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Monday, August 27, 2018 FORMULA 1 Dhul-Hijja 16, 1439 AH Vettel triumphs in GULF TIMES Belgian Grand Prix to cut Hamilton lead SPORT Page 6 FOCUS Haroun, Ashraf give Qatar golden momentum

Gold medallist Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun celebrates during the podium ceremony for the men’s 400m during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP)

Tosin adds 100m silver medal to Qatar’s haul

By Anil John 400m and hammer throw respectively always confi dent of success in the Asian Jakarta at the Asian Games yesterday. Games as I had trained hard for the Sprinter Tosin Ogunode also joined event. It was hot here, not that I have the party with a silver in the 100m as any complaints,” Haroun, a former jun- wo Qatar fi nally got into the groove, eight ior world champion, said after clocking down, days after the second-biggest multi- 44.89 seconds, ahead of India’s Yahiya sev- sport event in the world was formally Mohamed Anas (45.69) and Bahrain’s eral declared open in the sprawling Indone- Ali Khamis (45.70). moreT to go. sian capital. Hopefully. Yesterday’s haul took the country’s Qatar would be tally to fi ve – Hamad al-Marri and Fares aiming to fi nish con- Ibrahim had earlier bagged a bronze and siderably higher than silver in shooting and weightlifting, their current 20th respectively – and brought a sense of place on the medals relief to the contingent that had been table after Abdalelah doing its best to hide its despair at not Haroun and Ashraf hearing the national anthem at medal Elseify delivered ceremonies during the fi rst week of the a gold each Games. in the It was perhaps apt that the fi rst gold came from Haroun, a humble, ever- smiling bloke who is yet to overcome his shyness while facing the media de- spite some pretty signifi cant successes on the world stage. Haroun is all of 21, but holds a promise that seems to be set in stone. If anything, yesterday’s victory only re-emphasised Qatar’s Ashraf Elseify celebrates after winning the hammer throw final at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) that. He was the fa- vourite in the 400m “It’s a great honour to win the gold “Every athlete likes to excel in front spirited home crowd as Lalu Mohamed “Ten seconds is pretty good but to at the Asian Games for Qatar, especially the fi rst gold for of his own home crowd and that is what Zohri, the 18-year-old junior world be able to win the gold you have to go considering his recent the country at these Games. I hope it’s I am also aiming for. There’s still a year champion, could only fi nish seventh regularly under 10 seconds. That will be exploits, and it was no the start of many more to come in the remaining for that but I will use all the despite a personal best of 10.20. The my aim going forward,” he added. surprised he lived remaining days of the event,” he added. intervening events to tune up for the big stadium throbbed with loud cheers Elseify, meanwhile, was also basking up to the Also a bronze winner at the senior one in Qatar.” from the Indonesians as the race began, in the glory of his success in the ham- billing. IAAF World Championships in Lon- A couple of hours later, it was the but Zohri lagged behind from the start mer throw after a best eff ort of 76.88 “I don last year, Haroun had qualifi ed for unheralded Tosin’s turn to shine as the and faded out of contention. metres with his fi fth attempt. was the fi nal in Jakarta on Saturday with the 24-year-old pushed Chinese favourite Tosin was always wary of the huge “It’s a culmination of several months third-best time 0f 45.83 seconds, be- Su Bingtian before settling for silver in expectations from him because he of hard work. The main target now is hind India’s Anas (45.30) and Bahrain’s the 100m with a time of 10 seconds in a was hoping to follow in the footsteps the World Championships in Doha next Abbas Abbas (45.59). close fi nish with Japan’s Ryota Yamaga- of Femi, who had ruled the sprints in year,” the 23-year-old said. But running in lane three, he was ta, who was also credited with the same Incheon as well as in Guangzhou in Dilshod Nazarov of Turkmenistan quick to stamp his authority in the fi - time. 2010. won the silver with a throw of 74.16m, nal, and by the time the race was past Su timed 9.92 seconds for a new “My brother is a big star and I have while Sukhrob Khodjaev of Uzbekistan the 200m mark there was no doubt who Games record, eclipsing Tosin’s older learned a lot from him. He always gives took bronze with 74.06m. the winner would be as he turned the brother Femi’s mark of 9.93 set four me good advice, but most importantly Qatar can add one more gold in ath- tables on Anas and Abbas. years ago in Incheon. he tells me to go out and do your best,” letics today with Abderrahman Samba Haroun said his aim was to win the “Time is not important. What is im- Tosin said. clocking the best time of 49.34 seconds gold at the IAAF World Champion- portant is the victory,” the 28-year-old Tosin has had his share of injury in qualifying for the 400m hurdles fi - ships in Doha next year. Su said. “A good start was the key and problems with the result that he missed nal. once I got that I was sure I couldn’t be several important events. In fact, the Dharun Ayyaswamy of India with Qatar’s Tosin Ogunode celebrates beaten,” added Su, who twice ran the entry list for the 100m at the Asian 49.55 and Takatoshi Abe of Japan with his silver medal in the men’s 100m 100m under 10 seconds in June. Games had left the space for his per- 49.71 were second and third respec- event in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) There was a disappointment for the sonal best time blank. tively. Gulf Times 2 Monday, August 27, 2018 ASIAN GAMES

ROUND-UP Another Samba springs to medal contention for Qatar Qatar’s beach volleyball team, comprising Samba and Janko, romp to semis victory to earn a crack at gold

Abdalelah Haroun opened the gold medal account for Qatar by winning the 400m event yesterday. Qatar’s Cherif Samba (left) in action during the men’s beach volleyball semi-final against China in Palembang yesterday.

By Anil John Jakarta

atar will most likely win the 400m hurdles gold medal at the Asian Games today with Ab- derrahmanQ Samba being the hot favourite. But while the hurdling sensa- tion is always in the limelight because of the coverage athletics gets on the global stage, another Samba — Cherif — had been quietly fl ying under the radar and knocking off his rivals, with Ahmed Janko as his partner in Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) second vice president and Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) president Dr Thani al-Kuwari (fourth from right), crime. QOC secretary-general Jassim al-Buenain (centre), director of sports Khalil al-Jabir (left), QAF secretary-general Mohamed Essa al-Fadala (third The Samba-Janko combine is Qatar’s Thulasimaaran Tharumalingam stormed into the last eight of from left), Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad al-Attiyah (second from right), and other off icials stand as the Qatari national anthem much-feared in beach volleyball the men’s 69kg boxing division with a win yesterday. played during the medal ceremony for men’s 400m athletics event, which was won by Abdalelah Haroun yesterday. circles. At the Asian Games, they have swatted aside all opposi- Mohamed Ashfi ya tomorrow in Despite their longer reach, they Qatar also has a medal pros- sour al-Rashidi of Kuwait, while Moustafa Fouda had fi ve apiece. Bahrain against Japan, with the tion with the kind of disdain you Palembang. were often left connecting thin pect in boxer Thulasimaaran China’s Jin Di and the UAE’s Saif Qatar had already bowed out gold medal match set for August would normally associate with Rachmawan and Ashfi ya had air during their clash with the Tharumalingam, who stormed al-Mansouri took the silver and of contention in 5x5 basketball 31. heavyweight boxers. accounted for another Indone- Qataris yesterday. into the last eight of the men’s bronze, respectively. after losing to Chinese Taipei on In equestrianism, Qatar’s Ha- Yesterday, they were at it sian pair, Gilang Ramadhan and “A gold is what we came for 69kg weight division with a 5-0 Qatar’s 3x3 basketball team Saturday. mad al-Attiyah, Salman al-Su- again, with China’s Peng Gao and Danangsyah Yudistre Pribadi, in here. It would be a huge disap- win on points over Nepal’s Bish- also crashed out of medal con- Meanwhile, Qatar’s handball waidi, Sheikh Ali al-Thani and Yang Li at the receiving end of the other semi-fi nal, winning 21- pointment if we have to settle for nuprasad Gurung. tention after a 21-18 defeat to team will be taking on South Bassem Mohamed are among 68 their relentless aggression. 13, 21-19. the silver,” Samba said yesterday Meanwhile, there was heart- China in the last eight stage. Korea in the semi-fi nals today. contestants vying for honours in The Qatari duo romped to a The interesting fact about as he looked forward to tomor- break for shooter Nasser Saleh Huang Wenwei scored eight Qatar are the heavy favourites – individual jumping. 21-18, 26-24 victory over the Janko and Samba is that both are row’s fi nal. al-Attiyah who failed to progress points for the winners, while they are after all the defending Qatari riders are also in action Chinese to earn a crack at gold only 5’7” tall. But that has hardly Qatar also stayed in contention to the skeet fi nal in what was his Xiao Hailiang had seven. For champions and three-time Asian in the team jumping competition against the Indonesian pair of come in the way of their success. for a medal in regular volleyball seventh Asian Games. Qatar, Nedim Muslic had seven Cup winners. in which 17 countries are taking Ade Chandra Rachmawan and Gao is 6’7”, while Li is 6’4”. with a 3-0 victory over Myanmar. The gold was won by Man- points, while Seydou Ndoye and The other semi-fi nal clash pits part.

