Tough UEFA Champions League draw for Barcelona PAGE 12

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019

Valtteri Bottas chooses to stay at Mercedes QNB STARS LEAGUE for next Formula One season PAGE 13 Al Rayyan vs Al Gharafa Al Arabi hold Al Duhail to a 1-1 draw in thrilling contest

2-0 victory over Qatar Sports Impressive 2-0 Club at the Al Sadd Stadium. Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates Promoted Al Wakrah, who her second round win against win for Al Wakrah had lost to reigning champions Magda Linette of Poland on day Al Sadd 1-4 in their opener, four of the 2019 US Open in TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK surged ahead through an own New York on Thursday. (AFP) DOHA goal by Alejandro Jimena in the 39th minute. And substi- AL Arabi matched Al Duhail tute Ismail Mahmoud doubled Osaka sweeps ball by ball and shot for shot to their lead in the 69th minute hold the fancied opposition to a as Qatar SC suffered their sec- through as 1-1 draw in the Week 2 clash of ond successive defeat, having 20 QNB Stars League at the Al lost 1-2 to Al Duhail earlier. Kvitova goes Janoub Stadium on Thursday. Yousef Msakni took Al Du- hail ahead by scoring as early Results out at US Open as the seventh minute, only AFP to see Al Arabi draw parity Al Duhail 1 (Youssef NEW YORK through in Msakni 6’) vs Al Arabi 1 the 40th minute. (Aron Gunnarsson 40’) REIGNING US Open cham- Al Arabi, who had beaten pion Naomi Osaka eased into Al Ahli 3-1 in the opening the third round Thursday but week, trailed in ball posses- Al Wakrah 2 (Alejandro Petra Kvitova crashed out sion overall (40 per cent), but Galvez (og) 39’, Ismael as organizers sought to play proved match enough for Al Mahmoud 69’) catch up at Flushing Meadows Duhail, who had bounced back bt Qatar SC 0 following heavy rain. to beat Qatar SC 2-1. Top seed Osaka proved too Al Arabi mainly had Gregory strong for 53rd-ranked Magda Gomis’ rock-solid performance Linette of Poland, sweeping to below the bar to thank for. Qatar SC had more of the a 6-2, 6-4 victory and setting The fast-paced action saw ball with 60 per cent posses- up a potential showdown with the Red Knights seize early sion at half-time and 61 per 15-year-old American sensa- initiative through Msakni off Al Arabi had goalkeeper Gregory Gomis’ rock-solid performance to thank for in their second week QNB Stars League clash against Al Duhail at cent at the final whistle, yet tion Coco Gauff for a spot in a through pass from Almoez Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday. they were at the receiving end. the last 16. Ali. The Dream Team soon hit Al Wakrah created more Twenty-two singles ties were back, but defender Morteza chances and made use of them. pushed back from Wednesday Mohammed shot wide. The own goal by Jimena re- after a steady downpour limited After Al Duhail’s Ali Afif’s sulted from a headed clearance play to the two principal show shot was blocked by Musab Ked- off a corner kick from the left. courts in New York, beefing er, Paolo Edmilson had a goal After Al Wakrah’s Cristian Thursday’s schedule up to 54 disallowed for offside by referee Ceballos’ shot was stopped by matches across both halves of Mohammed Al Shammari. Qatar SC goalkeeper Jassim the singles draws. Al Duhail attackers kept ri- Al Hail, Qatar SC’s Abdelaziz Osaka wrapped up the val defenders on their toes and Metwali skied the ball. opening set against last week’s Gomis thwarted Almoez. Qatar SC’s Junior Kaba- WTA Bronx champion Linette At the other end, Al Arabi’s nanga then came close to scor- in 30 minutes but endured a Hamdi Harbaoui saw his bi- ing in first-half stoppage time. brief wobble, falling 3-0 down cycle kick go over the bar and There was no respite for in the second, before reeling striker Mohamed Salah El action after the start of second off six of the final seven games Neel came up with a cracker half. Al Wakrah striker Mo- to advance. “I’m really happy of a shot, a minute before hamed Benyettou sent his shot to not have to play a three-set Gunnarsson’s equaliser with a wide and Al Wakrah goalkeep- match,” Osaka said. power-packed grounder. er Saoud Al Khater blocked Ali Osaka awaits the win- Msakni missed a sitter in Awad’s header from close. ner between teenager Gauff, first-half injury time by sky- The 69th minute saw Is- the world number 140 who ing the ball with only Gomis mail help Al Wakrah go 2-0 up reached the fourth round in to beat. with a rising shot. July at Wimbledon, or 112th- Soon after resumption, Benyettou was fouled by ranked Hungarian