SPORT Sunday 28 October 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 29 Dhoni dropped from Qatar seek T20 series against Thailand scalp Windies, Australia to seal WC spot Kidney stone no bother as Biles shines in Doha

FAWAD HUSSAIN brings a little bit of pressure, but THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Jana Elkeky during floor exercise qualification round, yesterday. it’s mostly from myself because PICTURES: SYED OMAR I have higher expectations for DOHA: Legend Oksana Chuso- myself. It definitely felt different vitina describes Simone Biles as (from the 2017 Worlds). I felt a phenomenon ‘who is born more confidence and I came once in 100 years’, and the with the experience from last reigning Olympic champion year,” said the Team US star. from America once again After the opening day of proved that yesterday in Doha. two-day women qualification Less than 24 hours before round, USA was leading the launching her campaign at the Team event with 174.429 fol- 48th edition of Artistic Gym- lowed by Japan (162.180) and nastics World Championships Germany (161.071). Doha 2018 at Aspire Dome, Biles The only event yesterday was in hospital with a kidney where Biles was behind was the stone, yet she marked her inter- Uneven Bars, which was dom- national return successfully out- inated by two-time European smarting her opponents on the champion Derwael Nina of opening day of women’s qual- Belgium with 15.066 points. ification rounds. Vault, Balance Beam and Floor. and I was like, ‘Tomorrow. We Biles followed on second with The 10-time world “I think tonight went pretty have practice in the morning. I 14.866. champion took a strong lead in well overall. I had a little have to leave.’ They asked, ‘Are Also yesterday, Uzbekistan’s All-Around competition and led mistake on bars but I kept it you still going to compete?’ And 43-year-old Oksana, seeking three out of four individual going. I think, for the rest, I tried I said, ‘Yes, I’m leaving’. her 8th Olympics participation, apparatus besides helping Team to stay as calm as possible and “We’re calling it (kidney also looked set to qualify for USA taking lead with spec- to relax,” Biles said yesterday. stone) ‘Doha Pearl’ because it’s Vault final after finishing the tacular performances particu- On competing despite quite large and I don’t think I’ll qualification third with 14.200 larly in vault, marking 15.966. having been diagnosed with a pass this one, but we’ll see.” points. In All-Around, Biles earned kidney stone on Friday, she said: Defending All-Around “I don’t know why, but I was a total of 60.965 to dominate the “I was in the ER last night and champion Morgan was happy really worried this time,” said event with a lead of over 4 came back at around 1am. I with her start in the event. the seven-time Olympian. points against her team-mate found out I had a kidney stone, “I think I did really well and Qatar’s Jana Elkeky also and defending champion Hurd so we’re going from there. The I’m pretty proud of myself. My competed and impressed fans Morgan, who is second with pain is pretty OK right now, so goal is just to achieve the best I with a good performance. Simone Biles competes in the 56.465 points. Japan’s Murakami that’s good.” can do. I think it went great. The women’s qualification women’s balance beam at Mai is third with 55.632. Biles “The doctors were asking “(Being a defending ends today with China and Aspire Dome, yesterday. was also leading in individual me, ‘When’s your competition?’ champion) I definitely think it Russia to start their campaign. Malaysia’s Eain Yow stuns home hero Tamimi

ARMSTRONG VAS in the second round of a major Qatar’s Abdullah Al Tamimi (left) in action against Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng during the first round of THE PENINSULA event for the first time in his the 2018 Qatar Classic at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. The former career. world junior champion defeated the home favourite 11-3, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5. PICTURE: IBRAHIM KUTTY DOHA: Former world junior “I knew coming into it champion Malaysia’s today it would be tough to play 20-year-old Eain Yow Ng him in his home town so I just pulled off a stunning win over told myself that there was no Qatar’s Abdullah Al Tamimi to pressure and to relax and enjoy seal one of the biggest victories the match,” said Eain, who led of his career in round one of Malaysia to a Gold medal the 2018 Qatar Classic. finish at the Asian Games Yesterday at the Khalifa Team Championship. International Tennis and “He’s a very talented and Squash Complex, Eain, who tricky player, so I just had to was competing in any PSA play basic, keep the ball tight World Tour Platinum event for and stay focused. I knew there the second time, knocked out would be pressure on him and the home favourite and World in the first game I could see No.24 in 40 minutes on a day he was a bit slow of the mark that saw all three Qatari players and I tried to take advantage crash out of the tournament. of that and the first game was The Malaysian won 11-3, very important. 8-11, 11-9, 11-5 to seal a place “I fought back very well in the second round Taking on in the third game after being the talented Tamimi in his own down and I just kept focusing back yard, Eain embraced the on trying to play good squash underdog role and attacked instead of getting sucked into without fear from the off. his type of game. I believed Playing with a relaxed, com- that I could do it and it paid QATAR CLASSIC: YESTERDAY’S RESULTS posed manner the World No.42 off for me at the end. will go up against former of six players to narrowly ball to triumph in another FIRST ROUND took the game to the local man, “To win this match means World Champion and 2016 come through in five games five-game battle with Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) bt [WC] Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 11-7 forcing errors from the racket a lot to me as well because tournament winner Karim and secure a place in the Welshman Peter Creed. Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt Chris Simpson (ENG) 3-1: 5-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-4 of a nervous Tamimi to take the I’ve fallen short at the major Abdel Gawad in the second second round of the PSA Egypt’s World No.45 Greg Lobban (SCO) bt Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 3-2: 5-11, 11-7, 9-11, 13-11, 11-5 opening game for the loss of events previously and have round while Qatari wildcards World Tour Platinum event, Karim Ali Fathi also produced Raphael Kandra (GER) bt Arturo Salazar (MEX) 3-2: 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3 just three points. struggled to get to the main Abdulrahman Al-Malki and with the 27-year-old coming a surprise win on the opening Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt Peter Creed (WAL) 3-2: 7-11, 11-5, 5-11, 12-10, 11-8 Tamimi, currently at a draws so wining today and Syed Azlan Amjad also bowed from behind to see off day of action as he secured a Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Alan Clyne (SCO) 3-0: 11-6, 11-6, 12-10 career high ranking, looked to getting into the second round out at the first round courtesy Mexican Arturo Salazar in a 3-0 victory over France’s Tom Richards (ENG) bt Mohamed Reda (EGY) 3-2: 9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 have found his rhythm as he for the first time is big for me. of straight-game defeats at thrilling encounter. World No.31 Gregoire Marche Borja Golan (ESP) bt Nathan Lake (ENG) 3-2: 10-12, 11-2, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4 levelled the scores. But the Playing against players like the hands of Australian Kandra, playing at a while Mazen Hesham, Greg Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [WC] Abdulrahman Al-Malki (QAT) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 George Parker (ENG) bt Campbell Grayson (NZL) 3-1: 12-10, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8 errors began to flow once again Karim Gawad, who’s someone Cameron Pilley - who yes- career high ranking of 19, was Lobban, Adrian Waller, Tom Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-1: 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5 in the third game, with NG I have looked up to, is the sort terday celebrated his 36th off the pace to start with but Richards, Borja Golan, George Joel Makin (WAL) bt Rex Hedrick (AUS) 3-2: 8-11, 11-5, 13-11, 8-11, 11-3 happy to profit and re-establish of thing that every player birthday - and Hong Kong’s managed to turn the match Parker, Mathieu Castagnet, Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) 3-1: 11-3, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5 his lead. He then came from works for so I’m excited to Tsz Fung Yip. around and prevail against Declan James and Joel Makin Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, 11-7 behind in the fourth game to just give it everything I’ve got Earlier, German number the dangerous Salazar - who’s were the other winners on the Declan James (ENG) bt Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) 3-0: 11-1, 11-5, 11-8 seal the win and book a place and see what happens.” Eain two Raphael Kandra was one brother Cesar saved match day. Leo Au (HKG) bt Ben Coleman (ENG) 3-1: 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-3 28 SPORT SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018

Eriksson takes Philippine QSL: Al Ahli stun Al Sadd 4-1 manager’s job THE PENINSULA Luciano Vazquez scored for Action from the QNB Stars League AFP Al Shahania in the 32nd minute, match between Umm Salal and Al DOHA: Al Ahli defeated Al Sadd a lead that was neutralised by 4-1 in Week 10 of the QNB Stars Shahania in Doha yesterday. Umm Salal through Yannick MANILA: Former England League at the Al Ahli Stadium Sagbo’s penalty conversion in the manager Sven-Goran yesterday. 72nd minute. Eriksson has been hired to Omid Ibrahimi led from the Umm Salal moved to 15 lead the Philippine football front with two goals, in the fifth points and Al Shahania 11. team following the surprise and 63rd minutes, as Al Ahli Both teams created chances departure of Three Lions cruised to their fifth victory that right throughout in the fast- football great Terry Butcher took their points tally to 15 paced game. earlier this year. points. Umm Salal had a slight edge Philippine team manager Abdelrahman Mohammed in ball possession and Mahmoud Dan Palami said the Swede (21st minute) and Mohammed Al Mawas then hit wide of the would coach the Azkals in Muntari (34th-min penalty) were mark. next month’s AFF Suzuki Cup the other scorers. However, it was Al Shahania and the Asian Cup in January. Algerian striker Baghdad who took the lead past the half- “One of the legendary Bounedjah converted from the hour mark. Luciano rose above coaches of all time, coach penalty spot in the 52nd minute the challenge of Mohammed Sven-Goran Eriksson will be for Al Sadd’s consolation goal. Kassola to nod home a cross by coaching the Azkals for the Al Ahli earned the penalty Kesse Amangoua from the right. Suzuki Cup and the Asian when Pedro Miguel fouled Omid, It was the Argentinian striker’s Cup,” Palami said in a video while that of Al Sadd was fourth goal in the campaign. posted on the team’s Twitter awarded after Majed Mohammed Al Shahania suffered a page. tripped Boualem Khoukhi. setback when Luciano received “He will be a great The Brigadiers opened the his marching orders from referee addition to the team and I’m scoring through an opportunistic Mohammed Al Shammari for a sure the players will learn a strike by Omid who took Doha. Meshaal Barshim guarding and all tried hard, but Al Sadd standing in for injured regular lunging foul on Adil Rhaili inside lot from him.” The contract advantage of a defensive blunder the Al Sadd goal in place of had a bad day out in their custodian Yazan Naim. the box and they had to play terms of Eriksson, 70, have made by Khoukhi. injured first-choice goalkeeper campaign. In the process, Al Sadd 20-odd minutes with a not been disclosed. Al Sadd did not seem to have Saad Al Dossari did not help their The defeat dealt a serious slipped to third in the QNB Stars numerical disadvantage. He fills a void left by the psychologically recovered from cause either. blow to Al Sadd’s title hopes as League standings as Al Rayyan Ivorian striker Sagbo con- abrupt departure of Butcher, their defeat to Iran’s Persepolis Moroccan midfielder they stayed on 17 points, five moved to third with 18 points verted the resultant penalty to who resigned as head coach in the AFC Champions League Mohsine Moutaoli, Muntari, behind leaders Al Duhail who after their win over Al Sailiya. take his goals’ tally in this sea- in August without ever taking semifinal despite drawing the Omid and Ali Qaderi mainly moved to 22 points following Meanwhile, Al Shahania and son’s QNB Stars League to seven charge of a single Azkals second-leg match in Tehran 1-1. excelled for Al Ahli. their 4-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat. Umm Salal played out a 1-1 draw goals. The stalemate continued match. The Wolves lost out 1-2 on Xavi Hernandez, Gabi Fern- Al Ahli owed it to goalkeeper at the Al Arabi Stadium in the six-minute stoppage time Butcher lasted less than aggregate, having lost 0-1 in andez, Bounedjah, Hamed Ismail Ivan Rodrigues who was yesterday. too. 50 days in the job.