WEIGHTLIFTING Unifi ed Korea dragon Tears as N Korea’s Rim follows little sister to gold boating team grab historic gold at Asian Games AFP Sports Minister Kim Il Guk and the se- Rim was so in control that her open- champion Ruslan Nuridinov, went one Jakarta cretive country’s anthem played for the ing weights in each discipline would have better and smashed two Asian Games AFP event at the 1991 world table seventh time in seven days of competi- been enough to win, and she used the rest records on his way to gold in the men’s Palembang, Indonesia tennis championships. tion. of the competition like a training exer- heavyweight 105kg class. North and South Korea have im Jong Sim bagged North Ko- After wiping away her tears, Un Sim cise with a fl awless series culminating The Olympic record holder broke the also joined forces in rowing rea’s seventh weightlifting gold told AFP: “I was so happy for ‘Onni’ in a snatch of 116kg and clean and jerk of long-standing clean and jerk mark of thletes from North and and women’s basketball at the of the Asian Games in Indonesia (‘big sister’). I knew she could win but I 147kg. Qatar’s Assad Saif Assad set at the 2002 South Korea combined regional Olympics following a yesterday to complete a remark- couldn’t hold back when I thought of her After her sixth and fi nal successful lift Asiad in Busan by 5kg with his second lift Ato win an Asian Games rapid improvement in relations ableR family double, just a day after a vic- and my country.” she broke into a huge smile and waved of 230kg. gold medal for the first time in this year. tory by her little sister. It was a sentiment echoed by Jong to the packed crowd containing a large That also gave him an Asian Games their history with victory in the At last week’s opening Like her 22-year-old sibling Rim Un Sim. “This gold is not just for me but for North Korean delegation including the record total of 421kg, eclipsing Assad’s women’s 500 metres dragon ceremony, the Korean teams Sim in Saturday’s 69kg category, the my country,” she told reporters. “I cried sports minister. old mark by 4kg. boating yesterday. marched together behind reigning Olympic champion enjoyed a when I thought about my country. I can’t A few minutes earlier, South Korea’s Salwan al-Aifuri sparked wild scenes The two Koreas, competing the Unified Korea flag, held comfortable margin of victory in the 75kg wait to go back home now.” Mun Min-hee had screamed with de- of celebrations when he successfully together after a rapid improve- aloft jointly by South Korean class — this time by a massive 26kg. North Korea’s previous best perform- light after personal bests of 106kg in the hoisted 224kg to grab silver, war-ravaged ment in cross-border relations, women’s basketball player Lim “I was a bit nervous after my sister ance at the Games had been four weight- snatch and 130kg in the clean and jerk had Iraq’s second medal in the weightlifting took gold with a time of two Yung-hui and North Korean won, just hoping I could do the same,” lifting golds at the Incheon Asiad four propelled her into the silver medal posi- after Safaa al-Jumaili’s gold in the 85kg minutes and 24.788 seconds, footballer Ju Kyong Chol. said a delighted Jong Sim, 25, who was years ago. tion on 236kg. on Friday. edging past China on 2:25.092. They also competed together watched by her sister Un Sim as she But with regional heavyweights Chi- But Uzbekistan’s Omadoy Otakuziye- He dropped to his knees and hugged It was the first gold at a major in women’s ice hockey at the further extended North Korea’s record na, who topped the Incheon weight- va, who had one lift remaining, increased the weights on one end of the barbell as Games for a Unified Korea Pyeongchang Winter Olym- weightlifting haul at the Asian Games. lifting medals with seven golds, and her clean and jerk lifetime best by 6kg to an Iraqi team offi cial leapt onto the stage team, and came nearly three pics in February, an event that The sisters couldn’t hold back their Kazakhstan currently under a doping leapfrog Mun and snatch the silver by just and kissed the bar. decades after their last title to- ushered in a series of reconcili- emotions after Jong Sim was presented suspension, the North Koreans have 1kg. Bronze went to Iran’s Hashemi Ali with gether — in the women’s team atory moves. with her gold medal by North Korean dominated the event. Later another Uzbek, Rio Olympic a total of 403kg, 2kg behind al-Aifuri. Gulf Times Monday, August 27, 2018 3 ASIAN GAMES

FOCUS SQUASH Many happy returns! Athletes Anas, Hima, Legend David wins gold on birthday

AFP less record at the regional Ol- Jakarta ympics, where she has lost only Dutee take silvers once in six visits since her debut in 1998 — the 2002 fi nal against alaysian squash leg- Hong Kong’s Rebecca Chiu. India also bagged silver medals in equestrian jumping team and individual events end Nicol David David stunned the world of celebrated her 35th squash when she won her fi rst IANS birthday in style Asian Games gold as a 14-year- Medals tally (top 10) Myesterday as she won a record- old in 1998, and went on to spend Jakarta extending fi fth gold medal at the a record 108 months as world G S B T Asian Games. number one from August 2006 ndian sprinters Mohamed 1. China 78 59 37 174 The former long-time world to September 2015. Anas, Hima Das and Dutee number one grittily came from But Jakarta looks likely to be Chand claimed silver med- 2. Japan 40 34 48 122 behind in the fi fth set to beat the fi nal Asian Games for the als in their respective events 3. South Korea 27 30 37 94 19-year-old compatriot Sivas- Penang native, who said this Iat the 18th Asian Games yester- angari Subramaniam 11-13, 11-9, year’s Commonwealth Games 4. Iran 14 14 12 40 day. 5-11, 11-6, 11-8 in Jakarta. were probably her last after she Anas and Das claimed the 5. Indonesia 12 13 25 50 It added to David’s near-fl aw- lost in the semi-fi nals. silver medals in the men’s and 6. North Korea 11 5 7 23 women’s 400 metres races re- spectively. 7. Thailand 9 9 31 49 Reigning Asian champion 8. Chinese Taipei 8 11 14 33 Anas completed the race in 9. India 7 10 19 36 45.69 seconds to be second, while Das clocked a national 10. Uzbekistan 6 11 11 28 record mark of 50.79 seconds 20. Qatar 2 2 1 5 to take the second place in the women’s race. The other two Indian com- after losing their semi-fi nal petitors in the races, Rajiv Aro- matches. kia and Nirmala fi nished fourth. The mixed team, compris- While Rajiv timed 45.84 seconds ing Kiran Nadar, Satyanarayana to complete the men’s 400m Bachiraju, Hema Deora, Gopinath race, Nirmala fi nished the race Manna, Himani Khandelwal and in 52.96 seconds. Rajeev Khandelwal, lost to Thai- The men’s title went to Qa- land in their semi-fi nal match. tar’s Abdalelah Hassan, who Silver medallist India’s Hima Das celebrates during the podium ceremony for the women’s 400m event The men’s team of Jaggy Shiv- completed the race in 44.89 sec- at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) dasani, Rajeshwar Tewari, Sumit onds as he fended off Anas, who Mukherjee, Debabrata Majum- has a personal best of 45.31 sec- der, Raju Tolani and Ajay Khare, onds. Anas’ personal best mark fell against Singapore in the had given him a fourth-place semi-fi nals. fi nish in the 2018 Common- India’s men’s and women’s wealth Games. compound archery teams over- Ali Khamis of Bahrain picked came Taiwan teams in the semi- the bronze medal with a timing fi nals yesterday to set up title Malaysia’s Nicol David (foreground) returns a shot against compatriot of 45.70 as he fi nished ahead of clashes against South Korean Sivasangari Subramaniam during the women’s singles squash final at 2014 edition bronze medallist teams. the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) Rajiv. While the men’s team beat Qa- In the women’s race, Bahrain’s tar, Philippines and Taiwan in the Salwa Naser produced a Games three matches on the day to be SPOTLIGHT record timing of 50.09 seconds one win away from successfully to fi nish ahead of 18-year-old defending their title, the wom- Hima, who had renewed the In- en’s team got past Indonesia and dian record of 51.00 seconds on Taiwan in the quarter-fi nals and China crowned Saturday in the semi-fi nals. semi-fi nals respectively. Assam girl Hima, the Un- India men’s hockey team de- der-20 world champion, was feated South Korea 5-3 to sit at Arena of Valor defi nitely a medal contender but the top of pool A yesterday. in the fi nal, Naser, who had won The reigning champions will a silver medal at the IAAF World only need a draw against Sri champs on esports Championships with a national Lanka tomorrow to end the pool record of 50.06 seconds, proved stage as a top-ranked team and to be superior to the Indian. enter the semi-fi nals. Asian Games debut The bronze medal went to Ka- It was India’s fourth successive zakhstan Elina Milkhina, who victory in Pool after winning 17-0 clocked 52.63 seconds to fi nish against Indonesia, 26-0 against ahead of Nirmala. Hong-Kong China and 8-0 win Later in the day, Dutee Silver medallist India’s Dutee Chand celebrate during the podium ceremony for the women’s 100m event against Japan in their fi rst three clinched the silver medal in the in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) matches respectively. women’s 100m fi nal. It was drag-fl icker Rupinder Dutee clocked 11.32 seconds women’s 400m hurdles fi nal. and Fouaad Mirza scored 121.30 Oiwa Yoshiaki of Japan Pal Singh (1st minute), Chin- to earn the silver. The gold points to fi nish second. clinched the gold with 22.70 glensana Singh Kangujam (5th), medal went to Edidiong Odiong TWO EQUESTRIAN SILVERS Japan scored 82.40 to win points while the bronze went to Lalit Upadhyay (16th), Manpreet of Bahrain, who clocked 11.30s India bagged two silver med- the gold medal while Thailand’s Alex Hua Tian (27.10) of China. Singh (49th) and Akashdeep while China’s Yongli Wei took als in the equestrian competi- 126.70 gave them the bronze. Singh (56th) who contributed to the bronze, clocking 11.33s. tion yesterday. In the fi nal of Fouaad shone in the fi nal of BRONZE FOR MIXED AND India’s scoreline. Earlier during the morning ses- the jumping team event, the the jumping individual event as MEN’S BRIDGE TEAMS For South Korea, Skipper sion, India’s Anu Raghavan and Indian team of Rakesh Kumar, well, taking the silver with 26.40 India’s mixed and men’s bridge Manjae Jung (33th, 35th) and Jauna Murmu qualifi ed for the Ashish Malik, Jitender Singh points. teams got a bronze medal each Jhongyun Jang (60th) scored.