qualifier Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s head- Musa Haroon the next minute, Timea Babos. ed goal was disallowed, also for resulting in a forehead injury Gauff can become the offside and the efforts of Edm- to the former, and Sanchez youngest woman to reach the ilson and El Neel went in vain. Cortes sent the resultant free- last 32 in New York since Anna Al Arabi brought in Fa- kick straight to Al Hail. Kournikova in 1996. had Khalfan, Hossam Kamal Action from the Al Wakrah and Qatar Sports Club match played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday. The Kings revved up their Andrea Petkovic knocked and Jassem Gaber, while Al attack with substitutions as the out Czech sixth seed Kvitova Duhail’s Mohammed Muntari time and again. volley, Almoez hit the side net- defender Marc Muniesa effect- Al Wakrah beat Qatar SC game wore on, but all their ef- to reach the third round for came off the bench for Mohan- Towards the end, Gun- ting, Gomis saved Bassam Al ed a goalline save as the teams In the earlier match of the day, forts could not stop the Blue the first time since 2015. nad Ali, who was off-target narsson wreaked havoc with a Rawi’s effort and then Al Arabi shared points from a thriller. Al Wakrah scored an impressive Wave from collecting full points. With eyes on Bolt’s mark, Lyles outguns Gatlin in Zurich 100m

AFP The result also con- ZURICH firmed Lyles’ recent run of his stunning form. NOAH Lyles pipped American He has recently posted teammate and current world two very quick times over his champion Justin Gatlin to win favoured 200m, including the 100m at Thursday’s Dia- a 19.50sec in Lausanne that mond League meet in Zurich. made him the fourth fastest Lyles clocked 9.98 sec- ever sprinter over that distance. onds, China’s Xie Zhenye Ahead of the race, Lyles claiming a shock second had said, “The reason I’m not (10.04) in a photo finish with running the 100m (at Doha Jamaican Yohan Blake (10.07) Worlds) is because I have a and Gatlin (10.08). very strong chance of winning The race looked like it was that 200m and I also have a going the way of the Gatlin, the very strong chance of trying to 37-year-old who was also 2004 break some meet records. Olympic 100m gold medallist “The 100m is just one of but went on to serve a doping those races where I’m not so ban between 2006-10. strong in it that I know I’m go- But Lyles, 22, made sure ing to come away with a win. there was no repeat of last Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim competes in the men’s high jump event “I don’t want to be tired month’s Monaco outing when at the Weltklasse IAAF Diamond League international athletics meet- Noah Lyles of US celebrates with supporters after winning the men’s 100m during the IAAF Diamond in pushing for the top three Gatlin beat him by one-hun- ing in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday. (EPA-EFE) League competition in Zurich on Thursday. (AFP) in the 100m and not having dredth of a second. that chance of getting that With Gatlin in lane three, sell-out crowd at the Letzigr- At the gun, Gatlin quickly Lyles, however, clung with for a memorable second ahead chological booster of a vic- 200m gold.” outside meeting record holder und stilled for the start, in still found his rhythm, head down him and produced a scintillat- of Blake and Gatlin. tory ahead of the September Lyles added that he was Blake (9.76sec in 2012) and in- conditions with a temperature before slowly pulling up for his ing finish to break clear of the It was perfect timing 27-October 6 world champi- not consumed by breaking side Lyles in four, the 25,000 of 22 degrees Celsius (72F). transition phase. field, Xie screaming through for Lyles to notch up a psy- onships in Doha. Bolt’s world record 12 Friday, August 30, 2019 Sports Tough Champions League draw for Barca; Liverpool face Napoli again

lencia and Lille in Group H. PSG, Real Madrid, cham- pions Manchester City were Galatasaray in handed the kindest draw of same group all four English representa- tives, with Pep Guardiola’s AFP men coming up against Italian MONACO debutants Atalanta along with Shakhtar Donetsk and Dina- BARCELONA will have to come mo Zagreb in Group C. through a group containing both City beat Shakhtar 3-0 in Borussia Dortmund and Inter Ukraine in last season’s group Milan after the three former stage before a 6-0 victory in winners all came out together the return fixture. in Thursday’s UEFA Champions There will be glamour ties League group stage draw in Mo- between familiar opponents naco, while