FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 TENNIS | Page 6 D’Ambrosio Wozniacki saves Inter, AC eyes top Milan lose to ranking aft er Sampdoria title win

Monday, September 25, 2017 CYCLING Muharram 5, 1439 AH Perfect timing for GULF TIMES Sagan, wins third straight world title SPORT Page 4 ASIAN INDOOR AND MARTIAL ARTS GAMES Qatar add 3x3 basketball gold, team silver to haul ‘We came here to win it all and we succeeded in our mission. We all are very happy to come back with the gold’

(From left) Qatar players Khamis al-Obaidli, Ahmed Saif and Ali al-Obaidli pose with their silver medals on the men’s Snooker Team event podium yesterday.

(From left) Qatar players Tanguy Ngombo, Abdulrahman Saad, Nedim Muslic and Erfan Saeed celebrate their gold medal after they beat Iraq in the 3x3 Basketball final at the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, yesterday. (Laurel International Management) Action from the 3x3 basketball final between Qatar (in white) and Iraq (in green).

Agencies ketball fi nal, after they downed Mon- clinched the gold medal for Qatar. they beat Kyrgyzstan 21-11. cated the victory to his father, even as 4-2 win over Kazakhstan’s Shakirzhan Ashgabat, Turkmenistan golia 15-14 in a nail-biting semi-fi nal at “We came here to win it all and we In the women’s tournament, emerg- Qatar’s Ali al-Obaidli did not make any Fazylov. the 3x3 Basketball Arena. succeeded in our mission. We all are ing Uzbekistan seemed to be the fa- excuses, saying the team lacked focus. Saif’s Round of 16 opponent today is Tanguy Ngombo hit the winning very happy to come back with the gold vourites, but came up big to “We did not play good or do anything ’s Asjad Iqbal. re-tournament favourites Qa- basket at the buzzer to edge out Mon- medal,” Saeed said after the win. surprise everybody, beating the Uzbeks in this match today. They played bet- In the women’s Standard Individual tar won the men’s 3x3 basket- golia for a spot in the fi nale, before Er- “I am the captain of this team and 22-20 in the fi nal. ter and deserved it so fair enough,” al- chess event, Qatar’s Zhu Chen fi n- ball gold medal in comfort- fan Saeed, the only survivor from the have lots of experience. Today I decided Turkmenistan won the bronze medal Obaidli said after the fi nal. ished sixth with fi ve points from seven able fashion at the Ashgabat Qatari team that was crowned FIBA 3x3 to shoot from outside rather than go by beating the Syrian Arab Republic 15- “We were not on it. We did not play rounds, even as ’s Tan Zhongyi P2017 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts World Championships winners in 2014, inside, in order to avoid their big guy. It 12. our game, we were switched off . I had and compatriot Lei Tingjie locked the Games yesterday. led his side to a 22-12 win in the fi nal worked, I think,” he added. “I kept the Qatar picked up the silver medal in the one chance in the fi rst frame and I top two spots. With men’s snooker team too win- Qatar won all six of their games in the best of myself for the end. Although snooker team event after Iran made his- didn’t take it. They took their chances In the men’s section, Mohamed al- ning silver, the total medal count for tournament. we had to play two tough games in an tory with their fi rst gold medal in Billiard and we didn’t and that’s it.” Sayed fi nished 16th with four points, Qatar has gone up to nine, including Saeed, 33, netted 11 points including evening we didn’t feel pressure and Sports at the Asian Indoor and Martial In the singles event, al-Obaidli while compatriot Husein Aziz Nezad four gold, three silver and two bronze. three consecutive two pointers and the proved our confi dence.” Arts Games with a 3-0 win in the fi nal. bowed out in the Round of 32, while was 22nd with 3.5 points. Unbeaten Vi- Qatar beat Iraq 22-12 in the 3x3 bas- fi nal basket which ended the game and Mongolia got the bronze medal after Iran’s Hossein Vafaei Ayouri dedi- teammate Ahmed Saif advanced with a etnamese Le Quang Liem won gold.

ACHIEVEMENT Qatar Juniors win bronze Al Arabi runners-up in Arab Club handball in World QNA Endurance Oujda, Morocco Championship

atar’s Al Arabi won sec- in Italy ond place in the 33rd Arab Handball Clubs Champi- Qatar’s Junior Endurance team onship hosted by the Mo- claimed bronze in the FEI Word roccanQ city of Oujda after losing to Endurance Championship for Tunisia’s CS Sakiet Ezzit in a thrill- Young Riders & Juniors held in ing fi nal on Saturday. Verona, Italy. The match ended with a close 38- Team Qatar finished third 37 scoreline in favour of the Tunisian overall, behind the United Arab club. Emirates and Spain in the 120km For their part, Qatar’s Al Khor event. fi nished fourth in the same tourna- Qatar team comprises Hamad ment. Al Arabi had qualifi ed for the Saeed al-Shamsi, Mohamed fi nal after a 29-27 win over Saudi Abdullah al-Gamili, Hamad Saleh Arabia’s Al Safa, while Tunisia’s CS al-Qamara, Jassim Rashid al- Sakiet Ezzit qualifi ed for the fi nal Kaabi and Abdulrahman Hamad after winning their match against Al al-Shamsi. Khor 34-24. The prestigious FEI Word This is the second consecutive ti- Endurance Championship 2017 tle for Sakiet Ezzit in the Arab com- brought together 300 riders petitions, and the tenth title for Tu- representing 33 countries. nisian clubs in this tournament. Al Arabi handball team (in red) played Tunisia’s CS Sakiet Ezzit in the final. In thrillingly close game, Arabi lost 37-38. (Twitter/QOC) Gulf Times 2 Monday, September 25, 2017 FOOTBALL

SERIE A D’Ambrosio saves Inter, AC Milan lose to Sampdoria Inter stay third, two points behind leaders Juventus and Napoli, who both claimed their sixth wins out of six on Saturday

AFP — in six Serie A games with Miralem Pjanic and Milan Alex Sandro also on target at the Allianz Sta- dium. Juventus kept their perfect start but for Torino it was a fi rst defeat of the campaign as anilo D’Ambrosio scored the only goal they struggled a man down for over an hour af- as Inter Milan left it late to squeeze ter Daniele Baselli was sent off for a second yel- past Genoa 1-0 in Serie A action yes- low card. Earlier, Napoli came from a goal down terday and keep in touch with the lead- to beat SPAL 3-2 for their sixth win in as many ers,D as AC Milan fell 2-0 at Sampdoria. games. Maurizio Sarri’s side are ahead of the D’Ambrosio headed in off a corner with two champions on goal diff erence with 22 scored. minutes to go at the San Siro to earn three points for Luciano Spalletti’s side, who saw their win- ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS ning run ended on Tuesday with a last-gasp 1-1 Sampdoria 2 (Zapata 72, Alvarez 90+1) AC Milan 0 draw at Bologna. Inter stay third, two points Crotone 2 (Mandragora 43, Rohden 58) Benevento 0 behind leaders Juventus and Napoli, who both Inter Milan 1 (D’Ambrosio 87) Genoa 0 claimed their sixth wins out of six on Saturday Verona 0 Lazio 3 (Immobile 24-pen, 40, Marusic 60) against Torino, 4-0, and SPAL, 3-2, respectively. Cagliari 0 Chievo 2 (Inglese 53, Stepinski 90+3) “It was a tough match, but we stayed solid,” Sassuolo 0 Bologna 1 (Okwonkwo 89) said Spalletti. “We must create this winning mentality that makes us believe that we can beat PLAYED SATURDAY: Roma 3 (Dzeko 12, El anyone. There is a gap with Napoli and Juven- Shaarawy 30, 45) Udinese 1 (Stryger Larsen 90) tus, but that’s to be expected, considering where SPAL 2 (Schiattarella 13, Viviani 77) Napoli 3 (Insigne we’re coming from. It’s tough to recreate a win- 14, Callejón 71, Ghoulam 83) ning mentality after a poor campaign. There is Juventus 4 (Dybala 16, 90+1, Pjanic 40, Alex Sandro always that fear of reality setting in. Napoli and 57) Torino 0 Juventus have that mentality, so do Roma and Lazio. We also mustn’t underestimate Sampdo- ria and Torino, who are two strong sides.” POINTS TABLE Ciro Immobile scored a double including one from the spot to bring his tally to eight for the (played, won, drawn, lost, for, against, points): Serie A season, as injury-hit Lazio stayed fourth Napoli 6 6 0 0 22 5 18 with a comfortable 3-0 win at Verona. Immo- Juventus 6 6 0 0 18 3 18 bile converted a penalty after 24 minutes, scored Inter Milan 6 5 1 0 12 2 16 from the edge of the box before the break and Lazio 6 4 1 1 13 8 13 then teed up Adam Marusic for his fi rst Serie A Roma 5 4 0 1 12 4 12 goal on 60 minutes. AC Milan 6 4 0 2 10 8 12 Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi was delighted Sampdoria 5 3 2 0 8 4 11 that his side knew how to respond positively Torino 6 3 2 1 10 9 11 to their 4-1 defeat midweek to Napoli. “On Chievo 6 2 2 2 7 8 8 Wednesday we had a setback that we didn’t Inter Milan’s Danilo D’Ambrosio (left) vies for the ball with Genoa’s Adel Taarabt during the Serie A match at San Siro Stadium in Milan. (Reuters) Bologna 6 2 2 2 5 7 8 foresee, even though we were playing Napoli,” Atalanta 5 2 1 2 9 7 7 said Inzaghi. “One goal would have allowed Ve- Zapata broke through after a terrible clear- end and must build on this performance,” said video assistant referee. Fiorentina 5 2 0 3 8 7 6 rona back into it at home, but we never risked ance by his cousin and fellow Colombia inter- Zapata. Milan had problems defensively with Chievo won at 10-man Cagliari thanks to Cagliari 6 2 0 4 4 8 6 it. There are no more adjectives for him (Immo- national Cristian Zapata on 72 minutes with Cristian Zapata having a forgettable afternoon Roberto Inglese and Mariusz Stepinski’s second SPAL 6 1 1 4 5 11 4 bile).He gives a lot and (Italy coach Giampiero) substitute Alvarez getting the second just before and Leonardo Bonucci and Alessio Romagnoli half goals as Crotone earned their fi rst win 2-0 Sassuolo 6 1 1 4 3 9 4 Ventura will defi nitely be counting on him.” the fi nal whistle. Chinese-owned Milan again performing little better. over tailenders Benevento. Crotone 6 1 1 4 3 11 4 City rivals Roma — who have a game in hand showed their diffi culty against teams in the top Sampdoria dominated from the outset with On Saturday, Paulo Dybala scored a double as Udinese 6 1 0 5 8 13 3 — are fi fth, after easing past Udinese 3-1 on Sat- half of the table as they remained sixth after the visitors having a scare after two minutes Juventus outclassed 10-man Torino 4-0 in Tu- Genoa 6 0 2 4 5 10 2 urday. Duvan Zapata and Ricky Alvarez scored six games with Sampdoria, who have a game in when Ivan Strinic’s cross hit Franck Kessie rin derby to stay top of Serie A alongside Napoli. Verona 6 0 2 4 1 14 2 as Sampdoria condemned big-spending AC Mi- hand, moving seventh just a point behind. on the arm and the referee awarded a penalty. The Argentine striker has now scored an im- Benevento 6 0 0 6 1 16 0 lan to their second defeat of the campaign. “We deserved this victory, we fought to the However, the decision was overturned by the pressive ten goals — including two hat-tricks

