THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 We created a lot of opportunities Qatar’s head coach and we expected the situation to Felix Sanchez on a BASKETBALL CYCLING be different but luck was not on our goalless draw against World Cup, Classification Tour of Spain: side. We didn’t make three points as India in joint qualifier match: USA vs Serbia we had hoped, but this is football. Tour of Britain in Doha. ACTION TODAY’S France knock US out of World Cup

REUTERS hit top gear. Trailing 72-65, BEIJING France went on a 17-4 run and cool free-throw shooting in the France caused the biggest shock last 90 seconds of the clash gave of the basketball World Cup in them a memorable win as Gobert China after beating holders the finished with 21 points and 16 United States 89-79 to reach the rebounds while Fournier netted semi-finals of the 32-nation 22 points. tournament yesterday. The towering Gobert also France will meet Argentina produced two crucial blocks in tomorrow for a berth in Sunday’s the final minute as the Amer- final while 2006 champions icans lost their momentum and Spain take on Australia, who threw away several key overpowered Czech Republic possessions. 82-70 in the day’s other The only positive they will quarter-final. take from the tournament is that The United States, favourites they have qualified for next to win their third successive and year’s Olympics in Tokyo sixth overall world title, dropped alongside Australia, Argentina, into the 5-8th place play-offs Spain, France, Iran and Nigeria. after they failed to reach the Japan gained an automatic medal rounds for the first time berth as hosts and four other since the 2002 tournament in nations will complete the Indianapolis. 12-team field after next year’s The Americans were beaten qualifying tournaments. in a last-eight clash by the former The impressive Australians, Yugoslavia in that tournament who have never won a major and they next face Serbia, who medal, lived up to the billing of were billed as their most likely dark horses after a mature per- rival in a gold-medal clash in this France’s Nicolas Batum (left) and Louis Labeyrie handle the ball as Harrison Barnes (centre) of the US watches during the Basketball formance gave them a sixth suc- year’s event. World Cup quarter-final game in Dongguan, yesterday. BELOW: US coach Gregg Popovich speaks with Derrick White during the match. cessive win in the tournament. With 17 of their top NBA players pulling out of the roster titles with the San Antonio Spurs, arena and competed. They first-half turnovers and having in the build-up to the tour- refused to make excuses. deserve credit for that just like engineered a 45-39 halftime nament in China, the US lacked “It is a disrespectful notion France deserve credit for lead, they surged 51-41 ahead depth but their coach Gregg Pop- to even bring something like that winning. It’s not about ‘the early in the third quarter thanks ovich, the winner of five NBA up,” Popovich told a news United States didn’t have their to inspired performances from conference. other guys.’ There is no such Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert. French side will meet “To say ‘hey you guys didn’t thing as ‘other guys.’ As the duo began to tire, Argentina tomorrow for have this guy or that guy,’ that’s “Having ground out a barely Team USA hit back thanks to a a berth in final. disrespectful to France or deserved 93-92 overtime win one-man show from Donovan whoever else is in the tour- over Turkey in the preliminary Mitchell, who netted 14 of his 29 Spaniards will take nament. France beat us. group stage, there was to be no points in the third quarter to give on Australia, who “It doesn’t matter who is on escape for the US this time the 2014 champions a 66-63 lead overpowered Czech the team. I couldn’t be more against an athletic French side ahead of the final 10 minutes. proud of these 12 guys who sac- who dominated them in every But Mitchell stayed scoreless Republic in other rificed their summer having department. in the fourth quarter while his quarter-final, yesterday. never played together before. An aggressive French Utah Jazz team mate Gobert and “They put themselves in the defence forced a flurry of Orlando Magic guard Fournier New PGA Tour season kicks off with dust yet to settle on old one

Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson REUTERS With the calendar even more crowded thanks reviewed following complaints (28) hits a home run NEW YORK to the golf event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, about slow play and after a during the third inning the Classic will be the first of 49 official FedEx video of DeChambeau taking against the Houston It is only 16 days since Rory Cup events, of which 11 will be played between more than two minutes to line Astros on Tuesday. McIlroy (pictured) was now and late November as part of the so-called up a putt at a tournament in crowned FedEx Cup champion ‘wraparound’ season. August went viral. but players are already While world number one gearing up for the new US PGA Brooks Koepka and number Tour season with the opening names already signed up to play through late August there is a two McIlroy will have heavy event, the Greenbrier Classic, in Japan. The top American and top event pretty much every schedules Woods is again kicking off in West Virginia International players will be other week, with the July 30 to expected to again carry a lighter today. active until just before August 2 Olympic golf compe- load. With the calendar even Christmas due to the December tition jammed in just two weeks He played only three non- more crowded thanks to the 12-15 Presidents Cup at Royal after the British Open, and two majors since winning the golf event at the 2020 Tokyo Melbourne in Australia, and weeks before the start of the Masters in April, and recent MLB: A’s bounce back Olympics, the Classic will be the after a short break the 2020 FedEx Cup play-offs. knee surgery suggests he will first of 49 official FedEx Cup campaign will roll on at a The new season will also be just as sparing in his in style, thrash Astros events, of which 11 will be relentless pace.pace. mark the introduction of appearancesappe in the new played betweeneen now andand latelate FromFrom latelate rrandomandom testing ooff players’players’ season.seaso November aass part ooff thethe so- FebruaryF e b ruary driversdrivers to ensure ttheyhey are Meanwhile,M Brian Barnes, a REUTERS in the top of the first, stringing called ‘wraparound’around’ season. legal.legal. largerlarge than life character who HOUSTON together six consecutive one-out World numberumber 10 Bryson TheThe game’s interna-interna- once beat Jack Nicklaus twice singles after Marcus Semien DeChambeauu hheadseads tthehe fifieldeld in ttionalional governinggoverning bodbody,y, onon theth same day in the Ryder Matt Olson and Sean Murphy opened the game with a single West Virginia,a, wwhilehile thethe spot-spot- thethe R&A,R&A, testedtested driversdrivers Cup, died on Monday aged 74, recorded multi-homer games, and Olson walked two batters light will alsoo bbee on 2018 US at thethe BritishBritish Open in thethe EuropeanEu Tour announced. and the Oakland Athletics made later. amateur championhampion Viktor JulyJuly and found Xander Barnes,B who once famously amends for a blowout loss in the Mark Canha, Chad Pinder Hovland as tthehe Norwegian Schauffele’sSchauffele’s to bbee markedmark his ball with a beer can, opener of a four-game series at and Khris Davis posted RBI makes his debut as a TouTourr nnon-conforming,on-conforming, but was bborn in England but rep- Houston with a 21-7 dismantling singles in succession, and one member afterter a seseriesries ooff thethe PGA Tour untiluntil now resentedr ese Scotland of the Astros on Tuesday. out later, Murphy singled in impressive resultssults since turning has not testtested.ed. internationally.intern Olson set a single-season another run. Robbie Grossman pro in June. Yet to be unveiled bbyy ThoughT he won nine times high with his 30th home run and then chased Miley with a The eventt willwill bebe followedfollowed thethe Tour is a new ppace-ace- on ttheh European Tour, he will then added his 31st as well, while two-run hit for a 6-0 lead. by four morere in the United of-playof-play policpolicy,y, foreverforev be remembered for Murphy ran his career and Miley had his seven-game States beforee thethe TourTour crossescrosses whichwhich is bbeingeing ttakingakin down 18-times major season totals to three. The Ath- win streak abruptly snapped and the Pacific foror a three-eventthree-event chchampionam Nicklaus twice in letics (85-60) slugged six extended his stretch of con- Asian swing wwithith tournaments quickquick succession in Ryder Cup homers, including three two-run cerning performances to three in South Korea,ea, ChinaChina andand tthehe singles.single blasts off Astros right-hander Joe starts. Miley has allowed 13 runs new Zozo CChampionshiphampionship in BarnesB played in six con- Biagini in the fourth inning. (12 earned) on 14 hits and seven Japan, whichh replacesreplaces KuaKualala ssecutiveecu Ryder Cups from The Athletics were already walks while lasting only four Lumpur’s CIMBMB ClassicClassic on thethe 11969-79,96 with his crowning comfortably ahead 11-2 before total innings over his past three calendar. achievementach coming in the they teed off against Biagini. outings. McIlroy andand Tiger WoodsWoods 197519 event at Laurel Valley They tagged Astros left-hander The Athletics dropped the are among a host of top in Pennsylvania. Wade Miley (13-5) for seven runs series opener 15-0 on Monday. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2019 Kuridrani on track for Wallabies opener, Petaia still weeks away

