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Saturday, September 9, 2017 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 18, 1438 AH Pele praises GULF TIMES Neymar’s move to Paris St. Germain SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL/SHEIKH JASSIM CUP: 7PM TENNIS First-time fi nalists Stephens, Keys to Belmadi to ‘start vie for US Open title from zero’ as new season kicks off Al Duhail to take on Al Sadd in battle for Sheikh Jassim Cup today

This combination of two photos taken on September 7, 2017 show US tennis players Madison Keys (L) and Sloane Stephens celebrating after winning their semi-finals matches.

DPA er secured victory a game later on a New York fi rst match point after Williams sent a backhand into the net. “In the end, she ended up winning loane Stephens and Madison more points than I did. That’s what it Keys set up a battle of fi rst- adds up to,” 7-time grand slam cham- time grand slam fi nalists at pion Williams said. the US Open on Thursday “I continued to be aggressive and asS American women re-emerged continued to play the kind of match into the tennis spotlight. Both fi nal- that it takes to win. I just made too ists will be in uncharted territory for many errors there at the end.” tonight’s title shootout after four Stephens was thrilled with her Americans reached the semi-fi nals showing: “I’m super happy to be in a for the fi rst time since 2002. grand slam fi nal. To do it here at my Stephens won a roller-coaster home slam, is obviously more spe- struggle with ninth seed Venus Wil- cial. I think this is what every player liams, advancing 6-1, 0-6, 7-5; Keys dreams about. dominated Coco Vandeweghe 6-1, “Fortunately but unfortunately, 6-2, with the match timed at 66 I had to play Venus, but having four minutes including a 7-minute medi- Americans in the semi-fi nals, I think cal timeout for the winner late in the that says a lot about American tennis second set to have her right thigh and where we are right now. taped. Stephens holds a 1-0 lead over “I don’t think I would have had it Keys in their series. any other way. I’m just super proud Both women are looking for a and honoured to be a part of what breakthrough victory as part of the these four girls were, what we did to- new generation of emerging talent for night.” the host nation. Williams entered the match with Stephens, 24, was shocked by her 49 career titles — including the US own achievement against Williams, Open in 2000 and 2001 — compared one of her childhood tennis idols, still to just three for her younger oppo- playing strong at age 37. nent. Stephens was playing in her Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi (L) and his Al Sadd counterpart Jesualdo Ferreira speaking to journalists ahead of the Sheikh Jassim Cup match today. Belmadi, who “I’m honoured to be playing at the second grand slam semi-fi nal after won the title last season with Lekhwiya, will be beginning a new chapter in his coaching career with Al Duhail after the merger of Lekhwiya and El Jaish. same time as her,” said Stephens, who an appearance at the Australian Open began a comeback from injury mid- four years ago. By Anil John er Yousef El Arabi and Karim Boudiaf season when her ranking stood out- The American, who only started Doha still form their core while several play- side the top 900. running and hitting again in May af- ers from El Jaish including goalkeepers “I went on court believing that I ter an 11-month foot injury lay-off , Saoud al-Khater and Ahmed Soufi ane could win the match. Things didn’t denied Williams the chance to reach jamel Belmadi says he will besides defender Abdulrahman Ab- go my way in the second set, but I a third grand slam fi nal this season. “start from zero” when Al ker, who also attended Thursday’s press didn’t get too down on myself. Stephens will now return to the top Duhail Sports Club take on Al conference. “I knew that at some point I’d have 35, after her huge leap of more than Sadd today in the Sheikh Jas- “Our fi rst appearance will be against an opportunity. It was whether I de- 900 spots in record time. Dsim Cup, which serves as the curtain a stubborn adversary, Al Sadd club, one cided to step up and take it or not was Keys took her match with raiser to Qatar’s eight-month long do- of the biggest clubs in Qatar,” said Ab- going to be kind of like the deciding Vandeweghe by the throat and never mestic football season. ker. factor. let go. The 15th seed barely paused for Despite being the most successful “We will certainly face the match “I think I did that extremely well at breath in her quick-fi re victory, win- coach in Qatar in recent times – he has with the ambition and desire to win our the end of the third set.” ning her 12th match from her last 13 guided Lekhwiya to three Qatar Stars fi rst title this season and make an ideal Stephens swept the opening set as to stand 17-8 on the season. League titles among other honours – start to the year. It will also motivate us Williams committed 19 errors, but “It still doesn’t feel real, I’m a lit- Belmadi believes in blotting out the past motivation to do well in the league.” the veteran reversed the momentum tle shaken,” the winner said. “But I and focusing on the present with an eye He praised the coaching staff for in the second set, winning to love. played pretty well tonight.I knew I on the future. keeping the players fi t during the off The fi nal set was competitive, with had to rise to the occasion, I’m really “I always start from zero, a new season. fi ve breaks of serve. happy to be in the fi nal, I feel great page, a white piece of paper. That never “Thank God, the coaching staff But it was Stephens who got the and don’t think I could feel any bet- changes,” the Algerian told journalists have worked hard with the players and fi nal word, with her break for 6-5 as ter. I’m so excited to be in the fi nal at a press conference at the Abdulla bin helped them on reach their highest lev- Williams returned out. The challeng- — it cannot get any better than this.” Khalifa Stadium (Lekhwiya) on Thurs- els of physical fi tness.” day. Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira, Belmadi’s team will be making his- however, was in a slightly downbeat tory the very moment they will be step- mood, worrying about the combination Venus not going anywhere despite US Open defeat ping on to the fi eld at 7pm today as it he would fi eld for the match today. would be Al Duhail’s fi rst competitive He seemed perturbed by the fact that New York: Venus Williams rejected tions,” she said. “That definitely match since the merger of Lekhwiya and Al Sadd couldn’t manage to get the team the suggestion she might be con- sums it up.” El Jaish after the 2016-17 season ended together at any time during the off sea- tent to serve as an inspiration to Asked about her plans for the in May. son. younger players after her 6-1 0-6 7-5 immediate future, she was again Belmadi initially appeared a little up- “It’s only yesterday that we managed defeat to fellow American Sloane succinct. set with the decision to merge the teams to assemble everyone in one place and Stephens in the semi-finals of the US “I will continue to play tennis. It’s but has since made peace with himself. Al Duhail’s new player Abdulrahman Abker. some of them are injured,” the Portu- Open on Thursday. nothing complicated.” “It’s diffi cult to talk about it but it’s guese national said through an inter- The 37-year-old Williams was not Williams was undone by errors my responsibility to explain it to the ahead.” Under Belmadi, Lekhwiya won “Last year we fought with Al Sadd till preter. amused when asked at her hastily- brought about by the defensive- players. We want to write a new chapter, the Sheikh Jassim Cup last year with a the last and we hope to do better this “It’s not easy for the team because convened media conference if there minded Stephens, who managed to a new history,” he said. convincing 4-1 win over Al Sadd and time.” many of our players were on national was any consolation the younger track down balls and stretched out The four-month break means the later went on to claim the Qatar Stars Al Duhail have managed to retain duty for either Qatar or Iran in the generation of American players, rallies at Arthur Ashe Stadium. players are rusty, but Belmadi is keen to League title, they had surrendered to Al their top players with whom they won World Cup qualifi ers. We don’t know three of whom made the semi- “It was definitely well competed,” get off the blocks. Rayyan the previous season. the Qatar Stars League prior to the the level of the team.” finals with her, have cited her as an she said. “The fi rst offi cial game, and that too “We have prepared well and are look- merger. Al Sadd fi nished second in the league inspiration. “In the end, she ended up winning against Al Sadd. It’s always a challenge ing forward for a good result, keeping South Korean Nam Tae-hee, who won but did well to win both the Qatar Cup “To be honest, I’m definitely here to more points than I did. That’s what it to take on Al Sadd but there is no bet- the trophy and fi ghting for all other ti- the QFA Player of the Year award with and Emir Cup to round off the last sea- win my matches, not for consola- adds up to.” ter way to prepare for the long season tles,” Belmadi said. his stellar performances and top-scor- son in style. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, September 9, 2017 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Five facts about US Nadal counting Open women’s fi nal on Serena return aft er giving birth ‘Someone like that always has the possibil- ity of getting back to the top. She’s shown that tennis is a huge part of her life and it’d be an incredible example if she can do it’ Sloane Stephens (L) and Madison Keys of the United States. DPA from the US Open, with the player drop- New York ping an estimated 40,000 dollars on the ive facts about today’s US In 2008 it was Maria Sharapova nightclub festivities. Open women’s fi nal be- at Melbourne, Ana Ivanovic in Local media reported the Melbourne tween Americans Sloane Paris, Venus in London and Ser- afael Nadal has full confi dence blow-out, with the 24-year-old joining Stephens and Madison ena in New York. In 2011 it was that Serena Williams can be true his girlfriend and friends at the exclusive KeysF at Arthur Ashe Stadium: Clijsters in Australia, China’s to her vow to return to tennis in Bond nightclub in a private room. On of- Li Na at the French Open, Petra January, just fi ve months after fer was a dinner, vintage champagne, All-American finals Kvitova at Wimbledon and Aus- theR birth of her daughter. caviar, signature cocktails plus private First-time Grand Slam fi nal- sie Samantha Stosur at the US The Spaniard told People magazine security and a personalised sound and ists Stephens and Keys are the Open. In 2014 it was Li in Aus- in the US Open run-up that Williams light show on arrival at the club. fi rst Americans to meet in a US tralia, Sharapova in Paris, Kvi- also had a good shot at returning to the Tomic has boasted in the past about Open fi nal since Serena Williams tova at Wimbledon and Serena number one ranking, which she held his tennis riches, saying that the cost defeated older sister Venus Wil- in New York. through her last event, the Australian of the blast was a drop in his fi nancial liams in the 2002 fi nal. But it has Open last January, which she won. bucket. “It is having fun and celebrating only been since January’s Aus- How low can you go and win? “I think she can. If she keeps the mo- and maybe I just do it in diff erent ways to tralian Open that two Americans At 83rd in the world rankings, tivation she’s had all these years, Serena other people,” he told local media. have met in a Slam fi nal, with a Sloane Stephens would be the has more than demonstrated that she’s “I was not in Australia for 10 months pregnant Serena carrying the fourth-lowest-ranked Grand capable of anything,” Nadal said. and it is a chance to catch up with friends day again over Venus Williams. Slam champion since computer “Someone like that always has the and (have) an enjoyable night. It (the rankings began in 1975. Evonne possibility of getting back to the top. cost) might seem ridiculous to other peo- First-time Slam winners Goolagong was unranked when She’s shown that tennis is a huge part of ple, but then again it is peanuts to me. No matter which American she won the 1977 Australian her life and it’d be an incredible example “When you have close to 11mn, I think captures the title on Saturday, it Open after giving birth to her if she can do it.” it only equals 0.36 per cent of what I am will be the fi fth time in the past fi rst daughter seven months ear- Nadal was among the fi rst to congratu- worth, so it is not a lot of money, but it nine Grand Slam events that lier. Kim Clijsters was unranked late Williams after the September 1 birth: might seem a lot to other people.” While his a fi rst-time Slam champion is after coming out of retirement “Congrats Serena!!! So much joy for hosting skills may be on point, number 146 crowned. The run of new major when she won the 2009 US you!!! Nadal himself has had something Tomic’s tennis has taken a dive this season, winners began on the New York Open. And Chris O’Neil was to celebrate as he returns to the top ATP with the Aussie skipping all events between hardcourts and includes Italy’s ranked 111th when she won the ranking after a multi-year absence. “It’s a Wimbledon and the US Open — both ven- Flavia Pennetta at the 2015 US 1978 Australian Open. Stephens nice feeling. Getting back to number one ues where he failed to win a match. Open, Germany’s Angelique would also become just the fi fth after so many years and everything that’s “This year has been my worst year on Kerber at the 2016 Australian unseeded player to win a Grand happened means a lot,” he said. tour,” he said. “It’s not been that great, Open, Spain’s Garbine Mugu- Slam title in the Open Era (since “I’m happy about it, the year has been but I’ve had good years on tour since I ruza at the 2016 French Open 1967) after O’Neil, Clijsters, Ser- really positive and I hope to fi nish it the was 17 and I am only 24 so I have got the and Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko at ena Williams at the 2007 Aus- best way possible.” next eight to 10 years ahead of me. this year’s French Open. The last tralian Open and Jelena Ostap- Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic wasted no “I need to fi nish in the top 100, that is American to become a fi rst-time enko in June at the French Open. time in throwing a huge party back home my goal and maybe (I have to) push in the Slam winner was Jennifer Capri- in Australia after his fi rst-round exit next six months to get back to the top 30.” ati at the 2001 Australian Open. Slamtastic injury comebacks Each of this year’s US Open Four aces every three years fi nalists was recovering for a se- Every three years starting in rious injury just three months 2005, there have been four dif- ago. Keys underwent her second ferent winners of the women’s left wrist surgery in 10 months titles in the year’s four Grand after a second-round exit at the Slams and this year will keep French Open while Stephens that run going after Serena Wil- spent 11 months recovering from liams won the Australian Open, a left foot injury before making Jelena Ostapenko won the her return at Wimbledon. Both French Open and Garbine Mu- showed signs of what was com- guruza won Wimbledon. The ing in US Open hardcourt tune- 2005 lineup was Serena in Aus- ups, however, with Keys winning tralia, Venus at Wimbledon, Jus- at Stanford and Stephens reach- tine Henin at Roland Garros and ing the Toronto and Cincinnati Kim Clijsters at the US Open. semi-fi nals.

