SPORT

Tuesday 26 September 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 36 Dortmund out to Ronaldo struggles, Federer leads ruin Ronaldo’s superb Messi form Europe to maiden big day spark Ballon d’Or racee Laver Cup title 23rd Gulf Cup: Qatar in Group B

The draw ceremony of Gulf Cup Football Tournament in progress in Doha yesterday. Pictures: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula

Rizwan Rehmat Executive Committee members unity among thee fans,”fans,” he The Peninsula were also present. GULF CUP added. Officials from Saudi Arabia, Al Shaibani, Chairmanhairman of atar yesterday said it was the UAE and Bahrain did not the Gulf Competitionstions Com-Com- going ahead with its attend the draw ceremony. mittee, yesterday said tteamseams preparations to host the “Qatar is ready to organise that decide to boycottoycott the hugely popular Gulf Cup and host this tournament,” Jas- event could face fines.ines. Qfootball event which sim Al Rumaihi, General “We confirm that this scheduled to be held from Decem- Secretary of AGCFF, said tournament is thee firstfirst toutour-r- ber 22 to January 5. yesterday. nament to be heldd uundernder tthehe Also yesterday, officials of the “As of now, we are ready to supervision of thehe newnewly-ly- regional body, Arab Gulf Cup Foot- host the tournament. If we have formed AGCFF. Thehe ruleruless anandd ball Federation (AGCFF) expressed less number of teams, then the regulations have bbeeneen prepre-- confidence that the 23rd edition of event will be held on a round- pared with the approvalproval of aalllll the eight-nation event will feature robin format. But right now, we participating countries,”untries,” Al teams from the entire region. are going full steam with our prep- “We received a letter from the Shaibani explained. Hosts Qatar were yesterday arations,” he added. Bahrain Football Federation ask- As for the date of the annannounce-ounce- drawn with Bahrain, Iraq and “Preparations are in full swing. ing us to postpone the tournament ment of the fixtures, Shaibaniaibani saisaid:d: Yemen in Group A. Saudi Arabia, The agreement has been signed with due to the absence of Kuwait. We “It will be developedoped andand Oman and the United Arab Emir- the Local Organising Committee responded to the letter that the announced in coordinationion wiwithth tthehe ates have been placed in Group B (LOC) in Qatar. Now we are coordi- tournament will be held on the LOC and title sponsors.”” with possible inclusion of Kuwait nating with the LOC regarding the basis of the consultative meeting Al Rumaihi said iff onlyonly fourfour who are currently suspended by final preparations including the held in Bahrain (sometime back),” teams were available toto play - in FIFA. opening and closing ceremonies. We Al Rumaihi said. case of pull-outs from Saudi Ara-Ara- Qatar Football Association hope all teams will participate in the “The AGCFF was established by bia, the UAE and Bahrainin - a freshfresh (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin tournament,” he said. eight member countries to make decision would be takenken byby thethe Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani and “We hope Kuwait will partici- football reach all corners of the AGCFF whether to stagestage tthehe QFA Vice President Saoud Al pate in the tournament because it region. The body was established tournament. Mohannadi attended the draw cer- is one of the founding members of to professionalise the growth of the The last edition wass won bbyy emony that also saw the presence AGCFF. Kuwait’s participation will game. We hope this is how we Qatar after they beat hostshosts of Qatar Olympic Committee Sec- be addressed by the Executive move forward, for the common Saudi Arabia in Novembermber retary General Dr Thani Al Kuwari. Committee of the AGCF in the com- good of the game in the region,” Al 2014. It was the third ttitleitle Ahmed Al Buainain, QFA Exec- ing weeks,” Al Rumaihi said. Rumaihi said. win for Qatar. The UAEE fin-fin- utive Committee member, Hani Al Rumaihi admitted the Bah- “We hope to hold the tourna- ished in the third spot,spot, Ballan, QFA Executive Committee rain Football Federation had ment on time. We are clear in the followed by Oman in fourthurth member, Mansoor Al Ansari, Gen- approached Qatar for a postpone- mind so we will not mix politics place. eral Secretary of QFA, and AGCFF ment of the event. with sports because football builds China dominate short course swimming in Ashgabat

The Peninsula hopes dashed when Thailand’s China finished Ashgabat category, and Paliha golden in Darika Peanpailun answered 2017 Short Course Swimming the -75kg class. he Ashgabat 2017 5th Asian back just a minute later. While competition with 29 medals Finally, the first medals of Indoor and Martial Arts Japan pressed hard to again tie total, 11 of which were gold, to the Indoor Tennis tournament TGames continued for the things up by bringing forward more than double the best were awarded on Monday, with 10th day yesterday, where 11 dif- their goalkeeper for a numbers results of any other nation in the Thailand’s Nicha Lertpitaksin- ferent sports were up for contest, advantage, Jenjira Bubpha was pool. chai and Nuttanon including medal competition in able to lob in a shot from her The first day of DanceSport Kadchapanan claiming Mixed Billiard Sports, DanceSport, own side of centre into the open competition saw more excellent Doubles gold in three sets over Indoor Tennis, Kickboxing, net to seal the deal and ensure results for the delegation from India’s Prarthana Thombare Sambo, Short Course Swimming, Thailand the gold. China, with two pairs of Chinese and Jagadeesan Vishnuvardhan Weightlifting, Wrestling, and the The Games records contin- dancers finishing Monday with – 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. bronze and gold medal games ued to fall right up to the very two gold medal victories, as At the end of the day, the in women’s Futsal. end in the pool, as the final day Yuan Shaoyang and Qi Chongx- medal table saw Turkmenistan The big story of the day was of Short Course Swimming uan won the Waltz and the holding on to a lead atop the the woman’s Futsal gold medal action at Ashgabat 2017 saw five Tango events, and Qiu Yuming standings that looks all but finals, where Japan and Thailand new records established, by and Wei Liying took victories in unassailable; with just two days squared off after a long and Vietnam’s Thi Anh Vien Nguyen the Slow Foxtrot and of competition left, the host A Chinese swimmer in action during the hard-fought tournament, with in the women’s 100m Medley, Quickstep. nation owns 229 medals, 85 of Short Course Swimming competition at Japan looking to make it four- China’s Sun Meichen in the And continue the theme of which our gold, while the Peo- Ashgabat 2017 Games yesterday. China straight AIMAG gold medals. women’s 100m Freestyle, Kaza- good fortune for China, China’s ple’s Republic of China, next finished Ashgabat 2017 Short Course However, Thailand took an khstan’s Adil Kaskabay in the wrestlers also shone on Monday, best in the standings, has but 34 Swimming competition with 29 medals early lead in the contest, putting men’s 100m Freestyle, Korea’s taking three of four possible gold golds and 77 total medals. total, 11 of which were gold, to more than Japan behind for the first time Kim Daleun in the women’s 50m medals in women’s Freestyle Qatar are placed 15th, hav- double the best results of any other nation in the tournament. Battling hard, Breaststroke, and, finally, by Wrestling competition, with Pei ing bagged four gold medals, in the pool. Japan was able to equalize in the China’s men’s 4x100m Medley Xingru winner in the -58kg cat- three silver and two bronze 35’ minute, only to have their Relay team. egory, Xu Rui victorious in -63kg medals. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017 Koh set to boost Al Rayyan in crunch Al Duhail clash

