Sharapova to meet Serena in first round of US Open PAGE 12 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

India-Pakistan tie QNB STARS LEAGUE postponed over security fears PAGE 12 Al Rayyan vs Umm Salal (7.30pm) Al Gharafa provide coach Jokanovic a perfect start Cheetahs thump Al Shahania 3-0

AYENI OLUSEGUN DOHA

Al Rayyan players in training ahead of their match against Umm Salal. AHMED Alaaeldin bagged a brace as Al Gharafa overcame a resilient Al Shahania 3-0 in Diego Aguirre seeks their QNB Stars League open- er at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday while Al Sailiya winning mentality for were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Al Khor. A perfect start for the rebuilding Al Rayyan Cheetahs saw their new sign- ing Sofiane Hanni cap his opening 90 minutes in Qatari The Lions take on football with a lovely goal, Umm Salal; Al Arabi putting in a man-of-the-match performance. play Al Ahli today After an eventful goalless first half, Al Gharafa lay down TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the marker in the second half DOHA but there’s still more to be done by coach Slavisa Jo- AL Rayyan coach Diego Agu- kanovic if his side are to com- irre has said the club’s winning Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre. pete for the title. mentality will see them com- The Cheetahs created Al Shahania coach Pepe Murcia (left) and Al Gharafa manager Slavisa Jokanovic look on as players Elias Ahmed and Jean-Paul Kesse battle for pete for the league title against about the past. We must focus chances early on but Hanni the ball during their QNB Stars League match at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday. Al Sadd and Al Duhail. on the current situation,” the and Alaaeldin were both de- The Lions will host Umm Uruguayan added. nied by the hardworking latched on to Sofiane’s pass to 10 minutes later, doubled Alganehi missed a glorious tactical ineptness late in the Salal at the Jassim Bin hamad Meanwhile, Raul Caneda Khalifa al Dosari in goal for drill the ball home. their lead spectacularly when chance when Koo Ja-Cheol game as Alaaeldin grabbed Stadium on Friday. Aguirre said Umm Salal cannot afford Shahania. Less than 10 minutes later, Sofiane beat the onrushing found the 18-year-old in space his second. last managed Al Rayyan from a slip up this season as the Al Gharafa brought the Sofianne got his QSL account goalkeeper with a lovely flick but he smashed his effort The Qatari striker beat 2011 to 2013, where he won level of competition is higher same intensity in the second rolling when he doubled the into the bottom left corner. against the bar. the offside trap to latch on to the Amir Cup in his last sea- than last year. half and finally found the Cheetahs’ lead in the 72nd Al Gharafa had more However, Al Shahania who Sofiane’s pass over the top be- son. After stints at Brazilian “I agree with those who breakthrough just past the minute. chances to extend their had just one shot on target all fore coolly slotting home past side Atletico Mineiro and Sao say the competition will be hour mark when Alaaeldin The Algerian, fewer than lead and substitiute Ahmed game were made to rue their Dosari. Paulo, the Uruguayan is back stronger this season in light of to with a mission to guide the the changes made in a number club back to the top four. of teams. Last season, Umm “I’m happy to be back at Al Salal were ranked ninth, so we Al Sailiya, Rayyan’s helm after a gap. I’ll want to finish the season in a Results try to equip the team to play better position,” said Caneda. Al Khor settle games strongly in the league. “We’ve signed many new Al Gharafa 3 (Ahmed Alaaeldin 64’ & “Al Rayyan are always Al players this season and we’ll for a 1-1 draw 94’, Sofiane Hanni 72’) bt Al Shahania 0 Rayyan. This club have a men- try to find the right combina- Al Sailiya 1 (Karim Ansarifard 19’ (pen)) tality to win. I know it very well, tion to face Al Rayyan. We’ve TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK vs Al Khor 1 (Tiago Bezerra 39’ (pen). I’ve worked with the players and completed our preparations DOHA I’ve felt a great response from for the first match of the new them. I think that the players season, against Al Rayyan. A penalty each for both Al Sail- also have this mentality. We’re We’re excited about the start of iya and Al Khor was the decid- preparing the team to compete yet another season,” he added. er as Sami Trabelsi’s men were for the title and there are strong held to a frustrating draw in sides in the league. Al Sadd are Al Arabi vs Al Ahli their QNB Stars League clash always a competitive team. So Also on Friday, manager late on Thursday. are Al Duhail,” Aguirre noted Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Al With the help of VAR, Al ahead of his second debut. Arabi will take on Al Ahli at Sailiya won a penalty inside Al Rayyan have failed to the Al Janoub Stadium. 20 minutes after Khalid Rad- live up to their illustrious his- Hallgrimsson will start his wan was ruled to have fouled tory after a history making first full season with the club Abdulqadir Ilyas. Karim An- 2015/16 season when they last but says his team still needs to sari made no mistake from the won the league title. Several find their identity. “I think all spot despite Rajeb Hamza’s managers from Michael La- players are now in full readiness. best effort. udrup, Rodolfo Arruabarrena We mainly prepared for the en- Just before half time, Al and Bulent Uygun have failed tire season, not just this match. Khor were given a lifeline back to inspire the side. “Now I’ve experience in the into the game from the spot. “It’s difficult to compare the Qatar League and we’re looking Ahmed al Minhali clumsily present team with that I coached for an identity for Al Arabi. We brought down Ahmed Ham- because we’re in a completely won’t try to compare ourselves moudan in the box and Thiago different period and in differ- with other teams. We recruited Bezerra did enough to power ent circumstances with different players according to our needs,” his effort past Khalifa Abubakr players. We don’t want to think the former Iceland coach said. who got his hand to the ball. Al Sailiya’s Karim Ansari celebrates after scoring against Al Khor during their QNB Stars League match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday. Brazil-born history-maker vows to take China to World Cup Galloping on Jockey Dettori in tears as Enable racks AFP start a trend of Brazilians 150 games in the Chinese Su- up 10th Group One victory