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Sunday, October 7, 2018 FOOTBALL Moharram 27, 1440 AH Sanchez rescues GULF TIMES United, Mourinho with late winner SPORT Page 2 HORSE RACING / QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE Arc excitement peaks as action begins at Longchamp Brundtland wins Qatar de Prix Chardonnay on day 1 z Mega races — Qatar Arabian World Cup and Arc — today

By Our Correspondent pack. Paris Michael Bell-saddled Master Brewer won big time in the second Longchamp renovation in We will work towards continuing partnership edition of the Haras de Bouquetot rundtland followed up his – Criterium of the Arqana October favour of Qatar Prix de l’Arc with QREC, says Manateq CEO Qatar Prix de Niel (Group yearling Sale. With a stylish fi nish, 2) victory taking the Qatar Edinson came to snatch 2nd place de Triomphe: QEF president By Our Correspondent de Prix Chardonnay on from La Yaki. Paris Bfi rst day of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc Alignement could not dream By Our Correspondent de Triomphe, in the presence of of better result in the Qatar Prix Paris His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Dollar. Just a few hours ago, he anateq CEO Fahad Khalifa al-Thani, His Highness was due to go through the Arqana Rashid al-Kaabi attend- Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- sale ring, for the Arc Sale. Owned atar Equestrian Med the first day of the Thani and Qatar Olympic Com- by Wertheimer & Frère, he got his Federation and Asian Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe mittee President HE Sheikh Joaan all to take the victory from Loxley. QEquestrian Fed- meeting yesterday in Paris. bin Hamad al-Thani, yesterday. Fabricate, in the colours of Her eration president Hamad bin “We are partners with QREC in At the newly-renovated Majesty the Queen of England, Abdulrahman al-Attiyah the events both in Qatar and Longchamp, which will fi nished a very close third. hailed the massive support overseas, such as the Qatar Prix host the two mega rac- Ostilio was the im- from the country’s off icials to de l’Arc de Triomphe,” al-Kaabi es — Qatar Arabian pressive winner of Qatar’s equestrian sport. He said. World Cup and Qatar the Qatar Prix Daniel emphasised that such support “In fact, we are keen to be Prix de l’Arc de Tri- Wildenstein (Gr2). has led to the successes and present at events that bear omphe — today after He quickly took expressed hope that it would between Qatar and France Qatar’s name due to their im- a gap of two years, control of the race, continue. Galop. ParisLongchamp has portance for the country. Qatar Brundtland justifi ed at a decent pace. The After Day One of the Qatar Prix become a world-class race- Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one his status as favourite fi eld was stretched de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, course in the full sense of the of the greatest racing events, with a storming fi nish out, but Ostilio, who al-Attiyah said, “No doubt, word. We are happy with this not only in France, but all over in the Group 2 race yes- has come up through the presence of His Highness development because this is the world. terday. the big English handicaps, Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa in the interest of the Qatar Prix “Being part of the event in In the fi nal furlong, Lillian Rus- never wavered. He won his fi rst al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh de l’Arc de Triomphe in future. France has highlighted the role Manateq CEO Fahad Rashid al-Kaabi (left) presented the trophies sell seemed to be gaining the up- Group race by a length and a quar- Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani “On Sunday, we will have the played by Manateq as well as for Qatar de Prix Chardonnay, which was won by Brundtland, at per hand but Brundtland, under ter in front of Oh This is Us, who and His Excellency Sheikh Qatar Arabian World Cup and the free zones to be completed Longchamp in Paris yesterday. William Buick, courageously chal- fi nished well up the centre of the Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani we look forward to a Qatari win. soon. The initial impression lenged the fi lly to dominate at the track. Hey Gaman, who had trav- shows commitment to provide “I take this opportunity to con- through our presence and par- Sword at QREC. It is part of our champ and the huge media fi nish. My Swashbuckler made a elled up with the eventual winner, support and stresses the value gratulate His Highness Sheikh ticipation yesterday was more role serving the interests of coverage of the events.” convincing eff ort to fi nish third. held the place. of this prestigious racing event Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani than wonderful. Qatar. We have also noticed the Charlie Appleby-trained Brundt- English runner Princess Yaiza and the role played by Qatar for Marid’s victory in the Qatar “We will work towards continu- remarkable turnout at the races land, who is unbeaten, was running picked up the Qatar Prix de Roy- through the sponsorship. Arabian Trophy Des Poulains ing this partnership with QREC. and the brilliant facilities at over 3000m for the fi rst time. allieu (Gr2) after an enquiry was “The ParisLongchamp has at Saint-Cloud and His Excel- We also participate in spon- ParisLong- There was little suspense in the opened by the stewards, due to the seen great development and lency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad soring the HH The Amir’s Qatar Arabian Trophy for Fillies contact between the winner, and looks ideal after the renova- al-Thani for Al Haff anah’s (4-year-old fi llies) (Gr1 PA) as Al Palombe, the second. Shahnaza tions made. This has been, for victory in the Qatar Arabian Shamoos jumped to take the lead took third place after a brave ef- sure, due to the partnership Trophy Des Pouliches.” early on and then kept putting fort, having been held up down the daylight between herself and the fi eld.

William Buick rides Brundtland during the Qatar de Prix Chardonnay on Day One of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp racecourse in Paris, France, yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim, Zuzanna Lupa

QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Khor hand Al Rayyan shock 1-0 defeat

By Sports Reporter Khor attempted a low shot at the Al Rayy- Substitute Adel Ahmad picked up Wag- Doha an goal from close range, but Mohammed ner with a cross inside the Al Khor box. Juma, patrolling the backline, blocked the Wagner, despite being marked by Ali Sanad shot. al-Nuaimi, managed to shoot to the left of itle contenders Al Rayyan suff ered A few seconds later, Al Khor striker Diogo Al Rayyan goalkeeper Omar Barry. The ball a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Da Silva missed one of the easiest chances hit the net after slipping through the out- Al Khor in week 8 of the QNB Stars at the fag end of an indirect free-kick. With stretched hand of Barry. League yesterday. Brazilian Wag- only the goalkeeper to beat, Diogo shot wide Al Rayyan stay fourth on 14 points despite nerT Ferreira scored the winner in the 90th of the mark from inside the Al Rayyan box the loss, while Al Khor are 11th, yesterday’s minute as the home team picked up three with keeper Barry beaten by the shot. At the win being their fi rst in seven matches. points. half-hour mark, Tabata curled in a beauti- In the second match of the day, Al Ahli In an enterprising fi rst 10 minutes, Al fully-taken direct free-kick, but his shot defeated Al Shahania 2-1, with Mohsin Rayyan stitched a few threatening moves, narrowly missed the target. Moutouali and Mohamed Muntari netting but on every occasion Al Khor defended Close to the hour mark, Al Rayyan’s for the winners. well to block captain Rodrigo Tabata and Lucca curled in a powerful shot from out- Moutouali put Al Ahli ahead in the 13th Sebastian Soria. side the Al Khor box, but keeper Mohamed minute, while Muntari consolidated in the On one occasion, Tabata broke free of his Ahmed Al Bakr palmed the ball away to kill 72nd. Luciano Vasquez pulled one back for marker, but his eff ort was quickly waved off the move. Al Shahania in the 79th. as off -side by the linesman. Things changed in the last minute when Al Ahli have six points, while Shahania Four minutes later, Ahmed Yasin of Al Wagner produced the late stunner. have seven. Wagner Ferreira of Al Khor celebrates after scoring against Al Rayyan in the QNB Stars League yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, October 7, 2018 FOOTBALL

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Rampant Hibs Sanchez rescues rout Hamilton, Aberdeen hit four

AFP St Mirren 4-1 at Pittodrie. Glasgow Sam Cosgrove, Connor McLennan and Max Lowe all United, Mourinho netted before the break with ibernian stepped up the their fi rst goals for the club to put pressure on Edinburgh Derek McInnes’ men in charge. rivals Hearts with a 6-0 Cosgrove doubled his Dons thrashing of Hamil- account in the 65th minute be- tonH that moved them within two fore Simeon Jackson netted a points of the Scottish Premier- consolation for Saints. ship leaders yesterday. Kilmarnock hit back for a 2-1 with late winner Neil Lennon’s side recorded win at struggling Dundee, while their fourth successive league Motherwell held on for a 1-1 draw win thanks to three goals in 14 with Livingston. Old Traff ord comes alive after United come back from 0-2 down to win 3-2 fi rst-half minutes from Martin Boyle, Stevie Mallan and Emer- RESULTS son Hyndman at Easter Road. Aberdeen 4 (Cosgrove 26, 65, Second-half eff orts from Mal- McLennan 30, Lowe 41) St Mirren lan, Florian Kamberi and a Matt 1 (Jackson 76) Kilgallon own goal saw Hiber- Dundee 1 (Nabi 10) Kilmar- nian claim their biggest league nock 2 (Boyle 17-og, Brophy win since 2006. 54-pen) Table-toppers Hearts take Hibernian 6 (Boyle 25, Mallan their unbeaten record to Ibrox on 34, 71, Hyndman 39, Kamberi Sunday to face Steven Gerrard’s 90+1, Kilgallon 90+2-og) Hamil- Rangers. ton 0 Aberdeen were also celebrating Motherwell 1 (Bowman 17) an emphatic victory after crushing Livingston 1 (Jacobs 64)