Finch named Australia’s Hope and Nurse help new ODI skipper Windies level series AFP AFP SCOREBOARD West Indies: India: SYDNEY: Aaron Finch was PUNE: ’s 95 and a K Powell c Sharma b Bumrah ...... 21 R Sharma b Holder ...... 8 named Australia’s new brilliant all-round performance C Hemraj c Dhoni b Bumrah ...... 15 S Dhawan lbw b Nurse ...... 35 one-day yesterday by Ashley Nurse helped West S Hope b Bumrah ...... 95 V Kohli b Samuels ...... 107 ahead of their upcoming Indies stun India by 43 runs in M Samuels c Dhoni b Ahmed ...... 9 A Rayudu b McCoy ...... 22 series against South Africa, the third one-day international S Hetmyer st Dhoni b Yadav ...... 37 R Pant c Hope b Nurse ...... 24 with Test skipper Tim Paine yesterday as the tourists levelled R Powell c Sharma b Yadav ...... 4 MS Dhoni c Hope b Holder ...... 7 and his deputy Mitch Marsh the series at 1-1. J Holder c sub (Jadeja) b Kumar ...... 32 B Kumar c R Powell b McCoy ...... 10 K Yadav () ...... 15 axed. Skipper ’s record F Allen c Pant b Chahal ...... 5 A Nurse lbw b Bumrah ...... 40 Y Chahal c sub (Paul) b Roach ...... 3 The explosive batsman is third successive went K Roach (not out) ...... 15 K Ahmed st Hope b Samuels ...... 3 already in charge of the in vain as India were bowled out O McCoy (not out) ...... 0 J Bumrah c Holder b Samuels ...... 0 Twenty20 team and takes for 240 in 47.4 overs while Extras (B1, LB4, W5) ...... 10 Extras (LB1, W5) ...... 6 over from Paine who chasing 284 in Pune. Total (9 wkts) ...... 283 Total (all out) ...... 240 averaged just 7.2 in Australia’s Nurse took two crucial Fall of : 1-25, 2-38, 3-55, 4-111, 5-121, Fall of wickets: 1-9 (), 2-88, 3-153, 4-172, 5-194, 5-0 ODI series rout by wickets with his after 6-197, 7-217, 8-227, 9-283 6-215, 7-220, 8-225, 9-237, 10-240 England in June. his 22-ball 40 guided the tourists Bowling: Kumar 10-0-70-1 (w2), Bumrah 10-1-35- Bowling: Roach 10-0-48-1, Holder 9-0-46-2 (w3), Spin veteran Nathan Lyon to 283-9. Hope top-scored for 4 (w2), Ahmed 10-0-65-1 (w1), Chahal 10-1-56-1, McCoy 5-0-38-2 (w1), Nurse 10-0-43-2 (w1), Allen was another notable West Indies during his 113-ball Yadav 10-0-52-2 10-0-52-0, Samuels 3.4-1-12-3 omission, although Shaun knock. Marsh kept his place despite In reply India lost wickets at behind for seven as India slipped But after scoring his 38th a dire recent Test series regular intervals with only Kohli to 215-6. ODI century in his 214th ODI he against Pakistan in the United holding the fort during his 119- Kohli, who came into the saw his stumps rattled by Arab Emirates. ball 107 before being bowled by match at the back of his 140 and Samuels with India needing Alex Carey and Josh part-time spinner Marlon 157 not out in the first and another 64 runs. Hazlewood were appointed Samuels. second match, made 107 to Samuels soon disposed off joint vice-captains in a West Indies bowler Ashley Samuels took three wickets become the first Indian batsman the Indian lower-order, 14-man squad that sees the Nurse celebrates after taking the with his off spin while skipper to hit three back-to-back ODI returning figures of 3-12 in his return of fast bowlers Mitchell of India batsman Shikhar and fellow tons. 3.4 overs. Starc and . Dhawan during the third one-day paceman Obed McCoy also Nicknamed King Kohli, the Earlier, Indian fast bowler “It’s very exciting. I’m international (ODI) match at the picked two wickets each to prolific -getter carried on returned very humbled, very honoured Cricket Association flatten India’s chase. from where he left off in Visa- impressive figures of 4-35 to to lead the side and lead Aus- Stadium in Pune, yesterday. Holder bowled opener Rohit khapatnam when he became the dent the opposition with tralia,” Finch said, welcoming Sharma for eight and later got quickest to reach 10,000 ODI regular strikes but Hopes and having a bowler as his deputy. Mahendra Singh Dhoni caught runs in his 205th innings. Nurse had other ideas. “I think it’s really important to have the voice of the bowlers there as well... a lot of the time batters are in INDIAN TEAMS leadership roles and bowlers are neglected in terms of that Dhoni dropped from T20 series India’s squad for T20I series against the and it’s almost an ‘us versus West Indies: them’ at times.” Rohit Sharma (captain), , National selector Trevor against West Indies, Australia Lokesh Rahul, , Manish Pandey, Hohns said the leadership , (wicket-keeper), decisions were based on pres- AFP , Washington Sundar, Yuzven- entations the players made, squads. Meanwhile, skipper Tests in 2014 and then relin- dra Chahal, , Bhuvneshwar their vision for Australian Virat Kohli has been rested quished the limited-overs Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, cricket and their actions on NEW DELHI: Mahendra for the three T20 matches captaincy in 2017. , Shahbaz Nadeem and off the field. Singh Dhoni has been against West Indies starting The first of three T20 India’s squad for T20I series against “We expect Aaron, Josh dropped from India’s November 4 in and matches in Australia will be Australia: and Alex to lead the side Twenty20 teams for the will return for the Australia played in Brisbane on Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-cap- through a big Australian home series against West series. November 21 before the tain), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas summer... they’ll also be Indies and the tour of Emerging wicketkeeper- teams move to four Tests Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh driving our standards and Australia, it was announced batsman Rishabh Pant and and four one-day Pant (wicket-keeper), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzven- values as we prepare our after selectors revealed the Dinesh Karthik have been internationals. dra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pan- defence of the World Cup, squads yesterday. named in both the T20 The Indian selectors dya, , Jasprit Bumrah, which is only seven months The 37-year-old Dhoni squads with a possible eye have included batsman Umesh Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed away,” he said. has been the team’s on grooming Dhoni’s Rohit Sharma and opener India’s Test squad for series against Aus- “We believe the squad we mainstay after making his successor. Murali Vijay for the Test tralia: have selected will give us a mark as a wicketkeeper- Dhoni has represented matches starting December Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Ra- great opportunity to not only batsman and later as leader India in 90 Tests, 329 6 in Adelaide. hul, Prithvi Shaw, , Ajinkya be competitive at home this in all the three formats. ODIs and 93 T20 matches Wicketkeeper-batsman Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rohit summer, but it also allows us But Dhoni, who led India since making his debut in is also part of Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), to start to build continuity to its inaugural World T20 2004 in a one-day game the 18-member Test squad Parthiv Patel (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, leading into next year’s tour- triumph in 2007 and the against Bangladesh in while injured all rounder Indian wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh , Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed

nament.” Finch, Marsh, Travis 50-over World Cup title in Chittagong. has still not Dhoni successfully stumps out West Indies Shami, , Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Head and 2011, finds his name missing The player once dubbed recovered to feature in the in Pune, yesterday. spearhead the batting. in the 16-member T20 “Captain Cool” retired from team. SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 29 Qatar seek Thailand scalp to seal U-20 WC spot THE PENINSULA

