FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 GOLF | Page 6 Belgium seal Lewis windfall World Cup spells good place, France fortune for held goalless Harvey victims

Tuesday, September 5, 2017 CRICKET Dhul-Hijja 14, 1438 AH Lyon scalps five GULF TIMES but Bangladesh resist in Chittagong Test SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL/ QATAR VS CHINA, 6PM, KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM SPOTLIGHT South Korea coach promises victory Qatar to play for over Uzbekistan

AFP failed to create a single shot on target Seoul against Iran despite the visitors play- ing the last 40 minutes with 10 men. “It is not that we didn’t want pride as China nder-fi re coach Shin Tae- to score,” Shin told reporters in Yong has promised South Tashkent. Korea will “beef up their “The players worked hard... and Umental strength” and go all while I know it is not an excuse the out for the victory against Uzbekistan pitch was not in a good condition. All today that would secure World Cup the coaching staff and players will do qualifi cation for a ninth successive all they can to ensure we can the goals time. to win.” look for a miracle “We’ll return home with victory no Stand-in captain Kim Yong-Gwon matter what,” vowed Shin ahead of sparked anger and ridicule when he the fi nal Asian zone Group A encoun- complained that teammates could “We hope to play a good competitive game and present a positive ter in Tashkent. not hear each other against Iran be- The Taeguk Warriors, with just one cause of the noise made by 63,000 image of our team and country,” says Qatar coach Felix Sanchez win in their last fi ve qualifi ers, could screaming fans in Seoul’s World Cup only manage a goalless draw at home stadium. Agencies to 10-man Iran last week to leave their Social media users hit back that Doha qualifi cation hopes in the balance. the Korea Football Association had Defeat in Uzbekistan could see the advertised tickets for weeks and had 2002 semi-fi nalists fail to make it to called on fans to get behind the team ar-torn Syria as well as the global showpiece for the fi rst time by cheering. China, the ultimate sleep- since 1982 if third-placed Syria man- It brought an emotional apology ing giants, are both aiming age to pull off a massive shock and from Kim as the team departed for to pull off a near-miracle as win in Tehran Tuesday. Tashkent. AsianW qualifying for the 2018 World Cup Unbeaten Iran have already quali- “I didn’t have any malicious in- heads into a fi nal showdown today. fi ed atop Group A with 21 points and tention when I said it,” said Kim. “I Among Asia’s heavyweights, Aus- are yet to concede a goal. was only talking about the diffi cul- tralia’s progress is far from assured and South Korea are second on 14 ties of the match. If anyone felt upset South Korea are in danger of missing points but Syria and Uzbekistan both and off ended by what I said I’d like to out on their fi rst World Cup since 1982 have 12 points. apologise.” in what will be a nail-biting last round A third-place fi nish would mean He and his teammates can expect of group games. having to come through extended more of the same today as the game in Perhaps indicating rising standards playoff s for a place in Russia next year. Tashkent is a 34,000 sell-out with a in the region, competition for Asia’s 4.5 “We’re in a diffi cult situation, but frenzied home support hoping to see places at next year’s Russia World Cup we’ll beef up our mental strength Uzbekistan win and qualify for the has been unusually intense, with only and will win,” said Shin, whose side World Cup for the fi rst time. Japan and Iran qualifi ed so far. Group A is particularly unpredictable as South Korea, Syria, Uzbekistan and Marcello Lippi’s China remain in the Brief joy for Iran female football running for either the second automatic fans quickly extinguished TABLES AND FIXTURES Tehran: For a brief moment, Iran’s Having never been inside the sta- Tables and fixtures ahead of Asia’s final female football fans thought they dium, some worried about which round of group games in qualifying for the were finally allowed to attend seat to choose. 2018 World Cup today China’s coach Marcello Lippi (L) with his Qatar counterpart Felix Sanchez in Doha yesterday. a match, but their hopes were “My friend’s mother told me to get Group A dashed yesterday when authori- a seat where the ball wouldn’t hit berth, or a place in the play-off s by fi n- is still a theoretical chance, we have no vourites against Uzbekistan but they ties said their tickets were sold by my head,” said Negin Bagheri. P W D L GF GA Pts ishing third. reason to give up. We should make every are playing in Tashkent and against a mistake. But it did not take long for real- Iran (Q) 9 6 3 0 8 0 21 Syria, despite playing their home eff ort to achieve it,” Lippi said. team still smarting from their defeat to Women have been barred from ity to reimpose itself, as Iran’s South Korea 9 4 2 3 11 10 14 games in Malaysia to avoid their coun- Qatar, meanwhile, have only their China. attending football matches, and football federation said it was all a ------try’s bitter civil war, occupy the play- pride at stake as they aim to notch up Uzbekistan have a torrid history some other sporting events mistake. “There is no plan to allow Syria 9 3 3 3 7 6 12 off spot after a win and a draw against their third win in the fi nal round of against the Koreans, who beat them to such as wrestling, since the 1979 the presence of women in Azadi ------China, wins over Uzbekistan and Qatar, qualifying. an automatic qualifying spot for both Islamic revolution, with officials stadium for the Iran-Syria match,” Uzbekistan 9 4 0 5 6 7 12 and draws with South Korea and Iran. Their only two wins have been against the 2006 and 2014 World Cups. The saying they must be protected it said in a statement, blaming a China 9 2 3 4 6 9 9 They play arguably the night’s tough- Syria and South Korea but a 3-2 defeat Uzbeks lost in the play-off s each time. from the vulgar atmosphere. “technical glitch”. Qatar 9 2 1 6 7 13 7 est fi xture — away to Iran, who are yet last week against the Syrians last week “This is our last chance. Either we But when seats for today’s quali- Tickets held by women would all to concede a goal — as they look to stay in the return leg put paid to their al- beat South Korea or we should end foot- fying match against Syria at Te- be cancelled and refunded, it said. Group B ahead of Uzbekistan and China, and ready thin hopes of qualifying through ball in our country,” said Uzbek captain hran’s Azadi stadium went on sale “Maybe we all knew that we P W D L GF GA Pts perhaps even leap-frog South Korea the playoff s. Odil Ahmedov, according to the FIFA on Saturday, many were shocked would not be allowed to enter the Japan (Q) 9 6 2 1 17 6 20 into second place. “We hope to play a good competi- website. to see an option for women’s stadium despite buying the ticket,” Saudi Arabia 9 5 1 3 16 10 16 Chinese success would be just as eye- tive game and present a positive image “They’re our bogey team, it’s a fact,” tickets on the website. Elyasi said. ------catching if they manage to rise from of our team and country,” Qatar coach Ahmedov added. “But we’re playing at Some shared their surprise and “But we wanted to make our voice Australia 9 4 4 1 14 10 16 fi fth in the group to snatch a play-off Felx Sanchez said yesterday at his pre- home and we have a duty to our fans.” joy on Twitter with a Farsi hashtag heard by the off icials.” ------spot and stay in the hunt for just their match press conference. Australia’s campaign is also in the meaning “I_have_ticket”. Iran was among the first teams to UAE 9 4 1 4 10 12 13 second World Cup appearance. “We have no other option,” he added. balance after last week’s 2-0 defeat to “I was extremely excited... it qualify for the 2018 World Cup fi- Iraq 9 2 2 5 10 12 8 China were largely written off after Sanchez said that the focus now is on Japan left them third in Group B, behind was unbelievable,” football fan nals in Russia, and celebrations are Thailand 9 0 2 7 5 22 2 defeats to South Korea, Syria and Uz- the future building up to the 2022 World Saudi Arabia on goal diff erence. Arefeh Elyasi told the reform- planned for after the Syria game. Today’s fixtures: bekistan, but they are reborn since Lip- Cup which will be hosted by Qatar. The Asian champions will expect to ist Shahrvand newspaper on Women are allowed to watch Group A: pi’s arrival last October, winning twice “We have both long-term and short- beat bottom-placed Thailand in Mel- Monday. some sports, though the rules can Iran v Syria (1500 GMT) to keep their hopes just about alive. term objectives. We have started a bourne, and they will hope Japan do Another woman, Zahra Jafarza- change with little warning. Qatar v China (1500 GMT) If they beat Qatar handily, and South project with some new players.” them a favour by keeping the Saudis in deh, said she bought a ticket even There was shock in 2014 when Uzbekistan v South Korea (1500 GMT) Korea and Iran win against Uzbekistan Today’s match notably will be the fi rst check in Jeddah. though she does not really like women were suddenly banned Group B and Syria respectively, 77th-ranked international played in a venue, Khalifa But a talented United Arab Emirates football. from volleyball matches without Australia v Thailand (1000 GMT) China can celebrate a major boost in International Stadium, which will host side also has an outside chance of over- “I felt that if didn’t sign up, I would explanation, although they have Iraq v UAE (1400 GMT) their grand plan to become one of the games in the 2022 World Cup fi nals. hauling Australia with a big win over be missing a major event,” she since been allowed to return to Saudi Arabia v Japan (1730 GMT) world’s top football nations. South Korea, looking to hang onto Iraq, meaning Ange Postecoglou’s side told the newspaper. some events in segregated seats. “I always tell my players, when there second place in Group A, should be fa- cannot aff ord any slip-ups.

