WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 17 Japan’s judo king I came to win so I’m not surprised. Shohei Ono says after FOOTBALL FOOTBALL How I won my fights didn’t bother beating Azerbaijan’s Champions League, Champions League, me at all. Rustam Orujov to win Qualifying Play-Off: Qualifying Play-Off: Club

his third world title. ACTION Ajax vs Apoel Nicosia TODAY’S Brugge vs LASK US Open: Serena routs Sharapova

Whenever I play in first round;‘rusty’ Federer wins Maria I bring out some of my best AFP Williams is hoping to match . When NEW YORK the all-time record of 24 Slam singles titles won by Margaret you play her you Serena Williams overwhelmed Court. have to be super Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 on Swiss third seed Federer, who focused: Serena Monday to reach the second has a men’s record 20 Slam titles, round of the US Open in search dropped the opening set in 36 Williams of her 24th title while minutes, then returned to form “rusty” rallied past and defeated Nagal 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, Indian qualifier Sumit Nagal. 6-4. Six-time US Open champion “I played like my beard today. Williams crushed the five-time I was rusty,” Federer said. major winner from Russia in only The shock first set was a 59 minutes, beating Sharapova wake-up call, a 38-year-old I played like my for the 19th consecutive time and legend who was 61-0 in Grand beard today. I improving to 20-2 in their all- Slam first rounds since the 2003 was rusty: Roger time rivalry. trailing a 22-year- “Whenever I play Maria I old from who is Federer bring out some of my best tennis,” ranked 190th and fell to 0-5 in Williams said. tour-level matches. “When you play her you have “Just tried to forget it, play to be super focused.” tough, stay with him. It was a Williams, who next plays tough first set for me,” Federer 121st-ranked US wildcard Caty said. McNally, blasted five aces and 16 “He came back and played winners while Sharapova made really strong. I was missing a lot I’m quite 20 unforced errors. of balls and trying to cut back on pleased with my “She served really well. unforced errors. It all came back performance and Found her spots really well,” just in time.” Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates during a match against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in the Sharapova said. “I think that’s Sharapova, the 2006 US first round match of US Open on Monday. RIGHT: Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after defeating looking forward where she hurt me a lot.” Open winner who defeated Sumit Nagal of . to the next one: Novak Djokovic Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon rescued three break points in the “Getting out of the blocks, it final, upset Simona Halep in the sixth game to hold serve and takes time for you to feel com- first round two years ago but broke again to advance, showing fortable on the court,” Djokovic could not revive that magic. no sign of the back spasms that said. The 37-year-old American limited her pre-Open play. “I’m quite pleased with my said that after learning she would “The body is good,” she said. performance and looking face Sharapova, “every practice “My back is a lot better. I’m forward to the next one.” after that was super focused and excited. This is going to be fun,” Djokovic, trying to become super intense.” she added. the first back-to-back US Open Eighth-seeded Williams Top-ranked defending winner since Federer won from rolled through the first set in 24 champion Novak Djokovic cruised 2004-2008, will next face Argen- minutes then broke to open the into the second round while French tina’s 56th-ranked Juan Ignacio second. She denied Sharapova on Open champion Ashleigh Barty Londero. two break points to hold in the and third seed Karolina Pliskova Djokovic owns 16 Grand Slam fifth game, an impressive struggled but advanced. titles, four off Federer’s record backhand winner ending the Serbian star Djokovic, who and two back of Spain’s Rafael threat. has won four of the past five Nadal. “That was definitely a big point Grand Slam singles titles, dis- Together the “Big Three” Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her Maria Sharapova for me,” Williams said. “You can’t patched Spain’s 76th-ranked have won the past 11 Slam titles women’s singles first round match against Maria Sharapova of let her get any momentum.” Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4, 6-1, and are again heavy favourites Russia on Monday. Williams broke again to 4-1, 6-4. in the event. Nishikori already has Djokovic finds comfort zone early sights set on 2020 REUTERS last year,” said Djokovic, who will obviously be a favourite in opponents en route to the final. NEW YORK has won four of the last five his next match but is not taking The world number one said his Grand Slam titles. anything for granted. mindset at this point in his Tokyo Olympics Novak Djokovic was feeling “I really like the conditions “I have people, analysts in career has not changed given right at home on the Arthur of the balls, the speed of the my team that are responsible he is two Grand Slam titles shy REUTERS Ashe Stadium hardcourt on court, the weather is fantastic. for providing data and infor- of Rafa Nadal on the all-time NEW YORK Monday, which may be bad You know, it’s just very mation and video and data list and four away from news for anyone hoping to deny enjoyable.” analysis on every next matching Roger Federer’s There are still four Grand Slam the defending champion from Djokovic had never before opponent that I play against,” record tally of 20. events that will be contested adding to his Grand Slam tally. faced Carballes Baena and said Djokovic. “It’s no different approach before medals can be won at the The top-seeded Serbian spent the opening set figuring “I have to do my homework. than it was in the past ten years. Tokyo Olympics but as far as Kei said the surface of the blue out his opponent before I think it’s something that is so Very motivated, very focused, Nishikori (pictured) is court during his 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 cruising home and into the logical and so normal. You very determined to do well,” concerned, all roads from now first round win over Spaniard second round where he will know, it’s part of, in a way, my said Djokovic. on lead to one destination. Roberto Carballes Baena was face another first-time job as well to get myself ready “I have been in this par- “For me it (the Olympics) very similar to last year when opponent in Argentine Juan for what’s coming up.” ticular situation many times in will be the biggest event of the he picked up his third US Open Ignacio Londero. Djokovic has a tough draw my career, and I know, you year,” Nishikori said after title. The 32-year-old Serbian, given both in-form Russian fifth know, what feels comfortable reaching the second round of the “I didn’t notice any signif- who has reached at least the seed Daniil Medvedev and five- for me, what I need to do in US Open on Monday. members of the media at bay. icant difference. It is cooler in semi-finals in every US Open times champion Roger Federer order to get far in the “I want to peak for the His name and image are terms of weather than it was he has competed in since 2006, are among his projected tournament.” Olympics, so I may have to plastered on a variety of dif- change a few things to prepare ferent products. His fans can properly.” drive a special edition “Kei” That may include Nishikori Jaguar, eat Nissin Nishikori making changes to his 2020 Noodles, or book flights on Kei- Opening day’s action in New York summer hardcourt season. branded Japan Airlines planes. “I usually play Washington What does he plan do to do and a full summer but I’ll have insulate himself from the weight to be careful with my schedule,” of expectation he is likely to Yoshihito Nishioka said the world number seven. receive at next year’s Games? “I of Japan returns Being physically prepared is will need to keep things simple a shot during his not Nishikori’s only concern. and take my mind off tennis,” men’s singles The 29-year-old has long he said. first round match called Bradenton, Florida, home His current favorites, against Marcos largely because living outside Splatoon and “anything on Nin- Giron of the United Japan affords him some much- tendo Switch.” States on day one of needed anonymity. Nishikori made history in the 2019 US Open That is not the case 2014 when he became the first at the USTA Billie whenever he returns to Tokyo man representing an Asian Jean King National or anywhere else in his native nation to contest a Grand Slam Tennis Center on country. final. He won a bronze medal at Monday. Nishikori is one of Japan’s the 2016 Rio Olympics, most recognised faces and is not becoming the first Japanese man Back row (from left): Chazz Palminteri, Lakiha Spicer and Mike Tyson attend able to walk the streets without to win a tennis medal in 96 the first round match between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams. bodyguards keeping fans and years. 18 SPORT WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST 2019 Jakobsen edges Bennett in Vuelta photo finish Vasyl Lomachenko

AFP EL PUIG, SPAIN

Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen held off a remarkable fightback from Ireland’s Sam Bennett to edge a photo finish and win the fourth stage of the Vuelta a Espana yesterday. Jakobsen (Deceuninck- Ukraine’s Lomachenko QuickStep) won a dramatic sprint to claim the narrowest of victories in El Puig, after Bennett eyes a different catch had made an impressive recovery from taking a wrong before he is 40 turn around a roundabout. Germany’s Maximilian Wals- AFP boxer. Always, something has to cheid (Team Sunweb) was third LONDON end. I want to hunt, I want to fish while his team-mate Nicolas every day. Now I can’t do this as Roche from Ireland retained the Ukraine’s world lightweight I train every day. overall leader’s red jersey. champion Vasyl Lomachenko “My motivation, my goal, is Roche maintained his lead says he wants to enjoy hunting four titles (at lightweight). After, over his two Colombian chasers, Team