LA LIGA ROUND-UP Barcelona remain perfect in Girona Istanbul derby AFP delivers three Madrid goals, fi ve red cards arcelona maintained their per- fect start to with a sixth ive players were given 2011 to all the players, substi- straight win as Luis Suarez and their marching orders in tutes and coaches of Claypole two own goals secured a 3-0 win a fi ery Super Lig clash and Victoriano Arenas. atB Girona in a match laced with political between Istanbul giants tension on Saturday night. FenerbahceF and Besiktas on URUGUAY CANCELS Real Madrid remain seven points be- Saturday night with two of the MATCHES AFTER REFEREES hind Barca thanks to Dani Ceballos’s dou- red cards dished out in the fi nal ATTACKED ble on his full debut to bounce back from a minutes. Fenerbahce beat Besik- The Uruguayan Football As- shock midweek defeat by Real Betis with a tas 2-1 at home in the season’s sociation (AUF) cancelled all 2-1 win at Alaves on Saturday to move up fi rst derby at the Ulker stadium scheduled matches yesterday to fourth. on the Asian side of Istanbul. after the country’s referees Girona were hosting Barca in a Catalan Besiktas’ Ricardo Quaresma decided they would refuse to of- derby for the fi rst time in the top fl ight, was the fi rst recipient of the fi ciate further due to increasing but a one-sided game on the fi eld was referee’s wrath when he was violence. “Given the resolution marked by persistent chants in favour of sent off in the fi rst half for a bad by the Uruguayan Association independence for Catalonia. Catalonia’s tackle after two yellow cards. of Football Referees to not take pro-separatist president Carles Puigde- Fenerbahce defender Luis Neto charge of games, the AUF has mont was in attendance, whilst the pro- soon followed in the 45th minute suspended all activities for this independence Estelada fl ag was waved by for bringing another player Sunday (24/9) in all disciplines sections of both supports. down. and categories,” the AUF said in “The game had its diffi culties,” said In a dramatic end, red cards a statement. Barca boss Ernesto Valverde. “It’s a derby, were given to Besiktas’ Atiba The decision means the there was a great atmosphere, tension. It Hutchinson and the home team’s cancellation of fi ve fi rst divi- is normal, but we played well.” Ismail Koybasi, who was given a sion matches as well as others On the fi eld there was much less con- second yellow for a hard tackle. at lower levels. The decision troversy as Barca were rarely troubled Red card number fi ve went to came after two offi cials, one of after Aday Benitez turned Jordi Alba’s Besiktas’ Oguzhan Ozyakup them a woman, were attacked by wayward shot into his own net after just who was ordered off the pitch spectators on Saturday dur- 17 minutes. Another own goal extended after a second booking follow- ing an under-19 game between their advantage three minutes after half- Barcelona’s Luis Suarez scores against Girona during the La Liga match in Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain on Saturday. (Reuters) ing the fi nal whistle for allegedly Platense and Basanez. time when goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz was insulting referee Ali Palabiyik. fooled by Suarez’s dummy from Aleix top corner. Madrid retook the lead just Yesterday, Espanyol beat Deportivo Jorge Molina in the 64th and Markel Ber- Ozyakup told reporters: “There REJECTED KENYA VOW TO Vidal’s cross. And Suarez rounded off the three minutes later, though, as Ceballos La Coruna 4-1 for its second win in the gara in the 67th. Rodriguez closed the was no swearing, no insult.” CONTINUE STADIA PROJECT scoring himself with just his second goal pounced on a poor punch from Pacheco Spanish league after a poor start to the scoring in second-half injury time. He said he “only criticised” Kenya, stripped this weekend of the season by whipping the ball into to fi re into the bottom corner. season. Leo Baptistao opened the scoring Getafe’s other win had come at Leganes the referee whom he claimed of the right to stage the 2018 Iraizoz’s near post from Sergi Roberto’s Real should have ensured a far more fi ve minutes into the match at the RCDE in the third round. Villarreal was unbeat- “could not tolerate” it. “He gave African Nations Championship pass over the top. comfortable afternoon after the break as Stadium in Barcelona, helping the hosts en in its last four matches. It had opened me a yellow card, then a red (CHAN), have vowed to continue At Mendizorroza, Madrid were once Pacheco made a great save to deny Isco, to move further from the bottom of the with two consecutive losses. card because I criticised him,” with a stadium construction again wasteful in front of goal, but still Cristiano Ronaldo struck the woodwork standings. Ozakup said. project. sneaked by an Alaves side that remain twice and Sergio Ramos blazed over with Espanyol had earned only one point SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS Brazilian midfi elder Giuliano Only one of four venues ear- without a point after six games. “Today the goal at his mercy. from its fi rst three matches, but was com- Espanyol 4 (Baptistao 5, Arribas 22-og, scored the fi rst penalty for Fen- marked for the January 12/Feb- we needed the three points. We are not Yet, Alaves could also have snatched a ing off a win against Celta Vigo and a draw Moreno 72-pen, 90) Deportivo la Coruna 1 erbahce giving the home team a ruary 4 competition was ready, in brilliant form, but for sure we will play fi rst point of the season as Alfonso Pedra- at Villarreal. It reached 12th place with (Borges 53) lead in the fi rst half. Then Dutch leading the CAF executive com- better on other days,” said Real boss Zin- za’s defl ected eff ort hit the bar before Pe- the victory on Sunday. Getafe 4 (Rodriguez 54, 90+1, Molina 64, striker Vincent Janssen, on loan mittee to dump the east African edine Zidane. draza struck the post when clean through An own-goal by Deportivo La Coruna Bergara 67) Villarreal 0 from Tottenham Hotspur, scored economic powerhouse. Ceballos was one of three changes on goal. “When you go away having only defender Alejandro Arribas gave Espan- Eibar 0 Celta Vigo 4 (Cabral 17, Sergi Gomez the second penalty for the hosts There has been media specu- made to the side that lost to Betis by Zi- scored two goals for the chances we had it yol a 2-0 lead at halftime. Striker Gerard 23, Hernandez 39, Wass 72) in the 86th minute with former lation that Morocco or South Af- dane as Luka Modric and Gareth Bale isn’t a lot,” added Zidane. Moreno added a brace in the second half Las Palmas 0 Leganes 2 (Beauvue 47, Eraso Liverpool forward Ryan Babel rica will replace Kenya as hosts were left on the bench ahead of Tues- Earlier, Diego Costa was an interested after Celso Borges had put the visitors on 90+6) scoring Besiktas’ only goal a of the 16-team tournament for day’s Champions League trip to Borussia spectator as Atletico Madrid leapfrogged the board. Deportivo was coming off its Played Saturday minute later. home-based footballers. Dortmund. And the Spanish under-21 in- Sevilla into second thanks to goals from fi rst victory of the season against Alaves Atletico Madrid 2 (Carrasco 46, Griezmann The next big Istanbul derby This is the second time Kenya ternational settled Madrid’s nerves after Yannick Carrasco and Antoine Griez- in the previous round. It has lost four of 70) Sevilla 0 will be on October 22 between have been unable to meet the just 10 minutes as he caught Fernando mann in a 2-0 win at the Wanda Metro- its six matches and is inside the relegation Alaves 1 (Manu Garcia 40) Real Madrid 2 Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. requirements to stage a CAF Pacheco fl at-footed. politano. Costa won’t be able to feature zone. (Ceballos 10, 43) Saturday’s red card tally football competition after losing Alaves did register their fi rst goal of until January after completing his pro- Getafe scored three goals early in the Malaga 3 (Rolan 35, 84, Baysse 81) Athletic although high was a long way the right to host the 1996 Africa the season fi ve minutes before half-time longed return to the club from Chelsea for second half to rout Villarreal 4-0 and win Bilbao 3 (Aduriz 4-pen, Williams 51, 70) short of the record 36 red cards Cup of Nations. The tournament when Manu Garcia met Munir El Hadda- a reported club record fee of 55mn euros its fi rst home game of the season. An- Girona 0 Barcelona 3 (Benitez 17-og, Iraizoz handed out by a referee in a fi fth was moved to South Africa, who di’s cross fl ush to power a header into the ($66mn), plus 10mn euros in add-ons. gel Rodriguez scored in the 54th minute, 48-og, Suarez 69) tier Argentinian league game in defeated Tunisia in the fi nal. Gulf Times Monday, September 25, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Hemed gives Wenger urges Sanchez Brighton revenge to prove his worth over Newcastle AFP blocking. But you cannot change Brighton, United Kingdom the decision. We deserved more. We are still without too much ex- He came back not really fit and then he got injured: Arsenal manager Wenger perience in the . sraeli striker Tomer Hemed’s We have to manage these situa- AFP 51st-minute goal earned tions a bit better.” Brighton and Hove Albion a Brighton made most of the 1-0 victory over last season’s fi rst-half running and might IChampionship sparring partners have gone ahead earlier had An- rsene Wenger has warned Alexis Newcastle United in the Premier thony Knockaert not inadvert- Sanchez he will have to earn his League yesterday. ently blocked Pascal Gross’s place back in Arsenal’s start- Hemed struck early in the sec- goal-bound shot from Solly ing line-up after his failed at- ond half at the Amex Stadium March’s left-wing cross. New- temptA to force a move to Manchester City. to give Brighton manager Chris castle carved out the clearer Sanchez was close to joining City before Hughton a fi rst victory over the chances, Joselu dragging agonis- last month’s transfer deadline after his club he previously managed at ingly wide after Ayoze Perez’s refusal to sign a new contract convinced the seventh attempt. It was a cross fell into his path and Perez Wenger to sell him. measure of revenge for Brighton, side-footing over the bar from But the deal fell through when Arse- who were defeated home and Chancel Mbemba’s lay-off . nal were unable to land a replacement away by Newcastle last season as But defensive inattention un- for Sanchez, leaving the Chile forward in Rafael Benitez’s side beat them to did the visitors in the 51st minute the awkward position of having to remain the English second-tier title. as Gross’s free-kick from the with the Gunners at least until January. “It was a hard-fought vic- left was headed back across goal Sanchez, out of contract at the end of the tory,” Hughton said. “Overall we by Dale Stephens and Hemed season, has yet to make a Premier League deserved it. There was not a lot hooked a close-range shot into start following the transfer saga and in it, but we’ve deserved it. With the roof of the net. found himself instead selected for recent seven points, it is a decent re- It took a goal-line block by Rob Europa League and League Cup fi xtures. turn. We have learnt a lot in the Elliot to keep Newcastle in the With West Bromwich Albion visit- games we have played so far.” game, the goalkeeper jutting out ing the Emirates Stadium tonight (10 Brighton have now claimed his right foot to divert the ball pm Qatar time start), Wenger insisted successive home wins, having off the line after March slid in to the 28-year-old would only return to his beaten West Bromwich Albion meet Bruno’s drilled cross from strongest starting team if his form justi- 3-1 in their previous home out- the right. fi es it. ing, and climb to 13th in the ta- Jonjo Shelvey entered the fray Sanchez is yet to play 90 minutes in the ble. Newcastle slip to ninth af- as Newcastle sought an equaliser league this season and, asked if the former ter their three-match winning and the former Liverpool mid- Barcelona player was central to his plans, streak come to an end. fi elder almost provided one in Wenger said: “Not more than any other. “We did enough to get a point the 73rd minute with an enter- There is no real hierarchy. I used the team at least,” Benitez said. “The goal prising corner kick that clanged at Chelsea who could be strong on the for me was a foul — pushing and off the post. counter-attack and fi ght very hard. “I have six or seven strikers but if I go in one game with three strikers, the three who have not played will play in mid- week no matter what game that is. But Alexis Sanchez (centre) is out of contract at the end of the season, has yet to make a Premier League start for Arsenal following that is nothing calculated. the transfer saga and found himself instead selected for recent Europa League and League Cup fixtures. "There is no disguised attitude on my side. He came back not really fi t and fi nding form after a tepid start following expected to play in his 633rd top-fl ight Arsenal shirt for his milestone moment then he got injured. If you add the injury his pre-season move from Lyon. game and break the record set by Man- after Wenger twice tried to sign him. plus the rest time it was a bit long, but “He connects well with the other play- chester United legend Ryan Giggs. “There were a couple of conversations on Wednesday (against Doncaster) I left ers. He still needs to adapt to the physi- The 36-year-old made his professional with representatives and Arsene that he him on the pitch for 90 minutes because cal aspects of the Premier League and debut for Aston Villa in 1998 and has also was interested,” Barry said. I wanted him to have a real go.” that will take maybe a little bit of time,” played for Manchester City and Everton. “Before I was leaving Villa and when Lagging behind the early Premier Wenger said of Lacazette, the club record “Gareth is such a down to earth chap he I was leaving Man City to go to Everton League pace-setters after a spluttering signing from Lyon. just wants to get it over with and move there was a bit of interest too. I’ve got spell, Arsenal already have no margin Albion midfi elder Gareth Barry will on,” said Albion boss Tony Pulis, whose massive respect for Arsene for what he’s for error if they are to mount a title chal- break the Premier League appearance side are without a win in their last three done for the English game. It would have lenge. One of keys to an Arsenal revival record if he features against Arsenal. league games. been good to work under him, but that will be France striker Alexandre Lacazette Barry, a former international, is Barry could have been lining up in an didn’t happen.”

