Kylian Mbappe loses three-match suspension appeal PAGE 18 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

Tiger Woods ends five-year drought to win Tour Championship PAGE 17 ASIAN SNOOKER ACBS 6 REDS CHAMPIONSHIPS Modric wins FIFA best player award The Croatian ends Ronaldo-Messi era to be crowned world’s best; French coach Didier Deschamps named as the best men’s coach AFP LONDON

LUKA Modric ended and Lionel Messi’s decade-long domination of football’s individual awards by being crowned FIFA’s best play- er of the year on Monday. The Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder starred for both club and country as Ma- drid won a third straight Cham- pions League, and he inspired Croatia to reach the World Cup final for the first time. He beat Ronaldo and Liv- erpool’s Egyptian forward Mo- hamed Salah to the prize. Modric’s success means Ro- naldo remains tied with Messi having won FIFA’s award in dif- ferent guises five times each. At 33, Croatia’s run to the final was the culmination of a brilliant career for Modric that had often been overshadowed by Ronaldo’s goalscoring in their time together in the Span- ish capital, before the Portu- guese left for Juventus in July. ’s coach Didier Deschamps speaks after winning the trophy Modric scored twice and for the Best FIFA Men’s Coach of 2018 Award during The Best FIFA also netted in penalty shootout Football Awards ceremony in London on Monday. (AFP) wins over Denmark and , but it was his playmaking abil- ity that caught the eye in win- ning the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup.

It was an unbelievable sea- son, the best season in my life. “I’m still not realising how good a year I had collec- tively, individually, and I’m very proud for everything I achieved this year and it will Real Madrid and Croatia Luka Modric after winning the trophy for the Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2018 Award at The Best FIFA be remembered forever. Football Awards ceremony in London on Monday. (AFP)

“It was an unbelievable sea- Winners Fifpro World 11 son, the best season in my life,” The Best Fifa Men’s Player - Luka Modric Here’s your dream team said Modric. “I’m still not realising how The Best Fifa Women’s Player - Marta David De Gea Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah after being presented good a year I had collectively, The Fifa Puskás Award - Mohamed Salah with the trophy for the FIFA Puskas Award for 2018, at The Best FIFA Raphael Varane Football Awards ceremony in London on Monday. (AFP) individually, and I’m very proud Sergio Ramos The Best Fifa Goalkeeper - Thibaut for everything I achieved this Marcelo Courtois year and it will be remembered Luka Modric December. dane, who won a third consecu- forever.” The Best Fifa Men’s Coach - Didier N’Golo Kante Modric was joined by Real tive Champions League title For a sixth straight season, Deschamps Eden Hazard team-mates Sergio Ramos, with Real Madrid before resign- Ronaldo was the Champions Lionel Messi Raphael Varane and Marcelo ing in June. Best Fifa Women’s Coach - Reynald Kylian Mbappe League’s top scorer with 15 Pedros Cristiano Ronaldo in the FIFPro team of the year, Thibaut Courtois won the goals and also scored four times also featuring David De Gea, best goalkeeper award for help- at the World Cup, including The Fifa Fan Award - Peru supporters - Dani Alves, N’Golo Kante, Eden ing Belgium reach the World a hat-trick against Spain in a World Cup help Liverpool lift the trophy Hazard, Kylian Mbappe, Messi Cup semi-finals as well as the thrilling 3-3 draw to open Por- The Fifa Fair Play Award - Lennart Thy and also meant he was far from and Ronaldo. FA Cup with Chelsea before a tugal’s campaign. peak condition as he led Egypt’s France’s World Cup-win- summer move to Madrid. However, Portugal’s last 16 World Cup bid. ning coach Didier Deschamps Brazil’s Marta was crowned exit to Uruguay in Russia and For the first time in 12 years, Despite scoring in each of won the best coach of the year best women’s player for a record Ronaldo’s failure to score in the Messi was not among the final- his two appearances in Russia, prize in recognition for his work sixth time for her role in win- semi-finals or final of the Cham- ists with third place going to he bowed out with the Pharaohs in leading Les Bleus to success ning the Copa America to beat pions League opened the door Salah for his incredible 44-goal bowed at the group stage with in Russia. out Lyon duo Ada Hegerberg for Modric. debut season with Liverpool three defeats. Deschamps, who became and Dzsenifer Marozsan. Neither Ronaldo or Messi that carried the Reds to the Salah did not go away empty just the third man to win the Lyon boss attended the glitzy ceremony in Champions League final. handed, however, as he picked World Cup as a player and did win the award for best London with both in action for Orlando Pride and Brazil forward Marta with her trophy for the Best However, a shoulder injury up the Puskas award for best coach, beat off competition women’s coach, though, after Juventus and Barcelona respec- FIFA Women’s Player of 2018 Award at The Best FIFA Football Awards suffered early on in the final goal for his strike against Ever- from Dalic and his former winning the Champions League tively on Wednesday. ceremony in London on Monday. (AFP) robbed Salah of the chance to ton in the Merseyside derby last France team-mate Zinedine Zi- with the French giants. IAAF technical team impressedp with Khalifa stadium facilities

