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Tuesday 24 September 2019

Doha Worlds will be unique: Coe ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

The IAAF World Championships in Qatar will be a ‘unique event’ The Championships will and hopefully will inspire many hopefully be spectacular young people to become athletes around the world, Sebastian Coe, and excite many the head of the sports governing more young people, body, said yesterday. particularly in Qatar, to The former middle-distance become athletes. I spoke runner, who won four Olympic medals, including the 1500 metres to Dahlan Al Hamad gold medal at the Olympic Games (Vice-President of IAAF in 1980 and 1984, said that cham- and Director General pionship will motivate many of the LOC) and he said youngsters around the world and Qatar. that all the preparations “The Championships will be are on track and Qatar IAAF President Sebastian Coe (centre), The Head of Communications for the Worldwide Athletics Federation, Jackie Brock- hopefully be spectacular and Doyle (left) and the head of IAAF Inspection Team, Rune Andersen, during a press conference following a meeting of the is ready to host the excite many more young people, championship: Coe particularly in Qatar to become body’s council in ahead of the World Championships, yesterday. athletes,” Coe said yesterday. When asked about the prep- biggest names in our sport in the arations for the championship combined events all competing on IAAF extends Russia ban over doping Coe said Qatar is ready to host the same day, everything is dif- the world’s biggest sporting ferent and this is a good thing and THE PENINSULA Force has taken note of the undermines the creation of any allegations that senior RusAF event of the year in three days’ Qatar is given the opportunity,” DOHA World Anti-Doping Agency’s strong anti-doping culture,” officials were involved in fab- time. Coe, 62, said. decision at its Executive Board Andersen said. ricating medical records in an “I spoke to Dahlan Al Hamad The digital innovations which Russian athletes remain meeting in Tokyo yesterday to “It is premature to tell if the effort to avoid an anti-doping (Vice-President of IAAF and will be implemented at the Cham- suspended for the World open a compliance proceeding reported measures taken by violation for high jumper Danil Director General of the IAAF pionship was one of the reasons Athletics Championships in against RUSADA over incon- RusAF will work, therefore the Lysenko. Championships for IAAF to allot the event to Qatar, Doha with IAAF Council sistencies in data supplied to associated conditions for rein- Russian athletes who have Doha 2019 Local Organising Com- Coe said. announcing that there had WADA earlier this year. statement have not been met.” been granted ‘Authorised mittee) and he said all the prepa- “The digital innovation tech- been no change in status of the He also said the task force Andersen also said that inves- Neutral Athlete’ status by the rations are on track and Qatar is nology and some of the broadcast Russian Athletics Federation noted that recent allegations tigations into the LIMS data Doping Review Board have ready to host the championship,” technology that we were able to (RusAF). that banned coaches continued provided by the Moscow were continued to compete in inter- Coe said. apply to these challenges Cham- Rune Andersen, the inde- to work with athletes were still ongoing. national competitions. A Coe was upbeat ahead of the pionships will make the champi- pendent chairman of the IAAF found to be true, putting into “The Athletics Integrity Russian team participated in the event and said the championship onship unique,” Coe said. Taskforce, said that while some question the integrity of Unit (AIU) has not yet con- European Games in Minsk in will be different from the last few “Every championship wants progress has been made, key RusAF’s anti-doping efforts. firmed that the data is June 2019, and 30 athletes have editions in many aspects. to look back and say it did some- issues remain outstanding that “There is a recurring authentic and untampered,” been permitted to participate “The midnightg thingg differentlyy and I think prevent the reinstatement of problem of athletes and local Andersen said. as authorised neutral athletes underunderrfl flfloodlightsoodlightssan andanddmi mixedmixed relarelaysys QataQatarrwir willwill be benoe no different,”different,”nt, he RusAF. athletics federations working Additionally, an AIU inves- at the IAAF World Athletics andd ththe abilabilitybilitityy thto hhaveave some off ththe added.addedd dd. Andersen said that the Task with banned coaches which tigation is still underway into Championships Doha 2019. Coe excited by Kipchoge’s record attempt

REUTERS at breaking the two-hour barrier in going to be sitting there going, ‘Well, it Friday - with Coe standing unopposed October is likely to attract more wasn’t sanctioned as a world record for re-election tomorrow. worldwide attention than anything that because it wasn’t in open competition,’ For all his concerns, and what many The head of world athletics Sebastian happens in Doha next week. Coe told in an interview. consider the still-unfilled void left by Coe wants to end his federation’s He missed it by 26 seconds two “I just don’t think it matters. It’s just the retirement of Jamaica’s sprinting ‘computer says no’ approach which years ago and is having another attempt a big milestone being met and our sport great Usain Bolt, the IAAF president is would mean that if Kenya’s Eliud in a Vienna park via the “1.59” project. has space for all sorts of things and I hugely upbeat about the next gener- Kipchoge runs a sub-two hour Kipchoge holds the official world think it will appeal and add value.” ation and the way they are engaging marathon next month it 26.2 mile record of two hours, 1.39 Roger Bannister’s first sub-four with fans. would not be ratified as a minutes set in the Berlin Marathon last minute mile in 1954 was achieved with “Look at (Norwegian 400m runner) world record. year. the aid of pacemakers, while just about Karsten Warholm - the impact he had What could be one of the But his 2:00.25 Monza time in 2017 every middle and long-distance race on the stadium in Zurich and Paris was most extraordinary feats of is not recognised as it was achieved on the elite circuit staggering,” Coe said. human endurance will be using “in and out pacemakers”, was not uses them - and they do not complete written off as a footnote with an an official race and he was given mid- the race. asterisk by the sport’s governing race drinks from a moving motorbike The latest edition of the body because of arcane regulations rather than having to collect them World Champion- that nobody seems close to being able from a roadside table. ships starts in to explain or justify. “If there’s an exciting attempt Doha The 34-year-old Kipchoge will not for getting under two hours for on be racing in the upcoming World the marathon I’m not sure that Championships but his latest attempt most people are

A general view shows the Khalifa International Stadium, the venue for the upcoming 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, yesterday. 02 SPORT TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2019

