| Page 2 GOLF | Page 3 Australia name USA’s Bradley fi ve new faces snaps six-year in team to drought to win face Pakistan BMW crown

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 2, 1440 AH Silva strike GULF TIMES lift s Portugal past Italy SPORT Page 5 FOOTBALL al-Haydos shines in 100th match as Qatar ease past Palestine 3-0 in friendly

By Sports Reporter Doha

assan al-Haydos made his 100th international match a memorable one by starring in Qatar’s 3-0 victory over HPalestine at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. The national skipper provided the assist from which Almoez Ali struck in the third minute before scoring one himself in the 30th as Qatar recorded their second straight friendly win, fol- lowing their 1-0 victory over China last Friday. Qatar’s second goal was scored Akram Afi f in the 20th minute. “It is a great honour to score in my 100th match,” the 27-year-old al- Haydos said. “It has been an exciting journey so far,” he added. Before the start of the match he was gifted a Qatar jersey by Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani with the number ‘100’ emblazoned over it. “That was a very special moment. It will inspire me to give my best for Hassan al-Haydos receives a special jersey from QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani to mark his 100th match yesterday. At right, al-Haydos celebrates his goal with Akram Afif. Qatar,” said al-Haydos, who made his debut in 2007. In the third minute, Almoez Ali, who The early goal shocked Palestine and Afi f drilling the ball into the net from hitting the post off an al-Haydos pass. The Palestinians, whose struggles Qatar were expected to cruise past had netted the winning goal against they could never fi nd their composure close after dribbling past the last de- A few minutes later, al-Haydos are well known, put up an improved Palestine and that pretty much prove China last week, found himself in per- after that. fender following a through pass from found the mark, chesting down a re- performance in the second half to pre- the case yesterday as they stamped fect position inside the box to nod in a After a couple of close calls, Qatar Abdulaziz Hatem. bound to fi re home for Qatar’s third vent the Qataris from scoring, which their authority early. cross from the right by al-Haydos. consolidated in the 20th minute with Afi f then missed a sitter, his header goal. they would take as a positive.

CRICKET Record-breaker Anderson seals England’s win at Oval Rahul, Pant tons go in vain as ’s India lose Test series 1-4 to complete miserable tour of England

AFP SCORECARD London England’s retiring star Alastair Cook (R) and James Anderson celebrate after England 1st Innings: 332 (J Buttler J. Bumrah ...... 0 ames Anderson became the most the match yesterday. 89, A Cook 71, M Ali 50; R Jadeja 4-79, I Extras (b10, lb16) ...... 26 successful fast bowler in Test Sharma 3-62, J Bumrah 3-89) Total (all out, 94.3 overs, 411 mins) 345 history when he sealed England’s India 1st Innings 292: (R Jadeja 86 Fall of : 1-1 (Dhawan), 2-1 118-run win over India at the no, H Vihari 56) (Pujara), 3-2 (Kohli), 4-120 (Rahane), OvalJ yesterday. England 2nd Innings: 423-8 dec (A 5-121 (Vihari), 6-325 (Rahul), 7-328 (Pant), With just one to fall, and An- Cook 147, J Root 125; H Vihari 3-37, R 8-336 (Sharma), 9-345 (Jadeja), 10-345 derson needing one more to break the Jadeja 3-179) (Shami) record of 563 he had shared with re- India 2nd Innings :(target 464, over- : Anderson 22.3-11-45-3; Broad tired Australia great Glenn McGrath, night: 58-3) 12-1-43-1; Ali 17-2-68-1; Curran 9-2-23-2; the 36-year-old Lancashire paceman KL Rahul b Rashid ...... 149 Stokes 13-1-60-1; Rashid 15-2-63-2; Root bowled Mohamed Shami to give Eng- S. Dhawan lbw b Anderson...... 1 6-1-17-0 land victory in the fi fth Test and a 4-1 C. Pujara lbw b Anderson ...... 0 : England won by 118 runs series win. V. Kohli c Bairstow b Broad...... 0 Man-of-the-match: Alastair Cook I’m happy Cookie was on the fi eld A. Rahane c Jennings b Ali...... 37 (ENG) to see that wicket,” an emotional An- H. Vihari c Bairstow b Stokes...... 0 Series: England win five-match series derson told Sky Sports. “He is my best R. Pant c Ali b Rashid...... 114 4-1 mate and he’s been brilliant – there for R. Jadeja c Bairstow b Curran ...... 13 England man-of-the-series: Sam me all the time.” I. Sharma c Bairstow b Curran ...... 5 Curran As for his record-breaking strike, M. Shami b Anderson ...... 0 India man-of-the-series: Virat Kohli Anderson added: “Thankfully Joe (Root, the England captain) let me take the new ball eventually which gave me a off -spin also failing to yield a wicket. clip the top of the right-hander’s off - chance to get that wicket.” Wicket-keeper Pant, who hoisted stump. India, set a mammoth 464 to win, Rashid for six to go into the 90s, went And his next over saw Pant, going for collapsed to two for three on Monday, a Test than the West Indies’ 418 for sev- But a stand of 118 ended when Ra- the paceman through mid-off , another to his maiden Test hundred in just his another big hit, hole out to Ali at long- with Anderson striking twice. en against Australia at St John’s, Anti- hane (37) miscued a sweep off Moeen remarkable boundary, to complete his third match at this level when he re- off . But a sixth-wicket partnership gua in 2002/03. Ali to Keaton Jennings at midwicket. fi fth hundred in 29 Tests off 118 balls peated the shot off the Yorkshireman, Anderson was denied the wicket he of 204 between KL Rahul (149) and India resumed yesterday on 58 for India’s 120 for four was soon trans- including 16 fours and a six. the ball soaring high over long-on. craved when diving wicket-keeper Jon- Rishabh Pant (114) yesterday gave them three. Rahul was 46 not out and Ajinkya formed into 121 for fi ve when At lunch he was 108 not out in a total The 20-year-old had then faced a ny Bairstow dropped a low left-handed hope of an unlikely victory. Rahane unbeaten on 10. had Test debutant , who of 167 for fi ve. mere 117 balls, including 14 fours and chance to reprieve . Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, however, All eyes were on Anderson as he made 56 in India’s fi rst innings, caught Left-hander Pant, who had hit off - three sixes. But Sam Curran struck twice with removed both -makers in a bowled yesterday’s fi rst over, with the behind for a . spinner Ali for a one-handed six before At tea, India were 298 for fi ve, need- the new ball when the left-arm pace- burst of two wickets for three runs in overcast conditions seemingly in his But Rahul slapped Stokes over ex- lunch, gave Rahul superb support on an ing 166 more runs to win. man had both and Jadeja two overs after tea to leave India strug- favour. tra-cover for six to go into the 90s in increasingly fl at pitch as runs fl owed But Rashid, a peripheral fi gure for caught behind to leave India on the gling at 328 for seven. Rahul though clipped his sixth de- extraordinary fashion before his top- freely. much of the series, then took centre brink of defeat at 345 for nine. The scale of India’s task could be livery of the day legside for four to edged pull for four off the all-rounder Anderson came back on for a second stage. Anderson then gave England the fi n- seen from the fact that no side have complete a fi fty — the fi rst by an India took him to 97. spell but could not break through, with He turned one sharply out of the ish they wanted, bowling Shami middle made more in the fourth innings to win opening batsman this series. The 26-year-old Rahul then pulled England captain Joe Root’s occasional rough outside Rahul’s leg-stump to stump. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Australia name fi ve new players Anderson swings for Pakistan series