LUCRATIVE Star India bags IPL media rights for $2.55bn

Reuters “India, cricket and IPL have tion, off ered 110.5 billion rupees but lost more value that can be created for fans sion with cricket, especially the 20-over group also owns broadcast rights for 18 Mumbai changed dramatically since out to Star’s consolidated off er for the of cricket on digital and TV,” Star India format, despite a spot-fi xing scandal ICC global events to be held during an 2008, and this bid is a refl ection worldwide rights from 2018 to 2022. chief executive Uday Shankar told re- in 2013 which led to the ban of several eight-year cycle from 2015 and India’s of that’ Bidders for digital rights included Su- porters. players and two-year suspensions of international matches at home. tar India will pay a staggering persport, Facebook, Airtel, Bamtech and “India, cricket and IPL have changed two IPL teams. The franchise-based India’s huge market is a major draw 163.48 billion rupees ($2.55 bil- the country’s cricket board announced Jio. Of the 24 companies that bought the dramatically since 2008, and this bid is competition began in 2008 with eight for sponsors and advertisers, who often lion) for the television and dig- yesterday. Sony, the only other bidder tender document, 14 made bids. a refl ection of that,” he said of the mam- teams with owners including India’s plan product launches around major ital rights of the Indian Premier for the television rights of the world’s “We believe the IPL is a very power- moth bid. It also refl ects the world’s richest man Mukesh Ambani and Bol- cricket tournaments and book advertis- SLeague (IPL) for the next fi ve years, richest domestic Twenty20 competi- ful property, and we believe there is lots second most populous nation’s obses- lywood actors. Rupert Murdoch’s Star ing slots in advance. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 5, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Costa out of Chelsea’s CL squad Argentina, Chile seek London: Exiled striker Diego Costa was not included in Chelsea’s 25-man squad for the Champions League group phase yesterday. Costa, 28, has been frozen out by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and spent advantage in WC race the transfer window angling for a return to former club Atletico Madrid that never materialised. Second-placed Colombia host Brazil, who have already qualified and are guaranteed top spot Atletico, who were drawn in Champions League Group AFP C alongside Chelsea, are Montevideo Argentina’s Lionel Messi (second right), Ever Banega banned from signing new (centre) and Angel Di Maria joke around during a training players until January. By session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on Sunday, ahead of their not including Costa in their ionel Messi and Argentina will seek to FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela. (AFP) squad, Chelsea have ensured maintain the pressure on Chile with a he will not become cup-tied, victory over Venezuela tonight as South meaning he could play in America’s 2018 World Cup qualifying race the competition for another Lenters the home stretch. A faltering campaign has team in the second part of left Argentina fi fth in the standings with three the season. Despite being games remaining, just outside the top four spots named in Chelsea’s Premier which guarantee automatic entry to next year’s fi - League squad, Costa has nals in Russia. not played in any of their It would still take a dramatic sequence of results league games to date, his for the unthinkable — a World Cup without Argen- place taken by £58mn record tina and Messi — to become reality. Even if Jorge signing Alvaro Morata. Sampaoli’s side fail to lock up automatic qualifi ca- Chelsea will also face Roma tion, and fi nish fi fth, they would still be favourites and Azerbaijani newcomers to qualify via a two-leg playoff against a team from Qarabag in their group. Oceania, almost certain to be New Zealand. Manchester United includ- Yet the gloom that has enveloped the Argentin- ed Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their ian squad throughout the qualifi ers means that squad despite his current little is being taken for granted ahead of tonight’s unavailability as he recovers game at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. from a serious knee injury. An uninspiring 0-0 draw with Uruguay in Monte- United manager Jose Mour- video on Thursday left Argentina level on 23 points inho has said Ibrahimovic, with fourth-placed Chile, who lead on goal dif- 35, will not be available until ference. Sampaoli is expected to persist with the next year, but his inclusion in bulk of the team who started against Uruguay, with United’s squad will raise fans’ Messi leading a potent front three that features hopes he could return ahead Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi. Javier Mascherano of schedule. could return for the suspended Gabriel Mercado, United open their Cham- while Ever Banega may replace Guido Pizarro. pions League campaign at Argentina were frustrated by a Uruguayan side home to Basel next Tuesday which defended in depth and packed the midfi eld. and will also face Benfica and With Venezuela likely to use similar tactics, Sam- CSKA Moscow in Group A. paoli has urged his team to be more aggressive to- Mourinho also found room night. “We have to be more aggressive in the last for 21-year-old striker James third and get more people in the area,” he said fol- Wilson, who has not played a lowing the Uruguay stalemate. “We have to ensure an awkward tie at altitude even if their opponents, guay, took to Twitter to vent his frustration after Elsewhere tonight, second-placed Colombia competitive game for United that the team wins. We have to win so that Argen- who are already eliminated, have little to play for. the loss, even hinting that he may quit the national host Brazil, who have already qualifi ed and are since October 2015. tina can be at the World Cup in Russia.” Chile’s faltering qualifi cation campaign suff ered a team. “I’m sure all the critics are happy now,” Vi- guaranteed top spot. Third-placed Uruguay mean- Liverpool manager Jurgen Despite the nervyness of Argentina’s campaign, fresh jolt last week with an abject 3-0 home defeat dal wrote. “But don’t worry, each time I’m closer while face a testing away trip to seventh-placed Klopp omitted right-back their fans can console themselves by the thought to Paraguay in Santiago. to leaving.”It was left to Chile coach Juan Antonio Paraguay, who could thrust themselves back into Nathaniel Clyne from his that Chile have hardly been any more convincing. The Chileans, who clinched back-to-back Copa Pizzi to strike a defi ant note as his team head to La the qualifi cation reckoning with a win. squad. The England interna- The South American champions owe their fourth America titles in 2015 and 2016, have been beset Paz, insisting that his squad would rediscover the Paraguay are on 21 points, just two behind Ar- tional is currently sidelined place in the table to a FIFA sanction which con- by turmoil, with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez strug- attacking vigour that won them their Copa Ameri- gentina and Chile. Peru (21 points) could also with a back injury and has verted a 0-0 home draw with Bolivia into a 3-0 win gling to fi nd his best form and captain Arturo Vi- ca crowns. “We are convinced that we will fi nd the enhance their chances if they manage to score a been replaced in Liverpool’s after the Bolivians fi elded an ineligible player. dal raging at his media critics. Vidal, who scored identity that made us champions of South America third consecutive win in their assignment in Quito starting XI by youth product The Chileans face Bolivia again tonight in La Paz, a spectacular headed own goal in the loss to Para- twice,” Pizzi said. against eighth-placed Ecuador (20 points). Trent Alexander-Arnold. Philippe Coutinho was also included in Liverpool’s squad WORLD CUP QUALIFIER after his hopes of joining Barcelona were thwarted by the club’s refusal to sell him. French centre-back Eli- aquim Mangala was named United States determined ahead of Honduras clash in Manchester City’s squad after City were unable to AFP third with Honduras and Panama. March, Arena’s side ran riot to score a 6-0 victory. all three points on Tuesday, a draw would be a sat- find a buyer for him in the San Pedro Sula, Honduras The USA currently occupy third place in the However with the stakes raised tonight, and Hon- isfactory result with a home game against Panama transfer window. standings with eight points from seven games, duras opting to kick off in the blazing heat of mid- next month followed by a trip to Trinidad & Tobago leading Honduras thanks to a vastly superior goal afternoon, a more challenging task awaits. in their fi nal came to come. nited States coach Bruce Arena faces the diff erence. Panama remain fi rmly in contention in US captain Michael Bradley sounded a defi ant “We’re going to go down there with the mental- most demanding test of his second spell fi fth place, one point behind the USA and Hondu- note in the immediate aftermath of Friday’s loss to ity to win the game,” Bradley said. “We’re going to in charge tonight as his chastened team ras with seven points. Costa Rica, when his team were punished for slop- be aggressive and make sure we are ready to win heads to Honduras for a crucial 2018 The razor-thin margins between the three teams py defending by some expert counter-attacking by everything. And if at the end of 90 minutes we’re in UWorld Cup qualifi er. Humbled 2-0 by Costa Rica means that the USA face Honduras knowing that the 2014 World Cup quarter-fi nalists. a position where we take one point then we’ll take in New Jersey on Friday, the United States face a defeat would mean that automatic qualifi cation is “We’re not worried,” Bradley said. “This is where that, and then everything is in our hands in the last resurgent Honduras in San Pedro Sula with their no longer in their own hands. The fourth placed we are at the moment. The likelihood is it’s going two games.” hopes of automatic qualifi cation to Russia hanging team faces a two-legged play-off against the fifth- to go down to the wire. And that can’t faze any- Veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard, at fault for in the balance. ranked Asian side. body. That can’t scare us. Costa Rica and Mexico Costa Rica’s fi rst goal, almost promised a response With Mexico already locking up one of the three In theory, Honduras should hold no fear for the are gone. Us and Panama and Honduras play a few on Tuesday. “We’re professional, we’re an experi- automatic qualifying spots from CONCACAF, and Americans, who have a record of played 24, won games, and at the end one will go to the World Cup, enced group,” Howard said following Friday’s loss. second-placed Costa Rica almost certain to grab 17, drawn four, lost three against Tuesday’s oppo- one will go to the play-off and one will be out.” “We’ll bounce back, forget about it and move for- another, Arena’s men are in a three-way battle for nents. In their most recent meeting in San Jose in Bradley said while the USA would set out to win ward.”

ROUND-UP FOCUS Female ref to make Bundesliga debut Barcelona new boy Dembele ermany’s Bibiana Steinhaus is set eyes titles, World Cup to make Bundesliga history today by becoming the fi rst woman to referee AFP in one of Europe’s top leagues, ac- Barcelona Gcording to reports. Top German daily news- papers Bild and Die Welt claim the 38-year- old Steinhaus will offi ciate when Hertha arcelona’s new signing Ousmane Dem- Berlin host Werder Bremen in Germany’s top bele said yesterday he had eyes fi rmly fl ight in the capital on Sunday. fi xed on winning titles and a place in The German Football Association (DFB) France’s squad at next year’s World Cup. has refused to confi rm the reports and, as is Dembele,B 20, transferred to Barca from Borussia customary, will only announce the referee Dortmund in a 105 million-euro ($125mn) deal appointments for the following weekend in that could rise to 145mn with add-ons depend- the Bundesliga tomorrow. Steinhaus, who is ing on his performance, as the Catalan giants on the offi cial list of Bundesliga referees for splashed out to fi ll the gap left by Neymar’s own the 2017/18 season, has sat out the fi rst two world record 222mn-euro move to Paris Saint- rounds of matches this season. Germain. Her debut on Sunday at Berlin’s Olympic their own players during Friday’s 2-1 win at to ensure more control across Europe. We “What I want is to be here, to play with the Stadium is set to make Steinhaus the fi rst Prague’s Eden Arena in a World Cup qualifi er. have a traceable allocation for our contingent world’s best players,” Dembele said in an inter- female referee in the German, English, Span- Yesterday, a FIFA spokesman has said through the national team’s fan club. The view with Mundo Deportivo newspaper. The best ish, French or Italian leagues, having already world football’s governing body is consider- truth is that in countries like San Marino and players, he said, “are at Barca and it’s for that been an assistant referee in the Bundesliga. ing whether to investigate the misconduct the Czech Republic, there are absolutely no reason I came here. To win titles for the team and She is experienced at the top level having of- and is waiting for the match report. The checks, because, for example, local residents then to be able to be with the France team at the fi ciated the women’s Champions League fi nal 200-strong group of Germans managed to can pass on tickets unchecked (to away fans) World Cup in Russia”. interested in signing him last season, but he said in Cardiff this year and the 2012 women’s get hold of tickets in a fan block meant for and tickets are freely available.” Dembele again played down any comparison he “would not have played what I needed to”. Olympic tournament fi nal in London. home supporters from a local ticketing outlet Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew said with Neymar. “Neymar is a great player and I still “I had only been playing professionally for half in Prague. the “Sieg Heil” chants brought ‘shame on have to strive to improve, to play as I know and of- a year. I had to learn more,” he said. Dembele will They hurled verbal abuse as well as dis- Germany’. Defender Mats Hummels, who fer up my best qualities,” the Frenchman said. now form a fearsome forward line alongside fi ve- GERMAN FA BOSS WANTS TICKET rupting the minute’s silence for two deceased scored the winning goal in Prague, branded “I like to dribble and give the decisive pass to time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and CHECKS AFTER FANS’ NAZI CHANTS Czech offi cials before kick-off , which has those responsible “hooligans who have noth- my teammates. What I hope is to be able to adapt Luis Suarez as Barca aim to wrestle the Cham- The head of the German FA (DFB) wants led to calls for tighter ticket checks. “I will ing to do with football fans”. well to the team and to know them all, Messi, Sua- pions League and La Liga titles back from rivals tighter ticketing controls for international address the issue next week with UEFA’s There are fears there will be more bad be- rez, Iniesta... But above all, to have a good entry Real Madrid. He will have to wait, however, un- matches after Germany fans chanted Nazi executive committee,” DFB president Re- haviour from home fans when Germany host into the squad. At Rennes I played more down the til at least September 9 to make his debut when slogans during a 2018 World Cup qualifi er, inhard Grindel said, with European foot- Norway on Monday in Stuttgart. Victory left wing, but also down the right and sometimes Barca host Espanyol in a Catalan derby. Dembele with FIFA poised to investigate. ball’s governing body due to meet in Nyon, against the Norwegians will seal Germany’s in midfi eld. At Dortmund, it was the same, I alter- announced himself as one of Europe’s top pros- The world champions are incensed after Switzerland, on September 20. “We must place at next year’s World Cup in Russia, nated wings. I don’t have problems with the posi- pects with a stellar season at Dortmund, scoring a group of German hooligans chanted ‘Sieg discuss the issue of tickets together with the providing Group C rivals Northern Ireland tion I’ll take up.” 10 goals, after joining from Rennes for just 15mn Heil’ (Hail Victory) and verbally abused other European associations and fi nd ways fail to beat the Czech Republic. Dembele acknowledged that Barca had been euros a year ago. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 5, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Belgium seal World Cup place, France held by Luxembourg Belgium join Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico and hosts Russia in guaranteeing a place at next year’s finals