Neymar shines as giants PSG go 3 points clear

AFP Paris St Germain’s Neymar lies on the ground after sustaining PARIS an injury during his team’s League 1 match against Olympique Lyonnais at Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France, on Sunday night. Neymar scored a fine late winner as Paris Saint-Germain beat Lyon 1-0 on Sunday to move three points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table. The Brazilian finally beat Anthony Lopes, who had pulled off numerous impressive saves, with three minutes of normal time to play at the Groupama Stadium. It was Neymar’s second winning goal in as many league games since being reinstated to the team following a protracted transfer saga which saw him attempt to force through a return to Barcelona. The Parisians sit top on 15 points after Angers and Nice both won over the weekend to temporarily join Thomas Tuchel’s side at the summit and followed up their impressive midweek Champions League victory over Real with the win in constant drizzling Neymary 100% committed to PSG: Tuchel rain in Lyon. REUTERS totally there with his teammates. That is normal, as well as nec- Sylvinho’s Lyon remain in ninth place and are without a win PARIS essary. He is a very sensitive guy. This is only his third match in since mid-August. four months. He will gain in physical capacity with the matches PSG were without the attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel has said Neymar is “100%” and this will help him. Ney is always decisive, he is always cre- Cavani and Mauro Icardi due to injuries, while midfielder Marco committed to the French champions after the Brazil interna- ative and he looks ahead.” Verratti started on the bench. tional scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Olympique Neymar was booed by a section of home fans during PSG’s The best of the early chances fell to Neymar on 22 minutes but Lyonnais in the Ligue 1 on Sunday. previous league match against Strasbourg. But he has received his effort was superbly saved by Lopes. Despite being surrounded by four defenders in the 87th the full support of his team mates, with Thiago Silva Neymar was denied again by another tidy Lopes stop four minute, Neymar received a pass from Angel Di Maria inside the praising the 27-year-old’s moment of magic that put league minutes before the break as the Portugal international tipped the box and created enough space to shoot past Lyon goalkeeper leaders PSG on 15 points from six games, seven clear of ninth- Brazil forward’s dangerous free-kick over the bar. Anthony Lopez into the far corner of the net. It comes a week placed Lyon. PSG’s domination from the first half carried over into the second after Neymar’s decisive goal for PSG against Strasbourg, and “On the pitch, I could not understand what he had done. 45 minutes. Tuchel praised the forward’s recent goalscoring form despite “Sometimes, we say it is easy and that the defender has let Abdou Diallo had the pick of the chances, using the wet condi- his relative lack of match fitness. him turn, but that was not easy. In training, Neymar and Kylian tions to glance a header from a Neymar corner over the crossbar. “He is 100% with us. He is 100% in the squad -- he laughs Mbappe do incredible things and we profited from this phe- The world’s most expensive player was targeted by home fans and jokes and is reliable,” Tuchel told a news conference. “He is nomenon’s quality here.” when taking set-pieces from the left-hand side as they threw plastic bottles and rolled-up bin bags at him. With 87 minutes on the clock, substitute Verratti found Neymar in the box who dribbled into space and finally beat Lopes to the keeper’s left with a low shot. Five talking points in Europe this weekend He celebrated by running towards the same corner of the ground AFP from four and they lead Juventus from Robert Lewandowski. The Ajax emerge unscathed where he had earlier been taunted by the Lyon supporters. PARIS by two points. Inter last won Polish striker had already scored against PSV Earlier, Angers moved into second place after replacement Serie A in 2010 under Jose twice at the Allianz Arena, taking Defending champions Ajax Casimir Ninga scored an 11-minute hat-trick in a 4-1 thrashing of AFP Sport takes a look at five Mourinho, and have been him to nine Bundesliga goals for remain on top of the Dutch Ere- Saint-Etienne. main talking points from the remodelled by former Juventus the season and 11 in all compe- divisie after coming away from Ninga, who joined the club from second-tier Caen in August, weekend in European football: and Chelsea boss Conte, who titions, when Bayern were their trip to biggest rivals PSV put Angers into the lead with less than a quarter of an hour remaining Barcelona now Spain’s replaced Luciano Spalletti after awarded a second-half penalty. Eindhoven with a 1-1 draw. before adding two more goals by the 89th minute to clinch their crisis club the Chinese-owned club finish But rather than seize the Quincy Promes gave Ajax first win over Saint-Etienne in 43 years. Barcelona relieved Real fourth last season. chance to score a second hat- the lead at the Philips Stadion The defeat at Stade Raymond Kopa leaves Les Verts a point Madrid of the tag of Spain’s chief PSG come through trick of the season, Lewand- but Donyell Malen, who recently above the relegation zone, with Ghislain Printant’s outfit having crisis club after they were toughest test owski let Coutinho step up and made his full international debut failed to win since the opening day of the season. beaten 2-0 by Granada on Sat- A trip to Lyon has almost convert from 12 yards. for the Netherlands, scored Stephane Moulin’s Angers, who finished 13th in the league last urday to throw scrutiny back on without fail been Paris Saint- “It was important for him PSV’s equaliser. The result season, have claimed four wins from their opening six fixtures to Ernesto Valverde’s future as Germain’s hardest test since the here at the Allianz Arena, for the means that Ajax -- fresh from pull level with Nice in second spot. coach. Qatari takeover of 2011 that future and his confidence. He is routing Lille 3-0 in the Cham- “Casimir made a thundering impact. I truly congratulate him With seven points from five turned the club from the French a great player and we must all pions League -- are top of the because he’s worked a lot since arriving at the club,” Moulin said. games, this is Barca’s worst start capital into Ligue 1’s dominant help him,” Lewandowski said table on goal difference after six “The second half perfectly resembles what we have been doing in La Liga in 25 years as even the side. after the game. Bayern are two games from PSV, and from since the start of the season. It’s a little bit new but it corresponds double introduction of Lionel PSG had won just twice, and points behind leaders RB Leipzig Vitesse Arnhem, who have perfectly to what we’re trying to do.” Messi and Ansu Fati could not lost four, of their previous eight after five games. played a game more. revive another dreary display visits to Lyon, including in each from the defending champions. of the last two seasons, before Zinedine Zidane had been the Sunday night’s showdown. Time to punish coach under the most pressure However, this time they racists, FIFA last week but his Madrid side came out on top, Neymar’s bounced back from their superb late strike securing a 1-0 chief tells midweek misery in Paris by win for Thomas Tuchel’s side. beating Sevilla 1-0 away. After an unconvincing start to Italian officials Atletico Madrid’s bright start has the season, this result followed faded. They were held to a their 3-0 thumping of Real goalless draw at home to Celta Madrid in the Champions REUTERS ZURICH Vigo. League and leaves them three General’ Conte ready for points clear atop Ligue 1. title assault Meanwhile, Lyon are now FIFA President Gianni Antonio Conte uses the seven points off the pace and Infantino has urged Italian terms of a military campaign as have not won in five games. It soccer authorities to hand out Inter Milan look to wrest the has not been a great start for stadium bans for supporters Serie A title from eight-time new coach Sylvinho and a title guilty of racism after another reigning champions Juventus. assault looks extremely incident in a Serie A match “A commander can have his improbable from France’s between Atalanta and plans, but he needs the foot sol- second-richest club. Fiorentina on Sunday. diers to go out and execute the Coutinho given helping Play was briefly sus- orders. I am fortunate to have hand pended after Fiore’s Brazilian very good and disciplined Philippe Coutinho scored wing-back Dalbert reportedly players,” said Conte after his his first goal since joining Bayern told referee Daniele Orsato he Inter side claimed a 2-0 derby Munich on loan from Barcelona had been the target of racist win over AC Milan. in the Bundesliga champions’ Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos is shown a yellow card by referee Juan Martinez Munuera during abuse from fans at the Stadio Conte’s side are the only 4-0 demolition of Cologne, and his team’s La Liga match against Sevilla in Seville, Spain, on Sunday. Real Madrid won 1-0 after Ennio Tardini in Parma, team in Serie A with four wins it was all thanks to a gesture Karim Benzema scored in the 64th minute. where Atalanta are based while their ground is revamped. An announcement was Man City will soon score 10: Watford’s Foster read over the stadium loud- speaker urging supporters to stop and the game, which fin- AFP “They will do it to somebody,” Foster the table with just two points, have League. Fernandinho, who played in a ished 2-2, then continued.. MANCHESTER said. “There will be a nine or 10 out there become City’s favourite whipping boys. defensive role for City, said the side were “Racism is combatted with soon. The Hornets have now lost their past 12 capable of scoring 10 goals but that education, condemnation and Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster says it is “As a goalie, coming here in the first games against City, conceding 46 goals in winning games was the main aim after discussion,” said the FIFA only a matter of time before Manchester place it’s almost an achievement to keep the process. their shock defeat against Norwich the chief. City smash 10 goals in a match after being it at one or two goals. David Silva opened the scoring inside previous week. “You can’t have racism in on the end of an 8-0 hammering. “At times, if they’re on it, they are the first minute and City were 5-0 up The 34-year-old said yesterday: “We society or in football. In Italy The Hornets felt the full force of the incredible. inside 18 minutes. know in football everything can happen. the situation hasn’t improved champions’ attacking power on Saturday “They were scary at times. It was just Bernardo Silva finished with a hat- Sometimes we play so good and make a and this is serious. as they were dismantled at the Etihad relentless. You could see them opening trick while Sergio Aguero, Riyad Mahrez, very good performance but don’t score “You need to identify Stadium, just four months after they were us up and the chances developing in front Nicolas Otamendi and Kevin De Bruyne any goals, now we’ve scored a lot of goals those responsible and throw overpowered 6-0 in the FA Cup final. of your eyes. It was absolutely no fun. In also struck in the rout. in matches. them out of the stadiums. You Pep Guardiola’s men have also regis- all honesty, it could have been double Manchester United’s 9-0 win against “We just try to play our football. After can’t be afraid to condemn tered a 9-0 and two 7-0s in knockout digits.” Ipswich in 1995 remains the record for what happened against Norwich there had racists, we need to combat action in 2019. Watford, who remain at the foot of the biggest winning margin in the Premier to be a response for the fans.” them until they stop.” TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 03