AFP Sydney his way to the top ustralia ushered in a fresh era yesterday by including fi ve uncapped players in its fi rst Test Asquad since the scandal-plagued tour of South Africa early this year, while recalling veteran Pe- ter Siddle. of the pace pack With the disgraced , David Warner and Cam- eron Bancroft all suspended for Anderson made his England debut in Melbourne, taking a modest one for 46 their roles in the ball-tampering row that sparked one of the worst crises cricket has faced in recent times, selectors had slim pick- Australia coach Justin Langer. ings. Also missing for the two- shoulder injury that forced him Test series against Pakistan in to return home in July from a the next county cricket stint with Gla- month are injured fast bowlers morgan. and Pat Cum- A slimmed-down Usman Kha- mins, leaving Australia with one waja, all-rounder Mitch Marsh of its weakest Test squads in and either Head or Labuschagne years. should fi ll out the middle-order Among the fi ve debutants are ranks. Queensland trio , Peter Handscomb missed out Brendan Doggett and Marnus after poor form on the current Labuschagne, South Australia’s Australia A tour of India, and Travis Head and Victoria’s Aaron all-rounder Glenn Max- Finch. well was a surprise omission, “There has been signifi cant given his handy off -spin option. change to our Test squad, due to Langer said Maxwell needed to the unavailability of a number of notch more big scores regularly key players,” said selector Trevor to be in contention. Hohns. “I’d love to see Maxy score “That said, we fi rmly believe more hundreds and we’ve talked the squad selected is up to the a lot together about the art of challenge ahead, and is capable concentration and watching the of playing a brand of cricket that ball like a hawk,” he said. can perform well in this series “If he does that more regularly, against Pakistan. he will make more hundreds and “It’s a blend of experienced be much more pickable for Test players who have a signifi cant cricket.” amount of either Test or fi rst- Veteran Mitchell Starc will class cricket, and a number of spearhead the bowling attack younger players who we are with either Neser or Doggett his confi dent are ready for the Test potential new-ball partner. arena.” And there was a recall after Three top-order spots were two years for workhorse quick left vacant by Smith, Warner Siddle on the back of his red-hot and Bancroft’s absence. Opener form in England this year with , who was dumped Essex. ahead of the Ashes late last year “His experience will be cru- but returned for the fi nal Test in cial for this bowling group, and England players, with James Anderson fourth from left, pose for a photo as they celebrate with their trophies after wrapping up the five-Test series against India 4-1. South Africa, fi lls one of them we know that he is a warrior who after a standout Sheffi eld Shield can bowl the type of long, tight AFP McGrath. pace attack of Stephen Harmison, came in 2008 when, after a 189- LEADING BOWLERS season. spells which may be required in London What Trueman could not Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Flin- run defeat by New Zealand in the The aggressive Finch, bet- the conditions we expect to face,” have foreseen was the increase in toff and Simon Jones that would fi rst Test in Hamilton, then-Eng- Muttiah Muralitharan (SRI) 800 ter known for his exploits in the Hohns said of the 62-Test vet- the number of Test nations and help them win the celebrated land coach Peter Moores dropped wickets in 133 Tests shorter form of the game, was eran. Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland ames Anderson became the matches that would take place in 2005 Ashes series. Hoggard and Harmison and gave Shane Warne (AUS) 708 wickets also included and is tipped to and left-armer Ashton Agar oc- latest England paceman to the intervening years. His distinctive action was sub- Anderson the new ball for the in 145 Tests open the batting with Renshaw. cupy the spin slots with captain make history at But nothing should detract jected to some unwelcome inter- Wellington Test. Anil Kumble (IND) 619 wickets in Coach Justin Langer said Tim Paine behind the wicket. Jyesterday by setting a new from Lancashire paceman Ander- ference from coaches concerned Anderson took fi ve wickets in 132 Tests Finch was a natural leader and The fi rst Test is in Dubai from record for the most wickets taken son’s endurance or skill. over a potential risk of injury. the fi rst innings and was then the James Anderson (ENG) 564 deserved the chance to prove his October 7 with the second in Abu by any fast bowler in Test history. He burst on the scene as a As it was, Anderson suff ered a unchallenged leader of England’s wickets in 143 Tests credentials at Test level. Dhabi from October 16. After Fred Trueman became 20-year-old when, after just stress fracture of the back which attack, a position he has held ever Glenn McGrath (AUS) 563 wickets “He’s one of the core leaders of the fi rst bowler to take 300 Test three one-day games for Lanca- saw him miss most of the 2006 since. in 124 Tests the group and I know he’s waited Australia: Tim Paine (capt), wickets, a then astounding fi g- shire, he was summoned to Aus- season. But he was back for Eng- He went on to play a key role in Note: Muralitharan’s tally includes a long time to be in the squad. Ashton Agar, Brendan Dog- ure, at the same ground in 1964, tralia for a one-day international land’s miserable 5-0 Ashes series England’s only Ashes triumph in wickets taken for an ICC XI in Hopefully like a Mike Hussey or gett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, he was asked whether he thought series. loss in Australia in 2006/07, tak- Australia in the past three dec- matches classified as Tests. a Brad Hodge or a George Bailey, Jon Holland, , anyone would ever break his Anderson made his England ing just fi ve wickets at an average ades, taking 24 wickets at 26 dur- he can have an impact on Test , Nathan record. debut in Melbourne, taking a of 82.60. In the eyes of some crit- ing their 3-1 success in 2010/2011. cricket as well,” he said. Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun The England fast bowler re- modest one for 46 in six overs. ics that series damned Anderson And when, in 2012, England opener saying he had “nothing In a relief for selectors, the ex- Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew plied: “Aye, but whoever does will But he improved on the tour forever as a bowler who thrived achieved a rare series win in In- left in the tank”. perienced Shaun Marsh was de- Renshaw, , Mitchell be bloody tired.” and won himself a place in Eng- in home, swing-friendly condi- dia, MS Dhoni said Anderson had But Anderson, who no longer clared fi t after recovering from a Starc If anyone had cause to sym- land’s squad for the 2003 World tions. been the diff erence between the plays one-day cricket, shows no pathise with those sentiments it Cup. Anderson impressed suf- But he learnt from that chas- two teams. sign of stopping. was England’s Anderson who, 54 fi ciently to make his Test debut tening experience and, while not By now he had formed a highly And while Sri Lanka off - years later at the Oval, took his at Lord’s in 2003 and went on to alone in preferring home com- eff ective new-ball partnership spinner Muttiah Muralitharan’s 564th wicket at this level when, take 26 wickets at an average of 31 forts, an overseas record of 174 with Stuart Broad, whose abil- all-time mark of 800 Test wick- Aussie workhorse Siddle with the hosts needing one more in seven Tests that season against wickets at 34.15 in 54 Tests is far ity to seam the ball complements ets may prove too much even for to win, he bowled India tailender and South Africa. from negligible. Anderson’s skill in gaining late Anderson, McGrath believes he back from Test wilderness Mohamed Shami to seal a 118-run But his form wavered and for A softly spoken character off swing through the air. could establish a record beyond victory in the fi fth Test and a 4-1 a time Anderson found himself the fi eld, Anderson made a con- Anderson, England’s all-time the reach of any other paceman. series win. reduced to bowling at cones dur- scious eff ort to develop a more leading Test wicket-taker, is three “I have an awful lot of respect AFP In the process, the 36-year- ing England practice sessions. He aggressive persona of ‘Jimmy’ years older than Alastair Cook, for Jimmy,” McGrath told Britain’s Sydney old Anderson, in his 143rd Test, was on the outside looking in as when taking the new ball against the country’s all-time leading Daily Mail in a recent interview. snapped the record he briefl y England, under the captaincy of the world’s best batsmen. run-scorer, who is retiring from “I believe once he goes past me shared with Australia’s Glenn Michael Vaughan, assembled the A key moment in his career international cricket, with the he will never be beaten.” ily fast bowler Peter Siddle made a surprise OPINION Wreturn to the Australian Test squad yes- terday after a near two-year hiatus, and the 33-year-old is It’s better to leave the people wanting more determined to make the most of his second chance. The hard-working stalwart the attitude that what will be will But it was never really a ques- need you”, but when he didn’t I played the last of his 62 Tests was nice to get over to Eng- be. tion of whether Cook was still decided I was going to enjoy the in November 2016, and it land and take the wickets. My But Cook’s not that sort of lad. capable of scoring runs. It was day and smell the roses. appeared he had worn the good bowling has paid off .” He would not have wanted to say about his appetite, and he said It would be my last innings in Australian baggy green cap for Siddle was a mainstay of the goodbye without giving his ab- himself he didn’t have that edge an England shirt and I was go- the last time. Australian team for years after solute all. It was a fi tting farewell any more. ing to take it all in. I was lucky But red-hot form in the English making his debut against India for a legend of the game. He’s said in the past that when enough to get a hundred. But no summer for county side Essex, in 2008, with his charging I’ve never seen an ovation like he’s batting at the other end from one else knew it was my last in- and injuries to Josh Hazle- run-up, powerful and the one that greeted Cook’s hun- a team-mate, he can’t believe nings, unlike Cook. wood and Pat Cummins, put bounce putting the frighteners dred — we’ve seen several ova- how easily batting comes to a guy How he managed to put all him back in the frame again up many a batsman. By Nasser Hussain tions in this game alone! like Joe Root. Despite all his runs, that expectation to the back of for the two-Test series against It earned him 211 Test wickets The Daily Mail It said a lot for his popularity batting has never come that easi- his mind, when he knew that Pakistan next month in the and he is keen to add to the in this country, not just for the ly to Cook. Scoring nearly 12,500 everyone turning up to the Oval United Arab Emirates. tally. runs he’s scored but for the dig- Test runs has taken it out of him. wanted him to convert his over- “My philosophy has always “You always need a little bit of f anyone was capable of nity he’s brought to the game. He knows his race is run. night 46 into another Test hun- been not to worry too much luck along the way no matter signing off with a big hun- What also struck me was the In any case, I think it’s always dred is remarkable. about what the selectors are how old you are and it’s my dred after a diffi cult summer, warmth of the reaction of his better to leave people wanting a Just as remarkable was the doing. For me, it’s just about chance now to be around the it was Alastair Cook. After team-mates. Leading the ap- bit more. That’s what they’ll say fact that he did it after the sum- going out and enjoying my group again and try to get in Ithe week he’s had, with all the plause from the dressing room about Cook now, and it’s a great mer he’s had, with the Dukes ball cricket, whether for Victoria the side for that first Test,” he emotion and all the interviews balcony was his old mate Jimmy way to go out. swinging and seaming all over or Essex,” he said after getting said. he’s had to do, to be able to dig Anderson. Sometimes you can In some ways, knowing that the place. He showed that the the call-up. “I’ll be doing everything I can deep once more speaks volumes go through the motions when a game or innings is going to moment conditions swung in his “If I perform well, it obviously in the next few weeks to get for the man. you’re applauding a team-mate, be your last can be liberating. I favour, he was tough enough to gives me a chance to put my there. It’s been a few years and He said before this game that but this was totally genuine. Alastair Cook leaves the Oval know it was for me after I told our compile a score. name forward. a lot of hard work in between he felt he had always squeezed They know how much they’re ground after playing his last coach Duncan Fletcher before He managed to unfrazzle his “Last (Australian) summer was to give myself another chance, every last drop out of his ability going to miss him when he’s Test yesterday. the second innings against New mind. And that may just be the hard, I was bowling well but and this is the icing on the and that’s exactly what he would gone. Some people will say he Zealand at Lord’s in 2004 that I biggest lesson some of these not taking the wickets, so it cake.” have wanted to do here. Some- should reconsider his decision to England on the turning tracks was packing it in. England batsmen can learn from times in your last game, you have retire and go to Sri Lanka to help they’re going to face out there. I was hoping he’d say, “No, we Alastair Cook. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 12, 2018 3 SPORT

MOTORSPORT Raikkonen to race on as Leclerc brings youth to Ferrari Reuters Sauber were last in 2017 and are ninth short-term at least, their constructors’ London of 10 teams now, even if the signs are championship hopes as he fi nds his way more encouraging than they were, and under considerable scrutiny. there is a likelihood that Raikkonen will Fast-tracked from Sauber after just imi Raikkonen will not be going now be simply making up the numbers. one season, Leclerc is a hot prospect but out of Formula One at the top, or The Finn will still relish racing with his arrival breaks with Ferrari’s recent even with a top team. less media attention and more freedom, preference for age and experience. The announcement on Tues- while for Ferrari there are also clear ben- The last time Ferrari started a season Kday that the 2007 world champion is efi ts. without a race winner in both cars was in leaving Ferrari, the sport’s oldest, most For the fi rst time in four years, they 2006 with Brazilian Felipe Massa draft- glamorous and successful team, at the now have a new benchmark for four times ed in alongside seven times champion end of the season was only to be expected. champion Vettel and a (very) young driver Michael Schumacher after three years at Less so was the subsequent revela- who represents the future rather than the Sauber and one as reserve. tion that the 38-year-old ‘Iceman’ had past. Leclerc is part of a wave of hungry agreed a two-year deal to continue with Vettel has out-performed Raikkonen young drivers, including 20-year-old Ferrari-powered Sauber in a swap with consistently since the pairing started in Max Verstappen at Red Bull and 18-year- that team’s Monegasque rookie Charles 2015 with the German’s move from Red old British rookie Lando Norris at Leclerc. Bull and the Finn is already 62 points McLaren, coming through and making That will close a circle at least, the adrift this season with seven races re- their mark. Swiss team being the ones who gave maining. Raikkonen’s switch to Sauber is not Raikkonen his debut in 2001 despite the If Raikkonen has been more competi- such good news for other youngsters, powers-that-be fearing he was too inex- tive this year, taking nine podium fi nishes however, with a seat now seemingly perienced, and keep the Finn racing on and pole at Ferrari’s home Italian Grand blocked for the next two years. into his 40s. Prix with Formula One’s fastest ever lap, For the likes of Mercedes-backed It will also please Formula One’s own- there are those who question whether 21-year-old Esteban Ocon, likely to lose ers, already facing the retirement of dou- Vettel is being pushed hard enough. his seat at Force India, or McLaren out- ble world champion Fernando Alonso, by Some even wonder just how quick the cast Stoff el Vandoorne, the search goes keeping one of the best known and most German really is. on. popular drivers on the starting grid. Ferrari will hope that the 20-year-old “I’ve got mixed feelings. I’m pleased But the days when Raikkonen could Leclerc, unless told to adopt a subservi- Kimi is staying on but mostly I wish that hope for poles and wins, already scarce ent role, can apply a bit more pressure Kimi had stepped aside at the top when even at Ferrari where Sebastian Vettel is and help answer those questions. he was revered, letting a young guy take the main contender and team orders have The gamble is that the youngster’s his seat on the grid,” said former racer and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen celebrates third place on the podium of the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest on July 29, been applied, are surely over now. relative inexperience could impact, in the Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle. 2018. (Reuters)