JAKARTA: With today’s AFC U-19 Championship quarter-final between Qatar and Thailand looming large on the horizon, qual- ifying for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup is providing motivation aplenty according to the Al Annabi’s coach Bruno Pinheiro. The top four sides in Indonesia will guarantee themselves a ticket to the global extravaganza in Poland, leaving both Group A winners Qatar and Thailand, who finished as runners-up in Group B, potentially just 90 minutes away from the prospect of rubbing shoulders with the game’s finest. Pinheiro believes the chance to qualify for the event will only spur his youngsters on to succeed. “We are happy to be still Qatari under-19 players in action during a practice session in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday, aheadeaad of theirtheeirr AFCAFFCC involved at this stage of the com- U-19 quarter-final match against Thailand which will be played today. petition, and of course we want to progress even further, initially to qualify for the U-20 World Cup,” what they are used to doing. As we qualify for the U-20 World Cup,” “We have reboundedundedd wwellelll afafterftet r he said. saw when we played against Indo- Pinheiro said. our defeat in the first mamatch,”ttch,” dedeclaredclara eedd “Having the chance to go the nesia, we were playing very well After losing their opening group the Portuguese tactician.cianan. World Cup will, I hope, be moti- but suddenly we became afraid to stage fixture to the United Arab “As you saw inn tthehe lastlasast gagameammee vation enough for my team against play our normal style. Emirates, Qatar responded by against Chinese Taipei,TTaippei, wewe hhadadad Qatar Thailand.” “Such a big game should be a winning their next two matches great possessionn andandd playedplayeyed Under-19 “Sometimes when there is a motivation though. Hopefully, we against host nation Indonesia and without fear, somethingthhinng whichwhw ici h cancaan coach Bruno need to win, players become afraid will have the answers and what it Chinese Taipei – an upturn in only stand us in goodod ststeadeaead ahaheadeaad Pinheiro to do what they are meant to, or takes to both win the match and fortune that has pleased Pinheiro. of our quarter-final,”,” PPinheiroinheiri o sasaid.aidd. Mane nets 50th goal as Liverpool go top AFP Alberto Moreno pass, he smashed a shot into the top LONDON: Sadio Mane scored corner. twice as Liverpool took But Liverpool’s hopes of a advantage of their title rivals’ club record 10th successive inactivity to go three points clear home clean sheet were dashed at the top of the Premier League in the 77th minute when Callum with a 4-1 win at home to Cardiff Paterson turned in a cross yesterday as Bournemouth and deflected by Reds defender Watford both continued their Virgil van Dijk. fine starts to the season. However, two goals inside Liverpool were the only club the final 10 minutes from sub- who started the weekend among stitute Xherdan Shaqiri and the top five in action on Sat- Mane put the result beyond urday, with reigning champions doubt. Manchester City not facing Tot- Bournemouth closed on tenham Hotspur until Monday. fifth-placed Tottenham with a Meanwhile midweek 3-0 win away to Fulham. European commitments also Callum Wilson won and then meant that Chelsea, like City and scored a 14th-minute penalty Liverpool yet to lose in the after he was brought down by Premier League this season, Timothy Fosu-Mensah. were playing Burnley on David Brooks then scored Sunday, when in-form Arsenal his third goal in four games to travel to Crystal Palace and double the Cherries’ lead in the Manchester United welcome 72nd minute. Everton to Old Trafford. Minutes later, Fulham’s day Mohamed Salah, now went from bad to worse when putting a stuttering start to the captain Kevin McDonald was season behind him, fired Liv- sent off for a second bookable erpool into a 10th-minute lead. offence following a late chal- Sadio Mane scores Liverpool’s fourth goal against Cardiff City during their English Premier League match which took place at Anfield, From a cross into the Cardiff lenge on Brooks. Liverpool, Britain yesterday. Mane also became the seventh African player to score 50 goals at Premier League. box, Mane’s shot was blocked Wilson rounded out Bourne- by Sean Morrison but Egypt mouth’s victory when he scored forward Salah pounced on the his second goal five minutes deadlock in the 10th minute more dire defending by the vis- Defeat dropped Hudders- taken off after suffering con- rebound for his 33rd goal in 35 from time at Craven Cottage. with a superb solo effort, col- itors allowed Gerard Deulofeu field to the bottom of the table cussion against Newcastle last games at Anfield. Watford were far too strong lecting the ball out wide on the to dribble past Chris Lowe, beat after Newcastle, previously week, returned to score his But as long as the lead was for Huddersfield in a 3-0 win at left and beating six Huddersfield another attempted challenge propping up the division, 100th goal for the Seagulls in a just 1-0, Cardiff were still in the Vicarage Road. defenders as he cut inside before and then score from a tight managed a point in a goalless 1-0 win at home to Wolves. game. They were 2-0 up inside 19 shooting from the edge of the angle 15 yards out. draw at home to Bruno fired the ball across Mane, however, doubled minutes thanks to two well- area. The aptly-named Isaac Southampton. goal and Murray side-footed in Liverpool’s lead in the 66th struck goals. The Hornets doubled their Success sealed Watford’s win 10 Elsewhere, Brighton striker from close range in the 48th minute when, running on to an Roberto Pereyra broke the lead nine minutes later when minutes from time. Glenn Murray, fresh from being minute. The Money Clasico: Real and Barca’s race to a billion AFP soared from €521m to a projected with the aim of enhancing commercial they will agree a title-partner by June BARCELONA: Barcelona against Real €752m for the 2018/19 season. Barca advantages. next year, in an agreement worth Madrid is a rivalry that goes back 116 pocketed €490m five years ago. This At a time when clubs like Tottenham €200m. years, to a pitch drenched in horse season they expect to make €960m. in the Premier League are struggling to “Naming is a crucial issue,” says manure and spectators that cheered Barcelona will receive from their keep the cost of a new ground below Calzada, who estimates the rights could players falling over as much as them shirt sponsor Rakuten an extra €1.5m if £1bn, the projects of Barca and Real be worth €15m to €20m each year. scoring a goal. they win La Liga this season and another Madrid appear relatively cheap. There is also the need to break Barca won that first meeting in May €5m if they triumph in the Champions For €400m, Barcelona will increase new ground internationally. Next 1902, 3-1, but more than a century on League. the capacity of Camp Nou from 99,000 year, Barcelona will fly to Asia for the landscape looks rather different. The clubs can target global stars that to 105,000 and install a roof. Madrid will their summer tour while the club have Two of the world’s greatest clubs are boost visibility and merchandise sales, not increase the 81,000 seats in the San- expressed support for La Liga’s engaged in a battle off the pitch just as by the sheer weight of their talent and senior vice president at the global credit tiago Bernabeu but will take out a loan highly-controversial plan to stage a fierce: the race to €1bn. profile. rating agency DBRS. of €525m to add a roof and a metal fixture against Girona in January in This autumn, their presidents, Josep During the 2000s, it was a policy “But we don´t believe having a star