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Tuesday, September 19, 2017 SPOTLIGHT Dhul-Hijja 28, 1438 AH Rooney banned GULF TIMES for two years from driving SPORT Page 3 QOC CHIEF IN ASHGABAT

Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (extreme left) with Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah (10th from left) and other leaders of national Olympic federations pose in front of the Ashgabat Olympic stadium in the Turkemenistan capital of Ashgabat. Sheikh Joaan attended the opening ceremony of the 15th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games on Sunday in which Qatar is also taking part.

SPOTLIGHT MIXING POLITICS WITH SPORTS Roof installation Emirati TV anchor uses begins at 2022 hate speech while hosting World Cup venue sports show The roof structure the world pow- By Sports Reporter ers telling them is being designed Doha to lift the illegal by a German design siege and come n Emirati TV anchor has to the negotiat- firm before being gone on a senseless rant ing table. after the UAE’s under-16 But while further detailed and football team were drawn in politics can be Qatar’sA group in an Asian qualifying tricky busi- manufactured in tournament beginning in Doha to- ness even dur- morrow. ing peacetime, Italy and then sent Adnan Hamad, a well-known it acquires a darker hue when it is sports presenter with Dubai Sports, mixed with sport, as Hamad did. It directly to Qatar repeatedly used the term “rogue simply strips away even the last ve- country” for Qatar, wondering how neer of credibility off a person when for installation the UAE could send their team to he uses sport to score political points. such a place for the tournament. The draw puts Qatar, the UAE, onstruction at Al Bayt Stadi- This was one more instance of the Bangladesh and Yemen in Group E, um–Al Khor City – a proposed UAE media resorting to hate speech but the Emiratis are now most likely semi-venue for the 2022 FIFA against Qatar during the siege. to miss the event, ironically, because World Cup – continues at pace, of their own boycott of Qatar. asC work begins on the assembly and in- Ever since Saudi Arabia, UAE, Hamad also said the money spent stallation of the roof structure system. Egypt and Bahrain got together on the preparing the Emirati team Located 40km north of Doha, the and came up with this illegal and for the tournament has gone down 60,000-seat stadium was designed to senseless blockade on Qatar, emulate a traditional nomadic Qatari the drain because the UAE’s re- they have been resorting to hate quest to change their group has tent. speech and malicious propagan- The roof structure is being designed been shot down by the AFC. Well, da to gain friends and infl uence the blame solely lies with the UAE by a German design fi rm before being world opinion. further detailed and manufactured in The Al Bayt Stadium now and below an artist’s impression of it when it will be completed. because Qatar never told them not Italy and then sent directly to Qatar for to come. The UAE, in case the no- installation. roof structure is also at full speed and In his monologue he expressed his show is confi rmed, could face stiff The stadium’s façade structure is also 60% completed.” anguish at the way the Asian Foot- penalties, including a possible ban. being assembled in Germany, where it is After the tournament, the stadium’s ball Confederation (AFC) drew the According to the current schedule, being shaped and painted to represent a capacity will be reduced to approxi- UAE in the same group as Qatar and the UAE are supposed to take on traditional nomadic tent. The fabric en- mately 30,000 seats, with the upper even lashed out at the UAE football Bangladesh at 4.45pm tomorrw at gulfi ng the façade is one-of-a-kind and tiers donated to countries in need of authorities for failing to prevent the the Grand Hamd Stadium. has been developed specifi cally for Al sporting infrastructure. situation. On the same day, Yemen will clash Bayt Stadium. The façade will be trans- The upper concourse of the stadium Ever since Saudi Arabia, UAE, with Qatar. ported over various shipments to Tur- will then be converted into a hotel. A Egypt and Bahrain got together and The tournament continues on key, where it will be cut and fabricated shopping centre and a branch of As- came up with this illegal and sense- September 22 when Bangladesh into its fi nal installation-ready form to Aspire Zone Foundation Project Di- we will be able to start installing the re- petar, the leading sports medicine less blockade on Qatar, they have meet Yemen and Qatar play the UAE. be fi tted at the stadium. rector for Al Bayt Stadium-Al Khor tractable roof.” facility, will also be incorporated into been resorting to hate speech and On September 24, the UAe will meet The façade will be made of Poly- City, Dr Nasser al-Hajeri, praised the Meanwhile, Engineer Mohamed the structure alongside entertainment malicious propaganda to gain friends Yemen while Qatar play Bangladesh. tetrafl uoroethylene (PTFE), a white rapid progress being made, saying: Ahmed, SC Project Manager for Al Bayt and shopping centres, multipurpose and infl uence world opinion. The 10 group winners and fi ve best type of plastic mixed with other com- “This is an important milestone for the Stadium-Al Khor City, said: “We’re halls, and other venues. Parks and But in their unbridled enthusiasm second-placed teams will advance ponents, which is used in well-known project as we move towards the delivery very happy with progress on-site, with greenery will also form an integral to cast Qatar in poor light, it’s they to the fi nals to be played in Malaysia football venues like the Allianz Arena in of the stadium. Once the roof structure precast fabrication now 100% com- part of the surrounding precinct’s de- who stand humiliated, with almost all next year Munich and Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. and the outside membrane are fi nalised, pleted. External piling to support the sign plan. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 PREVIEW Liverpool’s Ox set for fi rst start PSG win but tensions in League Cup AFP rhythm and during the inter- London national break he was with the national team. “But it is a long-term iverpool take on project so I have no problem. simmer between Leicester City in the We sat together with him and pick of the English the analysts and showed him League Cup ties this how we want him to play in Lweek as manager Jurgen Klopp this position and that posi- seeks to eradicate the frustrat- tion.” ing defensive blunders dog- Leicester themselves are ging his team. looking to kickstart their sea- Other all-Premier League son after a disappointing start Neymar and Cavani ties pit struggling Crystal Pal- that sees the 2015-16 Premier ace against Huddersfi eld, West League champions languish- ‘We will sort things out internally for the next time, because I think they are both Brom against Manchester City, ing in 15th place but striker Bournemouth against Bright- Jamie Vardy, who has a groin capable of taking them, and I want the two of them to mix up who takes them’ on, while Manchester United problem, is a major doubt. face Burton Albion in a low- Also on Tuesday, Roy Hodg- key start to their title defence. son’s Palace play Huddersfi eld Liverpool, United and the at Selhurst Park after a 1-0 other teams in European com- defeat to Southampton saw petition only enter the draw them become the fi rst Premier for the League Cup, called the League side to lose their fi rst Carabao Cup this season after fi ve games and fail to score. its new sponsors, at the third- Burton face the daunting round stage task of a trip to Old Traff ord on Klopp’s Liverpool started Wednesday, 11 years after they the season brightly but have held United to a 0-0 draw at stuttered over the past week, home in the FA Cup before los- with a 5-0 defeat to Manches- ing the replay 5-0. ter City followed by frustrat- Burton boss Nigel Clough ing draws against Sevilla in hailed the “transformation the Champions League and of the club since the last time Burnley in the Premier League. we played them as a part-time The manager is set to make Conference side”, when he was changes for Tuesday’s match in his fi rst spell as Burton boss. at Leicester, handing midfi eld- “We are only one league be- er Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, hind them after 11 years,” he who joined on transfer dead- said. “It’s remarkable how far line day from Arsenal, his fi rst we have come. The one out- start for the club after three standing memory of the game substitute appearances. last time at the Pirelli was “It is a fantastic opportunity when they brought on (Cris- for Alex because since he has tiano) Ronaldo and (Wayne) been (here) it has been diffi - Rooney after 60 minutes. cult to train on diff erent things “I think the tie has fi nan- because of game after game cially helped the club to build a after game,” Klopp said at his solid foundation.” pre-match press conference Elsewhere on Wednesday, on Monday. Arsenal take on Doncaster “There is no rush but we are Rovers at home and Chelsea in this three-game-a-week host Nottingham Forest.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani (R) speaks with Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (C) during the French L1 match against Olympique Lyon- nais in Paris. (AFP) Wolfsburg fire Jonker, hire Schmidt