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Indonesia optimistic during best ever Asiad Chinese team battles against Taiwan at the eSports ‘Arena of Valor’ tournament at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) Reuters ‘I WENT ALL OUT’ Jakarta Indonesia’s Emilia Nova won Reuters Female fans Xiaoshen and her country’s fi rst Asian Games Jakarta Lan Lan, who carried the name medal on the track since 1998 of Chinese star “MC” in lights, t is only the halfway stage of as she claimed silver in the 100 told Reuters they had come from the Asian Games yet hosts metres hurdles yesterday. hina defeated Taiwan to Shanghai and Hangzhou for the Indonesia have already se- While much of the atten- win the fi rst ever Arena event. cured their best-ever show- tion going into the night was of Valor gold medal yes- “We’ve seen the team in China Iing after surpassing the 11 golds on 18-year-old home sprinter terday, as esports made and we’re so excited to see them they won at their fi rst home Lalu Muhammad Zohri, who Ca splashy debut as an exhibition here,” Lan Lan said, adding that Games in 1962. was seventh in the men’s 100m event at the 2018 Asian Games. they’d also be cheering on China Rifki Ardiansyah Arrosyiid’s fi nal, it was Nova who raised the Competitive video gaming, at athletics events. triumph in men’s 60kg Karate volume in Jakarta’s Gelora Bung dubbed esports, is appearing for More than 10,000 fans tuned event earned them their 11th Karno Main Stadium. the fi rst time at a major multi- in to watch the live-stream of gold before Aqsa Sutan Aswar The 23-year-old ran a per- sport event. Organizer Kenneth the competition, which will won the jetski event in endur- sonal best time of 13.33 to fi n- Kwok, who heads the Asian Es- also air on TV channels in East ance runabout as Indonesia ish second behind South Korea’s ports Federation, opened the and Southeast Asia as well as in inched closer to their 16-gold Jung Hye-lim. competition by saying it was a North America. target. “I went all out,” said Nova, “historical moment” for esports “Thanks for everyone for sup- Arrosyiid beat Iran’s Amir who admitted to carrying a hip and the fi rst step towards inclu- porting us, it was a long road Mahdi Zadeh 9-7 in the fi nal and fl exor injury into the race. “If sion in the Olympic Games. for us to get here, “ Chinese star the performance of the 20-year- I die, I die. Thankfully I won Huddled over smartphones in player Wang “Alan” Tianlong old, who serves in the Indo- a medal, this is unexpected. a Jakarta arena, eight teams du- told reporters, as his team mate nesian army, made head coach Thanks to my parents, to all In- elled throughout yesterday for su- Liu “Ku” Mingjie appeared close Syamsuddin optimistic of their donesians, and to the Indone- premacy in Tencent’s online game to tears. Both wore the same of- prospects when karate makes it sian Athletics Federation,” add- Arena of Valor (AOV), trading su- fi cial team China jackets as the Olympic debut in Tokyo in two ed Nova, who has also competed pernatural blows, slaying dragons, rest of Chinese athletes. years’ time. in the heptathlon in the past. and invading enemy towers. Vietnam won the event’s silver “I’m very happy. It’s only Indonesian athletics had Esports behemoth China rap- medal, after infl icting on China the second day of the tourna- come into the Games looking idly emerged on top and domi- its only loss of the event. Howev- ment and we already have a gold to secure at least one track and nated the fi nals, scoring an early er as a demonstration sport, the through Rifki,” Syamsuddin told fi eld medal having last won one lead against Taiwan thanks to medals are not counted towards Reuters. with Supriati Sutono’s 5,000m dual kills and a destruction of the country’s wins. Esports will Malaysian Prem Kumar Sel- gold in 1998. their territory. become an offi cial medal event at vam and Uzbek Sadriddin Say- Now, there is a new national Each victory brought passion- the 2022 Asian Games. matov claimed the two bronz- Indonesia’s Emilia Nova celebrates after winning the silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles final at hero. ate cheering from the audience, The esports competition will es. the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta yesterday. (AFP) “Competing in Indonesia is some of whom held up signs em- continue until Aug. 31, with the Mohamed Hasan Basri’s 65kg more like motivation than a bur- blazoned with Chinese players’ other fi ve titles featured includ- victory in the 2002 Games was tremendous potential in karate,” and university levels.” “Last time Indonesia won a den because I feel happy many names. ing Tencent’s League of Leg- the last time Indonesia won Syamsuddin said. Syamsuddin hoped the hosts karate gold was in 2002. Now people came and supported me,” Arena of Valor’s Chinese ver- ends and Clash Royale, Activi- Asian Games karate gold. “Karate is very popular here. would continue their good show we have the fi rst gold, and two said Nova. sion, known as “Honour of sion Blizzard’s Hearthstone and “I’m sure we’ll do well in the It’s a big country, and the com- on Monday when four more ka- bronze. We’re expecting more “This silver medal means a Kings,” has an estimated 200 mn Starcraft II and Konami Hold- Olympics too. Indonesia has petition is intense at the school rate golds will be on off er. medals tomorrow.” lot.” players in China. ing’s Pro Evolution Soccer. Gulf Times 4 Monday, August 27, 2018 SPORT

GOLF CRICKET DeChambeau Four overs for one run: charges to Irfan breaks T20 record 4-stroke lead ‘It’s going to be pedal to the metal. I’m going to try to keep it in the fairways just like I have all week’

Reuters metal. I’m going to try to keep round out there.” New York it in the fairways just like I have Second round co-leaders all week.” Brooks Koepka and Jamie Bradley, who also had nine Lovemark struggled. ryson DeChambeau birdies and was bogey free, Koepka shot a one-over 72 birdied half the holes started the day with three con- to be a part of the group at 204 he played in the third secutive birdies and kept go- while Lovemark (73) was a fur- round to seize a four- ing. He added another at the ther stroke off . strokeB lead as he and compatri- seventh, then sank three in a Tiger Woods went bogey- ot Keegan Bradley shook up the row from the 12th and fi nished free for a three-under 68 but Northern Trust leaderboard on up with birdies on the last two remains well behind on 210, Saturday. holes. his putting having left him far DeChambeau, looking to top “I hit 18 greens,” he said. “I from happy (Reporting by Gene the FedEx Cup standings on don’t think I have ever done Cherry in Raleigh, North Caro- Sunday, fi red a sparkling eight- that. That’s pretty special.” lina, editing by Pritha Sarkar) under 63 with nine birdies to Work on his putting has paid move to a 16-under total of 197 off , he noted. LEADING SCORES AFTER at Ridgewood Country Club in I’ve seen more consistent THIRD ROUND New Jersey. putting and that makes the 197 - Bryson DeChambeau Bradley went one better, his game so much easier.” 68-66-63 course record-tying 62 putting Australian Cameron Smith 201 - Keegan Bradley 70-69-62 him in front until DeChambeau (65) and American Tony Finau 202 - Cameron Smith (AUS) 69- took control later to leave him (66) shared third at 202, fi ve 68-65, Tony Finau 69-67-66 in outright second on 201. adrift of DeChambeau. 203 - Billy Horschel 69-69-65, “I knew if I wanted to be at Seven birdies highlighted Adam Scott (AUS) 69-64-70 the top of the leaderboard, I’d Smith’s round, four of them in 204 - Jordan Spieth 70-70-64, have to take it deep today,” De- a row from the third. His only Beau Hossler 67-71-66, Chez Chambeau said. bogey came at the 12th. Reavie 71-66-67, Patrick Can- Agencies mier League, also took the wick- of the best spells in T20 cricket,” This record was previously He needed only one putt on Jordan Spieth (64) and Phil tlay 69-67-68, Phil Mickelson Paris ets of the usually big-hitting said Irfan after the match. shared by South Africa’s Chris fi ve consecutive greens from Mickelson (68) were in a large 68-68-68, Adam Hadwin (CAN) West Indies internationals Chris “I liked bowling on the lively Morris and Sri Lanka’s Chanaka the eighth to the 12th hole, group seven off the pace on 71-65-68, Brooks Koepka 67- Gayle and Evin Lewis. wicket, and I get extra bounce Welegedara with an economy draining four birdies and a par nine-under. 65-72 akistan fast bowler Mo- But Irfan ended up on the because of my height, so yes, a rate of 0.5 per over while Irfan’s at the 10th. He fi nished off by “It was a tale of two nines 205 - Aaron Wise 70-68-67, hamed Irfan bowled the losing side anyway, as after satisfying performance.” economy rate of 0.25 was better birdie-ing the fi nal two holes. because that front nine, I Nick Watney 69-68-68, Louis most economical spell he had bowled his maximum The 36-year-old, who hasn’t than the duo. “That’s pretty impressive,” turned a four or fi ve-under- Oosthuizen (RSA) 71-66-68, in Twenty20 history on four overs, the Patriots chased played internationally for two Morris notched up fi gures of said DeChambeau, on his sec- par round into one-over, and Saturday,P only conceding a run down their target of 148 with years, dismissed star man Gayle 4-3-2-2 for the Cape Cobras Jason Day (AUS) 71-66-68, ond year as a PGA Tour profes- the back nine I played well and Justin Thomas 69-67-69, Jamie from his fi nal ball. seven balls to spare to win by six with the fi rst delivery of the in- in South Africa’s Ram Slam in sional. “If I can do something was able to bring it home,” said Lovemark 66-66-73 The giant 7ft 1in (2.16m) left- wickets. nings. November 2014 while Chanaka like that tomorrow I think I’m Mickelson. armer, playing for Barbados Tri- “I’m really happy. I would’ve Irfan ended with fi gures of Welegedara’s numbers were 4-2- in a good spot. “Tomorrow it tells me there’s SELECTED dents against St Kitts and Nevis been happier if the team won, four overs, three maidens, with 2-4 for Tamil Union in Sri Lanka “It’s going to be pedal to the a seven, eight, nine-under-par 210 - Tiger Woods 71-71-68. Patriots in the Caribbean Pre- but I am happy that I bowled one two wickets for one run. during April 2015.