holders Liverpool elsewhere, with Zinedine Zi- will face Napoli again. dane’s Real Madrid renew- Barcelona, Dortmund and ing acquaintances with Paris Inter, with nine European Saint-Germain in Group A. Cups between them, were Real eliminated the French drawn together in Group F Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, with wife Antonella Roccuzzo, arrives before Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) poses for selfies as he arrives prior to the UEFA Champions champions in the last 16 on the along with the Czech champi- Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday. (REUTERS) League group stage draw ceremony in Monaco on Thursdat. (AFP) way to winning the trophy two ons Slavia Prague. seasons ago. Turkish champions Beaten by Liverpool in the to lifting their sixth European UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE meeting with German champi- Galatasaray and Club Brugge of semi-finals last season, Lionel Cup in Madrid, and Carlo ons Bayern Munich in Group B. Belgium complete Group A. Messi and Barcelona remain Ancelotti’s side now have a Group Stage draw That will be the first meet- Cristiano Ronaldo and Ju- favourites to advance as they chance to gain revenge. Group A: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Real Madrid (ESP), Club Brugge (BEL), Galatasaray (TUR) ing of the clubs since the 1983- ventus will come up against seek a first Champions League Both clubs will be fancied Group B: Bayern Munich (GER), Tottenham (ENG), Olympiakos (GRE), Red Star Belgrade (SRB) 84 UEFA Cup. They will also Atletico Madrid again after crown since 2015. to progress from Group E, Group C: Manchester City (ENG), Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), Dinamo Zagreb (CRO), Atalanta (ITA) meet Greek champions Olym- beating the Spanish side in the Dortmund won the trophy which is completed by Aus- D: Juventus (ITA), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Bayer Leverkusen (GER), Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) piakos and Red Star Belgrade last 16 last season. They will in 1997 and lost in the final in trian champions Salzburg and of Serbia, the 1991 European also face Bayer Leverkusen and Group E: Liverpool (ENG), Napoli (ITA), Red Bull Salzburg (AUT), Genk (BEL) 2013. Now coached by Anto- Genk, the Belgian title-holders. Cup winners, in Group B. Lokomotiv Moscow in Group D. nio Conte, Inter beat Barcelo- Liverpool are hoping to re- Group F: Barcelona (ESP), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Inter Milan (ITA), Slavia Prague (CZE) After winning the Europa Perhaps the most balanced na in the semi-finals en route turn to this year’s final which Group G: Zenit Saint-Petersburg (RUS), Benfica (POR), Lyon (FRA), RB Leipzig (GER) League, Chelsea are back in section sees Zenit Saint Pe- to winning the most recent of will be played in Istanbul, Group H: Chelsea (ENG), Ajax (NED), Valencia (ESP), Lille (FRA). the Champions League and tersburg, Benfica, Lyon and their three titles in 2010. where they won their fifth title can look forward to taking on RB Leipzig clash in Group G. Liverpool advanced from back in 2005. After losing in Former Dutch international Wesley Sneijder holds the slip of Real last season’s semi-finalists The first fixtures in all their group at the expense of last season’s final, Tottenham Madrid FC during the UEFA Champions League football group stage Ajax as well as former Cham- groups will be played on Napoli last season on the way Hotspur can look forward to a draw ceremony in Monaco on Thursday. (AFP) pions League runners-up Va- September 17 and 18. Serena, Federer rally to win, Djokovic hurt at rainy Open

AFP Results NEW YORK MEN 2ND RD: Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Juan SERENA Williams nearly Ignacio Londero (ARG) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1; Dominik UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin with award winners Barcelona’s Koepfer (GER) bt Reilly Opelka (USA) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 crashed out of the rain-hit US (7/2); Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Damir Dzumhur Frenkie De Jong, Liverpool’s Alisson and Virgil van Dijk and Barcelona’s Open on Wednesday while (BIH) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4; Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Lionel Messi at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Thursday. (REUTERS) top-ranked defending cham- Borna Coric (CRO x12) walkover; Kei Nishikori (JPN pion Novak Djokovic battled x7) bt