Fawad Hussain have secured full six points from and Al Arabi with ease in their South Korean The Peninsula their first two matches so far. first two matches. The Al Rayyan-Al Duhail Belmadi will be expect midfielder Koh outh Korean midfielder clash has been dubbed as nothing less than a win in this Myong-jin will Koh Myong-jin will be ‘Match-of-the-Week’ and a win match, as his new side looks to be back for Sback in action when his for either team will give it’s start their first season with an Al Rayyan in side Al Rayyan will take on Al players a huge amount confi- eye on Falcon Trophy. clash against Duhail in a crunch QNB Stars dence in their hunt for the Meanwhile, Al Khor are Al Duhail on League (QSL) match to be lucrative title. likely to welcome back two key Friday. played at Al Sadd Stadium this Al Rayyan coach Michael players ahead of their round weekend. Laudrup will be looking to find three game against Al Kharaiti- Koh missed Al Rayyan’s 3-1 the balance in defence and yat on Friday. Antonio Conte victory against Al Kharaitiyat in attack for the crucial tie the According to QSL website the previous round due to one- return of Koh will certainly help yesterday, club officials have match suspension for the red his sides cause as the balance confirmed that the Knights will Homesick card he picked up in Rayyan’s will be important in breaking welcome back Naif Al Buraiki opening game against Al Khor. up Al Duhail attacks. into the squad, after his one- The seasoned midfielder’s Al Rayyan will head into the match ban. Midfielder Hilal Conte ready return has been seen as a boost tie with impressive victories in Mohammed could also play a for Al Rayyan, who will be up their last two matches in which part in the match after missing to return to against a strong Al Duhail side they scored seven goals. the last two weeks of action in the Friday clash. However, Al Duhail will be through injury. Al Rayyan, Al Duhail and Al a tough nut to crack for them, Al Khor medical staff will Italy Sadd will be fighting out for an as the coach Djamel Belmadi’s make an assessment on the early QSL summit in the third men have also been in supreme young winger in the coming round as all the three teams form, having defeated Qatar SC days. Milan AFP helsea manager Anto- Fellaini ruled nio Conte has revealed Che misses his native out of United Italy and plans to return home soon. “Yes, I miss Italy. And in tie against my mind, there’s no doubt I will be home before long,” CSKA Moscow coach Conte said in an interview yesterday with Moscow Italian radio station Anch’io Reuters Sport. “Italy is my homeland, so elgian midfielder Mar- once I have had some good ouane Fellaini will miss experiences, important and B Manchester United’s life-changing experiences, I’ll Champions League game be back. I don’t know when against CSKA Moscow but that’s the aim,” said the tomorrow. coach. Fellaini has not recovered The 48-year-old from from an ankle injury he suf- Lecce in the heel of Italy led fered in a tackle by Shane Chelsea to the Premier Long in the 1-0 Premier League title in his first season Real Madrid’s forward from League win over Southamp- in England. Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo ton on Saturday and was not “For me, it was my first in the squad which departed gestures during the La Liga year abroad and it was great for Russia yesterday. match against Deportivo to win at the first attempt. A Nemanja Matic, who also special feeling was created Alaves at the Mendizorroza suffered an injury against with the fans,” he said. Stadium in Vitoria on Saturday. Southampton, flew out with But despite being unsure the rest of the squad along what the future holds the with defender Eric Bailly, who former Juventus and Italian could make his Champions national team boss ruled out League debut for the club. working in China. Fellaini scored United’s “In China, no, absolutely, opening goal in their 3-0 I’m nostalgic for Italy. I’ll be Dortmund out to ruin Champions League Group A back but perhaps in the future victory over Basel this month. I won’t be a manager. Perhaps United, who are unbeaten I’ll work as a director of foot- this season and are joint top ball. I don’t know,” he of the Premier League with continued. Manchester City, are in con- Conte believes it will be Ronaldo’s big day fident mood for tomorrow’s tough for Chelsea -- third this tie although they will again term behind Manchester City be without Paul Pogba, who and Manchester United after Berlin which went begging. Zinedine suffered a hamstring strain six games -- to defend their AFP Zidane’s Real are unlikely to be against Basel and could title. as forgiving. require surgery. “Six teams are in conten- orussia Dortmund will “Against Real, mistakes like Spanish midfielder Juan tion for the title, this year will aim to maintain their that will be punished totally dif- Mata predicted United would be even tougher because unbeaten record at ferently,” warned Dortmund face “a very difficult game” Manchester United are back home to Real Madrid director Michael Zorc. against CSKA, who impressed and there is also Tottenham, in the Champions Dortmund’s big win came in beating Benfica 2-1. not to mention Liverpool and BLeague today and spoil Cristiano with forwards Marco Reus, Arsenal.” Ronaldo’s 150th European Andre Schuerrle and Raphael CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES Next up is tomorrow’s appearance. Guerreiro injured while new Champions League clash at Dortmund and title holders signing Andriy Yarmolenko, Nuri Today (All 1845 GMT) Atletico Madrid after canter- Real meet in the group stage for Sahin and Gonzalo Castro were Group E ing past Azerbaijani side the second year running. not used. Qarabag 6-0 in their opener, The teams drew both games Real traditionally have a ter- In Moscow with AS Roma playing in 2-2 last season as the Germans rible record in Germany with 19 Spartak Moscow (RUS) vs Liverpool Stamford Bridge on October topped the section before bow- defeats, seven draws and only (ENG) 18. ing out in the last eight while five wins. In Seville, Spain “In our corner, there’s Real went on to win a record However, four of those vic- Roma, who have all the cards 12th title. tories have come in their last Sevilla (ESP) vs Maribor (SLO) to go far,” he said. Dortmund have won three seven visits and they enjoyed a Group F “Ours wasn’t a lucky and drawn three of their meet- 2-1 win at Bayern Munich in last In Manchester, England draw, but we want to over- ings at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund flex their muscles ahead of the heavyweight season’s quarter-finals. Manchester City (ENG) vs Shakhtar come it so we can prepare for including their dazzling 4-1 first- Madrid’s run of scoring in 73 showdown against Real Madrid with a 6-1 home drubbing Donetsk (UKR) the last 16, where I hope to leg win in the 2013 Champions of Borussia Moenchengladbach in Bundeslia on Saturday. successive matches in all com- avoid the Italian teams,” he League semi-final when Robert petitions ended when they lost In Naples, Italy added. Lewandowski scored all four 1-0 at home to Real Betis on 20 Napoli (ITA) vs Feyenoord (NED) As for club football in his goals. 2017 award and the winner will left-winger Maximilian Philipp, September. Group G homeland Conte believes Defending champions Real be announced on October 23. who has scored four goals in his But they rebounded with a “Serie A is in the process of opened their group campaign Dortmund flexed their mus- last three games. 2-1 win at Alaves on Saturday as In Istanbul, Turkey coming back, but all the best with a 3-0 win at home to cles ahead of the heavyweight “Things couldn’t have gone Dani Ceballos scored his first Besiktas (TUR) vs RB Leipzig (GER) players want to play in the APOEL while Dortmund suffered showdown with a 6-1 home better,” beamed Dortmund’s goals for Madrid on his first com- In Monaco English championship,” the a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hot- drubbing of Borussia World Cup winner Mario Goetze, petitive start. Chelsea coach said. spur a fortnight ago. Moenchengladbach in the Ger- who is back in form after a met- Zidane is without a left-back Monaco (FRA) vs Porto (POR) And he has no doubt The Germans’ main task will man league on Saturday as abolic disorder, following the as Marcelo (hamstring) and Theo Group H Italy will qualify for the be containing four-time Ballon Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Gladbach win. Hernandez (shoulder) are both In Nicosia World Cup to be held in Rus- d’Or winner Ronaldo, who has netted a hat-trick. “However, we know that it out, so Nacho is set to fill in. APOEL Nicosia vs Tottenham (ENG) sia next year. scored 110 goals in European The Gabon striker has now will be a mammoth task against Karim Benzema is missing “I’m not afraid about us competition but failed to find the scored eight goals in six league Real on Tuesday (today).” with a hamstring injury, but In Dortmund, Germany not going to the World Cup. net in his last two outings. games. While Dortmund shone in Luka Modric and Gareth Bale Borussia Dortmund (GER) vs Real

I have no doubt, Italy will be The Portuguese superstar is He has forged a partnership attack, they struggled at the back were both rested at the week- Madrid (ESP) there,” said the veteran among the final three nominees -- dubbed ‘Philameyang’ by the against Gladbach, who had half end and Toni Kroos is expected coach. for the Best FIFA Men’s Player German media -- with a dozen clear chances to score to return after injury. TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 31