Henderson clings to one-stroke lead at LPGA Canadian Open

Canada’s Brooke Henderson well - and then wake up tomor- Henderson seeks her seventh out pretty well.” birdied three consecutive back- row ready to go.” career LPGA title, one shy of Yin seeks her first LPGA title and nine holes and clung to a one- After answering a bogey at the Sandra Post’s record of eight comes off a share of fifth last stroke lead over Japan’s Nasa fifth with a birdie on the next by a Canadian, and second tour week at Indianapolis. Hataoka and American Angel hole, 20-year-old Henderson ran triumph of the season after the Defending champion Park Yin after Saturday’s third round off birdies at the par-5 12th and Lotte Championship in April at Sung-hyun of South Korea, who of the LPGA Canadian Open. 14th holes sandwiched around Hawaii. Japanese 19-year-old won last week in Indianapolis, Henderson, trying to become another at the par-4 13th. Hataoka, who began the back was fourth on 204, one stroke only the second Canadian to It was enough of a cushion to nine with five birdies in seven ahead of Australian Su Oh and win her homeland event after keep Henderson on top as she holes, missed a five-foot par American Austin Ernst. Jocelyne Bourassa in 1973, fired and her nearest rivals stumbled putt at 18 to settle for a 69 to New Zealand’s Lydia Ko was in a a two-under par 70 to stand on on the final holes. Henderson stand on 203 with Yin, who pack on 206 with Aussie Minjee 14-under 202 after 54 holes at sank a clutch 20-foot par putt at could have led. Yin, with a Lee, South Korean Amy Yang Wascana Country Club. 16 but missed a two-footer for bogey and double bogey in the and Americans Mariah Stack- “That would be pretty sweet,” par at the par-5 17th, trimming first three holes, birdied the first house and Jennifer Song. Henderson said of her chance her lead to a single stroke. three par-5 holes and had an at history. “It’s definitely a long “I made some putts, obviously eagle chance from eight feet at LEADING SCORES way from that. There’s like a mil- left some out there, but overall 17 before lipping out twice and 202 - Brooke M. Henderson lion players within five shots, so I’m still very confident in it,” settling for par. (CAN) 66-66-70 I definitely have to play my best Henderson said. Yin stumbled again at 18, miss- 203 - Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 64-70- and hopefully go low. “I feel like I’m reading putts ing a six-foot birdie putt at the 69, Angel Yin 65-67-71 “It’s an amazing accomplish- really well, so hopefully I can last to again settle for par and 204 - Park Sung-hyun (KOR) ment to be this far, but I’m not just continue that, reading putts remain with Hataoka one adrift 70-64-70 done yet, so hopefully I can just properly, and knock them in of the leader. “Overall my game 205 - Su Oh (AUS) 70-66-69, Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot on the 18th hole during the third round of The have a great night - restful, sleep tomorrow.” was good,” Yin said. “I grinded it Austin Ernst 66-69-70. Northern Trust at the Ridgewood Championship Course New Jersey. (Getty Images/AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Sri Lanka Cricket authorities reject ticket ‘rip off ’ claim Sri Lanka cricket authorities Pavan edges out Harrington to seal title yesterday rejected claims of discrimination against Reuters Harrington nearly shot a hole in England fans in the pricing of Prague one on the 13th, but his eff ort was tickets for an upcoming tour, undone by a bogey on the 15th. saying both foreign and local He fi nished the round with a supporters would be charged taly’s Andrea Pavan won his three-under 69. Malaysia’s Gavin the same. England will play maiden European Tour title at Green was third at 17-under for the five one-day internationals, a the Czech Masters yesterday, tournament while England’s Lee one-off Twenty20 match and closing with a fi ve-under 67 Slattery and Scotland’s Scott Jamie- three Tests between October Ito seal a two-shot win over three- son were tied for fourth. European 10 and November 27 at four times major champion Padraig Ryder Cup hopefuls Pieters and Ed- venues - Colombo, Dambulla, Harrington. die Pepperell were tied ninth with Galle and Pallekele. Pavan shared the lead with Har- seven others. British media reports have al- rington after the third round at the leged a “rip off ”, with England Albatross Golf Resort near Prague, LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES fans charged 50 pounds but fell behind as his Irish rival took 266 - Andrea Pavan (ITA) 65-69-65- (10,250 rupees) while locals a three-stroke lead at the turn to 67 paid only 1.50 pounds (307 close in on a 16th Tour title. 268 - Padraig Harrington 66-68- rupees). Sri Lanka Cricket The 29-year-old Pavan fought 65-69 administrative chief Aruna de back, however, with fi ve birdies on 271 - Gavin Green (MAL) 64-68-70- Silva said the English media the back nine. He fi nished on 22-un- 69 had compared the price of der for the event to eclipse Belgian 273 - Lee Slattery 65-72-68-68, Scott tickets in the most expensive Thomas Pieters’ eff ort from 2015 by Jamieson 67-68-68-70 enclosure to those in the two strokes. 274 - Tom Lewis 69-66-71-68 cheapest open stands. “It’s amazing, it’s massive,” Pa- 275 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 68- “Whether it is an English fan van said. “I’ve won four times on the 71-71-66, Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA) or a local they pay the same Challenge Tour but it was a long time 70-68-69-68 rate. There is no discrimina- ago. I’ll enjoy this because it’s hard to 276 - Julien Guerrier (FRA) 71-67- tion whatsoever. If England get and I’ll just keep working on the 71-67, Pontus Widegren (SWE) fans want to, they are stuff that seems to be working and 71-69-69-67, Jeff Winther (DEN) 65- welcome to buy the cheapest enjoy the success. Pavan said his fi rst 68-75-68, Hunter Stewart (USA) 69- tickets,” de Silva told AFP. European Tour win was extra special. 70-69-68, Matthias Schwab (AUT) He said grandstand tickets “I’m going back home tomorrow 69-69-69-69, Lucas Bjerregaard were available through a and we’re having a second baby, a lit- (DEN) 68-72-67-69, Thomas Pieters hospitality company which tle girl is coming on Wednesday. We’re (BEL) 64-70-71-71, Eddie Pepperell had bought the rights for Test really excited about that and I can’t 66-71-68-71, Pachara Khongwatmai matches. wait to celebrate with my family.” (THA) 69-67-68-72. Italy’s Andrea Pavan celebrates after winning the Czech Masters in Prague yesterday. Gulf Times Monday, August 27, 2018 5 SPORT

TENNIS American men battle to end drought Players must withstand at US Open New York: American men have failed to emulate the glo- ry of their female compatriots at the US Open in recent years and appear to have little hope of ending a 15-year drought at Flushing Meadows since Andy test of time at US Open Roddick’s 2003 win. With six titles, Serena Wil- liams has dominated the final Grand Slam of the season but Djokovic says he is comfortable with the shot clock and does not feel it aff ects him negatively will have strong home rivals in the draw this week, includ- Reuters ing defending champion New York Sloane Stephens. Stephens faced Madison Keys in last year’s final, an all-American afael Nadal’s elaborate pre- showdown not seen in the serve routine will be put to the men’s tournament since Pete ultimate test at next week’s Sampras defeated Andre US Open when a countdown Agassi for the 2002 crown. clockR makes its Grand Slam debut to Roddick’s runner-up finish help speed up play. Nadal is a creature in 2006 was the last run to of habit and as he prepares to serve the the final by an American man, Spaniard bounces the ball a few times, and there have been few tugs at his shorts, pulls at the shirt on highlights since in an era so his shoulders, touches his nose and thoroughly dominated by the tucks his hair behind his ears before likes of Roger Federer, Rafael having a few more bounces. Nadal and Novak Djokovic. But at the US Open, which begins to- At 33, John Isner and his day in New York, the world number one huge serve will carry the will not have time to add more moves brunt of local hopes in the to his lengthy repertoire as a 25-second men’s draw following his clock will tick down immediately after maiden Grand Slam semi- the chair umpire announces the score. final at Wimbledon. Beyond Nadal showed he was not bothered by Isner, there is little cause for the shot clock during a US Open tune- optimism. up in Toronto where he lost only one set Steve Johnson has en route to collecting a record-extend- achieved a pair of low-profile ing 33rd Masters title. The 32-year-old wins this season and reached is not a fan of the new measure, although the final of the Winston-Salem not due to concerns about receiving a Open on Sunday when he lost time violation but rather because he to Daniil Medvedev. Johnson feels it will diminish the quality of play. was vying to become the first “My experience in the world of ten- player in 2018 to win a title on nis at the matches that became part of three diff erent surfaces. the history of our sport are not matches Much was expected of Jack where the duration... is one hour thirty, Rafael Nadal practices at the USTA Billie Sock after he broke into the you know?” said Nadal. Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York top 10 during a strong 2017, “The matches that the people re- yesterday, on the eve of the US Open. (AFP) but he has battled ankle prob- member are matches that are epic, the lems and heads to Flushing matches that the people get involved Meadows without a win since (in). My experience is I don’t see peo- like this in 25 seconds. That’s my point last week’s US Open tune-up in Cincin- it’s a long exchange or a good point and awaiting serves from an opponent. May. Sam Querrey, a quarter- ple get crazy and involved in the match of view.” nati, said he was comfortable with the the crowd gets in.” “It’s a lot of... can I say human error? finalist last year, has also been when the ball, all it goes (is) two or three Novak Djokovic has also taken ten- shot clock and did not feel it aff ected If a player has not started the service If the umpire doesn’t start it right away, well off peak form through times over the net every time,” he added. nis’ idiosyncrasy to another level with a him negatively. “On the contrary, I ac- motion at the completion of the 25-sec- you think, ‘If they started it fi ve sec- the early hardcourt season. “I see the people go crazy and enjoy pre-serve routine in which he bounces tually feel like there is more time now ond countdown, the chair umpire will onds earlier, the person you’re playing Frances Tiafoe, at 20, may and feel the passion for the sport when the ball with his racket before shifting it than before because the shot clock issue a time violation. would have got a serve warning’,” said be at long odds to end a you have rallies of 15, 20 balls. “...that’s to his left hand and bouncing it some- starts counting down once the chair US Open champion Sloane Stephens Stephens. “It’s things like that you don’t generation of futility for US my feeling. And when you have con- times over 30 times before fi nally toss- umpire calls the score,” said the Serb. said the shot clock will not change the really want to be thinking about. It just men. The youngster has been tinuous rallies of that kind, you can’t be ing it into the air. “Sometimes it takes several seconds way she plays but felt it could add an- adds another element if something goes a player on the rise. ready physically to play another point The Wimbledon champion, who won before the chair umpire calls the score if other level of distraction when you are wrong, it can go terribly wrong.”

RUGBY FOCUS Pumas skipper Creevy hails US Open celebrates 50th ‘special’ triumph over Boks birthday with $600mn facelift

Reuters 1964 World’s Fair. The grounds, now called ing the two week tournament into a three- New York the ‘Billie Jean King National Tennis Center’ week festival. The qualifying rounds to the have been transformed into a state-of-the- year’s fi nal Grand Slam were given greater art facility boasting 22 courts, including two prominence in the week leading up to the he US Open turns 50 this year and futuristic stadiums with retractable roofs. Aug. 27 to Sept. 9 tournament in what or- rather than easing towards old age, While the move across the Borough of ganisers called the ‘Fan Week’, while 50 it will celebrate the landmark birth- Queens was just a few miles, it marked a former champions (27 men and 23 women) day by unveiling a $600mn facelift. seismic shift for the sport. The switch from were also being celebrated and recognised AT Grand Slam that began life in an elegant a private club setting to a public facility on-court during special legends matches. country club in leafy Forest Hills, the US meant tennis had moved from the “classes There is a new sleek stylised logo and Open long ago cast aside its quaint roots and to the masses”. slogan “Built for Glory”. Built for Glory and has grown into a big, bold and brash money Suddenly the traditional tennis whites turning a profi t. The new 14,000-seat Louis spinning tennis machine that according dress code had a blue collar. When the Unit- Armstrong Stadium marks the completion to Forbes will this year churn out a record ed States National Championships opened of an ambitious fi ve-year $600mn project $350mn in revenue. its doors to professionals in 1968 and be- that revamped nearly 90% of the sprawling The Forest Hills members got their courts came the US Open, the well-mannered facility. Among other things, according to a back in 1978 when the US Open found a new Forest Hills crowds still observed tennis Forbes report, the renovation has doubled home in Flushing Meadows, overhauling the etiquette. Organisers have planned a major the overall square footage of the retail, food decaying infrastructure left behind from the extravaganza for the 50th milestone, turn- and restaurant footprint on the grounds.