Bradley Klahn (USA) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 through shoulder pain and WOMEN 2ND RD: Elina Svitolina (UKR x5) bt Venus Van Dijk, Bronze Williams (USA) 6-4, 6-4; Madison Keys (USA x10) bt Roger Federer advanced de- Zhu Lin (CHN) 6-4, 6-1; Karolina Pliskova (CZE x3) bt spite a weak start. Mariam Bolkvadze (GEO) 6-1, 6-4; Serena Williams US eighth seed Serena Wil- (USA x8) bt Caty McNally (USA) 5-7, 6-3, 6-1; take UEFA Player of Ashleigh Barty (AUS x2) bt Lauren Davis (USA) 6-2, liams, seeking her 24th career 7-6 (7/2). Grand Slam title to match Note: 22 matches postponed due to rain. Margaret Court’s all-time re- the Year honours cord, got a scare before oust- ing 17-year-old US wildcard Federer, who lost to Djokovic AFP ately helping them reach that Caty McNally 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. in last month’s epic Wimble- MONACO season’s Champions League McNally, who hadn’t been don final, started poorly but final where they lost to Real born when Williams won broke early in each of the last LIVERPOOL centre-back Vir- Madrid. But Van Dijk was a her first Slam at the 1999 US three sets and held serve to the gil van Dijk won the UEFA key figure as Liverpool won Open, threatened a strug- end. Men’s Player of the Year their first major trophy since gling Williams from the start “I buckled down and told award on Thursday, edging 2012 last term, while also set- before the six-time US Open myself I was going to hang out Lionel Messi and Cristiano ting a club-record points tally champion won nine of the last tough and not get broken,” Ronaldo, while Lucy Bronze in finishing second by a point 11 games to escape under the Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives treatment between games during his match against Juan Ignacio Lond- Federer said. “That made a big took the women’s prize. behind Manchester City in the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium. ero of Argentina at the 2019 US Open in New York on Wednesday. (AFP) difference.” Dutchman Van Dijk Premier League. “I survived tonight. I’m Japanese seventh seed Kei starred as Liverpool won their “I wasn’t 18 and went not too pleased with the way 6-4. of the greatest stars in from there. Nishikori, the 2014 US Open sixth European Cup last sea- straight to the top. I had to I played at all,” Williams said. The 38-year-old Swiss history. “She really came out and runner-up, beat 108th-ranked son with a 2-0 Champions work every step of the way,” “’Serena, you made way third seed, who also dropped One point from surrender- played really well,” Williams American Bradley Klahn 6-2, League final victory over Tot- added Van Dijk, who was too many errors today. What the first set against Indian ing a break into a tie-breaker, said. “She showed no fear.” 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. tenham in Madrid. also part of the Netherlands were you thinking?’ But I’m qualifier Sumit Nagal in his McNally won six of the final Djokovic’s injury casts champion “I need to thank my side who lost the inaugural alive. I’m happy. I’ll do better opener, answered the wake- seven points, the last on a grave doubts on his bid to be Ashleigh Barty, the second teammates, without them Nations League final to Ron- next time. I promise.” up call despite 17 first-set un- service winner, to capture the the first US Open repeat win- seed from Australia, elimi- I would not have achieved aldo’s Portugal. Djokovic, winner of four forced errors. first set. Both players made 15 ner since Federer won from nated 73rd-ranked American what I have achieved,” Van Messi and Ronaldo had of the past five Slam titles and “It’s just a bit frustrating unforced errors. 2004-2008, admitting he Lauren Davis 6-2, 7-6 (7/2). Dijk told BT Sport. claimed five of the previous 16 in all, was treated for a sore more than anything, especially “I couldn’t play too much wondered if he would even get Czech third seed Karo- “It’s been a long road and eight awards between them, left shoulder throughout his when the level is that low and worse at that point,” Williams through the first set. lina Pliskova, seeking her it’s part of my journey. I’m with Andres Iniesta (2012), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 victory over there are that many errors said. “I was making so many “This is something I’ve first Grand Slam title, ousted very proud to get this trophy. Franck Ribery (2013) and Argentina’s 56th-ranked Juan and the energy is not kind of errors off my forehand. I knew been carrying for quite a while 202nd-ranked