AFP mix up who takes them.” been credited as a Marcelo own PSG’s Kurzawa victim of video blackmail plot Andries Jonker became the academy, and managed to Paris Those comments, and the fact goal. But Cavani, who previously first Bundesliga head coach to keep Wolfsburg up last season Cavani was unsuccessful from lived in the shadow of Zlatan Ib- Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa was the victim of a be sacked this season when after winning a relegation the spot, suggests Neymar will rahimovic, has seen PSG com- 200,000-euro ($239,000) blackmail plot involving a video of the Wolfsburg replaced him with play-off in May. However, aris Saint-Germain kept get his chance in future. mit the two biggest transfer fees France international mocking national coach Didier Deschamps, ex-Mainz boss Martin Schmidt Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at VfB their perfect start to the The Brazilian had previously in history to sign Neymar and judicial sources revealed yesterday. yesterday. Stuttgart proved to be the last season going on Sunday, tried and failed to grab the ball Mbappe. And 222 million-euro Four men aged between 25 and 30 were arrested and charged with The 50-year-old Schmidt will straw. Jonker’s entire back- but the 2-0 win over from Cavani when a penalty man Neymar has come to Paris the foiled blackmail attempt during the summer. Three of them be thrown straight into action room staff , including assistant PLyon also laid bare certain ten- was awarded in the 3-0 win over to be the main man after spend- have been remanded in custody. as Wolfsburg host Werder coach and Arsenal legend sions in their all-star front line. Saint-Etienne last month. Cav- ing four years in Lionel Messi’s The PSG player was filmed on a mobile phone in a shisha bar in Bremen today, then face de- Fredrik Ljungberg, have also PSG were leading 1-0 at the ani scored that time. shadow at Barcelona. Paris with the footage falling into the hands of the blackmail gang, fending champions Bayern been fired after taking four Parc des Princes when they won a Earlier in Sunday’s game, the “This victory has exposed ten- sources related confirming a report on Europe 1 radio. Munich away on Friday in key points from their first four penalty with 10 minutes remain- duo disagreed over who should sions between Neymar and Cav- “In this recording the player makes uncalled for gestures aimed at Bundesliga matches. games this season. ing for a foul on Kylian Mbappe, take a free-kick with the match ani,” said sports daily L’Equipe the France national manager,” a source disclosed. “I am very much looking for- “We have two diff icult games making his home debut. Having still goalless. Dani Alves inter- on its front page yesterday. When the plotters approached 25-year-old Kurzawa he contacted ward to this task, even if there ahead of us this week, but already scored three times from vened to give his compatriot the The ‘MCN’ scored eight goals the police, who set in train a sting operation. A police off icer is not much time left to get we didn’t want to implement the spot this season, Edinson ball on that occasion, and Ney- between them in their fi rst two established contact with the gang acting as an intermediary for used to it, since we have two a caretaker solution, rather Cavani assumed the responsibil- mar’s strike was saved. matches together against Metz the player to set up a rendezvous. But investigations suggested important games in front of install a new head-coach with ity would once again be his. “They are two great players. (5-1) and Celtic (5-0), but Sun- the gang planned to assault Kurzawa outside his home in the Paris us,” said Schmidt ahead of his immediate eff ect,” explained Neymar tried to get the ball They want to score goals. There day was less encouraging. suburbs. A team of police off icers watching the player’s home ar- first training session last night. director of sport Olaf Rebbe. from the Uruguayan but it was are no problems between them, Cavani saw very little of the rested three men caught in the act in August, with a fourth suspect The Swiss coach spent A statement by Wolfsburg’s Cavani who eventually took it. everything is fi ne,” insisted PSG ball, while Neymar and Mbappe detained this month. Kurzawa moved from Monaco to PSG in 2015. seven years at Mainz, where supervisory board said they And his eff ort was brilliantly defender Presnel Kimpembe. were relatively subdued, even He has turned out nine times for France, including their last two he was promoted to head felt the team’s development saved, Anthony Lopes tipping Most coaches would envy the if they combined to force PSG’s outings against the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The aff air could coach in February 2015, but had stagnated under Jonker. the ball onto the bar. embarrassment of riches at Em- second on the night, a Jeremy compromise his chances of featuring for his country in their World was dismissed in May after “Decisive for us in taking this “The penalties are taken by a ery’s disposal. The ‘MCN’ front Morel own goal. Cup qualifiers away to Bulgaria and at home to Belarus next month, poor results meant the team step was not just the impres- couple of players, one is Cavani line of Mbappe, Cavani and Ney- Julian Draxler, a 40 million- with Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy among the other options finished just clear of the sion made upon us during and the other is Neymar. There mar has cost the capital club 466 euro signing from Wolfsburg in available to Deschamps in his position. Kurzawa is the second relegation places. the game against Stuttgart, needs to be a gentleman’s agree- million euros ($557 million, £411 January, was also shoehorned France player to be targeted in a blackmail plot after the Mathieu Wolfsburg have opted for a but rather based upon the ment on the pitch to decide who million) but now the coach has to into the team on Sunday but Valbuena sex-tape scandal implicating France strikers Djibril Cisse quick change in their coach- perception of stagnated devel- takes the penalties,” coach Unai somehow keep them all happy. overloading the side with at- and Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. ing team, sacking Jonker after opment amongst the team, Emery admitted later. “We will Cavani scored a remarkable tacking stars is to the detriment The defender’s former PSG teammate Serge Aurier, now with Tot- just 203 days in charge. which was to a great extent sort things out internally for the 49 goals in all competitions last of the overall balance. tenham Hotspur, was censured by his club in February last year The 54-year-old Jonker took newly formed during the sum- next time, because I think they season and already has nine this PSG have not slipped up yet, after footage emerged of him criticising his then-coach Laurent charge in February, when he mer,” said Wolfsburg’s board. are both capable of taking them, season - it would have been 10 but Sunday’s game showed that Blanc on the social media app Periscope. quit as boss of Arsenal’s youth and I want the two of them to had the opener against Lyon not Emery has plenty on his plate.

BUNDESLIGA Resurgent Schalke pose threat to Bayern

AFP ver are at Freiburg. But Tedesco was not a one-off . Hasan Salihamidzic is keeping Ancelotti. “I have the impres- Berlin is warning his side to not get the squad together amidst obvi- sion that the enthusiasm of the ahead of themselves. Robben, Neuer out ous cracks. team has been lost.” “If you go into the game think- “We must confi rm that this is Hot-shot striker Robert The 58-year-old Ancelotti is ollowing their best start ing that you want to lead the ta- not unique,” said Arjen Robben, Lewandowski, who has now one of Europe’s most success- to a Bundesliga season ble, then you forget all the small who scored Bayern’s second goal scored 82 goals in 100 league ful coaches having won three in six years, resurgent steps you need to take,” said the against Mainz but will be miss- games for Bayern, has criticised Champions League titles with Schalke are relishing to- Schalke coach. ing in Gelsenkirchen with fl u. the club’s spending policy. AC Milan and Real Madrid. day’sF home clash with Bayern Nevertheless, there is an air Bayern have confi rmed Ger- Robben slammed the team’s As a player, Ancelotti won the Munich, whose coach Carlo of confi dence around the Veltins many goalkeeper Manuel Neuer performance for struggling to European Cup under Sacchi in Ancelotti has faced criticism Arena. is out after injuring his left foot, break down 10-man Ander- 1989 and 1990 at Milan. from one of his former mentors. “If you play against Bayern the same one he had surgery on lecht before winning 3-0 in the Schalke have won three of you have to step out with your for a stress fracture in May. Sven Champions League last mid- Fixtures their fi rst four league games, head held high - which we can Ulreich will deputise. week. And winger Franck Ribery (all times 1830 GMT unless including beating Champions now do,” said Schalke midfi elder Juan Bernat and David Alaba threw his shirt at the bench in a stated) League contenders RB Leipzig, Leon Goretzka, who hit the win- are also missing but Thomas temper after being substituted in Today under new coach Domenico Te- ner in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Mueller will hope to keep his that same game. Now Ancelotti Borussia Moenchengladbach desco, who is only 32. Werder Bremen. Goretzka, 22, place after impressing his coach has been criticised by his former v Stuttgart (1630), Schalke v They are fourth in the table, shone at the Confederations Cup at the weekend. coach Arrigo Sacchi. Bayern Munich, Augsburg v RB one place below champions Bay- in the summer when Germany “He played well and was fan- “It looks as though some Leipzig, Wolfsburg v Werder ern, who have an identical record lifted the trophy but is out of tastic in his movement, even changes would do Bayern good,” Bremen of three wins and a defeat but are contract next June and likely to without the ball,” enthused An- Sacchi, one of Italy’s former top third on goal diff erence. be on Bayern’s radar. celotti. coaches, told German broad- Tomorrow A win in Gelsenkirchen could Bayern hammered Mainz 4-0 Centre-back Jerome Boateng caster Sport1. Cologne v Eintracht Frankfurt put Schalke top as current lead- on Saturday after suff ering a is set to be rested having only “One gets older and loses the (1630), Hertha Berlin v Bayer ers Borussia Dortmund play shock league defeat at Hoff en- just returned from injury. passion and the absolute will - Leverkusen, Freiburg v Hanover Hamburg on Wednesday, the heim a week earlier. The biggest threat facing An- that’s life,” added the 71-year- 96, Hamburg v Borussia Dort- same day second-placed Hano- Their challenge is proving it celotti and sporting director old in a thinly-veiled attack on mund, Mainz v Hoff enheim Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

EPL Mourinho shrugs off City rivalry in title race

AFP get two points like they got last are sad and another team that is cedure and we wait a few more United. Manchester week when we drew against happy. It was probably our best days. It is nonsense informa- “I wasn’t so impressed by Stoke. I was just thinking about performance of the season.” tion.” United,” Koeman said. “That is them, not City. City won their Mourinho also dismissed re- Everton striker Wayne Rooney maybe strange after a 4-0 defeat anchester United game, they did their job. ports that an injury suff ered by was aff orded a generous recep- but they were really clinical and manager Jose Mour- “There is clearly a diff erence in France midfi elder Paul Pogba tion by the home fans on his we didn’t deserve this. inho claimed draw- relation to last season. We played in their Champions League win Old Traff ord return and left to a “Sometimes in life and foot- ing level with Man- better and we score more goals.” over Basel could see him on the standing ovation when he was ball you get more than you de- Mchester City at the top of the Mourinho felt the margin sidelines for up to three months. substituted in the 82d minute. served. I think here we got less. Premier League table did not en- of victory, secured courtesy of “I don’t know if it is 12 weeks Mourinho added: “I didn’t “You can support players, ter his mind following their 4-0 three goals in the fi nal seven or 12 days, honestly,” Mourinho need to ask the fans. It is the na- give them confi dence but still win over Everton. minutes, was not fl attering and explained. ture of English fans, the nature we started afraid. We started United have the same points refl ected the dominance of his “Any comment, any rumour is of big clubs. When a player is big afraid. and goal diff erence as Pep Guar- side. totally wrong because we don’t in the club and an important part “However you saw really a diola’s side after goals from An- “I think if the result was 2-0 know if it is 12 weeks or 12 days. of club history, I think every club reaction in the team today and tonio Valencia, Henrikh Mkhi- or 3-0 after 30 minutes I would The player was diagnosed ini- does that.” it is of course diffi cult when you taryan, Romelu Lukaku and say a clear refl ection of fantas- tially after the match. Everton have now lost four look to the fi nal result. Anthony Martial secured an em- tic football we played in the fi rst “Because of the muscle and consecutive games in all com- “You think it was one team on phatic victory over the Toff ees. 30-35 minutes, ultra-dominant the bleeding the decision was to petitions, conceding 12 goals and the pitch but it wasn’t like that. “I didn’t think one single sec- against a team that defended wait one more week and to dis- scoring none. Of course result is for most of ond about Man City,” Mourinho with fi ve, with four, I think we cover clearly in the scans. No- Despite the margin of the de- the people the most important. said. “I thought about Totten- played phenomenal. body in this club talked about 12 feat Everton manager Ronald “I saw a diff erent team from ham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool. “The 2-0 came and after that days or 12 weeks. Koeman claimed he saw signs the one which lost to Atalanta Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho gestures on the “They didn’t win their match- the third and fourth goal are just “It is an injury in the ham- of improvement from his play- on Thursday, more togetherness touchline during the English Premier League match against Everton es and it was a chance for us to a consequence of a team that string. But we have normal pro- ers and the scoreline fl attered and aggression on pitch.” at Old Traff ord in Manchester. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT LA LIGA Bale responds to Zidane’s demands Rooney pleads guilty as Madrid improve

