| Page 3 FOOTBALL | Page 7 United States UEFA player face tough of year honour task to retain for Liverpool’s world title Virgil Van Dijk

Friday, August 30, 2019 TENNIS Dhul-Hijja 29, 1440 AH Serena survives GULF TIMES scare from US teen McNally SPORT Page 2

TENNIS / US OPEN Osaka sweeps through as Kvitova goes out

AFP Bronx champion Linette in 30 est woman to reach the last 32 in this season, was to face Bolivia’s New York minutes but endured a brief New York since Anna Kourniko- Hugo Dellien, while Germany’s wobble, falling 3-0 down in the va in 1996. Alexander Zverev was attempt- second, before reeling off six of Andrea Petkovic knocked out ing to match his best run here eigning US Open cham- the fi nal seven games to advance. Czech sixth seed Kvitova, a two- against American Frances Tia- pion Naomi Osaka eased “I’m really happy to not have time Wimbledon champion, to foe. into the third round of to play a three-set match,” Osaka reach the third round for the fi rst Three-time US Open winner Rthe US Open yesterday said. time since 2015. Rafael Nadal takes on Austral- but Petra Kvitova crashed out as Among the celebrities watch- German world number 88 ian wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis organisers sought to play catch ing her match at Louis Arm- Petkovic, whose best US Open in the evening session at Arthur up at Flushing Meadows follow- strong Stadium were basketball showing was a 2011 quarter-fi nal Ashe Stadium, where reigning ing heavy rain. legend Kobe Bryant and former run, strung together succes- Wimbledon champion Simona Top seed Osaka proved too NFL quarterback Colin Kaeper- sive main draw wins for just the Halep was due to face American strong for 53rd-ranked Magda nick, whose kneeling protest second time this season in a 6-4, Taylor Townsend in the after- Linette of Poland, sweeping to became a national symbol for 6-4 triumph. noon. a 6-2, 6-4 victory and setting objecting to racial inequality and “I’ve beaten her before in Nick Kyrgios, who again land- up a potential showdown with social injustice. Grand Slams and big matches. ed himself in hot water after call- 15-year-old American sensation “I’m really grateful they came That gave me the belief. That’s ing the ATP “corrupt” follow- Coco Gauff for a spot in the last out,” Osaka said. “It’s really cool. the most important part if you ing his fi rst-round win, meets 16. I honestly just wanted to fi nish as want to win,” said Petkovic, who 104th-ranked Frenchman Anto- Twenty-two singles ties were fast as possible because I didn’t next faces Czech Kristyna Plisk- ine Hoang. pushed back from Wednesday want them to be out in the sun ova or Belgian 25th seed Elise Britain’s Dan Evans took out after a steady downpour lim- too long.” Mertens. French 25th seed Lucas Pouille ited play to the two principal Osaka awaits the winner be- “She really played a good in four sets to book a clash with show courts in New York, beef- tween teenager Gauff , the world game. I don’t think I played that fi ve-time US Open champion ing yesterday’s schedule up to 54 number 140 who reached the badly. I did have my chances, for Roger Federer, while Denis Kudla matches across both halves of the fourth round in July at Wimble- sure, but somehow I just couldn’t awaits world number one Novak singles draws. don, or 112th-ranked Hungarian make it,” Kvitova said. Djokovic after the American beat Osaka wrapped up the open- qualifi er Timea Babos. Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts after defeating Magda Linette of Poland in the second round of the US Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev, 27th seed Dusan Lajovic of Ser- ing set against last week’s WTA Gauff can become the young- Open in New York yesterday. who owns an ATP-best 45 wins bia.

FOOTBALL Duhail held by gritty Arabi as Al Wakrah pip Qatar SC The fast-paced action saw The Red Knights seize the early initiative through Msakni

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Duhail dropped points in their second match of the QNB Stars League when they were held to aA 1-1 draw by a gritty Al Arabi at the Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. Yousef Msakni took Al Duhail ahead by scoring as early as the seventh minute, only to see Al Arabi restore parity through Aron Gunnarsson in the 40th minute. Al Arabi, who had beaten Al Ahli 3-1 in Week 1, had Gregory Gomis’ rock-solid performance under the bar to thank for their draw. The fast-paced action saw The Red Knights seize the early initia- tive through Msakni. The Dream Team soon hit back, but defender Morteza Mohammed shot wide. After Al Duhail’s Ali Afi f’s shot was blocked by Musab Keder, Pao- lo Edmilson had a goal disallowed for off side by referee Mohamed al- Shammari. Al Duhail attackers kept the rival defenders on their toes and Gomis thwarted Almoez Ali. At the other end, Al Arabi’s Hamdi Harbaoui saw his bicycle kick go over the bar and striker Mohamed Salah El Neel came up with a cracker of a shot, a minute before Gunnarsson’s equaliser Al Wakrah players celebrates their win over Qatar Sports Club. with a power-packed grounder. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Msakni missed a sitter in fi rst- Aron Gunnarson celebrates as he his congratulated by Al Arabi players after he scored the equaliser against Al Duhail yesterday. half injury time by skying the ball PICTURE: Ram Chand nanga then came close to scoring Benyettou was fouled by Musa with only Gomis to beat. in fi rst-half stoppage time. Haroon the next minute, result- Soon after resumption, Pierre- Mohannad Ali, who was off -target Meanwhile, Al Wakrah scored an bled their lead in the 69th minute es and made use of them. There was no respite for action ing in a forehead injury to the Michel Lasogga’s headed goal was time and again. impressive 2-0 victory over Qatar as Qatar SC suff ered their second The own goal by Jimena resulted after the start of second half. Al former, and Sanchez Cortes sent disallowed, also for off side and the Towards the end, Gunnarsson SC at the Al Sadd Stadium. successive defeat, having lost 1-2 from a headed clearance off a cor- Wakrah striker Mohamed Benyet- the resultant free-kick straight to eff orts of Edmilson and El Neel wreaked havoc with a volley, Al- Promoted Al Wakrah, who had to Al Duhail earlier. Qatar SC had ner kick from the left. tou sent his shot wide and Al Wak- al-Hail. went in vain. moez hit the side netting, Gomis lost to reigning champions Al Sadd more of the ball with 60 per cent After Al Wakrah’s Cristian Ce- rah goalkeeper Saoud al-Khater The Kings revved up their attack Al Arabi brought in Fahad Kha- saved Bassam al-Rawi’s eff ort and 1-4 in their opener, surged ahead possession at half-time and 61 per ballos’ shot was stopped by Qatar blocked Ali Awad’s header from with substitutions as the game lfan, Hossam Kamal and Jassem then Al Arabi defender Marc Mu- through an own goal by Alejandro cent at the fi nal whistle, yet they SC goalkeeper Jassim al-Hail, Qa- close. The 69th minute saw Ismail wore on, but all their eff orts could Gaber, while Al Duhail’s Mohamed niesa eff ected a goalline save as the Jimena in the 39th minute. And were at the receiving end. tar SC’s Abdelaziz Metwali skied help Al Wakrah go 2-0 up with a not stop The Blue Wave from col- Muntari came off the bench for teams shared points from a thriller. substitute Ismail Mahmoud dou- Al Wakrah created more chanc- the ball. Qatar SC’s Junior Kaba- rising shot. lecting full points. Gulf Times 2 Friday, August 30, 2019 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Federer in favour of prize money boost Serena, Federer in ‘lower ranks’

AFP fully we’re going to get that right New York hopefully, as well, in the next sort of fi ve to 10 years.” Controversy has arisen over oger Federer added the past months concerning rally, Djokovic his voice to growing various issues in the sport, with calls for increased prize ATP player council president money for players “in Novak Djokovic often on the op- theR lower ranks” after battling posite side of discussions from into the third round of the US Nadal and Federer. Open on Wednesday. Splits widened at Wimbledon A sizeable number of top when Djokovic was taken to task men’s players are backing a pe- over his relationship with the hurt at rainy Open tition seeking a larger slice of disgraced Justin Gimelstob. tournament revenues at Grand Former player Gimelstob, who Slams and other events, with has sat on the player council, McNally hadn’t been born when Williams won her first Slam at the 1999 US Open those outside the top 100 strug- pleaded no contest to assault gling to make money or break charges in Los Angeles earlier even. this year for attacking a man in “I do believe the challenger front of his wife and children at players and also maybe quali- Halloween in 2018. fying and second-round losers Djokovic has come under fi re should get more,” said Federer, for refusing to rule out a possible who rejoined the ATP player return to the board for Gimel- council along with Rafael Nadal stob. this month. “The worst is in any politics or “So I think if there should be any tennis politics is if you just increases it shouldn’t be at the don’t talk,” said Federer, after top anymore. I feel like we have rallying to dispatch 99th-ranked reached a pretty good level there. Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia 3-6, So, yeah, I think that’s going to 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 under the roof at be what we’re going to fi ght for.” Arthur Ashe Stadium. Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, an- “Being back on the council is other council member who good because I get all the infor- has spoken out on the need for mation. I think that is important greater transparency and better for me to give a proper opinion. revenue distribution, says only It also brings Novak, Rafa, and the top 100 ATP Tour players me closer together, naturally, to make money because only 14 % be in a room.” of the sport’s revenues goes back “But then also away from it, to the players. we can’t prepare for meetings “It would be nice if the players like amateurs and just not talk could also survive on the chal- to each other and then walk up lenger tour in the lower ranks to the meetings and just, like, and not just at the very top,” Fe- ‘So what’s going on?’ And start derer said. taking decisions and voting and “Even though I’m all for it then it gets personal. shouldn’t be a losers’ tour, but “So we need to be well pre- they also sacrifi ce a lot of their pared, and for that we need to time and they work equally hard meet and talk, and we will do as we do at the top. That hope- that moving forward.”

Serena Williams of the United States reacts during her second round match against compatriot Catherine McNally on day three of the US Open in New Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates victory against Damir York on Wednesday. Dzumhur of Bosnia on day three of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis in New York on Wednesday.