REUTERS TOKYO

Tevita Kuridrani is on track to be fit for Australia’s Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji but fellow centre Jordan Petaia (pictured) may not be available until their third group match against Uruguay, coach Michael Cheika said yesterday. Both players are battling hamstring strains but Petaia’s injury needed a longer recovery and could see the uncapped teenager ruled out of the second match against Pool D rivals Wales, Cheika said at training in midfield against Fiji. O’Connor Odawara, Japan. and Kerevi proved an effective “I think Tevita is running combination in the upset of nearly back at full pace so I’m world champions New Zealand New Zealand players warm up ahead of a training session at hopeful he’s going to be right for in Perth last month. Kashiwanoha Park Stadium in Kashiwa, yesterday. selection next weekend,” Cheika Lock Adam Coleman, who told local reporters. scored the first of six tries by the “Our target for Jordan is a Wallabies against Samoa, was couple of weeks later. If not spared full training in Japan Wales, the one after but we’re while recovering from a thumb Holders All Blacks relish hopeful it will be for Wales.” injury but Cheika expected him Twice World Cup winners to be fit for Fiji. Australia play Fiji in Sapporo on After arriving late on September 21 before meeting Monday due to Typhoon Faxai, Wales in Tokyo eight days later the Wallabies held an open Springboks Cup challenge and Uruguay on October 5. training session yesterday at They play their last group their Odawara base where local match against Georgia on media were curious to know AFP Brave Blossoms at the 2015 October 11. how they were coping with the KASHIWA, JAPAN tournament. But Foster paid Fiji-born Kuridrani and humidity. tribute to Japan, who kick off the Petaia were sidelined for the Cheika, who took his squad Defending champions New We love the draw because it’s meant we’ve World Cup against Russia in Wallabies’ last World Cup to a two-week boot-camp in Zealand underwent a punishing Tokyo on September 20. warmup, a hard-fought 34-15 balmy New Caledonia before the first World Cup training session turned up and there’s no excuses, no waiting “I think we saw a very brave win over Samoa in Sydney on Samoa warmup, said the Wal- in Japan yesterday before prom- for us to get used to the intensity -- it’s right Japan team play with a lot of Saturday. labies were ready for any ising to come out firing against there in front of us: Assistant coach Ian Foster possession,” he said. Veteran Adam Ashley- conditions. South Africa in their blockbuster “They really challenged Cooper started outside utility “It doesn’t matter. Snow, tournament opener. South Africa defensively for large Matt Toomua in the centres desert, nighttime, daytime, The treble-chasing All Blacks, we’ve seen and that’s put us in to the Rugby Championship periods of the game.” against the Samoans but Cheika doesn’t matter,” he said. who face the Springboks in a a good spot,” he added, con- title, is set to be a classic and Foster, meanwhile, is likely to have James O’Connor “The conditions are the same potentially explosive Pool B clash firming that fly-half Richie could set the tone for the World shrugged off suggestions that and Samu Kerevi in his starting for everyone.” on September 21, began their Mo’unga should recover from Cup. New Zealand were showing workout at 8:00 am local time his sore shoulder in time to face “We love the draw because glimpses of fallibility, after France’s left wing Yoann Huget (left) in Kashiwa, northeast of Tokyo, South Africa. it’s meant we’ve turned up and drawing with the Boks and runs with the ball during a training to avoid the brutal afternoon “It’s the first time in three there’s no excuses, no waiting losing to Australia in the Rugby session at the Fuji Hokuroku Park heat. years we’ve had a week of for us to get used to the intensity Championship. in Fujiyoshida, yesterday. “I’ll give you a quick training without a game at the -- it’s right there in front of us,” “Winning has always been summary -- it’s very hot,” said end. That’s probably why we got insisted Foster. important to us, but it really New Zealand assistant coach Ian a bit of a bounce today with a “We’re about to face a very doesn’t mean much now,” he Foster, noting that temperatures really solid session. The guys are confident South African team, said, adding: “There’s a number hit 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) feeling really good about what but they’re going to face a very of candidates putting their hands on Tuesday. we’re doing.” determined All Blacks team -- we up to be favourites for this “We changed the timing of The All Blacks, who smashed know South Africa are going to tournament. our training just to adapt to the Tonga 92-7 last weekend in a be 100 percent prepared and “We’ve seen a number of heat in the afternoon. It’s World Cup warm-up in Hamilton, we’ve got to make sure we are teams who’ve had big victories common sense -- but we’re also meet Italy, Canada and too.” that we’ve looked at and gone loving it. Namibia in Pool B. The Springboks limbered up ‘Wow, that’s a team that could “We had a number of But their showdown with for the World Cup by beating really threaten!’ So it’s going to players who we held back last the Springboks, who held the hosts Japan 41-7 in Kumagaya be an exciting World Cup -- but week with niggles. We’re All Blacks 16-16 in Wellington last Friday to partially atone for the rest is just a smokescreen pleased with the progress six weeks ago and beat them their humiliating loss to the really.”