UPDATE Atletico striker Costa sidelined with hamstring injury

Reuters rique’s Spain squad on Thursday Madrid for the games against Wales and England. Atletico did not say when Cos- tletico Madrid forward ta would return but a hamstring Diego Costa faces at problem typically takes two least two weeks out weeks to recover from, meaning with a hamstring injury he may be fi t to face Villarreal in sustainedA during the 3-1 win over La Liga on Oct. 20. Club Bruges in the Champions Costa, who suffered a ham- Manchester United’s Alexis Sanchez (right) celebrates after scoring the winner with teammate Marouane Fellaini during the English Premier League match against Newcastle at League on Wednesday. string injury in the 2014 Cham- Old Traff ord in Manchester, England, yesterday. (Reuters) “Diego Costa, who was substi- pions League final in his first tuted in the 69th minute against spell at Atletico, asked to come Reuters made it 2-0 after 10 minutes fol- Josh King in the penalty area. mount a comeback from going a the standings. Bruges, underwent a scan on Fri- off against Bruges just after London lowing poor United defending at King converted the resulting goal down to Everton when Wes Wolverhampton Wanderers day to fi nd out the extent of the providing the pass from which a corner. spot-kick and added another Morgan was sent off for a sec- claimed a Premier League record injury,” said a statement from Antoine Griezmann scored the The hosts turned it around in goal on the stroke of halftime as ond booking just after the hour by naming an unchanged fi rst XI Atletico. second goal to restore their anchester United the second half, though, Juan Bournemouth began to run riot. mark. for their opening eight games of “The report given by the lead. produced a stunning Mata sparking the comeback with Callum Wilson grabbed the Ricardo Pereira’s drilled eff ort the season — and it paid divi- club’s medical service says he The striker has three goals in fi ghtback to relieve a low, curling free kick in the 70th fourth two minutes after the following a brisk counter-attack dends as they won 1-0 at Crystal has suff ered an injury in his left 10 games in all competitions this some of the pressure minute. Anthony Martial equal- break as Eddie Howe’s men con- had cancelled out Richarlison’s Palace. hamstring. His time out will be season although he has yet to Mon manager Jose Mourinho as ised six minutes later before sub- tinued their impressive start to early strike for the visitors at the Matt Doherty found the bot- determined by how the injury score in La Liga. they came from two goals down stitute Alexis Sanchez headed in the season, moving up to fi fth. King Power Stadium. tom right corner from a tight evolves.” Atletico will look to either to beat Newcastle United 3-2 in the dramatic winner in the last Watford, now winless in four But with a numerical advan- angle shortly before the hour Costa has been ruled out of to- Angel Correa or Croatia striker the Premier League yesterday. minute of normal time. league games, are ninth. tage, Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson mark as Palace’s struggles in day’s La Liga game against Real Nikola Kalinic to partner France The victory lifted United to While Old Traff ord was cel- Cardiff City also had their made sure of all three points 13 front of goal continued. Betis and was left out of Luis En- forward Griezmann up front. eighth place in the standings, ebrating wildly and singing numbers reduced at Wembley minutes from time with a superb three points behind Bourne- Mourinho’s name, the pressure Stadium with Joe Ralls seeing red right-foot shot from just out- RESULTS mouth who continued their fi ne switched to Newcastle man- for a cynical challenge on Totten- side the area. Burnley 1 (Vokes 20) Hud- form with a 4-0 thrashing of 10- ager Rafa Benitez as his side ham Hotspur’s Lucas Moura. The Icelandic international’s dersfield 1 (Schindler 66) man Watford at Vicarage Road. remained winless in the league That did not stop the winless 50th Premier League goal gave Crystal Palace 0 Wolves 1 It was Old Traff ord, though, and second-bottom of the table. team from giving a good exam- Marco Silva’s men their fi rst (Doherty 56) which drew the main focus of Elsewhere, there was a rash of ple of themselves, creating good away win of the season, 2-1. Leicester 1 (Pereira 40) the day after media reports had red cards but nowhere was one chances against a wasteful Spurs Huddersfi eld Town scored Everton 2 (Richarlison 7, Sigurds- suggested that Mourinho was more signifi cant than at Vicar- side. only their fourth goal of the sea- son 77) close to losing his job following age Road where 10-man Watford However, Tottenham never son in a 1-1 draw at Burnley. Manchester United 3 (Mata disappointing results in all com- were humbled by Bournemouth. looked in serious trouble and Sam Vokes headed in to give 70, Martial 76, Sanchez 90) New- petitions. David Brooks had given the came through 1-0 winners the home side the lead after castle 2 (Kenedy 7, Muto 10) The Portuguese’s exit looked Cherries the lead after a quar- thanks to Eric Dier’s early goal. 20 minutes. But a second-half Tottenham 1 (Dier 8) Cardiff 0 inevitable after Kenedy gave ter of an hour before Watford’s header from Christopher Schin- Watford 0 Bournemouth Newcastle the lead with a smart Christian Kabasele received a FAILED COMEBACK dler levelled the match and lifted 4 (Brooks 14, King 33-pen, 45, fi nish before Yoshinori Muto second yellow for bringing down Leicester City were trying to Huddersfi eld off the bottom of Wilson 47)

PREVIEW Anfi eld hoodoo haunts City in top-of-table clash

AFP three games against City. After Liverpool Liverpool coach none of these games you go into ACTION Jurgen Klopp the dressing room and think, ‘Now we’ve got it, now we know illions of pounds of in- how to beat Manchester City’,” vestment from Man- insisted Klopp. FIFA suspends chester City’s owners “There is no real way, no one over the past decade thing that you have to do.” hasB reaped three Premier League So often outgunned by City’s Sierra Leone FA titles and transformed the blue oil wealth and United’s commer- half of Manchester from “noisy cial power in recent years, Liver- Reuters FIFA that the SLFA administra- neighbours” into the dominant pool were the biggest spenders Bengaluru tion, premises, accounts and side in the city. in this summer’s transfer market communication channels are However, the Premier League in a declaration of intent to win under their control once again,” champions travel to Liverpool the title. IFA has suspended the FIFA said in a statement. today hoping to fi nally achieve A perfect start of seven straight Sierra Leone Football “Following its suspension, something that has so far been wins in all competitions has come Association (SLFA) with SLFA has lost all its membership beyond City’s cash-rich era — a undone in the past week with de- immediate eff ect due to rights as defi ned in article 13 of win at Anfi eld. feats to Chelsea and Napoli in the governmentF interference in soc- the FIFA Statutes. The SLFA’s City were last victorious at Champions League, either side cer aff airs, the sport’s world gov- national and affi liated club teams Anfi eld in 2003 and have lost 12 of a draw with Chelsea on league erning body said on Friday. are no longer entitled to take part of their last 17 visits. out blow can be landed this admitted City midfi elder Ilkay near three-decade wait to win duty last weekend. FIFA’s decision came after in international competitions The most recent of those weekend. Gundogan, who worked under the league. But come Sunday, they can it wrote to the African coun- until the suspension is lifted.” saw City’s Champions League But with both sides only sep- Klopp for four years at Borussia When Kenny Dalglish led the count on the intangibles of An- try’s sports minister express- Last month, the country’s An- dreams ended for another year arated by City’s superior goal Dortmund. Reds to an 18th league title in fi eld on top of the talent of a bol- ing “grave concern” about the ti-Corruption Commission fol- in the cauldron of a European diff erence at the top of the table “But as a player there is not 1989-90, Liverpool were streets stered squad and inspirational removal of SLFA president Isha lowed through on a threat to raid night on Merseyside with a 3-0 having dropped just two points much more that you can achieve ahead as England’s most suc- manager to keep City waiting for Johansen and general secretary the SLFA’s offi ces amid allega- quarter-fi nal fi rst leg defeat. each so far this season, the clash than playing these type of games, cessful club. a win there and strike fi rst blood Christopher Kamara. tions of match-fi xing involving A coach not accustomed to will go a long way to telling if because when you play them or The intervening years have in the title race. FIFA had asked for both indi- the national team. losing, City boss Pep Guardiola Liverpool are capable of knock- when the atmosphere is like that, seen Manchester United storm “We have our crowd in the viduals to be allowed to access FIFA are also looking at has been defeated on all three of ing Guardiola’s men off their you know it’s a big thing.” ahead. But with United already back. You could see Napoli used SLFA premises without delay to matches as far back as a World his visits to Anfi eld and in Jurgen perch. While City are seeking to nine points adrift and Totten- the atmosphere and we couldn’t ensure that the operations of the Cup qualifi er against South Af- Klopp faces one of the few man- consolidate themselves as the ham, Arsenal and Chelsea also calm it down with our perform- association, including FIFA-fund- rica in 2008 as part of their own agers who can boast a winning ‘TOUGHEST AWAY GAME’ dominant force in English foot- playing catch-up, Liverpool ance,” said Klopp after defeat in ed projects, were not jeopardised. investigation into the match- record against the Catalan. “It’s very tough, probably the ball by becoming the fi rst side know beating City is the key to Italy on Wednesday. “The suspension will be lifted fi xing allegations. Just seven games into the Pre- toughest away game of the sea- in a decade to retain the title, ending that long wait. “But on Sunday that — at once SLFA and its recognised Both Johansen and Kamara mier League season, no knock- son in the Premier League,” Klopp’s task is to end Liverpool’s “Obviously we won the last least — will be 100% diff erent.” leadership have confi rmed to deny any wrongdoing. Gulf Times Sunday, October 7, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA FOCUS Embattled Ronaldo scores as Juventus Real slip to shock beat Udinese

AFP Udine, Italy

ristiano Ronaldo Alaves defeat shrugged off damag- ing rape allegations to Barcelona can go three points clear if they win the game against Valencia today Cscore for Juventus as the Italian champions beat Udi- nese 2-0 to stretch their lead at the top of Serie A yesterday. The Portuguese forward lashed in the second goal in the 37th minute from Mario Mand- zukic’s pass, four minutes after Rodrigo Bentancur’s opener. It was Ronaldo’s fourth goal this season for Juventus, with the 33-year-old celebrating wildly with his teammates. Juventus — with a maximum 24 points from eight games — opened up a nine-point lead on in the summer in a 100-million- second-placed Napoli who host euro ($115mn) deal from Real Sassuolo today. Madrid. Ronaldo showed no sign of be- He arrived at Udinese’s com- ing under pressure despite the pact Stadio Friuli and was greet- accusations made against him ed by the enthusiastic cries of which threaten his multi-million dozens of children waiting for euro sporting empire. the two team buses. US police on Monday re- During the warm-up be- opened an investigation into ac- fore the game he was even ap- cusations by former American proached by a child who came model Kathryn Mayorga that onto the pitch to ask for his au- the fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner tograph. raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in June 2009. RESULTS Ronaldo has strenuously de- Cagliari 2 (Joao Pedro 22, nied the claims, and Juventus Pavoletti 68) Bologna 0 have so far stood behind their Udinese 0 Juventus 2 (Bent- superstar, who moved to Turin ancur 33, Ronaldo 37)