Deceuninck rider Netherlands’ Fabio Jakobsen (left), Team Bora rider Ireland’s Sam Bennett and fishing and not box on into I don’t know what happens. Now with Nairo Quintana (Movistar) (centre) and Team Sunweb rider Germany’s Max Walscheid (right) cross the finish of the fourth his 40s like fellow great Manny it’s two more belts.” two seconds behind and Rig- stage of the 2019 Vuelta a Espana, yesterday. Pacquiao. Campbell matched oberto Uran (EF Education First) The 31-year-old two-time Lomachenko at the London a further six seconds back. Olympic champion will hope to Olympics in 2012 with gold in Jakobsen picks up his first problem before Wallays was contenders, was forced to pull statement that the rider “has add the vacant WBC belt to his the bantamweight division and grand tour victory in his debut caught by the peloton with 18km out with a knee injury sustained abandoned the Vuelta. He’s suf- WBA and WBO lightweight titles he will bid to do better than appearance at the Vuelta after remaining. in a crash in Saturday’s team fering a sore knee due to the when he fights Britain’s Luke compatriot Anthony Crolla, who another relatively flat, 175.5-kil- Bennett’s costly mistake time trial. Kruijswijk’s team, crash in the TTT and the pain has Campbell in London on was knocked out in the fourth ometre stage, that was always came with just over 5km to go Jumbo-Visma wrote in a gotten worse.” Saturday. round by the Ukrainian in April. likely to play to the sprinters. as he went right around the Lomachenko, who enjoyed If Lomachenko is to hold all “I don’t know how close it penultimate roundabout, losing an outstanding amateur career four world title belts, he will not was, maybe a couple of milli- precious time on the leaders. winning Olympic gold in 2008 just need to beat Campbell on metres,” said Jakobsen. Max Richeze led out the (featherweight) and 2012 (light- Saturday but also target Ghana’s “I just threw my bike at the sprint, with his team-mate weight) and is believed to have Richard Commey, who pos- line. I knew (I had won) when I Jakobsen close behind, only for lost just one of his 396 bouts, sesses the IBF crown. saw guys from team cheering,” Bennett to weave through the told the BBC he will retire before Lomachenko has been he said. “I couldn’t see because pack in a late surge for the line. he is 40. breaking records for the speed I had my eyes closed,” he A photo finish showed Jakobsen Pacquiao became the oldest with which he has amassed added. had held on. welterwight world champion in world titles in three weight Jelle Wallays (Lotto Soudal) Stage five today, between history when aged 40 he won classes, the others being feath- and Jorge Cubero (Burgos-BH) L’Eliana and Observatorio on a split decision over erweight and junior were the early escapees and Astrofisico de Javalambre, offers American Keith Thurman in July. lightweight. even stretched their lead over the race’s first summit finish and Lomachenko is adamant he All this in just 14 professional the peloton to seven minutes offers the biggest test so far of will not be following suit. bouts. with 139km left. those hoping to win the general “No, I don’t want that, it’s too His one defeat to Orlando But soon after the category classification. Team Deceuninck rider Netherlands’ Fabio Jakobsen celebrates on much,” he said. Salido came in only his second three climb of Puerto del Oronet, Earlier, Steven Kruijswijk, “I have trained since I am fight and his first world title bout the podium after winning the fourth stage, yesterday. Cubero was hit by a mechanical one of the event’s leading four years old. I was born a (WBO featherweight). Rio flashback: Ono claims judo world crown in Olympic repeat AFP TOKYO

Japan’s judo king Shohei Ono smashed Azerbaijan’s Rustam Orujov to capture his third world title yesterday in a carbon copy of their one-sided Olympic final A general view as performers create castells on the grid before in Rio three years ago. the Spanish GP, in this May 2019 file photo. The 27-year-old, widely regarded as the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighter, dis- Spanish GP to stay on played barely a flicker of emotion after flattening Orujov in the men’s 73-kilogram class F1 calendar in 2020 with a performance that if any- thing was even more dominant REUTERS year’s event in May won by than Rio. SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS world champion Lewis Ham- “I came to win so I’m not sur- ilton for Mercedes. That race prised,” said Ono, who won all The Spanish Grand Prix will was attended by 160,428 fans, six of his matches at the Tokyo stay on the Formula One according to a statement from 2020 test event by ippon -- calendar in 2020, the sport’s race organisers. Hosting the judo’s closest equivalent to a commercial rights holders and event generates €163m euros knockout. race organisers said yesterday, ($181.65m) of economic “How I won my fights didn’t with the season set to expand benefit, they added. bother me at all,” added the to a record 22 races next year. Quim Torra, President of Olympic champion, unbeaten in FROM