Gilbert claims rapid stage win, NHL: New Jersey Devils re-sign centre Zacha to Quintana back in contention 3-year, $6.75m contract

REUTERS Belgium’s Philippe a second stage victory of the race GUADALAJARA Gilbert celebrates for himself. AP 76 points in 201 career NHL NEW YORK on the podium after Today’s stage 18 sees the games. Philippe Gilbert claimed a winning the 17th stage riders tackle four punishing cat- Meanwhile, the Boston second stage victory at this year’s of the 2019 La Vuelta, egory one climbs over 177.5km The New Jersey Devils have Bruins have signed coach Bruce Vuelta a Espana as Nairo yesterday. between Colmenar Viejo and re-signed restricted free agent Cassidy to a multiyear contract Quintana rode himself back into Becerril de la Sierra in the centre Pavel Zacha to a three- extension, rewarding him for the overall contention with a fine Madrid region. year, $6.75m contract. team’s trip to the Stanley Cup performance in the breakaway The signing happened days Final in just his second full on stage 17. before the Devils open training season on the bench. Starting the day in sixth, VUELTA A ESPANA camp. And it comes a day after General manager Don seven minutes, 42 seconds general manager Ray Shero pep- Sweeney announced the behind race leader Primos Stage 17 Results pered his comments with pro- extension yesterday, a day Roglic, Quintana finished ten 1. Phlippe Gilbert (BEL/DEC) 4hr 21min fanities in questioning the before training camp begins. seconds behind Gilbert to 15sec, 2. Sam Bennett (IRL/BOR) at 2secs, 3. former first-round draft pick for How many seasons the leapfrog team-mate Alejandro Remi Cavanga (FRA/DEC) same time, 4. Dy- considering signing with the extension covers was not dis- Valverde into second place after lan Teuns (BEL/BAH) s.t, 5. Wilco Kelderman Russian-based Kontinental closed, though Cassidy gaining five minutes on the red (NED/SUN) s.t, 6. Jonas Koch (GER/CCC) s.t, 7. Hockey League. reportedly had one-year left on jersey. Lawson Craddock (USA/EF1) s.t, 8. Tim De- Shero said he didn’t care if his previous contract. The Colombian now sits clercq (BEL/DEC) s.t, 9. Silvan Dillier (SUI/ Zacha signed with the KHL, with He is 117-74 as the Bruins 00:02:24 back, with two of his been planned for by Movistar. throughout. The wind saw the AG2R) s.t, 10. James Knox (GBR/DEC) 6sec Brampton of the ECHL or any- coach, leading Boston to back- favoured mountain stages still “We were able to profit on a sizeable breakaway gain a huge where else because the Devils to-back 100-point seasons. The to come as the race nears its day when anything could’ve advantage over the main Overall standings held Zacha’s rights after issuing Bruins reached Game 7 of the conclusion. happened. I’m feeling a bit better peloton, including Valverde and 1. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) 66hrs 43min him a qualifying offer in June. Stanley Cup Final in June, losing Valverde is 00:02:48 behind, having been suffering with a Roglic, which they were unable In a statement released by to the St. Louis Blues 4-1. 36sec, 2. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) at 2min while fourth-placed Tadej cold, but we’ll see how I do in the to claw back, finishing five and the team, Shero said he was The 54-year-old former 24sec, 3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) at Pogacar looks to be out of con- mountains tomorrow.” a half minutes down on stage pleased to have the contract com- defenseman played 36 games tention for a podium spot at The 219.6km flat course - the winner Gilbert. 2:48, 4. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) 3:42, 5. pleted and called Zacha an over six seasons for the Chicago 00:03:42 behind Roglic. longest in this year’s race - from It had looked as though Miguel Angel Lopez (COL/AST) 3:59, 6. Wilco “important part of our team.” Blackhawks. He had a 47-53-9 “We knew how to move, and Aranda del Duero to Guadalajara sprinter Sam Bennett was going Kelderman (NED/SUN) 5:05, 7. Rafal Majka The 22-year-old Zacha is record in his first head coaching hopefully I’ll get better physi- was marked by strong cross- to claim a third stage of this (POL/BOR) 7:40, 8. James Knox (GBR/DEC) from the Czech Republic and stint, with the Washington Cap-

cally,” Quintana said after team- winds, which led to a frenetic year’s race, however Gilbert 8:03, 9. Carl Fredrik Hagen (NOR/LOT) 10:43, had a career-best 13 goals in 61 itals from 2002-04, before he mate Nelson Oliveira conceded pace of racing; a remarkable strode away from the Irishman 10. Dylan Teuns (BEL/BAH) 12:21 games last season. Overall, he was fired 25 games into his his breakaway effort had not 50.6kph was the average speed inside the final 100 metres to seal has 29 goals and 47 assists for second season. THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 09

England’s Ben Stokes Australia’s Paine jokes with Sam Curran at the Oval will not give up yesterday. captaincy meekly