Aussie coach All Blacks slams back on top over Hodge of world citing rankings

AFP REUTERS TOKYO TOKYO

Australia coach Michael Cheika New Zealand returned to the accused Fiji of going behind his top of the world rankings after back yesterday after they their opening World Cup referred Wallaby wing Reece victory over South Africa ended Hodge for disciplinary action Ireland’s two-week stay at the over a heavy tackle which left summit. Peceli Yato concussed. The All Blacks’ decade-long Cheika said he found it “dis- reign at the world’s number one appointing” that Fiji referred ranked team came to an end the incident to the citing com- last month, first losing the missioner after coach John mantle to 2019 Six Nations McKee and his staff had spent champions and then to time with their Australian Ireland. opposite numbers after Satur- According to the intricacies day’s game. Wales’ Josh Navidi (foreground) of how the standings are calcu- Fiji were leading 11-7 when passes the ball during their 2019 lated, New Zealand would have Hodge’s hit prevented Yato Pool D match returned to the summit with a from scoring a try and ended against Georgia, yesterday. win over their Rugby Champi- his involvement. The Wallabies onship rivals, regardless of how wing went on to score a try and Ireland did against , kick a penalty as won World Rugby said. 39-21. In the event, the world “Probably the most disap- champions beat the Springboks pointing thing was Fiji,” Cheika Wales open campaign 23-13 while Ireland cruised past said. the Scots 27-3. “After the game, we had a New Zealand went into the lot of friendly discussion with tournament as clear favourites, McKee and the coaches. He regardless of what the rankings talked to our other coaches, with win over Georgia said, although the changes at there wasn’t a mention of any- the top added to the widespread thing. And then to get a referral belief that this World Cup is the from them in the way it was AFP Wales victory not only sends out a signal of intent line-out for a well-received try most open since the first one referred, that was really TOYOTA CITY, JAPAN to main Pool D rivals Australia, who beat Fiji in that three decades ago. disappointing. their opener, but also dispels any doubts there converted. South Africa’s defeat “I’d prefer they come up to Six Nations champions Wales might have been of a hangover in the Welsh camp Wales roared back with their pushed them down to fifth, me and get upset with me if opened their Rugby World Cup over the sending-home of assistant coach Rob own driving maul, but fresh-on- below Wales. France’s dramatic they’re really upset about it, campaign with a bonus-point the-field manip- victory over Argentina pushed not to talk to me in that nice 43-14 victory over Georgia in Howley amid allegations of illegal betting. ulated it to a juddering halt, his them ahead of Scotland into sort of friendly chat and go Toyota City yesterday. dark art spotted by referee Luke seventh spot. behind your back and put it in The victory not only sent out Davies was played in under the minutes, the 35,545-strong Pearce who had no option but to Meanwhile, All Blacks fans a referral.” a signal of intent to main Pool D posts after a rocket of a pass by crowd at a sultry City of Toyota yellow card to the replacement received welcome news yes- After the citing commis- rivals Australia, who beat Fiji in scrum-half and namesake Gareth, Stadium scenting a rout. hooker. terday with injured lock Brodie sioner decided to take action, their opener, but also dispelled decoys Dan Biggar and Hadleigh The sole bright spark for A raft of replacements dis- Retallick confirming he was Hodge will go before an inde- any doubts there might have Parkes bamboozling a leaden- Georgia in a grim first-half display rupted the flow of the game, ena- hitting tackle bags at training pendent disciplinary com- been of a hangover in the Welsh footed defence. saw a rare break into Welsh ter- bling Georgia to weather the and expected to increase the mittee which could impose a camp over the sending-home of Biggar’s conversion surpris- ritory by hooker Shalva Mamu- 10-minute sin-binning without intensity of collision on his ban. assistant coach Rob Howley amid ingly came back off the posts, but kashvili, Gareth Davies twice on conceding any points. recovering shoulder this week. World Rugby announced allegations of illegal betting. the fly-half redeemed himself hand with tapdowns to halt the Despite their far more com- The 2014 World-Player-of- later that the hearing would Four slick first-half tries from with a penalty shortly foray. bative half, it was replacement the-Year dislocated his take place in Tokyo at 3pm Jonathan Davies, Justin Tipuric, afterwards. Skipper Alun Wyn Jones, scrum-half Tomos Williams who shoulder against South Africa today. Josh Adams and Liam Williams Another well-drilled midfield matching Gethin Jenkins’ record chased down a George North in July and suffered nerve “I was surprised it was ensured the bonus point for move saw winger Adams split the of 129 Wales caps, and No 8 Josh grubber for Wales’ fifth. damage that he thought might cited. I personally didn’t even Wales, who were given a stern defence before offloading to Navidi were at the heart of the Toulon prop keep him out of the global notice,” said Cheika. examination by a strong Georgian Gareth Davies. The scrum-half effective Welsh rush defence to responded Georgia when he showpiece. “I didn’t even see it in the scrum that came to life in the was brought down short, but nullify the threat from the ‘Lelos’. bombed over from short range, Coach Steve Hansen, game.” second period. Tipuric was on hand to swoop for And it was instead Wales but Wales had the last word however, selected Retallick “It was a good first half for the ball and sidestep inside Giorgi who had the last word of the first when North finished well after anyway on the expectation he us and we were pretty happy at Tkhilaishvili to run through unmo- 40 minutes, some neat footwork and an would be ready to play again half-time,” said Wales coach lested for Wales’ second try, Liam Williams scooping up offload from Tomos Williams. by the knockout stage, although Warren Gatland. Biggar converting. Jonathan Davies’ pass to dot “I think we came out of the the 28-year-old said he hoped “A little bit messy in the The third came soon after, down in the corner, Biggar box as we went out into the first to be on the field earlier than second half but the ball was quite Adams running in from almost making no mistake to stretch the half but I’m disappointed if I’m that. I was surprised it was slippery out there and it was hard halfway after an inside Biggar score out to 29-0. honest with the second half,” said “The shoulder’s cracking cited. I personally to hold on to it. We scored a few pass off a lineout, with the The Georgians opened the Jones. along pretty good. Progress is nice tries and we’re happy with Georgian defence glaringly second-half exactly as coach “We let a couple of tries in going well,” he told reporters didn’t even notice. I the bonus point.” absent. Milton Haig would have liked and we didn’t really continue in in Tokyo yesterday. “Not sure didn’t even see it in There were barely two Biggar hit the extras and it them, hooker Mamukashvili a similar vein. It’s a good result of an exact date, but hopefully the game: Cheika minutes on the clock when centre was a point a minute after 22 bundled over from an attacking but it’s plenty to work on. sooner rather than later I’ll be available for selection. Coach reminds Samoa of chance to create legacy