ON-SONG MORATA GIVES CONTE, CHELSEA CHEER

Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom: next weekend. “In this stadium the crowd “It’s not easy to win away against Alvaro Morata will approach Chelsea’s push a lot and I want to thank our fans Stoke. This game is always diff icult,” Champions League trip to Atletico because I repeat they helped a lot the added Conte, whose side trail leaders Madrid next week in top form after his team today. It was great also to change it Manchester City and Manchester United hat-trick inspired his side to a 4-0 win (the song). I am also pleased about this. by three points. “I remember very well at Stoke City. Morata struck three times “I think Alvaro performed very well. last season when we struggled a lot to on Saturday to take his Chelsea tally to He scored a hat-trick and for our strikers win and we also won at the end of the seven goals in six games since his close- it’s very important. It means we created game. Today we started very well and season move from Atletico’s local rivals chances for our strikers to take, but I then we started to suff er and it was Real Madrid. There was also relief, for am pleased for his performance and important not to lose our composure, to Morata and manager Antonio Conte, that I’m pleased for the performance of the always stay in the game. In the second Chelsea’s fans dropped a controversial team.” half we scored two goals and created chant about the Spain striker that con- Morata had previously asked Chelsea’s many chances to improve the final result. tained an anti-Semitic reference to rivals fans not to sing the song about him and The final result was 4-0, but I think that it Tottenham Hotspur. they responded by dreaming up a diff er- was a diff icult game.” “Our fans were fantastic today and ent chant in his honour. He opened the Conte confirmed goalkeeper Thibaut they pushed a lot the team in every mo- scoring after just 81 seconds and added Courtois had suff ered no ill-eff ects from ment of the game,” said Conte, whose two more goals in the second half after a heavy landing on his neck during the side follow their trip to Spain with a Pedro had punished Darren Fletcher’s second half and will be fit to face his Brighton and Hove Albion's Tomer Hemed celebrates after scoring home game against Manchester City error to make it 2-0. former club Atletico. against Newcastle United during the Premier League match at Amex Stadium in Brighton, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters)

Bangladesh beat Qatar in AFC U-16 BUNDESLIGA Alario nets on long-awaited debut AFP Wolfsburg on Friday. Cologne picked up their Berlin fi rst point in six games by containing Hano- POINTS TABLE ver, who dominated possession but could not break the deadlock. (played, won, drawn, lost, for, against, ucas Alario scored on his German Japan forward Yuya Osako and defender points): league debut in Bayer Leverkusen’s Lukas Kluenter had chances for Cologne Borussia Dortmund 6 5 1 0 19 1 16 3-0 win at home to Hamburg yester- while Niklas Fuellkrug missed a good oppor- Hoff enheim 6 4 2 0 11 5 14 day — nearly a month after the Argen- tunity at the other end for Hanover. Bayern Munich 6 4 1 1 14 5 13 Ltina striker fi rst signed. The 24-year-old hit The result means Hanover stay fourth in Hanover 96 6 3 3 0 6 2 12 the net in the 23rd minute as his side went 2-0 the table, missing the chance to climb above Augsburg 6 3 2 1 8 4 11 up after Kevin Volland had opened the scor- Bayern, who threw away a two-goal lead in RB Leipzig 6 3 1 2 10 7 10 ing for the hosts at the BayArena with Jamaica Friday’s 2-2 draw in Munich against Wolfs- Schalke 04 6 3 0 3 7 8 9 winger Leon Bailey setting up both goals. burg. Hertha Berlin 6 2 2 2 6 6 8 Alario has been brought into replace Javier Borussia Dortmund are two points clear M'gladbach 6 2 2 2 8 11 8 Hernandez after ‘Chicharito’ left Leverkusen at the top after their 6-1 rout of Borus- Bayer Leverkusen 6 2 1 3 12 10 7 to join West Ham before the start of the sea- sia Moenchengladbach on Saturday when Eintracht Frankfurt 6 2 1 3 4 5 7 son. Alario signed on August 31 from River Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat- VfB Stuttgart 6 2 1 3 3 7 7 Plate for 19 mn euros ($22.7m), but legal trick. The pressure is growing on Cologne VfL Wolfsburg 6 1 3 2 5 8 6 wranglings over his contract delayed his de- coach Peter Stoeger, who steered them to Mainz 05 6 2 0 4 6 10 6 but and Leverkusen only got permission by promotion from the second division in 2013- Hamburg 6 2 0 4 4 11 6 FIFA to play him on Friday. 14 to fi nish fi fth last season. Freiburg 6 0 4 2 2 9 4 Volland opened the scoring after chest- His team has now scored just one goal and Werder Bremen 6 0 3 3 3 7 3 ing down and slamming his shot home on 20 taken one point in their fi rst six league games. Cologne 6 0 1 5 1 13 1 minutes. Alario doubled the damage three “We got a point and we’re happy with that,” minutes later when he converted Bailey’s pin- said Cologne defender Frederik Sorensen. point accurate cross. “We need to start scoring goals, though — we cht Frankfurt 1 (Rebic 77); Hoff enheim 2 (Geiger Volland added his second and Leverkusen’s can’t survive without them. But we’re fi ght- 13, Rupp 90+3) bt Schalke 04 0; Werder Bremen third on 83 minutes after Alario laid the ball ing every game, and we’ll see how far we get.” 0 drew with SC Freiburg 0; VfB Stuttgart 0 drew Qatar lost to Bangladesh 0-2 yesterday to crash out of contention for the Asian Football off to him to cap a dream debut. The points with FC Augsburg 0; Mainz 05 1 (De Blasis 54- Confederation U-16 Championship to be held in Malaysia next year. At the Grand Hamad lift Leverkusen up to 10th while Hamburg are GERMAN LEAGUE RESULTS pen) bt Hertha Berlin 0; Borussia Dortmund 6 Stadium, Qatar’s U-16 boys were off -colour in the Group E qualifiers as Bangladesh dominated 15th, just above the relegation zone. Hanover 0 drew with Cologne 0 (Philipp 28, 38, Aubameyang 45, 49, 62, Weigl 79) the game with Dipok Roy (70th minute) and Foysal Ahmed Fahim scoring for the visitors. In Earlier, Hanover 96 were held to a goal- Bayer Leverkusen 3 (Volland 20, 83, Alario 23) bt bt Moenchengladbach 1 (Stindl 66) their only other group game on Wednesday, Qatar were beaten 1-6 by Yemen, who also had less draw at home by Bundesliga bottom side Hamburg 0 PLAYED FRIDAY defeated Bangladesh to qualify for Malaysia as table-toppers. PICTURES: Anas Khalid Cologne to leave defending champions Bay- PLAYED SATURDAY Bayern Munich 2 (Lewandowski 33-pen, Robben ern Munich third after their shock draw with RB Leipzig 2 (Augustin 28, Werner 67) bt Eintra- 42) drew VfL Wolfsburg 2 (Arnold 56, Didavi 83) Gulf Times 4 Monday, September 25, 2017 SPORT

CYCLING/ UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GOLF Strong start gives Casey two-stroke Perfect timing for lead at Atlanta