REUTERS LONDON

Steve Smith’s glorious Ashes has raised calls from some fans and pundits for his restoration to the Australia captaincy but incumbent Tim Paine has no plans to hand over the reins quietly. Australia retained the Ashes with victory in the fourth test at Old Trafford, where Smith continued his brilliant series with a double-century and a second innings 82. Smith is banned from leadership roles until March because of his involvement in a Cape Town ball-tampering scandal last year but he is tipped by some former players and leading cricket writers to regain the captaincy from wicketkeeper Paine after his batting heroics in England. However, Australia’s first Ashes retention on English soil since 2001 was a triumph for Paine, who was credited for helping guide the side out of the dark days that followed the ball-tampering scandal. He said he would continue to lead Australia so long as he was enjoying the job and selectors were happy with his work. “I’m enjoying what I’m doing and whilst I can continue to con- tribute in some way I’ll continue to do it,” he told Australian media. “I constantly talk to (coach) Justin Langer and (selector) Trevor Hohns about what might happen or how long I might go for, but I think we’re all comfortable and we’re all on the same page so it’s all good.” The 34-year-old suffered a string of finger injuries that inter- rupted his test career for seven years and has limited him to 25 tests to date. “I did miss a lot in, I suppose, the prime years of my cricket career,” Paine said. Australia aim to finish Ashes “The positive of that now is that physically I’m in really good condition for my age, and I feel really good after test matches physically. “Mentally, it’s a different story but it only takes a day to recover series with win at the Oval from that. While I keep enjoying it, I’ll keep doing it.” One of the perks AFP of being an Ashes- LONDON Australia’s Tim Paine during winning captain is nets at the Oval yesterday. having friends in high Australia head to the Oval hungry to win their first places, and Paine said Ashes series in England since 2001 as the peerless he now had a direct Steve Smith seeks to inflict further pain on the hosts. line to Australian Tim Paine’s men finally saw off stubborn Prime Minister Scott England at Old Trafford on Sunday to take a 2-1 Morrison. lead in the five-Test series with just one match to “I’m going to save go, meaning they will retain the urn. it and I might ring To stand any chance of levelling the series, the him if we win this World Cup winners will have to find a way to solve one,” Paine joked the riddle of the immovable Smith, who has scored ahead of the fifth and 671 runs in just five innings at an astonishing final test at The Oval. average of more than 134. “He was pretty The former captain, top of the international pumped. (His rankings, has carried his team’s batting with three message was) along centuries and two fifties, including a double- the same lines of century in the win in Manchester, with Marnus messages we got from Labuschagne the only other batsman who has a lot of people back shown any consistency. home in Australia - Smith, who returned to Test action in England congratulations, eve- after completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban, ryone’s proud of us, has made his mountain of runs despite missing Steve Smith’s a freak three innings after he was felled by a Jofra Archer and make sure you bouncer. finish it off this Given a full series, the freakish Smith might week.” well been even closer to Don Bradman’s mark of 974 runs for the most runs ever made in a Test “You’ve still got to perform whether you’re “He’s under no pressure at all,” the England either Sam Curran or Chris Woakes would come series, set in 1930. young or you’re a veteran, but we also have to rec- coach added. into the side and one of the struggling batsmen The other key factor for Australia has been the ognise they are young batsmen and it’s a really Speaking about Root’s form with the bat, Bayliss would make way, perhaps Jason Roy. strength of their pace attack, with Josh Hazlewood tough school and hopefully they’ll come through added: “Everyone goes through periods where they Stokes is England’s top-scorer in the series, and world number one Pat Cummins catching the at some point.” don’t score as many runs as they’d like. I think the with 354 runs and two centuries but, with the eye with 42 wickets between them. Joe Root must inspire his troops to one last Australian team have bowled pretty well to him.” exception of Rory Burns, the rest of the batsmen Australia coach Justin Langer, revelling in effort after a gruelling season in which England England talisman Ben Stokes was included in have struggled to build totals for the bowlers to having the world’s top-ranked batsman and bowler became world champions in the 50-over format an unchanged 13-man squad but will be assessed defend. at his disposal, is urging the other batsmen to step for the first time. to find out whether he is fit to bowl at the Oval. In the continuing absence of the injured James up in the match starting today, even though he Their failure in the Ashes has prompted ques- The England vice-captain did not bowl in Aus- Anderson, Root will be relying on his new-ball admits they lack experience. tions over the Yorkshireman’s position, but out- tralia’s second innings at Old Trafford following a pairing of Stuart Broad and Archer to do the “You can’t just give them that experience, they going coach Trevor Bayliss is adamant the captain right shoulder injury sustained in the tourists’ first damage. But he will know that for every minute have to earn that and we’re very thankful to have retains the support of the England hierarchy. innings. Smith is at the crease, any hopes of denying Aus- Steve batting,” he said. “I’ve never seen batting like “He’s not come under question from anyone If Stokes is unfit to bowl in London, he is tralia a first series win in England for 18 years will that. making any decisions,” Bayliss said. expected to play as a specialist batsman, meaning recede.

Australia’s Steve Smith is seen Selectors face call to solve opening woes during a team training session REUTERS With Ajinkya Rahane and Vihari putting formats and finished with the most runs at at the Oval. MUMBAI in solid performances in the middle order in the recent World Cup in England. two tests against the West Indies, Rohit The only player in the world with three Finding a solution to India’s top-order batting Sharma has had to sit out, prompting calls double hundreds in one-day internationals, conundrum will be top of selectors’ agenda to try the limited-overs opener at the top of Rohit bats in the middle order in the longest when they meet today to pick the squad for the order in the longest format too. format but has never really flourished on the next month’s home test series against South “As selection com- Test stage. Africa. mittee, we haven’t met Since 2018 KL Rahul, He was dropped fol- Despite being the world’s top-ranked after the conclusion of lowing a poor return in Test side India have struggled with their the West Indies tour. We Murali Vijay, Shikhar South Africa in early 2018 opening combination, which, in turn, has will definitely take this Dhawan, Parthiv Patel, when he scored 78 runs heaped pressure on the middle order. (Rohit as opener) point Prithvi Shaw, Mayank in four innings. Since 2018 KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, into consideration when Agarwal and Hanuma He played two Tests Shikhar Dhawan, Parthiv Patel, Prithvi Shaw, we all meet and discuss in a four-match series in Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari have about it,” India’s chief Vihari have all opened in Australia at the end of the all opened in Tests but none have been able selector MSK Prasad told Tests but none have been year, missing one match to cement their spot. India Today. able to cement their spot. with injury and another Experienced duo Dhawan and Vijay are “KL is definitely a due to the birth of his not expected to be considered after repeated great talent. Of course, he child. failures while Prithvi Shaw is currently is going through a bit of Virat Kohli’s side serving a doping ban. a tough time in test cricket and we are def- should not see too many changes in the rest Rahul has played 36 Tests but failed to initely concerned about his form. He needs of the batting order while the bowling unit, score a half-century in his last seven matches to spend more time on the wicket and regain which led them to a 2-0 win against the West while his opening partner in West Indies, his touch and form.” Indies and to the top of the World Test Cham- Mayank Agarwal, has just four tests under Rohit, 32, has secured his place at the top pionship table with 120 points, should also his belt. of the order in the Twenty20 and 50-over remain mostly intact. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2019