No further Liverpool head for Spartak action against Mourinho after sending-off London battle amid defence woes AFP anchester United Klopp makes weak competition’s 25-year history. manager Jose Mour- Klopp’s men have kept only two Minho will face no case for defence clean sheets in 10 matches this further action from the Eng- Liverpool have season and he admitted after last lish Football Association conceded 10 goals in weekend’s 2-0 loss at Leicester following his dismissal in the three consecutive in the League Cup that he was Premier League clash at Premier League away “really, really sick” of shipping Southampton at the soft goals. weekend. games for the first Held to a 2-2 draw by Sevilla The 54-year-old was sent time in the in their Champions League to the stands by referee Craig competition’s 25-year opener two weeks ago, Liverpool Pawson for encroaching on history have failed to keep a clean sheet the pitch during stoppage in 11 of their last 12 matches in time of his side’s 1-0 win at St Klopp’s men have the competition. Mary’s on Saturday. kept only two clean But for all their defensive Unlike players, there are sheets in 10 matches woes, which are symbolised by no automatic bans for red- this season recurrent failings at set-pieces, carded managers and any Klopp has been reluctant to additional punishment admit that he has a major prob- depends on the referee’s London lem on his hands. report. AFP Asked about his team’s dif- In this case, Mourinho ficulties at the back prior to their Liverpool goal-keeper Loris appears to have taken the ref- iverpool approach the most recent game at Leicester, Karius (foreground) along with eree’s decision without any second game of their he protested: “It sounds like we his team-mates during team’s further comment or reaction Champions League have no points and are com- training session, on the eve of and the matter is closed. campaign away to pletely the worst team in the their Champions League match The United boss said after Spartak Moscow today league.” against Spartak Moscow, in the match that he was baffled Lwith manager Jurgen Klopp If Klopp has been spared Liverpool yesterday. by his red card. “I don’t under pressure to resolve their more trenchant criticism, it is know,” he said. “Craig told me chronic defensive problems. because his team, when on song, to leave, and I left.” Liverpool ended a four- are capable of playing attacking some of the most talented for- Klavan instead of usual first- “I know there are fallings out The FA is also taking no game winless run by prevailing football of scintillating quality. wards in the Premier League. choice centre-back Dejan at football clubs all the time, but action at this point against 3-2 at Leicester City on Satur- Liverpool crushed Arsenal The suspicion, which Klopp Lovren, who remained on the somewhere along the line, you United over the singing of a day, but they have conceded 10 4-0 at the end of August and in does not exactly deny, is that as bench. can’t cut off your nose to spite controversial chant about goals in three consecutive Pre- Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, long as his team are scoring goals The Liverpool manager also your face. striker Romelu Lukaku by mier League away games for Philippe Coutinho and new sign- at one end of the pitch, he will regularly chops and changes his “Klopp should have made up fans. the first time in the ing Mohamed Salah they possess not lose too much sleep about defence, notably rotating his full- with the boy. He should have The club are understood what is happening in his own backs between games, which has banned him, but then brought to be liaising with Southamp- penalty area. made it impossible to achieve him back into the fold. ton to gain access to CCTV “If you would ask me: ‘Do any kind of continuity. “They lost out on Virgil van footage of Saturday’s crowd you want your team perfect in Matters were not helped by Dijk for whatever reason, but so it can identify those defending set-pieces, but don’t Liverpool’s frustrating transfer when it happened, they should responsible. know how to play football, or window, during which they have kept Sakho.” United reiterated their would you prefer the other way missed out on prime defensive Overall, Thompson feels condemnation of the crude round?’ I still would take this target Virgil van Dijk. there “shouldn’t be any debate” chant about Lukaku. (second) one,” he says. With Liverpool having failed about Klopp’s position and says Both United and Belgian Liverpool’s quest for greater to prise the Dutch centre-back the German has clearly taken striker Lukaku had previously defensive solidity has not been from Southampton, former cap- Liverpool forwards since suc- implored supporters to stop Liverpool helped by the unpredictable tain Phil Thompson believes it ceeding Brendan Rodgers in singing the song, which draws manager form of goalkeeper Simon Mig- was a mistake to allow Mama- October 2015. on racial stereotypes about Juergen Klopp nolet or by Klopp’s own selection dou Sakho to join Crystal Palace But while Liverpool’s attack- the size of black men’s during a choices. after the Frenchman fell out with ing football will continue to penises. training session The 5-0 capitulation at Man- Klopp. nourish hopes of a return to But fans sang it again at yesterday. chester City earlier this month “Sakho was our best prominence at home and abroad, St Mary’s, as well as “We’re came after he made the ques- defender,” Thompson told Sky their defensive issues may prove Man United, we’ll sing what tionable choice to start Ragnar Sports last week. a fatal flaw. we want”. Liverpool and United Ronaldo struggles, superb Messi fans trigger Moscow form spark Ballon d’Or race

security jitters Madrid to six wins from six in La Liga AFP At club level and a 3-0 thumping of Juventus Moscow The influx of supporters Messi has 43 in the Champions League scor- AFP raises the spectre of a repeat wo games without a goal goals in 2017 to ing 12 goals in nine appearances of the violence at Euro-2016 is run of the mill for most Ronaldo’s 29. in all competitions. s thousands of British in France when street battles Tfootballers, but for Cris- Indeed, at club level Messi fans head to Moscow erupted in central Marseille tiano Ronaldo it constitutes a now has 43 goals in 2017 to Ron- Afor Champions League ahead of the match between drought. aldo’s 29. matches involving Manches- England and Russia on June Ronaldo will be looking to Neymar’s numbers are far ter United and Liverpool, 11 -- 35 people were injured forget his early season struggles more modest despite five goals Russia faces a crucial test of and three Russian hooligans as Real Madrid aim to lay down in six games for PSG as he has its security measures just jailed. a marker in their quest for a adapted well to his new sur- months ahead of the 2018 Russia has vowed to third consecutive Champions roundings and new stature as World Cup. ensure fans’ safety when it League at Borussia Dortmund the world’s most expensive Some 2,000 British fans hosts the World Cup next today. player. are expected to arrive for year and has cracked down The Portuguese remains the One of the Brazilian’s matches today and tomorrow on its own hooligans who strong favourite to match Lionel motives for leaving the lure of against Moscow teams model themselves on the Messi’s record of five Ballon d’Or Messi and Barcelona behind was known for problems with hooligan gangs that dogged wins for his starring role in guid- reportedly his desire to win the hooliganism and racism in English football in the past. ing Madrid to a first La Liga and Ballon d’Or. the stands. For the Liverpool and Champions League double in 59 sent-off in the first leg of the calm,” insisted Real boss Zine- But at 25 his time is more The head of the Russian Manchester United games, years. Spanish Super Cup has been the dine Zidane. likely to come in future years if Football Union’s security tightened controls will be in However, Messi’s sensa- principle cause. “He wanted to score which Messi (30) and Ronaldo (32) committee, Vladimir Markin, place at stadium entrances tional form for Barcelona and Ronaldo described the ban is normal, but it’s a long season begin to wane. warned them to behave or and nearby metro stations -- the attention garnered by Ney- as “persecution” on the part of and he always ends up making Neymar will need to live up face an extended stay behind as happened when Russia mar’s 222m euro ($265m) world the Spanish federation. the difference.” to the hype of his record price bars. hosted the Confederations record move to Paris Saint-Ger- But the punishment didn’t It would take something tag not just in Ligue 1 but at “I don’t want to scare Cup in June and July without main last month has starved end with the ban as a rusty extraordinary to deny Ronaldo Champions League level to be anyone but I warn those who incident. Ronaldo of the attention he Ronaldo misfired badly as the Ballon d’Or after scoring 10 crowned the world’s best and the plan to come here not to sup- A multi-lingual telephone craves. Real’s run of scoring in 73 times from the Champions visit of Bayern Munich to the port their side and see the help line (Fans Hotline All three were named as the straight games was ended in a League quarter-finals on against Parc des Princes tomorrow is his country but to commit hoo- 8-800-775-76-88) opened finalists for FIFA’s Men’s Player shock 1-0 defeat to Real Betis a calibre of opposition such as greatest opportunity to make an liganism: the law is the same yesterday for 24 hours and Award for 2017 last week. last midweek. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid impact before January’s award for all, not just for Russians,” will continue to work till It is Ronaldo, though, who Ronaldo also fired a blank as and Juventus. ceremonies. Markin said. tomorrow, to offer British has so far failed to hit his strat- Madrid edged past bottom of the Yet, Messi’s reaction to Ney- Yet, despite the individual “Those who break it will fans’ legal support if needed. ospherically high standards this table Alaves on Saturday despite mar’s decision to forge pastures nature of the award, it is trophies face a suitable punishment, Both Liverpool and Man- season as Real have fallen seven having 18 shots across his last new at PSG has been a telling that tend to tilt the balance of the possibly in the form of a long chester United have warned points behind Barca in the La two games. demonstration of who is really Ballon d’Or and, having beaten stay in Russia, in conditions fans to be on their best Liga title race. “Cristiano is like he always the irreplaceable figure at the his competitors to La Liga and our guests won’t like.” behaviour. A five-game suspension for is. When he doesn’t score you Camp Nou. the Champions League, Ronaldo pushing a referee after being ask me about him, but he is Messi has helped guide Barca remains the man to beat. 32 SPORT TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017 TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 33