REUTERS The Pacific Islanders begin their campaign today always go out there to give it our KUMAGAYA and assuming they avoid an upset against Russia, best and you’ll see nothing dif- they must get past hosts Japan and Scotland ferent tomorrow night against Samoa are determined to go to progress through Pool A, likely alongside Russia and from us in this whole beyond the World Cup pool overwhelming favourites Ireland. tournament.” stages for the first time in over With memories of the Brian 20 years, coach Steve Jackson Lima-inspired Samoan team of said yesterday, as he challenged one that we just don’t want to be shifts out wide in a reshuffled the 1990s still fresh in fans’ his players to create their own involved in pool play, we want backline with Rey Lee-Lo moving minds, Jackson wants the island legacy to match the Samoan to go beyond and that’s still on to outside centre and Henry Taefu nation’s 200,000 people to quarter-finalists of 1991 and 1995. our minds but we’ve got to treat coming in at number 12. remember his side just as fondly The Pacific Islanders begin every game like it’s a rugby Taking nothing for granted in another 20 years. their campaign today and World Cup final,” Jackson told a against a Russian team whose “It’s a huge opportunity for assuming they avoid an upset news conference. set piece and kicking game us, and although we remember against Russia, they must get past “We’ve seen over the last few impressed the New Zealand- the past and the players that have hosts Japan and eighth-ranked days there have been quite a few born coach, Jackson hopes to worn the jersey and they have Scotland to progress through teams have been a little bit take inspiration the barn- done some special things, we’re Pool A, likely alongside over- nervous and we’ve just told our storming performance of fellow here to make our own legacy. whelming favourites Ireland. player to go have some fun and Pacific Islanders Fiji that nearly “We want people to Japan looked vulnerable in enjoy themselves to take that toppled Australia and neighbours remember this Samoan team, as their opening victory over the nervousness away from them. Tonga, who caused England we have in ‘91 and ‘95 but also surprisingly stubborn Russians Our boys are excited and they some problems too. understand that in the profes- and Scotland were disappointing can’t wait to play.” “One thing you’ll find from sional era, the game is a lot harder in their 27-3 battering by Ireland Jackson was forced into a late the Pacific Island nations is that to compete... What better stage Samoa’s head coach Steve Jackson (left) on Sunday, potentially putting change yesterday after winger Ah we won’t go away,” the former though to put Samoa rugby back speaks with Samoa’s flanker Afa Amosa the Samoans right in the mix. See Tuala was ruled out with a New Zealand Maori said. on the map than at a rugby World during a training session, yesterday. “As a group we said from day slight calf strain. Alapati Leiua “We’ll keep on battling. We Cup.” 04 SPORT TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2019 TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 05 World’s largest ever athletics exhibition in Doha

IAAF Heritage World Athletics Championships Exhibition, the largest ever of its kind, celebrates the history of the IAAF World Athletics Championships whose first edition took place in Helsinki, Finland, 36 years ago, and which remain today the third most important sporting event on the planet.

Five months ago, the exhibition was launched in the presence of IAAF Heritage Director Chris Turner, Qatar stars Mutaz Barshim, Abderrahman Samba and IAAF President Sebastian Coe in Doha.

The exhibition closes on Monday, October 7, a day after the 2019 Doha World Athletics Championships conclude in Doha.

Old is gold: A visual treat for fans!

RIZWAN REHMAT Medals won by names that then, there’s the king of kings — Barshim and popular sprinter competition action. There’s the THE PENINSULA matter in the world of track eleven-time World and eight-time Samba handed over their pre- chance to explore the heights and and field, jerseys worn by Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt’s announced donations of kits in front weights of champions, lift the throw- Imagine getting to see an orange- famous athletes, footwear vest in Jamaican colours right here, of excited fans. There’s the chance to explore ing implements, touch the hurdles coloured vest sported by American right now — signed for posterity! Barshim, the reigning world high and stand back in awe and admire used by legends of the sport the heights and weights of track and field legend Jesse Owen, Medals won by names that mat- jump champion, presented his Lon- the world record heights and dis- champions, lift the throwing who, won four gold medals at the in the last 80 or 90 years ter in the world of track and field, don Games vest and number while tances of the jumpers. Berlin Olympics in 1936. Or an outfit are on display on the third jerseys worn by famous athletes, Samba looked happy to hand over implements, touch the “Add to those attractions, there worn by Jamaican sprinter Veronica floor of City Center where footwear used by legends of the the bodysuit which he wore when hurdles and stand back in are hundreds of items of wonderful Campbell-Brown, a three-time the world’s largest athletics sport in the last 80 or 90 years are he won the 400m hurdles at the awe and admire the world athletics clothing and equipment World and eight-time Olympic exhibition is on display since on display on the third floor of City 2018 IAAF Continental Cup in record heights and distances donated and loaned by some of the medallist, who grabbed two consec- April this year. Center where the world’s largest Ostrava last year. of the jumpers: Sebastian Coe greatest stars of our sport on dis- utive Olympic 200m events. athletics exhibition is on display Coe, who is the IAAF chief now, play. This exhibition is a must see If that is not enough to get your since April this year. handed over his 1984 Olympic for all sports fans,” Coe, 62, added. heartbeat fluttering, let it soar with Five months ago, the exhibition Games spikes and national vest from The exhibition closes on Mon- a t-shirt worn by Australian Sydney For athletics fans, who may was launched in the presence of his famous second 1,500m Olympic exhibition displays our history,” Coe day, October 7, a day after the 2019 Olympics Games star Cathy Free- relate to present day heroes there’s IAAF Heritage Director Chris Turner, victory he posted in Los Angeles for said at the launch ceremony held in Doha World Athletics Champion- man or celebrated American track Qatar’s very own Mutaz Barshim’s Qatar stars Barshim, Abderrahman the Doha exhibition. Doha. ships conclude in Doha. and field hero Carl Lewis’s signed outfit in which he won the bronze Samba and IAAF President Sebas- “Athletics is an ancient sport but “There are huge audio photo The 10-day championships begin running jersey in red. medal at the London Olympiad. And tian Coe. there is nothing old about how this walls, LED screens showing archive this Friday. 06 SPORT TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2019