SHANGHAI playing for China, has divided per League, qualifies for China football fans in the world’s because he has played in the LONDON: Frankie Dettori was in BRAZILIAN-BORN striker most populous country. country since 2013. floods of tears after he guided Elkeson said he wants to fire But the Guangzhou Ever- Calling it “a gamble”, the equine superstar Enable to her China to the World Cup after grande striker vowed to win forward nevertheless said that 10th Group One victory in the York- he became the first footballer over the doubters, saying in an he wants to “leave my mark” shire Oaks on Thursday. It was the without Chinese ancestry to be open letter: “Having Chinese on Chinese football. ideal tune-up for the five-year-old named in the national squad. nationality allows me to contrib- “I want a new challenge, mare as she attempts to become The recently naturalised ute to the national team once I want to see where my limits the first horse to win Europe’s 30-year-old will make more again playing in the World Cup. are,” he wrote. most prestigious race, the Prix history when – as widely ex- “I want to tell the world: “I want to repay the love de l’Arc de Triomphe, for a third time at Longchamp on October 6. pected – he lines up for Mar- I have officially begun a new of the Chinese people in these Dettori, who eased Enable away to win from her main rival, Magical, cello Lippi’s side in a 2022 journey, I am Chinese, I want to seven years. in the four-horse race, paraded her up the finishing straight and back World Cup qualifier away at return all the love and care you “I accepted this challenge down again to the acclaim of the crowd. Her appearance at York is the Maldives on September 10. have given me over the years. without hesitation,” he added. widely expected to be her last on an English racetrack, although Teddy Lippi has long complained “I hope to get your sup- Brazilian-born striker Elkeson became the first footballer without China, currently ranked a Grimthorpe, racing manager, said before the race that those plans about a dearth of attackers and port, as always.” Chinese ancestry to be named in the national squad. lowly 71st in the FIFA rank- could change. Dettori, though, was taking no chances on that score. on Wednesday moved to plug China similarly gave a ings, have reached the World “It is her last race in England so I wanted them to have a final look at the gap with Elkeson, who will passport to London-born mid- serve is half-Chinese. other countries, China had re- Cup only once. In 2002 they her,” said Dettori. “She is amazing, amazing, so good,” added the Ital- use the Chinese name Ai Kesen fielder Nico Yennaris earlier Although many other na- sisted doing so until now. exited football’s biggest stage ian, wiping away tears. Enable’s trainer John Gosden kept control of and take up a Chinese passport. this year, although unlike El- tions, notably 2022 hosts Elkeson, who has scored without scoring a goal or earn- his emotions. “That was a gorgeous performance,” he purred. (AFP) The move, which could keson the former Arsenal re- Qatar, call up players born in more than 100 goals in about ing a point. 12 Friday, August 23, 2019 Sports

US Open India-Pakistan Djoko could Federer looks to cure face Roger Davis Cup tie in semis, postponed over Wimbledon hangover Nadal in final AFP security fears NEW YORK REUTERS AFP NEW YORK TOP-RANKED defending NEW DELHI champion has incred- could face Roger Federer in THE upcoming Davis Cup tie ible mental toughness and the I played 45 matches this the semi-finals and Rafael Na- between hosts Pakistan and Swiss great may have to lean on year, so I think I should dal in the final under the US India has been postponed that attribute more than ever be fine. Open draw unveiled on Thurs- amid security fears, the Inter- at the U.S. Open if he plans to day at Flushing Meadows. national Federation show the tennis world he has Roger Federer on lack Djokovic, who defeated (ITF) said on Thursday. safety and security of athletes, moved on from last month’s of hardcourt matches Federer last month in an epic The All India Tennis Asso- officials and spectators.” Wimbledon heartbreak. Wimbledon final for his 16th ciation (AITA) had requested The statement added: Rather than arriving at the crown, had the the game’s world body to ei- “The tie has been rescheduled Aug. 26-Sept. 8 US Open fresh 20-time Grand Slam cham- ther postpone or move the for November, with the exact off collecting a 21st Grand pion and third seed dropped Asia/Oceania Group I tie dates to be confirmed by the Slam title, Federer is instead into his half of the draw. scheduled in September out Committee no later than 9 left to wonder what could have “The finals against Roger in of Pakistan following rising September. been after failing to convert Wimbledon was probably top- political tensions between the “The ITF will continue to two championship points on two in the most exciting match- two nations. monitor the situation in Paki- his own serve in the fifth set es I’ve ever been a part of,” Relations between the stan and the Davis Cup Com- against Novak Djokovic. Djokovic said. “It took me some neighbours are badly strained mittee will re-convene to re- For Federer, who became time... to get back on track.” after India revoked the special examine the security situation the first man since 1948 to lose The other match cited by the autonomy status of Kashmir, in advance of the tie.” a Wimbledon singles final af- 32-year-old Serbian star was his which the nuclear-armed ri- AITA secretary Hironmoy ter holding match points, the five-set victory over Nadal in the vals have fought two wars Chatterjee said the Indian loss was the cruelest of his Roger Federer of Switzerland acknowledges the crowd after losing in straight sets to of 2012 final. over since gaining independ- team, led by Mahesh Bhu- career given it came at the All Russia at the Cincinnati Open in Mason, Ohio, on August 15. Since Wimbledon, Federer has played only Djokovic is 26-22 all-time ence from Britain in 1947. pathi, was “very happy” with England Club where he has one US Open tune-up event in Cincinnati where he suffered a shocking third-round humbling by Rublev against Federer and 28-26 for The ITF, which was ear- the decision. triumphed eight times before. in 62 minutes – his quickest defeat for 16 years. (AFP) his career against Nadal in lier satisfied with the security “We are hoping that the “I know what he’s feel- matches among the . situation at the venue in Pa- situation will improve and set- ing,” 