Martinez hat-trick Euro 2020 Qualifiers sees Argentina hammer Mexico

AFP LOS ANGELES

Lautaro Martinez fired a 22-minute hat- trick as Argentina thrashed Mexico 4-0 in a friendly international in San Antonio on Tuesday. Inter Milan striker Martinez scored in the 17th, 22nd and 39th minutes at the Alamodome to give Argentina a deserved win over a lacklustre Mexico team. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo shoots at the Leandro Paredes scored Argentina’s goal during the Euro 2020 Qualifiers - Group B match other goal from the penalty spot after against Lithuania, in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Tuesday. 33 minutes as the South American giants romped into a 4-0 lead at halftime. But it was the 22-year-old Martinez who grabbed the headlines with a England, France crush minnows; clinical exhibition of finishing which took his international goals tally to nine in 13 appearances. Martinez opened the scoring in the Ronaldo hits four against Lithuania 17th minute, picking the ball up deep in Mexican territory before twisting and turning past several defenders and firing AFP “We were better, we are better, solidify their grasp on third place. They Antoine Griezmann missed a low past Guillermo Ochoa. PARIS and we won because of it,” said are a point behind Portugal. penalty for his country for the second Martinez bagged his second five Fernando Santos, the Portugal coach. In Southampton, Gareth South- game running but Kinglsey Coman, minutes later, with River Plate’s Exe- England and Portugal both scored five “We kept the pace after the win at gate’s England side trailed early on to Clement Lenglet, with his first on the quiel Palacios punishing sloppy play in goals while France scored three as Serbia, otherwise this triumph would Kosovo, ranked 120th in the world, international goal, and Wissam Ben the Mexican defence to send the Inter they overcame lowly-ranked Kosovo, make no sense, and we are closer.” when Valon Berisha scored after 34 Yedder clinched three points. Milan striker through on goal to finish Andorra and Lithuania in Euro 2020 Ronaldo’s first goal was a penalty. seconds. England replied with a first- “It is really annoying. I’ll just need for 2-0. qualifying on Tuesday. The second, with the scores level after half goal binge that ended with Jadon to keep working. You can’t be on top A disastrous start for Mexico got Captain Ronaldo, making his 160th an hour, was a scuffed low shot from Sancho scoring twice to make it 5-1 at of your game all the time,” Griezmann worse shortly after the half hour mark international appearance, scored four outside the penalty area which took a the break. said. when Carlos Salcedo was adjudged to as Portugal won 5-1 in Vilnius and couple of stranges bounces off the arti- The visitors claimed two back in Coman also scored two against have handled in the area to concede a strengthened their position in Group ficial turf before it was parried into the the second half, including a second for Albania on Saturday. penalty. B after a sluggish start. air by the diving Ernestas Setkus. The Lazio midfielder Berisha, but the 5-3 “It has been a very good week. It Paredes duly stepped up to convert For Ronaldo it was a second hat- dropping ball hit the back of the victory put England three points clear has gone well personally and collec- to give Argentina a 3-0 lead. trick in three internationals. The goalie’s head before rolling in. The in Group A, ahead of the second- tively,” Coman told television station Martinez completed his hat-trick six victory over Lithuania, 130th in the third was a clinical volley from close placed Czech Republic, who beat Mon- TF1. minutes from half-time, again capital- world rankings, kept brought Portugal range. tenegro 3-0. Cenk Tosun scored twice as the ising on lackadaisical Mexican five points behind Ukraine at the top The fourth was a low shot into the “A bizarre game,” said Southgate. Turks beat Moldova with ease in a 4-0 defending to dart in and shoot past of Group B. corner. “The outstanding parts of our play victory in Chisinau. But Iceland, who Ochoa. Portugal, who opened the group Vytautas Andriuskevicius scored were obvious. The errors were had been level with the top two, suf- Argentina were without several first with home draws against Ukraine and the hosts’ only goal before William obvious.” fered a blow as they lost 4-2 in Albania. choice regulars, with Lionel Messi, Serbia, started their recovery with a Carvalho added a fifth for the reigning In Paris, the world champions That result meant Iceland dropped Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria all victory in Belgrade on Saturday. They champions at the end. made light work of beating 136-ranked three points behind. It also changed missing from their two-game interna- have a game in hand on all the other Serbia beat Luxembourg 3-1, as Andorra 3-0. It was Les Bleus’ 100th the tiebreak, allowing Turkey to take tional tour of North America. teams in the group. Aleksandar Mitrovic netted twice, to match at the Stade de France. first place from France.

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS: RESULTS GROUP A England 5-3 Kosovo QSL: Al Duhail take on Montenegro 0-3 Czech Republic GROUP B Al Rayyan in Round-3 Lithuania 1-5 Portugal Luxembourg 1-3 Serbia