LEFT: Silver medalist Azerbaijan’s Hidayat Heydarov, gold medalist Japan’s Shohei Ono, bronze The Spanish race will con- the Government of Catalonia, international competition since medalists Russia’s Denis Iartcev and Azerbaijan Rustam Orujov pose on the podium of the men’s tinue to be held at the Circuit said: “The Formula One Grand 2015. under 73kg category during the 2019 Judo World Championships at the Nippon Budokan, a venue de Barcelona-Catalunya, on Prix... is an important tool to “I managed not to get for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, yesterday. the outskirts of the city, for the stimulate the economic seduced by everyone saying ‘Ono 30th straight year. activity in the country in terms is the clear favourite’ and put “The decision to continue of tourism, as well as in the Japan’s judo king that kind of stuff out of my mind. level in the final, unleashing a Japan’s first two titles on to stage a round of the pin- automobile and entertainment Shohei Ono smashes I just wanted to focus on what I ferocious throw to beat Orujov Monday. Japan dominated the nacle of motor sport in Spain... industry. love -- judo, and on getting the and boost his record against the 2018 world championships in is part of our strategy of main- Spain’s confirmation, Azerbaijan’s Rustam job done.” Azerbaijani to five-for-five. Baku, capturing eight of the 15 taining Formula One’s which follows Mexico signing Orujov to capture his Elsewhere, Japan-born As the packed crowd went gold medals available, and will European roots, while also a fresh three-year deal earlier third world title in a Christa Deguchi secured Canada’s wild, Ono bowed politely to the be chasing a similar number at currently expanding the this month, paves the way for carbon copy of their first judo world title by stunning loser before quietly raising his the 2020 Olympics on home soil. championship into new terri- Formula One to expand one-sided Olympic final local favourite and defending fist in celebration. Meanwhile, Deguchi easily tories,” the sport’s chief exec- beyond its current 21 races. in Rio three years ago. champion Tsukasa Yoshida in the “I have to believe I can keep pinned Bulgaria’s Ivelina Ilieva utive Chase Carey said. Germany is set to drop off women’s 57-kilo final. improving,” insisted Ono, in the semi-finals but had to dig “The promoter’s will- the current 21-race schedule But most of the crowd at looking ahead to the 2020 Tokyo deep to overcome Yoshida in the ingness to be part of Formula but a new race in Vietnam and Japan-born Christa Tokyo’s iconic Budokan -- venue Olympics. championship match. One going into 2020 is proof a return to the Netherlands Deguchi secures for next year’s Tokyo Olympics “Winning today will make Bronze medallist last year, of the sport’s ability to act as have already been announced. Canada’s first judo world and the 1964 Summer Games -- me even more determined to get the 23-year-old survived a fierce a catalyst for regions to hold Italy, home race for the title by stunning local came to watch Ono. back to work in order to climb onslaught from the title holder world class events and also to sport’s most popular team favourite and defending The lightweight division’s the highest peak once more in before deftly turning defence have a positive impact on the Ferrari, has yet to sign a con- most fearsome judoka, Ono one year’s time.” into attack by flipping the area’s economy.” tract extension but local organ- champion Tsukasa underlined that aura of invinci- Ono’s gold preserved the favourite to complete the upset. The contract for the isers and authorities have given Yoshida in the women’s bility by brutalising Russian host nation’s lead at the top of Brazil’s Olympic champion Spanish race ran out after this the race the go-ahead. 57-kilo final. Denis Iartcev in the semi-final. the medals table after Joshiro Rafaela Silva and Julia Kowalczyk He stepped it up another Maruyama and Uta Abe bagged of Poland claimed bronze medals. WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 19

Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku New owner celebrates after scoring his Spurs need winning hopes to maiden goal for the club during the Serie A match run to keep pace with make Nice against Lecce in San Siro, Milan, Italy, on Monday. City, Liverpool: Kane one of the REUTERS strongest LONDON