2003 US Open champion Stirs emotion himself from his closest pur- third-round humbling by Rus- Federer and Nadal, who have kistan’s capital Islamabad, tle down within two months , who lost four “You can be as disappointed suers on the all-time Grand sian qualifier Andrey Rublev never played at the US Open, said it was postponing the tie and it will be conducive to Grand Slam finals to Federer, as you want but when you step Slam list with in 62 minutes – his quickest could only meet in the final. under “exceptional circum- go and play,” Chatterjee told told Reuters. out into Arthur Ashe Stadium second with 18 and Djokovic defeat for 16 years. Djokovic will play his first- stance”. AFP. “It’s a tough road back at night with the lights on, third at 16 going into his US Federer would surely have round match against Spain’s “Following an in-depth “As of now it was not right from such a tough loss. New York has its eyes on you, Open title defence. loved to have made a deep 76th-ranked Roberto Carballes security review of the current to go and play in Pakistan “But he’s always been the hopefully that stirs up some “It’s not easy. Especially in run to move on from Wim- Baena. He could be tested by situation in Pakistan by inde- because of the political situa- best at rebounding and kind of emotion, some motivation,” the context of history as it ap- bledon but despite the Cincin- South African pendent expert security advi- tion.” brushing it off and getting on said Roddick. plies to those three guys with nati setback, his confidence is or Swiss in the sors, the Davis Cup Commit- An Indian tennis team to business and we will see if “Kind of maybe reset. Not 20, 18 and 16 slams,” Roddick anything but shaken despite fourth round and face in-form tee has taken the decision to last played a Davis Cup tie in he can do that this time.” really think backwards but said of Federer having to move playing just two hardcourt Russian fifth seed Daniil Med- postpone the Davis Cup Asia/ Pakistan in 1964, when they Roddick, who was one kind of look forward to the on from such a tough loss. matches in the lead-up to the vedev in a quarter-final. Oceania Group I tie between beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan point away from serving for next two weeks. “Those titles matter, they US Open. Federer will open against Pakistan and India in Islama- lost 3-2 when they played in the title in the 2009 Wim- “He’s as professional as could potentially be the histo- “I played 45 matches this a qualifier as will Japan’s bad, due to be played on 14-15 Mumbai in 2006. bledon final which Federer they have ever come so who ry-making matches and slams year, so I think I should be seventh-seeded , September,” the ITF said in a Until recently, Pakistan ended up winning 16-14 in am I to tell him what he should won. But if there is anyone who fine,” a smiling Federer said also in his quarter of the draw. statement. has been forced to host Davis the fifth set, said there is no be doing? He has 20 slams for can rebound it’ll be Roger.” in Cincinnati last week when Second seed Nadal, who “The Committee con- Cup ties at neutral venues as magic trick the Swiss can pull a reason.” Since Wimbledon, Federer asked if he was concerned won his 18th Grand Slam title cluded that this is an excep- teams refused to travel to the but he may find some comfort The Wimbledon loss de- has played only one US Open about not getting enough at this year’s , has tional circumstance while the South Asian nation over secu- playing under the lights at the nied Federer a golden op- tune-up event in Cincinnati hardcourt matches in before Austrian fourth seed Dominic first priority of the ITF is the rity concerns. year’s final Grand Slam. portunity to further distance where he suffered a shocking heading to Flushing Meadows. Thiem on his side of the bracket. Serena and Sharapova to clash in first round blockbuster

AFP Australian Open quarter- Serena was placed into the Halep, coming off her sec- and I feel like I’ll be able to play.” NEW YORK finals, although Sharapova same quarter as Australian ond Grand Slam title, opens Osaka said while she might advanced by walkover against second seed Ashleigh Barty, against a qualifier and could watch players who are unfa- SERENA Williams will begin Williams in the fourth round the reigning French Open face a semi-final against Osa- miliar, she isn’t one to analyse her quest for a seventh US at Roland Garros last year. champion whose first match ka, who defends a Slam crown the draw beyond her next op- Open title and record-tying Eighth-ranked Williams is against 77th-ranked Zarina for the first time. ponent. “I like to know what 24th Grand Slam victory is looking to match the all- Diyas of Kazakhstan. “I’m looking forward to the that one person I’m playing against long-time rival Maria time record of 24 Grand Slam Top-seeded Osaka opens experience,” Osaka said. “Eve- is,” she said. “I like to focus my Sharapova in the US Open singles titles won by Marga- against Russia’s 93rd-ranked ryone knows I love it here.” attention on that one.” women’s singles draw un- ret Court. The 37-year-old Anna Blinkova and could face Osaka retired in the third Pliskova plays her first veiled on Thursday. American has dropped her Russia’s Maria Sharapova (left) and Serena Williams of the US. a third-round date against set of a quarter-final match at match against a qualifier. Ve- Williams has dominated past three Grand Slam finals 15-year-old American Coco Cincinnati with a left knee in- nus Williams, 39, won the the Russian star in their head- appearances, including last game penalty for her tirade at Venus Williams, who could Gauff, who eliminated Venus jury but said Thursday she ex- 2000 and 2001 US Opens to-head rivalry, winning 19 month to Simona Halep at umpire Carlos Ramos. not face her sister until the Williams in the first round at pects no problems with play- opens against China’s Zheng times with only two defeats, Wimbledon and last year to Tournament officials have semi-finals, being in the same Wimbledon in a run to the last ing at the US Open. Saisai and could meet fifth including their past 18 meet- Japan’s Naomi Osaka at the said Ramos will not work any draw quarter as Czech third 16 in her Grand Slam debut. “It’s geting better. I’m a fast seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine ings, most recently at the 2016 US Open after a controversial matches involving Serena or seed Karolina Pliskova. Romania’s fourth-seeded healer,” Osaka said. “I’m here in the second round.