Smith laments Bristol, United Kingdom England selectors Kohli urges AFP ‘ordinary’ Centurion Ali oeen Ali said his six-laden one-day international cen- ponder changes tury against West Indies at record in 2017 Bristol was simply a matter of deciding to “press the dominant India Melbourne buttonM and play a few shots”. as Ashes team in Reuters Ali struck England’s second-fastest ODI ‘presses the hundredhu off just 53 balls, with his second fifty teve Smith has said his side’s comingco in a world record 12 deliveries. record in 2017 is unacceptable for His 102 was the cornerstone of a total of 369 a state of flux to be ‘ruthless’ San Australian cricket team in the forfor ninen - England’s highest in ODIs against West wake of the one-day international Indies.Indie London ENGLAND TOUR OF series loss to India. DespiteDe an impressive 94 from the returning Chris Reuters AUSTRALIA: FIXTURES New Delhi left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav Australia’s five-wicket defeat in Gayle,Gayle, it proved too much for the visitors to chase AFP making an instant impact. Indore saw them fall 3-0 behind in the with EnEnglandg winning by the commanding margin of ngland’s selectors will November 23 - 27 button’ in six-fest 1st Test - Brisbane While Pandya’s crucial 78 led the five-match series, and was their 11th 124124 runs ono Sunday to go 2-0 up with two to play in this name their squad tomor- aptain Virat Kohli has called on his team’s run chase in Indore, Yadav loss in their past 13 ODIs away from five-matchfive-matc series. Erow for the Ashes series December 2 - 6 players to be “ruthless” after the impressed with his maiden hat-trick in home. The other two matches were OnceOnce GGayle was run out by Adil Rashid, West Indies’ with the team in a surprising 2nd Test - Adelaide Ccrushing one-day series win over the second international. rain-affected no results. inningsinnings fell awaya with England fast bowler Liam Plunkett state of flux despite recent home December 14 - 18 Australia took India top of the world However legendary spinner Bishan With the Ashes looming in two takingtaking five fforo 52 -- his maiden ODI five-for -- as the tour- series wins over South Africa 3rd Test - Perth one-day rankings to add to their Singh Bedi believes India have not months, the Australia skipper said his ists were ddismissedism for 245 with a whopping 65 balls, or and West Indies. December 26 - 30 number one Test status. been tested by opposition teams, bar- team needed to get back to winning more than 1010 overs, to spare. England experienced a mix- 4th Test - Melbourne A five-wicket win in the third game ring the Champions Trophy final in ways fast. AAlili hit eighteig sixes and Gayle six in a match featuring 28 ture of crushing victories and January 4 - Jan 8 of the five-match series on Sunday gave June against Pakistan which they lost “It’s a different format (to the Ashes) in total, with both left-handed batsmen taking advantage heavy losses this summer, even- 5th Test - Sydney India an unassailable 3-0 lead over by 180 runs. but I’d certainly like to start winning of the short straightstr boundaries at southwest county Glouces- tually winning out because they January 14 Steve Smith’s Australia. India won 10 of their 13 Tests on some games of cricket in every format tershire’stershire’s headquarters.hea bat so deep and, in Ben Stokes 1st ODI - Melbourne It also stretched India’s winning home soil in the 2016-17 season and to be honest,” Smith told reporters. ““II jjustust hadhad a slog really, and everything just seemed to and Moeen Ali, have two of their January 19 streak to a record 12 matches across then went on to rout hosts Sri Lanka “It’s pretty ordinary. Not good come off,” aall-rounder Ali, known for being an elegant best-ever all-rounders. But the 2nd ODI - Brisbane all formats. over nine games in all three formats. enough for an Australian cricket team stroke-player,stroke-playe told reporters. top order seldom convinced January 21 Kohli’s side have been on a roll for “Realistically speaking Indians are and we need to start turning the results “I“I thoughtthought we’d got ourselves in, and it was time to press with only opener Alastair Cook 3rd ODI - Sydney the past year since regaining the not even fielding their best XI and beat- around and winning some games. thethe bbuttonutton aandn play a few shots -- it’s not a massive hit for and captain Joe Root certain to January 26 number one Test spot with a 3-0 home ing the opposition hands down, “It’s been a bit of a trend for this six ((here).”here).” play in the first Test against Aus- 4th ODI - Adelaide whitewash of New Zealand. whether it is Sri Lanka or Australia,” format and the test format as well. WestWest Indies,Ind who’ve now lost 14 of their last 15 com- tralia in Brisbane starting on January 28 The in-form captain has led from Bedi said. “We’re quite often getting ourselves pleted ODIs aagainst England, actually started impressively November 23. 5th ODI - Venue TBC the front with 1,137 runs in 21 50-over “We are loving the ratings, but if we into good positions and we’re not tak- with the ball to restrict the home side to just 18 runs off the Surrey’s Mark Stoneman is February 7, 2018 matches this year, ahead South Africa’s are a little more pragmatic then you ing advantage of those and today was first five oveovers.r Cook’s most likely opening part- 1st Twenty20 - Hobart

Faf du Plessis as the highest one-day will realise that the Indian team in the no different.” “We“We just didn’td finish off well,” said a rueful West Indies ner after playing in three tests February 10, 2018 scorer in 2017. last year or so haven’t been stretched Australia has won just three out of captaincaptain JasonJason Holder, who won the toss and fielded. against West Indies but much of 2nd Twenty20 - Melbourne Kohli praised his team after the lat- by the opposition. 17 matches across all three formats ““TheyThey (England)(En bat deep. He (Ali) has played a special the discussion will revolve est win against the once mighty “Just that one game in the Champi- since the ODI series victory at home innings. I thinkthin we didn’t execute our plans towards him. around which batsmen deserve Australians, who have been outplayed ons Trophy final against Pakistan, other against Pakistan in January. ““It’sIt’s a smsmalla ground and he backed himself to clear it.” another chance to prove them- ready-made replacements in the in India. Smith’s team also lost a Test than that we have not seen them in a Smith’s men will be keen to break OneOne consolationconso for West Indies was the innings of Gayle, selves in Australia. event of injury. series 2-1 in India this year. tight situation. their win drought, mindful that an ODI longlong one of theth world’s leading limited-overs batsmen. The days when England England’s middle order is set- “Credit to the whole squad for the “We will get to know the character series whitewash away to South Africa HeHe had markedm his 38th birthday on Thursday by injur- could ink in proven performers tled, with Stokes, keeper Jonny series win, but the journey stops only of the team when they come out of a last year preceded the 2-1 Test series inging his hamstringhamst just before the toss while warming up and like Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell and Bairstow and Moeen regularly after the final game,” said Kohli, the top tight situation,” Bedi added. defeat against the same opponents on soso missing a rainsweptr no-result in the second ODI at Trent Kevin Pietersen in the middle taking turns to bat England out of ODI and T20 batsman in the Interna- Left-arm spinner Axar Patel returns home soil. Bridge.Bridge. order have long gone. trouble against South Africa and tional Cricket Council (ICC) ratings. to the Indian squad in place of Ravin- “It’s always hard to take when you But the JamaicaJa opener was near his blistering best in England coach Trevor Bay- West Indies. “We may give opportunities for peo- dra Jadeja for the final two ODIs that lose,” Smith said. “(As captain) you’ve BriBristol.stol. liss has said the squad is likely Stuart Broad and James ple from now, but all 15 guys know that will be played in Bangalore and Nag- got to continue to try and motivate “It“It was veryve special,” said Holder of the veteran’s 78-ball to include only players who Anderson, who recently took his we got to be ruthless once we step onto pur on Thursday and Sunday. them and get them up for their next two innings, whichwhic also featured nine fours. have featured in the past 18 500th Test wicket, will again the field,” Kohli added. Patel, who sprained his ankle at games. “Not“Not onlyonly did he get the start we wanted, he carried on months, opening the way for a spearhead the attack although The series has seen new the start of the series, will join Cha- “WeWe continually addaddress it and and batted intoin the innings. recall for Hampshire’s James neither is naturally suited to the Indian stars emerge, with all- hal and Yadav as the third spinner it’sit’s jjustust hhard to put ““ThatThat waswas important, the longer he stays out there, the Vince as England seek to fill extra pace and bounce of Austral- rounder Hardik Pandya and in the 15-man squad. thethe fingerf on more EnglandEnglan fear (losing).” their problem number three ian pitches. exactlyexac what it MeanwhileMeanwhil Holder insisted there was a far more thought- slot. That could open the way for isis wwe’re doing fulful side to GayleGay than might be apparent from a player who Vince is a natural shot- Mark Wood if he can stay fit, with or not doing revels in a ‘cool’‘co image with the self-created nickname of maker but did not feature this Liam Plunkett, Craig Overton and tot get the tthehe ‘‘UniverseUniverse Boss’. season after notching 212 runs Jake Ball all meriting discussion rresults “Chris“Chris is aalways a relaxed guy but, if you go to him, you’d at an average of 19 in his seven for a place alongside Chris we’rew after.” bebe surprised by the amount of information you get from tests last year. Woakes. Toby Roland-Jones, a The him,”him,” said Holder.Ho Like Essex’s Tom Westley surprising success this summer, fourthfour ODI is in ““I’veI’ve beenbeen privy to having a few chats with him in the and Yorkshire’s Gary Ballance, will almost certainly miss out BengaluruBenga on llastast couple ofof days and it’s been wonderful.” who both batted at three this after injuring his back while his Thursday.Thursday TThishis seriesserie has seen Gayle return to ODIs after a two- summer, Vince’s technique was Middlesex team mate Steve Finn Steve Smith yearyear dispute with Caribbean cricket chiefs and Barbados questioned with concerns over is an outsider, particularly after all-rounderall-rounder HolderH added: “He’s shared a lot of informa- his tendency to fence loosely at his struggles in Australia on Eng- tiontion and helhelpedp me out a lot on the field. balls outside off-stump. land’s last tour in 2013. ““It’sIt’s reallyreally good to have a guy like him playing for you. With Dawid Malan just doing Leg-spinner Mason Crane HopefullyHopefully hishis body will allow to him carry on a lot longer.” enough to keep his place after numbers great Australian Shane Warne cleared HolderHolder wasw adamant that West Indies, the World averaging 23.62 in his five Warne among his admirers and, Twenty20Twenty20 cchampions,h were “not too far off” becoming a matches batting at number five, having gained experience of Aus- competitivecompetitive sides in the 50-over game. Ballance and Vince could both tralian conditions with New South over assault “We“We justjust needn to knuckle down a little more, especially travel, with Keaton Jennings, Wales this year, looks likely to when we bat,”bat he explained ahead of tomorrow’s ODI at Lancashire’s Haseeb Hameed, claim the second spinner spot The Oval in London.L who broke his finger this month, behind Moeen. allegation “’Death’“’Death’ bbowling has obviously been a cause for con- and one-day specialist Alex Surrey’s Ben Foakes is the cerncern in the rrecent past and we really need to tighten up Hales likely to miss out. favourite to travel as back-up London therethere as wwell.”ell All three could feature for keeper to Bairstow, setting up the AFP England’s second-string Lions possibility of England picking squad, who will be in Australia Stokes, Woakes and Foakes in the ustralian cricket legend Shane this winter and supply same team. Warne said he was “shocked” to Abe accused of assaulting an adult Ali against West Indies entertainment actress in a London nightclub after he was cleared of all allegations. 50 in 41 deliveries. Black Caps axe Neesham Spin wizard Warne, 48, was ques- Second fifty in a world record 12 deliveries tioned but subsequently released without charge, police said. and Broom for India tour “I was shocked to read the media Moeen Ali had 39 from 39 deliveries at the stories circulating earlier today con- start of the 45th over. Fourteen balls later, he Wellington Neesham has scored only one cerning a false allegation of assault,” brought up his hundred - the second-fastest in AFP half century in 11 one-day inter- said Warne in a statement. ODIs for England. Here is how he wrought nationals this year and his 10 ODI “I have fully co-operated with the carnage. ew Zealand yesterday outings with the ball over the police, and they have now had the dropped allrounder Jimmy same period yielded only four opportunity of seeing CCTV and speak- 44.2 - Cummins to Ali, SIX NNeesham and batsman wickets. ing to witnesses. 44.3 - Cummins to Ali, SIX: Reaches 50 in 41 Neil Broom from the one-day “Jimmy needs go back and “The police have confirmed to me deliveries. squad to tour India next month. really dominate domestic cricket that I have been cleared of the allega- 44.4 - Cummins to Ali, 2 runs Coach Mike Hesson named a with both bat and ball,” Hesson tion and that no further action will be 44.5 - Cummins to Ali, FOUR core group of nine players for the said. taken. This is now the end of the 44.6 - Cummins to Ali, SIX tour, with a further six to be “We know Jimmy is a tal- matter.”matter.” 45.2 - Holder to Ali, SIX selected from the New Zealand A ented player, but we’ve spoken 45.3 - Holder to Ali, SIX side currently in India. with him around improving the 45.4 - Holder to Ali, SIX Neesham and Broom both consistency in all areas of his 45.5 - Holder to Ali, 2 runs missed out after failing to fire at game.” 45.6 - Holder to Ali, England’s Moeen Ali gestures after reaching FOUR the ICC Champions Trophy in New Zealand play the first of 46.2 - Taylor to Ali, 1 run June. three one-dayers against India his century during the third one-day 47.2 - Cummins to Ali, SIX Hesson said Broom had been in Mumbai on October 22. international cricket match against West 47.3 - Cummins to Ali, no run effective batting at three or four The nine players named by Indies at the Brightside Ground in Bristol 47.4 - Cummins to Ali, SIX: His eighth six of but it was an area in which New Hesson were: Kane Williamson on Sunday. Ali struck England’s second- the innings takes him to a century in 53 Zealand already had a lot of (capt), Trent Boult, Colin de fastest ODI hundred off just 53 balls, with deliveries. depth. Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, his second fifty coming in a world record Indian captain Shane “We’d like to see Neil develop Tom Latham, Adam Milne, 12 deliveries. Virat Kohli Warne his game further to show he has Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, the skills to bat at five,” he said. Ross Taylor. 34 SPORT TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017

