt The pair were the first teams into in making it out of Group B. in which I was going to be in the second or third game, you round two. With another spot in Luis Scola scored 23 points to happy. The goal is to fight for have to stop that. This is not the the next round at stake, hosts reach 611 points in his Basketball victory on the Tour de France,” way to treat the opponent.” China were forced into the first World Cup career and move to Quintana said on his new Lumbering Denver Nuggets overtime of the competition after second on the all-time tournament team’s website. The two-time ace Jokic, who has what it takes to they tied 72-72 with Poland in reg- scoring list. The 39-year-old, runner-up in the Tour de be the player of the tournament ulation time. Over five extra taking part in his fifth World Cup, France Quintana “is only 29” and has been likened to an NFL minutes of action in front of an is however well behind Oscar and “still in the game” said quarterback in the way he dictates exhilarated crowd in Beijing, it was Schmidt. The legendary Brazilian Serbia’s Nikola Jokic dunks the ball during the Basketball World Hubert, a former professional games, had 11 points and a game- the Poles who prevailed, 79-76, finished his career with 906 Cup Group D against the Philippines in Foshan, yesterday. cyclist. best seven assists and seven leaving China sweating going into points. Leclerc destined for greatness, says Hamilton AFP overshadowed by the death of “Even if we had different SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS French Formula Two driver strategies, it would have been Anthoine Hubert a day earlier, hard to have beaten him. He Lewis Hamilton yesterday Hamilton forecast that having deserved to win.” predicted more success for his finally secured his maiden win, Leclerc, widely tipped as a triumphant Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc would now go on to future champion, performed Leclerc and tipped the claim more victories. with grace and humanity on Monegasque driver as the “Ferrari are going to have a and off the circuit during a favourite for this week’s Italian happy weekend at Monza,”said stressful race weekend that saw Grand Prix at Monza. the defending five-time him move within 12 points of After finishing second behind champion and current series his Ferrari team-mate and Leclerc at the Belgian Grand Prix leader. four-time world champion on Sunday, a race weekend “They are so much faster Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ than us and Monza is all standings. straights... We will do our best, He has now out-qualified but it is going to be a tough job Vettel at six races in succession, to match them.” leaving the German battling to Hamilton increased his lead retain his status as Ferrari’s lead Ferrari are going in this year’s title race to 69 driver. to have a happy points ahead of re-signed Mer- On Sunday, Vettel was weekend at Monza, cedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, asked to pull over and allow They are so much who came home third, and was Leclerc to pass mid-race on his quick to praise 21-year-old way to finishing fourth. It is faster than us Leclerc for his performance now more than a year since his Charles Leclerc (right) of Ferrari celebrates after winning the 2019 F1 Belgium Grand Prix at the Spa- and Monza is all under pressure. last win, ironically at Belgium Francorchamps Circuit in Spa, Belgium on Sunday. Hamilton (left) of Mercedes took the second place. straights... We will Leclerc, who started from in 2018. do our best, but it is pole and resisted intense Ham- “I think his results speak for to jump into a top team, let alone “So I think that speaks for greatness to come from him and ilton pressure as he chased him themselves really,” added Ham- Ferrari... and then to be con- itself. He’s been really unlucky I’m looking forward to seeing his going to be a tough in the closing laps, dedicated his ilton, referring to Leclerc, who tinuous from race one, out- in quite a few races this year. growth and racing alongside job to match them: win to his late friend Hubert. has delivered five podium fin- perform, out-qualify and out- Could easily have been the third him... Today, it was fun, trying to Hamilton “He did a great job,” said ishes in his last seven outings. drive a four-time world win today. chase him. He was just a little bit Hamilton. “It’s not easy for any driver champion is not easy to do. “So, there’s a lot more too quick.” TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 11 Van Dijk, Ronaldo, Messi finalists for FIFA player award

AP Ronaldo and Messi after helping Cup titles before stepping down Liverpool’s Dutch MILAN Liverpool win the Champions after more than five years in defender Virgil van The winners will be League title in June. charge, was nominated for the Dijk poses with his announced at a ceremony at Netherlands defender Virgil van Rapinoe is competing award for the best coach in trophies of Europe’s Milan’s iconic Scala theater Dijk has joined five-time against World Cup-winning women’s soccer. best player and best on September 23. winners Cristiano Ronaldo and team-mate Alex Morgan and She is joined by England’s defender in Monaco, Lionel Messi as the three England forward Lucy Bronze. Phil Neville and the Nether- in this August 29, Luka Modric, who won the finalists for the FIFA best player All three of the finalists for lands’ Sarina Wiegman. The 2019 file photo. award. United States forward the men’s coach award work in Netherlands lost to the United award last year after leading Van Dijk has joined Croatia to the World Cup Megan Rapinoe is the favourite the Premier League: Liverpool’s States in the World Cup final. Ronaldo and Messi as for the women’s award. Jürgen Klopp, Manchester City’s Liverpool also have a con- the three finalists for final, failed to make the The announcement of the Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s tender for the best goalkeeper the FIFA best player 10-man shortlist. final three in each category - Mauricio Pochettino. award. Alisson up against City’s award. including best coach and best While Klopp won the Cham- Ederson and Barcelona’s Marc- goalkeeper - was made yes- pions League with Liverpool and André ter Stegen. terday at San Siro. The winners Guardiola steered City to a Christiane Endler, Hedvig will be announced at a cer- second straight Premier League Lindahl and Sari van emony at Milan’s iconic Scala title, Pochettino has never won Veenendaal are the three theater on September 23. a trophy in his managerial finalists for the women’s goal- Luka Modric, who won the career - although he did lead keeper award. award last year after leading Tottenham to the Champions The winners will be voted Croatia to the World Cup final, League final. on by national team coaches did not make the 10-man United States coach Jill Ellis, and captains, selected media shortlist. Van Dijk joined who won back-to-back World and online fan voting.

