FF1|1 Page 4 GGOLFOLF | Page 7 Mission Tway wins impossible for fi rst PGA title Vettel as Lewis as Snedeker dominates fades away

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 29, 1440 AH Hazard torn between GULF TIMES new Chelsea contract and ‘dream’ Real move SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL Mbappe nets four as PSG break 82-year-old record ‘FANTASTIC, INCREDIBLE. IT WAS SUPER HARD IN THE FIRST HALF, IT WAS A CRAZY MATCH’

AFP Paris ‘I should have scored more’

ylian Mbappe tore Lyon Paris: Teenage sensation Kylian “I keep working and I never to shreds with four goals Mbappe insisted that he “should doubted. I knew I had the sup- as a 5-0 thrashing at the have scored more” despite port of my team-mates. I often Parc des Princes saw netting four times in a magnifi- say that as long as an attacker ParisK Saint-Germain set a new cent individual display as Paris is creating chances, everything French top-fl ight record of nine Saint-Germain thrashed Lyon is fine.” straight wins to start a season. yesterday. PSG are already eight points ’s lead- The 19-year-old scored four goals clear at the top of the table after ers broke the 82-year-old record in the space of 13 second-half breaking an 82-year-old record of eight consecutive wins set by minutes as a 5-0 victory saw set by Olympique Lillois in 1936, Olympique Lillois in 1936, having PSG set a new French top-flight as Mbappe looks to win the title equalled the mark with their 3-0 record of nine straight wins to for the third straight campaign victory at Nice last weekend. start a season. after also lifting the trophy with “Fantastic, incredible. It was But Mbappe did miss several Monaco in 2016-17. super hard in the fi rst half, it was earlier chances as he was thrice “It was the work of the whole a crazy match,” PSG coach Tuchel denied when one-on-one with team, but the most important told Canal+. Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes thing was the record,” he added. A penalty gave PSG and struck the post before grab- “I insist we talk about the col- a ninth-minute advantage, but bing his first goal just after the lective, we will have time to talk Presnel Kimpembe was sent off hour mark. “I missed opportuni- about me, Neymar. just after the half-hour mark to ties, I should have scored more,” “We wanted to win, we wanted give Lyon hope. he told Canal+. this record at all costs.” Bruno Genesio’s side threw away their man advantage, though, as Lucas Tousart was dismissed, and Tanguy Ndombele, but with the through PSG, and the fl oodgates after missing a string of chances, young midfi elder lying stricken on opened as centre-back Marquin- the sensational Mbappe capped the ground, a video review result- hos drove into the box and squared an virtuoso display by scoring four ed in the centre-back’s punish- for Mbappe to stab in his eighth times in 13 minutes to seal history ment being upgraded to red. goal of the campaign. for PSG. But Lyon shot themselves in the Neymar soon sent the 19-year- The capital-city giants, bidding foot on the stroke of half-time as old bearing down on goal yet for a sixth title in seven seasons, Tousart tripped Mbappe inside the again, and Mbappe lofted the ball are already eight points clear of PSG half and was given a second into the net to complete an incred- second-placed Lille at the top of yellow card. ible eight-minute hat-trick. the table, with Lyon fi ve points Lyon should have equalised ear- He was not done there, though, further back in sixth. ly in the second period, but Max- as he pounced to slam home his Lyon endured the worst possible wel Cornet contrived to miskick fourth with 16 minutes left af- start to the match, as star man Na- with the goal at his mercy. ter Neymar had seen a low shot bil Fekir was forced off injured in Cornet, who came on for Fekir, blocked. the seventh minute, and the hosts almost scored in bizarre circum- Earlier on Sunday, 10-man Mo- were awarded a spot-kick just sec- stances shortly after, as a Silva naco slumped to a fi fth defeat in onds later. clearance ricocheted off his back nine Ligue 1 matches as former Mbappe raced to reach a loose and bounced back off the base of PSG outcast Hatem Ben Arfa ball, and visiting goalkeeper An- the post. earned Rennes a 2-1 victory with thony Lopes needlessly charged Mbappe almost put PSG out of his fi rst league goal since April off his line to bring down the teen- sight three times in the space of 2016. ager. Neymar stepped up and sent fi ve minutes — powering clear af- Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco, Lopes the wrong way with a stut- ter Cornet’s unwitting eff ort and runners-up to PSG last season, tering run-up to score his 11th goal drilling against the far post, see- remain winless since the opening of the season. ing Lopes dive at his feet as he ran weekend and above the automatic Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates Lyon responded well, though, through one-on-one, and shoot- relegation spots only on goal dif- with as Neymar charges down to with veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi ing too close to the Lyon ‘keeper. ference. join them during their Ligue 1 match against Buff on having to shovel a Mem- But the World Cup-winner’s Elsewhere, ex-Japan coach Va- Lyon on Sunday night. phis Depay free-kick over the bar, persistence fi nally paid off in the hid Halilhodzic saw his Nantes before Di Maria was fortunate not 61st minute as he latched onto the side beaten 3-0 at Bordeaux on to concede a penalty for handball. ball inside the area after Neymar his return to French football, The reigning champions had burst forward, turned his man while Kostas Mitroglou and Flo- thought they had got lucky again and smashed the ball in off both rian Thauvin scored as Marseille when Kimpembe was only shown posts. climbed to third following a 2-0 a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Confi dence was coursing victory over Caen.

WORLD GYMNASTICS America’s Biles returns to action in Doha aft er one-year break

By Sports Reporter en gymnasts from 78 nations. chances to qualify at competitions in Kenzo Shirai, who won the men’s All- Doha Among the stars will be Japan’s 2016 2019 and 2020. Around title in Montreal last year, and Olympic All-Around champions Kohei Countries will earn Olympic Yusuke Tanaka, Uchimura’s team- Uchimura, who pulled out from last qualifi cation spots mates in Glasgow and Rio, are back he 48th year’s edition in Montreal, Canada, fol- Interestingly, this year’s com- along with 2015 team member Kazuma World Championships is going lowing an injury during training ses- petition marks the first time in 44 Kaya and newcomer Wataru Tanigawa. to be one of the fi ercely con- sion. years that nations can earn Olympic His younger brother Kakeru Tanigawa, tested editions in recent years Meanwhile, 48 countries have en- qualification spots a full two years who upset Uchimura at Japan’s national asT United States of America’s Simone tered for the men’s while 44 have been prior to the Olympic Games. Since championships earlier this year, is the Biles, who took more than a year’s registered in the women’s category in 1979, all Olympic gymnastics quali- team alternate. break, will return to action at Doha’s the tournament – fi rst qualifi cation fication has taken place in the year Meanwhile, in the women’s group, Si- Aspire Dome from October 25 to No- event for the Tokyo Games. immediately preceding the next Ol- mone Biles, who led USA to team victo- vember 3. The medal-winning nations in the ympic Games. ries at the 2014 Worlds in Nanning, Chi- The tournament will be signifi cant Team Final competition will earn auto- The Japanese men and American na, Glasgow and Rio, is the only member for the participating countries as med- matic berths for 2020 Olympics while men are the reigning champions from from those squads back in 2018. She will als won from the Team fi nals will earn top 24 nations from team qualifi ca- both the 2015 World Championships in be joined by world All-Around champion an entry to the 2020 Olympic Games in tion will advance full teams to the 2019 Glasgow and 2016 Rio Olympic Games. and world championships Tokyo. World Championships in Stuttgart, Can Japan retain team title? debutantes , Grace McCallum The nominative roster released last . Japan will hope to defend their crown and Riley McCusker, with Shilese Jones week includes 265 men and 244 wom- Other nations will have additional amid strong challenges from China. the alternate. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Arsenal sign new kit deal with Adidas