REACTION In a Slam fi nal? I’d have passed out, says Stephens Rafael Nadal is enthusiastic about Serena Williams making a successful comeback after childbirth. At right, Bernard Tomic who blew $40,000 in a party after his US Open exit. AFP The 24-year-old American New York stunned veteran compatriot and two-time champion Venus Williams 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 DOUBLES WINNERS S Open fi nalist Sloane in a thrilling semi-fi nal on Stephens said she Thursday would have “passed Uout” if she had been my feelings and what it took to told a month ago when her world get here,” she added. ranking was 957 that she would “I also have no idea how I have be in a fi rst Grand Slam title done it...just hard work. I hung match so soon. tough, gritted it out. I worked my The 24-year-old American tail off .” stunned veteran compatriot and In a thrilling fi nal set, two-time champion Venus Wil- Stephens was 2-0 ahead before liams 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 in a thrilling 37-year-old Williams clawed her semi-fi nal on Thursday. way back to 5-4. Stephens, now ranked at In a dramatic eight-minute 83, will play either CoCo 11th game, Stephens pounced Vandeweghe or Madison Keys, before claiming victory in the both also of the United States, in 12th with Williams fi nally un- Saturday’s fi nal. done by 51 unforced errors. “If someone had told me when “We played some incred- I started my comeback that I ible points in the third set,” said would make two semi-fi nals and Stephens, who saluted Williams a Grand Slam fi nal I would have — celebrating her 20th anniver- passed out,” said Stephens. sary at the US Open. The American player missed 11 “I am honoured to play at the months of the season after un- same time as one of the greats of dergoing foot surgery and only the game. She is the most grace- returned to the tour at Wimble- ful, the most elegant player.” don. Williams, who made the Aus- Since then, she has racked up tralian Open and Wimbledon fi - 14 wins in 16 matches, reaching nals this year, admitted Stephens the semi-fi nals in Toronto and had edged the crucial points. Cincinnati before making a sec- “It was defi nitely well com- Dutchman Jean-Julien Rojer and Romania’s Horia Tecau celebrate winning the men’s doubles title after beating Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez 6-4, 6-3. ond career semi-fi nal at the ma- peted. She ended up winning The number 12 seeds hit 41 winners between them and made just seven unforced errors as they romped to the title in just under an hour and a half. jors in New York. more points than I did. That’s “I have no words to describe what it adds up to,” she said. Gulf Times Saturday, September 9, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Jose Mourinho disappointed over Lewandowski Pereira loan move