Reuters Atlanta

ngland’s Paul Casey, Sagan as Slovakian chasing the FedExCup and its $10 million bo- nus, played solid golf toE grab a two-stroke lead over Americans Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauff ele heading into the fi nal round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta. wins 3rd straight title Casey, whose only win on the PGA Tour came at the Paul Casey acknowledges the ‘I want to dedicate this third world title first to Michele Scarponi because he has his 2009 Houston Open, moved crowd after making a birdie into contention for the big putt on the 17th green during birthday tomorrow. I’m very sorry this year, I want to wish luck to his family’ prize, which will be awarded the third round of the Tour after Sunday’s fi nal round, Championship. with a fi ve-under 65 on Satur- PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports day to end the day at 12-under 198 for the tournament. as they stood at 10-under 200 Winning the Tour Champi- totals at East Lake. onship might not be enough Schauff ele’s round included for Casey to claim the Cup an eagle, at the sixth hole, fi ve and bonus, and the English- birdies and two bogeys. man said he would on his Justin Thomas, the over- own game rather than keep an night leader with Casey and eye on what his rivals were Webb Simpson, was one of doing. three players at 7-under after “My focus is on trying to rebounding from three bogeys win,” Casey told Golf Chan- and a double-bogey to fi nish nel. “The FedEx is a wonderful at even par 70 thanks to birdies thing that goes with it. (But) I on two of his last three holes. can’t focus on the Fedex. Thomas was joined in fourth “There are multiple scenar- place by Americans Brooks ios, a lot of which I can’t worry Koepka, who shot 68 despite about nor can I control. I can three bogeys in his last four only control myself. None of holes, and Patrick Reed, who them matter if I don’t win, so recorded a 69. I have to win.” The round leaves Casey The 40-year-old started atop the projected FedExCup impressively with three birdies standings heading into Sun- and an eagle in his fi rst seven day. Thomas follows with Jor- holes before two consecutive dan Spieth, who started the bogeys, then sank a 41-foot week as the leader, in third putt at 17, his second birdie on place after a 69 on Saturday the back nine. that left him on 4-under 206. “Another really solid day, struck the driver beautifully,” Leading third-round scores said Casey, whose eagle came 198 - Paul Casey (ENG) 66- at the par-5 sixth hole where 67-65 he sank a 11-foot putt. 200 - Kevin Kisner 68-68-64, “I think that’s the key to Xander Schauff ele 69-66-65 playing this golf course well, 203 - Brooks Koepka 66-69- you’ve got to get it in play 68, Patrick Reed 69-65-69, straight away. Justin Thomas 67-66-70 “Frustrating (at times),” he 204 - Jason Day (AUS) 69-67- said of the back-to-back bo- 68, Jon Rahm (ESP) 67-67-70 Gold medalist Peter Sagan (centre) of Slovakia, silver medalist Alexander Kristoff (left) of Norway and bronze medalist Michael Matthews of pose on the podium after the geys, “but it’s how you react. 205 - Russell Henley 67-71-67, Men’s Elite UCI Road World Championship race in Bergen, Norway, yesterday. (Reuters) To get it back on the back nine Justin Rose (ENG) 68-66-71, was key.” Gary Woodland 67-67-71, AFP cate this victory to my wife, she’s climb on the 19km street circuit viria tried to close (the gap) and eras lost track of the racers. Kisner had seven birdies and Webb Simpson 66-67-72 Bergen, Norway expecting a baby. It’s a very nice the peloton tackled 12 times. after it came for a sprint - it’s By the time they came into the a lone bogey in a 64 and PGA 206 - Dustin Johnson 68-69- fi nish to this season, I’m very Only Italian Gianni Moscon unbelievable!” view of stationary cameras in the rookie Schauff ele posted a 65 69, Jordan Spieth 67-70-69 happy.” could follow him but was then Despite his disappointment in fi nal kilometre, Alaphilippe had lovakia’s Peter Sagan Sagan had revealed on Sat- dropped with 4.5km left. missing out on becoming the sec- been caught and a sprint fi nish pipped Norway’s Alex- urday that his preparation for Alaphilippe couldn’t hold on, ond ever Norwegian world cham- was a certainty. At that point, Axelsen wins fi rst Japan Open title ander Kristoff in a pho- the race had been disrupted by though, and coming into the pion, Kristoff fl ashed Sagan a wry few could have doubted that Sa- to-fi nish to win a historic “sickness” and that he wasn’t at fi nal few bends a select group smile as he shook his hand. gan would prevail. World champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark beat Malaysia’s Lee thirdS straight UCI Road World his best. He had hardly been seen of 26 riders was there to fi ght “He (Kristoff ) is racing at Chong Wei yesterday to clinch his first Japan Open title. Championships title in Bergen throughout the 267.5km race but for victory. Only now did Sa- home, I’m sorry but I’m very RESULTS Axelsen, who defeated two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of yesterday. was part of the small group that gan make his move and Kristoff happy to win again!” said Sagan. 1. Peter Sagan (Slovakia/Slova- China to bag the world title in Glasgow last month, edged out Sagan emerged out of the fi nal made it to the fi nal kilometre to didn’t have the strength to hold Earlier in the day a 10-man kia) 6:28:11” Lee 21-14, 19-21, 21-14 in the men’s singles final. corner in the perfect position on contest the sprint fi nish. And in him off . breakaway had set off from the 2. Alexander Kristoff (Norway/ Lee, who has won the Japan Open six times including last year, Kristoff ’s shoulder and just had winning he joined a select group fl ag but despite quickly building Norway) ST narrowly took the second game but the Dane put in a brilliant enough to edge past the home of riders, including Belgian leg- ‘Unbelievable’ a 10-minute advantage, they had 3. Michael Matthews (Australia/ performance to triumph in the third. favourite as Australia’s Michael end Eddy Merckx as three-time Sagan admitted that he been gobbled up with 80km left. Australia) In the women’s singles Carolina Marin of Spain, last year’s Ol- Matthews took third. After his world champions, and the fi rst thought Alaphilippe, who Another eight-man group 4. Matteo Trentin (Italy/Italy) ympic gold medallist, overwhelmed He Bingjiao of China 23-21, win, Sagan dedicated his victory to do so in successive years. looked hugely impressive when with big-hitters including 5. Ben Swift (Britain/Great 21-12. to Italian Michele Scarponi, who “It’s something special, for he attacked, leaving the likes of Dutchman Lars Boom and Tim Britain) Japan’s Rio Olympics gold medallists Ayaka Takahashi and died in April following a crash sure it doesn’t change anything, Olympic champion Greg Van Wellens of got clear but 6. Greg Van Avermaet (Belgium/ Misaki Matsutomo beat South Korea’s Kim Ha-Na and Kong Hee- with a van near his home in Italy but for me it’s something very Avermaet and former world could never stretch their lead Belgium) Yong 21-18, 21-16 in the women’s doubles final, to the delight of - he would have turned 38 today. nice,” he added. champion Philippe Gilbert in his much beyond 30-seconds and 7. Michael Albasini (Switzerland/ local fans at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. “I want to dedicate this third Despite the length of the race wake, might stay away. they were brought back with Switzerland) But Japanese male duo Takuto Inoue and Yuki Kaneko suff ered world title fi rst to Michele Scar- it was only in the fi nal 15km that “It’s not easy guys, in the last 25km to go. 8. Fernando Gaviria (Colombia/ a 21-12, 21-15 defeat at the hands of Indonesians Marcus Fernaldi poni because he has his birthday a signifi cant break was made 5km I said already it’s done, he Alaphilippe at one point to Colombia) Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo in the men’s doubles final. tomorrow. I’m very sorry this that threatened to go all the way (Alaphilippe) has gone,” said Sa- have the strength to go the whole 9. Alexey Lutsenko (Kazakhstan/ In the mixed doubles, Chinese pair Wang Yilyu and Huang year, I want to wish luck to his to the line. Frenchman Julian gan. “After, guys were changing way but just as the drama inten- Kazakhstan) Dongping overpowered Takuro Hoki and Sayaka Hirota of Japan family. Alaphilippe attacked on the fi nal in front, after I tried to go in a sifi ed with 3km to go, a technical 10. Julian Alaphilippe (France/ 21-13, 21-8. “And secondly I want to dedi- ascent of Salmon Hill, the one breakaway, after (Fernando) Ga- glitch meant the television cam- France)

MOTOGP Rossi fi ft h as Marquez wins Aragon Grand Prix

Reuters feel great. I struggled more than other (ESP/Ducati Aspar) 7.910, 9. Johann Madrid years here. But it’s great,” Marquez said. Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 13.002, 10. Lorenzo came close to claiming his Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 14.075 fi rst win of the season but faded as the efending champion Marc race entered the fi nal stages. “It’s a pity Overall standings Marquez won the Aragon to lose the victory by not so much. In 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 224 MotoGP yesterday to take a the last 10 laps we needed more grip in points, 2. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/ 16-point lead in the world the rear. With the medium of Dani and Ducati) 208, 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ championshipD standings. the hard of Marc I couldn’t follow them. Yamaha) 196, It was an all Spanish podium, as Hon- Anyway, I’m happy with this 3rd posi- da team mate Dani Pedrosa was second tion,” Lorenzo told reporters. Moto2 and Jorge Lorenzo third for Ducati. Ital- By winning with four rounds remain- 1. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 40min ian Valentino Rossi, making a remark- ing Marquez was able to take a clear lead 09.904sec, 2. Mattia Pasini (ITA/Kalex) able comeback barely three weeks after in the standings as Andrea Dovizioso, at 0.145, 3. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) suff ering a broken leg, fi nished fi fth on previously the joint leader, managed 0.577 his Yamaha after lying second earlier on. only seventh place. Marquez, who also Team mate Maverick Vinales of won in San Marino two weeks ago, Overall standings Spain, who started on pole, was fourth now has 224 points, Dovizioso 208 and 1. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 248 and compatriot Aleix Espargaro of Vinales 196. The next race is the Japan points, 2. Thomas Luthi (SUI/Kalex) 227, Aprilia sixth. Briton Cal Crutchlow was Grand Prix in Motegi on October 15. 3. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 157, in contention for a top-six place but crashed and had to retire on lap 17. RESULTS Moto 3 Marquez started the race in fi fth posi- MotoGP 1. Joan Mir (ESP/Honda) 25min tion after crashing in qualifying and had 1.Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 42min 57.607sec, 2. Fabio Di Giannantonio a slow start but quickly gained on his ri- 06.816sec, 2. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/ (ITA/Honda) at 0.043, 3. Enea Bastianini vals, taking the lead from Lorenzo in the Honda) at 0.879, 3. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ (ITA/Honda) 0.051, 16th lap and charging to his fi fth title of Ducati) 2.028, 4. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ the season. “It was a diffi cult race. At Yamaha) 5.256, 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ Overall standings the beginning I didn’t have the feeling. Yamaha) 5.882, 6. Aleix Esparagaro 1. Joan Mir (ESP/Honda) 271 points, 2. I tried to come back with the feeling but (ESP/Aprilia) 6.962, 7. Andrea Dovizioso Romano Fenati (ITA/Honda) 191, 3. Aron Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez celebrates on the podium winning the MotoGP race of the Moto Grand even in the last part of the race I didn’t (ITA/Ducati) 7.455, 8. Alvaro Bautista Canet (ESP/Honda) 173 Prix of Aragon at the Motorland circuit in Alcaniz yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, September 25, 2017 5 SPORT

NFL Players, managers defy Trump on anthem protests as feud ramps up Defiant moves comes in response to comments made by Trump criticising players who refuse to stand for US anthem