LIGUE 1 Lille cruise past Saint-Etienne

AFP struck again in the opening minute Deportivo Alaves’ Manu Garcia (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against Real Madrid in the La Liga match in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) Paris of the second half. Nicolas Pepe sent the 22-year-old racing clear, AFP worse, Gareth Bale, their chief the eve of the World Cup. Talk of referee deemed it accidental but back. Lopetegui threw his arms and he cut inside before curl- Vitoria, Spain forward threat, had hobbled off change is perhaps premature but Calleri clearly did not and re- up in frustration. n-form Lille youngster ing home another unerring fi nish injured late on. He missed the it will certainly increase if Madrid sponded soon after with a late The rain came down, the Jonathan Bamba scored from the edge of the box. Champions League loss to CSKA cannot fi nd fl uency soon and, in clip on the defender’s leg. whistles grew louder as Ma- twice against former club Bamba, who left Saint- eal Madrid sank to a Moscow on Tuesday with a groin particular, if Barca pull away. Bale span in behind, back- drid dominated possession but Saint-Etienne to fi re Chris- Etienne for Lille on a free trans- shock 1-0 defeat by strain. The Clasico at the Camp Nou heeled to Benzema who teed up Alaves could have won it sooner Itophe Galtier’s men to a 3-1 win fer in the close-season, has now Alaves yesterday after Karim Benzema, out of form looms at the end of the month. Dani Ceballos to shoot, before when Jony sprinted clear, only to which cut Paris Saint-Germain’s scored seven goals in only nine a 95th-minute winner and bereft of confi dence, was Bale had been passed fi t to start Benzema had a header volleyed drag his fi nish wide. lead in Ligue 1 yesterday. appearances for his new club. fromR Manu Garcia consigned off too after being substituted while Luka Modric and Sergio Ra- off the line by Victor Laguardia. Bale went off and another The hosts, who only narrowly A fourth win in fi ve matches the European champions to a at half-time but it was Thibaut mos returned after being rested But Alaves grew into the half Alaves chance came in injury avoided relegation last term, are was wrapped up late on, as Bam- fourth game without victory. Courtois at fault for the goal. He against CSKA. Courtois took over and it took Raphael Varane’s time. Courtois came for a cross now four points clear of Saint- ba broke away from the visitors’ It is four games without a goal came for the cross but failed to from Keylor Navas in goal. diving header to prevent Ibai but failed to gather, allowing Etienne after applying a modi- midfi eld and slipped through too for Julen Lopetegui’s side, claim. The fi rst half was a fi ght, full Gomez from tapping in at the Garcia to head in a dramatic cum of pressure on champions a pass for Pepe to fi re between their longest scoring drought It means Barcelona can go of heavy touches, tussles and back post. winner. PSG, who defend their 100-per- the legs of Les Verts goalkeeper since 1985, as Garcia headed three points clear if they win collisions but largely vacant of Benzema was hauled off at cent record against Lyon today. Stephane Ruffi er. home to send the Mendizorrotza their game in hand against Va- clear-cut chances. half-time and Mariano Diaz in- RESULTS Bamba got Lille off to a yingfl Pepe, 23, has netted six goals Stadium wild. lencia on Sunday while Alaves’ stantly looked more dangerous. Girona 2 (Stuani 40, 42) start in the 17th minute, collect- already this term himself. Alaves fans ran onto the pitch excellent start to the season RAMOS AT HEART OF THE Only a dangling Laguardia leg Eibar 3 (Charles 12-pen, Arbilla ing Loic Remy’s lay-off before Thomas Tuchel’s PSG will be to celebrate their famous win continues. They move up to BATTLE ended his weaving run in the 45, Sergi Enrich 72) creating space for a shot which bidding to restore their eight- and the chants continued long third, level on points with Real. Ramos was at the heart of the penalty area while Real right- Getafe 0 Levante 1 (Bardhi fl ew into the bottom corner. point advantage at the Parc des after the fi nal whistle blew. Lopetegui had been asked on battle as he clattered Jonathan back Alvaro Odriozola was 60) Remy Cabella levelled for Saint- Princes today, while Monaco For Madrid this was another Friday if he felt under pressure Calleri and then elbowed the slipped in behind but failed to Alaves 1 (Garcia 90+5) Real Etienne from the penalty spot just look to drag themselves out of body blow and to make matters at the club he left Spain for on Alaves striker in the face. The fi nd a team-mate with the pull- Madrid 0 nine minutes later, but Bamba the bottom three against Rennes.

BUNDESLIGA Dortmund top aft er Alcacer hat-trick, Bayern thumped

Reuters the break as Patrick Herrmann Berlin fi red the third with two minutes left, the goal being confi rmed by a VAR review. orussia Dortmund American midfi elder Wes- stayed top of the Bun- ton McKennie, who scored a late desliga by beating Augs- winner at Lokomotiv Moscow burg 4-3 thanks to a re- in the Champions League on markableB 30-minute hat-trick Wednesday, followed up by grab- from substitute Paco Alcacer bing his fi rst Bundesliga goal for yesterday while titleholders Bay- Schalke 04 to set up a 2-0 win at ern Munich were thumped 3-0 at Fortuna Duesseldorf. home by Borussia Moenchengla- The 20-year-old, playing his dbach. 28th league match for the Royal An extraordinary see-saw Blues, turned in Suat Serdar’s pass match in Dortmund produced at the near post three minutes into four goals in the last 10 min- the second half and Guido Burg- utes as the hosts hit back from staller added the second. 2-1 down to lead 3-2, defi ant It was Schalke’s second win Augsburg equalised and Alcacer in a row after they lost their fi ve grabbed the winner with the last opening games. kick of the game. Bobby Wood completed a good Bayern, on the other hand, fell day for US players by scoring a two goals behind in the fi rst 16 brace to give Hanover 96 their minutes as they slumped to their fi rst win of the season and lift fourth match without a win in all them off the bottom with a 3-1 competitions — a crisis by the win over VfB Stuttgart. exacting standards of the Bavar- Ihlas Bebou was also on target ian side. for Hanover and Mario Gomez Alcacer, on loan from Barce- replied for Stuttgart. lona, has scored a remarkable six goals in three league appearanc- Borussia Monchengladbach’s Patrick Herrmann RESULTS es, all of them as substitute, and a celebrates after scoring a goal against Bayern Borussia Dortmund 4 (Al- total of 81 minutes’ playing time. Munich in Munich, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters) cacer 62, 80, 90+6, Goetze 84) Alfred Finnbogason gave Augsburg 3 (Finnbogason 22, Augsburg a halftime lead be- Max 71, Gregoritsch 87) fore Alcacer scored with his fi rst getting away from his marker to the 87th minute but the drama it was fantastic for the spectators Bremen, and Hertha Berlin, who the edge of the penalty area fol- Hanover 3 (Wood 30, 45+1, touch in the 62nd minute, three latch on to a free kick and score was still not over. and for us. We kept trying; it was beat Bayern last week and drew lowing a quick exchange of pass- Bebou 90+1) VfB Stuttgart 1 minutes after coming on, as he with a shot on the turn. Augsburg substitute Sergio very hard to fi nd a few gaps and 0-0 at Mainz 05 on Saturday. es in the 10th minute and Lars (Gomez 50) turned in Jadon Sancho’s pass Substitute Mario Goetze, play- Cordova clumsily gave away Augsburg are very dangerous,” said Bremen beat VfL Wolfsburg Stindl fi red the second after Jo- Mainz 0 Hertha Berlin 0 following a lethal counter-at- ing his fi rst league match of the a free kick with a high chal- Dortmund coach Lucien Favre. 2-0 in the Friday match. nas Hofmann dispossessed Thi- Fortuna Dusseldorf 0 Schalke tack. season, put Dortmund ahead for lenge and Alcacer curled his Dortmund, the only unbeaten Gladbach have often been Bay- ago Alcantara as he tried to play 2 (McKennie 48, Burgstaller 53) Philipp Max volleyed Augsburg the fi rst time four minutes later. shot around the wall in the fi fth team after seven games, lead ern’s tormentors over the last few the ball out of defence. Bayern Munich 0 Borussia back in front before Alcacer lev- Michael Gregoritsch headed minute of stoppage time. with 17 points, three ahead of years and so it proved again. Bayern dominated possession Moenchengladbach 3 (Plea 10, elled again in the 80th minute, Augsburg level from a corner in “It was not our best game, but Moenchengladbach, Werder Alassane Plea fi red home from only to be caught out again on Stindl 16, Herrmann 88) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, October 7, 2018 CRICKET

PREVIEW CONCERN Shakib fears infected fi nger will never fully recover Australia look to AFP infection because my finger will never “There is no chance of soft bone getting months before he returned to the field move on from Dhaka repaired again, it will not be completely in March. He wanted to undergo surgery okay, but with surgery they will put before the Asia Cup but the Bangladesh the hand into a shape from where I will Cricket Board insisted on playing him in ‘sandpaper-gate’ njured Bangladesh all-rounder be able hold bat and continue playing the key tournament. Shakib Al Hasan fears his fi nger cricket,” he said. Shakib played the team’s first four will never fully recover from an in- Shakib said he was unsure when his matches of the tournament, where he Ifection despite a planned second second surgery would be conducted scored 49 runs and picked up seven surgery in Australia this month. as he was yet to fully recover from the wickets, but developed the finger infec- Shakib underwent an emergency opera- infection. tion in the process. tion on his finger on September 27 in “The infection is my biggest tension. Un- The condition has eff ectively ruled Dhaka after it became aff ected by a bac- less it comes down to zero per cent, no him out for three months, making him terial infection while he was playing in surgeon will put a hand on it. If they do it, unavailable for back-to-back home series the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. it will go into the bone, and if it goes into against Zimbabwe and the West Indies in Doctors cleared a large amount of pus the bone, the entire hand will be spoilt,” October-December. from his infected finger and advised him he said. Shakib said if everything goes according to undergo a second surgery once the get back to 100 per cent normal,” Shakib The 31-year-old injured the little finger to plan he hopes to make a comeback infection has cleared. told reporters at Dhaka airport late on on his left hand during a one-day game in the Bangladesh Premier League T20 “The main point is how I can cure the Friday as he left for Australia. in January and was sidelined for two tournament in January.