Reuters his sixth goal in fi ve matches Madrid at Anoeta. “It’s always great to score but the most important thing inedine Zidane asked was to get the three points for to drink-driving, hit Gareth Bale to step up the team, to get back to win- his game ahead of Real ning ways,” said Bale. Madrid’s clash with “It was a great goal but the ZReal Sociedad on Sunday and most important thing was to the Welshman responded with get the goal for the team, to get a goal in the champions’ 3-1 the win and close the gap at win at Anoeta. the top.” With Cristiano Ronaldo Bale helped Madrid to move by 2-year driving ban suspended and Karim Ben- up to fourth place, four points zema injured, the onus was on behind Barcelona, ahead of a Bale to deliver as Madrid end- run of league games which on ‘Following today’s court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable ed a blip which saw them draw paper look comfortable for the two league games in a row and champions until they visit lo- lack of judgement in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong’ slip seven points behind rivals cal rivals Atletico Madrid on and league leaders Barcelona. November 19. AFP Zidane’s side were excel- Zidane was pleased with Stockport, United Kingdom lent against Sociedad, with how Bale, who has been 20-year-old forward Borja plagued by injury for much Mayoral scoring one and of the year, responded to the ormer England cap- prompting Kevin Rodrigues criticism made of him by sup- tain Wayne Rooney was to score an own goal, while porters and the Spanish me- yesterday banned from Bale’s strike was the icing on dia. driving for two years and the cake. “I’m very happy for him. orderedF to perform 100 hours Asked about the midweek They talk a lot about him but of unpaid community work after jeers and whistles from Ma- he showed the player he is, pleading guilty to drink-driving. drid fans at the Santiago Bern- you have to have patience with The Everton striker apol- abeu which prompted Zidane him,” said the French coach. ogised for an “unforgiv- to say Bale had more to give, “I’m glad he scored because able lack of judgement” fol- the winger said he would try to he needed it. It’s not easy, after lowing his sentencing by a ignore them. running 70 metres, he fi nished court in northern England “It’s normal, it happens very well technically and I’m for being nearly three times in football. For me obviously happy for him. over the drink-drive limit while I just have to try to keep my “For me he’s not at his best his pregnant wife and their three head down and keep working yet, I know that we will fi nd sons were on holiday. hard, and that’s all I can do,” that bit by bit, but you have to He was stopped by police Bale told Movistar. have patience.” when driving a woman’s black “I can’t control what goes Meanwhile Madrid striker Volkswagen Beetle at around on, I can only control how Cristiano Ronaldo will re- 2:00 am (0100 GMT) on Sep- hard I work on the pitch. You turn to action against Real tember 1 and later arrested and go through ups and downs in Betis tomorrow after serving bailed. your career, and it’s how you a fi ve-match suspension, as Stockport Magistrates’ Court bounce back.” the champions look to keep was told a breathalyser test Bale’s 61st-minute goal the pressure on La Liga leaders showed Rooney’s alcohol level helped Madrid to kill the game Barcelona. was 104 microgrammes in 100 against dangerous opponents Ronaldo was sent off dur- millilitres of breath. who had been unbeaten this ing the Spanish Super Cup win The drink-drive limit in Eng- season. over Barcelona on Aug. 13 and land and Wales is 35 micro- He raced on to Isco’s long, banned for fi ve matches after grammes per 100 millilitres of lofted ball, charged through pushing the referee, mean- breath. on Geronimo Rulli’s goal and ing he is yet to feature in the Rooney, 31, was banned from dinked the ball over him for league this season. driving for two years and ordered to perform 100 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12-month com- munity order. His legal team asked the judge to consider not imposing a com- munity order because of his on- going charitable work but he said he was “not convinced” that im- posing a large fi ne “would have the same eff ect”. Rooney, who rejoined boy- hood club Everton after 13 tro- phy-laden years at Manchester United in July, tweeted an apol- ogy to his 16.4mn followers. “Following today’s court hearing I want publicly to apolo- gise for my unforgivable lack of judgement in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong,” Rooney said in a state- ment. “I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and Everton striker and former England captain Wayne Rooney arrives at Stockport Magistrates court at Stockport yesterday. (AFP) chairman and everyone at Ever- ton FC. Now I want to apologise over the prescribed limit, he re- footballer left court with his Rooney has been married fi rst two Premier League ap- to all the fans and everyone else plied guilty. lawyers again followed by a me- to his high-school sweetheart pearances. who has followed and supported Michael Rainford, defending, dia scrum of TV cameras, press Coleen since 2008 and they are His form moved England me throughout my career. said Rooney accepted the facts photographers and reporters. expecting their fourth child. manager Gareth Southgate to “Of course I accept the sen- of the prosecution case in full His entourage fought their He was given a warm welcome off er him an international recall, tence of the court and hope that I and highlighted his charity way through the throng to a at Old Traff ord on his return to but he decided to call time on his can make some amends through work. waiting people-carrier with former club Manchester United England career. my community service.” “He is not somebody who tinted windows and Rooney was on Sunday but it ended in disap- Rooney fi rst burst onto the Earlier, Rooney entered court pays lip service to the charities driven away. pointment with a 4-0 defeat for scene aged just 16 at Everton in a dark blue suit and black tie as so many often do,” he said. Everton manager Ronald Koe- Everton. and went on to score 17 goals in and sat in the public gallery next “This is somebody who is ac- man said earlier this month Rooney, England and Man- 77 appearances for the “Toff ees” to his agent Paul Stretford. tually hands-on with the work the matter would be dealt with chester United’s record goals- before moving to Manchester When asked how he pleaded he carries out. It is something internally, adding that he was corer, made a successful start United, where he won multiple Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (C) celebrates a goal with Borja Mayoral to the charge that he drove under that is very close to his heart.” “disappointed” by the drink- to his second Everton spell fol- trophies, including the Champi- (L) and Casemiro during their La Liga match against Real Sociedad the infl uence of alcohol while Following the hearing, the driving charge. lowing his return, scoring on his ons League. at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY Kaino in line for recall as Hansen rests six

Reuters record 57-0 humiliation of South do the job.” Wellington Africa on Saturday, Hansen has Kaino returned to training last rested locks Sam Whitelock and week but missed the match at Brodie Retallick, loose forwards North Harbour Stadium where eteran loose forward Liam Squire and Sam Cane, and the All Blacks subjected South Jerome Kaino is in line backs Beauden Barrett and Ryan Africa to their worst test defeat. for an All Blacks recall Crotty for the Pumas match. The All Blacks are undefeated after missing the open- Another group will return after four rounds of the Rugby Ving four rounds of the Rugby home after Argentina and ahead Championship and can success- Championship due to a “per- of the fi nal away match against fully defend their title with vic- sonal issue”. the Springboks as the All Blacks tory over the winless Pumas. The 34-year-old dual World staff look to manage players’ Cup winner played all three tests workloads at the back end of the Squad against the British and Irish Li- season. Forwards – Wyatt Crockett, Kane ons but fl ew home to New Zea- “We struggled at times last Hames, Nepo Laulala, Jeff ery land shortly before the Rugby year, this is the hardest time of Toomaga Allen, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Championship opener against the year for us, so we are just try- Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, the Wallabies in Sydney. ing to think outside the box and Nathan Harris, Scott Barrett, New Zealand Rugby said at think of ways to keep the play- Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, the time that an Australian me- ers fresh,” Hansen said in a me- Vaea Fifita, Jerome Kaino, Kieran dia report about his private life dia release yesterday. “This also Read (captain), Ardie Savea, had necessitated his return to gives us a chance to build player Matt Todd Auckland. Kaino has been in- depth and experience. Backs – Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ cluded in a 28-man tour squad “It puts a lot of pressure on us Perenara, Aaron Smith, Lima for the Sept. 30 clash against going to Argentina because they Sopoaga, Anton Lienert-Brown, Argentina in Buenos Aires along are a good side and we’ll need to Ngani Laumape, Sonny Bill Wil- with fl anker Matt Todd and lock play well to perform there, but liams, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Patrick Tuipulotu. we’re confi dent that the group Damian McKenzie, Nehe Milner- Following the All Blacks’ we are taking there will be able to Skudder, Waisake Naholo

FORMULA ONE SPOTLIGHT Palmer wants six of the best to boost his Mercedes must not Formula One hopes

Reuters The four top teams have all London confi rmed their lineups while Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso are expected to replace Sainz eparting Renault with France’s 2016 GP2 cham- drop the ball now, driver Jolyon Palmer pion Pierre Gasly, who is al- says he wants to end ready contracted to them. the Formula One McLaren have Fernando ‘I don’t know why but it’s not seasonD on a high after a break- Alonso yet to re-sign, but are through race in Singapore. confi dent of continuing with sinking in just yet. And also the The Briton fi nished sixth an unchanged lineup, while under the fl oodlights for his Sauber are forging closer ties gap, it’s kind of hard to believe’ fi rst points of the campaign with Ferrari and seem set to warns Wolff only two days after his team take current Formula Two announced that Spaniard Car- leader Charles Leclerc. los Sainz would be taking his That leaves Williams, and place in 2018. specifi cally the seat of Brazil- Some still suspect Sainz ian veteran Felipe Massa who could be in the car before the almost retired at the end of last end of the year but Palmer was season. adamant he would be stay- Poland’s Robert Kubica, ing until the last race in Abu seeking to return after a 2011 Dhabi. rally accident that seemed to “The result this weekend is have ended his Formula One fi nally a bit of good luck. This career, has emerged as one po- result could have come earlier tential candidate and is being in Baku, Silverstone or Spa. I assisted by retired 2016 world hope we can build from this in champion Nico Rosberg. the next six races,” he told Sky Whether Palmer has a Sports television. hope remains to be seen but “At the moment the news he hoped at least his luck had about Renault is quite fresh. turned, with German team From my side I want to go out mate Nico Hulkenberg suf- with six of the best races. I fering reliability problems in- want to stay in F1 and there stead. “I’ve had a tough year, are other options. I want to we’ve had reliability issues but do myself proud in these six I’ve made mistakes as well,” he races.” said. Palmer has limited options, “The media were always with former champions Wil- questioning about my future. liams now the main focus for It’s made it a bit harder but I’ve several drivers hoping to stay learnt to switch off and just fo- in the sport or return. cus on the driving.”