CHINTHANA WASALA GROUP H “Certainly, it won’t be an THE PENINSULA Albania 4-2 Iceland easy game. Al Rayyan is a big France 3-0 Andorra team in the Qatar League and Moldova 0-4 Turkey Six-time champions Al Duhail are working hard to win the will seek their second win of the title. I think fans will enjoy a QNB Stars League (QSL) season strong performance. It’ll be a INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES ROUND 3 FIXTURES when they take on strong Al good game because both teams Colombia 0-0 Venezuela Rayyan this weekend. play offensively,” the Belgian Tomorrow Ecuador 3-0 Bolivia The match will take place said. Al Khor vs Al Ahli USA 1-1 Uruguay at the Al Janoub Stadium on However, Edmilson is con- At Al Janoub Stadium (16:55) Honduras 2-1 Chile Sunday and the kick-off is set fident that Rui Faria’s Al Duhail Umm Salal vs Al Arabi Argentina 4-0 Mexico for 7.05pm. will prevail in the weekend At Al Sadd Stadium (19:05) Luis Abram from Peru (centre) heads the ball to score against On Saturday Brazil 0-1 Peru In their two previous blockbuster. Brazil during their international friendly, in Los Angeles, Jordan 2-4 Paraguay meetings, Youssef Msakni-led “Difficulties exist in every Al Shahania vs Al Wakrah California on Tuesday. Tunisia 1-2 Ivory Coast Al Duhail managed to win one game, but the ability to win At Al Janoub Stadium (16:55) Ukraine 2-2 Nigeria match before a brilliant comes from the players’ deter- Qatar SC vs Al Gharafa Republic of Ireland 3-1 Bulgaria comeback by Al Arabi spoiled mination and successful imple- At Al Sadd Stadium (19:05) Abram strikes late Morocco 1-0 Niger their chances in the second mentation of the plan drawn up On Sunday round. by the technical staff as well as Al Duhail vs Al Rayyan One of the leading title con- performance on the pitch. All At Al Janoub Stadium (19:05) as Peru shock Brazil tenders to lift the ‘Falcon Shield’ these factors can help Al Duhail On September 24 this season, Al Duhail’s chance win this contest. If we can give Al Sailiya vs Al Sadd AFP Fans donate over of winning in the second round our maximum, we’ll be able to At Al Janoub Stadium (18:55) LOS ANGELES of QSL were dented after Al defeat Al Rayyan,”yy , He said. 1,000 pairs of Arabi’s Icelandicelandic internationalinternattioonnanall ApartApart frfromo the Al Duhail – Peru grabbed a slice of revenge for their loss to Brazil in the Aron Gunnarssonnarsson scoredscored a bbribril-il- AlAl RRayyanayyan cclash,la there are few Copa America final on Tuesday, defeating the five-time World boots to Syrians liant goal ttoo cancecancell out YoussefYoouussssesefseff otherootothhheer excitingexcitin matches also Cup winners 1-0 in a friendly in Los Angeles. Msakni’s opener.opener. linedlliinnneed up for tthe third round. A headed goal from Argentina-based defender Luis Abram AA Earlier,r, in tthehe opopeningeenniinnngg Tomorrow,Tomorro Al Khor meet was enough to give Peru a hard-fought win over the ISTANBUL round, Al DuhailDuhail securesecuredd a 2-12--11 AlAl AAhlihli ((16:55,16 Al Janoub Brazilians. win over QatarQatar SC.SC. Stadium)SStttaaaddium) andan Umm Salal will Brazil, who defeated Peru 3-1 in the final of the Copa European fans donated over 1,000 pairs Al Duhailuhail hahaveve faceffaaacccee Al ArabiArab (19:05, Al Sadd America in Rio de Janeiro in July, never got going to the dis- of football boots to Syrian children taking collected fourfour Stadium).SSttaaaddium). OOnn Saturday, Al Sha- appointment of a 32,287 crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial refuge at the Zaatari refugee camp in points fol-ol- haniahhaaannia meet AAl Wakrah (16:55, Coliseum. Jordan. lowing theseese AlAl JJanoubanoub StStadium)a and Qatar The defeat brought an end to Brazil’s 17-game winning “The footwear was collected during results andnd SCSC wiwillll facefa Al Gharafa streak, a run which started with a victory over the United States last season’s UEFA Europa League Trophy are placedced (19:05,(19:05, AlA Sadd Stadium). just over a year ago. Tour, which stopped off in eight European fourth in thehe TheThe third round Brazil coach Tite meanwhile opted against starting Paris cities: Geneva, Seville, Berlin, London, points tallyy ffixtureixtur between Al Saint-Germain star Neymar, four days after he had made a Milan, Moscow, Paris and Baku,” UEFA dependingg SailiyaSaili and Al Sadd successful return from injury with a goal and an assist in a 2-2 said in a statement on Wednesday. on the hashas been postponed draw with Colombia on Friday. As part of the UEFA Europa League number toto SeptemberS 24 due Tite, who had been reluctant to start Neymar in back-to- Trophy Tour, more than 1,000 pairs of of goals to the latter’s AFC back games as the striker regains fitness, brought on the PSG football boots were distributed among they havee ChampionsC League forward after 63 minutes in place of Liverpool’s Roberto Syrian refugee children at the camp, UEFA scored. second-legs Firmino. said. Aheadd ooff ttheirheir kkeyey cclash,laashh, AAll qquarter-final Neymar attempted to up the tempo in attack, but was unable “Having visited the Zaatari refugee Duhail’s stastarr midfieldermidfielddeeerr againsta Saudi Ara- to break the deadlock, with Brazil, who were also missing Dani camp, I have seen first-hand just how Edmilson JJuniorunior admitteadmittedd ththathaat bia’sb Al Nassr Alves and Thiago Silva, struggling to find their usual attacking Al Duhail’s much the youngsters love playing football it won’t bee an easy tastaskk aagainstgainnsst whichw takes place rhythm. Edmilson and what the game means to them,” UEFA the eight-timetime title winnwinnersers All in Doha on Sep- Instead it was Peru who grabbed a winner, Abram rising President Aleksander Ceferin said. Rayyan. Junior tembertem 16. to meet Yoshimar Yotun’s free-kick to glance in the winner. THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Team Qatar to ANOC World Beach Games: Qatar participate in LGCT in France marks one-month countdown QNA PARIS THE PENINSULA this historical event and our DOHA great hospitality as well.” Qatar Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al 2019, which will see more than Thani and Bassem Hassan will The countdown is on: exactly 30 Qatar Olympic 1,200 athletes competing in 14 participate in the 17th leg of days from today, the maiden Committee Preparations are disciplines across 13 sports, will Longines Global Champions edition of the Association of Secretary General take place at venues including Tour (LGCT) to be staged in National Olympic Committees Jassim bin Rashid in top gear and we Katara Beach, Al Gharafa, Aspire Saint Tropez, France. (ANOC) World Beach Games, also Al Buenain can’t wait enough to Park and Ritz Carlton Canal and From September 12th - known as Qatar 2019, will kick welcome the world will witness the participation of 14th, the sparkling Longines off with a spectacular opening to Doha. We believe a total of 97 National Olympic Athina Onassis Horse Show ceremony at the Beach side of Committees (NOCs) in what (LAOHS) will see the world’s the Katara Cultural Village in Qatar 2019 will set promises be a truly global fes- top horses and riders head to Doha. a great benchmark tival of beach, water and action the legendary Pampelonne When ANOC announced for future events: sports. Beach with it’s turquoise Qatar as the new host of the Buenain All five continents will be waters and enviable blue inaugural edition of the ANOC represented at Qatar 2019 with skies. World Beach Games on 14th June 17 NOCs qualified from Africa, In total, a hundred riders 2019, the global sports body was 19 from Americas, 21 from Asia, and nearly 200 horses are not just naming a host in Qatar 35 from Europe and 5 from expected, representing more but also reiterating what has Oceania. than twenty nations. become a widely acknowledged The featuring sports include The two Qatari riders will attribute of this sport-loving aquathlon, 3X3 basketball, also participate in Global country as one that can put up a climbing bouldering, beach Champions League within Doha dazzling first-class global event handball, karate kata individual, Falcons team which also even at short notices. kitefoil racing, skateboarding, includes Michael Whitaker, Jur Ahead of the Games, ANOC beach soccer, open water 5km Vrieling, Bronislav Chudyba and the host country have swimming, beach tennis, beach and Mike Kawai. launched a series of initiatives in in order to enable fans enjoy live ocean and the warmth the beach Commenting on the volleyball 4X4, waterski, wake- a bid to ensure the competition action of the Games from any offers. occasion Sheikha Asma Al board and beach wrestling. leaves an enduring legacy. part of the world was recently Dolphy, who loves talking to Thani, Director of Marketing As per the schedule, OCA add three Qatar Olympic Committee launched. The website also people and telling them how and Ceremonies for Qatar 2019, aquathlon, 3X3 basketball, (QOC) Secretary General Jassim includes information about par- important it is to keep the water said: “We are happy to unveil karate kata individual, kitefoil sports to 2022 bin Rashid Al Buenain said: “We ticipating countries, venues, pro- clean, not only for the dolphins, Dolphy as the official mascot racing, beach soccer, open are happy to start the 30-day visional competition schedule, but also for all the other friends of the Games. Dolphy fully water 5km swimming, beach Hangzhou countdown to this historical news and photo galleries, in the sea and for the people of embodies the spirit of Qatar tennis and beach wrestling will event in Qatar. With the hosting weather and other relevant Qatar and everywhere. 