Shehzad RAJKOT TEST banned for four months for failed Australia captain Tim Paine. dope test Reuters he told Fairfax Media. Dubai “If we can do that, that’s the Kuldeep bowls sort of environment people want AFP to be involved in and that culture Lahore ustralia’s hopes of win- spreads really quickly through ning back respect and the team rather than having to moving on from a ball- try and sell your culture all the akistani batsman tampering scandal that time — just set that culture, plungedA the team into disgrace live that culture, and guys that Ahmed Shehzad has been banned for four face their fi rst Test tomorrow want to be involved will carry it Pmonths over a failed India to their when Tim Paine’s rebuilding through.” drug test, authorities said, after side meet Pakistan in the series- Australia enjoyed a positive he pleaded guilty to violating opener in Dubai. warmup, with opener Aaron anti-doping rules. With former captain Steve Finch, middle order batsman The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Smith, and opening batsmen Travis Head and the Marsh punished the 26-year-old after he David Warner and Cameron brothers all getting runs in the tested positive for a “prohibited Bancroft, serving suspensions tour match against a Pakistan ‘A’ substance” during the domestic for ‘Sandpaper-gate’, the Aus- side. Pakistan Cup earlier this year. biggest victory tralians have brought a vastly That was enough for Langer to Shehzad “has been banned for diff erent squad to the Middle confi rm one-day specialist Finch four months eff ective from 10th East from the one that was belted and South Australia skipper July 2018... for violating the Shaw adjudged man of the match for his century on debut 3-1 in South Africa six months Head would play their fi rst Tests. board’s anti-doping rules”, the ago. A whole third of the 15 in There could be further debuts, PCB said in a statement. the United Arab Emirates have however. He “accepts that he has com- yet to play a Test, and Paine’s With Matt Renshaw having mitted the violations of the PCB side could feature up to four un- suff ered a head-knock when rules, but had no intent to cheat capped players when they head fi elding in the tour match, se- or enhance his performance”, it out into the Dubai heat against lectors may opt for South Afri- added. Sarfraz Ahmed-captained Paki- ca-born batsman Marnus La- Authorities did not identify the stan. buschagne. substance over which Shehzad Paine will be supported by a Paceman Michael Neser could was banned. new vice-captain in all-rounder be a fourth debutant should se- “I inadvertently consumed a Mitchell Marsh and a new coach lectors overlook workhorse Pe- medicine which as an experi- in former Test opener Justin ter Siddle to support spearhead enced cricketer I should have Langer. Mitchell Starc. refrained from,” Shehzad said Change is also in the air back Pakistan are in the midst of on Twitter after the decision was in Australia, with the nation’s their own rebuild in the wake announced. cricket board announcing its of retirements to former skip- “This is a lesson for me... and I successor to long-serving CEO per Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis hope to make a strong come- James Sutherland, even before Khan, but having trounced a bet- back from here.” the release of a review into the ter resourced Australia 2-0 in the The right-handed opener, who board’s culture and governance. last UAE series in 2014, they will was suspended in July over the With a separate review into the fancy themselves to win this one. failed test, will also deliver anti- culture of the men’s team also Little may be expected of doping lectures “as a part of his set to land, Australia will be un- Paine’s Australia in a series that rehabilitation process”, the PCB der plenty of scrutiny during the will play out when home fans said. two-test series which fi nishes in are sleeping, but the 33-year-old Abu Dhabi. Paine, who many feel skipper is mindful that results, as is only a caretaker captain until well as culture, are key to restor- Smith becomes eligible for the ing good will. Yasir targets role again, has no illusions about “We are certainly making the scale of the task. some changes and it’s something 20 wickets “We want to build a culture we are really serious about but that makes people want to be we are also aware that we need to AFP better and produce not only bet- be playing a high level of cricket Dubai ter cricketers but better people,” and winning games,” he said. Indian captain Virat Kohli along with teammate Kuldeep Yadav laugh as they walk back after winning the first Test match against the atch-winning Paki- West Indies at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot yesterday. SPOTLIGHT stan spinner Yasir Shah has sent a AFP Kuldeep led an inspired spin attack with S. Hope b Ashwin ...... 10 warning to Austral- Rajkot, India Jadeja claiming three wickets and Ravi- S. Hetmyer run out (Jadeja) ...... 10 M chandran Ashwin taking two. S. Ambris c Rahane b Jadeja ...... 12 ia’s batsmen that he is target- S. Africa cruise to ing 20 wickets and a win in the Opener Kieran Powell fought a lonely R. Chase b Ashwin ...... 53 two-match Test series starting pinner Kuldeep Yadav starred in battle to score 83 runs before becoming S. Dowrich b K. Yadav ...... 10 in Dubai today. India’s biggest-ever Test triumph Kuldeep’s fi fth victim in another disap- K. Paul c Pujara b U. Yadav ...... 47 win over Zimbabwe The 32-year-old has been Paki- as they thrashed the West Indies pointing batting show by the Caribbean D. Bishoo not out ...... 17 stan’s main spin weapon since by an innings and 272 runs inside side. S. Lewis b Ashwin ...... 0 threeS days in the opening match yesterday. Ashwin, who returned fi gures of 4-37 Jarvis (9-0-40-1) to the bound- making his Test debut against S. Gabriel st Pant b Ashwin ...... 1 Agencies Australia at the same venue four The tourists were dismissed for 196 ear- in West Indies’ fi rst innings, had sent back Extras (b16, lb2) ...... 18 Paarl ary only to fi nd Hamilton Masa- years ago. ly in the fi nal session while following on, to stand-in skipper Kraigg Brathwaite for 10 Total (all out, 48 overs) ...... 181 kadza standing at mid-wicket. He and left-armer Zulfiqar Babar trail the two-match series 1-0. They were before lunch and then got Devendra Bishoo Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Brathwaite), 2-7 Klaasen struck six boundaries took 26 wickets between them bowled out for 181 in their fi rst innings in at the stroke of tea. (Shami), 3-21 (Hope), 4-32 (Hetmyer), 5-49 outh Africa cruised to and a six while sharing in a stand to rout Australia 2-0. response to India’s 649-9 declared. The 23-year-old Kuldeep then rattled (Ambris), 6-74 (Dowrich), 7-147 (Paul), 8-159 a four-wicket victory, of 66 for the fi fth wicket from 73 Yasir again holds the key for Pa- Kuldeep returned fi gures of 5-57 with the West Indies’ top and middle order in- (Chase), 9-159 (Lewis), 10-181 (Gabriel) with 25 balls to spare, in balls with Zondo. kistan in the two-match series, his left-arm wrist spin, his fi rst fi ve-for in cluding big wickets of Powell, Sunil Am- Bowling: Shami 9-2-22-2, U. Yadav 11-3-20- the third and fi nal ODI Andile Phehlukwayo edged just his fourth Test since making his debut bris for nought and Roston Chase, who Sagainst Zimbabwe at Eurolux Tendai Chatara (7.5-0-58-1) with the second in Abu Dhabi 1, Ashwin 11-2-37-4, Jadeja 7-1-22-1, U. Yadav from October 16. against Australia last year. had top-scored for West Indies in the fi rst 10-1-62-1 Boland Park here to secure a 3-0 to Brendan Taylor behind the “I have a target of 20 wickets,” Ravindra Jadeja, who scored his maiden innings with his gritty 53. West Indies 2nd innings series whitewash. stumps without scoring with the Yasir told AFP. “I know how im- international century during India’s only The match will also be remembered for K. Brathwaite c Shaw b Ashwin ...... 10 The Proteas, who were set Proteas needing just two runs to portant it will be to take wickets innings, took the fi nal wicket of Shannon Kohli’s 139 during which the world’s top K. Powell c Shaw b K. Yadav ...... 83 a target of 229 from 50 overs, win. But Dale Steyn (4 not out) so that remains my target and Gabriel for four as the hosts celebrated batsman became the quickest to reach 24 S. Hope lbw b K. Yadav ...... 17 ended on 231 for six with half- kept his composure and struck for the team to win the series an utterly dominant win over the former Test centuries after the great Donald Brad- S. Hetmyer c Rahul b K. Yadav ...... 11 centuries from opener Reeza the ball down the ground for the which is very important.” cricketing powerhouse. man. S. Ambris st Pant b K. Yadav ...... 0 Hendricks and man of the match winning rungs. Yasir has grown in stature and The world’s top Test side surpassed Kohli got to his hundred in his 123rd R. Chase c Ashwin b K. Yadav ...... 20 Heinrich Klaasen. Zimbabwe, who had won the wickets with each series. He their previous biggest win against Afghan- innings with a boundary off leg-spinner S. Dowrich not out ...... 16 However, the platform for the toss and elected to bat fi rst, were took 24 wickets in three Tests istan by an innings and 262 runs during the Bishoo. Bradman took just 66 innings to K. Paul c U. Yadav n Jadeja ...... 15 chase was set up with an opening bowled out for 228 in 49.3 overs in a series win over Sri Lanka a minnows’ debut fi ve-day game in June. achieve the same feat. D. Bishoo c Pant b Ashwin ...... 9 stand of 75 from 78 balls between with Steyn (9.3-1-29-3) and Ka- year later. The match started with teenage opener “Not the best of starts, credit to India. S. Lewis lbw b Jadeja ...... 4 Hendricks and Aiden Markram, giso Rabada (10-1-32-3) doing His 10 wickets at Lord’s and five Prithvi Shaw making 134 on day one to be- They showed us how to bat,” a disappoint- S. Gabriel c K. Yadav b Jadeja ...... 4 who blitzed 42 from 39 balls with most of the damage. at The Oval formed the basis of come the youngest Indian to score a cen- ed Brathwaite said after the loss. Extras (b5, lb1, nb1) ...... 7 seven boundaries before being The visitors had slipped to Pakistan’s 1-1 series draw in Eng- tury on debut, at 18 years of age. “Didn’t get enough partnerships as Total (all out, 50.5 overs) ...... 196 given out leg before off an inside 44 for three with Solomon Mire land two years ago before he Shaw, who is already being compared to a batting unit. Two or three partner- Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Brathwaite), 2-79 edge. (7), Ervine (0) and Masakadza took 25 in a 2-1 win in the West Sachin Tendulkar, was adjudged the man ships would hold us very well,” added (Hope), 3-97 (Hetmyer), 4-97 (Ambris), Faf du Plessis’s re-entry into (28) back in the hut. Mire was Indies in 2017 — Pakistan’s first of the match for his 154-ball stay laced Brathwaite, who stood in as captain after 5-138 (Chase), 6-151 (Powell), 7-172 (Paul), the side since injuring his shoul- cleaned-up by man of the series series win in the Caribbean. with 19 fours. Jason Holder was ruled out on the morning 8-185 (Bishoo), 9-192 (Lewis), 10-196 der, looked enterprising before Imran Tahir (10-1-44-2) while Yasir said Australia will miss Skipper Virat Kohli, who also scored a of the match due to an ankle injury. (Gabriel) Craig Ervine took a brilliant Ervine and Masakadza were the guile of banned duo Steven landmark century in India’s only innings, Brathwaite said he was not sure if Hold- Bowling: Shami 3-0-11-0 (nb1), Ashwin catch off the bowling of Brandon caught behind by Klaasen off Smith and David Warner, who was happy with the team’s “clinical” er will be fi t for the next game. 18-2-71-2, U. Yadav 3-0-16-0, K. Yadav 14-2- Mavuta at short mid-wicket to Steyn and Rabada respectively. are each banned for a year for showing and praised Shaw for his quality The second match is scheduled in Hy- 57-5, Jadeja 12.5-1-35-3 dismiss the captain for 26 from Sean Williams and Brendan their part in a ball-tampering batting. derabad starting October 12. Toss: India 25 balls. JP Duminy failed to im- Taylor rescued their side with row in South Africa earlier this “Playing his fi rst game, seeing him Result: India won by an innings and 272 press, being well-caught in the a wonderful partnership of 73 year. dominate — the guy showed he is diff erent SCOREBOARD runs deep by Mavuta off Donald Tiri- from 94 deliveries but when Tay- “No doubt, Smith and Warner quality. That’s why he’s been pushed to the India 1st innings 649-9 decl (P. Shaw Series: India lead the two-Test series 1-0 pano (9-0-35-2) for just a single. lor departed, brilliantly stumped are two world-class players and Test team,” Kohli said after the win. 134, V. Kohli 139, R. Jadeja 100 not out; D. Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG), Nigel Llong Klaasen looked to be guiding by Klaasen off Tahir for 40 from Australia will miss them,” said “Jaddu (Jadeja) as well — he has got im- Bishoo 4-217) (ENG) the home side to victory along 44 balls, the visitors wobbled Yasir. “(They) know the art of portant runs for us before and we wanted West Indies 1st innings TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) with Khaya Zondo, who ended with Peter Moor (10) and Elton staying at the wicket so that will him to get three fi gures. We believe he can K. Brathwaite b Shami ...... 2 Match Referee: Chris Broad (ENG) unbeaten on 25, but tried to pull Chigumbura (9) off ering little to be missed by Australia.” turn matches for us,” said Kohli. K. Powell lbw b Shami ...... 1 a short, slower ball from Kyle the cause. Gulf Times Sunday, October 7, 2018 5 SPORT