AFP something diffi cult.” Manchester, United Kingdom Transfer window Mourinho also welcomed ose Mourinho has ques- the decision made by Premier criticises Bayern’s tioned young midfi elder League clubs to bring forward Andreas Pereira’s deci- the summer transfer window sion to leave Old Traf- in 2018 to the Thursday before fordJ on loan to Valencia rather the new campaign kicks off . than stay and fi ght for a place But he is wary of the danger in Manchester United’s fi rst- that some English clubs may team squad. The 21-year-old lose players to foreign teams Brazilian defi ed Mourinho’s who can still sign stars until the spending policy express advice when he sought, end of August. and accepted, a temporary ‘I thank everyone who makes suggestions to me, but I don’t need them’ move to the La Liga side, hav- Pereira defi ed Mourinho’s ing spent all of last season on advice when he sought, AFP loan at Granada. and accepted, a temporary Berlin Pereira, signed as a youth move to the La Liga side player from PSV Eindhoven fi ve years ago, has yet to start He said: “As the head coach op striker Robert Lewand- a league game for United but of Manchester United, obvi- owski has said Bayern is so highly regarded that he ously I am in favour of that Munich must spend more was handed a new, long-term because if I focus just on the on star players or risk be- deal by Mourinho this summer, training process of course. Ting left trailing their rivals. just as he decided to move else- “I want to arrive, day one, “Bayern have to think some- where. I want to have my squad, my thing up and be more creative “His was a personal deci- players, I want to work and if the club wants to attract a sion that I don’t agree with, a travel with them in pre-season, world-class player to Munich,” decision I don’t think honestly I don’t want to be waiting for Lewandowski told magazine Der is the best decision for him, a late decisions. Spiegel in a critical interview. decision that disappoints me,” “But there is another per- “If you want to play on the Mourinho said at the team’s spective and I have to share the front foot, you need the quality Carrington training base on problems the board has and players.” Friday. that is that obviously when the Bayern set a new Bundesliga “He has the potential to be decision is not uniform around record in June by signing France fi ghting for a position, fi ghting Europe and all the champion- midfi elder Corentin Tolisso for opportunities and fi ght- ships then we are opening a from Lyon for 41.5 million euros ing to be a Manchester United disadvantage for the English ($49.9mn). player.” clubs. However, the fi gure was Given the depth of the squad “That was the reason why dwarfed by the 222 million eu- Mourinho has at his disposal Manchester United voted ros Paris Saint-Germain, who this season, it is not hard to against because there is an- Bayern face in their Champions understand why Pereira might other element - the market will League group, paid Barcelona for have thought he would be bet- be closed for us and is open for Neymar. ter served by moving elsewhere others and they can come to In July, Bayern president Uli to gain more experience. the English clubs.” Hoeness described the infl ated But Mourinho, who takes The Manchester United boss fees as “madness. That’s some- his table-topping side to Stoke said he wanted a broader solu- thing that we will refuse totally on today, added: “His deci- tion, adding: “I hope it goes to at Bayern”. sion can be considered a young the perfect situation, which is However, Lewandowski says player who wants to play every to close for every champion- they need to spend big if they weekend but also a young play- ship and not just the Premier are realistic about winning the er that is not ready to fi ght for League.” Champions League for the fi rst time since 2013. “To date, Bayern has never OPINION paid more than around 40 mil- lion euros for a player,” added the Poland striker. “In international football, Pele delighted by that has long since been a fi g- ure which is only average, rather than at the top.” Neymar’s PSG switch Lewandowski says the gap be- tween what Bayern spend and AFP ‘Neymar, Messi, Neymar, what PSG paid for Neymar and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. Paris Messi’. Now, he will have the France striker Kylian Mbappe, opportunity to be the big star.” who they signed in a deal which football’s governing body UEFA The defending champions are also in contention for the attack- always be someone on the bench Neymar spent four seasons could reach 180 million euros, is should investigate the huge at Hoff enheim today in the first ing midfi eld role after injury. or even in the stands.” razilian legend Pele with Barcelona before joining “really huge”. transfers in a thinly-veiled at- of six matches this month. Mueller moaned to the Mueller’s disgruntlement hailed Neymar’s big-spending PSG in a world- “Paris has bought up a world- tack on PSG. Bayern host Anderlecht German media after being on Bayern’s bench did not pass move from Barcelona record transfer worth 222 class squad, whether or not that “UEFA must look into the on Tuesday in their opening benched at Bremen, but Ance- by the Germany set-up with to Paris Saint-Ger- million euros ($267mn). The will become a world-class team, huge transfers this summer and Champions League match, then lotti says no player has a guar- national team manager Oliver mainB (PSG) as an opportunity 25-year-old forward started we will have to wait and see,” work alongside FIFA to close any Mainz, Schalke, Wolfsburg and anteed place. Bierhoff wishing “that someone for his his compatriot to “be out at Santos, where Pele said Lewandowski. holes in the regulations,” added travel to face PSG in rapid suc- “He (Mueller) is fi t, he could in the club would say, ‘he must the big star”, in an interview played for the majority of his “Bayern Munich, as a team, Lewandowski. cession. play tomorrow, but we have a lot play’”. with goal.com yesterday. glittering career. has experienced a lot together. Meanwhile, head coach Car- Germany star Thomas Muel- of good and important players “I thank everyone who makes Pele, who won the World “It’s a great responsibility he Football is pure capitalism, eve- lo Ancelotti says rotation will ler was left out of the starting and I can’t go through the season suggestions to me, but I don’t Cup three times as a player and has now,” Pele, 76, added. ryone wants to make money in sort out any issues in his star- line-up for the 2-0 win at Wer- with 11 players,” said Ancelotti. need them. I know what I have scored over 1,000 goals during “Because people started this sector.” studded squad as Bayern start a der Bremen a fortnight ago while “I can give no guarantees. to do and I don’t worry about it,” his career, said that it would be comparing Neymar to Messi. Lewandowski says European heavy fi xture list. new signing James Rodriguez is “We have to rotate, there will replied Ancelotti. good for Neymar to leave the And as a Brazilian, I say that shadow of former Barca team- there’s no doubt that Neymar is mate Lionel Messi. one of the best in his position, SPOTLIGHT “For Neymar, I think it because we have Cristiano Ro- (moving to PSG) was the best naldo who is a centre-forward thing,” he said. “I think it was as well. “But with Messi it’s a the best thing because there bit diff erent. Messi is an organ- Zidane, Ancelotti want transfer was always the discussion, iser and he also scores goals.” window closed before season start AFP Bayern coach Ancelotti, who ence referendum for October 1, Madrid won the 2014 Champions League something Spanish Prime Min- Real Madrid coach title as Real’s head coach with ister Mariano Rajoy has branded Zinedine Zidane Zidane as his assistant, says he an “intolerable act of disobedi- eal Madrid coach Zine- hopes the Bundesliga follows the ence”. dine Zidane and Bayern example set by English clubs. Spanish sporting authorities Munich boss Carlo An- “No one is happy with the have often warned that Barca celotti yesterday added situation, so this is a very good and other Catalan clubs would toR growing calls for the summer idea,” the Italian said at a press be excluded from national com- transfer window to close before conference in Munich. “I hope petition should there be seces- the season starts across Europe. the Bundesliga will soon follow sion in Catalonia. English Premier League clubs this rule. “I don’t know what’s going voted on Thursday to shut the to happen exactly,” Zidane said. Berlin off er cheap tickets for 2018 close-season transfer Ancelotti, who won the 2014 “There some people for, some female ref debut window before the start of the Champions League title as against, it’s a complicated de- 2018-19 campaign following Real’s coach, says he hopes bate. I hope that it won’t happen, Bertha Berlin are off ering women half-price tickets for tomor- complaints by managers that the Bundesliga follows the I don’t want it.” row’s German league match against Werder Bremen with Bibi- transfer activity disturbs their example set by EPL La Liga president Javier Tebas ana Steinhaus set to make history as the first female referee in preparations. confi rmed that Barca would in- a top European league. The window in Europe’s other “The market has to close be- deed be barred from the league The German Football Association (DFB) have confirmed the major leagues runs until Au- fore the start of the season.” should independence come 38-year-old will take charge of the Bundesliga clash at Berlin’s gust 31, meaning clubs outside UEFA president Aleksander about. “Should the process ad- Olympic Stadium to become the first female ref in the German, England could buy players from Ceferin has also given his sup- vance in the current direction, English, French, Italian or Spanish leagues.Hertha are off ering English top-fl ight teams after the port to making the close-season and I hope not, well they will not up to 500 “Bibi-Steinhaus-tickets”, only available to women, at new Premier League deadline. player trading period, intro- be able to play in Liga,” Tebas half-price. “I think the same thing as most duced by world governing body said Friday, adding that Barca’s “We want to off er all women the chance to experience this people do,” said Zidane. “The FIFA in 2002, shorter. sole avenue would be playing in historic moment,” said a statement on the Hertha website. transfer window must stop when a Catalan league. Steinhaus has been refereeing since 2007 and earned her the league restarts. When offi - Catalan referendum “A Catalan championship, right to whistle in Germany’s top flight after off iciating the cial competition restarts, it must Turning to matters even more without saying anything more women’s Champions League final this year and the 2012 stop, that’s clear.” political, Zidane said he could about it, would be comparable women’s Olympic tournament final in London. Zidane added: “We can’t “not imagine a La Liga without to, or a little better than, the The police off icer has already proven she can handle Bundes- change our team during com- Barcelona” in reference to an- Dutch league,” he said. liga stars. As an assistant referee, she shrugged off an attempt- petition, that’s what I think and other attempt by Catalonia to “Barca would be a super-Ajax. ed hug by ex-Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola during a that’s the opinion of most peo- wrest free of Madrid. Catalan It would stop being a great Euro- pitchside exchange in 2014. ple.” leaders have slated an independ- pean club, that’s for sure.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, September 9, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Guardiola said ‘no’ to Coutinho left out of Sanchez-Sterling swap AFP Manchester, United Kingdom

anchester City manager Pep Guardiola per- sonally made sure Liverpool squad to MRaheem Sterling would not be allowed to join Arsenal in a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez, he revealed yesterday. The two clubs spent trans- fer deadline day locked in talks over City’s desire to sign Sanchez, only for the deal to play Manchester City collapse because Arsenal were unable to sign their preferred ‘It is not the first time and it won’t be the last time in history when similar things will happen’ replacement, Monaco winger Thomas Lemar. AFP At one point Sterling was London mooted as a potential make- weight in the Sanchez deal, but Guardiola said he was or next season,” said Guardi- hilippe Coutinho has determined not to allow the ola, whose side face Liverpool been left out of Liv- 22-year-old England forward at the Etihad Stadium today. erpool’s squad to face to leave. “He’s an Arsenal player. Of Manchester City this “When we started to speak course we were interested in Pweekend over his fi tness but with Arsenal in the last days him. At the end Arsenal de- manager Jurgen Klopp said the before it was not impossible, cided not to sell him. So all Brazilian did nothing “unforgiv- they wanted to make a swap the best for Alexis. I know him able” during Barcelona’s pursuit with Raz,” Guardiola told re- from Barcelona. of him. porters at the City Football “And that’s all. Sometimes The playmaker, who returned Academy in Manchester. the deals work, sometimes from international duty this “And they talked to me and I not. We will see in the future.” week, was linked with a move said: ‘No chance. Zero chance. to the Catalan giants following Not one percent chance’ to Tebas ‘could learn things’ the departure of his compatriot take a swap deal with Alexis City are believed to be one Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain because I have a lot of trust in of the fi ve clubs who voted but Liverpool refused to budge. Raz. against a proposal to shut the Coutinho has not yet played “He is 22 years old, an Eng- close-season transfer window for Liverpool this season, with lish player and he has a lot of in England before the start of the club citing a back injury, gap (potential) to improve. the season, which was voted but he joined up with his nation- So the only thing we can do if through by Premier League al side for World Cup qualifi ers possible is to try and do a deal clubs on Thursday. and made two substitute ap- with cash. But Guardiola said the pearances against Ecuador and “We tried to make an off er club’s only concern was that Colombia, scoring against the that they would accept, but rival teams in other Euro- former. in the end they could not sign pean leagues will still be able That, however, has not been the player they wanted and to sign players – potentially enough to prove his fi tness to Alexis stayed with Arsenal.” from English clubs – after the Klopp, who stressed that fi t- City were reported to have window has closed in the Pre- ness was the only reason why the agreed a fee of around £60 mier League. 25-year-old would not be lining million ($79 million, 66 mil- “I am so happy with the up at the Etihad today. lion euros) for Sanchez, who decision the Premier League “I can explain it a little – may- played under Guardiola at have taken. I think it’s really be a few of you have had a split Barcelona. good,” he said. in a good relationship, with your The 28-year-old Chile for- “Manchester City, what I wife or whatever, and it is not ward is out of contract at the know is they agree about that. good to think about the time you end of the season but Guardi- We just have to refl ect that the were split,” said Klopp. ola was coy when asked if City transfer window in England “It was not the most easy would reactivate their interest will be closed sooner than in time, but that is the transfer in him in one of the next two Europe. window. It is not the fi rst time transfer windows. “Hopefully we can fi x it so and it won’t be the last time in “I don’t know what’s going all the other clubs in Europe history when similar things will to happen in the wintertime fi nish at the same time.” happen.” “I really think we handled it really well,” Klopp added. Jurgen Klopp says Coutinho needs more time to be fully match fit. La Liga mulls Barca and Real games abroad “Not all the things in newspa- pers were 100 percent right but Klopp. The centre-back, who has a about City’s failure to sign a man will hope that is an extra The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona may soon play competi- it is normal a lot of things were “So I decided to leave him out long history of calf problems, centre back during the recent motivating factor for the Ice- tive La Liga games in China or the United States, Spanish league coming up in a situation like of the squad for City so we can sustained the injury after com- transfer window, saying he had land international. Not least be- president Javier Tebas revealed yesterday. this. use these four or fi ve days for pleting the 90 minutes of Bel- enough cover for the position in cause the pressure is also on the Tebas suggested the staging of La Liga games abroad from next “But nothing I am aware of proper training.” gium’s 4-0 victory over Gibral- Eliaquim Mangala and 19-year- Dutchman, who made him his season would help Spanish soccer compete for foreign revenue was unforgivable. The most im- Liverpool, who thumped Ar- tar in World Cup qualifying last old Tosin Adarabioyo. main target in the close season. with its English and German rivals. portant thing is no one told me senal 4-0 in their last match week. On a more positive note for “It would only be one or two games a season, like the NFL or NBA anything where I thought ‘Oh, before the international break, “He played with Belgium the City manager, midfi elder Il- Fixtures do,” said Tebas. that is too much’. are second in the Premier League against Gibraltar. They won 9-0. kay Guendogan is available for (1400GMT kick-off s unless “If we want to compete with the Premier League or the Bundes- “He came in yesterday, ac- after three matches, with two He had a little problem in his selection against Liverpool after stated): liga we have to look for added value,” he said. cepted 100 percent the situation wins and a draw. calf. I think he will not be able (to an extended layoff with a knee Today “We would look into it deeply before presenting the idea to the – I didn’t even have to say any- Pep Guardiola’s big-spending play) tomorrow,” Guardiola told injury. Arsenal v Bournemouth, clubs, there are legal and social implications and you’d have to thing about it.” City have the same number of reporters at City’s training cen- Everton fans will be looking Everton v Tottenham, Leicester look at the hours too,” he said. Klopp praised Coutinho’s at- points but trail Liverpool on goal tre in Manchester. for far better things, starting v Chelsea, Manchester City v “But it’s not a bad idea.” titude, saying he was in a good diff erence. Guardiola predicted that with today’s home game with Liverpool (1130), Stoke v Man- The 55-year-old Tebas has been in the news of late accusing mood and training had been Kompany would only be side- Tottenham Hotspur, than the chester United (1630), Brighton Qatari-owned French side Paris Saint-Germain of “laughing” at positive. Kompany out lined for a “short” period of anonymous performance he put v West Brom, Southampton v UEFA’s the financial fair play (FFP) system. “Before he went to Brazil he Manchester City captain time. City are level on points in during the limp 2-0 defeat by Watford. The NFL has been staging games in London since 2007, calling couldn’t train for about three Vincent Kompany will miss his with second-placed Liverpool Chelsea. Tomorrow those game the ‘International Series’. The NBA calls its version weeks so that means we need to side’s Premier League show- in the Premier League table after Spurs fans have bitter experi- Burnley v Crystal Palace (1230), the Global Games, with two or three matches each season in try to prepare him for the rest of down with Liverpool today due winning two and drawing one of ence of Sigurdsson fl attering to Swansea v Newcastle (1500). places such as China, Brazil or France. the season and that is quite dif- to a calf injury, manager Pep their three games to date. deceive when he was with them, Monday fi cult with our schedule,” said Guardiola revealed yesterday. Guardiola was also upbeat so Everton manager Ronald Koe- West Ham v Huddersfield (1845)