Lukaku pleas Neymar looks set to stay at PSG to stand

AP were ready to let him leave,” everything in a big club with a PSG could find itself facing English side Stoke - and Jese, against PARIS Leonardo said. big-name player like that.” 13-time European champion who is back at PSG after loans to “That offer never arrived.” It promises to be a difficult Madrid with an underwhelming Las Palmas, Stoke and Real Betis racism after Neymar (pictured) looked set to There were several reported month for PSG, which will likely strike force of Eric Maxim produced just six goals in 43 stay at Paris Saint-Germain as offers forr the Brazil star,star, face RealReal Choupou-MotingChoupou-Moting - who joined games. abuse the clock ticked down on the including Barcelona sending MadMadridrid lastlast season ffromrom Jese’s appearance as a 90th-90 French league’s transfer window, winger Ousmanesmane DemDembelebele to in tthehe unher-u nher- mminuteinute susubstitutebstitute on FriFridayday nightn AFP which was scheduled to close PSG on loanoan as part of a aaldedl ded against Metz was his first PSG ROME last midnight. cash-plus-playerss-players dealdeal appearance since scscoringo Much publicised talks with with Croatiatia midfieldermidfielder inin a FrenchFrench Cup gamega Romelu Lukaku has made an Barcelona have seemingly led to Ivan Rakiticic alsalsoo jojoiningining in December 2016.2016 eloquent plea for players, clubs very little, in what appears much PSG along wiwithth €130m. TheThe 26-y26-year-oldear and federations as well as social ado about nothing. But Leonardoeonardo sasaidid SpaniardSpaniard arrarrivedi media platforms to unite and Two years after joining PSG Barcelona’sa’s DemDembelebele fromfrom MadridMadrid ffour take a stand against the scourge for a world record €222m (now offer camee far too late yearsyears agoago amida of racist abuse in the game. $242m) Neymar clearly wanted on August 227,7, and by SaSat-t- highhigh expectatiexpectations, Inter Milan’s new recruit to leave. But the summer transfer urday nightht speculation butbut is eeffectivelyffectiv from Manchester United was saga between prospective buyer was windingding ddownown amiamidd nownow PSG’s fifth-fi responding after being the Barcelona and hard-nosed seller online reportsports Neymar was firstfirst chochoiceice foforward.rw target of monkey chants on PSG turned into a “Will he, won’t resigned too stastaying.ying. groupgroup It is ironic that Sunday. he stay?” soap opera where Bar- Losingg NeymarNeymar would have ggameame of the PPSGSG might need him The abuse lasted for several celona did most of the talking given PSG coach Thomas Tuchel ChChampionsampions League on SeSep-p- aagainstgainst his forformer seconds as the 26-year-old was with little effect. precious littleittle time to recruit a tember 18 without a top-classtop-class clclubub in just oover preparing to take the winning It was not until Friday night, top-level sstriker.triker. It hhasas ununder-der- strikerstriker andand tthenhen travetravelsls to sevenseven-- ttwowo weweeks’e penalty in Inter’s 2-1 Serie A after PSG won 2-0 at Metz standablyy bebeenen a frustrafrustratingting time French championchampion LyoLyonn four time. triumph at Cagliari in without a physically fit Neymar, season so far for Tuchel, with daysdays later.later. Sardinia. that PSG’s sporting director Neymar physicallyhysically rereadyady to pplaylay NeymNeymarar is available to face “Many players in the last Leonardo effectively said a deal after two iinjury-hitnjury-hit seasons yet LyonLyon - if he stays - but is sus-sus- month have suffered from would almost certainly not be apparentlyy sidelined in case a pendedpended for the first three games racial abuse, I did yesterday,” reached. That is unless a dra- Barcelona move happened.happened. ofof the Champions League.League. the Belgian international wrote matic turnaround happens in the “Thingsgs in the world ooff Edinson Cavani ((hip)hip) and Kylian on Instagram yesterday. few hours remaining before the football arere crazy,crazy, anythinganything can Mbappe (thigh)(thigh) are expected to “Football is a game to be window shuts. happen,” TTucheluchel said recently be out forfor a fewfew weeksweeks andand will enjoyed by everyone and we “We always said that, if we with an airr ooff resignation. probablyprobably miss bothboth keykey shouldn’t accept any form of were happy with an offer, we “The coachcoach doesn’tdoesndoesn’ t decidedecide matches.matches. discrimination