Thursday to mark General of the Local Organis- was impressed by the effec- duct their own inspection of ing Committee, said that with tiveness of the stadium cooling competition and training ven- ‘One Year To Go’ little more than one year to system. ues, hotels and logistical plans. for 2019 athletics go to the opening day of the Our airport and hotels are ready, our “I don’t know if the rest of On Thursday, the LOC championships, he was con- stadium is ready, our ticket programme the world really believed this will release details of the tick- worlds in Doha fident that Doha would be and brand will be revealed when we was possible but it’s an amaz- eting programme and launch ready to host the athletes of ing system and it shows that the event logo and brand- IAAF/TNN the world. celebrate ‘One Year to Go’ on Thursday our championships can be con- ing to celebrate ‘One Year to DOHA “Our airport and hotels are (September 27). ducted here in a good environ- Go’ to the 2019 IAAF World ready, our stadium is ready, ment for the athletes,’’ he said. Championships. WITH almost a year to go be- our ticket programme and IAAF Vice-President and Vice-Chairman & “There are always chal- There will be a series of fore Doha hosts the 2019 IAAF brand will be revealed when Director-General of the Local Organising lenges preparing for a major milestones for the Doha organ- World Championships, offi- we celebrate ‘One Year to Go’ Committee Dahlan al Hamad event like this but if the Doha isers over the coming months, cials are busy finalising details on Thursday (September 27),’’ LOC rises to all those chal- including a test of the light- for the prestigious athletics he said. lenges as it has to this one, ing for the marathon course event to be held for the first “All the big pieces are in then our event is in safe hands. along Corniche in October, the time in the Middle East. place. Our task over the next “We have made good World Broadcasters Meeting A large team of IAAF event year is to link all the pieces to- progress in our planning over and Press Agencies Meeting in and technical experts has gether as we prepare to stage the weekend. One of the goals November, The Asian Athlet- spent the last two days con- an innovative and exciting was to forge closer relation- ics Championships next April, ducting an extensive site visit event that will engage athletics ships between key personnel which will serve as a full test with the Doha 2019 Local Or- fans both near and far.” at the LOC and the IAAF be- event for the championships as ganising Committee (LOC), The highlight of the visit cause that united team will they will be held at the Khalifa part of the process of coor- was the demonstration of the form the foundation for a suc- Stadium, and the annual Dia- dination that precedes every world’s-first air-conditioning Athletic track at the world’s first air-conditioned Khalifa International Stadium in Doha which will host cessful championships in just mond League meeting in May. major championships. system that will keep Kha- Middle East’s maiden IAAF World Championships in 2019. over a year’s time.” The 2019 IAAF World IAAF Vice-President Dah- lifa International Stadium at National team leaders Championships will be held lan al Hamad, who is also the a comfortable temperature for As expected the state-of- pressed. off Gardner, who led the fed- from some 30 countries have from September 27 to October Vice-Chairman and Director- athletes, officials and fans. the-art stadium left all im- IAAF Council member Ge- eration’s team, said everyone now arrived in Doha to con- 6 in Doha, . Sports Tuesday, September 25, 2018 17 Emotional Woods caps comeback with win, sets sights on Paris The American 14-time Major winner claimed his 80th PGA Tour victory, two behind record holder Sam Snead DPA SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES Career Timeline August 1996: Turns pro after an outstanding amateur career and is named as the PGA Rookie TIGER Woods will head to of the Year. France for the Ryder Cup this April 1997: Wins the first of 14 majors at the week having sparked dra- It’s certainly up there Masters, becoming at 21 the youngest-ever winner matic scenes at the East Lake at Augusta National. Two months later he takes the Golf Club on Sunday with a with obviously all the world number one spot for the first time. June 2000: wins US Open at Pebble Beach by a first victory in five years. major champion- record 15 strokes and then becomes the the fifth Thousands of adoring player in history to complete the career Grand Slam fans charged up the 18th ships I’ve won. But by winning the British Open by eight strokes at St fairway in Atlanta to watch Andrews. him clinch the Tour Champi- this is under different April 2001: Wins his second Masters title and completes the “Tiger Slam” as the first golfer to be onship in what was possibly circumstances. reigning champion of all four majors simultane- the most emotional triumph ously. of his now 80 wins on Tour. Tiger Woods April 2002: Successfully defends his Masters “I had a hard time not cry- crown and in June he goes on to win his second US ing coming up the last hole,” Open at Bethpage Black. That makes him the Woods said afterwards. But youngest golfer in history to win seven majors. September 2004: After failing to win another as with all elite athletes, suc- major in 2003 and 2004 Vijay Singh replaces him cess quickly becomes the as world number one after a record run of 264 past and the future is what weeks on top. matters. April 2005: Woods emerges from “slump” to win a Having finally moved off fourth Masters, defeating Chris DiMarco in a play- 79 wins, the last of which off. He then wins a second British Open by five strokes at St Andrews. With his 10th major title he came in 2013 before a se- joins Jack Nicklaus in being the only players to win ries of back injuries left him all four major tournaments at least twice. struggling to move without May, 2006: His father and guiding force Earl dies pain, Sam Snead’s record at 74, but the following month Woods wins his third of 82 suddenly came into British Open and 11th major at Hoylake June 2008: Two months after knee surgery wins the sharper focus. US Open for his 14th, and to date, last major at Eighty, he acknowledged, Torrey Pines, defeating Rocco Mediate in a sudden is a “big number” - even Jack death playoff. He promptly announces that he Nicklaus, with his record 18 needs more knee surgery and takes the rest of the majors, ended third on the season off. all-time list on 73. February 2009: Nine months later he returns to action, but in November of that year a car accident “Sam is still ahead of outside his Florida home unearths a series of infi- me,” Woods said. “I’ve still delities that wrecks his marriage. Takes an “indefi- got a chance to play some nite break from professional golf” to get his life more golf and maybe I’ll back together. keep chipping away at that April 2010: Returns to action at the Masters where number and maybe surpass he finishes fourth but the injuries mount over the course of the year and his ranking starts to tumble. it. March 2013: Woods regains his form in 2012 and “But I just think that the following year his eighth win in the Arnold what I’ve gone through and Palmer Invitational sees him regain the world what I’ve dealt with, I’ve number one spot. gotten lucky ... I’ve gotten March 2014: After a slow start to 2014, Woods injures himself during the Honda Classic and he very lucky.” subsequently skips the Masters for the first time to Woods, 42, must first put undergo back surgery. Loses world number one his individual ambitions to spot to Adam Scott in May. the side for a week when he February 2015: Struggles to get his season going returns to the US Ryder Cup and after pulling out injured from a tournament at team seeking to retain the Torrey Pines says he will take another break from competition. trophy at Le Golf National, September/October 2015: Woods has microdis- outside Paris, in the Septem- cectomy to remove spinal disc fragement pinching ber 28-30 showdown with Tiger Woods of the United States celebrates making a par on the 18th green to win the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday. (AFP) a nerve, with follow-up procedure to relieve linger- Europe. ing discomfort. Captain Jim Furyk hand- whether (or) when this “The people who are close February 2017: Back spasms prompt Woods to ed him a wildcard pick to the would ever happen again.” to me saw the struggles and withdraw from second round of Dubai Desert Classic, cutting short his return from a 16-month event for the first time since Never mind that Woods what I was going through,” injury layoff. 2012, based largely on high ended up winning in Atlanta, Woods said. “Some of the April 2017: After missing the Masters, Woods finishes in the Open and playing golf - to any level - players that I’m pretty close announces he had yet another surgery to alleviate PGA Championship. seemed a long way off from to, they’ve really helped pain in his back and leg. But his performance his post-operation struggles. throughout this process and May 2017: Woods arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Jupiter, Florida. around East Lake, in which “Am I going to be able the last few years. January 2018: Woods makes his return to the PGA he led after 36- and 54-holes to sit, stand, walk, lay down “Their support and some Tour with a shared 23rd place finish at the Farmers before seeing out victory by without feeling the pain that of those things that they said Insurance Open at Torry Pines, California. two shots from a surging Bil- I was in? I just didn’t want to coming off that last green April 2018: Woods finishes tied for 32nd at the ly Horschel, was something live that way,” he said of his meant a lot to me.” Masters, the first Major appearance of his come- else. previous fears. “This is how For someone with 14 ma- back. June 2018: Woods suffers a setback after missing “It’s certainly up there the rest of my life is going to jor titles and years as world the cut at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills after with obviously all the ma- be? It’s going to be a tough number one under his belt, posting a 78 followed by a 72. jor championships I’ve won, rest of my life.” Woods’ Ryder Cup record July 2018: Woods bounces back from his US Open (the) Players, World Golf After tapping in the win- is actually a modest 13 wins Championship disappointment with a top-10 plac- Championships,” Woods ning putt on 18, Woods and three halves from 33 ing at the British Open, finishing tied for sixth. said. raised his arms and had a ties. August 2018: Woods announces his return to Major contention with a second place finish, just “But this is under dif- hug for everyone. Caddy, op- On current form, few two back from winner Brooks Koepka. ferent circumstances. I’ve ponents and girlfriend were would bet against him im- September 2018: Woods is named in the US explained throughout the all met with an emotional FedEx Cup Champion Justin Rose (left) and Tour Championship winner Tiger Woods pose following the final proving that this weekend in Ryder Cup team. He follows with victory at the Tour year that I just didn’t know embrace. round of the TOUR Championship on Sunday. (AFP) Paris. Championship in Atlanta.

