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PAGE | 03 PAGE | 08 Qatar’sQat Al Attiyah AFC Champions sealssea 15th MERC League: Al Sadd title with win set for feisty clash in Cyprus against Al Hilal

Tuesday 1 October 2019

Samba clinches first medal for Qatar as Warholm wins 400m hurdles gold

FAWAD HUSSAIN Samba, whose build up for the place. I’m gonna prepare THE PENINSULA the worlds was marred by injury, myself for next season now,” recovered well in the last to Samba said. The much-anticipated men’s 400 clock 48.03 and earn first medal Warholm, ran in the final hurdles final last night had spec- for the home side. differently to his normal tators on their feet at the Khalifa “I think I cannot explain this approach, holding back through International Stadium, and feeling today because it’s the back straight rather than Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba did amazing. I know third place was going out hard. Samba, who was not let the home fans down. not my (desired) place but I say behind till the last moment, fin- Although the star athlete did thank you God because three ished well after a well-judged not win the race, he still days ago I was not sure to race. managed to clinch first medal compete or not. This season was “It’s very easy to say that you for the hosts at the IAAF World very hard for me because I had knew (I would win) afterwards. Athletics Championships Doha a lot of injuries. I say thank you I wanna say it too, but I wasn’t 2019, winning a bronze medal. God because I’m here tonight too sure, to be honest. This was Samba’s rivals, Karsten and I celebrate with this medal,” a very tough race. I actually felt Warholm of Norway success- Samba said after winning Qatar’s my heart was going to stop, it’s fully defended his title with a run first medal at the home no joke! I actually had pain in of 47.42 while American sen- Championships. my chest, thinking I’m gonna die sation Rai Benjamin claimed a “Actually, I started to but it’s gonna be worth it. And silver medal on his debut at prepare for next season now here I am, world champion and worlds, finishing the race in because I’m happy with the I’m not dead either,” Warholm 47.66. medal but I’m not happy with said after his victory. “This is only the beginning. I’m very lucky to win. In the future, these guys are going to be even tougher to beat so tomorrow I’ve gotta get up and work again. That’s what I love, always one more,” he said. “It’s very hard to describe. Norway is a small country, we put a lot of glory in our sport. For me to be showing up at the Abderrahman Samba with the Qatar Olympic world stage, it’s better than any- Committee Chairman, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad thing else,” the winner said. bin Khalifa Al Thani, after winning the hosts’ Kenya’s Chepkoech marks first medal at the IAAF Doha Worlds, yesterday. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA championships record to win gold In the women’s 3,000 stee- I really wanted to break CR Germany’s Gesa Krause but Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, plechase, there was no match today,” said Chepkoech after took bronze medal after clocking 20.37, failed to go to Kenya’s world record holder, winning the race. clocking 9:03.30 – a national through. Beatrice Chepkoech, who “I want to dedicate this record. In the men’s 110m hurdles demolished the field to win a medal to my parents – my dad heats, this year’s Diamond gold medal. and mum.” Lyles into men’s 200m final League champion Orlando Chepkoech, who ran 8:57.84 The opening kilometers World leader Noah Lyles Ortega of Spain was fastest with to make new world champion- lead made it easy for the yesterday looked a little out of a time of 13.15, followed by ships record, got off to a fast start Kenyan to overcome America’s sorts, but still finished the men’s Jamaica’s Omar Mcleod (13.17) and build lead right from the defending champion Emma 100m semi-final with quickest and USA’s Grant Holloway (13.22). beginning. The Kenyan missed Coburn, who finished with her time of 19.86. Ecuador’s Alex Qatar’s Kenza Sosse, partic- a medal at 2017 Worlds after personal best time of 9:02.35 to Quinonez just finished behind ipating in the women’s 400m taking a wrong turn and a wide secure a silver medal. the USA star with a time of 19.95. heats, failed to advance after fin- berth round the water jump. “I am super proud that I “I am calm and happy with ishing the race in 1:06.76. USA’s “I was cited to be in front have come away with the my time in the semi-finals. The Wadeline Jonathas (50.57), Bot- and controlled. I am glad to medals in the last three cham- focus is on the final, one race at swana’s Galefele Moroko (50.59) improve the championships pionships. As long I am fighting a time,” said Quinonez. and Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser record because I knew the time for those, I am super happy,” Canada’s Andre de Grasse (50.74) took the first three posi- Emma Coburn from London so said Coburn. also qualified for tonight’s final tions respectively.

Athletes competing in the men’s 400 metres hurdles final at the Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday. 02 SPORT TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2019

USA’s Noah Lyles on his way to Ethiopians shine in 5,000m as win the men’s 200m semi-final. Mariya completes hat-trick