2019 as the Games promises to all take place at Katara Beach Asian Games of the World Beach Games Qatar information. be not just a competition, but while Al Gharafa will be the 2019, we are once again demon- ANOC has also unveiled new an event designed to provide venue for beach handball and programme strating our readiness to host Instagram (awbg2019) and unparalleled entertainments beach volleyball 4X4. Climbing another world-class event even Twitter (@AWBG2019) specifi- and fun for the entire family. bouldering and skateboarding, REUTERS at short notices. cally dedicated to the Games. “By nature, dolphins exhibit on the other hand, will be MUMBAI “Preparations are in top gear Through the social media temperaments that are asso- hosted at Aspire Park and Ritz and we can’t wait enough to accounts, fans will have the ciated with kindness and peace Carlton Canal will take care of Karate, sport climbing and welcome the world to Doha. We opportunity of accessing real- and they are driven to make the waterski and wakeboard baseball/softball have been believe Qatar 2019 will set a time information as well as being those around them happy by cre- events. added to the programme for the great benchmark for future a part of the Games through their ating an ambient tranquil atmos- ANOC World Beach Games 2022 Asian Games at Hangzhou events.” interaction and participation. phere of peace and acceptance. is scheduled for five days, 12 to taking the number of approved A new website (www.awb- Capturing the spirit of the These attributes resonate 16 October 2019, with the sports at the event to 40, the gqatar.com) which provides, Games is ‘Dolphy’, the fun-loving well with us in Qatar and we opening rounds for certain Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) among many other functions, the mascot who is a jolly fellow and believe all participants will leave events being held on 11 October said yesterday. live streaming of competitions a great swimmer who loves the here with lasting memories of 2019. The three are already part of next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo which will feature a IOC hopes to total of 33 sports. The OCA are yet to remain relevant Djibouti keep World Cup dream alive determine the disciplines and events within the 40 sports but with Tokyo’s said a total of 51 venues in nine AFP JOHANNESBURG, turnaround for the tiny Horn of The 40 survivors will be a free kick, and Billiat with a clusters will host them. ‘urban festival’ Africa nation, who were crushed split into 10 groups of four with hard close-range shot netted for “We have no doubt that the 8-1 overall by the then Swa- the winners advancing to a a dramatic victory. Like Dji- Hangzhou Asian Games will be REUTERS Djibouti triumphed unex- ziland in a 2018 World Cup final two-leg stage to decide bouti, Somalia have suffered the best ever Asian Games,” TOKYO pectedly, Zimbabwe survived a eliminator. which five African teams go to many heavy losses in World Cup OCA Director General Husain scare and Rwanda created a “Officials did not speak to Qatar. qualifiers with home matches Al Musallam said in a statement The International Olympic record as the first round of me about qualifying for the In Harare, Khama Billiat having to be played outside the following the governing body’s Committee (IOC) hopes that African qualifying for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, the scored two minutes into country because of an unstable venue tour and three-year Tokyo 2020’s “urban festival”, World Cup in Qatar concluded African Nations Championship stoppage to hand Zimbabwe a security situation. countdown ceremony in which will offer fans the chance on Tuesday. or the World Cup,” Mette told 3-1 win over minnows The side that tackled a Zim- Hangzhou. to try out Olympic sports, will French coach Julien Mette the FIFA website. Somalia, whose solitary-goal babwe team packed with full- “We have no doubt that we help the governing body remain was hired by Djibouti recently “All he (the president of the first leg win proved insuffi- time professionals included will deliver a high standard of relevant and increase long- and promised to restore the national football federation) cient to survive. Mohamud Ali, who combines Games and a high level of term youth engagement with “dignity” of a national team wanted was to stop losing 5-0 A dramatic finish to the playing sixth-tier football in preparation. the Games. used to heavy losses. and 6-0 and I said I would def- return match saw Marshall England with being a driving “A lot of sports started in In July, Games organisers It did not take him long to initely bring him that dignity.” Munetsi give Zimbabwe a instructor. Asia and went to the Olympic announced plans to develop a succeed as a 0-0 draw in Ranked 195th of 211 football second leg lead 13 minutes from Meanwhile, Rwanda created Games, such as table tennis and Waterfront City in Tokyo Bay, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) nations, Djibouti must now wait time only for Omar Abdullah a record for a World Cup qual- judo. We are proud of what we involving demonstration events earned the “Shoremen of the for the second round draw, Mohamed to equalise. ifying aggregate winning margin are doing and proud of our and fan participation in sports, Red Sea” a 2-1 aggregate victory. which will include the teams Zimbabwe had to score at in Africa by trouncing the Sey- achievements.” as well as concerts and other Forcing a goalless draw in ranked 1 to 26, who received least twice to avoid a shock exit chelles 7-0 in Kigali for a 10-0 The 19th Asian Games will performances during next Manzini completed an amazing first round byes. and Knox Mutizwa, direct from overall victory. take place from September year’s sporting showpiece. 10-25, 2022. The plans, which mirror a similar idea tested at last year’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, are part of the Mladenovic reaches Zhengzhou quarter-finals IOC’s wider aim of increasing its appeal to younger sports fans. REUTERS difficult day for everybody,” Martic bounced back after service breaks each time “We have made a point to ZHENGZHOU Mladenovic said in an on- losing the first set to defeat before grinding out a victory take sport to youth,” IOC Games court interview, after rain Cornet’s compatriot Fiona in 2 hours, 10 minutes. Director Christophe Dubi told Kristina Mladenovic delayed play for three hours Ferro 3-6 6-1 6-2. Top-seeded Hsieh Reuters by telephone. (pictured) won an all-French during the day session. “I’m Top seed Karolina overcame a sluggish first set “We want to make sure the battle against eighth seed very pleased with my per- Pliskova was on the verge and finished the match with Olympic programme remains Caroline Garcia 7-5 6-2 to formance tonight. of losing the second set a 73 percent success rate on relevant. reach the quarter-finals at “It’s never easy to play against Slovenia’s Polona Hon’s second serve. “We have to bring those the inaugural Zhengzhou against someone you know Hercog in the day’s last Hon had 49 winners to sports to youth as we cannot Open on a rain-interrupted really well, but I think we match before the rain Hsieh’s 26, but the Australian expect that they come naturally yesterday. showed great spirit. It was a returned, leading to play ended the encounter with 55 to the offer that we have.” The Mladenovic, the world quality match despite the being suspended with the unforced errors to 29. inclusion of new Olympic sports number 49, kept things tight conditions being very score at 6-3 2-5. “In the first set... I had no skateboarding, surfing and against Garcia, who is windy.” Next up for Mlade- Meanwhile, defending rhythm, I just couldn’t get my sports climbing at Tokyo 2020, ranked 18 places higher, novic, who is the only French champion Hsieh Su-wei was game and style going,” Hsieh and the likely introduction of winning 71% of her first serve player left in the draw, is a just a game from defeat three said. “But the next two sets I breakdancing at Paris 2024, is points and hitting 17 winners. meeting with either Kaza- times as she rallied to fend got going.” part of an IOC bid to attract a Garcia struck two more khstan’s Yulia Putintseva or off Priscilla Hon 1-6, 7-6 (2), Hsieh will next meet Nao younger, more urban audience. winners than her opponent second-seeded Ukrainian 7-5 on Wednesday to Hibino, who advanced when “(The Olympic programme) but also made 33 unforced Elina Svitolina. advance to the quarterfinals her opponent, 2017 is growing but it is growing for errors to Mladenovic’s 19 as Sixth-seed Sofia Kenin of the Japan Women’s Open. champion and sixth-seeded a good reason - to remain rel- she slumped to her second made short work of Alize Hon served for the match Zarina Diyas, retired from evant. Relevant to youth and defeat of the year against her Cornet, beating the French- twice in the second set and their match because of a relevant to sports participation compatriot. woman 6-4 6-2, while once in the third, but the lower back injury while overall,” Dubi said. “It was an extremely Croatian seventh seed Petra 33-year-old Hsieh forced trailing 6-1, 3-2. SPORT