AFP jen Robben eff ort as the Dutch climbed Paris above Bulgaria into third, three points behind Sweden who visit Amsterdam next month. omelu Lukaku’s goal allowed In Group B Switzerland are still on top Belgium to become the fi rst after making it eight wins from eight European nation to clinch with a 3-0 victory in Latvia with Haris qualifi cation for the 2018 Seferovic and Blerim Dzemaili scor- WorldR Cup on Sunday night as much- ing before Ricardo Rodriguez netted a fancied France were held to an embar- penalty. European champions Portugal rassing goalless draw by Luxembourg. are still three points behind the Swiss in Manchester United striker Lukaku second following a 1-0 victory against headed in a Thomas Meunier cross in 10-man Hungary in Budapest as the the 74th minute in Piraeus for the deci- AC Milan striker Andre Silva netted the sive goal in a 2-1 Belgium win that guar- only goal. Portugal still harbour hopes anteed them top spot in European quali- of winning the group and qualifying au- fying Group H. tomatically as Cristiano Ronaldo’s side All the goals came in a frantic fi ve- host Switzerland in Lisbon next month. minute spell, with a low drive by Jan Also on Sunday, Domagoj Vida’s Vertonghen putting Roberto Martinez’s goal gave Croatia a crucial 1-0 victory side ahead in the 70th minute. over Kosovo in a match that had been Portuguese-born midfi elder Zeca stopped on Saturday due to heavy rain in equalised for Greece only for Lukaku to Zagreb. The Group I encounter resumed grab the decisive goal — his 10th in sev- in the 21st minute on Sunday with Vida en qualifi ers — a minute later. With just scoring 16 minutes from the end. The two matches remaining, Belgium enjoy win took Croatia back above Ukraine to an unassailable eight-point lead over the top of the table. second-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina, for whom Edin Dzeko netted twice in a EUROPEAN 2018 WORLD CUP 4-0 win over Gibraltar. QUALIFYING RESULTS Belgium join Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mex- GROUP A ico and hosts Russia in guaranteeing a At Amsterdam: Netherlands 3 (Propper 7, place at next year’s fi nals. In the battle 80, Robben 67) Bulgaria 1 (Kostadinov 69) for second and a spot in November’s At Borisov, Belarus: Belarus 0 Sweden 4 play-off s, Bosnia are now a point ahead (Forsberg 18, Nyman 24, Berg, Granqvist of Greece and four clear of Cyprus, beat- 84-pen); At Toulouse, France: France 0 en 1-0 in Estonia. Three days after a 4-0 Luxembourg 0 destruction of the Netherlands in which GROUP B they showcased their frightening array At Torshavn: Faroe Islands 1 (Sorensen 31) of attacking talent, France proved them- Andorra 0; At Riga: Latvia 0 Switzerland selves unable to break down minnows 3 (Seferovic 9, Dzemaili 55, Rodriguez 58- Luxembourg, the nation lying 136th in pen); At Budapest: Hungary 0 Portugal 1 the world rankings. (Andre Silva 48) Didier Deschamps’ side, with Kylian Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (centre) fights for the ball with Greece’s Zeca (right) and Konstantinos Manolas during the World Cup qualifying match on Sunday. (AFP) GROUP H Mbappe starting after coming off the At Tallinn: Estonia 1 (Kait 90+2) Cyprus 0 bench to score against the Dutch, had half-time while Paul Pogba saw a header time France have failed to win against so we’ll need to fi ght to the end,” Des- Belarus with goals from Emil Forsberg, At Faro-Loule, Portugal: Gibraltar 0; more than 70% possession and over 30 rebound off the frame of the goal late on. Luxembourg since 1914 and the only champs said. “The last two games will Christoff er Nyman, Marcus Berg and an Bosnia and Herzegovina 4 (Dzeko 35, 85, attempts on goal in Toulouse but failed It could have been worse for Les Bleus, consolation for the French is that they be decisive. We are in a better situation Andreas Granqvist penalty. Kodro 65, Lulic 83) At Piraeus, Greece: to fi nd a way through and the fi nal whis- though, as Luxembourg substitute Ger- remain a point clear of Sweden at the top than we were in June, although we are Meanwhile, the Netherlands boosted Greece 1 (Zeca 73) Belgium 2 (Vertonghen tle was greeted with a chorus of boos. son Rodrigues outpaced Laurent Ko- of Group A with two games remaining. disappointed tonight.” their qualifi cation hopes with a 3-1 win 70, Lukaku 74) Antoine Griezmann smacked a 30-yard scielny in the 79th minute before seeing “Thursday’s result was important Sweden, who beat France 2-1 in June, over Bulgaria in Amsterdam. Davy Prop- GROUP I free-kick off the bar fi ve minutes before his shot strike an upright. It is the fi rst but so was getting three points today, are second after a resounding 4-0 win in per scored twice either side of an Ar- At Zagreb: Croatia 1 (Vida 74) Kosovo 0

CRITICS FOCUS Ozil comments Italy turn to Israel aft er Spanish rout laughable: Arsenal AFP Italy were handed a boost ahead of the Reggio Emilia, Italy Israel match, however, with news that their captain Eran Zahavi had suddenly great Wright decided to end his international career bruised Italy will look to turn after being angered by booing from the AFP ing out, calling people out, and the page on a morale-sapping home crowd. London he’s not signing a contract. It’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Zahavi was left fuming on Saturday by laughable.” Spain when they host Israel in fans in Haifa who started booing when Consecutive losses to Stoke ReggioA Emilia today. The Azzurri need Macedonia scored the only goal of a shock rsenal great Ian Wright City and Liverpool, who three points to consolidate second place victory in a World Cup qualifi er. has branded Mesut thrashed Arsenal 4-0 at An- in Group G behind Spain and stay safely In response, Zahavi threw his captain’s Ozil’s complaints about fi eld, have left Arsene Wenger’s clear of third-placed Albania as they look armband to the ground, prompting Isra- the criticism he receives side in 16th place in the Premier to make it to the fi nals in Russia next year. el’s federation to suspend him for an un- fromA former players ‘laughable’ League table. Former midfi elder Giampiero Ventura’s side were out- determined period. “I can’t stand it any- in view of his failure to sign a Emmanuel Petit told the Sunday classed by the 2010 world champions, in- more,” Zahavi, who plays professionally new contract. In a long Facebook Mirror, Ozil and his teammates spired by Real Madrid midfi elder Isco, as for China’s Guangzhou R&F, told Israeli post on Saturday, Ozil hit out at needed someone to tell them ‘not they lost 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth after his de- his critics in the media and told to act like babies and kids’. Saturday. Today’s challenge against Israel cision on international retirement. Arsenal’s former players to “stop Wright, Arsenal’s second- at the Mapei Stadium in northern Italy “We are in a country that doesn’t know talking and start supporting”. highest goal-scorer, defended has now become all the more important how to honour its great athletes, so I pre- But with the 28-year-old Ger- the right of former players to as the four-time world champions look fer to leave. It’s unbelievable that the fans many playmaker still to extend a criticise the current regime. “We to regain confi dence with a two-legged boo their team. That doesn’t happen any- contract that expires at the end all feel the same because we’re play-off now looking increasingly likely Italy need three points to consolidate second place in Group G behind Spain and stay where else in the world. I didn’t want to of the season, Wright says Ozil is all passionate and we all love the if they are to reach the World Cup. “A safely clear of third-placed Albania as they look to make it to Russia next year. (AFP) react like I did, but I imploded.” in no position to tell anyone what club,” he said. bad defeat which will help us grow... now to do. “Sign a contract, if you feel “What are we supposed to grit and determination for Tuesday,” said Florence on Sunday as Ventura looks to go home with quite a heavy defeat, but we WORLD CUP 2018 QUALIFYING that strongly about people criti- say? That they’re unbelievable, midfi elder Antonio Candreva. Napoli for- pull together a makeshift defence. Juven- look forward.” EUROPEAN FIXTURES cising the team, because you’re in the boardroom, the boss, and ward Lorenzo Insigne added: “To get to tus duo Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rug- The defeat was Italy’s fi rst loss in ei- (kick-off s 1845 GMT unless stated): somebody who is integral to Ar- the way they’re playing? Because the World Cup we need to remain united.” ani could start together in central defence ther World Cup or European Champion- Group D: At Dublin: Republic of Ireland v senal’s success,” Wright told BBC they’re not. I can’t understand it. Israel — seven points behind Italy — with Andrea Conti on the right and Man- ship qualifying since September 2006, a Serbia Radio 5 Live on Sunday. We’re not talking about former are coming off a 1-0 defeat to Macedonia, chester United’s Matteo Darmian moved run of 56 matches. Italy now need Spain At Chisinau: Moldova v Wales “You’re not signing a deal and players criticising a team that’s their fourth of the campaign. But Ventura to the opposite side. to lose one of their remaining qualifying At Vienna (1945 GMT): Austria v Georgia you’re probably going to con- charging up the league and win- has defensive worries. Giorgio Chiel- Meanwhile, AC Milan’s teenage goal- games against Liechtenstein, Albania and Group G: At Reggio Emilia, Italy: Italy v Israel tinue to hide behind the fact ning leagues. lini is still out with a calf problem along keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could take Israel to have any hope of avoiding a two- At Vaduz: Liechtenstein v Spain that (Alexis) Sanchez is the one “Yes, we’ve won the FA Cup with Leonardo Bonucci, who picked up the place of veteran captain Gigi Buff on, legged play-off . Today’s qualifi er against At Strumica, Macedonia: Macedonia v that everybody’s going to say, and when they’ve done that, a booking on Saturday, and Leonardo 39, between the posts. “It was a defeat Israel will be followed by games against Albania ‘Is he going to go?’ Why haven’t they’ve rightfully been praised Spinazzola, injured in the last few min- against a side with great quality. We did Macedonia in Turin and Albania away Group I: At Shkoder, Albania: Kosovo v you signed yet? That’s what I for that. But we’re talking about utes in Spain. some good things, others bad, it mustn’t in October. The last time Italy had to go Finland would say to you. If you feel that a team that’s under-performing. New Chelsea recruit Davide Zappa- wipe out the good work done up until through play-off s was in 1997 on the road At Reykjavik: Iceland v Ukraine strongly, why haven’t you signed Not just the team — people in the costa was hastily called up to training in now,” Darmian said after the defeat. “We to the 1998 World Cup in France. At Eskisehir, Turkey: Turkey v Croatia. yet? A player that is not actually boardroom, the manager with his performing on the pitch is com- decisions, everybody.”

Ian Wright. ISCO SHOW BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO SPAIN

Madrid: Following a demolition job on said Isco, whose close control and two them the most feared side in interna- “You only have to look at almost any Italy, Spain look to cement their status goals left even Italy boss Giampiero tional football with a mixture of youth Spanish player to see they have played as one of the favourites for next year’s Ventura singing his praises. “This team and experience. Isco was one of just four in three Champions League finals and World Cup with another thrashing of still has hunger. Those that have won it changes from the side that lost to Italy in our side there are very few (with that Liechtenstein on tonight. Inspired by all, the new ones that have come in, the at Euro 2016. A host of World Cup win- experience),” lamented Ventura. Isco’s array of silky skills and clinical ones that have returned. It is an incred- ners from 2010 in Sergio Ramos, Gerard Such competition with Spain and Real finishing, La Roja swept aside Italy 3-0 ible squad.” Pique, Sergio Busquets, David Silva and Madrid has meant even a player of Isco’s on Saturday night to take a commanding The climax of Spain’s golden era was Andres Iniesta remain. But around them talent has had to wait for his opportunity. three-point lead at the top of Group G of a 4-0 humiliation of Italy in the final of Spain have another enviously talented Only in the past six months has the man European qualifying. Euro 2012. Yet, that generation seemed generation ready to shine. Marco Asen- nicknamed “magic” by his Real team- After early exits as defending cham- to have had its time when Italy out- sio made his first competitive interna- mates managed to hold down a regular pions at the 2014 World Cup and Euro classed and outfought a jaded Spain just tional start on Saturday at just 21. place in the starting line-up at the Berna- 2016, Spain’s display was reminiscent 15 months ago in Vicente del Bosque’s Meanwhile, the likes of David de beu. Indeed, his form at the end of last of the side that won three back-to-back final game in charge at Euro 2016. Gea, Dani Carvajal, Koke, Saul Niguez season was so spectacular that Gareth major tournaments between 2008 and Under Julen Lopetegui, though, La and Alvaro Morata all have significant Bale was relegated to the bench for the 2012. “With the attitude with which we Roja have rediscovered the precise international and Champions League Champions League final on his home- have played the World Cup is very close,” passing and pressing that once made experience despite their tender age. coming to Cardiff . Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 5, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLGIHT Kohli matches Sachin’s Indian record for most Lyon takes 5 wickets ODI rating points