Japan speculates over identity Russia’s world high jump champion of final Olympic torchbearer calls out on suspended federation ITH the Tokyo Olympics hit at an elite level. Wless than a year away, Picking a baseball player Lasitskene set speculation is growing in Ja- might be a nod to the one-off pan over who will be the final reappearance of the sport at to defend title torchbearer to light the caul- this Olympics after it was re- dron in the new Olympic Sta- moved in 2012 and 2016. in Doha as a dium, in the traditional ritual Yuzuru Hanyu, a hearthrob neutral athlete that begins every Games. Some for the Japanese, who became predict a famous Japanese ath- the first man in more than 50 REUTERS lete, such as retired baseball Japan’s Hinako Shibuno, Wom- years to win back-to-back fig- MOSCOW Worrisome player Ichiro Suzuki, will do en’s British Open golf winner ure skating gold medals, also The situation bothers me the honours. Others say it will (above), or tennis star Naomi figures in the discussion. He RUSSIAN high jumper Maria be an ordinary, but symboli- Osaka could be chosen among hails from Sendai, a northern Lasitskene has taken the rare because I don’t see any cally important, person. many to be the torchbearer at city hit by the 2011 tsunami. step of publicly criticising her movement. Picked to light the flame 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (REUTERS) Other former Olympic country’s suspended athletics Maria Lasitskene in 1964, the last time To- champions in the running federation for what she says is Maria Lasitskene in action at IAAF Diamond League in London in 2017. kyo hosted the Games, was the torch arrives in the stadi- include three-time judo a lack of progress toward re- Yoshinori Sakai, a 19-year- um on live television, watched champ Tadahiro Nomura instatement four years into a then just go on like before. We viding banned substances to Some Russians with no old college athlete born in by billions of spectators. and breaststroke king Ko- doping scandal. need to understand that things athletes, interfering with anti- doping history, including La- Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, Three-time gold medal- suke Kitajima. The Asahi Lasitskene is Russia’s only have to change drastically.” doping procedures or covering sitskene, have been cleared the day of the U.S. atomic winning wrestler Saori Yoshi- Shimbun newspaper has also track and field athlete current- The 26-year-old, whose up positive tests. to compete internationally as bombing – a choice meant to da is one possibility often mentioned Naoko Takahashi, ly holding a world title and is personal best of 2.06 metres is Efforts to have the federa- neutrals. Lasitskene said she highlight Japan’s remarkable mentioned in domestic media. a gold medallist in women’s unbeaten internationally for three centimetres off the world tion reinstated have been hin- did not think the federation post-war reconstruction. A household name in Japan, marathon, besides Yoshida, more than a year. She is gear- record, finds herself at the pin- dered by reports of misman- would be reinstated into world This time, Prime Minister she won 13 straight World Nomura and Kitajima. ing up to defend her 2017 title nacle of her sport at a time of agement and doping violations. athletics in time for Doha. Shinzo Abe wants the Games Wrestling Championship ti- In an effort to show Japan – won as a neutral athlete – at turmoil in Russian athletics. The IAAF, the internation- “If there is still a white flag to showcase Japan’s recovery tles, surpassing Russian great is becoming a more diverse so- the World Athletics Champi- The country’s federation al body governing athletics, ex- next to my name, then their from the 2011 earthquake, tsu- Aleksandr Karelin’s nine. ciety, organisers could choose onships in Doha next month. has been suspended since tended Russia’s suspension in reinstatement efforts are not nami and Fukushima nuclear Another oft-named can- rising tennis star Naomi Osa- “The situation bothers me a 2015 World Anti-Doping June and said a Reuters report good enough,” she said, refer- crisis, fuelling speculation that didate is rising international ka, whose father is Haitian because I don’t see any move- Agency (WADA) report con- that showed banned Russian ring to the flag appearing in the choice could be a young baseball star Shohei Ohtani. and mother Japanese. Or, in ment,” Lasitskene told Reuters taining evidence of mass dop- coaches were still working with competition results instead of person or emerging athlete The winner of last year’s Amer- a nod to the future, they could in an interview, adding that ing in the sport. athletes would be investigated. the Russian tricolour. from the devastated northeast. ican League Rookie of the Year pick 20-year-old golfer Hinako some officials at the federation Russian authorities have The IAAF Council will In recent months Rus- Olympic organisers say award is sometimes compared Shibuno, who won the Wom- had not shown “a desire to denied their doping pro- discuss the status of the fed- sian sports authorities have they will not reveal the final to the legendary Babe Ruth, en’s British Open this month in change.” “It gives the impres- gramme was state-sponsored eration on Sept. 23, just days pressed for the federation’s re- torchbearer’s identity until because he can both pitch and her first LPGA event. (REUTERS) sion that we are trying to hang but have accepted that senior before the start of the world instatement, creating working on, that we will be cleared and officials were involved in pro- championships. groups to spearhead the effort. Sports Friday, August 23, 2019 13 Coutinho in focus as Bayern visit Schalke; Cologne test for Dortmund