ARMSTRONG VAS It was some stunning stuff from the Ethiopian’s as THE PENINSULAS a team and they are rewarded with gold and silver while Mohammed Ahmed of Canada clinched the bronze to Muktar Edris produced some stunning stuff to prevent a Ethopian clean sweep pushing another Ethi- successfully retain his 5,000m title at the IAAF World opian Telahun Haile Bekele to the fourth spot. Championships while Selemon Barega took the silver Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the European to complete 1-2 for the Ethiopians at the Khalifa champion, and one of the three Ingebrigtsen brothers Stadium here yesterday. competing in the event finished fifth. The 25-year-old, roared on by a noisy contingent At one part of time the 19-year-old Norwegian, of flag-waving Ethiopian fans in the crowd, out- the youngest of the three Ingebrigtsen brothers was sprinted compatriot Barega to win in 12 minutes 58.85 leading, but flattered at the last lap. seconds, becoming the first Ethiopian in history to Jakob simply melted away in the final lap, paying successfully defend the world title that he won in for having to surge in the middle of the race to keep London two years ago. in touch, and for being overly physical in the closing It was the first 5,000 world championship final laps. His two others brothers, both former European since 2005 not to feature Britain’s Mo Farah who has champions, Filip did not finish the race while Henrik won the title three times. came 13 in the field of 15. This race was considered wide open because two of the top at the distance, Yomif Kejelcha and Joshua Cheptegei, were not in the field to focus on the 10,000. In the end Edris walked away with the gold to give Ethiopia the first gold of the championship. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Daniel Stahl went one better than his 2017 silver medal with gold in the discus, throwing 67.59 meters. The Swede charged down into the field in cele- bration before being embraced by his Swedish teammate Simon Pettersson. Fedrick Dacres of Jamaica was second and Lukas Weisshaidinger of Austria third. Meanwhile, in the women’s 800m, Halimah Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris (right) winning the men’s 5000 metres final during the 2019 IAAF Nakaayi of Uganda accelerated in right time to burst Athletics World Championships in Doha, yesterday. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA past Ajee Wilson to clinch the gold. Wilson, who dominated much of the race, leading from the front, finished third. Raevyn Rogers, who seemed broken for much of the race in 7th place, sprinted past a group to take the silver medal from her training partner. Stay focused and forget In the women’s high jump, Mariya Lasitskene, a Qatar’s Kenza Sosse Russian competing as a neutral athlete, continued gestures before the her dominance by becoming the first three-time world the rest: Legend Lewis start of the women’s champion in her discipline. 400 metres heats The day however belonged to 18-year-old Yaro- yesterday. PICTURES: slava Mahuchikh of Ukraine, who cleared a height of ABDUL BASIT / shares winning formula 2.04, a world junior record, in her third attempt to secure THE PENINSULA silver. Vashti Cunningham of USA took the bronze. FAWAD HUSSAIN “It’s obviously very, very THE PENINSULA competitive but I don’t think it’s any more competitive at Athletics legend Carl Lewis the championship level than China sweeps podium in yesterday gave a simple it was back when we were formula to the modern day competing . I think it’s just athletes to achieve their competitive throughout the women’s 20 km race walk goals, telling them to focus season. So with all the tech- on their performance and nology and all the high per- ARMSTRONG VAS forget about the rest. formance tracks and every- THE PENINSULA “You can clock the thing else, we could have fastest time which you may had second and third 30 China made a podium sweep in have targeted before the years later.” the women’s 20km race walk as race but still you may end “Well, having been Liu Hong, Qieyang Shenjie and up losing. Don’t target the competing thirty years ago Yang Liujing picked up the gold, medal, focus on your with timings that are still silver and bronze respectively at timing, your performance among the top three of the the Corniche yesterday. and forget about the rest,” world means that athletics The 32-year-old Hong, this was the gist of the is still a human sport. What returning to the competition after International Olympics it’s important to think about, a two-year maternity break, Committee’s ‘Sportsman of more than focusing on past landed her third world 20km race China’s Hong Liu the Century’, Lewis’ advice years mistake is that we walk title. crosses the finish during an event, which was leave the sport better than It was also the first time one line to win gold in organised by the Interna- it was and everybody can do nation had swept the medals in a the women’s 20 tional Sports Press Associ- this part for this.” women’s race walking event at the Kilometres race walk ation (AIPS) in collaboration World Championships as her at the Corniche in with the Qatar Sports Press Legend unhappy with Chinese team-mates followed her Doha, yesterday. Committee at the Torch the IAAF across the finish line. Hotel. The 58-year-old was Nine-time Olympic golf medallist But it was only in the last few Lewis was joined on the unhappy with the athletics Carl Lewis kilometres that the Chinese trio panel by compatriot Leroy governing body, saying the emerged as the likely medallists Burrell, who twice set the IAAF has not evolved like as they had several other athletes world record for the 100m sprint, AIPS Pres- football, basketball and cricket. for company up until that point. ident Gianni Merlo, and Italian sprinter Fillipo “We are just not progressing, we are just Unsurprisingly, the pace for Tortu, who qualified for the final of men’s 100m doing the same thing over and over. If you go the opening laps of the two-kilo- On choosing between 20km at the first part of race and then at the ongoing IAAF World Athletics Champion- to other sports, every little detail is taken care metre circuit on Doha’s Corniche and 50km after she became the to speed up.” ships Doha 2019. of and there is entertainment. These sports they was comfortable for most of the world record holder in both dis- Meanwhile, silver winner “Focus your goal having it clear and without become television shows they strived to get leading contenders. tances she said: “I managed to Shenjie seemed delighted with the being afraid to tell it loud. This is your objective better and better,” said the American track and “I’m happy to win gold. It’s my break the world record at 50km podium sweep. and you work with it always in your mind. Think field icon. third one the major athletics in my debut. Honestly, while pre- “I am quite happy to win of yourself as a business for your long term “If you look at the way every single popular events. Tomorrow is the anni- paring for Doha, I felt more con- silver because Liu is so strong. I career and your training for your short term sport is run, it’s different; the stadium looks versary of the proclamation of the fident about the 20km. That is am happy with the second place career so figure out how you are going to max- spectacular the presentation is spectacular, People’s Republic of China. To why I decided to compete at this finishing behind her. The most imise this time,” Lewis, , the only man to suc- they take care of every little detail. Even things sweep all three medals for the first distance.” meaningful moment is that China cessfully defend both a 100m and long jump like... why are we still putting numbers on our time in the history of our event is The gold medal winner said swept the podium. That was the Olympic title, advised Tortu during the chat. chests? They put numbers with pins? If we our good for our country,” Hong it was teamwork which helped most important and proud “In anything you are going to have to make were thinking of television, we would take said. them. moment.” sacrifices. So now you are in professional track that off so that you will see the uniform on On her remarkable comeback “This time we had four ath- Yang on the other hand said and field you have to think like a professional. TV.” after giving birth to a child she letes to compete. It is the biggest the medal was a big surprise Think of what you can do and what you and He also complained about the less prize said: “Some changes have hap- possible amount of people com- which landed into her kitty. your manager can do to maximise this moment money for the athletes. pened in my life. I’m not only an peting for a country. We have a “Before the race I did not because you are going to build a brand,” he “My issue is that they pay 60,000 for the athlete, but I became a mother. So, strong team and it does not matter expect to win a medal because I added. winner. We were paid 60,000 for the winner I have to devote much time to for us who wins because we have am the younger in the team. So, I in 1997. So if you look at it in US Dollars - a cost balance family life and training. It the same dream. We got along expected only to learn from my ‘Not much has changed in sprint’ of living increase - it should be 93,000 this year. was a bit difficult for me as I have with the weather well. Everyone sister (Jiayu Yang) but she was Lewis, replying to a query, said that no sig- So they are paying the same prize money and to focus on the training and make wants to get a medal that is why disqualified. I’m lucky to win a nificant progress has been made in athletics par- every year the athletes get less. So 30,000 is my training more effective.” we decided to support each other medal.” ticularly in athletics despite the technology. the value of gold medal now.” TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 03

Al Attiyah seals 15th MERC title with win in Cyprus

QNA which was set to take place from October 31 to November 2. It was NICOSIA also Al Attiyah’s seventh Cyprus Rally win. Qatar’s Abdulaziz Saudon Al Kuwari finished second in the Middle Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah won the Cyprus Rally on Sunday after a East Rally Championship behind Al Attiyah. He struggled with tech- dominant display. nical problems throughout today’s rally and finished in ninth place The win guarantees Al Attiyah going home as the champion Middle overall. East Rally Championship (MERC) for the 15th time in the last 17 years. “I am really happy to win here. This is one of our favorite rallies,” The win comes following the cancellation of the fifth round in Kuwait, Al Attiyah said.