Reuters Somerset, New Jersey

ational Football League players from the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars knelt and linked arms during the pre-game national anthem yes- Nterday, hours after US President Donald Trump called on fans to boycott teams that do not dis- cipline players who protest. At the fi rst game since Trump stepped up his criticism of NFL players, dozens of members of the Jaguars and Ravens did not stand for the anthem and took a knee, a form of protest that began last year over excessive use of force by police against African-Americans. Blake Bortles threw for four touchdowns and Jacksonville ran roughshod over Baltimore with a 44-7 win at Wembley Stadium in London. Mike Tomlin, coach of the Pittsburgh Steel- ers, said ahead of the team’s game against the Chicago Bears yesterday afternoon that his players would not come onto the fi eld during the national anthem to avoid “playing politics” in divisive times. The defi ant moves came in response to a series of comments made by Trump over the weekend criticising players who refuse to stand for the national anthem. “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast,” Trump wrote yesterday morning on Twit- ter. “Fire or suspend!” In a second tweet, Trump, who is spending the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, said that the “league should back” fans who are upset about the protests. The form of Jacksonville Jaguars players kneel in protest during the US national anthem before the NFL match protest began in 2016 when then San Francisco against Baltimore Ravens at Wembley Stadium in London yesterday. (Reuters) 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick put one Jaguars hammer Ravens in London knee to the ground during pre-game renditions the Ravens in London’s Wembley Stadium. Curry, who had said he would “vote” against of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Several players Khan donated $1mn to the Trump inaugura- the planned visit by the NBA champion Golden London: Blake Bortles threw for four touch- tion in nine consecutive games. The Jaguars have since made similar gestures of protest be- tion fund. And Robert McNair, chairman of the State Warriors. downs and Jacksonville ran roughshod over dominated Baltimore (2-1) from the opening fore games. Houston Texans team, said that Trump’s com- “Going to the White House is considered a Baltimore in 44-7 rout at the National Football whistle. Jacksonville took a 10-0 lead in the Kaepernick initially started his protests last ments were “divisive and counterproductive to great honor for a championship team. Stephen League at Wembley Stadium in London. It was first quarter on a 23-yard field goal by Jason year by sitting during the anthem but when what our country needs right now.” McNair also Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is with- Jaguars fifth game in Britain’s capital. Myers and a 17-yard touchdown pass from critics said it was a sign of disrespect, he in- donated $1mn to Trump. NFL Commissioner drawn!” Trump tweeted. Curry told a news con- Multiple players from both teams took a Bortles to Lewis. stead took to kneeling. At a political rally in Ala- Roger Goodell said Trump’s comments in Ala- ference in Oakland, California: “It’s beneath the knee during the national anthem. Jaguars Another 45-yard field goal by Myers in- bama on Friday, Trump suggested any protest- bama revealed an “unfortunate lack of respect” leader of a country to go that route.” owner Shahid Khan was also on the sideline creased the lead to 13-0 at the half. ing football player was a “son of a b***h” and for the NFL and its players. As commissioner, The Oakland-based Golden State Warriors and locked arms with protesting players. The Ravens had given up just 10 points in should lose his job. Goodell reports to NFL owners, some of whom said in a statement the team had intended to Bortles was 20 of 31 for 244 yards with no their opening two games. Jacksonville went up Yesterday morning, NFL managers, coaches have supported Trump. meet to discuss the potential visit at the fi rst turnovers. Jacksonville also forced three turno- 20-0 when Bortles threw a five-yard touch- and owners began to weigh in on the escalating New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, a major opportunity on Saturday morning. vers and improved to 2-1 for the first time since down pass to Allen Hurns on third-and-goal. feud. New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Trump presidential campaign donor, was con- On Saturday evening, Oakland As rookie 2007. Tight end Marcedes Lewis caught three A 23-yard kick by Myers made it 23-0 lead Robert Kraft, who has dined with Trump and fi rmed by the Senate last month as Trump’s pick Bruce Maxwell, an African American son of a touchdown passes. the half. Baltimore had just 15 yards in the who the president considers a friend, criticised to serve as US ambassador to Britain. The union military family, became the fi rst Major League Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had one of opening half and had one first down. That was Trump and defended players’ right to protest. representing professional football players also Baseball player to kneel for the national anthem the worst performances of his career. the fewest yards in any half in franchise his- “I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the rejected Trump’s comments, saying it would in open protest ahead its home game against He completed just 8 of 18 pass attempts for tory, according to STATS Research. The previ- comments made by the president on Friday,” defend their right to freedom of expression. the Texas Rangers. Singer Stevie Wonder also 28 yards with two interceptions. Flacco had a ous franchise low was 16 yards in the first half Kraft said on a statement posted on Twitter. National Basketball Association players also appeared to evoke protests by Kaepernick and 12.0 passer rating and has thrown an intercep- on Oct. 24, 2011, also against Jacksonville. Kraft said he supports his players’ “right to struck back against comments by the president other athletes when he put one knee to the stage peacefully aff ect social change and raise aware- on Saturday after Trump clashed with one of during a concert at the Global Citizen Festival in ness in a manner they feel is most impactful.” the biggest stars in the NBA. In an early morn- New York City on Saturday. “Tonight, I’m taking Wonder then put his other leg down so that knees,” Wonder said. “Both knees in prayer for Jaguars owner Shahid Khan linked arms with ing Twitter message on Saturday, the president a knee for America,” Wonder told the audience he was kneeling and facing the cheering crowd, our planet, our future, our leaders of the world team players in solidarity at the game against rescinded a White House invitation to Stephen as his son, Kwame Morris, helped him down. with his son doing the same. “I’m taking both and our globe.”

MLB Shaw’s two-run homer in 10th gives Brewers win

Reuters the Blue Jays to one run on four hits. GIANTS 2, DODGERS 1 Chicago Madison Bumgarner allowed one run in 7 2/3 in- RED SOX 5, REDS 0 nings to end his four-game losing streak as San Mitch Moreland hit a three-run homer and Ed- Francisco defeated Los Angeles. Bumgarner (4- ravis Shaw hit a two-run homer with uardo Rodriguez allowed only three hits through 9) allowed fi ve hits, struck out fi ve and walked one out in the bottom of the 10th inning 7 2/3 innings as Boston shut out Cincinnati. Ro- one. The Giants won for only the fourth time in off Wade Davis as the Milwaukee Brew- driguez (6-6) had six strikeouts and walked two his 14 starts this season. ers beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Sat- in his longest outing since May 21. Turday afternoon at the Major League Baseball Rodriguez has made six straight quality starts NATIONALS 4, METS 3 (10 INNINGS) at Miller Park. Shaw helped Milwaukee snap a on the road and four straight starts of two earned Daniel Murphy continued to torment his former three-game losing streak of losses decided in runs or fewer. The fi rst-place Red Sox lead the team, lacing the tiebreaking homer leading off the fi nal at-bat by lifting 1-0 pitch from Davis New York Yankees by four games in the AL East. the 10th inning to lift Washington over New (4-2) over the center fi eld wall. It got the Brew- York. Murphy’s homer off rookie right-hander ers back within 4 1/2 games of fi rst-place Chi- MARLINS 12, DIAMONDBACKS 6 Jacob Rhame (0-1) was his ninth in 37 games cago in the National League Central. Giancarlo Stanton hit his 57th home run to lead against the Mets, with whom he spent the fi rst Milwaukee is one game behind Colorado for Miami over Arizona. The Marlins slugger went eight years of his career before signing with the the NL’s second wild-card spot. Ian Happ drew 3-for-6 and was a triple shy of the cycle. Nationals following the 2015 season. He is bat- a leadoff walk off Jeremy Jeff ress (5-2) in the 10th Stanton drove in four runs and became Mi- ting .393 versus New York. inning and took second on Jayson Heyward’s ami’s single-season RBI leader with 124, break- sacrifi ce bunt. Jay followed and worked Jeff ress ing the previous mark of 120 set by Preston Wil- RAYS 9, ORIOLES 6 even at 2-2 before sending a single up the mid- son in 2000. Jake Odorizzi struck out a season-high nine dle to score Happ and put Chicago ahead. Davis batters and Lucas Duda matched his career high came back out for the 10th and struck out Neil INDIANS 11, MARINERS 4 with his 30th home run of the season as Tampa Walker to start the inning. Ryan Braun doubled Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff homer and Cleve- Bay eliminated Baltimore from playoff conten- to the right-fi eld corner to set the stage for Shaw land went deep four times en route to victory tion. Odorizzi (10-8) kept the Rays’ long-shot to hit his 31st home run of the season. over Seattle. Jose Ramirez and Yan Gomes each playoff hopes alive with his second straight had four RBIs. dominant performance. PIRATES 11, CARDINALS 6 Ramirez went 3-for-3 with a double and a Earlier in the week, he held Boston to a pair Jordy Mercer went 3-for-3 with four RBIs, and homer, while Gomes went 3-for-5 with two of earned runs on one hit to go along with six Pittsburgh used an eight-run fi rst inning to homers as the Indians maintained their 1 1/2- strikeouts over six innings. defeat St. Louis. The Cardinals, who had their game lead over Houston for the AL’s best record. winning streak stopped at four, trail Chicago by ROYALS 8, WHITE SOX 2 fi ve games in the NL Central and second-place ASTROS 6, ANGELS 2 Danny Duff y pitched six-plus strong innings to Milwaukee by one-half game. Carlos Correa recorded his fi rst three-hit fi nally solve a familiar foe, helping Kansas City St. Louis starter Lance Lynn (11-8) was game since returning from the disabled list and defeat Chicago. Duff y allowed two runs and two charged with all eight runs, six that crossed the Evan Gattis hit a three-run homer as Houston hits with two strikeouts and two walks. plate while he was on the mound and two that handed Los Angeles its sixth straight loss. Cor- He was 0-3 with a 9.56 ERA in three earlier Josh Lucas inherited. rea fi nished 3-for-3 with a walk and three RBIs, starts against the White Sox this season, yield- posting his fi fth three-hit game and sixth game ing at least fi ve runs each time. Whit Merrifi eld PADRES 5, ROCKIES 0 Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Travis Shaw (left) celebrates after hitting a game-winning with three-plus RBIs. Gattis followed Correa’s smacked a bases-clearing double in the seventh Jhoulys Chacin pitched six eff ective innings as two-run homer in the tenth inning against the Chicago Cubs in Milwaukee. (USA TODAY Sports) double in the fi fth with a three-run homer for inning to break things open for the Royals. San Diego defeated Colorado. The Rockies’ lead his 12th on the season. for the NL’s second wild-card spot was trimmed eight-run eighth inning as Minnesota handed YANKEES 5, BLUE JAYS 1 BRAVES 4, PHILLIES 2 to one game over Milwaukee and 1 1/2 on St. Detroit its sixth straight loss. Ervin Santana (16- Greg Bird hit a three-run homer and Sonny ATHLETICS 1, RANGERS 0 Rookie Johan Camargo delivered a pinch-hit Louis. Chad Bettis (1-4) lost for the third time in 8) gave up four straight hits at the start of the Gray pitched six eff ective innings as New York Khris Davis hit his 40th home run of the season double with two outs in the eighth inning to his last four decisions, lasting 4 2/3 innings and game but three thereafter in his seven innings, clinched an AL wild-card spot with a victory and Raul Alcantara threw fi ve strong innings as drive in two runs and give Atlanta the victory giving up a run and seven hits. during which he struck out fi ve and didn’t walk over Toronto. Todd Frazier also homered for the Oakland defeated Texas. The Athletics won their over Philadelphia. The winning pitcher was Rex a batter. The Twins lead Texas, Kansas City and Yankees, who are 16-6 in their last 22 games. season-high sixth straight game and beat the Brothers (4-3), who worked a scoreless eighth TWINS 10, TIGERS 4 the Los Angeles Angels by 4 1/2 games for the Gray (10-11) won for the fourth time against Rangers at the Coliseum for the seventh con- inning. Arodys Vizcaino pitched the ninth and Zach Granite’s three-run homer capped an American League’s second wild-card spot. six losses since joining the Yankees by holding secutive time. struck out the side for his 13th save. Gulf Times 6 Monday, September 25, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS/ PAN PACIFIC OPEN MARATHON Kipchoge misses record in rainy Wozniacki eyes top Berlin triumph