Kohli wants India to England drop Bairstow for step out of comfort zone New Zealand Test series ahead of ICC World T20 REUTERS more, then we will be unfazed AFP ENGLAND TEST SQUAD FOR NEW ZEALAND SERIES The first Test, at Mount NEW DELHI with what happens at the toss. LONDON Maunganui, starts “Unless you do that and start Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, , Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, on November 21. The India captain Virat Kohli’s taking those risks, you are England have dropped Jonny Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Dominic Sibley, Ben series is not included (pictured) decision to bat first always going to be put under Stokes, Chris Woakes squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton,

Bairstow from their Test squad in the new World Test against South Africa in the third pressure somewhere or the for the tour of New Zealand, with Sam Billings, Pat Brown, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Chris Jordan, and final Twenty20 Interna- other. We want to make sure we Championship. paceman James Anderson Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Matt Parkinson, Adil Rashid, James Vince tional backfired but the iron all of those things out before unavailable for the two-match 30-year-old says the hosts want we head into the World Cup.” series due to a calf injury. another name missing from the Bairstow, 29, scored just 214 on Sky Sports. “He’s not rested. to prepare for next year’s ICC India failed to capitalise on Four uncapped players will 15-strong Test squad after a dif- runs in the five Ashes Tests He drops out of the Test team but World Twenty20 by minimising an aggressive start and ended be on the plane -- Warwickshire ficult Ashes seriesseries,, which ended during the English summer at an it’s an opportunity for Jonny after the impact of the toss. with a below-par 134 for 9. opener Dominic Sibley, Kent 2-22-2 last week. average of 23.77. a very busy summer, very hectic It was the first time in seven Ahead of the T20 World Cup batsmanbatsman Zak Crawley and SurreySurrey bbatsmana Anderson, England’s top Test schedule, to reset, to work on T20Is at tthehe ChiChinnaswamynnaswamy inin AAustraliaustralia iinn OOctoberct 2020, Lancashire pair SaqibSaqib OllOllieie PopePope, who -taker, has been out of one or two things and to come Stadium thathat tthehe captain Kohli’s top priorityprio is to rec- MMahmoodahmood and Matt playedplayed twotwo Tests action since the first Test against back stronger,” he added. winning thehe toss chose alibrate India’sInd Parkinson. agaiaagainstnst IIndian in Australia and is targeting the “My prediction is he comes to bat, oonlynly for a combinationscombina in the Batsman Jason Roy,Roy, 2018, is backbac in the South Africa tour, starting in back very strongly.” revamped South Africa shortestshortest format. who starred in England’sEngland’s squadsquad whilewh Jos December. World Cup-winning captain to claim a series-lev-series-lev- “You“Yo have to World Cup Buttler willwill be the The first Test, at Mount Eoin Morgan will captain the elling nine-wickete-wicket understandunders as well triumptriumph,h, is wicketkeeperwicketkeep in Maunganui, starts on November Twenty20 team, with the five- win on Sunday.nday. that it’si a very New ZealandZealand due to 21. The series is not included in match series starting on “Nothinging is a youngyoung sside,i you have Bairstow’sBairst the new World Test November 1. given or a guaguar-r- toto givegive tthemh time as absence.absenc Championship. Somerset’s Tom Banton and antee beforeore you a teamteam to come National selector Ed Smith Mahmood have earned their first start playing,”aying,” together,”together,” he added. confirmed Bairstow, who will England call-ups after Kohli totoldld “We bbatteda till nine Jos Buttler will be the travel with the 15-man T20 impressive white-ball summers, reporters. tonight,tonight and that’s wicketkeeper in New squad, had been dropped rather along with Worcestershire “I thinkk if wewe as a oonene area we’re Zealand series due to Jonny than rested. seamer Pat Brown and Lanca- team are willingwilling to lookingloo to Bairstow’s absence. “This feels like an oppor- shire spinner Matthew get out of our strengthen,”str he tunity for Jonny to reset,” he said Parkinson. comfort zonesones a llotot said.sa

Bangladesh Warne banned from captain Bangladesh meet Afghans Shakib Al driving after multiple Hasan plays a shot during in final with eye on trophy speeding offences the sixth Twenty20 AP Bangladesh has played AFP international the last game of the group phase, DHAKA two previous finals in this LONDON match of a making him a doubt for the final. tri-nation format, the Asia Cup T20 Rashid took four series against Bangladesh is trying to seal its in 2016 and the Nidahas against Bangladesh in the T20 Australia Test great Shane Warne was first trophy in the Twenty20 series before claiming 11 wickets Afghanistan Trophy in 2018, losing to yesterday banned from driving for 12 months format as it takes on injury- in the one-off test match in which on Saturday. India both times. after his sixth speeding offence in a two-year plagued Afghanistan in the tri- Afghanistan claimed a 224-run win. period. series tournament today. “Can’t say anything right now. The former leg-spinner admitted breaking Bangladesh has played two Bangladesh snapped a four- Had some work on it today and a 40-miles-per-hour (64 kilometres-per-hour) previous finals in this format, the match losing streak to Afghan- yesterday. Hope it does work,” limit in a hired Jaguar in London last year, a Asia Cup T20 in 2016 and the istan by winning the last game by Rashid said. magistrates’ court heard. Nidahas Trophy in 2018, losing to four wickets in a dress rehearsal Rashid came back into the The 50-year-old, who was not in court for India both times. for the final. It has a 2-4 record game to bowl, which aggravated the hearing, was clocked at 47 mph early on “We haven’t played the against Afghanistan. the injury. August 23, 2018. perfect game of yet,” “We haven’t got to the last five “I think I should not have Warne, second on the all-time list of Test Bangladesh head coach Russell or six overs with only two or three bowled but when the team needs wicket-takers with 708 scalps, had 15 penalty Domingo said. wickets down. We lose too many you, you have to be there,” he points on his licence at the time for five pre- “We have been good in wickets in the first 10 overs,” said. vious speeding offences. certain areas and average in Domingo said. “If I have a 10-percent chance Warne, who lives in west London, was also certain areas. We are still trying Afghan skipper Rashid Khan to play, I will go for it because I ordered to pay a total of £1,845 ($3,000) to the to find the perfect game.” sustained a hamstring injury in love my country,” Rashid said. court. “The purpose of disqualification is to punish and to protect the public and to deter,” said deputy district judge Adrian Turner. Denmark defeat Qatar by 60 runs at ICC event “There are 15 points to take into account together with the three I must impose today. THE PENINSULA Denmark, Qatar slumped to fourth Club, Denmark after winning the toss for 198 runs in 43.4 overs after their Between April 2016 and August last year Warne DOHA in the points table. The team was scored a total of 258-8 in 50 overs, top order flopped against Denmark’s committed six speeding offences. handed 115-run drubbing by points with Hamid Shah (93) and FA bowlers. “It may well be that none on its own were Qatar suffered their second leaders Canada on Sunday. Klokker (80) being their top scorers. Mohammed Rizlan, who scored particularly serious but for points disqualifi- successive loss in as many days at Qatar’s bid to win the title has Both added 151 runs for the third 63 runs, gave hope to Qatar but he cation purposes the triviality of the offences is the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge been hit by injuries to several key wicket partnership to help Denmark received little support from batsmen not to be taken into account. League Group A, going down against players after they won the first two post a challenging total. Zaheer down the order. “A period of 12 months is necessary for the Denmark in Kuala Lumpur, matches against Singapore and Inrahim, with figures of 2-30, was Qatar will play their last match purposes I have mentioned.” yesterday. Malaysia. the best performing bowler for Qatar. of the event against Vanuatu on Sep- After their 60-run loss to Yesterday at the Selangor Turf In reply, Qatar were bowled out tember 26. Zverev clinches Europe thrilling Laver Cup victory