that will put our game in shame.” He called on football feder- ations around the world to “react strongly” and suggested Navas joins PSG from Real social media platforms need to do more with football clubs This August 23, 2019 file REUTERS place in the team after Belgium’s Paris St Germain men’s team.” “because everyday you see at photo shows Keylor Navas PARIS Thibaut Courtois joined last year. Real coach Zinedine Zidane least a racist comment under a in Real Madrid’s colours. “Paris St Germain is pleased said last month that he did not post of a person of colour”. Triple Champions to announce the transfer of goal- want Navas to leave but PSG “We’ve been saying it for League-winning goal- keeper Keylor Antonio Navas keeper Alphonse Areola headed years and still no action. keeper Keylor Navas has joined Gamboa from Real Madrid,” the the other way on a season-long “Ladies and gentlemen it’s Paris St Germain on a four-year French club said in a statement. loan to the Spanish club. 2019, instead of going forward deal from Real Madrid, the French “The Costa Rican shot- “I’m really excited to sign for we’re going backwards and I champions said yesterday. stopper has signed a four-year Paris St Germain,” Navas said. think as players we need to Navas joined Real in 2014 contract with the capital club until “After my experience in unify and make a statement on and was their number one during 30 June 2023. Spain, I’m coming to France with this matter to keep this game an unprecedented hat-trick of Navas, who also holds high hopes.” clean and enjoyable for Champions League titles between Spanish nationality, is the first PSG top the Ligue 1 table with everyone.” 2016 and 2018 but he lost his Costa Rican in the history of the nine points from four games. Racist chanting has dogged Italian stadia in recent years, with Italy striker Moise Kean also the victim of similar abuse Kluivert called up -- alongside team-mate Blaise Star Maguire wants Manchester Matuidi -- at Cagliari after he scored a goal there for his as replacement former team Juventus last April. for Netherlands Kalidou Koulibaly was United to rediscover swagger showered with monkey chants REUTERS last season by Lukaku’s new REUTERS Palace and an away draw at United recorded 21 attempts AMSTERDAM fans at the San Siro, while MANCHESTER Wolverhampton Wanderers on goal and pushed for a several other black players last month. winner in the closing stages Justin Kluivert was named as a have been targeted. Manchester United’s record “We are playing attacking when Southampton were replacement for the injured Steven Lukaku’s former Man- signing Harry Maguire wants football but don’t get me reduced to 10 men after Kevin Bergwijn in the Netherlands squad chester United team-mates his team-mates to control wrong we can still improve a Danso was sent off. yesterday, the Dutch football association Paul Pogba and Marcus games and rediscover their lot especially on the ball,” Maguire said United must (KNVB) said. Rashford were also subjected swagger after they dropped Maguire, who arrived at Old take their opportunities in PSV Eindhoven winger Bergwijn to online abuse last month. points in the Premier League Trafford from Leicester City front of goal if they are to keep aggravated a thigh injury during Sunday’s for the third game in at the start of the season, told up with their top four rivals. 3-1 win at RKC Waalwijk in the Dutch succession at Southampton. reporters. “It was another game league and joined Stefan de Vrij on the United winger Daniel “We were giving it away where we deserved to win list of withdrawals. James’ brilliant first-half goal sloppy, and we need to created the majority of the De Vrij pulled out at the weekend Football is a game was cancelled out by a Jannik improve on that and show chances and we’ve dropped after a muscle injury prevented him from Vestergaard header after the arrogance on the ball and be two points,” Maguire added. playing for Inter Milan at Cagliari on to be enjoyed by interval as the visitors were confident on the ball. “The start of our season Sunday but there is no replacement for everyone and we held to a frustrating 1-1 draw “We’re Man United and we has been a bit like that. him. shouldn’t accept any against Southampton at St want to control games. In the “With our performances Roma striker Kluivert returns to the Mary’s on Saturday. last 20 of the first and in the we warrant more points but it squad for the first time in a