Team Europe retain Laver Cup World’s best golfers arrive in AFP France for Ryder Cup showdown CHICAGO AFP EUROPE retained their Lav- SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES er Cup tennis crown here on Sunday as Alexander Zverev AMERICAN golfers are hun- defeated Kevin Anderson to gry for their first Ryder Cup complete a 13-8 win over the victory on European soil in 25 World team. years. The Europeans simply Germany’s Zverev came want to take the trophy back from a set down to complete by winning for the seventh a 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 10-7 over An- time in nine attempts. derson as the Europeans suc- For the first time, the cessfully defended the title world’s top 10 players will all won in Prague last year. compete in the biennial show- “It was such a close match down when the rivals tee off all around, not only this one Friday at Le Golf National, a Ryder Cup team captains Europe’s Thomas Bjorn (right) and US Jim but all weekend, a few points 12-man US lineup with 11 of Furyk attend a press conference ahead of the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le here and there and it could the world’s top 17 players out Golf National Course in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines on Monday. (AFP) have been different,” said to end a quarter-century of Zverev. European frustration. difficult it is to win in Europe. rope. It’s a completely differ- “I’m just happy to get the “We’re reminded of it quite That’s the battle we fight this ent beast, the Ryder Cup, than win and we defended the ti- Team Europe’s Novak Djokovic (left) celebrates with teammates after winning the Laver Cup against Team often. So is it extra motivation? week.” playing in a regular tour event tle, that’s the most important World at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) I’m not sure you really need European captain Thomas so they’re pretty excited.” thing.” extra motivation,” US captain Bjorn has world number two Furyk said he expects Zverev’s win was the fi- Europe responded su- to the delight of the crowd. Jim Furyk said on Monday. Justin Rose coming off a $10 chants and songs and good- nal act of an enthralling day perbly after that early setback Europe skipper Bjorn “There’s a thorn in their side.” million payday for captur- natured heckling that are part of action at Chicago’s United however, with the 37-year-old Borg meanwhile praised the Tiger Woods has been on ing the US PGA playoff prize of the emotional Cup scene but Center, where the World Federer returning to secure a I’m very proud of my team, performance of the World a Cup-winning team only once and half his team flew in from nothing over the top. team had roared back into vital three points against Is- we knew it’s going to be team, who were captained by in seven tries, never in Europe. America early on Monday as “Do I think we’re in for contention in the day’s first ner in the first singles match very difficult to beat Team his old rival John McEnroe. Phil Mickelson has never en- did the entire US squad. a hostile (reception)? No, I rubber. of the day. World with John as the “I’m very proud of my joyed the feeling either since “One thing I learned about don’t,” Furyk said. “I do really American duo John Isner The Swiss ace came from captain. He has a great team, we knew it’s going to the last US triumph in Europe the Ryder Cup is that no mat- admire the European crowd and Jack Sock fought off two a set down to defeat the big- be very difficult to beat Team came in 1993 at The Belfry in ter how tired you are, you are and I know they will be loud match points to defeat Zverev serving Isner 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 team, they’re very World with John as the cap- England. going to carry yourself and and I'm anxious to see it. and world number two Roger (8/6), 10/7. professional. tain,” Borg said. “He has a “That’s a part that’s miss- everything, all the last bit of “I’ve always felt kind of a Federer in a gripping doubles The win was testimony to Europe skipper Bjorn Borg great team, they’re very pro- ing in their careers,” Furyk adrenaline in your body, even mutual respect. I know they battle. Federer’s remarkable physi- fessional.” said. “It’s not anything I need if you have played a lot,” the will be loud. I know they will Isner and Sock prevailed cal conditioning. The next Laver Cup, to mention in the team room. Dane said. be boisterous. That’s some- 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 11/9 to give the The 20-time Grand Slam day’s opening doubles game. which is named after Austral- There’s not like a big ‘25’ sit- “This is about what you do thing my players have to re- World team an 8-7 lead with singles champion outlasted Federer celebrated the ian legend Rod Laver, will be ting in there anywhere. They as a team and it’s about trying spect but hopefully they enjoy. the three singles rubbers re- Isner less than an hour after win by performing push-ups staged in Geneva in Septem- are well aware of it and of how to win this trophy back to Eu- Hopefully they thrive on that.” maining. he had been beaten in the on court with his teammates ber 2019. 18 Tuesday, September 25, 2018 Sports

News in brief Ronaldo scores to maintain

Ballon d'Or announces new women's and under-21 awards Juve’s perfect start PARIS: Ballon d'Or organisers have announced the creation of awards for the top female footballer and the best under-21 player in the world. The awards ceremony for the The reigning champions dig deep against a determined Frosinone side with two lates goals 63rd edition, created and decided by the French football maga- zine, will be held on December 3 in Paris. While 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain is among the favourites to succeed Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, a short-list of female football- ers will be in line for the women's equivalent and the world's best under-21 players will vie for the 'Kopa Trophy'. As with the Ballon d'Or, the women's award will be decided by votes from journalists around the world. The Kopa Trophy, for the best under-21 player will, however, be decided by votes from the 33 previous winners of the Ballon d'Or including, among others, Denis Law, , , , , Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, France Football said in a statement.

Mbappe loses appeal against three-match ban PARIS: France World Cup star Kylian Mbappe will sit out one further league game for Paris Saint-Germain after losing an appeal against a three-match suspension Monday. Mbappe, 19, was handed the sanction for lashing out in retaliation at Teji Savanier during a feisty 4-2 win at Nimes on September 1. Savanier was handed a four-match ban for his role in the incident, a sanction that was also confirmed following ap- peals by both players, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced. Mbappe, who is being tipped to win the prestig- ious Ballon d'Or award in December, notably on account of his performances for Les Bleus in Russia last summer, has served two of his three matches so far. He sat out a 4-0 home win over Saint Etienne and again on Sunday as PSG beat Rennes 3-1 away to reinforce their lead at the top of the table.

Spanish players union veto Spanish game in Miami MADRID: The Spanish players union (AFE) on Monday re- jected plans by La Liga to stage a regular-season game in the United States, following a similar refusal by the Spanish football federation (RFEF). An AFE statement said La Liga had not responded to questions about the planned game between Juventus’ forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates with teammate Federico Bernardeschi in an Italian Serie match against Frosinone at the Benito-Stirpe Stadium in Frosinone Girona and Barcelona in Miami. It said that "faced with a lack on Sunday. (AFP) of information" it opposed the game taking place. On Friday, the RFEF expressed its formal opposition to moving the game from DPA his heel before finally firing Mertens for 2-0. fired home on the rebound af- tof Piatek on target for a top- Girona to the United States. FIFA President has ROME home a loose ball in the 81st Il Toro pulled one back ter Jose Callejon hit the post. scorer tally of five goals; and also expressed doubts about the move. The sharp refusal by the minute. from an Andrea Belotti penalty Insigne now has four goals in Udinese won 2-0 at Chievo. AFE, which had already indicated concern over the health risks SERIE A leaders Juventus won Substitute Bernardeschi after the break before Insigne the league. AC Milan and Atalanta to players of such a trip, is a new blow for La Liga, which argues 2-0 against Frosinone thanks scored in injury time to finish a “We have a new coach (Car- drew 2-2 in a pulsating region- that the initiative will expand its international audience. Real to late goals from Cristiano counter-attack. lo Ancelotti), but what matters al derby as Emiliano Rigoni Madrid President Florentino Perez said Sunday his club would Ronaldo and Federico Bernar- “We expected a game like Patience is the technical ability of play- tapped in a last-gasp equalizer refuse to play a Spanish League game in the United States. deschi on Sunday, failing to this,” Juve coach Massimiliano ers, more than schemes and for the Bergamo guests. impress as they clinched a fifth Allegri said. paid off tactics,” Insigne said. “Now our Gonzalo Higuain volleyed successive win to stay three “(Frosinone) lost 5-0 to fans want us to win at Juve Sat- home an early Suso cross and Pogba takes aim at Mourinho's points clear of Napoli. Sampdoria (last weekend) and O “The boys were clever urday, but we must first think Atalanta's captain Alejandro negative tactics after Wolves draw Lorenzo Insigne scored a we came from a (Champions and patient tonight and about Wednesday's game [at Gomez levelled on 54. Giacomo brace as Napoli won 3-1 earlier League) game (won 2-0 at Va- after many drives and home to Parma].” Bonaventura netted Milan's LONDON: launched a blistering critique of Man- at Torino to briefly draw level lencia Wednesday) playing crosses they found the net. “Let's remember that last second seven minutes later chester United's defensive-minded tactics in Saturday's draw with Juventus at 12 points, who with 10 men. season we won at [Turin's] but Rigoni salvaged a point for with Wolverhampton Wanderers, which is likely to infuriate are now at 15. “The boys were clever and We have a clash with Napoli Allianz Stadium, but then we Atalanta one minute into stop- manager Jose Mourinho. In Frosinone, a Ronaldo patient tonight and after many next week and we must get finished second. So let's stay page time after Duvan Zapata's The 25-year-old French World Cup winning midfielder said drive that cleared on the goal drives and crosses they found there at least with a focussed game after game.” saved drive. there were no excuses for not attacking in home games. line was the only first-half the net. We have a clash with three-point lead.” Elsewhere, Roma crashed Milan have a game in hand The draw -- played out in front of legendary former manager chance from the lacklustre Bi- Napoli next week and we must 2-0 at Bologna and remained as they sit on five points with who made his first appearance at a match since anconeri as they produced slow get there at least with a three- O Ronaldo and rooted on five points alongside Atalanta, Roma, Torino and undergoing emergency brain surgery in May -- left United in and fruitless pressing against point lead.” Bernardeschi were on target Torino. Bologna have four after Cagliari. seventh, eight points behind leaders Liverpool. the deep-sitting hosts. Insigne punished the Tu- on Sunday, as Juve failed to their first win. On Saturday, Fiorentina "We are at home and we should play much better against After the break, the Portu- rin hosts for an early defensive impress as they clinched a Ciro Immobile struck twice crushed Spal 3-0 as Inter won Wolves. We are here to attack," Pogba told the media after the guese star botched a shot in- blunder and Simone Verdi fifth successive win to stay as Lazio improved to nine 1-0 at Sampdoria and Parma match. "When we play like (that) it's easier for us." side the box and was denied by struck against his former side three points clear of Napoli. points with a 4-1 over Genoa, beat Cagliari 2-0. Sassuolo won Asked what is stopping United attacking more, Pogba said: Marco Sportiello as he flicked after a one-two with Dries who had Polish striker Krzysz- 3-1 against Empoli Friday. "I can't tell you because I'm a player. It's not me." Infantino at The Best Awards Pique rescues 10-man Barca against Girona

AFP rendered their perfect record in next to Pique, given Umtiti is sus- BARCELONA La Liga, as well as a two-point ad- pended for Barcelona's Champi- vantage over Real Madrid. They ons League game against Totten- AMERICAN fans will be licking return to the top of the table, but ham later this month. their lips if this is what awaits only on goal difference. Girona But he was, perhaps harshly, Miami's Hard Rock Stadium move up to sixth. sent off in the 35th minute with in January after Barcelona and "For us, this is a triumph," Barca one up, and they then con- Girona played out an enthral- Stuani said. "Coming here and ceded before Umtiti came on at ling 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou getting this result is so valuable half-time. Arthur and Arturo Vi- on Sunday. for us." dal - also brought in - were sub- There were four goals, one for Hanging over this game was stituted before the hour. Lionel Messi and two for Girona's always the wider prospect of it "When we got the red card, Cristhian Stuani, not to mention not being returned, given La our intention was to make a a controversial red card shown to Liga's desire to move the reverse change but we had to let him Barca defender Clement Lenglet. fixture at Girona's Estadi Mon- FC Barcelona’s defender Gerard Pique (left) celebrates his goal (Umtiti) warm-up," Valverde Gerard Pique salvaged a tilivi on January 26 to the United against Girona in their Spanisg league game on Sunday. (epa) said. "It looks like an error on my point for the hosts to complete States. part." his own blockbuster night, after For all the opposition, how- little in opposition to a trip to part of an hour with 10 men, but Messi and Pique had clearing one shot off the line and ever, there was a noticeable lack Miami. changes made by coach Ernesto changed too, each shaving their FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives for The Best FIFA Football making mistakes for each of Gi- of complaint at the Camp Nou, A point may not be viewed Valverde failed to hit the mark. beards, but it had contrasting ef- Awards ceremony in London on Monday. (AFP) rona's goals. where there were chants for Cata- as a bad return either for Barca, Lenglet came in for Samuel fects based on the evidence of the By the end, Barca had sur- lan independence but precious having played through the best Umititi, presumably to bed in first half. Duhail ready for Ahli challenge in Round 7 game on Thursday

his medical at Aspetar prior to Brazilian Lucca clears his medical his recruitment by Al Rayyan. Lucca will complete the and is set to debut for Rayyan Lions’ quota of professional players and is expected to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK uled due to their AFC Cham- take the field when they host DOHA pions League quarter-final fix- Al Shahania in Week 7 on Sat- tures. urday. REIGNING champions Al Du- In Week 6, Al Sadd put it The 28-year-old last hail open the seventh week’s crushed Al Rayyan in the Qatar played for native side Inter- action against Al Ahli at the Al Clasico 5-0, whereas Al Duhail nacional. Ahli Stadium with only victory defeated Al Gharafa 4-2. Al Rayyan’s other profes- in mind if they are to keep pace Going by form and strength, sional players are Uruguayan with leaders Al Sadd who meet Al Sadd and Al Duhail should defender Gonzalo Viera, Ar- Qatar SC in Thursday’s sec- get the better of Qatar SC and Karim Boudiaf of Al Duhail vies for the ball with Meshaal Abdulla of Al Brazilian striker Lucca Borges of Al Rayyan passed his medical at gentinian striker Jonathan ond match in the QNB Stars Al Ahli respectively. Ahli (right) during a QSL match last season. Aspetar on Sunday. Menendez and South Korean League. Qatar SC were held goal- midfielder Koh Myong-Jin. Al Sadd top the table on less by Al Khor and Al Ahli had against Al Kharaitiyat who have and Al Kharaitiyat in successive with an aim to bag three points, week’s last fixture, will hog the Meanwhile, Al Rayyan better goal difference than Al lost to Al Sailiya 2-4 last week. yet to collect a point and are rounds even as Al Khor will look so they can stay on course for limelight mainly because they coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena Duhail as both have 13 points. Al Ahli are ninth with six points precariously placed at rock bot- to stay clear of the danger zone the title. both are on 12 points and com- and his assistants are striving The Wolves have a goal differ- and Qatar SC 10th on four tom. as they have only two points Al Shahania, who had ing off victories. hard to rectify the mistakes ence of +24 compared to the points. Umm Salal, sixth with 10 and yet to record a victory. lost to Al Arabi 0-3 in the last Al Sailiya is placed third as they committed in last week’s Red Knights’ +12. Al Gharafa, who dropped points, target a hat-trick of vic- Al Rayyan, who led the round, are eighth in league they have a goal difference of Qatar Clasico against Al Sadd Al Sadd and Al Duhail have from sixth to seventh after tories when they host Al Khor. standings after Week 5 and with seven points. +5 as against Al Arabi’s -1. that resulted in their 0-5 loss played one match less as their losing to Al Duhail, will eye Umm Salal are in good then slipped to the fifth position The contest between Al Meanwhile, Brazilian and subsequent slip from first Week 5 matches were resched- nothing less than three points form having beaten Al Gharafa with 11 points, host Al Shahania Arabi and Al Sailiya, the striker Lucca Borges passed to fifth position in the standings. Sports Tuesday, September 25, 2018 19 Asian 6Reds Championships 2018 QCTF, ASTC to work Bukshaisha bows jointly on triathlon out in quarters development in Qatar Qatari delegation returns from successful ITU Congress & world championships

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatari athletes DOHA competed in both the Sprint Dis- THE Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation tance Triathlon (QCTF) and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (750m swim/20km (ASTC) will jointly work on a development pro- Bike/5km Run) and gramme to build the sport in the country. Olympic Distance A delegation of the QCTF had recently Triathlon (1500m gone to the Gold Coast to attend the Interna- swim/40km tional Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cham- Bike/10km Run) pionships and Congress. The three-member events. delegation consisted of QCTF Vice-President The top per- Professor Nasser al Mohannadi, who is also formance was leading the sport development program, achieved by Essa al QCTF Triathlon Coordinator and Age-group QCTF V-P Professor Nasser al Maadeed who com- team manager Bernard McCullagh and tria- Mohannadi at ITU Congress pleted the Olympic thlete Essa al Maadeed. Distance event in During the Congress, it was decided that total time of 2h, 23m, 53s to finish 70th in the the ASTC will host several youth athlete, World in his age-group (25-29). coach and technical officer development pro- The next opportunities for Qatar to partici- grammes in Qatar next year. The meet and pate in Age-Group world championship will be Congress was extremely successful from Qa- on April 29-May 4 at the ITU Multisport World tar’s angle. Championships in Portugal, where athletes can Prof Mohannadi , QCTF Vice-President, represent their nation in the Long-Distance commented: “The Congress was a great mo- Triathlon (3km swim/120km bike/5km swim), ment for our country, with the Asian and Global Duathlon (run-bike-run), Aquabike (swim- bodies seeing the real progress being made by bike) and Aquathlon (swim-run). Qatar Mohsen Abushaikha focuses on the shot against Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka Wai during their Asian 6Reds Championship quarter-finals in the federation for the long-term development Those interested in learning about how Doha on Monday. (HANSON K JOSEPH) and success of the triathlon in Qatar. This was they can represent their respective nations and carried out through discussions during Asian compete in their age group in 2019, they may and International meetings and with their contact the QCTF at [email protected] for more Pakistan’s star players Bilal & Masih enter semis with splendid victories presidents followed with carrying flag in the details. opening ceremony and competing in the world The federation has been quite active for the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Saif lost his pre-quarter-final match team champion Babar Masih, who edged championships event.” past year after laying a good foundation for the DOHA Hong Kong’s Fung Kwok Wai 3-6. Afghanistan’s Saleh Mohammadi in a In addition to the Congress success, a first- sport in the country. The QCTF has being work- Fung later met Thai rival Thnawat thrilling finish 6-4. ever Qatari also participated in the ITU Age ing diligently for the following goals: QATAR’S former world No. 6 Mohsen Tirapongpaiboon in the quarter-final Both Mohammadi and Masih won Group World Championships. Bukshaisha had a superb start to his Asian match-up but failed to get a spot in the alternate frames to be tied 3-3. At this Age-group competitions occur in five-year * Gain full ITU member status 6Reds 2018 quarter-final match against semi-finals losing 3-6 to Thailand’s stage, Masih drew all his experience and age bands from 20-24 all the way into the 70’s * Launch an elite athlete programme with Ebrahim al Romaihi participating in Cheung Ka Wai in Doha but the Hong Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon. pieced up a brilliant 71 break and fol- and 80’s and allow committed and passionate the Asian Games, Qatar’s first participation in triathlon at the Asiad. * Start to develop junior athletes with Abdulaziz al Ali taking part in a Youth Kong player bounced back immediately The Thai had a bright start and forged lowed it up winning the next frame to go athletes to compete on the international stage Olympic Games qualifier and went to win the match 6-1 on Monday. 3-0 ahead. Fung staged a fine recov- 5-3 up. against their peers. Unlike Elite athletes, ath- * Host the first ever national championships and national points series Abushaikha, ranked second behind ery and came within a frame of drawing Under pressure, Mohammadi could letes are self-funded and have to balance their * Host an ITU Technical Official (Community Course) Cheung after topping the group, wrested level. Tirapongpaiboon won the next two win only one frame, leaving Masih to intensive training programmes alongside de- * Launch talent identification and with plans to soon pilot school initiatives the opening frame. However, Cheung frames. Though the Hong Kong player wrap it up with a 30-7, 17-46, 56-0, 26- manding career commitments. * And have confirmed an ITU coaching course in November 2018 struck back immediately and got better managed to cut down the margin but he 47, 36-29, 71-0, 63-0, 9-36, 45-0 victory. with each frame in his 17-30, 32-7, 38-25, could not stop the Thai from winning the Masih has a chance to feature in an all- 47-9, 36-8, 36-34, 47-0 victory. clash 41-0 54-19, 38-14, 12-30, 6-40, 39- Pakistani final as teammate and ex-world The Hong Kong player twice posted 6, 56-16, 31-33, 66-0. champion Mohammad Bilal entered the breaks of 47 to cap his fine showing. Tirapongpaiboon faces a difficult semi-finals from other half after getting arlier, Qatar’s another player Ahmed match against Pakistan’s former world the better of Iranian Amir Sarkhosh 6-5 in another pulsating clash. First, it was Bilal who hit the front by going 2-0 up. Sarkhosh potted calmly and craftily to build up a commanding 4-2 lead. The Pakistani player then dis- played his fighting qualities to level the game 4-4. Sarkhosh gained another chance to put pressure on the rival. Bilal against staged a superb recovery through his match-high 71 break and seal his classic win at 40-4, 37-25, 0-56, 10-49, 34-35, 30-8, 39-0, 2-38, 71-0, 48-19. RESULTS QUARTERS-FINALS Cheung Ka Wai (Hong Kong) beat Mohsen Bukshaisha (Qatar) 6-1 (17-30, 32-7, 38-25, 47-9, 36-8, 36-8, 47-0)

Mohammad Bilal (Pakistan) beat Amir Sarkhosh () 6-5 (40-4, 37-25, 0-56, 10-49, 34-35, 30-8, 39-0, 2-38, 71-0, 48-19)

Babar Masih (Pakistan) beat Saleh Mohammadi (Afghanistan) 6-4 (30-7, 17-46, 56-0, 26-47, 36-29, 71-0, 63-0, 9-36, 45-0)

Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon (Thailand) beat Fung Kwok Wai (Hong Kong) 6-3 (41-0 54-19, 38-14, 12-30, 6-40, 39-6, 56-16, 31-33, 66-0) Ahmed Saif in action during the pre-quarter-finals of the Asian 6Reds Championship against Hong Kong’s Fung Kwok Wai in Doha on Monday. Essa al Maadeed competing at the ITU World Championships Galfar, Warriors enter QCA T20 Div A final Chandimal to lead all

Interested teams may regis- Qatar Super Kings & Selex win in Div ter for participation through Sri Lanka sides after B; Gladiators & Hadico qualify for emails at [email protected] Asia Cup flop Brief scores Div C final Division A semi-finals Galfar Al Misnad beat Tusker Club by 66 runs Galfar Al Misnad: 152 for four in 20 overs (Khurram REUTERS Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK three for 17 and Nauman, who Shahzad 44 not out, Nauman 27 not out, Faisal 25; Siraj COLOMBO statement. DOHA had two for 9, bowled superb- 2/24, Muddasir 1/23) "Accordingly, they have Tusker Club: 86 all out in 17 overs (Sanu 22; Awais 3/17, ly. Himanshu and Shaheen Nauman 2/9, Shaheen 2/20, Himansu 2/16) BATSMAN Dinesh Chandi- requested Angelo Mathews KHURRAM Shahzad and also picked two each to keep Man of the match: Khurram Shahzad (Galfar Al Misnad) mal has been installed as Sri to relinquish his duties as the Nauman lifted Galfar Al Mi- pressure on the rivals. Lanka captain across all three National ODI & T20I captain, snad into the final of the QCA Taimoor and Murad split Warriors Club beat United Challengers by five wickets formats after Angelo Mathews with immediate effect." United Challengers: 69 all out in nine overs (Rehan 20; Twenty20 Cricket Tourna- sixscalps and led Warriors Taimoor 3/12, Murad 3/14) lost his role as skipper of the The decision has upset ment, sparking their team to a Club to a facile five-wickets Warriors Club: 70 for five in 10.5 overs (Asad Bohram 33 country's limited-overs teams Mathews, who felt he had facile 66-run triumph against triumph against United Chal- Khurram Shahzad Asad Bohram not out, Farhan 2/28) following their exit from the been made a "scapegoat" and Tusker Club. lengers. Their rich haul shot Man of the match: Asad Bora (Warriors Club) Asia Cup in the United Arab offered to retire from limited- In a semi-final of the Divi- United Challengers out for saw off the challenge of CBQ wicket triumph for Gladiators. Division B semi-finals Emirates. overs cricket, according to sion A at the West Bay grounds, just 69. Warriors Club raced Blue. Sivalingam, after shar- With Atique (34 in 40 Qatar Super Kings beat CBQ Blue by three wickets The 31-year-old Mathews ESPNCricinfo http://www. Galfar Al Misnad were four to the win in 10.5 overs with ing six wickets with Sinu, con- balls) and Hasan (33 in 23 CBQ Blue: 92 all out in 18.4 overs (Kaleem 42; was renamed as Sri Lanka's espncricinfo.com, which pub- down for 83 in 15 overs. But Asad Bohram cracking four tributed a crucial 16 for his balls with two sixes and two Sivalingam three wkts, Sinu three wickets) limited-overs skipper in lished the all-rounder's letter Qatar Super Kings: 93 for seven in 14.4 overs (Benin 27, some lusty long-handle batting boundaries in his 33 not out. team. fours) coming up with fine Sivalingam 16; Nitin three wickets) January, six months after to SLC chief executive Ashley by Shahzad and Nauman took In the Division B, Selex Sanal smashed two sixes knocks, Hadico, who made Man of the match: Sivalingam (Qatar Super Kings) the all-rounder relinquished de Silva. them to an impressive 152 for and Qatar Super Kings ad- and four boundaries in his 155 for eight, beat Trinity by the captaincy for both red "I'm willing to take part four through an unbroken 69 vanced to the final, while Had- splendid 54, which pushed Se- seven runs. Selex beat Pak Falcons by three wickets and white-ball formats fol- of the blame but, at the same Selex: 178 for seven in 20 overs (Sanal 54, Ashif Umar runs partnership. ico and Gladiators will clash lex to a healthy 178 for seven. 37; Dost Mohammad 2/28) lowing a home series defeat time, feel betrayed and let Shahzad fired four sixes for the Division C title. Ashif Umar hit 37 in 24 balls, Draw ceremony Pak Falcons: 148 all out in 18.3 overs (Ibrahim 27; to Zimbabwe. down if the blame is solely put and two fours in his 21-ball 44, Qatar Super Kings had to including five boundaries. Sa- According to the Qatar Saleem 3/21, Shehab 3/18) Mathews, however, was on me," Mathews wrote. while Nauman also smashed battle hard to hold their in- lem and Shehab, who grabbed Cricket Association manage- Man of the match: Sanal (Selex) unable to revive the team's Sri Lanka have been grap- two sixes and as many fours to nings despite a modest tar- three wickets each, made a ment, the tournament was dis- Division C semi-finals fortunes in his latest stint, pling with a leadership crisis get 27 off 19 balls. Among the get of 93 against Commercial fine attempt to foil Selex’s continued in June due to heat. Gladiators beat Karwar Indians by four wickets which came to an unceremo- over the last 18 months, dur- other top-order batsmen, only Bank Qatar Blue. After Kal- chase. But now with the weather im- Karwar Indians: 101 for 9 in 20 overs (Muttakin 24, nious end after Sri Lanka ing which Upul Tharanga, Faisal applied and got 25 with eem waged a lone fight and Both Gladiators and Hadi- proving, the tournament was Farhan 17; Faiz 3/13) crashed out of the ongoing Lasith Malinga, Chamara Gladiators: 105 for six in 16.5 overs (Deon 46 not out, two fours. made 42 before retiring hurt, co scripted impressive wins in relaunched last week. Imad 18; Tamim 3/12, Allan 1/13) six-nation Asia Cup following Kapugedera and Thisara During the chase, Tusker CBQ Blue rallied spiritedly the semi-finals, beating Trin- Manzoor Ahmad, the QCA Man of the match: Faiz (Gladiators) first round defeats by Bangla- Perera have also been tried Club had lots of early prob- and picked seven wickets be- ity Club and Karwar Indians, Operations Manager, said, the desh and Afghanistan. as ODI captains. lems as they were reeling fore Qatar Super Kings man- respectively. A three-wicket QCA has also planned a draw Hadico beat Trinity by seven runs "The National Selectors From October 10, Sri Hadico: 155 for eight (Atique 34, Hasan 33; Zainu 2/22, three down for nine. They aged to come through the cri- haul by Faiz sent Karwar In- ceremony for a new tourna- Jashmi 2/12) on Sunday decided to appoint Lanka will host England for could never get any breather sis. dians crashing to 101 for nine ment for the Division B and C Trinity: 148 all out in 18.2 overs (Zainu 29, Faizu 42; Dinesh Chandimal as the ODI five one-day internationals, a and slumped eventually to 86 Benin, who made 27, and and Deon struck a six and teams on September 25 at the Numan 3/22, Jaggu 3/25) captain to lead the team in the one-off Twenty20 and three all out in 17 overs. Awais, with Sivalingam batted well and seven fours to set up a four- QOC headquarters at 7 pm. Man of the match: Numan (Hadico) upcoming England series," Sri Test matches.