FOCUS Bengals, Dolphins battling to move to 4-1 Reuters Emotions are way diff erent on has suff ered signifi cant injuries will return from a knee scope two Miami the Dolphins’ side after a 38-7 road and the defense also has a lot to weeks ago, but Giovani Bernard loss to the New England Patriots. prove. Las Vegas agrees, making the was ruled out Friday with his own The Dolphins still lead the Patriots Bengals six-point favorites. Now knee issue. That could mean an hen the Miami Dol- by 1/2 game in the AFC East, but, it’s time to see if the Dolphins are opportunity for rookie fourth- phins visit the to many fans and critics, that game starting a downward spiral, or if the round pick Mark Walton, a former Cincinnati Bengals in New England exposed Miami as Patriots loss was just a blip on the Miami Hurricanes star. Bengals today, it should be a a pretender. radar screen. starting receiver John Ross (groin) Wgood matchup between a pair of “We got ‘out-physicaled,’ and we The Bengals and Dolphins do will miss the contest after getting 3-1 teams. didn’t adjust the way we needed to,” have some history together. Since hurt against Atlanta, while center However, momentum is all on Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. Tannehill and Dalton have been in Billy Price (foot) remains side- the side of the Bengals, who are “Nothing was good.” the NFL, Miami leads this series, lined. coming off a dramatic 37-36 road Still, if the Dolphins beat the 2-1, with one of those games going Perhaps the biggest matchup in win over the Atlanta Falcons. Ben- Bengals, they will be 4-1 for the to overtime. Miami won the OT the game will be Miami’s defen- gals quarterback Andy Dalton is fi rst time since 2003. battle 22-20 in 2013. sive backs against Mixon, Dalton riding high after directing a dra- In addition, Miami quarterback Both teams have signifi cant in- and the receiving duo of Green and matic 16-play, 75-yard drive in the Ryan Tannehill is 10-2 in his past jury concerns. Tyler Boyd. Green, a seven-time game’s fi nal four minutes. 12 starts (dating back to 2016), Miami’s main issue is on the de- Pro Bowl selection, has fi ve touch- The Bengals converted twice matching Carson Wentz of the fensive line. This week, they cut down grabs in four games this sea- on fourth down in that march and Philadelphia Eagles and Jared Goff former starting defensive tackle son, and Boyd leads the team in re- once on third down. They also of the Los Angeles Rams for the Jordan Phillips. End William Hay- ceptions (26) and yards (349). overcame a 10-yard penalty before best record in the NFL among ac- es (knee) is injured and out for the The Dolphins are likely to get Dalton hit A.J. Green for a 13-yard tive passers over the same number season, and Pro Bowl end Cameron Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones back touchdown pass with just seven of starts. Wake (knee) has missed practice from the injured list this week after seconds left. But Tannehill was held to 100 two straight days. Backup end An- he missed the past two games. He “A.J. made a hell of a play,” Ben- yards passing and no touchdowns dre Branch (knee) got in a limited has intercepted two passes in two gals coach Marvin Lewis said of by the Patriots, who also inter- session Thursday but his status re- games this year. Green, who found room between cepted him once. mains unclear. But starting cornerback Bobby two defenders. “Hell of a throw. The Dolphins’ running game was Bengals running back Joe Mix- McCain (knee) will miss the Ben- Hell of a catch.” also shut down, their off ensive line on has been declared active and gals game, a potentially big loss. Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

MLB NBA Irving on Celtics: ‘I’m happy here’ Red Sox renew feel great about diff erent things I Reuters New York wanted to explore in my career,” Irving said. He said he dreams of his No. yrie Irving reiterated 11 hanging from the rafters one Friday he is thrilled to day, joining the retired numbers be part of the Boston of legendary Celtics. Celtics’ tradition and “Obviously, a lot of great play- playoff rivalry with Kplans to re-sign with the team ers have come before me, but to when his contract is up after the grow my name in Boston Celtics 2018-19 season. tradition and history is some- “I’m happy here,” Irving told thing I’m glad I can do, and I reporters. “Every single day is plan on,” said Irving, who added at an all-time competitive high. he confi rmed the Celtics want What more can you ask for from him back. an organisation than taking a “Honestly, it just was like, win over Yankees chance as far as getting me out ‘Man, I do not want to move of Cleveland? Really taking a again.’ I do not want to uproot ‘I was just trying to get one down and I put a good swing on it’ chance regardless of whether I my family and just be dealing signed back or not. with anything new again. No “They had the same attitude. disrespect to other organiza- They just wanted to show me tions, but here is perfect for me.” what being a Celtic is about, and Multiple reports surfaced Fri- that I was going to come around, day that Irving has discussed and I absolutely did. I believe in with New Orleans star Anthony it. I believe in the franchise.” Davis the possibility that Davis Irving revealed at a gathering could join the Celtics one day. of Celtics season-ticket holders Because of complicated league at TD Garden on Thursday that rules, the Celtics could not ac- he intends to re-sign with the quire Davis in a trade this season team, despite previous reports of but would be required to wait the contrary. until the following year. He said Friday that one sea- Irving, 26, spent his fi rst six son in Boston, which ended early NBA seasons in Cleveland before with knee issues, wasn’t enough being traded to Boston ahead of to convince him to stay with the the 2017-18 season. In his 60 Celtics. But he now is certain, he games with the Celtics, he aver- said. aged 24.4 points and 5.1 assists. “I needed just some time to On his career, he averages 22.0 kind of be back in Boston and points and 5.5 assists.

Celtics’ assistant Allen pleads guilty to bribery Boston Celtics assistant coach to model to my young players Jerome Allen has entered a how one accepts responsibil- guilty plea to a bribery charge ity for wrongdoing, including Boston Red Sox designated hitter JD Martinez (right) celebrates with Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi after hitting a three run home run during the first inning against dating back to his time as a col- the consequences that come the New York Yankees in game one of the ALDS at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports lege coach. He was accused of, from unlawful behaviour.” Team in 2014, accepting $18,000 from president Danny Ainge said he AFP to 5-3. RESULTS cruised past the Atlanta Braves, the father of a prospective stu- respects how Allen has handled Los Angeles The Bronx Bombers looked 3-0, to give both teams com- dent who wanted Allen to use the situation. like they might mount a come- Division Series National League manding 2-0 leads in the best- his “position as coach to help his “It was disappointing to hear back when slugger Aaron Judge American League At Milwaukee of-fi ve series. son get admitted to the school that Jerome got himself in- D Martinez belted a three- led off the top of the ninth with At Houston Colorado Rockies 0 Milwaukee The Brewers moved with- as a ‘listed’ recruit,” Allen said in volved in this, but it’s good that run homer and Chris Sale a homer off Red Sox closer Craig Cleveland Indians 2 Houston Brewers 4 in one game of their fi rst NL a statement issued through his he took responsibility,” Ainge struck out eight batters as Kimbrel, cutting the lead to one. Astros 7 (Milwaukee lead series 2-0) Championship Series appear- attorney after pleading guilty said, according to the Boston the Boston Red Sox held But Kimbrel rebounded to get (Houston lead series 1-0) ance since 2011 as Jhoulys in US District Court for the Herald. onJ to beat the New York Yankees the fi nal three outs, striking out Chacin, starting on short rest, At Boston At Los Angeles Southern District of Florida. As “Right away, from the very 5-4 in the opening game of the red-hot Yankees batter Luke Boston Red Sox 5 New York Los Angeles Dodgers 3 Atlanta threw fi ve scoreless innings part of a plea agreement, Allen beginning, he took responsibil- American League Division Se- Voit to seal the victory. Yankees 4 Braves 0 and the bullpen maintained the must repay the $18,000 and pay ity, and I like people that do that. ries on Friday. It has been 14 years since the (Boston lead series 1-0) (Dodgers lead series 2-0) shutout. Hernan Perez doubled a $200,000 fine. He is expected “This happened well before The Red Sox built an early lead, Red Sox and Yankees last met in a run in the fourth inning and to be suspended but remain on he was a Celtic, and he’s an going up 3-0 in the fi rst inning in the post-season - in 2004, Milwaukee added three more coach Brad Stevens’ staff . He important member of our staff . on Martinez’s home run, and 5-0 the Red Sox rallied from three Houston Astros exploded for The explosive off ense backed runs in the eighth. joined the Celtics in 2015. He’s been a good role model to after three in front of their ec- games down for a stunning AL four homers to beat the Cleve- up a strong outing from Astros In Los Angeles, Clayton Ker- “I failed on many levels,” Al- a lot of our young players. It’s a static fans at Fenway Park. And Championship Series triumph. land Indians, 7-2, in the open- starting pitcher Justin Ver- shaw allowed just two hits over len, 45, said in the statement. big mistake that he made, but, they never looked back. The second game of the best- ing game of their American lander. “Everybody did some- eight innings and Manny Mach- “Primarily, I had a failure of again, I like the fact that he took “I was just trying to get one of-fi ve series is on Saturday, League divisional series. thing to help this team win to- ado hit a two-run homer as the character. I did not live up to responsibility and he owned up down and I put a good swing on with Boston starting left-hand- Alex Bregman, George day,” said Altuve, the 2017 AL Dodgers beat the Braves. the high standards I set for to his mistakes and wants to it,” said Martinez. er David Price, who is 0-8 as a Springer and Jose Altuve all Most Valuable Player. Kershaw struck out three and myself, or were expected of move forward.” Ainge would not Sale, who struggled in his starter in the playoff s. He’ll face homered off Indians starting Houston will try to double walked none to remain unbeat- me in the position that I held. address a potential suspension, playoff debut against the Hou- Yankees right-hander Masahiro pitcher Corey Kluber, while their lead in the best-of-fi ve en all-time against Atlanta. “I am heartbroken that my but he said he didn’t think the ston Astros last year, took a Tanaka of Japan. Martin Maldonado went deep series when they host game two Los Angeles can sweep the players – current and former – NBA would get involved. four-hit shutout into the sixth off reliever Cody Allen as the on Saturday. In National League best-of-fi ve series in game will know that I broke the law. “No, I think the league will let us inning on Friday. The Yankees Houston, LA, Milwaukee win Astros hit four homers in a action, the Milwaukee Brewers three on Sunday in Atlanta, But, I do hope that some good handle this, and we’ll handle it loaded the bases in the sixth In other games Friday, the de- post-season game for the sev- beat the Colorado Rockies, 4-0, while Milwaukee can do the may come out of this. I wish internally,” he said. and seventh, cutting the defi cit fending World Series champion enth time in club history. and the Los Angeles Dodgers same in Colorado today. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, October 7, 2018 SPORT