Newgarden claims IndyCar crown as Pagenaud wins finale Josef Newgarden won the Penske a podium sweep and 2017 IndyCar championship Chip Ganassi Racing’s Dixon on Sunday with a runner- finished fourth – and third up finish to French Penske in the title chase, 21 points teammate Simon Pagenaud behind Newgarden. in the season finale at “This is unbelievable, a Sonoma, California. dream come true, and it took The 26-year-old American so much to get here,” said an started from pole after clock- emotional Newgarden, in his ing a track record in qualify- first year with Penske after ing on Saturday. driving early in his career Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the race on the podium with Valtteri Bottas. (Reuters) The point he gained for the in Europe and Indy Lights pole saw him stretch his lead before landing rides with Reuters car’s engine expired. limitation, it was trying to mini- McLaren can be resistant to change: Honda boss atop the standings to four IndyCar outfits owned by Singapore The triple champion went on mise the loss somehow. So, to points over New Zealand’s Sarah Fisher, Wink Hartman to win four of the last fi ve races come out the complete other di- Honda’s motorsport head has portrayed former champions Scott Dixon going into Sun- and Ed Carpenter. but the damage was done and rection, for sure it’s a shock.” McLaren as ‘systematic’ and set in their ways as the Formula One day’s race, which was worth “I almost don’t know what ercedes will see Fer- now-retired German team mate Singapore off ered Vettel the partners prepare to separate at the end of the season. McLaren double points. to say.” rari’s Singapore Nico Rosberg won the champi- best chance of striking a blow are ninth of 10 teams in the constructors’ championship and have Newgarden drove seam- Newgarden became the third self-destruction as onship by fi ve points. against Hamilton and the four directed much of the blame at Honda, whose engine has suff ered lessly from pole, leading 41 Penske driver in four years a warning, even as “We mustn’t drop the ball,” times champion knows Mer- embarrassing failures and is no match for rivals. “Working with laps of the 85-lap race on to win the title after Power in Mthey revel in Lewis Hamilton’s team boss Toto Wolff told cedes are unlikely to be so far McLaren, I’ve realised that they are a very big company which is the 2.385-mile (3.84 Km) 2014 and Pagenaud last year. sudden 28-point lead, that any- reporters on Sunday. off the pace at upcoming very systematic,” Masashi Yamamoto said in an interview published Sonoma Raceway. Newgarden also became thing can happen in Formula “We just need to continue and circuits. on the Honda website (en.hondaracingf1.com). It’s obviously very But 2016 series champion only the second US-born One and nothing can be taken for get on with the job,” added the The German may come to look strong because of that but at the same time they can find it hard to Pagenaud’s aggression – he champion since Sam Hornish granted. Austrian. back on Singapore as the defi n- adapt to change.” twice missed the chicane in 2006. The other was Ryan Hamilton’s seventh win of the “There’s lots of time for ing moment of a campaign that He gave no specific examples. Similar comments have been made at turn nine, kicking up dirt Hunter-Reay in 2012. “This season fell into the Mercedes cheering when we’ve actually has already had several fl ash- in the past about Honda, who announced with McLaren last Friday as he drove through the means so much to me and driver’s lap after title rival Se- done it.” points. that their partnership was ending. McLaren, the sport’s second grass – and his bold strategy the sport,” said Newgarden, bastian Vettel and Ferrari team- That said, even Hamilton With six races remaining, most successful team in terms of race wins, will be teaming up with of four pit stops proved the a US flag draped over his mate Kimi Raikkonen collided found it hard to come to terms Hamilton could before long fi nd Renault in 2018 while Honda are joining Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso. diff erence. shoulders. with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen with the dramatic twist that himself in a position where he Yamamoto said Honda would have preferred to stay with McLaren “We did what we had to do,” at the start. turned damage limitation – af- doesn’t need to win another race but recognised they had not been able to reach performance and Pagenaud said. “We tried. With six races remaining, and ter he qualifi ed fi fth with Vettel this season. reliability targets set by the team. The company was determined to We won the race. It wasn’t seven wins in 14 now under his on pole – into something of a “Championship-wise it’s a big succeed with its Formula One project, however, and still had three enough.” belt, the Briton is the clear fa- miracle. step forward,” said Wolff , who years with the current engine regulations to show what it could do. Pagenaud emerged from vourite to take a fourth title this “I don’t know why but it’s not expressed some sympathy for Toro Rosso principal Franz Tost understood Japanese culture, said his late final stop ahead of year. sinking in just yet,” he said of the Ferrari’s plight. Yamamoto, and communication was good. “We have seen that they Newgarden, who couldn’t But he also knows, as much as 60th win of his Formula One “You can kind of feel for Fer- also have a young factory and are growing, which for Honda is very find a way past, finishing Vettel, how fi ckle the champion- career. rari. I’ve been in the situation important because we can work with the same mentality and have 1.0986 behind Pagenaud – Josef Newgarden celebrates ship can be. “And also the gap, it’s kind of of losing both cars, and you can the same approach,” he added. “If we compare both teams with but 13 points ahead of him in on stage after winning the Last year Hamilton was lead- hard to believe. relate how awful that feels for diff erent cuisines, let’s say McLaren is a very sophisticated French the final season standings. 2017 Verizon IndyCar series ing from pole in Malaysia – the “I defi nitely went into today them. But I guess we’re not here cuisine, that’s the way it is.” Australia’s Will Power gave in Sonoma. (AFP) race after Singapore – when his thinking it was about damage to take prisoners.” Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 5 SPORT

NFL Cowboys extend reign as most Brady, Pats bounce back, valuable NFL team

New York: The Dallas Cow- boys are the most valuable National Football League Chiefs and Falcons win team for an 11th consecutive year, valued at nearly twice the league average, according to the annual list published ‘We were 0-1, and with the 10-day break, it felt like a year’ by business magazine Forbes yesterday AFP The Cowboys, who have Los Angeles reached the playoff s only nine times since winning their last Super Bowl in 1995, are worth he New England Patriots’ early-season $4.8bn, up 14% rise from last struggles didn’t last long. Quarterback year, Forbes said. Tom Brady threw for 302 of his 447 passing Reigning Super Bowl cham- yards in a 30-point fi rst-half burst and the pions New England Patriots TSuper Bowl champion Patriots bounced back from ($3.7bn) were joined by New a season-opening defeat with a 36-20 rout of the York Giants ($3.3bn), Washing- Saints in New Orleans on Sunday. ton Redskins ($3.1bn) and San Brady, who had completed just 16 passes in a 42- Francisco 49ers ($3.05bn) in 27 loss to Kansas City last week, connected on 19 the top five. Forbes calculated of 25 with three touchdowns in the fi rst half alone. the average value of the NFL’s It was the fi rst time in the 40-year-old superstar’s 32 teams at $2.52bn, an 8% career that he completed three TD passes in the jump jump that was driven by fi rst quarter. hefty TV contracts and new “We were 0-1, and with the 10-day break, it felt stadiums and stadium renova- like a year,” Brady said. “It was a good four quar- tions that help to generate ters of great competition. We got off to a good start more revenue from premium with some situational things, but we still left some seating and amenities. things out there.” Brady hit Rex Burkhead for a 19-yard TD, con- THE 10 MOST VALUABLE nected with Rob Gronkowski on a 53-yard score NFL TEAMS and threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hog- 1. Dallas Cowboys ($4.8bn); 2. an. The Patriots led 30-13 at halftime and handed a New England Patriots ($3.7bn); Saints team led by prolifi c quarterback Drew Brees 3. New York Giants ($3.3bn); 4. their second defeat in as many games this season. Washington Redskins ($3.1bn); 5. It wasn’t all good news for New England. San Francisco 49ers ($3.05bn); Gronkowski, limited to eight games last season 6. Los Angeles Rams ($3bn); because of injury, appeared to have shaken off the 7. Chicago Bears ($2.85bn); 8. rust as he caught six passes for 116 yards, but he Houston Texans ($2.80bn); 9. departed the game in the fourth quarter with an New York Jets ($2.75bn); 10. apparent groin injury. Philadelphia Eagles ($2.65bn) Hogan was limping in the second half and re- ceiver Phillip Dorsett left late with a knee injury. PANTHERS’ OLSEN The Patriots’ fi nal three scoring drives ended in SUFFERS BROKEN FOOT fi eld goals by Stephen Gostkowski. Carolina Panthers tight end Coming off their big season-opening win over Greg Olsen left Sunday’s the Patriots, the Chiefs got off to a slow start but game against the Buff alo came alive in the second half for a 27-20 win over Bills with a broken right foot. the Philadelphia Eagles. Olsen, an 11th-year pro, went Kareem Hunt got loose for a 53-yard touchdown out in the second quarter, and run with 1:20 left in the third quarter to put the spent the rest of the game on Chiefs up 13-10. Philadelphia tied the game with crutches. There is no time- 11:57 seconds left in the fourth quarters with a 40- table for his return to action. yard fi eld goal from rookie Jake Elliott. Olsen made one catch for 10 But the Chiefs took the lead for good with a 15- yards in the first quarter Sun- yard TD pass from Alex Smith to tight end Travis day. He had two receptions Kelce before Hunt plunged over for another touch- for 18 yards in the opener. down from two yards out. The Atlanta Falcons, The Denver Broncos lost who collapsed spectacularly in the Super Bowl New Orleans Saints linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha (centre) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the NFL game. (USA TODAY Sports) rookie left tackle Garett Bolles against New England in February, improved to 2-0 to a lower left leg injury dur- with a 34-23 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Arizona Cardinals erased a 10-point fourth with 1:49 to play to lift the Washington Redskins to RESULTS ing the third quarter against In their fi rst game at their $1.5bn Mercedes- quarter defi cit to post a 16-13 overtime victory over a 27-20 victory over the Rams. Baltimore 24 bt Cleveland 10; Carolina 9 bt Buff alo 3; the Dallas Cowboys. Bolles, Benz Stadium, the Falcons built a big lead and the Colts in Indianapolis. Phil Dawson, who missed There was disappointment for Los Angeles’ Arizona 16 bt Indianapolis 13 (OT); Tennessee 37 bt the 20th overall pick of the made it stand up. Matt Ryan threw for 252 yards a potential game-winning fi eld goal from 42 yards other team, too, as the Chargers, newly relocated Jacksonville 16; Kansas City 27 bt Philadelphia 20; 2017 draft, had to be carted and a touchdown and Devonta Freeman rushed for on the fi nal play of regulation, booted a 30-yard from San Diego, dropped their fi rst home game at New England 36 bt New Orleans 20; Pittsburgh 26 off the field after apparently 84 yards and two short TDs for Atlanta. fi eld goal with 8:02 left in the extra period to win it. the StubHub Center 19-17 to the Miami Dolphins. bt Minnesota 9; Tampa Bay 29 bt Chicago 7; having the leg rolled in traff ic Falcons safety Desmond Trufant, who missed He got the chance after Tyrann Mathieu inter- Cody Parker kicked four fi eld goals, including a Miami 19 bt Los Angeles Chargers 17; Oakland 45 during a running play. The the second half of last season, had a 15-yard fumble cepted Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett at the 54-yarder with 65 seconds left, for Miami. San bt New York Jets 20; Washington 27 bt Los Angeles Cowboys also were hit hard return for a touchdown and set up another TD with Indianapolis 22 yard line on the fi rst play of over- Diego’s South Korean-born rookie Younghoe Koo Rams 20; Seattle 12 bt San Francisco 9; Denver 42 by injuries, particularly at the an interception in the rematch of last season’s NFC time. In Los Angeles, Kirk Cousins connected on missed a 44-yard fi eld goal attempt with nine sec- bt Dallas 17; Atlanta 34 bt Green Bay 23; Houston 13 cornerback position. championship game. an 11-yard touchdown pass to receiver Ryan Grant onds left. bt Cincinnati 9.