GOLF MOTORCYCLING Disgraced Fenati loses licence aft er USA’s Bradley snaps pulling rival’s brake

AFP I was wrong, it’s true: I apologise Milan to everyone.”Fenati told Italian newspaper La Repubblica. But he added: “Do you want to isgraced Moto2 rider see my helmet and my leathers? 6-year title drought, Romano Fenati has There is a long black strip, the lost his licence and Manzi rubber. He attacked me been banned from three times and he could have competingD in all events by the killed me too, as you say. Italian motorcycling federation “The last time I had it done to for grabbing a rival’s brake dur- me was 500m before (the brake ing the San Marino Grand Prix. incident), then I thought ‘now I The 22-year-old Fenati had do the same, I’ll show you that Rose becomes No 1 earlier announced he was re- I can be bad’ and maybe you tiring after being sacked by his will fi nally understand what it ‘I’d love to go the Tour Championship winning because obviously I want to get Marinelli Snipers team and the means.“But I never thought to Forward Racing team he was due hurt him, I swear.” to number one by winning golf tournaments, but today was fun’ to join next season.Fenati has also been ordered to appear before a AFP disciplinary hearing of the Ital- Philadelphia ian federation on September 14 to present his version of events. Both riders were speeding merican Keegan Brad- around the Misano track at over ley snapped a six-year 200kph on Sunday when Fenati US PGA winless skid – aboard a Marinelli Snipers- on Monday, parring run Kalex bike – leaned over and theA fi rst playoff hole to defeat pressed fellow Italian Stefano new world number one Justin Manzi’s brake lever. Manzi brief- Rose for the BMW Champion- ly lost his balance before regain- ship crown. Bradley won his ing control of his Suter bike. fourth career title, his third in Fenati’s actions followed Man- a playoff , to deny Rose his third zi’s attempt to overtake him a triumph of the season even few laps earlier, with both riders though the runner-up eff ort running off the track. The Ital- was enough to see the English- ian apologised for his “disgrace- man atop the rankings for the ful gesture” and said Tuesday he fi rst time in his career. was retiring from sport and going Rose lipped out a 15-foot par back to complete his studies. putt at the 72nd hole to shoot “I’m fi nished with the motor- three-under par 67 and match cycle world, I will not run again. Bradley, who closed with a 64, on 20-under 260 at rain- softened Aronimink in a fi nal round delayed a day by showers. Finau named to last spot on Bradley, the 2011 PGA Cham- pionship winner, had not won USA Ryder Cup roster since taking the WGC Bridge- stone Invitational. It was also Tony Finau, a long-driving final round of the PGA BMW his fi rst title since abandoning American golfer of Tongan and Championship for a charity the controversial belly putter. Samoan heritage, was named event in Utah. “A lot has happened to me to the final vacant spot on the “I’m so excited to be on the over these six years,” Bradley US Ryder Cup team on Monday Ryder Cup team,” Finau said. “I said. by US captain Jim Furyk. can’t wait to get to Paris.” “The belly putter was a The 28-year-old from Utah Finau played alongside Furyk tougher transition than I completes the 12-man Ameri- for the first two rounds at last thought, and I kind of fell off the can lineup that will defend the month’s PGA Championship. radar there for a little while. trophy against Europe in the The third man in that group “It has been tough to go from biennial team golf showdown was Xander Schauff ele, who being on Ryder Cup teams, be- on September 28-30 at Le Golf was seen as Finau’s most likely ing on Presidents Cup teams, to National in France. rival for Furyk’s final pick. outside the top 100 in the world. Keegan Bradley holds the championship trophy and the Wadley Cup after winning the BMW Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Finau, who won his only US Schauff ele made a run at the That was diffi cult.” Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. (Getty Images/AFP) PGA title at the 2016 Puerto BMW title but came up short, Bradley responded by re- Rico Open, had three top-10 settling for a share of third grouping with coach Darren LEADING SCORES AFTER FINAL ROUND major finishes this season – after a 63-64 (13-under-par) May and slowly revamping his sharing 10th at the Masters, start. Finau shared eighth after game to its peak form. 260-Keegan Bradley 66-64- Webb Simpson 66-67-65-65 Thomas 64-67-66-68 69-68-65-66, Jason Kokrak taking fifth at the US Open and a closing 65. “I felt so calm today. It was 66-64, Justin Rose (ENG) 264-Tony Finau 68-64-67-65, 266-Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 69-65-67-67, Bryson DeCham- sharing ninth at the British Tiger Woods, a 14-time major really kind of strange because I 66-63-64-67 Francesco Molinari (ITA) 70-63- 66-64-67-69 beau 67-70-64-67, Patrick Reed Open. “We were looking for champion back on form after don’t normally look at leader- 261-Billy Horschel 64-67-66-64, 64-67, Rickie Fowler 65-65-65- 267-Bubba Watson 71-65-65- 69-65-64-70 guys who had a great body of spinal fusion surgery, was boards, but I looked all day and I Xander Schauff ele 63-64-67-67 69, Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 66, Aaron Wise 65-67-68-67, 269-Dustin Johnson 70-68-64- work all year. He had 11 top 10s. named a captain’s pick last felt so solid,” Bradley said. 262-Rory McIlroy (NIR) 62-69- 71-62-62-69 Andrew Putnam 67-66-66-68 67, Charles Howell 68-63-70-68, Played good in big moments. week along with left-hander “It’s so gratifying to get what 63-68 265-Kevin Na 70-62-67-66, Gary 268-Adam Hadwin (CAN) Alex Noren (SWE) 64-66-70-69, He had three top 10s in ma- Phil Mickelson and Bryson comes with hard work. Some- 263-Tiger Woods 62-70-66-65, Woodland 66-66-66-67, Justin 69-69-63-67, Brooks Koepka Jason Day (AUS) 67-64-68-70 jors,” Furyk said. Finau boosted DeChambeau. times you never even get it. To his chances by joining a group Eight other US players made be back here and win this tour- that played at Le Golf National the roster after last month’s nament is just incredible.” “I birdied 16 and 17. I knew jor champion in his comeback here to say that I made it back after failing to reach the Tour earlier this year. PGA Championship after a Rose, unlike Bradley, will be Keegan was ahead of me doing season from spinal fusion, pro- to the Tour Championship af- Championship. “I liked what I saw,” Furyk two-year qualifying period among fi ve players who can the same thing, so I kind of was duced a closing 65 to share sixth ter what I’ve been through is a By posting a 73 Monday to said of Finau’s play on the -- Dustin Johnson, Brooks capture the US PGA $10 mil- responding to that. Hit a great place on 263 and ensure himself pretty good accomplishment,” share 55th, Spieth was one spot French host layout. “He had a Koepka, Patrick Reed, Justin lion season playoff crown by putt in regulation to (try and) a spot in the 30-man fi nale. Woods said. outside the qualifi ers. lot of support from our vice Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Webb winning in two weeks at the win it, but then it was a poor Woods has been in the hunt at “To have a chance to win “I assume it will either be a captains. Ultimately, I thought Simpson, Rickie Fowler and season-ending Tour Champi- playoff putt from me.” majors, fi nishing second at last again this year, it’s a very posi- fi ne or I’m adding some events he was our best pick.” Bubba Watson. onship in Atlanta. Americans Billy Horschel and month’s PGA Championship tive feeling. If I had made a few in the fall,” Spieth said. The Americans, who haven’t Reed is the reigning Masters “I’d love to go the Tour Xander Schauff ele shared third and leading on Sunday in July’s more putts this week could have “I don’t know if that counts. won in Europe since 1993, champion while Koepka won Championship winning be- on 261 with Northern Ireland’s British Open, but still seeks his been a diff erent deal coming “If it becomes a situation, figure to add power and endur- his second consecutive US cause obviously I want to get Rory McIlroy on 262. fi rst win in more than fi ve years. down the stretch.” then I obviously accept what- ance with Finau, who filmed Open title in June and followed to number one by winning golf “I played a few tournaments Jordan Spieth is likely to be ever fi ne it is and move on and a message of reaction from by taking the PGA last month tournaments, but today was TIGER SHARES SIXTH now where I was close at the fi ned $20,000 for failing to play try and add one every year but a plane as he left Monday’s for his third major crown. fun,” Rose said. Tiger Woods, a 14-time ma- end and at the end of the season the minimum 25 tour events it’s kind of tough.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FRIENDLIES Kahata gives Kenya Maradona seeks rebirth second win in four days