Qatari Driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (right) and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel after winning the Cyprus Rally on Sunday. The victory also secured Al Attiyah his 15th Middle East Rally Championship Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel in action title. PICTURE: TWITTER / VOLKSWAGEN MOTORSPORT during the Cyprus Rally. PICTURE: TWITTER/FIA ERC

ATP WORLD TOUR TOKYO RESULTS Andreescu ‘on a roll’ MEN’S SINGLES Round Of 32 Lucas Pouille (5), France, bt Hubert Hurkacz, Poland, 6-4, 6-3. after 14th win in a row Marin Cilic (6), Croatia, bt Yuichi Sugita, Japan, 6-4, 6-4. AFP I can just keep it up because I think it gives me a lot of Yoshihito Nishioka, Japan, bt Joao Sousa, Portugal, BBEIJINGEIJING confidence,” added the world number six, who qualified 7-5, 6-3. for the season-ending WTA Finals. Chung Hyeon, South Korea, bt Lorenzo Sonego, BiancaBianca Andreescu said that she hhasa “forgotten how “I don’t want to sound cocky or anything, but I kind Italy, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. it feels to lose” after the US OpenOpen champion reeled of forgot how it feels to lose, which I think is a good thing.” Men’s Doubles offoff her 14th victory in a row yesteyesterdayr in Beijing. Andreescu looked all set to carry on her blistering Round Of 16 TheThe 19-year-old CanaCanadiand beat Aliak- form against Sasnovich and emphatically captured the first Bruno Soares, Brazil, and Mate Pavic (4), Croatia, sandrasandra SasnovichSasnovich of Belarus 6-2, set. bt Novak Djokovic and Filip Krajinovic, Serbia, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 inin the China Open But she struggled with her serve in the second, totting 4-6, 10-4. firstfirst roundro despite a up six double faults and was in danger of losing her cool in Austin Krajicek, United States, and Dominic Inglot, second-setsecond- wobble. the Beijing heat and haze. Britain, bt Horia Tecau, Romania, and Jean-Julien ButBut Simona Halep Normal order was restored in the deciding set, Andreescu Rojer, Netherlands, 6-1, 6-3. becamebecam the first major breaking Sasnovich’s first service game and then holding casualtycasuc al in the Chinese her own to take a 3-0 lead and an advantage she refused WTA/ATP CHINA OPEN RESULTS ccacapicapcapital,a tal beaten by Rus- to surrender. WOMEN’S SINGLES sia’ssia Ekaterina In round two the Canadian plays Elise Mertens, the world 1st round AlexandrovaAl with number 23 from Belgium. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) bt Veronika ththe Romanian Andreescu said that her stunning victory at the US Open Kudermetova (RUS) 6-0, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4) sstrugglingtr once had yet to fully sink in, even three weeks on. Bianca Andreescu (CAN x5) bt Aliaksandra moremo with a back “But I think I’ve learnt a lot from the past couple of Sasnovich (BLR) 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 injury.inj weeks, during the tournament, even after the tournament Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Petra Martic (CRO) 6-2, 6-3 Andreescu’s with all the media, all that,” she said. Jennifer Brady (USA) bt Amanda Anisimova (USA) runr of victories “I think I’m managing it really well. I think that’s why 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 has brought her I feel good coming into this tournament.” Madison Keys (USA x11) bt Karolína Muchová (CZE) the US Open and Reigning Wimbledon champion Halep lost 6-2, 6-3 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) her home in 64 minutes to bring her China Open to an early end. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x16) bt Lauren Davis (USA) CanadianC Open in Halep,p, fifth in the world, was far from her best as she 6-1,6-1, 6-36-3 recentr weeks, went downwn meeklymeekly to Russia’s 38th-ranked Alexandrova propellingpr her into in the secondecond round.round. 2nd2nd rroundound thethe limelight. The 228-year-old8-year-old HaHaleplep was forcedforced out ofof lastlast week’sweek’s Kiki BertensBertens (NED(NED x8) bt Dayana Yastremska ((UKR)UKR) “I“I wanted to just Wuhan OpenOpen becausebecause ofof herher troublesometroublesome back,back, whichwhich 7-67-6 (7/5), 6-36-3 keepkeep tthehe momentumomentumm going,” said the she says hashas plaguedplagued herher forfor more thanthan a EEkaterinakaterina Alexandrova (RUS)(RUS) bt Simona Halep teenager,teenager, aafterfter hherer firstf match since decade. (ROU(ROU x6)x6) 66-2,-2, 6-36-3 stunningstunning Serena WilliamsWillia in the final at Chinaa Open title-holder Caroline Katerina Siniakova ((CZE)CZE) bt Jelena OstapenkOstapenkoo FlushingFlushing MeaMeadowsdow in early Wozniackicki swatteswattedd asiasidede Lauren (LA(LAT)AT) 6-2, 6-6-11 Bianca Andreescu September.September. Davis of the United StatesStates,, 6-16-1,, “I’m on a roll rightrigh now, hopefully 6-3, to giveve hherer tthehe perperfectfect start. MEN’SMEN’S SINSINGLESGLES 11stst rroundound ZhangZhang Zhizhen (CHN)(CHN) bt Kyle EdmundEdmund (GBR)(GBR) 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5)(7/5) Zverev, Khachanov advance inn ChinaChina KarenK Khachanov (RUS(RUS x4) bt PabloP CuevasCuevas (URU)(URU) 6-2,6-2, 7-67-6 (9/7)(9/7) JeremyJJeJereme y ChardyChardy (FRA)(FRA) bt MarcoMarco REUTERS serve during the match, with in two hours and 21 minutes. againstagainst her unseeded CecchinatoCecchinato ((ITA)ITTA) 6-7 (7/9), 6-3, BEIJING Tiafoe failing to convert one Top seed Dominic Thiem is oopponent.pponent. 77-6-6 (7/4(7/4)) break point. in action today when he takes on “It“It was a prettypretty AAndreyndrey RublevRublev (RUS)(RUS) bt GrigorGrigor German second seed Alexander Fourth seeded Russian Karen veteran Frenchman Richard toughtough matchmatch butbut I thinkthink Zverev carried his Laver Cup Khachanov advanced after he Gasquet while unseeded Andy sheshe didn’tdidn’t playplay thatthat well,”well,” DDimitrovimitrov (BUL)(BUL) 6-2,6-2, 7-57-5 winning form into the China saved three set points in the second Murray takes on Italy’s Matteo AlexandrovaAlexandrova said.said. Open as he sailed into the second set tiebreak to beat Uruguayan Berrettini. “I rememberremember when we round with a 6-3, 6-2 victory qualifier Pablo Cuevas 6-2, 7-6(7). Russia’s Ekaterina Alexan- playedplayed last time in Cincinnati, it over wildcard Frances Tiafoe in Andrey Rublev also won in drova upset sixth seed Simona wwasas tougtougherher tthanhan totoday.”day.” Beijing yesterday. straight sets, beating US Open Halep in straight sets in the Zverev, who won the Laver semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, second round of the Women’s Cup for Team Europe in a 7-5. The Russian broke Dimitrov side, recording a 6-2, 6-3 win in thrilling finale last week, fired 10 twice in both sets to move into Beijing for her first top-10 victory aces and won 78% of his first the next round in 75 minutes. of the season. service points. He also broke the Jeremy Chardy’s encounter Halep was troubled by the American three times to wrap up with Italian Marco Cecchinato back injury that forced her to the contest in 70 minutes. went the distance, with the withdraw from last week’s Although Zverev had three Frenchman coming out on top Wuhan Open, dropping serve six Alexander Zverev double faults, he never dropped with a 6-7(7), 6-3, 7-6(4) victory times in the 63-minute encounter 04 SPORT TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2019 TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 05