FOCUS Conte slams talk of botched Barkley move

AFP With Tottenham also interested est transfer activity. “I think the the right minutes for him but for London in Barkley, it was claimed the club tried to do its best in the sure he’s available,” Conte said. Everton star, who is currently transfer market,” Conte said. There remains no resolution sidelined with a hamstring in- “Sometimes you are able to to the Diego Costa saga, with the ntonio Conte has jury, was willing to wait until the buy players, and sometimes not Chelsea striker still exiled while laughed off claims window reopens in January to for many reasons, but I think the the club try to sell him following Chelsea botched their decide his future. club tried to do its best. his fall-out with Conte. bid to sign England Asked about the reports at “Now the window is closed. Conte made it clear Costa midfiA elder Ross Barkley from a press conference yesterday, I’m very happy to work with was no longer part of his plans, Everton on transfer deadline day. Conte said: “First of all, I don’t these players that we have.” sparking a furious response from Chelsea were reported to have like to speak about players on the Spaniard. Despite talk of a agreed a £35 million ($46 mil- other teams, it shows a lack of No resolution move to Fenerbahce, with the lion, 38 million euros) fee for respect. “About this issue I think With Chelsea facing Leicester Turkish transfer window open Barkley hours before the window it’s ridiculous what I read, so I today at the start of a busy Sep- until Friday, Conte would only shut on August 31. stop. It is ridiculous. With this tember featuring seven games in say: “There is no news about But the deal never went word I told you my thoughts 21 days, the new recruits were him. My focus is on English through amid claims the Premier about this.” much needed by Conte. He is football, not Turkey.” League champions were unable Conte also missed out on Eng- also boosted by the return to fi t- Given the messy transfer pe- to convince Barkley to sign. Some land winger Alex Oxlade-Cham- ness of Eden Hazard, who could riod Conte has endured, it was reports said Barkley had attended berlain, who snubbed Chelsea to feature at the King Power Sta- little surprise he backed the Pre- a medical with Chelsea, but later join Liverpool from Arsenal. dium this weekend after miss- mier League’s decision to move decided to reject the Blues, while The Blues fared better with ing Chelsea’s fi rst three league forward the end of their signing there were suggestions Chelsea two other deals just before the games while he recovered from period. From next season, the boss Conte had been told not to window closed as they snapped close-season ankle surgery. window will shut in England be- speak to the player while he de- up Leicester midfi elder Danny Hazard played for Belgium last fore the start of the season. bated his future. Drinkwater and Torino defender week and Conte was happy to see “The transfer market is always Barkley, out of contract at the Davide Zappacosta. his star playmaker back in action a very diffi cult period for the end of this season, explained he Conte had been unhappy with after initially expressing sur- coach. You wait for new players did not undergo a medical at any Chelsea’s failure to land his top prise at his international call-up. and sometimes you lose play- club on deadline day and had targets earlier in the close sea- “I think now I can count on ers,” Conte said. “For this reason not wanted to be rushed into a son, but he was more diplo- him for sure. I have to decide I don’t love this period. For me if transfer he might later regret. matic when quizzed on the lat- when is the right moment and this period is short, that’s good.” Chelsea manager Antonio Conte during a press conference in London yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Saturday, September 9, 2017 5 SPORT

NFL PREVIEW Bennett brothers in arms as Packers and Brady and Patriots Seahawks highlight stunned as Chiefs season openers romp to upset ‘We just stuck together. We’re like the underdogs, a lot of people didn’t believe in us’ Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett.

AFP AFP Bennett said. “So for me, I’ll Boston Los Angeles just be happy to see my broth- er, because there’s a chance I couldn’t see him.” ookie running back he Seattle Seahawks Michael Bennett, along with Kareem Hunt up- and the Green Bay several Seahawks team-mates staged Tom Brady as Packers take centre have protested the national an- the Kansas City Chiefs stage as the NFL sea- them in pre-season games this launchedR the new National Tson cranks into gear tomor- year. Martellus, a talented car- Football League season with a row, bringing into sharp focus toonist who has authored chil- stunning 42-27 upset of the New anthem protests that have di- dren’s books, has not, but said England Patriots on Thursday. vided the sport. he planned to express himself Chiefs quarterback Alex The Lambeau Field clash through other means. Smith threw for 368 yards and between two of the NFL’s “I like to speak through my four touchdowns to puncture the best teams will see Seattle’s art, my words and things like festive atmosphere as the Super Michael Bennett line up oppo- that,” Martellus Bennett said. Bowl champion Patriots raised site younger brother Martellus, their championship banner in who joined the Packers from ‘Fantastic’ Rodgers the traditional season kick-off at New England in the off -season. When the pre-match an- Gillette Stadium. It promises to be an emo- them is over, the Bennett But it was 22-year-old Hunt tional reunion for the two brothers will turn their at- who stole the show for the men, who have been among tention to stopping two of the Chiefs, recovering from a fumble the most prominent fi gures in most talented quarterbacks in on his fi rst possession to fi nish the wave of activism that has the NFL. a debut to remember with three swirled around the NFL since The Packers will once again touchdowns. former San Francisco 49ers pin their hopes for the season “We just stuck together,” Hunt quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the form of the majestic said. “We’re like the underdogs, launched his protests last year. Aaron Rodgers, the Packers a lot of people didn’t believe in Kaepernick’s rallying cry quarterback viewed by many us. We just wanted to come out against the treatment of mi- as the best signal-caller in the and shock the world.” norities by law enforcement league even if he is still waiting Smith meanwhile produced a resonates even more deeply with for a second Super Bowl title. virtuoso display at quarterback Michael Bennett, who alleged “He’s at the peak of his ca- for the Chiefs, completing 28 of this week that he had been the reer. He’s at the top of his 35 pass attempts with no inter- victim of racial discrimination game,” Seattle coach Pete Car- ceptions. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris (centre) and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (right) and off ensive tackle Eric Fisher (left) celebrate a after being threatened at gun- roll said of Rodgers. “It’s hard Brady had a frustrating night, first quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports point by Las Vegas police. to imagine what more he can throwing for 267 yards and no “Las Vegas police offi cers do or how much better he can touchdowns. The 40-year-old down run. ed another touchdown to com- singled me out and pointed play. He is just such a fantastic fi ve-time Super Bowl cham- The Pats looked to have plete the scoring for the Chiefs. their guns at me for doing football player.” pion completed only 16 of 36 at- grabbed another touchdown af- nothing more than simply be- Elsewhere tomorrow, the tempts. ter recovering a Chiefs fumble, ing a black man in the wrong other standout fi xtures include “It’s a terrible feeling,” a only for Rob Gronkowski’s end place at the wrong time,” Ben- the Dallas Cowboys’ NFC East stony-faced Brady said after the zone reception to be deemed in- nett said in a statement. clash with the New York Giants defeat. “But the only guys that complete after a video review. Bennett’s allegations, denied in Arlington, Texas. Dallas run- can do something about it are Instead it was the Chiefs who by police in Las Vegas, prompt- ning back Ezekiel Elliott will be back in that locker room. We’ve recovered, getting on the board ed an outpouring of support available for the Cowboys as he got to dig a lot deeper than we when Demetrius Harris gathered from fellow players, coaches battles an NFL suspension for did tonight. Because we didn’t Smith’s seven-yard pass after a and NFL offi cialdom. domestic violence. dig very deep tonight.” 90-yard drive. Martellus Bennett became The Cowboys will aim to Patriots coach Bill Belichick A Stephen Gostkowski fi eld emotional when discussing his avenge last season’s home- was typically blunt in his assess- goal and a second Gillislee brother’s treatment with re- and-away losses to the Giants ment of the loss. touchdown saw the Patriots go porters on Wednesday, reveal- as “America’s Team” aim to “We didn’t really do much of 17-7 up but Hunt’s fi rst touch- ing he had left a team meeting build on their 13-3 regular sea- anything well enough to deserve down of the night from a three- in tears after learning of it. son record from last year. a win,” Belichick said. “We gave yard Smith pass pulled the “I had to walk out of meet- Meanwhile the Atlanta Fal- up 42 points. Gotta coach better, Chiefs back to 17-14. ings because I broke down cry- cons will launch what they gotta practice better, gotta play A superb 75-yard touchdown ing, just thinking about what hope is a season of redemption better. pass from Smith to Tyreek Hill could have happened, what against the Chicago Bears at then put the Chiefs 21-17 ahead could have been,” Martellus Soldier Field. ‘Lot of work to do’ only for Gillislee to barrel over “We’ve got a lot of work to do. from one yard to put the Patriots That’s obvious. So we’ll go back 24-21 ahead with 5:01 remaining Gasol eclipses Parker’s Euro points record to work and see if we can im- in the third quarter. prove pretty much everything. A further Gostkowski fi eld Spain star Pau Gasol surpassed French icon Tony Parker on We made too many mistakes and goal stretched the Patriots lead Thursday as the all-time leading scorer in European Champion- our fundamentals weren’t good to 27-21 but Kansas City hit back ship history by moving on to 1,111 career points. enough.” almost immediately with a bril- The 37-year-old Gasol, an NBA team-mate of Parker’s with the Patriots fans had launched the liant 78-yard touchdown from San Antonio Spurs, climbed to the top of the list with a 20-point evening in Foxborough in rau- Smith to Hunt to put the Chiefs eff ort in Spain’s 87-64 group-stage victory over Hungary in cous mood, raining boos down ahead. Romania. on NFL Commissioner Roger The Chiefs stopped the Patri- The veteran centre, who signed a new three-year deal with San Goodell at the opening ceremo- ots on a crucial fourth and inches Antonio in July, is a three-time European champion with Spain – nies. early in the fourth quarter, and in 2009, 2011 and 2015. Brady was quickly into his Hunt then dived over in the cor- Gasol eclipsed Parker’s previous record of 1,104 points while Ger- groove, leading a nine-play, 73- ner for his third touchdown of man legend Dirk Nowitzki, set for his 20th season with the Dallas yard drive that culminated with the night to make it 35-27. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (left) passes the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during Mavericks, is third on 1,052. Mike Gillislee’s two-yard touch- Charcandrick West then add- the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB Indians win 15th straight with win over White Sox