ROUND-UP Sabalenka wins maiden title in Connecticut South Africa’s Willie le Roux is tackled by Argentina’s Emiliano Boff elli as captain Agustin Creevy (left) looks on during the Rugby Championship match in, Mendoza, Argentina. (Reuters) Reuters New Haven, Connecticut AFP from the mistakes made in South and former Pumas hooker Mario Mendoza, Argentina Africa. We attacked brilliantly in Ledesma will want to improve the fi rst half and defended equal- the scrumming, which crumbled oung Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka ly brilliantly in the second half,” after a good fi rst-half showing. won her fi rst WTA singles title, loodied Argentina skip- he told reporters. Next up for Argentina in the six- sweeping past Spain’s Carla Suarez per Agustin Creevy Fly-half and man-of-the- round Championship are match- Navarro 6-1, 6-4 at the Connecti- hailed a 32-19 Rugby match Nicolas Sanchez, who es in New Zealand on September Ycut Open on Saturday in the fi nal tune-up Championship triumph scored 17 fi rst-half points, said 8 and Australia seven days later. before the US Open. The 20-year-old ris- overB South Africa this weekend the 27,500 crowd in the western ing star will move up to number 20 in the as ‘special’ because it ended a Argentina city inspired the team. SPRINGBOKS RED-FACED world rankings after becoming the young- humiliating string of defeats. “This is a perfect venue for us. AFTER DEFEAT est champion in New Haven since Caroline The Pumas had lost their previ- The crowd were magnifi cent. South Africa coach Johan ‘Rass- Wozniacki in 2010. ous 11 matches in the competi- They inspired us with their sus- ie’ Erasmus said that he was “This is a great feeling,” said the delight- tion and 23 of 29 tests since fi n- tained support. The second half ashamed of his team’s showing ed Sabalenka, who blasted 29 winners. “I ishing fourth at the 2015 Rugby was extremely diffi cult for us against Argentina. “It was em- will just work more, just to try to keep go- World Cup in England. because South Africa had a lot of barrassing and not the kind of ing, keep showing my best tennis, and we Only a week ago, Argentina possession and were camped in performance you expect to see will see.” The fi nal was the third of her ca- faded in South Africa after lead- our half of the pitch. They tried from the Springboks,” he said. reer. She lost to Maria Sharapova in Tianjin ing at half-time and fell 34-21 in to wear us out, but we kept our “We made only one change to last year and was defeated by Wozniacki at the opening round of the south- lead thanks to a gigantic eff ort the starting team from last week- Eastbourne earlier this year. “I didn’t have Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus poses with her trophy in New Haven, Connecticut. (AFP) ern hemisphere competition. by everyone — the run-on team end, when we dominated them,” some (career) plan,” said Sabalenka. “I was “All victories are sweet, but this and the replacements. I favoured Erasmus noted, referring to a just, like, ‘Keep going, keep fi ghting.’ Now I was not broken in the semi-fi nals or fi nal. once per set — to earn the victory. one was particularly satisfying,” tactical kicking at times to slow 34-21 opening-round victory in am 20 years old and I have my fi rst title, so... The victory was the fourth in world number His fi rst career win had come in the Syd- said the veteran hooker, who fi n- the pace and try to dictate the Durban. “The fi ngers of blame it’s okay.” 57 Medvedev’s fi ve meetings with Johnson ney International in January. He will face ished the Mendoza match with a rhythm of the match.” must be pointed at ourselves — and far diff erent than the last. Johnson, compatriot Evgeny Donskoy in the fi rst blood-stained bandage covering Winger Bautista Delguy, fi rstly the coaches and then the MEDVEDEV BEATS JOHNSON FOR ranked 34th, won that match in Eastbourne round of the US Open. Johnson was bidding a head wound. who scored two tries during a players — and we have to fi x the WINSTON-SALEM TITLE earlier this year in just 76 minutes and cre- to become the fi rst player this year to win ti- “We faced a powerful Spring- 21-point scoring blitz midway problems.” Skipper Siya Kolisi, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev turned back ated eight break points. But Johnson strug- tles on three diff erent surfaces. boks team and we won — that is through the fi rst half, said the who scored the fi rst South Afri- American Steve Johnson 6-4, 6-4 at the gled on Medvedev’s serve this time. He claimed the US Men’s Clay Court in special. We took a big step for- Pumas had become tired of los- can try that gave the visitors an Winston-Salem Open on Saturday to win his The American entered the fi nal having Houston in April and won the Hall of Fame ward from last weekend when we ing. Amid the euphoria of de- early 7-3 advantage, also off ered second career title. The tall 22-year-old won won 37 of 38 service games in the tourna- event on grass at Newport, Rhode Island in lost in Durban. The team learnt feating the Springboks, coach no excuses. all 12 sets he played in North Carolina and ment. But Medvedev broke Johnson twice — July. Gulf Times 6 Monday, August 27, 2018 SPORT

F1 FOCUS Mohoric wins Tour of Germany, Politt Vettel triumphs in takes fi nal stage