Supermoms Barshim ready to fly high at Doha Worlds rock the IAAF party ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

iving birth is probably the hardest physicalysical chach challengellengelenge a awomwo wom-- an’s body can endure. However, returningingin back back to tointer internationale nationala competition after giving birth is probablyablbly just just as as tou tough.gh. On Sunday at the IAAF World Championships,mpionships, two two w omenomwomen GShelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica and Alissonon F Felixelixel o off USA USA joined joinedned a a select band of sportspersons who have foughtbac backk the the odds odds t oto makmake make impressive return to competitive sports. Jamaican Fraser-Pryce staked her claim ass one one of of the the g greatestreatest female sprinters of all time by storming to victorytory in in the the w women’somen’sn’ss 100 meters final while Felix broke Usain Bolt’ss recor recordd for for t hethe mos mostt world titles, grabbing her 12th overall and firstt as as a a mom mom a ass part part o fof the first mixed-gender 4x400m relay team. Fraser-Pryce blew away a world-class fieldd in in a atime time o fof 10.7 10.711 sec sec-- onds to claim her fourth World Championshipp titl titlee in in t hethe dis disciplinecipline and eighth world title overall. The victory came just 13 months after Fraser-Prycer-Pryce gav gavee birt birthh to to her her son Zyon. “It was hard. I was really scared when I hadd to to d doo a a C C-section-sectisect on and and was was It’s been difficult with a lot of com- out for nearly 10 weeks. I was unable to lift weightsghts on on my my back,” back,” the the 32-year 32-year-- plications physically to overcome. I old said after her victory, where she was joinedd on on t hthee tra ractrackk by by Z Zyon.yon. Surrendering a high-intensity training regimeimee an anddped peak peak p physicalhysical foo formrm can can am very grateful to be here. I didn’t be hard, and these changes aren’t always easyy fo forr elitel elitee at athleteshletes t oto acceac accept.pt. As Ask-k- have a full training season like I used ing a sportswoman to listen when her body iste tellingllingng h herer to to slow sloww d owndown or or stop stopp to have, that was a real challenge can be the biggest challenge. for me this year. To be able to make “So it was a long journey coming back physicallyicallyally and ndand m mentallyentaentallally beca becauseauususese I wwas I was 30 and everyone else was running fast. I waswor worriedrrriedd a boutaboututt w whetherhetherer I waswa I was goingoing going it here is a real big deal for me.” to come back OK. I just really worked hard,” shehee added added.. Fraser-Pryce said she did not deviate fromm her her g goalsoalsalss p postost pr pregnancy.eegegnancanccyy. - Alisson Felix “When I heard people said I should call it ad day,ay, I Iju justsst kne kneww I wawI wasn’tsnsn’t readeady readyy to to go. I knew I had something left to do. I never lostt fo cusfocusus ono on the the gooaoal goal ann dand the the dreadream. dream.”m.” “Tonight (Sunday) was one of those momentsentsnts I Iama am reareally reallyallyal proudpro proudud of of be becausecausesee for women in athletics it’s very hard to take abbrea breakreakk and andd coc comemee bacb acbackk to to sprinprinti sprinting.intinnting.g It took a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice. “Having Zyon being able to witness tonightt isi is de definitelyfinitetellyy a a m momentomenmentenent I’llIlI I’ll c herhcher-r- ish. He reminded me of how much I had to workkann anddfidfigh fighthtasa aswwom a omwoman.manm Theh Thee woworldw worldld believes you should wait until you’re finished to have a baby, but I had other plans,” she added. She isn’t the only sportsperson to have shifted from childbirth back to elite athleticism in an astoundingly short time frame. I’m a person that loves sports. Felix at 33, broke her tie with Bolt for the most world titles. “It’s been difficult with a lot of complications physically to overcome. I’ am I really love track and field. I like very grateful to be here. I didn’t have a full training season like I used to have, to be active. It was a big challenge that was a real challenge for me this year. To be able to make it here is a real big having to do the most, with the least deal for me,” Felix said about the physical which went into the mixed relay race at the World training. But hey, I’m here though! Championships. We’ve got one more target to go, at On beating Bolt’s World Champi- the World Championships. I hope for onships’ gold medal record she said: the best then.” -Mutaz Barshim. “I didn’t come here for this at all, I came with a different mindset. For me this was actually super special, because my daughter was here for me. It’s always FAWAD HUSSAIN record 2.46m world record. He was very close nice to make a little bit of his- THE PENINSULA but ended clutching his ankle. tory, but this was a different “What was crazy was when I got out of kind of year for me.” surgery, a few hours ago, I was trying to jump atar’s gravity-defying star Mutaz a world record, and a few hours later I Barshim will have his dream couldn’t even walk,” he said. 2017 season in mind when he Barshim said he will give his best to begins his title defence at the defend the title and make Qatar and the home 2019 IAAF World Athletics fans proud. Q Championships, today at the Kha- “I’m a person that loves sports. I really lifa International Stadium. love track and field. I like to be active. It was The two-time Olympic medalist literally a big challenge having to do the most, with So it was a long won every title in which he competed two the least training. But hey, I’m here though! journey coming years ago including a gold medal at the World We’ve got one more target to go, at the World Championships in London. Barshim also Championships. I hope for the best then,” said back physically became the first ever high jumper in the world Barshim. and mentally to clinch the 2017 IAAF Athlete of the Year The Qatari star despite his struggle will because I was award after going undefeated in 11 competi- appear in the high jump event as one of the tions and producing nine of the year’s 11 favourites to win a gold medal. Among the 30 and every- highest jumps. entrants, 19 athletes have cleared 2.30m while one else was But the Olympic bronze and silver in 2012 only four of them have successfully sailed running fast. and 2016 has been struggling to regain his over 2.33m. I was worried golden form since returning to action follow- The world leader is Belarusian Maksim ing an injury that kept him in the sidelines Nedasekau, the 21-year-old who improved about whether for months during the 2018-2019 season. to 2.35m to win the Europe-USA match in I was going “I was winning everything in 2017. That Minsk on 9 September, his only leap better to come back was an outstanding year for me,” Barshim than 2.30m this season. said in an interview ahead of his contest at Authorised neutral athletes Ilya Ivanyuk OK. I just really Doha Worlds. and Mikhail Akimenko have chiseled worked hard.” In Gyulai Memorial in Székesfehérvár, together good seasons, both topping 2.33m Hungary, last year Barshim attempted a world and 2.31m. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce 06 SPORT TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2019