By Colleen Kane missed much of spring training Kopech, Carson Fulmer, Alec Corey Kluber in the fi rst inning, certain way as barometers,” Chicago Tribune and didn’t make his fi rst start Hansen, Dylan Cease or Dane but Kluber allowed just one more Renteria said. “They have seen of the year until June 28. Rodon Dunning. hit, walked none and struck out this club build from within, put was around the Sox clubhouse “He has been around, has some 13 through six innings. themselves in a position over he Indians scored four Thursday afternoon, appearing pretty good stuff to show on the Sox reliever Chris Beck gave the last few years to continue to runs before Mike Pelfrey to prepare for his start as usual. mound,” Renteria said. “He’s go- up one earned run over 2 2/3 in- compete for a postseason posi- recorded an out in the The third-year starter is ing to be the senior of these guys nings, and Jace Fry surrendered tion and to go to the World Se- fi rst inning at Guaran- viewed by some as the possible moving forward, so it’s almost a two-run homer to Greg Allen. ries. Why wouldn’t you want to teedT Rate Field, and that was far future ace of a contending Sox by default, but hopefully it’s also Catcher Rob Brantly became the look at clubs that are doing it ... from the most alarming thing to rotation, and he had found a by example, by the way he goes fi rst Sox position player to pitch and aspire to have your players happen to the White Sox early groove over his last seven starts, about his business every time he this year. He gave up one hit in attain those feats? Thursday night. when he posted a 3.00 ERA with gets the baseball, and hopefully the ninth inning - Gonzalez’s “We talk about it a lot, because About 15 minutes before the 13 walks and 45 strikeouts over these guys follow suit.” second homer of the game. unless you talk about it, how can fi rst pitch of the Sox’s 11-2 loss to 45 innings. He had one rough Having Pelfrey start on short The Sox were facing a team you attain anything?” the Indians, the Sox announced start- allowing fi ve earned runs notice against an Indians team on a 14-game winning streak for Pelfrey would start because left- in fi ve innings against the Tigers on a franchise-record-tying just the second time in franchise Results hander Carlos Rodon had been on August 26 - and his last start 14-game winning streak didn’t history. They snapped the Yan- Colorado 9 LA Dodgers 1 scratched with left shoulder against the Rays on Saturday was go well. Edwin Encarnacion’s kees’ streak at 14 with a 7-1 vic- San Diego 3 St. Louis 0 stiff ness. shortened by rain. three-run homer capped the In- tory in 1941, according to Stats, Minnesota 4 Kansas City 2 Any pitcher’s shoulder issue Just a day earlier, Sox manager dians’ four-run fi rst, and Fran- LLC. Renteria said before the Cleveland 11 White Sox 2 would be of note, but Rodon’s Rick Renteria said Rodon would cisco Lindor and Erik Gonzalez game that the rebuilding Sox use Atlanta 6 Miami 5 scratch draws attention because have a shot to be the leader of also homered off Pelfrey as the the Indians as an example from NY Mets 7 Cincinnati 2 Cleveland Indians right fielder Greg Allen (right) is congratulated by of his long early-season absence a rotation that could include Indians led 7-2 through three in- which to draw. Chicago Cubs 8 Pittsburgh 2 shortstop Francisco Lindor after hitting two-run home run off Chicago due to left biceps bursitis, es- any from the group of Reynaldo nings. Yolmer Sanchez and Jose “We use the clubs that are Washington 4 Philadelphia 3 White Sox relief pitcher Jace Fry (not pictured) during the seventh sentially in his shoulder. Rodon Lopez, Lucas Giolito, Michael Abreu homered off Indians ace having success and doing it a NY Yankees 9 Baltimore 1 inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, September 9, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT IOC has no ‘plan B’ All Blacks stick up for Pyeongchang, for under-pressure says offi cial AFP IOC’s executive committee and head of Berlin skiing’s governing body FIS, told SID, an AFP subsidiary. “In personal conversations, it is cer- ‘The history of this championship is they have he International Olympic tainly a topic and I have read that Sochi Committee (IOC) has no ‘plan or Munich come into play, but I think it Pumas been very tough opponents for us’ B’ to move the 2018 Win- would be wrong now to arrange a plan ter Olympic Games from B. TPyeongchang, which lies near the bor- “To burden a replacement venue AFP New Plymouth, New Zealand der with North Korea, says IOC offi cial with such a big commitment wouldn’t Gian Franco Kasper. be justifi able and we have a responsi- Pyeongchang, which will host the bility to Pyeongchang.” ew Zealand talked up Ar- 2018 Winter Olympics from February Despite the political tension Swit- gentina as a “dangerous” foe 9-25, is 80 kilometres (50 miles) from zerland’s Kasper believes the Games yesterday on the eve of their the border with North Korea. will be safe, but admits some athletes Rugby Championship Test in North Korea’s recent nuclear test may not agree as South Korea prepares NNew Plymouth, dismissing the South and a string of missile tests have led to host the Winter Games for the fi rst Americans’ form slump over the past to tensions within the international time. two years. community and there are fears some “I am convinced that Pyeongchang After rising to fi fth in the world athletes may boycott the Games due to will be the safest place during the rankings when they made the 2015 safety fears. Games,” said the 73-year-old Kasper. World Cup semi-fi nals, Los Pumas “In the IOC and in the executive “What I fear is that some nations have since dropped to 10th despite a committee, no plan B has been dis- may boycott the Games, because they regular diet of Rugby Championship cussed so far,” Kasper, a member of the have concerns for their athletes.” matches against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. “I don’t take any notice of those rankings. The history of this champi- Schurter looks to seal dominance onship is they have been very tough opponents for us, even here in New in elite at mountain bike worlds Zealand,” All Blacks captain Kieran Read said. Switzerland’s defending world finish line. “They’re unpredictable. They’ve champion Nino Schurter will be bid- “I’m stoked I’ve achieved this 6/6 certainly got some players who’ve got ding to extend his record-breaking strike but it takes a good portion of experience — in Super Rugby and at winning run in the men’s elite event luck and a reliable team and equip- this level — so (they are) a dangerous at the world mountain bike champi- ment to conquer,” Schurter said. side.” onships in Australia today. Schurter has already had success at Since Argentina joined the cham- Schurter, the reigning Olympic the world championships, helping pionship in 2012, in a move aimed champion, has won all six events Switzerland end France’s dominance at lifting their standard of play, they in the World Cup this season and is in the cross country team relay. have never beaten New Zealand in 10 after the world title to complete his Schurter anchored the Swiss team matches with the All Blacks scoring domination. to victory 24 seconds ahead of Den- 44 tries to 11 and producing an average The Swiss will be challenged in mark and France. winning score of 36-14. Cairns in northern Australia by two France had won the past three relays All Blacks coach Steve Hansen ar- former world and Olympic champi- before the format changed to five gued that Argentina were in a diffi - ons Julien Absalon of France and the riders for 2017. cult situation with an arduous travel Czech Republic’s Jaroslav Kulhavy. There are plenty of contenders for schedule to reach any of the top tier Schurter’s winning streak at the the elite women’s category, led by playing nations. World Cup began in May at Nove the newly crowned world cup cham- “They’ve gone from being a team Mesto and continued in Albstadt and pion Yana Belomoina of the Ukraine. that was spread all around the world, Vallnord. Other strong contenders include which has its ups and downs, to a team The closest match to Schurter this defending champion Annika Langvad that were brought together and put season was at the fourth round in (Denmark), Jolanda Neff (Switzerland) into the Super Rugby competition,” he Lenzerheide, when Kulhavy chased and Maja Wloszczowska (Poland). said. back from a bad start to come within Belomoina beat Wloszczowska to “Now they play four or fi ve home three seconds of the Swiss at the win her first World Cup title. games every year and then their next closest game is New Zealand, which I think is 15 hours’ fl ight time. “It’s an horrifi c schedule they’ve got. I think that takes a lot out of them. I certainly wouldn’t want to be doing it, but it is what it is for them.”