MLB Heyward gets big hit as Cubs sweep past Cardinals

Reuters rout of Miami. Woodruff (2-2) went six innings, Chicago limiting Miami to three runs on eight hits and didn’t walk a batter.

ason Heyward hit a go-ahead RBI sin- TWINS 13, BLUE JAYS 7 gle with two outs in the seventh to help Eddie Rosario homered twice and Joe Mauer Chicago complete a sweep of St. Louis hit the fourth career grand slam as Minnesota at the Major League Baseball on Sunday. scored seven runs in the second inning and six HeywardJ fi nished with three hits for the Cubs, in the fi fth to erase a 5-0 second-inning defi - who have won six straight and climbed 17 games cit against Toronto. Toronto’s Josh Donaldson above .500. They also moved to six games ahead homered in each of the fi rst two innings to help of third-place St. Louis in the National League stake starter Joe Biagini (3-11) to the early fi ve- Central. Pedro Stop (5-4) earned the victory af- run lead. However, Rosario and Byron Buxton ter throwing a scoreless inning, and Wade Davis hit back-to-back homers to lead off the second secured his 31st save in as many chances. and spark the Twins’ rally.

ASTROS 7, MARINERS 1 RAYS 3, RED SOX 2 Justin Verlander delivered another strong start, Evan Longoria had two RBIs and Jesus Sucre hit and the Houston Astros bashed four home runs a solo home run to help Tampa Bay salvage the in their 7-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on fi nal game of the three-game set against Boston, Sunday, a victory that secured the fi rst Ameri- which had its three-game win streak snapped. can League West pennant in franchise history. Sucre put the Rays ahead again in sixth when he Houston won its fi rst division championship hit a solo shot off Red Sox Eduardo Rodriguez. since 2001, when it claimed the National League Central title. This marks the fi rst division title RANGERS 4, ANGELS 2 since the club moved to the AL in 2013 and the Adrian Beltre had a two-run double and Joey seventh division crown overall. It is the Astros’ Gallo hit the third-longest home run in the ma- second playoff berth in three seasons with man- jors this season to lift Texas. The loss dropped ager AJ Hinch. the Angels two games behind the Twins for the second American League wild-card spot with TIGERS 12, WHITE SOX 0 13 games remaining. The Rangers remain fi ve Matthew Boyd fell one out short of pitching De- Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (right) slides safely into home plate against St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina during the fourth inning games back. troit’s fi rst no-hitter since 2011. Boyd yielded a of the Major League Baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) two-out double to right-center in the ninth by GIANTS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 2 Tim Anderson. He also got home run support homer in the sixth inning and added a solo shot METS 5, BRAVES 1 ORIOLES 6, YANKEES 4 Pablo Sandoval hit his fi rst right-handed home from Nicholas Castellanos, Mikie Mahtook and in the eighth, and Stephen Strasburg won his Robert Gsellman allowed only three hits over Ubaldo Jimenez struck out 10 in fi ve innings, run since 2014 as part of a two-hit, three-RBI rookie Jeimer Candelario. fourth start in a row as Washington beat Los seven strong innings and pitched New York past and Tim Beckham hit a long three-run homer day, helping San Francisco avoid a series sweep. Angeles. The Nationals salvaged the fi nale of the Atlanta. Gsellman (7-7) gave up one unearned as Baltimore salvaged one victory in the series Chris Stratton pitched six strong innings and INDIANS 3, ROYALS 2 three-game series between fi rst-place teams. run and struck out three in his longest stint against New York. Jimenez (6-10) recorded his combined with four relievers on a six-hitter as Corey Kluber pitched seven scoreless innings since May 29. He has allowed only one unearned 19th career double-digit strikeout game, strik- the Giants bounced back from narrow defeats to and Edwin Encarnacion belted his 36th home ATHLETICS 6, PHILLIES 3 run and six hits his last 13 2/3 innings against the ing out every Yankee except Todd Frazier. Diamondbacks pitching standouts Robbie Ray run as Cleveland defeated Kansas City. Kluber Joey Wendle’s grand slam in the top of the sixth Braves. Beckham hit his 22nd homer and 10th since and Zack Greinke on Friday and Saturday. (17-4), who struck out nine and did not walk inning was the diff erence as Oakland topped being acquired from Tampa Bay in the fourth off a batter, has pitched 22 consecutive scoreless Philadelphia. REDS 5, PIRATES 2 New York starter Sonny Gray, who is 3-6 since PADRES 4, ROCKIES 3 innings over his last three starts. Cody Allen Returning to the majors after an 849-day ab- Robert Stephenson allowed one hit, walked joining the Yankees. After off ering little resistance in two losses, San pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up his sence, Phillies starter Henderson Alvarez stifl ed three and struck out eight while pitching six Diego struck late to beat Colorado to avoid a 28th save. the Athletics lineup early in the game, scattering scoreless innings in Cincinnati’s victory over BREWERS 10, MARLINS 3 sweep in the three-game series. The Padres tied just four hits over fi ve innings, but the wheels Pittsburgh. He got out of a jam in the third in- Brandon Woodruff struck out six and the Mil- the score with two runs in the eighth inning and NATIONALS 7, DODGERS 1 fell off for Alvarez the second time through the ning, when the Pirates had runners at second waukee Brewers’ off ense produced an eight-run won it in the ninth on Austin Hedges’ squeeze Ryan Zimmerman hit a go-ahead, three-run lineup. and third with no outs, and cruised from there. inning for the second time in three games in its bunt off Rockies closer Greg Holland (3-6). Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Sugita win keeps Kerber exorcises NY Japan in Davis Cup world group demons in Tokyo ELECTRONIC CALLS TO AFP Osaka, Japan REPLACE LINE JUDGES AT NEXT GEN FINALS Mladenovic suff ers an epic meltdown, as she was pulverised by China’s Wang Qiang Line judges face an uncertain uichi Sugita thrashed future after the ATP announced AFP ganisers. Wimbledon champion Thiago Monteiro yester- that they will be replaced by Tokyo and new women’s world number day as Japan preserved “electronic line calls” at this one Garbine Muguruza heads a their Davis Cup world year’s inaugural Next Gen Finals strong fi eld in Tokyo featuring groupY status by wrapping up a in Milan. For the fi rst time at an ormer world number several top 10 players includ- comfortable playoff victory over ATP event, the chair umpire will one Angelique Kerber ing Karolina Pliskova, Caroline Brazil in Osaka. Celebrating his be the only offi cial on court, with thrashed Japan’s Naomi Wozniacki and Johanna Konta. 29th birthday, world number 42 ‘Hawk-Eye Live’ technology Osaka 6-3, 6-4 at the Sugita thrashed Monteiro 6-3, used to judge whether shots are PanF Pacifi c Open women’s ten- 6-2, 6-3 to give the home side an in or out. CIRSTEA, BEGU LEAD ROMA- nis tournament yesterday to NIAN CHARGE IN SEOUL unassailable 3-1 lead in the best- Decisions will be fi nal with avenge a humiliating loss at the No. 4 seed Sorana Cirstea of-fi ve tie after Brazil had given players unable to challenge calls US Open. emerged victorious over Misa themselves a lifeline by winning as they do at most tournaments Frenchwoman Kristina Mlad- Eguchi 6-1, 6-3, while fellow the doubles. via Hawk-Eye playback. enovic suff ered an epic Tokyo Romanian and No. seed Irina- Marcelo Melo and Bruno Marginal calls will, however, meltdown, meanwhile, as she Camelia Begu recovered from a Soares overpowered Yasutaka still be accompanied by a visu- was pulverised by China’s Wang set down to dispatch Thai quali- Uchiyama and Kiwi-born Ben alisation on video screens around Qiang, who infl icted the dreaded fi er Varatchaya Wongteanchai McLachlan 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a the stadium. “double bagel” on the eighth 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the second rubber delayed by 48 hours be- Foot-faults, usually called by seed to win 6-0, 6-0 and reach round of the Korea Open. cause of heavy rain at the week- judges positioned in line with the the second round. Cirstea and Begu are two of end with Japan on the brink of baseline, will be determined by a Kerber, seeded seventh, four Romanian women currently victory. ‘review offi cial’ who will monitor crashed to a shock 6-3, 6-1 fi rst- in the Top 100 - with Mihaela But Sugita, who became only the feet of servers via cameras. round defeat by Osaka in New Buzarnescu and Ana Bogdan the third Japanese man af- The Next Gen ATP Finals in York last month as defending not too far behind. Begu sees ter Shuzo Matsuoka and Kei November, which will be con- champion. But a repeat never the team as one comprised of Nishikori to capture an ATP tour tested by the top eight players seemed likely yesterday as the strong-willed individuals. title in Turkey two months ago, aged 21 and under, will feature a German quickly took control. “Everybody asks us,” she said produced a clinical display to range of new innovations includ- Kerber, who has slipped back after the match. “There’s a lot of dash Brazilian hopes of a come- ing a shot clock and short sets. to 14th in the world since win- players. I wouldn’t say we have back in the reverse singles. Electronic line calling, how- ning last year’s Australian and a tennis school that brought us Japan took a 2-0 lead after Fri- ever, raises the possibility of US Open titles, ripped forehands to the top; it’s all on ourselves. day’s opening singles when Su- judges being phased out for good past her teenage opponent seem- Our families were behind us, so gita beat Guilherme Clezar 6-2, — ending the ritual of players ingly at will in the fi rst set. Osa- were our sponsors. Everyone 7-5, 7-6 and Go Soeda squeezed scowling at offi cials when deci- ka’s game unravelled completely was practising, doing their own past Thiago Monteiro in fi ve sion go against them. in the second, giving Kerber a schedules. I can’t really say why sets. The teams agreed to scratch Hawk-Eye Live technology welcome opportunity to work so many of us are at the top!” Soeda’s dead rubber against has been tested for 18 months her way back to form after a poor Begu will next face Brazil’s Be- Clezar. and is touted to be the future. run of results and to seal victory atriz Haddad Maia, who also in an hour and 23 minutes. recovered from a set down to “I was trying to come out, fo- Ukrainian wildcard Katarina Za- cus on every single point and vatska, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. make it better than last time,” Earlier in the day, Cirstea en- said Kerber. “Naomi is a tough joyed a much more straightfor- opponent and a great talent. For ward encounter with Eguchi, sure she will have great success winning 80% of points behind in the future.” her fi rst serve and converting The 19-year-old Osaka, born fi ve of six break points to ease of a Haitian father and a Japanese past the Japanese star in 61 min- mother, went on to reach the utes. “It’s my second year here,” third round of the US Open after she said in her post-match press stunning Kerber. But the world conference. number 44 almost appeared to “I actually really like this tour- be tanking at times at the venue nament, so I don’t know why I for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, haven’t played here more! I’m such was her lack of gusto. She happy with how I played today. committed 38 unforced errors I was aggressive from the begin- — including a wild forehand on ning to the end, and I served well. match point — in a performance I think it was a good match for a she will want to forget in a hurry. fi rst round.” Elsewhere, Japanese wildcard Cirstea will next play either Kurumi Nara beat Kazakhstan’s local wildcard Jang Su Jeong or Yulia Putintseva 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. American Nicole Gibbs, who had “It gives me confi dence that I then-WTA World No.1 Karolina was able to turn it around,” said Pliskova on the ropes in the sec- Nara. “Hopefully I can take that ond round of the US Open. Her spirit into the next match.” projected semi-fi nal opponent Two-time champion Agniesz- is top seed Jelena Ostapenko, ka Radwanska, seeded sixth, whom she played in Flushing Yuoichi Sugita (right) of Japan hugs head coach Atoshi Iwabuchi pulled out of the tournament Meadows, and with whom she’s after defeating Thiago Monteiro of Brazil during the Davis Cup World with a virus, according to or- opted to play doubles in Seoul. Group playoff in Osaka, western Japan, yesterday. (AFP)