IANS whose previous best was 24th Dubai position in June this year, moved up the table with his Player of the Series eff ort of 15 op-ranked batsman wickets, the best by any bowl- but Bangladesh Virat Kohli yesterday er in a bilateral ODI series in consolidated his posi- Sri Lanka. tion in One-Day In- Also gaining in the rank- Tternational (ODI) cricket as he ings is India’s left-arm spin- equalled the highest ODI rat- ner Axar Patel, who moved ing points by an India batsman, up from 20th to 10th position recorded by Sachin Tendulkar after fi nishing with six wickets nearly two decades ago in 1998. in four matches. resist in Chittagong Kohli, who is also top- Patel has thus closed in on ranked in T20Is, has increased his career-high rank of ninth ‘I am not really sure what is a good score here. We just have to bat as long as possible’ his lead over Australia’s David in October last year. Warner from 12 to 26 points Hardik Pandya (up two AFP and is now on 887 points, ac- places to 61st), Kuldeep Yadav Chittagong, Bangladesh cording to the International (up 21 places to 89th) and Yuz- Cricket Council (ICC) release. vendra Chahal (up 55 places to Kohli scored 330 runs in the 99th) are other India bowlers ustralian off -spinner recent series against Sri Lanka, to gain in the rankings. Nathan Lyon claimed which included an unbeaten Third-ranked India secured fi ve wickets but Bang- 110 in the last match in Co- three points from their 5-0 ladesh fought back to lombo on Sunday, his second victory and pushed their tally reachA 253-6 at stumps on the century of the series. to 117. Australia are on 117 as opening day of the second Test. Rohit Sharma, the second well, but stay ahead on deci- Lyon decimated Bangladesh’s highest run-maker in the se- mal points. top order with four consecutive ries with 302 runs, and former lbws before Sabbir Rahman and captain Mahendra Singh Dho- Mushfi qur Rahim put on 105 for ni are both back in the top 10. the sixth wicket to steady the Sharma, who struck two cen- hosts in Chittagong. turies in Sri Lanka, has gained Monsoon rain could disrupt fi ve slots to reach ninth place play on the second day, putting while Dhoni’s 162 runs have pressure on Steve Smith’s men to lifted him two places to 10th polish off Bangladesh’s tail early position. as they seek a win to equalise the Among big movers in the two-Test series. bowling category, pacer Jas- Australia lost their fi rst-ever prit Bumrah leapfrogged 27 Test against Bangladesh last places to the fourth spot in week and dropped a fast bowler the ICC rankings for bowlers in Chittagong to strengthen their after scalping 15 wickets at an spin attack on a turning wicket. average of 11.26 in India’s 5-0 Lyon claimed his fi fth wicket whitewash of Sri Lanka. in the last session when Sabbir Bumrah has moved up to his was stumped. career-best fourth position But skipper Mushfi qur Rahim in a list led by Australia pace remains an obstacle for the tour- bowler Josh Hazlewood with ists, unbeaten on 62 and patient- South Africa spinner Imran ly holding together the innings. Tahir and Australia pace bowl- Nasir Hossain, the last recog- er Mitchell Starc the other two nised batsman, was the other not bowlers ahead of him, out player with 19 at close of play The 23-year-old Bumrah, at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Rahim and Sabbir dis- played contrasting styles in their FOCUS stand, with Sabbir playing ad- venturous shots and Rahim an- choring. Sabbir scored his 50 off only Bangladesh’s captain Mushfiqur Rahim (R) celebrates with Sabbir Rahman after scoring a half century during the first day of the second Sri Lanka to play 62 balls but slowed as Rahim cricket Test match against Australia at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. (AFP) became more confi dent, smash- ing his own half-century off 124 “This would be my 69th Test Hilton Cartwright replaced fi rst day-night Test balls. Sabbir, 25, dispatched Lyon match and I don’t think I’ve been out-of-sorts batsman Usman for a six over long-on and Rahim tested like that physically.” Khawaja, who scored just one AFP T20 internationals in Paki- hit two consecutive fours against Lyon’s scalps included Tamim run each in his two innings in the Colombo stan, including one in Lahore, Steve O’Keefe. Iqbal, one of the architects of fi rst Test. scene of the 2009 attack which “The wicket isn’t easy to bat Bangladesh’s historic victory left eight people dead. on, but we did try to play till the over Australia, who fell for just Scoreboard ri Lanka will play its Leading cricket nations end of the day,” he told reporters. nine runs on his home ground. Bangladesh first innings fi rst day-and-night have shunned playing in Paki- “I am not really sure what is a He also sent back Mominul Tamim Iqbal lbw b Lyon ...... 9 Test match later this stan since the attack, in which good score here. We just have to Haque, who boasts the high- Soumya Sarkar lbw b Lyon...... 33 month when they meet gunmen ambushed the Sri bat as long as possible.” est batting average of the Bang- PakistanS for a two-match se- Lankan team bus en route to Imrul Kayes lbw b Lyon ...... 4 Lyon, the fi rst off -spinner to ladesh team. Left-arm spinner Mominul Haque lbw b Lyon ....31 ries in the United Arab Emir- the Lahore stadium, wounding open the Test bowling for Aus- Ashton Agar got the other wicket Shakib Al Hasan ct Wade b Agar ates, the cricket board said at least seven players. tralia since 1938, fi nally removed for Australia, as a three-pronged ...... 24 yesterday. Since 2009, the only inter- Sabbir in the 82nd over when spin attack took the battle to the Mushfiqur Rahim not out ...... 62 The Test series will start national team to visit Pakistan he was stumped by Mathew hosts. Sabbir Rahman st Wade b Lyon .. September 28 and is due to end is Zimbabwe, who played fi ve Wade. Agar dismissed Shakib Al ...... 66 on October 10 with one of the limited-overs games in Lahore Lyon, who fi nished with fi g- Hasan, whose all-round heroics Nasir Hossain not out...... 19 games slated to be played as a in 2015. Pakistan play their ures of fi ve for 77 off 28 overs, earned him man of the match in Extras (b5) 5 day-and-night match. “home” internationals in the said Australia bowled very the fi rst Test, for 24. Total (six wickets, 90 overs) Sri Lanka Cricket an- United Arab Emirates. well to pick off six Bangladeshi Rahim had won the toss and 253 nounced a 25-member But there were hopeful signs batsmen on “a pretty docile opted to bat fi rst on what looked Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Tamim), provisional squad led by Di- when Pakistan successfully wicket”. like a spinners’ paradise. Bang- 2-21 (Imrul), 3-70 (Soumya), 4-85 nesh Chandimal for the Test staged the fi nal of the Paki- “We got a bit fatigued in the ladesh brought in Mominul in (Mominul), 5- 117 (Shakib), 6-222 series. stan Super League – the rest later end of the day and gave too place of pace bowler Shafi ul Is- (Sabbir) Sri Lanka will also play fi ve of which was played in UAE – many free hits away,” he said, lam. Australia picked spin bowl- Bowling: Cummins 17-4-33-0, one-day internationals and under heavy security in March. describing Monday as “up there ing all-rounder Steve O’Keefe, Lyon 28-6-77-5, O’ Keefe 20-0- two Twenty20 matches in Abu Addressing the Asian Crick- with the hardest Test match who replaced injured fast bowler 70-0, Agar 17-6-46-1, Maxwell Australia’s Nathan Lyon delivers a ball during the first day of the second Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, a et Council in Colombo last cricket days I’ve ever had”. Josh Hazlewood. 3-0-6-0, Cartwright 5-1-16-0. Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong yesterday. (AFP) board offi cial told AFP. month, Sri Lanka Cricket chief A third T20 match will be Thilanga Sumathipala called played in Lahore, Pakistan for an end to Pakistan’s isola- FORMULA ONE subject to security clearance, tion and urged countries to the offi cial said. play there. “The exact itinerary will be released shortly,” the offi cial Sri Lanka squad: Dinesh said adding that one of the Chandimal, Dimuth Karu- Tests to be played in the UAE naratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal would be Sri Lanka’s fi rst with Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Vettel still smiling aft er diffi cult day the pink ball used in day-and- Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan night Tests. Dickwella, Sadeera Samara- Reuters home race knowing that it was but they (Ferrari) have not per- Last month, Sri Lanka’s wickrama, Rangana Herath, Monza, Italy likely to favour Mercedes but en- formed in the way everybody cricket board approved a tour Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan couraged by a strong showing in expected. “Red Bull’s Daniel to Pakistan, eight years after a Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Belgium the previous weekend Ricciardo started from the back deadly militant attack against Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru ebastian Vettel refused to when Vettel was on Hamilton’s of the grid, and almost fi nished the team brought top interna- Kumara, Jeff rey Vandersay, be downcast on Sunday tail all the way. third, which suggests something tional games there to a stand- Milinda Siriwardana, Roshen after surrendering the There have been races this is out of synch here and not how still. Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Charith Formula One champion- season where the Italian team it should be.” Sri Lanka Cricket had origi- Asalanka, Shaminda Eranga shipS lead to Lewis Hamilton on a have dominated, and they could Vettel, who had started in nally expected to play all three and Dhammika Prasad. dominant day for Mercedes and well do so again in Singapore in sixth place, said his Ferrari sim- a diffi cult one for Ferrari. two weeks’ time, but Monza was ply did not have the pace to With the Italian team’s home the equivalent of a bucket of cold match Hamilton and Valtteri Sri Lanka name T20 squad against India crowd cheering as he stood on water in the face. Bottas at the fastest track on the the podium, despite trailing in “I think we just screwed up,” calendar. Sri Lanka yesterday named a 15-member squad led by the third and half a minute behind Ferrari chairman Sergio Mar- But he also knew Ferrari had newly appointed Twenty20 skipper Upul Tharanga for a one-off race winner Hamilton, Vettel chionne told RTL television. a strong car and would be com- match against India at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. said he was energised for the “The set-up for the car was petitive to the end of the season. Wednesday’s match will be Tharanga’s first since being named battles ahead. wrong. I think we underestimat- “Overall you could say it was skipper for the shortest form of the game in July following the “For sure, they are giving us a ed the circuit.” a bad day, but I know the team resignation of Angelo Mathews who was the captain for all very, very hard time, especially Vettel is three points behind is on the right way and there is three formats of the game. at the moment, but we’ll see,” Hamilton with seven of the 20 a lot of stuff that is going to im- The one-off Twenty20 match is being played after Sri Lanka suf- the German told reporters. “It’s races remaining; Ferrari are 62 prove,” said Vettel. “I know that fered a whitewash by India in the five-match one-day interna- a long journey still. points adrift of Mercedes. we only get stronger, so I’m in a tional series on Sunday. It compounded a humiliating three-nil “I’m still full of adrenaline “For me, it looks like this very, very positive mood,” added defeat in their three-match Test series on home soil. from the podium, the atmos- weekend Ferrari have taken a the German. Sri Lanka squad: Upul Tharanga (captain), Angelo Mathews, phere was amazing. You can ask step back,” said Mercedes team “I am not worried... it was a Niroshan Dickwella, Dilshan Munaweera, Dasun Shanaka, whatever you want now, I don’t boss Toto Wolff after another diffi cult weekend but I know that Milinda Siriwardana, Wanidu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, care. You will always get a posi- one-two fi nish for the ‘Silver there is still a long way to go and Jeff rey Vandersay, Isuru Udana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Thisara tive answer.” Arrows’. we have got the people behind us Perera, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal and Vikum Sanjaya. Ferrari had arrived for their “I think we were very solid, so it is a great feeling.” Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel waves to the fans from the podium. (Reuters) Gulf Times Tuesday, September 5, 2017 5 SPORT