may require a change of tactics second division champions, The Bundesliga away from his favoured 4-3-3 who slipped to a 2-1 defeat at champions suffered approach. Wolfsburg last weekend. “Bayern’s game must be Coach Achim Beierlozer is a disappointing adapted to fit Coutinho not relying on home support push- the other way round,” Bayern’s ing his team on against Dort- 2-2 draw in their former German midfielder Di- mund, and said Augsburg were opening match etmar Hamann said in a col- “too passive” against Lucien umn for Kicker magazine. Favre’s side. DPA That could mean using a “That should not happen to BERLIN 4-2-3-1 system, with Coutinho us,” he said. “I want to see that operating behind striker Rob- all our players are reluctant to PHILIPPE Coutinho is hop- ert Lewandowski, with Kings- leave the field as losers. We ing to make his debut for Bay- ley Coman and Serge Gnabry need a lot of courage. But we ern Munich when the German either side of him. are not bad either.” champions visit Schalke seek- Liverpool manager Juer- The two other promoted ing a first win of the Bundes- gen Klopp, who often played sides, Paderborn and Union liga season on Saturday. Coutinho on the left in the Berlin, are also out to make up All eyes will be on the Bra- Brazil’s time at Anfield Road, for defeats. Paderborn, who zil midfielder, who will wear said Bayern could use him in lost 3-2 at Bayer Leverkusen, the playmaker number 10 shirt several positions. greet Freiburg, while Union, following his move from Bar- “Now they have to inte- who were thrashed 4-0 at celona on a season-long loan grate him and handle him so home by RB Leipzig, travel to with a purchase option. that they get the full package,” Augsburg. However Coutinho’s first he told Kicker. Elsewhere on Saturday, appearance for Bayern, if it Kovac also has new signing Mainz take on Gladbach in a does come on Saturday, is like- Ivan Perisic available and said meeting of two coaches - San- ly to be from the substitutes’ the new arrival on loan from dro Schwarz of Mainz and bench after coach Niko Kovac Inter Milan was an option to Marco Rose of Gladbach - who said he would not risk the play- play. are close friends and former er from the start. Bayern are anxious for a team-mates from their time Coutinho has been train- win after starting the season together at Mainz. ing with his new team-mates last Friday with a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich players during training in Saebener Strasse, Munich. (REUTERS) Fortuna Dusseldorf, who since Tuesday and “has a lot of home to Hertha Berlin, and won 3-1 at Werder Bremen in catching up to do,” Kovac said. come up against a Schalke side defeats and three draws – but Riether told the club’s website “We won’t shy away from up last weekend’s opening 5-1 their season opener, greet Lev- “He is certainly not yet at who also have a point follow- there is belief at the Gelsen- ahead of coach David Wag- the task, especially because we win over Augsburg with three erkusen, while Bremen are at the fitness level to play 90 min- ing a goalless draw at Borussia kirchen club that they are be- ner’s home league debut. are playing in front of our fans points on Friday evening at Hoffenheim. utes or from the start.” Moenchengladbach. ginning to turn the corner after “It is always difficult in the Veltins Arena. It will be promoted Cologne, and have On Sunday, Leipzig take on Whatever the role against Schalke’s recent record a wretched previous campaign. against Bayern Munich, but I important to defend well and keeper Roman Buerki avail- Eintracht Frankfurt, who are Schalke, Kovac’s chief task will against Bayern does not au- “You can see we’re devel- have experienced a lot in foot- strike at the right moment.” able again after injury. in Europa League action on be how best to fit Coutinho gur well for the Royal Blues - oping,” former player and now ball and know that anything is Borussia Dortmund will It will be a tough test for Thursday, and Hertha Berlin into the Bayern system, which the last 17 games have seen 14 first-team coordinator Sascha possible. meanwhile be aiming to follow the home side, last season’s entertain Wolfsburg.

Neymar future remains up Quick read Ribery hungry for success with Messi ‘made me in air as PSG reject Real a better player’, says Ronaldo Madrid offer: Reports Fiorentina – and a big house CRISTIANO Ronaldo admitted on Wednesday his long-time rivalry AFP AFP media magnate Rocco Com- with Lionel Messi has made him PARIS FLORENCE, ITALY misso, have won the Scudetto “a better player” and that he just twice in 1956 and 1969. enjoys a “healthy” rivalry with NEYMAR remains no closer to FRANCK Ribery said Thursday Ribery pointed out that the Argentine great. getting his desired move away his hunger for success drove even if he had played less for However, Portuguese star Ron- from Paris Saint-Germain amid him to turn down lucrative of- Bayern because of a thigh in- aldo, whose influence at Real reports Thursday the French fers from clubs in China and the jury last January he had re- Madrid mirrored that of Messi club have rejected an offer from Middle East in favour of Serie mained very important, nota- at Barcelona before he left for Real Madrid of 100 million eu- A’s Fiorentina in Italy. bly for young players. Juventus, admitted that the pair ros plus players. The former French interna- “I like helping them and if I have never socialised together. French sports daily tional left Bayern Munich as a can, I always do, that’s my men- “I really admire the career he L’Equipe said Real had offered free agent after 12 seasons dur- tality,” he said. as had and from his side, he cash plus Gareth Bale, James ing which he earned the nick- “I want to explain to them has already talked of the disap- Rodriguez and goalkeeper Key- Paris Saint Germain player name ‘Kaiser Franck’, winning how to only think about foot- pointment when I left Spain lor Navas, but PSG turned it Neymar Jr attends a training nine league titles among his 23 ball, to have fun, enjoy oneself. because it was a rivalry that he down because “the overall value session. (EPA-EFE) club trophies. “I’ve played at the highest appreciated,” Ronaldo told TVI in of the offer did not match their “Football is my life. I still level all my life. I’ve invested Portugal. expectations”. Sport claims Barcelona feel have a special love for football a lot, I’ve worked a lot. That’s “It’s a good rivalry but it’s not Paris paid 222 million euros “it is very clear that PSG are and that’s why I absolutely ACF Fiorentina’s new French winger Franck Ribery (centre) with US the reason why I stayed 12 unique – Michael Jordan had to sign Neymar from Barcelona trying to prevent the Brazilian wanted to stay in Europe,” the businessman Joe Barone (left) and sports director Daniele Prade dur- years at Bayern.” rivalries in basketball, there was two years ago and their sport- from returning to the Camp 36-year-old told a press confer- ing his presentation in Florence, Italy on Thursday. (EPA-EFE) Ribery, who replied to some Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost ing director Leonardo is under- Nou in any scenario”. ence in Tuscany. questions in Italian to applause, in Formula 1. The thing they all stood to be determined to only PSG had previously report- Ribery has agreed a two- Franchi Stadium on Thursday said the most difficult part of had in common is that they were sell the forward for a deal con- edly turned down an offer from year deal worth four million eu- evening, with his number 7 the negotiations had been find- healthy rivalries.” sidered to be of the same value. Barcelona of 40 million euros ros a year plus bonuses with the jersey already on sale in shops ing accommodation. Ronaldo and Messi