AFP too pleased with the way I played “It’s just a bit frustrating more second set and, after being de- fi nal, started poorly but broke New York at all,” Williams said. than anything, especially when nied on four set points on Mc- early in each of the last three sets “’Serena, you made way too the level is that low and there are Nally’s serve, hit a backhand vol- and held serve to the end. McNally yearns to play like many errors today. What were that many errors and the energy ley winner to force a third set. “I buckled down and told my- erena Williams nearly you thinking?’ But I’m alive. I’m is not kind of there,” Federer said. Williams opened the third self I was going to hang tough Federer, not Serena crashed out of the rain- happy. I’ll do better next time. I “But can only do better, which is set with a break on the way to a and not get broken,” Federer said. New York: Many American hit US Open on Wednes- promise.” a great thing moving forward. 4-0 edge and cruised home from “That made a big diff erence.” teenage girls grow up dream- day while top-ranked Djokovic, winner of four of the “I clearly have to play better there. “She really came out and Japanese seventh seed Kei ing of becoming the next Sere- defendingS champion Novak past fi ve Slam titles and 16 in all, from the get-go.” played really well,” Williams Nishikori, the 2014 US Open Catherine na Williams, but for Djokovic battled through shoul- was treated for a sore left shoul- What the year’s fi nal Grand said. “She showed no fear.” runner-up, beat 108th-ranked McNally, who nearly delivered der pain and Roger Federer ad- der throughout his 6-4, 7-6 Slam event lacked in quantity, Djokovic’s injury casts grave American Bradley Klahn 6-2, an upset for the ages against vanced despite a weak start. (7/3), 6-1 victory over Argen- with 22 singles matches post- doubts on his bid to be the fi rst 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. her compatriot, it is Roger US eighth seed Serena Wil- tina’s 56th-ranked Juan Ignacio poned by showers, it overcame US Open repeat winner since Fe- French Open champion Ash- Federer’s game she covets. liams, seeking her 24th career Londero. with quality in amazing match- derer won from 2004-2008, ad- leigh Barty, the second seed Rather than trying to mimic Grand Slam title to match Mar- “It was defi nitely aff ecting my es that challenged three of the mitting he wondered if he would from Australia, eliminated 73rd- the powerful style of play that garet Court’s all-time record, got serve and backhand,” Djokovic greatest stars in tennis history. even get through the fi rst set. ranked American Lauren Davis Williams used to revolutionise a scare before ousting 17-year- said of his shoulder injury. “I was One point from surrendering a “This is something I’ve been 6-2, 7-6 (7/2). women’s tennis and collect 23 old US wildcard Caty McNally defi nitely tested.” break into a tie-breaker, McNally carrying for quite a while now,” Czech third seed Karolina Grand Slam titles, 17-year-old 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. Federer, a 20-time Grand won six of the fi nal seven points, Djokovic said. “It wasn’t easy to Pliskova, seeking her fi rst Grand McNally instead prefers to McNally, who hadn’t been Slam winner who last won the the last on a service winner, to play with the pain, but you have Slam title, ousted 202nd-ranked model her game after Swiss born when Williams won her US Open in 2008, rallied to beat capture the fi rst set. Both players to hope you will get some oppor- Georgian qualifi er Mariam Bolk- great Federer. fi rst Slam at the 1999 US Open, 99th-ranked Bosnian Damir made 15 unforced errors. tunities and some lucky shots. vadze 6-1, 6-4. “The big things are the way he threatened a struggling Wil- Dzumhur 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. “I couldn’t play too much “It’s not the fi rst time I’m fac- Ukrainian fi fth seed Elina carries himself on court. I think liams from the start before the The 38-year-old Swiss third worse at that point,” Williams ing this kind of adversity or chal- Svitolina defeated seven-time that’s huge,” McNally said after six-time US Open champion seed, who also dropped the fi rst said. “I was making so many er- lenge. It is what it is and I’m just Grand Slam winner Venus Wil- her 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 second-round won nine of the last 11 games to set against Indian qualifi er Sumit rors off my forehand. I knew I grateful to be on the court.” liams 6-4, 6-4 and US 10th seed loss to Williams on Wednesday. escape under the roof at Arthur Nagal in his opener, answered could play better.” Five-time US Open winner Madison Keys, the 2017 US Open “I try to do the exact same Ashe Stadium. the wake-up call despite 17 fi rst- Williams broke on a forehand Federer, who lost to Djokovic in runner-up, trounced China’s thing. Also the way he plays, well.” McNally, competing in “I survived tonight. I’m not set unforced errors. winner in the sixth game of the last month’s epic Wimbledon Zhu Lin 6-4, 6-1. he serves and volleys, looks to only her sixth tour-level event get to the net. He takes a lot of of her career and against the time away from his opponents. highest-ranked player she has BOTTOMLINE “I really like the way he plays, ever faced, showed she was mixes in the slice, the dropshot, anything but starstruck as she volleys really well. There’s so took the court under the lights many things I like from his inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Kyrgios should be defaulted on spot, says Wilander game. Hopefully I can keep Instead, McNally played the working on those and become match of her life on the biggest Reuters think the umpire needs to step in. just like him.” stage in tennis and against one New York “I think in this situation, default him on The American wildcard did of the greatest to ever play the the spot, rather than suspend him.” her best impression of the game and it was shots from Kyrgios, seeded 28th in New York, 20-times Grand Slam winner Swiss great Federer’s reper- ffi cials should come down hard- kept reasonably calm by his combusti- in her second-round clash toire that gave her a fighting er on Nick Kyrgios and default ble standards in beating American Steve with Williams as she relied on chance. the Australian mid-match if he Johnson 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-4 in the fi rst round a serve-and-volley approach “I didn’t think who was on the Ofails to play his best tennis at the on Tuesday. But he triggered another ATP and lethal slice backhand that other side of the net as much. US Open, according to former Grand Slam investigation when he described the body did well to unsettle Williams for But obviously I knew I was champion Mats Wilander. as “pretty corrupt” during his post-match long stretches. playing against the greatest Kyrgios was fi ned a record $113,000 for media conference. While McNally, who was not of all time. I knew that I had a slew of breaches during his second round He later rowed back on the comment in a broken until the sixth game of to bring a certain level,” said loss at Cincinnati and may be set for more statement posted on his Twitter feed, say- the second set when she fell McNally. sanctions after describing the men’s tour ing he had not made “the correct choice of behind 4-2, ran out of steam in “I walked out there and I had as “corrupt” following his fi rst round win words. “My point and intention was to ad- her bid to derail the six-times the chills. That was the most at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday. The As- dress what I see as double standards rather champion, she still managed insane atmosphere. I’ve never sociation of Tennis Professionals (ATP) than corruption,” he wrote. to impress world number eight played on a court nowhere were already assessing whether to punish Wilander agreed that the ATP was in- Williams. near that big, especially a night Kyrgios further for his antics at Cincin- consistent in enforcing the rules for dif- “It was definitely something to match. I couldn’t have asked nati, where he smashed two rackets and Russian Karen Khachanov at Cincinnati. match to take a stand straight away. ferent players. get used to,” Williams said of for anything better. called the chair umpire the “worst ref “Well why is he allowed to fi nish a “I don’t mind when he misbehaves. “I do think the rules are applied diff er- McNally’s playing style. “You “It was just an unbelievable ever”. Seven-times Grand Slam cham- match like the one in Cincinnati to get to Obviously, I don’t like the bad language,” ently to everyone, I really do,” the Swede don’t play players like her that experience, something that pion Wilander questioned whether the $113,000 worth of fi nes?” asked Wilander, added Wilander. said, pointing to the leeway given to have such full games. I’ll never forget for the rest of 24-year-old hothead should have even a TV analyst for Eurosport. “It’s just when he doesn’t try to play Spain’s 18-times Grand Slam champion “She just overall played really my life.” been allowed to fi nish his match against “It is much easier for the umpire in the tennis, when he doesn’t try to win then I Rafa Nadal on the service clock. Gulf Times Friday, August 30, 2019 3 SPORT

FORMULA 1 Bottas stays at Mercedes, Ocon joins Renault AFP the Belgian Grand Prix on Sun- “The fi rst part of this season land this weekend. Earlier, Mer- el - the mind-set we want from Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium day. Ocon has been signed on a has been more challenging, but cedes confi rmed they had exer- all our team members.” two-year contract as teammate I know we can count on him and cised an option to retain Bottas, for Daniel Ricciardo in a bid to deliver together throughout the who was 30 on Wednesday. VIETNAM JOINS altteri Bottas will re- boost the French team’s com- second half of the year.” Since joining Mercedes in CALENDAR IN RECORD main as Lewis Hamil- petitiveness, a move that has left Ericsson’s return could be 2017, the Finn has won fi ve 22-RACE 2020 SEASON ton’s Mercedes team- the widely-liked Hulkenberg in confi rmed if Kimi Raikkonen Grands Prix and is second be- Formula One will have a record mate next year while search of a vacant seat for 2020. fails a fi tness test after pulling hind Hamilton in this year’s title 22 races next season, a draft of VEsteban Ocon will replace Nico “First and foremost, I am a leg muscle. “I pulled a muscle race. the 2020 calendar released by Hulkenberg at Renault, the very proud to become a Renault and that’s about it,” said Raikko- “I am very happy and proud to the sport’s US-based commer- teams announced yesterday. driver,” said Ocon, formerly a nen. “We will see what happens. be part of the team for a fourth cial rights holders Liberty Media Frenchman Ocon’s return to a test driver with the team. “I have “Obviously, we need to have season and wish to thank every confi rmed yesterday. race seat after a season spent as grown up at Enstone, starting some back-up plans. It would team member and the board of “Since we became involved in test and reserve driver with Mer- with Lotus in 2010 and then with be stupid not to have our third Mercedes for their trust and be- this sport in 2017, we have talked cedes was announced soon after Renault. driver in case I couldn’t be driv- lief in me,” said Bottas. about developing new destina- the champions Mercedes had “I am very attached to this Valtteri Bottas (left) and Esteban Ocon. ing, then it is the worst-case “My overall target is to become tion cities to broaden the appeal decided to give Bottas a fourth team and everyone who works scenario. Formula One world champion. I of Formula One and at the same year alongside the fi ve-time there – they are the ones who his work with the team. Renault “When Nico decided to join “It is a diffi cult situation for believe that on paper, and from time, consolidating our presence champion Hamilton. opened the doors of top level team boss Cyril Abiteboul said us, the team was ninth. He him [Ericsson] also because he my experience with the team, in Europe, the traditional home On a busy fi rst day back after motorsport for me. he had made a “phenomenal brought us to fourth place last had a race, but that is how it is. Mercedes is the best option for of the sport,” said Formula One the European summer shut- “Secondly, I am pleased that a contribution.” year and was classifi ed seventh I would say it is getting better, so me to achieve that goal in 2020.” Chief Executive Chase Carey. down, the Formula One paddock team with big ambitions has en- “I wish to thank Nico for his in the drivers’ championship. we will see how it is.” Team chief Toto Wolff said The 2020 season retains its was alive with transfer talk and trusted me with the opportunity phenomenal involvement and “The imminent end of his Swede Ericsson, who was de- Bottas had shown his best form traditional opener in Melbourne other speculation including a to once again demonstrate my massive contribution to our contract made this decision a moted to test and reserve driver this year and remained “hungry on March 15, with the chequered likely return to action by Marcus skills at the highest level of F1.” progress over the past three sea- diffi cult one as Nico has been a last year, was scheduled to take for more and determined to keep fl ag falling again in Abu Dhabi on Ericsson at Alfa Romeo ahead of Hulkenberg was praised for sons,” he said. pillar of this progress. part in an IndyCar race in Port- on improving and raising his lev- November 29.