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SPOTLIGHT Arizona thrash Fair or foul, September Rockies, extend baseball is a diff erent winning streak ball game The winning streak is the longest since Arizona won a By Stephen J Nesbitt for Fangraphs the eff ects of September franchise-record 12 straight from June 18 to June 30, 2003 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette call-ups. Among them, he mined data for non-extra-inning games which lasted at least 3 { hours. The results t was Sept. 18, 1977 – four decades were unsurprising. Since 2000, no ago this month – when Clint Hur- month has had more such games than dle debuted for the Kansas City September. IRoyals, cracking a two-run homer Hurdle has used roster expansion – in his fi rst Major League game. Hurdle “abused it at times,” he admitted – to was 20, a former fi rst-rounder aff orded his advantage. When the 2007 Colo- an opportunity to play for the 103-win rado Rockies were barrelling toward Royals because the league’s roster re- the World Series, they won 14 of 15 strictions, set at 25 players from April games to end the season. In a win-or- to August, loosen to 40 in September. go-home Game 163, a 9-8 walk-off win At that time, Hurdle was living a in 13 innings over the San Diego Padres, dream. Hurdle deployed 23 players and made Now, count him among the baseball nine pitching changes. minds opposed to Sept. 1 roster expan- The Rockies set a league record Sept. sion. He’s never liked it, Hurdle said 16, 2015, by using 15 pitchers in a 16-in- two years ago. Not as a manager, any- ning win. way. The rule has been hotly debated On Oct. 4, 2015, San Francisco Giants over the years, with potential tweaks manager Bruce Bochy used 11 pitchers and fi xes fi red left and right, yet the in a 7-3, nine-inning home loss to the call-ups will occur again this week like Rockies. Bochy outfoxed himself. Af- they did last year and the year before ter Matt Cain threw fi ve innings, Jer- and the year before and... emy Aff eldt got two outs, Cory Gear- “Crazy. Horrible. I don’t get it,” Hur- rin one, Sergio Romo two, Brett Bochy dle said Aug. 29, 2015, shortly before one, Mike Broadway two and Josh Os- the Pirates summoned a handful of ich one. After eight innings and seven helpers from Class AAA Indianapolis. pitchers, the Giants led, 3-0. “It’s the way it’s always been. You’ve In the ninth, Javier Lopez was heard me say that tradition is a won- yanked after a one-out infi eld single. derful thing, but it also can be a vision Off George Kontos, now with the Pi- killer. Five months? Here’s your rules, rates, the Rockies sandwiched singles go play. Last month? Here, do it this around Corey Dickerson game-tying way. Do whatever you want. It’s like homer. Kontos and Cody Hall allowed free play.” three runs apiece. Yusmeiro Petit se- Each year, Hurdle, whether steer- cured the last two outs. ing a winner or a loser, emphasizes Bochy secured a record for most this: In the majors, there’s one brand of pitchers in a nine-inning game. baseball for fi ve months – then there’s Game play also is altered by roster September. Teams don’t often fi ll all expansion. Over the past decade, of- 40 spots on the active roster, but they fense accelerated in August, bringing promote prospects for their fi rst taste the highest run-scoring and homer of the majors and add players to bolster totals of any month in the season, yet bullpens, often swelling to double-dig- production crashed Sept. 1. Off ense it manpower, and to stock benches. declined from 4.429 runs per game In the most important month of the in August to 4.338 in September and New York Mets shortstop Amed Rosario (1) is hit by a pitch during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. season, suddenly there’s room on the October, with homers dropping from PICTURE: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports roster for extra pinch-runners, pinch- 1.040 per game to.982. The strikeout hitters, defensive specialists and lefty- rate (7.60) spiked to a season-high af- one-out relievers. It smacks of spring ter Sept. 1, and the walk rate (3.16) was The Sports Xchange ting a late-inning lead slip away Satur- triple over the head of center fi elder scored when Williams pulled a 1-1 pitch training, in ways. Clubhouses overfl ow. higher only in April. New York day to take three of four from National Byron Buxton put the Royals up 5-4. to right. Bullpens balloon. Substitutions resem- Hurdle has long supported the no- League East-leading Washington. ble line changes. Yet these games mat- tion of a “taxi squad,” as he called it, Santana put the Brewers on the board PIRATES 3, REDS 1 CARDINALS 7, GIANTS 3 ter. There are simply new pieces added allowing up to 40 players to reside in he Arizona Diamondbacks with a solo home run off Edwin Jackson Jordy Mercer and Starling Marte hit Paul DeJong and Jose Martinez late in a chess match. the clubhouse but making teams pick rested three regulars Sunday (5-4) in the second inning. After Neil homers as Pittsburgh made the most of smacked back-to-back home runs off “You play 80 % of your season with a 30-man roster prior to each game. but hit three home runs and Walker and Ryan Braun hit consecutive fi ve hits to beat Cincinnati at PNC Park. Madison Bumgarner, and Harrison even rosters,” then-Milwaukee Brew- Sure, they’d just kick their four start- won their 10th straight game, doubles in the fourth to make it 2-0, Trevor Williams (6-7), who was 0-3 Bader added a solo shot two innings ers general manager Doug Melvin told ing pitchers to the curb, he noted, but beatingT the Colorado Rockies 5-1 to Santana blasted a two-run shot to in- in his previous four starts, gave up eight later to power St. Louis past San Fran- MLB.com in 2009, “and then all of a at least it’s a start. Others have recom- sweep their three-game series. crease Milwaukee’s lead to 4-0. hits and a walk but managed to throw cisco. sudden, you throw that out. It’s like mended a similar solution, but cutting The winning streak is the longest seven shutout innings with the help of Luke Weaver struck out nine in seven playing three-on-six in basketball or the number of active players to 25. since Arizona won a franchise-record ORIOLES 5, BLUE JAYS 4 fi ve strikeouts and a double play. The strong innings as the Cardinals took 11-on-18 in football. I don’t know of In the latest round of collective-bar- 12 straight from June 18 to June 30, Mark Trumbo hit a game-winning Reds were 0-for-7 with runners in three of four in the series. The win al- any sport in the world that does it like gaining negotiations, the player’s un- 2003. The Diamondbacks lead the RBI single in the bottom of the 12th in- scoring position against him. lowed St. Louis to move within three ours, with this kind of imbalance of ion backed away from a deal, according Rockies by 6 1/2 games in the race for ning and Baltimore split a four-game Felipe Rivero got his 17th save despite games of Colorado for the second rosters.” to the AP, which would have expanded the top wild-card spot in the National series with Toronto. giving up an unearned run in the ninth. wild-card playoff spot in the National The impact on pace of play is evi- active rosters from 25 to 26 and lowered League. Welington Castillo hit two homers, League. dent. While the average time of a nine- the Sept. 1 limit to 28. Union chief Tony Ketel Marte hit a solo homer and including a game-tying solo shot in the WHITE SOX 6, RAYS 2 The day wasn’t a total loss for Bum- inning game continues to increase – Clark said they “lived to talk about Brandon Drury hit a two-run shot in ninth as Toronto closer Roberto Osuna Tim Anderson fell a triple shy of the garner, who allowed fi ve runs and fi ve from 2:51 a decade ago to 2:55 fi ve years it another day.” Commissioner Rob the three-run sixth inning that broke squandered an opportunity to tie a ca- cycle as he went 3-for-4 with a double, hits in six innings. He hit his third ago to 3:05 this year – roster expansion Manfred felt they were close but said, a 1-1 tie. Chris Iannetta homered in the reer high with his 36th save. a home run and three RBIs, and Chi- homer of the year that temporarily tied and the options it provides don’t help. “Nothing’s done until it’s done.” eighth, and starter Zack Godley held Jonathan Schoop led off the 12th cago cruised past Tampa Bay. the score at 2. In 2016, the Pirates’ nine-inning games Manfred acknowledged there were the Rockies to three hits and one run in with a double off Danny Barnes (2-6), Lucas Giolito (2-1) notched a career- after Sept. 1 were on average 2 minutes, mixed opinions on both sides. It’s an six innings. and two batters later, Trumbo stroked high 10 strikeouts in seven strong in- MARINERS 10, A’S 2 34 seconds longer than those from old rule. the ball into the left fi eld corner. Trum- nings for the win. Seattle used three home runs and April through August. “Maybe we were going too far, too RANGERS 7, ANGELS 6 bo also homered for Baltimore. Jose Abreu hit a two-run home run to a strong start from Andrew Albers to In 2014, Mike Petriello examined fast,” he said. Elvis Andrus homered twice and complement Anderson’s production at complete a three-game sweep of Oak- drove in three runs as Texas moved BRAVES 5, CUBS 1 the plate. Lucas Duda hit a solo homer land. back to.500 by hanging on for a victory Rio Ruiz drove in three runs and Max for the Rays. Albers threw fi ve no-hit innings BOXING over Los Angeles. Fried earned a victory in his fi rst major before allowing a leadoff homer in the Andrus hit a solo homer in the third league start as Atlanta snapped Chi- ASTROS 8, METS 6 sixth, and Robinson Cano, Carlos Ruiz to tie the score at 2. He then added in- cago’s six-game winning streak. Cameron Maybin and George and Mitch Haniger all homered. surance to a 5-3 lead with a two-run Fried (1-0) limited the Cubs to one Springer homered and Houston ral- Seattle blew the game open with a Bulgarian Pulev vows homer to left in the sixth. It was the run and four hits in fi ve innings. Fried, lied from an early three-run defi cit to fi ve-run eighth inning. Cano fi nished second two-homer game for Andrus who had made four appearances for complete an interleague series sweep of with four hits and as many RBIs and this year. He’s the fi rst Texas shortstop the Braves in relief this season, struck New York at Minute Maid Park. Haniger went 4-for-5 with a double to upset Joshua to have multiple-homer games in one out four and walked three. Atlanta’s Maybin, making his second start and two RBIs. season since Alex Rodriguez in 2003. bullpen combined for four scoreless in- since being picked up on waivers from Reuters “My preparations go very intense- Andrus’exploits helped Martin Pe- nings. the Los Angeles Angels last Thursday, INDIANS 11, TIGERS 1 Sofia ly because of the short time I have, rez (11-10) win his sixth straight start. The Braves, who had lost three struck the biggest blow in the Astros’ Jose Ramirez hit two home runs and and I will be perfectly ready when straight games, took a 3-1 lead in the fi ve-run third inning, belting a three- three doubles for the 13th fi ve extra- I get into the ring so that he has no PADRES 6, DODGERS 4 fourth inning when Dansby Swanson run homer off Chris Flexen (3-4) to base hit game by a player in major ulgarian Kubrat Pulev is confi - chance against me” Erick Aybar and Jose Pirela homer- snapped a 1-1 tie with an RBI single. push Houston to a 6-4 lead. league history, leading the Indians over dent of causing a major upset ed, Wil Myers hit a two-run, bases- The hit drove in Freddie Freeman, who Springer added his 31st homer lead- the Tigers. Both of his home runs never when he meets world heavy- IBO titles, has been told he must face loaded single in the seventh inning and led off the inning with a double. Ruiz ing off the fourth inning to stretch the left the park on their own. weight champion Anthony IBF mandatory challenger Pulev before Jhoulys Chacin held Los Angeles to two extended the Atlanta lead with a single lead to three runs. Francisco Lindor set a club record JoshuaB for the IBF title next month, Dec. 2 or risk being stripped of that belt. earned runs in seven innings in San Di- that scored Nick Markakis, who drew a for homers by a Cleveland shortstop confi rming the fi ght will take place on The 27-year-old Briton, undefeat- ego’s win. one-out walk ahead of Swanson’s sin- PHILLIES 3, MARLINS 1 (12) with his 26th and Josh Tomlin (8-9), on Oct. 28 in Cardiff . ed in 19 fi ghts, had been due to face It marked the fi rst time since June gle. Rookie Nick Williams hit a two-out, the disabled list since the end of July, “Anthony Joshua is a great and dan- Wladimir Klitschko in a rematch of 2013 that the Padres won three straight two-run single in the top of the 12th in- pitched one-run ball for 5 2/3 innings. gerous rival, but his style fi ts perfectly their April bout, which Joshua won with against the Dodgers, who have lost ROYALS 5, TWINS 4 ning to lead Philadelphia to a win over with mine,” the 36-year-old Pulev, who an 11th-round knockout, but Klitschko eight of their last nine games. Lorenzo Cain hit a go-ahead, two- Miami at Marlins Park. YANKEES 9, RED SOX 2 has only one loss in 26 fi ghts, wrote on has since announced his retirement. Alex Wood, activated from the disa- run triple and Melky Cabrera drove in Williams, who had failed to get a Aaron Judge hit his fi rst home run in his page in Facebook on Monday. Pulev, one of Bulgaria’s most popular bled list with SC joint infl ammation, two runs as Kansas City took two of runner home from third base with one more than two weeks, and New York “In boxing, the boxers’ styles dic- sportsmen, turned professional at the suff ered only his second loss in 16 deci- three games from Minnesota with a out in the fi fth and again in the 10th, blasted three homers against Boston tate the match and there’ll be not many age of 28 in September 2009, less than sions. He allowed four runs, seven hits, win at Target Field. found redemption against Junichi ace Chris Sale and concluded the sea- hugs, there will be a heavy boxing (on a year after winning the European ama- and three walks in seven innings. Cain’s triple came shortly after Tazawa (3-4). son series against its rivals with a vic- Oct 28). teur boxing title in Liverpool. Twins manager Paul Molitor was eject- The winning rally started with a tory. “My preparations go very intensely He has held the European heavy- BREWERS 7, NATIONALS 2 ed by home plate umpire Marty Foster. leadoff single by Daniel Nava. Pinch- Judge hit his league-leading 38th because of the short time I have, and weight title twice between 2012 and Domingo Santana hit two homers Molitor was tossed after arguing when runner Ricardo Pinto, a pitcher, came homer with two outs in the sixth off I will be perfectly ready when I get 2016 and has challenged once for the and drove in three runs to lead Milwau- Cain checked his swing on an apparent in and advanced on a sacrifi ce bunt by Addison Reed when he drove the right- into the ring so that he has no chance unifi ed world heavyweight title in 2014, kee to a series win over Washington. third strike. Ty Kelly. Pinto made it to third on a hander’s 1-1 fastball an estimated 469 against me.” losing to Klitschko in Hamburg on a Milwaukee bounced back from let- Two pitches later, Cain’s two-out passed ball from catcher A.J. Ellis and feet halfway up the left fi eld bleachers. Joshua, who also holds the WBA and fi fth-round knockout. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 5, 2017 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Lewis windfall spells good fortune USA’s Thomas for Harvey victims vaults into share of Dell lead ‘It was a great day. I just felt I had total control of my game. I drove it beautifully’