SACRIFICES MADE Hansen and Read also had sympathy with the underperforming Argentines Argentina fullback Joaquin Tuculet (left) reacts after South Africa scored their fourth try during their Rugby Championship as they tried to move away from their match at Padre Ernesto Martearena stadium in Salta, Argentina, last month. (AFP) traditional brute-strength forward game to play more open rugby. Read said is was obvious they were championship.” that the Jaguares in Super Rugby had “Through Super Rugby they’ve no longer a one-dimensional side and When Los Pumas arrived in New to be handled diff erently to Los Pu- developed more of a rounded game had threats across the park. Plymouth on Friday, after a week mas, but the project of keeping most and have they got to where they “Probably their ball carriers in the training in Auckland, captain Agustin of the Test players together year round want to get to? I don’t think so yet,” loose forwards are among the best in Creevy accepted there were problems had to continue. Hansen said. the world and their backs, on their but said they were being addressed. “It is not the same for Super Rugby “Has that been at the expense of day, are pretty dangerous counter at- “We are training a lot. We know we and the Rugby Championship so we some of their forward play? Not sure. tackers, alongside that is the scrum have to improve our scrum so we can are learning about that and taking the But there will be some compromising and the maul. get the scrum we used to have before,” good points to develop. This is part of going on if you’re trying to work hard “So a dangerous side. they’ve he said. the sacrifi ce we have to make for the on your other type of game.” certainly got better playing in this He added they were also learning future of Argentina rugby.”

BOTTOMLINE Wallabies plan to counter dynamic Bok backrow

AFP hooker for the experienced Stephen Perth, Australia Moore, while lock Adam Coleman re- FIELD HOCKEY turns from a shoulder injury. “Obviously, they’ve got their swag- ustralia is looking to match ger at the moment,” Cheika said of the the Springboks dynamic Springboks. Women’s coach Marijne backrow to claim their fi rst “They’ve had a couple of really good win of this year’s Rugby wins and traditionally, they’ll look at Championship,A skipper Michael pushing us around in the pack. to take charge of India Hooper said yesterday. “We’re going to have to be at our South Africa are unbeaten in the best to make sure we can go toe-to-toe southern hemisphere championship with them.” men’s team after home and away wins over Argen- It has been a torrid year for Australia, tina with blindside fl anker Siya Kolisi winning only two of their fi ve interna- AFP thank Hockey India for showing their and Jaco Kriel standouts at the back of tionals and coming off a miserable Su- New Delhi confi dence in my abilities,” Marijne the scrum. per Rugby season climaxed by the con- was quoted as saying in a statement by “We expect them to be very strong tentious axing of Perth-based Western the hockey federation. over the ball, both of those players (Kriel Force from next year’s competition. ndia yesterday put women’s fi eld In February, Marijne and Eric Won- and Kolisi) are really good carriers and There have been reports that the hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne in ink were named as chief coach and ana- defenders there,” Hooper told reporters Perth rugby public may boycott the charge of the men’s team follow- lytical coach of the women’s team until ahead of today’s Test in Perth. Test as a way of protesting against the ing the sacking of fellow Dutchman the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But now In- “It’s a diff erent jersey size at the end Australian Rugby Union’s vexed de- IRoelant Oltmans. dia’s Harendra Singh takes over as the of the day from some of the guys that cision to cull the Force, or wear their India’s new Sports Minister Rajya- chief coach of the women’s team. used to be playing to what they are now. Coach Allister Coetzee’s (third from right) Springboks are unbeaten in the blue Western Force jerseys instead of vardhan Singh Rathore, an Olympic Oltmans, who joined as performance “But (they’re) no less eff ective in southern hemisphere championship after home and away wins over Argentina. the Wallabies’ gold. medallist, announced the appointment director in 2013, was sacked after two what they do and how they get around Hooper said the Wallabies were well on Twitter. years as coach because of a string of the fi eld.” match awards in both wins over the what we are driving,” he added. aware of the power they possessed in “Current chief coach of Indian sen- poor performances. Hooper said the Wallabies have Pumas in Port Elizabeth and Salta and shaping people’s moods at such a dark ior women hockey team, Mr. Waltherus India fi nished sixth in the Hockey their own backrow strike weapon in is looking at another tip top perform- ‘GOT THEIR SWAGGER’ time in Australian rugby. (Sjoerd) Marijne, will take over as chief World League semi-fi nals in London No.8 Sean McMahon, who was im- ance against the Wallabies. Australian coach Michael Cheika said “We represent Australia,” he said. coach of Indian senior men hockey and went on to suff er a 3-1 loss against mense in the 35-29 loss to New Zea- “I want to play well and make sure his Wallaby forward pack will face a “We have the control to change and team,” Rathore wrote. hosts Belgium in a European tour in land in Dunedin a fortnight ago. that I put my fi rm hand on the jer- physical challenge against the Spring- help people’s moods and feelings to- Hockey India sacked Oltmans on August. “Sean’s strong in the tackle, strong sey because I haven’t played a lot in a boks, who are on a fi ve-match winning wards everything. Saturday after a poor European tour. The 63-year-old Oltmans was the making his tackles and he’s good over starting position so I am trying to use run. “You know, wake up on Sunday It placed an advertisement this week, seventh foreigner to coach India in 12 the ball as well,” Hooper said. that as best as I can,” Kolisi said. The Wallabies’ scrum looked shaky morning just stoked to be Australian which was quickly taken down. years. “It’s nothing new there, just every- “We are very young and I’ve only in their last outing against the All and see our colours. We’re fully aware The 43-year-old Marijne is expected Ric Charlesworth, Michael Nobbs one doing their role and particularly got a couple of Tests under my belt and Blacks, prompting Cheika to recall of that. to start this month after returning from and Terry Walsh from Australia, Span- Sean can have a massive infl uence we learn a lot from each other. tight-head prop Sekope Kepu for Al- “I’m pumped to see them all turn a tour of Europe with the women’s iard Jose Brasa and Dutchman Paul van when he gets that right.” “We started our own culture this lan Alaalatoa. out here supporting gold — whatever team. Ass have faced unceremonious exits Kolisi has claimed man-of-the- year that we can live by and that is Tatafu Polota-Nau comes in at jersey they wear.” “I’m excited to take the new role and from the coaching hot seat. Gulf Times Saturday, September 9, 2017 7 SPORT

CYCLING / VUELTA A ESPANA GOLF Thompson motors Froome closes in to fi rst-round lead in Indianapolis on win as De Gendt Reuters “That round defi nitely gave me the Indianapolis confi dence that I can make those bird- ies if I just let it go and fi re at pins and just commit to my shots and don’t exi Thompson is off to a fast doubt it.” start at the inaugural Indy Tamulis and Gal had bogey-free Women in Tech Championship rounds. Last week, the 36-year-old takes 19th stage at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Tamulis posted her best fi nish of the LCourse at Indianapolis Motor Speed- season with a tie for 15th at the Cambia way. Portland Classic. The 22-year-old Thompson birdied “I putted good and been hitting it a One mountain stage remains before 21-day race ends in Madrid tomorrow 11 holes and had two bogeys Thursday lot better, which thank goodness be- while racing to the top of the leader- cause I’ve been really hitting it all over board with a 9-under 63. the park,” Tamulis said. “So I didn’t One shot behind Thompson are San- necessarily think that I was going to dra Gal of Germany and Kris Tamulis at shoot 8 under.” the Pete Dye-designed course located Gal birdied four of the fi rst fi ve holes inside the famous 2.5-mile racing oval. and three of the last four. The 32-year- Two shots out of the lead are Moriya old has only four top-20 fi nishes this Jutanugarn of Thailand and Lydia Ko of year. New Zealand. “I struck it pretty well out there and Thompson was sharp. She used only then I made a few good putts,” Gal said. 26 putts and hit every fairway but one “I’ve been feeling like my game’s been and 16 of 18 greens in regulation. The pretty good the last couple months, but 63 was her second-best round of the I just haven’t been scoring, so every- year, falling short of a 61 she posted at thing just came together.” the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic. Jutanugarn and Ko also played bogey “It was just overall a very solid free. Ko’s 65 is her lowest opening- round,” Thompson said. “It was quite round score of the year. the early morning, so it was a bit cold “Obviously with our last major next on the range and struggled a bit on the week, you want to go in with good mo- range, but I just hit a few good drivers mentum and good results where it gives at the end and I just committed to one you confi dence,” Ko said. “All I can do thing going into the round and I think is just try my best to have a lot of fun.” that’s what made my day a lot easier on Amy Olson is three strokes behind me. Thompson at 66 along with Candie “I just stuck to my routine and com- Kung of Taiwan and Nanna Koertz mitted to my golf shots. Madsen of Denmark.