BASKETBALL MOTORSPORT Vettel hoping to re-boot season one United States face year on from last win

AFP a glimmer of hope when he Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium said: “I think that Spa is more power-sensitive, but there is nothing that is given, of ebastian Vettel hopes course. tough task to to re-boot his and Ferrari’s season this FERRARI PIN HOPES weekend in pursuit of ON POWER hisS fi rst victory in more than “And I think the situation will a year as Formula One returns be very diff erent to Budapest to action at the Belgian Grand so we will try to prepare the Prix. best we can to seek our fi rst The four-time world cham- victory.” retain world title pion won last year’s race at the While Hamilton and Mer- majestic Spa-Francorchamps cedes revelled in deliver- ‘I think that it was a great learning situation for us, just about playing FIBA basketball circuit, but has been with- ing a tactical master-class in out a victory since and needs Hungary, Ferrari were again – the physicality, the rules, how it’s played, how it’s refereed’ to make the most of Ferrari’s left trailing and will pin their power advantage to add to his hopes on their greater power Reuters career total of 52 triumphs. and straight-line speed pay- Belgrade “This is a legendary track ing off . and it is defi nitely one of my Vettel and Hamilton have favourites,” said the German each recorded three previous f the build-up to the men’s ahead of Sunday’s race after wins at Spa where Kimi Raik- basketball World Cup in he and the rest of the F1 cir- konen of Alfa Romeo has won China is anything to go by, cus re-grouped following the four times, the most of the holders the United States now-traditional mid-season current grid. Iface a daunting task to win their European summer break. Hamilton, however, has also sixth title after a stack of house- “It has climbs and drops won eight of this year’s 12 rac- hold NBA names dropped out of and so much of it runs through es to control the title contest. their roster. forests – once you learn it and Bottas has won twice and Max With the likes of L.A. Lakers you know it, it is impossible Verstappen of Red Bull also centre Anthony Davis, Houston not to love it.” has two wins. Rockets guard James Harden To win, however, Vettel Mercedes team boss Toto and play- knows he must not only over- Wolff , relieved at the Hun- maker Damnian Lillard among come his fast Ferrari team- garian recovery of form after the 17 players who pulled out, mate Charles Leclerc, but also what he called their the Americans have been forced series-leading defending fi ve- “Armageddon” in Germany, to deploy a depleted team. time champion Lewis Hamil- said they will be taking noth- They got a taste what awaits ton. ing for granted now as they go at the August 31-September 15 Hamilton holds a 62-point into the fi nal nine races of the tournament in China, which also advantage ahead of Mercedes 21-race season. doubles as an Olympic quali- teammate Valtteri Bottas, who “We’re approaching the fi er, when they suff ered a 98-94 was 30 on Wednesday and is start of the second half of 2019 warm-up defeat by a fi red-up expected to be confi rmed as more like the start to a new Australia in Melbourne on Sat- staying with the team next season,” he said. urday. Coach Gregg Popovich, year, in the title race. “And we are looking for- the winner of fi ve NBA titles Last year, he pulled off a ward to the fi ght.” with the , victory, but then plunged to That fi ght is as likely to put on a brave face after the set- defeat to Hamilton in a fi erce- come from Verstappen, who back although he conceded the ly-fought Italian Grand Prix, welcomes a new teammate in US had been taught a lesson by Ferrari’s home event. Thailand’s Alex Albon – pro- a team featuring as one of the Monza hosts the next race moted from Toro Rosso in a World Cup’s dark horses. again a week after the Belgian swap with Pierre Gasly – as “I think that it was a great showdown. from anyone. learning situation for us, just For Vettel, there could not The Dutchman will again about playing FIBA basketball be a more critical scenario have massive support from his – the physicality, the rules, how than these two Grands Prix, as orange army and hopes to add it’s played, how it’s refereed,” Brook Lopez (right) of the US blocks Khem Birch of Canada during their friendly basketball match in Sydney on August 26, 2019, ahead of the he battles to save his season, to his two wins in four out- Popovich told the USA Basket- World Basketball Championships in China starting tomorrow. (AFP) his reputation and, perhaps, ings, but knows also that he ball offi cial website (usab.com). his career. may have a power disadvan- “These guys are grown men. “It’s about us sacrifi cing and avenge defeats by the US in the valuable player Giannis An- absence of point guard Ben Sim- His Ferrari team boss Mat- tage with his Honda-powered They have families. It’s their understanding how we can help 2014 world title showdown and tetokounmpo, but the support mons, who averaged 16.9 points tia Binotto allowed himself Red Bull. job. If you have a bad day, what this team win games.” the 2016 Olympic fi nal, along- cast will also need to fi re on all and 7.7 assists per game for the do you do? Jump in a hole some- The United States start their side the Sacramento Kings duo cylinders for the versatile Mil- Philadelphia 76ers last season. where? You go to work the next Group E campaign against the of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ne- waukee Bucks forward to shine. Spain, the 2006 champions, day.” Czech Republic on Sunday, fol- manja Bjelica. Spurs guard Patty Mills, who should also feature as strong Boston Celtics guard Kemba lowed by games against Turkey The Serbians won all eight of nailed 30 points in Australia’s contenders with Marc Gasol, Walker, one of the roster’s high and Japan. their warm-up games, includ- memorable win against the US, who won the 2019 NBA title with profi le players, acknowledged Serbia are likely to feature as ing an 85-80 overtime defeat will lead Australia’s quest for a the , leading the Americans had a mountain to the prime candidates to topple of Greece in Athens when they fi rst World Cup podium fi nish their charge. climb if they are to clinch a third the Americans with fi ve NBA edged the home side thanks to after they reached the last 16 in Seven teams – two each from successive world title. players in their ranks, including Bogdanovic’s prolifi c shoot- the 2014 tournament. the Americas and Europe as well “A lot of us are primary scor- last season’s All-NBA First Team ing despite Jokic being rested by Steady improvement saw the as one apiece from Africa, Asia ers on our (NBA) teams, but right centre Nikola Jokic. coach Aleksandar Djordjevic. Australians fi nish fourth in the and Oceania, will qualify au- now, USA Basketball, it’s not The pillar will The Greeks will rely on the 2016 Olympics but their chal- tomatically for the 2020 Tokyo about that,” he said. be instrumental in Serbia’s bid to 2019 NBA regular season’s most lenge will be hampered by the Olympics.

ATHLETICS Coleman ‘missed tests’ case not good for sport: Coe

AFP mond League meeting the case tually it does show the rest of the potential anti-doping rule vio- ing hearing on September 4 will Zurich showed that missing tests was world we do take it seriously,” lation for failing to properly fi le clear the matter and I will com- taken seriously. Coe said. information about his availabil- pete at the World Champion- Coleman, the fastest man in “The whereabouts is a very ity for tests. ships in Doha this fall,” Coleman AAF President Sebastian the world this year over 100 me- serious element of the anti- A panel is due to hear his case said. Coe admitted yesterday the tres, could face suspension after doping discussion. I don’t want with a decision due by Septem- “I’m not a guy who takes any doping test violations that failing to make himself available to speculate. ber 5. supplements at all, so I’m never US sprinter Christian Cole- for three drugs tests over the “He’s a phenomenal athlete Coleman told former Olympic concerned about taking drug Iman is alleged to have commit- past 12 months. and I will let this process run its sprinter Ato Boldon in an inter- tests, at any time.” ted are “not a good story” for the It means Coleman would be course.” view for NBC Sports last week Coleman was second at the sport. forced to miss the World Cham- The United States Anti- that he was confi dent he would 2017 worlds in London behind But Coe told AFP in an inter- pionships in Doha later this year. Doping Agency (USADA) says be cleared. fellow American Justin Gatlin Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel at the Circuit de view ahead of the Zurich Dia- “It’s not a good story but ac- Coleman had been notifi ed of a “I am confi dent the upcom- and has run 9.81sec this year. Spa-Francorchamps, in Stavelot, Belgium, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Friday, August 30, 2019 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Smith returns to Khawaja ‘frustrated’ action for Australia against Derbyshire