Arsenal have signed a new kit deal with German sportswear firm Adidas starting in July, 2019. Adidas will take over from Puma, whose five-year contract with the north London club expires at the end Modric vs Ronaldo of the season. The new deal is worth 300mn pounds over five years until 2024. A 60 million-pound per season deal would put Arsenal third in the most lucrative kit deals in football, behind Barcelona’s contract with American company Nike and Manchester United’s rematch as Ballon d’Or with Adidas which are worth 140mn and 75mn pounds-a-year respectively. It signals the end of Arsenal’s five-year as- sociation with Puma which came after two decades with Nike. nominees unveiled Moura recalled to Brazil squad aft er two years Messi, Salah, Bale and De Bruyne also feature among a list of familiar names Brazil have called up Tottenham Hot- spur forward for friendlies AFP against Saudi Arabia and Argentina, Paris national team coordinator Edu Gaspar said yesterday. Moura, 26, last played for Brazil two years ago and has made IFA best player of the year Luka only three substitute appearances Modric remains on track for a in five years for the five-times world second major award after he champions. was named yesterday among The pacy winger replaces Gremio for- 30F nominees for the Ballon d’Or ward Everton, who withdrew from the alongside the likes of ex-Real Madrid squad with a thigh strain. teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, Barce- Brazil play Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on lona’s and Liverpool’s Friday and then travel to Jeddah to face Mohamed Salah. rivals Argentina four days later. Modric, a World Cup runner-up with Croatia, beat Juventus’ Ronaldo and Salah to win the FIFA prize last Klopp blasts ‘senseless’ month after Messi was surprisingly Nations League left off the fi nal three-man list. Ronal- do, currently facing allegations of rape Jurgen Klopp has branded the UEFA dating back to 2009 that he strenu- Nations League “the most senseless ously denies, has already won the Bal- competition in the world” as he pre- lon d’Or fi ve times and is the current pares to see many of his squad leave on holder of the award. international duty following Liverpool’s Messi has also won the award on fi ve drab 0-0 draw with Manchester City. occasions. FIFA split from the Ballon The two sides — along with Chelsea — d’Or in 2016 to launch its own set of are all locked on 20 points at the top awards. The winner of the prestigious of the table, separated Ballon d’Or organised by Foot- only by goal diff erence. Klopp is pleased ball magazine will be announced on a hectic schedule of seven matches in December 3. 23 days is now over but is unsure what Real Madrid and Wales forward the next fortnight will bring for his play- and Manchester City’s ers. Klopp said players need a proper midfi elder Kevin De Bruyne break to be fresher, pointing to the case also featured among a list of familiar of Jordan Henderson who played for names. Bale, who scored two goals England at the World Cup in Russia. in Real’s triumph in the fi nal of the Champions League against Liver- pool including a spectacular overhead Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric (right). Real striker Benzema kick, is joined by club teammates Ka- suff ers hamstring injury rim Benzema, Raphael Varane, Isco, American strikers: Uruguayans Ed- the 15 nominees. France internation- Marcelo and Sergio Ramos. inson Cavani of PSG and Luis Suarez als Amandine Henry, Amel Majri and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema De Bruyne was nominated for help- of Barcelona. Liverpool’s Brazilian Wendie Renard are joined on the list by has suff ered a hamstring injury which ing City win the Premier League and forward Roberto Firmino and Uru- Germany’s Dzsenifer Marozsan, Eng- Spanish media have reported could Belgium reach the World Cup semi- guay’s rugged defender Diego Godin land’s , of keep the Frenchman out of action for fi nals. Antoine Griezmann, a World of Atletico Madrid also got the nod. Norway and Japan defender Saki Ku- won the World Cup, is the favourite. , N’Golo Kante, , two weeks. “Following tests carried out Cup winner with France and Europa Four goalkeepers are also among magai. The Ballon d’Or, which was fi rst Mario Mandzukic, Sadio Mane, Marcelo, today on our player Karim Benzema by League champion at Atletico Madrid, the 30 — Thibaut Courtois of Belgium Brazil’s , crowned best wom- won by Englishman Stanley Matthews Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Luka the Real Madrid medical team, he has is nominated alongside international and Real Madrid, Liverpool and Brazil en’s player for a record sixth time at in 1956, is decided by a ballot of jour- Modric, Neymar, Jan Oblak, , been diagnosed with an injury to his teammates, Chelsea midfi elder N’Golo stopper Alisson Becker, Tottenham’s last month’s FIFA awards, is also in nalists from around the world. Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Ramos, Mohamed right hamstring,” the European champi- Kante, Manchester United’s Paul Pog- France World Cup winner Hugo Lloris contention after her role in winning Salah, Luis Suarez, Raphael Varane. ons said in a statement without. ba and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe. and Atletico’s Jan Oblak. Also mak- the Copa America. Other nominees LISTS OF NOMINEES Benzema joins Marcelo, Isco and Dani Women’s nominees (15): Amandine Eden Hazard gives Chelsea another ing the cut are Juve’s Mario Mandzu- are Pernille Harder, Lindsey Horan, FOR BALLON D’OR AWARD Carvajal on the sidelines at the Santiago player in the running after starring kic and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, while Fran Kirby, , Lieke Martens, Henry, Amel Majri, Wendie Renard, Bernabeu, with Real having gone four Men’s nominees (30): Sergio Aguero, alongside De Bruyne at the World Cup, Barcelona are also represented by and Christine Sinclair. Dzsenifer Marozsan, Lucy Bronze, games without scoring in all competi- Alisson Becker, Gareth Bale, Karim with England’s Golden Boot winner Croat defender Ivan Rakitic. In another fi rst, the best under-21 Ada Hegerberg, Saki Kumagai, Marta, tions, but the Frenchman should return Harry Kane also included. For the fi rst time, a Ballon d’Or for player will receive the Kopa Trophy. Benzema, Edinson Cavani, Thibaut Pernille Harder, Lindsey Horan, Fran before the Clasico against Barcelona on Manchester City forward Sergio women players will be awarded this Kylian Mbappe, the Paris Saint-Ger- Courtois, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Kirby, Sam Kerr, Lieke Martens, Megan Oct. 28. The 30-year-old has netted five Aguero and PSG’s Neymar are nomi- year, with Champions League win- main striker who burst onto the global Bruyne, Roberto Firmino, Diego Godin, Rapinoe, Christine Sinclair goals this season but has failed to score nated as are two other prolifi c South ners Lyon accounting for seven of scene with his performances as France Antoine Griezmann, Eden Hazard, Isco, in his last seven appearances.