Reuters their intentions clear from the Berlin start, running at a blistering early pace that was well inside the time Kenya’s Kimetto set lympic champion in the same race three years spot aft er title win Eliud Kipchoge ago. staved off a surprise The rainy conditions soon ‘Everything was going my way in the first set. The second set was tricky but I managed challenge from Ethi- took their toll, however, and opianO debutant Guye Adola to the elite men had drifted out- to stay positive and it feels great to win the title again. It was awesome’ win an enthralling Berlin mar- side world record pace by the athon yesterday, but missed 12km mark. AFP out on his bid to set a new Reaching halfway in 61:29, Tokyo world record. Bekele was the fi rst of the big Prior to the race, Kipchoge, names to fall back, his bid fellow Kenyan Wilson Kip- to become the fi rst man to efending champion sang and Ethiopia’s Kenenisa hold the 5,000m, 10,000m Caroline Wozniacki Bekele had all set their sights and marathon world records romped to a 6-0, 7-5 on breaking Dennis Kimetto’s dashed in the spray kicked up victory over Russia’s leading marathon mark of two from Kipsang and Kipchoge as AnastasiaD Pavlyuchenkova yes- hours, two minutes and 57 they sped away. terday to win her third Pan Pa- seconds along the fl at, inner- Former world record holder cifi c Open. city course. Instead, Kipchoge Kipsang was the next to run The Danish former world ended up becoming embroiled out of steam and walked off number one needed only 75 min- in a classic tussle with the the course shortly after the utes to complete the rout under 26-year-old Adola, making his 30km mark, setting the stage the Tokyo sunshine, capturing marathon debut, and needed for a stunning duel between her fi rst title of the year after until the 41st kilometre of the Kipchoge and Adola. losing in six fi nals. Third seed damp course to shake off his Adola was determined to Wozniacki stormed through last surviving rival and cross upstage the favourite and at- the fi rst set in just 22 minutes, the line in 2:03:32. tempted an audacious bid to blazing winners past a stunned Adola fi nished 14 seconds break clear after 37km but Pavlyuchenkova, who was fi ring adrift of the winner, with his Kipchoge kept his cool and blanks up to that point. Ethiopian compatriot Mosi- caught back up with the Ethi- The Russian saved a match net Geremew fi nishing third opian four minutes later. point in the 10th game of the in 2:06:09. Kipchoge’s vic- A revived Kipchoge then second set before Wozniacki tory was his second in Berlin and surged clear of Adola as converted on her third oppor- Gladys Cherono helped recreate they approached the iconic tunity, fi zzing a backhand pass the roll of honour from 2015, Brandenburg Gate, leaving the down the line to claim the 26th with the Kenyan winning the rookie with the consolation WTA singles title of her career. women’s race in 2:20:23 to also of setting the fastest ever de- “It was my seventh fi nal this record a second win in the event. but time on a record-eligible year and obviously after a while “I am happy to have run course. it gets harder and harder,” said this race. The conditions were Cherono was unchallenged Wozniacki after winning her fi rst not friendly because of the en route to her second win in tournament since in rain,” Kipchoge told reporters. the German capital but was a October last year. “Luckily there was not strong minute slower than two years “Obviously I’ve won here in wind. “I didn’t expect Adolo ago. Ruti Aga of Ethiopia was the past and it has great memo- but I am happy for him. This is second, 19 seconds behind, ries for me, so I’m happy I was sport.” and Kenya’s Valary Aiyabei able to stay focused and aggres- The star-studded trio made was third. sive,” she added. “Everything was going my way in the fi rst set. The second set was tricky but I managed to stay positive and it feels great to win the title again. It was awe- some.” Wozniacki, who fi nished as year-end world number one in 2010 and 2011 but has since Caroline Wozniacki holds the winning plate after defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) slipped back to sixth in the rank- ings, turned her focus to win- As she slumped dejectedly ning a fi rst grand slam title next in her chair, Pavlyuchenkova Ostapenko wins Korea Open season. squabbled with coach Simon “Hopefully if I stay healthy I Goffi n. Despite being told not to Top seed Jelena Ostapenko clinched victory can put myself in position,” said by her coach, the world number at the Korea Open yesterday, defeating ’s the two-time US Open fi nalist. 23 continued to sulk as Wozni- Beatriz Haddad Maia in a closely contested “When you go on a roll and acki produced an exquisite drop three-set final. play great tennis, you’re going to volley to take the next game and The 20-year-old French Open champion from give yourself opportunities.” a crunching backhand to claim Latvia rallied from a set down to beat the the set. debutante finalist 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-4, in a match that Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the Berlin Illustrious company Pavlyuchenkova managed to lasted two hours and 15 minutes. Marathon in Berlin yesterday. (AFP) Wozniacki, also Tokyo winner get on the scoreboard in the sec- “I’m really happy to win my second title here and in 2010 and runner-up in 2014, ond set and cracked a sheepish in my career,” Ostapenko said after the match. joined former greats Steffi Graf grin after winning her fi rst game. “I enjoyed playing here and to also see so many Vunipola out for four months aft er surgery and Gabriela Sabatini with three But she never looked like Latvian flags is amazing.” Pan Pacifi c Open crowns. adding to the titles she won in Sunday’s win was Ostapenko’s first hardcourt England number eight Billy Vunipola faces a Six Nations race Martina Hingis holds the Monterrey and Rabat. title since her upset victory over third-seed against time after undergoing knee surgery yesterday that will record with fi ve. Wozniacki, who “The fi rst three games were Simona Halep at the French Open in June. rule him out for four months. Vunipola damaged cartilage in his destroyed world number one the key,” said Pavlyuchenkova, Despite her defeat, Haddad Maia said competing right knee during Saracens’ 41-13 victory over Sale on Saturday Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 6-0 in who beat former world number in her first Women’s Tennis Association finals had and will now miss England’s November Tests against Argentina, the semi-fi nals, never gave Pav- one Angelique Kerber in the been a good experience. Australia and Samoa. Saracens said he had undergone surgery lyuchenkova a chance in their semi-fi nals. “This match today was really tight. Both of us to repair the meniscus in his knee yesterday. “For any team to fi rst meeting since 2012. “I just felt a bit unlucky, it was were playing very well,” she said. lose a player of the ability of Billy is a blow and he will be missed There were early warning strange. That’s why I was a little Ostapenko, the first Latvian to win a Grand Slam through the autumn for both Saracens and England,” Saracens signs for the Russian after Woz- down on myself,” added the Rus- tournament, was a huge crowd favourite in Seoul director of rugby Mark McCall said in comments published on the niacki pulled off an outrageous sian. throughout the week-long tournament. club website. “It’s desperately disappointing for him, considering backhand from way outside the “I tried to go for it but I felt a The final match drew around 9,000 spectators, how hard he has worked during the off -season to get back to full court that fl ashed past the net little fl at and didn’t have enough Yonhap news agency said, the tournament’s first Jelena Ostapenko poses with the trophy after winning fitness. But Billy is a resilient character and he’ll have a strong post and nibbled the line to give energy and Caroline was playing sellout since it began in 2004. the WTA Korea Open in Seoul yesterday. (AFP) support network around him to get him back on the field.” her a 3-0 lead in the fi rst set. amazing tennis.”

LAVER CUP Federer leads Team Europe to victory

Reuters er’s European team mates, led by drop shots. Prague top-ranked Rafael Nadal, to leap “I walked to the court like I off the bench and embrace the had absolutely nothing to lose Swiss at the net. and I just went for it,” Isner said. oger Federer won the “I was ready to go. I had to Federer then played hero, bat- inaugural Laver Cup for be. That is what a team member tling back after dropping the fi rst Team Europe yesterday, does. The boys played fantastic set to Kyrgios who had looked to beating back a fi erce all weekend but we knew it could keep Isner’s giant-killing mo- challengeR from players from the change very quickly on Sunday,” mentum going. rest of the world to claim the tro- Federer said. “I was looking at The Laver Cup, named af- phy in a dramatic fi nal match of getting ready maybe for doubles ter Australian tennis hero Rod the weekend. at the end... But I got it done.” Laver, has won plaudits from the Despite cruising through the An earlier victory from big- players. fi rst two days, the Europeans hitting German Alexander Zver- Matches were close despite needed the last match to fi nalise ev also helped fi ght off the last- fears they would be little more the victory and show the domi- day comeback from Team World, than an exhibition. nance expected from a team which entered the day 9-3 down Federer and Nadal, the game’s featuring fi ve of the world’s top after dropping six of the fi rst top two players who split this seven players. eight matches. season’s four grand slams, Federer delivered in a tight With matches worth three teamed up on Saturday, putting 4-6 7-6(6) 11-9 win over world points on Sunday - versus two on aside a long-running rivalry to number 20 Nick Kyrgios, with Saturday and one on Friday - the play doubles competitively for the Australian pushing to the group battled back with Ameri- the fi rst time, giving fans an ea- fi nal point as he sought a win cans John Isner and Jack Sock gerly anticipated treat. that would have forced an over- downing Croatian Marin Cilic With next year’s play moving time doubles match to decide the and Czech Tomas Berdych, who Roger Federer of Team Europe and his teammates celebrate with the Laver Cup trophy in O2 Arena in Prague yesterday. (AFP) to Chicago, a John McEnroe- tournament. was playing in front of the home- captained Team World will look But Kyrgios squandered a town crowd at Prague’s O2 Arena. Zverev, the youngest player in rey. He broke the American’s GIANT KILLER But the world number 17 rat- to bounce back against Bjorn chance at match point and then The American duo limited the the top 10 at age 20, then faced serve midway through the fi rst That left Nadal to face Isner, tled Nadal from the beginning Borg’s Team Europe. smashed the ball into the net to hard-serving Europeans to three Team World’s highest ranked set and never looked back en winless in six career meetings and delivered a barrage of 23 aces “We were so, so close to pull- end the battle, spurring Feder- aces in a 7-6(5) 7-6(6) victory. player at number 16, Sam Quer- route to a 6-4 6-4 win. with the Spaniard. and several forceful winners and ing this off ,” McEnroe said. Gulf Times Monday, September 25, 2017 7 SPORT

FOOTBALL Arab Gulf Cup federation committees meet in Doha

By Sports Reporter approved during the meeting and al- of committee members and AGCFF Doha Mannai reviewed the fi nal arrange- secretary general Jassim al-Rumaihi. ments for the draw ceremony of the The meeting discussed the full- AGCFF Gulf Nations Cup Qatar 2017, fl edged media plan, which will be exe- he Competitions Committee of which will take place today at the Four cuted ahead of the tournament, as well the Arab Gulf Cup Football Fed- Seasons Hotel in the Qatari capital. as the media requirements and facilities eration (AGCFF) held its third The distribution of the teams in the which will be provided to members of meeting yesterday at the body’s draw will be based on the fi nal FIFA the media during the tournament. Theadquarters in Al Bidda Tower, Doha. ranking in the month of September. The tournament media rules and Competitions Committee chair- The members of the committee raised regulations were also discussed during man Hameed al-Sheibani of Yemen recommendations and proposals to the the meeting, specifi cally, the pre- and opened the meeting and noted that a General Secretariat for submission to post-match press conferences. quorum was present. The meeting was the Executive Committee, which were Present at the meeting were also the attended by committee members Ha- AGCFF Gulf Nations Cup Qatar 2017 scheduled to meet later yesterday. chairmen of the various Gulf media mad al-Mannai, Eexecutive director Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) Competitions Committee chairman Dr Media Committee chairman Khalid The Media Committee for the AGCFF delegations, who praised the eff orts of of Competitions from Qatar, Hameed Hameed al-Sheibani (centre) chairs the committee’s meeting yesterday. Mubarak al-Kuwari. Gulf Nations Cup Qatar 2017 held its the AGCFF and the organising com- al-Jabiry from Oman, Meshal al-Enezi fi rst meeting yesterday and was chaired mittee, the Qatar Football Association from Kuwait, Ahmed al-Harmi from Committee members Rashid al-Zuaby al-Migrin from Saudi Arabia, and Ab- attend the meeting. by Khalid Mubarak al-Kuwari, the (QFA), to organise the tournament to Qatar, and Shehab Jubara from Iraq. from the , Khalid dul Reda Haqiqi from Bahrain did not The competitions regulations were committee chairman, in the presence the highest level of standards.