DAVIS CUP EUROPEAN BASKETBALL Australia will bounce Kokoskov still humble aft er Slovenia feat back, says shattered Reuters captain Hewitt Ljubljana lovenia’s historic triumph at Reuters it means something. These boys the European basketball cham- Melbourne take a lot of pride wearing the pionship left their coach Igor green and gold and will bounce Kokoskov as the unsung hero back.” afterS the Alpine country’s impressive hattered Australia cap- With Bernard Tomic over- 93-85 win over Serbia in a rip-roaring fi - tain Lleyton Hewitt has looked for the tie amid a deep nal in Istanbul. Miami heat guard Goran said his young Davis Cup form slump, Hewitt sprung a Dragic, who poured in 35 points on Sun- team will be better for couple of selection surprises day, grabbed all the headlines after what theirS heart-breaking semi-fi nal over the weekend, neither of he said was his fi nal international game loss to Belgium and backed them which paid off . After including but the Slovenians have as much to thank to bounce back quickly from the the in-form Thanasi Kokkinakis Serb exile Kokoskov. disappointment. in his squad, Hewitt ignored the The 45-year-old spent a solitary year Chasing their fi rst appearance young talent and plumped for in the 1990s as a senior head coach in his in the fi nal since winning the 183rd-ranked John Millman, who country at nondescript second-tier side 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 head- lost the opening singles to Goffi n OKK Belgrade before building a career as ing into the fi nal singles in Brus- on Friday. Millman played well an assistant at six diff erent NBA outfi ts, sels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios in defeat to Goffi n but was dis- most recently the Utah Jazz. and Jordan Thompson met their carded in favour of 69th-ranked Overlooked by Serbia’s ruling basket- match against David Goffi n and Jordan Thompson who duly lost ball echelons, Kokoskov learnt his trade Steve Darcis. Darcis won his 22nd to Darcis on Sunday. “It was al- across the Atlantic and applied it with Davis Cup tie but Goffi n laid the ways going to be the case for a such devastating eff ect against his com- foundation by winning both of long time (to play Thompson on patriots, as the Slovenians capped a mag- his singles matches against Aus- Sunday), so nothing in our plans nifi cent tournament with a 9-0 record. tralia who claimed the last of changed,” Hewitt said, defending They blew away 2015 champions Spain their 28 titles back in 2003. the decision. Hewitt said he could not fault “A lot of these boys haven’t the eff ort of his players in front of played in Davis Cup ties away Slovenia’s players celebrate after defeating Serbia to win the FIBA Eurobasket 2017 tournament in Istanbul on Sunday. (AFP) a parochial home crowd on clay from home,” added Hewitt. “It is courts, their least-preferred sur- diff erent. It’s tough. Especially in 92-72 in the semis before overpower- Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Orladno Kokoskov heaped praise on his staff , face, but as a member of the team semis and fi nals. They’ll be bet- ing Serbia and Slovenia’s Ekipa website Magic. Kokoskov took on a dual role as the offi cials and players, who won the that beat Spain in the 2003 title- ter for the run.” paid tribute to Kokoskov. “Graceful and he transformed also-rans Georgia into hearts of neutral fans with entertaining decider, he was still crushed by Nine-time champions France humble in victory as he’s always been, a respectable side during his 2008-2015 and free-fl owing basketball instilled into the defeat. “You come here to made the fi nal by seeing off Ser- Kokoskov is a man of few words who spell at the former Soviet republic before the side by their American-styled coach. get the result. It’s a bit raw at the bia 3-1 in Lille and will host the came through with sheer hard work and he took over as Slovenia’s head coach last “We had an incredible tournament and moment,” the two-time grand Belgians in the November 24-26 deserves all the accolades as the greatest year. a memorable fi nal which we will savour slam champion told reporters. championship match. hero and creator of Slovenia’s basketball Having arrived to the 24-nation Euro- for the rest of our lives,” he told Ekipa. “Everyone gave 100 per cent. France won their most recent success,” it said. basket 2017 as no more than one of many “This is a fantastic achievement for Slov- We left it all out there. But that Davis Cup in 2001 before losing Having started as an assistant at the dark horses, the Slovenians romped to enian sport and the credit goes to every- doesn’t make it hurt any less. the 2002, 2010 and 2014 fi nals. Los Angeles Clippers 2000-2003, Koko- their fi rst basketball podium fi nish as an one; the players the basketball associa- It’s disappointing, but I’ve told Belgium made the fi nal in 2015, skov spent the next fi ve years at the De- independent nation and a fi rst gold medal tion and also my assistants who did such the boys, if it hurts it’s because losing to Britain. troit Pistons before spells at the Phoenix in any team sport. a great job.” Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 7 SPORT

GOLF Leishman fends off Rose to win BMW Championship Aussie rolls in a 19-footer from the fringe at the 72nd hole to celebrate his third PGA Tour title with a 23-under par total