BUNDESLIGA Kovac already in trouble at Barca held at Valencia as Sevilla go top AFP stuttering Bayern Munich Madrid AFP Berlin evilla are the surprise leaders in La Liga after Lionel Messi could only ayern Munich coach Niko Kovac is al- rescue a draw for Barce- ready under pressure after four matches lonaS away to Valencia on Sunday without a win and he is acutely aware night. Barca started the day at the that the German champions are not a top of the pile and then Atletico clubB that deals well with failure. Madrid enjoyed a couple of hours Kovac only took over at Bayern in the summer at the summit after edging past and was portrayed as a long-term leader after the at the Wanda Metro- venerable Jupp Heynckes had successfully stead- politano. ied the ship for a season on a temporary basis after Sevilla, however, usurped was sacked. them both by beating 10-man The 46-year-old’s reputation had risen after Celta Vigo and Barca were un- he won the German Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt able to reclaim the lead in the late in May, beating Bayern in the fi nal. But Bayern’s kick-off , held by Valencia to a 1-1 3-0 home defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach draw at the Mestalla. has left his team sixth in the table — the last time It means Ernesto Valverde’s the club went winless in four matches in the fi rst side are a point behind Sevilla half of the season was 2009. After Saturday’s loss, and without a league victory Kovac faced the inevitable questions about his ing a top-class coach at this time of the year is now in four matches, a dip that future. “I know how football works, and the me- near-impossible and Heynckes has made clear he comes in stark contrast to their chanics of the Bundesliga and Bayern,” the Ger- would not return again. enthralling triumph over Totten- Valencia’s Ezequiel Garay celebrates after scoring against Barcelona on Sunday night. (AFP) man-born Croat said. “And I know that you get Bayern’s winless run is all the more curious ham in the Champions League on less time at Bayern than elsewhere.” because it has come against teams they be would Wednesday. For Valencia, now unbeaten in as many minutes. “We have grown.” Kovac had moved quickly on Friday to defuse be expected to beat — Augsburg, Hertha Berlin, Messi, mesmeric at Wembley, six, this was another step in the Wissam Ben Yedder doubled Simeone can take some of the criticism from his players, with Colombian strik- Dutch side Ajax and Moenchengladbach. Right- was on target again, his driven right direction, even if they are the lead and while substitute So- credit too for the latest victory, er James Rodriguez telling reporters that the new back Joshua Kimmich said a lack of creativity was shot into the corner cancelling fi nding it diffi cult to turn draws fi ane Boufal pulled one back for after throwing on both Correa coach’s training sessions were insuffi ciently rig- to blame: “The defence is not a major problem. out a bizarre opener for Valen- into wins. Celta, it proved too little to late. and Thomas Partey as substi- orous and his policy of rotating his team was an- Against Moenchengladbach we hardly created a cia, scored after just 78 seconds. They move up to 14th. “Leav- The victory is Sevilla’s fourth on tutes in the second half. Thomas gering some of the stars. “We’re not at Frankfurt single chance. It’s not that we have trouble get- Ezequiel Garay claimed the fi nal ing Barca for 90 minutes practi- the bounce in the league. “At the provided the assist. here,” Rodriguez jibed. ting it in the net, it’s that we don’t have a chance touch but Daniel Parejo’s corner cally without a chance means the moment we are playing with The contest was billed as Kovac’s response then was to deny that he had to! We’re Bayern Munich, we should be scoring had been fl icked on by Geoff rey that we have worked very well,” a lot of confi dence,” Ben Yedder a classic clash of styles, with lost his players’ support — but that was before the two or three goals every time.” Kondogbia, missed by Thomas Valencia coach Marcelino said. said. “We are showing we can be Atletico’s stubborn defence up Moenchengladbach debacle. Pressed on whether Kovac has a temporary respite thanks to the Vermaelen and skimmed through Atletico and Sevilla’s success consistent.” against the free-fl owing Real he still had their backing now, Kovac said on Sat- two-week international break. “It’s my job to off Gerard Pique’s back. also pushed struggling Real Ma- Atletico had earlier continued Betis, who lit up the league last urday: “I had their support after the fi rst seven change that,” he said. “I’m going to buckle down Philippe Coutinho should have drid down to fourth. Julen Lo- their own strong run after Angel season with their fl urry of goals. games (when Bayern were undefeated), so I as- during the international matches. It’s obviously a won it for Barcelona in the sec- petegui’s side endured a shock Correa’s goal proved decisive in “A great coach once said, the best sume I still have it. But in the end, I am not the pity that so many players are leaving on Sunday to ond half but took too long to pull defeat away by Alaves on Satur- an untidy 1-0 win over Real Betis. Plan B is always to do Plan A bet- one who can answer that.” join up with their national teams. But that could the trigger and Jose Gaya was day. For all the talk of crisis at the Atletico sat seven points behind ter,” said Betis coach Quique Se- Bayern’s bosses Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz be a positive thing too, it’ll give them a change of able to make the block. “When top two clubs, however, this was Real and Barca after winning only tien. Rummenigge left the Allianz Arena without say- scene.” When club football resumes, Kovac faces we don’t win we always think of Sevilla’s day. one of their opening four league They could also have gone top ing a word. A year ago, the powerful duo removed three away games in a row — Bundesliga trips to it as two points lost,” Valverde Pablo Sarabia headed in to games but as their rivals have with a win, such is the scrunched Ancelotti from his job after Bayern lost 3-0 to Wolfsburg on October 20 and Mainz a week later said. “After Leo’s goal, we tried open the scoring at the Ramon stumbled, Diego Simeone’s side nature of the top half, but instead Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. with a potentially treacherous Champions League everything but they defended Sanchez Pizjuan before Celta de- have sprung into form. “We look Betis slip to eighth. “We have less Even if they decide that Kovac has no future visit to AEK Athens sandwiched in between on well and we couldn’t get the goal fender Nestor Araujo was sent off at everything quietly and con- points than our performances with the club, their options seem limited — fi nd- October 23. we wanted.” for picking up two yellow cards in tinue to improve,” Simeone said. deserve,” Setien added. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 9, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE QNB STARS LEAGUE Referee error led to Chelsea’s Hazard loss against Sailiya: Sadd coach Ferreira By Sports Reporter because there was a penalty on Doha Bounedjah that was not given.” As for his players’ perform- still keen on ‘dream’ ance against Sailiya, Ferreira l Sadd head coach Jesu- said: “My team needs to be aldo Ferreira blamed quicker in scoring goals. Unfor- the assistant referee af- tunately, it did not happen and ter his side dropped two we found ourselves under pres- pointsA in their QNB Stars League sure from Sailiya, making things match against Al Sailiya in a 1-1 diffi cult for the team. Sadd was Real Madrid move draw on Sunday. not at full strength but Sailiya Tournament top scorer Bagh- were a strong team. Also, there dad Bounedjah netted Sadd’s was a lot of fatigue because of the ‘Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don’t want to lie today' goal in the 66th minute of the Persepolis game. We promise the fast-paced game, where Sailiya fans that things will be diff erent By Jacob Steinberg put up a stiff resistance against in the upcoming games.” The Guardian their fancied opponents. Sailiya Meanwhile, Al Duhail Coach drew parity when Abdulqadir Nabil Maaloul expressed his hap- Ilyas converted from the penalty piness after the win over Umm den Hazard has cast fresh doubt spot in the 88th minute. Al Sadd Salal. “I am very happy with the over his future after revealing that thus lost the leaders’ position to victory and the performance of he is torn between signing a new Al Duhail, who have 19 points, the players. The changes that contract at Chelsea and pursuing two more than The Wolves. Fer- happened in the team’s list be- hisE dream of playing for Real Madrid. reira said: “As I said before the cause of injuries of the players, The Belgian forward, who has less than game, this was going to be tough showed the real strength of Al two years left on his deal, admitted that for us, especially after the defeat Duhail as every player was able to he did not know where his heart would in the Champions League. Sadd enter the main list and perform lead him. Although he reiterated his de- lost the three points because of a very well” sire to play for Madrid at some stage, it is wrong penalty decision.” Nam Tae-Hee (13th minute) not a given that he will push for a transfer “I won’t blame the referee but and Almoez Ali (90+3) scored the next summer. the linesman made a mistake. goals for the hosts who took their Hazard has made it clear he is happy at Unfortunately, these mistakes points to 19. In the process, they Chelsea, who hope to secure him on new have happened in many Sadd registered their sixth victory. terms worth around £300,000 a week, matches and I wasn’t surprised The only occasion they dropped and he is determined not to go down the by the wrong penalty call. When points was when they were held same path as his international team-mate this person offi ciates either as by Al Rayyan. Al Duhail domi- Thibaut Courtois, who fell out with the the main referee or as a linesman, nated possession (57 per cent). Stamford Bridge hierarchy before moving Sadd haven’t been lucky.” Naturally, they forced more cor- to Madrid two months ago. Ferreira continued his rant ner kicks (seven as against Umm “I don’t want that,” Hazard said. “I against the referee, saying: Salal’s three). want what’s good for me, but I want “Throughout the time I have Al Duhail created more what’s good for the club because the club been in Doha, I haven’t been chances throughout. Umm Salal has given me everything. I don’t want to lucky with this referee around. showed more alacrity in the sec- say: ‘Yes, I am signing a new contract’ and I don’t think he has anything ond half during which they were then in the end I don’t end up signing. So against us but I don’t know why unlucky not to have scored a goal I will see. Sometimes in my head, I wake we haven’t been lucky when he that would have helped them pull up in the morning and think I want to go. is offi ciating. Refereeing errors off a draw and a valuable point as Sometimes I think I want to stay. It is a denied Al Sadd the win today and the rivals struck a second time at hard decision. It is my future. I am 27 and also a draw against Persepolis the fag end of the game. I will turn 28 in January.” Hazard, who scored his eighth goal of the season in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday, agreed that he probably had one big move left. “That’s why I spoke after the World Cup and I said that I think it is time to change be- cause I played a great World Cup,” he said. “I am really in the game, I am playing good football at the moment. Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don’t want to lie today. It is my dream since I was a kid. I was dreaming about this club. We will see. I don’t want to talk about this every day. I don’t have time but we will talk about my future soon. I think so.” Chelsea, who are level on points with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, are desperate not to lose Hazard. He has helped them win two league titles, the FA Cup, the League Eden Hazard scored his eighth goal of the season in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday. (Reuters) Cup and the Europa League since joining from Lille six years ago and he is thriving the World Cup. He has not been put off Reports in Spain have suggested that club or the owner. I am talking a lot with under Maurizio Sarri, who replaced An- by the Bernabéu club’s poor form under Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar remains them.” tonio Conte as manager in July. Julen Lopetegui, who is under pressure Madrid’s favoured choice to replace Ron- For all his admiration of Madrid, Haz- However Hazard found himself ques- after four games without a win. aldo, which could force Hazard to change ard hinted that Chelsea might not have tioning Chelsea’s ambition after their “It is also when you have a dream and his stance. Although he opted not to open to do much to convince him to stay. “I failure to qualify for this season’s Cham- you want to make it happen,” Hazard said. negotiations over a new deal last season, am happy and I don’t need anything,” he pions League and he admitted that Ma- “It is like I have said a lot of times: if I he will resume formal talks when Chelsea said. “It is not trophies. Of course, when drid, who had just sold Cristiano Ronaldo leave I will be happy; I know if I stay I will are ready. “I could talk now,” he said. “If you play, you want to win but I just want to Juventus, were his preferred destina- be happy. It is not like if I go I am happy they come to me, then I will talk. I don’t to enjoy things on the pitch, like I am at tion after helping Belgium fi nish third at and if I stay that I am unhappy.” want to say that I am not talking with the the moment. Then I am happy.” Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Former England captain Terry retires Rayyan, Arruabarrena part ways AFP By Sports Reporter Al Rayyan had suff ered a 0-5 with the team management he London Doha defeat at the hands of Al Sadd said he was leaving the post. in the Qatar Clasico in Week 6 The club announced that Bra- and last week’s 0-1 loss to bot- zilian Souza would lead the team ormer England captain l Rayyan parted ways tom side Al Khor made matters starting from the training session announced his retirement from foot- with Argentinian worse. Al Rayyan are fourth in as they prepare for their QSL Cup ball on Sunday with the 37-year-old Rodolfo Arruabar- the standings with 14 points, second-round match against Al central defender now set to pursue a rena and handed over after Al Duhail (19), Al Sadd (17) Sadd on Saturday. Al Rayyan are careerF in management. Terry, who spent the theA reins to their Under-23 coach and Al Sailiya (16). in Group B that also includes Al bulk of his career with Chelsea, captained Yuri O de Souza. The decision “We did not perform well. It Ahli, Al Sailiya, Al Shahania and second-tier Aston Villa last season. was taken by mutual consent was a tight match we did not fi ght Al Khor. Meanwhile, Al Arabi also Now the Birmingham club reportedly as Arruabarrena, who was ap- the ball and did not move the ball changed their coach as Hatem want him to join their coaching staff as part pointed at the beginning of this well, so we lost. I am not looking al-Moaddeb, who was with the of a new-look set-up, with Thierry Henry in season, failed to improve the for excuses but we played with Under-23 side, replaced Luka the running to take over as manager at Villa team’s performance after eight only one professional player,” Bonacic. Arabi, who lost 0-3 to Park after Steve Bruce was sacked earlier games into this season’s QNB said Arruabarrena on Saturday Al Gharafa are sixth in the table this week. Stars League. and on Sunday after a meeting with 12 points. “After 23 incredible years as a footballer, I have decided now is the right time to retire from playing,” Terry said in a message post- ed on his Instagram account. Terry, capped TONELLI, PICCINI GET ITALY CALL UP 78 times by England, recently rejected a chance to play for Spartak Moscow, saying a Milan: Italy coach Roberto one point, after failing to win Santos (Chelsea/ENG), Alessan- move to Russia was not right for his family. Mancini yesterday called up their first two games against dro Florenzi (Roma), Cristiano His last game as a professional was Villa’s defenders and European champions Portugal Piccini (Valencia/ESP), Lorenzo 1-0 Championship play-off fi nal defeat by Lorenzo Tonelli for the first time and Poland. Tonelli (Sampdoria) Fulham in May — a loss that denied Villa a to replace injured trio Danilo Nice forward Mario Balotelli : Nicolò Barella return to the Premier League. But his club D’Ambrosio, and and Torino striker (Cagliari), career will be best remembered for his time Defender John Terry (centre), who spent the bulk of his career with Chelsea, captained Alessio Romagnoli for interna- have been left out with Mancini (Juventus), Giacomo Bonaventu- at Chelsea where he won fi ve Premier League second-tier Aston Villa last season. (Reuters) tionals against the Ukraine and saying they lacked form. ra (AC Milan), Roberto Gagliardini titles, fi ve FA Cups, as well as the Champi- Poland this week. (), Frello Filho Jorge ons League and Europa League, although he look forward to the next chapter in my life England captaincy while they waited for the The Azzurri take on Ukraine ITALY SQUAD did not play in the two European fi nals. and the challenges ahead.” case to be resolved, subsequently imposed a in a friendly in Genoa tomorrow, Luiz Jorginho (Chelsea/ENG), “As a 14-year-old, I made my best and Terry made 717 appearances for Chelsea, four-game ban and fi ne on the defender. before playing Poland in the Goalkeepers: Alessio Cragno Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Marco biggest decision: to sign for Chelsea Foot- scoring 67 goals, and was widely regarded as The decision by the FA, English football’s Nations League in Chorzow four (Cagliari), Gianluigi Donnarum- Verratti (Paris Saint Germain/ ball Club,” added Terry, who also thanked one of the best English centre-halves of his governing body, to pursue disciplinary ac- days later. Piccini, 26, who has ma (AC Milan), Mattia Perin (Ju- FRA) his family for their support. “Words will generation. But in 2011 he was accused of ra- tion after the court case led to Terry’s retire- played outside Italy since 2014, ventus), (Torino) Forwards: never be enough to show how much every- cially abusing , the brother ment from international football. joined Spanish club Valencia Defenders: (Sassuolo), one at the club means to me, in particular of Terry’s England central defensive partner Meanwhile Terry was widely ridiculed from Sporting Lisbon this sea- (Lazio), Cristiano Biraghi (Sampdoria), the fans...I hope I have done you all proud Rio Ferdinand, during a west London derby when, after Chelsea beat Bayern Munich son. Tonelli, 28, has impressed (Fiorentina), (Fiorentina), Sebastian Giovinco wearing the shirt and the armband.” against Queens Park Rangers. to win the 2012 Champions League fi nal, since his move from Napoli (Juventus), (Toronto FC/CAN), He also referenced his time at Villa by Terry was absolved of criminal charges he appeared in full playing kit for the post- to Sampdoria this year. Italy are (Juventus), (Lazio), (Napoli), saying: “It was a privilege to represent such during a 2012 court case. But the Football match celebrations despite not taking part third in their group with just (Genoa), Emerson Palmieri Dos Simone Zaza (Torino) a renowned football club with great fans. I Association, who had stripped Terry of the in the game because of suspension. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 SPORT