Georgian quali- It’s credit to everyone who has Luka Modric (2018) complet- Ignacio Londero. there,” Federer said. “But can I could play better.” now,” Djokovic said. “It wasn’t fier Mariam Bolkvadze 6-1, 6-4. helped me.” ing the winners’ list. “It was definitely affect- only do better, which is a great Williams broke on a fore- easy to play with the pain, but Ukrainian fifth seed Elina The 28-year-old is the first Full-back Bronze won the ing my serve and backhand,” thing moving forward. hand winner in the sixth game you have to hope you will get Svitolina defeated seven-time defender to win the award Women’s Champions League Djokovic said of his shoulder “I clearly have to play bet- of the second set and, after be- some opportunities and some Grand Slam winner Venus Wil- since the inaugural edition in title with Lyon before helping injury. “I was definitely test- ter from the get-go.” ing denied on four set points lucky shots. liams 6-4, 6-4 and US 10th seed 2010-11. England reach the women’s ed.” What the year’s final Grand on McNally’s serve, hit a back- “It’s not the first time I’m Madison Keys, the 2017 US He moved to Liverpool World Cup semi-finals. Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam event lacked in quantity, hand volley winner to force a facing this kind of adversity or Open runner- from Southampton in January The 27-year-old Bronze is Slam winner who last won with 22 singles matches post- third set. challenge. It is what it is and up, trounced 2018 for a then-world record the first English player to win the US Open in 2008, rallied poned by showers, it over- Williams opened the third I’m just grateful to be on the China’s fee for a defender of £75 mil- either of the UEFA player of to beat 99th-ranked Bosnian came with quality in amazing set with a break on the way to court.” Zhu Lin lion ($91.4 million), immedi- the year titles. Damir Dzumhur 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, matches that challenged three a 4-0 edge and cruised home Five-time US Open winner 6-4, 6-1.

American teenager Caty McNally yearns to play like Federer, not Serena

ANY American teenage tionise women’s tennis and “I try to do the exact same and become just like him.” not broken until the sixth her that have such full games. Mgirls grow up dreaming of collect 23 Grand Slam titles, thing. Also the way he plays, The American wildcard did game of the second set when “She just overall played becoming the next Serena Wil- 17-year-old McNally instead he serves and volleys, looks to her best impression of the she fell behind 4-2, ran out of really well.” McNally, compet- liams, but for Catherine ‘Caty’ prefers to model her game af- get to the net. He takes a lot of 20-times Grand Slam win- steam in her bid to derail the ing in only her sixth tour-level McNally, who nearly delivered ter Swiss great Federer. time away from his opponents. ner in her second-round clash six-times champion, she still event of her career and against an upset for the ages against “The big things are the way “I really like the way he with Williams as she relied on managed to impress world the highest-ranked player she her compatriot, it is Roger he carries himself on court. I plays, mixes in the slice, the a serve-and-volley approach number eight Williams. has ever faced, showed she Federer’s game she covets. think that’s huge,” McNally dropshot, volleys really well. and lethal slice backhand that “It was definitely some- was anything but starstruck Rather than trying to mim- said after her 5-7 6-3 6-1 sec- There’s so many things I like did well to unsettle Williams thing to get used to,” Williams as she took the court under Catherine McNally during her ic the powerful style of play ond-round loss to Williams on from his game. Hopefully I for long stretches. said of McNally’s playing style. the lights inside Arthur Ashe match against Serena Williams that Williams used to revolu- Wednesday. can keep working on those While McNally, who was “You don’t play players like Stadium. (REUTERS) on Wednesday. Sports Friday, August 30, 2019 13 Bottas chooses to stay at Mercedes next season Frenchman Ocon replaces FI 2020 LINEUP The driver situation for the 2020 F1 season World champions Mercedes confirmed their line-up Hulkenberg at Renault for the 2020 Formula One season on Thursday. The situation throughout the grid is as follows.

AFP MERCEDES: Five-time world champion Lewis SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (BELGIUM) Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are both contracted for 2020.