have won Real have spent the sum- plus Philippe Coutinho and Tuscan club. There’s a special culture in the town. “I told them the biggest the coveted Ballon d’Or five mer trying to offload Bale, while Ivan Rakitic. Coutinho has since “There’s a special culture here. People are passionate “I’m very motivated, I’m problem was to find me a times each, a factor that helps James is unwanted after return- joined Bayern on loan. here. People are passionate about football. I told them still hungry. I signed two years house,” he said. “A big one be- each player flourish. ing from a loan at Bayern Mu- Juventus are also believed about football,” said the for- the biggest problem was to to bring my experience and to cause I’ve five children!” “I have no doubt that Messi has nich and Navas is no longer the to have stated an interest in mer Galatasary and Marseille find me a house. A big one be decisive, to give something Ribery added that even if he made me a better player and club’s first-choice goalkeeper. signing the 27-year-old, who player. new to this club,” he continued. was not ready he would make vice-versa. When I am winning Meanwhile, Barcelona re- has not featured in any of PSG’s “It’s a beautiful experi- because I’ve five children! “It’s an ambitious club who himself available for the Serie trophies it must sting him and main hopeful of bringing Ney- matches so far this season hav- ence for me to come to Italy – Franck Ribery want to move towards the top A season opener against Napoli it’s the same for me when he mar back to the Camp Nou, but ing been frozen out amid the to be able to take advantage of the table. on Saturday. wins,” he said. Catalan daily Sport claims an uncertainty over his future. every day on the pitch and to “We want to finish in “I need a little time. I “I have an excellent professional attempt to sign the player on The transfer window clos- enjoy myself. me think of Marseille so it’s ob- the top five, even in the top don’t know how much. But if relationship because we have loan with an obligation to buy es in France, Spain and Italy “I had an extraordinary viously special. I like this men- three, even if we know it will the ‘Mister’ (coach Vincenzo been sharing the same mo- for 160 million euros at the end on September 2, meaning welcome yesterday. To see such tality, it suits me.” be difficult.” Montella) asks me I’ll come. ments for 15 years. of the season has been firmly re- time is fast running out for a passionate people who love Ribery was presented Fiorentina, now under the Ten minutes, five minutes, He added: “We’ve never had din- jected in Paris. deal to be done. football is incredible. It made to the public at the Artemio ownership of Italian-American two minutes...” ner together but I don’t see why we can’t in the future. I don’t see a problem with that.” (AFP) Barca injuries lay extra burden on Griezmann in home bow Sarri to miss Juve’s opening fixtures with pneumonia Suarez, Dembele are both ruled out of Sunday’s match as Messi returns to training JUVENTUS coach Maurizio Sarri will miss the Serie A champions’ REUTERS although Barca’s all-time top The France forward was next outing. first two games of the new sea- BARCELONA scorer has returned to training, largely ineffective against Ath- “He has to be more involved son against Parma and Napoli he is unlikely to be handed a letic as he struggled to influ- in the play and always be look- as he recovers from pneumonia, BARCELONA forward Antoine starting berth given he missed ence play from wide positions ing to get involved,” he said. the Italian club confirmed on Griezmann is under pressure to most of pre-season. and then saw even less of the “It is good to have him near Thursday. deliver in his home bow against With the Catalans shorn of ball as he moved into the centre the area because of his move- “Maurizio Sarri underwent further Real Betis on Sunday with the three of their top forwards, all forward’s role after Suarez had ment but that will only work medical tests today, which La Liga champions facing an in- eyes will be on Griezmann in his been forced off injured. if we completely dominate showed a good clinical improve- jury crisis in attack as they look first appearance at the Camp Griezmann tends to perform games.” ment,” they said in a statement. to respond to last week’s sur- Nou since his 120-million-euro best when playing off a centre Real Madrid also play their “To completely recover from the prise defeat at Athletic Bilbao. move from Atletico Madrid, and forward such as Olivier Giroud first home game of the sea- pneumonia that hit him over the The 1-0 loss was Barca’s not least because Barca need a with France or Diego Costa at son on Saturday, hosting Real course of the past few days, the first opening-day defeat in 11 win to kickstart their season. Atletico, but he will be expected Valladolid after a confidence- coach will not sit on the bench years and their early-season jit- Griezmann received a hos- to lead the attack against Betis, boosting 3-1 win at Celta Vigo, for the first two Serie A matches ters were further compounded tile reception in his last outing with Rafinha and Sergi Roberto although they will be without against Parma and Napoli. when striker Luis Suarez and at Barca’s stadium after turning likely to be the wide forwards Luka Modric due to suspension. “The decision will allow him an electric winger Ousmane Dem- the Catalans down last year to and Messi potentially playing a Atletico Madrid meanwhile optimal recovery.” Sarri, 60, was bele were ruled out for at least stay at Atletico and he will need role as a substitute. make the short trip to neigh- present at Juventus’ training Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann looks dejected during their opening a month with muscle problems. to improve on his drab debut Barca coach Ernesto Val- bours Leganes on Sunday look- ground on Thursday to coordinate Spanish La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames in Lionel Messi missed the trip display to win over supporters verde challenged Griezmann ing to build on their narrow 1-0 work with his training staff. (AFP) Bilbao. Barcelona lost 1-0 to the Basque club. (REUTERS) to Bilbao with a calf injury and who felt let down by that snub. to be more involved in his win over Getafe. 14 Friday, August 23, 2019 Sports PACE RULES IN THIRD ASHES TEST AT HEADINGLEY Rahane’s fifty anchors India revival in first Test

AFP NORTH SOUND