F1 Mission impossible for Vettel as Hamilton nears fi ft h title Vettel is now 67 points behind his Mercedes rival with four races – worth a maximum 100 points – to go

Reuters Belgium at the end of August has been Suzuka, Japan third and he will need to win at least the next two, with Hamilton failing to score, for any miracle to look remotely ven Mission Impossible star possible. Tom Cruise would baulk at the Still, neither Mercedes nor Hamil- task facing Ferrari’s Sebastian ton are taking anything for granted. “A Vettel after Sunday’s Japanese DNF (non-fi nish) and the consequent GrandE Prix. The German’s hopes of bad result suddenly wipes off a large winning a fi fth Formula One title this chunk of your points,” said Mercedes season moved away from slim and clos- boss Toto Wolff . “I know from the er to non-existent at Suzuka. probability standpoint it doesn’t look Lewis Hamilton’s pole-to-fl ag vic- likely, but this is motor racing. I’ve seen tory, the Briton’s sixth win in seven many black swans swimming across the races and ninth of the season, delivered pond in my life... that’s why I’d rather another hammer blow to a rival whose wait until it’s really done.” challenge has swiftly self-destructed. Wolff revealed he’s living in dread of Vettel is now 67 points behind his Hamilton suff ering a ‘freak’ injury – Mercedes rival with four races – worth especially to one of his fi ngers. a maximum 100 points – to go. The “Absolutely freak incidents happen battle between the two four-times everywhere,” said the Austrian. “I don’t champions looks eff ectively over, even want to even think about him breaking if there is still fi ghting talk from Ma- a fi nger!” ranello. Wolff warned against complacency. “I know that the situation looks im- “It’s important to stay concentrated,” possible,” Ferrari team boss Maurizio insisted Wolff . “You either have the Arrivabene said. “But our job some- trophy in your hands or you don’t – and times is to challenge the impossible. we haven’t got it in our hands.” This is what we are going to do and we Hamilton was cock-a-hoop after try to do for the future four races.” leading a Mercedes one-two for his In fact, it could all be over in two sixth win in seven races and fourth in weeks’ time at the US Grand Prix in a row. It was also his 71st Formula One Austin, where a win with Vettel fi nish- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel led the championship by eight points back in July but Lewis Hamilton has won six of the seven races since then. (AFP) victory and 50th for the Silver Arrows. ing lower than second is all Hamilton Standing over his car, the Briton said: needs to seal the deal with three races to it a bit too easy for them but also credit spectacularly as the season has worn blunders such as a failed tyre gamble in the last two races. Hamilton is also in “Austin is usually a good track for us, so spare. “You say nearly (done), so obvi- to them as they executed well, which is on, with what appeared set to be a ti- in qualifying at Suzuka, have cost them the form of his life and has to be favour- I can’t wait to unleash this beast there.” ously there is still a chance,” said Vettel, the name of the game. We need to look tanic battle of two four-time champi- dear. ite for victory again in Austin, where Hamilton will back himself to claim a cutting a resigned fi gure as he spoke to after ourselves and do our bit the next ons instead turning into a one-horse They no longer have the fastest car, he has won every race bar one since the 10th victory of the season in the United reporters. couple of races and then we see.” race. Mistakes from both Vettel and with Mercedes locking out the front Texan track joined the calendar in 2012. States, where he has won every race but “At the last couple of races we made Ferrari’s campaign has unravelled the Italian team, as well as strategy row and fi nishing in one-two formation Vettel’s highest fi nish since his win in one since 2012.

TENNIS YOUTH OLYMPICS Coric ousts Wawrinka, Klahn stuns Kyrgios Qatar’s al-Khulaifi misses out Reuters NADAL STILL UNTROUBLED Shanghai ATOP ATP RANKINGS on 100m butterfl y fi nal Spain’s Rafael Nadal maintained his com- fortable lead in the latest ATP tennis rank- roatian Borna Coric recovered ings released yesterday ahead of second- from a set down to beat three-time placed Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka in third place. Only one change aff ected the 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the opening round top 10 with Kevin Anderson of South Africa ofC the Shanghai Masters yesterday, Coric, moving from ninth to eighth place while who had failed to win a match in his last two the biggest winner of the week was Geor- appearances in Beijing and Shenzhen, saved gia’s giant-killer Nikoloz Basilashvili. The two break points at 3-3 in the second set and unseeded Georgian rose 11 places to 23rd clinched the fi rst four games of the decider in the rankings after beating world number to record his 32nd match win of the season. four Juan Martin Del Potro in a shock China It was Coric’s fi rst victory in four meet- Open win. ings against former world number three Latest ATP rankings: 1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) Wawrinka, who has struggled on his return 8260 pts; 2. Roger Federer (SUI) 6900; 3. No- from knee surgery this season and entered vak Djokovic (SRB) 6445; 4. Juan Martin Del as a wildcard. Coric, seeded 13th, will next Potro (ARG) 6130; 5. Alexander Zverev (GER) face American qualifi er Bradley Klahn, who 4755; 6. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4535; 7. Dominic claimed a hard-fought 4-6 6-4 6-3 win Thiem (AUT) 3825; 8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) over Nick Kyrgios. The 23-year-old Austral- 3640 (+1); 9. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 3620 (-1); ian Kyrgios lost fi ve straight games from 4-4 10. John Isner (USA) 3380 in the second set to hand the momentum to Klahn. World number 104 Klahn, who fi red Qatari swimmer Yacob al-Khulaifi in action during the 100m butterfly at the Youth Olympics in Buenos down 18 aces, recorded just his fourth tour- THREE THAI CHAIR UMPIRES HANDED Aires, Argentina, on Sunday night. level win of the season. LIFE BANS FOR MATCH-FIXING Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas, Borna Coric celebrates his win over Stan Three Thai chair umpires have been handed By Our Correspondent standard mark,” he said. World Cup in Doha. whose run to the quarter-fi nals in Tokyo last Wawrinka at the Shanghai Masters. (AFP) life bans for match-fi xing and betting of- Buenos Aires Youth Olympics is an oppor- Other athletes representing week was enough to book a place at the ATP fences, the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said. tunity for young athletes to gain Qatar in Buenos Aires are hur- Finals in November, opened his Shanghai Bautista (ESP) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) 6-3, The TIU said the three had admitted to bet- experience as they see to make dler Awab Baro, discus thrower campaign with a 7-6(4) 4-6 6-4 win over 6-4; Mackenzie McDonald (USA) bt Milos ting on tennis matches at ITF Futures tour- atari swimmer Yacob it to the senior grade, with many Ahmed al-Haj, swimmer Abdul Gael Monfi ls. The 20-year-old broke the Raonic (CAN x14) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3; Sam Querrey naments at which they were offi ciating last al-Khulaifi failed to hoping to take part in the 2020 Aziz Mohamed and Equestrian Frenchman’s serve twice in the decider to (USA) bt Diego Schwartzman (ARG x9) 6-3, year. qualify for the fi nal Tokyo Olympic Games. rider Mohamed al-Kashouti. set up a second round meeting with Russian Al-Khulaifi was the Qatar’s In China, 23 athletes repre- 6-4; Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Robin Haase (NED) “They also manipulated scores inputted of the 100m butterfl y Karen Khachanov. into the offi cial scoring system, for betting- Qat the Youth Olympics in Bue- fl agbearer at the opening cer- sented Qatar in handball, eques- 6-3, 7-6 (7/3); Bradley Klahn (USA) bt Nick Kyr- Canadian Milos Raonic suff ered an early related purposes and personal profi t,” it nos Aires, Argentina, on Sun- emony on Saturday. The 17-year- trian, shooting, swimming, table gios (AUS) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3; Borna Coric (CRO x13) exit as the 2016 Wimbledon fi nalist lost said in a statement. The three were named day night. Al-Khulaifi fi nished old qualifi ed for the event on the tennis as well as athletics. The bt Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3; Mar- to American qualifi er Mackenzie McDon- as Anucha Tongplew, Apisit Promchai and second in his heats in a time of basis of his strong performances fi rst edition of the Games, which ton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) ald 6-3 5-7 6-3. Big-serving American Chitchai Srililai. 57.09 seconds, but that wasn’t at the Sarajevo International was held in Singapore eight years Sam Querrey struck 14 aces on his way to 6-3, 6-4; Matthew Ebden (AUS) bt Frances The ITU said the lifetime bans were ef- enough for the youngster to se- Swimming Championships in ago, saw the participation of six a 6-3 6-4 win over world number 16 Diego Tiafoe (USA) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3; Andreas Seppi (ITA) fective immediately and prohibit each “from cure a placed in the fi nal. Howev- Bosnia and Herzegovina this year Qatari athletes. Over 4,000 ath- Schwartzman and set up a second round bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 6-4, 6-4; Stefanos ever offi ciating at, or attending, any sanc- er, al-Khulaifi was pleased with where he won the 50m butter- letes from 206 National Olympic meeting against his compatriot Taylor Fritz, Tsitsipas (GRE x10) bt Gael Monfils (FRA) 7-6 tioned events organised or recognised by the his performance. “Thank God, fl y gold and a silver in the 200m Committees are competing in the who beat Robin Haase 6-3 7-6(3). (7/4), 4-6, 6-4; Marco Cecchinato (ITA x16) bt governing bodies of the sport.” I am happy with the timing that freestyle. He also clocked good Youth Olympic Games being held Results (x denotes seed: 1st round: Roberto Gilles Simon (FRA) 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) I achieved, which is close to the times during the recent FINA for the third time.