envelope around the current structure. the United States. Maria Bartomeu of Barcelona and that made its name in Madrid, as the enhances credit that much over the Perez has indicated they expect the “The future for commercial is Florentino Perez of Madrid, each made likes of David Beckham, Zinedine long-term. Cristiano Ronaldo leaving updates to bring in more than €150m about tapping into worldwide fan- clear their desperation to cross the line Zidane and Luis Figo were all signed for Madrid will not do much damage unless of additional revenue per year. bases,” adds Benjamin Dennis, a writer first. hefty fees. In recent years, the club has it´s the beginning of the end and it Added to that is the issue of naming at DBRS. “Fans in Miami will get to see The revenue milestone is not just reined in its spending. becomes a regular pattern.” rights, which can be a sensitive issue for a competitive match and that could be financial, it is a mark of status, proof of “It can be positive in the short term Instead, the clincher is likely to lie fans, particularly when stadiums carry a difference maker if Barca play more success, another notch in the debate to have a superstar, they join because in stadium plans. Barca’s Camp Nou and a deep sense of history and identity. games abroad.” about which club is bigger. of the brand and then help build the Real’s Santiago Bernabeu are set to Madrid are yet to find a buyer but In the race for financial superiority, In five years, Madrid’s turnover has brand further,” says Michael Goldberg, undergo major overhauls from 2019, Barca have said they are “optimistic” nothing is off-limits. 30 SPORT SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018 Rea misses record as final race cancelled Cortese seals WorldSSP title in style

RIZWAN REHMAT Cluzel (NRT) who crashed THE PENINSULA on the final lap. The crash meant that DOHA: The final race of the Mahias crossed the line in WorldSBK Championship first for his third win of the was cancelled last night at WorldSSP season. The top I am so speechless! I am so happy and I the rain-drenched Losail spot in yesterday’s race also can enjoy this moment. I have to say International Circuit (LIC), allowed him to seal the thank you to my team, they picked me denying this year’s runaway runner-up spot in the title holder Jonathan Rea the overall standings. up after such a difficult winter, I had no chance to create a new “I am so speechless! I am ride and they believed in me. I think we record. so happy and I can enjoy this did the maximum we could this year, we The Kawasaki giant on moment,” Cortese, 28, said gave everything all year, and the people Friday equalled the record yesterday. “I have to say of most wins in a season thank you to my team, they in my team are great. And a final thank you when he scorched to victory picked me up after such a to my family, they helped me in hard times in Race 1 of the final round. difficult winter, I had no and I cant wait to get back home!: Sandro Cortese WorldSSP champion Sandro However, yesterday’s heavy ride and they believed in Cortese celebrates downpour in the country me. forced the WorldSBK Race “I think we did the Direction to tweet that Race maximum we could this 2 was cancelled ‘due to year, we gave everything all safety concerns’. year, and the people in my Race direction said in team are great. And a final a statement: “Following the thank you to my family, Kawasaki giant Jonathan Rea on Friday World Supersport race, the they helped me in hard equalled the record of most wins in a safety commission (FIM, times and I cant wait to get season when he scorched to victory in Race Dorna WSBK Organization back home,” he added with 1 of the final round. However, yesterday’s and SBK riders) met. Due a smile. to an increase of standing In what was a 12-lap heavy downpour in the country forced the water, as well taking into race, Mahias clocked a time WorldSBK Race Direction to tweet that Race account the difference of 24’49.552 to win the final 2 was cancelled ‘due to safety concerns’. between power and tyres battle of the season, fin- of WorldSBK and ishing the day’s proceedings WorldSSP bikes, this led us just 2.000 seconds ahead of to decide racing would not plucky Cortese who made CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS be safe in these the most of Cluzel’s unfor- (TOP 10) conditions.” tunate crash a lap before the After Race 1 on Friday end of the race. WORLDSBK night, Rea had increased Cortese ended the his overall tally 545 points season with a tally of 208 Rank: Rider Points Team leaving Chaz Davies points while Mahias manage (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 185 points. Cluzel ended 1: Jonathan Rea 545 Kawasaki and Michael Van Der Mark with 183 points. 2: Chaz Davies 356 Ducati battling for the second spot After exciting duels in 3: Michael Van Der Mark 333 Yamaha on the standings. With no the 12-lap race, things began 4: Tom Sykes 314 Kawasaki race taking place last night to move in Cortese’s favour 5: Marco Melandri 297 Ducati at a rain-battered LIC, after race-winner Mahias 6: Alex Lowes 248 Yamaha Davies’ overnight tally of took the lead with just three 356 points saw him seal the laps to go. 6: Xavi Fores 230 Ducati second spot ahead of Van After numerous passes 7: Eugene Laverty 158 Aprilia Der Mark (333). among Cortese and Mahias, 8: Toprak Razgatlioglu 151 Kawasaki Before the decision to misfortune struck Cluzel - 9:Lorenzo Savadori 138 Aprilia cancel Race 2 of WorldSBK who in an effort to surge was announced last ahead - on Turn 7 slipped WORLDSSP evening, there was enough and fell allowing Mahias’ time to stage Race 2 of the GRT Yamaha team-mate WorldSSP Championship. Federico Caricasulo 1: Sandro Cortese 208 Yamaha French star Lucas grabbing the third spot after 2: Lucas Mahias 185 Yamaha Mahias (GRT Yamaha a fantastic climb up from 3: Jules Cluzel 183 Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) seventh position on the grid. 4: Randy Krummenacher 159 Yamaha won the final race of the Randy Krummenacher, 5: Federico Caricasulo 143 Yamaha season in dramatic fashion Corentin Perolari, Hector but German rookie Sandro Barbera, Raffaele De Rosa, 6: Raffaele De Rosa 133 MV Agusta Cortese (Kallio Racing) Hans Soomer and Peter 7: Thomas Gradinger 86 Yamaha sealed the championship by Sebestyen completed the 8: Kyle Smith 72 Honda finishing second ahead of top in the final race of the 9: Luke Stapleford 56 Yamaha fellow title contender Jules season. Team Kawasaki’s Lucas Mahias celebrates after winning the final race yesterday. 10: Anthony West 51 Kawasaki Hathab: Al Rumaihi corners Big Tour glory THE PENINSULA Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi guides Vivaldi K over an DOHA: Seasoned rider Mubarak obstacle during the Big Tour Yousuf Al Rumaihi yesterday of the second round of the guided Vivaldi K to a flawless Hathab Tour at the Indoor routine as the Qatari won the top Arena of Qatar Equestrian prize of the second round of the Federation (QEF) yesterday. hugely popular Hathab Tour. Al Rumaihi sealed the Big Tour win with a time of 30.27 seconds at the Indoor Arena of Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) . The victory made him richer by QR 8,750. Meanwhile, Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi secured both second and third spots on BIG TOUR, TABLE A, SPECIAL TWO PHASES , ART. 274.5.6, 130/145 the podium with outstanding Rank/Horse Rider 1st Phase 2nd Phase QEF officials attend 8th Global Sports Summit performances astride Fiji and 1: Vivaldi K Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 28.13 30.27 Colibri 19 respectively. 