VALTTERI Bottas will remain FERRARI: Sebastian Vettel is under contract until as Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes 2020 and talented Charles Leclerc will expect to join teammate next year while Es- him once more. teban Ocon will replace Nico RED BULL: Max Verstappen has a deal until 2020 Hulkenberg at Renault, the while Alex Albon has been given the chance in the teams announced on Thursday. second half of 2019 to secure the other seat ahead Frenchman Ocon’s return of Pierre Gasly. to a race seat after a season MCLAREN: Current drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre (right) speaks to the media on Thursday, the eve of his team’s QNB Stars League match against Al Gharafa. spent as test and reserve driver Norris are both confirmed to remain in place for with Mercedes was announced 2020. soon after the champions Mer- RENAULT: Daniel Ricciardo is contracted for 2020 cedes had decided to give Bot- Finnish Formula One driver but Nico Huelkenberg could find his seat under tas a fourth year alongside the Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes AMG threat. Mercedes test driver Esteban Ocon could be Al Rayyan to press five-time champion Hamilton. an option. On a busy first day back He brought us to fourth place ALFA ROMEO: Veteran Kimi Raikkonen is confirmed after the European summer last year and was classified for next season but Antonio Giovinazzi, with just one shutdown, the Formula One seventh in the drivers’ cham- point in 2019, has work to do if he is to guarantee paddock was alive with trans- pionship. his spot. fer talk and other speculation HAAS: Kevin Magnussen is contracted to 2020 and hard vs Gharafa for including a likely return to Challenging is safely out-performing team-mate Romain action by Marcus Ericsson at “The imminent end of his con- Grosjean, who could well be moved on. Alfa Romeo ahead of the Bel- tract made this decision a dif- RACING POINT: Sergio Perez has performed strongly gian Grand Prix on Sunday. ficult one as Nico has been a in 2019 but is yet to be confirmed for 2020. Lance Ocon has been signed on pillar of this progress. Stroll, whose father owns the team, would seem safe. a two-year contract as team- “The first part of this sea- win, says Aguirre TORO ROSSO: Gasly will try to impress in the remain- mate for Daniel Ricciardo in a son has been more challeng- der of 2019 alongside Daniil Kvyat but the final bid to boost the French team’s ing, but I know we can count decision on seats is likely to depend on parent team FRIDAY’S FIXTURES tinue the upward pattern that competitiveness, a move that on him and deliver together Red Bull. Al Khor determined to put up an we presented against Al Saili- has left the widely-liked Hulk- throughout the second half of The following matches are schedule WILLIAMS: Debutant George Russell has impressed ya. The confidence of our tech- enberg in search of a vacant the year.” for the struggling team and is contracted while Robert on Friday in QNB Stars League improved show against Umm Salal nical staff as well as players seat for 2020. Ericsson’s return could be Kubica, on his return to the sport after serious injury, received a boost. We’re look- “First and foremost, I am confirmed if Kimi Raikkonen has not. The Pole says he wants to continue but could Al Khor vs Umm Salal at Al Janoub Stadium ing for more positive results very proud to become a Re- fails a fitness test after pulling be dropped. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ahead of the match. (5.10pm) besides good performances,” nault driver,” said Ocon, for- a leg muscle. DOHA On the confidence in the Al Al Rayyan vs Al Gharafa at Jassim Bin Hamad he said. merly a test driver with the “I pulled a muscle and that’s option to retain Bottas, who Rayyan camp, he said, “What’s Stadium (7.20pm) “The potential of Umm team. “I have grown up at En- about it,” said Raikkonen. “We was 30 on Wednesday. NOW Al Rayyan coach and important for us is the group. Salal is great and they’ve good stone, starting with Lotus in will see what happens. Since joining Mercedes in former manager of Al Gharafa, We aren’t dealing with the players. It’s a strong side with 2010 and then with Renault. “Obviously, we need to 2017, the Finn has won five Diego Aguirre wants his team players as individuals. We this game, but it may happen a strong attack line, organ- “I am very attached to this have some back-up plans. It Grands Prix and is second be- to prevail over the opponents know that we’ve to press hard soon,” said Aguirre. ised defence and experienced team and everyone who works would be stupid not to have hind Hamilton in this year’s when the two sides meet in always to win. The players en- players in the midfield. But there -- they are the ones who our third driver in case I title race. their 2019-20 QNB Stars dure the pressure, but we may Khor eye win they also have weaknesses