AFP Johannesburg in Mexican club Dorados enya’s revival under French coach Sebast- ien Migne continued ‘I was sick for 14 years. I never even used to go to bed. I didn’t even know what a pillow was’ yesterday when they beatK Malawi 1-0 in an interna- AFP tional friendly in Nairobi. Mid- Culiacan, Mexico fi elder Francis Kahata scored the only goal on 77 minutes at the Moi International Sports Centre rgentine legend Diego Mara- Kasarani stadium in the Ken- dona described his decision to yan capital. Kahata tapped in a coach second-division Mexi- cross from Eric Ouma in a match can club Dorados as a rebirth between nations just 11 places afterA years battling addictions, as he of- apart in the world rankings with fi cially became the team’s new manager the Kenyans higher at 112th. on Monday. The victory came three days Maradona, who has publicly strug- after the ‘Harambee Stars’ beat gled with drug addiction, alcoholism Ghana 1-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup and obesity, raised eyebrows with the of Nations qualifi er despite decision to accept a job in the heart playing much of the second half of Mexican drug cartel country — the with 10 men after a red card. rough-and-tumble state of Sinaloa. Last year, Kenya lost 2-1 away But in his fi rst press conference to Sierra Leone in their opening for Dorados, he described the job as qualifying match for the Cup of a healthy new beginning after a long Nations tournament in Cam- “sickness,” alluding to the excesses of eroon next June. his past. “I want to give Dorados what Winning twice was a huge I lost when I was sick,” he told the 200 boost for Migne, who struggled journalists who packed the hotel con- in his previous national team ference room in Culiacan, the state cap- post with Congo Brazzaville. But ital, where he was offi cially presented as the result was another blow for the struggling club’s new coach. Malawi’s Belgian coach Ronny “I was sick for 14 years. Now I want to Van Geneugden, who has won see the sun, I want to go to bed at night. only two of 17 matches since tak- I never even used to go to bed. I didn’t ing charge of the ‘Flames’. Ma- even know what a pillow was. That’s lawi stopped over in Nairobi on why I accepted the off er from Dorados,” their way home from Morocco, he said. where they fell 3-0 in a Cup of Mexico was the scene of Maradona’s Nations qualifi er. greatest triumph as a player: leading Meanwhile, Justin Shonga Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title scored his second goal in as many — almost single-handedly, according internationals to give much- to some. But he surprised the football changed Zambia a 1-0 victory world with his decision to coach a sec- over Gabon in Libreville. New ond-division team who are currently in Zambia coach Sven Vanden- 13th place in their 15-team league. broeck from Belgium retained Jokes soon broke out online about his only two of the side that started choice of destination: Sinaloa is per- a lucky 1-1 Cup of Nations draw haps best known as home to the drug away to Namibia last Saturday. cartel of the same name. And Dorados His bold approach paid off af- are owned by a politically powerful ter only 16 minutes when Shon- family, the Hank clan, that has been ac- ga, who plays for leading South cused of links to drug traffi cking. African club Orlando Pirates, Maradona, however, insisted his fo- put the visitors ahead. cus is on football, calling this “the best Gabon were without 2015 moment in my life.” African Footballer of the Year “I want to spend a long time” at Do- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, rados, he said. “People can say a lot of Argentine legend Diego Maradona (centre) gestures with the players during his first training session as coach of Mexican football club Dorados, at the Banorte stadium who returned to Arsenal after things, but... I was heading downhill, I in Culiacan, Sinaloa State, Mexico, on Monday. (AFP) equalising in a Cup of Nations was eating myself up, it was a step back- draw with Burundi. ward, and football is a step forward. All was ready to “sing any song you want to Dorados stadium to preside over his division side. He left Al Fujairah of the he said the country did not deserve to Mauritius lost 1-0 away to that changed thanks to my daughters.” me to.” Framed by two giant photos of fi rst practice. On the way, he uploaded a United Arab Emirates in May after fail- host the 2026 World Cup, which it was Indonesia in Bekasi on the out- He recounted an oft-told story, of himself during his playing days, he also video to his Instagram account in which ing to guide them to promotion. Other awarded along with the United States skirts of the capital Jakarta with how his youngest daughter once spoke said he had turned down off ers from the he thanked his fans and said, “Long live jobs at clubs in Argentina and the Mid- and Canada. But he sought to smooth Evan Dimas scoring in the fi nal to him when he was in a coma, asking leftist presidents of Bolivia and Ven- the Church of Maradona.” dle East also fi zzled. He had only just things over on Monday. “People say, minute. Goalkeeper Kevin Jean- him to live — and convincing him to ezuela, his pals Evo Morales and Nicolas Maradona once coached the Argen- started another job in July, as president ‘You trash-talked Mexico!’ But I want Louis could only parry an angled change his ways. It is a story he has been Maduro, to coach their national teams. tine national team, including at the of Belarus side Dinamo Brest. The club Mexico to play shoulder-to-shoulder shot and 2017 Indonesian foot- telling for more than a decade. After a 10-minute speech and 15 2010 World Cup. But the rest of his says he will keep the title as an honor- with Germany, with Belgium. I don’t baller of the year Dimas netted Maradona, 57, grinned as he accepted minutes taking questions — his speech managerial career has lacked the spar- ary position. Maradona has sometimes want it to keep playing at the level of from close range. The match a Dorados jersey with his old number 10 slightly slurred and his statements kle of his playing days. This is not the had a touchy relationship with Mexico. El Salvador — with all due respect to El off ered Mauritius rare interna- on it, and joked with journalists that he sometimes fuzzy — Maradona headed fi rst time he’s taken charge of a second- He infuriated Mexicans in June when Salvador,” he said. tional exposure.

FOCUS QNB STARS LEAGUE PSG announce deal to We are confi dent in our abilities: Rayyan’s al-Korbi bdulrahman al-Korbi is a reli- the most in Al Arabi? launch cryptocurrency able and effi cient player in the Al Arabi play as one group. They’ve Al Rayyan midfi eld. He has many good players like Mohamed Salah AFP which in Spain means allowing been putting up consistent and Ahmed Fathi. fans to be directly involved in club performancesA ever since the start of this Paris decision-making by essentially season’s QNB Stars League. In an inter- Why do you think Rayyan show making them shareholders. view ahead of their much-anticipated inconsistency in terms of results? rench footballing gi- However, rather than being in- Week 5 game against Al Arabi on Friday, The results are good. We won against ants Paris Saint-Germain volved in key strategic decisions, al-Korbi gave his takes on many topics. Al Ahli and Al Kharaitiyat, and held de- are launching their own PSG supporters are likely to be Excerpts: fending champions Al Duhail to a goal- cryptocurrency after an- paying to have their say in more less draw. The draw with Umm Salal was nouncingF a new partnership with anecdotal decisions, starting from How do you see the game against our only negative result. We haven’t yet Socios.com, a blockchain company “early next season”. These could Al Arabi and what are Al Rayyan’s shown our full potential on the pitch. based in Malta. include issues like selecting the chances of winning this match? We’ve more to off er. In a statement announcing the design of the team’s jersey. It’s an important game and we need to deal yesterday, Qatar-owned PSG Blockchain, the system that collect three points to stay on course. We How do you see the competition in did not reveal the length of the moves chunks of data securely respect Al Arabi. After their big loss to Al this season’s league? agreement or how much money through an online ledger, has been Sadd in Week 2, they came back strongly, In my opinion, the competition will be they will make from it, although put to growing uses from medi- scored two consecutive wins and have the same as in the last season. Al Duhail, it is expected to be worth “several cal records to banking and most high motivation. We’ve big confi dence Al Rayyan and Al Sadd will compete for million euros”. prominently as the tool behind in our abilities and quality. We’ve the the title and Al Gharafa will complete the Socios.com describes itself as crytocurrency Bitcoin. motivation and we can win. Our goal is Al Rayyan midfielder Abdulrahman al-Korbi (left) has displayed consistent top-four line-up. a “tokenized football fan voting In PSG’s case, there will be to collect full points from every match. performances in this season’s QNB Stars League. platform”, with the title derived a “limited” number of club- No team has an advantage over the Do you feel Al Rayyan are strong con- from the Spanish name given to stamped tokens released thanks to other. It’ll be a diffi cult match and won’t and the diff erence between the rstfi and on the fi eld. tenders for this season’s title? members of La Liga giants Bar- the blockchain. be lopsided. We will implement our fi fth positions is only two points. Our We’ll fi ght for the title. We enter every celona and Real Madrid. The idea The price of the tokens has yet coach (Luka) Bonacic’s instructions on target is to keep winning. Your message to Al Rayyan fans? competition with the desire to win it and is to allow PSG fans to buy tokens to be set, “but their cost will be the fi eld. Their presence motivates us to we’ve confi dence in our potential. which allow them to vote in online very low because obviously this is Can Rayyan dominate Arabi as has achieve greater things. We promise our club surveys. aimed at as many people as possi- Al Arabi are in a better position than been the case in the last few seasons? fans to put in our best eff orts in order to What’s your ambition with Rayyan? Socios.com’s own website says it ble”, Dreyfus said. you in the table? Does it make you Each game is diff erent from the other. get three points. My target is to win titles, continue gives “fans access to club branded However, beyond the monetisa- more hungry to win? Previous results aren’t an indicator of playing and improve our performance fan tokens that come with voting tion of the sale of the tokens, what We’re at the beginning of the league new ones. We can only see the diff erence Which player/players do you respect after every match. rights and access to VIP level club is the objective of this venture? rewards and engagement oppor- “For us, the interest comes from tunities”. The team behind it has the level of engagement with fans, raised more than $66mn in fi nanc- in the manner in which we can off er LA LIGA APPLIES FOR PERMISSION TO PLAY GIRONA V BARCA IN US ing so far. them a better experience,” Arm- But PSG, who signed Bra- strong says. Barcelona: La Liga’s plans to play Gi- from the league. “The letter, signed by The request also follows a meet- being informed of the plans the league zilian superstar Neymar for a “Not just those who attend rona’s fixture with champions Barcelona Josep Maria Bartomeu, Delfi Geli and ing held on Monday between repre- has committed to creating a full report world record fee of 222mn euros matches but also those in Asia, in in Miami moved a step closer after the Javier Tebas, presidents of Barcelona, sentatives of La Liga and the Spanish on the impact playing games in the US ($264mn) last year, also want to the United States, and in all four league’s organising body said yester- Girona and La Liga respectively, was footballer’s union (AFE). The union will have on players. The players will “release rewards, exclusive con- corners of the planet.” day they have asked for permission sent on Monday night.” were one of the loudest opponents of make a final decision on whether or tent and all kinds of experiences” Having already moved into eS- from the Spanish football federation The statement added that the re- the league’s deal with multi-national not they go to play the game. As well as through the deal, according to the ports, PSG are hoping this move to take the game abroad. “Barcelona, quest was made after meetings with fan entertainment company Relevent, requiring the permission of the Spanish club’s head of sponsorship, Marc reinforces their presence in the Girona and La Liga have requested the umbrella group Aficiones Unidas (Fans announced last month, which includes football federation, the game needs Armstrong. digital domain, with Armstrong authorisation of the Spanish Football United), who have approved their plan plans to play one game per season in to be approved by European football’s Socios.com founder Alexandre calling it a “strategic partnership, Federation (RFEF) to play Girona vs Bar- to compensate Girona season ticket North America over the next 15 years. governing body UEFA as well as the Dreyfus says his company’s idea rather than a deal in which some- celona on 26 January at the Hard Rock holders who will be deprived of a home The AFE said in a statement that United States’ soccer federation and the is to “reinvent... in more of a 2.0 one pays us just to be associated to Stadium in Miami,” said a statement game against Barca as a result. after telling La Liga of their anger at not regional body CONCACAF. style” the concept of the “socio”, a brand”. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 12, 2018 5 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE Owner Moshiri increases stake in Everton

Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has significantly increased his control of the club after acquiring a larger stake yesterday. Mo- shiri has bought another 18.7 per cent of Andre Silva strike lift s Everton’s shares through Blue Heaven Holdings Ltd. The Iranian businessman already held 49.9 per cent of Everton after selling his stake in Arsenal to take charge at Goodison Park in February 2016. Moshiri, whose personal wealth is estimated at $1.7bn (1.47bn euros) ac- Portugal past Italy cording to Forbes, has taken his total holding to 68.6 per cent. He is expected to elevate that further to 77.2 per cent Italy now risk being relegated from their group after also failing to qualify for the World Cup by July next year. Czech coach Jarolim exits AFP Lisbon aft er thrashing by Russia The Czech Football Association said ndre Silva scored the only yesterday it had sacked national team goal as European champions coach Karel Jarolim following a 5-1 de- Portugal — without super- feat at the hands of Russia the day be- star Cristiano Ronaldo — got fore. “Karel Jarolim is quitting as coach theirA Nations League campaign off the of the Czech national team after mutual mark with a 1-0 win over Italy in Lis- agreement,” the FA said in a tweet. “ bon on Monday night. The 62-year-old Jarolim, who was un- Ronaldo, 33, had been left out of the veiled as coach in 2016, failed in his bid squad at his own request to focus on to lead the team to World Cup in Russia. his new Italian club Juventus. But the The new season did not start well either Euro 2016 winners showed no sign of as the Czechs lost 2-1 to Ukraine in the missing their star striker, dominating Nations League opener last week. They the Italians to secure their fi rst three went on to take the worst thrashing points in a Group 3 that also includes since the Czech Republic’s independ- Poland. Italy coach Roberto Mancini ence in 1993 when they lost to Russia in suff ered his fi rst competitive setback a friendly in Rostov on Monday. after being held by Poland 1-1 in their opener on Friday in Bologna, with the Azzurri on one point after two games. Kosovo make history with “We made too many mistakes, but the fi rst competitive win lads gave everything,” said Mancini. “We need to fi nd a solution to scor- Goals from Arber Zeneli and Atdhe ing goals because you don’t win games Nuhiu made football history for UEFA without scoring. That’s our main minnows Kosovo on Monday in a 2-0 problem right now. Portugal have won win over the Faroe Islands. Kosovo is an the fi rst, so they’re the favourite, but Albanian-majority former province of I think it’s still wide open, you never Serbia that broke away from the then know in football.” Yugoslav republic in a bloody war in Silva scored three minutes into the 1998-1999 and declared independence second half with AC Milan’s on-loan a decade later. Serbia refuses to recog- Sevilla striker collecting a Bruma nise its former province, but Pristina, cross to beat his former Milan team- and not Belgrade, had more reason to mate Gianluigi Donnarumma in the celebrate after contrasting results for Italy goal. “I have some friends in the their respective teams in the Nations Italian national team, but there are League. As Kosovo claimed their first no friends on the pitch,” said Silva. competitive win since being admitted “Overall we were the better team on to international football in 2016, Serbia the night and deserved the win.” were held to a 2-2 draw by Romania. Italy had been fortunate to keep their goal clear in the fi rst half, largely thanks to Donnarumma, as Portugal Japan crush Costa Rica in dictated play in the Estadio Da Luz. dream start for new boss Bernardo Silva’s eff ort was cleared off the line by Alessio Romagnoli with Japan gave Costa Rica the runaround in a Bruma shot defl ected onto the bar. a 3-0 home victory as Italy fought back with Ciro Immobile got off to a winning start as head coach and Simone Zaza threatening just be- of the Blue Samurai. ’s header fore the break. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (third left) attempts to stop Portuguese forward Andre Silva (right) from scoring during the UEFA Nations League match was turned into his own goal by Bryan Mancini had rang the changes with at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on Monday night. (AFP) Oviedo after 16 minutes before second- an experimental side with seven new half goals from and players starting — midfi elder Jorginho defense. Federico Chiesa and Andre Italy struggled to create chances, also true that we have to take risks qualify for the Europeans.” substitute Junya Ito settled a one-sided and Donnarumma the only pair to be Silva both missed chances early, while apart from a Zaza header that went and get experience in these games, In the three-team group Portugal friendly in Osaka. retained from the draw with Poland. a Zaza back-heel fl ick for Immobile wide 12 minutes from time, as Portu- otherwise it’s hard to move forward play in Poland on October 11, with Japan’s first outing since their surprise In the same 4-3-3 lineup, Lazio striker was cleared in the box. William Car- gal claimed their ninth straight home quickly,” said the former Manchester Italy again facing the Poles on October run to the last 16 of this summer’s World Immobile came in for Mario Balotelli, valho fi red just wide from distance win. The four-time world champions City and Inter Milan coach. 15. And Portugal coach Fernando San- Cup under Akira Nishino had been who was heavily-criticised for his and Jorginho’s volley was cleared. now risk being relegated from their “We must help the youth grow, as tos ruled out talk of them now being scheduled to take place against Chile in performance against Poland before Portugal grabbed the winner soon Nations League group after also fail- we don’t have alternatives. We would the favourites. “Do we have a foot in Sapporo last Friday. However, that game coming off with a muscle problem. after the restart through Silva with ing to qualify for the World Cup. But like to fi nish fi rst in the group, you the fi nal? We need both feet in there, was cancelled after an earthquake SPAL’s Manuel Lazzari made his Bernardo Silva coming close to a sec- Mancini defended his experimental never know in football. We will see because standing on one foot you risk struck the northern Japanese island of international debut on the right of ond only for Donnarumma to clear. side. “We don’t like losing, but it’s what happens, our starting goal is to falling over.” Hokkaido a day earlier.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Irish legends demand Keane be sacked Scotland claim welcome win AFP Manchester United and Leeds United star, Dublin who won 59 caps. on eventful night for Naismith Former Arsenal legend Brady made no bones about how he felt when he spoke to AFP oy Keane faces calls for him to be Eamon Dunphy — who ghost wrote Keane’s Glasgow sacked as assistant manager of the biography — on the latter’s podcast ‘The Republic of Ireland by arguably Stand’. “The thing that strikes me about Roy the country’s two most respect- Keane and it has for many years now, is that teven Naismith was on edR former players, Johnny Giles and Liam I don’t think he likes football and I don’t target as Scotland marked Brady. The fi ery Keane — who infamously think he likes players,” said Brady. “Every Alex McLeish’s fi rst was sent home from Ireland’s pre-2002 time there is an Irish game there was a story competitive match since World Cup training camp following a tirade manager Martin O’Neill to be ‘a little bit dis- about Roy Keane, whether he was having a comingS back for a second spell as of abuse aimed at then-manager Mick Mc- appointed’ at how the second hand accounts go at somebody or whether he was launch- manager by beating Albania 2-0 Carthy in front of the rest of the squad — is as related by the player had emerged into the ing another book of his. I can’t even un- at a sodden Hampden on Mon- under fi re over a recording which allegedly public glare. derstand how Martin O’Neill could put up day night. has him swearing at midfi elder Harry Arter Both Giles and Brady — like Keane a rare with that. He’s got an international match The Hearts forward Naismith, and veteran striker Jonathan Walters in a breed in being world class players produced and Roy Keane decides to launch his book 31, had an eventful night, forc- training ground bust-up earlier this year as by Ireland — were unequivocal about Keane the week of an international game. Martin ing Berat Xhimshiti into scoring they prepared for friendlies with France and being out of order. “Roy Keane is there O’Neill, or the powers that be, John Delaney the own goal that put Scotland the United States. to assist the manager. This type of thing (head of the Football Association of Ireland ahead just after half-time before The revelations came to light through shouldn’t happen at the best of times,” Giles (FAI)), has to say enough of this. This has he scored the second goal that a voicemail Irish defender Stephen Ward was quoted as saying in The Times. got to stop,” added the 62-year-old, who clinched victory. shared with friends and which was later “Players who are really injured, unless won 72 caps. O’Neill — who is under pres- After losing fi ve of their last leaked to social media. Walters apparently they are kidding, need a lot of sympathy and sure himself after a humbling 4-1 Nations six games — all friendlies — and came close to blows with Keane whilst Arter a lot of help. As assistant manager he should League defeat to Wales last week — defend- scoring only once in that time, walked off with a volley of abuse ringing in be helping Martin and, in the Arter case, ed Keane ahead of last night’s friendly with Scotland needed this as they Scotland’s Steven Naismith (second left) celebrates with teammates his ears as Keane questioned whether he was he hasn’t helped him at all. Is he (Keane) Poland describing him as a brilliant assist- begin their latest quest to qual- after scoring against Albania in the UEFA Nations League. (Reuters) injured. Ward was not present during the equipped to be an assistant manager? Defi - ant manager and fulfi lling his role as driving ify for a fi rst major tournament separate incidents and Keane was said by nitely not,” added the 77-year-old former the players to push themselves to the limit. since 1998. This was their fi rst tend games again. Just as for Fri- Captain Andy Robertson’s cross game in the new UEFA Nations day’s 4-0 thumping by Belgium, was headed towards goal by Nai- League, a competition which of- Hampden — which will host four smith at the back post, and the fers the carrot of a possible quali- matches at Euro 2020 — was unfortunate Xhimshiti helped ‘GREEN LIGHT’ GIVEN FOR THIRD UEFA CLUB COMPETITION fying spot for Euro 2020. sparsely populated for this game the ball in. After this result, they are level on a dreary Glasgow evening. Albania coach Christian Pa- Lausanne: European Club as of the 2021/22 season”. tions committee before any ECA Members to increase with Albania on three points in Naismith produced a remarka- nucci scored a stoppage-time Association (ECA) chairman The move would have to be decision on potential changes the overall number of clubs Group 1 of the third-tier League ble miss midway through the fi rst winner for Italy at Hampden to Andrea Agnelli has said that validated at a future meeting would be made,” it added. participating in UEFA’s club C. “This was always the focus. half when he headed against the knock McLeish’s Scotland out UEFA are clearing the way of UEFA’s Executive Commit- Agnelli indicated the move competitions, the preferred People were talking about win post from just two yards out af- of Euro 2008 qualifying. His for the return of a third club tee, with the ECA later saying would mean a total of 96 teams option is to develop a third-tier ratios but I’m not worried about ter Charlie Mulgrew had nodded side, who beat Israel 1-0 in their competition, two decades after they expected a decision to being involved across the three competition of 32 teams,” said that. It’s about building a team down John McGinn’s free-kick. fi rst group game, had chances to the disappearance of the Cup be reached “before the end of competitions. With 48 sides a statement published by the and we’ve had the very hardest The same player then had the ball equalise, notably when Bekim Winners’ Cup. the year”. In a statement sent currently involved in the Eu- ECA. “A determining factor in tests possible,” McLeish said. in the net just before the interval, Balaj forced Allan McGregor into Agnelli, who is also on UEFA’s to AFP, European football’s ropa League group stage, that reaching this position was the “I’m really proud of the victory diverting Callum McGregor’s ef- a fi ne save. club competitions commit- governing body confirmed only would likely mean that com- need to enhance the overall tonight because we were un- fort past Thomas Strakosha, but But Scotland doubled their tee as well as being chairman that it is “constantly reviewing petition being reduced to 32 value of the competitions.” der pressure, everybody said we he was just off side and the fl ag lead on 68 minutes as Strakosha of Juventus, said at the ECA’s the format of its competitions teams, with the same number The Cup Winners’ Cup ran for must win, and we did.” came up. came for a corner and missed it, General Assembly in Split, and is looking at a variety of op- competing in the Champions almost 40 years before being Back in the job after a previ- With Southampton’s Stuart allowing Naismith to head into Croatia, yesterday day, that “the tions in this respect”. League group stage and the abandoned in 1999 at a time ous spell in 2007, McLeish faces Armstrong on at the interval, an empty net. Spirits have been ‘green light’ has been given to “UEFA is discussing various new competition. when the Champions League a huge challenge reviving his Scotland stepped things up after lifted, but a bigger test surely introduce a third competition... ideas within its club competi- “Following demands by was being expanded. side’s fortunes, and persuading the break and took the lead with- awaits Scotland in Israel next long-suff ering supporters to at- in two minutes of the restart. month. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 SPORT