SUPPORT HONOUR QBF to attend Qatar Airways is FIBA Hall of Fame

By Sports Reporter offi cial airline for Doha he Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has received an invita- tion to attend the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) T2017 Class of Hall of Fame induc- tion ceremony later this week in Mies, NZ’s fi rst LPGA event Switzerland. QBF president Ahmed al-Muftah and secretary general Ali al-Malki have Qatar Airways will support the USD $1.3mn prize money event for three editions accepted the request on behalf of the Federation and both the offi cials are By Sports Reporter New Zealand. We are thrilled to part- looking forward to the enshrinement Doha ner with Qatar Airways as our Offi cial and rubbing shoulders with the former Qatar Basketball Federation president Airline of the McKayson New Zealand greats of basketball. Ahmed al-Muftah. Women’s Open, and hope that many “We are thankful for FIBA’s invita- atar Airways, a supporter of their passengers experience seeing tion and honoured to be part of this outstanding contributions of the team of premier sporting events the world’s best in our backyard.” historic chapter of international bas- to international basketball on the oc- around the globe, has signed Yesterday’s announcement builds ketball,” al-Muftah said. casion of the 25th anniversary of its on to become the Offi - on Qatar Airways’ sponsorship strat- “The Hall of Fame concept is to ap- remarkable appearance at the 1992 cialQ Airline for three editions of the egy of supporting a range of excit- preciate those - present and past - who Barcelona Olympics, where it won the McKayson New Zealand Women’s ing international and local initiatives have helped form and shape the world gold medal. Open. The event features a USD $1.3 dedicated to enriching the global of basketball today. O’Neal (USA) and Kukoc (Croatia) million prize purse and will mark the community that it serves. Besides the “FIBA’s Hall of Fame is virtuous are among six former players being en- fi rst ever LPGA Tour event to take McKayson New Zealand Women’s in that it covers contribution and shrined, alongside Mickey Berkowitz place in New Zealand. Open, Qatar Airways is a proud part- achievements by men or women; play- (), Pero Cameron (New Zealand), As part of this sponsorship, Qatar ner of the Sydney Swans in Australia ers, coaches, referees, contributors Rajiza Mujanovic (Bosnia and Herze- Airways will have extensive marketing and the Formula E electric car races from all nations.” govina) and Valdis Valters (Latvia). and branding rights at the McKayson in Paris and New York, among others. For his part, al-Malki said, “Being Joining them is coaching great Dusan New Zealand Women’s Open, with Qatar Airways is also the offi cial FIFA inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame is Ivkovic (Serbia). They were selected millions of overseas spectators ex- partner of many top-level sporting not easy. The criteria for selection are from a list of more than 150 candidates. pected to tune in from September 28 to events, including the FIFA 2018 and diffi cult. Only those who make big sac- They will be inducted in FIBA’s Hall October 1, 2017, when the tournament 2022 World Cups to be held in Russia rifi ces in their lives both on and off the of Fame during a special ceremony at takes place at the spectacular Win- and Qatar respectively. court tend to make the list.” the House of Basketball — the head- dross Farm golf course in Ardmore, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest- This year, USA’s Dream Team, Shaq- quarters of basketball’s world govern- south of the Auckland central business growing airlines operating one of the uille O’Neal and Toni Kukoc headline a ing body on the outskirts of Geneva, district. youngest fl eets in the world, with star-studded list of world class basket- Switzerland — on Saturday. “Qatar Airways is proud to lend 200 aircraft fl ying to more than 150 ball personalities from seven diff erent FIBA president Horacio Muratore said: our support to the historic McKay- key business and leisure destinations countries across three continents that “The 2017 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame son New Zealand Women’s Open. As a across six continents. make up the Class of 2017. distinguishes itself for the impressive major global sporting partner, we see The airline has launched many ex- The Dream Team was the United amount of success these personalities sports as a means of bringing people citing new destinations in 2017, in- States’ fi rst-ever Olympic basketball have experienced on the court for their together, something at the core of our cluding Nice, France; Dublin, Repub- team to feature active NBA players. It respective countries. We congratulate own brand message – Going Places lic of and Kyiv, Ukraine, among is widely regarded as the greatest team them for all of their glorious moments Together,” Qatar Airways Group chief Golfer Lydia Ko of New Zealand at Doha’s Hamad International Airport. others. Cities including Sarajevo, Bos- ever assembled in all of sport, with the and look forward to honouring them executive Akbar al-Baker said. nia Herzegovina; Chiang Mai, Thai- likes of Michael Jordan, Magic John- and welcoming them as the latest class “It has been eight months since son New Zealand Women’s Open is stein added: “It was serendipitous land and Canberra, Australia, are just son, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl of FIBA Hall of Fame inductees. We are Qatar Airways began operating the our opportunity to support the city of timing that Qatar Airways, a passion- some of the destinations that will soon Malone and 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee especially pleased to enshrine the Dream world’s longest fl ight from Auckland, Auckland as the world’s golfi ng fi nest ate sponsor of global sporting events, join the airline’s extensive global net- David Robinson featuring in the team. Team 25 years after they stepped on the and we have been welcomed with open come to play.” launched in New Zealand in the year work, providing even more leisure and The Honours Committee of the FIBA world stage and revolutionised basket- arms by Kiwi travellers. The McKay- Tournament director Michael Gold- of the fi rst-ever LPGA Tour event in business travel options for passengers. Hall of Fame decided to reward the ball across the globe.”

FOCUS Qatar ice hockey team participate in Hong Kong Invitational Tournament

The Qatari ice hockey team partici- pated in Hong Kong invitational tour- Qatar Cycling and Triathlon nament and made it to the semi-finals, where they lost to Macao national team. Qatar’s Ahmad al-Obaidli and Federation attends ITU Congress Qais al-Natsheh were consistently competitive and showed that they By Sports Reporter can handle games at an international Doha level. This tournament showed that the future of Qatar ice hockey lies in the junior development. he Qatar Cycling and Triath- lon Federation (QCTF) took a signifi cant step forward this past week, attending the In- SPOTLIGHT Tternational Triathlon Union (ITU) Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands. QCTF was represented by board member Prof Dr Nasser al-Mohan- Al-Kuwari, Sanchez win padel event nadi, and a strategic adviser. During the visit to the 30th ITU Congress, By Sports Reporter the QCTF met with global and Asian Doha representatives of the sport to discuss how Qatar can signifi cantly develop the sport of triathlon over the coming fter two weekends of sport years. and excitement, the fi rst Padel “It was an incredibly useful and Tournament of Qatar came to inspiring series of meetings. The an end, with Abdulaziz al- QCTF will be working diligently over KuwariA and Victory Sanchez emerging the coming years to establish and de- as winners in the Gold Division. velopment in key and fundamental The champion duo beat Carles areas. The relationships built over Planas and Xavier Alvarez 6-2, 6-3. the last couple days will be vital to In the Silver Division, Jassem Mulla make sustainable progress by sharing and Anas Alomrany combined well to knowledge, co-operating with other beat Faisal al-Suaibi and Mohamed al- Winners of the Gold Division of the padel tournament. developing and developed federations Shaabi 6-1, 6-2 for the title. around the world and gaining support Also, a Consolation Tournament, for Consolation draw was bagged by Daniel court, a third of the size of a tennis from the global and Asian bodies,” al- those who suff ered losses in the first Boan and Miguel, beating Ibrahim al- court. Scoring is the same as normal Mohannadi said. round, was played alongside the main Janahi and Salem al-Marzuqui 6-3, 6-4. tennis and the balls used are similar QCTF president Dr Mohamed Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation president Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari (right) tournament. As many as 80 players were fi ghting but with a little less pressure. The main al-Kuwari said, “The relationships at the Doha Triathlon earlier this year. Xavier Pedrero and Carlos Ruiz won out for victory in the tournament. diff erences are that the court has walls built by Prof Nasser, the work we the Gold Consolation draw, with a (methacrylate usually), the balls can be are putting in to develop triathlon vision will be key to delivering suc- long-term success such as developing 6-1, 6-2 win over Omar Mohamed and WHAT IS PADEL? played off these walls as in squash, and through our three-year strategic cess. The fi rst year in the plan will be coaches, grassroots events and junior Nasser al-Kuwari. Padel is a unique racquet sport typi- that players use solid, stringless rac- plan, combined with our ten-year about laying the basic foundations for elite programmes.” Meanwhile, the victory in the Silver cally played in doubles on an enclosed quets.