REUTERS Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane (pictured) does NICE, FRANCE not expect Premier League champions Manchester City and runner-up Liverpool to step off the gas this season British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and said the London side have to match the relentless hopes to make Nice one of the approach of the top two to keep up. strongest teams in France after City clinched the league title with 98 points to Liv- his company Ineos bought the erpool’s 97 as part of a domestic treble last season while club, his brother Bob said in a the Merseyside club won their sixth European news conference in the French championship. city yesterday. Asked by the British media if Tottenham were best Ratcliffe agreed on Monday equipped to compete with the dominant duo this season, to buy 100% of the club’s shares Kane said: “Yes hopefully, but it’s still going to take a lot through his petrochemical of hard work.” company for an undisclosed Liverpool lead the league with three wins from as many amount. games while City are second, two points behind them. The BBC reported Ineos had “As you’re seeing... there’s no letting up from them,” made a €100m ($111.44m) offer Lukaku shines on debut as said Kane, whose team lost 1-0 to Newcastle United on for Nice, currently managed by Sunday. former France captain and “I said beforefore the start of the World Cup winner Patrick season that if wwee could pputut a run Vieira, earlier this year. Conte’s Inter start in style together... maybeaybe winninwinningg fforor France’s competition two-three monthsonths on the spin authority had cleared the REUTERS As expected, there was no place the 21st minute when he curled a without droppingping points, thenthen takeover last week. Bob Rat- MILAN for forward Mauro Icardi who has delightful shot into the far corner that’s what it’ss ggoingoing to take. cliffe did not confirm the been told he is not part of Inter’s from the edge of the area. It’s a disappointinginting start but amount paid for the club by Forward Romelu Lukaku scored on plans but has yet to negotiate a Sensi, making his debut after there is a long way to ggo...o... ttherehere Ineos. his debut for Inter Milan as they move away from the club. his move from Sassuolo, added the are a lot of big games ahead of “The ambition is to reach made a flying start under new coach “I am very happy and satisfied; second three minutes later, scoring us.” Ligue 1’s top four and regularly Antonio Conte with a 4-0 win over I like working with these guys who with a low shot which went through One of tthosehose games is reach European championship promoted Lecce in Serie A on have always shown great will- a defender’s legs. against local rrivalsivals ArsenaArsenall on (Champions League) within Monday. ingness,” said Conte. As Inter continued to pour Sunday and KKaneane said three three to five years,” said Bob Marcelo Brozovic, with an “Romelu has entered the Inter forward after halftime, Lukaku points at the Emiratesmirates StaStadiumdium Ratcliffe, the CEO of Ineos exquisite curling shot, and Stefano world with great humility, he is snapped up a rebound after Mar- would be a massive boost Football, which will run he club. Sensi gave Inter a 2-0 halftime lead ready to work for the team.” tinez’s shot was parried by goal- ahead of nextt mmonth’sonth’s ininter-ter- Yet “without spending too before Lukaku, signed from Man- Lecce, back in the top flight after keeper Gabriel to add the third. national break.k. much money,” on expensive chester United this month, opened a seven-year absence, made a bright Lecce finished with 10 men “You neverer want to go into transfers of players, he said. his account on the hour. start, forcing Brozovic to make an after second-half substitute Diego an internationalnal bbreakreak hhavingaving Nice, who finished seventh Antonio Candreva completed the acrobatic clearance and then Milan Farias, making his debut after a lost or drawn,”n,” the England in Ligue 1 last season, are the rout with a stunning strike from 35 Skriniar to clear away Gianluca move from Cagliari, was sent off international adadded.ded. latest French club to be taken metres. Lapadula’s effort with goalkeeper for a reckless tackle from behind “A north Londonondon derby is as over by foreign investors. Paris Chinese-owned Inter appointed Samir Handanovic beaten. on Danilo D’Ambrosio. big as it gets. If we win that it St Germain, Olympique de Mar- Conte, who previously won three But Inter quickly began playing Candreva’s dipping, long-range makes the firstt fourfour gamesgames a bitbit seille and Girondins de Bor- Serie A titles with Juventus and one the whirlwind football associated effort capped a near-perfect start brighter. It won’twon’t bebe deaux have all been taken over English Premier League title with with Conte and Lautaro Martinez for Conte’s side and sent Inter fans easy, but we have to by investors from the US or the Chelsea, to replace Luciano Spalletti hit the crossbar with a free header home with hope that this season make sure wewe’re’re Gulf in recent years. in the close season in a bid to end from a Candreva cross. they can finally challenge Juventus prepared.” “We think the French eight seasons without a major trophy. Brozovic broke the deadlock in for the title. championship is undervalued,” Ratcliffe said. France’s top soccer clubs Ramsey have been relatively cheap to Ajax face must-win game to acquire by investors in com- parison to those in England or withdraws Italy. seal Champions League spot The financial outlook for from squad French clubs is seen as REUTERS round, the Dutch champions The four-time European attractive given the rising price AMSTERDAM must beat APOEL Nicosia in champions did manage to hold REUTERS of TV rights and the size of the Amsterdam on Wednesday to on to the bulk of their