2: Fiji Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi 30.37 31.06 Al Emadi guided the eight- 3: Colibri 19 Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi 30.94 33.69 year-old gelding in an error-free 4: Cassander Van Het Bremhof Awad Alqahtani 30.40 34.26 5: Desperadito Saeed Nasser Al Qadi 33.18 35.64 ride which was completed in 31.06 seconds and went on to DRESSAGE: LEVEL 1- TEST A clock a time of 33.69 seconds, Rank Horse Rider Score this time on Colibri 19 to com- 1 Rythm Amna Ahmad Al Saffar 70.690 plete his double. 2 Lusso Del Castegno Jessica Waldon 68.966 Cassander Van Het Bremhof, 3 Fernhill Friendly Touch Ali Mohammed Al Marri 68.103 with Friday’s Medium Tour DRESSAGE: LEVEL 2- TEST A winner Awad Alqahtani in the Rank Horse Rider Score saddle, clocked a time of 34.26 1 Gin Tonic Van De Kranenburg Mohammed Salem Al Marri 70.909 India’s Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Ashwini Kumar seconds to secure the fourth spot. 2 Cornet United Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi 69.545 Choubey (left) presenting a memento to the Secretary -General of Qatar Desperadito, ridden by Saeed 3 Juste D'adaelle Shka. Alanoud Al Thani 69.091 The Podium winners of the Open Class pose for a Nasser Al Qadi, finished fifth with 3 Fanta - Sparta Jassim Mohammed Al Kuwari 69.091 Equestrian Federation (QEF), Bader Al Darwish, during the FICCI TURF photograph with Commercial Manager Al Shaqab a time of 35.64 seconds. 3 Champion's Prince Shk. Mohammed bin Talal Al Thani 69.091 2018-8th Global Sports Summit held in New Delhi, India on Friday. Omar Al Mannai. SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 31

Elkeky wins hearts with commendable show

FAWAD HUSSAIN double and just under rotates Championships. It was a com- THE PENINSULA her last pass earned her a pletely different atmosphere massive applause from fans at from what I saw before during DOHA: The opening day of Aspire Dome. She ended the the World Cups and Asian women’s qualification round floor exercise qualification with Games, but the cheering helped at 48th edition of Artistic 8.633 points, with Biles topping me to give my best,” she added. Gymnastics World Champion- it with 8.633 points. In Balance Elkeky was Qatar’s only ships Doha 2018 yesterday Beam she earned a respectable female gymnast in the compe- It was not my best drew the biggest crowd of the score of 8.800. tition as hosts Qatar fielded competition so far and Qatar’s Elkeky said the per- three athletes including Ahmed performance because Jana Elkeky did not let the formance was not her best Al Dayani and Ahmed Nabil. of injuries to my both home spectators down. show but said she was taking a On Thursday, the opening ankles, but I am still The young Qatari gymnast, lot of positives from her day of the event, Al Dayani satisfied with what I making her World Champion- exposure in the mega event. posted a score of 72.632 while ships debut, was impressive on “It was not my best per- Nabil scored 59.966 in Men’s achieved: Jana Elkeky the Floor Exercise showing formance because of injuries All-Around qualification which strong nerves as she competed to my both ankles, but I am still saw several big names in against global stars including satisfied with what I achieved,” action. However, both the the quadruple Olympic the Qatari gymnast said. Qatari gymnasts were happy champion Simone Biles. “I felt a little bit stressed at with their overall performance Elkeky’s twisting routine. the start due to the big support hoping that the experience will 2.5, beautiful full turn, 1.5, and the fact that it is the World benefit them in the future.

Boguinskaia ‘extremely proud’ to Gueisbuhler praises be an Ambassador for Doha Worlds LOC for ‘great work’ THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Barcelona, we took the gold medal (as the Unified team) and DOHA: The International DOHA: Legendary gymnast we stood on the podium one last Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Svetlana Boguinskaia is relishing time all together representing Secretary-General Andre her role as an Ambassador for the USSR. At that moment, we Gueisbuhler (pictured) has Artistic Gymnastics World realised that it would be almost been impressed with the way Championships Doha 2018. Svetlana impossible to be the dominant the 48th Artistic Gymnastics The Olympian from Belarus Boguinskaia team ever again. World Championships 2018 is is ‘extremely proud and hon- Q: Of all the advice you were being organised in Doha. oured’ in her role at the Qatari given in your career, is there one This is the first time that the capital where all the big names thing that has really stuck with gymnastics world champion- are competing for top honours. you and made a difference for ships are being staged in the Boguinskaia remains an you? Middle East and Gueisbuhler essential figure in the soul of A: Absolutely! As a young has expressed his delight at the Gymnastics. The ‘Belarusian gymnast at age 7, I had my first way things have been pro- Swan’, Boguinskaia was equal competition thinking I was com- gressing at the Aspire Dome, a parts athlete and artist. pletely ready. Little did I know fabulous multi-purpose The Minsk native didn’t just when it came to Balance Beam sporting venue. compete, she performed, that I would be so nervous that An accomplished linguist drawing in the audience with her I fell five times, on every skill, and a patient negotiator besides dome. Its vast expanse and mesmerising command of jump or turn in my routine. I was being a well-advised busi- state-of-the-art facilities add movement and musicality. so upset I stood crying in dis- nessman, Gueisbuhler to the grandeur of the event. We Boguinskaia, who made her belief of my poor performance. expressed his views on the on- are happy to be here,” he said. debut for the Soviet team at the My coach Lyubov Miromanova going championships saying: On Qatar and its sporting 1987 World Championships in came, gave me a hug and told “Since the very start, we knew trend, Gueisbuhler opined: Rotterdam, would go on to win me it was OK to make mistakes that the event was going to be “Gymnastics is different from five Olympic medals (three one bronze). She retired in 1993 them by providing advice, and learn from them. She rec- somewhat different and special football, but it certainly will give golds, one silver, one bronze) but made a comeback in 1995 support and by cheering them ommended singing my favorite being hosted by the Qatar Gym- a positive fillip and I hope that and nine World Championships and competed in her third on. Q: What has this sport song during my routine to reg- nastics Federation. Now in the the organisation of the forth- medals (five golds, three silvers, Olympic Games in 1996. Fol- brought to your life? ulate my breathing as I kept first days of the championships, coming FIFA World Cup Qatar lowing her retirement in 1997, A: The sport of Gymnastics holding my breath for too long. we have found everything going 2022 will boost region further, she has continued to be active brought to me so many positive I took her advice back to the gym better than planned and which and not just Qatar.” in the sport through exhibitions, and useful lessons that I use in and few years later it helped me now makes us wait more to see On the establishment of the coaching, appearances, and as my adult life every day. It has to become European and World the developments until the very gymnastics worlds for the first The love for this a businesswoman. taught me hard work, punctu- Champion on Balance Beam! last of this wonderful event that time in the Middle East, he said, beautiful yet difficult Following are the excerpts ality, respect, teamwork, perse- Q: What would you tell a Qatar has brought to the world “Certainly, it contributes to the sport will always be of her interview with the FIG. verance, goal