AFP Derby, United Kingdom but looking to get teve Smith was back playing in his fi rst match since being concussed by England fast bowler Jofra ArcherS as Australia faced Derby- shire yesterday. But with Derbyshire captain back in good form Billy Godleman deciding to bat after winning the toss, Smith had to wait for his fi rst innings since ‘I think we’ve fallen short of that in the top order and I think (England) have too’ being hit on his unprotected neck during the drawn second Test at Reuters Lord’s. London Smith, felled by a 92 mph Archer bouncer, was ruled out of the rest of that match — with nder-pressure Aus- concussion substitute Marnus tralia batsman Usman Labuschagne taking his place Khawaja is “frus- — and his injury meant he also trated” after failing to missed England’s dramatic one- Uconvert a number of starts in win in the third Test at the Ashes series but insists his Headingley that levelled the fi ve- is in a good place as he match Ashes series at 1-1. looks for form in the tour match But star batsman Smith is set against Derbyshire. to make his Test comeback in Khawaja, who will captain next week’s fourth Ashes match Australia in the three-day match at Old Traff ord provided he while regular skipper Tim Paine comes through this three-day takes a break, has failed to score fi xture in Derby unscathed. a half-century in the three Tests There was a worrying moment Australia’s Steve Smith (top) and is averaging 20 in a lean se- for Smith early yesterday when fields during tour match against ries to date. a ball landed just short of him at Derbyshire in Derby, England, The Australia number three second slip and hit him a pain- yesterday. (AFP) is hardly alone in his struggles, ful blow on the hand but the star with only Steve Smith (126.00), batsman shook off the injury. debut next week, taking all the Marnus Labuschagne (71.00) Smith also bowled the last over to fall in a spell of 3-20 and Travis Head (32.00) averag- before lunch, with the occasional from seven overs. ing above 30. spinner’s warm-up sail- Smith, 30, marked his re- “I actually feel really good ing yards wide before he started turn to following a batting,” Khawaja told reporters. the over proper with a friendly 12-month ban that cost him the “I just haven’t made any big full toss. Australia captaincy with scores runs lately, which is obviously Derbyshire were 71-3 at lunch, of 144 and 142 during Australia’s frustrating for me and when you with fast bowler Michael Ne- 251-run win in the series opener look at the team you’d like the ser, not expected to make a Test at Edgbaston. top order to score big runs. “I think we’ve fallen short of that in the top order and I think (England) have, too, in a lot of Sri Lankan ‘mystery spinner’ the games. “I’m actually getting lots of Mendis retires starts, it’s not like I’m in no man’s territory. The most important ri Lanka’s Ajantha thing is to capitalise on the starts, Mendis, who burst on because if you don’t capital- on Paine’s side after they let slip a triggered speculation he might dling the swinging Dukes ball. whatever’s out of our control, Sto the scene as world ise there are always times when commanding position at Leeds. be set to open with David Warn- Khawaja was cagey when just leaving it at that.” cricket’s mystery spinner a you’re going to get out early.” Khawaja will open the batting er in Manchester. asked where he saw himself fi t- Along with Paine, Warner, decade ago, has announced England’s rousing victory at with Marcus Harris, who failed The lefthander has played at ting in at Old Traff ord. middle order batsman Travis his retirement from all formats Headingley levelled the series twice in the one-wicket loss at number three for most of his “I’m not really sure at the Head and Australia’s entire bowl- of the game at the age of 34, at 1-1, raising the stakes ahead Headingley having replaced the 44 Tests but has an impressive moment, because Smithy is in ing attack from Headingley will be the International Cricket Coun- of the penultimate Test at Old out-of-form Cameron Bancroft average of 96.80 from his seven there too, trying to get a game,” rested for the Derby match. cil said on Wednesday. Traff ord. after the second Test. innings as an opener, including he said. Unused left-armer Mitchell Mendis made his debut against As holders of the urn, Australia With Labuschagne expected two centuries. “But at the moment, it’s just Starc and fellow seamer Peter West Indies in a one-dayer need to win only one of the last to be retained for Old Traff ord He has never opened before in about some guys going out Siddle have been picked in Kha- in April 2008 but it was his two Tests in Manchester and at and Smith reinstated after miss- England, however, and his paltry there, playing some cricket, waja’s team, however, and have a remarkable haul of six for 13 The Oval to be sure of retaining ing the last Test with concus- average of 19.66 in six Tests away worrying about this game, get- chance to press for selection at against India in the Asia Cup the Ashes but the pressure is back sion, Khawaja’s promotion has to the hosts suggests trouble han- ting ready for the next game and Old Traff ord. final three months later that turned heads around the world. His trademark “carrom Australia reviewing DRS process aft er Headingley howler: Paine balls” — a disguised legbreak produced by flicking the ball Reuters the fourth Test at Old Traff ord. ously really dejected” in the Paine said there was little he between the thumb and the London Paine, who has worn plenty immediate aftermath at Head- would have changed, though, middle finger — left batsmen of criticism for his ambitious ingley on Sunday but he was barring asking his team to befuddled in the age of video review, said the team were proud at how they had banded take their chances when of- analysis. ustralia are reviewing looking to come up with a together in the days since. fered. Mendis claimed 26 wickets in the way they use crick- better plan for the rest of the “Losses like that can wear “(Stokes) can literally hit the his maiden test series against Aet’s Decision Review series. groups down and break groups ball anywhere he likes on the India, a record for a three- System after blowing their last “We’re trying our best to come apart,” he said. field, so when he’s in and going, match debut rubber, and also referral late in the Headingley up with a system that’s better,” “Really proud of the fact we’ve he’s extremely hard to stop,” went on to become the fastest read his variations. cliff hanger against England, he told Melbourne radio station moved on quickly. We certainly said Paine. player to 50 ODI wickets, tak- He last featured played captain Tim Paine has said. SEN. didn’t paper over the cracks. “In the last two Test matches ing just 19 games. international cricket in 2015 Paine wasted Australia’s last “And we can, I suppose, gather “We know we made some alone, I think Nathan Lyon’s Mendis took seven wickets in a one-dayer against New review on a leg-side lbw appeal information on what diff er- pretty obvious mistakes par- got him out about six or seven in six matches at the 2011 Zealand in Christchurch. against tailender Jack Leach, ent people are seeing on the ticularly in that last hour. We’ve times. We’ve either dropped 50-overs World Cup but soon He finished with 70 wickets in denying spinner Nathan Lyon a field at the time and in that 15 had some pretty honest chats him or the lbws have been lost his spot in the Sri Lanka 19 tests, 152 in 87 ODIs and 66 referral for a much stronger leg seconds try to make a better about that.” given and we haven’t team as batsmen began to in 39 internationals. before shout soon after against decision than what we have Stokes proved a game-changer referred them. Ben Stokes. been doing, but it’s a little bit of at Headingley and Paine came “So, Lyon’s always had some Stokes, who scored an unbeat- trial and error.” seemingly impregnable posi- in for criticism for his field posi- success against him. We’ve just en century, guided England to The wasted review was one of tion to allow England back into tions as the all-rounder blasted got to back him up and grab SELECTION a rousing one-wicket win that a slew of mishaps in the final the series. Australia’s attack to all parts of those chances or learn how to levelled the series 1-1 ahead of hour as Australia gave up a Paine said his team were “obvi- the ground. use the DRS a little better.” Dhoni absent from BOTTOMLINE India’s T20 squad, ‘Best and worst day’ now in past, says Guptill Pandya returns AFP form and ponderous style of bat- Reuters “The ebbs and fl ows of the rounders Mitchell Santner and New Delhi ting at the World Cup in England Colombo, Sri Lanka game made it such a good one Colin de Grandhomme — who and Wales earlier this year. for the spectators. It was just drew the two-match test series. But selectors and pundits unfortunate we came out on the ’s focus over the ormer captain MS Dhoni backed Dhoni to make his own ew Zealand’s Martin other side of it.” next 12 months will be on the was left out of India’s choice as the former captain, an Guptill went through England’s spectators, still shortest form of the game, with Twenty20 squad an- honorary lieutenant colonel in a “the best and worst basking in the euphoria of that the World Twenty20 in Australia nounced yesterday for reserve force, decided to serve in day” of his career dur- victory, did not spare Gup- scheduled for next October and threeF matches against South Af- the military. Ning last month’s Cricket World till as he stayed in the country November. rica. Dhoni gave up Test cricket in Cup fi nal against England but on a short-term contract with The Sri Lanka series, while The 38-year-old Dhoni, who 2014 but remained India’s main- the opening batsman’s focus has Worcestershire to play Twen- not played in conditions they skipped the team’s ongoing tour stay in the limited-overs formats now fi rmly shifted to the World ty20 cricket. will expect in New Zealand or of the West Indies due to military and is often seen as a key aide to Twenty20 in Australia next year. “I got a bit of stick from Australia, would allow the team duty, is not part of the 15-man current skipper Virat Kohli. Guptill was heavily involved in the crowd,” Guptill said of his to get back into the rhythm of squad for the games starting Kohli’s India will also play two pieces of action that defi ned matches in England. “I think it the format, Guptill added. September 15 in Dharamsala. three Test matches against the last month’s World Cup fi nal, was actually even home games I “T20 World Cups are always Fit-again all-rounder Hardik visiting South Africans in Octo- with his throw from the outfi eld got a bit of stick. good fun,” he said. “With it be- Pandya is the only change from ber after the T20 matches. defl ecting off Ben Stokes’ bat for “It’s something you’ve just ing in Australia next year it’s the squad that white-washed the four to give England a valuable got to put up with and move on completely diff erent conditions West Indies in three T20 games SQUAD: Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit six runs and allowing them to tie New Zealand’s Martin Guptill (centre). pretty quickly. I’m here now to what we face at home as well. early this month. Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL the game. with the boys and raring to go.” “It’s going to be nice to start Youngster Rishabh Pant is being Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pan- The 32-year-old Guptill was land eventually won their fi rst eting career,” said Guptill, after For the T20 games, Guptill off our preparation here, playing groomed to take over from Dhoni dey, Rishabh Pant (wkt), Hardik then run out off the fi nal ball of 50-over World Cup by virtue of he joined New Zealand’s squad joined a New Zealand side that in some trying conditions and as the team’s fi rst-choice glove- Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal the super over attempting the having hit the most boundaries. in Sri Lanka for their three- included just four players — then head home with a good fi ve man. Dhoni, who led India to their Pandya, Washington Sundar, second run that would have giv- “I guess you see it as the best match Twenty20 series that bowler and captain Tim South- (match) T20 series against Eng- 2011 World Cup triumph on home Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, en New Zealand the title. Eng- and the worst day of your crick- starts on Sunday in Pallekele. ee, batsman Ross Taylor and all- land to lead off the summer.” soil, faced criticism for his poor Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini Gulf Times Friday, August 30, 2019 5 SPORT

GOLF Scott’s our Ben Stokes: Presidents captain Els AFP unbeaten 135 gave England a Australians Scott, Marc Erik van Rooyen and Branden Sydney stunning victory in last week’s Leishman and Cameron Smith Grace as others on his radar for third Ashes Test against Aus- were among eight automatic captain’s picks, along with Ven- tralia. “He’s got so much to give. qualifi ers and Jason Day is wide- ezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas and kipper Ernie Els said He’s playing in his ninth straight ly expected to be one of Els’ four Canada’s Adam Hadwin. Australian Adam Scott Presidents Cup, so he’s the most captain’s picks. China’s Li Hao- Scott has encouraged Els to could be golf’s answer to capped player in the history of tong, Taiwan’s CT Pan, Mexico’s be a playing captain, a role that cricket hero Ben Stokes the Cup now,” he said. Abraham Ancer, South Africa’s Woods is considering with the asS the Internationals look to turn “He’s going to be front and Louis Oosthuizen and Japan’s United States. But the big South the tables on the United States at centre, one of the leading guys Hideki Matsuyama are the oth- African isn’t keen. the Presidents Cup. on the team.” ers on the team so far. “I mean, Scottie has expressed The South African faces a Els is banking on home fans Els hinted heavily that former quite a strong mention to me daunting task against Tiger to get behind the Internation- world number one Day, who has that I should look at myself as Woods’ US team at Royal Mel- als, with at least three, and likely plunged to 23 in the world after possibly a captain’s pick, but I bourne from December 12-15, four, Australians among his 12- a US PGA Tour season in which keep saying to Scottie, ‘I’ve got a with the Internationals only man team. his best result was tied fourth, lot of other things on my mind,’” winning once before in the “I think it’s very important would be part of the team. he said. “It will be very diffi cult event’s 25-year history. that the crowd understand that “There’s a bit of time to go, for me to be able to play and cap- Els, a big cricket fan, named their home team for the matches but Jason is obviously one of my tain the side. So there’s probably Scott when asked who could step is the International side,” he said favourite guys,” he said. a 99 percent chance I’m not go- up like England’s Stokes, whose on a conference call Wednesday. Els mentioned South Africans ing to play.” Former World No 1 golfer Adam Scott.