players, CARDIFF fan bases in large French cities Ajax Amsterdam made a reach the group stage after the using an estimated €157m such as Nice. dazzling run to the Champions first leg of their playoff tie ended ($175m) in transfer proceeds to Wales midfielder Aaron Ineos, with revenue of League semi- finals last in a goalless draw in Cyprus. hike up the wages of Dusan Ramsey has withdrawn from around $60 billion, has already season, knocking out Juventus With half of the 32 Cham- Tadic, Hakim Ziyech, Nicolas the national squad for the invested in several sports ven- and Real Madrid along the pions League spots reserved for Tagliafico and goalkeeper Andre upcoming European Champi- tures such as Swiss second way, but that did not earn Spanish, English, Italian and Onana and keep them aboard. onship qualifier against division side Lausanne in 2017 them any extra credits for this German sides, it has become But despite being able to field Azerbaijan and an international and the hugely successful year’s competition. Three increasingly difficult for clubs eight of the starting side who beat friendly with Belarus next cycling outfit formerly known months after Tottenham’s from leagues like the Dutch to Juventus in Turin in April, the month, the Welsh national team as Team Sky in May. The team, dramatic 96th-minute goal make their mark in Europe. Dutch team have been struggling said yesterday. which was renamed Team crushed the Dutch side’s Ajax, however, proved that to reproduce last year’s fast Ramsey, who sealed a free Ineos, won the Tour de France hopes of a first Champions smaller teams can still surprise attacking game, missing De transfer from Premier League last month with Colombian League final in 23 years, Ajax and are eager to do so again, Jong’s passing accuracy in mid- side Arsenal to Serie A club Egan Bernal. find themselves one goal even though their glorious cam- field and the towering presence Juventus in the close season, Ajax Amsterdam Nice, who were founded in away from exiting Europe’s paign ended in the predictable of De Ligt at the back. That was has yet to make his competitive players take 1904, have won their first two elite competition before it has loss of some leading players, evident last week in Nicosia, debut for the defending league games this season and are cur- part in a training properly started. including youngsters Matthijs de where, after a promising start, champions after playing 20 rently fourth in the French session in this Having seen off PAOK Ligt and Frenkie de Jong who Ajax quickly faded and needed minutes in a pre-season championship. file photo. Salonika in the preliminary joined Juventus and Barcelona. Onana to save them from defeat. friendly. Kolisi wants to inspire new generation of Springboks

REUTERS same kind of passion for the game. SQUAD FOR Springboks JOHANNESBURG “Before, not a lot of us could RUGBY WORLD CUP captain Siya dream of opportunities like this, but Kolisi reacts Springboks captain as you can see now it is becoming Forwards (17) during a press carries not only the weight of an more normal. It’s possible,” Kolisi, , , , Every day I make sure conference in expectant nation as he leads South who missed most of the 2019 inter- , , , I work as hard as I can Johannesburg, Africa into the Rugby World Cup in national season with a knee injury, , , , so that kids who came South Africa, on Japan but also the hopes of millions told reporters on Monday. , , RG Snyman, Siya from the same area as Monday. of youngsters who dream of using “Every day I make sure I work Kolisi (Capt), , , sport to break the cycle of poverty. as hard as I can so that kids who me can say, ‘If he can Pieter-Steph du Toit, do it, so can I’. That is Kolisi was last year named South came from the same area as me can Backs (14) Africa’s first black test captain, say, ‘If he can do it, so can I’. That is , , , the ultimate goal, I want reward for his all-action style on the the ultimate goal, I want those kids Sibusiso Nkosi, , , those kids to believe flank coupled with a level head and to believe they can make it if they , Francois Steyn, Makazole they can make it if they passion for the game that he hopes work as hard as they can.” Mapimpi, , Handre Pollard, work as hard as they to pass on to a new generation of South Africa coach Rassie , , players in the country’s townships. Erasmus has played a key role in can: Springboks captain Coach: (RSA) Kolisi, 28, grew up in the impov- Kolisi’s rise and was coach of Western Siya Kolisi erished Zwide township in South Province when the back rower Africa’s Eastern Cape province, earned a first professional contract. back into the role having not - team mates, I am not the kind of guy where wearing the Springboks “I’ve known the coach for quite tained the side since 2018 due to his who wants to be seen to be in jersey seemed an impossible dream. a long time, he gave me my first injury. charge. I am always looking for help But after impressing in a youth contract out of school. He knows “I’m excited, but I’m also very from others and to allow others to tournament he won a scholarship