Aston Martin set Schauffele wins Tour Championship to be Red Bull’s title sponsor Atlanta Jackpot for Thomas AFP next season The 23-year-old ookie Xander Schauffele Schauffele outdid the outdid the big guns to win big guns to became London Rthe Tour Championship on the first rookie to win Reuters Sunday but Justin Thomas hit the the Tour jackpot by taking home the $10m Championship. ston Martin will prize for claiming the FedEx Cup become Red Bull’s For- playoff title. mula One title partner Thomas hits jackpot A The 23-year-old Schauffele next season in a move that by taking home the fired a two-under 68 in the will raise the British marque’s fourth round to became the first $10m prize for track profile against commer- rookie to win the Tour Champi- claiming the FedEx cial sportscar rivals Ferrari onship as he beat Thomas by one Cup playoff title. and McLaren. shot at East Lake golf course. The former world cham- Thomas put the finishing pions will be known officially touches on his breakthrough in fifth at 271. The consolation as Aston Martin Red Bull season by closing with a 66 to prize for Casey is he gets to go Racing. claim the PGA Tour’s playoff title home and see his newborn “Title partnership is the and the $10m first place prize daughter for the first time. next logical step for our inno- that goes with it. Spieth made a run but fin- vation partnership with Red “As a competitor you are ished in a tie for seventh at Bull Racing,” Aston Martin mad that you didn’t win the tour- seven-under 273 and was left to president and chief executive nament but then you realize muse about missed Andy Palmer said in a state- what an unbelievable honour Justin Thomas of the United States celebrates with the trophy on the 18th green after winning opportunities. ment yesterday. this is, the fact that you can win “I almost cheated my way “We are enjoying the glo- the FedExCup and second in the Tour Championship as Xander Schauffele celebrates with the something over the entire course into winning the FedEx Cup bal brand awareness that a Calamity Jane trophy for winning the Tour Championship after the final round at East Lake of the season,” said Thomas, who when (Thomas) really deserved revitalised Formula One won five tournaments in 2017, Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday. it,” Spieth said. provides.” including the PGA Schauffele added some Red Bull and Aston Mar- Championship. 67 left him in second place over- for the 11th consecutive season. Cup title with a Tour Champion- drama to his final hole when his tin, the glamorous “I played really well over the all, 660 points back of Thomas Thomas’ playoff win brings ship victory. two foot putt for the win ringed 104-year-old marque whose season and it is nice to finally in the standings. to a close the year-long sched- Schauffele finished with a the cup before falling in. road cars have become asso- play well in some playoff events “He has that belief now that ule that began last October in 12-under 268 total, one stroke “I thought I missed it, that’s ciated with fictional British and have it all pay off.” he can make it happen,” Spieth California. ahead of Thomas. why I couldn’t’ even react to cel- secret agent James Bond, The last time different play- said of Thomas. Five players, including Tho- Russell Henley (65), and ebrate because I thought I just have an existing technical ers won the tournament and the “The progression he has mas, controlled their own playoff Kevin Kisner (70) tied for third missed a two-footer to win,” relationship. FedEx Cup was in 2009, when made this year into becoming a destiny if they could capture the at 10-under 270. Schauffele said. Red Bull designer Adrian Phil Mickelson won the Tour phenomenal closer has been a Tour Championship this week, England’s Paul Casey, who Rory McIlroy, the 2016 Newey, whose cars won four Championship and Tiger Woods pleasure to watch.” but Schauffele came out of the began the final round with the FedEx Cup champion, finished successive drivers’ and con- won the Cup. The Tour Championship is shadows to make it interesting. lead, struggled from the begin- 58th in the FedEx Cup stand- structors’ titles between Jordan Spieth made a run at the last of four events of the Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Marc ning. He had back-to-back ings and did not qualify to play 2010-13, has been heavily the FedEx Cup title with a Sun- FedEx Cup playoffs and the Leishman and Jon Rahm also bogeys on the front nine and this year in the Tour involved in Aston Martin’s day charge but his three-under finale to the PGA Tour campaign could have all won the FedEx wound up with a 73 and finished Championship. Valkyrie “hypercar” which will be delivered to custom- ers in 2019. GOLF RANKINGS The team, whose cars The World Rankings currently carry some Aston Thomas headlines nominees for 1. (1) Dustin Johnson (US) 11.95 Martin branding, are pow- 2. (2) Jordan Spieth (US) 10.47 ered by Renault engines 3. (3) Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 8.94 branded as Tag Heuer. Aus- 4. (4) Justin Thomas (US) 8.54 tralian Daniel Ricciardo and 5. (5) Jon Rahm (Spain) 7.88 Dutch teenager Max Ver- PGA Tour’s Player of the Year 6. (8) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 6.58 stappen are the current 7. (6) Jason Day (Australia) 6.58 drivers. 8. (7) Rickie Fowler (US) 6.55 The sport’s engine reg- Atlanta season before the age of 25. earned victories at the World 9. (9) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 6.47 ulations are changing after Reuters World number one Johnson, who Golf Championships-HSBC 10. (10) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 6.37 2020, with calls for a sim- won the award last year, had Champions, Waste Management 11. (11) Brooks Koepka (US) 6.03 pler and cheaper power unit ustin Thomas’ (pictured) four wins in the 20 events he Phoenix Open and World Golf 12. (13) Matt Kuchar (US) 5.65 than the current 1.6 litre V6 breakout campaign earned entered, including triumphs at Championships-Bridgestone 13. (14) Justin Rose (Britain) 5.56 turbo hybrid and that could Jhim a nomination for the PGA the lucrative World Golf Cham- Invitational and finished eighth 14. (12) Alexander Noren (Sweden) 5.55 be of interest to Aston Tour’s Player of the Year award pionships-Mexico Championship in the FedExCup. 15. (16) Paul Casey (Britain) 5.38 Martin. along with Dustin Johnson, and World Golf Championships- Voting for the honor, known 16. (15) Marc Leishman (Australia) 5.19 “We are not about to Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Dell Technologies Match Play as the Jack Nicklaus Award, will 17. (17) Tommy Fleetwood (Britain) 4.48 enter an engine war with no Spieth, the tour said yesterday. events. close on Oct. 2, with the winners 18. (18) Francesco Molinari (Italy) 4.41 restrictions in cost or Thomas, who wrapped up Johnson, whose red-hot run to be announced that week. 19. (19) Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spain) 4.30 dynamometer (testing) hours the PGA of America’s points- of three consecutive wins was Wesley Bryan, Patrick Can- 20. (20) Patrick Reed (US) 4.21 but we believe that if the FIA based award for player of the interrupted after being sidelined tlay, Mackenzie Hughes, Grayson 21. (21) Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) 4.17 can create the right environ- year by winning the FedExCup by a back injury suffered on the Murray and Tour Championship 22. (22) Adam Scott (Australia) 4.04 ment we would be interested and $10m bonus on Sunday, had eve of the US Masters in April, Beach Pro-Am and Travelers winner Xander Schauffele were 23. (23) Charley Hoffman (US) 3.92 in getting involved,” Palmer five wins this season, including enjoyed eight top-10 finishes in Championship. the five nominees for the PGA 24. (26) Kevin Kisner (US) 3.90 said. a triumph at the PGA Champi- the season and was fourth in the The 24-year-old Texan also Tour’s Rookie of the Year award. 25. (24) Daniel Berger (US) 3.80 Both parties are to set up onship for his first major title. FedExCup playoffs. recorded 12 top-10 finishes, Both awards are determined 26. (25) Kevin Chappell (US) 3.61 a new advanced performance 27. (27) Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) 3.43 The 24-year-old American Spieth, who was named the which tied Thomas for most this by a member vote, with PGA centre at the team’s Milton 28. (29) Brian Harman (US) 3.43 also joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger PGA Tour’s Player of the Year in season. He also had top-10 fin- Tour members who played in at Keynes factory in central 29. (28) Tyrrell Hatton (Britain) 3.39