FOCUS

Pliskova sees off Lepchenko in Tianjin Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic. (AFP) Polona Hercog (SLO) bt Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) 1st round Results: Viktoriya Tomova (BUL) bt Agencies 7-6 (7/5), 6-2; Magda Linette (POL) bt Evgeniya Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/3); Dayana Tianjin, China Rodina (RUS) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4; Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE x5) Yastremska (UKR) bt Fanny Stollár (HUN) 6-4, 6-4; bt Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) 7-6 (7/4), 7-5; Veronika Alize Cornet (FRA x8) bt Julia Glushko (ISR) 6-1, ormer world number one Karolina Kudermetova (RUS) bt Alison Riske (USA) 5-7, 6-2; Luksika Kumkhum (THA) bt Jennifer Brady Pliskova overcame unseeded Varvara 6-1, 7-5; Petra Martic (CRO x6) bt Duan Yingying (USA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5); Kristína Kucová (SVK) bt Je- Lepchenko 6-2 6-7(3) 6-3 in her open- (CHN) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3); Liu Fangzhou (CHN) bt lena Ostapenko (LAT x3) 5-7, 6-3, 6-2; Saisai Zheng ing-round match at the Tianjin Open Yuan Yue (CHN) 6-0, 1-6, 6-4 (CHN) bt Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) 6-1, 6-3 yesterday.F The 26-year-old Pliskova, who took a wildcard entry into the tournament as she aims OSTAPENKO KNOCKED OUT BY KUCOVA OSAKA RISES TO FOURTH RANKINGS to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals in Former French Open champion Jelena Ostap- Japan’s US Open champion Naomi Osaka rose Singapore, eased through the fi rst set but Lep- enko was sensationally dumped out of the Hong to fourth place in the latest WTA rankings on chenko’s aggressive forehand caused her prob- Kong Open yesterday — by a player ranked 299 the strength of her outstanding form in recent lems in the second and the American won the places below her. weeks. Romania’s Simona Halep tops the table tiebreaker to force a decider. The Latvian world number 18 crashed out in ahead of second-placed Caroline Wozniacki Top seed Pliskova will next face Slovenian three sets against outsider Kristina Kucova — of Denmark with Germany’s Angelique Kerber Polona Hercog, who beat Spain’s Lara Arrua- who before yesterday had not had a WTA main holding onto third place. barrena 7-6(5) 6-2. Pliskova is chasing one of draw in more than a year — in the fi rst round. Osaka, aged 20, who reached the semi-fi nals the three available spots in the WTA Finals, Earlier, France’s Alize Cornet swept into the of the China Open last week, moves up from last month’s stunning win over Serena Williams (JPN) 4770 (+2); 5. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4350; 6. along with fourth seed Aryna Sabalenka, Sloane second round. The eighth seed brushed aside sixth to fourth place on 4,770 points and is clos- in the US Open fi nal. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 4345 (+1); 7. Petra Kvitova Stephens, Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens. Israel’s Julia Glushko 6-1, 6-2, to record her fi rst ing in on Kerber, who has 5,400 points. The ris- Latest WTA rankings: 1. Simona Halep (ROU) (CZE) 4255 (-3); 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4022 1st round Results: Karolina Pliskova (CZE x1) victory in more than a month after a string of ing Japanese star become only the second Asian 7421 pts; 2. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 6490; 3. (+1); 9. Julia Goerges (GER) 3785 (+1) 10. Kiki bt Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3; fi rst round exits in Chinese tournaments. woman to win a Grand Slam singles title with Angelique Kerber (GER) 5400; 4. Naomi Osaka Bertens (NED) 3740 (+1) Gulf Times Tuesday, October 9, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB Brewers reach NLCS with sweep of Colorado AFP RESULTS in the sixth and Atlanta never Denver looked back. Division Series (Milwaukee wins series 3-0) In the ninth, the Dodgers National League At Atlanta threatened with runners on fi rst rik Kratz maintained his At Colorado Atlanta Braves 6 Los Angeles and second and no outs. Viz- hot bat and the vaunted Milwaukee Brewers 6 Colorado Dodgers 5 caino then struck out three con- bullpen pitched master- Rockies 0 (Los Angeles leads series 2-1) secutive batters – Max Muncy, fully as the Milwaukee Manny Machado and Brian Doz- BrewersE swept their National Coors Field in Denver. Hader got runs in only one inning in the ier – to end it. “My heart’s still League Division Series by clob- Rockies fi rst baseman Ian Des- entire series. pounding,” Freeman said, mo- bering the Colorado Rockies 6-0 mond to fl y out to end the game. ments after the last out. “That’s on Sunday. “The story of the series for ATLANTA AVOIDS SWEEP how we’ve been all year.” The Brewers took advantage of us was certainly our pitching,” The Brewers will next face either “I like our chances. We’ve got some Colorado mistakes in the Brewers manager Craig Counsell the Los Angeles Dodgers or the a uniform on, so we know we’ve sixth inning to bust open Game said. Kratz went three-for-four Atlanta Braves. got a chance.” Three – and then added back- at the plate and scored a run, Also on Sunday, Atlanta relief Game Four takes place Mon- to-back homers in the ninth for while Keon Broxton and Orlando pitcher Arodys Vizcaino got out day in Atlanta. The 20-year-old good measure. Arcia blasted consecutive hom- of a jam in a ninth and the Braves Acuna became the youngest Ma- Milwaukee starter Wade Miley ers late to put the game away. held on to beat the Dodgers, 6-5, jor League player to hit a playoff pitched superbly into the fi fth Kratz, a catcher who was ac- to avoid suff ering a sweep like grand slam, surpassing Mickey inning to help lead the Brewers quired from the New York Yan- the Rockies. Mantle, who was 21 when he did to a 3-0 sweep of the Rockies – kees in May in a trade, is making Los Angeles now leads their it for the New York Yankees in and their fi rst NL Championship the most of this latest opportu- best-of-fi ve series, two games the 1953 World Series. Series appearance in seven years. nity. He batted fi ve-for-eight in to one. Atlanta rookie Ronald Chris Taylor hit a two-run Miley allowed three hits over the series. The Rockies off ense Acuna smacked a grand slam to homer and Muncy added a ty- 4 2/3 innings of work and fi ve fell apart in the series, producing help the Braves build a 5-0 lead ing homer in the fi fth to spark Brewer relievers, including clos- just two runs and 14 hits overall. against the Dodgers. the comeback for Los Ange- er Josh Hader, allowed only one Colorado, who lost the fi rst They then blew that big lead, les, which was denied its sec- hit after taking over for Miley two games at Miller Park by but fi rst baseman Freddie Free- ond straight NLDS sweep after Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader (right) celebrates with catcher Erik Kratz after beating the in front of a crowd of 49,600 at scores of 3-2 and 4-0, scored man hit a tie-breaking home run blanking Arizona last year. Colorado Rockies in game three of the 2018 NLDS playoff series. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL NHL Iafallo nets two goals as Kings ding Wings Gurley scores three his fi rst start of the season af- Reuters New York ter Jimmy Howard started the opener, a 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. lex Iafallo had two Kopitar scored the fi rst goal goals and Ilya Koval- of the game at 4:21 of the sec- chuk added two assists ond period on a backhander over as the host Los Ange- Bernier’s glove from the right TDs as Rams edge lesA Kings beat the Detroit Red circle after taking a pass from Wings 4-2 on Sunday night. Kovalchuk. Iafallo scored twice in the third Mantha shot from deep in the period, including an empty-net- right circle tied the game at 1 at ter with 21 seconds left, and Anze 8:45 of the second period. Kopitar and Paul LaDue also LaDue gave the Kings a 2-1 scored to help the Kings record lead when he scored on a severe their fi rst victory in their second angle from the right circle at Seattle to go 5-0 game of the season. 16:14 of the second period, the Los Angeles playing without puck getting through Bernier’s ‘You need to know that when these games come around, can you finish. That’s what we did today’ goalie Jonathan Quick, who was pads. Iafallo took a pass from placed on injured reserve after Kovalchuk and scored at point- AFP sustaining a lower-body injury blank range for a 3-1 lead at 9:15 Los Angeles in practice Saturday. Kovalchuk, of the third period. who spent the past fi ve seasons Bernier dislodged the net be- in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey fore the shot, but the offi cials uarterback Jared Goff threw League, assisted on Kopitar’s ruled that the goal stood. for 321 yards and a touchdown goal early in the second period Detroit defenseman Trevor and Todd Gurley scored three and also set up Iafallo’s fi rst Daley sustained an undisclosed touchdowns as the Los Ange- goal midway through the third injury eight minutes into the lesQ Rams kept their perfect record intact period. The fi rst was his 400th game and did not return, leaving with a nail-biting 33-31 win over the NHL assist. He has 417 goals in a the Red Wings with three rookie Seattle Seahawks. 12-year NHL career. defensemen. Los Angeles de- The unbeaten Rams needed Gurley Anthony Mantha and Dylan fenseman Drew Doughty played and Goff to step up Sunday in front of a Larkin scored their fi rst goals of in his 330th consecutive game, crowd 68,900 at Seattle’s Century Link the season on power plays for tying Kopitar’s franchise record. Field after their two best receivers, Bran- the Red Wings, who lost their Meanwhile The Columbus din Cooks and Cooper Kupp, went down second straight. Detroit began a Blue Jackets have placed center with concussions late in the fi rst half. stretch in which it will play six of Brandon Dubinsky on injured Receiver Robert Woods also did his seven on the road. reserve, the team announced part as the Rams moved to 5-0 on the Larkin’s goal with 4:00 re- yesterday. Dubinsky sustained a NFL season. maining in the third period cut strained oblique muscle in prac- “You need to know that when these Detroit’s defi cit to 3-2. The Red tice on Sunday. games come around, can you fi nish. Wings pulled goalie Jonathan The team said he is expected That’s what we did today,” Gurley said. Bernier with 1:49 remaining but to miss four to six weeks. Gurley scored on a two-yard run in did not get another good look. Dubinsky, 32, posted points the fi rst quarter, and added touchdowns Kings goalie Jack Campbell in each of the Jackets’ fi rst two of two and fi ve yards in the second half made 36 saves in his sixth career games this season with a goal with the latter coming on the second play start. Campbell was 2-0-2 in fi ve and an assist. He also won 68.8 of the fourth quarter to pull the Rams games (four starts) for Los Ange- percent of faceoff s and has aver- within 31-30. Kicker Cairo Santos missed les last season. Quick, who made aged 14 minutes, 27 seconds of the extra point attempt and allowing the his 10th opening-day start for ice time per game. Last season, Seahawks to hold onto a one-point lead. the Kings on Friday, will miss at he played in just 62 games be- Santos made amends with a 39-yard least three games, and the Kings cause of a broken eye socket. He fi eld goal with 6:05 remaining to give the listed no timetable for his return. fi nished with a career-low six Rams a 33-31 lead. Bernier made 21 saves in goals and 16 points. That still left time for Seattle quarter- back Russell Wilson, but Seattle made a pair of costly late blunders. NBA “That was hard. We’re there. Knock a couple more yards out, kick a fi eld goal and win the game,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. “Unfortunately we didn’t Timberwolves, Heat get it.” Wilson threw for three touchdowns and Seattle had a running back surpass trade talks over 100 yards rushing for a third straight game as Chris Carson romped for 116 yards. The running game helped set the Butler break down stage for Wilson’s air attack as Seattle fi nished with 190 yards on the ground, By Chris Hine ESPN reported that the trade but it wasn’t enough to stop the Rams Star Tribune (Minneapolis) progressed to the point where from improving their perfect record. the Wolves shared Butler’s med- ical information with the Heat CHIEFS REACH 5-0 t has been nearly three weeks and the owners for each team The Kansas City Chiefs also improved Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the third since Jimmy Butler request- were consulted until the Wolves to 5-0, their defense taking their turn to quarter at CenturyLink Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ed a trade from the Timber- made 11th hour demands and the shine on a rainy Sunday at Arrowhead wolves, and although the talks broke down. Stadium as they held the Jacksonville Defender Dee Ford followed him out that were returned for Cincinnati touch- ITimberwolves were close to a The report also said the Rock- Jaguars scoreless in the fi rst half of a 30- when he was called for a second un- downs and fell into a 3-2 tie with the New RESULTS trade this weekend, Butler is ets have been aggressive in try- 14 victory. sportsmanlike conduct penalty. England Patriots top the AFC East. still on the team and uncertainty ing to acquire Butler while Yahoo A Chiefs defensive unit that has been Kansas City’s prolifi c off ense did their The Bengals top the AFC North at 4-1, Miami 17-27 Cincinnati clouds his immediate future. reported the Clippers have inter- overshadowed by the exploits of the of- part as well, despite the fact that Maho- improving their best start since 2015. Atlanta 17-41 Pittsburgh The Wolves and Heat were est in trading for Butler. ESPN fense guided by young quarterback mes threw his fi rst two interceptions of In Charlotte, Graham Gano booted a Baltimore 9-12 Cleveland close to a deal on Friday, but talks reported the Heat softened their Patrick Mahomes forced Jaguars quar- the season. game-winning 63-yard fi eld goal with broke down late in the process, a stance to include guard Josh Ri- terback Blake Bortles into fi ve turnovers, Mahomes completed 22 of 38 passes one second remaining to lift the Carolina Denver 16-34 Jets source told the Star Tribune. chardson in a potential deal. including a pick-six by defensive end for 313 yards and ran for a touchdown. Panthers to a 33-31 victory over the New Green Bay 23-31 Detroit The Heat have been aggressive Thibodeau has said Butler’s Chris Jones. Kareem Hunt added 87 yards on 22 York Giants. Jacksonville 14-30 Kansas City in pursuing Butler and Miami is situation is “fl uid” and has re- Jones grabbed a Bortles pass in the carries and Travis Kelce caught fi ve “Piece of cake,” Panthers coach one of Butler’s preferred desti- peated many times over the last Giants 31-33 Carolina second quarter for his second career in- passes for 100 yards as the Chiefs attack Ron Rivera said of Gano’s kick, which nations in a trade, but despite few weeks that he will make a terception and ran it back for a touch- shrugged off Jacksonville’s league-lead- matched the longest game-winner in Tennessee 12-13 Buff alo progress on talks this week, the deal as long as a good deal ma- down from 20 yards out. It was his fi rst ing defense. NFL history a 63-yarder by Saints kicker Oakland 10-26 Chargers teams couldn’t get to the fi nish terialises. Butler remains away career score and the Chiefs’ fi rst defen- In other games, the Cincinnati Bengals Tom Dempsey in 1970. from the team offi cially as he Arizona 28-18 San Francisco line. The talks could re-start, but sive points of the season. scored 27 unanswered points as they ral- Gano’s fi eld goal came after quarter- the breakdown means it will like- rehabilitates his surgically-re- Kansas City’s defense held up despite lied for a 27-17 victory over the visiting back Cam Newton piloted a game-win- Rams 33-31 Seattle ly take more time for the Wolves paired right hand. the fact that Jones was ejected in the sec- Miami Dolphins. ning drive with little more than a minute Minnesota 23-21 Philadelphia to deal Butler and the ambiguity The Wolves are at Iowa State ond half after striking a Jaguars player in Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill left, following a touchdown from Giants Houston 19-16 Dallas around his status could remain on Sunday for a preseason game the thigh as both were on the ground. committed two fourth quarter turnovers running back Saquon Barkley. into the regular season. against the Bucks. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 SPORT