GOLF Snedeker leads by three, Mickelson in hunt for his ninth title on the US Tour. Most of the AFP SCORES FROM THE SECOND ROUND San Francisco game’s biggest names are taking time off af- 131-Brandt Snedeker 66-65 ter the rigours of the FedEx Cup playoff s and 134-Ryan Moore 67-67, Phil Mickelson 65- won’t return until January. randt Snedeker may not think much 69, Michael Thompson 69-65 This opens the door for a collection of of Phil Mickelson’s talent-judging 135-Kevin Tway 68-67, Sepp Straka (AUT) Web.com Tour graduates to try and cement skills, but he’s convinced ‘Lefty’ can 63-72, Im Sung-jae (KOR) 66-69 their status on the main tour. First round keep his job on the PGA tour for a few 136-Adam Schenk 67-69, Peter Malnati leader Sepp Straka of Australia shot an even- moreB years. par 72 and was tied for fi fth with Im Sung-Jae 68-68, Alex Prugh 66-70, Kevin Streelman Mickelson told Snedeker heading into the 68-68, J.T. Poston 66-70, Ricky Barnes (69) and Kevin Tway (67). 2018 Safeway Open that he had low expec- 75-61, Chase Wright 64-72. England’s Danny Willett, Scotland’s Rus- tations for the season-opening tournament sell Knox and American’s Scott Piercy and because he was hitting the ball so poorly – disappointing appearance at the Ryder Cup 2013 PGA Championship winner Jason Duf- and then went out and blasted a fi rst-round where he went 0-2 as the Americans suff ered ner missed the cut. 65. The 48-year-old Mickelson followed that a devastating defeat to Team Europe in France. up with a stellar 69 on Friday. He is sitting “It’s a crazy game,” he said. “My expectations Hatton takes Dunhill Links lead, just three strokes back of Snedeker who leads were nil but I did a lot of good shots. I am sur- eyes third straight crown at the halfway point with a 13-under 131 after prised. England’s Tyrrell Hatton fi red a six-under 66 carding a second-round 65. “Eventually some of my putts started to in the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Links “I texted him. I gave him a hard time be- drop. I am putting too well not to make putts.” Championship yesterday to take a one-shot cause he told me he’s playing terrible and That included a 39-foot-birdie putt on lead as he targets a third straight crown at the then he goes out and shoots six birdies in a the par-three seventh hole. “He’s confi dent event. Hatton went 14-under for the tourna- row,” Snedeker said. “I said, ‘Really, you are a now being where he is,” Snedeker said of the ment and could become the fi rst since Tiger great judge of talent.’” three-time Masters winner Mickelson. “As Woods to win the same title three years in Mickelson was tied for second at 10 under the course gets tougher he is going to play succession. with fellow Americans Michael Thompson better.” The American achieved the feat between (65) and Ryan Moore, who shot his second Snedeker drained eight birdies including 2005 and 2007 when he won the WGC- straight 67 at the Silverado Resort and Spa in three in a row starting at the par-four fourth Championship and the WGC-Invitational. Napa, California. hole. He fi nished 2017-18 with added confi - “I’m going to go out there tomorrow and give Mickelson admitted he was fatigued this dence after shooting a 59 in August en route it my best. To join that club would be so spe- Brandt Snedeker plays his shot from the 12th tee during round one of the Safeway Open at the North week. He came into the tournament fresh off a to capturing the Wyndham Championship cial,” Hatton said. Course of the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

RUGBY TENNIS Nishikori through to Japan Open fi nal Late Savea try seals against Medvedev

Reuters Tokyo

ome favourite Kei stunning comeback Nishikori defeated Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-6(2) 6-1 inH the semi-fi nals of the Japan Open yesterday, setting up a fi nal against Russian qualifi er Daniil Medvedev. The Japanese world number win for New Zealand 12 was made to battle during a tough fi rst set as Gasquet Savea scores in final minute to set up thrilling win Boks led by 12 points with four saved three break points to take Nishikori to a tie-break. Japan’s Kei Nishikori serves minutes to play New Zealand gain revenge for 36-34 loss in Wellington The Frenchman had won fi ve against France’s Richard tie-breaks already this week Gasquet during their singles in Tokyo but couldn’t fi nd the semi-final at the Japan Open in magic formula this time as Tokyo. (AFP) Nishikori saved his best for when it counted winning 7-2 in more consistent. I had a couple the tie-break after a long fi rst of bad weeks after clay court set lasting almost an hour. but now everything is feeling Gasquet’s spirit appeared perfect.” broken as Nishikori comfort- The 28-year-old is cur- ably broke the 32-year-old’s rently 10th in the race to reach serve at the fi rst time of asking, the end of season ATP Finals wrapping up the second set in in London. With the top eight just 33 minutes. players qualifying, he is hoping “I think winning the tie- to catch South African Kevin break was very big for me and Anderson, currently in eighth, also for him, because he has who lost to Gasquet in the been playing great tie-breaks quarters on Friday. this week,” Nishikori told re- Medvedev beat 19-year-old porters. Denis Shapovalov 6-3 6-3 in “I tried to raise my level in the earlier semi-fi nal. the tie-break and be more ag- Medvedev served 12 aces to gressive, focused and then I Shapovalov’s four, with the played the best tie-break I have young Canadian also serving played for a couple of months.” fi ve double faults throughout “This gave me good confi - the match as he struggled to dence.” stay with the big-hitting Rus- Nishikori, who has won this sian. event in 2012 and 2014, is aim- The world number 32, who ing to win his fi rst ATP event has beaten Diego Schwartz- since February 2016. mann and Milos Raonic already He has battled with injuries this week, wrapped up the vic- and form since, losing seven tory with back-to-back aces in consecutive ATP fi nals, most a time of 63 minutes to reach recently to Rafa Nadal at Monte his third ATP fi nal of the year. Carlo in April. “Dennis is an amazing play- “I’m feeling 100 percent,” er,” Medvedev said on court, added Nishikori. noting he had been prepared “I was feeling 100 percent for a tough match today af- before playing a good clay ter their previous meetings in court season.” which Shapovalov had a 2-0 “But now I think I’m playing record.

Sevastova to face Wozniacki in fi nal Anastasija Sevastova de- much for aces or fast serves... feated US Open champion just tried to hit the angles Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-4 in and placement and that the China Open semi-finals helped.” New Zealand players celebrate with the Freedom Cup after winning the Rugby Championship match against South Africa at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday and will take on Sevastova edged a tight first yesterday. (AFP) Caroline Wozniacki in today’s set with a solitary break as title clash. Osaka’s game showed signs Reuters the home side to take after they able to stymie it and come back. fi ne break of his own. 20 minutes and they did so again. Sevastova, managing a of falling apart. The 20-year- Pretoria dominated the game but could We showed great respect to the The Boks were in rampant When the Boks knocked on stomach muscle problem old made 42 unforced errors not hold on as centres Jesse Kriel Boks, but both teams have got mood now and after scrumhalf from the kick-off , the visitors and not quite at 100 percent, in the contest. and Damian de Allende, and great respect for each other.” Faf de Klerk had botched the were able to get into a scoring controlled the contest by win- Osaka also struggled with a eplacement fl anker Ar- winger Cheslin Kolbe scored The Boks dominated posses- chance for a second try with position from an attacking line- ning three out of eight break lower back problem in the die Savea scored a try tries in the second half. sion and territory in the fi rst half a poor pass, they scored again out and Ioane fi nished off the point opportunities to knock second set as Sevastova in the fi nal minute as New Zealand’s other tries with clever tactical kicking to when captain Siya Kolisi burst move. out the error-prone Japanese raced to a 5-2 lead before champions New Zea- came from scrumhalf Aaron keep the visitors pinned in their through a tackle and fed De Al- Barrett scored a try after in- player. The Latvian said she closing out the win. landR staged a stunning come- Smith and winger Rieko Ioane own half. lende to race across the line. cessant New Zealand pressure to had sustained the problem in In the other semi-final, back to secure a 32-30 victory as they avenged their 36-34 loss But that did not translate to But New Zealand hit back with reduce the defi cit to fi ve points her win over Croatia’s Donna Australian Open champion over South Africa in their fi nal to the Springboks in Wellington the scoreboard as the teams went a typically incisive counter- with four minutes remaining, Vekic in the last 16. Wozniacki converted five Rugby Championship clash at last month. into the break at 6-6 after two attack as hooker Codie Taylor and with time almost up, Savea “Playing against Donna, I out of eight break point Loftus Versfeld yesterday. “You have got to have belief penalties each, with New Zea- burst away and his pass to Smith set up the win sealed by a Richie had some problems with my opportunities to thump local The Springboks led by 12 deep down that you can back. land’s robust and intelligent de- gave the scrumhalf an easy score. Mo’unga conversion. stomach muscle and never hope Wang Qiang 6-1, 6-3 and points with four minutes to Both teams were outstand- fence keeping them in the game. The momentum remained “We let it go at the end, they expected to go further. The reach her first hardcourt final play, but after lock Scott Barrett ing and across the two games The Boks made the bright- with the home side, though, and were more alert than us,” Kolisi physios did a good job and since Melbourne. brought the visitors to within we are split even on the score- er start to the second period Kolbe stretched to dot the ball said. somehow I’m still hanging Sevastova, who is looking one score of their hosts, they board,” New Zealand captain Ki- and within four minutes they down on the line in the corner, “It was really good at times, in there, serving OK,” world for her second title of the showed their experience to set eran Read said at the post-match grabbed the lead after fullback with Pollard adding the diffi cult we will have to learn from this number 20 Sevastova said. season, has never beaten up an attacking line-out from presentation. Willie le Roux, playing his 50th conversion. and go back and look at we need “It (muscle issue) changes Wozniacki in four previous which Savea burrowed over. “We hung in there, when they test, scythed through a gap and But New Zealand are famous to do next time. But I’m proud of the serve a bit. I didn’t go too meetings. It will be a hard defeat for got a bit of momentum we were Kriel fi nished the move with a for upping the game in the fi nal the way the team is growing.” Gulf Times Sunday, October 7, 2018 7 SPORT