year. form of discrimination The result left United on first 20 of the second we didn’t will come, we will keep The Dutch travel to Germany for a that will put our game five points from four games really control the game and working hard and keep Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday and then in shame: Lukaku Harry Maguire after a home defeat by Crystal we got punished for that.” improving.” face Estonia in Tallinn next Monday. SPORT Tuesday 3 September 2019 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 09 After heartbreak, Coach Langer ‘life goes on’ keeps Australia for World No.1 waiting over Djokovic team selection Key milestone as FIFA World Cup journey moves forward Qatar gets set to unveil ‘20:22’ emblem RIZWAN REHMAT Fans in Qatar will join football Qatar 2022 emblem to be THE PENINSULA fanatics in New York, Madrid, projected on iconic buildings Seoul, Johannesburg, Moscow, At exactly 20:22 tonight, the official in Doha emblem of the FIFA World Cup Qatar Mexico City, Mumbai, Berlin, The emblem will be projected onto a number 2022 will be unveiled digitally across Paris, London and Sao Paulo to of iconic buildings in Doha as listed below. the globe, marking another milestone watch the emblem unveiling Fans can view the reveal at any of these in the country’s journey to host foot- ceremony on huge digital screens. locations. ball’s showpiece event in a little over ¿ Katara Amphitheater three years’ time. 2022 ¿ Souq Waqif Fans in Qatar will join football ¿ Sheraton Hotel fanatics in New York, Madrid, Seoul, ¿ Torch Doha Johannesburg, Moscow, Mexico City, ¿ Doha Tower Mumbai, Berlin, Paris, London and Sao ¿ Zubarah Fort Paulo to watch the emblem unveiling ¿ Ministry of Interior building on huge digital screens. The digital unveiling will also be Fans from around the Arab world witnessed by fans in 10 districts across to witness World Cup Turkey. The visuals of emblem unveiling emblem at 20:22 will also reach millions homes across The emblem will be projected onto a number the region and the world through live of iconic buildings and touristic sites around broadcast to be carried out by beIN the region at 20:22 Doha time, as listed below. Sports channels, it was announced ¿ Kuwait – Kuwait Towers yesterday. ¿ Oman – Oman Opera House In Doha, Katara Amphitheater, ¿ Lebanon – Al Rawsha Rock Souq Waqif, Sheraton Hotel, Torch ¿ Jordan – Le Royal Amman Hotel Doha, Doha Tower, Zubarah Fort and ¿Iraq – Baghdad Tower Tunisia – Hammamat City Ministry of Interior building are the ¿ Algeria – Algeria Opera House locations where fans can watch the cer- ¿ Morocco – Al Rebat Cornish emony on screens, Supreme Committee ¿ for Delivery & Legacy (SC) announced earlier this week. Jumbo screens around the world Locations have also been finalised The emblem will also be unveiled across across the region with Kuwait, Oman, jumbo screens around the world at 20:22 Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Algeria Doha time (19:22 CET), as listed below. and Morocco also taking part in wit- ¿ Argentina – General Paz y 15 de Agosto, nessing the unveiling of the Qatar 2022 Buenos Aires emblem, organisers added. ¿ Brazil – Metro Domination Sé Station, The emblem unveiling occasion Sao Paulo comes after Qatar inaugurated one of ¿ Chile – Av Kennedy / Padre Hurtado, Santiago eight FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ¿ England – Westfield Stratford City / Four venues in May when the Amir H H Dials, Westfield Square @ Westfield London, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Canary Wharf and Leicester Square joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino ¿ France – Gare du Nord, Paris and scores of other dignitaries to ¿ Germany – Berlin Railway Station witness the first ever official match ¿ India – Babulnath Junction, Mumbai played at the spectacular Al Janoub ¿ Italy – Sempione, Arco della pace, Milano Stadium. from 20:00 Mecca Time (GMT+3) – with football legend Ibrahim Khalfan. beIN focus is providing millions of viewers ¿ Mexico – Principal streets in Mexico City Yesterday, beIN Media Group exclusive clips of Qatar’s achievements, Sports’ English studios will host Qatar with an outstanding World Cup expe- ¿ Russia – Noviy Arbat 2, Moscow South Africa – Alice Lane, Sandton, announced that it will broadcast an views of the city of Doha and the Football Association’s Technical rience. With a strong and proud foot- ¿ Johannesburg exclusive program “Road to 2022” to impressive construction projects across Director Tarik Mansour and former print in the Middle East, we are tre- South Korea – Coex Crown, Seoul mark the emblem unveiling across its the whole country,” a statement from French footballer Didier Domi,” the mendously excited that the official ¿ Spain – Callao, Madrid beIN SPORTS channels. beIN Sports said yesterday. statement added. 