MLB FOCUS McIlroy, Fleetwood start strongly in Yanks cap winning European Masters AFP Leading scores Crans-Montana, Switzerland 63-Matthias Schwab (AUT), Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) ory McIlroy backed 64-Mikko Korhonen (FIN), trip with victory at up his FedEx Cup tri- Sebastian Soderberg umph with a strong (SWE), Lorenzo Gagli (ITA) fi rst-round 67 at the 65-David Drysdale, Jamie EuropeanR Masters in Crans- ‘Home runs, they come on their own. That’s the Donaldson, Gavin Green Montana yesterday to sit just (MAL), Guido Migliozzi kind of team we have. We go out to compete, and four shots adrift of early lead- (ITA), Tommy Fleetwood, ers Matthias Schwab and Mike Erik van Rooyen (RSA) we find ourselves hitting homers’ Lorenzo-Vera. 66-Bradley Dredge, Darren Seattle The four-time major winner Fichardt (RSA), Kalle Sa- – who beat world number one mooja (FIN), Wang Jeung- Brooks Koepka and Xander hun (KOR), Nino Bertasio Schauff ele to claim the PGA (ITA), Lee Slattery, Lucas Tour’s Tour Championship Bjerregaard (DEN), Wade and the $15mn points list Ormsby (AUS), Sergio bonus at East Lake last Garcia (ESP), Adri Arnaus weekend – fi red a three-under (ESP), Hideto Tanihara round. (JPN) Northern Ireland’s McIlroy mixed three birdies with as Selected others many bogeys on the opening 67-Rory McIlroy, Lee day in Switzerland as he re- Westwood, Thomas Pieters turned to Europe for the fi rst (BEL), Luke Donald, Miguel time since missing the cut in Angel Jimenez (ESP) his home British Open at Royal 69-Danny Willett, Matthew Portrush last month. Fitzpatrick. But he reeled off three bird- ies in his last fi ve holes, in- cluding on the 18th. tour.com “I grew up in the England’s Tommy Fleet- mountains and still live there. wood, who also played the I like being here, I like the Tour Championship in the US, mountains.” carded a fi ve-under back nine Lorenzo-Vera, the world of 30 en route to an impressive number 100, made a double- 65. Former winner Sergio Gar- bogey on the fourth hole but cia is also poised for a possible hit back in stunning style as an weekend charge following a eagle and four birdies saw him 66. home in just 29. But Austria’s Schwab and “I’m very happy because Frenchman Lorenzo-Vera lead I just had fi ve weeks off ,” he the way at seven-under par said. “It was a stressful fi ve after coping best with the high weeks with a wedding and altitude. moving plus two kids. I man- “It reminds me of home a aged to bring the head together lot,” Schwab told european- pretty well today.”

New York Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of their MLB game at T-Mobile Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Reuters RESULTS Later in the inning, DJ LeMahieu added an gle, and then George Springer followed Seattle RBI single that knocked out Sheffi eld be- with a bloop single that just eluded Rays Yankees 7-3 Mariners fore Judge hit his 18th homer. second baseman Eric Sogard in shallow Astros 8-6 Rays LeMahieu also hit a solo homer in the right-center fi eld, allowing Maldonado ames Paxton and three relievers ninth as the Yankees ended the trip with to score. Marisnick then scored from sec- Dodgers 6-4 Padres combined on a three-hitter, Aaron 18 homers in the last six games. ond when Sogard followed with an errant Judge continued his tear by hit- Brewers 4-1 Cardinals New York also became the eighth team throw while attempting to complete a ting a two-run homer in the fi fth Twins 8-2 White Sox to hit at least 250 homers in a season - a double play on Jose Altuve. inning,J and the New York Yankees ended list that also includes the 2019 Minnesota Cole pitched splendidly aside from his Indians 4-2 Tigers their nine-game West Coast road trip Twins. struggles with Rays fi rst baseman Ji-Man with a 7-3 victory over the Seattle Mari- Cubs 10-7 Mets Sheffi eld, who was dealt by the Yankees Choi. He matched his season high with 14 ners on Wednesday afternoon. Royals 6-4 Athletics for Paxton, allowed fi ve runs on six hits in strikeouts and set a franchise record with The Yankees, who hit four homers Braves 9-4 Blue Jays 4 1/3 innings in his second career start. He his 15th double-digit strikeout game of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy reacts after playing a shot during Wednesday, ended their trip at 5-4. They struck out fi ve, walked none and retired 2019, eclipsing the mark set by J.R. Rich- the first round of the European Masters in Crans-Montana won the fi nal four games and fi ve of the Nationals 8-4 Orioles nine straight before Ford went deep. ard in 1978 and matched by Richard the yesterday. (AFP) last six after starting the trip with three Phillies 12-3 Pirates following campaign. straight losses in Oakland last week. Red Sox 7-4 Rockies ASTROS RALLY TO KNOCK OFF RAYS But Cole surrendered four runs on six Paxton (11-6) started against the Mari- Jake Marisnick capped a wacky seventh hits over 6 2/3 innings after allowing just Redskins president expects OT Williams to return ners for the fi rst time since being dealt Reds 5-0 Marlins inning by scoring on a throwing error as six earned runs over his previous six starts from Seattle to New York in November, Rangers 3-0 Angels the host Houston Astros rallied for an combined. Choi went 2-for-2 with a walk, Washington Redskins holdout the Redskins’ medical staff and he won his sixth consecutive start. In 8-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on a double and a two-run home run against Trent Williams has shown after a tumour scare earlier fi ve innings, he allowed just one hit and the game tied by getting Moore on a lin- Wednesday. Houston scored three times Cole to almost singlehandedly keep Tam- no signs of returning to the this off season. The 31-year- two runs, both on Kyle Seager’s home run eout to centerfi eld on the fi rst pitch. in the seventh off Rays right-hander Di- pa Bay afl oat. team, but team president old is also said to want an with two outs in the fourth. Judge hit his fi fth homer in six games ego Castillo (2-8), erasing a 4-3 defi cit After Cole returned for the seventh in- Bruce Allen said he still thinks “alteration” to his contract. Paxton struck out four, walked fi ve and and sixth on the trip when he drove a 2-2 and taking Astros right-hander Gerrit ning, Rays third baseman Joey Wendle it will happen. Asked if he NBC Sports Washington threw 86 pitches. Chad Green pitched two slider from Matt Wisler into the left fi eld Cole off the hook for what would have greeted him with a leadoff triple. Wendle expects the stalwart left reported earlier this month hitless innings, Adam Ottavino ended the seats to put New York up 6-2 in the fi fth been his fi rst loss since late May. later scored when Jesus Aguilar bounced tackle to come back, Allen that Williams was adamant eighth by getting a double play, and Cory inning. Gary Sanchez reached 30 homers The bizarre sequence of events began an RBI single past the drawn-in infi eld to told Washington, D.C., televi- about wanting to be traded Gearrin fi nished up in the ninth after al- for the second time in his career with a when Yuli Gurriel, who opened the inning give Tampa Bay a 4-3 lead. Willy Adames sion station WRC, “Well I think or released, quoting a source lowing two hits, including an RBI single by two-run homer in the fi rst inning off Jus- with a walk, was nearly picked off fi rst slugged a two-run homer, his 17th, off As- Trent is going to play football, saying, “He’s not coming Dylan Moore. tus Sheffi eld (0-1). base by Castillo. A three-minute replay tros closer Roberto Osuna in the ninth. yes. ... I don’t see Trent retir- back. Period.” Paxton sailed through three hitless “Home runs, they come on their own. review ensured before the safe call was Houston rallied from a 3-0 defi cit ing.” When asked if Williams’ Williams has been with the innings before losing the strike zone in That’s the kind of team we have. We go out upheld. against Rays left-hander Ryan Yarbrough return could be in some other Redskins since 2010, when the fourth. He allowed four walks plus to compete, and we fi nd ourselves hitting On the next pitch, Aledmys Diaz lined in the fourth when Alex Bregman lined an uniform, Allen didn’t mince they took him fourth overall Seager’s homer over the right-centerfi eld homers,” said Sanchez, the fi rst catcher to a double into the left fi eld corner that RBI single that scored Altuve, and then words. “No. It’ll be with us.” in the NFL draft. He has two fence on a 1-0 cutter. After Seager’s 18th enjoy multiple 30-homer seasons since scored Gurriel, who was running on the Gurriel smacked his 27th home run. Williams, who has reached years left on the five-year, $66 homer, Paxton issued four-pitch walks to the Braves’ Javy Lopez in 1998 and 2003. pitch. Diaz was erased attempting to ad- Will Harris (4-1) earned the victory in seven consecutive Pro Bowls, million contract extension he Tom Murphy and Daniel Vogelbach sand- New York rookie Mike Ford hit a tie- vance to third on a Martin Maldonado relief of Cole with 1 1/3 perfect innings is reportedly unhappy with signed in 2015. wiched around a wild pitch. Paxton kept breaking solo homer to lead off the fifth. bunt. Marisnick hit an opposite-fi eld sin- and three strikeouts. Gulf Times 6 Friday, August 30, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Pacifi c nations back in spotlight ‘Moment of truth’ – but age-old problems remain

Reuters Super-fi t Japan aim Wellington asifi ka rugby will be thrust into spotlight this ‘The team has set a goal of making weekend with a double header involving Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in Auckland but age-old the top eight for the first time in problems continue to haunt them ahead of the PRugby World Cup, starting next month. the history of Japanese rugby’ Samoa will play an invitational side comprised of high at WCup players from New Zealand’s amateur ‘Heartland’ pro- vincial competition before Fiji and Tonga follow them onto Eden Park on Saturday (kickoff 0430 GMT). It will be Fiji’s last warmup match ahead of the World Cup, although Tonga will face the All Blacks in Ham- ilton on September 7 while Samoa play the Wallabies in Sydney on the same day. Problems with player avail- ability, funding and inequity of resources, however, have reared up their head again with Samoa and Tonga unable to select players for the World Cup due to their clubs exerting pressure on them. Samoa coach Steve Jackson told TVNZ earlier this month that one player had arrived in camp ahead of this year’s Pacifi c Nations Cup and then left within two hours after being off ered a club contract. “I understand that,” Jackson told TVNZ. “I support every decision an individual makes, because he has to do what is best for himself and his family.” Pacifi c Rugby Players union chief executive Aayden Clarke, however, said he had heard of clubs placing players under almost daily pressure to not play at the World Cup, which was not the best preparation for them ahead of the global showpiece. “I’m saying to ‘do the players re- ally need to go through the duress to get to the World Cup?’” Clarke told Reuters. “It’s a shocker.” All three Pacifi c nations have continued to struggle fi nancially even after disbursements from World Rugby for development programmes and World Cup prepara- tions.Local media in Samoa organised a fundraising drive to help pay for the team’s training camps, where the players are paid about NZ$100 (about $64) a day. “I think our entire weekly salary is the same as what one England player gets,” Jackson said. “They don’t come here to play for money. They play for the jersey. As a coach I can’t coach that. I can’t coach that hunger.” The local community’s support during the fundrais- ing drive was not lost on the players. “That’s how much rugby means to the people of Samoa,” loose forward Jack Lam told TVNZ. “The Samoan team is the people’s team. They could be eating bread for a week because they want to see us on the international stage.”