RECEPTION FOR QATAR’S SPECIAL ATHLETES

Qatar’s ambassador to Indonesia Ahmed bin Jassim al-Hamar held a reception for Qatar’s special athletes taking part in the Asian Para Games in Jakarta yesterday. The ambassador spent time with them and wished them well for the Games which got under way yesterday.

F1 MOTORCYCLING Marquez seizes historic pole at Hamilton storms to Thailand MotoGP

AFP with Marquez is a fi rm favourite Buriram, Thailand among Thai fans, was 11-hun- dredths behind Marquez with Dovizioso third fastest. hampionship leader Yamaha’s Rossi described his 80th pole in Japan, Marc Marquez made time as a “great result” after he history as he became the qualifi ed just 18th quickest last fi rst rider to climb out month in Aragon, his lowest grid Cof Q1 and claim pole position at position since 2006. the inaugural Thailand MotoGP However Jorge Lorenzo, who yesterday. arrived carrying a foot injury The Spaniard had to fi ght his and then damaged his wrist in a way through the fi rst qualifying heavy crash during practice Fri- Vettel struggles to 9 session after a crash in practice, day, is out after he withdrew be- but in Q2 he stormed to a time fore qualifying. Mercedes secure second successive front row lockout, Ferrari pay for wrong tyre choice of lmin 30.088secs for his 50th Italian riders Marco Bezzec- pole. chi and Lorenzo Baldassarri will Reuters It underlined the superb form start from pole in the Moto3 and Suzuka, Japan of the Honda rider, who holds Moto2 races respectively. a 72-point lead over Andrea Thailand’s fi rst MotoGP is Dovizioso with fi ve races re- being held in the rural town of ormula One leader maining as he closes on a fi fth Buriram, which is several hours’ Lewis Hamilton seized a world title. drive from Bangkok and has a record-extending 80th “Of course I was happy how population of only about 30,000. pole position at the I fi nished the day,” Marquez, More than double that size JapaneseF Grand Prix yesterday, 25, told reporters, describing turned out on Saturday, accord- timing his sole fl ying lap to per- his morning practice session as ing to organisers. The 25-lap race fection while Ferrari’s Sebastian “unlucky”. is at the Chang International Vettel will start eighth. Seven-time world cham- Circuit, the only Formula One- The Mercedes driver, in dom- pion Valentino Rossi, who along grade track in the country. inant form all weekend at the Suzuka circuit, pumped in a one minute 27.760 second lap on the super-soft tyres while it was still only just spitting with rain. Vettel and Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen, who went out on intermediate tyres in the fi nal part of qualifying with the track still dry, lost time coming back in to fi t the super-soft tyres. The German then made another mistake on his fi rst fl ying lap and was unable to get another one in as the intermittent drizzle turned into a full-blown shower that drenched the track. Meanwhile, Hamilton – who along with teammate Valtteri Bottas had gone out straight away on the super-soft tyres to Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez celebrates after beat the rain – was lighting up securing the pole position in the qualifier of the 2018 Thailand MotoGP the timing screens. at Buriram International Circuit yesterday. (AFP) “The team have done an amazing job this weekend, and the call that we made for Q3 was probably the most diffi cult,” Vettel defends Ferrari’s tyre gamble said the Briton, joined by Bottas in Japan qualifying on the front row after the Finn completed a second successive Sebastian Vettel refused to first time that these mistakes Mercedes front row lockout. blame Ferrari after a wrong have occurred. I do not feel like “It’s so diffi cult when the tyre choice left him eighth on pointing my fingers at some- pressure is on to make the right the grid for today’s Japanese one in particular, but I’m very call but that’s the big diff erence Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton flashes a victory sign after taking the pole position for the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Grand Prix with championship disappointed.” between us this year and that’s Suzuka yesterday. (AFP) leader Lewis Hamilton on pole In contrast, Hamilton got it why we’re the best and the team position for Mercedes. right from the start. Vettel, also deserve it,” added Hamilton. and 19th. The retiring Fernando Team boss Maurizio Arriva- a four-times champion like his Vettel trails his fellow four- Starting Grid Alonso beat Stoff el Vandoorne bene was more critical, saying British rival, said the decisions times champion by 50 points in 1st row 6th row but neither driver made it past Ferrari had made an ‘unaccept- were taken as a team and de- the standings with just four rac- Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Valtteri Bottas Charles Leclerc (MON/Sauber-Ferrari) Kevin the opening 18-minute part of able’ blunder in the final phase fended his colleagues. “When es left after Japan. His hopes are (FIN/Mercedes) Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) the session. of qualifying. Ferrari, expecting the conditions are like this, fading fast and he needs a huge 2nd row 7th row Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson rain, sent Vettel and teammate then obviously you either get it stroke of luck now to reignite his Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-TAG Heuer) Kimi Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) Lance Stroll (CAN/ briefl y brought out the red fl ags Kimi Raikkonen out on the right or get it wrong, so I’m not challenge. Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) Williams-Mercedes) when he crashed his Sauber at intermediate tyres at the start blaming anybody,” said Vettel, “Obviously it’s not the posi- 3rd row 8th row the fast left-handed Dunlop of the final shootout phase of whose title hopes looked slim tion we deserve to be in,” said the Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) Brendon Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull-TAG Heuer) Nico curve early in the session. qualifying. But the track stayed already before Saturday. 31-year-old, who qualifi ed ninth Hartley (NZL/Toro Rosso-Honda) Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) Renault’s German Nico dry and forced the pair back “If it (had) started to rain five, but moved up a place after Force 4th row 9th row Hulkenberg, who crashed in the into the pits to change on to six, seven minutes earlier, then India’s Esteban Ocon was hand- Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda) Esteban Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Williams-Mercedes) Fern- fi nal practice session ahead of the slick super-soft tyres. we did a miracle because we ed a three place drop for a red fl ag Ocon (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) ando Alonso (ESP/McLaren-Renault) qualifying, made it back out on The planning error cost Vettel were the only clever ones, but infringement in fi nal practice. 5th row 10th row track but was also knocked out dear, with spots of rain begin- if it’s like that, then obviously “Anything can happen tomor- Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) Sergio Perez Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren-Renault) Mar- in the fi rst phase having set the ning to grease the track and we’re the only ones who look row. Tomorrow is a new day.” (MEX/Force India-Mercedes) cus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber-Ferrari) 16th quickest time. leading him to make a mistake stupid. That could be bad news for on his first flying lap. With the Vettel trails Hamilton by 50 RICCIARDO FUMES tle: “Is it still a battle? I’m not “I just can’t catch a break,” “I’m stoked with that. I was the fourth-placed French team, rain intensifying and drenching points with only four races Vettel’s misfortune allowed sure,” he said. While the Dutch- said Ricciardo, who is leaving actually a bit emotional on the with their closest rivals Haas the track, he did not get anoth- to go after today’s Japanese 21-year-old Dutch driver Max man celebrated, teammate Dan- Red Bull for Renault at the end in-lap,” said Hartley, who has having Romain Grosjean qualify er shot. “I do not think that pole round. The Briton, winner of Verstappen to qualify third for iel Ricciardo was left hoarse with of the year. Toro Rosso starred had a tough time this year and fi fth. Hamilton has won fi ve of position was within our reach, five of the last six races had Red Bull. “We have a bigger anger after a power unit problem in what is a home race for en- faces an uncertain future. the last six races and is already but what happened today is always been favourite for pole chance now to be on the podi- sidelined him during the second gine-supplier Honda with New Rivals McLaren, who dumped in a position where he does not unacceptable,” Arrivabene told having dominated practice but um,” said Verstappen, doubting phase of qualifying before he had Zealander Brendon Hartley Honda for Renault after three need to win again this year to Motorsport.com. Vettel had looked competitive that he would need to worry too set a time. The Australian, as a sixth ahead of French teammate frustrating years, meanwhile clinch the title. The Briton won “I am very angry. It is not the until the botched tyre choice. much about the others’ title bat- consequence, is set to start 15th. Pierre Gasly in seventh. could do no better than 18th from pole in Japan last year.