PAGE | 07 PAGE | 09 New PGA Tour Australia aim season kicks off with to finish Ashes dust yet to settle series with win on old one at the Oval

Thursday 12 September 2019 Coach Sanchez rues missed chances THE PENINSULA DOHA Players battle for the ball possession during their 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup joint Al Annabi coach Felix Sanchez said Qatar deserved a qualifier at the Al Sadd Stadium in Doha, on Tuesday. PICTURE: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA better result than a goalless draw against India in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup joint qual- ifier. “We played a difficult game as we expected,” the coach told reporters after the meeting. We created a lot of opportunities but luck was not on our side. We didn’t take three points as we had hoped, but this is football. We failed to convert some crucial chances and the rival keeper also prevented us from recording and translating some chances with his brilliance. “We are certainly not happy with the result because we deserved the three points.” The team’s efforts were great. We were not in front of India today. I know my team is better but the result does not reflect the progress of the game. He also said: “One of those who help achieve a positive result is the team and its integration. Asked if he had a problem with Akram, he said: “I don’t have a problem either with Akram or other players, but there is a decision not to play.” As for the large public presence to support the team, he said: the fans were very supportive of the team in the game, and we hoped to achieve them a positive result, but we are preparing them in the coming games. Regarding the performance of the Indian national team, he said: “The team has evolved considerably and the differences between many teams have been narrowed recently. I think all our games will not be easy in the next stage.” Draw boosts India’s confidence, says assistant coach

ARMSTRONG VAS 62nd-ranked Qatar away from point we have picked up here gave us a lot of short videos to at the 2014 FIFA World Cup THE PENINSULA scoring for the full 90 minutes from Qatar. The boys gave their watch, and prepare. We finals in Brazil, took charge of of play thus opening their points best on Tuesday. It now to buil watched them perhaps a million the Blue Tigers in May 2019. A goalless draw against Qatar is tally in Group E. on the start we have got,” said times,” Indian defender Mandar During his playing days, he was a big ‘confidence booster’, and Qatar leads the group with Venkatesh, who played for top Rao Dessai said. part of the golden generation of will come in handy for the rest four points from two matches I-league clubs in India before “At every step, he was there Croatian squad which finished of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and followed by Oman who have calling time on his international to guide us. After the Oman third in the FIFA World Cup 2023 Asian Cup qualifying three points from one match. career in 2014. result, it was not easy to play 1998. campaign, said Indian team Afghanistan also have three With Tuesday’s draw, India against Qatar. However, coach Central defender Adil Khan, assistant coach Shanmugam points from two matches. Bang- became only the fourth nation motivated us all the time. He who led by example couldn’t Venkatesh. ladesh is the other team in the in 2019 to keep a clean slate brought in a lot of positivity hide his emotions while “What was important we group who are yet to open their against Asian champions Qatar which was so crucial as eve- looking back at the match. opened our points tally. We took points account. and the Indian players credited ryone was low on morale,” “Playing a team as strong a point from the match which Venkatesh, who also served coach Igor Stimac for the “pos- Dessai said. as Qatar who have won all was very crucial for us,” said the as a deputy to outgoing coach itive vibes’ in the dressing room “That’s what good coaches their matches against Asian 40-year old former India Stephen Constantine, said it is which made a ‘great are capable of – lifting up the sides in 2019, and not con- captain. time to increase the points tally difference.’ spirits with their belief, and con- ceding a goal is special. The On Tuesday, India, ranked in the coming matches. “The coach did a lot of fidence,” he added. credit for the result goes to the Shanmugam Venkatesh 103rd in the world kept “We need to build on the one research on the opponents and Stimac who coached Croatia entire team.” Al Annabi embark on ICC World Cup qualifying mission England drop Roy for final Qatar eye Challenge League title in Malaysia Ashes Test AP FAWAD HUSSAIN QATAR’S FIXTURES: LONDON THE PENINSULA September 17: Qatar vs Singapore (Kinara Oval) England dropped batsman Jason Roy Qatar are gearing up for the ICC Cricket September 20: (pictured) for the fifth Ashes Test against World Cup Challenge League A, hoping It’s a tough challenge for us but Qatar vs Malaysia (Selangor Turf Club) Australia yesterday. to do well against their higher ranked we are confident of doing well. September 22: Roy failed to impress in the first four opponents in the event, which forms part All the other teams are ranked Qatar vs Canada (Kinara Oval) matches of the series, which Australia leads of the qualification pathway to the ICC higher than Qatar in the ICC September 23: 2-1 and will retain the urn. 2023 Cricket World Cup. rankings. But we think we have Qatar vs Denmark (Selangor Turf Club) The final Test starts today at The Oval. Qatar, under coach Shahid Mehboob, the potential of beating them: September 26: England seamer Craig Overton was a former Pakistan Test cricketer, will be Qatar vice-captain Rizlan Iqbar Qatar vs Vanuatu (Kinara Oval) also dropped. Sam Curran and Chris joined by Canada, Denmark, Malaysia, Qatar vice-captain Rizlan Iqbar Woakes, who made way for Overton in the Singapore and Vanuatu for the tour- last match at Old Trafford, will take the nament to be held from September 16 to side of the round robin tournament will “All the other teams are ranked practice matches. We are hopeful of places of Roy and Overton, respectively. 26 in Kuala Lumpur. The Qatari squad will be advancing to a play-off qualifying higher than Qatar in the ICC rankings. achieving the desired result, which is to The England and Wales Cricket Board leave tomorrow. event, which will take place in 2022. But we think we have the potential of win the tournament,” said Iqbar. also said Ben Stokes will bat but not bowl Qatar will open their campaign against Qatar have undergone extensive prep- beating them.” The Cricket World Cup Challenge in the match because of a shoulder injury. Singapore on September 17 and will meet arations for the tournament during a “Unfortunately, we failed to win the League has been split into two groups - England captain Joe Root said Roy had hosts Malaysia in their second match on 45-day camp at Asian Town Cricket ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Region A and B - with the top team in each missed out bbecauseecause of Stokes’ injury.injury. September 20. Stadium in build up for the tournament. Final (Qualifier) and finished as runners- group advancing to a play-off “(We) had to The team, which will be led by Iqbal The team also played several practice up, which ended our chances of quali- tournament. change the balance Chaudhary, will play their next matches games during the camp. However, the side fying for the ICC World T20. The team While Malaysia is hosting the World of the side,e, and against Canada and Denmark on Sep- is missing several experienced players like will do its best to keep hopes alive for Cup Challenge League A, the World Cup Jason’s the unfor-nfor- tember 22 and 23 respectively. They will former captain Inam-ul-Haq and Tamoor the 50-over World Cup,” he added. Challenge League B will be hosted in tunate onee ttoo meet Vanuatu in their last match on Sep- Sajjad, who are not part of the Malaysia- The Qatar vice-captain said all the Hong Kong from November 25 to miss out,” RRootoot tember 26. Matches of the event will be bound squad due to personal reasons. players gave their hundred percent in December 10, this year. said. played at Selangor Turf Club and Kinara “It’s a tough challenge for us but we the training camp and the level of fitness The ICC will pick two qualifying Australiaa alall-l- Oval. are confident of doing well,” Qatar vice- of the players has improved. teams, which will join top 7 ranked rounder Mitchellhell All the participating teams will have captain Rizlan Iqbar told The Peninsula “The players are in good shape and teams, and hosts India for its showpiece Marsh replacedd their eyes on the title as only the winning yesterday. have shown good form during the event in 2023. Travis Head.