Thomas De Gendt (left) of team Lotto–Soudal celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 19th stage of the Vuelta a Espana in Gijon, Spain, yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters Jarlinson Pantano and Spaniard Ivan fi rst rider since French great Bernard Lexi Thompson of the US hits her tee shot on the 9th hole during the first round of Gijon, Spain Garcia at the fi nish line, meaning no Hinault in 1978 to win the Vuelta and the Indy Women In Tech Championship at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in home rider has won a stage on this the Tour de France in the same season. Indianapolis, Indiana, on Thursday. (AFP) year’s Vuelta with two days to go. ritain’s Chris Froome main- The last time a Spaniard failed to STAGE 19 RESULTS tained his Vuelta a Espana win a stage on the Vuelta was in 1996, 1. Thomas De Gendt (Lotto) 3:35:46” lead of one minute 37 seconds Spanish cycling great Miguel In- 2. Jarlinson Pantano (Trek) same time Wie out of Evian Championship over nearest challenger Vin- durain’s last race. 3. Ivan Garcia (Merida) cenzoB Nibali yesterday ahead of the Home favourite Alberto Contador, 4. Rui Costa (Emirates) Michelle Wie withdrew from next there is nothing more I want right decisive fi nal mountain stage. who is also in his last race as a profes- 5. Floris De Tier (LottoNL) week’s Evian Championship on now than to be able to compete. Froome, bidding to become the fi rst sional, staged another brave attack as 6. Bob Jungels (Quick-Step) Thursday, citing medical advice “I love the Evian Championship and rider in 39 years to win the Vuelta and he continued to chase a podium place. 7. Romain Bardet (AG2R) following surgery to remove her it holds a special place in my heart. I the Tour de France in the same season, He led the general classifi cation 8. Nicolas Roche (BMC) appendix. grew up playing this championship fi nished the 19th stage along with Ita- group of riders by over 20 seconds to- 9. Daniel Navarro (Cofidis) The 27-year-old, who has not played and I can’t wait to get back next year. ly’s Nibali and 28 other riders. wards the end before being hoovered 10. Koen Bouwman (LottoNL) +45” since pulling out before the final As soon as the docs say I’m fully There were no major changes in the up by the group with 2.5km remaining. round of the Canadian Pacific Wom- recovered, I will be back practicing general classifi cation, with only one Today’s penultimate stage is a short, OVERALL CLASSIFICATION en’s Open on August 27, said doctors and playing, but for now I’m going to mountain stage today remaining in the sharp 117.5 km ride ending on the noto- 1. Chris Froome (Sky) 75:51:51” had advised to her to rest rather than listen to them and lay low.” 21-day race, which ends with tomor- rious Alto de l´Angliru, regarded as one 2. Vincenzo Nibali (Merida) +1:37” travel to France for the final major of Wie is chasing her second major win row’s procession into Madrid. of the toughest mountains in Spain. 3. Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) +2:17” the season. after a triumph in the 2014 US Open. Belgian Thomas de Gendt fi nished Contador sealed his fi rst Vuelta vic- 4. Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) +2:29” “Unfortunately my doctors have ad- She posted a third place finish at the strongest in the bunch sprint at the tory thanks to a stage win on the Ang- 5. Alberto Contador (Trek) +3:34” vised me to continue resting which British Open last month. front of a nine-man breakaway group liru in 2008, while the mountain also 6. Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) +5:16” means I have to withdraw from @evi- In July she withdrew from the second to take his fi rst Vuelta stage win, com- decided the 2011 and 2013 editions of 7. Michael Woods (Cannondale) +6:33” anchamp next week,” the 27-year-old round of the US Women’s Open at pleting his set of victories from each of the race. 8. Fabio Aru (Astana) Wie wrote in a post on Instagram. Trump National Bedminster due to Chris Froome of Sky retained the red the grand tours. If Froome can stave off Nibali there, 9. Wout Poels (Sky) +6:47” “It breaks my heart to do so because muscle spasms in her neck. jersey yesterday. (AFP) De Gendt outlasted Colombian he will almost certainly become the 10. Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL) +10:26”

MOTOGP Leader Dovizioso looks to home comforts

AFP Vinales will be Yamaha’s sole rider on rosa won in Misano last year and sits fi fth Misano Adriatico, Italy Sunday in his absence. in the standings, although he hasn’t won “It’s a big pity that I can’t be at my since edging out Marquez on home soil at home GP,” Rossi lamented. Jerez de la Frontera back in May. ew MotoGP championship “For sure, I was really looking for- “I’m looking forward to the Misano leader Andrea Dovizioso ward to the round in Misano, because race and it’s a track I like,” he said. heads into this weekend’s riding in front of the fans there is some- “I have good memories there and I’ve San Marino Grand Prix with a thing very special, but I have to treat enjoyed some strong results, so I hope Nslender nine-point advantage to defend the injury with care.” to be able to work well in every session.” over reigning world champion Marc Marquez has won four times in total The 22-year-old Vinales still has Marquez. at this race, which is called the San Ma- championship hopes of his own and The Italian, who overtook Marquez at rino Grand Prix because of its proximity is only 13 points behind Dovizioso and the top of the riders’ standings last time to the country and the fact that there is four adrift of second-placed Marquez, out with victory at Silverstone, is a na- already an Italian race at Mugello. thanks largely to his two straight wins tive of Forlimpopoli, a town just 65km right at the start of the campaign. from the Misano circuit in Rimini. ‘PUTTING LAST RACE BEHIND US’ “I’m starting to have the same feeling The Ducati man will be looking to But only one of those Marquez wins has on my M1 that I had at the beginning of make good use of home comforts, es- come in the top class, and the Honda the season and that gives me a lot of pecially with his legendary compatriot rider knows he needs to fi nd his best calm and allows me to focus on contin- Valentino Rossi missing after breaking form after being forced to quit in Britain uing to get points in each race,” he said. his leg in training. with engine failure. “Coming to Misano as leader of the “We’ll try and have a great weekend MOTOGP STANDINGS championship is fantastic, even though in Misano, putting the last race behind 1. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 183 pts I’m really sorry that Rossi will not be us,” said the three-time MotoGP world 2. Marc Marquez (Honda) 174 there, as it would have been great to champion. 3. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) 170 also battle against him,” Dovizioso said. Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso (also inset) takes part in a practice session for the San Marino Grand Prix race at the Marco “The important thing is that lately 4. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 157 “In the past the Misano circuit hasn’t Simoncelli Circuit in Misano yesterday. (AFP) we’ve been competitive at all kinds of 5. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 148 been too favourable for Ducati, but tracks, so now we go to Misano, which 6. Johann Zarco (Yamaha Tech3) 109 a couple of weeks back we did a very The 31-year-old was losing ground in many and the Czech Republic. a close championship. has a twisty, tight layout, with the 7. Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati) 90 positive test at this circuit and we are the title race a month ago, when he was But Dovizioso has hit back with suc- Rossi, 38, now looks unlikely though same approach and mentality that have 8. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) 89 on good form, so we’ll be trying to take 21 points adrift of Marquez after the cessive victories of his own, although to claim a record 10th world title this worked very well for us so far.” 9. Jonas Folger (Yahama Tech3) 77 home the best possible result.” Spaniard’s back-to-back wins in Ger- has fi ve riders within 35 points of him in year after his injury, and Maverick Marquez’s Honda teammate Dani Ped- 10. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Pramac) 75