where I come from, that these types nervous, I’m not going to lie about it. lead in ways that I cannot do.” to Grey College in Port Elizabeth, an of opportunities, we did not really I have confidence in my team mates, Two-time winners South Africa established rugby school, and set dream about,” Kolisi said. that they will support me,” he said. open their World Cup campaign out on his current path. The knowledge that he has “There are a lot of guys who against New Zealand in Yokohama He believes there are many unwavering support from other have led before and can lead again, on Sept. 21. They have also been other ‘Siya Kolisis’ out there around senior players in the team is also a so that is something I am counting pooled with Italy, Namibia and the country, if they can develop the big plus, and will help him settle on. Whenever I need help I go to my Canada. WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 US Open: Serena Lukaku shines on routs Sharapova debut as Conte’s in first round; Inter Milan start Federer wins in style ANOC World Beach Games: Handball and football draw Hosts Qatar drawn in ‘tough’ group

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA Al Annabi ready for Hosts Qatar have been drawn along ‘difficult’ task: Hasan with Spain, Hungary, Croatia and Tunisia in the men’s handball event at the ANOC World Beach Games ARMSTRONG VAS which will be held from October 12 THE PENINSULA to 16 in Doha. In yesterday’s draw ceremony Qatar Beach Handball team have kicked off their for handball and football events for preparation for the ANOC World Beach Games and both men and women, held at the are ready for the ‘difficult’ task which lays ahead of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) them at the home event. headquarters, the hosts were placed “We started our training camp four days back,” in Group B, one of the two five-team said coach Khalid Hasan, while speaking to jour- groups. nalists on the sidelines of the beach Handball draw Group A consists of European held yesterday at the Qatar Olympic Committee giants Sweden and Denmark, and headquarters. also includes USA, Australia and Hosts Qatar has been drawn along with Spain, Brazil. Hungary, Croatia and Tunisia at event which will be Two teams from each group will held from October 12 to 16 in Doha. qualify for the semi-final. The international beach multi-sport event is The international beach multi- organised by the Association of National Olympic sport event is organised by the Asso- Committees (ANOC) and hosted by QOC in Doha. ciation of National Olympic Com- “We will do our best. We have a difficult task mittees (ANOC) and hosted by QOC ahead but be give our best especially as we are in Doha. playing at home before our supporters,” added An official picks Tunisia during the official draw ceremony for ANOC World Beach Games’ men’s handball The draw was attended by QOC Hasan. event at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, yesterday.PICTURES: MOHAMED FARAG Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid “We play Croatia and Hungary on the first day Al Buenain, ANOC Secretary-General of our campaign and we are keen to start on a Gunilla Lindberg and representatives of Italy, Spain, Mexico and Solomon Secretary-General Al Buenain wel- tournament,” she said, confirming at winning note. Croatia and Spain reached the quarter- of the participating International Islands, Group C of Iran, Paraguay, comed all guests to Doha while the same time her confidence in the finals of the World Championships,” the Qatar tac- Federations. Senegal and Ukraine, and Group D thanking the ANOC for the confidence success of the first edition, which will tician said. The women’s Handball event will consists of Russia, Japan, Uruguay in choosing Qatar to host this edition be held in October despite the short Group A consists of European giants Sweden and bring together 12 teams including and El Salvador. of the games. period of time. Denmark, and also includes USA, Australia and Brazil. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, In the women’s beach football The QOC Secretary-General The Secretary-General added that “We had the option as hosts to choose one of the Denmark, Spain, Greece, Hungary, event, Russia and USA women will hoped that the first edition of the the best teams in the world will be in group and we went for Group B and we are ready Poland, Tunisia, USA and Vietnam. be vying for the two spots from Group ANOC World Beach Games, Qatar Doha to participate in the ANOC for it. Group A has World Championship winners Spain has been placed in Group B and challenging them in the group 2019, would be a success. World Beach Games and wished Denmark and bronze medal winners Sweden. So B along with Greece, Poland, China will be two other countries Great In her speech, ANOC Secretary- success to all participants and the there are no easy matches,” he added. and Australia, while Group A consists Britain and Paraguay. General Lindberg expressed her hap- organising committee of the Two teams from each group will qualify for the of