NFL Jets maul Detroit Lions as Rams sink Raiders AFP ons veteran Matthew Staff ord, the Oakland Raiders 33-13 in Los Angeles who made 27 of 46 for 286 yards a hard-fought battle between but was intercepted four times. the California franchises. The “Story of the game’s turno- Rams, boasting an expensively ew York Jets quar- vers,” Staff ord said. “We had too assembled defense, were forced terback Sam Darnold many of them, I had too many of to come from behind against a bounced back from a them.” Raiders outfi t who shrugged off disastrous start to lead After edging into a 17-10 half- the shock trade of star linebacker hisN team to a 48-17 rout of the time lead, the Jets cut loose in Khalil Mack. Detroit Lions on Monday. the third quarter, piling on 31 Veteran Raiders running back Darnold, the talented 21-year- points to surge into a 48-17 lead Marshawn Lynch had the Oak- old rookie from California, threw heading into the fourth quarter. land crowd rocking after bull- an interception that was re- Detroit had tied it at 17-17 early dozing through several Rams turned for a touchdown with his in the third when Staff ord con- tacklers to score the game’s very fi rst pass attempt to give the nected with wide receiver Gold- opening touchdown in the fi rst Lions an early lead at Ford Field. en Tate for a 24-yard TD pass. quarter. But Rams quarterback But Darnold, picked third But the wheels began falling off Jared Goff hit Todd Gurley with a overall in this year’s draft, recov- for the Lions soon afterwards. 19-yard pass for a touchdown to ered brilliantly to lead the Jets Darnold connected with level the score. comeback. His game highlight Quincy Enunwa for his second The Raiders edged ahead 13- reel included one superb pin- touchdown pass of the night to 10 at the half thanks to two Mike point pass to Robby Anderson make it 24-17 before Darron Lee Nugent fi eld goals, but the Rams for a 41-yard touchdown in the picked off Staff ord to run in a 36- rattled off 23 unanswered second second quarter which helped yard interception for the score. half points as the hosts wilted. put the Jets ahead 17-7. The Jets Andre Roberts then sliced Goff found receiver Cooper quarterback fi nished with re- through the Lions’ coverage for Kupp in the end zone to round spectable fi gures of 198 yards a 78-yard punt return to stretch off a 58-yard drive, while Zuer- from 16 completions out of 21 the Jets’ lead before running back lein added two fi eld goals to put attempts, including two touch- Isaiah Crowell’s 62-yard gallop the Rams 23-13 ahead early in the downs. down the sidelines made it 48- fourth quarter. Darnold revealed later he had 17. The loss was a nightmare start A costly late interception from sought to forget his nightmare for new Lions coach Matt Patri- Raiders quarterback Derek Carr start as quickly as possible, cia, the highly rated former New then gifted the Rams another blaming early nerves for the in- England Patriots defensive guru long drive, with Zuerlein add- terception. who took over NFC North strug- ing his fourth fi eld goal to make “I was licking my chops a lit- glers in the close season. it 26-13. tle too much,” Darnold said. “But Carr’s miserable night then after that I put it behind me...I RAMS SINK RAIDERS got worse with Marcus Peters was like ‘Okay, here we go. Can’t In Monday’s other game, the grabbing an interception and re- get much worse than that.’” Los Angeles Rams turned on turning it to the end zone to seal It was a night to forget for Li- the off ensive power to subdue an emphatic win. New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold throws the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB FOCUS Britain’s Deng joins Timberwolves for Astros’ Verlander 15th NBA campaign

AFP Conference fi nals and in more New York than three seasons together from 2010-2014 averages 16.8 points and 6.2 rebounds. ritain’s Luol Deng has Deng credited Thibodeau for fans 10 in victorious signed a one-year NBA maximizing his talent into All- deal with the Minne- Star form, reaching the NBA All- sota Timberwolves, be- Star Game in 2012 and 2013. Bcoming the fourth former Chi- cago Bulls player to join ex-Bulls HEAT FINALISE DEAL TO coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad. BRING BACK HASLEM The 33-year-old South Suda- The Miami Heat made it offi cial nese-born forward,reportedly Monday night, bringing back return to Detroit set to make $2.4 million in his three-time NBA champion and 15th NBA campaign, spent his 15-year veteran Udonis Haslem ‘I knew it was diff erent than a regular in-season game. I didn’t know what to expect, really’ fi rst 9 1/2 league seasons with on a one-year deal. the Bulls before being traded to Haslem, 38, reportedly will Reuters Cleveland. play for the veteran’s minimum. Detroit Deng has also played for the He has spent his entire career Miami Heat and Los Angeles in Miami since joining the team Lakers, who waived him earlier undrafted out of Florida in 2003. ustin Verlander struck this month. “It’s great to have our captain out 10 in a triumphant Thibodeau now has former back,” Heat president Pat Ri- return to Comerica Chicago players Jimmy Butler, ley said in a statement. “We’re Park and the Houston Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose looking forward to having UD AstrosJ held on for a 3-2 vic- on the roster of a team jokingly back for his 16th season with the tory over the Detroit Tigers on dubbed the “Timberbulls.” Heat.” Monday night. Deng also joins a Minnesota Haslem played just 72 minutes The longtime Tigers ace lineup featuring center Deng in 14 games last season, totalling was making his fi rst start at Adel, a South Sudanese-born eight points, 10 rebounds and his former home park since Australian, and Senegalese for- fi ve assists. He has averaged 7.7 he was traded last season. He ward Gorgui Dieng. points and 6.8 rebounds in his gave up two runs on six hits Deng has averaged 15.0 points, career. Miami went 44-38 last while walking one in seven in- 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 season to earn the sixth seed in nings. steals a game in 880 appearances the Eastern Conference playoff s. Verlander (15-9) faced his over 14 NBA seasons. The Heat were eliminated by the former club for the fi rst time With Thibodeau and the Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers in fi ve games at Houston on July 15. He al- Deng reached the 2011 Eastern in the fi rst round. lowed four homers in a 6-3 loss just before the All-Star break. “Honestly I didn’t know Weber vows patience aft er knee surgery how I was going to feel,” Ver- lander said. “I knew it was dif- Montreal Canadiens defense- of the net. Weber has 501 career ferent than a regular in-sea- man Shea Weber hates the pos- points (189 goals, 312 assists) son game. I didn’t know what sibility that he might have to in 867 games. Nearly half of his to expect, really. Walking in sit out past the holiday season goals (90) have come on the from the bullpen, I’m usu- as he recovers from knee man advantage. ally pretty focused and in my surgery. Doctors performed arthro- zone. They started playing the But Weber said his frustration scopic surgery on Weber’s right tribute video and I couldn’t should not be confused with im- knee June 19 when they dis- help but stop and look at it patience. He knows that rushing covered a tear in his meniscus and just take a minute and just his return from the off season that required more extensive be out there with the fans and procedure could put his entire surgery. appreciate some moments season in jeopardy. “I thought I’d be ready for train- that we shared together the The 33-year-old spoke to report- ing camp and suddenly you last 13 years.” ers Monday during his team’s get told you’ll be out five to six Tyler White led Houston’s annual golf outing. months,” Weber said. off ense with two hits, a run “I hope to return earlier, but if “It’s a hard emotion to describe. scored and an RBI. Marwin it’s another four months, it’s There was a lot going through Gonzalez also drove in a run for another four months,” Weber my head. When you think you the Astros. Roberto Osuna re- said in comments published by are going to be out short term corded his seventh save since NHL.com. and you wake up to find out Houston acquired him from Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander pitches against Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (not pictured) in the second inning of “I’ve got to do what’s right for it’s long term, it was tough at Toronto. Nicholas Castellanos their MLB game at Comerica Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Images myself long term. For me to first trying to wrap my head and Dawel Lugo drove in the come back too soon and get around everything and be more Detroit runs. Francisco Liriano cape further damage. delario led off the inning with Meanwhile Trevor Story hurt again, that doesn’t help positive about getting back to (4-10) gave up three unearned Houston scored three un- a walk and moved to third homered to cap Colorado’s RESULTS anybody.” health. ... runs in six innings while re- earned runs in the third. when Christin Stewart, mak- six-run fi fth inning, David Weber also was hampered by “But I’m as eager to get back as cording seven strikeouts. George Springer drew a one- ing his major-league debut, Dahl hit his fi rst career grand Astros 3-2 Tigers injuries last season, when he I’ve ever been now and plan on Verlander gave up a two- out walk and reached second lined a single past second slam as part of a seven-run Rockies 13-2 D’backs tallied 16 points (six goals, 10 being around the team as much out double to Castellanos in on shortstop Rodriguez’s baseman Jose Altuve. Castel- seventh inning, and the Rock- Brewers 3-2 Cubs assists) in 26 games. as I can, even though I’m still the fi rst but retired cleanup fi elding error. A fi elder’s lanos’ sacrifi ce fl y made it 3-2. ies beat the Arizona Dia- He is entering his third season going to be out a few months. Braves 4-1 Giants hitter Victor Martinez on a choice put runners on the Detroit had a threat going mondbacks 13-2 on Monday with the Canadiens after I’m just going to try to be there popup. The Tigers pushed corners and Springer scored in the seventh when James night in Denver. Reds 10-6 Dodgers playing the first 11 seasons of and try to help out as much as across a run in the second on on a wild pitch. McCann slapped a one-out Charlie Blackmon, DJ Yankees 7-2 Twins his career with the Nashville I can. Lugo’s one-out RBI single. White’s RBI single put single and third baseman Alex LeMahieu and Tony Wolters Predators. “I want to be around as much as Rays 6-5 Indians Niko Goodrum led off the in- Houston on top. After an in- Bregman made a throwing er- each had three hits, and Ger- When healthy, Weber has possible without hampering my ning with a double and moved fi eld hit, Gonzalez drove in the ror on Lugo’s grounder. Ver- man Marquez turned in an- Cardinals 8-7 Pirates a booming slap shot that is recovery. When you’re injured to third on a Ronny Rodriguez third run with another single. lander then reared back and other strong outing to help Royals 4-3 White Sox particularly eff ective on the and you’re not around the team, infi eld hit. A line drive double The Tigers pulled within a struck out JaCoby Jones and the Rockies pad their lead in Rangers 5-2 Angels power play with traff ic in front you kind of feel disconnected.” play allowed Verlander to es- run in the sixth. Jeimer Can- Candelario swinging. the NL West. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 12, 2018 7 SPORT