AFP are also behind the Tour de Stuttgart, Germany France, want to make the German race a regular fi xture on the cycling calendar with lovenia’s Matej Mo- plans to make the race a nine- Belgian Grand Prix horic was crowned the day event in the coming years. overall Tour of Ger- “The atmosphere is right, many champion yes- the performances were right, terdayS after fi nishing second even from the German riders, behind home favourite Nils which gives us courage for the Politt in yesterday’s fourth future,” race director Claude and fi nal stage in Stuttgart. Rach told SID, an AFP sub- It was second stage-race sidiary. to cut Hamilton lead win in a fortnight for Mo- horic, 23, who won Saturday’s RESULTS ‘I had a great start and as soon as I was ahead I relaxed. It was a very smooth race’ stage in Merzig to take the Overall standings red jersey, following victory 1. Matej Mohoric (SLO/Bahrain AFP spiralling airborne over the ha- last weekend on the four-day Merida) 17hrs 27min 10sec, 2. Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium lo-fi tted cockpit of Monegasque BinckBank Tour through Bel- Nils Politt (GER/Katusha) at Charles Leclerc’s Sauber. gium and the Netherlands. 6sec, 3. Maximilian Sch- None of the drivers were in- Politt, 24, earned the fi rst achmann (GER/Quick Step) ebastian Vettel trimmed jured, but all were forced out of stage-race win of his career at 12, 4. Tom Dumoulin (NED/ Lewis Hamilton’s cham- the race, along with Renault- by covering the 207.4 kilome- Sunweb) 16, 5. Damiano Ca- pionship lead to 17 points bound Daniel Ricciardo of Red tres from Lorsch to Stuttgart ruso (ITA/BMC) 26, 6. Warren yesterday as he steered his Bull and luckless Finn Kimi in four hours, 49 minutes, 20 Barguil (FRA/Fortuneo) 28, 7. FerrariS to a convincing victory in Raikkonen in the second Ferrari, seconds with Mohoric fi nish- Reinardt Janse van Rensburg a crash-hit Belgian Grand Prix. who had also collided. ing close behind. (RSA/Dimension Data) 30, 8. Hamilton, who started from a Hulkenberg missed his brak- Tour de France winner Ge- Romain Bardet (FRA/AG2R) Belgian record fi fth pole position, ing point and rammed into raint Thomas fi nished 52nd 31, 9. Guillaume Martin (FRA/ came home a well-beaten second Alonso’s car, which fl ew narrow- yesterday, 2min 30sec behind Wanty) 33, Nick van der Kijke for Mercedes, having been unable ly over Leclerc’s Sauber, leaving Politt, coming 41st overall, (NED/Lotto NL) 34. to threaten his German rival, who black tyre smudges on his halo but the Welshman’s presence SELECTED notched his third win at the ma- protection. in Germany boosted the race’s 41. Geraint Thomas (GBR/ jestic Ardennes circuit and Fer- After Saturday’s rain-hit profi le on its return after a SKY) 07:14mins rari’s fi rst since 2009. qualifying session, the race be- decade-long absence. STAGE It was Vettel’s fi fth win this gan in dry conditions with an air Maximilian Schachmann, 1 Nils Politt (GER/Katusha) season, equalling Hamilton’s temperature of 17 degrees Celsi- who won Friday’s second 4hrs 49mins 20sec, 2. Matej tally, and the 52nd of his career, us, or 62 degrees Fahrenheit and stage after beating Mohoric Mohoric (SLO/Bahrain surpassing the 51 of four-time the track at 29, near perfect for on the line in Trier, took sec- Merida) same time, 3. Dami- world champion Alain Prost, and spectators and teams. ond overall with Politt third. ano Caruso (ITA/BMC) s.t., 4. achieved with reasonable ease Hamilton made a clean start Enthusiastic crowds greet- Nick van der Lijke (NED/Lotto as he came home 11.061 seconds and resisted an attack from Vet- ed the riders as the Tour of NL) s.t., 5. Reinardt Janse Van ahead of the Briton. tel at La Source before the open- Germany returned following a Rensburg (RSA/Dimension “More wins than Alain? ing lap was red-fl agged follow- ten-year hiatus after the 2009 Data) s.t., 6. Romain Bardet Whoah,” said Vettel. “I was lucky ing the accident behind them at edition was scrapped follow- (FRA/AG2R) s.t., 7. Alexis with the traffi c today and I could the hairpin. The Safety Car was ing a series of high-profi le Vuillermoz (FRA/AG2R) s.t., see that Lewis eased off for the deployed and stayed out for four doping cases, which blighted 8. Warren Barguil (FRA/For- fi nal 15 laps. I had a great start laps, but in the immediate after- cycling. tuneo) s.t., 9. Patrick Konrad and as soon as I was ahead I re- math of the crash Hamilton was “It’s amazing, the number (AUT/Bora) s.t., 10. Maximilian laxed. It was a very smooth race.” passed by Vettel who drafted of spectators is great. Cy- Schachmann (GER/Quick Vettel cut seven points from past on the Kemmel Straight to cling is not dead in Germany,” Step) s.t. Hamilton’s lead going into next take the lead. When the race re- beamed Berlin-born Sch- SELECTED weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. sumed, Vettel resisted an imme- achmann. 52. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Sky) “Congrats to Seb – I did eve- diate attack from Hamilton and Organisers ASO, who 02:30mins. rything I could and we ultimate- then built a lead of three seconds ly did well, but he drove past me by lap 14. By then, Verstappen like I wasn’t even there on the had climbed to third, passing British MotoGP cancelled due to rain straight, said the British driver. both Force Indias to the delight “They’ve got some trick things of an estimated 50,000-strong The British Grand Prix was cancelled after torrential rain caused going on in that car and we have ‘orange army’ in the crowd. “unsafe” track conditions at Silverstone yesterday. With heavy got to just keep working.” After trimming Vettel’s lead, rain lashing down throughout the weekend, the MotoGP race “Trick is just a word for some- Hamilton was the fi rst to pit on had been brought forward from its original 1200 GMT start time thing special, I guess,” added lap 22 and switched from super- to 1030 GMT in a bid to beat the weather. But the rain continued Hamilton. softs to softs, rejoining third. to pour on Sunday morning, forcing off icials to delay the start Asked whether he felt Ferrari Ferrari responded by bringing and then cancel the event for safety reasons. After several false were doing something illegal, Vettel in and he returned as lead- starts in which a provisional start time for the race was set and Hamilton initially said he had er, but with his lead cut ahead of then scrapped, a meeting between off icials and the teams was no idea what was on the Italian Verstappen and Hamilton. convened. It was quickly agreed that the track was not fit for team’s car so could not say either The defending champion competition given the high risk on the rain-sodden surface. Mo- way. He said Ferrari had showed passed the Dutch youngster be- toGP said there was “no option” to re-arrange the race for today. some serious pace in the race, fore Les Combes and then began MotoGP race director Mike Webb admitted the new surface at particularly on the straights Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates on the podium after winning the Belgian Formula One his chase after the German. As Silverstone, which was laid in February, was to blame for making even if Mercedes were quicker in Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit yesterday. (AFP) the pit-stops continued, Bottas the track unsafe for racing. “We’ve had a number of years’ expe- other areas. “I’m not saying that rose to fi fth behind Perez and rience here in very wet conditions recently with the old surface there is anything illegal,” Hamil- STANDINGS then, when the Mexican pitted, and have been able to run races,” Webb said. ton added more forcefully as re- he was fourth. “This year, with the new surface, is the first time we’ve encoun- porters returned to the subject. DRIVERS ando Alonso (ESP) 44, 10. Sergio 19. Brendon Hartley (NZL) 2 At the front, Hamilton eased tered quite so much standing water in critical places on the Local hero Belgian-born Dutch- 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 231 pts, Perez (MEX) 40, 11. Esteban off to preserve his tyres and al- track. So yes it’s a direct result of the track surface. “The staff man Max Verstappen fi nished 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 214, Ocon (FRA) 37, 12. Carlos Sainz CONSTRUCTORS low Vettel to increase his lead have done an unbelievable eff ort over the whole weekend to third for Red Bull ahead of Valt- 3. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 146, 4. Jr (ESP) 30, 13. Pierre Gasly 1. Mercedes 375 pts, 2. Ferrari of 4.4 seconds, suggesting the try and make the track safe and until the last minute they were teri Bottas, who started from the Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 144, 5. Max (FRA) 28, 14. Romain Grosjean 360, 3. Red Bull 238, 4. Renault Briton was settling for 18 points. still working, but unfortunately we couldn’t battle nature.” The ninth row of the grid in the second Verstappen (NED) 120, 6. Daniel (FRA) 27, 15. Charles Leclerc 82, 5. Haas 76, 6. Force India 59, Verstappen who fi nished 20 cancellation of the race came after Tito Rabat suff ered a broken Mercedes, and Sergio Perez in the Ricciardo (AUS) 118, 7. Nico (MON) 13, 16. Stoff el Vandoorne 7. McLaren 52, 8. Toro Rosso 30, seconds behind Hamilton and leg during the fourth free practice session on Saturday. Spain’s leading ‘new’ Force India. Hulkenberg (GER) 52, 8. Kevin (BEL) 8, 17. Marcus Ericsson 9. Sauber 19, 10. Racing Point more than 30 ahead of Bottas Rabat, who had come off his Ducati in heavy rain, was walking Frenchman Esteban Ocon, Magnussen (DEN) 49, 9. Fern- (SWE) 6, 18. Lance Stroll (CAN) 4, Force India 18, 11. Williams 4. “We stayed out of trouble away in the gravel at Stowe corner when he was hit by Italian whose future is uncertain follow- and it was a bit boring, but I am Franco Morbidelli’s bike. The last time a premier class race had ing Canadian billionaire Law- happy to be on the podium,” the to be cancelled outright was the 1980 Austrian Grand Prix, which rence Stroll’s takeover of Force Dane Kevin Magnussen. Pierre Gasly of Toro Rosso fi n- lision involving German Nico Dutchman said. “Engine mileage was called off due to snow, although the 2011 Malaysian GP, India, came home sixth ahead of ished ninth ahead of Swede Mar- Hulkenberg of Renault and the is best kept in the bank for him,” where Marco Simoncelli was killed in a crash, was also deemed another French driver Romain DRAMATIC COLLISION cus Ericsson. The race began retiring Spaniard Fernando said Red Bull boss Christian not to have occurred in the off icial statistics. Grosjean and his Haas teammate Red Bull-bound Frenchman with a dramatic fi rst-lap col- Alonso, whose McLaren was sent Horner of Verstappen.

CYCLING Valverde wins, Kwiatkowski takes red jersey AFP Caminito del Rey in Andalusia’s Sierra Caminito del Rey, Spain Madre foothills began on the fi nal short climb. Kwiatkowski attacked with 500m to go with Valverde and Adam Yates panish veteran Alejandro Val- swiftly on his tail. verde spread his arms wide in But Valverde, whose team captain victory atop the summit fi nish Nairo Quintana led him up the hill, took on stage two of the Vuelta a Es- control in the fi nal 100m with Quick panaS yesterday as the man he pipped, Step’s Laurens De Plus coming third Sky’s Michal Kwiatkowski, took the three seconds adrift. overall leader’s red jersey. “I let him (Kwiatkowski) go and then Australia’s Richie Porte, along with went after him on the last corner,” ex- his BMC teammate and overnight leader plained 38-year-old Valverde. Rohan Dennis, plus the world champion “I’ve now achieved my objective here Peter Sagan were part of a group that and will take it day by day now,” added fi nished several minutes behind after Valverde, who is targeting the world both Sky and Valverde’s Movistar set a championships road race in late Sep- punishing late pace. tember, which has a similar fi nish to this Seven riders formed an early escape second stage. group as the peloton exited the Costa del Poland’s Kwiatkowski expressed his Sol resort of Marbella in temperatures of disappointment at missing out on the 32 degrees Celsius. stage despite clinching the overall lead. French pair Alexis Gougeard and “He was unbeatable today, so con- Pierre Rolland held out until Sky and gratulations to Alejandro. I took the red Movistar reeled them in with 20km to jersey but doing that without winning go in a burst of speed that splintered the stage leaves me with mixed feelings,” the peloton. Defending champion Chris he said. Froome and Tour de France winner Ge- Kwitakowski should now hold the raint Thomas are not taking part. lead on today’s stage as he leads the race The real action of the 163.5-kilometre by 14sec from Valverde in second while run from Marbella to the hair-raising Sunweb’s Wilko Kelderman is third at cliff -side wooden paths known as the 25sec. Movistar’s Spanish cyclist Alejandro Valverde celebrates after winning the second stage of the 73rd edition of ‘La Vuelta’ Tour of Spain yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, August 27, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Germany midfi elder Rudy quits Bayern for Schalke

Germany midfielder Sebastian Rudy has transferred from reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich to rivals Schalke 04, last season’s runners up, for 16mn euros, according to reports. Dembele, Griezmann But neither club has confirmed the transfer. According to Sports Bild, Rudy, who has made 26 international appear- ances and was part of the Germany squad which crashed at the World Cup in Russia, will be presented as a Schalke player today. The 28-year-old only joined Bayern last give Barcelona and August on a free transfer from Hoff en- heim and signed a contract with Bayern until 2020, but has been frustrated by his lack of matches in Munich.