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar emblem ¿ Turkey – City Screens across ten districts “beIN Sports’ free to air channel, “beIN Sports will host a guest from beIN Media Group Sports Advisor is finally being unveiled. As we move ¿ including Yildz, Zuharatbaba, Bahcesehir news channel as well as channels from the Supreme Committee for Delivery Jonathan Whitehead, while com- closer to the biggest sporting event Kism, Tasdelen, Mimar sinan, Caferaga, HD 1 to HD 7 will broadcast the dedi- and Legacy in the Arabic studios with menting on the unveiling of the 2022 in the history of this region, we are Harbiye, Merkez, Barbarros and Levazim cated program “Road to 2022” in beIN presenter Ayman Jadah and stars FIFA World Cup Qatar emblem, said delighted to share this historic ¿ United States – Times Square, Broadway Arabic, as beIN SPORTS HD 11 and HD such as Tarak Dhiab, Egyptian football yesterday: “As the official broad- moment with our millions of viewers between 44th and 45th F/W, New York 13 will broadcast in English starting legend Mohammed Abutrika and Qatar caster, beIN Media Group’s prime across MENA”. Bencic ends title Federer yet to decide holder Osaka’s on 2020 Olympics REUTERS gold in 2008 and silver in singles in NEW YORK 2012. US Open run “Needless to say, the Olympics, the Roger Federer (pictured) has not yet ones I played, have always been very AFP who also beat Osaka at Indian decided if he will compete at next year’s memorable, either with carrying the NEW YORK Wells and Madrid. Tokyo Olympics and said on Sunday at flag, meeting my wife in 2000, winning “I’m trying to play like chess the US Open that eligibility, his health gold, winning silver,” said Federer. Reigning champion Naomi Osaka and make it tactical on the court,” and family will all factor into his “Naturally it’s always going to be a pos- was knocked out of the US Open she added. “Taking the serve early, decision. sibility for me to play Tokyo if there is by Swiss 13th seed Belinda Bencic trying to anticipate because she The tennis event at the Olympicsmpics an exemptionexemption.. 7-5, 6-4 in the last 16 at Flushing has so much power.” will begin two weeks after Wimbledonledon “I ddon’ton’t kknownow iiff Meadows yesterday. Bencic, 22, equaled her best and Federer said it is simply tooo soon I’m actuallyactually Bencic defeated Osaka for the at a Grand Slam having reached to decide if he will chase a singless ggoldold going to do it third time in as many meetings this the last eight on her US Open debut medal, which is the only major prize oror not bbecauseecause year and will play Croatian 23rd in 2014. the 20-times Grand Slam championon has itit all depends seed Donna Vekic in the quarter- Osaka’s exit means there will yet to win. onon family,family, on finals. Osaka will lose the number be four different women’s Grand “I don’t know if I’m going to bebe scheduling,scheduling, on one ranking to Ashleigh Barty as a Slam winners in a season for playing there just because it’s still a yyearear body,body, on result of the loss. the third consecutive year, a away,” Federer said after beating DDavidavid future.future. I dodon’tn’t “The challenge cannot be first in the Open era. Goffin to reach the US OOpenpen know.know. WWe’lle’ll bigger against Naomi. I had to be Croatia’s Vekic saved a quarter-finals. see.”see.” at the top of my game and I’m match point to advance by “Even though the time is slowlylowly really pleased how well I handled defeating Germany’s Julia coming around for me, in my mind,nd, mymy my nerves at the end,” said Bencic, Goerges 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-3. team, my family, to find out what’st’s tthehe best schedule after Wimbledonn nnextext Belinda Bencic of Switzerland reacts after winning a service break in the first set year.” against Naomi Osaka of Japan in the fourth round of the 2019 US Open, yesterday. Bencic The Swiss 38-year-old competedeted defeated the reigning US Open champion 7-5, 6-4 to advance into the quarter-finals. in the first of four Olympic Gameses at Sydney in 2000 and won doublesbles