Injury setback for Wallabies Japan’s rugby team head coach takes part in a press conference to announce the 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo yesterday. Japan will face Ireland, Russia, Samoa World Cup hope Petaia and Scotland in the pool stage of the tournament kicking off on September 20. (AFP) Dynamic young Wallabies back Jordan Petaia has been AFP upon us shortly. Our game is based where they beat Fiji (34-21), Tonga who selected 15 foreign-born play- proposition. sent home early from a training camp after picking up Tokyo around speed, skill and structure,” (41-7) and the United States (34- ers among his World Cup squad. “That’s helped toughen up the an injury and will miss their final World Cup warm-up added the former All Black, whose 20). Leitch’s return from a lengthy “There’s a reputation now that players. I can confi dently say we are Test against Samoa, off icials said. team limbers up for the World injury lay-off also gives Japan a the Japanese play a good brand of one team as we go into the World The uncapped but highly-rated 19-year-old was a apan coach Jamie Joseph Cup with a “must-perform” Test timely lift as they look to go one rugby.” Cup.” surprise inclusion in Michael Cheika’s 31-man squad for promised the hosts would against two-time champions South further than at the last World Cup. “I’m a diff erent bloke than Ed- the tournament in Japan, starting next month. “give 150 percent” to hit their Africa next week. “We were incredibly relieved he die,” said Joseph. SQUAD But he tweaked a hamstring attempting a diving tackle target of reaching the Rugby “But the key diff erence this year got through the Pacifi c Nations,” “Eddie was a great coach for Ja- Forwards (18) during training in New Caledonia this week, ruling WorldJ Cup quarter-fi nals after is we are fi t enough now to play that said Joseph. pan and is for England but he’s been K eita Inagaki, Yusuke Kizu, Koo Ji- him out of the clash against Samoa in Sydney on naming his 31-man squad yesterday. game. We’re training at a level of “He’s got a separation of the pel- very generous sharing his knowl- won, Isileli Nakajima, Asaeli Ai Valu, September 7, Rugby Australia said on its website late The Brave Blossoms will be at intensity that’s 25 percent higher vis which hasn’t gone away – he’s edge with me – he still has a soft Takuya Kitade, Atsushi Sakata, Wednesday. full strength when they face Russia than our matches - I think that’s just battling through it. Most days spot for Japan.” , Luke Thompson, Media reports said the injury was not serious, but it is in the tournament’s curtain-raiser our key weapon.” he’s in a level of pain he’s not used Joseph insisted Japan would fear Wimpie van der Walt, , another cruel blow for the teenager who also suff ered in Tokyo on September 20 after Japan famously won three games to but he’s a tough guy.” no team at the World Cup. James Moore, , Yos- hamstring problems days out from what would have talismanic captain at the 2015 World Cup under Eddie Joseph has consistently been “I believe we have improved,” he hitaka Tokunaga, Michael Leitch been his Wallabies debut against Italy last November. returned from injury at the recent Jones, including an astonishing 34- compared to his predecessor Jones said. “When I arrived in Japan the (captain), Pieter Labuschagne, Petaia, who can play from the wing or outside centre, Pacifi c Nations Cup. 32 victory over the Springboks. since taking over from the Austral- question was thrown at me how I , then missed much of the season with a “The team has set a goal of mak- Currently ranked ninth in the ian. But the 49-year-old warned could take the team to the next level Backs (13) foot injury, making his inclusion by Cheika a gamble. ing the top eight for the fi rst time world after capturing their third that Japan, once the whipping boys after the success Eddie had. Kaito Shigeno, , The Queenslander is the only uncapped player in in the history of Japanese rugby,” Pacifi c Nations title, the Japanese of the Rugby World Cup, could no “Four years later we have played , , Rikiya Australia’s World Cup squad. Joseph told reporters. “The staff also take on Ireland, Scotland and longer fl y under the radar after every tier-one team and had four Matsuda, , Ataata In Japan, they face a tough Pool D that includes world and players will give 150 percent – Samoa in Pool A as they target a their shock over South Africa four seasons of Super Rugby,” he added, Moeakiola, , Wil- number one Wales, Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay. They we’re under no illusions how dif- place in the knockout stage for the years ago. noting how his side’s “winning liam Tupou, Ryoto Nakamura, open their campaign against Fiji in Sapporo on Sep- fi cult that is but it’s defi nitely our fi rst time. They will be boosted by “I’m not sure we can sneak up on mentality” and home advantage , Kotaro Matsu- tember 21. goal. The moment of truth will be their success at the Pacifi c Nations, a team anymore,” smiled Joseph, would make Japan a dangerous shima, .

FOCUS CYCLING/ VUELTA A ESPANA Herrada wins sixth Coach Schmidt defends Best as stage, Teuns in lead

AFP Ireland, Wales make big changes Ares del Maestrat, Spain AFP Fullback Hallam Amos, cen- and – with a number of posi- esus Herrada won yes- London tre Scott Williams, fl y-half Jar- tions still up for grabs – it will be terday’s crash-marred rod Evans and hooker Ryan Elias a huge game.” sixth stage of the Vuelta have all been given a chance to a Espana with Belgian reland head coach Joe prove their worth ahead of Gat- SQUADS DylanJ Teuns inheriting the Schmidt responded to a land announcing his 31-man Wales (15-1) leader’s red jersey. record 57-15 loss to England World Cup squad on Sunday. Hallam Amos; Owen Lane, Scott Ireland’s Nicolas Roche, at Twickenham by making The 21-year-old Carre is re- Williams, Owen Watkin, Steff who topped the general clas- I12 changes to his side for tomor- garded as one of the most prom- sifi cations earlier in the week, Evans; Jarrod Evans, Aled Dav- row’s World Cup warm-up clash ising young platers in the game ies; Josh Navidi (capt), James and Rigoberto Uran, were two against Wales in Cardiff . and was signed by English and Davies, Aaron Shingler; Bradley high-profi le casualties of the However, Schmidt branded European champions Saracens Davies, Adam Beard; Samson pile-up in the peloton at the the criticism of veteran captain from Cardiff earlier this year. Lee, Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre 105-kilometre mark. Rory Best as “unfair” and added Saturday’s match will be Gat- Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rob Uran’s Education First the Ulster hooker to the bench land’s last home match in charge Evans, Leon Brown, Jake Ball, teammate Hugh Carthy and David de la Cruz moved up to for this weekend at his request. of Wales before the New Zea- Ross Moriarty, Tomos Williams, home hope Victor de la Parte second in the overall standings Best and prop Tadhg Fur- lander steps down after Japan Rhys Patchell, Jonah Holmes were also forced to retire. with a trio of title contenders long were due to be rested, but 2019. “It is a great opportunity Ireland (15-1) Herrada and Teuns fought Primoz Roglic, Nairo Quintana Schmidt admitted both asked Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt. for Rhys and Owen,” said Gat- Will Addison; Andrew Conway, out the fi nish at Ares del and Alejandro Valverde all still for extra game time to push land after announcing his team Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Maestrat, the Valencian vil- well-placed. themselves back up to top match That can springboard them into time to be fi t for the start of the on Thursday. Stockdale; Jack Carty, Kieran lage perched 1,195m above sea Teuns, who won a key stage sharpness. next week and beyond if they World Cup. “They have worked hard all Marmion; Jack Conan, Peter level, at the conclusion of the in this year’s Tour de France, “They were very keen to get are selected. “Rory felt he was summer to get to this point, so it O’Mahony (capt), Tadhg Beirne; 199km ride from Mora de Ru- was showing no ill eff ects from a back in and get back involved, underdone, and didn’t have the ‘SO MUCH AT STAKE’ will be good for them to get their James Ryan, Iain Henderson; bielos. freak accident at the start of the they felt they were just a bit off energy in his legs.” Wales coach Warren Gatland has fi rst international caps and put John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Dave Teuns prised the red jersey month. last week,” said Schmidt. “They Johnny Sexton again misses made 14 changes to the team that their hands up for RWC (Rugby Kilcoyne from Miguel Angel Lopez, the The 27-year-old required 15 felt that it would help them in out as Jack Carty starts at fl y- beat England 13-6 at the Princi- World Cup) selection after the Replacements: Rory Best, Colombian who was unable to stitches after hitting his fore- their preparation if they got a lit- half with a big opportunity to pality Stadium on August 17 to match.” Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, keep tabs with the stage’s main head on the steering wheel of tle bit more time this week. push ahead of Ross Byrne as move to world number one, with The former Ireland coach Devin Toner, Jordi Murphy, Luke protagonists and dropped to a tractor while gardening at “We’re looking at them get- back-up to Sexton and Joey Car- wing Owen Lane and prop Rhys added: “There is so much at McGrath, Garry Ringrose, Dave third overall. his home in Halen, forcing him to ting 25 to 30 minutes as the plan. bery, who faces a race against Carre making their debuts. stake in terms of RWC selection Kearney. Herrada’s fellow Spaniard miss the San Sebastian Classic. Gulf Times Friday, August 30, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