COMMENT Boks can be World Cup contenders, says Erasmus Reuters are not stupid and there will be criticism against the Irish from an impossible po- Pretoria of this defeat, but we have shown growth sition, so I never thought the game was in and we will cling on to that. the bag, even with fi ve minutes to go,” he “The last three games between us have said. oach Rassie Erasmus says been decided by no more than two points “That’s New Zealand’s culture, that’s South Africa can be contenders and when we run out against them (New how they do things and that’s where we at the Rugby World Cup in Japan Zealand) now, the game can go either have to get to. We will learn from this.” next year, a belief fuelled by their way. I’m proud we’ve got back to that po- Captain Siya Kolisi rued some “soft performanceC for 75 minutes in Saturday’s sition. moments” in the closing stages from his heart-breaking 32-30 Rugby Champi- “It gives me hope that and belief that if side that allowed the All Blacks to score onship loss to New Zealand at Loftus we do a few things right we will be in with two tries in the fi nal four minutes. Versfeld. a real chance at the next year’s World “For 70 minutes we did a lot of things The Springboks blew a 12-point lead Cup.” right, but we had some soft moments and in the dying stages of the game, but had The diff erence in the game ultimately against the number one team in the world largely controlled the fl ow of the match to came after both sides had emptied their you can’t aff ord to do that,” Kolisi said. that point. benches, with New Zealand able to raise “That’s probably where we lost it. I Their performance, coupled with a 36- their intensity and the Boks battling to don’t think we deserved to lose but they 34 win in Wellington last month, is a vast contain them with less experience on the really stuck to their game and perhaps we improvement for a side that was humili- pitch. switched off for a split second.” ated 57-0 by the world champions just a Erasmus was not surprised by the fi ght The Boks now face a Northern Hemi- year ago. shown from the visitors, or their ability to sphere tour to fi nish their season, starting “I’m defi nitely happy with the progress raise their intensity levels. with a clash against England at Twicken- and the growth we have shown,” Erasmus “I remember from when I was in Ire- ham on Nov. 3. They also meet France, told reporters. “South African rugby fans land, seeing New Zealand come back Scotland and Wales.

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Registration open for seventh edition Cheika safe but RA of Aspire Torch Staircase Run spire Zone Founda- tion (AZF) yesterday looking at changes announced opening registration for the seventhA annual Aspire Torch Staircase Run scheduled to take place on November 10 at the Torch hotel in Aspire Zone. The 2018 edition of the As- pire Torch Staircase Run (ATSR to ‘environment’ 2018), will off er sports enthu- siasts the ultimate challenge ‘I did everything that I can to be better for the final, it wasn’t enough time to feel 100 percent’ of endurance, as runners will cess on par with international have to make their way to the tower-running competitions, top of the 300m tower to the including Empire State Build- 51st fl oor, climbing more than ing Run-Up in New York, USA, 1300 steps. and Berlin Sky Tower in Ger- Those who fi nish the race in many. the shortest time will receive Over the past editions, ATSR valuable prizes. attracted more than 600 par- Registration for this year’s ticipants from both local and race is open for participants expat communities alongside eight years of age and older and other tower runners from all will feature four categories in over the world. In 2015, ATSR diff erent age groups. was awarded an offi cial Grand The fi rst categories to com- Prix status as one of the top pete will be the Junior (8 to 11 international tower running years old), followed by the U-15 competitions. (12 – 14 years), followed by the Interested community U-18 (15-17 years), and fi nally members can visit www.lifei- by the Senior (above 18 years). naspire.qa to register and fi nd Previous editions of the run out more information about generated unprecedented suc- taking part in the run.