opened the doors of top level couldn’t be driving, then it is “I am very happy and League Week 2 match at the need four or five games before Al Khor coach Omar Najhi that we’ll seek to take advan- motorsport for me. the worst-case scenario. proud to be part of the team Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium our players gel well fully and is aiming for his side to put tage of and we hope the out- Hulkenberg was praised “It is a difficult situation for a fourth season and wish on Friday. that’s normal. it across Umm Salal in their come of the game will be in for his work with the team. for him [Ericsson] also be- to thank every team member “There’ve been a lot of “We need to beat Al Ghara- second week match at the Al favour of us. Renault team boss Cyril Abite- cause he had a race, but that is and the board of Mercedes for changes in the Al Gharafa fa. I’ve confidence in the team. Janoub Stadium on Friday. “We’re still at the begin- boul said he had made a “phe- how it is. I would say it is get- their trust and belief in me,” team of late. I’ve good memo- I ask the players to provide a “It’s an important match ning of the season and we nomenal contribution.” ting better, so we will see how said Bottas. ries and good relationship with convincing performance. We and we hope the result will be can’t judge the levels of the “I wish to thank Nico for it is.” Swede Ericsson, who was “My overall target is to Al Gharafa, whom I coached in may need more time, but we’ll better than the draw. We did teams. his phenomenal involvement demoted to test and reserve become Formula One world 2014. reach our goals.” well against Al Sailiya in the “We’re satisfied with our and massive contribution to driver last year, was scheduled champion. I believe that on “But now, I’m with Al On signing a new player, first week. Our team is reju- level and we look forward to our progress over the past to take part in an IndyCar race paper, and from my experi- Rayyan and I belong there. he revealed, “We’re trying to venated after our good perfor- finishing in a creditable posi- three seasons,” he said. in Portland this weekend. ence with the team, Mercedes Therefore, I’ll play in order to sign a striker. Negotiations mance in our opening game. tion by the end of the season,” “When Nico decided to Earlier, Mercedes con- is the best option for me to win,” said Aguirre speaking are going on. He may not play “We’re determined to con- added Omar. join us, the team was ninth. firmed they had exercised an achieve that goal in 2020.” QFA holds security Triathlete Mejali eyes top-10 Vietnam on Formula 1 meeting for China finish at Grand Final calendar in record 2023 qualifiers TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA 22-race 2020 season QNA of cooperating with security DOHA personnel to ensure the good SAAD al Mejali will be hunting AFP ise that F1 should be in Ger- organisation of both matches. for a top-10 finish in the Grand SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (BELGIUM) many,” the Ferrari driver told THE security meeting for the Gate 3 will be for VIPs. Final of the World Triathlon AFP at Spa-Francorchamps Qatari national team’s matches While gates 4 and 5 will be for Series, to be held in Lausanne FORMULA One announced ahead of Sunday’s Belgian in the World Cup qualifiers media personalities and ser- from August 30 to September 1. a record 22-race season next Grand Prix. (Qatar 2022) and the Asian vices respectively. Gate 2 will More than 4,000 profes- year with Vietnam joining the “F1 can’t allow itself to Cup (China 2023) was held on be for families, while gates 3 sional and amateur triathletes championship and the Dutch lose races where motor rac- Thursday morning at the head- through 8 will be for Qatari from all over the world are ex- Grand Prix making its return ing has a long history like in quarters of Qatar Football As- fans. Gate number 9 will be pected to take part in different to delight Max Verstappen and Great Britain, Italy or Ger- sociation (QFA). The team will reserved for the Indian and categories at the world cham- his fans at the iconic Zand- many.” first face Afghanistan on Sep- Afghani fans. pionships. voort circuit. The 2020 season retains tember 5, then will meet India There are three price While Mejali is competing But Red Bull’s gifted its traditional opener in Mel- five days later. The two matches categories listed for the two in the 20 to 24 age group, his Qatari triathletes during workout for the upcoming Grand Final of the young Dutch driver won’t bourne on March 15, with the will both take place at 7:30 PM matches. Category A, B, and C senior teammate Ebrahim al World Triathlon Series. have the chance to repeat last chequered flag falling again local time at the Jassim Bin will sell for QR50, QR20, and Romaihi is doubtful due to re- month’s success at Hocken- in Abu Dhabi on November Hamad Stadium at