Bayern draw minnows Atletico narrow wins Roedinghausen Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich will face fourth-tier minnows SV Roed- inghausen away in the second round Defending champs Barca now have six points out of six and are yet to concede a goal of the German Cup. Having scrapped past amateur village team Drochtersen/ AFP Assel 1-0 in the first round last weekend Madrid thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s late goal, Bayern face another tricky away tie to Roedinghausen, near Bielefeld. usmane Dembele’s second- The second-round matches will take half strike was the diff erence place between October 30-31 with as reigning La Liga champi- several Bundesliga teams pitted against ons Barcelona ground out a each other. RB Leipzig will host Hoff en- 1-0O win away to newly-promoted Val- heim and Borussia Moenchengladbach ladolid on Saturday night to maintain are home to Bayer Leverkusen. their perfect start to the campaign. It was not a classic Barcelona per- formance by any means at the Estadio Everton’s Keane sidelined Jose Zorrilla, and they escaped at the with skull fracture death as a Keko equaliser for the hosts was disallowed due to a marginal off - Everton defender Michael Keane has side call. Ernesto Valverde’s side now suff ered a small hairline fracture of have six points out of six and are yet to his skull and will be sidelined for up to concede a goal, with this victory fol- four weeks. Keane was carried off on lowing a 3-0 success against Alaves on a stretcher in stoppage time of the 2-2 the opening weekend. Premier League draw at Bournemouth Lionel Messi had scored twice in and taken to hospital following a nasty that game, but he struggled to make clash of heads with teammate Idrissa an impact here on a dreadful pitch Gueye. Everton released a statement that kept cutting up. Instead it was which said the 25-year-old had suff ered Philippe Coutinho who came closest the hairline fracture but “no other to opening the scoring in the fi rst half, complications” and “will be unable to his low shot from the edge of the area engage in head contact for between heading for the corner before Jordi Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele (left) three and four weeks, from which point Masip turned it around the post. and Real Valladolid’s Javi Moyano he will be able to resume full training”. On a night when Gerard Pique made vie for the ball. (Reuters) his 300th appearance in La Liga, none of Barcelona’s close-season signings Abramovich hires adviser started, although Arturo Vidal and to mull sale of Chelsea Brazilian winger Malcom came off the bench late on. By that time Dem- Russian billionaire Roman Abram- bele, whose fi rst season at Barca after ovich has hired an investment bank to joining from Borussia Dortmund was consider the sale of his English Premier marred by injury, had scored the cru- League soccer team Chelsea, the cial goal. Stegen, this time saw his header fi nd winning squad along with Dembele, “It was a diffi cult match from the close out the win, though, with goal- Sunday Times newspaper reported. A Sergi Roberto headed a 57th-minute the back of the net. scored the only goal of the game in the start and Rayo played well, but we feel keeper Jan Oblak having to keep out source at the club denied Abramovich cross back down into the path of the The Valladolid fans, who saw their 63rd minute at the Wanda Metropoli- good because we won, and because it’s Adri Embarba’s free-kick and dive at planned any sale. French international, who swept the team win promotion via the play-off s, tano as Diego Simeone’s men notched not easy at the start of the season and the feet of Alex Moreno to smother the The Sunday Times said the move by ball past Masip. The visitors then erupted in celebration, but the assist- their fi rst league win of the campaign. everyone is struggling,” said Simeone. full-back’s eff ort. the Russian followed his rejection of thought they had scored a second in ant referee had spotted the off side, Atletico, tipped to challenge Barce- “Griezmann is growing in strength. But the Slovenian ‘keeper kept his an off er to buy a minority stake in the the closing stages as Messi released and video replays confi rmed it was the lona and Real Madrid for the title this We are trying to get him up to his best best save for the 90th minute, as he club by US private equity firm Silver Luis Suarez to slot home, but the off - right decision, if only just. term, kicked off their campaign with a form with the more minutes he plays.” sprung to his right to beat away Sergio Lake Partners. Chelsea’s directors have side fl ag cut short the celebrations. Barcelona’s win followed a similarly 1-1 draw at Valencia last weekend. De- The goal came when Montenegrin Moreno’s well-struck shot and ensure brought in Joe Ravitch from the Raine Barca were then rescued by the unspectacular victory for Atletico spite labouring for long periods, they centre-back Stefan Savic climbed Atletico took all three points. Group, a bank that specialises in sport Video Assistant Referee in the sec- Madrid earlier, as the Europa League proved too strong for an impressive highest to nod down a corner, and Earlier on Saturday, Alaves and and technology, the newspaper said ond minute of added time. Substitute holders beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in a Rayo, who were champions of the sec- Griezmann, who scored 29 times in all Real Betis played out a goalless draw without citing its sources. Keko, having earlier headed a glori- capital derby. Antoine Griezmann, ond-tier last term but have lost both competitions last season, swivelled to as both teams got off the mark for the Separately, a spokesman for Abramovi- ous chance straight at Marc-Andre ter a member of France’s World Cup- games so far this season. slot into the net. Atletico struggled to season after defeats last week. ch in Moscow declined to comment.

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Maestro Ancelotti gives Gattuso a Witsel scores on Bundesliga debut as Dortmund roar back lesson as Napoli rally past AC Milan AFP Berlin AFP Milan elgium midfi elder Axel Witsel scored with a arlo Ancelotti gave stunning bicycle kick former protege Gen- on his Borussia Dort- naro Gattuso a lesson in mundB debut as the home side football as Napoli came roared back with a 4-1 win fromC two goals down to beat AC against RB Leipzig in the Bun- Milan 3-2 in Serie A on Satur- desliga despite conceding after day night. Ancelotti — who took just 31 seconds yesterday. over as coach of the Italian league Dortmund scored four goals runners-up this summer — was without replay in an impres- in charge of his fi rst home game sive display to better Bayern at the San Paolo Stadium. Munich’s 3-1 win over Hoff en- The 59-year-old’s side also heim on Friday on the opening Dortmund’s Axel Witsel (left) celebrates after scoring. (Reuters) trailed before getting past Lazio weekend of the German league 2-1 in the season opener in Rome season. Dortmund fell behind at Syria-born midfi elder Mah- early blunder by scoring Dort- last weekend. Signal Iduna Park when Leip- moud Dahoud powered home a mund’s stunning third goal. AC Milan were playing their zig attacked from the kick-off header. Reus sealed the convincing fi rst match of the season after and Witsel’s slip allowed France Dortmund’s new captain win when Dortmund’s 18-year- their game against Genoa was Under-21 striker Jean-Kevin Marco Reus then provided the old junior England internation- postponed because of the bridge Augustin to score in the open- second goal when his free-kick al Jandon Sancho came off the disaster in the port city. But it ing minute. on 40 minutes was headed into bench and provided the fi nal was to be a bitter defeat for Milan Despite the early setback, the Leipzig net by Marcel Sabit- pass for the Borussia skipper to coach Gattuso, 40, who played Dortmund dug deep under new zer for an own goal. Witsel, who roll into the net on 90 minutes. under Ancelotti when the latter head coach Lucien Favre and was making his Bundesliga de- Earlier, Anthony Ujah came was in charge of AC Milan, win- scored three goals in a dazzling but after a 20mn euros trans- off the bench to score Mainz’s ning the Champions League to- fi rst-half display. The hosts fer from Chinese side Tianjin late winner in a 1-0 victory over gether in 2007. Ancelotti praised Napoli’s Dries Mertens (centre) attempts to get past AC Milan’s Franck Kessie. in the Serie A match. (Reuters) drew level on 21 minutes when Quanjian, made amends for his Stuttgart. the “great desire... to fi ght back vehemently,” by his side. ing job in Italy — before nine tro- minutes with a Davide Calabria midfi elder Tiemoue Bakayoko. “I have a fond memory of all phy-laden years abroad at clubs half-volley giving the visitors a Napoli play at Sampdoria next my former players, but with Gat- including Chelsea, Paris Saint- two-goal advantage four minutes week with AC Milan looking for BOYATA SHINES AS CELTIC BEAT HAMILTON tuso there is something special. Germain, Real Madrid and Bay- after the break. But Piotr Zielin- their fi rst points at home against It’s a wonderful evening, one full ern Munich — was at the helm of ski bagged a brace for Napoli in a Roma, and Juventus travelling to Glasgow: Celtic’s Dedryck disagreed and he was booed contribution to Celtic. of emotions for me. Milan hadn’t Milan. 15-minute second half spell with promoted Parma. Lazio look for Boyata restored his tarnished by the home fans. Boyata had They face two more crucial really given many signs of being Gattuso had said it was his substitute Dries Mertens sealing their fi rst points against new- reputation with the Scottish come out to see a banner held home matches next week, the dangerous in attack, but sur- dream to defeat his old “maes- victory 10 minutes from time. comers Frosinone. champions as he secured a 1-0 up among the ultras group, second leg of their Europa prised us with two goals. It was tro” as Ancelotti had done as AC “It’s acceptable to make a mis- Yesterday, Spal captain Mirco win over Hamilton yesterday. The Green Brigade, which read, League play-off with Suduva very diffi cult in that situation, Milan coach over two decades take but not to disappear from Antenucci drilled home a spec- Boyata returned to the side ‘Boyata — not fit to wear the — the tie is poised at 1-1 — and then we changed system and the ago beating his former boss Ar- the pitch,” said Gattuso. “After tacular volley to seal a 1-0 defeat after his controversial decision jersey’. the first Old Firm game of the crowd pushed us on to turn it rigo Sacchi’s Parma. “It hurts me we conceded the fi rst goal we of promoted Parma. not to play in the Hoops’ recent But in the 63rd minute there season against Rangers. around.” to play so well at the San Paolo stopped playing.” The striker’s feat came after an Champions League exit against was only green and white joy In the day’s other clash, Ancelotti spent most of his ca- and then emerge empty-handed. Argentine striker Gonzalo uneventful fi rst-half and helped AEK Athens in Greece. when he knocked the ball in Peter Hartley rubbed salt reer at AC Milan, winning three Now we have to lick our wounds Higuain made his competitive the Ferrara side clinch a second The Belgian defender had from close range. Although un- into Rangers’ wounds as the Serie A and four European titles and go forward,” said Gattuso. debut for Milan but had lit- straight win as they played in Bo- claimed he was injured while certainty remains over Boyata’s Motherwell captain’s last-gasp as a player and coach with the Giacomo Bonaventura sensa- tle impact in his old stadium, logna due to works at their Paolo Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers future, it was an important equaliser rescued a 3-3 draw. northern giants. His last coach- tionally opened for Milan after 15 along with new on-loan Chelsea Mazza stadium.

Monday, August 27, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Sadd face a daunting task against Iran giants Esteghlal ‘It will be a diff icult match against an excellent team. We must be careful and give our best performance to get a positive result’