AJINKYA Rahane’s 18th half-century (50 ) anchored India’s revival to 134 for four at tea on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Sta- dium in Antigua on Thursday. Reduced to 25 for three by opening bowlers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel after they were put in to bat, Rahane joined opening bats- man K.L. Rahul in mid-morning, the pair put- ting on 68 for the fourth to blunt the early threat of the home side’s pace attack in helpful conditions. Ajinkya Rahane of India in action on Day 1 of the It took the off-spin of Roston Chase to sepa- first Test against West Indies at the Vivian Richards rate them halfway through the afternoon session Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and when Rahul, on 44, got a faint touch to an in- Barbuda, on Thursday. (AFP) nocuous leg-side for wicketkeeper Shai Hope to take a neat catch. et of captain Virat Kohli. It was Hope’s third catch of the innings in a On a surface freshened by early morning role he would not have expected overnight as a rain and offering encouragement to the new ball lingering ankle injury to regular wicketkeeper bowlers, Roach induced edges from both Agar- Shane Dowrich ruled the first-choice gloveman wal and Pujara for catches by Hope. out of the match. While Gabriel lacked Roach’s persistent ac- With speculation over his continued value to curacy, his extra pace continued to challenge the Indian team, giving the increasing competi- India’s top order and brought him the reward tiveness for places in their batting order, Rahane of Kohli’s wicket when the champion batsman, England’s Jofra Archer (centre) holds up the ball as he leads off his team after taking six to help bowl out Australia on the first day of underscored his worth as a gritty, determined who made nine, attempted to guide a lifting de- the third Ashes Test match at Headingley in Leeds, England, on Thursday. (AFP) campaigner. livery through backward-point only for debutant His innings has so far occupied 122 deliver- Shamarh Brooks to take a tumbling catch at gully. ies with seven boundaries embellishing another Brooks, a 30-year-old middle-order batsman invaluable hand from the pugnacious right- and occasional leg-spinner, has filled the vacan- hander. He will resume in the final session on 50 cy in the 11 left by Dowrich’s unavailability. Archer claims six alongside Hanuma Vihari (18 not out). West Indies were also required to draft in It was all West Indies in the early exchanges an additional replacement when all-rounder though as Roach dismissed Mayank Agarwal Keemo Paul was ruled out on the eve of the and Cheteshwar Pujara in the fifth over of the match through injury and his place was taken for 45, flattens Oz day while Gabriel accounted for the prized wick- by Miguel Cummins. Paceman scalps Warner to force tourists lose three wkts for three runs Min first Singaporean to move

AFP were on -- halted play in the LEEDS (UNITED KINGDOM) SCOREBOARD second session. into world badminton quarters AUSTRALIA (1ST INNINGS): Extras (b4, lb2, nb2, w5) 13 The resumption saw an in- JOFRA Archer took six wick- D. Warner c Bairstow b Archer 61 Total (all out, 52.1 overs, 257 mins) 179 creasingly assured Labuschagne M. Harris c Bairstow b Archer 8 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Harris), 2-25 (Khawaja), 3-136 India’s Sindhu, ets as England dismissed an U. Khawaja c Bairstow b Broad 8 (Warner), 4-138 (Head), 5-139 (Wade), 6-162 (Paine), hit two well-struck fours off Australia side without star M. Labuschagne lbw b Stokes 74 7-173 (Pattinson), 8-174 (Cummins), 9-177 first-change Chris Woakes. Praneeth make batsman Steve Smith for just T. Head b Broad 0 (Labuschagne), 10-179 (Lyon) England carelessly gave 179 on the first day of the third M. Wade b Archer 0 : Broad 14-4-32-2; Archer 17.1-3-45-6 (2nb); away several over-throw T. Paine lbw b Woakes 11 Woakes 12-4-51-1 (1w); Stokes 9-0-45-1. last eight Ashes Test at Headingley on J. Pattinson c Root b Archer 2 England: Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (capt), Joe boundaries in desperate run- Thursday. P. Cummins c Bairstow b Archer 0 Denly, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Jos Buttler, out attempts and when Ben AGENCIES Fast bowler Archer, in only N. Lyon lbw b Archer 1 Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach Stokes dropped short, Warner BASEL (SWITZERLAND) his second Test, took 6-45 in J. Hazlewood not out 1 Toss: England cut him for four to go to 49. 17.1 overs – the first time he A mistimed four off Stokes SHUTTLER Yeo Jia Min be- had taken five or more wickets first double figure score of a Warner’s fellow top-order through point saw Warner came Singapore’s first wom- in an innings at this level. series where he had previously left-handers Marcus Harris complete a 79-ball fifty -- a en’s singles player to reach England, looking to level managed just 18 runs in total, and Usman Khawaja both fell landmark greeted with now fa- the quarter-finals of the BWF this series at 1-1, reduced Aus- while Labuschagne scored his for eight. miliar boos from some fans. World Championships as she tralia to 25-2 after home cap- second successive fifty after he But there were cheers too, defeated Vietnam’s World No. tain Joe Root won the toss. made 59 as a concussion sub- Harris falls with Warner’s wife Candice 74 Vu Thi Trang in absorbing Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min in action during her third round women’s But David Warner (61) stitute for Smith in the drawn Harris had been drafted in to among those at the ground three sets on Thursday. singles match against Vietnam’s Thi Trang Vu at the World Badminton and Marnus Labuschagne (74) second Test at Lord’s. open alongside Warner af- applauding her husband’s in- The 20-year-old Min won Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. (REUTERS) frustrated England in a third- Root was hoping to make ter Cameron Bancroft was nings. 21-15, 14-21, 21-16 in a match wicket stand of 111. the most of overcast conditions dropped following 44 runs in Warner was given out that lasted more than an hour, the next round. Intanon de- up a mouthwatering quarter- Archer, however, turned at his Yorkshire home ground four innings. caught behind on 61 off Broad said the achievement made her feated Indonesian Gregoria final against Tai Tzu Ying. The the tide by having Warner and capitalise on an Australia But Archer, bowling from but successfully reviewed Gaf- “happy and excited”. Mariska Tunjung 18-21 23-21 second seed from Chinese Tai- caught behind off a 90- mph top order missing Smith, ruled around the wicket, squared faney’s decision. Labuschagne “In the second game I 21-10. pei, who enjoys a 10-4 record delivery. out with a concussion suffered Harris up with an 87.3 mph completed a 73-ball fifty as started off slower and she was The Singaporean won her against Sindhu, worked hard to It was the start of a collapse after being hit by a 92 mph ball and had him caught be- wickets continued to fall. able to be more consistent,” first title of