setting and the young child who dreams of through their worthy dissemination of gymnastics in Q: What does it mean for you attitude to never give up on your being a World or an Olympic organisation. the region. We see that in all in my heart. Knowing to be Artistic Gymnastics Ambas- dreams. champion in Gymnastics? “I would like to congrat- countries that organise world how hard athletes sador for the 2018 World Cham- I got a chance to travel rep- A: I would tell a young child ulate the Local Organising championships and we see train to get to the pionships in Doha? resenting my country in compe- whose dream it is to become Committee of Doha Worlds and great interest in the sport of world-class level, it A: I am extremely proud and titions but most importantly World and Olympic champion their team, especially the vol- gymnastics in Qatar. Live tele- honoured to be the Artistic Gym- making life-lasting friendships that IT IS POSSIBLE! Hard work, unteers, who are doing great vision also contributes to the is my duty to help nastics Ambassador for the 2018 with athletes from all over the determination, perseverance work, especially on the opening spread of gymnastics in the them by providing World Championship in Doha. world. and passion will take you to your day of the tournament, which region. advice, support and The love for this beautiful yet Q:If you could relive a dreams. Just remember 100% in is usually one of the toughest Gueisbuhler also appre- by cheering them on: difficult sport will always be in moment in your Gymnastics life, effort = 100% in result. But most days of any event. ciated the handmade medals my heart. Knowing how hard what would it be and why? important is to never ever give “The venue -- Aspire -- has that the Qatar Gymnastics Fed- Svetlana Boguinskaia athletes train to get to the world- A: In the team final of the up on your dreams no matter distinctive facilities and every- eration has designed for the class level, it is my duty to help 1992 Olympic Games in what anyone else tells you. thing is available under the world championships. Ageless Chusovitina aiming for 8th Olympics AP through a 2½ hour workout six Yet her scores are almost days a week is still there. immaterial at this point. The DOHA: Oksana Chusovitina has “I love gymnastics so much woman who has talked about lost track of how many and that’s why I continue doing I love gymnastics so retirement for more than a gymnastics world championships it,” Chusovitina said through a decade simply keeps on going. she’s competed in. Russian translator yesterday much and that’s why Her son Alisher turns 19 next That figures. The 43-year-old after qualifying at the 2018 world I continue doing it: month but knows better than to from Uzbekistan isn’t much into championships. Oksana Chusovitina ask mom when to she’s going to numbers anyway, particularly Then, as is for emphasis, retire. the one that defines her age. Chusovitina added in English: “I “He is always worried about She understands her lon- have fun.” explosiveness of some of her me but he knows how much I Oksana Chusovitina during gevity and her remarkable It certainly looked like it competitors - almost all of whom love it so he would never say qualification round at success - a gold and silver spread during her brief cameo at the weren’t born when Chusovitina ‘Mom, stay home,’” Chusovitina Aspire Dome, yesterday. across seven trips to the Aspire Academy Dome. Chus- made her Olympic debut in 1992 said. “He’s just supporting me.” Olympics as well as seven more ovitina put herself in position while competing for the Russian And Chusovitina is still sup- medals in 15 world championship to make an appearance in the unified team - Chusovitina tries porting the sport. How else to team-mate Sabina Turobova Tour player. “When we compete appearances - make her an event finals next week after aver- to make up for it with her exe- explain why she volunteered to and 23-year-old Marina we all are equal on stage,” Chus- inspiration of sorts. aging 14.2 on vault, her signature cution. Her combined e-score of spray the uneven bars - an event Nekrasova of Azerbaijan. It’s the ovitina said. “Even though we All she knows is the drive to event. 17.9 was tops among early she didn’t compete on - to get equivalent of Tiger Woods have different age we have to get up in the morning and go Though she lacks the qualifiers. them ready for 16-year-old playing caddy for a random PGA perform in the same way.” SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27

We’ve got some ground to 7:00PM catch up on, so we’re now 6.00PM FOOTBALL CRICKET going to go through Lewis Hamilton Pakistan vs everything in the debrief and Formula One driver Manchester United vs Everton Australia

look at all the details to find ACTION some answers. TODAY’S

Switzerland’s Roger Federer World champ serves a ball to France’s Gilles Simon in Basel yesterday. Marquez Svitolina, Stephens grabs pole in Australia to clash in final AFP AFP 15. who uncharacteristically made a PHILLIP ISLAND: Masterful The hard-hitting Pliskova started slew of errors. world champion Marc SINGAPORE: A gutsy Sloane red hot in what loomed as a one- After surviving an early break Marquez conquered tricky Stephens recovered from early sided contest before Stephens fought point, the one-way traffic continued conditions to storm to a fifth embarrassment to storm past back with relentless hustle as the in the second set with Pliskova straight Australian Moto GP Karolina Pliskova yesterday, setting Czech went off the boil. breaking in the second game against Struggling Federer pole yesterday and maintain up a mouth-watering WTA Finals “I just tried to stay in it and a dejected Stephens. his dominance of the sport. decider against in-form Elina started to feel the ball better,” The humiliation ended for squeezes into semis The super-consistent Svitolina. Stephens said after the match. Stephens when she broke Pliskova’s Honda star clocked a fastest AFP The former US Open champion “I’m really proud of my fight.” It previously impregnable serve in the VIENNA OPEN RESULTS lap of one minute, 29.199 triumphed against an inconsistent was an unexpected result after Plisk- third game and then started to find Results from the ATP tournament in Vien- seconds around the Pliskova 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 in one hour ova’s early domination through her range. BASEL: Roger Federer na (x denotes seeding): demanding 4.4-kilometre and 55 minutes in Singapore. power and precision to blitz through Pliskova’s first serve deserted struggled into the Swiss Quarter-finals Phillip Island circuit on a day A stunned Stephens lost the the first set in 31 minutes. her as a composed Stephens forced Indoors semi-finals on Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) bt Dominic Thiem (AUT of intermittent sunshine and opening eight games before turning She pinpointed the lines to a decider and her momentum con- Friday, the top seed x1) 6-3, 6-1 Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) bt Marton showers. things around to win 12 of the next totally rattle a flustered Stephens, tinued by capturing a break to open eking out an error- Fucsovics (HUN) 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4) Fern- Maverick Vinales, who the third set. filled 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-4 ando Verdasco (ESP) bt Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-4, finished on the podium last