FOCUS UPDATE Four uncapped players in Southgate’s England squad Lewandowski extends England manager Gareth Southgate has called up four uncapped players into his squad for September’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bayern deal to 2023 Bulgaria and Kosovo. Manchester United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, centre half Tyrone UEFA player Mings of Aston Villa and midfielders James Reuters Berlin Maddison of Leicester City and Chelsea’s Mason Mount all have a chance of making their debuts. There are recalls to the squad ayern Munich striker Rob- for right-back Kieran Trippier, who recently ert Lewandowski signed moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico a two-year contract exten- Madrid, Spurs midfielder Harry Winks and honours sion yesterday that will Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. There is keepB him with the German champi- no place in the squad however for Manchester ons until 2023. City full back Kyle Walker. “We only have eight The Poland forward, who has net- matches before I’ve got to name the squad for ted all fi ve of Bayern’s league goals the European Championships. September is al- this season, has scored 197 goals ways a diff icult squad to name because of the in 246 matches in all competitions limited games at club level,” Southgate said. since joining from Borussia Dort- “Fitness and the importance of it has dictated for Van Dijk mund in 2014. some of the squad as has some of the exciting He is third on the club’s list of all- another two Bundesliga trophies young players we want to look at and get time scorers behind Gerd Mueller with Borussia Dortmund before involved.” England face Bulgaria at Wembley (398) and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge moving to Munich. on September 7 and Kosovo at Southampton’s (217) and has already become the He has also been the league’s top St Mary’s stadium three days later. Bundesliga’s all-time best foreign scorer in four of the last six seasons, scorer with 207 league goals (for including the last two. Laporte included in France and Bronze Bayern and Dortmund combined). “Robert is in my opinion the “Bayern has become my sporting world’s best centre forward and for squad for Euro qualifi ers home,” the 31-year-old said in a club years has been a pillar in our team,” Van Dijk is the first defender to win the award; statement. said club CEO Rummenigge. France coach Didier Deschamps has included “I am convinced that we can “That is why we are delighted Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte Lyon’s Lucy Bronze picked up the women’s award achieve a lot in the coming years. that he will keep playing for Bay- in his squad announced yesterday for next Bayern are one of the three biggest ern a long time. We are certain that month’s Euro 2020 qualifying double header clubs in the world and have a superb with Robert we can achieve our high against Albania and Andorra. Laporte, 25, was squad. I am proud to be a part of this goals in the coming years.” last called up to a squad in March 2017 but has club.” The Bavarians, who have won the never been capped by France at full interna- Lewandowski has won fi ve league last seven league titles, are on four tional level. This time he has been preferred to titles with Bayern as well as two points from two games in the Bun- Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti, meaning there is German Cups and he has also won desliga this season. a total of 10 players in the squad who did not take part in France’s triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign. There is also a first call-up for UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE the 21-year-old Lille forward Jonathan Ikone, who is included thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s absence with a hamstring injury. France are top of Euro 2020 qualifying Group H with nine Ajax, Bruges, Slavia points from four games, although they are ahead of both Turkey and Iceland only on goal diff erence. The World Cup holders welcome make group stage Albania to the Stade de France on September 7 and then entertain Andorra at the same Reuters win the two-legged tie 2-0. venue three days later. Amsterdam Defender Jan Boril scored for Czech champions Slavia Prague to Kroos back in Germany give them a 1-0 home win over Cluj goal by midfi elder Edson and a 2-0 aggregate victory to make squad for qualifi ers Alvarez on his fi rst start the group stage of the Champions and a brilliant strike by League for the fi rst time in 12 years. Dusan Tadic fi red Ajax Midfi elder Hans Vanaken put AmsterdamA into the Champions Belgian side Bruges on course for League group stage as they beat the group stage with a goal in the Apoel Nicosia of Cyprus 2-0 on 70th minute but LASK Linz hauled Wednesday following a scoreless themselves back into the tie with a draw last week. penalty 16 minutes from time. They will be joined by Club Brug- A red card for central defender es, who beat Austrian side LASK Gernot Trauner ended their spirited Linz 3-1 on aggregate, and Slavia fi ghtback, however, and Emmanuel (From left) Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Dutch defender Virgil van Prague, who claimed a second 1-0 Dennis sent Bruges through with an Dijk, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Argentinian forward Lionel Messi pose with their respective victory over CFR Cluj of Romania to 89th-minute goal. trophy in Monaco yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters before heading to the Premier rious because we’ve shared the LIGUE 1 Monaco League, where he helped Liv- stage here for 15 years. Of course, erpool to runners-up spot last we have a good relationship. We Midfielder Toni Kroos was named in the season as well as a Champions have not yet had dinner but it is Germany squad yesterday for their upcoming iverpool’s Dutch Cham- League triumph over Tottenham nice. We push each other and it’s Marseille win at Nice Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Netherlands pions League-winning Hotspur. good to be part of the history of and Northern Ireland, with Emre Can and goal- defender Virgil van Dijk “It’s been a long road but that’s football,” he said. keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also making a was named UEFA’s Men’s part of my journey, it’s part of who Bronze, the former Manchester fi rst under AVB return to the national team. Kroos had missed LPlayer of the Year yesterday with I am. I needed it like this, I’m not City attacking fullback, enjoyed their most recent internationals in June with England and Olympique Lyonnais a player who was 18 years old and a successful season, winning the AFP matches, but the clash was domi- a muscle injury while fellow midfielder Can defender Lucy Bronze picking up had that rise straight away. I had Champions League with Lyon and Paris nated by the over 10-minute sus- last made the squad in October 2018 while the women’s award. to work hard for every step of the reaching the World Cup semi-fi nal pension ordered by match offi cials Ter Stegen had been nursing a knee injury. Van Dijk is the fi rst defender to way — that’s part of me and I’m with England. as part of a crackdown on off ensive The Germans, looking to bounce back from win the award, beating Cristiano very happy about that,” said the She fi nished ahead of club team- arseille won their fi rst chanting from French football au- an abysmal 2018 that saw them knocked out Ronaldo of Juventus and Barce- Dutchman. mates Ada Hegerberg of Norway match under new coach thorities. of the World Cup in the group stage and then lona’s Lionel Messi who have won “I’m very proud to get this tro- and Amandine Henry of France. Andre Villas-Boas on Villas-Boas said referee Clem- relegated from the inaugural Nations League, the award, established in 2010, phy and it’s all credit to everyone “I’m ecstatic and super hum- Wednesday thanks to a ent Turpin “did the right thing in host the Dutch on September 6 in Ham- fi ve-times between them. that’s helped me along the way.” bled to have won the award up M2-1 derby win at Nice in a match that stopping the match” adding that burg. They then travel to Belfast to face the The 28-year-old Netherlands Van Dijk had earlier picked up against two fantastic players who I was suspended in the fi rst half fol- the abuse was “above all a societal Northern Irish three days later. Germany are centre back has transformed Liv- the Champions League Defender know really well at Lyon; two great lowing abuse from the home side’s problem”, while Nice coach Patrick currently in second place of their Euro 2020 erpool’s defence since joining of the Season award. girls, great players. hardcore supporters. Vieira said that he was “absolutely qualifying group on nine points from three them from Southampton in Janu- Ronaldo and Messi, who have “I want to say huge thanks to Dimitri Payet moved his side up right to interrupt” proceedings. matches, including a win away against the ary, 2018 for a then world record dominated the game’s individual the Lionesses, the England team. to 13th on four points with a spot- French equalities minister Marlene Dutch. Northern Ireland have 12 points, having fee of 75mn pounds ($92.08mn) awards for the past decade, sat We had a great summer and I don’t kick with 17 minutes remaining af- Schiappa also congratulated on Twit- played one game more. for a defender with his physical next to each other at the UEFA think I would have won this award ter Nice midfi elder Wylan Cyprien ter Turpin’s “respect for football”. presence and superb reading of event and Ronaldo refl ected on no if it wasn’t for them,” she said. had levelled Dario Benedetto’s fi rst Earlier, Nigerian starlet Vic- Ex-South American the game. longer being in direct competition Following are the award winners Marseille goal with his own penalty. tor Osimhen shot a brace that took Van Dijk began his career in his with the Argentine in the Spanish who were honoured by UEFA dur- The France international’s strike him to the top of the Ligue 1 scoring football boss dies homeland with Groningen and league. ing the Champions League draw in also ended Nice’s brief perfect start charts as Lille cruised to a simple moved to Scottish club Celtic “It was a special year. I was cu- Monaco. in the new season’s third round of 3-0 win over Saint-Etienne. Former South American football chief Nicolas Leoz, a key suspect in the huge FIFA corrup- tion scandal investigated by the US Justice SPOTLIGHT Department, has died aged 90 in Asuncion, medical sources said. The United States had sought to extradite the Paraguayan — one of the most powerful men in South American football — to face trial over alleged brib- ery and money laundering but his lawyers North London derby an ideal test for frustrated all attempts to do so, citing his frail health. He died of heart failure in hospital on Wednesday, medical sources and local media reported in Paraguay. Leoz had been under house arrest in Asuncion in connection with Arsenal aft er Liverpool, says Emery the scandal and was suspected of receiving millions of dollars in bribes in exchange for Reuters ers. “I think it’s the best test and ting better and feeling better with marketing and TV rights for games. London every time is a good moment to play his ankle, it’s very positive. against them. “With Pepe, he came here later Southampton’s injured “Intensity is very important. than the others but he is getting and laying last season’s Cham- They’re going to try and play with feeling better in each match. Au- trio to miss Man United pions League fi nalists in identity and we need to impose our bameyang is very important for us... game: Hasenhuettl back-to-back Premier game plan against them knowing it’s The most important thing for me is League games is the “best going to be diffi cult. to have chances and we can score Southampton will be without key players Ptest” Arsenal could have asked for, “We need to look at our position with diff erent players.” Nathan Redmond, Moussa Djenepo and manager Unai Emery said yester- defensively and off ensively. Above Emery confi rmed left back Nacho Michael Obafemi after the trio suff ered injuries day ahead of the weekend’s north all, we need to play each ball, each Monreal might be a late departure in their 1-0 League Cup win over Fulham, man- London derby against Tottenham metre, each minute with that in- before the European transfer win- ager Ralph Hasenhuettl said yesterday. Red- Hotspur. tensity. After, we need to be clever dow closes on Sept. 2 but dismissed mond appeared to fall awkwardly on his ankle Arsenal lost 3-1 to European when we have the ball and are in suggestions that midfi elder Mesut during the second half at Craven Cottage champions Liverpool in a top-of- good situations.” Ozil would be sold. on Tuesday and needed to be helped off the the-table clash last weekend and Emery is yet to start Pierre- “No, we are not speaking about pitch by medical staff . Hasenhuettl confirmed they host Spurs on Sunday, a team Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre the possibility for Mesut to leave,” Redmond, who played every league game last that has won only once in the Pre- Lacazette and new recruit Nico- Emery said. “This week he’s train- season and was involved in 10 goals, would be mier League at the Emirates Sta- las Pepe up front together and the ing well and progressing physically sidelined for at least a couple of weeks. Hasen- dium. Spaniard said they might not be de- better and training with normal huettl also said that midfielder Mario Lemina “Matches like last week against ployed together this weekend. work for us. He’s going to be... avail- could leave the club before the European Liverpool, this week against Tot- “My decision in each moment is able for Sunday I think. transfer window closes on Sept. 2. Southamp- tenham, they are two teams who thinking about how we are,” Emery “We cannot sign another player but ton, who have lost two of their three league played the Champions League fi nal. added. “With Lacazette, he had a we have some players with the possi- games this season, are 18th in the standings. It’s amazing,” Emery told report- problem with his ankle... He’s get- bility to leave in the next four days.”