CYCLING Kipchoge eyes marathon world record in Berlin Kenya’s Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge leaves for Berlin yesterday, with his sights trained on running his best ever race in the German capital on Sunday. Dennis clinches time trial The 33-year-old, widely seen as the greatest mara- thon runner of the modern era, has won almost every major marathon on the calendar, but the world record has eluded him. He was nevertheless cagey about his ambitions as Yates extends lead regarding the world record, currently held by AFP ginning and then gave whatever I had compatriot Dennis Kimetto, of 2:02:57 - recorded Madrid left so it was a good day, but we have a in Berlin in September 2014. long way to go.” “I am in good shape and feeling good. My training While Yates fi nished 1:28 behind has gone on well. I just want to run my personal ustralian Rohan Dennis of Dennis, red jersey rival Steven Kru- best, which stands at 2:03:05. If a world record BMC time-trialled to vic- ijswijk moved back into contention also happens, that will be good enough,” he tory on stage 16 of the Tour of for overall victory by fi nishing fourth, told Reuters from his Eldoret training ground, Spain yesterday as Britain’s 51sec behind the Australian. The 350km northwest of the Kenyan capital Nairobi SimonA Yates increased his overall lead Dutchman, who rides for Lotto-NL, yesterday. on rival Alejandro Valverde. has moved up to third overall at 1:15, “I am not thinking about the world record. My eyes Former individual pursuit specialist ahead of Colombian duo Nairo Quin- are on a personal best,” he said. Dennis clocked 37min 57sec to win the tana (Movistar) and Miguel Angel Kipchoge, who also won the world 5,000m title in stage, held on a rolling, 32km course be- Lopez (Astana). Paris in 2003, clocked his best marathon time in tween Santillana del Mar and Torrelave- Quintana conceded 1:19 to Kru- the London Marathon in 2016. ga. It was Dennis’s second stage win of ijswijk and 42secs to Yates, meaning His compatriot Sammy Kitwara, who will pace-run the ‘Vuelta’, after he also dominated the he drops to fourth overall, 1:15 adrift of for him on Sunday, said the field had been planned opening 8km time trial in Malaga and the lead. for a world record attempt. the perfect way to end his race. “I defended myself quite well, con- “Eliud will tackle the world record in a very tough Dennis confi rmed he would leave sidering my abilities,” said Quintana, field which includes (Wilson) Kipsang and (Zerse- the race so he can rest and prepare for who excels on steep climbs. “But I nay) Tadese (of Eritrea). It will be a tough race. the team time trial and individual time knew I was going to give up time. Eliud is going there to run for a world record,” the trial at the world championships later The mountain stages start tomorrow 32-year-old said at his training base in the Ngong this month. Although Mitchelton rider (Wednesday), it will be a key day so Hills just north of Nairobi. Yates increased his lead over 2009 let’s see what happens.” “He would have broken it last year, when I also champion Valverde to 33sec, the Eng- Dennis’s teammate Joseph Rosskopf paced for him, but conditions were too hostile - it Kipchoge has won World Marathon Majors series lishman will be poised for challenges and Team Sky’s Jonathan Castroviejo was too rainy and windy... We hope for the best runs in Chicago (2014), Berlin (2015 and 2017) and over the fi nal days of the race. were second and third fastest respec- this time. We have planned to pass the halfway London (2015, 2016 and 2018). “I’m happy with my result, I know tively in the time trial, with each still mark at between 61:15 to 61:20. He is hoping to run He was second to compatriot Wilson Kipsang I extended my lead, so as far as I’m 50 seconds behind the frontrunner. a world record of 2:02:40 or thereabouts,” he said. when the latter ran a then-world record time of concerned it’s a very good ride,” Yates The race continues on Wednesday Since debuting in the event in Hamburg in 2013, 2:03:23 in September 2013, also in Berlin. said. with stage 17, a 157km ride between BMC Racing Team’s Rohan Dennis celebrates after winning “I was quite conservative at the be- Getxo and Balcon de Bizkaia. the 16th stage of the Tour of Spain yesterday. (AFP)

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Asian Games mark signifi cant step Australia’s Folau for Qatar Triathlon Federation

By Sports Reporter lots of room for improvements, Doha and with his mindset, he can expected to return continue to improve consist- ently over the years. It’s a nly a year into its promising fi rst step in the right new mandate Qa- direction, not just for him, but tari Ebrahim al-Ro- for the next generation of Qa- maihi’s 26th place tari triathletes, where he will fiO nish marks signifi cant mo- lead the way, with the right ment both personally for him example” against Argentina and future of triathlon Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari, The Qatar Cycling and Tri- QCTF President, comments, ‘I enjoyed playing at the back but it will be great to have Izzy back, one of the world’s greatest players’ athlon Federation (QCTF), “Ebrahim’s participation which formally saw Triathlon marks the fi rst of what the Reuters included within its strategic Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Sydney focus a year ago, celebrated Federation hopes will be many a signifi cant moment at the elite senior and juniors par- beginning of September with ticipating at major champion- ustralia’s Dane Hay- Ebrahim al-Romaihi’s partici- ships. I congratulate the team lett-Petty expects to pation in the Asian Games. of coaches, co-ordinators, hand back the number Ebrahim, who was crowned administrators, local clubs 15 shirt to Israel Folau the 1st Qatari national cham- and event organisers that col- forA Saturday’s Rugby Champi- pion earlier this year, compet- lectively have worked so hard onship clash against Argentina ed in his fi rst major champi- to develop triathlon in Qatar after standing in for him at full- onship, fi nishing the Olympic to help make this possible. We back for the last two Tests. Distance Event in 2h13:34, to hope that working together, we Folau injured his ankle in last come 26th overall. can extend this success over month’s loss to New Zealand On his participation he the coming years and bring in Sydney, missing the return comments, “This was a very more young Qatari athletes to match against the All Blacks in good experience for me, I the international status”. Auckland - also a heavy defeat - learned a lot, and I’m more Professor Nasser al-Mo- as well as the Wallabies’ narrow motivated than ever, to rep- hannadi, QCTF Vice Presi- victory over South Africa last resent Qatar internationally dent, leading the triathlon week. in the future. I’m especially programmes, adds, “We hope Former rugby league inter- happy to have been competi- this success will inspire many national Folau pulled out of the tive with other athletes from more young Qatari’s with a Brisbane match at the last mo- the GCC, who train full time, passion for swimming, cycling ment but was back in training on while I have a full-time job. or running to make themselves Tuesday and looked on schedule Achieving a personal best time known to see if they have what to face the Pumas at the Robina is a bonus as well” it takes. Interested athletes Stadium on Saturday. The Federation’s Triathlon should email the federation “He was really close last coach Mat O’Halloran: “Ebra- to explore the possibility of week... and he’s returning to him had a very good race con- joining our development pro- contact slowly this week so I’m sidering his lack of experience gramme.” expecting he’ll play,” Haylett- in top-level International Tri- Interested young athletes Petty told reporters on the Gold athlon Union races compared can contact the federation by Coast. to the other athletes. There’s e-mailing [email protected] “I enjoyed playing at the back but it will be great to have Izzy back, one of the world’s greatest players.” Folau gave the Wallabies something extra, he added. “He’s a great fi nisher, he can make something out of nothing, he’s amazing in the air. Just the fi dence to win. Not the prettiest calmness (and) confi dence that of games but to be able to grind he brings to the boys around him, it out, there was a lot of heart in Reinforcements at hand for All Blacks ahead of Boks clash it’s always good to have someone that performance.” like that in your team,” he said. The three late withdrawals New Zealand could have a timely injection of fresh in the frame after being given a week off to get Haylett-Petty is likely to re- came after coach Michael Cheika legs for Saturday’s Rugby Championship match over concussion symptoms. Codie Taylor took his vert to the wing against Argen- had sprung a surprise by drop- against South Africa with midfielders Sonny Bill place in the side in Nelson. tina having initially been named ping Bernard Foley and putting Williams and Ryan Crotty cleared to play after Lock and former world player of the year Brodie in the number 14 shirt before Kurtley Beale in at fl yhalf to recovering from injuries. Retallick had yet to have a scan, Foster added, but Folau’s withdrawal. share the playmaking role with Williams, who missed the opening three matches, was expected to be out for up to six weeks after Folau was one of three play- inside centre Matt Toomua. was available after having a scan on his injured suff ering a shoulder injury in Saturday’s match. ers who pulled out of the match Assistant coach Stephen shoulder, said All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster, Hooker Dane Coles, who has missed the entire after the team had been named, Larkham thought the new pair- while fellow centre Crotty was also in contention season with a serious knee injury, was getting with loose forward David Pocock ing had worked well, even if the for the match in Wellington after being cleared of close to playing again. succumbing to a neck injury and team had not taken advantage a head knock that triggered concussion protocols. “He’s got that glint in his eye and he’s asking lock Adam Coleman withdraw- of the fi eld position they were “Sonny had his scan yesterday and he’s all clear, questions and looking for stuff - it’s nice to see,” ing for “family reasons”. given. ready to go, but he was sick this morning so he said Foster. The champions are riding a 15-match Haylett-Petty, who thought “It was a good combination, didn’t train, but the good news is his scan’s all winning streak in the tournament and will head Pocock also looked good to be Kurtley was very energetic when clear,” Foster told local media on Tuesday. into the match as heavy favourites against South available for Saturday, said the he got his hands on the ball and “He’s in contention to play, it’s just some bug or Africa, who lost 23-18 to a depleted Wallabies side fact that Australia had managed took a couple of opportunities to something.” in Brisbane last week and split their opening two a fi rst victory of the competi- run,” said the former Australia The pair’s return to fitness comes at just the right matches with Argentina. “Our whole mindset tion despite all the disruption fl yhalf. time for the world champions after inside centre when we’re preparing is based on an opposition showed great resilience. “If I look at the playmaking Ngani Laumape was ruled out for the next two to who can play at their best,” added Foster. “The boys had to make chang- role in the team, I thought they three weeks. Laumape suff ered a knee ligament “We know that they’re a very good team. We saw es on the run and adapt,” he did a fantastic job with getting strain in the All Blacks’ 46-24 win over Argentina in them play in June and beat a very good England added. us into the 22 and then as a whole Nelson on Saturday. Flanker Sam Cane is also back team 2-1. Qatar’s Ebrahim al-Romaihi making his way along the 10km run “I think it gave us a lot of con- team we can do better in that 22.” course towards the finish of the 2018 Asian Games Triathlon event.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 GULF TIMES TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT Tennis umpires to consider forming union following Serena storm