Stephens rolled through against defeat of Gilles Simon. 2-1 abandon Kevin Anderson (RSA x2) bt Borna year, was 0.310 off the pace WTA TOUR FINALS RESULTS a slumping Pliskova to complete a Federer has not hit Coric (CRO x6) 7-6 (7/2), 1-2 - retired and will begin today’s race Results from the WTA Finals tennis in Singapore yesterday monumental turnaround, as the top form all week in from second with fellow (x denotes seeding): former world number one fell in the Basel and he needed Yamaha rider Johann Zarco Semi-finals semi-finals for the second straight more than two-and-a-half hours to hold off the trou- in third. Elina Svitolina (UKR x6) bt Kiki Bertens (NED x8) 7-5, 6-7 year. blesome French veteran. “I’m always happy when I Italy’s Andrea Iannone, (5/7), 6-4 Sloane Stephens (USA x5) bt Karolina Pliskova Earlier, a determined Svitolina win, I’m happy I fought through like this,” Federer who dominated the free (CZE x7) 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 overcame the relentless power of said. “There were a lot of breaks, it was all up and practice sessions, another Kiki Bertens, continuing a dogged down. Suzuki rider Alex Rins and quest for her first WTA Finals “But I kept my cool and got the job done. I feel local hope Jack Miller (Ducati) triumph. good right now.” The Swiss crowd favourite was never fill out the second row of the Svitolina outlasted the world able to comfortably take command against an grid. number nine 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 in opponent whom he had defeated in their last six Veteran Valentino Rossi two hours and 39 minutes to con- meetings. (Yamaha), and Ducati duo tinue her bid to make amends for a It took a fightback in all three sets to come through Danilo Petrucci and Andrea lacklustre early exit last year. for a place in a 14th semi-final at the event where he Dovizioso are behind them. Her defensive prowess wore got his start in the game as a ballboy. Drops of rain started to down Bertens, who blasted 41 The 20-time Grand Slam champion will have to fall as the qualifying session winners but made 63 unforced re-group quickly for the semis, where he will play the began, causing headaches errors. winner from Greek breakthrough player Stefanos Tsit- over tyre choice. While it It ended a fairy tale run for sipas and Daniil Medvedev. didn’t last long, it meant the Bertens, who only qualified days Both young guns have won tournament titles this riders pushed hard early on before the tournament when world autumn. to get quick laps in before the number one Simona Halep withdrew “It will be a challenge but I’m excited to see how weather changed again. from injury. I feel tomorrow, playing a young guy,” said Federer. Marquez soon set a “I think physically I was a little “You’ve got to win the hard way, but I’m not benchmark time before bit stronger... pushed myself a little complaining. Iannone went faster. bit more maybe mentally,” Svitolina “When you’re in a situation, you find a strategy The Italian was then told reporters. always. But you don’t want to think too far ahead. ousted by Zarco before “I think only a few points “You have to focus on the match you are playing and hope the world champion decided the third set because we the next day that you will be fine,” he said. asserted his authority both were playing good tennis.” again and no one could Bertens said Svitolina’s defensive SWISS INDOORS ATP RESULTS catch him as rain blighted Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina hits a skills forced her into playing Results from the Swiss Indoors ATP tournament in Basel on Friday (x denotes seeding): the final minutes. return against Kiki Bertens of ultra-aggressive. Quarter-finals “I was doing quick laps, the Netherlands during their “I knew that I had to play that Marius Copil (ROM) bt Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 Alexander Zverev (GER x2) bt Roberto the corners were really fast singles match at the WTA Finals kind of game, but that comes also Bautista Agut (ESP x8) 7-5, 6-3 Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt Gilles Simon (FRA) 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-4 and there were small drops in Singapore yesterday. with a lot of mistakes,” she said. Semi-finals of rain on my visor. It was “In the end she was just a more Marius Copil (ROU) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x2) 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 hard and I just tried to take stable player.” care,” said Marquez. Verstappen fastest in Mexico practice REUTERS team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both ses- MEXICO CITY: Max Verstappen sions, lapping with a best time of left Formula One title contenders one minute 16.656 seconds in the Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian morning and then 1:16.720 in the Vettel trailing on Friday by domi- afternoon. nating Mexican Grand Prix Ricciardo was 0.483 slower practice before his Red Bull was in a bright and hot first session, halted by an hydraulics problem. and 0.153 off the pace after Last year’s race winner lunch. looked a good bet to become the Renault, also Red Bull’s youngest driver on pole position engine providers, were best of in yesterday’s qualifying with the the rest with Spaniard Carlos 21-year-old Dutchman impres- Sainz third in both sessions. sively quick at the high-altitude The thin air of a circuit at circuit. 2,200 metres above sea level “We have a good car, good means champions Mercedes and downforce, good mechanical Ferrari have less of a power grip,” commented the youngster, advantage than usual. who appeared unconcerned “The engines are struggling about the complete power loss for air, the brakes, the cooling... 10 minutes from the end of the we’re running the same wing as second session. (slow and twisty) Monaco and Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen, powers his car during the third free practice session of the F1 Mexico Grand Prix, Mercedes’ world champi- we’ve got the same downforce at the Hermanos Rodriguez Circuit in Mexico City, yesterday. Inset: Max Verstappen. onship leader Hamilton, who as (high-speed) Monza,” said Red was some way off the pace, Bull boss Christian Horner. would have no quarrel with “I think we are able to run another Verstappen victory since the car in its optimum state and Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio “Red Bull seem out of our of the Renaults,” said the “It will be interesting to see that would also hand him his fifth we’ve got a power unit that this in the 1950s, was fifth and reach at the moment, Ferrari are German. where they are tomorrow,” he title with two races to spare. weekend looks competitive rel- seventh respectively and com- right there with us, but we’re “I think everybody is on the said. “I think the Red Bulls with Ferrari’s Vettel, now 70 ative to the others.” Horner said plaining of heavy tyre wear. here to try and compete, so we limit with tyres and trying to get the Renault (engines) made a points behind the Briton, has to that if Verstappen’s car needed “We’ve got some ground to will do the best we can to have them to work in order to slide step forwards.” Toro Rosso’s win to have any mathematical an engine change, the driver still catch up on, so we’re now going a real race.” Vettel was seventh less, with the exception maybe French driver Pierre Gasly col- chance of denying Hamilton the had one left in his pool and to go through everything in the in the morning but moved up of the Red Bulls.” Mercedes team lected a 15-place grid penalty crown but he also looked some should not face any grid drop. debrief and look at all the details fourth in the afternoon. boss Toto Wolff agreed that the after engine partners Honda way off the Red Bull’s pace. Hamilton, who is set to to find some answers,” said the “I don’t think we had a tidy Red Bulls and Renaults were in changed components in the car’s Verstappen led Australian match the five titles won by late Briton. lap, we should have been in front good shape. power unit.