AFP landed on the rocks aside a creek. Eventually the Chicago Spaniard took a drop and made a par that was enough to punch his Tour Championship ticket. “I had the possibility of playing it against the arc Leishman fi red a fi nal-round 67 rock because it was fl at,” Garcia said. on Sunday to complete a wire-to- “The grandstand on the right side of the green wire victory in the BMW Cham- was in my way, so I was able to get relief from pionship, beating Justin Rose and that. So, (I) dropped inside the hazard.” MRickie Fowler by fi ve strokes. Australia’s Leish- Garcia played alongside Mickelson, whose bid man had seized control of the penultimate event to book his trip to East Lake included an eagle at in the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoff s with a the 15th. The American played the fi nal three scintillating 62 on Thursday. holes in one-under par, but fi nished 34th in the He started the fourth round at Conway Farms FedEx Cup standings. with a fi ve stroke lead that twice dwindled to Asked if the delay as Garcia considered his two shots over Rose before Leishman fi nished options bothered him before his own birdie at- confi dently, with birdies in three of the last four tempt, Mickelson quipped: “No. I needed that holes. He rolled in a 19-footer from the fringe at extra 38 minutes to read that putt.” the 72nd hole to celebrate his third US PGA Tour title with a 23-under par total of 261. LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES The victory was a vindication after Leishman (USA unless noted): was unable to close out a win two weeks ago at 261 — Marc Leishman (AUS) 62-64-68-67 TPC Boston, where his challenge was doomed 266 — Justin Rose (ENG) 67-68-66-65, Rickie Fowler by fi ve bogeys on the back nine. “There’s prob- 65-64-70-67 ably a few little scars from two weeks ago,” 268 — Jason Day (AUS) 64-65-70-69 Leishman said. “I was really determined to not 269 — Matt Kuchar 67-68-67-67, Jon Rahm (ESP) let that happen again, to try and give myself a 69-68-65-67 big enough buff er that I could get it done. And 271 — Tony Finau 65-72-70-64, Jordan Spieth 65-70- I got it done.” 71-65 Leishman’s 261 was a record total for the 272 — Anirban Lahiri (IND) 67-71-68-66, Webb Simp- tournament and his 23-under tied the tourna- son 66-73-65-68, Patrick Cantlay 67-65-70-70 ment low in relation to par, set by Dustin John- 273 — Brooks Koepka 71-70-69-63, Kevin Chappell son last year. England’s Rose had seven birdies 69-67-70-67, Francesco Molinari (ITA) 68-65-72-68, — and an ill-timed bogey at 17 — in a 65 for 266. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 68-68-68-69, Pat Perez 70-67- Fowler had fi ve birdies in his four-under 67 67-69, Cameron Smith (AUS) 66-68-69-70, Lucas to join Rose on 18-under. Former world number Glover 68-70-65-70, Chez Reavie 68-67-67-71 one Jason Day of Australia was alone in fourth 274 — Zach Johnson 67-71-72-64, Xander Schauff ele after a 69 for 268. Leishman, who won the Ar- 72-70-65-67, Luke List 68-70-67-69, Sean O’Hair 70- nold Palmer Invitational in March, moved to 69-66-69, Phil Mickelson 66-69-69-70, Ryan Moore fourth in the FedEx Cup standings going into the Australia’s Marc Leishman poses with his family after winning the BMW Championship golf tournament in Lake Forest, Illonios. (USA TODAY Sports) 69-66-67-72, Scott Brown 69-66-67-72 season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta. 275 — Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 69-73-66-67, Gary Only the top 30 players in the standings advance The four players who moved into the top 30 in the standings with a tie for 12th. book a Tour Championship berth. Woodland 67-67-72-69, Bud Cauley 69-66-71-69, to the season fi nale, where a $10mn playoff bo- this week included Masters champion Sergio Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson of the Garcia was embroiled in a lengthy rules dis- Keegan Bradley 65-72-68-70, Stewart Cink 67-66-70- nus will be up for grabs. Garcia of Spain, who jumped from 34th to 25th United States came up just short in his bid to cussion at the 18th, where his second shot 72, Charley Hoff man 64-71-67-73

SPOTLIGHT QNB STARS LEAGUE Draw made for 2017 QSL Cup Markiya’s stunning victory over he Qatar Stars League has made the draw for the upcoming QSL Cup yesterday morning at Al Al Sadd talking point of Round One TBidda tower. The event, which was held in the presence of he dust has now settled on a frantic before striker Yusef El Arabi bundled in a in- with Gharafa playing a fast-paced attacking Ahmed al-Adsani, Director of opening round of QNB Stars League jury time winner for the former champions. brand of football. Fernandez will be hop- Competitions Department of the action, which saw 24 goals and Veteran coach Gabriel Calderón set his ing that his young stars can step up again Qatar Stars League, club offi cials plenty of interesting results. Here in side up perfectly, and summer signing Ha- when they take on Umm Salal on Thursday and media. Tour regular feature Talking Points we will go bib Habibou impressed in his role as lone evening, in the opening match of round two The draw saw all 12 QNB Stars over the moments that mattered. striker holding up the ball well for the more of the QNB Stars League. League sides drawn into the fol- than willing midfi eld runners. Despite los- lowing groups: Group A: Al-Du- PROMOTED SIDES IMPRESS ing the points Qatar SC fans will be hopeful SAILIYA SET TO SURPRISE hail, Al Gharafa, Al Kharaitiyat, IN OPENING MATCHES that they will be avoiding a relegation bat- THIS SEASON Al Sailiya, Al Khor, Qatar Club. Newly-promoted Al Markiya provided the tle this season. It certainly promises to be an Many sides in the QNB Stars League opted Group B: Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, performance of the weekend with a shock interesting match when both sides take on for a vast overhaul in playing staff over the Umm Salal, Al Arabi, Al Ahli, Al The QSL Cup draw was held in the presence of Ahmed al-Adsani, 2-1 win over last seasons Qatar Cup winners each other on Friday evening. summer. However Al Sailiya elected for sta- Markhiya. Director of Competitions Department of the Qatar Stars League. Al Sadd. Yusef Adam’s side showed plenty bility, keeping the majority of their profes- The tournament is set to take of composure to come from behind to beat YOUTHFUL OUTLOOK sional and local players with former Al Sadd place after third week of QNB with the Ministry of Culture and The format of the competition Sadd 2-1. AT AL GHARAFA? man Nadir Belhadj being the only signing of Stars League action, when the Sports. means that each team faces the Most people wouldn’t have given the new Jean Fernandez’s Al Gharafa fought hard note for the Peregrines. competition will take a two-week QSL offi cials also revealed that fellow fi ve sides once in a league boys a chance against Al Sadd, but were to pick a well deserved point in a 1-1 draw Prior to the start of the league, head coach break for international football. U-23 and Youth players are eli- format. masterfully set up to take the Wolves on the against Al Ahli, in the opening match of the Sami Trabelsi revealed that this was one of QSL offi cials also revealed gible to play in the tournament, The top two sides in each break. This was further underlined when QNB Stars league season. More impressive the best group of players that he was worked that further details of the com- and that any cards picked up group will be drawn against each substitute Mohamed Salah scored two late from the Cheetah’s was that majority of the with at the club. The Sailiya squad cer- petition, including match dates in the competition are separate other in the semi-fi nals before goals to seal a memorable opening day vic- squad for the game was U23 and formally tainly proved their coach right on Saturday and stadiums will be announced from the disciplinary procedures the winners take on each other in tory for Markhiya. part of the Gharafa youth set-up. evening, picking up an impressive 3-1 win in due course following liaison of the league programme. a showpiece fi nal. Likewise, Qatar SC showed plenty of poise This summer Gharafa changed their di- over Al Arabi, which included a brace from in attack and just missed out on the points rection in the transfer market, opting to midfi elder Wagner Ribero. The team know in a 3-2 defeat to Al Duhail. The Kings took invest in exciting youth prospects rather each other well and providing the results FOCUS their chances when it mattered, and looked than seasoned local players. The initial keep coming, Trabesi’s side could be a sur- set to share the points with the Red Knights, gamble certainly seems to have paid off , prise package this season. (qsl.com.qa) Speed Arrow Basketball Cup steps into 4th Season

peed Arrow Basketball Association (SABA) is making a mark in the sports community in Qa- tarS and has already completed three Seasons. The league started on November 11, 2016 and was spearheaded by Ron Almojuela, Noel Matabuena and Ian Desiar. SABA is also a bona-fi de mem- ber of SBP (Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas) and the cup is held every Friday from 8am to 8pm at Sudanese School, Abu Hamour, Qatar. Season 3 highlighted 3 major Divisions – 5’8’’, 5’11’’ and The Brotherhood Organization (TBO) Interfraternity League. A Speed Arrow Basketball Association organisers. total of 32 teams had a head-to- head combat to reach Champi- Guzman (TBO), leading their look forward to as it will host the onship but the season newbie team with great strategic off ence, 5’8’’ Division, 6’0’’ Division and Batang Sanna secured the top defence, and ballgame tech- the return of Hamad Inter-De- position for 5’11’’ Division, while niques. The 3rd season wrapped partmental Division after a hia- CIAI-SI bagged the spot for TBO up its fi nal hooray after 3 months tus for 2 seasons. league and Trojans made a his- using round robin technique and The highlights of the Season toric milestone when they de- fi nishing the semis with twice to 3 Championship and latest up- fended the championship title beat rule for the 1st rank on team dates about the league is avail- for the 3rd time on 5’8’’ Division. standing. able by visiting SABA’s offi cial This season’s MVPs were Now that Speed Arrow Bas- Facebook Page: https://www. William Quinones (5’8’’), Ryan ketball Cup is gearing for its 4th facebook.com/speed.arrow.bas- Calimpong (5’11’’) and Chris De Season, there are 34 teams to ketball.association Newly-promoted Al Markiya provided the performance of the weekend with a shock 2-1 win over last seasons Qatar Cup winners Al Sadd.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN INDOOR AND MARTIAL ARTS GAMES Haroun ready for heavy schedule in double gold bid