Scotland prove too strong Youthful France look to weather for 14-man Samoa at WC US challenge AFP KOBE REUTERS FUKUOKA Scotland revived their Rugby World Cup campaign with a decisive 34-0 win over Samoa in The threat of a typhoon may be fading over Fukuoka but the Kobe yesterday that saw the winds of change continue to blow through France at the World Pacific islanders finish a man Cup as they look to build momentum against the United States down. in their second Pool C encounter tomorrow. Victory was all but assured The youthful starting side that survived a huge fightback by after a burst of 17 points in eight Argentina last week has all but been swept away by Jacques minutes late in the first half left Brunel, with the 65-year-old coach opting for greybeards over Scotland 20-0 ahead at the rookies in key positions against the Eagles. interval. With a quick turnaround between the US and their third match Scotland wing Sean Maitland against Tonga, Brunel said the 12 changes to his starting 15 were and Greig Laidlaw scored tries, a sacrifice to keep the squad fresh rather than evidence of a lack both converted by the fly-half of respect for the 13th-ranked Americans. who also kicked an early penalty, “You can’t say we didn’t take the opposition into account,” before fullback Stuart Hogg Brunel said in Kumamoto yesterday. “We’re wary of this American landed the Scots’ first Test-match side because of the physical qualities they’re developing. The drop goal for more than five years English did a good job of dominating them. We hope to do the with an audacious effort from just same.” inside the halfway line. With regular captain Guilhem Guirado benched, number Samoa’s TJ Ioane in action with Scotland’s Sean Maitland during their 2019 Rugby World Cup Scotland secured the four-try eight Louis Picamoles will lead the team for the first time in his match at Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe, Japan, yesterday. bonus point with two penalty 81st test. But it will be the men immediately behind Picamoles tries, Ed Fidow shown a pair of that may provoke the most heated Gallic debate. Flyhalf Romain yellow cards that meant the ninth-minute penalty would be Ritchie. The openside flanker’s consulting the television match Ntamack has been demoted while scrumhalf Antoine Dupont Samoa wing saw red six minutes the lone score of a first half where clever inside pass released official, awarded a penalty try has been dropped altogether after the youthful pair started against from time. both sides struggled to hold on to Laidlaw, who fended off a poor and sent Fidow to the sin-bin -- the Pumas and helped drive France to a 20-3 halftime lead. Scotland were in desperate the ball in humid conditions challenge from Samoa fullback Samoa’s third yellow card in two Camille Lopez, who booted the winning drop goal against need of a victory if they were to under the closed roof of the Kobe Tim Nanai-Williams before matches -- for collapsing the Argentina, will start at 10, with Maxime Machenaud earning his have any hope of reaching the Misaki Stadium, with the biggest crossing by the posts for a try he maul. first start at scrumhalf since March. quarter-finals after starting this early cheers reserved for a spec- converted. Samoa reserve scrum-half Brunel’s musical chairs approach to the halves has long irked World Cup with a woeful 27-3 tator playing the bagpipes, a tra- Then, with nothing else on, Pele Cowley then came off the French fans and his decision to promote Machenaud over regular loss to Ireland -- who were in ditional Scottish instrument. Hogg dropped a goal from wide bench to play against his cousin backup Baptiste Serin raised eyebrows. turn the victims of a shock 19-12 But the character of the out on the left from just inside Maitland for the first time in a “This does not question anything about Baptiste Serin. It is defeat by hosts Japan that threw match changed on the half-hour halfway, a distance of some 50 Test but could not inspire his hoped that Baptiste, later, will also have a chance,” Brunel said. Pool A wide open. mark when courageous Scotland metres with the angle, to make it lacklustre side. Notwithstanding the US and Tonga clashes, the win over The Ireland reverse led became the 20th -- and last -- 20-0. Instead Scotland had their Argentina has set Les Bleus up for what could be a decisive battle Scotland coach Gregor Townsend team at this World Cup to score It was Scotland’s first drop second penalty try when Fidow for top spot in the pool against Eddie Jones’s England in Yokohama to make wholesale changes, a try. goal in an international since went in knees first as Maitland on October 12. Brunel waved away the idea his selections offered including fielding an entirely new Fly-half Finn Russell’s Duncan Weir’s match-winner tried to slide in at the left corner clues of what fans might see in “Le Crunch”. back-row against Samoa. superbly-judged cross-kick was against Italy in March 2014. only to lose possession under the Typhoon Mitag had offered the drastic prospect of the aban- The Pacific islanders were caught by Maitland, who held off Scotland, who have now won illegal challenge. donment of the Fukuoka match, which would have meant France without centre Rey Lee-Lo and opposing wing Belgium Tuata- all four of their World Cup Gauzere showed Fidow a and the US splitting four points, completely changing the com- hooker Motu Matu’u after the pair galoa for a try in the left corner. matches against Samoa, went second yellow card and then a plexion of the pool. With a better forecast, Gary Gold’s Eagles received three-game bans for Scotland had their second try further ahead before the hour. red. Scotland next face outsiders may struggle to come away with any points in the wake of last shoulder-led hits in a bruising just four minutes later. Following a catch and drive Russia in Shizuoka on October 9, week’s tempestuous 45-7 loss to England which left them with 34-9 win over Russia. Russell made a darting break off a close-range line-out, French with Samoa playing Ireland in a heavy injury count. It looked as if Laidlaw’s before finding the recalled Jamie referee Pascal Gauzere, after Fukuoka three days later.