Monday, September 25, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Lanka to co-operate with corruption probe Pandya and ers had asked for an immediate AFP Colombo inquiry into “shocking” allega- tions by Wickremasinghe. Wickremasinghe, a former ri Lanka’s cricket board pace bowler and ex-national yesterday asked all na- selector, told a local television tional players and its station last week he was con- employees to cooperate cerned about “unnatural match power past Australia fullyS with an ICC investigation patterns” and player selections. following allegations by former He also blamed the SLC for the players of match-fi xing and oth- team’s poor performance. er forms of corruption. The SLC maintained that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said players had refuted Wickremas- its executive committee had di- inghe’s allegations as “totally rected players and staff to co- baseless” and added that they operate with investigators from performed for their “mother- to clinch ODI series the anti-corruption unit of the land... with a 200 percent com- International Cricket Council, mitment”. ‘He (Pandya) is a star. He possesses ability with the bat, ball and in the field as well’ which announced its investiga- Sri Lanka recently suff ered tion on Saturday. “We request all the embarrassment of losing all AFP “I thought we set it up beau- those who have any information nine international matches in a Indore, India tifully with the bat to launch at to come forward and help with home campaign against India. the back end, but I thought the this inquiry by declaring all their Virat Kohli’s visitors took the Indian bowlers executed really information and evidence...” it Test series 3-0 and then won kipper Virat Kohli said well and we executed poorly,” said in a statement. a one-day international series yesterday Hardik Pan- said Smith. “We couldn’t get The board said unsubstantiated 5-0 before triumphing in the dya is a “great asset” to the boundaries. 330+ might allegations made by former skipper lone Twenty20 international by Indian cricket after the have been a diff erent result, but Arjuna Ranatunga and ex-player seven wickets in Colombo earlier all-rounderS steered the hosts to credit to India. Hardik was mag- and national selector Pramodya this month. a series-clinching fi ve-wicket nifi cent and Rohit and Jinks (Ra- Wickremasinghe were “damaging Wickremasinghe’s allega- win over Australia in Indore. hane) were fabulous too. the reputation of our players, our tions are not the fi rst to swirl Pandya’s 72-ball 78 and his “I thought Finchy was mag- cricket and our nation”. around the Sri Lanka team. In crucial fi fth-wicket stand with nifi cent, it was a great hundred. “We are committed to work- July former captain Ranatunga - Manish Pandey, who remained The pitch was pretty much the ing closely with the ICC to com- who led the islanders to the 1996 unbeaten on 36, helped the hosts same for both teams until 35 plete this inquiry expeditiously title - demanded an chase down their 294-run target overs, it did slow down towards and give our players the freedom inquiry into the team’s defeat by with 13 balls to spare. the end,” he added. to concentrate on playing their India in the 2011 fi nal in Mumbai. Openers Rohit Sharma and India have jumped to the top of cricket,” the board said. “When we lost, I was dis- Ajinkya Rahane put together the ODI rankings for now, over- It did not say what exactly was tressed and I had a doubt,” Rana- a 139-run partnership to lay a taking Australia and South Africa, being probed and whether a par- tunga said in July. “We must in- solid foundation for the team to but can still slip to the number- ticular individual or group was vestigate what happened to Sri take an unassailable 3-0 lead in two spot if the visitors win the being investigated. Lanka at the 2011 World Cup the fi ve-match series. next two games. The ICC announced the probe fi nal. I cannot reveal everything But it was Pandya who showed The fourth ODI is scheduled for a day after SLC said that 40 now, but one day I will. There maturity after being promoted Thursday in Bangalore. contracted national team play- must be an inquiry.” to number four in the batting order as he put on 78 runs with SCOREBOARD Pandey, who scored the winning Australia England ‘sensitive to eff ects’ of 4-day Tests runs. D. Warner b Pandya ...... 42 “Rohit and Rahane were very A. Finch c Jadhav b Yadav ... 124 The England and Cricket Board insisted yesterday it had “no good and then Hardik Pandya, S. Smith c Bumrah b Yadav ...63 firm position” on playing four-day Tests, adding they were “sensitive only he can do what he does G. Maxwell st Dhoni b Chahal .5 to the potential eff ects of any change to the traditional format”. when he bats like that. He (Pan- T. Head b Bumrah ...... 4 It had been reported that English cricket chiefs were in favour of re- dya) is a star,” a delighted Kohli M. Stoinis not out ...... 27 ducing Tests from their current five days to four to fit in with modern said after the win. P. Handscomb c Pandey b trends such as Twenty20 which have made shorter-form cricket ever “He possesses ability with the Bumrah ...... 3 more popular. bat, ball and in the fi eld as well. A. Agar not out ...... 9 Cricket South Africa have announced plans to stage a four-day We have been wanting a guy like Extras (lb2, w14) ...... 16 Test against Zimbabwe at Port Elizabeth starting on December 26, that for the past fi ve, six years. Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 293 although the move is still subject to International Cricket Council “A really explosive all-round- Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Warner), approval. There is a view that moving to four days would, as is the er is what we were missing and 2-224 (Finch), 3-243 (Smith), case with professional golf tournaments, ensure two good ‘corpo- he’s giving us that balance. A 4-243 (Maxwell), 5-260 (Head), rate’ days on Thursday and Friday while increasing the chances of great asset for Indian cricket and 6-275 (Handscomb) matches finishing in prime television viewing time at the weekend. I wish him all the best for the fu- Bowling: Kumar 10-0-52-0 (w4), Advocates also argue that a move to four-day Tests would give ture,” he added. Bumrah 10-0-52-2 (w5), Chahal players more time to rest between matches in what are increasingly It was also the Indian bowlers 10-0-54-1, Pandya 10-0-58-1 (w2), crowded fixture schedules. who set up the comfortable vic- Yadav 10-0-75-2 (w3) Supporters of four-day Tests have said teams would bowl more overs tory after opener Aaron Finch’s in a day to compensate for the loss of a fifth day. blazing century, restricting the India But critics point to how many Test sides struggle to bowl the sched- visitors to 293-6 at the batting- A. Rahane lbw b Cummins .... 70 uled 90 overs in a current standard day’s Test play as evidence of friendly Holkar Stadium. R. Sharma c Cartwright (sub) how a move to four days could reduce the amount of playing time. In reply, Sharma, who hit b Coulter-Nile ...... 71 England staged their inaugural day/night Test against West Indies at 71, and Rahane, who made 70, V. Kohli c Finch b Agar ...... 28 Edgbaston last month - a match that ended inside three days after combined the right dose of cau- H. Pandya c Richardson b the tourists lost 19 wickets in a day. “ECB has no firm position on the tion and aggression to give the Cummins ...... 78 staging of four-day Test matches,” said a spokesman for the national Australian bowlers a hard time. K. Jadhav c Handscomb b Rich- governing body. “We can see benefits that more compact scheduling Sharma hit a huge six off Kane ardson ...... 2 might deliver but are sensitive to the potential eff ects of any change Richardson early in the innings M. Pandey not out ...... 36 to the traditional format. Careful consideration is required to support that sailed out of the ground to India’s Hardik Pandya celebrates after scoring his half century during the third ODI against Australia at M.S. Dhoni not out ...... 3 the right decisions for the wider game, and on-field matters are key,” signal his intent. He registered the Holkar Stadium in Indore, India, yesterday. (AFP) Extras (lb3, w3) ...... 6 he added. “We would welcome more insight on the eff ects for players his 33rd ODI fi fty with another Total (5 wickets; 47.5 overs) .. and fans in order to help the game make a fully-informed decision on six off Ashton Agar. Richardson got Kedar Jadhav Returning Finch But fast bowler Jasprit Bum- ...... 294 any proposal,” the spokesman said. “It is important that cricket is pre- But the departure of the two caught behind for two as India Earlier Finch’s 125-ball 124 rah and left-arm wrist spin- Fall of wickets: 1-139 (Sharma), pared to innovate in all formats of the game where it can help drive openers created some opportu- suddenly found themselves in helped Australia post 292-6 in ner Kuldeep Yadav claimed 2-147 (Rahane), 3-203 (Kohli), interest, accessibility or improvement. Above all, ECB is committed nity for the Australian bowlers, trouble at 206-4. fi fty overs after electing to bat two wickets each to help India 4-206 (Jadhav), 5-284 (Pandya) to a healthy and competitive future for Test match cricket, here who sometimes were left hard The 23-year-old Pandya, who fi rst. Finch, who returned to the fi ghtback a strong start from the Bowling: Cummins 10-0-54-2 and around the world.” ECB chairman Colin Graves had previously done by their fi elders. survived a dropped chance by side after a calf injury, forged Aussies. (w1), Coulter-Nile 10-0-58-1 (w2), come out in support of four-day Tests, telling MCC’s website in 2015: Kohli tried to take charge dur- skipper Steve Smith off Agar on a 154-run second wicket stand Pandya got the fi rst break- Richardson 8.5-0-45-1, Stoinis “Personally, I think we should look at four-day Test cricket and play ing his 56-run stand with Pan- 41, once again made it count for with Smith, who made 63 - giv- through with the all-important 8-0-61-0, Agar 10-0-71-1 105 overs a day starting at 10:30am (0930 GMT) in the morning, and dya but lost his wicket to left- India after his 83 in the opening ing the visitors hope of a 300- wicket of opener David Warner, Result: India won by 5 wickets. finish when you finish as all the grounds now have lights.” arm spinner Agar. game in Chennai. plus score. who was bowled for 42. Series: India lead series 3-0.

THIRD ODI Ton-up Ali too much for Windies

AFP England’s total was their largest in a left-arm quick had him caught at mid-on J. Buttler b Cummins ...... 2 Bristol, United Kingdom one-day international against West In- by Ali. Plunkett then had both Shai Hope M. Ali c Holder b Nurse ...... 102 dies, surpassing their 328 for seven at (20) and Marlon Samuels (11) caught be- C. Woakes c Powell b Taylor ...... 34 Edgbaston in 2009, and their fi fth-largest hind. But while their was no doubt about L. Plunkett run out (Taylor) ...... 9 oeen Ali’s blazing century set in this format overall. Man-of-the-match Hope’s nick to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler, D. Willey not out ...... 1 up England’s 124-run vic- Ali’s hundred was also the second quick- England needed a review to see off Samuels. A. Rashid not out ...... 9 tory over West Indies in the est by an England batsman at this level Technology indicated the merest edge, Extras (lb1, nb2, w3) ...... 6 third one-day international at after Jos Buttler’s 46-ball ODI century seemingly insuffi cient to overturn an on- Total (9 wkts, 50 overs) ...... 369 MBristol yesterday as the hosts went 2-0 up against Pakistan in Dubai in 2015. fi eld decision but enough in this case for Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-73, 3-74, 4-206, with two to play in a fi ve-match series. England lost three wickets for 11 runs to Australian third umpire Rod Tucker to 5-210, 6-217, 7-334, 8-354, 9-358. Ali’s 53-ball ton - with his second fi fty be 217 for six in the 35th over. But a partner- rule in England’s favour. Bowling: Taylor 10-1-75-1; Holder 10-0-81- coming off just 12 deliveries - was the cor- ship of 117 in 76 balls between Ali and Chris Gayle, who wrote the book on one-day 2; Cummins 9-0-82-3; Bishoo 5-0-33-0; nerstone of England’s imposing 369 for Woakes (34) turned the tide in a match that power hitting, struck off -spinner Ali for Nurse 8-0-59-1; Powell 8-0-38-1 nine. West Indies were in with a chance featured 28 sixes in total. Joe Root (84) and three straight sixes in as many balls while West Indies so long as the big-hitting Chris Gayle was Ben Stokes (73) had laid the platform for a the fl oodlights pierced the increasing C. Gayle run out (Rashid) ...... 94 making 94. large total with a fourth-wicket stand of gloom. But the wicket England wanted E. Lewis c Ali b Willey ...... 13 But when the veteran opener, who 132 in 20 overs. With Ali leading the charge, came when Gayle just failed to beat Adil S. Hope c Buttler b Plunkett ...... 20 missed the rainswept no-result in the England scored 123 runs in their last 10 Rashid’s direct hit from midwicket and M. Samuels c Buttler b Plunkett ...... 11 second ODI at Trent Bridge on Thursday overs after being sent into bat. was run out, having faced 78 balls includ- J. Mohamed c Bairstow b Plunkett ...... 38 with a hamstring injury suff ered warming Ali’s six-hitting assault really got going ing nine fours and six sixes. R. Powell c Woakes b Rashid ...... 8 up on his 38th birthday, was run out the as England scored a remarkable 50 runs Gayle’s exit left West Indies 176 for four J. Holder c Ali b Plunkett ...... 34 tourists’ hopes of winning disappeared in two overs - the 45 and 46th of their in the 27th over and there was no way back A. Nurse lbw b Rashid ...... 1 with him. innings. He should have been out for 87 for the tourists. England’s star men com- D. Bishoo c Morgan b Plunkett ...... 12 West Indies were eventually dismissed when he smashed a Jerome Taylor full toss bined to end the match when West Indies J. Taylor b Rashid ...... 0 for 245, with fast bowler Liam Plunkett to point only for Gayle to drop the catch captain Jason Holder (34) holed out off M. Cummins not out ...... 4 taking fi ve for 52 - his maiden ODI fi ve- at point. Ali went to his century with two Plunkett to Ali at long-off . Extras (lb3, w7) ...... 10 wicket haul - as England won with 65 balls sixes in three balls off Miguel Cummins - Total (all out, 39.1 overs) ...... 245 to spare. a pull over deep square leg followed by a SCOREBOARD Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-79, 3-109, 4-176, Earlier, all-rounder Ali sprinted to his soaring drive over long-on. England 5-192, 6-210, 7-212, 8-241, 9-241, 10-245. hundred with nearly half of his runs com- He eventually holed out off spinner J. Bairstow c and b Holder ...... 13 Bowling: Woakes 7-1-32-0; Willey 4-0-34-1; ing via eight sixes, before he fell for 102. Ashley Nurse and received a standing A. Hales lbw b Cummins ...... 36 Plunkett 8.1-0-52-5; Ali 10-0-65-0, Stokes His century also included seven fours, ovation from a near-capacity crowd. J. Root lbw b Cummins ...... 84 4-0-25-0; Rashid 6-0-34-3 England’s Moeen Ali gestures after reaching his century during the with the left-hander needing a mere 12 West Indies opener Evin Lewis hit two E. Morgan c Hope b Holder ...... 0 Result: England won by 124 runs third ODI against the West Indies at the Brightside Ground in Bristol balls for his second fi fty. sixes in David Willey’s fi rst over before the B. Stokes c Lewis b Powell ...... 73 Man-of-the-match: Moeen Ali (ENG) yesterday. (AFP)