AFP Isner and Jack Sock beat first-ever Laver Cup decider, GENEVA Federer and Stefanos Tsit- raced to victory as Raonic’s sipas in the opening doubles serve deserted him. Alexander Zverev sealed a encounter, before Taylor The 22-year-old, who dramatic Laver Cup victory Team World came Fritz saw off Dominic Thiem also clinched Europe’s win for Europe over Team World once again very to leave Team World one last year by beating Kevin in Geneva on Sunday, as the close but we won win from the trophy. Anderson, fired a brilliant German beat Milos Raonic the right points But Federer claimed a cross-court forehand past in the deciding singles 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Raonic on his first match match. and had maybe a Isner to set up a winner- point. The holders trailed 11-7 little bit of luck: takes-all clash between Fritz had earlier put midway through the final Bjorn Borg Zverev and Raonic. Team World to within day but Zverev, after Roger World number six touching distance of a shock Federer had edged past John Zverev took the first set success with a 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), Isner, downed Raonic 6-4, again very close but we won courtesy of a break in game 10-5 win over Thiem. 3-6, 10-4 to deny John the right points and had seven, with big-serving “That was such a big McEnroe’s visitors their maybe a little bit of luck,” Canadian Raonic hitting match for Team World to maiden triumph in the third said captain Borg. back to force a super tie- win, we really needed that,” edition of the event. “I’m very proud of my break, saving four break said Fritz. Instead, Bjorn Borg’s team, they did a hell of a job. points to serve out the This year is the first time Europe made it three wins I’m a very happy captain.” second set. the tournament has been from three since the inau- After Rafael Nadal But Zverev, selected by played since being added to gural staging in 2017. withdrew from Sunday’s Borg ahead of Tsitsipas and the ATP Tour. Europe won the Team Europe’s players celebrate after winning the 2019 Laver Cup. “Team World came once play with a hand injury, Fabio Fognini for the 2018 edition 13-8 in Chicago. TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 07

Colombia’s Munoz notches play-off win

AFP a closing round of two-under par LOS ANGELES 70 for an 18-under 270 total to tie Im, who closed with a 66 on Willet wins at home Sebastian Munoz parred the first Sunday at The Country Club of play-off hole on Sunday at the Jackson in Mississippi. Sanderson Farms Championship Im’s South Korean compa- for the first time to beat Im Sung-jae and earn his triot An Byeong-hun finished in first US PGA Tour victory. third, one shot back of the AP followed with rounds of VIRGINIA WATER, ENGLAND Munoz birdied the last hole leaders, after a 69 in the fourth 69-65-67 and tied for ninth, his in regulation to force the playoff, round. Former Masters champion 16th finish in the top 10 in 21 then returned to 18, where he Munoz’s three prior profes- Danny Willett outplayed Jon starts worldwide this year. rolled in a four-foot putt to pull sional wins have all come in Rahm in the final group at His biggest shot might have out the victory over the 2019 tour Colombia -- including the 2016 Wentworth and closed with a been for bogey. Willett drove rookie of the year. Colombia Championship on the 5-under 67 to win the BMW wildly on the 11th, hit a tree “I am speechless. This is developmental Korn Ferry Tour. PGA Championship by three trying to get back to the crazy,” said Munoz, who He was coming off a tie for shots for his first victory on fairway, went into a bunker becomes just the second seventh at The Greenbrier last home soil in England. and finally reached the green Colombian to win on the tour, week. Willett won for the seventh with his fourth shot. He holed joining Camilo Villegas. Munoz, who started the time in his career and moves a 40-footer to escape with “The putts weren’t going in fourth round with a one-shot back into the top 50 for the bogey and a one-shot lead. but I just stayed confident. It was lead, becomes the seventh first- first time in two years. That was as close as Rahm got awesome.” time tour winner of this event in He finished at 20-under to him. The 26-year-old Munoz fired the past eight years. 268. Rahm, tied with Willett Willett still had a two-shot The last time Munoz had a going into the final round, shot lead when Rahm found the US PGA Sanderson Farms 54-hole lead he finished tied for 70 and finished alone in water with his second shot on Championship third at The Greenbrier in 2017. second. Rory McIlroy, who the par-5 18th. Billy Horschel Leading scores after Sunday’s fourth On the playoff hole, both opened the European Tour (65) and Patrick Reed (66) tied round of the US PGA Tour Sanderson players landed in the rough, on flagship event with a 76, for fourth. Farms Championship at Jackson, either side of the fairway off the Mississippi (x-won on first playoff tee. Hitting out of the left-side hole, par-72, USA unless noted): rough, Im flew his second shot 270 - x-Sebastian Munoz (COL) 70-67- over the flag stick and into the 63-70, Im Sung-jae (KOR) 68-69-67-66 grandstand. Sebastian Munoz of Colombia poses with the trophy after the final 271 - An Byeong-hun (KOR) 66-66-70-69 That opened the door for round of the Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club 272 - Carlos Ortiz (MEX) 65-71-65-71, Munoz, who had found the right of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi on Sunday. Kevin Streelman 72-67-69-64 rough off the tee. But Munoz left 273 - Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 71-69-67-66, his 166-yard second shot well Bronson Burgoon 69-69-70-65, George short of the green. win after Chile’s Joaquin finish in a tie for fourth with McNeill 67-67-70-69, Harris English 65-71- Munoz then made a nice chip Niemann captured his first title American Kevin Streelman at 68-69, Dominic Bozzelli 70-67-67-69 to four feet and claimed the by six shots at The Greenbrier. 272, two shots back of Munoz 274 - Cameron Percy (AUS) 65-70-68- victory after Im missed badly “Jaco’s win gave me the and Im. Im’s burgeoning career 71, JT Poston 64-70-70-70, Lanto Griffin from six feet on his first putt. belief I needed, the little extra gathered more steam as he 71-67-70-66 Munoz had birdies in regu- belief I’m good enough,” said charged to the finish with three 275 - Zach Johnson 67-71-68-69, Brian lation on three, 11 and 18 and a Munoz. straight birdies on 14, 15 and 16 England’s Danny Willett holds up the winner’s trophy Harman 71-69-68-67 bogey on 15. He forced the Munoz, from Bogota, was in to get to 18 under overall. during the awards presentation on Day 4 of the BMW 276 - Cameron Tringale 70-68-69-69, playoff by making a slow roller the final group with his former Like Munoz, the 21-year-old PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey, Scottie Scheffler 68-66-72-70 from 15 feet over an uphill slope. teammate at the University of Im was gunning for his first tour south west of London, on Sunday. 277 - Fabian Gomez (ARG) 72-66-69-70, “We decided on a line and North Texas, Carlos Ortiz, but the title after winning the 2019 Zack Sucher 69-69-70-69, Richy Werenski tried to make it as simple as we Mexican needed an eagle on 18 rookie of the year award. His 69-68-70-70, Denny McCarthy 69-71-69- could,” he said of the clutch putt. to get into the playoff and settled best previous finish was a tie for 68, Garrett Osborn 70-67-71-69 Munoz is the second South for a par. third at the Arnold Palmer Invi- American in as many weeks to Ortiz shot a final-round 71 to tational in March. Vietnam ready to join Mahomes leads unbeaten Singapore in F1 firmament over Ravens in NFL