the year earlier this beat unseeded Kim Ga Eun of that saw Australia lose three bouncer from Archer at Lord’s. hind by wicketkeeper Jonny Archer had James Pat- she said. month after triumphing in the Korea 2422, 24-22. wickets for three runs to be Smith’s scores of 144, 142 Bairstow. tinson well caught by first slip However, Yeo rallied and women’s singles finals at the Earlier, HS Prannoy, who 139-5. and 92 had been central to put- Moments later, with Aus- Root and then had Pat Cum- closed out the win against the Hyderabad Open in India. had got the better of five-time Travis Head was bowled ting Ashes-holders Australia tralia 12-1 off four overs, rain mins, the third duck of the in- Vietnamese shuttler, sinking to Meanwhile India’s PV Sind- Chinese world champion Lin for a duck by Stuart Broad and ahead as they look to win a Test stopped play. When play re- nings, caught behind, the dis- her knees in relief as Vu’s shot hu and Sai Praneeth stormed Dan, failed to stop a rampag- Matthew Wade, a century- series away to England for the sumed, Khawaja’s glance off believing batsman failing with hit the net, sealing her entry to into the quarterfinals women’s ing World No.1 Kento Momota maker in the first Test, also first time in 18 years. Broad was caught by Bairstow. a review. the next round. and men’s singles respectively. in the pre-quarters, losing in fell for nought when a rising Warner had previously England, however, had to Labuschagne’s gutsy in- Earlier in the tournament, Praneeth recorded a 21-19, straight games. Archer delivery deflected off managed scores of just two, first review New Zealand um- nings ended when he was Yeo defeated World No. 1 21-13 win over World No.8 An- India’s top ranked shuttler the thigh pad via his glove and eight, three and five this Ashes pire Chris Gaffaney’s original lbw to Stokes after missing a Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. thony Sinisuka Ginting of In- Kidambi Srikanth also suffered into the base of the stump, dis- -- his first Test campaign since not out decision. full toss, with Archer ending Yeo, who is 32nd in the donesia in 43 minutes. a straight games loss against lodging a bail. both he and Smith completed More rain and bad light the day’s play when he had world rankings, will face Thai- Sindhu trounced Beiwen Kantaphon Wangcharoen of Warner’s innings was his 12-month ball-tampering bans. -- even though the floodlights tailender Nathan Lyon lbw. land’s Ratchanok Intanon in Zhang of USA 21-14, 21-6 to set Thailand 14-21, 13-21. Karunaratne nears fifty Qatar B make it to Arab beach v’ball semis TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK on rain-hit first day Ziad Abdul Majid and DOHA Seifeddine Elmajid AFP SCOREBOARD COLOMBO QATAR B will clash with defeated Yemen A 21-13, SRI LANKA (1ST INNINGS): Oman B for a place in the fi- 22-20 to advance to the SKIPPER Dimuth D. Karunaratne not out ...... 49 nal of the Arab Beach Volley- last four stage. L. Thirimanne c Williamson b Somerville ...... 2 Karunaratne helped Sri Lanka K. Mendis c Watling b de Grandhomme ...... 32 ball Championship in Salalah, to 85 for two at stumps on a A. Mathews not out ...... 0 Oman. Jordan in Ramallah, Palestine rain-hit day one of the second Extras (b1, lb1) ...... 2 Ziad Abdul Majid and Seif- on Saturday. Test against New Zealand in Total (2 wickets, 36.3 overs) ...... 85 eddine Elmajid defeated Yem- The regional champion- Did not bat: K. Perera, D. de Silva, N. Dickwella, D. Colombo on Thursday. Perera, S. Lakmal, L. Embuldeniya, L. Kumara en A 21-13, 22-20 to advance ship, which began on Thurs- Only 36.3 overs were pos- Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Thirimanne), 2-79 (Mendis) to the last four stage. day, has four other contestants sible after rain washed out Bowling: Boult 7-2-20-0, Southee 12-4-22-0, De Their next match is against Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, the first session and bad light Grandhomme 8.3-2-14-1, Somerville 6-3-20-1, Oman B’s Majin al Hashmi Bahrain and hosts Palestine. Patel 3-1-7-0. ended play for the day with New Zealand: K. Williamson (capt), J. Raval, T. Latham, and Noah al Jalbubi. The Qatar’s squad consists Karunaratne unbeaten on 49. R. Taylor, H. Nicholls, BJ Watling, C. de Grandhomme, T. However, Qatar A’s Tam- of Yousef Abdullah, Abdul Latif Fresh from a match-win- Southee, W. Somerville, A. Patel, T. Boult er Abdelrasoul and Dani al Hussein, Abdullah al Ali, Fahd ning century in the first Test Toss: Sri Lanka Mosalmani finished eighth af- al Abdullah, Faisal Moham- in Galle last week last week, ter they lost to Lebanon 21-18, med, Abdullah al Yazidi and Karunaratne hit six bounda- bounce on this track than what 20-22, 15-17 in a tough place- Talal Ibrahim (Al Sadd), Mo- ries during his 100-ball stay in we encountered in Galle and ment match. Earlier, they had hammed Musa, Saifuddin Has- overcast conditions. that’s nice,” he said after play beaten Saudi Arabia B 21-14, san, Abdulrahman Hassan, and Former captain An- ended. “If we can get a cou- 21-12. Abdullah Yousef (Al Gharafa), gelo Mathews was giving ple of early wickets tomorrow Nayef Abdul Rahim, Makki Ali, Karunaratne company in the morning that will be nice.” Another loss for Qatar Qatar A’s Tamer Abdelrasoul smashes the ball against Saudi Arabia during a match in the Arab Beach Vol- Khalid Ali (Al Rayyan), Abdul middle to remain unbeaten on Karunaratne batted with Qatar had to endure an- leyball Championship in Salalah, Oman on Thursday. Rahman Bilal, Jassim Adel, nought after 14 deliveries. positive intent despite losing other defeat as they lost to Abdullah al Sulaiti (Al Arabi), New Zealand all-rounder opening partner Lahiru Thiri- hosts Bahrain 41-115 in the trailed 19-66 at the half-time. as many matches. Qatar to take on Jordan Dhiab Haroun, Jassim Mo- Colin de Grandhomme, who manne and Kusal Mendis ei- West Asia Under-18 Basket- Bahrain, who had a strong Saudi Arabia beat Oman in WA U18 soccer opener hammed (Al Duhail), Hadi Ali made the XI in place of Mitch- ther side of tea. ball Championship in Mana- 34-6 first quarter start against 74-57 and Kuwait edged past Qatar will launch their (Al Sailiya), Osama Abdul Ka- ell Santner, said the match was Thirimanne’s 59-minute ma on Thursday. Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have the United Arab Emirates campaign in the 2019 West rim (Muaither), Mohammed “evenly poised”. stay at the wicket produced This was the third loss in a been unbeaten in the champi- 76-74 in other two matches Asian Youth Football Cham- Abdul Wahab (Al Khor), and “There’s a bit of more just two runs. row for the Qatari team, who onship, posting three wins in scheduled today. pionship with a clash against Ahmed al Saib (Qatar SC).