Woods and Spieth as the only 2015, had victories at the British ishes in all four FedExCup least 15 official money events England, working on road car

30. (30) Phil Mickelson (US) 3.39 players since 1960 to earn five Open, where he earned his third playoff events in 2017. during the 2016-17 season eligi- and Formula One wins, including a major, in a career major title, AT&T Pebble Japan’s Matsuyama had ble to participate. technology. Doping: Russia warned to accept McLaren results

Paris McLaren Investigation. That the Rus- Russian agency. Russian authorities Agencies sian Government must provide access deny there was a state-backed doping for appropriate entities to the stored programme, but have pledged to follow ussia was warned by WADA on urine samples in the Moscow Labora- international recommendations to get Sunday that it must “publically tory. These samples are sealed off due the suspension lifted. Raccept” the McLaren report on to a Federal investigation. WADA’s compliance review com- state-sponsored doping in the country There are still questions over Rus- mittee will hold a special meeting on as officials prepared to visit Moscow to sia’s participation at the next Winter October 24 to hear a report on the audit, audit anti-doping progress. Olympics in PyeongChang in February, the anti-doping agency said in a state- The McLaren report, released in 2018. ment after its executive board met in 2015, alleged state-sponsored doping Earlier this month, during the ses- Paris. in Russia from 2011 to 2015. sion of the International Olympic The review committee will then The investigation said the cheating Committee (IOC) in Lima, 17 national make a recommendation to WADA’s peaked at the 2014 Winter Olympics in anti-doping agencies called for Russia board meeting in November on whether the Black Sea resort of Sochi where Rus- to be banned from the Games, criticiz- to reinstate RUSADA. sian secret agents engineered an ing the IOC for its “wait-and-see The Russian agency last month elaborate system of state-backed attitude”. Participants talk before the start of the World Anti-Doping Agency appointed a new director general as doping. “Since November 2015, WADA and (WADA) Symposium for Anti-Doping Organizations in Lausanne, in part of Moscow’s push to rehabilitate Russia’s own anti-doping body its partners have been working very this file photo. its tarnished sporting image and over- RUSADA was declared “non-compliant” hard to rebuild a credible, and sustain- turn a ban on most of its while the country’s track and field team able, anti-doping program in Russia that track-and-field athletes competing was banned from the 2016 Rio Summer will ensure the protection of clean ath- of the doping control process in Russia against athletes identified,” he internationally. Olympics. letes inside and outside of the country,” and identified the athletes that may have continued. The executive committee, which On Sunday, WADA’s executive com- said WADA director general Olivier benefited -- WADA has been support- “We are unwavering in pursuing heard a report on Russia’s progress, mittee said they were emphasising three Niggli. ing and monitoring International completion of the Roadmap (to code again emphasised RUSADA must ful- points: “In parallel, since the independent Federations (IFs), and other impacted complaince).” fil a roadmap it developed with WADA That the responsible authorities for McLaren Investigation report came out organizations, as much as possible as it WADA will begin their audit this and Russian officials before any rec- anti-doping in Russia must publically in December 2016 -- which re-con- relates to whether or not they can assert week as it prepares to make a recom- ommendation on reinstatement can accept the reported outcomes of the firmed institutionalized manipulation anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) mendation on whether to reinstate the be made. TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 35 Penguins plan to visit Trump at White House

Los Angeles “The Pittsburgh Penguins be expressed in other ways. kneeling or protesting during Switzerland, Sweden and Fin- rescinded an invitation to the AFP respect the institution of the However, we very much respect the American anthem. land last season. White House for the NBA cham- Office of the President, and the the rights of other individuals The American sports stars In contrast, the Pittsburgh pion Golden State Warriors. he Stanley Cup cham- long tradition of championship and groups to express them- are following the example of Steeler players that stayed in the Trump tweeted Sunday: pion Pittsburgh teams visiting the White House,” selves as they see fit.” former San Francisco 49er lockerroom during Sunday’s “Please to inform that the Penguins announced the Penguins said in a The Penguins decision to go quarterback Colin Kaepernick anthem are all Americans. Champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday they still statement. comes amid a wave of protests who said last year he wasn’t Blake Wheeler, a Winnipeg of the NHL will be joining me at plan to visit the White “We attended White followed by a war of words going to stand for a flag of a Jets forward from Minnesota, the White House for Ceremony. THouse and meet with American House ceremonies after pre- between Trump and several country that “oppresses black is one of the few NHL players Great team!” President Donald Trump who vious championships prominent American athletes. people”. to criticize Trump on social The NHL brass has not com- has been involved in an esca- -- touring the historic build- Trump’s verbal attacks have Unlike the NBA and NFL, media. mented on national anthem lating war of words with US ing and visiting briefly with been directed mainly at National there hasn’t been a back and Since taking office in Jan- protests or Trump. professional athletes. Presidents George H.W. Bush Football League players who forth between Trump and the uary, Trump has hosted the In September, John Tortore- The Penguins said their and Barack Obama -- and kneel during the playing of The NHL. Super Bowl champion New lla, the coach of US national acceptance of Trump’s invita- have accepted an invitation Star-Spangled Banner. There are just nine Ameri- England Patriots and members team at the World Cup of tion is a continuation of a to attend again this year. Trump reignited the issue on cans on the Penguins 23-man of the World Series champion Hockey, said if any of his play- long-standing practice of the “Any agreement or disa- Friday at a political rally in Ala- roster and that is typical of most Chicago Cubs to honour their ers sit during the anthem they NHL championship team visit- greement with a president’s bama when he suggested NFL NHL clubs. The Penguins also titles would “sit there the rest of the ing the White House. politics, policies or agenda can players should be “fired” for had players from Canada, On Saturday, Trump game”.