AFP least 50 people and unleashed mas- Portland sive fl ooding that damaged up to 50,000 homes in Houston. For Chun it marked another run- tacy Lewis picked the right ner-up fi nish in 2017. She shot a six- time to break out of a slump under 66 while Thailand’s Moriya and the end of her winless Jutanugarn (72) and American Brit- drought will bring a windfall tany Altomare (69) fi nished in a tie toS the fl ood victims in her hometown for third, six shots adrift of the lead. of Houston. Lewis moved to Houston at a The American golfi ng star had young age and her husband is the golf promised earlier in the week to do- coach at the University of Houston. nate her prize money to the Hurri- She completed the fi nal round cane Harvey relief eff ort. with 11 pars, scrambling for saves on Lewis earned her fi rst LPGA Tour the fi nal two holes. She had just one title in three years on Sunday at the bogey on the last day as she wrapped Portland Classic, fi ring a closing up her 12th career victory on the US round of 69 to defeat Chun In-Gee Tour. by one stroke. “I knew it was going to be hard,” Lewis did it by playing steady golf Lewis said. “I was hitting a lot good down the stretch. She posted four shots, a lot of good putts, and they birdies, two pars and a bogey over her just weren’t going in. fi rst seven holes but then parred the “To make that up and down on 17 Justin Thomas of the United States (R) acknowledges fans after putting on the 18th green as Dustin Johnson of the United States looks on during round three of the fi nal 11 holes to fi nish with a total of and then to hit the shot out of the Dell Technologies Championship at TPC Boston on Sunday in Norton, Massachusetts. 20-under 268. bunker on 18, it’s something you “That’s unbelievable,” said Lewis, dream about.” AFP fourth at 10-under. Championship, set for September 14-17 to the Tour Championship,” Leishman of her $195,000 winner’s check. Chun can’t shake the bridesmaid Norton, United States Despite a recent streak of three at Conway Farms Golf Club in Illinois. said. “When I said that I had the goal of label as she fi nished second for the straight missed cuts, the 24-year-old Then the top 30 players following the “So you know, happy with my start, winning the tournament, you have fi fth time in 2017. Thomas is in the thick of the FedExCup BMW Championship will qualify for the but I need another good round (Mon- got to get a lot of things right, to go “I made another bogey-free round. ustin Thomas roared back into race after his bogey-free round Sunday. Tour Championship at East Lake Golf day) to really turn it into a good chance your way. I think it was great round today,” the PGA Tour playoff picture with The reigning PGA Championship win- Club in Atlanta, beginning September to contend.” “We’re going to be able to help Chun said. “Stacy’s play was good, sizzling 63 on Sunday to grab a ner has 10 fi nishes in the top 10 this sea- 21. A points reset will take place prior to Casey fi nished strong making birdies rebuild houses and get their homes too. I really enjoy playing with Stacy. share of the lead after the third son, including four victories. the Tour Championship, giving all play- on three of his fi nal six holes as he has back. That’s more important than I know Stacy had a little hard time Jround of the Dell Championship. His playoff campaign got a huge shot ers in the fi eld a mathematical opportu- been fl ying under the radar late in the anything.” before, so I want to give to her big Thomas, who tied for sixth last week in the arm on Sunday as he drained eight nity to win the Tour title. season. Hurricane Harvey has killed at congratulations.” in the fi rst tournament of the 2017 Fe- birdies with all coming on par-fours Leishman fi red a bogey-free 65 to Heading into the Dell, the world No. dExCup playoff s, is the co-leader with on a rainy day at the par-71, 7,342 yard grab a share of the 54-hole lead with 14 was 12th in the playoff standings af- Australia’s Marc Leishman at 12-under course. Thomas. He rolled in six birdies on the ter fi nishing solo fi fth last week at the SPOTLIGHT 201 heading into the fi nal round of the “I’m extremely pleased,” Thomas day and has played his past 28 holes bo- Northern Trust event. tournament at the TPC Boston course. said. “It was a great day. I just felt I had gey-free. He never previous held a lead Jon Rahm, of Spain, who carried England’s Paul Casey is alone in third total control of my game. I drove it beau- or a co-lead heading into the fi nal round a two-shot advantage into Sunday’s after shooting a four-under 67 while tifully. I hit my irons really well, and my of a PGA Tour event. round, fi red a third-round 71 and is tied All Black prop world number two Jordan Spieth shot a short game was good if I needed it.” The “Knew coming in here that I needed for seventh at 204 along with opening 66 and is tied with Grayson Murray (67) top 70 players on the playoff points list to play well to try and obviously rise up round leader and world No. 1 Dustin and Canada’s Adam Hadwin (68) for after this event advance to the BMW the rankings, but you know, fi rstly, get Johnson (66). Franks set for surgery,

BASKETBALL out for the season

Reuters “It’s better to let him get it right Auckland and let him get back into some good recovery and a pre-sea- son and we’ll see when he gets ll Blacks prop Owen Franks back for the Crusaders” Finland, Israel in improbable will undergo season-ending surgery for an Achilles inju- cessive win of the tournament after ry on Friday, handing rookie opening with back-to-back victories NepoA Laulala an opportunity to se- over the Wallabies. cure a full-time test role. Australia will extend the use of comebacks at EuroBasket Sam Cane, Ryan Crotty and Wyatt blue cards issued to players suff ering Crockett have recovered from head from signs of concussion to senior DPA Earlier in Group A, France secured a knocks and been cleared for Satur- competitions after a successful trial, Tel Aviv dominant 115-79 victory over Iceland day’s Rugby Championship match offi cials said yesterday. for their second win. Nando De Colo led against Argentina in New Plymouth, The system was tried out at coun- the 2013 European champions with 16 All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. try clubs in the Australian Capital ost nations Finland and Israel points, while Edwin Jackson and Kevin “It’s better to let him get it right Territory and Newcastle this year, both came back from improb- Seraphin both chipped in 14 points as and let him get back into some good requiring those showing signs of able defi cits to snatch victories every France player scored and grabbed recovery and a pre-season and we’ll concussion to leave the fi eld if given on Sunday at the FIBA Euro- at least one rebound. see when he gets back for the Cru- a blue card. HBasket 2017, while Slovenia notched up Les Bleus improved to 2-1 in the group saders,” Hansen said of Franks at a They then need to pass a rigorous its third win in a row. in Helsinki after an opening day loss to media conference on Monday. set of medical guidelines including Finland trailed by eight points with 50 Finland. Iceland got 23 points from Jon “We will see how the operation time on the sidelines. seconds left in regulation but managed Stefansson but they were not enough goes fi rst and foremost and then go The Australian Rugby Union’s to secure a 90-87 victory in double over- as the team dropped to 0-3. In Group B from there.” head of community rugby services time over Poland in Group A of Europe’s action, Richard Howell had 23 points, Laulala gave a good account of Lachlan Clark said it will be rolled basketball championships. nine rebounds and seven steals for Israel himself in the number three jersey out nationally next year from juniors Group B also saw dramatic on-court while Omri Casspi picked up 20 points when he replaced Franks in the Bl- up to the National Rugby Champion- action, as hosts Israel fought back from and 11 rebounds and Guy Pnini scored 15 edisloe Cup test win over Australia in ship — the highest tier of competi- 16 points down in the fi nal nine minutes points, including a three-pointer with 28 Dunedin. tion below Super Rugby. to beat Germany 82-80 for their fi rst win seconds left to give Israel the lead and the Winger Waisake Naholo will miss “Country rugby clubs have paved at home in Tel Aviv. win. the match against Argentina follow- the way to make the game safer for At the Helsinki Arena, 20-year-old “This is a big win that makes a lot of ing a head knock he picked up in pro- everyone and soon our elite Super NBA star Lauri Markkanen scored 27 people happy,” said Israeli head coach vincial rugby. Rugby athletes will be following this points for the Finns, including a dunk Erez Edelstein, whose team moved to 1-2 Uncapped Auckland Blues loose protocol and setting the standards with eight seconds left to force the fi rst while opponents Germany are now 2-1. forward Blake Gibson could be in line worldwide,” he said. overtime against Poland. He then hit Germany were paced by Dennis Schro- for a test debut behind starting fl ank- “Australian rugby will also assist in a jumper with three seconds to play to Teemu Rannikko, Petteri Koponen, Lauri Markkanen and Erik Murphy of Finland der’s 20 points while Daniel Theis had 15 er Sam Cane, with Matt Todd nursing educating coaches, fi rst aid person- force double overtime. celebrate their 90-87 victory over Poland after two overtime periods in the points and 15 rebounds in the loss. a hand injury. nel and match offi cials as well as pro- “Great heart, great spirit, great eff ort. EuroBasket 2017 tournament. Group B also saw a battle of basket- “It came down to Blake and the vide a competition management sys- We really left everything we had on the ball giants with Lithuania handing Italy two Otago boys, (James) Lentjies tem which logs all concussion cases.” court,” Finland coach Henrik Dettman opening day of the competition in over- Slovenian national team’... I mean, he’s their fi rst loss of the tournament with a and (Dillon) Hunt but we just felt we A date for its introduction inter- said after the game. time. Poland got 18 points from US-born only 18 years old and you can see what he 78-73 win to give both teams 2-1 records. would look at Blake this week and get nationally to Super Rugby is yet to “At the same time as I am extremely, shooting guard AJ Slaughter but dropped can do,” said Dragic, who will be retiring Adas Juskevicius came off the Lithuania some better information on him,” be confi rmed, but offi cials said they extremely happy for the win, my heart is to 0-3 in the group. from the national team after this sum- bench and led the team in scoring with Hansen said. were aiming for 2019. bleeding that there is only one team that Meanwhile, Slovenia remained unde- mer. 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 13 “You can watch as many games as The trial, announced in March, can win this. But that’s basketball, we feated in Group A in Helsinki as teenage “I’m really proud of him and the whole points and eight rebounds. Luigi Datome you like but having him in your train- followed renewed focus on concus- were the lucky ones.” sensation Luka Doncic scored a game- of Slovenia is proud to have this kind of top-scored for Italy with 24 points in- ing environment is good. We will, sion in the sport after Wallaby fl y- Petteri Koponen added 21 points for high 22 points and veteran guard Goran diamond in our country.” Slovenia are cluding four three-pointers. Ukraine in time, probably have a look at the half Bernard Foley was sidelined by Finland, who improved to 2-1 with their Dragic added 20 points in Slovenia’s 78- now 3-0 atop Group A while Greece are tipped off the day in Tel Aviv with a sur- other two as well.” an head knock during a match in Feb- second win that was not decided in 72 win over Greece. 1-2 despite Kostas Sloukas picking up 18 prise as they beat Georgia 88-81 for their The defending champion All ruary that saw him miss the fi rst four regulation, after they beat France on the “I told him ‘You are the future of the points and six assists in the loss. fi rst victory of the tournament. Blacks are bidding for their third suc- rounds of the Super rugby season. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 5, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS HORSE RACING Al Shaqab Racing’s Karar wins Prix du Maria Sharapova Pin in Chantilly

Agencies the fi rst success at Group level Chantilly, France for Karar, whose previous best performance was over the same course and distance (sev- l Shaqab Racing’s en furlongs) when he fi nished back in business Karar was the wire- second in the Qatar Prix de la to-wire winner in the Forêt (Gr1) last year. Prix du Pin (Gr3) at “He has to be able to run the ChantillyA on Sunday. way he wants. I prefer to run him The Francis-Henri Graff ard- on good ground as it suits his ac- trained fi ve-year-old, who tion. I think that he will run in was coming off a second place the Qatar Prix la Forêt (Gr1). If at Clairefontaine, accelerated he gets his way in front, he could on and off court well in the straight under Gre- run well. 1,400m is his distance gory Benoist to win smartly and on his last start at Clairefon- ‘Like most controversial athletes, Sharapova has staunch defenders, as well as those ahead of Empire Of The Star taine (2nd) he was a bit too fresh,” that revile her actions and what they have meant to the game’ and Dame Du Roi. This was Graff ard said after the race.