Brazil, Denmark, Hungary, Group A will feature Brazil, Cape piness at visiting Qatar again after tournament. semi-final. Argentina, USA and Tunisia. Verde, Spain, and Mexico,. very successful and intensive The Games will feature about Elaborating further on the training schedule The men’s football teams will be The two football events will be meetings in Doha in July. 1230 athletes from more than 90 Hasan added: “After our Doha training camp gets competing in four groups with the top held at Katara beach while the two She thanked the Qatar and the National Olympic Committees who over, we will go and train overseas, possibly in Spain team qualifying for the semi-finals. handball events will be staged at Al QOC for hosting this special event. will be competing in 14 disciplines in or Hungary. We will also play in a Friendly tour- Group A consists of Brazil, Swit- Gharafa Venue. “After great preparations, 46 days 13 sports at Katara and Al Gharafa nament before the start of the championship,” Hasan zerland, UAE and Morocco, Group B Speaking ahead of the draw, QOC remain until the start of the beach and Aspire venues. said. XaviXavi tells Al Sadd to Osaka avoids US Open upset

AGENCIES ‘fight‘fight until the end’ NEW YORK

AFC Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka survived RIYADHRIYYADH a patchy start to her title defense yesterday to come through in three tough sets against Russia’s Anna Al SaddSad SC head coach Xavi Hernandez (pictured) Blinkova, the world number 84. remainsrem hopeful of continuing their 2019 AFC Cham- Osaka suffered a first-round exit last month at pionspio League campaign, despite a 2-1 defeat to Al Wimbledon and the Japanese star found a spirited NassrNa in the first leg of the quarter-final. Blinkova hard to put away in Arthur Ashe Stadium Ali Asad had given the Qataris a 21st minute before she advanced 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in two hours leadlea but it was countered by Abdulrahman Al Dos- and 28 minutes. sari’ssa close range strike a minute from the break, “I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous in my beforebe Giuliano sealed the win for Al Nassr with life and she played really amazing,” top seed Osaka a finefi header in the 72nd minute on Monday. said after moving through to a second round The Barcelona legend admitted that he was meeting with Poland’s Magda Linette. unsatisfiedunsa with his side’s showing in the first half, “I just came off really slow and never found my but eveven after making some changes going into the rhythm but I fought as hard as I could and I managed secondsecon half, Giuliano’s goal overwhelmed Al Sadd. to win. “The“Th reason (for the defeat) was that Al Nassr “You want to do well after you did well last are a strongstr team, and we were not up to the task. year,” she added. “I definitely didn’t want to lose in We diddid nnot play good football, like we did recently,” the third set.” said Xavi.Xavi Osaka, who was beaten by Kazakhstan’s Yulia “We did not control the ball in the required Putintseva in her Wimbledon opener, said the bat- manner. WWe did not have possession and I’m not tling nature of her win here would serve her well happy at all with the performance. moving forward. “In the ssecond half, the two teams matched each In the men’s event, Russia’s Andrey Rublev other.other. WWee mmanaged to impose ourselves on the game upset Greek eighth seed in four but when wwe did that, we conceded the second goal sets in a matchup of 21-year-old rising stars. and this affectedaffe us a lot.” World number 43 Rublev, who ousted Roger Al SSaddadd will now host the second leg in Doha’s Federer in Cincinnati in only 62 minutes, defeated Jassim BinBin Hamad Stadium on September 16, and a cramping Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 7-5 Xavi was fifirm that his charges will need to head after three hours and 54 minutes to book a place into the tie wwith a never-say-die attitude and elevate in the second round against the winner of a later theirtheir peperformance.rfor Naomi Osaka of Japan returns match between France’s Gilles Simon and American “The secondse leg in Doha will be a lot different. a shot against Anna Blinkova Bjorn Fratangelo. We must prepare for it well to maintain our of Russia during their women’s Meanwhile. Spanish 10th seed Roberto Bautista chances of progressing to the semi-finals.” singles first round match Augut lost to Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin in a “We lostlo (this game) but we haven’t lost out on day two of the 2019 US five-set marathon (3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3). on progressionprogre or on the title. Open at the USTA Billie Jean Bautista Augut, who reached the semi-finals at “I sspokepok with the players about that in the King National Tennis Center, Wimbledon last month, was broken seven times dressing rroom that there is another match to yesterday. by Kukushkin as he exited the year’s final Grand play in DoDoha and we have a chance to qualify, Slam in the opening round for the second consec- and that wwe must fight until the last moment.” utive year.