Saturday, September 9, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Pakistan’s Ali England press for seeks to bowl Windies series win out Amla at Visitors have slender lead of 22 runs; Anderson enters 500-wicket club World XI AFP London AFP The attack on the Sri Lankan Lahore, Pakistan team in Lahore in March 2009, which killed eight people and ames Anderson became the fi rst wounded nine, isolated Pakistan, England bowler to take 500 Test akistani bowling sen- forcing it to host its “home” fi x- wickets as the hosts pushed for a sation Hassan Ali said tures in neutral venues. series-clinching win against the yesterday he wants to Ali said he was “sad” about WestJ Indies at Lord’s yesterday. bowl out South Africa’s this, but put the international In a three-match contest all square at PHashim Amla when he plays players who are coming for the 1-1, West Indies ended the second day of an international before a home World XI on notice: especially the third Test on 93 for three in their sec- crowd for the fi rst time at next Amla. ond innings — a lead of just 22 runs. week’s World XI tour in Lahore. “The World XI is a good team, Anderson had stumps fi gures of two for Ali, 23, the highest wicket- it has very good players, I will try 17 in nine overs. taker at the Champions Trophy to bowl well to all of them. Espe- Shai Hope, West Indies’ batting star which underdogs Pakistan won cially I would like to out brother this series, was 35 not out and Roston earlier this year, said he “can’t Hashim Amla, it would give me Chase three not out. wait” to take on the star-studded more pleasure,” he said. After Ben Stokes (60) and Stuart Broad World XI in the three-match He said he would partner with (38) had given England a valuable fi rst- Twenty20 series. strike bowler Mohamed Amir to innings lead of 71, it was Anderson who It is the highest-profi le inter- take as many wickets as possible. fi ttingly made the breakthrough. national fi xture to take place in “There are partnerships in Starting West Indies’ second innings Pakistan since a deadly militant bowling too just like batting. If on 499 Test wickets, it took the 35-year- attack eight years ago drove in- one bowler in the pair is being old just 12 deliveries to become only the ternational cricket — and most thrashed, the other tries to con- sixth bowler and third paceman with 500 other sports — from the country. tain, so there is no competition.” when he bowled Kraigg Brathwaite for “This is my fi rst international He said coaches were working four with a superb inswinger. match on my home ground in on fi tness and his reverse swing Anderson, arms outstretched in cel- Pakistan. I’m very excited to play at training. ebration, ran down the pitch before being in front of my home crowd on my Pakistan is preparing to deploy engulfed by his joyful teammates. home ground,” he told report- several thousand security forces As a capacity crowd at Lord’s rose to England’s James Anderson celebrates the wicket of West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite, his 500th Test wicket, on second day of the third ers after a practice session at the in Lahore for the series, sched- give Anderson a standing ovation, he ac- Test at the Lord’s cricket ground in London yesterday. (Reuters) stadium yesterday. uled to begin on September 12. knowledged their applause by showing them the ball with which he had made him that prize. But it might have been a very diff erent J. Bairstow lbw b Roach 21 history. But there was nothing Powell, who story when, just two balls into the sec- M. Ali c K Hope b Roach 3 Anderson, in his 129th match at this made a fi ne 45, could do when Anderson, ond session Stokes, on 24, edged Shan- T. Roland-Jones c S Hope b Holder 13 level, had seen his Test career come full cir- from around the wicket, produced an un- non Gabriel only for Brathwaite to drop a S. Broad c Dowrich b Holder 38 cle after making is debut at Lord’s against playable delivery that speared in towards tough chance as he dived far to his left at J. Anderson not out 8 Zimbabwe in 2003 — a match where he the left-hander’s stumps only move away second slip. Extras (lb4, nb7) 11 took fi ve wickets in his fi rst innings. late off a full length and clip the off bail. Brathwaite had to go for the catch as Total (all out, 52.5 overs, 267 mins) 194 Brathwaite’s wicket meant Anderson West Indies were now 69 for three — there was no third slip. Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Stoneman), 2-15 was the only active cricketer in a 500 club still two runs behind and with plenty of Next ball saw Holder reinforce his slip (Cook), 3-19 (Westley), 4-24 (Root), 5-63 containing the spin trio of Sri Lanka’s overs left in an extended third session cordon but, as if to underline the error, (Malan), 6-119 (Bairstow), 7-128 (Stokes), Muttiah Muralitharan (800 Test wickets), under the fl oodlights after rain earlier in Stokes celebrated his reprieve by driving 8-134 (Ali), 9-163 (Roland-Jones), 10-194 Australia’s Shane Warne (708), India’s the day. Gabriel down the ground for four. (Broad) Anil Kumble (619). Shai Hope, whose twin hundreds — his West Indies then negated the swing on Bowling: Roach 24-8-72-5; Gabriel 15-1-64- He was the third paceman to the mile- fi rst in Test cricket — had done so much to off er in overcast conditions by bowling 1 (6nb); Holder 13.5-1-54-4 (1nb) stone, with Australia’s Glenn McGrath secure a series-levelling win at Headingley too short to tailender Broad, who carved (563) and West Indies fast bowler Court- — again showed his class when he cover- Roach for two sixes before he was last WEST INDIES 2nd Inn ney Walsh (519), in common with their drove Stokes for four after making a stylish man out. K. Brathwaite b Anderson 4 other 500 club stars, having long since 29 in diffi cult, overcast conditions during K. Powell b Anderson 45 retired. West Indies’ fi rst innings 123. SCORECARD K. Hope lbw b Broad 1 West Indies were now six for one and England, fi nished on 194 all out after WEST INDIES 1st Inn 123 S. Hope not out 35 that became 21 for two when Kyle Hope, resuming on their overnight 46 for four. ENGLAND 1st Inn (o/n 46-4) R. Chase not out 3 Shai’s older brother, saw his miserable se- Stokes, fresh from his Test-best bowling A. Cook c Dowrich b Roach 10 Extras (lb5) 5 ries end when he was lbw to Broad for one. fi gures of six for 22 on Thursday, top-scored M. Stoneman c Dowrich b Roach 1 Total (3 wkts, 31 overs, 148 mins) 93 Stokes was on a hat-trick after taking in a 74 ball-innings featuring 10 fours. T. Westley lbw b Holder 8 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Brathwaite), 2-21 (K two wickets in two balls at the end of the Kemar Roach took fi ve for 72, with J. Root c Powell b Holder 1 Hope), 3-69 (Powell) Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur (centre) watches bowlers Hasan Ali tourists fi rst innings. West Indies captain and fellow seamer Ja- D. Malan c Dowrich b Roach 20 Bowling: Anderson 9-2-17-2; Broad 8-2-25- (left) and Usman Shinwari during a practice session at the Gaddafi Kieran Powell, dropped on two, denied son Holder following up with four for 54. B. Stokes b Gabriel 60 1; Roland-Jones 6-2-17-0; Stokes 8-2-29-0 Cricket Stadium in Lahore yesterday. (AFP)

James Anderson, England’s 500-wicket ‘king of swing’

AFP ity that has made him highly eff ec- forced his way into England’s squad lined him for most of 2006 but come to force himself to become increas- Test at Headingley — a result that left London tive in English conditions, especially for the 2003 World Cup in southern the end of 2007, with the 2005 attack ingly confrontational — a process he the three-match series all square at 1-1 at a “swing-friendly” Trent Bridge in Africa. all sidelined, Anderson was the leader likened to being “Jimmy on the fi eld — Anderson was philosophical about Nottingham. Then came his Test debut. Yet of England’s bowling unit. and James off it”. his chances of joining the “500 club” King of swing” James Anderson But no one gets to 500 wickets simply within a couple of years, Anderson It is a position he has occupied ever Numerous statistical landmarks at Lord’s. took time to establish himself as by starring on home soil and Anderson’s had been relegated to the role of a since. have come his way, with Anderson “I’m a bit of a believer in fate,” he England’s leading Test bowler career has featured many memorable “net bowler” with England, deliver- passing Ian Botham’s previous Eng- said. “So if it’s meant to be this week but reaching 500 wickets at a away successes — notably when he led ing countless balls at cones in practice ‘Jimmy and James’ land record of 383 Test wickets in the then it will happen — as long as we get sun-drenched“ Lord’s seals his place in England’s attack during their 2010-11 sessions. A bright dyed streak in his hair early Caribbean in 2015. the win I’m not too fussed.” cricket history. Ashes triumph in Australia. His unusual action, in which An- in his career belied the fact that An- Now the reliable close-catcher and Anderson was left dangling on 499 It was at the “home of cricket” Burnley-born Anderson, the fi rst derson appeared to dip his head at the derson was then an almost painfully often dogged tailender has become wickets after England bowled West In- where the 35-year-old Lancashire English bowler to reach the landmark, moment of delivery rather than hav- shy and even slightly retiring fi gure. just the sixth bowler and only the third dies out cheaply in the fi rst innings of paceman made his Test debut against had played just three one-day games ing eyes fi rmly fi xed on the batsmen, But as his haircut has become ever paceman, after West Indies’ Courtney the third and deciding Test at Lord’s. Zimbabwe back in 2003 — a match in for Lancashire when he was called raised eyebrows and he played no part more conventional, so too has Ander- Walsh and Australia’s Glenn McGrath, But that just delayed the inevita- which he took fi ve wickets in the fi rst into England’s limited-overs squad in in England’s 2005 Ashes success that son’s ability to indulge in “sledging”, to take 500 Test wickets. ble as he fi nally reached the landmark innings. Australia as cover for Andy Caddick in saw them end a 19-year wait for a Test or verbal sparring with the opposi- Having gone wicketless in the sec- yesterday — shattering the stumps of Anderson’s greatest skill has been 2002-03. series win over Australia. tion, become ever more noticeable. ond innings of England’s surprise de- Kraigg Brathwaite and raising the ball an ability to swing the ball late, a qual- He impressed to such an extent he A long-feared stress fracture side- Indeed, Anderson once said he had feat by the West Indies in the second to the skies.

BOTTOMLINE Megabucks deal just the start, says IPL chairman

AFP now valued at roughly $8.5mn each, Bangalore, while the most expensive baz Nadeem, as yet uncapped by India, New Delhi not far off the estimated $9.6mn per foreigner was England’s Ben Stokes on said international cricket remained the Premier League match — and well over $2.16mn. pinnacle for players. the $6.2mn price tag attached to home Earning hundreds of thousands of “Money is no doubt a factor in IPL he Indian Premier League is ex- internationals in India. dollars a week — albeit for only two but the ultimate goal is to represent pecting even higher returns in Shukla said he wasn’t surprised at months — is usually the preserve of your country. Yes, IPL can act as a good the years ahead after striking a the IPL’s new earning power, which is footballers and NBA players, but IPL launchpad for showcasing your talent,” bumper $2.55bn broadcast deal tipped to have a wide-ranging impact cricketers can expect a step-change in the 28-year-old said. Tto become one of the world’s richest on cricket, much as Kerry Packer’s ren- their wages next year. The IPL, which is broadcast around sports competitions. egade World Series Cricket of the 1970s “It’s a game-changer, not only in the world, is hugely popular for its mix IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla believes ushered in a new era for the sport. Indian cricket but world cricket. The of sport and showbiz, with a number of there is plenty more growth to come “Every year IPL is growing in terms kind of money that’s generated in India teams fronted by Bollywood stars. for the glitzy Twenty20 cricket league, of reach, in terms of value and impact. through cricket is enormous,” former It is the brainchild of Indian cricket whose heady success comes despite its In 10 years it has gone up manyfold and India captain Mohamed Azharuddin administrator Lalit Modi, who is now history of corruption scandals. I hope in future also the enhancement told AFP. in Britain and refusing to return to his This week Rupert Murdoch’s Star In- will keep on happening,” Shukla told “You never know what’s in store. If home country to face corruption charg- dia beat rival bids from Facebook, Sony AFP. you compare it to EPL then an IPL play- es. and India’s Airtel to land the IPL’s TV “Since the value of property has seen er’s worth can be even more in coming The IPL was also hit by a spot-fi xing and digital rights over fi ve years from signifi cant gains with each passing year years. scandal in 2013 which led to the Chen- 2018. so in future also it will keep on increas- “The bar is raised and I am all for nai Super Kings and Rajasthan Roy- The deal, a four-fold increase after ing,” he added. players making money,” he added. als being suspended for two seasons in Sony paid $1.2bn for broadcast rights The IPL has spawned copycat leagues Many critics are concerned the 2015. over 10 years in 2008, puts the IPL on in Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere, growing sums on off er will have a nega- But the IPL has thrived regardless, a similar level to football’s English Pre- and has already swelled the bank ac- Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla (centre). tive impact on international cricket, as and has inspired a range of other fran- mier League, a bellwether for global counts of scores of players, making do- players prioritise earning money over chise-based leagues in India in sports sports marketing. mestic T20 a lucrative alternative to the ‘GAME-CHANGER’ paid player at this year’s IPL, earn- representing their countries. as diverse as boxing, badminton, poker The eight-week IPL’s 60 games are international game. India captain Virat Kohli was the best- ing $2.26mn with Royal Challengers But Delhi Daredevils spinner Shah- and kabaddi.