NBA media Brady magic rescues Patriots days certain to have plenty Los Angeles Francisco quarterback Colin AFP Kaepernick began the protests of Trump talk in 2016. om Brady conjured a “We felt like President New York last-gasp Houdini act Trump’s speech was an assault AP to save the New Eng- on our most cherished right -- land Patriots in a freedom of speech,” Denver star he most retweeted post thrilling win over the Von Miller explained after kneel- ever sent by LeBron THouston Texans on Sunday as ing before his team’s game TJames before this week- the Atlanta Falcons preserved against Buffalo. end was one in 2013 in their unbeaten record. The Patriots win helped New response to the incessant With events off the field England move to 2-1 in the AFC who’s-better debate about dominating a dramatic day that East, putting them level with the him and Michael Jordan. saw widespread player protests, Buffalo Bills who lead on points “I’m not MJ, I’m LJ,” he Brady once again laid on a mas- difference. wrote . It was retweeted terclass to throw for five The Bills pulled off an upset nearly 112,000 times. touchdowns in a 36-33 victory win over the unbeaten Denver And then LJ took on at Gillette Stadium. Broncos, winning 26-16. Quar- POTUS , calling President The crowning moment of a terback Tyrod Taylor threw for Donald Trump a “bum.” 378-yard passing display by the two touchdowns and 213 yards James’ Twitter account 40-year-old Brady came with to spark the Bills. But it was an exploded from there, the the Patriots trailing 28-33 with unhappy afternoon for Broncos 640,000 and counting just over two minutes quarterback Trevor Siemian, retweets making it one of the remaining. who failed to throw for any top 15 shared posts ever. An eight-play 75-yard drive touchdowns and was twice If James’ tweet is any ended with Brady hitting picked off for costly indicator, politics will be receiver Brandin Cooks with a interceptions. center stage across the NBA 25-yard pass into the end zone Denver were one of seven on Monday when 28 teams for the game-winning score. previously unbeaten teams to gather for their media days — The nerve-jangling finale taste defeat in early games on the annual precursor to the capped an extraordinary game New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is pressured by Houston Texans outside Sunday. In Detroit, Matt Ryan start of training camps. Car- linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the second half at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. threw for two touchdowns as the melo Anthony will formally Masterclass Atlanta Falcons won the battle become part of the Oklahoma which had seen sections of the with his team-mates during the Friday by describing players who of the unbeatens with a hard- City Thunder on Monday, Brady once again laid Patriots crowd boo several of the solemn anthem rendition. protest during the anthem as fought 30-26 victory over the Kyrie Irving’s first season in on a masterclass to team’s own players after they It was just one of several “sons of bitches” who should be Lions. Ryan, desperate to atone Boston will truly begin and throw for five opted to kneel during the play- large protests by players across fired. Around 130 players across this season after last year’s Super Dwyane Wade is about to touchdowns in a ing of the national anthem before the league on Sunday following the league took a knee on Sun- Bowl collapse, made 24 comple- become a free agent after 36-33 victory at kick-off. remarks by US President Don- day during the anthem, easily the tions from 35 passing attempts reaching a buyout with Gillette Stadium. Brady had stood with his ald Trump. Trump had enraged largest mass demonstration of to finish with 294 yards at Ford Chicago. arms interlocked in solidarity NFL stars and team owners on its kind since former San Field. But those story lines, and probably all others, will almost certainly take a back seat to athletes reacting to politics. Rockies open 2-game lead for last wild card “The decisions that play- ers, athletes, people make to speak their conscience is San Diego their choice,” Miami Heat AP President Pat Riley said. “We live in a world where you he Colorado Rockies are have an opportunity to headed home in firm con- speak that conscience. ... Ttrol of their playoff There’s tremendous power destiny. on the part of the players in Gerardo Parra hit a tiebreak- this league, especially the ing single in a two-run third players that have 10, 15, 20, inning, Pat Valaika and Charlie 30 million followers, to Blackmon hit consecutive home make a statement in the runs in the ninth and the Rock- right way. And I think those ies beat the San Diego Padres 8-4 players have done it very on Sunday. well for the most part.” Colorado opened a two- The intersection game lead over Milwaukee for between sports and politics the second NL wild card head- got very busy this weekend, ing into the final week of the starting on Twitter. regular season. On Friday, Golden State “We’re in the driver’s seat,” star Stephen Curry said he Valaika said. “We’re not really didn’t want to go to the White Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton scores on a throwing error after being picked off trying to steal against the Boston chasing anyone. It’s on us.” House for the traditional visit St. Louis trails the Rockies by Red Sox during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park on Sunday. by championship clubs to 2½ games. Seeking its first posts- meet with the president. eason appearance since 2009, three walks in five innings. He four runs and six hits in five Twins for the second American for the first AL wild card. Ian Trump spoke at a rally in Ala- Colorado opens a six-game had been 0-2 in six starts since innings. League wild-card slot. Kinsler hit a two-run homer for bama that night and, among homestand Monday, playing beating Milwaukee on Aug. 18. Mark Reynolds hit an RBI In the seventh, Valbuena Detroit, which dropped its sev- other things, bemoaned how Miami and then the Los Angeles Colorado starters have a 2.52 single in the first, but the Padres drove one to the wall in right- enth straight. some NFL players have knelt Dodgers. ERA in their last nine games. went ahead in the bottom half center for a two-run double, Mookie Betts hit a three-run during “The Star-Spangled “The games are magnified,” “They’ve done a nice job in on consecutive homers by Wil breaking a tie and giving the double in the eighth inning and Banner” or partaken in other Rockies manager Bud Black said. September,” Black said. “Now we Myers and Yangervis Solarte. Angels the 6-4 lead. scored on a single by Rafael actions that the players say “Our guys are embracing it.” have to swing the bat like we did Meanwhile, Brandon Phillips Elsewhere, Eduardo Escobar Devers as Boston beat were designed to raise At 41-40, the Rockies fin- today.” and Justin Upton homered and hit a three-run homer and drove Cincinnati. awareness about police treat- ished with a winning road record Scott Oberg gave up a pair of drove in two runs apiece, and in four runs as Minnesota rolled Betts helped the Red Sox ment of blacks and other for just the second time in fran- runs in the sixth, and Pat Neshek, Luis Valbuena also had two RBIs over Detroit. lower their magic number for social injustice. chise history, tying their total Jake McGee, Carlos Estevez and in Los Angeles win over Jorge Polanco also homered clinching the American League “Total disrespect for from 2009. Greg Holland combined for three Houston. and Joe Mauer drove in two runs East to four. The Red Sox moved everything we stand for,” German Marquez (11-7) innings of hitless relief. The Angels remain 4 1/2 as Minnesota moved within four five games ahead of the Trump said about the allowed two runs, five hits and Luis Perdomo (8-11) gave up games behind the Minnesota games of the New York Yankees Yankees. kneeling. 36 SPORT TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017 Konta, Stephens crash out of Wuhan Open

Shock defeats played five tournaments, I feel WUHAN OPEN like I played 25.” Results of singles matches from the WTA Wu- US Open winner Stephens, who ranks number han Open yesterday (x denotes seeding): 17 in the world, added she had Stephens suffered a 2nd round been taking it easy since her US shock defeat at the Ashleigh Barty (AUS) bt Johanna Konta (GBR x5) hands of China’s Open win. 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3) Wang Qiang in the “I went to see my grandpar- 1st round first round. ents. So no partying for me. I Shuai Peng (CHN) bt Petra Kvitova (CZE x11) 7-6 don’t party. I don’t drink. I don’t (9/7), 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3) do any of that stuff,” she added. US Open finalist Keys Barbora Záhlavová Strýcová (CZE) bt Ons Jabeur Keys also crashed out at the (TUN) 6-1, 6-3 also crashes out at the first hurdle in the hot and steamy first hurdle losing to Shuai Zhang (CHN) bt Donna Vekic (CRO) 7-5, 5-7, Chinese city, losing to US quali- 6-1 US qualifier fier Varvara Lepchenko after Qiang Wang (CHN) bt Sloane Stephens (USA Lepchenko. struggling to overcome a long- x14) 6-2, 6-2 standing wrist injury. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x9) bt Magdaléna Wuhan, China The 22-year-old American Rybáriková (SVK) 6-4, 7-5 AFP 10th seed fell 6-2, 7-6 in what Julia Görges (GER) bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 6-4, was also her first WTA tourna- 1-6, 6-4 ment since the Flushing Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova ohanna Konta crashed out Meadows final. Keys, the world (RUS) 6-3, 6-2 of the Wuhan Open yester- number 12, called a medical Kiki Bertens (NED) bt Monica Niculescu (ROM) day, joining an exodus of top timeout early in the second set 6-2, 6-1 seeds including US Open and looked close to tears as she Varvara Lepchenko (USA) bt Madison Keys (USA Jfinalists Sloane Stephens and examined her left wrist, which x10) 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) Madison Keys after a shock- has twice needed surgery in the Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6-4, prone beginning to the Chinese Alize Cornet of France hits a return against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their past. Keys had chances to level 1-6, 6-4 tournament. first round women’s match at the WTA Wuhan Open tennis tournament in Wuhan, in China’s the match in the second set but Jil Teichmann (SUI) bt Samantha Stosur (AUS) Konta, who was handed a central Hubei province, yesterday. Lepchenko saved two set points 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 bye as the fifth seed, failed to get to hold at 5-5, before taking the Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Angelique Kerber (GER on the scoreboard against Aus- “Obviously I didn’t start off very winner Stephens suffered a Despite a strong fight by tiebreak 7-4. x12) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 tralia’s Ashleigh Barty in the first well so I had quite a bit of work shock defeat at the hands of Chi- Stephens in the second set, Wang “The strength (of my wrist) Lauren Davis (USA) bt Andrea Petkovic (GER)