By Sean Ingle means many are reluctant to say around on and off for years, as a The Guardian anything for fear of losing their matter of urgency. One source, jobs. However one senior fi g- who has been privy to some of ure said that privately there was the discussions, said: “Umpires op tennis umpires are widespread concern about how don’t have any independent considering forming a the USTA and WTA had rushed means of representation and are union because they be- to support Williams – which had employed by the governing bod- lieve Carlos Ramos was led to vitriol and abuse on social ies. If talking to the media is not T“hung out to dry” by the au- media for Ramos. “There is a lot allowed, and governing bodies thorities during and after the US of unhappiness in the umpir- are speaking out against them, Open women’s fi nal despite up- ing community because no one what are umpires supposed to holding the rules in sanctioning is standing up for offi cials,” the do?” Serena Williams. senior fi gure said. “Umpires keep On Monday the International Many offi cials were also left asking: ‘What if it was me in that Tennis Federation, for whom Ra- angry with the fact that the In- chair on Saturday?’ There is a mos is a contracted “gold badge” ternational Tennis Federation widespread feeling that Carlos umpire, belatedly issued a state- took nearly 48 hours to defend was hung out to dry for nearly 48 ment to support his handling of Ramos, on Monday afternoon, hours and that no one is standing the fi nal. It confi rmed that, un- by which time the Women’s up for offi cials.” der the grand slam rulebook, all Tennis Association (WTA) and In the absence of any offi cial three violations he issued against United States Tennis Associa- support for Ramos until Monday, Williams – following the three- tion (USTA) had supported Wil- it was left to two former senior step penalty process of warn- liams’s claims of sexism after she umpires, Mike Morrissey and Ri- ing-point-game – were correct. was given a game penalty for her chard Ings, to publicly defend the “Carlos Ramos is one of the most behaviour during her defeat by Portuguese offi cial. “I have had experienced and respected um- Naomi Osaka. lots of messages saying this is a pires in tennis,” the statement Umpires are not allowed to joke,” said one source. “There is a said. “Mr Ramos’s decisions were speak out publicly under the lot of anger out there.” in accordance with the relevant terms of their contracts, and are That has led to several umpires rules and were reaffi rmed by the employed by grand slams and privately pushing for an offi cials’ US Open’s decision to fi ne Ms men’s and women’s tours, which union, an idea that has fl oated Williams for the three off ences.”

OPINION ROUND-UP Nadal’s absence Navratilova tells changes everything, says France Davis Cup skipper Noah Serena: Even if guys AFP Lille, France

rance Davis Cup captain Yannick Noah says world number one Rafael Nad- do it, it’s wrong al’s absence from Spain’s teamF in this weekend’s semi-fi - nal “changes everything”. ‘In fact, this is the sort of behavior that no one should be engaging in on the court’ The 17-time Grand Slam champion has helped Spain AFP capture the annual trophy four New York times, in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011, but was ruled out of facing Spain’s Rafael Nadal was ruled Noah’s titleholders in Lille with out of facing Davis Cup artina Navratilova, an 18- a knee injury. The long-standing titleholders France in the time Grand Slam singles problem fl ared up again at the semi-finals a knee injury. (AFP) champion, says Serena Wil- US Open when Nadal had to re- liams was wrong in her out- tire trailing two sets to love in ond player to qualify for next Mburst at the US Open women’s fi nals his semi-fi nal against Juan del month’s season-ending WTA Fi- even though she agreed there is a double Potro last week. “As a tennis fan nals in Singapore, the WTA said standard. Writing in an opinion article I’m disappointed that he won’t on Monday. for the New York Times, the 61-year- be there,” Noah told a press con- Kerber, 30, who won the third old Czech-born American said a higher ference at Lille’s Stade Pierre- Grand Slam title of her career standard needed to be observed when Mauroy yesterday. “As a cap- at Wimbledon this year, joins Williams called chair umpire Carlos Ra- tain, it changes everything for top-ranked Simona Halep who mos a “thief” and was penalised a key the match. The set-up is totally booked her place in the event in game in the second set. diff erent, especially in terms of August. On the WTA Race, Petra “We cannot measure ourselves by what preparation. When Nadal plays, Kvitova is third followed by the we think we should also be able to get it’s almost (a certain) two points US Open champion Naomi Osa- away with,” Navratilova wrote. “In fact, for Spain. Now, that changes and ka and Caroline Wozniacki. Elina this is the sort of behavior that no one we have to adapt to it.” Svitolina, Sloane Stephens and should be engaging in on the court.” With world number 55 Albert Kiki Bertens complete the top 8. Williams, who was thwarted in her Ramos-Vinolas stepping in to “I have many memories of bid for a record-tying 24th Slam singles replace the Spanish star Noah competing in Singapore, espe- crown in losing to Japan’s Naomi Osaka, accepts that “of course we’ve got cially reaching the fi nal in 2016 said she was punished for saying some- more chance”. But he cautioned: and I’m excited to be back and thing where men have said far worse “On paper the Spanish team are play in front of the amazing without incurring such a penalty. “Sere- still better than ours.” fans,” Kerber told the WTA web- na Williams has part of it right. There is a Joining Ramos for Spain are site. WTA Finals will take place huge double standard for women when it Pablo Carreno Busta (21st in the at the Singapore Sports Hub comes to how bad behavior is punished — world), Roberto Bautista Agut from October 21-28. and not just in tennis,” Navratilova said. (26), Feliciano Lopez (74) and This is the fi fth year that world Marcel Granollers (101). Repre- number three Kerber has quali- senting France are Lucas Pouille fi ed for the WTA Finals, most (19), Richard Gasquet (24), Benoit recently appearing in 2016 when Paire (54), Nicolas Mahut (150) she posted a 3-0 record in the Serena Williams was fined $17,000 for her outburst during a controversial US Open final loss to Japan’s Naomi Osaka. (AFP) and Julien Benneteau (57). Spain group stage and reached the fi - skipper Sergi Bruguera agree with nal, falling to Dominika Cibulk- “But in her protests... she also got part mos she hadn’t taken any signals. discretion.” Noah that Nadal’s absence has a ova in the championship match. of it wrong. I don’t believe it’s a good Williams later smashed her racquet, Matters escalated and Williams called massive bearing on the complex- Her fi rst two appearances at the idea to apply a standard of, if men can get resulting in a code violation and a point Ramos a “thief,” incurring the crucial ion of the Lille semi-fi nal. year-end event were in Istanbul, away with it, women should be able to, deduction, which she argued over with game penalty. “It changes a lot, it changes Turkey, in 2012 and 2013, and too. Rather, I think the question we have Ramos. “Ramos, eff ectively, had no “It’s diffi cult to know, and debatable, everything, but it is like it is, and also Singapore in 2015. to ask ourselves is this: What is the right choice but to dock her a point,” Navrati- whether Ms. Williams could have gotten we have a very good team all the The top eight singles players at way to behave to honour our sport and to lova said. “It was here that Ms. Williams away with calling the umpire a thief if she same. “We’ll fi ght and see what the $7mn prize money event will respect our opponents?” really started to lose the plot. She and Mr. were a male player,” Navratilova wrote. happens,” Bruguera said. face off in a round-robin format Williams was issued a warning for Ramos were, in eff ect, talking past each “But to focus on that, I think, is missing with the winner taking home the coaching, something her coach sitting in other. She was insisting that she doesn’t the point. If, in fact, the guys are treated KERBER SEALS Billie Jean King Trophy. The top the stands, Patrick Mouratoglou, admit- cheat — completely believable, but be- with a diff erent measuring stick for the SPOT IN WTA FINALS eight doubles teams will com- ted to doing. Williams was unhappy at sides the point — while he was making a same transgressions, this needs to be Former world number one An- pete for the Martina Navratilova Martina Navratilova the violation call and complained to Ra- call over which he, at that point, had little thoroughly examined and must be fi xed.” gelique Kerber became the sec- Trophy.

AUSTRALIAN CARTOONIST UNDER FIRE FOR SERENA SKETCH IN NEWSPAPER

Sydney: An Australian cartoonist pion smashed her racquet and called just let her win?”. and turning a second great sports- Serena Williams cartoon shows the 20th centuries,” commentator Michael faced withering criticism yesterday for the umpire a “thief” and a “liar”. She Knight, who has a reputation for woman into a faceless prop.” world has gone too PC & misunder- Cavna wrote. portraying tennis superstar Serena Wil- was deducted a point and received controversial cartoons, was pilloried Knight responded to the criticism stands the role of news media cartoons Other US media pointed out that liams using — what Harry Potter author a US$17,000 fine, stirring the tennis from far and wide for his portrayal — by pointing out that he had drawn an and satire,” he said. “Poor behaviour in Osaka was portrayed as petite and JK Rowling described as — “racist and world and sparking a broader debate including by a member of the US Con- unflattering portrayal of Australian any sport needs to be called out.” feminine with jet blonde straight hair sexist tropes”. Mark Knight’s carica- about double standards toward men gress and a large portion of the 22,000 male tennis star Nick Kyrgios “behav- The Washington Post ran a searing — in real life she has dark curly hair ture, published in Melbourne’s Herald and women in the sport. people who commented on his Twitter ing badly”. “Don’t bring gender into it post about Knight’s cartoon, calling it with blonde streaks and is taller than Sun newspaper on Monday, showed a In Knight’s cartoon, Williams was post showing the drawing. when it’s all about behaviour,” he said. “racist” and reminiscent of the era of Williams. butch and fat-lipped Williams throwing seen jumping up and down having The detractors included author Michael Miller, executive chair- racial segregation in the United States. Australia is a highly multicultural a temper tantrum at the US Open. spat out a dummy as the umpire asks JK Rowling, who said: “Well done on man of News Corp Australasia, which “Knight draws facial features country, but also sees frequent public In the midst of losing Saturday’s Haitian-Japanese tournament winner reducing one of the greatest sports- publishes the Herald Sun, defended his reflecting the dehumanizing Jim Crow dust-ups about the use of racially and final, the 23-time Grand Slam cham- 20-year-old Naomi Osaka “can’t you women alive to racist and sexist tropes cartoonist. “Criticism of Mark Knight’s caricatures so common in the 19th and sexually loaded language.