Reuters New York

aria Sharapova’s outfi t sparkled even if her play some- times didn’t dur- Ming her grand slam return at the US Open but the former world number one’s run to the fourth round showed she is back in business on and off the court. Playing her fi rst grand slam since returning from a 15-month doping ban, Sharapova proved a polarising presence at Flushing Meadows, feted by adoring fans but vilifi ed in the small corners of the players’ locker room. Jockey Gregory Benoist rides Al Shaqab’s Karar to victory in the For television rights hold- Prix du Pin (Gr3) at Chantilly on Sunday. (Scoopdyga) ers and the United States Ten- nis Association (USTA), seeing Sharapova’s name on the entry FOCUS list was akin to winning the lot- tery, guaranteeing a bump in ratings and capacity crowds at the 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Qatar lose to Italy Stadium. With the tournament ravaged by injuries and withdrawals, in Division 5 cricket the Russian’s return provided a splash of glitz and glamour. By Sports Reporter 4x4, 1x6) and Rakibul Hasan She strolled onto fl oodlit Doha (62, 67b, 7x4) put on 123 runs Arthur Ashe as if on a catwalk, Russia’s Maria Sharapova leaves the court after loosing to Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova at the 2017 US Open in New York. (AFP) for the fi rst wicket. wearing a jet black dress that Though they both fell in the sparkled with Swarovski crystals ‘Sharapova had lost her spark before doping ban’ atar lost to Italy by space of eight balls, the open- for her opening match against six wickets in the ICC ers had done enough to set up Simona Halep and duly dumped Maria Sharapova’s grand slam seed Anastasija Sevastova at Sharapova, who won her last never gave up but there was a World Cricket League win for Italy. PA Petricola re- the second seed out of the tour- comeback was cut short in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. “To be grand slam tournament at the little bit of confidence missing.” Division 5 in Benoni, mained unbeaten on 21, while nament. SouthQ Africa yesterday. DG Crowley scored a quick- fourth round of the US Open able to come back and play like 2014 French Open, failed her Wilander said the former world Sharapova’s US Open end- on Sunday, but she had already she played is impressive but drugs test at the 2016 Austral- number one had brought a lot Qatar had won their open- fi re 36-ball 49. For Qatar, ed with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 loss to lost her spark even before her unfortunately when you go back ian Open. “She was not really to the US Open, her presence ing encounter on Sunday, Tamoor Sajid picked up two Latvian Anastasija Sevastova on 15-month doping ban, according you see she was not doing that playing that well before she got in the main stadium in her four beating Cayman Islands by 93 wickets, while Inam and Shah- Sunday, but her week-long run to former world number one well on tour since a couple of back from suspension. Why? matches making sure the 23,771 runs. The tournament is a long zad took one apiece. will help polish the Russian’s Mats Wilander. The Russian’s years before her suspension,” Maybe she was lacking a bit seats would be taken. qualifi cation journey for the tarnished brand. return to the big stage had been former US Open champion of that Sharapova fire, like she “(They were) great matches Cricket World Cup 2023, with Qatar, which is second in “Sharapova’s doping trans- eagerly anticipated and her Wilander, at the US Open as an was not as determined today,” for her on Arthur Ashe, four two teams earning promotion, points table behind Italy, gression was not terribly egre- opening win against second analyst for Eurosport, said in his said Swede Wilander. “On a few matches in a row,” said Wilander. while fi ve other teams are rel- will play their next match gious, neither performance-en- seed Simona Halep prompted daily chat with Reuters. “I think points I was a little bit surprised. “What is cool about Sharapova egated and one team remaining against Guernsey tomorrow hancing nor intentional, and her pundits to rate her among the I made a mistake, it’s not right I thought it was surprising that is that she was not down after in the division. ban seemed unduly harsh,” Bob favourites at Flushing Meadows. for everybody to think she could she did not win this match but making a mistake, everybody Yesterday, Qatar sent into On Sunday, Qatar amassed Dorfman of Baker Street Adver- But her run ended with a 5-7, have returned to a place where then I remembered how she was makes mistakes. She was an bat were bowled out for 209 up an impressive 343 for seven tising told Reuters. 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Latvian 16th she was six or seven years ago.” playing before her ban. “She inspiration for the tournament.” in 46.3 overs. They had a dis- from its 50 overs thanks to big “I suspect that’s why Nike astrous start to their innings scores from Shahzad (94) and suspended their relationship, after opener Faisal Khan was Dharmang Patel (93) at the Sa- but did not drop her. Caroline Wozniacki, Halep and worthy of anything she has pro- “Between Nike’s culture and slipping to second last year and out for nought in the second hara Main Oval in Kingsmead. “And with their number one Canadian Eugenie Bouchard duced on court. its history in accepting, if not dropping from the list complete- ball. Tamoor Sajjad was the Cayman Islands did get endorser Serena Williams off have been among the loudest “I’m in the fourth round. I’m defending athletes with indis- ly for 2017. top-scorer for Qatar with 40 off to a good start with Qatar the court indefi nitely, expect- dissenters. not sure where (Wozniacki) is,” cretions, it’s no surprise they are American Express, Avon and off 60 balls, which included openers Faisal and Inam dis- ing her fi rst child, Sharapova’s Fifth seed Wozniacki blasted said the wildcard. sticking with her for now. Tag Heuer did not renew their fi ve fours. missed cheaply with the score fi rst grand slam event since her the USTA and Sharapova when Hard feelings aside, even “In order for her to regain sponsorship deals with Sharapo- Opener Inam-ul-Haq made 16 for two. But nine fours and return is a grand opportunity for she was relegated to a small out- Wozniacki conceded she under- widespread marketability, her va, while retained arrangements a quick 30-ball 36, while Kam- two sixes from Shahzad and Nike to capitalise on America’s side court for her second round stood the business side of the performance will have to stead- with Nike, Head, Evian and ran Khan, coming in at No. 8, a further 14 boundaries from love for comeback perform- match while the 146th ranked sport and Sharapova’s place in it. ily improve over time, while any Porsche included huge reduc- scored 33 off 30 balls. Patel helped put Qatar in con- ances.” Russian soaked up the applause Her drug ban notwithstand- further unforced errors off the tions while she was off the Hasnat Ahmed was the pick trol. In reply, Cayman Islands Not everyone at Flushing on centre court. ing, Sharapova remains one of court would need to be elimi- tour for over a year, Forbes re- of the bowlers for Italy, the were unable to match Qatar’s Meadows was enamoured with “Who comes back from a the world’s most recognisable nated.” ported. spinner dismissing three Qa- big hitting batting line-up the comeback. drugs sentence, performance athletes and could be set to re- Sharapova was unable to de- Before her fourth round elimi- tari batsmen. Fast bowler Ga- with fi ve batsmen failing to get While the fans welcomed enhancing drugs and then all of gain her former corporate stand- liver extended stretches of bril- nation, Baker Street’s Dorf- yashan Munasinghe took three into double fi gures. her with open arms and stand- a sudden gets to play every single ing. liant tennis at the US Open but man said a deep run at Flushing wickets, while PA Petricola, Conroy Wright (74 not out) ing ovations, there was a chill match on centre court? I think “Like most controversial ath- there was every sign that the Meadows could return her mar- DG Crowley and CS Sandri put up some fi ght, but the Car- among a group of players who that’s a questionable thing to letes, Sharapova has staunch 30-year-old is set to climb back ketability to “pre-ban levels.” took a wicket each. ibbean side fell 93 runs short believe the fi ve-time grand slam do,” fumed Wozniacki. defenders, as well as those that up the rankings and reclaim “A grand slam win some time Italy, who had defeated on 250 for eight after 50 overs. champion was accorded special “It doesn’t set a good exam- revile her actions and what they her spot as one of the best paid would be a tremendous feel- Guernsey in its opening match, Qatar, which is second in treatment due to her profi le and ple.” have meant to the game,” David women athletes. good story that could vault cruised to the target in 41.5 points table behind Italy, will marketability. Sharapova was unapologetic Carter, principal of the Sports For 11 straight years, she Sharapova into a bigger endorse- overs losing just four wickets. play their next match against Former world number one and delivered a stinging return Business Group, told Reuters. topped the Forbes list before ment star than ever,” he added. Openers GP Meade (51, 84b, Guernsey tomorrow.

SPOTLIGHT Shapovalov hopes to give Canadian tennis a boost

Reuters when he made the semi-fi nal at nadian hockey legend Wayne New York the Rogers Cup in Montreal in Gretzky among his fans, is al- August, defeating world number ready exceeding the lofty expec- one Rafa Nadal and former US tations he set for himself on the ighteen-year-old Denis Open champ Juan Martin del court. Shapovalov wants his Potro along the way. At the start of the year his goal hockey-loving country With a powerful left-handed was to be in the top 150 of the of Canada to embrace forehand, a one-handed back- ATP rankings, he said. tennisE and hopes that after his hand, and fl owing blonde locks, After his run at the U.S. Open, star-making run at the US Open, the fresh faced Shapovalov is he will likely fi nd himself in the youngsters there will think twice also dealing with fame for the top 50 when the rankings are re- before getting on the ice. fi rst time. leased next week. “My goal is to raise the level of “Just a couple of days ago in In the meantime, he is trying Canadian tennis and have more Central Park, I was just walking to stay grounded even as his ce- kids picking up a racquet instead with my team and I ran into this lebrity grows. of a hockey stick,” he told report- kid who was shaking, you know, “I think I really need to get ers after his fourth round loss seeing me,” he said with amaze- back to work and my team is to Pablo Carreno Busta on Sun- ment. making sure that, fi rst of all, I’m day. “I think I’m making an impact staying healthy, and second of “I think I have defi nitely and hopefully I can continue to all, I’m always trying to get bet- helped to do that, and hopefully, do so because for me, the best ter,” he said. you know, I can keep doing it.” thing in life is to see kids like this “Hopefully in the future I can It has been a whirlwind last looking up to you and just aspir- make some more runs. Hopeful- few weeks for Shapovalov, who ing to be like you.” ly, eventually, in the long term, electrifi ed his home country Shapovalov, who counts Ca- I’ll be lifting up a cup.” Denis Shapovalov of Canada reacts during his fourth round US Open match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain. (Getty Images/AFP)

Tuesday, September 5, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS Top-ranked Pliskova races into US Open quarter-fi nals Sharapova ousted while Venus, Kvitova advance Comeback queens of New York seek US Open glory

Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic reacts after she defeated Garbine Muguruza of Spain during their fourth round US Open match. (Reuters)

Overcoming obstacles comes like 16, 18 weeks, whatever it was, virus, a precursor to mononucle- with the territory at the US I think that was probably the osis. Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic celebrates winning her fourth round match against Jennifer Brady of the US yesterday. (Reuters) Open but several women have toughest time for me,” she said. She could become the lowest- battled through serious injury to “Now that I’m running around ranked player to reach the US Reuters Next up for Pliskova is either eighth Slam title and third US did my best and I can be proud of become Grand Slam contenders and sweating, my ponytail is Open quarter-finals since the New York 20th-seeded American CoCo Open crown. that.” on the New York hardcourts. flying, these are all such great system began in 1975, although Vandeweghe or fellow Czech Lu- Kvitova eliminated Spanish Sharapova is expected to jump US star Sloane Stephens and Es- things. I think I’m just happy to four women who had no ranking cie Safarova, who play later. third seed and two-time Slam from 146th to around 100th in tonian qualifier Kaia Kanepi have be running around and compet- but got that far, most recently orld number one On Sunday, Maria Shara- winner Garbine Muguruza 7-6 the world rankings. Williams is fought major foot issues, Petra ing again.” Kim Clijsters in 2009. Karolina Pliskova pova’s Grand Slam return after a (7/3), 6-3 while Williams beat the oldest woman entered at 37 Kvitova rallied from a home Stephens has a Tuesday quarter- “In June last year, I didn’t care if I needed just 46 min- 15-month doping ban ended on 35th-ranked Spaniard Carla Sua- but was this year’s Wimbledon attack from a knife-wielding in- final against Latvian 16th seed didn’t play tennis again,” Kanepi utes to defeat Amer- Sunday with a fourth-round de- rez Navarro 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. and Australian Open runner-up. truder and Anastasija Sevastova Sevastova and she could match said. “I needed a break and the Wican Jennifer Brady 6-1 6-0 at feat but the former world number In Sharapova’s fi rst Slam since She hasn’t reached three Slam fi - took nearly two years off with her deepest Slam run to the longer the break the better.” Arthur Ashe Stadium and punch one considered it a major step in she tested positive for the banned nals in a year since 2002. back and muscle injuries. 2013 Australian Open semi-finals. Kanepi had already battled her ticket to the quarter-fi nals at her comeback. blood booster meldonium at the “I’m focused on myself and One of the “Comeback Queens” “When I started playing again at through back and Achilles issues. the US Open yesterday. Latvian 16th seed Anastasija 2016 Australian Open, she oust- trying to be as aggressive as pos- could end the Flushing Mead- Wimbledon I didn’t expect much. “I ignored pain, kept playing After facing a match point Sevastova rallied to eliminate ed second-ranked Simona Halep sible,” Williams said. “Nobody ows fortnight with a Grand I was just playing and having tournaments, thinking it would during her third-round battle the fi ve-time Grand Slam cham- in the fi rst round and served no- ever gives you a Slam. You’ve got Slam crown, but when it comes fun,” Stephens said. go away, but it got worse and I against Zhang Shuai on Satur- pion 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe tice to any contender her game to take it and I’m going to try and to what they appreciate most, “I’m still playing and having a couldn’t play at all,” she said. day, Pliskova was never pushed Stadium, booking a quarter- remains formidable. take it.” it’s just the chance to compete good time. That’s really all there “I started training in January. I by Brady, who failed to fi nd her fi nal against American Sloane “She played unbelievable Kvitova, 4-1 all-time against again. is to it.” felt better and my heels weren’t groove on a sunny day that cast Stephens, who ousted Germany’s throughout the fi rst and second Williams, missed fi ve months af- “I think it’s just being able to be Sevastova retired in 2013 due to hurting anymore so I decided to a severe shadow across centre Julia Goerges 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. set and I just kept fi ghting, run- ter a knife-wielding home intrud- pain-free, just being on the court various injuries but returned in try tennis again and it went on court. Brady struggled mightily Sharapova, the 2006 US Open ning for every ball,” Sevastova er injured her left hand last De- again,” Stephens said. 2015 after her body had healed from there.” with her service game, where she winner, was able to fi nd the posi- said. “I was confi dent. I was feel- cember. “I worked hard to come “I couldn’t play, I literally couldn’t and has reached the US Open And then there’s Kvitova, a was only able to connect on 39 tives after making 51 unforced ing it. But still you have to beat back and be here. It means a lot,” even go on the court, stand and last-eight for two consecutive two-time Wimbledon champion percent of her fi rst serves com- errors to only 14 by Sevastova, her. She was playing one of the Kvitova said. “I don’t have words hit a ball.” years after ousting Maria Shara- and Czech 13th seed who was pared to Pliskova’s 67 percent. whose 21 winners were half the best matches here.” to describe. It was a tough time. Stephens injured her left foot pova in the fourth round. stabbed in her left hand last De- Brady also struggled to read 30-year-old Russian’s total. Sharapova returned from her All fi ve months were very tough. last year and underwent surgery “You play the sport for these cember. She is in only her eighth Pliskova’s powerful serve and “Refl ecting back on the week, suspension in April, was snubbed “It was just a journey I didn’t in January, spending 11 months matches. I was ready,” she said. event of 2017. failed to convert either of her two I can be happy,” Sharapova said. for a French Open wildcard and know how it would end. If it ends recovering before returning at “I came pretty confident. But still, “I came here not with the great break point chances. “I think she “It has been a really great ride. missed Wimbledon with a thigh here on the big stage it’s a happy Wimbledon, where she lost her it’s getting tougher every match.” results on the hard court, but was a little bit nervous,” Pliskova Ultimately, I can take a lot from injury but received a US Open end.” first match. Kanepi, a 418th-ranked qualifier on the other hand, I feel that I’m said of the 22-year-old Brady this week.” wildcard despite only one hard- Muguruza still leads the fi ght She reached the semi-finals in in her first tour-level main draw playing good,” Kvitova said. “I’m during an on-court interview Tuesday’s other quarter-fi nal court tuneup match due to a left for world number one after the US Open tuneups at Toronto and of the year, has seldom played glad everything so far clicked following the match. will match Czech 13th seed Petra forearm injury. Open but will be overtaken if Cincinnati and has won 12 of her in the past two seasons due to together. “It was her fi rst time on Ashe Kvitova, a two-time Wimble- “It’s great to get that major out fourth seed Elina Svitolina makes past 14 matches. plantar fascitis in both feet and “It’s much more easier for me to so I tried to take advantage of don champion, against US ninth of the way,” Sharapova said. “I’m the semi-fi nals or top seed Karo- “Because I wasn’t able to walk for was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr feel more normal than before.” that.” seed Venus Williams, seeking her thankful for the opportunity. I lina Pliskova reaches the fi nal.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS beIN Media Group in partnership Sounds like a tall story at US Open AFP “I hope maybe they can un- deal with Olympic Channel New York derstand tennis is for everyone. It’s not just for the tall guys,” By Sports Reporter pic Winter Games PyeongChang Further programming will said Schwartzman, the 29th Doha 2018 which amplifi es beIN’s include live broadcasts from t sounds like a tall tale, ex- seed who in 2016 lost in the fi rst rights-holding broadcast agree- beIN’s extensive sports media cept it’s true. round of all four Grand Slams. ment with the IOC for the Olym- rights agreements, original se- When 6ft 8in (2.03m) “Sometimes it’s helping a lot ringing fans and view- pic Games. ries produced by the global Ol- Kevin Anderson faces 6ft if you are big, because you can ers closer to the Olym- “We are excited to collabo- ympic Channel, access to archi- I6in (1.98m) Sam Querrey at serve fast, you can do every- pic Movement all year rate with beIN Media Group to val footage from the IOC’s vast the US Open today, it will be thing fast on the baseline be- round, the Olympic deliver the Olympic Channel library, and additional news and the tallest Grand Slam quarter- cause you have more, the arms ChannelB and beIN Media Group experience to their audiences highlights. fi nal, semi-fi nal or fi nal of the are bigger than me. has announced a new partner- throughout this important and A daily Arabic studio show will modern era. “But I was always like this ship which began yesterday with growing region, bringing them carry Olympic related reports On the same day, Diego and I always try to improve my programming blocks leading to closer to the Olympic Movement and stories from beIN reporters Schwartzman, standing at just tennis and try to don’t think the launch of a 24/7 linear chan- all year round,” said Mark Park- in the region and from across the 5ft 7in (1.70m) will be the short- about.” nel on November 1 across 23 man, General Manager of the world. The programme will also est Grand Slam quarter-fi nalist Juan Martin del Potro, who Mena territories. IOC’s global Olympic Channel. feature personalities with an Ol- since fellow 5ft 7in Peruvian Kevin Anderson of South Africa returns a shot during his US Open was playing his fourth round Under the “Olympic Channel” “Our partnership with beIN to ympic connection who will share Jaime Yzaga at the 1994 US fourth round match against Paolo Lorenzi of Italy. (Getty Images/AFP) later Monday against Dominic brand, the partnership begins create a co-branded linear plat- their experiences and insights Open. In a Grand Slam tourna- Thiem, remains the tallest man with a daily eight-hour pro- form gives us a powerful position with the Mena audiences. ment thrown wide open by the “When it comes to the serve at the stats. He’s broken more to win a Grand Slam. gramming block on beIN Sports’ in Mena to further engage fans The new partnership com- absence of a host of top stars, especially, the height I can hit than anybody else, especially The Argentine, nicknamed free-to-air channel. For two and new audiences with the Ol- plements the Olympic Channel, the US Open has become a con- on the serve, Diego would have on the returns,” said Anderson. the “Tandil Tower” after his months, the branded program- ympic Channel brand and the Ol- which launched as a worldwide test of extremes. to jump very high to be able to “From the back, he’s an in- home town, stands 6ft 6in and ming hours will feature robust ympic Games than ever before.” digital platform following the For Anderson, playing in his match it.” credible mover. I think his bal- won the 2009 US Open. Olympic related content whilst “beIN is passionate about Closing Ceremony of the Olym- second quarter-fi nal in New At fi rst glance, the raw sta- ance, his change of direction, I But there is hope for little big promoting the 24/7 linear chan- sports. We are constantly col- pic Games Rio 2016. York, the contrasts between tistics back him up – Anderson think it’s maybe a little bit easi- man Schwartzman. nel and will off er year-round laborating with our global part- In eff orts to expand its off er- him and the likes of Schwartz- has played Schwartzman twice er when you’re not as tall. Australia’s Ken Rosewall, coverage of Olympic sports and ners to present sports to our ings, and in partnership with man are fascinating. and won on both occasions. “Given his size and stuff , he nicknamed “Muscles,” won athletes and their quest for suc- subscribers in high quality. its rights-holding broadcast “If you try to simplify it as But the Argentina player has really is able to play great eight Grand Slam titles despite cess, on a subscription basis. The Olympic Channel debut partners and National Olym- much as possible, I guess you emerged as the king of the re- tennis.” his slender frame of 5ft 7in. Highlighting the program- in Mena beIN network dem- pic Committees, the Olympic could say if a guy who is my size turn at the US Open, winning Schwartzman struck a Grand In more recent times, ming on the new co-branded onstrates that beIN is the only Channel is developing localised can move around the same as a 30 of 69 return games – the Slam blow for the little guy in Schwartzman’s compatriot “beIN Sports Home of the Ol- premium destination for sports versions that off er region- and guy who is much smaller, you second-best analysis of the en- the third round by downing Gaston Gaudio – at 5ft 8in ympic Channel” television net- lovers in the region.” said Yousef language-specifi c user experi- would think there are maybe tire tournament. Croatian giant Marin Cilic, a (1.75m) captured the 2004 work will be live, comprehensive al-Obaidly, Deputy CEO of beIN ences on linear and digital plat- going to be a few more advan- “Right now, Diego is the best towering 6ft 6ins and the 2014 French Open.“It’s not easy, but coverage of the upcoming Olym- Media Group. forms in certain territories. tages,” said the South African. returner on tour when you look US Open champion. I am here,” said Schwartzman.