World Cup Disrespect leads to punch on the nose, says Red Cards

Huw Richards, Wales vs. NZ’s Hansen ahead of clash against Canada New Zealand, 1987, punching David Codey, Australia vs. REUTERS they have had in the past, but what they The idea, he said, was to ensure they it, we’ll push it. If it’s not on to push it, we’ll Wales, 1987, stamping OITA are is a very proud team, a very proud are continuing to improve and players are do something else,” he said. Pedro Sporleder, nation and they’re led by a very, very good challenging each other to be in the starting The North Americans struggled in a Argentina vs. Samoa, 1991, Japan’s surprise victory over Ireland has rugby player in Tyler Ardron. side for each game. 48-7 loss to Italy in their opener last week fighting given All Blacks coach Steve Hansen the “And they’ll play with a lot of pride.” Hansen made 11 changes to the in Fukuoka and have lost all five of their Mata’afa Keenan, Samoa perfect chance to remind his side not to Having been through four previous starting team that beat the Springboks previous encounters with the All Blacks, vs. Argentina, 1991, fighting be complacent against Canada or they World Cup campaigns, with Wales in 2003 23-13, with Jack Goodhue back from a including a 79-15 defeat at the 2011 World Gareth Rees, Canada vs. could get a punch on the nose. and the All Blacks in 2007, 2011 and 2015, two-month injury layoff, while the entire Cup. But Canada coach Kingsley Jones, South Africa, 1995, fighting The tournament hosts turned the Hansen is well aware that a team must front row has been changed and Shannon who has made six changes to his starting Rod Snow, Canada vs. World Cup upside down with their 19-12 grow into the tournament and peak at the Frizell and Matt Todd come into the loose side, felt they could still give the All Blacks South Africa, 1995, fighting win in Shizuoka on Saturday and Hansen right moments -- preferably the last three forwards. a competitive match. James Dalton, South is keen the All Blacks do not follow suit in weeks. Hansen, however, has stuck kept the “We have a tremendous amount of Africa v. Canada, 1995, Oita tomorrow (kickoff 1015 GMT). The side had an 11-day break after dual playmaker tactic with Beauden respect for New Zealand,” said Jones. “We fighting “If you disrespect the opponent you’re their first game against South Africa and Barrett at fullback and Richie Mo’unga at can’t wait to fire against them and see how Feleti Mahoni, Tonga vs. playing you get a punch on the nose,” the coach upped the intensity level at flyhalf and will encourage his side to con- we come out in comparison to some of France, 1995, stamping Hansen told reporters after he named his training in the seaside resort city of Beppu tinue to attack when they have the chance. the best players. We’ve got some tries in Marika Vunibaka, Fiji vs. side yesterday. before settling into a normal test week “We’ve always had a philosophy - play us so we’re not afraid to have a go but of Canada, 1999, headbutt “Canada probably haven’t the strength preparation. what’s in front of you. If it’s time to push course we’ve got to play in the right areas.” Dan Baugh, Canada vs. Namibia, 1999, stamping Ngalu Taufo’ou, Tonga vs. England, 1999, punching Samoa coach insists all Brendan Venter, South Africa vs. Uruguay, 1999, stamping not lost after Cup defeat Hale T-Pole, Tonga vs. Samoa, 2007, striking AFP Samoa have a quick turnaround before Jacques Nieuwenhuis, KOBE taking on in-form hosts Japan, fresh from Namibia vs. France, 2007, their shock 19-12 victory over Ireland, in dangerous tackle Samoa coach Steve Jackson insisted his side Toyota on Saturday. Paul Williams, Samoa vs. could still qualify for the Rugby World Cup But Jackson told reporters: “We are one South Africa, 2011, striking quarter-finals despite a 34-0 loss to Scotland win from two games. Scotland and Ireland Sam Warburton, Wales vs. yesterday. are exactly the same. We’ve got to get back France, 2011, dangerous Defeat in Kobe was the first time the on the horse and prepare for Japan. If we get tackle Pacific islanders had been ‘nilled’ in a World a result against Japan, we are right back in Agustin Ormaechea, Cup match, with Scotland scoring four tries it. By no means do we think we are down and Uruguay vs. Fiji, 2015, two to secure a bonus point that could yet prove out.” yellow cards vital in the tight Pool A. As for failing to register a point, Jackson John Quill, United States Samoa were 20-0 down at half-time and said: “One changing room is singing, the other vs. England, 2019, dangerous their loss was made worse by two second- is pretty sombre. No one likes losing a game.” tackle half penalty tries conceded as a result of Both sides struggled to maintain pos- Facundo Gattas, Uruguay yellow-card offences by Ed Fidow that meant session under the closed roof of the Kobe vs. Georgia, 2019, dangerous the wing was sent off with five minutes left. Misaki Stadium, with Samoa captain Jack Lam tackle England’s prop Joe Marler (right) taking part in a team training session in But with Samoa having beaten Russia comparing the ball to a “bar of soap” before Ed Fidow, Samoa vs. 34-9 in their opener they, like Ireland and stressing Scotland had coped better with the Scotland, 2019, 2 yellow cards Tokyo, yesterday. Scotland, have one win from two games. humid conditions. TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07