REUTERS join Formula One with our race in the Thai capital Bangkok AFP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens Packers and San Francisco SINGAPORE robust economics, with our tra- never got off the ground. Chi said LOS ANGELES kept the pressure on. Jackson put 49ers. ditions, with our culture, with Vietnam would be more the Ravens on the board first Patriots quarterback Tom Vietnam Grand Prix organisers our people, with our food, so resilient. “We are not the Patrick Mahomes dazzled in a with a 14-play, 84-yard Brady threw for 306 yards and are confident their race will join everything is just right.” shooting star,” she declared. duel of young quarterbacks, touchdown drive -- although the two touchdowns, passing Drew Singapore in lighting up the Vietnam’s fast-growing and “We don’t just come on the throwing for 374 yards and three two-point conversion attempt Brees for second place in career Formula One calendar for years youthful economy is attractive scene to stay for one year... in touchdowns to lead the Kansas failed. TD passes in a 30-14 victory over to come, rather than adding to for sponsors as well as com- order for a grand prix to be suc- City Chiefs to a 33-28 NFL Trailing 23-6 at halftime, the the New York Jets. the list of Asian shooting stars, mercial rights holders Liberty cessful, you have to be victory over the Baltimore Ravens scored 22 points after the Brady’s first-half scoring after it debuts in 2020. Media, who have spoken about sustainable. Ravens on Sunday. break. passes to Phillip Dorsett and As the sport said farewell to adding ‘destination cities’ to the “How do you stay in the Mahomes, the reigning NFL That included Jackson’s run Julian Edelman gave him 524 for Singapore for another year on calendar. Singapore -- whose business? That’s what we can Most Valuable Player, led three for a touchdown with just over his career -- two more than Sunday, it looked forward night race is now one of the most learn from the unsuccessful second-quarter touchdown two minutes remaining that cut Brees in NFL history trailing only already to a return to the region glittering events of the season - ones.” Chi said the key lay in drives, connecting on scoring Kansas City’s lead to 33-28. now-retired Peyton Manning’s in April for the inaugural Viet- was the only round in South East creating a satisfying experience passes to Demarcus Robinson But Baltimore’s two-point 539. namese round in Hanoi. Asia in 2019, with Malaysia for fans and in the longer term and rookie Ecole Hardman. conversion attempt was stopped The Patriots didn’t miss a “Vietnam is the right country joining a list of races to fall by growing motorsport’s popularity Mahomes’s 18-yard scoring and Kansas City recovered an beat after a tense week that saw at the right time in the right the wayside after saying goodbye among a local population more pass to Robinson in the corner onside kick to seal the win. controversial receiver Antonio place,” Vietnam Grand Prix Chief two years ago. focused on soccer. of the end zone was highlight The Chiefs improved to 3-0 Brown unceremoniously Executive Le Ngoc Chi told India (2011-13) and South “It’s just a sense of pride, it’s reel material, Robinson in the young season, as did the released on Friday amid an Reuters. Korea (2010-13) have come and a sense of responsibility,” she stretching for a spectacular one- reigning Super Bowl champion ongoing NFL investigation into “(It’s) just the perfect time to gone, while plans for a floodlit said. “We have to deliver this handed catch as the Chiefs New England Patriots, Buffalo allegations of rape and sexual event successfully.” stretched their lead to 17-6. Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay assault. Formula One considered LeSean McCoy and Darrel racing in Vietnam when Bernie Williams combined for 116 yards Ecclestone was the sport’s com- rushing and a TD as the Chiefs mercial boss but the Briton ruled managed admirably without it out, despite significant sums starting running back Damien on offer, because he felt the Williams, number one receiver region had enough races already Tyreek Hill and starting left with Singapore and Malaysia. tackle Eric Fisher. Ecclestone was ousted in “Everyone gets reps with 2017 and a deal with Vietnam’s the starters, and guys just largest conglomerate Vingroup build that confidence that JSC was signed last year. they can play,” Mahomes said “It’s obvious that tourism will of coping with unexpected benefit,” Chi said of the race. absences. “But there are other things “Whenever someone gets an that we think it will bring, such opportunity they make plays.” as investment, promotion, tech- Mahomes now has 13 games of nology, opportunities for busi- at least 300 passing yards, nesses in Vietnam to connect breaking Kurt Warner’s mark for with businesses in the world. most in the first 20 games of an “Besides all that, we also NFL career. Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel (right) celebrates his want to showcase to the world “Patrick had another big victory with his team-mates at the end of the Formula One Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass that Vietnam and Hanoi can day,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Singapore Grand Prix night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit actually organise a world-class observed. in Singapore on Sunday. event. Baltimore quarterback Stadium on Sunday. TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2019 SPORT 08 Nothing is a given or a guaranteed TODAY before you start playing. I think if we as a Indian captain team are willing to get out of our comfort RUSSIA VS SAMOA (POOL A) 13:15 Qatar time Virat kohli zones a lot more, then we will be unfazed TOMORROW with what happens at the toss. FIJI VS URUGUAY (POOL D) 08:15 Qatar time