set but appeared to be staging a to do. I really fought incredibly na’s Wang Qiang in the first -- spurred on by the home crowd has been the biggest issue... 6-3, 6-2

Darya Kasatkina (RUS) bt Alison Riske (USA) 6-1, comeback when she led 3-1 in hard and I made a match out of round. in the 15,000-capacity stadium I’ve been dealing with it over the third. it,” Konta told a post-match press That came after fellow Flush- -- proved too strong for the the summer,” she told 2-6, 6-3 The 26-year-old Brit, who conference. ing Meadows finalist Madison 24-year-old American. journalists. went out in the first round at “I was unfortunate not to Keys tumbled out. “I didn’t play a great match. “But we kind of all knew it Kerber of Germany, the 12th Flushing Meadows, served for come through but I think that’s Stephens, the 14th seed, lost But my opponent played very (would be like this) until we had seed, fell to Caroline Garcia of the match but eventually suc- also part of sport, you can’t be 6-2, 6-2 in her first WTA event well,” Stephens said. a solid chunk of time to France. While Agnieszka Rad- cumbed 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 to Barty, successful all the time.” since her surprise victory against “I mean, it’s difficult. It’s the strengthen it.” wanska, the ninth seed, beat ranked 37 in the world. Hours earlier US Open Keys in New York. end of the year. Even though I In other matches, Angelique Magdalena Rybarikova 6-4, 7-5.

TENNIS RANKINGS Federer leads Europe to ATP Rankings Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, whose sea- son has been ended because of a knee in- jury, has dropped one place to ninth in the maiden Laver Cup title latest ATP rankings released yesterday. It is the sole change in the top 10, with the top duo Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer Prague a dream scenario.” “It was an opening doubles rubber. On having been in action at the inaugural Lav- AFP incredible journey really, it was Sunday, the winner of each rub- er Cup in Prague over the weekend. way better than I ever thought ber earned three points, against orld number two it would be,” he added about the one on Friday and two on 1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9,465 pts Roger Federer handed tournament. Saturday. 2. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,505 WTeam Europe the “It felt like winning some of Alexander Zverev then took 3. Andy Murray (GBR) 6,790 maiden Laver Cup title after the biggest matches in my life. Europe within sight of the tro- 4. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,310 beating Team World’s Nick Kyr- It was like a fairy tale.” phy by beating Sam Querrey in 5. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4,155 gios in a super tie-break thriller Kyrgios said the loss “just straight sets, but world number in Prague on Sunday. hurt.” one Rafael Nadal missed his 6. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 4,125 Federer, this year’s Austral- “I gave everything I had and chance as he lost to big-serving 7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,925 ian Open and Wimbledon I came short.” John Isner in straight sets. 8. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 3,575 (+1) champion, won 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), The start of the clash saw the Sock and Isner beat Berdych 9. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 3,540 (-1) 11/9 to give Team Europe an controversial Kyrgios briefly and Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (8/6) with 10. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 2,855 unbeatable 15-9 lead. kneel on the court in a gesture Sock’s vicious forehand leading But the 36-year-old Swiss which sparked speculation that the charge on the American’s 11. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,825 legend struggled against the he was joining the ongoing pro- 25th birthday. 12. David Goffin (BEL) 2,650 20th-ranked, 22-year-old Aus- test against US President Donald In the day’s second rubber, Caroline Wozniacki of 13. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 2,525 tralian and his flawless serve, Trump. a break in each set was all Ger- Denmark holds the winners 14. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 2,475 losing the first set on a single But Kyrgios explained this man youngster Zverev, the trophy after the final of the 15. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 2,470 break. was his trademark gesture to world number four, needed to Pan Pacific Open tournament 16. Sam Querrey (USA) 2,445 When he finally broke Kyr- “remember the two most impor- beat 16th-ranked American in Tokyo on Sunday. gios halfway through set two, tant people that have passed Querrey 6-4, 6-4 in their first- 17. John Isner (USA) 2,425 he yelled “Come on!” in relief, away” -- a reference to his late ever encounter. Isner’s greatest 18. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 2,375 only to lose his serve again in grandmother and grandfather. moment was yet to come as the 19. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 2,355 the next game. A host of NFL players chose world number 17 edged Nadal, Serena focused on But Federer capitalised on to kneel in games across the US this year’s French and US Open 20. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 2,245 the system of the tournament on Sunday during the playing of champion. he had founded -- forcing Kyr- American national anthem in a Nadal lost his serve in game comeback: Wozniacki WTA Rankings gios into longer exchanges, he demonstration against racial one with a double-fault before The top 10, headed by Garbine Mu- edged him in the second-set tie- inequality. Isner’s errors helped him draw break, then came back from 8-5 Team Europe, the odds-on level in game ten, but Isner Wuhan, China “I think she’s going to do a guruza, remained unchanged in the down in the decisive super favourites with five of the broke back at once and finished AFP strong comeback but I think at latest WTA rankings released yester- tie-break. world’s top seven players, the set with the help of two sec- the same time she’s enjoying day. “I kind of felt good going entered Sunday with a 9-3 lead ond-serve aces in the last game. erena Williams remains being a mum as well and get- into the breaker,” Federer said. which narrowed as Jack Sock He then swept Nadal in the focused on her tennis ting that whole experience. I 1. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 6,115 pts “It was a nail-biter at the and John Isner beat Tomas Ber- second-set tie-break after both Scomeback just weeks after think it’s very special.” 2. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,965 end but for me personally it was dych and Marin Cilic in the held on to their serves. becoming a mother and will Williams, 35, has said she 3. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 5,640 make a strong return, accord- wants to return to competitive ing to her friend Caroline tennis in January to defend her 4. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,520 Wozniacki. Australian Open title after giv- 5. Venus Williams (USA) 4,756 Wozniacki, who was speak- ing birth to her daughter on 6. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 4,640 ing at the WTA Wuhan Open September 1. yesterday ahead of her first- Earlier this month two 7. Johanna Konta (GBR) 4,520 round match in the Chinese former stars who became par- 8. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 4,410 city, said the tennis superstar ents questioned whether she 9. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 3,810 had been sending her pictures would be able to regain top 10. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 3,781 of the baby girl, Alexis Olympia form so soon after childbirth. Ohanian. Three-time US Open cham- 11. Madison Keys (USA) 3,402 (+1) “She’s so cute and I’m look- pion Kim Clijsters, who retired 12. Angelique Kerber (GER) 3,340 (+2) ing forward to meeting her,” for two years and had a baby 13. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 3,335 (-2) Wozniacki told reporters, add- before returning to win the US ing that her tennis Open in 2009, said it depends 14. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 3,256 (-1) commitments had so far pre- on “how your body reacts -- 15. Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 3,095 vented her visiting the new everybody reacts different in 16. Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 2,764 family. those situations”. Asked whether Williams American Mary Joe Fern- 17. Sloane Stephens (USA) 2,711 was keeping an eye on the sport andez, a runner-up at the 1990 18. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 2,295 she has dominated for so many and 1992 Australian Opens and 19. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 2,190 years, the world number six 1993 French Open, said that she

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Roger Federer (second left) and Rafael Nadal (left) of Team Europe celebrate with team- said: “Serena, I think she can be could not have done it but “Ser- 20. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 2,175 mates after winning the Laver Cup trophy in O2 Arena, in Prague on Sunday. focused on both (the baby and ena is an exception to a lot of tennis). rules”.