FOCUS Hansen goes back to well aft er Cane suff ers broken neck

Reuters “Once you remove the drama Wellington of it being a neck injury you’ve just got to look at it and treat it like any fracture.” ew Zealand coach Cane’s absence from the Steve Hansen must end-of-year tour will test seek out previously Hansen’s depth in the number untapped talent for seven jersey, with Savea ex- Ntheir end-of-season tour after pected to become the starter fi rst choice openside fl anker after a superb performance Sam Cane broke a bone in his against the Springboks. neck in the win over South Af- Canterbury Crusaders’ Matt Australian players celebrate after winning a Rugby Union Championship match against Argentina at the Padre Ernesto Martearena stadium in Salta, Argentina, on Saturday. (AFP) rica on Saturday. Todd is the only other special- Cane collided with Fran- ist number seven in New Zea- Reuters cois Louw after 35 minutes in land with test experience, but Melbourne Haylett-Petty shift to fullback proves a winner for Wallabies Pretoria and was replaced by was overlooked for the Rugby Ardie Savea, who scored the Championship squad after he Australia coach Michael Cheika’s selections the competition. ject in one half and so clinical in the second. last-minute try that gave the took up a short-term contract ichael Cheika will be throughout the Rugby Championship have A nasty stomach complaint on the eve of the Haylett-Petty said they needed to have a All Blacks a comeback 32-30 in Japan that runs until early hauled before Rugby generated their share of criticism but there final match against Argentina on Saturday proper review of the game before the next victory. next year. Australia’s board in a have been few complaints about the deci- threatened to break the streak but Haylett- test against the All Blacks in Yokohama in The 26-year-old Cane was Otago Highlanders’ Dillon review of the Walla- sion to switch Dane Haylett-Petty to fullback. Petty rose from his sickbed to score two two weeks, the third and final Bledisloe Cup visibly in pain and the All Hunt played a non-test match Mbies’ poor Rugby Championship Blacks later said he had suf- against a French XV on last After playing 22 consecutive tests on the tries and take the man-of-the-match award match. campaign but his coaching ten- wing, Haylett-Petty was handed the number in Salta. “I don’t know, I think that’s something we fered a fracture in one of his year’s end-of-season tour, while ure is not up for discussion, the 15 jersey after incumbent Israel Folau “I always felt like I was going to feel much need to go back and look at and I think neck vertebrae although there the Wellington Hurricanes’ Ga- governing body’s CEO said. suff ered an ankle strain in the tournament better come game time and our medical there’s a big lesson there for us,” he said. was no nerve damage. He had reth Evans was impressive in Australia capped a disap- opener against the All Blacks. staff did a really good job getting me right,” “Obviously the second half is how we want surgery and was expected to Super Rugby this year and was pointing tournament with a huge Such was Haylett-Petty’s poise in the rear- the 29-year-old said. to play and the first half is not how we want remain in South Africa for an- mentioned as a potential dark- comeback win over Argentina on guard position that Cheika elected to keep “I was obviously a little bit nervous pre-game to play, so to come out and be more consist- other week. horse pick for the Rugby Cham- Saturday but fi nished third in the tall Western Australian there even when but once I got out there and started to warm ent in that. “Like any fracture it takes a pionship squad. the standings behind New Zea- Folau returned from injury, shifting the New up I felt pretty good and I was able to get “I think it wasn’t so much technical, it was couple of weeks and months,” Hansen, however, will have land and South Africa with two South Wales Waratah to the wing instead. through 80.” just heart, probably. All Blacks doctor Tony Page plenty of opportunity to mull wins and four losses. While Cheika tweaked his forward pack and The Wallabies’ Jekyll-and-Hyde performance “We knew we had to respond, we knew this said. “It will probably take his choices with his decision “We’re not talking about changed his playmaking combinations back against Argentina, where they turned a 31-7 was an important game, we’ve been under a about three months for the to select an extended squad of Michael Cheika being sacked as and forth, Haylett-Petty remained one of the deficit into a rousing 45-34 win, had plenty of bit of pressure as a team and I think the boys bone to get strong but we’ll players for their two tests in the head coach,” RA CEO Rae- few constants during the last five matches of pundits asking how the team could be so ab- came out and responded.” just take it step-by-step. Japan before they head to Eu- lene Castle told The Austral- “The operation is really just rope. ian newspaper. “I don’t think sess that from there. since replacing Ewen McKenzie second half against the Pumas know, has a history of doing to keep everything in the right The All Blacks face Australia that that is the scenario that we “He is the head coach and in 2014. after receiving a huge half-time things under crisis. But we’ve place so the bone can heal on in the third Bledisloe Cup clash are talking about. We’re talking he deserves to come back and With the Wallabies strug- spray by their coach. Cheika has worked really hard to make sure its own accord.” in Yokohama on Oct. 27 before about changes to the whole en- present his views and how he gling in all facets of the game, remained defi ant throughout that (the coaching issue) isn’t Cane was expected to be they face Japan on Nov. 3 in vironment. sees as what he needs for the en- the scrutiny has extended to the campaign, insisting he has one of them.” out of action for at least three Tokyo. They then meet Eng- “Michael gets back on Mon- vironment as we build into the Cheika’s staff , which includes a “plan” and the Wallabies will The Wallabies face New Zea- months, but Hansen said they land at Twickenham on Nov. day night. He will present to next 12 months.” attack coach Stephen Larkham, emerge from the tough period in land in the third Bledisloe Cup would not hurry his return to 10. Hansen said a large group us his thoughts of the last two Finalists at the 2015 World defence head Nathan Grey and time for the World Cup in Japan test in Yokohama on October 27, the fi eld with an eye on next of players would then head to games and where he sees the Cup, Australia have lost eight of skills coach Mick Byrne. in a year’s time. a dead rubber after the All Blacks year’s Rugby World Cup. London after the Wallabies performance of his team, the their last 11 tests and their world Cheika showed he at least still Castle said RA also had a plan, wrapped up the annual trans- “It is expected he will make test, with the remainder stay- coaching team as well as the on- ranking has slumped to seventh has the support of the players, without elaborating on its detail. Tasman series 2-0 with wins in a full recovery and be back ing behind to prepare for the fi eld team. And then we will as- in Cheika’s most diffi cult period who lifted dramatically in the “Rugby Australia, as you Sydney and Auckland. playing,” Hansen added. Japan match. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 9, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS I need to rest, says Malaysia’s Lee aft er Tway wins fi rst US cancer treatment

AFP few days before I meet everyone. Kuala Lumpur Thank you.” Norza Zakaria, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) alaysia Badminton president, told AFP that the PGA title in playoff ace Lee Chong Wei former world number one was said he needed to be recovering positively from his left alone to rest for treatment after announcing last Mat least a few days after return- month Lee had been diagnosed ing home following nose cancer with early-stage nose cancer. treatment in Taiwan. A sports offi cial familiar with The world number fi ve and the situation said Lee had un- three-time Olympic silver med- dergone proton therapy treat- as Snedeker fades allist returned late on Sunday ment in Taiwan. Lee is one of night on a private jet to the Malaysia’s top sports stars after ‘Really disappointing. I played a really good front nine in tough conditions, made the Subang International Airport, carving out a long run of success near Kuala Lumpur, the offi cial at badminton’s highest levels, turn and actually drove the ball really well, just hit some really, really poor iron shots’ Bernama news agency said. despite his oft-lamented failure Lee was whisked away in a to win a world or Olympic title. four-car convoy with heavily Lee fought his way back to tinted windows according to lo- prominence in the badminton cal media reports. circuit following his return from “I need to rest. I will hold a a doping ban in 2015. press conference soon with the Lee tested positive for a members of the media,” the New banned anti-infl ammatory drug Straits Times newspaper cited at the 2014 World Champion- him as saying via a text message. ships, an incident which many “Just allow me to rest for a feared would end his career.

SPOTLIGHT Love match! Indian badminton ace Saina to wed Kashyap

AFP we both found it very easy to talk New Delhi to each other,” she told the Eng- Kevin Tway putts in to win on a third hole sudden death playoff against Ryan Moore on the 10th green during the final round of the Safeway Open in Napa, California. (AFP) lish-language daily. Nehwal said she did not have AFP LEADING SCORES FROM THE FINAL ROUND 18th and settled for a par and a ndia’s former world number to break the news to her parents Los Angeles two-over 74. one Saina Nehwal is to mar- as they had sensed it already. 274 - x-Kevin Tway 68-67-68-71, Ryan Moore 67- 70-68-67-73 “Really disappointing,” ry fellow badminton player “I didn’t have to tell them. We 67-73-67, Brandt Snedeker 66-65-69-74 279 - Julián Etulain (ARG) 68-69-72-70, Adam Snedeker said. Parupalli Kashyap in De- used to be together most of the evin Tway birdied his “I played a really good front Icember, local media reported time and my parents also trav- 275 - Luke List 70-69-69-67, Troy Merritt 67-70-70- Schenk 67-69-70-73, Harold Varner 70-69-68-72, last fi ve holes, three 68, Sam Ryder 69-70-67-69,Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 280 - Michael Thompson 69-65-75-71, Patrick nine in tough conditions, made yesterday. elled with me, so they under- in a playoff , to win his 70-67-69-69, Im Sung-jae (KOR) 66-69-69-71 Cantlay 69-68-73-70, Tom Hoge 71-70-69-70, Phil the turn and actually drove the Nehwal confi rmed her wed- stood who I was close to.” fi rst US PGA Tour title 277 - J.B. Holmes 70-70-69-68 Mickelson 65-69-74-72, Hunter Mahan 70-68- ball really well, just hit some re- ding with the 57th-ranked Nehwal, who won a bronze at Kon Sunday at the Safeway Open, ally, really poor iron shots.” Kashyap to the mass-circulation the recent Asian Games in Jakar- 278 - Danny Lee (NZL) 69-68-72-69, Jim Knous 70-72, Cameron Davis (AUS) 70-70-72-68, Lucas where Brandt Snedeker squan- 73-67-69-69, Chase Wright 64-72-70-72, Bill Haas Glover 69-70-69-72, Nate Lashley 68-69-70-73. Snedeker said he’d remember Times of India daily, saying the ta, is currently 11th in the world dered a fi ve-shot lead in the fi - the event as one he “gave away”. time was right to exchange mar- badminton rankings. nal round. holes, before succumbing at the a three-shot lead and stretched “On a day like today it’s not “It’s done, and I didn’t do it,” riage vows. The wedding, to be held on Tway rolled in a 10-foot bird- third - the par-four 10th. the advantage to fi ve after bird- about necessarily how you’re he said. Rumours about their love af- December 16, will be the lat- ie putt at the third hole of sud- “I’m kind of at a loss for ies at the fi fth and seventh be- swinging, it’s about how you “It sucks right now, but I’m fair had been swirling for some est after a string of high-profi le den death to win the fi rst event words,” said Tway, the 30-year- fore slumping with four bogeys just get the ball in the hole playing next week.” time but the pair always main- sports couples tied the knot. of the US tour’s 2018-19 season old son of 1986 PGA Champi- on the back nine. and somehow I managed to The top trio fi nished a stroke tained a studied silence util now. Grand Slam-winning Indian over Ryan Moore at Silverado onship winner Bob Tway. That included three in a row do that.” in front of a group of fi ve play- Nehwal, 28, said she had tennis star Sania Mirza mar- Resort in Napa, California. “I think I birdied my last fi ve at 10, 11 and 12, and that was Snedeker briefl y regained ers on 275. started dating Kashyap, 32, in ried Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Snedeker, who started the holes – that always helps.” enough to see his lead evaporate a one-shot lead with a birdie Luke List jumped into that 2007 after they began going on Malik in a dazzling ceremony in day with a three-shot lead and He had birdied 17 and 18 in as Moore birdied 15, 16 and 18 to at the par-fi ve 16th, where he bunch with an eagle at 18 to cap tours together but delayed the 2010 while wicketkeeper Dinesh led by fi ve with 11 remaining in regulation to complete a one- reach 14-under with a fi ve-un- rolled in a 10-foot putt. his 67. Troy Merritt carded a 68, marriage in order to focus on Karthik is married to squash regulation, fell by the wayside under par 71 at Silverado Resort der par fi nal-round of 67. But he immediately gave the Sam Ryder and Australian Aar- their careers. sensation Dipika Pallikal. with a par at the fi rst playoff in Napa, California, fi nishing “I was just able to put togeth- shot back at the 17th, where he on Baddeley fi red 69s and Web. “In the competitive world that Fast bowler Ishant Sharma hole. tied with Moore and Snedeker er a round of golf,” said Moore, was far left off the tee and in com Tour graduate Im Sung-jae we live in, it is diffi cult to get married national basketball Moore matched Tway’s bird- on 14-under par 274. who had six birdies and just one the pine straw under a tree. He of South Korea posted a 71 to close to someone. But somehow player Pratima Singh in 2016. ies at the fi rst and second playoff Snedeker started the day with bogey. found a bunker at the par-fi ve complete the group at 13-under.