Al Sadd SC. QR10 respectively. curring injuries. put in the final touches before the Leysin Sports Complex, as heim with the German Grand 29. The meeting finalised the The Afghan team will ar- Other two Qatari competi- the biggest race of their sea- well coach Joseph Spindler, Prix dropped from F1’s draft Vietnam becomes the 34th agreement on all matters re- rive in Doha on September 1, tors are Abdulaziz al Ali (16-19 son. for supporting our prepara- calendar released on Thurs- country to stage an F1 grand lated to the organisation of while the Indian team will ar- category) and Hassan al Sayed Coach Matthew Halloran tions for the Grand Final.” day. prix with the Hanoi race on the two matches, with the fans rive six days later. The press (30-34 class). expressed optimism and the The five weeks at the camp Germany’s four-time April 5, with the Dutch race, free to enter the stadium two conference for the first match The Qatari team had a readiness of the players for were used for building a strong world champion Sebastian back after a 35-year absence, hours before the match. They will take place on September 4 training camp in the Swiss the upcoming event by saying: team and securing new levels, Vettel described the loss of his scheduled for May 3. stressed on the importance at Al Sadd SC. Alps for five weeks and now “We would all like to thank the besides competing alongside home race as “a great pity”. The calendar still has to be the national squad has shifted Qatar Olympic Committee, the some top professional and age “Perhaps next year or the approved by the sport’s ruling to lakeside city of Montreux to Qatar Triathlon Federation, group athletes from Europe. years that follow we’ll real- body, the FIA. Basketball World Cup Depleted US face difficult CRICKET CORNER challenge to keep world title Dhoni still out of India’s T20 squad for S Africa series Starc strikes as Smith returns for Australia MUMBAI: Indian wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was a notable omission in the Twen- DERBY: Austraia’s Mitchell Starc pressed his claims for a Test place REUTERS the Americans have been forced ty20 squad announced on Thursday by the country’s cricket board (BCCI) for next month’s with three wickets in an over against Derbyshire as star batsman Steve BELGRADE to deploy a depleted team. three-match series against South Africa. Smith played Thursday in his first match since being concussed. They got a taste what Dhoni sat out India’s ongoing tour of the West Indies as he was set to discharge his Left-arm fast bowler Starc has yet to feature in a five-match Ashes IF the build-up to the men’s awaits at the August 31- Sep- responsibilities as an honorary colonel in the army with patrol duties in conflict-torn Jammu series that is all square at 1-1 with two to play following England’s dra- basketball World Cup in China tember 15 tournament in Chi- and Kashmir. There had been speculation he might retire after struggling in the recently matic one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley last week. is anything to go by, holders na, which also doubles as an concluded World Cup in England where India were knocked out in the semi-finals. He showed his top speed after lunch on the opening day of a three- the United States face a daunt- Olympic qualifier, when they Except for the inclusion of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who replaces fast bowler Bhu- day tour game against the English county in Derby on Thursday. ing task to win their sixth title suffered a 98-94 warm-up de- vneshwar Kumar, the squad is unchanged from the team that won the T20 series 3-0 in the After a wicketless first session, Starc worked to reach his top seed and after a stack of household NBA feat by a fired-up Australia in Caribbean. managed to have 3-46 from 16 overs in Derbyshire’s total of 168-8. names axed from their roster. Melbourne on Saturday. India play South Africa in Dharamsala (September 15), Mohali (September 18) and Fans hoping to see Smith had to wait with Derbyshire captain Billy With the likes of L.A. Lakers Boston Celtics guard Kemba Bengaluru (September 22). Godleman deciding to bat after winning the toss. centre Anthony Davis, Houston Walker, one of the roster’s high INDIA’S SQUAD: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Smith spent most of the first two sessions fielding at second slip. Rockets guard James Harden profile players, acknowledged He also bowled the last over before lunch, with the occasional and Portland Trail Blazers play- the Americans had a mountain Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal spinner’s warm-up delivery sailing yards wide before he started the over maker Damnian Lillard among to climb if they are to clinch a Pandya, Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini. proper with a full toss. the 17 players who pulled out, third successive world title.