Rohit auditions as opener as SA face spin test

REUTERS Despite his World Cup between experienced wicket- India’s spinners if they are to MUMBAI exploits he was not able to break keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who make a strong start to their into the side as a middle order was recalled after being out World Test Championship Limited-overs batting stalwart batsman during the two tests in injured for more than a year, and campaign. Rohit Sharma will have another the Caribbean, leading former the young Rishabh Pant for the “It’s a tough start... playing chance to resurrect his stop-start players and local media to wicketkeeper’s role. India in India but I don’t think Test career, but this time as an clamour for Rohit to be tried as While Saha is considered a the South Africans would have opener, when India kick off their an opener in Tests. better glovesman, Pant has been wanted it any other way... take Indian cricketer three-match home series against With regular opener Prithvi earmarked as the successor in the big dogs in their home Rohit Sharma South Africa at Visakhapatnam Shaw, who is currently serving all three formats to Mahendra ground,” experienced fast bowler bats in the nets tomorrow. a doping ban, not available for Singh Dhoni but has been short Vernon Philander said. during a practice India axed struggling opener selection Rohit is all set to walk of runs with his temperament “All of us are looking forward session prior KL Rahul after he went 12 Test out to open the innings tomorrow and shot selection under the lens. to this challenge and there are a to the first Test innings without a 50-plus score with Mayank Agarwal in his 28th The onus will be on India’s lot of player-to-player chal- match against and struggled on the recent tour Test for India. slow bowlers to deliver the goods lenges as well. Can’t wait to get South Africa in of West Indies where India won “We want to give Rohit on spin-friendly tracks for the going.” Visakhapatnam both the matches to top the Sharma an opportunity to open hosts with off-spinner Ravi- The Faf du Plessis-led side yesterday. World Test Championship table. the innings in Tests,” chief chandran Ashwin and his left- have included three uncapped The first Test Rohit, 32, has cemented his selector MSK Prasad had said arm colleague Ravindra Jadeja players - paceman Anrich Nortje, match will start place at the top of the batting after naming India’s 15-member expected to inflict maximum wicketkeeper Rudi Second and tomorrow. order in the Twenty20 and squad for the series. damage on the South Africa all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy 50-over formats and finished While opening is the only batsmen. - in their squad as they begin life with most number of runs in the shaky spot in an otherwise Ashwin and Jadeja took 54 without retired veterans Dale World Cup in England recently. settled Indian batting order, the wickets between themselves in Steyn and Hashim Amla. The only player in the world top-ranked Test side in the world India’s 3-0 win in the four-Test The touring side will have with three double hundreds in were dealt a body blow when series the last time the Proteas interim team director Enoch one-day internationals, the their pace bowling ace Jasprit toured the country. Nkwe in charge after the decision right-hander bats in the middle Bumrah was ruled out of the The South Africans, who not to renew the contract of West order in the longest format but series with a stress fracture in his spectacularly lost at home 2-0 Indian coach Ottis Gibson fol- has never really flourished as a back. to Sri Lanka in their last series, lowing a disappointing World Test batsman. India will also have to choose will have to find a way to handle Cup campaign for the side. Pakistan marks return of ODIs with 67-run win AP Left-arm fast bowler Usman Shinwari KARACHI rattled Sri Lanka’s inexperienced top order and reduced the visitors to 28-5 before Pakistan marked the return of ODI cricket Jayasuriya and Shanaka shared a 177-run in Karachi after 10 years with a 67-run sixth-wicket stand. victory over Sri Lanka in the second Shinwari returned and broke the part- one-day international yesterday. nership by having Jayasuriya caught behind Babar Azam formed the backbone of and finished with 5-51. Shanaka was bril- Pakistan’s strong total of 305-7 as he liantly snapped at midwicket by the diving smashed 115 off 105 balls. Babar also Fakhar Zaman off leg-spinner Shadab Khan became the fastest Pakistani batsman to (2-76) in the next over. complete 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar SCOREBOARD year in 19 matches. PAKISTAN SRI LANKA In the absence Fakhar Zaman c Udana b Hassaranga ...... 54 D. Gunathilaka c Wasim b Amir ...... 14 of some key players Imam-ul-Haq lbw b de Silva ...... 31 S. Samarawickrama b Shinwari ...... 6 who pulled out of Babar Azam c Hasaranga b Kumara ...... 115 A. Fernando c Fakhar b Shinwari ...... 0 the tour due to Haris Sohail run out ...... 40 O. Fernando lbw b Wasim ...... 1 security concerns, Sarfaraz Ahmed run out ...... 8 L. Thirimanne c Sarfaraz b Shinwari ...... 0 Sri Lanka was Iftikhar Ahmed not out ...... 32 S. Jayasuriya c Sarfaraz b Shinwari ...... 96 D. Shanaka c Zaman b Shadab ...... 68 Imad Wasim c Fernando b Udana ...... 12 bowled out for 238 W. Hasaranga c Iftikra b Shadab ...... 30 Wahab Riaz run out ...... 2 in 46.5 overs. I. Udana c Sarfaraz b Shinwari ...... 1 Shehan Jayas- Extras: (lb 8, nb 2, w1) ...... 11 L. Kumara lbw b Wahab ...... 1 uriya (96) missed out Total (for seven wkts; 50 overs) ...... 305 N. Pradeep not out ...... 0 on a maiden ODI Did not bat: Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Extras: (b1, lb 15, w 5) ...... 21 hundred and Dasun Usman Shinwari Total: (all out; 46.5 overs) ...... 238 Shanaka made a Fall of wickets: 1-73, 2-104, 3-215, 4-242, 5-261, Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-22, 3-22, 4-22, 5-28, career-best 68 before 6-278, 7-305 6-205, 7-205, 8-211 Pakistan’s batsman Babar Azam celebrates after score a century (100 runs) in the second one day international Bowling: Jayasuriya 10-1-48-0, Pradeep 9-0-59- Bowling: Amir 7-1-21-1 (2w), Shinwari 10-1-51-5 both fell in successive (ODI) match against Sri Lanka at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi yesterday. RIGHT: Sri Lanka’s batsman 0, Udana 9-0-60-1, Kumara 10-0-59-1, Gunathila- (1w), Wasim 7-1-38-1, Wahab 9-0-27-1 Shadab overs after sharing a ka 2-0-8-0, Hasaranga 10-0-63-2 9.5-0-76-2 (1w), Iftikar 4-1-9-0 (1w) Dasun Shanaka (right) touches their gloves with teammate Shehan Jayasuriya during their innings. century partnership. Tennis: Venus and Halep lose at China Open AP Williams lost 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to Peterson on Sunday. The BEIJING ninth-seeded Belinda Bencic of Romanian has been People play tennis in the Fort Washington Park in Harlem on a sunny afternoon in late summer in New York Switzerland, who saved two nursing a back injury that City. Fort Washington Park is a public park located in the Washington Heights section of Upper Manhattan, Former top-ranked players match points in the final set to forced her to retire at New York City. It runs along the banks of the Hudson River next to Riverside Drive from West 155th Street Venus Williams and Simona outlast the seven-time Grand Wuhan last week. to Dyckman Street. Halep both lost in the second Slam champion despite making “It was a tough one round of the China Open 40 unforced errors in the match. today. I didn’t recover yesterday. She will next face the winner well after my first match, of seventh- so it was very tough for seeded Petra me to play and she played Remaining Tennis Events Kvitova and really well,” Halep said. Kristina Mlad- “The injury from Wuhan, ATP enovic in the it’s getting worse, so I Sept. 27-Oct. 5 - China Open, HO round of 16. have to go home and take Sept. 27-Oct. 5 - Japan Open, HO Halep, the an MRI... take a break and Oct. 4-13 - Shanghai Masters, HO reigning Wim- do some treatment.” Oct. 12-20 - European Open, HO bledon Defending champion Oct. 11-20 - VTB Kremlin Cup, HO champion, lost Caroline Wozniacki hit Oct. 11-20 - IF Stockholm Open, HO 6-2, 6-3 to seven aces as she cruised Oct. 18-27 - Swiss Indoors Basel, HO unseeded past American qualifier Oct. 18-27 - Erste Bank Open 500, HO Russian Ekat- Lauren Davis 6-1, 6-3 in Oct. 25-Nov. 2 - Tennis Paris Masters, HO erina Alexan- her opening match of the Nov. 4-9 - Next Gen ATP Finals, HO drovam, who tournament. Nov. 9-17 - World Tour Finals, HO earned just her The former No. 1 will second career face another American, WTA win against a Christina McHale, in the Sept. 26-Oct. 5 - China Open, HO top-10 second round. In her first Oct. 5-13 - Ladies Linz Austria, HO opponent. match since winning the Oct. 4-13 - Tianjin Open, HO Halep was US Open, Canada’s Oct. 11-20 - Luxembourg Open, HO playing on Bianca Andreescu ousted Aliak- saved 12 of 16 break points for of confidence,” Andreescu said. second-seeded Alexander Zverev Oct. 11-20 - VTB Kremlin Cup, HO back-to-back sandra Sasnovitch of Belarus 6-2, her 14th straight victory. She will next play Elise beat Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-2, Oct. 21-27 - Elite Trophy, HO days after 2-6, 6-1. “I’m on a roll right now. Mertens in a repeat of the US while fourth-seeded Karen Oct. 26-Nov. 2 - Finals, HO defeating Swe- The fifth-seeded Andreescu Hopefully I can just keep it up Open quarterfinals. Khachanov of Russia defeated den’s Rebecca broke her opponent six times and because I think it gives me a lot In the men’s tournament, Pablo Cuevas 6-2, 7-6 (7). TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 08

To be standing here as world TODAY’S FIXTURE champion again after having my baby, AL SADD (QAT) VS AL HILAL SFC (KSA) I am elated. The females keep showing Jamaican sprint queen at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha) 18:30 up. We love to put on a performance Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and for me I am just really happy to TOMORROW’S FIXTURE after winning the women’s URAWA RED DIAMONDS VS GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE come away with the win. 100 metres gold on Sunday.

Al Sadd set for feisty clash against Al Hilal

THE PENINSULA attacking and defensive phases of play. DOHA When the team push forward in numbers as they often do, Kanno finds Former champions Al Sadd will be that balance between anchoring mid- looking to make the most of home field or arriving late into the final third advantage when they host Saudi giants to create an additional outlet. Al Hilal today in the first leg of the AFC The Al Sadd-Al Hilal return leg will Champion League (ACL) semi-final. be played in Riyadh on October 22. Al Sadd, the winners in 2011, reached Ahmed Al Kaf of Oman will offi- the last four of the hugely popular tour- ciatec ate the t e match. atc . His s cocompatriots pat ots nament after they demolished Saudi side AbdullahAbdullah Saeed and Al Nassr two weeks ago with a 3-1 win OOmarm a r AAll at Jassim BIn Hamad Stadium. YaqoobiYaqoobi willwill The two sides are both domestically beb e ttheh e nicknamed ‘Al Zaeem’ or The Boss, as assassistantistant the most decorated in their respective referees. nations. Abdullah They also boast a proud continental Ali will be history, having won Asia’s prime club the fourfourthth competition on two occasions each. official.official. Al Hilal’s two triumphs came in the Asian Club Championship in 1992 and 2000, while Al Sadd won it in 1989 before lifting the 2011 AFC Champions Al Sadd’s players in action during a practice session ahead of today’s AFC Champion League semi-finalfinalnanalal League title. first leg match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. Al Sadd’s path to a second consec- utive semi-final was not easy; in fact, the Qataris started their campaign with Al Sadd pulled through as goals from was two-time ACL winners Al Ittihad. from set-pieces as demdem-- a 2-0 defeat against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hassan Al Haydos and Baghdad The first leg in Jeddah ended onstrated by his thun-hun- Ahli before recovering to collect 10 Bounedjah sealed victory and a semi- goalless, and Al Ittihad took an early lead derous free-kick goagoall points over the next four Group D final ticket for the Qataris. in the reverse fixture. Razvan Lucescu’s against Al Duhail inn the fixtures. Despite being drawn in a so-called men showed immense mental strength Round of 16. A 2-0 last match-day reversal at ‘Group of Death’ alongside Al Ain, Al to turn the tie through and earn a 3-1 Since his arrivalal at Persepolis didn’t matter as Al Sadd pro- Duhail and Esteghlal, Al Hilal stormed victory to set up the semi-final clash Al Hilal, coach Lucescuscu gressed as group leaders. to the next round with a game to spare, against Al Sadd. has made Mohammedmed Akram Afif scored in both legs as a collecting 13 points in the process. Despite a wealth of attacking talent Kanno the centrepieceece 1-1 draw was followed by a 3-1 home Awaiting them in the Round of 16 at Xavi’s disposal, left-back Abdelkarim of his side. win over their domestic rivals to send were Al Ahli, who were brushed aside Hassan remains one of the most influ- The midfielderder Al Sadd into the quarter-finals. on their own soil 4-2, making their 1-0 ential figures in the side. combines physicalal Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr provided a return leg win in Riyadh merely a con- The role of the 2018 AFC Player of presence, positionalal stern test at the last eight stage, beating solation as Al Hilal advanced to the The Year in providing width is doubly awareness and tech-- Xavi’s men 2-1 in Riyadh and holding quarter-finals. as important in the absence of right- nical abilities, ena-- out for a 1-1 draw in Doha until the final Another domestic rival was Al Hilal’s back Pedro Miguel. bling him to con-n- Al Sadd’s coach Xavi Hernandez half an hour. opponent in the next stage; this time it Hassan is also an attacking threat tribute to both thehe Al Shaqab rider claims top 10 spot at World Endurance Championship - Young Horses THE PENINSULA Al Shaqab competed in the prestigious DOHA championship. Home of the Qatari National Team, Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foun- Al Shaqab’s Endurance Department has dation, was in the spotlight once again a squad of 12 riders including two junior when a member of the Al Shaqab riders - and 130 horses. The team par- Action from last year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Endurance team claimed a top-10 place ticipates in national, regional, and inter- at the FEI Meydan World Endurance national endurance events. Championship - Young Horses 2019 All of the horses that participated that recently concluded in Italy. in the championship were bred at Al Stage set for Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Al Shaqab rider Mohammed Khalifa Shaqab’s state-of-the-art equestrian Al Sowaidi and his horse, Sa’ada Al facility. Shaqab, earned 7th place in the event, Endurance horse racing is a niche which was aimed at 7-year-old horses. equestrian sport that is rapidly growing Triomphe at ParisLongchamp Taking on competitors from in popularity. Al Shaqab’s Endurance several countries, Al Sowaidi and Department was developed to further THE PENINSULA October, will have a nine-race for horseracing and a leader Sa’ada Al Shaqab covered a distance of promote Qatar’s equestrian heritage DOHA card, including six group 1 and in the pure Arabian breed. 120km. and to raise and nurture the country’s 2 races involving a group 1 Qatar’s horses have been In total, four horses and riders from next generation of riders. The scene is all set for the race for four-year-old pure running and performing 2019 renewal of the Qatar Arabian mares. The day will actively in the international Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe conclude with the Arqana Arc races we sponsor overseas for weekend, which will take Sale for the thoroughbred several years now. Several place at ParisLongchamp on horses. Following the annual memorable successes were October 5 and 6. tradition, action will cul- realised in the recent years, A number of associated minate on the first Sunday of including the Al Shaqab events will be staged prior to October with the Qatar Prix Racing-owned TREVE’s the prestigious weekend with de l’Arc de Triomphe day, stunning victories in the 2013 the Arqana Arabian Sale which will include seven and 2014 editions of the Qatar organised at Saint-Cloud on group 1 races out of eight. QREC Chairman Issa bin Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. In Thursday. Only 40 minutes before the Mohammed Al Mohannadi addition, Qatar excelled and The same racecourse will mega Arc race, the Qatar dominated the previous edi- host a race day with two Arabian World Cup will see Issa bin Mohammed Al tions of the Qatar Arabian Qatar-named races for three- the world’s top purebred Mohannadi said: “We have World Cup, which have been Al Shaqab rider year-old Arabians the next Arabian runners contesting been preparing for this event landed several times by Mohammed day. On Saturday and Sunday, for the coveted title. The for a long time now, through horses owned by His Highness Khalifa Al the truly spectacular Paris- venue and the timing of continued coordination Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Sowaidi astride Longchamp will be the scene running the most prestigious between us at QREC and Al Thani, His Highness Sheikh Sa’ada Al Shaqab of action for the iconic event, racing events for pure Ara- France Galop. In fact, we seek Mohammed bin Khalifa Al during the FEI which has been Qatar-spon- bians have been a very pos- maximum benefits from this Thani and A Shaqab Racing. Meydan World sored since 2008 under the itive development in sponsorship in accordance We look forward to main- Endurance partnership agreement enhancing the standing of with the set objectives and our taining success this year, not Championship between the Qatar Racing and Arabian racing worldwide. efforts to achieve the QREC’s only at the organisational - Young Horses Equestrian Club (QREC) and Commenting on the strategy and vision of pro- level, but also in terms of 2019 in Italy. France Galop. Saturday, 5 preperations, QREC Chairman moting Qatar as a world hub excellence at the races.”