By Sports Reporter 0-1. Braces from Baghdad Bounedjah in Tehran the fi rst two games were the highlight of the group campaign as Al Sadd over- came Uzbekistan’s Nasaf and Persepo- NB Stars League side Al Sadd lis, and the Algerian got his third brace will have their task cut out in a 2-1 win against UAE’s Al Wasl. when they take on Iran heav- Even at the age of 38, midfi eld maes- yweights Esteghlal in the fi rst tro Xavi continues to dominate the legQ of the AFC Champions league quar- middle of the park for Al Sadd. Only two ter-fi nals in Tehran today. Sadd will not players in the competition, Oscar and just have to battle against a quality side, Ricardo Goulart, created more chances but also face the intimidating prospect than the Spaniard’s 22. Xavi defence of playing in front of 80,000-capacity splitting passes have set up three goals, Azadi Stadium. but his ball retention has been equally The Qatari giants will be hoping that impressive. Only two midfi elders have they can come away with victory. But a higher pass accuracy than his 90 per- it won’t be easy. Al Sadd and Esteghlal cent among those with 100 passes or faced each other last year in the play- more in the competition. off and it was Esteghlal who knocked Ferreira pointed out that his team will out their opponents on penalties to go into the match in high spirits after reach the group stage. preparations that began six weeks ago. Esteghlal are hoping to reach the AFC “We have had six weeks of preparations Champions League semi-fi nals for the since the start of pre-season and also second time in their history. Both sides played in the fi rst three matches of the have lifted the Asian Club Champion- league. The importance of this match ship, Al Sadd in 1989 and Esteghlal two will be a great incentive for us to give years later. But since the inception of our best.” the AFC Champions League, Estegh- As for the draw with Al Gharafa in in lal’s best performance was reaching the the QNB Stars league last week, Ferreira semi-fi nals in 2013, while Al Sadd were said: “The AFC Champions League is a the last side from the West Asia to lift lot diff erent from the domestic compe- the coveted trophy in 2011. tition. The same is true for the Iranian Sadd boast within their ranks some- team who have played fi ve matches one who knows all about continental in their league. Both sides will be at glory in four-time UEFA Champions their best because of the importance of League winner Xavi. The Doha side reaching the semifi nals.” fi nished runners-up to Esteghlal’s City He added: “Esteghlal have changed rivals Persepolis in the group stage be- a lot in the last two seasons, especially fore ousting Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in with the change in coach and players. the last 16. We know that we have not reached our Al Sadd players train at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran yesterday, on the eve of their AFC Champions league first leg quarter-finals against Esteghlal. Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira peak levels of preparedness but I think said on the eve of the match that his my team will be at their best in all de- lese striker Mame Baba Thiam bagged side is eyeing nothing less than a vic- partments during the game.” a hat-trick as Esteghlal romped to a tory, but conceded it will be a tough Esteghlal dominated Group D, going 3-1 victory to book a date with Al Sadd task. “Tomorrow’s match will be a dif- unbeaten in all six games to fi nish top in the last eight. Esteghlal head coach fi cult one against an excellent team. of the group, ahead of Al Ain, Al Rayyan Winfried Schaefer was hoping the fans Two years ago, Esteghlal prevented and Al Hilal. A late equaliser got Win- will pack the stadium and make it dif- us from reaching the AFC Champions fried Schäfer’s men up to a good start fi cult for Sadd. League (group stage) after defeating us away against Al Rayyan, but the high- “Our fans must come to the stadium on penalties. And so, we must be care- light of their group performances was and support us against Al Sadd. We ful and give our best performance to get doing the double against 2017 runners- have a diffi cult task in the second leg in a positive result,” the Portuguese said up Al Hilal. Doha so we must get good result in our yesterday in Tehran. In the round of 16, Esteghlal were home match,” Schaefer said. “We must Al Sadd were drawn in Group C with handed an all-Iranian aff air against fi ght for win tomorrow. We have self- Esteghlal’s rivals, Persepolis, and de- Zobahan. The 2010 fi nalists won the belief and confi dence to defeat Al Sadd. spite fi ring 11 goals – more than any fi rst leg at home through a stoppage My hope is that our fans will come to team in the group – they only managed time penalty that was converted by the stadium as they supported us in two to fi nish second behind Persepolis, hav- Georgian defender Giorgi Gvelesiani. matches against Al Rayyan and Al Ain,” ing lost their fi nal group game in Tehran A week later at Azadi Stadium, Senega- the former Cameroon coach said. Al Sadd defender Abdelkarim Hassan (left) and coach Jesualdo Ferreira at a press conference in Tehran yesterday.

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Chelsea win as own goal hurts Newcastle Pochettino gives

AFP Mourinho a lesson in Newcastle, United Kingdom crisis management helsea required an own goal from Newcastle’s DeAndre Yedlin to AFP resolve by trying to poach him maintain their 100% start to the Manchester, United Kingdom instead of hiring the combustible Premier League season as the former Chelsea boss two years BluesC ground out a 2-1 win at St James’ ago. Speculation a move to Man- Park yesterday. Yedlin defl ected Marcos he spotlight is on Man- chester was in the pipeline for Alonso’s shot into his own net in the 87th chester United manager Pochettino before Mourinho’s minute to settle a match that had threat- Jose Mourinho to deliver arrival was heightened when leg- ened to end in frustration for Chelsea a positive response to a endary former United boss Alex manager Maurizio Sarri. Tweek of negative publicity when Ferguson met with the Spurs Earlier, Chelsea needed a penalty from faced today with an opposite manager for lunch in March Eden Hazard to fi nally breach a black and number who has adopted a very 2016. white wall erected by manager Rafa Beni- diff erent attitude to similar off - Pochettino described the tez, whose defensive approach succeeded fi eld frustrations. meeting as a “dream come true”, for 76 minutes. The Newcastle manager While Mourinho appears at but now seems to have tied him- acknowledged the massive gap in quality odds with the club’s executive self to the project of converting between the two sets of players, packing vice-chairman Ed Woodward the abundant talent in Spurs’ his defence and granting Chelsea the ball and key players like Paul Pogba, young squad into trophies at the for 80% of the game. Mauricio Pochettino has kept new White Hart Lane after pen- It was possession that they were un- Tottenham on track to travel ning a fi ve-year contract exten- able to turn into goals until Fabian Schar’s north with a 100% record in the sion in May. challenge on Spanish defender Alonso Premier League. The Argentine For all the progress made by produced a penalty. Newcastle responded is likely to have little sympathy Spurs in the past four years under with a goal from Joselu in a rare attack and for Mourinho’s complaints about Pochettino, success at Old Traf- looked set to steal a point before Chelsea’s not being backed enough by ford has alluded them. Totten- last-gasp winner made it three successive Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (centre) celebrates with teammates Cesar Azpilicueta and Jorginho (right) after scoring. (Reuters) Woodward in the transfer mar- ham have lost all four of their last victories for the Blues. ket after spending over £70mn visits there without even scoring Benitez will say his approach was justi- heading wide. At the interval, Newcastle FULHAM EARN FIRST VICTORY; Capoue could consider himself for- ($90mn) in the off season on a goal. “That’s not perception. fi ed and it acknowledged the gap in qual- must have sensed they could collect at WATFORD SINK PALACE tunate to escape with only a yellow for Brazilian international Fred and It’s reality. We lost four games, ity between the two squads. Before this least a point, a target that appeared to be Meanwhile, Aleksandar Mitrovic inspired an early foul on Wilfried Zaha. And that teenage full-back Diogo Dalot. we didn’t score a goal, we didn’t game he earmarked Sarri’s team as genu- more diffi cult before the start when Beni- Fulham’s fi rst Premier League success proved a crucial moment as Capoue set Tottenham became the fi rst win a point,” said Pochettino. ine title candidates and even gave them tez was forced to rule out two of his most this season as the Serb’s double secured a up Roberto Pereyra’s third goal of the sea- Premier League side since the “There are many negative things the edge over Manchester United, Tot- infl uential players, Jamaal Lascelles and 4-2 win over Burnley. Mitrovic fi red Ful- son to put Watford ahead. Jose Holebas’s introduction of the summer but you need to believe and I be- tenham and Arsenal, so Benitez was never Jonjo Shelvey. ham to promotion from the Champion- miscued cross found its way into the net transfer window to fail to sign lieve more than ever that we can likely to go toe-to-toe with Chelsea. The offi cial line was that both were in- ship with 12 goals on loan from Newcastle to double Watford’s lead. Zaha got one a single player despite Pochet- win. We’re winners.” Jorginho, a player Benitez bought while jured, although there were unconfi rmed last term. back for Palace in the closing stages, but tino delivering a third season of That positivity contrasts he was in charge of Napoli, prompted in- rumours that a training ground argu- Now playing for Fulham on a perma- it came too late to stop Watford securing Champions League football on a sharply with the dark clouds lin- telligently in midfi eld and Hazard, start- ment between Lascelles and Benitez had nent basis, he is doing all he can to ensure their third successive league victory. Pal- signifi cantly smaller budget than gering over the red half of Man- ing for the fi rst time this season, twisted prompted the manager to leave him out. their stay in the top-fl ight is not a short ace boss Roy Hodgson was furious that his competitors. Pochettino has chester. Disastrous defending and turned as he probed for a gap in New- Benitez insisted, however: “Shelvey has one. Jeff Hendrick had cancelled out a Capoue avoided a red card. also had to cope with delays to in defeat at Brighton last week- castle’s defence that often featured nine been playing with pain, we tell him you stunning goal from Ivory Coast midfi eld- the club’s new 62,000 capacity end illustrated why Mourinho men in front of keeper Martin Dubravka. cannot carry on with pain because it er Jean Michael Seri when Mitrovic struck stadium that will see Spurs play demanded more money in the But too often, Chelsea failed to fi nd a will stop him. Jamaal came in with ankle with two headers in two minutes. RESULTS at least their fi rst four games of transfer market to improve his way through and were frustrated in the problem.” James Tarkowski pulled one back for the season at Wembley. central defensive options. fi rst 45 minutes. Hazard placed two shots It meant four of Newcastle’s summer Burnley, but Andre Schurrle’s late strike Fulham 4 (Seri 4, Mitrovic 36, 38, Yet, unlike Mourinho’s con- Yet, it was two centre-backs wide, while Antonio Rudiger and Pedro signings were starting a game for the ensured Fulham got off the mark after Schurrle 83) Burnley 2 (Hendrick 10, sistent outbursts against his su- bought during his tenure, Eric was also off -target before Pedro nallyfi fi rst time in a line-up and two of them losing their fi rst two matches against Tarkowski 41); Newcastle 1 (Joselu 83) periors and expensively assem- Bailly and Victor Lindelof, who forced Dubravka to make a save. — Schar and Federico Fernandez — were Crystal Palace and Tottenham. Chelsea 2 (Hazard 76-pen, Yedlin 87- bled squad, Pochettino’s pleas were at fault. A sullen Mourinho It was a satisfying half for Benitez, who at the heart of Newcastle’s defence. Even Earlier, Watford extended their superb og); Watford 2 (Pereyra 53, Holebas 71) for a united front have so far been tried to duck a press inquisition saw his side create two opportunities on the most optimistic Newcastle supporter start to the Premier League season with Crystal Palace 1 (Zaha 78) rewarded in victories over New- by turning up 30 minutes early the break when Kepa Arrizabalaga had must have feared the worst, but Joselu’s a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace after Playing today: Manchester United v castle and Fulham. and giving monosyllabic answers to save from Jacob Murphy and Salomon 83rd minute header off ered them hope Etienne Capoue escaped a red card and Tottenham (1900 GMT) How Woodward may now re- in a four-minute long pre-match Rondon wasted an excellent chance by before Chelsea won it in dramatic fashion. created the Hornets’ opening goal. gret not testing Tottenham’s press conference on Friday.