QATAR MOUNTAIN BIKE LEAGUE Japanese amateur lives ‘dream’ by winning Masters spot

New Asian amateur golf professional and rising to as champion Takumi Kanaya said high as world number two last he was living out a childhood year on the back of five US PGA dream after emulating Japan’s Tour wins. top golfer Hideki Matsuyama by “I never expected to play the winning a spot in next year’s US Masters and The Open so early Masters and British Open. The in my career so this is just huge,” 20-year-old Japanese Kanaya said Kanaya after following in shot a five-under-par 65 Sunday the footsteps of Matsuyama. to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur He will now tee up alongside Championship by two strokes the world’s best professionals from India’s Rayhan Thomas including Tiger Woods and Rory and compatriot and fellow Asian McIlroy at Augusta for April’s Games gold medal winner Keita Masters and in July at Royal Nakajima. “This is simply like a Portrush in Northern Ireland for dream. I have been dreaming the British Open. of going to the Masters ever “I played well throughout the since I was a kid,” said Kanaya at day but I think the key for me Sentosa Golf Club after posting was how I kept my calm and a 13-under par total of 267 after composure during the round.” four days of competition. Kanaya and Nakajima were both Great Britain’s Szymon Wasiak (centre) won the first leg of the 2nd Qatar Mountain Bike League on Friday. Japan’s world number 21 Mat- part of Japan’s gold medal win- Velostar’s Tom Whateley (right) came second, while Qatar national team’s Abdullah al-Jaaidi came third. suyama, 26, won the second of ning team at the Asian Games in Finland’s Pia Sundstedt emerged winner in the women’s open category. The race was organised by the his two Asian Amateur title in August. Nakajima also won the United Filipino Mountain Bikers Qatar in partnership with Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation at Al Kheesa. Singapore in 2011 before turning individual gold.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Hayden fractures Sohail century adds to neck in surfi ng Aussie woes in Dubai accident Reuters ‘It’s always a big pride to score a Test hundred for your country and I have worked really hard...’ Melbourne

AFP Marnus Labuschagne minutes before Dubai tea as he edged a turning ball to wick- etkeeper Tim Paine for the debutant’s fi rst wicket. Shafi q hit nine bounda- ustralia’s openers survived a ries and a six in his 278 minutes at the torrid 13 over spell to fi nish crease. on 30 without loss after Haris Sohail did to get to three fi gures Sohail’s maiden century though, hitting a six off spinner Jon Aguided Pakistan to 482 on the second Holland before cutting him to third day of the fi rst Test in Dubai yesterday. man for two to complete his century. Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on He was fi nally dismissed by Nathan 17 and debutant Aaron Finch was 13 Lyon, caught behind as he tried to cut not out as Australia negotiated some the off -spinner, having easily sur- tight spin bowling from Pakistan on a passed his previous best of 76 made pitch which has started to show signs against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi last of turn. year. ormer Australia opening Pakistan unleashed four overs from Sohail was pleased to go on and post batsman Matthew Hay- leg-spinner Yasir Shah and a combined a big score after regularly making sev- den said he has “dodged three from off -spinners Mohamed Ha- eral promising starts before getting out a bullet” after suff ering feez and Bilal Asif, but both Australian earlier in the year. Fa fractured bone in his neck and openers looked assured. “I was getting out on 30-40 runs on serious facial injuries while surf- Australia trail Pakistan by 452 runs the tour of England (in May-June this ing at the weekend. with all ten wickets intact, but they year),” said Sohail. “So I wanted to get The 46-year-old was surfi ng face a big battle ahead of them with out of that panic situation and I am with his son in south of Brisbane Yasir expected to pose the main threat. happy that I have done that today. and said on his Instagram ac- A sparkling hundred from left- “It’s always a big pride to score a count on Saturday that he came hander Sohail and a polished 80 from Test hundred for your country and I off second best with a “Strad- Asad Shafi q had enabled Pakistan to have worked really hard to reach this die back bank” and that it was build on an overnight score of 255 for far,” said Sohail, who was sidelined for “game over for a few days”. 3, with nightwatchman Mohamed Ab- a two-year period with a knee injury in He posted a second message bas (one) the only wicket to fall in the 2015. Pakistan lost their last six wick- on Sunday with a photograph morning session. Sohail’s patient six- ets for 72 runs, including the run outs of him in a neck brace and nasty hour knock featured eight fours and of Babar Azam (four) and skipper Sar- abrasions on his forehead. two sixes, as he added 150 for the fi fth fraz Ahmed for 15. “Fractured C6, torn C5, C4 wicket with Shafi q who was unlucky to Fast bowler Peter Siddle was the ligaments safe to say I truly have miss out on his 10th century. pick of the bowlers with 3-58 while dodged a bullet,” he wrote refer- The pair frustrated the Australian Lyon fi nished with 2-114 from 52 overs. ring to injuries to his cervical attack with some solid batting as Paki- Holland, Labuschagne and Mitchell vertebrae. stan reached 329-4 at lunch, with both Starc took a wicket each. “Just wanted to say a big thank in sight of centuries. The second and fi nal Test will be you to all our mates on Straddie But Shafi q fell to the leg-spin of played in Abu Dhabi from October 16. (Stradbroke Island) who have been so supportive. SCORECARD “Thank you everyone. On the road to recovery.” Pakistan 1st innings 8-470 (Sarfraz), 9-473 (Asif), 10- The burly Hayden retired in Imam-ul-Haq c Paine b Lyon ...... 76 482 (Yasir) 2009 as one of cricket’s leading Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Siddle .....126 Bowling: Starc 36.2-11-90-1 (2nb), Sid- opening batsmen, scoring 8625 Azhar Ali c Starc b Holland ...... 18 dle 29-11-58-3, Lyon 52-12-114-2, Holland runs with 30 centuries from 103 Haris Sohail c Paine b Lyon ...... 110 29-1-126-1, Labuschagne 8-0-29-1, M. Tests at an average of 50.73. Mohammad Abbas b Siddle ...... 1 Marsh 10-0-38-0 (1nb) He held the world record Asad Shafiq c Paine b Labuschagne 80 score for a Test innings with his Babar Azam run out ...... 4 Australia 1st innings knock of 380 against Zimbabwe Sarfraz Ahmed run out ...... 15 Usman Khawaja not out ...... 17 in October 2003 before West In- Bilal Asif b Siddle ...... 12 A. Finch not out ...... 13 dies great Brian Lara surpassed Wahab Riaz not out ...... 7 Total: (for 0 wkts, 13 overs) ...... 30 it with 400 not out six months Yasir Shah c Paine b Starc ...... 3 Still to bat: S. Marsh, T. Head, M. later. Extras: (b 6, lb 21, nb 3) ...... 30 Marsh, M. Labuschagne, T.Paine, M. Total: (all out, 164.2 overs) ...... 482 Starc, P. Siddle, N. Lyon, J. Holland Pakistan’s Haris Sohail celebrates Fall of wickets: 1-205 (Imam), Bowling: Abbas 4-1-9-0, Riaz 2-0-6-0, Pollard and reaching his century against 2-222 (Hafeez), 3-244 (Azhar), Yasir 4-0-14-0, Hafeez 2-1-1-0, Asif Australia at Dubai International 4-260 (Abbas), 5-410 (Shafiq), 1-1-0-0 Darren Bravo back Stadium in Dubai yesterday. 6-418 (Azam), 7-456 (Sohail), Toss: Pakistan for West Indies

Kingston: West Indies welcomed back batsman Darren Bravo RALLYING and all-rounder Kieron Pollard to their limited-overs squad but QATAR AT ASIAN PARA GAMES opener Chris Gayle has decided to skip their series in India and Abdulla bounces Bangladesh, Cricket West Indies has said. Bravo, whose stance and bat back in Morocco swing is modelled on his illustri- ous cousin Brian Lara, returns to the West Indies side after a two- year gap for the three Twenty20 Internationals in India. Pollard, famed for his six-hitting prowess, will also return after a year out to join the Twenty20 team for the three-match series beginning in Kolkata on Nov. 4. “We will be without our stal- wart, Chris Gayle, for this Indian tour and the next tour against Bangladesh as he has declined selection at this time...” Courtney Browne, chairman of the selec- tion panel, said in a statement late on Sunday. Gayle, 39, is currently busy with Qatar’s Mohamed Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from right) and Nasser al-Sahoti (bottom) in action at the Asian Para Games in Jakarta. By Sports Reporter They fi nished the timed test the Afghanistan Premier League yesterday. Qatar are aiming to beat their mark of five medals won at the 2014 Para Games in Incheon, South Korea. Erfoud, Morocco that featured diffi cult navi- and will subsequently feature in gation, dunes and punishing the T10 league, also in the United rocky tracks in an unoffi cial Arab Emirates. del Abdulla was given time of 6hrs 57min 49sec to “... however, he has made himself the go-ahead to start claim second position in the available for the selection for the the penultimate selec- T2 category behind al-Shegawi visit of England to the Caribbean Ative section of the 2018 after Titov was delayed with and the CWC (Cricket World Cup) Rally of Morocco by race offi cials his own share of problems and in 2019,” Browne added. after the Qatari had missed two lost the category lead to the All-rounder Andre Russell was legs of the penultimate round of Saudi. also named in the Twenty20 the FIA World Cup for Cross- Adel Abdulla said: “It was a squad to be led by Carlos Country Rallies following a nig- long stage after the electrical Brathwaite but will miss the gling ECU issue on his Nissan problem we had with the ECU one-day series preceding the T20 Patrol Y62. for two days. We managed to matches with an injury. The QX Rally Team driver is fi x the car on Sunday. We are still hopeful that he can salvage still in the race. It was a tough ODI squad: Jason Holder (cap- something from the demand- stage with a lot of diff erent ter- tain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, ing six-day African event, even rain, gravel, stones, sand and Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul though he is too far behind arch dunes. It was very tough in the Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai T2 championship rival Ahmed dunes. We passed three or four Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, al-Shegawi and Russian places with diff erent kinds of Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, driver Andrey Titov in the gen- dunes. I think we did well. We Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, eral classifi cation. did not push. The target now is Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas Adel and his French naviga- to fi nish the race and see what T20 squad: Carlos Brathwaite tor Jean-Michel Polato started will happen with the other (captain), Fabian Allen, Darren the 342km loop stage through competitors.” Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin the Erg Chebbi around Erfoud Adel Abdulla’s challenge Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ashley from last position on the road for honours comes with the Nurse, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, in the car category, but they support of the Qatar Motor Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, were quickly into a fast pace and Motorcycle Federation Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, in their repaired and repro- (QMMF), Ooredoo Qatar and Sherfane Rutherford, Oshane grammed Nissan. Nissan Qatar. Thomas.