MEN’S MARATHON Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 23:59 Strong field set to light up historic LONDON 2017 MEDALLISTS GOLD: Geoffrey Kirui (Kenya) 2:08:27 SILVER: (Ethiopia) ‘midnight marathon’ at Corniche 2:09:49 BRONZE: Alphonce Felix Simbu IAAF (Tanzania) 2:09:51 DOHA WORLD RECORD (Kenya) 2:01:39 In Those running the marathon Berlin on September 16, 2018 at the IAAF Athletics World WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD Championships Doha 2019 Abel Kirui (Kenya) will be in uncharted territory. 2:06:54 in Berlin on August 22, 2009 For the women, on day 2019 BEST one, and the men, on day 1: Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) 2:02:37 nine, the event will start at a 2: Mosinet Geremew (Ethiopia) 2:02:55 time they are normally 3: (Ethiopia) 2:03:16 tucked up in bed: midnight – by which point the temper- WOMEN’S MARATHON ature will have dropped Friday, September 27, 2019 at 23:59 nearer to 30C. LONDON 2017 MEDALLISTS The world’s first champi- GOLD: Rose Chelimo (Bahrain) 2:27:11 onship midnight SILVER: Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat will be run on a fully lit, (Kenya) 2:27:18 looped course along the BRONZE: Amy Cragg (USA) 2:27:18 waterfront of Doha’s famous Geoffrey Kirui of WORLD RECORD Corniche connecting Doha Kenya celebrates (Britain) 2:20:57 in Bay and Doha City Centre, set after winning Helsinki on August 14 2005 against the capital city’s tow- the marathon ering skyline. during the 2019 BEST If recent history is any 2017 IAAF 1: Ruth Chepngetich (Kenya) 2:17:08 guide, the men’s marathon World Athletics 2: Worknesh Degefa (Ethiopia) 2:17:41 title is likely to go to an Championships 3: Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) 2:18:20 African runner in a time that in London, in 4: Lonah Chemtai Salpeter (Israel) would be far from cutting this August 6, 2:19:46 edge in any of the big city 2017 file photo. 5: Vivian J. Cheruiyot (Kenya) 2:20:14 races. Two years ago in London the world title was won in And the two fastest times have 2:08:27 by Kenya’s 24-year- been run this season. old Geoffrey Kirui, who had Mosinet Geremew tops Doha 2019: Female athletes first won the Boston title earlier in the entry list with his Ethi- the year in what was only his opian record of 2:02:55, set as third marathon, and who is he followed home Kenya’s to experience unique marathon back to defend his title. Olympic champion and world Two years before that, record-holder Eliud Kipchoge IAAF Eritrean teenager Ghirmay as he won the London Defending champion Rose Chelimo of Bahrain Chepngetich won this year’s Ghebreslassie claimed gold in Marathon. DOHA in 2:17:08 – the in 2:12:27. Geremew’s teammate third fastest time ever recorded At the 2013 World Cham- Mule Wasihun was one place It will be the women marathon behind Paula Radcliffe’s world pionships in Moscow, gold behind in London in a per- runners who are first to expe- record of 2:15:25 and the 2:17:01 went to the Olympic sonal best of 2:03:16 that rience unique circumstances for recorded by Kenya’s Mary champion, Stephen Kiprotich places him third in this sea- a championship race in Doha. Keitany in winning the 2017 of Uganda, in 2:09:51. son’s list also. At midnight on day one, a . Kiprotich, still only 30, will These two are clear field of about 70 runners will set Her team-mates can also also toe the line in Doha. favourites, along with, you off under floodlighting on a shift. Visiline Jepkesho has run The two titles before that would have to say, their looped course along the water- 2:21:37, and 2:22.58, while – at Berlin in 2009 and Daegu 29-year-old teammate Lelisa front of Doha’s famous Corniche Kiplagat, who has a best of in 2011 – went to Kenya’s Abel Desisa, who, although his per- connecting Doha Bay and Doha 2:19:50, is back to seek a third Kirui, in respective times of sonal best is 2:04:45, has City Centre, set against the list. Tactics, not times, are the team-mates, two of whom have world title at the age of 39. 2:06:54, the championship proven class, having earned capital city’s towering skyline. key on these occasions. run faster than her personal best Ethiopia is represented by record, and 2:07:38. world bronze in Moscow six The temperature by that In the past decade, the of 2:24:27. the runners who stand third and If Kiprotich will be able to years ago and having also time is expected to have dropped fastest time in which a women’s Desi Mokonin has a best of fourth on the entry list behind draw on a huge fund of expe- won last year’s New York from the predicted daytime world marathon title has been 2:23:39, and perhaps signifi- Chepngetich – Ruti Aga, who has rience, there is no more expe- marathon. range of 35C and above. won is 2:25:15, recorded by cantly has run 2:23:44 this run 2:20:40 this year and has a rienced runner in the race Bahrain’s Elabbassi El Many of the runners will be China’s in Berlin 10 season. best of 2:18:34, and Roza Dereje, than Eritrea’s 37-year-old, Hassan, with a personal best used to running in hot condi- years ago. Shitaye Eshete has run who has run 2:20:51 this year five-time world half mar- of 2:04:43, should also not be tions, but none will have run a Kenya’s 2:22:39 this year, and Eunice and has a best of 2:19:17. athon champion Zersenay ruled out, and nor should his championship marathon at such approached that speed in taking Chumba’s best of 2:24:27 is only And the third Ethiopian Tadese. teammate Alemu Bekele. a time, finishing in the early the 2013 title in Moscow in marginally slower than the selected, Shure Demise, has run But logic, and history, say Others to look out for hours of the morning. Mentally, 2:25:44, having won the previous defending champion’s. 2:21:05 this season. that the Doha winner is likely include Turkey’s 2016 physically, physiologically it is version in Daegu in 2:28:43. Given their greater expe- Namibia’s Helalia Johannes to be Kenyan, Ethiopian or European 10,000m champion going to be a new test for all. The last two winning times rience of weather conditions in is also one to watch. She has set Bahraini. Polat Arikan, and Britain’s What can be predicted with in this race have been only mar- the region, you have to say that road PBs this year of 30:59 for Kirui’s personal best, from Callum Hawkins, who is a some reasoning, however, is ginally swifter – Ethiopia’s Mare Bahrain’s runners have very 10km, 1:10:30 for the half mar- 2016, is 2:06:27. All of his tough championship runner that, similarly to the men’s race, Dibaba ran 2:27.35 in Beijing and strong credentials for making athon and 2:22:25 for the mar- teammates have run faster. who will, it is hoped, have the women’s contest at the IAAF Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo won in the podium. athon. More importantly, Amos Kipruto has run 2:05:43, learned to manage running in World Athletics Championships London two years ago in 2:27:11. That said, two familiar though, she has experience of Laban Korir 2:05:54 and Paul extreme heat following his Doha 2019 is most likely to be Chelimo is back to defend groups head up this year’s world running a championship race in Lonyangata 2:06:10. distressing collapse while won by an African or Asian her title, and looks one of the list – the Kenyans, and the searing heat: she won the Com- But the fastest men in this leading the marathon at the runner in a time that will not be favourites, although it will be Ethiopians. monwealth title on Gold Coast race – at least on paper – are, last near the top of the year’s world worth watching all three of her Kenya’s 25-year-old Ruth last year in 27C heat. with one exception, Ethiopian. year.

The beautiful Doha skyline will provide the perfect backdrop when the men’s and women’s marathons of the IAAF World championships 2019 will take place at the Corniche in few days’ time.