Sunday, October 7, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN PARA GAMES RALLYING Abdulla slips to Qatar athletes aim third in Morocco

By Sports Reporter to shine in Jakarta Erfoud, Morocco ‘Our athletes trained hard and will do their best to win more medals for Team Qatar’ atar’s Adel Abdulla suf- fered a major setback to his goal of winning back the FIA T2 World QChampionship title at the end of the opening desert selective section of the 2018 Rally of Mo- rocco on Friday and the problems spilled into yesterday morning. The Nissan Patrol Y62 driver and his French navigator Jean- Michel Polato opened their ac- count at a cautious pace through the opening stage and slipped to third in the category behind Ahmed al-Shegawi and Andrey Titov. They then overcame a minor navigational mistake only to stop with an electrical problem near the fi nish of the shorter second section of the stage and that pre- vented them from beginning yes- terday’s competitive section on their due start time. Adel Abdulla said: “We didn’t push on the opening stage. It was really tough. We made one mis- take with the navigation. It was an issue with the GPS I think. We were slower in that fi rst stage. I pushed from the start in the sec- Qatari athlete Nasser al-Sahoti carries the national flag during the Asia Para Games opening ceremony in Jakarta yesterday. At right, Qatari athletes watch the opening ceremony. ond one until the second part of the sandy track. Sports Reporter Manager of Qatar Paralympic Committee. discus throw in the 2014 Asian Para Games be- achievements include carrying the Qatari fl ag at “Suddenly, it showed that my Jakarta Team Qatar boasts seven track and fi eld ath- fore claiming silver in the 2017 World Para Ath- the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralym- car was in two-wheel drive and letes, including Paralympic medalist Abdulrah- letics Championships. pic Games. we were stuck in one place, 300 man Abdulqadir who became Qatar’s fi rst athlete Flagbearer al-Sahoti will not be undertak- Al-Kubaisi and fellow track wheelchair team- metres before going out of a sandy hen Nasser al-Sahoti carried Qa- to win a medal in any sport at the Paralympic ing that honor for the fi rst time as he carried the mate Khaled Hamad al-Hajeri warmed up for the place. One of the trucks arrived tar’s fl ag at the opening ceremony of Games when he claimed silver in the shot-put at maroon fl ag at the opening ceremony of the 2011 Asian Para Games with a training camp in Poland and pulled us out. We continued the Asian Para Games Jakarta 2018, the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Pan Arab Games on home soil. from July 20 to August 15. towards the fi nish with the two- he was leading a Team Qatar that Abdulrahman Abdulqadir is also the shot-put At 46 years of age, the athlete who competes in Shot-put athlete Mohamed al-Abd and javelin wheel drive on the sandy road. Wtraveled to Indonesia with the goal of building on gold medal holder from the 2017 World Para Ath- discus throw and javelin throw has bags of expe- thrower Dabyas al-Dosari, who both competed But, 12km before the fi nish, the recent international successes. letics Championships in London as well as the rience in major tournaments, having represented previously in the World Para Athletics Champi- engine went off . I don’t know why. Al-Sahoti and teammates will be hoping to Asian Para Games 2014. To add to a long list of Qatar in the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games onships, make up the rest of Team Qatar’s track It was something to do with the replicate the same form that won Team Qatar two honors for the 30-year-old, He was Qatar’s fl ag- as well as fi ve world championships. He also and fi eld squad. electrics. It stopped completely. It silver medals in the Rio 2016 Summer Paralym- bearer at the opening ceremony of the London claimed the fi rst medal for Qatar in IPC Athlet- Meanwhile, Team Qatar’s goalball squad com- did not want to start. We changed pics Games and fi ve medals (three gold and two 2012 Paralympic Games. ics World Championships when he won a javelin prises six players and will be targeting to mark the fuse and eventually managed bronze) in the Incheon Asian Para Games 2014 The track and fi eld team also features Sara throw bronze in Assen, Netherlands in 2006. their achievement of participating in the compe- to get to the bivouac. four years before. Masoud who won silver in the women’s event of Another Team Qatar athlete who will be look- tition with a strong performance. The team had “We found out that the ECU “We have had an outstanding success in the shot put in Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Like Ab- ing to defend a medal from the previous edition a memorable involvement in the inaugural West burned on the stage before the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games as well as the previ- dulqadir, Masoud made history by becoming the of Asian Para Games is Mohammed Rashid Al Asian Para Games in 2017 by claiming the bronze fi nish. That was why the engine ous Asian Para Games in South Korea and we are fi rst female Qatari athlete to win a medal at the Kubaisi who competes in the 100m and 800m medal. Hosted in the Indonesian capital under, went off . We tried to programme highly motivated for Jakarta. Our athletes trained Paralympic Games. races. the third Asian Para Games will take place from the other one because we needed hard and will do their best to win more medals Masoud, who made her senior international Besides winning bronze medal in the 100m October 6 -13 under the slogan “Inspiring the the codes from Nissan to be able for Team Qatar,” said Ameer al- Mulla, Executive debut in 2011, won gold medal in shot put and race in Incheon, al-Kubaisi’s best career Spirit and Energy of Asia.” to do that.”

FOOTBALL RUGBY Sailiya look to shock Colombo clinch Al Sadd in Stars League Ambassador Cup ‘AL SADD ARE A FORMIDABLE SIDE, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT’ By Sports Reporter aft er epic victory Doha

an Al Sailiya shock Al Sadd and prove they are serious contend- ers for the QNB Stars League ti- tle? That’s the question doing the roundsC as Qatar’s premier competition completes the one-third mark with the conclusion of the seventh week of matches today. Al Sailiya have made a promising start to the tournament with fi ve wins from six matches and are placed third in the stand- ings with 15 points, behind Al Sadd and Al Duhail who are just one point clear at the top. Al Sadd and Al Duhail are the only un- beaten teams so far and are favoured to win the title. Al Rayyan are always in the mix and, with Al Sailiya too showing good initial By Sports Reporter play deep in the visitors’ half somewhat paid off as promise, the title race promises to be a grip- Doha Colombo gave away another easy 3 points. ping aff air this season. With 10 minutes to go and the scoreboard read- Al Sadd, coached by Portuguese Jesualdo ing 15-11 Doha seemed to have the upper hand. Ferreira, boast of Spanish stars Xavi Her- Al Sailiya coach Sami Trablesi (R) speaks to reporters at his press conference. olombo’s 17-15 win over the Doha Rugby Just then the Sri Lankan crowd kicked in lifting nandez and Gabi Fernandez, Algerian ace Club on Friday sealed not only their fi rst their comrades with their chants and cheers. The Baghdad Bounedjah, Akram Afi f, Ali Asad, Al Sadd are a formidable side, no doubt coming off a hat-trick of victories, the last victory of the season but also gave the Colombo players reacted to the call, providing an Boualem Khoukhi and South Korean mid- about it. They have some outstanding play- being a 1-0 verdict over Al Khor. They had Dialog League back home an ominous re- epic power surge that earned them two consecutive fi elder Jung Woo-Young. ers and have not lost so far in this season’s defeated Al Gharafa and Al Kharaitiyat in minderC of their strength in depth for the coming penalty goals, the lead and fi nally the match. The Wolves’ Qatar international striker QNB Stars League, along with Al Sadd. the previous rounds and Al Ahli in Week 3. season. Following the game, winning captain Yoshitha Hassan al-Haydos and goalkeeper Saad al- “We will play the game at the same level The Orange Fortress have scored 13 goals To mark the inauguration of the 1st Ambassa- Rajapaksa praised the Doha team for their perform- Sheeb have returned from their injury lay- as always. It will of course be a keen con- conceding 12. dor Cup match between Colombo and Doha rugby ance and thanked the strong crowd in attendance. off s. test.” Al Duhail had also beaten Al Shahania, Al clubs at the Doha Rugby Football Centre, the Sri For their part, Doha, who were without a few of Al Sailiya have Rachid Tiberkanine, Ab- “The confrontation with Al Sadd will not Kharaitiyat, Qatar SC and Al Gharafa, and Lankan ambassador ASP Liyanage on Friday drew their top starters, were dominant throughout the dulqadir Ilyas, Nadir Belhadj and George be easy even though they had lost in the fi rst drew goalless with Al Rayyan. on the ability of rugby to unify communities creat- match. Defensively, Doha were on the ropes time Kwesi in their ranks. leg of their AFC Champions League semi- Al Duhail, coached by Tunisian Nabil ing unforgettable friendships. and again but equal to the task. Tiberkanine, who scored a brace during fi nal against Iran’s Persepolis. They know Maaloul, have in their ranks the likes of He said, “Rugby it is a platform for opportuni- Their scrummaging was devastating at best, full Al Sailiya’s 2-0 victory over Al Arabi, has six how to take things to their advantage. How- Moroccan striker Yousef El Arabi, South ties.” of grunt and force. Even with their uncanny attack goals to his credit. ever, we will not give up easily and will try to Korean attacking midfi elder Nam Tae-Hee, He thanked the Colombo Rugby Club for the and the ability to produce unexpected performanc- Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi, speaking collect three points.” infl uential midfi elder Karim Boudiaf, Paolo positive role it has played back home in “develop- es from anywhere on the fi eld, the hosts in the end at the pre-match Press conference, un- In case Al Sailiya win the match, they can Edmilson, Lucas Mendes, wily forward Al- ing talented youths and producing ambassadors for were beaten by the slightest of margins. derlined the fact that it would be a keenly- go top of the standings but that will also de- moez Ali and young Bassam al-Rawi. Sri Lanka”. Addressing the stadium, Doha captain Elliot fought contest. pend on the result of the match between Al They will also have the services of Murad Colombo rugby club were missing several regu- Johnston later said, “I would like to thank all the “We will play the game at the same level as Duhail and Umm Salal who will be playing Naji, who sat out against Al Ahli as he was lars, but it made little diff erence as they recovered sponsors for making this match possible and bring- always. It will of course be a keen contest. In today’s fi rst match. serving a red-card suspension he received from a shaky 3-12 defi cit to narrow the score 8-12 ing Colombo over. football, whoever control the game will win Al Duhail, for sure, will not want to show during their game against Al Gharafa. at halftime. “We really are starving proper professional it. And those who fully utilise the chances any let-up as they are behind Al Sadd on Umm Salal, under Frenchman Laurent A successful penalty goal early in the second half rugby at the moment and to have this match today that come their way will win regardless of goal diff erence with fi ve wins and a draw Banide, are bolstered by the presence of brought the visitors within 1 point of the hosts (11- it’s very refreshing and appreciated. We hope we statistics and fi gures,” said Trabelsi. each. On the other hand, Umm Salal have 13 Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbio, Syrian for- 12), however, that did not stop the barrage of pres- can develop a long relationship with Colombo and “The match is important for both teams. points from four wins and a draw. They are ward Mahmoud al-Mawas and Adil Rhaili. sure exerted by the hosts. Doha’s strategic tactic to hopefully respond kindly in the future.”