Friday, August 30, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

TOP OF THE LINE Al Sadd reveal new team shirt in Qatar Airways hangar By Sports Reporter – before engaging in a fast-paced and dedication that exists within also for the new season ahead.” Doha ‘kick about’ refereed by baton- our nation’s footballing commu- The 2019 16th FIFA Club World holding Aircraft Marshalls, and nity, and I cannot think of a more Cup is a tournament will feature fi nally revealing the new-look appropriate setting than the im- appearances from the winners of atar Airways and Al kit. pressive surroundings of Qatar six continental confederations, Sadd SC proudly un- Qatar Airways Group Chief Airways’ world-class, state-of- as well as the host nation’s league veiled the latest team Executive HE Akbar al-Baker the-art aircraft hangar.” champions, and kicks-off at Al shirt in an exciting new said, “We are extremely proud of Qatar Airways Senior Vice Sadd stadium on December 11. videoQ fi lmed inside the airline’s our airline’s extensive sporting President Marketing & Corpo- European champions Liverpool ultramodern hangar at Hamad partnership portfolio, particu- rate Communications Salam al- and CONCACAF champions CF International Airport (HIA). larly our links to FIFA and foot- Shawa said, “As the multi award- Monterrey are among the high As the Main Partner since 2017, ball. winning national carrier for the profi le teams already confi rmed the iconic Qatar Airways Oryx “We are also excited that fans State of Qatar, the opportunity to be taking part. logo features prominently across from across the world will soon to work in partnership with the Qatar Airways’ partnership the front of the updated Al Sadd be able to see the new-look Al country’s most successful foot- with Al Sadd SC is one of many shirt in the one-minute video, Sadd jersey when the players take ball club is an incredible honour. similar agreements with top- which captures the excitement to the pitch as the home team at “The new video is our way of name football clubs around the of the beautiful game against the the FIFA Club World Cup in De- showcasing Qatar Airways’ com- world, including German Bun- backdrop of the airline’s vast air- cember. mitment to this much-loved lo- desliga giants Bayern Munich, craft maintenance facility. “This tournament will be the cal team, who will carry our logo much-loved Italian club AS Al Sadd players, including Qa- ideal opportunity for both the in pride of place on the front of Roma, Argentinian team Boca tar national squad captain Has- State of Qatar and Qatar Airways the squad shirt for the second Juniors and Belgian side KAS san al-Haydos, are seen entering to showcase its commitment year running. Eupen. In addition to this, the the impressive 150,000 square to the sport in front of millions “It is also an opportunity for us airline is the Offi cial Partner and metre hangar building – one of of fans ahead of the 2022 FIFA to involve our extensive network Offi cial Airline of FIFA, as well the largest, most advanced in the World Cup. in motivating fans to support and as Offi cial Global Airline Partner aviation industry, with enough “In the meantime we hope encourage the team both for their of the South American Football room to accommodate 13 air- that this video helps to show the upcoming appearance in the FIFA Confederation (CONMEBOL) craft of diff erent confi gurations world a taste of the passion, skill Club World Cup tournament, and until 2022.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QFA holds security meeting for China 2023 Qualifi ers

QNA stressed on the importance Doha of co-operating with security personnel to ensure the good Barca handed tough organisation of both matches. he security meeting Gate 3 will be for VIPs. While for the Qatari national gates 4 and 5 will be for me- Tteam’s matches in the dia personalities and services World Cup qualifiers (Qatar respectively. Gate 2 will be 2022) and the Asian Cup (Chi- for families, while gates 3 na 2023) was held yesterday through 8 will be for Qatari morning at the headquarters fans. Gate number 9 will be draw as Liverpool of Qatar Football Association reserved for the Indian and (QFA). The team will first face Afghani fans. Afghanistan on September 5, There are three price catego- then will meet India five days ries listed for the two matches. later. The two matches will Category A, B, and C will sell both take place at 7:30pm local for QR50, QR20, and QR10 time at the Jassim Bin Hamad respectively. stadium at Al Sadd SC. The Afghan team will arrive in face Napoli again The meeting finalised the Doha on September 1, while agreement on all matters the Indian team will arrive six related to the organisation of days later. The press confer- Zidane’s Real Madrid renew acquaintances with Paris Saint-Germain in Group A the two matches, with the fans ence for the first match will free to enter the stadium two take place on September 4 at AFP hours before the match. They Al Sadd SC. Monaco Klopp expects no easy ride in Champions League defence arcelona will have to SPOTLIGHT come through a group containing both Borus- sia Dortmund and In- terB Milan after the three former Neymar trains amid winners all came out together in yesterday’s UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Mo- reports of Barca deal naco, while holders Liverpool will face Napoli again. Barcelona, Dortmund and but out of PSG’s next Inter, with nine European Cups between them, were drawn to- gether in Group F along with the Czech champions Slavia Prague. Beaten by Liverpool in the semi-fi nals last season, Lionel Messi and Barcelona remain fa- vourites to advance as they seek a fi rst Champions League crown since 2015. Dortmund won the trophy in 1997 and lost in the fi nal in 2013. Now coached by Antonio Conte, Inter beat Barcelona in the semi- fi nals en route to winning the most recent of their three titles Reuters not too sure it will,” the German Borussia Dortmund — con- they bid for a seventh Euro- in 2010. Monaco coach told British media. vinced Klopp there was no pean crown. Liverpool advanced from “We have the same chance like need to change the format of While Juventus, Barcelona, PSG their group at the expense of everyone else, but that is all, the competition when the cur- and Dortmund looked to fine- Napoli last season on the way to uergen Klopp thinks and I don’t see us, the English rent cycle ends in 2024. tune their squads in the transfer lifting their sixth European Cup Liverpool face a daunting teams, dominating. I really “I don’t think there was ever a market, Real Madrid and Bayern in Madrid, and Carlo Ancelotti’s Jtask in their bid to retain think a lot of teams have a stronger Pot Two. It is just crazy,” have recruited heavily. side now have a chance to gain the Champions League title this good chance.” the German added. “They should “Look at the squad Borussia revenge. season given the “crazy” depth Liverpool were among the top all be in Pot One, but there is not Dortmund has and tell me we Both clubs will be fancied to of quality in the competition. seeds in Pot One along with enough space there. are stronger than them. That is progress from Group E, which is Klopp has led Liverpool to Chelsea, Barcelona, Manches- “I don’t think there was ever a incredible,” Klopp added. completed by Austrian champi- back-to-back Champions ter City, Juventus, Bayern Mu- stronger Pot Three. If people “There are a lot of quality ons Salzburg and Genk, the Bel- League finals but is adamant nich, Paris St Germain and Zenit really think about this kind of teams: Juventus will be there, gian title-holders. that their impressive recent St Petersburg for the Champi- Super League, then you don’t PSG will be there. Real Madrid? Liverpool are hoping to return track record does not make ons League group stage draw, need it. That’s it. Then Pot Four Do you think they gave up to this year’s fi nal which will be them the title favourites. which took place yesterday. you can get RB Leipzig — wow!” already? Bayern Munich now played in Istanbul, where they “I will have no problem with it The quality of teams in the Klopp expects Liverpool to finally brought in (Ivan) Perisic won their fi fth title back in 2005. (reaching the final) if it happens second pot — which included face stiff competition from a and (Philippe) Coutinho which After losing in last season’s again, but at this moment I am Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, number of heavyweights as is a big boost.” fi nal, Tottenham Hotspur can look forward to a meeting with PSG’s Neymar takes part in a training session at Ooredoo Training German champions Bayern Mu- stage before a 6-0 victory in the played on September 17 and 18. Centre in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, yesterday. (Reuters) nich in Group B. return fi xture. That will be the fi rst meeting There will be glamour ties be- 2019/20 UEFA CHAMPIONS AFP because it is the same situation of the clubs since the 1983-84 tween familiar opponents else- LEAGUE GROUP STAGE DRAW Paris as before Toulouse (last week’s UEFA Cup. They will also meet where, with Zinedine Zidane’s Group A: Paris Saint-Germain game). Nothing has changed,” Greek champions Olympiakos Real Madrid renewing acquaint- (FRA), Real Madrid (ESP), Club said Tuchel, who also has Kylian and Red Star Belgrade of Serbia, ances with Paris Saint-Germain Brugge (BEL), Galatasaray (TUR) eymar took part in Mbappe and Edinson Cavani out the 1991 European Cup winners, in Group A. Group B: Bayern Munich (GER), training for Paris injured just now. in Group B. Real eliminated the French Tottenham (ENG), Olympiakos Saint-Germain yes- Earlier yesterday, Italian After winning the Europa champions in the last 16 on the (GRE), Red Star Belgrade (SRB) terday afternoon but broadcaster Sky Sport claimed League, Chelsea are back in the way to winning the trophy two Nwill again not play for the French PSG had fi nally agreed to sell Group C: Manchester City (ENG), Champions League and can look seasons ago. Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), Dinamo champions this weekend amid Neymar back to Barcelona, two forward to taking on last sea- Turkish champions Zagreb (CRO), Atalanta (ITA) reports that an agreement had years after signing him for 222mn son’s semi-fi nalists Ajax as well Galatasaray and Club Brugge of Group D: Juventus (ITA), Atletico been reached that would see the euros ($264mn at the time). as former Champions League Belgium complete Group A. Madrid (ESP), Bayer Leverkusen Brazilian return to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Catalan radio sta- runners-up Valencia and Lille in Cristiano Ronaldo and Juven- (GER), Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) The world’s most expensive tion RAC1 reported that Barce- Group H. tus will come up against Atletico Group E: Liverpool (ENG), Napoli player was the last to take to the lona president Josep Maria Bar- Premier League champions Madrid again after beating the (ITA), Red Bull Salzburg (AUT), training fi eld in a session at- tomeu was in Monaco — where Manchester City were handed the Spanish side in the last 16 last Genk (BEL) tended by a large contingent of the Champions League group kindest draw of all four English season. They will also face Bay- Group F: Barcelona (ESP), Borus- journalists and broadcast live on stage draw took place yesterday representatives, with Pep Guardi- er Leverkusen and Lokomotiv sia Dortmund (GER), Inter Milan PSG’s own television channel. evening — and would take part in ola’s men coming up against Ital- Moscow in Group D. (ITA), Slavia Prague (CZE) However, PSG coach Thomas negotiations with PSG. ian debutants Atalanta along with Perhaps the most balanced Group G: Zenit Saint-Petersburg Tuchel confi rmed later at a press Neymar, scorer of 51 goals in 58 Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo section sees Zenit Saint Pe- (RUS), Benfica (POR), Lyon (FRA), conference that the Brazilian games in his two years at PSG, has Zagreb in Group C. tersburg, Benfi ca, Lyon and RB RB Leipzig (GER) Former Dutch international Wesley Sneijder holds the slip of Paris would not play against Metz in not featured at all for his current City beat Shakhtar 3-0 in Leipzig clash in Group G. The Group H: Chelsea (ENG), Ajax Saint-Germain (PSG) during the UEFA Champions League group Ligue 1 today. club this season amid the uncer- Ukraine in last season’s group fi rst fi xtures in all groups will be (NED), Valencia (ESP), Lille (FRA) stage draw ceremony in Monaco yesterday. (AFP) “Neymar is not with the squad tainty surrounding his future.