By a Correspondent tories in 2015 at the Asian Indoor session, Haroun won his 400m Tosin Joseph Ogunode of Qa- Ashgabat Championships in Doha, Qatar, semi-fi nal in 48.38, again eas- tar, the 60m Asian indoor record and the Asian Championships in ing down on the home straight, holder, will be his key opponent. Wuhan, China. to reach the fi nal today, when he But Eric Shaun Cray of the Phil- bdalelah Haroun of “I want to win both the 400m will also tackle his 800m semi- ippines, his country’s 100m Qatar is looking a class and 800m here and that’s what I fi nal around 40 minutes earlier. national record holder and the apart as he cruises to- am ready to work for,” said The 800m fi nal is tomorrow. reigning 400m hurdles Asian wards double gold at Haroun. Still, it is a packed Meanwhile, the wait to fi nd champion, can be the proverbial theA Ashgabat 2017 5th Asian In- schedule he faces in the Indoor the continent’s fastest male and dark horse. Amiya Kumar Mal- door and Martial Arts Games. Athletics Arena having come female athletes is almost over. lick of India, the current Indian But that should not be a sur- through three races yesterday. With preliminary, semi-fi nal 100m record holder and a brief prise as, despite being just 20, “I run what my coach tells me and fi nal of the men’s and wom- training partner of Jamaican Us- the athlete has already proved he to, I am happy to work hard. It is en’s 60m races scheduled at the ain Bolt, could also prove to be a is among the best in the world. what I enjoy doing,” he added. Indoor Athletics Arena today, challenge. At the IAAF World Champi- Haroun strolled round his there are some clear contenders Meanwhile, Viktoriya Zyab- onships in London this August, 800m heat to win in 1min for the coveted titles. kina of Kazakhstan, the reigning Haroun won 400m bronze to 56.06sec before returning to the Hassan Taftian of Iran, the Asian Indoor champion, is ex- add to the silver he claimed over track 70 minutes later and cruis- reigning Asian 100m champion, pected to do well in the women’s 400m at the World Indoors in ing through his 400m heat in will be an overwhelming favour- 60m race. But Dutee Chand of Portland, USA, in 2016. 49.09. ite. Last year, he had also won India could make things diffi cult Those followed his 400m vic- After returning for the evening the Asian indoor sprint title. for Zybakina.

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Smith warns India have weapons Gayle return ‘huge other than spin

AFP the footage and watched a bit Chennai, India of the series in Sri Lanka where they bowled quite a few (knuckle balls),” said Smith. ustralia were undone “It wasn’t any surprise to us. boost’ for West by spin in the fi rst one- Batting for 20 overs is diffi cult day international but when you’re losing wickets and skipper Steve Smith trying to go quite hard. hasA warned his side need to be “It didn’t work out as we ready for India’s other bowling would have liked but we’ve got to weapons. turn things around in a couple of The tourists were frustrated days’ time in Kolkata,” he added. by wrist spinners Yuzvendra Smith also believes Australia Indies, says Holder Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who spinner Adam Zampa has to re- took fi ve wickets between them, spond, after taking a beating ‘I’m really looking forward to having him back. He seems up for the challenge, he seems to go down by 26 runs as they against Pandya whose 83-run chased a rain-shortened target blitz took India to 281-7 in 50 upbeat and really happy to be back. I’m looking forward to good things from Chris’ of 164 in 21 overs. overs. Australia had brought in lo- Pandya smashed the leg spin- AFP Plunkett up for cal bowler KK Jiyas ahead of ner for a four and three succes- Manchester Sunday’s game to practise fac- sive sixes in one over to bring up Gayle contest ing a left-arm wrist spinner and his third ODI fi fty. Smith said the performance in Zampa did make Pandya his est Indies captain Jason Holder England fast bowler Liam Plun- Chennai was disappointing but only wicket of the innings. But has backed the returning Chris kett is excited by the prospect that his side have got to be ready the bowler’s 10 overs cost 66 Gayle to make a big impact in of facing West Indies’ big-hitter for more. runs. the one-day international se- Chris Gayle in an upcoming “We certainly haven’t just “I guess the message to Zampa Wries against England starting this week. been focusing on wrist spin. as well was to try and bring his one-day international series. Today’s fi xture at Old Traff ord, the first of Veteran left-handed opener We’ve been facing our fast bowl- length back a little bit. He was a fi ve-match ODI series, is set to be power- Gayle gave England a taste of ers in the nets and other net bowling very full and Hardik house opening batsman Gayle’s fi rst at this what they can expect in the bowlers as well,” Smith said. looked like hitting every one of level since the 2015 World Cup — where he five-match ODI clash with a “There hasn’t just been that those for six,” said Smith. made the fi rst double century in the com- typically rapid 40 as World focus on spin bowling, that’s for “As soon as he got his length petition’s history, smashing a blistering 215 Twenty20 champions West sure. India have some quality back a little bit and made him go against Zimbabwe in Canberra. Indies beat England by 21 runs seamers as well,” he added. across the ball he got him out.” A protracted dispute with Cricket West in the lone T20 international It was fast bowlers Jasprit Chahal, who returned impres- Indies chiefs kept the 37-year-old Jamaica of their tour in Durham on Bumrah and Hardik Pandya who sive fi gures of 3-30 in his fi ve left-hander on the sidelines of the interna- Saturday. A sell-out crowd were rattled the Australian top order overs, felt there is no added ex- tional game for more than two years. rewarded for braving a cold and before the spinners moved in. pectation on the Indian spinners But he returned to Twenty20 internation- rainswept night in Chester-le- Leg-spinner Chahal and Ya- in such a high-profi le series. al action on his home ground of Sabina Park, Street by the sight of Gayle dav also slipped in a few knuckle “No pressure as such. We don’t Kingston, in July. smashing three fours and four balls — bowled with fi ngertips think a lot about what’s happen- And he showed he had lost none of his sixes in just 21 balls. and released in a way to reduce ing. We go by the situation of ability to score rapidly with a blazing 40 off It was a reminder that the any kind of rotation on the ball the wicket and since both of us 21 balls as World Twenty20 champions West 37-year-old Jamaican has lost — for shock value. are attacking, we go for wickets. Indies beat England by 21 runs in the lone none of his power at the crease Smith insisted there were no Wrist spinners are mostly at- Twenty20 of their tour at Chester-le-Street and England are preparing for surprises in the game, as Aus- tacking and when your captain is on Saturday. more of the same when the ODI tralia had prepared for all chal- so attacking you get more free- Gayle has scored more than 9,000 runs, campaign starts at Old Traff ord lenges. dom to attack,” he added. including 22 hundreds, in 269 ODIs at a today. “I don’t think anyone “The guys knew what they The teams travel to Eden Gar- strike rate of 85.11. knows (how to bowl to Gayle) were going to come with before dens in Kolkata for the second Holder welcomed his impending return do they?” said Plunkett. “He’s this game. Everyone had seen ODI on Thursday. to the ODI format by telling reporters at Old such a good player he just hits Traff ord yesterday: “It’s obviously a huge the ball out of the park wher- boost. The calibre of player Chris is, you can ever he wants.” expect really good things from him.” None of the West Indies side “He showed some form in the T20 game that played on Saturday and had some good form in our CPL (Carib- featured during their recent 2-1 bean Premier League) competition recently Test series loss in England. concluded,” the all-rounder added. But the likes of Gayle, Marlon “I’m really looking forward to having Samuels and Jerome Taylor, him back. He seems up for the challenge, he who missed the Test series seems upbeat and really happy to be back. because of a clash with the I’m looking forward to good things from Caribbean Premier League Chris.” Twenty20 tournament and the Holder, not in the Twenty20 squad after legacy of a bitter dispute with leading West Indies in a 2-1 Test series loss Cricket West Indies chiefs, are to England earlier in the tour, said his side now back in the fold. could take some confi dence from a win at West Indies’ Chris Gayle during a net session yesterday. (Reuters) “It’s good they have their expe- Chester-le-Street, where they overcame rienced players back, a lot of cold and wet conditions to record a convinc- stars, and that’s what you want ing victory over England in a repeat of last to play against,” said 32-year- year’s World Twenty20 fi nal in Kolkata. old Plunkett. “That (Saturday’s) result should give is a “You want to beat the best they bit of momentum, albeit a T20 game,” said can bring over.” Holder. While the West Indies also have “We are professional athletes, we know two World Cup titles behind what to expect here in English conditions. them, England have yet to A few of the guys have played here before, win a major global one-day a few played the T20 game coming into this international trophy, with the one.” 2010 World Twenty20 in the The Barbados all-rounder added: “From Caribbean their lone piece of all reports it was diffi cult in Durham with the International Cricket Council wet outfi eld but it’s something we’ve grown silverware. But England are a to expect and you’ve just got to adapt and much-improved ODI side since adjust to it.” their woeful first-round exit at West Indies will need to win the upcoming the 2015 World Cup in Australia series either 5-0 or 4-0 with a tie or a no- and New Zealand. result if they are to gain direct entry into the “In one-dayers we’re a good 2019 World Cup in England. team, we haven’t won any sil- A failure to do so would mean West Indies, verware obviously but in terms the 1975 and 1979 World Cup winners, can- of the last two years with the not overtake Sri Lanka, currently eighth in amount of games and series we the ODI rankings. are a confident team,” Plunkett Only the top seven sides, apart from hosts West Indies captain Jason Holder (L) and England captain Eoin Morgan pose with the said. “We feel like we should England, currently fourth, as of Septem- ODI trophy yesterday. (Reuters) beat them (West Indies).” ber 30 will qualify directly for the 50-over Meanwhile, Plunkett could yet showpiece event in 2019. “The guys are up for the challenge. We’ve “We are still at a stage where we are look- become the leading wicket- Teams that do not gain direct entry will get obviously got some new faces coming back ing to rebuild and hopefully these guys com- taker in one-day internationals another shot through a qualifying tourna- into the side and it’s exciting times for our ing back can bring a lot of experience and this year. Australian player David Warner leaves the Netaji Subhas Chandra ment. cricket,” said Holder. expertise to what we are doing.” Bose International Airport in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP)